Stay Wild Child : Vanilla Almond Body Lotion

 

Slathering on heavy creams in the summer that are designed to treat parched winter skin can be as uncomfortable as wearing flannel in July. Skincare needs change with the seasons. So how should you transition your skincare routine? Here is how I did...

ABOUT THE BRAND

Radhika Dang's Stay Wild Child range of skincare, hair care, bath essentials & men's grooming employs the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, aromatherapy and naturopathy. 

 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Olive Oil: Contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols which when topically applied, may help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light (1). Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin (1).Olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin and is non comedogenic.

• Almond Oil: Contains vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins, and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen (2). External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin providing overall nourishment to the skin so it can be healthy with a radiant glow. (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Aloe Vera Gel: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), aloe vera can soothe the skin, it can also help to prevent wrinkles and premature aging. When applied daily, an aloe vera moisturizer can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated, boosting the skin’s own natural regenerative abilities while increasing skin’s elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (3).  Not only will an aloe vera gel provide your skin with hydration to stop flaking and itching, it will also soothe the inflammation that often causes these symptoms. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Vegetable Glycerine: 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.

• Vanilla Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin. A source of natural antioxidants, they help protect skin from environmental assaults that can accelerate aging (4). An antibacterial, vanilla can help reduce skin infections encouraging wound healing and can reduce the bacteria that cause acne. Plush source of B vitamins including niacin, which is a key nutrient in the maintenance of healthy skin, natural extract of vanilla also contains thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid (4).

• Vitamin E Oil: Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (5). This in turn reduces the appearances of the visible age spots, fine lines or wrinkles, and gives a younger-looking skin. Its antioxidant properties further fight off damaging effects of free radicals, and minimizes the chances of appearances of new wrinkles (5). For this reason, vitamin E is used as a key ingredient in several anti-aging creams and lotions. Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (5). If it is used for the purpose of deep pore cleansing of dry skin on a regular basis, it restores the normal oil balance of the skin.

• Beeswax: Non-comedogenic in nature, when applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness helping keep skin hydrated (6). A good source of vitamin A, beeswax helps support cell turnover and reconstruction (6). Its antibacterial properties reduces the risk of contamination in formulas (6).

• Borax: A boron mineral and salt that’s mined directly from the ground, and is employed as an emulsifier, preservative, cleansing agent, and a buffering agent (7).

The lotion comes in a 200 mL opaque white container with a pump dispenser. White in color, the lotion is fluid in consistency,  lightweight in texture and has a mild fragrance of vanilla. The ingredients and mode of emploi are listed on the bottle's label. 

It is quite difficult, literally impossible to come across a body lotion that is devoid of harmful chemicals and preservatives. The main reason for this is a lotion is a mixture of oils and aqueous base  (including hydrosols, floral water, aloe vera, goat’s milk which all contain water) and a preservative is essential to help prevent microbes (bacteria, mold, and yeast) growing.  While natural preservatives do exist, they wont extend the shelf life of the product beyond 3-6 months.

I happened to chance upon Stay Wild's body lotion and after a quick chat with Radhika Dang, the proprietor of the brand, I decided to give it  a go.  After a smooth online transaction, the product was shipped fairly quickly along with a complimentary orange flavored lipbalm.

There is no mention of the skin type the product best works on but I believe it should work for all, however if you are plagued by eczema, psoriasis or have super dry skin, this will not provide sufficient moisturization. 

The lotion needed a quick shake prior to the first use and when applied to damp skin, glided on well and absorbed quickly without leaving the skin feeling clammy and greasy. Upon application one does notice the lotion forms white streaks which gets absorbed soon and need not be massaged in.  

Though lightweight in texture, the lotion provides plenty of moisturization and is perfect for hot & humid summer months. The vanilla scent is very mild and does not overpower and fades as soon as it is applied, which is how I like it. 

UPDATE: After approximately using it for 2 weeks, I noticed the vanilla smell has been replaced with an awful odour. Initially I did not pick it up but my 4 year toddler did and pointed it out to me. The lotion was manufactured in March 2016 and is good to go until 6 months after so it definitely hasn't expired and since I store it in the refrigerator there is no chance of it getting spoilt. A complete disappointment, my search for a good natural body lotion continues!!

