REVIEW: Irie Rock Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Facial Cleanser

As a lover and promoter of all things natural, especially when it comes to skin and hair,  I was very pleased to come across the Irie Rock line of products.  Irie Rock is made in Jamaica with all natural ingredients. They carry cleansers, anti aging products and body scrubs, lotions and splashes. I picked up two products from their line to test at Expo Jamaica 2014.

Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Deep Pore Cleanser

With Salicylic Acid

The facial cleansing products contain Tea Tree & Witch Hazel. Tea tree oil can kill bacteria and fungi. It comes from the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree¹.  Studies have proven it to work effectively at reducing acne. Though most scientific data points to benzoyl peroxide as a more successful acne treatment, Tea Tree Oil has been shown to produce fewer side effects. In a 1990 study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, 79% of people who used benzoyl peroxide experienced adverse reactions (e.g. itching, burning, stinging, and dryness), compared to only 44% of those using Tea Tree Oil. Acne sufferers, this product is calling your name!

Witch Hazel extract is derived from a plant of the same name. The bark, leaves, and twigs of witch hazel are all high in tannins, giving this plant astringent properties. Astringents are substances that can dry, tighten, and harden tissues. In other words, you may use an astringent on your skin to tighten pores and remove excess oil. 

Sounds like a winning combination no? Irie Rock boasts that this product contains no parabens, no colourants,  no alcohol and no artificial fragrance. The result is a clear, fragrance free liquid of medium thick consistency. 

Deep pore cleanser

The bottle states: Gently and effectively wash away makeup and impurities with this deep pore facial cleanser that softens skin while leaving it looking healthy and revitalized and feeling clean and refreshed. Great for all skin types, regular use helps keep skin blemish free, refreshed and calm.

Tea Tree & Witch Hazel are general disinfectants that fight bacteria and help skin heal by encouraging the formation of new scar tissue. Their antioxidant and astringent properties make them effective against fighting acne. 

I have been using this product for the past two weeks (in conjunction with the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Scrub (which I will review shortly) and I can undoubtedly say that I have seen a difference in the overall appearance of my skin.  I was never prone to acne, but I do have the occasional pimple.  I will watch for those and update as necessary.  My pores are noticeably smaller, and I am watching to see if my eczema (which flares up depending on the weather) will clear up with this. (So far there is a noticeable difference as my dry areas are less flaky.) Overall, my skin looks noticeably brighter. 

My one gripe is that OH LORD it burned the first time I used it.  But I have sensitive skin and there was no irritation as a result so I overlooked it. The second use was more tolerable, and now it doesn't bother me at all. I would suggest if you have very sensitive skin to try starting out using it once a day and gradually increase your usage.

So if you have problematic skin, acne, eczema or dermatitis. You should definitely give this product a try. You may just be pleasantly surprised at the results. 

Buy Irie Rock Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Skin Care Products Online HERE. 

Also Available in store at Unit #11 - Lee Gore Business Cetre, 31 Upper Waterloo Road, Kingston 8. 876-620-9309

Ingredients:  water, glycerin, sodium laureth sulfate, coco betaine, sodium choride, salicylic acid ,witch hazel , citric acid, tea tree essential oil, glydant 

1. WebMD

All Access brings Brian McKnight to Jamaica & We have tickets!

R&B singer Brian McKnight, who is no stranger to the island, will return to Jamaica on November 2, 2013 for the first in the All Access Concert Series.  

The event, which is being put on by Vantage One Group, will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre on November 2, 2013. Show time is 8 PM sharp. 

The American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, R&B musician, multi-instrumentalist (piano, guitar, bass guitar, percussion, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet), will be performing many of his enduring hits to whet the musical appetite of his patrons. Songs like Back at One,One Last Cry and Still In Love are expected to feature.

At the event that promises to be very interactive, McKnight will be joined by the likes of dubpoet group No-Maddz, as well as Romaine Virgo. No-Maddz is expected to excite the audience with their authentic brand of music, represented by songs like Face My Fear, Sort Out Yuh Lifeand Rise Against Profanity.

VantageOne has ensured that each patron will feel special, irrespective of their ticket value, and sets to create an ambience that has never been seen before.

General seated patrons will be accommodated in ascending order with direct stage view, and upon entry will be treated with a light snack and beverage.

Guests who prefer a little extra (VIP) will see themselves enjoying inclusive drinks throughout the performance.

Patrons who opt for VVIP seating will be feted with luxury lounge settings that can seat a party of two, four or eight persons. These guests will indulge in premium liquor all night and food cocktails during band changes.

Ticket hotline: (876) 620-9274. 

Full Hair Care Routine using OX - Organix Xtreme

I did a previous post doing a short review on the OX products since I was using them for a while and introduced them to the store. Many persons have since been asking (almost every other person that meets me) about what I use in my hair and how I use the products for maintenance and care.

Your hair can grow, and it wants to grow, every hair type, texture and kind. It needs your help. Damaging treatment (excessive heat), and hairstyles (braids and weaves) all hinder your hair's progress. I will often hear people say "my hair has been this length for years, it doesn't grow". Yes it does. But it is breaking at the same rate it is growing, hence the reason it seems stagnant.

