Mine isn’t that different from my everyday skincare routine. I can’t stand to have 10 layers on my face on any given day, let alone when I’m roasting under the sun for hours. Just. No.
My beach skincare philosophy is KISS (keep it simple, stupid): the morning’s all about maximising sun protection and the evening is for damage repair.
Because, sunscreen may protect you from the worst of it, but a day in the sun, sea and sand can leave your skin worse for wear (dryness, anyone?).
I don’t know about you, but I can’t enjoy the sun if I have to worry about my skin. So, here’s the best beach skincare routine to keep you safe before, during and after sun exposure:
First things first: let’s get rid of the little grime that settled on your skin during the night.
I like to use a cream cleanser that adds some moisture back into the skin, but any cleanser that’s gentle and pH balanced will do.
The trick is to find a cleanser that removes dirt without stripping your skin naked of the natural oils it needs to stay moisturised. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, you’ve gone too far. Switch to something gentler.
CEF stands for Vitamin C + Vitamin E + ferulic acid.
These three antioxidants patrol your skin and destroy every free radical they see on their path. Vitamin C goes two steps further: it also boosts collagen and brightens your skin.
When used together, these three musketeers of skincare become invincible: studies show that a combo of 15% Vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E and 1% ferulic acid makes these vitamins more stable and DOUBLES photo protection.
You see now why I ALWAYS slather a CEF serum under sunscreen before I hit the beach? It instantly boosts its photoprotection, keeping me safer in the sun.
P.S. I know some of you are worried about Vitamin C making your skin more susceptible to sun damage. But when you use this combo TOGETHER with sunscreen, it enhances sun protection, not sun damage.
Beach skincare is all about sunscreen. Pile it on at least 20 minutes before you leave the house. 1/3 of a teaspoon for your face and neck and one glass shot for your body.
Don’t forget your ears, feet, back of your knees and all the other nooks and crannies you tend to ignore (I know, I’ve been there too!).
Reapply every 2 hours – or after swimming, sweating and towel drying. I know it’s a pain but the beach where’s your skin’s most vulnerable.
You’re exposing almost your entire body for hours to UV radiation that fries your skin and gives you wrinkles, dark spots and – in the worst-case scenario – cancer.
Play it safe. Pile that sunscreen on as often as you can. I really can’t stress this enough.
A skincare routine without moisturizer?! Has Gio gone nuts?
Nope. For me, beach skincare is all about sunscreen. I know that once I hit the beach, I’m gonna start to melt and sweat buckets. The last thing I need is an extra layer of skincare. Or makeup (I don’t wear that at the beach, either).
Instead, I go for a moisturising sunscreen. That way, I kill two birds with one stone.
If your skin’s dry and needs the extra moisture at the beach, then layering your fave moisturiser under sunscreen makes sense. You can find my fave moisturisers for dry skin here.
Do what works for YOU, not what mags and marketers tell you to.
It’s finally time to get rid of all the sweat, sand and sunscreen still stuck to your skin.
But not every cleanser will do. You see, sunscreens need to adhere to your skin really well to work their magic and keep you safe. So you need to bring in the big cleansing guns.
An oil-based cleanser is your best bet for this. You have two options here:
In case you’re wondering, I go for the second option. I don’t see the need of using two products when the one will do.
If your derm has given you any prescription treatment for acne/wrinkles/whatever, use it now.
If not, go in with a retinol serum. I know what you’re thinking, “but won’t that make my skin more susceptible to sun damage?”
Nope. One: you’re using it at night, once the sun has gone down. Two: you’ll be wearing sunscreen the next morning, right?
So, no, retinol won’t harm your skin. But it’ll help you repair some of the damage UV rays have done to your skin. How? Three ways:
I wouldn’t recommend using it every night (unless your derm told you otherwise). Two or three times a week should be enough on holiday.
Let’s face it: spending a day at the beach can suck all the moisture out of your skin and make it look like a withered old prune.
During the day, I make do with a moisturising sunscreen. But as soon as the sun goes back, I slather on a hyaluronic acid serum.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet: it attracts water from the air and binds it to your skin. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
All that moisture keeps your skin soft and plump, ready for the next day at the beach.
I may skip moisturiser in the morning but I sure pile it on in the evening. Your skin needs all the moisture it can get after a long day at the beach.
Sure, hyaluronic acid helps. It drops plenty of moisture into your skin. But you need a moisturiser to seal it all in.
Which one you choose depends on your skin type:
Bonus points: the more antioxidants it has, the better.
I don’t go to the beach often. No matter how diligent I am with sunscreen, I’m so pale I still burn if I spend a little too much time in the sun. Ouch!
That’s why I always pack a tube of aloe vera gel in my beach bag. Aloe vera is a godsend for sunburns. Its soothing properties reduce redness, itching and irritation. Plus, it feels so refreshing on.
Beach skincare is all about sunscreen + hydration. Put your UV shields up, keep the hydration flowing and always have a tube of aloe vera gel at hand. Everything else can wait until you’re back from your beach vacay.
Article Source: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/the-best-beach-skincare-routine-for-your-summer-holidays/
]]>How you layer your skin care can; Make your skin care work swimmingly or leave it like a fish flapping around out of water. Aka you see great skin change or you don’t.
The absolute foundation of skin care order relies on one extremely knowable rule – start with your thinnest skin care first, end with your thickest skin care last.
Why? Because thick skin care absorbs at snail pace but thin skin care absorbs at hare pace.
Like trying to suck either water through a straw or smoothie through a straw.
Which in general means any skin care you have which is water based i.e. serums, essences, ampules and hydrators should be in your skin care order first. Then skin care you have which is oil based or more oil based i.e. creams, balms, facial oils and conditioners should be in your skin care order last.
Basics done. Now time to get into the nitty-gritty of skin care layering aka should you layer cream or balm first? When should you apply face oil? Does retinol come before or after serum?
The best skin care order for your skin care routine will fit products into this layering guide;
Which from steps 4 to 11 is all about thinnest to thickest aka putting your frosting on top of your skin care cake instead of your cake on top of your skin care frosting.
You should also know this: you don’t have to have skin care products in every one of these layering descriptions to have a great skin care order or be taking great care of your skin. Which means you might not have a step 3 – exfoliator but instead you have a step 4 – toner which not only tones but also exfoliates such as Glycolic Acid. Or you might not use a step 5 – facial mist, but you definitely do use a step 6 – serum.
Plus – some of this skin care order you will only do for AM i.e. sunscreen and some of this skin care order you will only do for PM i.e. makeup remover and I also strongly recommend cleanser.
Face oil is a guaranteed last step/2nd to last step of your skin care order. Taking longest to absorb and being most similar to the top layers of your skin – using face oil as a last skin care step helps it work best.
Pssst! If you want to help your face oil absorb in more quickly you can always use a second dose of moisturiser over your face oil. It can help take any stickiness away quicker.
Proven anti-ageing ingredient – retinol – now here’s an active you want to make sure you’re juicing all the benefits out of ‘eh.
When to apply retinol in your skin care routine? Use retinol where it best fits into your skin care routine in order from thinnest to thickest. Also be sure to use retinol only in your PM skin care order as retinol is sensitive to light aka will be used up in AM before getting a chance to benefit your skin.
Article Source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/skin-care-order/
]]>pH is a measure of how acidic or how alkaline something is.
Lemons are acidic.
Spinach is alkaline.
Tap water is averagely neutral.
Mixing together liquids which have different pH levels – changes pH.
If you made lemon spinach – yummy!? – the overall pH of your meal would change.
Like adding more and more tap water to lemon juice – it gets less and less lemony, less and less stingy and less and less acidic.
pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14.
Anything below 7 is acidic. Anything above 7 is alkaline.
Your skin also has a pH.
Psst! Most people think skin pH should be about 5.5.
In fact – an exceptionally healthy skin pH looks likely to be around pH 4 to 4.5.
…and here’s why washing your face has potential to cause acne;
Bottom line: Acne face wash could be raising your skin pH above healthy aka causing you sudden breakouts.
Article source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/sudden-acne-breakout-on-face/
]]>Did you know there’s a bazillion tiny particles floating about your face right now? You can’t see them, but it doesn’t mean they’re not there. Like an imaginary best friend no-one can know about.
The types of particles floating around your face are different depending on where you live.Different depending on the time of year and different depending on which direction today’s wind decides to breeze/blow/gale from.
Sometimes the air about you is A-star clear.
Sometimes the air about you is full of pollution.
Teeny-tiny specks of dirt made by car exhaust fumes, factories, cooking, aerosol sprays, fires, candles and more.
…and when you have an oily skin type, which as you’re prone to acne is very likely, these teeny-tiny specks get stuck in your pores. Once glued down, they bury deep causing your skin ageing damage and inflammation.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition. Because pollution causes inflammation, pollution can worsen acne.
