Tag: Linoleic acid
Sandalwood Saffron Face Mask from Skin Yoga – What you need to know
Note: Not a sponsored post. I believe in providing authentic information to my readers
During my adolescent years I never really invested my time in skin and hair care as I assumed my skin problems namely acne and uneven skin tone will get resolved on their own after my teenage years.
But to my dismay it never happened. Seeing me constantly fuss over it, my family suggested me to try Sandalwood. I discovered at my home an age old Sandal wood stick and stone grinder which was preserved by my grandparents. I was pretty much excited on seeing it as it was an authentic sandalwood stick.
My mother showed me how to make a paste using the Sandalwood stick and grinder. Surprisingly, the paste when applied to skin acts as coolant and quick remedy to alleviate the redness of skin or any painful acne.
My disappointment was that it took a lot of time to make a good amount of paste. Moreover, I was unable to make the most out of such an amazing age old panacea.
Hence, I started looking for Sandalwood face packs at all available shopping sites. I tried few brands but they weren’t satisfactory and I felt they weren’t authentic or first-rate. Besides, few brands sell Sandalwood powder mixed with Muller’s earth.
Finally, when I came across Skin Yoga- Sandalwood Saffron Face Mask I knew I have found what I have been looking for all this while. I couldn’t have been more elated after going through the ingredients’ list:
Sandalwood Powder, Saffron and Walnut Seed powder.
It is a high end luxury product given 50gms of the product costs INR1395
SkinYoga Sandalwood Saffron Face Mask
Ingredients:
I love a subject known as Pharmacognosy. It is a branch of science concerned with medicinally useful products obtained from plants and other natural sources. I went through few papers on Pharmacognosy to understand constituents and benefits of the ingredients.
Sandalwood Powder: alpha-santalol and beta-santalol present in sandalwood are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Recent studies have determined chemo protective properties of Sandalwood against harmful UV rays.
Saffron: I averse the idea of Sandalwood mixed with fuller’s earth (multani) as it doesn’t suit all skin types. But presence of Saffron in a skincare product indicates it is a high end product. Saffron improves the skin tone and used for its moisturizing and anti aging properties.
Saffron has carotenoids, derivatives of vitamin A. Read my post on what your skin needs, to understand the importance of carotenoids. The safranal present in saffron is the essential oil that is responsible for moisturizing and soothing properties of saffron
Walnut Seed Powder: Walnuts are beneficial even when used topically. They are composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid. These fatty acids are known to have sebum restoring properties.
Sebum is the natural oil produced by our skin. Imbalances in sebum production leads to either dry skin or oily skin. For better understanding of how natural oils can help us revive our skin read the post: Oils For Skin.
Experience: Directions for use are simple. Take the mix add some water to make a paste. Apply all over your face and neck. Leave it for few minutes and then rinse it off.
As I previously read the reviews, I was cautious on how to use this mask in a way that suits my skin. If you have oily or acne prone skin, then don’t leave the mask for longer time.
Instead take some water wet the dried paste on your face and gently massage it all over for a minute and then rinse it off.
The powder is coarse and hence it works as scrub while you are rinsing it off. Though it makes your face oily don’t panic. Rinse again with water and then apply aloe vera gel.
Result: First noticeable result was remarkable glow on face which was commendable. It even tightens the pores and gives a perfect fresh feel to the skin. For dry skin and combination skin ladies this mask deserves your attention. And oily skin, acne prone skin beauties the quantity, consistency of the paste and the time you leave it on will make all the difference to decide whether this pack suits your skin or not.
This mask gives a salon treated look. So, I have decided to include it in my weekend skin care regime. Perhaps it will be beneficial even in the long run.
If you have acne prone skin then exfoliation is important. You must have heard people suggesting you otherwise. But I urge to go for gentle exfoliation. To understand the reason behind my advice, I suggest you to read my post on exfoliating acne prone skin.
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Tamanu oil is a must have in your makeup kit – My Wellspring
I’m very much excited to write this post as today I’m going to share findings on a very much raved about oil.
This oil has taken over the Cosmetic industry in recent years.
