Facial oils are probably the most ritualistic of skincare, providing both skin benefits and a pleasant sensorial experience. But when it comes to face oils, it’s fair to say that I’m a little fussy! As someone with rosacea, my skin does not tolerate oils well and, even less so, fragrance in skin care. Many facial oils I have tried in the past contain some comedogenic oils, which may increase the chance of comedones in acne prone skin and also essential oils, which can lead to skin irritation.
The challenge for me was to formulate a facial oil, which reactive skin could tolerate without breaking out or suffer increased sensitivity and would benefit from the hydrating and moisturising properties. But also one that would smell great without the inclusion of essential oils – that's no small feat!
I am happy that I have achieved this with Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil. Our naturally fruit-scented, indulgent, restorative oil blend, brings all the benefits of barrier bolstering, amplified with antioxidant-armoured repair. Formulated to deliver deep hydration, superior moisturisation and fortify the skin, whilst reducing inflammation and minimising irritation. Maysama's Bioferm oil nourishes the deepest skin layers, whilst helping to regulate the microbiome, enhance elasticity and even out skin tone and texture.
Let’s look at how Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil shapes up. From dragon’s blood to black pepper, our ingredients list will have you drooling like Dracula!
Dragon’s Blood, really?
For some time, I have been aware of the improved efficacy of fermented oils for better skin moisturisation. During the fermentation process, microbes break down the larger molecules into smaller, more bioavailable amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients. Smaller molecules simply penetrate skin better. Fermentation also vastly increased fatty acid content, which improves the moisturising effect. That’s got to be a win-win?
I found a fermented oil that I love, in Bioferm Dragon’s Blood™. As dramatic as it sounds, dragon’s blood is used to describe the bright red sap or resin from the Dragons Blood tree (Calamus draco). This sap has many science-backed skincare benefits, including hydrating and plumping the skin, whilst minimising redness and calming sensitive skin. Dragon’s blood oil also has proven wound healing properties, which demonstrates its anti-inflammatory potential and suitability for reactive skin.
More impressively, Bioferm dragon’s blood oil™ has a very high free fatty acid content, with the fermentation process increasing the content of linoleic acid (omega 9) by 93% and oleic acid (omega 6) by 30%. These two fatty acids play a critical role as building blocks in skin cells, strengthening the skin’s surface layers for a smoother, healthier and younger-looking complexion.
Another benefit that I love about fermented oils is that they contain post-biotics. Post-biotics are metabolic by-products produced during fermentation by probiotic bacteria – think Actimel™ for the skin! Post-biotics are rich in bioactive molecules, including enzymes, antioxidants, antimicrobial peptides, anti-inflammatory fatty acids, vitamins, and organic acids, all of which support and help restore the health of our skin. Post-biotics also provide nutrients (pre-biotics), which help a healthy microbiome to flourish and promote a smoother and soothed complexion. What’s more, studies show that fermented oils boost hydration levels in the skin and fortify the natural moisture barrier. Our fermented dragon’s blood is a friend to our fibroblasts and that’s just the start.
Go-Go Green Rooibos
Well, what did you expect? Of course, Maysama’s Bioferm oil is infused with Maysama’s signature Aspalathin-enriched Green Rooibos Extract. Rooibos serves as a powerful antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-mutagenic properties. Green rooibos (Aspalathin linearis), which comes from South Africa, should not be confused with green tea (Camelia sinensis), which is native to China and India. Both are referred to as ‘green’ because they come from the fresh green leaves, which have not been oxidised and, as a result, have a higher antioxidant potential. Whilst green rooibos has many similarities with green tea, it is a true bioactive ingredient with a unique composition and skincare benefits of its own. Studies show that green rooibos is a rich source of super-oxide dismutase, vitamins and minerals and plays a novel role in the protection and repair of adipose tissue, helping to maintain skin fullness. If that’s not enough, Maysama’s aspalathin-enriched green rooibos is extracted using a patented process, resulting in an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient [API], with seventy times the antioxidant potential of traditional rooibos! This is green tea on steroids!!
Pequi Seed Oil
In searching for oils which might impart a natural aroma to Maysama’s Bioferm oil, I fell in love with Pequi seed oil for its many skin benefits and beautiful fruity scent. This unique red oil is derived from the tropical fruit of the Pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense) from Brazil. Pequi seed oil is packed with beta carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, serving as natural pro-retinols, which the skin breaks down as needed. Pequi oil also has a high content of vitamin E and A, as well as a unique combination of essential fatty acids, which can help to improve skin condition. As a worthy contributor to Maysama’s unique formulation, pequi seed oil can help moisturise dry skin, as well as reduce blemishes, improve scars, and give a rich glow to skin. It just gets better!