But my friend, pollution as a cause of acne doesn’t stop here.
A 2017 skin study tells us people living in high pollution areas have;
When your skin’s oily, your pores are prone to collecting dead skin plugs which are then able feed acne bacteria like crazy.
Potential reason for your acne: High pollution levels.
Treatment for pollution caused acne;
Having acne and an oily skin type can make you want to cleanse, cleanse, cleanse. Especially because of a well spread myth saying if you have acne your skin is unclean.
In actual-real-scientific-fact my friend, the complete opposite could be true.
You could have acne because your skin is too clean.
Crazy ‘eh.
Cleansing your skin, especially with aggressive cleansers (often called foaming cleansers, oily skin cleansers, soap) cause skin changes which make your skin extra friendly for acne causing bacteria.
Imagine your skin like a holiday home. When booked out, no-one else can get in. However, if you over-clean aka send your normal holiday guests packing, you leave the door open for a new-uninvited or unknown kind of guest.
Exactly like over cleansing your skin.
Normally your skin has a whole host of bacteria on it. This is a very, very good thing and helps keep your skin healthy. When you over cleanse or use a cleanser with a high pH level, you cause your skin’s bacteria populations to change.
Naturally your skin has a pH level of 4.2-5.5. Healthiest when below 5.
Your normal bacteria populations love this pH – like a sunny beach vacation.
When you over cleanse skin or use a high pH cleanse (some can be as high as pH 12!) you make your skin a not so loved place for normal skin bacteria and a very loved place for acne causing bacteria.
Acne bacteria breed best at pH levels above 6.
Potential reason for your acne: Over cleansing/Using a high pH cleanser.
Treatment for cleanser induced acne;
Diet has huge effect on your skin. I’ve experienced the effect of Mr.Dairy first hand and I’ve helped several other skin savvies like you fix their diets to see the very same great skin change.
Dairy is a key acne danger food for these 3 reasons;
Crazy fact: Humans aka you and I *winks* were only designed to drink dairy/our mum’s milk when building our toddler bodies into strong young adult bodies. Sometimes the strength of hormones in your mum’s milk could even make you – as a baby – lactate white liquid. After your mum’s milk was gone, diary disappeared from your diet.
Potential cause of your acne: Dairy. Found as milk, cheese and yogurt. Or used in biscuits, cakes, pasta sauces, salad dressings and a surprising amount of non-milk looking foods.
Those pesky things ‘eh. Hormone presents are like playing Russian roulette – you never quite know what you’re going to get.
Androgens are a type of hormone including testosterone with direct links to acne. And both women and men have testosterone. At different times of your monthly cycle, hormones like estrogen compete competitively with testosterone for dominance. Ups and downs cause your skin to react.
The most common reaction is oil making. Super sticky oil making.
What causes acne? Take a peek at your acne equation;
Sticky sebum + dead skin + acne bacteria = acne
What gives you acne? The type of sebum your acne prone skin makes is different from the sebum non-acne prone skin types make.
All oils are not the same my friend, imagine them like different chocolate types – plain, white, dark, milk, 70%.
Skin types prone to acne are very often low and/or deficient in an oil called linoleic acid. A thinner, drier kind of skin oil. Meaning your hormones are coding your skin to make too many of the thicker, pore clogging kinds of skin oil.
What causes spots? Hormones causing your skin to make sticky sebum.
How to help treat hormone caused acne;
Aka trapped dead skin stuck deep inside your pores. A pot holing expedition of skin cells which are loving life deep underground in your pores. They don’t need air and they ain’t coming up for it anytime soon.
Every day your skin naturally exfoliates itself. A few skin cells shed off, a few more grow back. Like a brick wall being constantly replaced. 30 days is the average time you need for almost 100% of your skin cells to completely shed off and become renewed.
However, because your skin is acne prone and very likely oily or combination – skin cells lurk around longer, especially inside your pores.
Here past their sell-by date flakes absorb oil, make sticky dead skin plugs and feed the no-good kind of bacteria.
What causes acne? Trapped dead skin cells stuck deep inside your pores.
How to help get rid of acne;
A very commonly spoken of and non-dermatologist recommended home holiday remedy for acne is sunshine – dries spots and your skin out like crazy.
But… the very same thing could also be causing you acne. Yeesh.
Not only can sunlight cause your skin serious premature ageing. Sunlight or more specifically UV light could be the cause of your acne.
Why? Because UV light has a special spark with your skin’s oils, being the right amount of energy to oxidise aka make go off your skin’s sebum.
Your sebum is a homemade mixture of lots of different kinds of oil. One kind goes by the name squalene. And when squalene gets oxidised by UV light it makes a highly comedogenic/highly pore blocking ingredient called squalene monohydroperoxide.
What causes acne? Unprotected sun exposure.
How to help get rid of acne;
Acne cosmetica is this acne cause’s fancy name. Makeup, skincare, sunscreen, cosmetics… anything you’re using on your face can have potential to block your pores.
…and blocked pores, you guessed it my skin savvy – cause acne, spots, blemishes and breakouts.
A warm and cosy den for acne causing bacteria.
Imagine one of your pores like Cinderella’s perfect slipper, now imagine another which is too big and another which is too small. Cinderella’s feet will wash in and out of the too big slipper. Her feet won’t even be able to get into the too small slipper and the fitting slipper – well sometimes, after a long hard 5km walk in heels, they’re too exercised to slip out.
The same is true of all skincare ingredients. Some are the perfect size to slip into your pores and never again come out.
Ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, myristyl myristate and Isopropyl myristate.
What causes acne? Comedogenic skincare.
How to help get rid of acne;
Sugar tastes so good but trust me there’s a heap of other much healthier foods able to tingle your tastebuds to the very same pleasures.
Sugar is a food which can play havoc with your hormones. Once you eat sugar, you begin a high-speed game of tag. Sugar granules go in, run around and insulin hormones scurry around trying to catch one.
The more sugar granules you eat, the more insulin hormones get released to go chase them.
The hormone cascade sugar begins causes;
Yikes! And sugar isn’t only the white granules you add to cakes, cereals and tea. Quick release sugar can be found in refined foods too – white pasta, crisps, white bread.
What causes acne? Eating lots of sugar.
How to help get rid of acne;
Using harsh skincare is oh so bad for your skin and can cause or make-worse existing acne. Remember how we said acne is an inflammatory skin condition? Well too harsh skincare causes inflammation. See how the 2 could trigger each other off?
If you put a chocaholic next to 5 cubes of chocolate – there’s only one thing that’s a’happening ‘eh.
You’d have no idea this imaginary person was a chocaholic until Boom – 5 cubes of chocolate devoured in 0.5 milliseconds flat.
Same is true of your skin.
You might have acne prone skin without knowing it – use too harsh skincare and pow – acne central.
You might already have acne and be tempted to use extremely strong skincare to get clear skin – then pow once more – acne worsens, grows and explodes.
What causes acne? Extra strength skincare.
How to help get rid of acne;
Your skin is a super organ with 1 primary goal – keeping you safe. Imagine an over protective father sleeping rough outside your boyfriend’s door. Skin is the 1 sleeping giant between you and the world.
Your skin keeps harmful UV radiation away from your vital organs. Your skin holds you together and prevents you from becoming gooey mush on the floor. Your skin acts as a shield/barrier against irritants, allergens, bad bacteria and villain like viruses.
But your skin is not un-defeatable, especially if you’re using skincare which works against your skin’s natural biology.
Now 1 bacteria in-particular – called Propionibacterium acnes or p.acnes for short is well-recognized as an initial trigger for acne. However, p.acnes is not the only bacteria which can make your skin get bumpy, inflamed, pink and red acne lesions.
Imagine having a cat flap – you let your cat in, but you also shout a free pass to all other neighbourhood cats and/or insects/birds/mice/dogs small enough and smart enough to figure it out.
Infections as a cause of your acne which happen when your skin barrier is poorly are the very same deal. If you have especially inflammatory acne, there’s a strong likelihood you have a bacterial skin infection.
What causes acne? Skin infection caused by an unhealthy skin barrier.
How to help get rid of acne;
There you have it my friend the what, why and who of what causes acne. Your triggers could be 1, 2 and 3. You might find just 3 explodes your acne. You might find all poke and play with your acne in different ways.
Article source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/what-causes-acne/
]]>WHAT MAKES SKINCARE LESS EFFECTIVE
First lovelies let’s talk about how skincare can age and become less effective. It helps to think of skincare like FOOD. [The cosmetic regulators will take a GASP when reading this… as there are strict ‘do not make your cosmetic look like a food’ guidelines to developing skincare products and pretty much any other kind of product that isn’t a food – sorry guys, my readers just need this!].
