Sometimes things are so good and simple, that it’s hard to believe and therefore requires a deeper explanation.
Asali Aromatics obviously has aromatherapeutic benefits. But what may not be as obvious is the skin care benefits that automatically occur with certain essential oils which we use in our products. Take Vetiver for example, which is derived from the aromatic roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn) Nash. botanical. Due to its grounding, sensuous, and deeply calming scent, Vetiver Essential Oil is also referred to as the “Oil of Tranquility” and “The Fragrance of the Soil.” Used in aromatherapy applications, Vetiver essential oil is beneficial for soothing anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and inability to concentrate or remember. This alone makes vetiver very worthy to use in our Vertiver Honey Soap and Butter Bar formula.
What may not be as well known by many is the skin benefits that result from using Vetiver. Used cosmetically or topically in general, Vetiver Essential Oil is known to firm, tighten, and protect skin against the harsh effects of environmental stressors, thereby exhibiting anti-aging properties.
But what made us want to write this specific message regarding Vetiver was a testimonial from one of our loyal customers:
“I have been using the Asali Aromatics vetiver butter bar for months now, and I never want to be without it! My 48 year old skin has noticeably improved. It works better than expensive products I've tried, and I love that it's all natural. My skin feels firmer and soft, and the dark patches at my jawline and on my chest are a lot less noticeable. Please, don't ever stop making this product!”
— Scottie
Okay. So this was a genuine and organic experience of a customer that really made the above comments about Vetiver true. However, lessening the dark patches was a pleasant and somewhat surprising bit of testimonial. More research led to findings which verify that Vetiver is amazing for your skin as it removes dark spots and helps you get a smoother, younger-looking skin. It’s no wonder this naturally fast-growing and perennial grass that hails from Haiti, Java, Japan, the Philippines, and Réunion are used in many expensive facial formulas and night creams. Here’s the thing; Our butter bars are multifunctional and also operate as a salve or balm for both face and body. Because of the sustainable beeswax used as an ingredient, the properties of the essential oils in these bars get to linger on the skin way longer and not only allows the delightful aromatic scent to last longer, but allows the essential oils to do their medicinal and healing work. Because Scottie was using this as nightly face treatment, the Vetiver had a chance to do it’s thing unlike thinner lotions that can easily sweat or wear off. Then to make matters better, the Brazilian cupuaçu butter we use in these marvelous bars deserve it’s own mini essay on its magical moisturizing and healing properties.
But let’s stay focused. The main benefits of Vetiver for your skin are:
Reduces dark spots - Vetiveria root extract helps in reducing and lightening the stubborn dark spots as well as evens the skin tone.
Antiseptic properties – Vetiveria root extract has an antiseptic and antimicrobial property that helps in getting rid of acne and pimples. It clears the skin, giving it a fresh and rejuvenated look.
Get younger looking skin - Vetiveria plays a major role in reducing wrinkles and blemishes, it helps in getting tightened and firm skin giving a youthful look.
Moisturizes your skin - The Vetiveria extract oil is nourishing and hydrating which helps in soothing your skin from dryness, rashes, flakiness etc.
Skin protector - The root extract is loaded with antioxidants that help our skin fight signs of aging. It shields our skin from various environmental stressors.
Effect on melanogenesis in melanoma cells- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. It generally occurs on the skin but may rarely occur in mouth, intestines etc. According to National Centre for Biotechnology Information, essential oil from Vetiveria zizanioides has potential to treat melanogenesis in melanoma cells. (melanogenesis can be referred as pigmentation leading to melanoma)
Of course, now is the time to inevitably mention that we are not doctors, nor is this information intended to give medical advice. Blah blah. It is what it is.
It does not hurt at all that our Vertiver aromatic blend also contains Lemon Verbena, which is known for its therapeutic properties as well. It breaks down cellulite, and hence, offers a healing, toning and relaxing effect to the skin. That is the reason this herb is often used in the preparation of natural soaps. Lemon Verbena has mild astringent qualities that help in cleaning the skin and getting rid of bacteria that cause acne and pimples. It also aids in getting rid of mild facial scars and blemishes. Lemon Verbena soap has qualities similar to green tea. It can reduce redness of the skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for treating puffy skin. The cooling and soothing effect of the soap tends to reduce puffiness.
Our Vertiver blend also contains Atlas Cedar. As if we weren’t already jumping for joy, used cosmetically on the skin, Cedar Essential Oil can help soothe irritation, inflammation, redness, and itchiness, as well as dryness that leads to cracking, peeling, or blistering. It helps regulate sebum production, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, guards the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins, reduces the chances of future breakouts, helps to eliminate unpleasant odors, and reduces the appearance of the signs of aging.
Used in hair, Cedar Wood Oil is known to cleanse and enhance circulation to the scalp, tighten the follicles, stimulate healthy growth, reduce thinning, and slow hair loss. Yes. Some people, like the owner of Asali Aromatics, uses the honey soap for face, body and hair. With such a wonderful soap, why on earth would you need to crowd your bathroom with pointless and potentially harmful SLS or SLES contaminated shampoos? We considered making a “shampoo bar”, but this would only be for marketing purposes to take advantage of those that are suckers for packaging and advertising. We’d rather educate you than to play advertising tricks. So yes folks, all of our soaps can double as a lovely shampoo. There are many other benefits of Cedar Wood oil, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. If you want to learn more, please click on the highlighted links throughout this piece.
Vertiver is one of six signature Asali Aromatic scents. The truth is, all the scents come with their own set of therapeutic and skin loving benefits due to the specific properties of the essential oils used in our formulas.