We all know the importance of having a good skincare routine. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we love finding new products suitable for every skin type, especially those gentle enough for teenagers who are just embarking on their skincare journey. Our feature is on the award-winning PM Transforming Cleansing Balm by UK prebiotic skincare brand JAYA.
Vicky Charlesworth founded JAYA (Just As You Are) Beauty in 2019. She created the brand with a specific target audience in mind - teenage girls. "With two daughters approaching teenage years, I feel more passionate than ever about helping people feel (and look) good because of who they are, not who they feel they ought to be." Vicky felt there wasn't enough choice of natural products to support the younger generations’ skin type, or with the genuine credentials of transparency and sustainability. Which set her on a mission to ensure that young women have a realistic set of tools, products, and skincare knowledge to empower and nourish themselves in a positive and greener way; Vicky got to work collaborating with a team of top British skincare chemists in search of the most effective plant-based ingredients. After much testing and feedback, JAYA finally perfected its vegan prebiotic formulas with natural ingredients suitable for all skin types. This prebiotic skincare range has been scientifically developed to help support the good bacteria (microbiome) on the skin. The brand is certified by The Vegan Society and is Leaping Bunny approved, with a choice of a gentle jelly cleanser, a cleansing balm and the 24/7 Vitamin Moisturiser, soft muslin cloths and cotton headbands, a skincare set that’s ideal for helping establish a first skincare routine. But JAYA didn't stop there. The brand strongly values sustainability and makes a great effort to be eco-friendly. "The beauty industry is renowned for the waste it generates. Being an outsider, I didn't look at how things are 'normally' done - I wanted to do them in the most environmentally efficient way, supporting those who are local and, where possible, under-represented. It is this commitment that made working towards B Corp certification such a perfect fit." The brand packages its products in recyclable plastic and jars that can be repurposed. JAYA also has a charity pledge. In March 2021, they announced they would donate 2% of all sales to a charity of the buyer's choice. "We welcome your feedback regarding which charities are important to you, and to get the ball rolling our founding JAYA team has selected charities covering mental health, women's rights, the environment, refugees, and race. All of which are charities close to our heart.” Recently, JAYA has made a name for itself by winning its very first award. The brand recently won an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their PM Transforming Cleansing Balm, which we are reviewing today.
Let’s start by asking, what are prebiotics in skincare? They are a food source for the skin's 'good' microflora, aka bacteria. Like a fingerprint, we all have a microflora ecosystem unique to us, made up of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. Prebiotics are described as non-living ingredients that stabilise the good and bad bacteria throughout the skin and body. They are made up of plant-based carbohydrates, and they improve and preserve the healthy microbiome of the skin, and are a very positive addition to skincare as they balance out and strengthen the skin barrier. In simple terms, this means the skin will better protect itself from everyday environmental aggressors such as allergens and pathogens while locking in hydration.
The PM Transforming Cleansing Balm is prebiotic skincare - is not just for teenagers; we loved using it too! This gentle but deep cleansing and nourishing formula diligently remove makeup, pollution and SPF. It lifts excess grease and dirt from oily skin while moisturising dry skin and balancing the skin's natural microbiome (good bacteria). JAYA highlights the six critical ingredients incorporated in this PM Transforming Cleansing Balm: Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils. Plus the prebiotics with black tea ferment, and plankton extract (fragrance-free).
Let's start with the oils. Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat minor cuts or wounds and soften the skin. This oil contains vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the production of new skin cells and help prevent cell damage and UV damage. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with premature ageing and sun damage. Lastly, sweet almond oil contains zinc which is crucial to help acne scars heal. Grapeseed oil has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. This oil will aid with acne outbreaks and uneven skin tone and protect skin from UV rays. It can also help with skin softness, moisture, and improved elasticity. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and provides hydration to soothe skin damage, reduces signs of ageing, and heals scarring. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from sea berries found in coastal and mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. This tiny berry is loaded with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including higher concentrates of vitamin C, fatty acids, and other vitamins. Together, these reduce inflammation, boost, brighten, and help to achieve healthy, clear, and more radiant skin.
The black tea ferment helps with skin tone and has an anti-glycation effect which helps reduce inflammation and boost skin elasticity. It is a prebiotic ferment that encourages the growth of good microorganisms. Last but not least, we have plankton extract. This extract is also notable for its prebiotics and antioxidant properties. High in fatty acids and it’s crucial in developing healthy cells, and its high zinc content can also reduce blemishes.
We found this award-winning 99.8 % plant + water PM Transforming Cleansing Balm to be a gentle, nourishing, and deep cleaning. It’s an effective everyday cleanser transforming when combined with water from a gel into a milk. To apply, gently massage a small amount into dry skin, then wet hands to activate gel into milk. It swiftly removes daily grime, and any excess can be wiped away with a warm wet cloth. JAYA recommends using it every night for the best results - although we used it both morning and evening. Fragrance-free, It’s one of those rare cleansers that instantly melts away makeup without any eye stinging. This product is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled plastic tubes. When it's empty, simply cut the tube in half, rinse, and put it in the appropriate recycling bin. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d highly recommend for any skin type or age. To purchase the 100ml PM Transforming Cleansing Balm for £18 see here. We can’t wait to see what other prebiotic skincare products JAYA will add to their range in the future.