The Coffee Body Scrub: the essential part of the bath ritual

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Coffee-Body-Scrub

Different steps exist for body care, and each of these steps have natural cosmetic products that are suitable for it. One thing is certain, exfoliation is a crucial step because it allows moisturizing products to penetrate more easily and deeper into the epidermis, and therefore to be absorbed more easily. What if you offered your customers a scrub with the bewitching scent of woody coffee? What is mechanical exfoliation and what effects does the coffee scrub have on the skin? Discover all the answers in this article:

What is mechanical exfoliation?

The skin naturally sheds old skin cells to make room for new ones. Excessive accumulation of dead cells found on the most superficial layer of the epidermis can prevent the skin from breathing, but also make it less receptive to care. Exfoliation is therefore an essential step in the skincare routine.

Thanks to the abrasive action of exfoliating elements on the surface of the skin, it is exfoliated and purified. This is called mechanical or “grain” exfoliation. In the case of a coffee scrub, there is also the ecological aspect of using this organic matter in the composition.

What effects does the coffee scrub have on the skin?

In addition to being essential to help the skin stay smooth and soften immediately after each use, the coffee body scrub has a large number of benefits. It helps to activate blood circulation, circular movements help to stimulate blood circulation and venous return to find a rejuvenated and firmed skin.

In a scrub, coffee has an action on fat cells and the orange peel appearance. When performed regularly, it can reduce cellulite and give an anti-cellulite and anti-orange peel effect. The firming active ingredients of coffee, combined with circular and energetic movements, can even reduce fat.

As coffee provides the scrub with its exfoliating, antioxidant and firming active ingredients, it gives it toning, decongestant and draining properties. The skin regains its radiance and its elasticity is improved.

Woody coffee, a captivating fragrance

What could be better than the bewitching scent of woody coffee to end a shower or bath ritual on a spicy and delicious note? Make the senses of your customers vibrate by offering them this coffee body scrub.

Are you looking to launch a natural cosmetic product that will revolutionize bathing rituals? Discover Prodigia’s Body Coffee Scrub, available in White Label. Contact us!

The different steps to create a hammam and spa ritual to provide a stellar customer experience to your guests

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Hammam SPA Ritual

The hammam is the true foundation of any Moroccan beauty ritual. As a symbol of purity and well-being, this ritual is associated with several natural products that you can now offer to your customers in the form of a pack or range. In addition to these basic products, there are a few supplements for a spa ritual, which you can also offer to fans of natural cosmetics for a complete treatment. What are the steps that make up these rituals and what products accompany them? Please find all the answers in this article:

Since the dawn of time, Moroccan women have found much comfort in the hammam; first as an exclusively female space, sheltered from all male gaze, as well as a ritual of purification and relaxation. To the purification steps are added care and relaxation steps; a spa ritual. Each of these steps requires products and tools that draw on both tradition and modernity, a way of bringing the expertise of natural cosmetics laboratories closer to ancestral secrets.

Prodigia masters this connection and draws on its know-how to suggest ideas for ranges of natural cosmetics to offer to your customers. This article is dedicated to two packs of complementary rituals: the Ritual Hammam composed of three stages and a number of products detailed below, and the Ritual Spa which completes the hammam thanks to additional stages of masks and wraps as well as of massages.

Hammam Ritual

The first step is the preparation of the body, and for this, nothing is equivalent to Black Soap. Discover Prodigia’s Neutral Black Soap, it’s made in the pure Moroccan tradition from olive oil which exclusively comes from first pressing. Advise your clients to let the black soap act for a few minutes in a heated bathroom before rinsing it off.

The second step is the exfoliation or scrubbing. A true base of Moroccan well-being and beauty rituals, this mechanical exfoliation operation is carried out using an exfoliating glove called the Kessa Glove. It removes dead skin cells, toxins and impurities. Prodigia offers you these exfoliating gloves in three grains: Soft, Medium, and Hard. Allow your customers to choose the texture of the fibers making up the glove and therefore the degree of depth of exfoliation they wish to obtain.

For the body: In order to obtain the best exfoliation finish, exfoliation with a glove can be paired with a Coffee Body Scrub. It revitalizes the skin and makes it smooth and supple with its firming, exfoliating and antioxidant properties. Discover our article on body scrubs; their types and benefits for the skin.

For the face: It is advisable to carry out the mechanical scrub of the face with a Kessa Soft Glove, and to perfect it with a Akkar Fassi Scrub. A healthy glow is guaranteed thanks to the antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing and softening active ingredients of poppies and pomegranate.

