Venustas Essentials : Royal Ubtan

 

Based on an Ayurvedic beauty recipe called an UBTAN , this skin food/scrub/mask is a brilliant base for cleansing, refining, invigorating and rejuvenating the skin. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Almond Powder: 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 (1). 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. (2,3).

• Saffron: Saffron has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties which make it an ideal ingredient for treating acne (4). Rich in exfoliating properties, saffron helps lighten scars and spots left behind from old wounds, cuts or acne eruptions (4). It also improves the quality of your skin by removing the dirt and impurities and tones the skin (4).

• Dried Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (5). Rose is especially beneficial for sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (5).

• Red Sandalwood Extracts: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (6). It’s powerful antimicrobial property, which means it can help kill the bacteria that cause acne. The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (6). It is also a natural astringent, helping tone up the skin (6). An emollient, sandalwood soothes and softens skin, helping it hold onto water to stays hydrated longer (7).

• 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 (8). 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 (9). 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 (10). The protein and fat lubricates and softens rough skin, solving dryness.

• Clay Mix (Bentonite & Fullers Earth): Clay makes a fabulous facial mask, for shrinking pores, tightening and toning skin, removing impurities and sloughing off dead skin cells. It can also be used directly on pimples to reduce their size and inflammation and get rid of them faster (11).

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (12). 

• Essential Oil of Rose: Perfectly balanced between the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) – essential in keeping skin hydrated and firm. EFAs help to eliminate damaging and aging inflammation redness associated with scarring and broken capillaries while also renewing cell membranes and regenerating the skin (an anti-aging key) (13,14). It also contains transretinoic acid (a form of Vitamin A) responsible for skin smoothing wrinkles, rejuvenating skin, as well as lightening age spots and stretch marks. It can also help with itching skin, it’s antiseptic properties help treat acne and other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and wound healing (13).

• Essential Oil of Sandalwood: A cicatrisant, the essential oil of sandalwood soothes the skin and has the ability to promote cell regeneration, helping to eliminate scars and other dark marks on the skin. Its antimicrobial property helps prevent acne, soothe redness and inflammation, hydrates without clogging pores, tighten, and regenerate skin cells to produce a softer, smoother, and firmer look (7).

The product come sin a 50 gm tub packaging with a screw on top and an inner protective lid that prevents any spillage making it a sound travel partner. 

Powdery and dry in consistency, the face pack is gritty in texture, reddish yellow in color and has a delicate fragrance of roses. Upon closer observation, one can notice almonds bits and rose petals. 

To use: Mix 1/2-1 tsp of ubtan with 1/4-1/2 tsp of raw milk, yogurt, or floral hydrosols.  I prefer to use either yoghurt or raw milk due to them being rich in good fats and skin refining acids. Massage onto damp skin, rinse off or leave on for ten minutes and rinse with tepid water.the face pack can safely be used 1-2 times a week. 

Upon my request, a couple of weeks ago, Seema had sent me a sample of the royal ubtan. That batch was finer in texture and did not have any distinguishable fragrance. Though similar in formulation & efficacy, I have to say I prefer the current batch of face pack that I have received. Its grittier in texture due to the coarsely ground almonds and has a gorgeous aroma of roses. The product can most certainly fulfill the role as a facial cleanser, scrub  & a mask. 

Abundant in vitamin E, silica, anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients, amino acid peptides, ceramides, essential fatty acids and probiotics, the ubtan is very effective for all skin types but specifically for acne prone ones. The ingredients work in tandem to clarify the skin, draw heat from the blood and stimulate lymph flow, exfoliate, firm & tone the skin, give radiance to the skin, helps prevent acne & leaves skin baby soft, smooth and supple.  Upon application, the face pack does have a yellowish tinge due to the wild turmeric but does not stain the skin in any way. 

Prepared from a traditional formulation of natural herbs, the ubtan aptly named, nourishes the skin while providing it a royal glow.

*Product sent as PR sample*

Venustas Essentials : Seaweed Face Mask With Licorice Extract

With warm weather here for the long haul, facial masks are a must and not just any mask; clay masks are my go to this summer. Clay has ultimately changed the way I view a detoxifying face mask. According to sources at Hell Notes for Beauty, water activates the clay and all the nutrients that goes along with it, providing the cleansing and detoxifying experience that all skin types crave (1).

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Seaweed (Kelp) Extracts: Rich in vitamins and minerals, seaweed's natural, anti-inflammatory compounds reduces the swelling of acne whilst naturally exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, which can block pores (2). When applied topically, seaweed draws excess fluid and waste products from the skin, acts as a cleanser for dead skin cells and other impurities on the surface. High in essential fatty acids, seaweed, infuses the skin with moisture and prevents moisture loss (3).

