As a travel writer, I’m fortunate to spend the majority of my weeks exploring different cities. This month alone, I’ve enjoyed an elk sleigh ride in Jackson Hole, jet skiing in San Diego, and swim-up bars in Cozumel. While making friends with locals and experiencing different cultures and languages is the best part of all my trips, a constant travel schedule can occasionally wreak havoc on my skin. Switching in and out of different time zones and climates, my skin can go from hydrated and glowy to lackluster, dry, and problematic in a snap.
For three months now I’ve been attempting to correct the aftermath of long stints of travel. So far I’ve tried in-flight sheet masks, re-upped on daily sunscreen use, and used LED masks. But nothing has proven to show the immediate results I’m looking for — with the exception of Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish ($48). A huge fan of the brand, (I own the Mountain Glow Golden Serum and Golden Hour Recovery Cream), I’ve enjoyed the instant benefits the polish provides with each use.
Ahead, read more on how the facial scrub works and see how the incredible formula has become a major part of my post-travel routine.
About the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish
- It’s an exfoliating treatment aimed to retexture and renew the appearance of skin.
- It’s formulated with chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid from willow bark.
- It uses actives like oceanic clay and birch sap to balance out skin.
What I Like About the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish
I have a very minimal skin-care routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For years I’ve avoided exfoliants because they’ve always left my skin feeling raw and stripped of its natural oils and hydrators (I rely on my monthly facial appointment to exfoliate any dead skin). So admittedly, I was a bit nervous to use the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish. But I was happy to see that although the polish feels like a traditional scrub, it rinses off into a smooth, baby-soft canvas — thanks to the natural exfoliators like volcanic ash and wintergreen — leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean, without any tacky residue.
The polish is formulated with salicylic acid from willow bark that deeply cleans below the surface and tightens the appearance of pores. Whether I use the scrub post-travel or during travel, my skin looks dewy and hydrated immediately after use. I’ve noticed that when I consistently use it on a trip, my skin evens out and has a natural shine before I even put my moisturizer on — I credit this to the formula that helps break up any trapped skin cells.
Plus, the glass jar is entirely recyclable — sustainability has always been a big value the brand prides itself on. All you have to do is rinse out the jar and recycle it as you would any other product in your home.
How to Use the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish
Like most of Ursa Major’s incredible products, a little bit goes a long way. Simply grab a nickel-size amount of product and apply it to your damp skin. I like to gently massage the formula for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing it off. The brand recommends using it two to three times a week and to avoid the eye area.
What to Consider Before Trying the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish
If you have sensitive skin or aren’t totally keen on exfoliators, I’d recommend trying it out on your arm before using it on your face to see if you have a reaction.
Where Is the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish Available?
You can get the Ursa Major Green Slate Mineral Polish on Amazon, the brand’s website, Dermstore, and Credo Beauty.
Rating:
★★★★★
Natasha Marsh (she/her) is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan, British GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar.