Exfoliating Bamboo With #OZNaturals

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

One thing I love about writing this blog is getting to try some things I might not have otherwise found.  I've seen exfoliators that are made with all kinds of things, from sugar and salt to ground nuts, but a newer trend I'm enjoying is the powder 'rice enzyme' exfoliant. 

OZ Naturals is a company based here in Florida, and they make some really innovative products like this one, that are vegan and paraben- and cruelty free.  I've been lucky enough to try their gel-tastic skincare,  shea lotion, and a unique Sea-infused Vitamin C moisturizer.  This Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant is made from an ingredient I haven't really come across in skincare - bamboo!

The exfoliant is in a powder form, so at first, the idea of a salt-shaker top seems to be a good one.  Let me just say that it's easier to use if you remember to open it before you start washing your face.  Wet hands = not good with twisting open the top.  I have managed to inadvertently twist off the entire top, and also to not be able to open anything at all.  I am salt-shaker challenged.

After shaking about a 1/4 teaspoon into the palm of my hand, I add only a few drops of water to make a very thin slurry.  This is not a clay mask kind of texture! Using my fingers, I apply the gritty paste to my face and rub gently in circular motions.  In order for the lactic acid to do its job, I leave the paste on for a few minutes.  The water evaporates pretty quickly, leaving the grit behind, but don't worry, it rinses off very easily with a washcloth.

I absolutely love how bright my face looks after using this exfoliator.  The lactic acid is gentle - no burning, itching, or flaking on my oily skin, but it is labeled as being safe for all skin types.  There is also Green Tea extract in the paste, which is full of anti-oxidants and soothes the skin. 

My mani is inspired by the beautiful periwinkle color in the label, as well as the texture of the paste.  I used Essie Using My Maiden Name, a lovely periwinkle cream, for the base, and then did a soft gradient with The Polish Bar Cloudy Skies, a pale lilac crelly with purple and white glitters.

Do you exfoliate?  I really believe that exfoliating does help my serums penetrate better, and then the moisturizers and facial oils lock in the nutrients and hydration.

For more information, or to purchase, you can find OZ Naturals on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon, where this dermafoliant is currently selling for $24.99