• Bentonite Clay (4):  
• Draws out toxins – Bentonite Clay mask will help draw out toxins through the skin. Bentonite clay has an ability to create an electrical charge once mixed with water. The electrical charge created is able to draw out toxins by binding to it.
• Opens up clogged skin pores 
• Tones and tightens the skin – Bentonite has astringent properties which is particularly useful in dealing with enlarged pores which are caused by the accumulation of oil and dirt in the skin, age (due to loss of skin elasticity) and sun damage. 
• Reduces blemishes – The clay’s astringent and skin unclogging properties are the reasons why this clay mask can reduce blemishes. 
• Exfoliates the skin

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Powerful anti-inflammatory that helps control swelling and redness.  Licorice helps reduce the appearance of age spots and dark areas of hyperpigmentation on skin. It contains an active compound called “glabridin,” which inhibits the enzyme that causes skin to darken in response to sun exposure (5). A natural skin whitening agent, glabridin helps decrease the production of melanin and re-balance skin cells. Licorice extract may also help diminish dark under-eye circles, and darkened areas caused by scars. The extract has power;pful antioxidants that help protect the skin from free-radical induced damage, as well as “licochalcone,” helps control oil production, making this a good ingredient for those with acne-prone skin (5).

• Rosemary Extracts (6):

• Anti-Aging: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which help inhibit the action of free radicals and protect the skin from the visible effects of premature aging. It also has regenerating and stimulating actions that help rejuvenate skin to a more youthful glow.
• Toning/Firming: Rosemary, in addition to stimulating circulation, is reputed to help restore elasticity and firmness to the skin. This helps prevent sagging skin and wrinkles.
• Stimulating: Herb stimulates circulation, helping to bring blood and nutrients to the surface of skin ioand you have an overall stimulating effect that encourages skin cell turnover and renewal. This can help combat dullness as well as camouflage broken capillaries and dark spots.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Rosemary is great for sensitive skin because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. These help reduce puffiness around the eyes, while calming inflammation in general on the skin. Those with psoriasis and rosacea may find their skin responding well to formulas with rosemary.

• Powdered Rose Petals: Contains high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant (7). That can help protect skin cells from damage. The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin, keeping skin feeling smooth. Rose is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (7). Rose petals boost the body’s circulation, while simultaneously purifying. (7).

• Jojoba Oil: Contains nutrients like vitamin E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, which all nourish and protect skin from the effects of aging. It absorbs easily into the skin, and delivers instant hydration and moisturization (8). Jojoba wax has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to tame acne, ease the redness and pain of eczema, keep skin calm and comfortable and helps heal wounds (8).

• Rosemary Essential Oil: The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help to curtail certain skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and oily/acne prone skin (9).

• Lavender Essential Oil: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (10). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (10). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Rose Essential Oil: Rose oil supports all skin types, so even those with dry, sensitive skin will benefit from its restorative effects. When rose essential oil is used for body massages, it improves blood circulation and offers a very therapeutic feel (11). It also aids drainage of lymphatic fluids. The nervous system, glands and muscles are stimulated, which in turn enhances blood circulation. As a result, the body undergoes deep detoxification (12). 

The face mask comes in a 50 gm plastic pot with an inner protective lid and a screw on top. The ingredient list and other salient features of the product are not printed.

Powdery and dry in consistency, the mask is fine in texture, brownish green in color and has divine hints of lavender, rosemary and rose due to the presence of essential oils which fades after a couple of weeks and is replaced by seaweed's fishy odour. The smell isn't overpowering but a sensitive nose will most certainly get a whiff of it.

Since I have dry skin, I prefer blending the required amount of dry powder with raw milk to a paste like consistency before applying it to oil cleansed skin.Those with oily complexions could choose floral hydrosols or water as the blending medium. 

My love with clay masks has been a recent one. Dry skin in general, I do have sporadic bouts of acne. Come summer, my skin is a greasy mess with enlarged pores which also translates to frequent breakouts. Out of sheer desperation, one night, I tried on a green clay mask and the results have been spectacular; in fact in hot humid months, I prefer to use clay masks at least two to three times in a week. 

Bentonite clay has been on my wishlist for a while. When Seema mentioned about this mask with added benefits from seaweed and licorice I had her send me one.  

The skin benefits of clay are galore: absorbent by nature, clay attaches itself onto dirt and oil on the skin's surface helping purge it out. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, helps treat acne, wounds and skin disorders while gently exfoliating skin cells and promoting circulation. 

Packed with nutrient-rich bentonite clay and hydrating seaweed and jojoba oil, it tightens pores without leaving skin feeling like it’s been shrink-wrapped. Over frequent uses, I have noticed my face isn't the greasy mess it usually is and definitely feels cleansed, hydrated and balanced all at the same time. In fact there is a natural radiance to the skin which has scored me several compliments!!

Whether you’re looking to get a dull complexion back on track or resolve an excess of summer shine, the benefits of a skin-purging face mask are abundant—and the Venustas Essentials multitasking, mineral-rich clay formula delivers supercharged results.