Think of a carrot, it spends most of its life ‘below ground’, then it sprouts to its BEST and it’s time for it to mature in its life path to ending up on our dinner plate! From the moment that carrot is ‘MADE’ or in best, ripened and vitamin packed state, it is starting to age. Food companies will try to SLOW the aging by picking them a bit un-ripe, by transporting them to your dinner plates in cold, cold trucks and by keeping them out of sunlight. When the ‘I went for a tan and came back a bit orange’ carrot reaches your home, it’s time to put it in the fridge and schedule-in its performance time on your dinner list before it becomes a bendy or mushy mess. That’s the time all the things that make a carrot good for you, have gone a bit wrong and it is so definitely PAST its best-by date!
Skincare is exactly the same, it’s the carrots sister. Its aging actually starts well before the lotion, serum or butter is made, as all its ‘individual’ ingredients need to be picked and ‘made’. That’s the moment it starts aging. Aging means less active and less goodness for your skin. Thankfully there are SUPER effective ways to help your skincare last LONGER!
SOME SKINCARE DOESNT REALLY AGE – BECAUSE IT’S NOT ACTIVE
There are some skincare products that don’t really age and can just go on and on for a pretty long time. Kind of like dried fruit. Dried fruit tastes YUMMY (I’m about to burst a bubble) because its FULL of sugar, that’s also what keeps it ‘GOOD’ for ages longer than fresh fruit, high sugar is a preservative. Most of the good vitamins aren’t there anymore as they go-off pretty quick. Skincare that doesn’t really age is like the skin form of a dried fruit.
When it comes to skincare that doesn’t really GO-OFF, you are looking at creams which don’t really have ‘active’ ingredients in them. Mostly this will be BARRIER forming creams which like to hang-out on the VERY surface layers of your skin and stop it from losing water (that’s called occlusive moisturisation). Their job is to just ‘be’, they don’t really interact with ANYTHING, that includes your skin, heat ‘n the air.
The skincare you don’t need to be worried about will mostly be skincare HIGH in mineral oils, paraffin’s, beeswax and silicones.
WHICH SKINCARE SHOULD YOU BE SUPER CAREFUL WITH TO MAKE SURE IT STAYS ACTIVE?
Active skincare is the ‘Jewel’ that sits on-top of our skincare regimes. It’s the bit that is going to MAKE a significant difference to the quality and appearance of our skin. There are 2 main types of ingredients that are going to go-off and are like little ‘alerts’ that the cream/serum/oil needs SPECIAL love and attention.
Natural and precious oils. The more active oils are ones that contain a lot of something called Linoleic acid, this is a really YUMMY ingredient for skin that is PROVEN to improve the quality of skin. These more ACTIVE oils have lots of extra hands to reach out to your skin with and get its bonding and interacting ON with your skin. Those hands can ALSO do lots of interacting with other things like light, heat and air. Here is a trusty pinable of HIGH linoleic acid oils. They are guys like Hemp seed, Rosehip and Evening primrose – but grab a peek at the pinable list to get a good gander of precious oils that need love and attention.
Related: AND did you know eating a diet in Linoleic acid makes skin ALL healthy! ‘How to eat your way to super healthy and radiant skin’
Just plain old ‘natural’ being on the pack. Natural ingredients age like natural anything, food, skin, cotton clothes! Synthetics or petrochemical derivatives are stable like a plastic bag or piece of chewing gum would hang around. Protect your naturals!
Vitamins, like A, C and E. Vitamins are sensitive little beings, that need a LOT of love, care and attention, any cream with these in, needs to be carefully cared for. These guys will be the FIRST thing in your cream that any ‘killing’ forces will get to work on. Sometimes in the case of vitamin E, that is actually IN the cream FOR that reason, it’s the ‘first line of defence’ for the other natural oils in there, it gets attacked and helps preserve your other oil lovelies. Thing Is vitamin E being also a great protector (anti-oxidant) for your skin, so protect it and it’ll do that on your face, not in the bottle. #HappinessAllAround!
4 WAYS TO HELP SKINCARE STAY ACTIVE FOR LONGER
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A SKINCARE PRODUCT IS ‘DEAD’ AND SPECIAL INGREDIENTS ARE NO LONGER ACTIVE?
It’s going to be pretty super hard to tell without some high-tech gizmos and potentially a laboratory in your own home. That’s because a lot of ingredients can ‘die’ without screaming, they just change into something else which is still safe for your skin but not ‘active’ in the promised way. This is why keeping to the 4 tips above will be keep your skin awesome! BUT if any of these 3 things happen below – chuck away and quick…
Article Source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/how-to-make-sure-youre-skincare-products-actually-work/
]]>What Are the Different Types of Inflammation?
Though some people occasionally experience inflamed skin or other symptoms (more on this later), there are others who experience this more frequently. As Dr. Rogers explains, the first type of inflammation, aka acute inflammation, is our body’s immediate response to an injury. This type could happen to almost anyone and usually has a rapid onset that lasts a few days before passing. If you experience the symptoms more frequently, what you have could be chronic inflammation, in which the culprit is usually viral infections, autoimmune disease, a foreign body, gluten sensitivity or a slew of other factors. If you’re worried, it’s best to talk to your trusted physician or dermatologist for a clearer diagnosis or treatment plan.
What Are the Symptoms?
Board-certified dermatologist Jeanette M. Black, M.D. explains that redness, swelling, overheating and pain are all symptoms of an inflammation. And for some, acne spots or breakouts could pop up, too. “When our bodies are exposed to infections, the inflammatory pathway results in symptoms such as fevers, fatigue and drainage. When the skin is subjected to trauma from injuries or UV radiation, the inflammatory cascade can result in redness, pigmentation, scar formation and dysregulation of collagen and elastin fibers,” she says.
Dr. Black also explains that our skin will react to inflammation with an increase in blood flow to the skin, making our faces red, sometimes causing swelling, pain or itchiness. “The dilated blood vessels also make it easier for your body to absorb the chemicals you are putting on your face, increasing the risk of further irritation. This is why it is so important to be incredibly selective about what you are putting on inflamed skin,” she explains. And of course, she adds, be mindful of your diet.
How Does What We Eat Impact Inflammation?
Dr. Rogers shares that because our gut and our skin are the two largest organs in our body and have exposure to possible irritants that could lead to inflammation, our digestion directly impacts the condition of our pores. Once the inflammatory pathway is activated, our immune system is turned on everywhere! “What this means is, if your gut is inflamed, your immune system is revved up, making skin more sensitive, more likely to become inflamed. The opposite is also true; if your gut is calm and your immune system is quiet, your skin will be less sensitive,” she explains.
For those who battle inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet is suggested, since it avoids foods that commonly irritate the gut to prevent activation of the immune system and inflammatory pathways. “There are some standard foods to avoid but also, everyone is different and what inflames one person may not do the same for another,” she shares.
What types of food will work against inflammation? For starters, Dr. Black suggests stocking your daily meals with picks high in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and whole grains, fatty fish and oils. You’d also want to avoid anything processed, as well as any food that’s high in sugar, gluten, diary and other inflammatory ingredients.
How to Reduce Skin Inflammation?
If you want to go the topical route with skin care products or add a supplement to your diet, there are many effective ways to reap their benefits. Dr. Black says that since we can’t all eat 100 percent clean all the time, anti-inflammatory skin care products and supplements can be beneficial and helpful, too. “Supplements with vitamins and minerals can be beneficial for those [who] find it difficult to keep up a diet rich in all food groups including vegetables and fruits. Topical cosmeceuticals with various ingredients have also been formulated to help fortify the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle,” she raves.
Here are a few ingredients to look for in your skin care products and supplements:
Article source: https://www.dermstore.com/blog/top_ten/anti-inflammation-skin-supplements/
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To put it simply, the Skin-Care Diet is all about minimizing the steps in your skin-care routine to decrease irritation. The routine is limited to cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, and all the products are typically free of any harsh active ingredients.
Reason being? Many believe the Skin-Care Diet is a response to the downfalls of a 10-step routine. "People have been piling on so many different products that they've developed redness, sensitivity, and even worse — contact dermatitis," - Liah Yoo, Krave Beauty
Skin sensitivity due to an extensive routine is a valid concern. "We do see a number of patients that build peculiar skin-care combinations and end up with flared, irritated skin," says Neil Sadick, a New York City-based dermatologist. For example, layering a retinol moisturizer with products containing potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C and salicylic acid, is a "recipe for irritated, red skin," he adds.
The word "diet" is involved because "it's a way to cleanse yourself of all the harm you're possibly doing to your skin by bombarding it with a multitude of products you simply don't need," Dev explains.
California-based dermatologist Annie Chiu compares it to the elimination diet. "You go down to bare bones for a month or so and see how things are going," she says. By taking certain products out of your routine, you see what your skin truly needs.
