Understanding the Mysteries of Organic Ingredients

If you are a student at the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics (AIA) or have received a facial at AIA’s SensAbility Spa, then you have had the pleasure of experiencing AIA’s organic skincare line, Paloma Belle. Made from premium organic botanicals, Paloma Belle products are packed with such goodness as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, mango butter, lavender and chamomile, just to name a few.  However, have you ever wondered what rooibos is? Or bilberry or aspen bark? Well question no more, let’s take a look at some of Paloma Belle’s more mysterious ingredients.

Rooibos

Rooibos is found in Paloma Belle’s Red Wine and Rooibos Glow Mask.  It is a South African plant, whose meaning is “red bush”, although rooibos can be red, ash-colored, black, or red-brown.  Grown in a small mountainous area, rooibos can grow up to 6 ½ feet tall and produces yellow flowers in spring to early summer.  The leaves are commonly dried and processed for use as a caffeine-free tea, rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). 

Rooibos is packed with antioxidants and minerals, notably, the antioxidant superoxide dismutase, which has excellent anti-aging properties.  It helps reduce wrinkles and boosts healthy skin cell production.  The high concentration of flavonoids in rooibos makes it helpful for not only anti-aging, but acne and eczema, as well. Rooibos is also known to have soothing properties that are helpful for sensitive skin.

Bilberry

Bilberry has many medicinal benefits, including helping to control blood sugar levels, strengthening blood vessels, and improving circulation. Like other berries, bilberry has excellent antioxidant properties and contains resveratrol and quercetin, known for their anti-aging effects.  Additionally, it is a great source of vitamins E, C, B, A, and K.  The polyphenols in bilberry prevent wrinkles, reduce inflammation, and fight acne.  Bilberry has also been used to treat skin ulcers and varicose veins.  As a natural cosmetic ingredient, it has been used in makeup, facial moisturizers and lotions.

Palmarosa

Paloma Belle uses palmarosa in its Palma Rosa and Blue Cypress Gel Mask.  Palmarosa is a type of lemongrass and is native to the wetlands of India.  It is cultivated in many other places, however, because of the aromatic smell of its oil. 

Palmarosa is known for its skin health benefits; however, it is also antiviral, bactericidal, and an antiseptic.  It can be used to calm and settle mood, support deep sleep, and provide comfort during menstrual cycles.  In skincare, palmarosa is used to retain moisture, regulate oil production, relieve inflammation, and assist with skin cell renewal.

Aspen Bark

Found in Paloma Belle’s Sugar Cane and Aspen Bark Whip, Aspen Bark is as the name implies…bark.  Aspen is the name of a species of trees, which grow widely across North America.  Aspens grow in cold regions, which enjoy cool summers, typically in the mountains at high altitudes.  What makes this tree unique is that it is possible for thousands of them to be clones of one another, joined underground by a single root system. 

The use of Aspen Bark for healing is an ancient Native American practice.  Native Americans brewed the bark of Aspen trees for tea that would be used to treat ailments, such as pain and fever.  This is because the bark is rich in salicin, which is a similar ingredient to aspirin.

In skincare products, Aspen bark’s main use is as a natural preservative, an alternative to parabens.  However, the salicin also gives products a soothing benefit.  Aspen bark extract has conditioning properties that help smooth the skin and its low potential for irritation makes it good for those with sensitive skin. 

Juniper Berry

In ancient times, juniper berries were imported to Egypt, possibly from Greece, and have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.  It is said that Olympians in ancient Greece would use juniper berries to increase their physical stamina before competing. In Medieval times, Juniper berries were used to ward off witches and in France, hospitals burned Juniper Berries to prevent the spread of infections and bacteria.

Juniper berry is a natural skin toner, cleanser and antiseptic and can reduce the appearance of blemishes.  It is an astringent, as well as a vulnerary (a substance used to heal wounds), and has been used to treat stretch marks.  Juniper berry has been said to be one of the best essential oils to treat cellulite because of its detoxifying properties and ability to reduce fluid retention.

So now that you’ve been informed, go out and explore these ingredients.  They have many effective properties, and most importantly, they come straight from nature. Be sure, however, to get your essential oils, plants, and berries from reputable sources to ensure high quality. When you can, choose organic to avoid additives, such as pesticides and other toxins.

Paloma Belle Organic Skincare consists of cleansers, exfoliators, toners, moisturizers, masks, serums, chemical peels, and SPF.  Professional Paloma Belle products were released this summer, but fear not… the full line of retail products are also available for sale at AIA’s SensAbility Spa.