My skin has been doing the most! For the last couple of weeks, my face has battled with constant spots and a random rash. Part of me believes this started around the time I finished using my Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (RIP) and took a short break from using mandelic acid, while another part of me believes it’s largely down to PMSing and maaaybe diet. The jury may still be out on the cause, but in the meantime, I want to clear up my skin and continue in my efforts to reduce my dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Around the time my face started exploding with pimples I discovered the Ayumi Naturals Tumeric & Bergamot Face Mask in Holland & Barrett. Specifically formulated for combination and blemished skin (hello!), this mask promises to nourish and balance. But want to know what really sealed the deal? The fact it was only £4.99(!!!) and that it had a whole host of powerful ingredients listed on the back.
What I noticed
The very first thing I noticed about this mask was its citrusy/medicinal smell. I mention this in my video review (coming on Sunday) that the smell reminded me of a medicine I had to take as a child lol.
The mask is very cooling on the face. It feels like cool menthol and reminds me of drinking water after brushing my teeth or chewing gum.
At first, the mask didn’t really harden, but after a couple of uses (and finding the right amount to apply), I did notice that the mask did dry a teeny tiny bit. I also felt some tingly as it dried. I’m not sure if this is signs of the impurities being pulled out or signs of the ingredients working, but I like it.
Finally, after rinsing the mask off, I noticed that it left my face looking incredibly grey and ashy. At first, I thought it was because I’d put on way too much, but after using this mask a couple of times, I’ve noticed this happens every time. I always make sure to moisturise my face to bring back its brown glow.
I’m still yet to see a difference in terms of my breakouts, but I’m sure that’ll come soon.
Ingredients
As the name of the mask suggests, this face mask is packed full of great ingredients that are known to make huge differences to skin. While I was familiar with most of them (ie turmeric, vitamin c, lemon), there were a couple that I really had no idea about. So in true Alice fashion, I did some research on the key ingredients listed to see what they are known for.
Glycerine
Glycerine is good for dry, itchy skin as it helps the skin to hold moisture. It’s also good for treating irritations.
Kaolin
Kaolin is a type of clay that’s used to help with internal issues like diarrhoea. We all know that clay is great because it helps draw out impurities in the skin. It’s also good for exfoliating and cleansing.
Amla extract
Amla comes from the gooseberry fruit and is an antioxidant that helps brighten, tighten and tone skin. It also has lots of vitamin c and is most commonly used in Indian and Ayurveda practices.
Turmeric extract
Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that make it superb for acne-prone skin and breakouts. It’s a natural anti-septic and can stop bacteria from spreading.
Vitamin C
To find out all the reasons why vitamin c is great, check out these posts here, here and here.
Papaya extract
Papaya is the ingredient extraordinaire I didn’t know I needed. This powerful fruit is great for moisturising skin, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, reducing wrinkles and dark circles, helping treat eczema and control acne breakouts.
Bergamot oil
Bergamot is an essential oil that’s great for relieving stress. It’s also known as an anti-septic.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus is used to treat a number of ailments and can be used on the skin to help treat ulcers.
Lemon oil
Lemon helps keep your face bright and glowy.
Mandarin oil
Mandarin oil is known for its healing qualities that include: reducing the appearance of acne, brightening the skin, reducing oily skin, reducing the appearance of scars and age spots and minimising stress and wrinkles. WOW.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass helps prevent infection, which can help with acne. Also loaded with vitamin a and c, this plant helps to minimize pores and keep oil levels balanced.
Argan oil
Not just for your hair, argan oil helps keep your face soft and moisturised while reducing acne.
With all of these acne-fighting ingredients, I have high hopes for this face mask to help bring my skin under control.
This face mask is part of a larger set that includes a face scrub and face cream. If I find that this face mask has made a real difference to my skin in the next couple of months, you can be sure I’ll think about experiment with other products in the range. Have you tried this mask before? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
To see me try the mask for the first time (and a true first impressions commentary) stay tuned for my latest YouTube video coming on Sunday!
alice
xo
