JAYA : PM Transforming Cleansing Balm

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.

Sanatio Naturalis: Precious Oil Treatment

When it comes to skin nourishment, face oils are always our first choice, with bonus points given if they’re also natural and sustainable. At The Amazing Blog, we couldn’t resist featuring one of our favourites with its abundance of organic oils, the Precious Oil Treatment from the award-winning botanical and sustainable brand Sanatio Naturalis.

Sanatio Naturalis was created in 2015 by founder Valerie Ruonan Shi, and we wrote the brand in 2017 featuring their Lavender essential oil, see here.  The essential oil and aromatherapy range were developed with the help of leading aromatherapist and author Daniele Ryman. Sanatio Naturalis is a British brand that incorporates the healing powers of botanicals, and the Latin name itself means 'the healing power of nature’. As Valerie says, "The holistic beauty secrets of plants have been passed from generation to generation. The ancient Greeks shared them, inspiring our Latin name, Sanatio Naturalis." The brand has raw and organic natural ingredients, all of which are sustainably sourced. "We place great importance on the origins of our raw materials. We travel the world in search of plants and oils." These all have full traceability with ingredients like geranium comes from Egypt, rose is cultivated in Bulgaria (4,000 kg of rose petals are needed to obtain 1 kg of the essence), lavender is from Haute Provence (France); lemons are harvested in southern Italy and frankincense from Somalia. Ingredients are all COSMOS Certified Organic, cruelty-free and vegan; these are ethically grown and harvested raw, therefore, free from preservatives, fillers, and chemicals; made without any parabens, or phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, synthetic colours and fragrances. In 2020, the brand supported COVID-19 pandemic NHS workers by giving away one product for each product purchased to NHS staff members. Since its inception, Sanatio Naturalis has worked tirelessly to perfect its formulas, which has earned them several awards, including Eluxe Magazine's 2018 Best Up and Coming Beauty Brand, and of course the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, Editor’s Choice Winner.

Precious Oil Treatment is a concentrated face oil full of nutrients combining antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. This blend is created to awaken the skin, and help it reach its optimum potential by restoring elasticity and hydration. As they say, "This silky light, nourishing oil absorbs instantly, leaving skin feeling smooth, supple and soft. A nourishing complex of 8 mostly organic luxurious oils to help restore firmness and elasticity, including jojoba, prickly pear, safflower, camellia seed, rosehip, argan, sunflower and cacay oil, it delivers immediate nourishment and radiant glow in just a few drops." This oil is also infused with calendula, edelweiss, and red-flowered silk cotton tree.

First, let's begin with the benefits of the oils. Jojoba is known to nourish your skin with hydration and vitamins; it also leaves skin feeling soft, silky, and smooth. Argan oil is easily absorbed by the skin, to give a glowing complexion. Prickly pear seed oil is an unusual raw ingredient on the list. This oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It also carries different vitamins, omegas, and fatty acids to help reverse signs of ageing and improve firmness. Cacay oil with its high doses of vitamin E and 68% linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), stimulates the renewal of cells to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil is full of vitamin C and works to stimulate collagen and heal scars. Camellia oil is used to retain hydration and promote soft and silky skin to reduce signs of ageing. Sunflower oil is used for skin hydration. Last but not least, safflower oil helps hydrate skin and soothe inflammation as it's filled with linoleic acid and vitamins B6 and E.

Then there are the three skin-protecting ingredients: edelweiss extract, calendula, and red-flowered silk cotton. Edelweiss extract is a natural anti-ageing agent and sun protectant. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, more potent than vitamin C, so it helps skin stay plump and smooth. It also helps protect from harmful UVA/UVB rays and helps repair damage caused by harmful free radicals. Calendula oil is made by infusing marigolds steeped in a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba oil. This blend helps with irritation and soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Last but not least, we have red-flowered silk cotton. Found in Africa, this tree has parts that hold medicinal properties. Using the thorny part from the stem, this ingredient helps prevent damage from UV rays and toxic pollutants and supports the skin's natural defences.

