Aroma Essentials : Papaya Scrub

Skin is one of the major organs involved in eliminating wastes and toxins from your body, mainly through perspiration. Sometimes, if the system is overwhelmed with toxins, the skin may bear the brunt of it by developing rashes or abscesses to compensate, and try to get rid of these impurities. A skin detox seeks to help the skin to get rid of the body’s waste products, which can, in turn, help the skin look and feel better. Particularly if you notice problems in your skin, a detox may be just the ticket.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Papaya Pulp: The fruit is loaded with enzymes papain, chymonpapain and vitamin A (1,2). Rich in AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acid), the enzymes only work on the upper epidermal layers/ dead cells on the surface of the skin and help speed up the break down keratin in the skin. They work to exfoliate the superficial layers and dislodge/dissolve sebaceous filaments and are excellent for sensitive skin (3). The pulp of ripe papaya fruit has water, carbohydrates and fats thus providing hydration and nutrition to the skin (4). Anti-oxidants like flavanoids, vitamin A & vitamin C help in the repair of damaged skin (4). The vitamin A works as an anti-oxidant (1). It is mostly known for dramatically improving tone and texture of skin by increasing circulation of blood thus promotes healthy, vibrant complexion (2). Mainly these are good for rejuvenation of mature, dull skin; aid in clearing brown spots from sunlight exposure, smoothing the skin and creating a healthier looking skin (2).

• Walnut Shell Powder: Natural exfoliating agent that helps remove dead cells from the surface layers of the skin and prepares the skin to take moisturization and anti ageing treatments (5).

• Salicyclic Acid (2-5%): This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which has excellent exfoliating properties (3). Often found in cleansers and products designed to treat acne/excess oil production, salicylic acid works to break down skin cells, which stick together in the inner lining of the skin pore, it physically decglogs pores by breaking down/exfoliating filaments, blackheads, whiteheads from the inside – keeping the pore clear (3). Salicylic acid can stimulate circulation of oil out of pores, relieve inflammation and redness (3).

• Geranium Essential Oil: An astringent, Geranium oil has the power to minimize the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of aging (6). It’s powerful cicatrisant properties, increases blood circulation right below the surface of the skin — which  helps  with the healing of spots caused by acne, cuts, wounds, or skin irritations (6). Geranium oil promotes cell growth by helping recycle dead cells and support the regeneration of new cells (6).

The papaya scrub comes in a 35 gm opaque white plastic container with a screw on top. Orange in color, the scrub has a gel like consistency with powdered walnut shell freckled all over and has a strong fragrance of geranium.

To use, take the required amount of product with a wooden spoon and apply it to dry face & décolletage, gently massage in circular motions before rinsing off. I sometimes add a drop of water to the scrub before applying to give it better spread-ability. 

Applied topically the enzymes and high  vitamin C content in papaya are known to stimulate collagen production, fight free-radicals and help reduce the appearance of age spots and fine lines. Formulated to be safe for even the most sensitive of skins there is no characteristic sting or burn nor will one have any intense peeling or flaking from using it. 

I hate the smell of papaya, though considered a super-food, the smell totally puts me off and I avoid it. So when I opened the papaya scrub container expecting the repellent odour, I was instead surprised (may I add pleasantly) by the wafting notes of geranium (which also happens to to be my one of my favourite EO's).

The fine grade powdered walnut shell isn't abrasive and gently exfoliates to reveal a clarified, smoother skin with a fresh glow. The skin does not feel parched/dry or stretchy but I do prefer to follow up with a serum/facial oil.

Polish away dead skin cells and remove impurities with this resurfacing gel-scrub.

Gia Bath & Body Works : Papaya Facial Cleanser

Left to its own devices, the skin isn’t so great at exfoliating properly. The outermost layer of skin is composed of dead cells, which sheds on a regular basis and is a critical function of the skin's health.  The rate of skin cell renewal changes ranging from about every three weeks through our teens and 20s, and then it slows as we age.

Separate from the regeneration of skin cells in the lower layers of skin, the shedding process on the surface of skin can become inefficient, causing a buildup. Sun damage, loss of estrogen, dry skin, oily skin, and disorders such as psoriasis or rosacea can all effect how “smoothly” this natural exfoliation process takes place.  Skin can become rough, scaly, thickened, discolored, and look more lined resulting in breakouts, blackheads or other blemishes.

Daily use of a well-formulated topical scrub helps removes dead skin cells and uncovering the “younger” looking layer hiding beneath.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Gia Bath & Body Works HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Papaya Extract: Derived from the seed of the Papaya fruit; the fruit is loaded with enzymes papain & chymonpapain and vitamin A (1,2). Also rich in AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acid), the enzymes along with the AHA have exfoliating properties that breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells. The vitamin A works as an anti-oxidant (1). It is mostly known for dramatically improving tone and texture of skin by increasing circulation of blood thus promotes healthy, vibrant complexion (2). Mainly these are good for rejuvenation of mature, dull skin; aid in clearing brown spots from sunlight exposure, smoothing the skin and creating a healthier looking skin (2).

• Almond Powder: Almond flour is a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells. 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. (3,4).

• Moroccan Clay: Mined in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this mineral-rich clay is known for its ability to absorb impurities from the skin. It cleanses deep, clearing pores and tightening skin (5). Rhassoul contains naturally high levels of skin-loving, beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Rhassoul clay can improve skin tone, texture, elasticity, and clarity while eliminating dryness and flakiness (5).

• Rose Petal Powder: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (6). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (6).

• Kaolin Clay: A naturally occurring soft clay with natural absorbency properties. The mildest of all clays, it is very suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing without pulling out the skin’s natural oil (7).

• Vegetable Glycerin: A natural humectant, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of the skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: Helps smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin (8). Colloidal oatmeal contains sugars that allow the skin to retain moisture, and the thin barrier that it creates on the skin protects and heals the skin’s own natural barriers as well. This barrier can last for days, improving the skin’s tone and texture (9). Furthermore it works to help relieve dry, skin patches, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations.

• Avocado Oil: One of the more deeply penetrating oils, it helps to fix moisture into the skin. This makes it great for dealing with dehydrated skin as well as softening rough skin. Non-greasy and non comedogenic, it helps treat inflammatory skin conditions like blemishes and eczema (10).

• Sweet Almond Oil: Helps in repairing, rejuvenating, as well as revitalizing damaged skin ensuring it is left feeling relaxed and looking great (11).
  (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

The papaya facial cleanser comes in a 150 gm plastic jar with a screw on top, is of a dry/crumbly/powdery consistency, grainy texture, golden brownish in color with a in house essential oil blend fragrance.

To use, I scoop out the desired amount with a wooden spoon, spritz Oilcraft Naturals Panch Pusph facial mist and apply it to the face. I let it dry, them dampen the mask with water, massage it in circular motions and rinse if off.

I have been eyeing the papaya cleanser for a while now, so when GBBW had a sale, I absolutely had to snag this baby!! Much like its variants, angel & pomegranate facial cleaners, this one too is a soap-free, all natural facial cleanser designed to remove dull lifeless skin cells. It consists of gentle exfoliating agents and is well suited for sensitive & acne prone skin.

I absolutely adore GBBW products and this one is no different. Gentle on the skin, it is effective in dissolving grime, revealing a cleansed, hydrated and radiant visage. Though marketed for skin lightning and tightening, I think this cleanser would work wonders for all skin types due to the super charged combination of its skin nourishing ingredient list.