As a matter of fact this oil not just substitutes but is also way beyond the available Cosmetic skin care products.
Introducing to you my new personal favorite tamanu oil also famously known as dilo oil or Kamani oil. If you check any top brand face serums the must have ingredient is tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil
The oil originates in Polynesia, where it continues to play an important cultural role.
It is employed by local Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, and is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions.
Fatty acid Composition Of oil:
Linoleic acid – 38%
Oleic acid – 34%
Stearic acid – 13%
Palmitic acid – 12%
Linoleic acid (LA) and Oleic are omega series fatty acids.
They have sebum restitution properties.
These compounds play a significant role in the skin.
In dry skin it strengthens the lipid barrier of epidermis, protects against loss of water from skin’s epidermis and normalizes the skin metabolism.
In acne prone skin, a decrease in LA content in sebum is observed, which leads to blocked pores and formation of comedones and eczemas. Linoleic acid present in Tamanu Oil invigorates the deprived skin.
Stearic and Palmitic acids are the saturated fatty acids that act as emollients. Apart from fatty acids Frediline and callophylloide present in tamanu oil has anti-inflammatory properties.
What research says about this oil?
Studies were conducted to assess effectiveness of naturally derived facial oil containing sunflower seed, tamanu and ginger root oils to treat signs of skin fatigue surfacing by the end of the day.
This treatment has shown ability to provide anti oxidation benefits and to improve signs of fatigue immediately, over the course of a day and overtime
In another studies tamanu oil, exhibited significant UV absorption properties and was associated with an important sun protection factor (SPF 18–22) and it appeared to act as a cytoprotective agent against free radicals and DNA damage due to UV rays.
Tamanu oil consists of delta–tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E. So this oil naturally helps in treating blemishes, scars and acts as anti- aging.
The key to the effectiveness of Tamanu Oil is its extraordinary ability to promote the regeneration of new skin tissue, encouraging rapid repair and the development of healthy skin. The scientific name for this process is “cicatrisation”.
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My take on tamanu oil:
Calophyllum inophyllum tree is found in coastal areas. It is even grown in India so I thought I could easily purchase authentic 100% pure oil from Indian markets.
But to my disappointment the reviews I read of tamanu oil produced in India were mostly negative and customers were complaining that they didn’t find the oil to be pure or authentic.
Authentic Tamanu oil has nutty smell and is of green color and absorbs well into the skin.
So I choose Aura Cacia brand of Tamanu oil
Aura Cacia Organic Skincare Oil Tamanu – (check this link)
The packaging is not travel friendly. The spray bottle tends to leak. Nevertheless it is good as you get a regulated amount of oil for every pump of spray.
The oil is emerald green in color. It easily blends into the skin leaving no traces of oiliness.
Provided make sure you use moderate amounts depending on your skin type.
I have started using it as night serum from past 2 months. I take minimal amounts and blend into the areas free from acne.
And for acne prone areas of my skin I usually dab this oil and follow up with sandalwood paste.
Results: Well, my skin is the most unpredictable. Just when I think I am at the brink of achieving a flawless acne free skin, a pimple pops up and later on few more.
So, when I started using this oil I was having a minor breakout on my temples and acne scars on my cheeks.
Tamanu oil helped me lighten my acne scars and it was not overnight but it took around a fortnight period of time. Whereas to treat my cystic acne it took much longer for tamanu oil to work. However I follow up with sandalwood paste after dabbing oil to acne areas of face and body.
The best part of using this oil as night face serum is every morning I wake up with a healthy and fresh glow.
Start using this oil and you could pose a no-makeup look #IDidWakeupLikeThis.
This oil brings the freshness to the skin by alleviating signs of fatigue. So, you can include tamanu oil in your mid-day touch-ups.
Weekend care: Exfoliate your skin- take 1 tea spoon of tamanu oil + 1 tea spoon coconut oil (click to read about coconut oil) and mix them well. After cleaning your face with mild soap or cleanser apply this oil mixture to your face and body.
Massage well and then take sugar and scrub it gently for 2 mins then rinse it off with water. By far this has been the best natural exfoliation i have ever tried.