Natural essential oils are added to give it a fresh aroma. "Naturally fragranced with a precious blend of therapeutic essential oils including Neroli and Jasmine to relax and soothe the senses, and provide an immediate sensation of well-being." The Precious Oil Treatment is easy to incorporate into your skincare; Sanatio Naturalis recommends applying a couple of drops onto cleansed and fresh skin day or night. We even added a drop to our moisturiser to enhance its hydration. It feels deliciously luxurious and can work well with any other skincare used, the fragrance of this oil won’t conflictt with its subtle jasmine/neroli scent. Not only is the product itself perfect for nourishment, but it comes in a sustainable small white 30ml glass bottle with a dropper and recyclable box. It also makes a perfect travel companion fitting into hand luggage for those sunny weekends away. You can purchase the 30ml Precious Oil Treatment here for £60.

Youth & Earth : Preservage

We cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your body from the inside out and new supplements always pique our interest. At The Amazing Blog, we’re constantly reading up on ‘biohacking’ and were thrilled to test Preservage from the award-winning Youth & Earth, where it recently won ‘Best Wellbeing Brand’ and ‘Best Supplement - Age Well’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

Youth & Earth is a British brand that produces natural anti-ageing supplements, using cutting edge science to slow down ageing at a cellular level. Although life expectancy has been increasing in the UK for the past few decades; there has been a slowdown over the last decade. There are ‘Blue Zones’, which are geographic areas where people are expected to live longer than elsewhere. In these zones, some people live to 90-100 years old. Youth & Earth explore this in their feature on ‘Blue Zones’ here. The brand is the largest supplier of NAD+ boosters in the United Kingdom and Europe - these are the natural fuel cells use to function. However, they become more depleted in our bodies as we age and “drop as much as 50% by we are 50.” Youth & Earth supplements target the nine hallmarks of ageing: Cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, poor intercellular communication, genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The products target these by recreating the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle. Youth & Earth’s founder, Ed Van Harmelen, founded the company after learning that his NAD+ levels were dropping. He started learning about the principles of longevity pathways and researched the hallmarks of ageing back in 2017. He looked for supplements that address ageing at the cellular level, and found a gap in the market, so Youth & Earth was born. As they say, “Backed by science, rooted in rigorous research and, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, are designed to slow down, stop or even reverse the ageing process.” All ingredients are researched, scientifically backed and have very high bioavailability. Products are all-natural, pure and vegan, with sublingual powders, delayed-release capsules, and liposomal formulas.

Preservage helps with cell health and antioxidant protection and is an all-natural supplement designed to optimise intestinal absorption of ingredients like Resveratrol (350%) and Curcumin (200%). The key three of quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin have scientific proof here. The full ingredients listed for Preservage are trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, bioperine (black pepper extract), rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose (plant fibre), and silicon dioxide.

The trans-resveratrol is commonly sourced from red wine, grapes, berries and chocolate (theirs comes from a surprising source - Japanese knotweed!) It is a natural polyphenol with many benefits, such as protecting the heart, helping the body fight disease, and lowering cholesterol. Trans-resveratrol versus resveratrol is more effective because it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Curcumin is full of antioxidants and the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory compound and a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals and may increase brain levels of BDNF protein which plays a role in memory and learning.

Quercetin mainly comes from onions, and is also found in many other fruits and vegetables like capers, asparagus, and apples, It is also rich in antioxidants. It’s thought to help protect the body from cardiovascular diseases and contains flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties.

Bioperine is a black pepper extra, which helps enhance nutrient absorption (particularly the curcumin)> It decreases inflammation, and stabilises blood sugar levels; and is also said to combat cancer cell growth, decrease inflammation, and boost brain function. The fillers are rice flour, which contains vitamin E and other nutrients such as calcium; Microcrystalline Cellulose which acts as an absorbent and emulsifier, and silicone dioxide, a natural compound and anti-caking agent that ensures full absorption.

Youth & Earth recommends taking two capsules of Preservage every morning on an empty stomach, which provides 200mg Trans-Resveratrol, 200mg Curcumin, 400mg Quercetin, and 20mg Bioperine. Taking the supplement daily allows it to naturally slow down ageing in the body, and it delays cellular ageing and boosts the longevity gene sirtuin. By the way, sirtuins are a family of 7 proteins, with each one playing a variety of roles. However, they all work in synergy to keep the body healthy and functioning efficiently. Again, best explained by Youth & Earth detail more about this here.

