Virga Botanicals Exfoliating Grains with Amber and Pomegranate

I first want to start by confessing, I am a scrub addict. I call myself this because I love to exfoliate my skin several times a week and am in constant hungry search for scrubs with varying ingredients.

Needless to say, when I came about Virga Botanicals’ Exfoliating Grains, I became super super excited. For one, learning of Kirsten’s acupuncture and herbalist background completely intrigued me. Next, after checking out the ingredient list, I knew I had to try this product right away.

If you’re a scrub fan like me (ahem, scrub obsessed), you are all too aware of the usual suspects placed in facial scrubs: from walnut and almond shells to pumice, jojoba beads, various fruit seeds, bamboo and even oatmeal. Well you’re in for a surprise because this facial scrub does not contain any of these.

As recommended to me by Kirsten from Virga Botanicals, I used the Exfoliating Grains along with Virga Botanicals Gentle Creamy Cleanser. It’s actually a very good idea to mix the grains with a cleanser just to help get the grains moving along the skin and give it slip.

I start by sprinkling some of the grain mixture on top of my cleanser.

There's a subtle smell of freshly ground herbs (think grain herbs not green) which I really enjoy, not perfumey.

Here's a closer look at the grains

After a 2 second rubbing of the palms to blend the 2, I gently rub my face for about 10-15 seconds. After rinsing and drying, my face feels smooth and looks dewy (who doesn’t like that?!). To finish up my facial regimen, I apply 2 pumps of a treatment oil to keep my skin glowing.

I also want to mention using the exfoliating grains with just plain water without cleanser but did find it harder to move the product on my face.

In terms of roughness, you can definitely feel the friction from the ingredients. I actually like in this case, that I am able to control how much of the grains I use each time I exfoliate. Honestly, a little pinch goes a long way in providing a good exfoliation. I have to remember not to over scrub my face either in intensity or duration because doing so can injure the skin, cause broken blood vessels, create excessive dryness and plain old skin that feels super raw (no one here wants that!).

In addition, the fact this product contains only 4 ingredients without any liquid medium makes it a star for me. No liquid medium means not worrying about other chemicals needed to preserve the product from growing any microorganisms. I love it! It's rare to find facial scrubs without a preservative system in place because they usually contain a liquid.

Ingredients which make me smile:

Coix seed (also known as Chinese Barley): can aid in controlling redness and puffiness

Amber: can help to invigorate the blood, reduce swelling and promote healing

Pomegranate seed husk: Kirsten favors this to be an ideal exfoliating ingredient with astringent qualities

Good qi: the more positive energy, the better!

After 5 weeks of use, the Amber and Pomegranate Exfoliating Grains helped maintain my pores looking small, exfoliated my skin smooth, and gave me a healthy appearance. I’ve also been super happy my make-up has been going on smooth and not caking as it has been in the winter. I was definitely pleased using this scrub and would incorporate its use 1-2 times a week.

RAVE FACTOR 3.5 RAVES

**This product was provided to me by Kirsten Jacob of Virga Botanicals. This product review is based on my own use of this product twice a week for 5 weeks (in March + April 2014). Please keep in mind everyone’s skin is unique and that you may a different experience when using this product. The skin type I have is combination skin.