With growing concerns on what we put into our bodies, it was only a matter of time before superfoods filtered from the kitchen into our beauty routine. Besides algae, moringa and kale, Baobab is claimed as a superfood, containing more anti-oxidants than any other fruit on earth. Sounds good? I thought so too, so was excited to try out BaoCare's RADIANCE Baobab oil; here's what I thought:
A landscape broken up intermittently with huge baobabs is a fond memory of mine whilst travelling through Kenya's East coast many moons ago. For a couple of days we journeyed on a train through broad plains and I remember staring out at the stark terrain and marvelling at the humungous trees, wondering at their mystery and survival in an intense African climate. There are countless legends and stories I've since read regarding the tree but have only recently stumbled across products containing Baobab oil.
Often referred to as the 'upside-down tree', or 'tree of life' due to it's high nutritional content, baobab is rich in omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids, vitamins A, D,E and K as well as malvalic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid. These ingredients help with soothing skin, a sensitive scalp, nourishing and healing damaged hair and skin and help reduce redness and inflammation. A high content of Vitamin C stimulates and promotes restoration of collagen in aging skin. This is especially great for 40+ with age-related concerns but can be used by all ages and skin types. Radiance is a luxurious blend of oils like Baobab oil for regenerating skin cells and moisture, Jojoba to increase elasticity and soften skin and Pomegranate extract to protect against harmful UV light and promote collagen synthesis and skin repair. The fragrance is a delicate fusion of essential oils.
I've been using BaoCare Radiance with baobab, Jojoba & Pomegranate on my face and neck mornings and evenings for the past fortnight, needing only two to three drops whilst patting into my face, (also fab for nourishing chapped dry lips). I find it's enough to use on its own, but out of habit I like to layer, so follow with a night cream or in the mornings under an SPF cream. One of the big pluses is that the oil doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes, is non-greasy and free from parabens, synthetic chemical ingredients and mineral oils.
BaoCare has partnered with Tsonga Textiles, based in the Northern Limpopo, designing and printing a make-up bag using traditional methods of flatbed and panel screen printing. The bags are then hand-made by local people as a special gift to complement BaoCare Radiance. Pretty indeed!
Four other skin healing products are part of the BaoCare range currently available, including 100% Pure Baobab Oil, Tissue Oil, Eczema Skin Care and Acne Skin Care.
50ml R180 and 10ml R46
Available at Wellness Warehouse, independent health stores countrywide and online here
Have you tried any of these yet? Let me know your thoughts and on that note, happy Wednesday!
Cath