Dead Sea Salt Scrubs from The Healing Bath

By Rachel Longo-Tosoian

A few weeks ago, I was representing my place of employment at the Oakville Waterfront Festival. During one of my breaks, I decided to go and check out some of the vendors that were present. I came across a booth called The Healing Bath that deals primarily with Dead Sea salt scrubs.

As I was looking around at all the products, the woman at the booth greeted me and asked if I wanted to try the salt scrub. She put a small amount into my hand, and instructed me to rub it in as if I were washing my hands at a sink. To be honest, that part hurt, a lot, but that was just the salt exfoliating my hands and wrists. The woman sprayed some water from a mist bottle onto my hands to wash off all the salt. I dried my hands, and looked down into the small bowl where all the water fell; it was filthy. I thought that my hands were clean, considering I had just washed them with soap, but I was wrong. Not only were the clean, but tremendously soft and smooth.

I decided to purchase some of their products, and I think that the deal I got was great. Included in my eco-friendly tote bag was a 225g container of Dead Sea salt scrub (Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Peppermint), a sample pouch of Dead Sea bath salt, and hand cream enriched with Jojoba, also 225g, for $40.

What I like to do with the sea salt products is while the water is running for a bath, I throw in about two handfuls of the bath salts, and let those dissolve. While in the tub, I take the salt scrub and work it into my skin like an exfoliate (the salt scrub can be used on your whole body from the neck down). The scrub works well because it takes away all the dirt from your skin that accumulated throughout the day. I was pretty shocked to see how discoloured the water was the first time I bathed with the products.

My only warning, and it is not even to be overly concerned about, is to be careful getting out of the tub after you use the salt scrub. Your skin will be smooth, soft and smell pretty, but your skin will also be a bit slick, so if you exfoliate your feet, make sure there is a mat in the tub and a towel for when you to step out.

I really love the Dead Sea salt products, and now that I’m running low, I’m really anxious to get some more. Definitely check out the company’s website for more information, and places where to purchase the products: http://www.thehealingbath.ca/.

Fresh for the Summer

Now that it's properly summer, it's time to switch over to formulations that are light and fresh instead of being creamy, and in this regard Marcelle's Hydra-C Complex Facial Exfoliating Gel fits the bill.

Like its name says, the exfoliator is a gel with little scrubby bits in it. It's great for using every day and keeps dull skin at bay.

Product Body Sugarfoot Scrub

My scrub review continues today with a look at the Product Body Sugarfoot Foot Scrub. If you haven't tried anything by Product Body you really must. The products are made by hand and fresh, and they have a small number of ingredients in them which makes them truly fantastic because it means that you don't just get a cream with a bit of shea butter in them, you get a cream that's mostly shea butter!

Sugarfoot, like other Product Body products, is an excellent formulation. It's thick but it foams a little when it hits your wet skin making a thick cream that's rich and moisturizing while letting you exfoliate at the same time. Unlike most scrubs, it doesn't wash off before you're ready for it too, but it does wash cleanly and leaves your feet amazingly smooth and moisturized.

Biotherm Rides Repair

Biotherm has a new line of products out called Rides Repair. They are anti-aging products for the over-35 set.

There's a serum that's lovely and light, and the creams a lovely and thick.

My favourite product though is the Biotherm Rides Repair Instant Polish. It's a super-creamy scrub that has a lot of scrubbing particles in it, which means that it works but doesn't dry out your skin!

Use this scrub if you've got dry skin that's flaking a little. You'll be able to get rid of the flakiness without sacrificing the quality of your skin. All that's left behind is smooth soft skin which is just what you want.

Aloette Green Tea & Mint Body Scrub

Aloette Spa Indulgence Green Tea and Mint Exfoliating Body Polish is perfect for the summer because it smells so refreshing!
This is a great scrub to use everyday because the scrubbing particles are so small and they're in a nice creamy base that washes off cleanly. These scrubs also come in a pack of three, so consider that while you're purchasing!

Scrub It Off

I love a good scrub and now that summer is almost here, we all want our skin looking extra-flawless. Scrubbing regularly is the best way to help you get there - it's best after a long winter and before a nice hot summer.

I know that although scrubs run out so quickly and aren’t necessarily the most economical products, they always smell terrific and do the job well.

What I have realized is that salt granules take longer to dissolve than salt granules, so if you like to scrub for a long time, then choose a scrub that’s mostly made up of salt.

