By Katie Martlew
In honour of Earth Month, we reward ourselves with an eco-friendly treat, and save our skin (and the environment) from nasty toxins and chemicals. Choose one (or all) of these great natural and organic facials to revitalise the skin, body and soul or as perfect gift to pamper your mum for Mother’s Day.
Natural Beauty
First things first: Aveda’s National Education Manager Kristy gives us the low down on nature’s best anti-ageing ingredients, and what they do for our skin…
What are nature’s best anti-aging ingredients?
Organic Plai (Thai Ginger), which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the breakdown of the skins structure (Lipids, Collage and Elastin)
Organic Cactus – anti-inflammatory which firms and lifts with collagen stimulation
Argan Kernal Oil – treats lines and wrinkles through lipid replacement
Tell us about what Glucosamine can do for pigmentation and skin tone.
Glucosamine more commonly known as a supplement taken to reduce inflammation in the joints of the body has proven to be a new high performance skincare ingredient. Glucosamine particularly is of benefit to people seeking to lessen pigmentation and even their skin tone, it does this by inhibiting tyrosinase, an essential enzyme in the production of Melanin – the skins pigment. The result – a vast improvement in skin clarity without any of the negative side effects often associated with skin clarity products.
Glucosamine also accelerated the skins wound healing ability and improves hydration! Scientific literature reports that topical Glucosamine can also stimulate the skin’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid which is essential for skin moisturisation and health.
What are the beautifying benefits of organic argan oil and where does it come from?
The organic Argan oil used by Aveda is certified by Eco-Cert. This ingredient is used to treat lines and wrinkles through lipid replenishment to the skin. Proper hydration of the skin is required for it to serve as a protective barrier – the skin barrier relies on lipids as well as water to maintain function and a firm plump appearance. Ageing skin tends to be dehydrated and the application of lipid to the skin has proven to reduce the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin, restoring the fundamental structural barrier and therefore resulting in a smoother more youthful appearance.
Nourishing and protective, this oil has been a traditional beauty secret of Moroccan woman. The Argan tree is indigenous to South Morocco, at the edge of the Sahara Desert, in dry arid countryside. Avedas supply is obtained exclusively from a 100% female accredited cooperative network, which supports the socio-economic position of local women. Not only is the Agan oil used to benefit the skin but also the Argan leaf extract has proven to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Rescu. ROADTEST: Three organic facials we love…
1. Aveda Green Science Skin-Renewing Treatment Facial
What is it?A high-touch spa facial; which incorporates skin rejuvenating massage techniques along with Aveda’s organic plant-infused Green Science products. Clinically proven to lift, firm and smooth the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of age spots- the treatment is customised to individual needs to target specific areas such as eyes, lips, neck décolleté and hands.
The verdict: It had been a while since I’d had an Aveda treatment and it was a wonderful experience. Great products that work immediate wonders on the skin texture and hydration, a beautiful ritual with fragrant essential oils and a foot soak to start plus the wonderfully pampering Aveda massage and ambiance. Skin looked visibly brighter and refreshed.
Our favourite product used in the facial: We are actually loving the whole Green Science range but in particular loved the Green Science Line Minimizer. This concentrated treatment helps boost skin’s natural collagen production and minimises the appearance of lines and wrinkles through the use of green hero ingredients such as organic cactus, argan leaf extract, soybean protein and peptides.
Green Science Skin-Renewing Treatment Facial 60 minutes $109. Green Science Line Minimizer RRP $149.95 (10 x 3ml tubes) www.aveda.com.au
2. Judith White Revive Organics Facial
What is it? A complete skin reviving facial- perfect for busy people who require an immediate lift to tired and stressed out skin. The therapist deeply cleans and exfoliates the skin, before applying organic rich face and eye masks.
The verdict: A thorough and results oriented facial that is perfect to wake up tired, dull, lacklustre skin. The highly concentrated products get to work from even the cleansing step and you can feel skin come alive. The senses are also treated with textures and scents that are so comforting. A beauty editor favorite as a natural anti-ageing boost. Skin looked plumped up and rejuvenated from deep within.
Our favourite product used in the facial: We loved the Phytho Mineral Rose Facial Mist. This incredibly fresh and hydrating mist delivers bio-active nutrients and essential minerals to your skin to help tone, strengthen and rehydrate dry and sun damaged skin.
Judith White Revive Organics Facial: 60 minutes RRP from $120 Ph: 1800 808 993 for more info.
JW Organics Phytho Mineral Rose Facial Mist 50ml $80.00 or 100mls $125
3. Keerati Harmony Facial
What is it? This deeply relaxing facial uses Keerati’s signature Erb Seven Pollen Face range; which is derived from the pollen of seven ancient Thai flowers. Essential oils create a soothing aromatic experience, while your skin is being cleansed, toned and moisturised.
The verdict: from the moment we stepped into the Keerati salon, we felt as though we’d stepped into Thailand. The essential oils used throughout the treatment soothed both our sensitive skin and calmed the weary mind. Skin was left feeling ultra smooth and dewy, and positively glowed for days afterwards!
Our favourite product used in the facial:We loved the Erb Seven Pollen Face Cleansing Oil. Perfect for removing make up and clearing pores- the Cold Pressed Mixed Grain Oils gently cleanse the skin, leaving it relaxed, clear and smooth.
Keerati Harmony Facial: 60 minutes $110.
Erb Seven Pollen Face Cleansing Oil RRP $60.95 www.keerati.com.au
Check out more of RESCU’s Earth Month coverage here
