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!!

Just Herbs : Honydew

Skin needs to be moisturized both from the inside and outside. Moisturizing from the inside means keeping the body well hydrated. Moisturizing from the outside is based on proper use of moisturizing creams and lotions. While it’s easy to remember to lather up your skin after a shower during the winter months when dry skin is a common problem, it is equally important to keep your skin well hydrated during the summertime as well.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Just Herbs HERE!!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloevera Leaf Juice*: Aloe vera’s blend of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals help rejuvenate, protect, soothe and beautify the skin. It calms irritations and restores tired skin (1).

• Sweet Almond Oil**: Helps in repairing, rejuvenating, as well as revitalizing damaged skin ensuring it is left feeling relaxed and looking great (2).

• Honey: Natural antibacterial, it's great for acne treatment and prevention (3). Full of antioxidants, slows slowing down aging. Extremely moisturizing and soothing, honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog (3).

• Vegetable Glycerine*: Glycerin is a skin-identical and skin-repairing ingredient, it is one of the many substances in skin that help maintain the outer barrier and prevent dryness or scaling (4).

• Sunflower Seed Oil**: Gentle emollients that help retain moisture while softening the skin. They absorb easily and do not block pores, allowing their antioxidant flavanoids, rich in vitamins A and E, to penetrate deeply, purifying and protecting skin from free radical damage and signs of premature aging (5).

• Coconut Oil Derivatives: Caprylic/ capric triglycerides are derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-repairing ingredient. Due to its mix of fatty acids, the skin can use to repair its surface and resist moisture loss (6). Caprylic/capric triglyceride can also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. The medium-chain fatty acids that comprise this ingredient have an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces the risk of breakouts (6). In addition, caprylic/capric triglyceride is not an oily or wax-like ingredient that can easily get stuck in the pore lining (6).

• Shea Butter: Shea butter’s oils are similar to the natural oils secreted by the skin, helping it absorb easily and deeply.  It soothes irritations and enhances elasticity, improves the skin’s barrier function, reduces water loss and relievies dryness (7).

• Glyceryl Stearate Citrate / Cetearyl Alcohol / Glyceryl Caprylate***: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (a powerful anionic), Cetearyl Alcohol (a co-emulsifier) and Glyceryl Caprylate (a wetting agent with antimicrobial properties) (8). The combination of these natural and sustainable ingredients conveniently forms emulsions at low temperatures and exhibits basic antimicrobial activity (8).

• Dicapryly Carbonate***: Emollient ingredient that spreads easily and leaves a velvety feel on skin without seeming greasy or slick (9). It also helps other ingredients penetrate skin better.

• Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative due to its ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth in cosmetics products once it breaks down into sorbic acid. It has weak activity against bacteria, which is why it is almost always used in conjunction with other preservative (10).

• Sodium Benzoate: The benzoic acid portion of this ingredient conveys some amount of preservative benefit, most notably against fungi (11).

• Natural Preservative Blend of Herbs & Essential Oils.

*Certified Organic **Certified Organic Cold Pressed ***ECOCERT approved (Natural ingredient from renewable resources).

The honey dew protective almond body lotion comes in a 100 mL plastic bottle with a pump dispenser and protective lid. The lotion is opaque white in color, of a fluid consistency and has a mild fragrance that does not linger on for too long.

To use, pump the desired amount and apply to towel dried skin.

I was on the lookout for a moisturizing lotion that I could take with me for my Singapore sojourn. Singapore is a tropical country making it perennially hot & humid. So when choosing a moisturizer, my main criteria was to pick one that wouldn't be too greasy upon application and sank in quickly. However the main obstacle that I was facing was finding a moisturizer with the above criteria AND one that isn't laden with unwanted chemicals and preservatives.

After much deliberation, I settled on this particular lotion due to my previous positive experience with the brands products.

Usually moisturizers make me sweat in humidity but not this one! Even in the hot and humid conditions of Singapore, I found this lotion to be non-greasy, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), that went on smoothly and was quickly absorbed keeping me well hydrated for at least 10 hours.

While I do feel the moisturizer won't be sufficient to hydrate my dry skin in the winter months, I am glad I found one that works like a dream in the summer months!