The Preservage is a potent polyphenol booster and mTOR inhibitor. Polyphenols are full of antioxidants that protect body tissue and help maintain healthy and youthful skin, whereas mTOR is a longevity pathway that helps slow the ageing process. How was it for us? We love the ingredients and what they offer, and are big fans of curcumin and trans-resveratrol already. Here the combination of trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and bioperine offers us pretty much all we need to increase our energy levels, aid anti-inflammatory issues, with the added bonus of slowing premature ageing - all in two daily capsules! Youth & Earth also recommends taking their NMN with Preservage for the ultimate anti-ageing effects - something we’ve yet to do. Start your anti-ageing journey today and purchase Preservage here 60 x 410mg capsules for £29.99 as a one time purchase, or subscribe and save 15% off.

Micheline Arcier : Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil

When feeling tired or listless, at The Amazing Blog, it’s always aromatherapy that we turn to first. We believe there is no better way to relax and unwind, than by using the healing powers of botanicals. Did you know that the term ‘aromatherapy’ was first coined by a French perfumer and chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, in his book published in 1937? Today we want to talk about one of our favourite ‘go-to’ aromatherapy brands, the award-winning Micheline Arcier and their Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil which won Best Body Oil - Relaxing at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Micheline Arcier was one of the first British aromatherapy brands to launch in the UK. As an early advocate of holistic wellbeing, Micheline Arcier developed exclusive products and signature massage techniques. In the early 1960s. She had a highly successful and well-regarded private practice and clinic in Knightsbridge, London. While her practice has since closed, the brand lives on through the Micheline Arcier products. She was trained by Madame Maury, an Austrian biochemist who believed in the use of essential oils to promote wellbeing. Micheline Arcier also worked closely with Dr Jean Valnet, one of the first doctors to use essential oils to treat medical conditions, and when she first opened her Knightsbridge clinic, few people knew what aromatherapy was. Over six decades, the Aromatherapie range has evolved and even offers training to ensure that the official Micheline Arcier practices are carefully maintained. While Micheline Arcier passed away in 2006, Germaine Riche and Catherine Milne have since taken ownership of the brand. Germaine Riche was trained by Micheline Arcier herself and became qualified as an aromatherapist in 1968. Today Germaine also teaches courses on aromatherapy in both the UK and Japan. Catherine Milne works as both an aromatherapist and sports massage practitioner and founded Aromasporttherapy. Today Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie is now under the umbrella of Aromasporttherapy Limited, which is also the parent company of Pepperfit. All essential oils used in Micheline Arcier products are genuine and pure oils sourced from suppliers that support organic production. Products all have naturally sourced ingredients, are vegan friendly and are not tested on animals. These active plant-based essential oils are so powerful that they must be blended with vegetable carrier oils. This gives the oils added benefits by offering vitamins and antioxidants and helps stimulate the production of healthy skin cells, neutralise free radicals that age the skin, and protect the skin against pollutants.

The Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil has been created to help promote deep relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, working on both the body and mind. What we love about this oil is that it nourishes the skin, and relieves tension, while offering a wonderful sense of calm with its subtle, yet moreish scent. Incorporating healing essential oils, it’s best used after a bath, while the skin is warm and clean for the oil to absorb fully. The carrier oil is apricot kernel; it’s a nonfragrant oil with skin-soothing and antioxidant properties. It’s combined here with the essential oils of linaloe wood, petitgrain, sage, chamomile flower and ylang-ylang.

Linaloe wood oil is native to Mexico; it’s known for its rejuvenating properties, which stimulate tissue regeneration and help prevent skin ageing. It calms and clears the mind, has been used in perfumes, incense, and oils for centuries, and is also said to be an aphrodisiac! Petitgrain originates from Paraguay and is sourced from the leaves and twigs from the Seville bitter orange tree. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory soothing and refreshing it’s best known as a tension-relieving oil. The sage oil is reputed to eliminate toxins and ease any muscular or joint pain. Camomile is a gentle yet potent botanical that aids sleep. Finally, the Ylang-yang adds an exotic note to boost mood and alleviate anxiety.

Other ingredients, besides essential oils, are farnesol which is present in many essential oils and is used to emphasise a sweet, floral scent. Linalool is naturally occurring, found in the essential oils, and is floral and spicy terpene alcohol. It’s found in over 200 plants acting as an anti-stress and soothing ingredient. Geraniol, when used topically, is an anti-inflammatory with antibacterial properties to purify and soothe. Eugenol is naturally occurs in botanicals like cloves, basil, and bay leaves and is used as a natural fragrance. Benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol citronellol and limonene are all naturally occurring in botanicals and act as a fragrance or preservatives in cosmetic products. 