Kama Ayurveda : Organic Sweet Almond Oil

I would describe my skin as dry/dehydrated and sometimes flaky with sporadic bursts of acne. So my pursuit for an effective moisturizer is ever on. Before pregnancy my skin dryness was very manageable but during pregnancy it got out of hand and soon went downhill from there. I have tried everything from drugstore to high end brands but my skin never had the clarity & plushness I have desired!

During a recent visit to Kuwait, my cousin told me she often treated her skin dryness with almond oil and praised its efficacy. I however dismissed it thinking it just wasn't the solution to my skin troubles as I was under the impression that it would cause breakouts. Soon after my skin acted up real bad and I knew I had to step up my game. After much research, I decided to add Kama Ayurveda Sweet Almond Oil to my skin care routine because not only is it certified organic but also cold pressed.

While there are several commercially available almond oils, it is better to purchase organic cold pressed oils for skin care as far as possible. Organic, cold pressed oils are substantially more expensive than commercial oils but this is because these oils are produced by heating gently at low temperatures as excessive heat will kill the valuable elements in the oil (1). Additionally, they are processed without chemical extraction, and without solvents like hexane. 

There are two different kinds of almond oil – sweet almond oil and bitter almond essential oil. 

The oil used for therapeutic purpose is sweet almond oil, also sometimes called as pure almond oil, which is highly refined (3). Being non-comedogenic, it’s non greasy lubricant, medium-light with quick absorption rate so works well on the face and even on sensitive skin. Sweet or pure almond oil for face or skin acts as an emollient and is good for dry, flaky, irritated skin and for preventing skin spots (3).

Bitter almond oil doesn't have any cosmetic applications and is meant mostly for smell. 
 
KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• For Smooth, Flawless Skin: Almond oil is a mild, hypoallergenic oil rich in vitamin A,B & E that are essential in keeping the skin young and supple. Light in texture, the oil can easily penetrate deep into the skin, softening and dislodging the dirt and debris accumulated in the skin pores and hair follicles preventing blackheads and acne (1). The Vitamin A content in the oil may even help reduce acne flare-ups.

• Reducing Fine Lines & Signs of Ageing:  Almond oil contains Vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins, and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen (3). External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin.

• Skin Acne: Almond oil has fatty acids that dissolve sebum and impurities that cause acne and pimples (2). It also cleanses the skin pores and repairs damage to the skin, so can prevent occurrence of acne and pimples.

• Lightening Dark Eye Circles: Pure almond oil is a natural solution for getting rid of under eye dark circles and puffiness of eyes, due to its anti-aging qualities (2). Kama Ayurveda's Sweet Almond Oil comes in a tinted plastic bottle(this is to prevent light having an effect on the phytonutrients) with a golden screw on lid. The bottle comes with a stopper to prevent any leaks making it a friendly travel companion. 

• Hair Care: Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A, B and E in addition to omega 9, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that help keep hair strong and healthy, preventing against breakage (4). Sweet almond oil’s natural moisture-sealing properties help to replenish hair and also fight against split ends by holding moisture in hair for longer periods of time. Lighter than many other helpful oils, which makes it an excellent natural resource for leave-in protection; it is a perfect base for other helpful essential oils that may further moisturize the scalp, helping to fight off dandruff (4).

The oil is a light golden color with an almond"y" fragrance to it that disappears upon application.

During winters, I use the oil as a facial moisturizer (3-4 drops for my skin) but during the hot, humid summer months, I prefer it before my CTM routine. 

I have been using this oil for over 6 weeks now (predominantly on the face) and I definitely do see results. My skin tone has improved, fine lines under my eyes have reduced and in general the skin looks plumped. I never had prominent dark circles to begin with so I wouldn't be able to tell if it works on under eye circles. My acne scars (don't have too many of those either) seemed to have lightened, I have fewer blackheads and there certainly is a glow in the complexion which hasn't gone unnoticed 😊.  

This oil is a holy grail in my skin care routine, it quenches my skin with the moisture it craves!! I only wish I had tried it earlier!!