The third step is soaping, it allows you to finish the hammam ritual on a relaxing note. During soaping, the body is massaged while being cleansed with a Shower Gel. When the shower gel used is natural, it avoids causing tingling to the skin potentially irritated by the exfoliation. Prodigia’s Natural Shower Gel preserves sensitive skin thanks to its cleansing base of pure plant origin, and even offers you the possibility of choosing the fragrance for a shower gel personalized with your brand.

Spa Ritual

The first category of natural products for a spa ritual is that of masks and wraps:

For the body: Prodigia’s Creamy Ghassoul Wrap is a ready-to-use powder in Hammams and treatments. Ghassoul remineralizes and firms the skin and stimulates the natural regeneration of the epidermis. These properties make this wrap a favorite for any spa ritual. It can be used beyond simple body care, but also for hair and face.

For the face: The Prodigia Spirulina Mask is the ideal final touch to purify and soothe the face after a hammam ritual. After using this remineralizing mask, the skin of the face is revitalized.

For the hair: During a hammam and spa ritual, the hair deserves to be cared for just as much as the skin of the body and face. For this, the Marshmallow Mask that Prodigia offers softens, coats and protects the hair thanks to its richness in mucilages that bring volume and shine.

The second category is massage oils:

Relaxing Massage Oil: This is a composition rich in benefits that Prodigia offers; this oil contains a synergy of essential oils that provide immediate psychological relief and contribute to rebalancing the nervous system.

Slimming Massage Oil: Used for a massage, this oil helps to fight against the physiological factors that cause orange peel skin, and contributes to weight loss.

Anti Cellulite Oil: This massage oil revitalizes, refines and sublimates the skin. The massage stimulates microcirculation and promotes drainage, making the skin smoother and refining the contours.

Need advice? Contact Prodigia!

Acid Based Exfoliants: what are the benefits and for which skin types?

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Article-2-Exfoliant-à-base-d’acides-de-fruits (1)

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skin type’s skin care routine. Today, there are different formulations of exfoliators on the market, each with its benefits and disadvantages. Exfoliants can be divided into two categories: that of mechanical exfoliants (scrubs) and that of so-called “chemical” exfoliants based on fruit acids. Don’t worry, the “chemical” name does them no justice, and fruit acids are not only natural derivatives but they have also shown their benefits on the skin.

In this category of exfoliants based on fruit acids, we find the names AHA, BHA or PHA. They have been particularly all the rage in recent years and are well anchored in current market trends. What are the particularities of fruit acid-based exfoliants? What are the benefits? And for which skin types? Are they preferable to mechanical exfoliants?

What are the different active ingredients of fruit acid-based exfoliants? Which benefits for which skin types?

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): These correspond in particular to glycolic, lactic, tartaric, malic and mandelic acids. Those that are most often found on the market are glycolic acids and lactic acids.

The case of glycolic acid: In Europe, the maximum authorized percentage of glycolic acid in a formula is 4%. In Canada, the limit is set at 10% with an obligation to mention possible side effects on the label. Depending on the concentration, the product may be indicated for occasional use, for example 2 or 3 times a week for a 4% concentration.

Discover Prodigia’s newest Natural Acid Based AHA face serum that allows an immediate deep exfoliation and smoothens the skin. 

BHA (Acid Beta Hydroxy): It corresponds to salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, BHA is oil soluble. Its action takes place on the surface of the skin, but also inside the pores. This makes it perfect for targeting clogged and enlarged pores.

BHA is generally recommended for combination and oily skin with a tendency to imperfections. This is why BHA is often found in ranges for “young skin” under its name “salicylic acid”. It reduces pigmentation, wrinkles, and improves the texture of the skin.

Less irritating than AHAs and thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, it is also recommended for sensitive skin.

PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids): They correspond in particular to lactobionic acid, galactose or gluconic acid. PHAs are characterized by a high molecular weight. These penetrate less deeply into the epidermis and are milder than AHAs and BHAs.

They have a powerful firming and anti-aging action. And because they are much less irritating, they are recommended for skin affected by skin diseases such as eczema, rosacea or dryness. They may also be suitable for sensitive skin that does not tolerate AHAs and BHAs well.

Mechanical exfoliants and fruit acid-based exfoliants, what are the differences?

The goal of mechanical exfoliants and exfoliants based on fruit acids remains the same: to eliminate dead cells, and to activate skin renewal. Only the process differs:

-The exfoliation based on fruit acids is chemical, that is to say that they are active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to eliminate dead cells, without the need to “rub” the skin. The action of fruit acids is autonomous, which is why they inherit the name “chemical exfoliants” although they are of natural origin.

