What would you say about cosmetic products with a lean ingredient list that you can actually pronounce, for a change? We know, right? Understanding exactly what’s in your moisturizer or makeup remover can be truly reassuring since nowadays we are used to impossible-to-decipher labels that cause us major anxiety. 

Even if most brands in the beauty industry consider that multiple ingredients (both synthetic and natural) are necessary to ensure a product’s remarkable performance, lately a few of them decided to get back to basics by launching products with less than 10 ingredients. 

Normally, cosmetic companies will use at least 25 to 50 ingredients to create a new skincare product. With such a high number of components it is literally impossible to figure out which of them is causing a bad reaction to someone with sensitive skin, for example. This explains why products with minimal ingredient lists are pretty exciting, especially to women with demanding complexions. 

Say hello to a new cosmetic trend: products with one or two key active ingredients around which the rest of the basic elements are assembled. Zero colorants, fragrance or superfluous fillers. What you read is what you get. 

Today’s conscious consumers love to have control over what they are putting on their faces and cosmetic brands are aware of this, hence the minimalistic products they have been launching lately. This proves once again that less is more.

Jalue believes that fewer ingredients mean better skincare and happier skin. Our mini facials are inspired by traditional herbalism and rely exclusively on the natural benefits of plants and herbs. Enjoy minimalism at its finest!

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze us. Looking at plants that can be used as effective medicine, we are truly impressed with the bark of the longevous white oak (Quercus Alba), a natural wonder used for centuries as herbal medicine to treat a range of conditions and illnesses. If you are as excited as us about using plants instead of medicine (when possible), read on to discover more about the miraculous oak bark. 

What Makes It So Special?

Besides containing precious nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12 and potassium, oak bark is rich in tannins (compounds with astringent and antiseptic properties also found in tea, cocoa and red wine). 

Health Benefits 

Here is what this hardwood does to improve a few serious health issues:

• Treats bleeding, varicose veins and haemorrhoids by means of constricting the body’s tissues
• Protects and controls infections caused by viruses and bacteria, such as skin, bladder, venereal and vaginal infections
• Works on removing gallstones and kidney stones
• Effective when used as an expectorant to remove mucous and cure a sore throat. 

Skin Benefits 

Thanks to its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, oak bark has long been used by many nations in healing wounds and different skin conditions. Applied topically, it stops bleeding, helps heal burns, cuts, eczema and bruises, and may even improve the appearance of wrinkles. Swelling and inflammation, together with fungal skin infections are also kept at bay.

How to Use It

You can either find oak bark as a liquid extract, or dry, to be used in infusions. This is also one of the active ingredients found in Jalue’s Ice Therapy Mini facials - a great place to start testing the benefits of oak bark alongside other valuable ingredients. 

   Looking to update your daily beauty routine? Add a facial massage. It will work wonders. And no, it won’t be a hassle, since it will take just a couple of minutes if performed while you are applying your regular moisturizer or face oil. Think of it as a gym workout for your face. That’s how beneficial it is. 

The Technique

   Rub a dime-size amount of moisturizer or oil between your palms and start by pressing your fingertips between your eyebrows, gently sliding up your forehead. Repeat several times then proceed to massaging from the center of your visage towards the ears, past the cheeks. Keep sliding across the jawline with up and out motions and remember to also massage the neck with vertical strokes from the collarbone upward. 

The Benefits

   Besides a relaxing effect, a facial massage will diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles increasing the absorption of your moisturizer or face oil. Skin will acquire an extra glow looking firmer and more contoured while the oily areas on your face will be decongested. 

Ice Therapy + Massage = A Match Made in Heaven 

   This power duo will soothe your skin after a sleepless night, a drink too many, or simply when your complexion looks puffy and red. Apply your favorite mask sheet onto your face and run across it a couple of ice cubes (or, even better, the cooling – and multitasking -  Jalue “Ice Therapy”) for 15-20 minutes. The icy effect will lock in the mask ingredients for longer-lasting results. Follow with your moisturizer using the above massage technique.

Do you normally massage your face? If so, how do you do it?

If you think nettle is just a weed, think again. This amazing plant might be stingy, but it comes with a powerhouse of skin benefits having been an important ingredient in herbal medicine for centuries.
    Applied topically in the form of tea, nettle offers the following amazing effects:
Anti-inflammatory
Acting as a potent astringent ingredient, nettle is renown for its natural ability to soothe inflamed skin and calm irritation. Its healing properties help reduce considerably redness, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rashes.
Anti-aging
Boasting a high concentration of phenols, nettle acts as a powerful antioxidant ensuring an optimal amount of free radicals when used in skincare. Besides a firming effect, it also keeps fine lines at bay working as a great anti-aging.
Antibacterial
Since it kills off fungi and bacteria, nettle is truly effective against microorganisms that may lead to inflammation and acne. It fights infections, such as pimples, eradicating and preventing them from recurring.
Glow Booster
A great source of vitamins A, C, D and B complex, nettle boosts skin radiance, giving complexions a fresh glow. Tip: Replace your daily toner with nettle tea for incredibly healthy-looking skin.
Astringent
Oily skin highly benefits from the astringent properties of nettle. Milder than alcohol, vinegar or citrus, this wonderful herb can be used to keep oily skin in check and free from outbursts.
Eager to give nettle a try? Jalue’s Ice Therapy mini facials contain nettle, among other valuable ingredients, and are a great way to start. They will instantly revive your skin giving you that picture-perfect look you are after. Expect addiction.

    Good news: facial steaming does not require a spa appointment, which means you can get all its benefits from the comfort of your own home. All you need is water, ideally heated at 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43 degrees Celsius, a bowl and a towel. Easy, right?

     Start by cleansing off impurities and makeup, tie your hair back, pour the water into the bowl and drape the towel over your head and bowl to trap the steam. Allow it to envelop your face for five minutes, pat your skin dry, then tone and moisturize with your regular skincare products. Beauty tip: for a soothing and invigorating touch, use Jalue Ice Therapy herbal mix as an alternative to plain water for your facial steaming session. Bliss.
     Repeating this process once a week comes with fantastic benefits for your skin. Here are some of them:
     Cleanses Pores: sweat opens pores and softens the outer skin layer releasing debris and dirt that normally leads to breakouts.
     Enhances Blood Circulation: since blood vessels dilate because of heat, more blood flows to the skin delivering extra nutrients and oxygen to the tissue.
     Helps Skincare Products Better Penetrate the Skin: clean pores easily absorb serums and moisturizers leading to improved results.
     Removes Toxins: steaming causes sweat which has a detoxifying effect on the skin)
     Gives Skin a Youthful Look: steaming sessions boost hydration hence skin appears fresher and smoother.

       Pamper your face with this natural and gentle alternative to harsh exfoliation, especially if you are prone to rosacea or severe acne. Your skin will smile back at you.