Aroma Essentials : Manjistha Scrub

Aroma Essentials never ceases to surprise me with its products and varied ingredient list. Along with her experience Madhurima employs Ayurveda’s rich and insightful perspective on skin imbalances and their origins to create surprises that pacify your skin conditions while invoking its inner radiance.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Manjistha Powder (Rubia cordifolia): Indian Madder is beneficial in treating skin conditions like uneven pigmentation and eczema (1). It works well to alleviate the acne lesions, imparts glow and soothes the skin, clears inflammation, acts as an antiseptic and an astringent (1). Effective in removing freckles and other discoloration of the skin, thereby promoting fair and healthy skin (1).

• Red Sandalwood: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (2). The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (2). It is also a natural astringent, especially for oily skin and also helps in toning up the skin (2).

• Oats: Gentle on the skin, oatmeal does not forcibly peel away dead and dying skin cells from the surface of the skin, instead, oatmeal contains over a dozen amino acids, which are vital for building healthy skin tissue and for healing the skin (3). During an oatmeal face mask treatment, the skin will absorb these acids, which will help to heal minor imperfections, blemishes, and to help repair uneven skin tone (3). As oatmeal has humectant properties it allows the skin to retain moisture, thus hydrating the skin. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, oatmeal is the treatment of choice for sensitive skin (3). Another benefit to oatmeal is that it absorbs oil, so you will be cleansing as you exfoliate.

• Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that binds environmental toxins, promotes cell respiration, stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and slows the aging process of the skin (4). Since it contains extra fiber, it may provide additional exfoliating benefits, sloughing off dead skin cells (4).

• Green Gram Flour: Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (5). Applied topically, moong dal is a great way to soothe dry skin and retain its lost moisture. It is packed with cell rejuvenating vitamins and enzymes that help to lock in moisture into the skin (5). Its exfoliating properties help lighten the skin (de-tan) and get rid of fine facial hair. It also prevents the pores of your skin from clogging up with oil or dirt and draws out impurities from the skin and skin pores preventing acne (5). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (5).

• Rice Bran Oil: Rice Bran Oil is a natural source for the following antioxidants:  Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Gamma Oryzanol, Phytosterols, Polyphenols and Squalene, that help fight free radicals and aid in slowing down the effects of aging (6). Hypoallergenic, it contains proanthrocyanidins which protect collagen and elastin which in turn maintain the suppleness of skin (6). Rich in fatty acids it is very beneficial for mature, delicate and sensitive skin types. Owing to a small molecule rice bran oil is easier to penetrate the skin without being greasy (6).

Reddish in color, the scrub is powdery, clumpy in texure, there are several lumps that does not easily dissolve to form a paste. There is a very strong herbal smell that I have been told is of manjistha.

To use, I take the required amount using a wooden spoon and bring it to a paste like consistency either using my toner fluid or aloe vera juice along with some honey. I do have some acne and since honey is rich in natural sugars, enzymes and acids, it is effective against inflamed and swollen skin, renewing it and promoting healing. It can also freshen dry, stressed and sensitive skin.

I apply it to my face, massage it circular motion concentrating on troubled areas and let it on for 10 minutes or so before rinsing it off with tepid water. Do not rub the acne but instead dab it on the acne area and let it sit. 

The face scrub is supposed to help in reducing pigmentation.  I have been using this scrub on and off for the past 2 weeks or so and do notice a glow every time it is used. The glow does not last for long so do not expect any miraculous results.

Not too gritty the scrub is mildly exfoliating thanks to all the natural exfoliants such as oats , wheat & green gram flour. Once rinsed off the face does not feel dry/stretchy due to the presence of skin nourishing rice bran oil. As mentioned earlier, the product does have a strong herbal aroma to it, so much so that the manjistha smells faintly lingers around until the next wash. 

Now to answer the million dollar question: does it work on pigmentation? Yes, but as with any natural product, it would require continued usage and  patience. 

Ma Earth Botanicals : Rose Facial Scrub

Ma Earth products have been on my wishlist for a while, so this year I decided to take the "plunge" and try out one of their best-seller product consisting of my favourite ingredient, ROSES!!!

One of the most recognizable flowers across cultures, the rose is associated with romance and royalty and has been the basis of beauty rituals for centuries. Ancient Roman courts were decorated with garlands to stimulate the senses, and queens from Cleopatra to Marie Antoinette used rose petals in their face mask and bath to enhance their beauty.

ABOUT THE BRAND

To learn more about MEB, click HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS &- THEIR BENEFITS

• Oats: Gentle on the skin, oatmeal does not forcibly peel away dead and dying skin cells from the surface of the skin, instead, oatmeal contains over a dozen amino acids, which are vital for building healthy skin tissue and for healing the skin (1). During an oatmeal face mask treatment, the skin will absorb these acids, which will help to heal minor imperfections, blemishes, and to help repair uneven skin tone (1). As oatmeal has humectant properties it allows the skin to retain moisture, thus hydrating the skin. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, oatmeal is the treatment of choice for sensitive skin (1). Another benefit to oatmeal is that it absorbs oil, so you will be cleansing as you exfoliate.

• 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 (2). 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).

• Lactic Acid (Milk Source): An alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), is used to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, helping to reveal a softer, younger looking complexion, and speeding up the rate of cell turnover (5). Lactic acid also hydrates, increases natural barrier lipids in the outer layer of skin, and lightens and brightens skin for those with age spots or darkened areas (5).

• Almond Peel: Tannins in the almond peel act as in astringent helping shrink pores while the vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from being damaged by free radicals (6). Additionally the peels act as an exfoliating agent.

• Rose Petals: 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, helping calm down troubled complexions (7). Rose petals boost the body’s circulation, while simultaneously purifying the blood by flushing out wastes and toxins (7).

• Rose Essential Oil: 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) (8,9). 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 (9). Rose is adaptogenic in that it is useful for all skin types and especially for dry and inflamed skin or conditions.

• Geranium Essential Oil: Has hydrating properties and is beneficial in the treatment of acne, dermatitis due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal properties (10). It helps purge out toxins, dirt, grime, dead cells and will calm skin inflammation by promoting blood circulation (10).

The rose facial scrub comes in a 125 gm plastic pot with an inner protective lid and a screw on top.

Brown in color, the scrub is powdery in consistency and gritty/coarse in texture with visible shreds of dried rose petals.

When reconstituted, the rose petals lend the scrub a pretty purplish-pink hue. A pleasant and delicate aroma of roses, courtesy of the dried rose petals, rose and geranium essential oil fills up one's senses.

To use, I take about a spoonful of the product and blend it to a paste like consistency using either aloe juice or toner fluid. Apply to face and massage gently in circular motions, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing if off with tepid water.

The scrub feels very mild on the face and does not have any abrasive agents. The oats & almonds ensure that the scrub feels mild on the face and yet fulfill their exfoliating role in the scrub. The lactic acid which is a mild AHA adds to the exfoliation process sloughing off the dead cells and clearing the pores of impurities leaving the skin soft to touch. Full of nourishing and gentle ingredients, the skin feels moisturized, hydrated , cleansed and prepped for serums/facial oils.

The scrub is so gentle it would be safe to use on a frequent basis.

This scrub turns every bath or shower into a luxurious spa experience, and it leaves the skin radiant & silky smooth!