-Mechanical exfoliation is commonly referred to as “a scrub”. A scrub is very often composed of more or less thick “grains” which will exfoliate by the action of friction against the skin. 

For example, the mechanical action can be ensured by the fine-grained sugar crystals as in this Sugar Scrub that Prodigia offers. The small diameter of the fine-grained crystals as well as their smooth edges will ensure gentle exfoliation that is gentle on the skin. This mechanical power of exfoliation can be combined with the antioxidant and softening active ingredients of poppy powder to gently exfoliate and eliminate dead cells and toxins, while providing an immediate healthy glow effect, in the Poppy Powder Exfoliating Face Mask.

The choice of the type of exfoliation depends on the philosophy of the brand as well as the chosen target; mechanical exfoliation takes place during the cleansing and peeling step of the skin, while chemical exfoliation can take the form of lotion, serum, or mask. The choice also depends on the type of skin. The project to integrate an exfoliating range must take all these parameters into consideration in order to offer the ideal formula to its range.

Need advice? Contact Prodigia!

No nighttime beauty ritual is complete without the ultimate night cream; here’s how we can help you formulate yours.

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Article-1-Crème-nuit

No nighttime routine is complete without an excellent night cream. You will select your formulations according to the needs of your target category of customers. There are two main rules to abide by to create the ultimate night cream ; first, the moisturizing or hydration  aspect and second the nutrient intake of the night cream. 

How does it translate into a night cream ? What active ingredients should we incorporate into a formula in order to achieve perfection ? The answers in the article below:

I - The moisturizing aspect of the night cream:

The first aspect of a good night cream is the moisturizing or hydration potential. In our formula, we incorporate a hydration active derived from xylitol, a sugary active that can be found in its natural states in fruits like plums and strawberries. This powerful active ingredient ensures the circulation of water throughout all layers of the skin. It stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and encourages water retention for up to 24 hours. After 28 days, the skin is considerably more supple and fine lines are less visible. 

The 3D moisturizing action of the Aquaxyl active ingredient is ensured by harmonizing the skin’s water flows. It forms an anti-dehydration shield, by reinforcing the production by the skin of lipids and proteins necessary for maintaining hydration. Once the water balance is restored, the skin becomes more flexible and resistant.

II - The nutritional aspect of the night cream:

The second aspect of an excellent night cream is the nutritional aspect. By infusing your night cream with an oil rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, you elevate its nutritional potential. Natural polyphenols are powerful free radical scavengers that help facial skin better fight against daily oxidative stress. Combine polyphenols with strong natural antioxidants, and you get more than an ordinary night cream; a real brake on aging.

These active ingredients act against fine lines and dehydration, nourishing the skin in depth.

Virgin argan oil, prickly pear seed oil and wheat germ oil are an excellent source of vitamin E and antioxidants in a night cream. They are particularly suited to dry and mature skin types. Jojoba, grape seed oil and hazelnut oil provide lighter nutrients while being non comedogenic, they are a perfect source of nutrition for oily and mixed skin types. 

III - The importance of daily application of moisturizing night creams:

It is during the night that the skin regenerates. It recovers from aggressions that have occurred during day time, because of the sun, the wind, and pollution. In order to properly activate cell renewal and allow skin repair, it is important to apply a night cream that suits its specific needs.

During the day, the skin is in ‘defense’ mode; the day cream is protective. On the other hand, during the night, it regenerates. Hence the need for a night cream full of active ingredients that will help it rehydrate, firm up and repair itself.

Need advice? Contact Prodigia.

Deodorant or antiperspirant: What is the difference? Are they natural? Which one is safer?

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Deodorant or antiperspirant

Customers who love natural cosmetics are constantly on the lookout for the best alternatives, gentle on both the skin and the planet. It is up to you to offer them the most appropriate solutions and information. Among the most used hygiene products are deodorants and antiperspirants, what are the differences between the two? Which one to choose ? And what compositions for natural deodorants compared to the classics? All the answers are in this article:

Deodorant and antiperspirant, what are the differences?

The deodorant eliminates odors: Composed of 99% water, it’s not the sweat that smells bad; it is the bacteria that feed on it that will create an odor. To mask it, the agents contained in deodorants attack bacteria directly: they fix them and then destroy them. Deodorants are therefore ideal for people seeking to combine deodorant effectiveness and freshness while respecting the skin.

