The Body Shop Tea Tree Trial
Day Zero
I was selected as one of the 10 lucky fans to participate in The Body Shop Tea Tree user trial. I made my way to the main office to attend an introductory workshop and for collection of the Tea Tree Skin Care Essential Kit. It was a fast event and I didn't snap any pictures because I don't wish to be the only dimwit in the room doing so.
The envelope contains the questionaire and a print-out of the product(s) in the kit.
The product is created for oily/blemished skin; given that tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Let's see how my skin condition will fare after 7 days!
Day One
I shall begin the trial by posting the history and current condition of my skin. Through out my teenage years, I was blessed with good skin. I had normal skin type and I don't even have pimples. The only regret I had was not applying sunscreen despite being under the for more than 5 hours during uniform group trainning. Fast forward a few years later, I noticed that my skin becomes oily at about just anytime and battling blemishes is a daily affair. One heal, another pops. Late puberty I suppose.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the areas that blemishes occurs on, are each caused by something different, be it stress, hormones or even digestion. A problem with any of these could cause a certain area of your face to break out.. For my case, blemishes on my cheeks are caused by stomach/digestion problems. I constantly suffer from constipation no matter how much of fibre is added to my diet and worst still I am lactose intolerant.
Once you know the possible causes of your blemishes and where they appear, it can be much easier to treat by adjusting your diet and using the right product.
Tea tree oil is a strong organic solvent that can penetrate the skin unlike many other products; thus help in clearing skin infections.
Although tea tree oil has no known side effects, some individuals may be sensitive to it. This calls for consideration of the strength of tea tree oil and should never be used undiluted on the body and particularly on sensitive areas.
During this 7-Day trial, I will be using the product(s) twice a day; in the morning and before bed. Do stay tune!
Day Two
Our face accumulates all types of particles everyday. Aside from particles caused by external factors, our face also happen to receive different kinds of chemical substances brought about by different beauty regimen as well as makeup. Since our face takes up a lot different facial beatings everyday, we need to ensure that we keep it youthful and glowing despite the many different treatments it continues to receive. And one of the best ways in which we can keep it as healthy as it can possibly be is by means of cleansing. Daily cleansing can also help clean up your face from the harmful bacteria, dirt, sweat, and pollution which it can accumulate everyday. These are the factors responsible for giving you acne breakouts.
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
A cleansing gel-based facial wash, suitable for everyday use to help clear and prevent blemishes, removing excess oil without overdrying the skin (
http://thebodyshop.com.sg/)
Scent : mild antiseptic-ish smell
Colour / Texture : Green gel-like liquid
Directions : Lather and massage gently into face and neck with fingertips in an outward circular motion. Rinse using clean water.
What I like
The clear container allows one to see how much of product is left. Study plastic bottle that maintains its shape after squeezing
Small bottle opening and gel-like texture of product prevents wastage
Face feels clean without the tightening feeling.
Mild or almost nil tingling sensation
What I don't like
Product does not lather up much foam; resulting in me squeezing out more than amount needed to achieve enough foam. (I just love foams!)
Justification
The fact that the product does not foam up as much could imply that there is nil or very limited quantity of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLS and SLES) which are both well-known for producing lots of lather. These two ingredients are also classified as harsh cleansers and can be harmful to our skin and the environment.
Day Three
Toner removes dirt and make up residues and tightens the pores of the skin. Other than that, it also refreshes the face. A perfect toner can benefit individuals with too oily skin. It helps to remove the excessive oil production on the surface of the skin which is one major cause of acne breakouts and blemishes. However, toners tend to have alcohol that could cause skin dryness. That's where the moisturizer comes it.
There is 2 school of thoughts for the application of toner. You could dab it onto the skin surface to ensure that the product is being absorbed or you could pour onto a facial cotton and swipe it across your face to remove excess gunks and junks. The spokeperson during the trial briefing mentioned that since the toner has anti-bacterial properties, the second method is encouraged.
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner
Features a new ‘shake to activate’ refreshing formula to effectively tone the skin, remove traces of impurities while leaving skin looking matte and without drying out your skin. (
http://thebodyshop.com.sg/)
Scent : Strong antiseptic-sh smell
Colour / Texture : Green watery liquid with white residue that settles at the bottom ( Was informed that the white residue is actually cornstarch; which acts as an agent to absorb excess oil)
Directions : Shake the bottle and dampen a piece of cotton pad with product and wipe it gently upwards and outwards without dragging your skin.
What I like
The clear container allows one to see how much of product is left.
Does aid in removal of excess oil. Seems to shrink pore size.
What I don't like
Upon application, face does not tingle but feels warm. Soon enough, stinging sensation could be felt, subsiding about 3-5 minutes later, depending on the amount used.
Justification
During the briefing session, I was informed before hand that stinging effect could be felt upon using the entire trial pack. However, it is not an area of concern as the stinging feeling does not imply allergy reaction but more of the product busting germs due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Stinging means the product is working.
Interesting facts
The toner contains caramel!!
Day Four
Tea Tree Oil
Scent : Strong medicated smell
Colour / Texture : Colourless liquid
Directions : For targeted treatment, apply on troubles spots directly.
What I like
Convenient size; great for travelling
Many uses ( Watch for it on day 6)
What I don't like
Not at the moment
Day Five
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion
A beautifully light and moisturising lotion that sinks into the skin to hydrate and help clear and prevent blemishes. This lotion also contains powders for shine control. Skin appears matte.
Scent : Mild medicated smell
Colour / Texture : Opaque gel like texture
Directions : Dab a few drops on your face and gently work upward and downward stroking motions.
pic of color n texture
What I like
Feels lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin
Helps to keep skin matte and appreas to shrink pores
Cooling effect on skin
What I don't like
Not at the moment
Day Six
Different uses of Tea Tree Oil
I've mentioned that other than being convenient, tea tree oil also has many functions. As of this moment, these are the ways that I've been using the tea tree oil other than its intended purpose.
- Used as a smelling salt to combat motion sickness.
- Added to normal shampoo to combat itchy and flaky scalp.
- Applied on mosquito bites to reduce itch and swelling.
Day 7
Conclusion
The range did help to diminish small pimples but the bigger ones remained. However, to a certain extend it did help by preventing the other pimples from growing bigger. The mattifying effect removes oil and made my skin feels refreshed.
I suppose, the remaining stubborn blemishes are due to blocked pores and what I truly need is a deep cleansing regime. As for the tea tree range, I will continue using it to complement my previous regime that targets my other area of concerns, mainly fine lines and pigmentation.
Don't we wish there's an all in one product out there?
Reviews are based solely on my personal opinions and discretion should be practiced when purchasing the range. Speak to the sales representative for a clearer picture of the range.
