Aroma Essentials : Neem Charcoal Face Wash

Aroma Essential's neem charcoal face wash is specifically   handcrafted for victims of acne, overactive oil glands, and skin disorders that need a little anti-inflammatory boost.  This unusual black soap free facial cleanser may help:

• Detoxify skin of impurities and toxins
• Soothes skin of irritation from bug bites, acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• Antibacterial and absorbent properties help combat bacteria in acne and oily skin
• Cleanses skin without overstripping natural oils
• Lightens and diminishes scars and blemishes

ABOUT THE BRAND
Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloe Vera Gel: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (1). Aloe vera have also been shown to have antibacterial properties against P. Acnes bacteria. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Neem Oil: Ideal for acne-prone skin because it can help to soothe irritation and inflammation, clear up pimples and remove bacteria from the surface of the skin that can cause more break-outs. The oil contains an aspirin-like compound that helps with acne conditions by ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce redness and inflammation (2). The high fatty-acid content in neem oil is said to prevent and treat scars from acne and is non-comedogenic while its strong antiseptic properties will also help to keep bacteria and secondary skin infections at bay (2). Especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E neem oil is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving skin greasy and is extremely effective in healing dry and damaged skin (2). Nimbidin and nimbin, two anti-inflammatory compounds found in neem oil help to relieve swelling and redness while a third, Quercetin, supports the body’s ability to respond to inflammation by inhibiting both the manufacture and release of histamine and other irritants (2).

• Neem Flowers: Helps treating excess oil secretion, reducing acne and pimple and also to cure itching problems.  Neem flower is known for its moisturizing property: it helps to moisturize and remove excessive dryness without making the skin look oily adding a complete balance to the skin (3).

• Activated Charcoal: Is carbon that’s treated with oxygen that causes the charcoal to become very porous (4). These pores allow activated charcoal to trap chemicals and works wonders for the skin when applied topically: it keeps skin clear by acting as a magnet to draw dirt out of pores (4). It not only clears pores but also improves skin-tone by removing dry patches.These qualities make it great for clearing up blemishes and cleansing your skin of toxins.

• Petit Grain Essential Oil: A powerful antiseptic, it kills bacteria on the skin. This is why it’s perfect in cleansers, as it leaves the skin clean and toned, while reducing the occurrence of acne (5). Petitgrain is a light oil, with the perfect combination of balancing and cleansing properties making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, as it provides some moisturization, but helps reduce the over-production of skin oils (5). The oil also helps tone skin so that it appears smoother and flawless (5).

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Possess potent antiseptic properties helpful in healing skin issues such as acne. When applied topically in diluted form to the skin, the oil helps dry up blemishes and pus-filled pimples (6). Eucalyptus essential oil is toxic to a wide range of bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria in acne infections (6).  It’s antibacterial qualities that help prevent acne outbreaks, helps alleviate inflammation and reduces pain associated with acne boils (6).

• Tea Tree Oil Essential Oil: Works well on a wide range of skin problems including blemishes, rashes, warts, athlete's foot, fungal infections & wounds (7). Tea tree oil has antibacterial & antimicrobial properties that helps reduce skin's sebum production and fights off the acne producing bacteria without causing dryness and reduces redness and swelling (8).

The activated neem charcoal face wash comes in 30,60,120 mL squeeze plastic bottles with a flip top. This soap free cleanser is gel based , thick in consistency, black in color that does not have any distinguishable fragrance to it.

To use, I squeeze out a pea size of the face wash and massage it in circular motion on dampened skin concentrating on acne inflicted areas, which in my case are my cheeks and blackhead prone areas, which in my case is my nose.

I have dry dehydrated skin and every once in a while  I do get acne. However in the past month, the acne has been quite severe. I was contemplating a visit to the dermatologist but decided to give this product along with a spot on treatment - clear skin mask (review will follow) from the same brand a go before calling it quits.

Initially I was a little apprehensive because the cleanser is for oily skin and I was under the impression this wouldn't suit my parched skin. However I having been using it every morning and after my workouts and am seeing some sweet results.

The face cleanser, has aloe gel with distinguishable activated charcoal particulates. Since it is soap free, quite predictably the cleanser does not foam. It also does not strip the skin of its natural oils but effectively dries the acne, shrinking it in size and cleanses the skin squeaky clean. I have also noticed the blackheads on my nose are substantially lower than what it used to be. The key as Madhu often mentions is consistency and patience.

Overall a gentle face wash with activated charcoal and neem oil that removes impurities while fighting acne-causing bacteria. A must try if you are battling acne!