Does she recommend it, though? "If you are using a plethora of products and not seeing the results you want (and are paying for), a “diet" could help," Chiu says.
About three years ago, dermatologists in Korea began advising people who were experiencing sensitivity and redness to step back from their extensive routines and cut down to the basics, according to Liah Yoo (Krave Beauty). And she's not wrong. "It is never a bad idea to simplify a skin-care regimen," Boston-based dermatologist Ranella Hirsch tells Allure. "More steps and products is not better."
From there, the benefits of following a minimalist regimen started spreading via word of mouth and the Skin-Care Diet (which is a literal translation of its Korean name) was born.
The popularity of the Skin-Care Diet is so pervasive that even K-pop stars follow it. EXID's Hani shared that she's been experimenting with it by bringing her skin-care routine down from six steps to about two. "Ever since then, my skin has gotten a lot better," she said.
I've lost count of the number of glass-skinned K-pop stars who have shocked me when they said they follow a three-step regimen. Even Day6's Jae recently tweeted that all he uses is a foam cleanser then lotion. "End of routine," he wrote. No fancy toners, at-home peels, or serums packed with hard-to-pronounce ingredients here, and that is the basis of the Skin-Care Routine.
The most obvious reason that even K-pop stars swear by the Skin-Care Diet is it's simpler (and quicker) than a 10-step routine. "A simplified routine is more realistic to stick to," says Angela Kim, a Korean beauty expert and founder of Savor Beauty. "An inconsistent routine won’t get the same results because skin care is a conglomerate of what you do over time. Think of it like working out: You won’t see results if you only go to the gym once."
The Skin-Care Diet is also more lightweight on skin, especially during warm-weather months, Seoul-based YouTube star Joan Kim adds. "Summer in Korea is unbearable," she says. "Trust me, you will want to use a few products rather than layering, otherwise it'll feel too sticky." After trying out a simpler routine for a couple of months, she realized that she truly didn't need all 10 steps. Instead, she could focus on choosing what she thinks her skin needs.
For Dev, following the Skin-Care Diet helped him step back and evaluate his routine and determine what his skin responds well to. "Trying this simple challenge really opened my eyes to how certain ingredients cause my skin to have a negative reaction, why using SPF is way more important than using countless serums to reverse the signs of aging, and a ton of hype around a product doesn't mean I need to go out and buy it," he explains.
For those with acne-prone skin, like Krave Beauty's Yoo, she says the Skin-Care Diet has helped clear up her complexion because she cut out products that contain harsh ingredients, fragrances, and essential oils that clog pores and sensitize skin.
"I was probably a victim of extensive skin-care routines," Yoo says. "If you have acne-prone skin, you kind of become desperate and try everything on the market. I once had a very extensive routine, using up to 12 different products. I was cleansing four times a day. I hadn’t been seeing results from the 12-step routine, so there was nothing to lose by simplifying it." After cutting her routine down to three steps, Yoo learned a major lesson. "I became a firm believer that skin is really smart," she explains. "It does know how to function by itself, and skin care should be there to support skin’s natural functionality, not to overtake what skin could do."
Of course, cleansing is the first step of any good skin-care routine. When looking for the right face wash, it is advised to consider something gentle without any harsh actives. If you wear makeup, then feel free to double cleanse with an oil cleanser first.
A slathering of moisturizer comes after cleansing. Hydration is a crucial focus of the Skin-Care Diet — and Korean skin-care routines, in general. When your skin is properly hydrated, it looks plump and healthy. Needless to say, the "chok chok" glow, complete with dewy, radiant, poreless skin that everyone vies for, would be nothing without it.
Plus, skin cells require ample amounts of water to carry out all their metabolic functions, like combatting inflammation, regenerating, and promoting cellular turnover. Inadequate hydration compromises skin elasticity and resilience, making it look dull, wrinkly, and dry.
Not sure which moisturiser to use? It is recommended to look for one that's rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, as well as hyaluronic acid, which can seal in moisture and protect the skin's outer layer from external damage.
The inclusion of sun protection in the Skin-Care Diet is a no-brainer. If you need a refresher on the powers of it, here's an easy way to think about it: A layer of SPF a day keeps sunburn, fine lines, and sun spots away. And it helps reduce your chance of skin cancer, of course.
Article source: https://www.allure.com/story/korean-skin-care-diet-minimalist-beauty-routine
]]>Then you were warmly welcomed into the world of chemical exfoliants. AHAs vs BHAs.
The kind of exfoliants that don’t ask you to buff, scrub or gently move in circular motions. The kind which exfoliates gradually instead of all in one hit. The kind which takes less than 10 seconds to apply and continues to work for hours after.
But which do you use?
What Is BHA?
AHAs are best for some skin types. BHAs are best for other skin types.
When you see the word BHA on a face wash, toner or moisturiser, you’re seeing the abbreviation for beta-hydroxy acid. BHAs are 1 type of chemical exfoliant with the most common type of BHA being salicylic acid.
Almost all BHA exfoliants in the skincare world are based on salicylic acid. Meaning, most of the time, BHA, beta-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid mean the exact same thing.
So when should you use a BHA? Which skin types work best with BHA exfoliants? How do you know which to choose: AHA vs BHA?
What’s the Difference Between BHA and AHA?
BHA and AHA exfoliants have very similar benefits for different skin types. Use the wrong one for your skin type and it won’t be doing much. Use the right one for your skin type and you’ll see a fresh, clear, even, smooth skin tone in no time.
While you now know BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid, what you might not know is that AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid.
The 2 have very similar names because they’re very similar skincare ingredients.
If you want to get super savvy about the science, know this, alpha and beta are exactly like a postcode, they tell scientists where a certain part of the molecule lives. In space 1 aka alpha or in space 2 aka beta.
Why does it matter? Because different postcodes aka locations of hydroxy acids dissolve differently in different liquids.
This is the key to your decision of AHA vs BHA.
AHAs dissolve best in water and BHAs dissolve best in oil.
Meaning… and I bet you’re here already: AHAs are best for normal to dry skin types and BHAs are best for combination and oily skin types.
Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid
When choosing a liquid exfoliant the products you’re looking at may not be labelled up as simply as AHA and BHA. Instead, you might see a salicylic acid mask or a glycolic acid face wash.
These 2 types of chemical exfoliant are the most common types used.
And all you need to know is this;
AHA vs BHA bottom line: If you have a dry to normal skin type, choose glycolic acid. If you have a combination or oily skin type, choose salicylic acid.
AHA or BHA for Acne?
Exfoliating regularly is a great way to help fight away acne, spots and pimples. When you develop a spot, dead skin has become trapped in your pores. Usually, your skin exfoliates itself almost fully every 30 days, but as you get older this slows.
Using a liquid exfoliant can happily speed up your skin’s natural exfoliation rate helping stop dead skin from becoming trapped in your pores. When spot causing bacteria have no food, they have to pack up and go hibernate.
In the choice of AHA or BHA for acne, the answer is simple. Do you have it already? Spots happen in your pores and your pores are where sebum aka oil is created. This sticky mixture of dead skin and oil is the reason why oily and combination skin types are prone to spots, acne and pimples.
…and the reason why BHA or beta-hydroxy acid exfoliants or salicylic acid exfoliants aka the kind which dissolve in oil are the best at helping treat your spots or acne.
Can I Use AHA and BHA Together?
…Can I use BHA and AHA at the same time? Can I combine AHA and BHA?
Now my fellow skin savvy, some skincare products combine AHAs and BHAs.
In case you were wondering this is a high, high strength product. 2% is the maximum safe amount of salicylic acid allowed in the EU and 30% is the maximum salon safe dose of glycolic acid advised in the EU.
Using AHAs and BHAs together, in general, is not advised because you’re using too many ingredients which have a similar effect and when you do this, skin can get itself in a pickle. Imagine waxing your legs once, only to do it again 10 seconds later. Imagine eating dinner to then have to eat the same sized portion for dessert. Imagine doing a body attack class to go do a body pump class after.
It’s going to hurt… and doing the same to your skin will hurt too, not as pain, but as inflammation, redness and irritation. Which is ageing – not good.
Word to the skincare wise: In general, it is not advised to use AHA and BHA products together and if using pre-prepared AHA and BHA products it should be occasionally and with caution.
Article source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/aha-vs-bha/
]]>What do those numbers mean?
And how do you know when your products have expired?
In the US, only products that are regulated as over-the-counter drugs, like sunscreens and acne products, have official expiration dates printed on them, but other skincare (which is considered cosmetic) is kind of up to the discretion of the manufacturer. Korean brands that sell in the US will obviously operate under US laws, so the same thing applies — printing the expiration date is up to the brand.