The antiperspirant stops perspiration: Antiperspirants contain active ingredients which act directly on the glands which secrete sweat (sweat glands) in order to block or regulate the formation of perspiration (for 24, 48, 72 hours or even 7 days). They are aimed more at people looking for long-lasting effectiveness, without discomfort on their skin. They are formulated to meet the expectations of people who do not wish to be bothered during a rise in stress, in the event of high heat or while practicing a sports activity.

Why prefer a deodorant (classic or natural) over an antiperspirant?

Sweating is an essential vital process for the proper functioning of our body: it ensures thermal regulation and the emunctory function of the skin by evacuating toxins and waste.

It should therefore not be thwarted or prevented from happening. To do this, it is recommended to favor a deodorant that acts downstream of perspiration to eliminate odors, rather than an antiperspirant which acts upstream and prevents perspiration from occurring.

The antiperspirant works by clogging the sweat glands thanks to the aluminum salts they contain. The pores thus “tightened” no longer evacuate sweat. Aluminum salts and their potential harmfulness have been debated within the scientific community for a long time, an opinion of the Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety of the European Commission dating from 2020 recommends limiting their concentration in antiperspirants.

The composition of the classic deodorant and the natural deodorant:

In order to prevent bacteria that feed on sweat from proliferating, an effective deodorant must combine several active ingredients:

– absorbent agents possibly slightly astringent to absorb moisture and regulate excessive sweating,

– antiseptic agents to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and therefore the appearance of odors,

– masking agents against undesirable odors.

In a natural deodorant, these active ingredients can be replaced by their natural alternatives:

-The absorbent component, such as plant powder, starches, clay or probiotics.

-The antibacterial : thyme, tea tree, zinc oxide, silver micro-crystals or sodium bicarbonate, neutralize the bacteria that cause bad odors. 

-The agent that masks odors: Blue tansy essential oil for example, or palmarosa essential oil, which has a specific action on perspiration odors. 

And for delicate skin: a moisturizer (cocoa or shea for example) and antioxidants (vitamins E, C and A for example) can be added to the mixture.

Natural deodorants can be solid or creamy: The most classic compositions are those based on beeswax, cornstarch, coconut oil, baking soda, and white clay. The raw materials and their dosage are to be chosen according to the texture and the target clientele (baking soda and essential oils to be avoided for sensitive skin).

Would you like to join the wave of natural deodorants? Discover the ones that Prodigia offers you in White Label: the Solid Deodorant Scented with Essential Oils and the Cream Deodorant Scented with Essential Oils. Also discover the rest of our products and services.

What makes the Japanese Layering method so popular? What steps and what products to use?

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La méthode japonaise du Layering

If the Japanese had a beauty secret to share with us, it would be the Layering method. The art of ‘saho’ is a traditional approach to beauty in Japan which consists of multiplying the layers of products to remove make-up, cleanse, purify and protect the skin in order to optimize its radiance. Which steps to follow and what products to use at Prodigia? The answers in this article:

Where does layering come from and why is it so popular?

Although widespread on the Asian continent, it is the Japanese who invented the method of layering. It consists of overlaying several specific treatments adapted to your skin type, and applied in a very specific order.

Layering was then made popular all over the world thanks to its modularity; it can be applied by all skin types. It is also a way to change up the products used on a daily basis and to maximize the effectiveness of cosmetic care by choosing different active ingredients, provided that you choose the care that is adapted to your skin type and take your skin condition into account.

This ancestral Japanese technique also adapts to the seasons: richer textures in winter, and more fluid, mattifying and refreshing skincare products in summer.

Layering, what benefits for the skin?

By multiplying the treatments, layering provides the skin with all the elements it needs. This beauty ritual helps to reduce imperfections, eliminate skin problems such as dehydration, excess sebum or redness.

A single product, even the most effective, cannot provide all the nutrients that the skin needs. Varying the treatments means providing the skin with more nutrients, antioxidants and natural active ingredients to protect it from external aggressions, moisturize and nourish it. Ultimately, the skin is more supple, more protected against the appearance of signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Which products to use, and in which order?

Before starting Layering, the very first thing to do is to determine if the skin is normal, combination to oily, or dry.

FIRST STEP: OIL MAKEUP REMOVAL

To eliminate makeup, but especially impurities and excess sebum, a vegetable oil is ideal for removing makeup. Adapted to your skin type, the vegetable oil removes all makeup – even waterproof – and gently nourishes the skin.

Prodigia advises: Apricot Kernel oil, Hazelnut Oil, and Virgin Jojoba Oil.

