“EE cream” sounds like the latest iteration of alliteration: First, BB cream was Beauty Balm; next, CC cream was Color Correcting; finally, DD cream was Daily Defense or Dynamic Do-All or Dermatologists’ Dream, depending on who you asked.
Now the Jojoba Company has introduced Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream, which takes beauty creams a step further with exfoliation. Designed with jojoba to deeply cleanse, renew and rebalance skin, it also includes:
- 100% natural Australian jojoba – powerful antioxidant, naturally contains vitamins A, D & E and omega 6 &
9 essential fatty acids, naturally hydrating, carries nutritious plant actives deep into skin
• Bamboo – exfoliating
• Shea butter – hydrating
• Witch hazel – calming and toning
• Vitamin E – antioxidant
• Ivory clay – hydrating
• Salicylic acid – natural Beta Hydroxy Acid, deep cleanse
• Jojoba beads – nourishing, exfoliant
For more, read on!
Jojoba Oil is a Unique Natural Anti-Aging Ingredient Closely Related to the Skin’s Natural Oils
Because jojoba is so similar to our skin’s natural oil, it is thought that jojoba oil can “trick” the skin into thinking it’s producing enough oil, which helps balance oil production [Source: Acne.org]. “Jojoba oil is rich in natural fats that mimic those in the outer layer of the skin,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “This means it can help the skin retain moisture and heal itself.” (source)
Scientific research confirms this. One study shows that use of jojoba oil shows modest swelling, indicative of moisture retention, in the stratum corneum (uppermost layer of skin) after use (Journal of Dermatological Science, 2008). Jojoba oil can also help to increase the penetration of other ingredients into the skin, something that may be useful for anti-acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids (Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 1984).
This means that jojoba oil is good for those with oily and acne-prone skin in small amounts. Just remember what I said above: Applying too much of any oil is not a good thing. Think a dime-size amount for the entire face.
Bamboo is an Anti-Aging Ingredient with Untapped Potential
Bamboo is an incredibly resilient grass that grows on every continent except Antarctica. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many, many years and, subsequently, most of the research about this plant in skin care have been done in China. It’s been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties in preliminary studies.
Most recently, bamboo leaves have gotten attention for their antioxidant flavonoids. The Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China has declared it an antioxidant (Food and Chemical Toxicology). While it’s been found to have good antioxidant capabilities, it has been shown to have minor, but still present, pro-oxidant qualities as well (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry). It’s also been shown to be a free radical scavenger by going after DPPH (Forestry Studies in China).
In a product like Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream, bamboo may have anti-aging properties, treating and preventing signs of aging.
Salicylic Acid
Salicyclic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. According to Dr. Heather Brannon, M.D., a family-practice physician with a specialty in Dermatology, salicyclic acid is also reported to improve signs of aging including wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin with at least 6 months of daily application.
Salicylic acid works by softening keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps to loosen dry scaly skin, increasing cell turnover and effectively renewing the skin. It is often used in acne treatments to cleanse and to prevent clogging of the pores.
When salicylic acid is used in combination with other treatments, it is often to allow the other formulation’s ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Personal Use and Opinions
Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream is an ivory-colored cream with darker tan granules. The granules are small and uniform in shape, without any sharp corners. I only use exfoliants that are rounded because the ragged exfoliants can rip into pores, inviting unwanted dirt and debris in!
Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream refines the skin. You can feel the exfoliants working, and only a dime-sized amount is needed for the entire face. It does not have a smell. It rinses clean and does not feel sticky on the face.
After using Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream, I felt like my skin looked cleaner and more refined. It seems gentle enough to use every other day or so, whereas I generally only exfoliate once per week with other products.
Bottom Line
Jojoba Bead & Bamboo Facial Exfoliant EE Cream is a sensational product for use everyday or every other day. It has many natural ingredients that have been proven in scientific studies to have mild to significant anti-aging properties for the skin. Overall, it’s one of the best natural products I have ever tried!