To add to that, Korean brands sometimes opt to print manufacturingdates on their products because that helps consumers know exactly how fresh their products are, as opposed to an expiration date, which indicates when a product is likely to be no good. We can go back and forth on which date is more useful, and, of course, having a number at all is nice.
The main thing to remember about products and expiration, though, is that, it’s important to remember when you’ve opened a product. Even if you get a super fresh product, once you open it, the clock that is that product’s shelf life starts ticking. Opening a product starts exposing it to oxygen and bacteria, which means that the product is now open to contamination.
That’s why Korean brands usually include the PAO (“Period After Opening”) — a little jar logo with a number and the letter “M” written in it — indicating the period after opening that a product will be good. Which means, if you open a particular product that has a PAO of “12M”? You should try to use that product within twelve months because it may no longer be good for your skin after.
In the US, we write our dates as month, day, year — aka, February 13, 2019, or 02132019. Asian countries format their dates as year, month day — aka 2019 February 13 or 20190213 or, even abbreviated, 190213.
And then there’s the language difference — for products sold in the US, Korean brands will print labels with ingredients, how-to-use directions, and brief product descriptions in English, but, oftentimes, that’s it. That means that, if there’s a date printed on the product, it will be include a qualifier explaining what that date means … in Korean. Sometimes, there might be two dates because some brands like to include both the manufacturing and expiration dates on their products, and they’ll clearly indicate which date is which … in Korean.
Luckily, they’re very short words, so, to make it super easy, we have this graphic for you.
If you’re not sure when you opened your product, also follow your intuition.
If your product is separating (like, if your moisturizer no longer looks creamy, but instead has a layer of oil sitting on top of a more solid, gloopy mass), it’s probably no good. Similarly, if your product has a weird smell, it’s probably no good. If it feels weird on your face, it’s probably definitely no good.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to applying things to your skin, so, if you suspect that a product has gone bad, throw it out. We know it can feel wasteful, but applying bad products to your skin can cause irritation, sensitivity, and other kinds of skin problems.
For general guidelines, though, an unopened product generally has a shelf life of three years from the manufacturing date. An openedproduct generally has a shelf life of one year, unless that PAO label tells you otherwise. Even so, trust your instincts. The PAO isn’t a hard-and-fast rule because there are a lot of factors that can impact how quickly a product gets contaminated.
First, store your products properly! Don’t let them sit out in direct sunlight or expose them to extreme temperatures, including the refrigerator. This isn’t a rigid rule to follow (like, we do like storing our sheet masks in the fridge because the cooling sensation helps depuff), but, generally, the refrigerator can be too cold an environment for your skincare products, which are formulated to be stable at room temperature. Of course, though, if your product specifically says it needs to be stored in the refrigerator, of course, you should do as it says. For most products, though, we like to keep them in cool, dry spaces, like cabinets or drawers.
Second, use the spatulas that come with products in jars! You’ve seen them — Korean brands love including spatulas with their jarred products, and those little spatulas haven’t been manufactured and included with the product just to be cute. Every time you dip your fingers into a jar, you’re introducing contaminants to your product, which will help it go bad faster.
What about the spatulas, though? If you’re using them and leaving them out, won’t they also collect contaminants? We like wiping down our spatulas or rinsing them after use, and we also recommend keeping a little spray bottle of alcohol with your skincare products — that way you can spray some alcohol onto a cotton pad and wipe down your spatula before using it, so you know your spatula is clean and sterile.
Third, this is an obvious thing, but, sometimes, the obvious needs to be stated — make sure you’re closing your products properly! Don’t leave your jars cracked open or your lids uncapped; make sure you close your products when you’re done with them, preventing oxygen and bacteria from collecting in your products. Doing so will help keep your products good and effective longer!
Article Source: https://www.pibuu.co/2019/02/13/skincare-expired/
]]>Nix Hyperpigmentation – one of the best known uses of Retinol is for battling hyperpigmentation. Yes, Retinol is indeed wonderful for evening out your skin tone and lightening up dark spots. It is important, however, to choose wisely, as Vitamin C and Retinol can sometimes cancel each other out [both are known are their lightening benefits]. Also, keep in mind that it is often better to start with a less potent product to allow your skin to acclimate to this ingredient. Patience is virtue, and working your way up can be the best thing for your skin!
Moisturize – many moisturizers containing Retinol also include Hyaluronic Acid, which is fabulous for dry skin. Retinol products can also be followed by a deep moisturizer for effectively hydrated skin!
Brighten Eyes – it is important to note that most general Retinol products are too potent to use on the delicate skin around your eyes. However, there are products out there that are formulated with Retinol to be gentle enough for use around the eye area. As usual, it is important to start small and work your way up! If a product says “use daily”, start by using it twice a week, working your way up to every other day, then every day. Your skin will thank you for this!
Goodbye Acne – most people use Retinol for it’s anti-aging abilities, however, this amazing ingredient has also shown its efficacy in fighting acne as well! Retinol helps to soothe inflammation, removes dead skin cells, and has assisted in making pores appear smaller. I also love how this helps to fight acne while lightening acne scars!
Soothe Rosacea – while a rosacea sufferer is highly advised to ease into the world of Retinols, it has been proven to help with the skin contdition in the long term. If you are interested in trying out Retinol for your rosacea, definitely speak with a skin care professional first! It is also recommended that you start your regimen on a day where your skin is not acting up. You can also apply a moisturizer or face oil before applying your Retinol product to ease the impact of the ingredient.
Oily Skin – it is said that oily skin tends to tolerate Retinol the best, however, it is still good to work your way up the food chain in terms of concentration. The use of Retinol on oily skin should help regulate the skin for a beautiful, clear complexion.
Combination Skin – combination skin can reap the same benefits as oily skin. However, it is important to note that drier areas may need a lower concentration of Retinol to start with than oily areas.
Combat the Signs of Aging – as I mentioned before, Retinols are typically known for their anti-aging capabilities. It has proven to be beneficial in slowing down and reversing the signs of aging, as well as lightening age spots. Using a Retinol product that is rich in antioxidants will usually be your best bet for ensuring beautiful, ageless results.
Article Source: https://www.skincarebyalana.com/blog/many-benefits-retinol-skin/
]]>Redness is a common sign of sensitive skin, whether the culprit is a genetic predisposition—like rosacea—or just a reaction to certain ingredients. Those with truly sensitive skin have this reaction often. Those with only infrequent skin “sensitivity” to harsh ingredients don’t meet the designation of sensitive skin, but should avoid anything that routinely causes irritation.
Frequent rashes and tiny red bumps are telltale signs of sensitivity. Be sure to vet any new products by performing a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area. Wait 24 hours to see if a rash develops before applying it to your entire face or body.
Dryness and irritation of the skin are signs of eczema, a type of dermatitis characterized by a leaky skin barrier that doesn’t effectively trap moisture. Scaling and flaking develops the longer the dryness persists. For mild eczema, over-the-counter creams can help but for more persistent flare-ups, a topical steroid can provide relief.
Itchy, taut skin is a symptom of sensitivity easily exacerbated by frequent washing with hot water. Switch to a lukewarm temperature, and be sure to use a gentle cleanser, followed by a ceramide-packed moisturizer.
You step into the sun without a hat or sunscreen, and the next thing you know, you’re flushed and beet-red. Photosensitivity can cause a skin rash on the face, outer arms and chest. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and avoid synthetic varieties—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are more agreeable to sensitive skin.
Broken capillaries refer to tiny blood vessels that become visible near the surface of the skin and are often seen on the nose and cheeks. Those with sensitive skin—which is thin and has fewer protective layers—are more prone to having broken capillaries.
It may smell good, but scented products are an extremely common trigger for those with sensitive skin. Opt for fragrance-free beauty products, and don’t assume that “natural” scents will be okay. Typically, therapeutic essential oils—such as cinnamon, clove and peppermint—quickly inflame sensitive skin.
Cold, windy days are an immediate trigger for those with rosacea, causing flushing via agitated, swollen blood vessels. Inflamed skin needs calming, so look for products with soothing ingredients like calendula, chamomile and azulene extract.
Sensitive, dry skin may produce extra oils to try to compensate for the lack of contained moisture. The result? Easily clogged pores that lead to breakouts. Wash no more than twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and opt for non-irritating spot treatments such as tea tree oil and witch hazel as opposed to alcohol, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
This article has been reviewed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emmy Graber.
Article source: https://www.dermstore.com/blog/signs-of-sensitive-skin-symptoms/
]]>No matter – that you’ve had acne or pimples for years and no amount of holidaying has ever gotten them to budge.
No matter – that stress feels like this un-tangible, un-holdable concept that can’t be controlled by you but rather that ends up controlling you.
No matter – that stress is a thing that will happen. That happens every day. That you can’t live life without. So what – you’re telling me stress is the cause of my acne – but I’m going to have some kind of stress every darn day of the year – so what – I’ll have acne forever?
