Raw Wildflower Honey

The therapeutic use of honey has been well documented in many cultures throughout the world. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians applied honey to wounds and burns to help in the healing process. Today, scientists are studying honey to determine its use in modern medicine. These studies have shown that honey contains flavonoids and vitamins which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey has also shown to have antimicrobial properties due to the acids and enzymes it contains. All of these properties can help soothe and mend damaged skin.

Papain

Derived from papaya, papain is a proteolytic enzyme that is capable of breaking protein bonds. Due to this, papain can help dead or damage skin cells to be removed. This removal happens in our skin naturally through a process called desquamation.

At times our body’s desquamation process is impaired causing incomplete separation of dead skin cells called corneocytes. This incomplete separation results in flaky, scaly skin with a compromised barrier.

Enzymes like papain promote the desquamation process and assist in breaking down the bonds that are holding corneocytes onto the skin. This results in smoother skin with an increased barrier function.

Betaine Salicylate

Derived from beets, betaine salicylate is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and very similar to the commonly used salicylic acid though is much gentler on the skin. Betaine salicylate, like most hydroxy acids, has excellent exfoliating properties. It is especially beneficial in this formula as it is lipophilic (oil loving) so it is highly compatible with our mainly oil based product.

Regular exfoliation removes unwanted dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin. This removal promotes cell renewal and prevents clogged pores allowing your best skin to shine through!

Manuka, Black Pepper, and Magnolia Extracts

Our skin, like our gut, has a very complex and diverse collection of microorganisms residing on it, referred to as our skin microbiome. Disruptions in the balance of our microbiome can result in skin disorders or infections.

One issue that can occur is the formation of a biofilm, which consists of a group of bacterial cells that attach to the skin surface clogging pores and promoting the growth of bacteria that cause acne. The blend of manuka, black pepper, and magnolia extracts we use in this mask has shown to prevent the formation of biofilms and the growth of bacteria that causes acne.