This is another of our #amazingfinds and one that we can’t get enough of to massage into tired limbs. Step up your relaxation by adding this 100ml Harmonie Aromatherapie Body Oil to your night routine. See here to purchase for £40.

Hello Day : Immunity Support

Who else needs an immunity boost? It’s something at The Amazing Blog we all need. And what better way than by taking a daily supplement filled with essential probiotics and vitamins. We recommend Hello Day’s Immunity Support which offers many benefits, including vitamin D3 and gut support with microbiota and was recently named an Editor’s Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

Hello Day is an innovative health and wellness company that provides a collection of natural supplements. They specialise in seasonal wellness boxes for spring, summer, autumn and winter. These contain four products specifically designed to help anticipate and support the body, preventing it from any symptoms associated with the season. In an interview with one of their stockists, John Bell & Croyden, the brand said, “We are the first brand to create an innovative response to seasonal changes with our All Season Boxes…Our boxes are a generalist approach, meaning they have been designed as a universal response to seasonality, tackling issues we all face.” The company also offers additional products which are sold individually. Sébastien Rumpler founded the company intending to help people achieve their health and wellness goals by reconnecting with nature. By combining his pharmaceutical experience with insights from both Swiss and French health experts and micronutrition and phytotherapy doctors, Sébastien was able to launch Hello Day. All humans directly connect with the environment, whether through their moods or energy levels. However, Sébastien believes people have lost touch with this connection. Hello Day helps prepare people to live in harmony with nature and the season’s changes. With a strong background in pharmaceuticals, Sébastien has combined the best pharmaceutical production practices with clinically supported science and high-quality ingredients to create the highest quality products. All products have natural flavours and colours, are vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, GMO-free, TI02 free, preservative-free, and with no nanoparticles. They are manufactured in pharma-grade facilities, using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), guaranteeing a high level of control from acquiring the ingredients to the final product, and always ensuring zero cross-contamination between products. Additionally, each batch is bacteriology tested, and batches are tracked for customer safety. Hello Day also has a strong community of ‘Wellbeing Mentors’ who help build a community around helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. Sustainability has always been an essential consideration at Hello Day, with manufacturing done in the UK and France to avoid long-distance sourcing. They package their products with FSC paper from sustainably maintained forests and aim to use recycled and resource-efficient packaging.

Hello Day’s Immunity Support is a dietary supplement designed to help strengthen the immune system. They also have two other immunity supplement products in this range: Immunity Defence, and Immunity Shield. The Immunity Support combines well-selected probiotics and vegan vitamin D3, which are for gut health and overall wellbeing, and it’s recommended to take one capsule daily before breakfast. It’s a supplement that helps improve gut health, and as we all know, the gut has a significant impact on the immune system with nearly 70% of the immune cells being stored in the gut. Now we are, hopefully, post-pandemic, a healthy gut is critical to helping keep a robust immune system. This supplement helps support the microbiota, combined with the daily dose of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 mainly comes from animal sources such as fish oil, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. However, here it‘s sustainably sourced from algae. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D3, sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin. Its strength is also measured in international units. Many people here in the UK are deficient in vitamin D, which is a significant problem because vitamin D helps support the normal functioning of the immune system and supports bone, tooth, and muscle health. It’s critical for calcium metabolism in our bodies, encouraging calcium absorption. Vitamin D and calcium are also preventative treatments against osteoporosis.

The first thing to mention is that all ingredients here are 100% natural. There is corn starch which is a binder and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, a stabiliser in the capsules. Lactobacillus acidophilus is commonly found in yoghurt and other fermented foods and balances harmful bacteria in the gut. The lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a widely used probiotic strain, often included in supplements for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis is an important component of the healthy gut flora, promotes gastrointestinal health and helps fight infection. Bifidobacterium bifidum are probiotics that live in the intestines and help break down food, absorb nutrients, fight off harmful organisms, and suppress any gut Inflammation. The magnesium salts of fatty acids are used as an anti-caking and anti-foaming agent. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having enough vitamin D is critical for maintaining strong bone health and a healthy immune system.

Improving gut health seems to be very topical, and we all need extra support for our immune system. This supplement is another of our #amazingfinds and one we wouldn’t be without! The Hello Day Immunity Support can be found here one month’s supply (30 vegan capsules) at £24, or sign up for a monthly subscription at £21.60 pounds/ month.