No matter – that EVERYONE gets stressed. Yet out of all your friends – you’re the only one with acne, spots or stress pimples. Why me?
Today my friend we’re delving head first into stress and acne. We’re chatting about;
1) Can stress make your face break out?
2) Does stress actually cause acne?
3) If it does – (and I’m not saying it does – keep reading!) how do you treat stress acne?
Don’t worry – you’ll find no patronising – calm down, chill out advice here. That’s like someone telling you don’t pick your spots. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t eat that sweet. All you want to do is the opposite. 100% human.
Instead what you are going to find is stress and acne advice that will help you feel back in control. A science based revealing of if links between stress and acne are real. A bottom line – evidence base expose of whether stress pimples ultimately exist.
Ready to once and for all – understand stress acne? Let’s get to this my friend…
Stress and Acne: Is it real?
Imagine you have a big, shiny red balloon. Your BFF has one too. Yours is in the bedroom. Your best buds is in a windowless bathroom. After 3 days and the most brilliant sunshine you can imagine – your balloon is puckering, sinking and shrinking. But your BFFs is still big, shiny, loving life and floating on high.
Stress makes stuff happen. We know that. But does stress stress cause acne? Does stress make acne worse? Can anxiety give you stress pimples?
Population studies say yes.
Population studies say…
‘Changes in acne severity correlate highly with increasing stress, suggesting that emotional stress from external sources may have a significant influence on acne.’
They say that…
‘Self-reported acne is significantly associated with mental distress and, among girls, with infrequent consumption of raw vegetables.’BMC Public Health 2009, 9:340
More about that raw vegetable thing soon (!)
And that…
‘The majority of the patients [with acne] report a relationship between the onset of acne and the occurrence of a stressing event. This is particularly true for recent stressing events, mainly those associated with emotional life (30%) and education (37%).’Dermatol Psychosom 2002;3:20–25
Bottom line; Yes. Stress and acne are intimate. Keep reading to find out why, how and if you can stop stress pimples.
Does Stress Actually Cause Acne?
Stress is an event which makes your body scramble. Even exciting things can be stressful. Which is kind of crazy to think ‘eh. Here’s what we know – when you have acne, your blood is significantly more likely to show a higher amount of oxidative stress aka that you body’s not resisting stress well.
Here’s an example. Your body uses very specific antioxidants to help stop bits of your body ageing/being stressed/being oxidised.
When these antioxidants are used up – they get turned into other ingredients.
Here’s one linked with acne.
A ‘used-up’ antioxidant known as malondialdehyde (or MDA for short).
It gets made when lipids aka your sebum have been oxidised.
And it happens when your body doesn’t have enough antioxidants OR those antioxidants for some reason aren’t working effectively.
They’re on vacation WITHOUT holiday note approval. How rude.
When your sebum gets oxidised – high energy free radicals are having fun. These guys can cause skin damage. Imagine them like a house party and your skin like your home the morning after.
When your skin’s defences go down – free radicals cause skin damage. They can destroy the skin which makes up the lining of your pores. As this happens, acne bacteria push deep. Your skin’s immune function is switched on. Inflammation pounces.
This my friend is called oxidative load.
When your body’s oxidative load is far too high. Bits of your body go wrong.
A recent study shows people with acne vs people without acne have a significantly lower level of antioxidant enzymes plus vitamins A and E. And that the lower the levels of vitamins A and E – the more severe that persons acne is.
Skin cells and specifically the cells you have which make sebum – are being studied to have a key-shaped hole for stress hormones i.e. when your body has more stress hormones your skin can get oilier.
…and if there’s one thing we know for sure about acne – it’s that oily skin types are significantly more pimple prone.
So here’s the deal. Not only do stress hormones make your skin oilier – a known trigger of acne. Stress is also eating up your antioxidant reserves, when they’re gone sebum is oxidised, gets highly comedogenic and allows acne bacteria to absorb deep into your skin.
Can Stress Cause Your Face to Break Out?
Back to those raw vegetables and another immensely interesting fact;
‘Zinc, folic acid, selenium, chromium and ω-3 fatty acids are all examples of nutrients which have been shown to influence depression, anger and/or anxiety. These same nutrients, along with systemic oxidative stress and an altered intestinal microflora have been implicated in acne vulgaris.’Medical Hypotheses, Volume 69, Issue 5, 2007, Pages 1080-1084
What you eat can have huge effect on your acne and huge effect on your stress levels.
Not only can what you eat directly impact your antioxidant levels. What you eat can change the balance of bacteria living in your gut.
This my friend is known as the brain-gut-skin connection.
How you feel, or how much stress you’re experiencing has direct impact on the bacteria you’re living with. Think back to the last time you got butterflies. Where did you feel them? In your tummy? In your gut? Did you need to visit the bathroom a-wee bit more often than normal?
Here’s the deal…
‘Experimental studies show that psychological stress encourages bacterial overgrowth, stagnates normal small intestinal transit time, and compromises the intestinal barrier. Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis, Jan 2011
Which means;
And it could likely be why;
Bottom line: Right at this very minute stress is changing the blend of bacteria living in your gut. When gut bacteria go on holiday your body absorbs fewer antioxidants but instead can absorb more toxins. What you eat impacts how significant the effect of stress is on your acne. An enormously likely reason why even though your friends are going through the exact same levels of stress – they don’t have acne.
Can Acne be Caused by Stress?
You’ve got this my friend. Yes – acne can be caused by stress. But it’s not as simple as you have stress and you get acne. There’s a huge bit lost in the middle there. It’s the bit which turns something you think about as being all in your head – to something tangible, holdable and do-something aboutable.
Stress and acne are intimately linked but combating stress pimples is not just about managing stress it’s also about making your body more resilient to stress.
Stress will always be a part of your life, so making it easier for your body to deal with stress can help you get rid of stress acne.
Here are 3 ways I recommend you start;
Come huddle for the best ever glowing skin tip: glowing clear skin can happen only when you’ve dominated your diet.
And it’s not about eating a tote bag sized amount of fruits and vegetables. But it is about eating the right fruits and vegetables. Clear skin diet rule #1. To make your skin glow you need to be savvy on the best fruits for glowing skin.
Fruits are miracle foods. No jokes. Scientists call these guys functional foods aka they taste good and they do good. Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, your fruit bowl holds secrets your skin knows about but can’t tell you.
Gosh – time to learn skin ‘eh. Imagine if your skin could tell you mum I need a grapefruit today, I need me some collagen protecting vitamin C and I also need it to help fight off a bout of spots I can tell your body’s wanting me to make next week. Imagine if instead of getting an eczema flair, dry patches, acne, spots, wrinkles and more, your skin could just say – feed me blackberries. Feed me lemons. Feed me tomatoes.
Well dear skin savvy, today we’re taking a lesson in skin speak.
Fruits make a huge difference to your health and when you’re healthy on the inside, your skin can’t help but glow from the outside. Like full beaming glow form the outside.
Some say fruits are evil – that the apple army’s coming to get you, the tomatoes have ears and your plums are plotting a juice making escape. Certain diets even ban fruits for fear of sugar, high carbohydrate load and more. And my friend, some of this is true. Some fruits are bad for skin.
Which seems kinda confusing ‘eh.
Think of it like this. When you search for a date night appropriate dress not every dress you have makes sense ‘eh. Your cold shoulder mini-dress is beautiful but probably not 7pm restaurant appropriate. Your casual skater dress is comfy and fabulous but not as dressy as you might want. And your stunning, figure loving ball dress (or wedding dress!), however much you want to wear it again, your date (or husband!) could be bedazzeled and confused.
And these are the key bits to remember. Fruits for glowing skin are;
The best fruits for glowing skin are low in sugar. Sugar my friend is a skin devil. And you can easily forget (me too!) that natural sugars can cause the same not-so-happy skin changes processed white sugar can. But ban sugar high fruits from your diet and I promise your skin can always be fruit happy.
Ultimately all foods you eat get broken down into sugar or glucose. These ingredients give your body fuel. Eating great food is like pulling up to a petrol station. The difference comes in how quickly your body makes glucose/blood sugar from the food you eat.
Ever had a phone battery rocket down from 100% to I’m-about-to-die-and-leave-you-phoneless-in-the-middle-of-town-with-no-meet-up-place-sorted. Doh!
Food can do this too. Food and fruits can either give you a steady battery/sugar release or send you on a sugar rollercoaster from zero to 80 miles an hour in 1.9 seconds flat.
When too much sugar reaches your bloodstream too quickly it causes inflammation… and inflammation is ageing. Sugar’s linked to a reaction called glycation – basically when protein + sugar react, they harden and toughen each other. A bit like bake on. Collagen and elastin are 2 structural proteins keeping your skin full, healthy and voluminous. You’ll want to say no to glycation to be sure you’re following a healthy skin diet.
