Spa Moab – a desert retreat!
Nestled in the small town of Moab, Utah, Spa Moab probably has an answer for any desert (or travel) induced skin woes. Filled with a mix of local products, natural skincare lines, and desert charm, Spa Moab is my kind of tourist attraction.
Vegan nail polish sold at Spa Moab. The store is committed to supporting small, cruelty-free companies.
Delightful baby clothes made locally with organic cotton.
10% of the profits from this local candle company, Sydney Hale, are donated to animal rescue causes.
We’d been on the road for three days when I wandered into the spa boutique, my own skin feeling angry—thanks to the heat—and coarse/sticky after many reapplications of mineral sunscreen. I didn’t have time to stick around for a facial (if only!), but just poking around their natural body-care store was enough to put a little pep in my step. Plus, I did find something cool to take home.
Among their many skincare lines, Spa Moab offers an extensive collection by Eminence Organic Skin Care. Their products are composed of all natural, whole organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs and are free of chemicals and, of course, animal ingredients.
Eminence Organic Skincare
More treasures by Eminence…
The spa hostess recommended I try the Stone Crop Serum, a little potion intended to hydrate, soothe, and brighten skin with a slew of natural goodies: green tea, rosemary, sage, thyme, bearberry extract, and lavender. The serum also contains a biocomplex of vitamins A, C, and E, Coenzyme Q10, and alpha lipoid acid.
But I was mostly intrigued by the first ingredient: Stone crop. As the hostess explained, stone crop is a hardy plant native to the desert. It resembles aloe, and like aloe, helps soothe and hydrate skin—but it has 10x the strength of aloe! Sounds pretty good for desert-weary skin, right?
Stone Crop Serum
Maybe. After a few nights of applying the stone crop serum (which smells lovely), I noticed that my skin felt particularly sensitive. When I applied this product, and others, it would feel inflamed and burn-y, even though I didn’t have a sunburn. I don’t think the stone crop itself is to blame, however. Rather, the biocomplex—particularly vitamins A and C—may have more to do with my reactive skin.
While A and C are powerful anti-agers, they are, well, powerful, and should be worked into your beauty routine gradually. Vitamin A increases cell turnover, making it a wonder ingredient for those of suffering from acne or fine lines. It does increase sun sensitivity, however, and should only be applied at night—and in moderation. (You can have too much of a good thing!)
Vitamin C is an effective skin brightener. Lemon juice, for example, which is high in C, is probably the best scar lightener I’ve tried. But again, moderation is key. If you’re applying lemon juice to your face, try mixing it with olive oil—and definitely wear sunscreen after washing your face.
Indeed, vitamins A and C do increase skin sensitivity, which includes sun sensitivity, and too much may backfire and lead to premature skin aging.
Since my own skin was already feeling tender, Stone Crop Serum may not have been the best choice for me right now, at least. Once my routine has returned to normal and I’m not outside constantly, I’ll probably work the serum back into my routine. After only a few days of use, my skin did seem brighter and my acne scars more faded–so I think it’s worth a second chance!
Have you tried serums with stone crop? What’s your favorite anti-aging ingredient?
Also see: Beauty Review- Humble + Lavi Skincare
10 Best Anti-Aging Beauty Tips
Beauty Secrets: 10 Summer Makeup and Beauty Tips
Beauty Secrets: Brightening Age Spots
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Photos: Mary Hood