While routines may vary and everyone's hair structure is different. I can almost 100% guarantee that what I do works. The products are 100% natural (nothing beats that!) full of essential oils that are known for scalp stimulation and hair regeneration. That means it can work for you. It's  not a chemical mock up that might work for some and not work for others. Natural remedies are the best!

Firstly, my hair is processed, relaxed to be exact and that works for me.  I also wrap my hair EVERY night using a satin scarf. Add some OX to the mix and it's a winning combo. I have little to no breakage, the usual shedding (hair turnover and regeneration) and I do a trim maybe every 6 months (YES! and it doesn't look anyway in between).

Left: Taken in July after a relaxer; Right: After a relaxer in September

I do a relaxer about every 2.5 months at which time I usually have about an inch of new growth. In between relaxers, I wash once a week using a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner. After washing, and  I try to lather only twice. More than that and you run the risk of drying your hair out. If you have a problematic scalp (which I do), a little jojoba oil (actually A LOT) on the scalp the day before you wash will moisturise and loosen any build-up.
It also imparts enough moisture to make your  shampoo less harsh. After shampooing, I use the OX Pre Conditioning Treatment, which as it says is a treatment you use before conditioning. This product contains vitamins, essential oils, humecants etc. All which are nourishing the hair. It makes the hair stronger and thicker. Breakage will be minimised because of the strengthening properties.

OX Pre Conditioning Treatment

This product is very thick and goopy. This is applied to evenly coat the just shampooed still wet hair. If you have a problematic hairline too, get it on there. The clove oils are excellent for scalp stimulation and will help with regrowth. Depending on the amount of damage and the level of treatment needed, you can leave it on between 3-15 minutes.
To minimise the amount of tugging on my hair when I apply it (because it is really sticky), I more often than not, mix it with my conditioner (that also makes it last longer too!). OR my favourite method - a mix of 4 oz   treatment to approximately 20 oz of conditioner (a big bottle) and it works just fine! I apply this conditioner/OX mix after shampooing and leave it for about 3 -5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. When rinsing my conditioner, I comb out under the shower/ running water. Because my hair is long, the water helps with the de-tangling so there is minimal tugging on the hair.

The next step is applying the Rejuvenating Mist. This mist is a lightweight spray that has in the base essential oils again, vitamins and lots of other good stuff that restores your hairs PH balance and eliminates frizz. (I personally like to mix it with the OX Serum as its great for heat styling.  I put the serum in the mist bottle and apply, and when I blow dry, there is no need to flat iron. My hair is THAT sleek.

SO, we have washed, pre conditioned, conditioned and towel dried. When applying the Rejuvenating Mist and OX Serum, I use a large wide tooth comb to section my hair in about 6-8 parts, and saturate completely with the mist. The hair is sectioned so that when you blow dry, heat is applied only where needed and not the the entire head of hair. I blow dry on MEDIUM. It takes a little longer, but your hair will thank you. Minimal heat is all you need.

After the hair is dry, apply a bit of OX Oils Maintenance Blends paying special attention to the hairline and scalp if you have problematic scalp. This oil contains clove oils, rosemary oils, jojoba oil and more. A bit more serum is also added to the length of the hair to smooth it. I do this in sections to ensure that it is distributed evenly. The serum is oil based (but super light so that your hair still moves) and the best part is that it is silicone free. Silicones have a tendency to dry out hair overtime even though they impart excellent shine upon application. I then use my dryer on medium heat again to run through for about 1 minute to make sure the oil and serum are properly absorbed.

Wrapping my hair with a satin scarf

I then wrap my hair using a satin scarf. Satin and silk are much better materials for wrapping hair than cotton because of the smooth surface and non absorbent nature. Hair retains moisture and looks really sleek and shiny. Alternatives to a scarf are satin or silk pillow cases, satin bonnets or a satin wraps. If I have somewhere to go, I make sure my hair is wrapped for at least 12 hrs (6pm - 6 am) so that it is really sleek and shiny. If I do that, there is no need to flat iron, which means less heat for my hair. Alternatively, If I do need super straight hair and I don't have time to wrap, I will flat iron on MAX 350 - 375°F, (You not need to use the highest setting as this will cause breaking), using a bit of OX Serum on the ends for heat protection.

I hope this really long epistle is useful to someone who is in limbo about caring for their hair, be it relaxed, natural, straight, wavy or kinky. You can have healthy hair, treat your hair right, no excessive combing, tugging, brushing, glue in, anything that can compromise your hair's structure and you will see a big difference! Last but not least, drink lots of water! Eat healthy, hair needs nutrition just like your body does.

If I missed anything, PLEASE feel free to ask a question, I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback and even your hair care tips and tricks and what works for you, and what doesn't.

*There is also a YouTube video on the OX routine that you can view HERE.

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Significant Details: Jamaican distributors of NYX Cosmetics, Sleek MakeUp, Elf Cosmetics & fine fashion accessories for men & women. 

Unit #11 - Lee Gore Business Centre, 31 Upper Waterloo Road, Kingston 10. Open Mon - Sat; 11 am - 7pm. 876-620-9309