Top Beauty Products Under $50: Origin's Modern Friction

In the world of beauty products and treatments there are high expectations generated by promises of regaining youth, or at least the appearance of youth. The cost of searching for the elusive fountain can be expensive, for the mind, body and the wallet. In a break from the beauty norm, Origin's Modern Friction delivers skin renewing results with gentle, all natural ingredients.

Origins has built a stellar reputation for all natural skin care products and now features endorsement from holistic health icon Dr. Andrew Weil. It is no surprise that in a fast paced, beauty driven world, Origins has managed to produce a competitive dermabrasion product the all natural way.

The company calls Modern Friction "nature's gentle dermabrasion" bidding for market space among similar products and treatments. Dermabrasion has become a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by dermatologists or assistants. In a clinical setting, dermabrasion helps to "refinish" the skin's top layers through controlled scraping. This is done by blasting the skin with aluminum oxide crystals, baking soda, salt or corn cob granules to remove the top "dead" layer of skin. The treatments are can be uncomfortable and produce temporarily unsightly skin appearance that is red and irritated. Although these treatments can give the desired results of refining skin texture and appearance, it usually requires 4-5 hour long visits at anywhere between $75-250 per visit. It adds up quickly and not everyone is guaranteed the same results. It is also usually more extreme treatment than is needed for minor skin improvement.

For a fraction of the cost of professional dermabrasion, Origin's offers Modern Friction as a gentler, do it yourself alternative. It is an exfoliating treatment that can be used on most sensitive skin without irritation. It is a buffing paste that promises the following age-erasing benefits of dermabrasion: improving texture and reducing fine lines, minimizing signs of sun damage, evening out skin tone, restoring a youthful glow.

The product uses rice starch as its main ingredient and exfoliating principal. The rice starch is suspended in cream with lemon oil, aloe, bergamot and peppermint. The company claims that rice water is often used in Asia to wash skin as it naturally absorbs dirt and sebum from the skin. The rice acts as a gentle scrubbing agent lifting dead cells from the skin's surface as it is massaged in circles.

It is applied by scooping onto the fingertips and massaging over clean, dry skin or damp skin for sensitive types. The rice starch works to remove old cells aggressively without damaging healthy skin. The lemon oil helps alleviate uneven tones and sweeps away oil. Aloe, known as the "plant of life", prevents irritation and keeps skin calm. Bergamot and peppermint offer delightful aromatherapy for relaxation and cell stimulation.

In a study conducted by the company, a panel of women who had undergone clinical microdermabrasion tried Modern Friction. According to the company, 94% said they would use Modern Friction instead of professional treatments. The company's claims are well founded. Through personal experience, I have found the product to deliver on its promises. I have recommended it to several friends who have had the same positive experience. Overall skin texture and appearance is improved and can be seen and felt immediately after using Modern Friction. Even for sensitive skin like mine, I experienced no irritation after using this product.

The product has gained critical acclaim since its debut. In 2005, Modern Friction won the Cosmetic Executive Women's Beauty Award for facial skincare ($15 and up). It also won a Shape of Beauty award from Shape Magazine, September 2005, and Best Facial Exfoliator from Natural Health Magazine, October 2005. It is one of the best beauty products available and the affordable price makes it even better. Modern Friction is available at Origins stores for $31 in 4oz jars / 125ml.