The following post is brought to you by JustNeem – a North Carolina-based company, inspired by nature and ancient Indian roots to infuse science with the medicinal secrets of the Neem tree. JustNeem has funded a Neem Tree orchard that is growing Neem trees in the Sahara Desert region of Mauritania, West Africa. Grown in their sustainable Neem Tree orchard, the West African Neem has shown to have one of the highest concentrations of active natural compounds. This high-potency Neem is in every product they make. JustNeem gives back to the community in West Africa by planting trees, offering well-paying jobs, and supporting families and teaching new skills in one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of the world.
I have struggled with acne since my teenage years. Now as an adult, the acne has subdued with a pimple here and there, but I still struggle with pimples on my neck and shoulders. So, I’ve been on the search to find a product that would tackle my adult acne without the added chemicals, and if you’ve ever had acne you know it can be hard to find products that work without drying out your skin too much, making it feel parched and like sandpaper, and not to mention looking dry and dull.
So, when I started using the JustNeem product line, I realized it deep cleans and does a good job on my breakouts without being overly abrasive and leaving your skin feeling dry and too tight (ugh because who wants to feel that way!?).
For all the brown folks reading this, y’all know neem dates back before our parents and grandparents age, and it was always an integral part of their skincare. Granted we may have not believed them when they told us to start using neem in our skincare routines but JustNeem makes it easy and accessible to include in my everyday life. There is a reason Neem has been used for centuries!
My new friends at Just Neem sent me four products—Green Tea Neem Soap, Neem Clay Facial Mask, Neem Cure Oil, the AcNeem Acne Spot Treatment —to try and I used them regularly for a while before sharing my thoughts with the #browngirlmag fam.
For starters, I love the Green Tea Neem Soap for the face and body to tackle the random eruptions on my face, shoulders, and neck. Did I mention it smells ah-mazing?! The soap lathers up nicely and really gives a deep clean without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Also, the soap has particles from the neem tree so it acts as a gentle exfoliant while cleansing. Some acne soaps are so harsh that applying a moisturizer, toner or serum afterwards actually burns or stings the skin. But with this soap, that definitely wasn’t the case.
The Neem Clay Facial Mask is cooling and detoxifying. It also has bits of Neem leaves in the mask for extra exfoliation. With other clay masks, your skin becomes extremely tight with dryness, that makes smiling and showing expressions a game of tug-o-war.
After using the Neem Clay Mask, my skin was tight but it had still retained moisture in the skin. It didn’t feel parched or flaky, there were no signs of dryness around my mouth (my one spot I see dryness the most), yet my skin looked bright and smooth.
As for the Neem Cure Oil, which is a blend of Neem oil and other essential oils, is great for all skin types but helps kill bacteria that cause my breakouts. It also adds antioxidants and vitamin E. I use a few drops before my normal nightly moisturizer.
The neem oil gives my skin the glow I need to conquer the world (literally!) and penetrates quickly to improve the skin from underneath. It’s not greasy or too thick so it doesn’t sit on top of the skin. Because of the thin consistency, I’m not afraid to layer or add a heavier cream if I want more moisture.
On the other hand, the AcNeem spot treatment is effective yet not overly drying. I don’t have flaky white skin around the affected area(s), rather the spot treatment helps to form a white head for a faster recovery.
The AcNeem (acne spot treatment) works really well on its own but is extra beneficial when mixed with the Neem Cure Oil. My trick is to use them at night so that I reap the full benefits while my skin is resting and repairing (the epitome of beauty sleep, no lie). Both work really well together to add moisture back into the skin, while actively working to dry out pimples.
Having skin issues is common for us all. Whether it’s acne, dry patchy skin, or the occasional breakout. Our skin is what we present to the world and we don’t want to be on an emotional roller coaster ride over how it looks. Now I have something that’s natural and does the trick. JustNeem has seamlessly bridged the gap of age-old Indian rituals to our modern day skincare routines. So in the words of our elders and in agreement with everything they say — ‘old is definitely gold’ (or aka our parents are always right!).
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