SECOND STEP: CLEANSING

Once the make-up is removed, the excess oil and make-up residue must be removed with a natural cleaner. Balm, cream, gel or cold saponified soap, it is important to choose the right texture that is best suited for the cleansing step.

Prodigia recommends: The Natural Exfoliating Face Soap with Prickly Pear, the Natural Exfoliating Face Soap with Olive Oil, and the Softening Soap with Goat Milk.

THIRD STEP: TONIC LOTION OR HYDROLATE

To complete make-up removal and cleansing and eliminate the limescale present in the water, the ritual is continued with a tonic lotion or a hydrosol, always adapted to the type of skin treated. Sprayed directly on the face or on a washable cotton pad, the hydrosol tightens the pores, tones and refreshes the skin and prepares it to receive the following treatment.

Prodigia recommends the classics of Moroccan beauty: Rose Water and Orange Blossom Water.

FOURTH STEP: VITAMIN C SERUM

After the hydrosol, the absorption of a vitamin C serum with a light texture is particularly optimized. Vitamin C serum is the good boost that all skin needs for a luminous glow, guaranteed healthy glow.

FIFTH STEP: NIGHT CREAM

The day cream, richer than the previous treatments, will serve as a bulwark against external aggressions such as the cold, the wind or the sun. As for the night cream, it helps the skin to regenerate during sleep following the aggressions suffered during the day.

Prodigia’s recommendation: Moisturizing Cream enriched with argan oil.

SIXTH STEP: THE SERUM

Fluid, light, and ultra-concentrated in active ingredients, the serum is the ideal treatment to use to meet the needs of the skin. It penetrates easily into the skin and complements the moisturizer.

Prodigia recommends: Vitamin C Serum, the Tightening Face Serum, and the Light Face Serum with Vitamin E.

SEVENTH STEP: EYE CONTOUR TREATMENT

Much more fragile than the rest of the face and particularly exposed to dehydration, the eye contour requires the application of specific care.

Prodigia recommends: The Light Eye Contour Serum.

EIGHT STEP: LIPS

Hydration of the lips is crucial: a natural and organic lip balm will prevent the lips from drying out, especially in winter.

Prodigia recommends: Aker Fassi Lip Balm.

Need advice? Contact Prodigia.

Why adopt biodegradable glitter? Which formulas to encourage?

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visuel-paillettes-certifies-bio

Shine brightly without polluting the planet with microplastics? Today it is possible thanks to the 100% plastic-free formula of biodegradable glitter. What is it ? How are they made and how are they different from regular sequins? Find the answers in this article:

Where does the glitter traditionally used in cosmetics come from?

Most of the glitter used in cosmetics is made from metal (aluminum) coated in plastic which is then cut into different sizes and shapes to achieve a glittering end result.

Beyond the fact that the production process of flakes is not natural, they flow into the sewers; where they do not deteriorate in the short term. A growing body of research suggests that these microplastics find their way into rainwater, the oceans and thus enter the food chain and ultimately the human body. Of course, they are also harmful to the health of living beings, given their harmful chemical composition, which may possibly contain endocrine disruptors.

How can we recognize plastic glitter in cosmetics?

It is indeed necessary to be able to educate oneself on the subject: it is necessary to be able to identify the ingredients concerned. The glitter will not be identified by the term “glitter” in the ingredient list but rather by the terms “Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)”, “polyurethane”, “PVP”, “Nylon” etc.

Is the natural alternative worth it?

A more ecological alternative to microplastic flakes exists: these are micas. These are minerals that exist naturally in mines and are silicate minerals (muscovites, phlogopites, etc.).

It is worth pointing out that although biodegradable glitter does not contribute to the microplastic problem, it may not be completely harmless. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that biodegradable glitter made from cellulose had a negative impact on river and lake ecosystems. For example, eco-glitter reduces the amount of chlorophyll in the water, which would have a negative impact on organisms such as microalgae, and reduces the length of the roots of certain plants.

Although this alternative is ecological, it is necessary to be able to choose its micas correctly:

Validate the composition of micas in heavy metals: As with all mineral products, it is necessary and regulated to validate that the micas used in cosmetics do not contain heavy metals, which can be harmful to health.

Child labor: The issue of child labor is more relevant today than before; in the aftermath of the pandemic that plunged the global economy into recession, more and more children find themselves caught up in mining.

At Prodigia, all the glitter used in our manufacturing process is Cosmos Natural certified, does not contain traces of heavy metals and comes from a strict no child labor policy.

Do you want to discover more articles on various natural products? Discover the Prodigia blog. Also find out about our services and our products.