And glycation isn’t the only blood sugar high trouble. When your body receives a lot of sugar, you release a hormone called insulin and insulin triggers off a domino train of other hormones like insulin like growth factor (IGF-1).
Hormones which are linked to;
But on the other hand eat a clear skin diet low in sugars and eat only the best fruits for glowing skin and you my friend can be different. You can be sure to protect your skin in the best way possible – naturally.
Now time to get to it, your power list of best fruits for glowing skin, these 7 clear skin diet fruits are yummy and great for you. You can have your fruit and eat it. No guilt, only happiness. Yes please.
41 calories a low glycemic index and over 50-70% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake. 1 juicy grapefruit a day can make a huge difference on your journey to glowing skin. Rather than reaching for an orange which is medium to high in sugars, switch your go to vitamin C boost for grapefruit.
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Vitamin C is oh so vital to healthy skin because without vitamin C your skin literally falls apart. This exact thing happened to sailors back in the day when they left shore with only enough fresh fruit and veg to last then a tenth of their journey. What happened? Sailors got hit with scurvy.
When your body’s deficient in vitamin C it cannot make healthy collagen. Your skin falls apart.
Pssst! Remember what collagen is? A skin protein able to make your skin young and full of volume. Think of collagen like skin scaffolding, a tent pole or boot shapers. Collagen levels naturally start to decline when you hit your 20s, be sure to help your skin make as much as possible by eating the best vitamin C rich fruits for glowing skin.
p.s. vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and antioxidants help keep your skin younger, longer.
Nom, nom, nom. Tomatoes are a health fruit in vegetable disguise. And eating enough of them, will help bring your skin a powerful antioxidant boost able to protect your skin against damaging UV light. Who knew ‘eh. You my friend. You do. You are awesome. Tomatoes are packed with a skin loving ingredients called carotenoids – specifically Lycopene.
A finding which is huge, proving what you’re eating right now has big effects on your skin.And with this trusty list of fruits for glowing skin, you’re going to be a moon beam.
Bright red summer loving fruits for glowing skin – gotcha. Strawberries are low in glycemic index and very low in glycemic load meaning their sugar is slow release – wahooo. As for claim to fame, our heart-shaped bursts of goodness are a top source of phenolic antioxidants – a group of very potent antioxidants associated with great health. In fact strawberries have 2 to 11 times more phenolic antioxidants than most other fruits. Powerful stuff.
Pro tip: The redder your strawberries the more antioxidants they have.
One phenolic antioxidant called ellagic acid (shall we call him Pete? Rolls off the tongue better ‘eh) has gotten a lot of recent attention for anti-ageing benefits. Studies are showing Pete (aka ellagic acid) can help stop your skin’s collagen breaking down, help prevent UV skin damage and help stop skin thickening with age. All awesome skills for a chestnut sized power fruit.
They taste too good to be great for you but trust me my friend, cherries are a fab fruit for glowing skin. They rank with a very low 20 on the glycemic index ruler (which goes up to 100) and a 6 on the glycemic load scale which is also considered low. Cherries have natural sugar they can channel the right way. Gradual battery releases instead of the rollercoaster kind.
Cherries too are a powerful source of antioxidants. Notice something here? Fruits my friend are anti-ageing power banks sat ready and waiting for you to borrow from.
The mix of antioxidants found in cherries are proven to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is when something gets angry and puffy – but small kinds of it you don’t always see. A bruise is inflammation, a cut is inflammation, an itch is inflammation, redness is inflammation. And if you’re looking for fruits good for acne know this – acne is an inflammatory skin disease so anything you can eat which is anti-inflammatory makes a great clear skin diet choice.
P.s. most skin conditions have an inflammatory feature – ageing, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dry skin, itchy skin. Anti-inflammatory fruits like cherries can help your skin health no end.
Most of the time dried fruits are a glowing skin no-no. When fruits get dried their sugar concentration rises to skyscraper levels – dates and rasins we’re looking at you. However dried apricots bend this rule being low in glycemic index and glycemic load.
And eating them in their dried form is actually a great choice, as to avoid bruising in transport apricots have to be picked so young important skin loving antioxidants and minerals haven’t yet had a chance to develop.
Apricots are an important source of copper and 1 serving will have you a fourth of your daily needs. Copper is a metal – which sounds weird for your skin to need ‘eh. There are many metals your body must have in small, trace amounts. Copper is one for glowing skin.
Your skin needs copper to stay healthy, heal, make collagen and stop and reverse inflammation. Or in human speak, your skin needs copper to glow. Dried apricots are a definite yes on our best fruits for glowing skin list.
Remember how we said the redder strawberries get the more antioxidants they have? Now just imagine how concentrated blackberries are. They’re rich in deep-dark colour like no other fruit. Blackberries are you guessed it low in glycemic index and glycemic load.
Blackberries are also a great fruit for glowing skin as they’re an important source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Vitamin C’s fabulous for collagen building, vitamin K’s great for helping skin heal plus evening skin tone and manganese (yup, another trace metal) is needed by your body to make the super important antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutase enzymes– read anti-ageing.
Blackberry fruits for glowing skin are a very definite yes please.
I know, I know, you probably don’t think about these green gods like a fruit – but they have a seed, so avocado also makes our best fruits for glowing skin list. Avocados also make a great add-in for breakfast fruit smoothies. Fats are very important food for healthy skin. Adding them to your AM wake-me-up brekkie’s like making medicine for your complexion.
Avocados are a great source of anti-inflammatory fats, vitamin B3, B5, B6 and folate.
You’ll even find vitamin b5 as pro-vitamin B5 (aka it needs to be broken down to make vitamin B5) in skincare as panthenol where it can help speed up your skin metabolism and help keep your skin hydrated and glowy.
Vitamin B6 helps balance sebum production. Fellow oily/combination skin types – avocados are a great fruit for glowing skin.
Folate also known as vitamin B9 (yeesh avocados have a whole load of B vitamins ‘eh) is also an anti-ageing, skin metabolism boosting wonder star.
Source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/fruits-for-glowing-skin/
]]>But my friend, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you suffer from chronically dry lips, you need this 1 secret weapon in your dry lip treatment arsenal. It gets to work instantly and.. with 2 weeks of use, you’ll be saying dry lips who? What… me? Never…
Out of all the skin on your body, your lips is the most vulnerable. Dry lips strike quickly because the skin on your lips is extremely thin. Skin has 1 primary purpose in life and that’s to put a triple combination lock on top of your skin’s inner hydration levels. It stops drying irritants from entering and it stops hydrating water from leaving.
Skin everywhere else apart from your lips has a lot of layers helping it to do this. Anywhere else on your body, the top layer of your skin has between 15-20 cellular layers. If water escapes through 1, it has another 15 triple combination locks to crack. Water, moisture and skin vital hydrators are going nowhere.
Your lips however are a different story… they only have 3 to 5 cellular layers. The reason why your lips look red, you can literally see through your skin.
Not only are your lips very thin, they also come into contact with water, often. Now, water, you might think is a good thing but, there’s a catch, water is only hydrating to your skin if it is bound by other ingredients aka hyaluronic acid. Have you ever gone swimming to feel dry, rough and crinkly after? What about being sat in the bath too long? Did you need a good slather of moisturiser? How about doing the dishes, do you have a dry skin hand cream on tap for after?
See my friend, you know this already. Water from the outside, dries your skin…. and your lips come into contact with it regularly.
You drink water, you eat it and you lick or purse your lips. All of these things cause you dry lips.
Finally your lips are always dry because they don’t have pores. Pores release skin conditioning, water-locking, moisturising oils and your lips have none.
Imagine leaving a small glass of water in the sun all day. Or putting a pan of boiling water on the stove. Without anything to lock the water in, it escapes quickly. By the end of the day, your small glass of water has been drunk by the sun and your pan of boiling water has boiled dry.
However, put a lid on your water or put a lid on your pan and with 1 small change, your tides have turned. Water is locked in… there is no escape.
Treating your dry lips needs a similar approach.
To banish dry lips, you must re-form a water barrier and re-condition the skin underneath it.
Most people turn to Vaseline… but, it is not the most effective and questionably it does not help your skin re-condition.
Instead stopping your dry lips is about this 1 secret ingredient – lanolin.
Lanolin is a natural ingredient with superhero worthy skin soothing and softening skills. It doesn’t just sit on top of your dry lips, it absorbs in. Lanolin helps your dry lips reform a water barrier. Lanolin softens and conditions dry,
Looking at nature is a great way to find skincare ingredients which work. Mother Nature has years of practise. She can stop sunlight bleaching green leaves, keep cacti growing in the driest conditions and sprout a strong oak tree from a teeny-tiny acorn.