Plastic granules are usually smaller in size and so can give you a finer scrub. If your skin turns red easily or is sensitive to any kind of scrubbing then this is the granule that you want.

The gel-based scrubs are best for every day. They have more of a body wash feel and are light on the scrubbing action which means that it’s safe to use them daily because they won’t irritate your skin.

I like the whipped, thick, oil or “butter” based scrubs the best. They are moisturizing and really seal in moisture as you shower.

When to use a scrub is really up to you. I know that a lot of people use them in the winter to slough off dry and flaky skin and that’s generally a good idea, because if your dead skin is exfoliated then any moisturizer you use can actually help your skin. This is why skin experts recommend that you exfoliate your face regularly too - it’s all the best to let active ingredients penetrate the skin and do their job.

I think that it’s also a good idea to exfoliate in the summer too - yes, it washes off some of any tan that you might get, but it also makes your skintone more even which is definitely a good thing. It also helps prep your skin for self-tanner if that’s the way that you’re going to go.

Whatever scrub you choose to use, don’t be stingy with it. I turn off the water while I’m scrubbing so that I don’t waste resources and the scrub doesn’t wash off too easily.

Got any scrubbing tips you want to share? Leave a comment.

Trillium - best scrub ever?

Although Mother’s Day is a ways away, there are a couple of products I feel I should tell you about now, because they’re ones that you might want to order online for your mother.

When I think of what mom’s like, I think of pampering and luxury, but things also have to be quick and easy to use and incorporate into a busy woman’s day, and it’s best if they’re something that Mom wouldn’t normally be able to find herself.

Onwards!

You must try products from Trillium Soap Company, especially their scrubs.

Trillium Butter Scrub is one of the nicest products that I have ever used. It’s made up of salt mixed with a blend of oils and butter, so that it’s thick, rich, creamy, but easy to spread.

There’s absolutely no separation and no mixing up that’s needed, and the salt granules last a long time so you can really scrub to your heart’s content without them falling off or dissolving too easily. The scent is a lovely tarte and sweet combination and I can really smell the mango butter in the scrub.

Trillium also makes a body butter, called Creme Fraiche, that’s equally pleasing to use. Light and whipped and super easy to spread. You can buy it from their website and I would get it soon to get it in time for Mother’s Day.

I think that it’s really something that Mom will like. Oh, and if you like supporting Canadian brands, then this is one for you too! They are located in BC and everything is made in Canada. If you prefer, their site also has a list of shops that sell their amazing products.

It's All About the Lips

Today, we talk about several lip products - most of them common and well-known.

Lets start with the Tarte Lip Scrub, called FRXtion.


I got this in a goody bag and I’ve been trying it for the past little while. One side is a balm, while the other is a sugar scrub that you rub on your lips to help exfoliate them when they're overly dry.

Honestly, it’s just too hard and I don’t look forward to using it at all. I think that when you see it at a Sephora, the tester has been used by so many people that it’s all melty and seems like it would be easy and fun to use, but at home it’s really not.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I conclude my Dermalogica reviews today with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

It's a rice-based powder that you mix with water to form a paste which is then rubbed all over the face. It's a truly gentle exfoliater that's great for everyday use.
Please use this exactly as the instructions say to. Not following the instructions could result in a scrub that is entirely too harsh for anyone.

If you find yourself allergic to some scrubs or routinely find them to be too greasy, then definitely check this scrub out. It's gentle but it works and used over time will leave your skin much smoother and clearer.

Needless to say, I've found all Dermalogica products to be truly excellent. They do what they claim to, and never over-dry or over-moisturize your skin. They often include plant-based ingredients and always smell amazing. Find a Dermalogica retailer near you, experience a face-mapping session, and pick up their recommendations the next time you have a chance.

Great Exfoliator

You all know that I try a lot of products and some times it's hard to get excited about each and every one. And then every once in a while I come across a product that completely blows all the others out of the water, and I just can't wait to talk about it.

The Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser is that product.
When you turn the Wave on it starts to vibrate and makes a humming sound. The cleansing disk is attached to the Wave using velcro and already has cleanser in it. You wet the Wave, and start rubbing it on your face as it's vibrating. You'll see a little bit of lather produced but not much. Just keep rubbing your face with it for a couple of minutes.

When you're done, you will notice cleaner and softer skin. Moreover, after using it continuously for a few days, you'll see that your skin is much clearer! I think that this works by literally vibrating the gunk out of your pores. It really really works and is worth every penny. If you're wondering about the size, it fits neatly into the palm of your hand. You can find it at drugstores everywhere!

