All about Tanaka
Tanaka (also known as Thanakha) has a rich history in Myanmar. It is a tradition whitening secret used by women in Myanmar for more than 2000 years. It’s used not only in their daily life, but also in traditional ceremonies where face paintings bear cultural associations of nobility and purity.
The scientific name of Tanaka plant is Limonia acidissima. The best Tanaka plants are naturally slow in growth and it takes three to ten years for the tree trunk to grow two inches in diameter. It must be at least 35 years old to be mature enough to yield good Tanaka. The barks obtained from these trees are fragrant and resistant to pests.
Tanaka means both "cosmetic for beautifying the face" and "cleansing agent". The production of Tanaka for use is fascinating. The simple procedure involves stripping of the bark from the plant, soaking it in water and then grounding it on a mortar and mixed with water to form a fragrant paste to be applied onto the face. It is recognized as an effective and ideal cosmetic for those who have to work under direct sunshine. Women who work in paddy fields always wear thick layers of Tanaka to protect themselves from the harsh sun. It also cools and soothes skin to help prevent pimples.
Bio-essence adapts modern Bio-engineering techniques to extract highly effective whitening, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory agents from the Tanaka tree bark, providing the most natural and effective care for the skin.
The Tanaka Tree Bark Extract used in the Tanaka White Series has deep nourishing, hydrating and cooling properties, and is a tried and tested formula used to maintain skin fairness even under the sun, blocking out harmful UV rays and external pollutants.
The thing is, i already believed in the uses of Tanaka for whitening before this range came out. About 6 years ago, my parents went to Myanmar. When they came back, my mum had bought this face mask that had Tanaka in it. She was raving about how in Myanmar, she saw a lot of women with beautiful white complexion and that she had asked them what they used. They told her they used Tanaka on their faces to maintain a white and flawless mein. My mum also told me that they would smear the Tanaka paste on their faces and walk around the town.
We tried the facemask (came in a tub) for a while, but back then, i wasn't really into beauty products.
When this bio-essence range came out recently, it reminded me of the face mask my mum bought then and what she had told me. So i decided, why not give this a try and see whether it really works out.
First up, Bio-essence White Skin White Perfecting Lotion SPF 15
Given description:
Bio-essence Tanaka White Skin White Perfecting Lotion is a non-greasy formula that uses Bio-engineering techniques to blend unique ingredients Tanaka bark extract, Bio Mineral Essence and Bio-Energy Fluid with other precious herbal extracts Ginseng, Lycium, and Angelicae to effectively moisturize and nourish skin, evens out skin tone and acts as a protective layer against environmental pollutants like dust and dirt. It also contains Pomelo extract, which is rich in Vitamin C for effective whitening properties. With continuous use, skin becomes supple, fair and radiant from within.
Marvelous Efficacies:
• Enriched with Tanaka bark extract for intensive whitening and moisturizing effects
• Light and non-greasy formula, infused with herbal and mineral extracts to replenish essential nutrients for the skin.
• Blocks out and prevents free radical damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants
• Contains strong anti-oxidants to slow down the aging process
• Evens out skin tone, lightens blemishes and pigmentation
• Suitable for use both in the day and at night. Can be used as a make-up base
This sunblock was pretty thick and white, so i don't know about the fact about it being 'light'. Whats true is that its non-greasy definitely. But one negative point is that it will leave your face a shade whiter, like you are wearing some sort of mask. I kinda hate that, but i guess i can tolerate it because im very fair to begin with and people aren't going to notice me being a shade whiter. For people who are more tan, be more cautious if you want to buy this product because you may look unnaturally white. This product has a pleasant scent and is easily absorbed even though its so thick. Overall, not bad, though i would not recommend this because i prefer sunblocks with lighter texture and higher SPF. Retails for $16.80.
Rating: ♥♥♥
Next, Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream
given description:
Bio-essence Tanaka White Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream uses advanced Bio-engineering techniques to blend precious herbal extracts and essential nutrients which deeply nourishes to help repair damaged cells and encourage cell renewal. Re-attain bright and naturally fair skin in no time. It is also lightly textured to facilitate absorption while Tanaka extract helps to cool skin the natural way, suitable for ladies who prefer a non-greasy formula for the day
This is pretty thick for a day cream as well. It doesnt contain SPF, so please don't use this as a sunblock of any sort. Pleasant scent as well, and easily absorbed. Just like the one with SPF, this leaves a sort of white mask though its less noticeable. Pretty spreadable and actually feels luxurious! Retails for SGD $22.80 and you can get this at Guardian, Watsons or any drugstore.
Rating: ♥♥♥
Finally, Bioessence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream
Given description:
Bio-essence Tanaka White Renewal Night Cream contains precious and effective ingredients such as Tanaka and Ginseng extracts, combined with exclusive ingredients Bio Mineral Essence and Bio Energy Fluid to moisturize and nourish your skin while you sleep. It brightens and firms the skin, leaving you with a fair, radiant and blemish-free complexion.
Marvelous Efficacies:
• Contains precious herbal ingredients such as Tanaka extract, Ginseng and Aloe Vera, combined with Bio-Energy Fluid and Bio Mineral Essence to enrich the skin with mineral & trace mineral elements, vitamins and amino acids so that skin layers are strengthened and more elastic
• Skin tone becomes more even, fairer, brighter with continuous use
• Deep nourishing ingredients helps rejuvenate skin cells to improve skin texture, leaving it supple and energized and appearing more translucent
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful look.
One really strange thing is that this cream is more of a gel than a cream! And it is meant for night use! I wonder why the day creams are thicker than the night 'cream'. Since this is gel, it spreads pretty easily too though i would say it has a pretty THICK gel consistency. Easy absorbed and feels cooling. Leaves my skin feeling smooth too after application.
Retails for SGD$25.80.
Rating: ♥♥♥ ♥/
CREDITS: www.cozycot.com for product descriptions and images
