When I opened my competition box, I was excited to try the SULA NYC products. I have dry skin which gets drier and itchier in the Fall/Winter time. When I turn up the heat on my thermostat it wrecks havoc on my skin by drying it out even more. I find myself scratching my skin constantly and reapplying lotion or petroleum jelly 24-7. I couldn’t wait to try Sula’s line of exotic natural products because I had no problem creating my ashy, dry, and itchy before photos.
Before using SULA NYC, I researched the properties found in the Rhassoul clay. I wanted to know what makes this clay so special.
I learned Rhassoul clay contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other trace minerals than other clays. These minerals make the clay highly detoxifying as they can actually exchange themselves for toxic compounds like metals in the skin. So the clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin-it also replaces them with nourishing trace minerals. This makes it ideal for toning and enriching the skin. But perhaps the best part about Rhassoul clay is what it does not contain: no petrochemical derivatives, no synthetic preservatives, no surfactants or artificial colors … all of which are common in commercial soaps and cleansers *.
With my research complete, it was time to test the goods. I strategically placed all my SULA NYC products along the side of my tub to achieve a more spa like experience. I prepped the Rhassoul Clay first by emptying 1/3 of the bag in a small plastic container (enough for one wash) and then filling the container with a 1:1 ratio of water. I placed a lid on the container to allow the clay to set.
I decided to soak in a steam bath first because I wanted to get the most out of this challenge. The steam bath really helped me to relax and renew my energy. While I was soaking, I placed the Body Kii (mitt) in the tub to prepare for my exfoliation. Next, I rubbed 1 sachet of the Moroccan Soap (savon beldi) all over my skin to cleanse my body. Savon beldi is 100% Natural made from Olives. No preservatives, artificial cleaners, colors! It also has a thick texture but glided very smoothly on my skin. After I rinsed my body, I noticed a big dirt ring around the tub. Wow! This little packet of olive soap was able cleanse my body without any harsh abrasives, over powering smells, or residue on my skin… NICE!
Now it’s time to use the exfoliating mitt (Kii) I had soaking in the tub to gently scrub my body. With one swipe of the mitt, I saw layers of dead skin slough off. Hmmm….how come I do not see this amount of dead skin (if any) come off when I use commercial scrubs? The mitt was not abrasive to my skin at all. Most of the dead skin came from my legs, elbows, and back. What a coincidence…those are the same areas I had the most ash and dryness! The lotions and moisturizing soaps/gels I have used in the past never penetrated my skin. The commercial soaps just sat on my skin and built up layers of film on my body.
After the exfoliation process, I drained the water and watched all the yucky dead skin go down the drain. Good Riddance!! I then took of the cap of the Rhassoul clay I prepped earlier and applied it all over my skin. I paid close attention to areas of my body that were prone to dry spots (i.e. elbows, back and legs). I allowed the clay to stay on my skin for 5 minutes before rinsing. This allowed me to relax and indulge in this experience even more.
UGH, My 5 minutes are up already!!! As I rinsed my body, the texture of my skin felt smooth, soft, and clean without the drying effects I feel from commercial bar soaps. I had no ashy spots or a recurring case of the “itchies”. While my skin was still damp, I followed up with applying the Argan Oil on my body. I researched Argan Oil as well. It’s considered “Liquid Gold” in the cosmetic industry due to its high content in Vitamin E. Argan oil is also good for minimizing scars and improving lack luster skin **. The Argan oil sample given to us had a light pleasant scent. It had a thick fluidity and absorbed rather quickly on my skin. No greasy feeling or lacquer shine; very natural.
This challenge has taught me so much about Moroccan Hamams (Spa treatments). Who knew?!! I read on-line Moroccan women indulge Hamams once a week! Sign me up for a sabbatical to Morocco. I highly recommend SULA NYC. The texture of my skin has never felt and looked so clean and soft. I can not stop touching my elbows, back, and legs. All my dry patches are gone, YES! Good thing I only used only 1/3 of the bag. I can look forward to luxuriating a few more times with SULA NYC. Thank you SULA NYC!! Your products brought an enjoyable Moroccan Hamam to my home which resulted in beautiful skin.
* Facts from www.sixwise.com
** Facts from http://www.arganoils.com/news/LiquidGold_112007.html