Makeup Routine: Irrespective of your skin type Tamanu oil is one of the best natural primers available.
Pump a little oil and prime your face well before applying foundation.
If you have dry skin you can mix this oil in your CC or BB creams or foundation and then apply.
And also after removing makeup moisturize your skin with this oil.
When you opt oils for your skin care the key to get results is patience. And also make sure you buy authentic products. Please drop in your comments mentioning your skin type and your review if you have used or been using tamanu oil.
If you wish to try other brands of tamanu oil i suggest you look for Life-Flo Pure Tamanu Oil (check this link) or Tamanu Oil
Also, would like to mention that there’s something you need to take care of prior to using any skincare product. Click the below image to read:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtNPh-j-Sy/
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Oils For Skin
My quest for finding a natural way out to cure my acne and other skin troubles brought me to the world of natural oils. Now you must be wondering how can an oil treat acne, which is something correlated to oily skin. Reasons and causes for acne presumed by many are mostly misconceived notions. Over the years I have received all sorts of suggestions like avoid oily/fatty foods to give up your love for makeup!! For me makeup is an art which I would like to explore. Enhancing your best features, trying different shades for eyes and lips , highlighting , contouring and the list goes on.. It is altogether a different world for someone who loves it.
So, the nerd in me would like to present to you some facts not myths:
No, oily food doesn’t cause you acne. In fact your dehydrated skin cells produce sebum to compensate for lack of moisture in your skin. This sebum produced is often in excess making your skin oily. Now you must be wondering what about people who have dry skin. People with dry skin have very low sebum production that causes loss of moisture when they get exposed to mild dry, cold air.
Whether you have oily or Dry or Combination skin the most important factor is skin has to be well hydrated. Moreover dehydrated skin is responsible for premature aging of skin. Linoleic acid content in the epidermal layers of skin is responsible for hydration of skin.It is an omega 6-fatty acid. It’s deficiency is correlated to the following: overactive sebaceous glands producing excessive sebum , impaired epidermal barrier allowing inflammatory substances that clog pores thereby causing acne. To put in simple words it’s deficiency has to be corrected to get an even skin tone and flawless skin which is every girl’s dream.
IF you check every available moisturizer in market the ingredients list consists of synthetic substitutes of naturally available emollients like lauric acid, myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Oleic acid. All these benefits can be reaped by using natural vegetable oils rather than going for products that have synthetic substitutes. Moreover the main moisturizing ingredient added in marketed products is mineral oil, Glycerin, or Silicone substitutes (dimethicone or cyclopentasilioxane). Usage of such Products on long term basis will be anything but beneficial to the skin.
Olay moisturizing cream :mineral oil and Cyclopentasilioxane (silicone)
Garnier Essential care daily moisturizer: Cyclopentasilioxane
Garnier Moisture rescue cream for dry skin : Glycerine, Dimethicone
Lakme Peach Plum Moisturizer : Mineral oil
If you are looking for skin care product not a makeup cosmetic then the moment you read mineral oil in ingredients’ list i suggest you keep the product back in the counter.
I didn’t come across any Indian marketed moisturizer that has incorporated the goodness of linoleic acid. The best natural way to get the benefits of linoleic acid is using vegetable oils. These oils used for skin are often referred to as carrier oils. Depending on the composition of oils its usefulness varies depending on the skin types and the need. Oils higher in linoleic acid that are good for the skin : Rosehip oil , Grapeseed oil . These two oils can be used irrespective of the skin type.
You can check these links to purchase..
Grapeseed Carrier Oil – Coldpressed
St.Botanica Grape Seed Pure Coldpressed Oil
Ladies instead of using lotions and moisturizers i suggest you to try these natural oils.Now that it is winter season I believe it is best time to experiment the oils best suited for your skin. You can start with jojoba oil.
My personal favorites are Grapeseed oil, Coconut oil, Tamanu Oil, Jojoba Oil.I am in complete love with these oils!! And each of these deserves a separate post and review.
US based people please check : Pure Jojoba Golden Oil-cold pressed
