The Ritu^l : Green Tea Milk Protein Face Mask

Face masks have been used for centuries and were the favored method of skincare long before there were high-priced designer skin care lines. As we discover more about the skin microbiome, and the ability of the skin to absorb nutrients, these old time skin remedies take on a new allure. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

An honest and bespoke skin lifestyle brand, co-founded by Shivani Prabhakar and Akanksha Sood that makes natural skincare products with pure ingredients sourced from India, Africa, Europe and America. Suited to the urban lifestyle, whether you're 'on-the-go' or looking for some 'time-out', they have something designed just for you!  

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Organic Green Tea: The slightly abrasive texture of dry green tea leaves acts as a great exfoliator to banish dead skin cells and purge pollutants (1). The EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) compounds in green are helpful in reducing inflammation and evening skin tone while the antioxidants may also be helpful for reducing acne and increasing skin elasticity (1). Green tea could stimulate activity in old skin cells, indicating its potential use for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, and for treating skin conditions (2).

• Powdered Milk: An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which mildly scourges excess dead cells off the skin's surface, revealing soft skin underneath (3). Abundant source of proteins (whey and casein), fat, amino acids, lactic acid and vitamins A and D, all of which calm dry skin and help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin (4). Lactic acid present in milk helps dissolve inactive protein and breaks down dead cells, thereby exfoliating skin cells and hydrates, increasing natural barrier lipids in the outer layer of skin, while lightening and brightening skin for those with age spots or darkened areas (5). The protein and fat lubricates and softens rough skin, solving dryness.

• Almond Meal: Rich in vitamin A, almonds have moisturizing and emollient properties that are a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells (6). Almonds can cleanse the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals from your body. The various antioxidants in almonds possess anti-ageing properties which help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin E component is considered a skin food as it nourishes the skin, keeping it smooth and glowing, can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten age spots and other blemishes on the skin. (7,8).

• Garbanzo Bean Flour: Great as a face mask or a scrub because of its slightly gritty texture, it draws out impurities and excess oil and is hence, good for acne prone skin. As an exfoliator, it helps remove dead skin leading to skin rejuvenation and aid with the removal of fine facial hair aka peach fuzz. It is also good to lighten skin tone and blemish marks (9).

The green tea milk protein face mask by The Ritu^l comes in a 50 gm amber glass bottle with a screw on top. There is an inner protective stop that fits securely to prevent spillage. Powdery in consistency, dry and grainy in texture, the mask in yellowish in color with dispersed green tea particulates and is devoid of any added fragrance. The lack of fragrances makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive olfactories.

To use, scoop the required amount of mask with a dry wooden spatula and bring it to a paste like consistency, let sit for 10 minutes or so before applying it to the face and wait until it dries completely before dampening it with water and gently massaging in circular motions before rinsing it off with tepid water. 

Initially not heeding instructions, I mixed the mask with toner fluid and immediately applied it, but the particulates in the mask felt really abrasive and when I washed it off the skin felt dry and stretchy. So the next time round, paying closer attention to the instructions, I used raw milk and let the paste rest for a couple of minutes before applying it. 

Using raw milk and letting it sit on the counter for a while really did the trick. The resting phase softens the green tea particulates in the mask yielding a mild exfoliant while the raw milk nourishes the skin cells from deep within and hydrates the skin resulting in a cleansed and gleaming complexion. The milk and green tea combination is particularly effective for my skin since I have dry skin that is prone to occasional acne.

In general, suitable for all skin types, utilizing green tea once a week in beauty regimes is a wonderful way for the skin to detoxify.

*Product sent as PR sample*