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
In all sophisticated scents, there are low notes and high notes and sensorial complexities that come from combing fragrances. The natural fragrance of Maysama’s Bioferm oil comes from a combination of pequi seed oil, rooibos and a ‘kick’ of black pepper. Black pepper (Nigella sativa) seed oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging and is a great oil for reducing skin redness and skin irritation. What’s more, Nigella sativa oil contains niacin, otherwise known as vitamin B3, which helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, potentially helping to smooth out fine lines and address wrinkles.
Aside from dragon’s blood, green rooibos, pequi and black pepper, Maysama Bioferm oil is fortified with a proprietary oil blend of fruit and seed oils, including jojoba, grape seed oil, baobab and sea buckthorn, to covet your skin and provide the labour for restoration. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed oil is said to be the closest in properties to skin’s natural sebum and has been shown to enhance skin's restorative properties. Light-weight grape seed oil is suitable for the care of acne, oily and combination skin. With a high content of linoleic acid, it is easily absorbed as well as promoting the absorption of moisture and fat-soluble vitamins. Baobab seed oil, known for its regenerative abilities, is a great oil for drier skin types, rich in nourishing fatty acids omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. With a high content of carotenoids, sea buckthorn oil has potent cell-regenerating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is particularly well suited for mature skin, stimulating the formation of new cells and the skin's metabolic processes. Our oil blend is all topped off with a healthy dose of tocopherol, better known as vitamin E, to help improve the skin's water-binding capacity and amplifying antioxidant activity.
Formulation
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, Daemonorops Draco Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Citric Acid.
Who is it suitable for?
Maysama’s Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil is fantastic for nourishing the skin and works well on normal and drier skin types, including sensitive skin, to impact hydration, increase moisturisation and support barrier repair. Contrary to belief, face oils can also benefit oily skin types and combination skin. Facial oil can help balance oil production by our skin and help to keep our skin hydrated by preventing water loss. Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil can benefit those experiencing blemishes or uneven skin tone.
When to use in routine?
Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil is generally recommended as part of an evening routine, allowing the skin to marinate in its benefits overnight, but can also be used in a morning routine, after serums, before the application of sunscreen. If your skin absorbs facial oils quickly, your skin is likely to be on the drier side, so you may prefer to layer over moisturiser. Facial oils and moisturisers are both great steps in your routine. Moisturisers contains emollients, which combine water-loving ingredients and oil-loving ingredients to form an emulsion. An emulsion hydrates your skin and locks in moisture with a thin film. But oils can penetrate deeper into your skin than some moisturisers, so the addition of a facial oil to your skincare regime can bring further benefits for skin moisturization. The general order is moisturiser followed by facial oil, although you can combine a few drops of facial oil with your moisturiser if you prefer.
Gua Sha Routine
If, like me, you love to Gua Sha, then a little ‘slip’ can be beneficial to help your Gua Sha glide and not drag the skin. The application of facial oil is fantastic to provide the slip you need. If you use serums also with your gua sha, apply the serums first and then layer your Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil on top.
If you are not familiar with Gua Sha, it is a traditional Chinese medicine [TCM] technique used to help relieve facial tension, even out fascia (connective tissue) and improve lymphatic drainage. It is one of the most relaxing rituals and so beneficial for skin health, helping to reduce inflammation, improve microcirculation and reduce puffiness in the face. Regular practice can also help lift and sculpt the jaw.
I suffer with Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction [TMD], which causes pain and stiffness in my jaw muscles and limits the opening of my jaw. Introducing Gua Sha practice has helped me to manage my condition. In fact, I found it so beneficial that I developed my own gua sha tool, with a modern twist - Maysama’s Bian Stone LED Gua Sha. I have been using my own facial oil formulation with my LED Gua Sha for many months and now and, at last, I can share Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil with you too!
How ever you decide to incorporate Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil into your selfcare routine, I hope that you will enjoy the benefits it brings for skin health and find a little ‘me time’ to relax, unwind and indulge!
Customer Notice: Maysama is an independent UK brand. MAYSAMA make every effort to ensure you are happy with your purchase. However, if for any reason you change your mind, we accept returns for unused and unopened products within 14 days of delivery. Please see our returns policy for futher details.
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Maysama Green Rooibos Bioferm Facial Oil