Update: here's a picture!

Slough off that skin

My love of all things moisturizing continues today, and I need to cover the importance of getting your hands on a good scrub and using it!

You'll find that scrubbing off dead skin will not only get rid of the dryness, but it'll make your moisturizing much more effective. You'll also find that many scrubs have an oil base so they're very moisturizing.

Of course, scrubs are also a great way to prep your skin for self-tanner or bronzer. It helps you get an even glow rather than one that's patchy.

If you've been neglecting your skin for a long time and want to get back into some sort of routine, a scrub is a great place to start.

Right now I'm using my LaLicious Sugar Souffle in Coffee Bean. It smells just like a Coffeecrip chocolate bar, and makes me mouth water when I use it. There are other scents available and they are all as yummy.

Kiehl's Product Reviews

I must admit that I'm going through a Kiehl's phase right now. I'm smitten with a few of their products and I can't get enough of the brand.

If you're unfamiliar with this line, know that it was a New York pharmacy started in 1851. (The brand is now owned by L'Oreal Paris). Their look is reminiscent of simple pharma packaging and going into that store is an old-world experience too. Their employees wear lab coats and assist you personally, asking you questions about your needs, whether they be skin, body, or hair-oriented.

Creme de Corps is perhaps Kiehl's most famous product. This lotion is worth trying. It's liquidy and really does have the consistency of whipping cream but do not mistake this for a lotion that's watery. Smoothed on your skin, it's light yet moisturizing. The very best part is that your skin is left looking absolutely luminous and it's not at all sticky.

This lotion also comes in a light-weight formula and on that has SPF 30. Lovely. There's also a Creme de Corps Body Nurturing Body Washing Cream that I'm dying to try.

Kiehl's also makes great bath gel. Theirs is called Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser and is very gentle.
The scent I use is grapefruit and it's light and fresh. They also have this body wash in a few other scents including coriander, herbs, and vanilla to name just a few, and they also periodically offer limited edition scents that sell out quite quickly.

Lastly, Kielh's Epidermal re-Texturizing Micro-dermabrasion is maybe the best exfoliater I have ever tried. It's not listed with the rest of Kiehl's regular face scrubs, and is grouped with their "Dermatologist Solutions".

The product uses aluminum oxide crystals and ground up sea shells as its scrubbing particles! Knowing that might remind you of this article that I mentioned a while back. Knowing that what I was putting back into the sea is from there in the first place made me appreciate the scrub even more.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the scrub's particles are very very fine so the amount of exfoliation you get is pretty high. I would only use this once a week at the most, and each time I used it I was left with very smooth soft skin. The base is lovely and not at all drying or overly moisturizing.

So those are the Kiehl's products that I'm loving right now. Needless to say, I'm very impressed with the brand and can't wait to try more of its products.

What Kind of Exfoliant Do You Use?

If you exfoliate on a regular basis, you have got to read this article. The following is an excerpt, and click on the link at the very bottom to read the whole thing.

“Exfoliants: little granules that massage you as you bathe.” He selects a peach-colored tube of St. Ives Apricot Scrub; its label reads: 100% natural exfoliants. “This stuff is okay. The granules are actually chunks of ground-up jojoba seeds and walnut shells.” Other natural brands use grape seeds, apricot hulls, coarse sugar, or sea salt. “The rest of them,” he says, with a sweep of his hand, “have all gone to plastic.”

On each, listed among the ingredients are “micro-fine polyethylene granules,” or “polyethylene micro-spheres,” or “polyethylene beads.” Or just polyethylene.

“Can you believe it?” Richard Thompson demands of no one in particular, loud enough that faces bent over microscopes rise to look at him. “They’re selling plastic meant to go right down the drain, into the sewers, into the rivers, right into the ocean. Bite-sized pieces of plastic to be swallowed by little sea creatures.”

Read the rest here.

Shoppers Sale

This might just be the time to get products that you've been craving, such as a lux new moisturizer for the winter. I, myself, am a fan of Lancome's Aqua Fusion Cream-Gel which is lightweight moisturization that really works.

Also, yesterday I was at my local Shoppers Drug Mart and saw that they were setting up the Clinique counter! So now you can purchase Clinique products there too! I'm craving the Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream which I tried out recently and I found that it is lovely.

Happy shopping!