Lanolin is another example of Mother Nature’s A-star abilities.
Lanolin is the protective coating sheep use to keep their woolly hides sleek. But don’t worry, no sheeps were harmed in its making. Unlike some other questionable animal-sourced ingredients, lanolin can be easily and safely borrowed after sheep have their yearly haircut.
My friend here is some not so well-known lanolin insider knows. In tests comparing the dry lip treatment of lanolin vs. Vaseline. Lanolin is the top performer. Now, this is very exciting because Vaseline is generally considered by dermatologists, doctors and pharmacists as the go-to gold standard for dry skin and dry lip treatment. However, it is not without controversy, it’s man-made, it may cause the skin to become reliant and it may upset certain other bits of your skin’s biology.
Lanolin works a little differently, where Vaseline is not skin-identical and can therefore not be used by your skin, Lanolin can. Vaseline works mostly because it puts a raincoat on top of your dry lips. It locks water in and gives your dry lips time to scramble. Lanolin, however, does more than this because it also contains fatty acids.
Fatty acids are a type of waxy oil your skin and lips use to lock in hydration. Your skin and lips don’t feel oily, because they’re present in the perfect balance. Ever seen oil float on top of water? This is exactly how your skin and lips lock in hydration. When you have dry lips, you need fatty acids to help replenish them… and lanolin my friend is very happy to lend them.
With 2 weeks of use, lanolin can have your dry lips back to soft, smooth and healthy. Vaseline will take longer.
Source: https://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk/dry-lips-lanolips-101-ointment-review/
]]>Sun exposure: When your skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots and uneven skin tone develop as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect your skin from UV light.
Pollution: Particles and gasses from traffic-related air pollution are able to penetrate the skin and lead to formation of brown spots, particularly on the face.
Hormones: Melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. It’s most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant (which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) or taking contraceptives, but can also be a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a darkening of the skin as a result of scarring, which can be caused by acne lesions or skin injury.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on laser treatments and prescriptions. Here are ways to safely and non-invasively brighten skin for a more even skin tone:
Apply SPF daily. Unprotected sun exposure is the number one culprit behind hyperpigmentation. Applying a sunscreen or moisturizer with a Broad Spectrum SPF of at least 30 is the easiest way to help prevent new spots. Tip: Look for Oleosome technology, which increases SPF performance.
Exfoliate. Treat existing hyperpigmentation by first sloughing off dead, dulling skin cells at the surface. This clears the path for the ingredients in your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate the skin. Tip: Look for a gentle, micro-fine exfoliant you can use daily.
Use the right ingredients. Seek out products that contain Activated Charcoal to help remove pollutants; Oligopeptides, Niacinamide and Zinc Glycinate to help control melanin production; and Retinol to restore skin.
Be patient. There's no quick fix for an uneven skin tone. Traditionally it takes at least 30 days of vigilant skin care treatment before you see any progress. Successful, 75 percent skin brightening can take up to four months, so don't give up!
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Sunscreen is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain the health and beauty of your skin. For anyone under 30, sun protection is the absolute best anti-ageing product you can use. After 30, sunscreen should remain a lifelong habit to slow ageing and prevent sun damage and disease.
There’s a major point of difference in how sunscreens and sunblocks work: either by absorbing or reflecting the sun's rays. Confused by 'chemical' and 'physical' sunscreens? You’re not alone. We’ll break down the differences for you so you can decide which is best suited to your needs.
Physical sunscreens protect the skin in exactly the way their name suggests: they create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. These products don't absorb into the skin but remain on the surface. Physical sunscreens are naturally broad-spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.
The two most common physical sunscreen ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Picture that classic lifeguard or beachgoer with a thick white paste on their nose—that’s zinc oxide in its cruder form. Luckily, modern zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are micronized to yield a sheerer formula.
Physical sunscreens are generally used in natural sunscreen products and are ideal for sensitive skin, especially children's skin. Due to the thickness of this type of sunscreen, people with oily and acne-prone need to remove it thoroughly to avoid problems. Otherwise, physical sunscreen is a safe choice.
Unlike physical versions, chemical sunscreens actually penetrate the epidermis and dermis. These chemical compounds function within the skin as well as on the surface to absorb the skin’s rays before they can penetrate the dermis and cause damage.
Chemical sunscreens such as avobenzone and homosalate essentially soak up UVA and UVB rays like a sponge. But a single chemical is generally not enough to protect against both types of harmful rays. Compound formulas are more likely to provide effective broad-spectrum protection.
In addition to multiple active ingredients in a chemical sunscreen, you'll typically find antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, as chemical sunscreens have been shown to make skin more prone to free radical damage.
These chemicals are generally present in lightweight sunscreens and in cosmetics, as they’re less likely to feel heavy and look chalky. You won’t often find a chemical sunscreen in a natural brand, but some organic or green companies do include chemical sunscreens in certain types of products.
It’s important to note that because chemical sunscreens are often present in combinations of three or four in one product, they're more likely to cause sensitivity than physical sunscreens.
Now that you know the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens, you’re all set to choose the best one for you.
Article Source: https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/sunscreen/guide/chemical-vs-physical-sunscreen
]]>*Raises hand high*
Yep, I do this all the time, too. We all do.
But should we?
Mmm, hydrating and moisturizing are often treated like they are the same thing, but they’re not.
Hydrating is all about infusing skin with moisture. Moisturizing is about locking that moisture behind bars and making it stay there.
Let me explain:
HYDRATING ADDS MOISTURE TO THE SKIN
If there’s one thing that Korean skincare has taught us is that hydration makes all the difference when it comes to healthy and glowy skin.
The more hydrated your skin is, the happier it is. Hydrating skin looks plumper. The plumpness smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, so you look younger.
Hydrating skin gives skin a natural radiant glow. And makes every skin cell in your body work at its best.
Hydrating facial products infuse skin with a waterfall of moisture, replenishing all the water it has lost and adding in some more for good measure.
How? Humectants. A fancy word to describe ingredients that can attract moisture from the environment into the skin. Like glycerine. Or hyaluronic acid. Or sodium
MOISTURIZING LOCKS MOISTURE INTO THE SKIN
Hydration is like a glass of water for your skin. But it doesn’t matter how many glasses of water your skin drinks every day. If there’s nothing keeping this water in, it’ll evaporate into thin air, leaving your skin as dry as the Sarah.
Our skin already has a shield that keeps moisture trapped into the skin. But this shield is fragile. Too much sun, not enough sebum, harsh winds, and even irritating skincare products create holes that let moisture slip away.
Enter moisturizing. Moisturizing forms a barrier on the skin that locks water in so it can’t run away anymore.
Usually, it’s oils that do this. Olive oil. Argon oil. Jojoba Oil. Mineral oil. And shea butter. Silicones too. I could go on and on but I don’t want to bore you.
OUR SKIN NEEDS BOTH HYDRATING AND MOISTURIZING
But does that mean we should use two separate products, one for hydrating and one for moisturizing?
Most of the time, not. Most creams out there contain both humectants and occlusive emollients (that stuff that creates a barrier on the skin), so you can just get one of those and be done with it.
WHEN IT’S BETTER TO USE TWO PRODUCTS
Ok, so you can use just the one. But, sometimes, that’s not enough.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that I’ve been nagging for months now about the winter London weather. It sucks all the moisture out of my skin and makes it flake real bad.
I usually use a cream with both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, but that alone is not enough to save my skin in winter.
When the temperatures start to chill, I now have to bring in the big guns. That means adding a separate hyaluronic acid serum to my skincare routine (usually, one of the two mentioned above). Makes your skin all plump and soft in just a few days. That’s the power of hydration.
So, if your skin is dry, you’d want to consider using two separate products. At least in winter (I skipped the HA serum in the summer and my skin was alright).
By the way, if your skin wants you to use two products, apply the hydrating one first. Remember, hydrating adds moisture to the skin, moisturizing locks it in. So, it wouldn’t make sense to do the opposite.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Your skin needs moisture. And it needs that moisture to stay in. So, hydrating and moisturizing aren’t optional. Luckily, we don’t need to break the bank to take proper care of our skin. Plenty of creams do both these days.
Do you hydrate and moisturize your skin at the same time or do you need to go the extra mile and add a hydrating serum to your skincare routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/hydrating-moisturizing-difference/
]]>Not washing your face so much does great things for your skin health for these 4 reasons…
Ok, so I have your back here – pH, huh? What is that? Your skin, dear friend, has a few parameters that are like the factory settings on your smart phone. Thing is, we don’t have one of those handy reset buttons to take us back to soft as a baby’s bottom skin. Instead we have to show skin a lot of love and respect to keep those parameters within healthy.
Your skin pH is one of these.
Skin pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. It’s a measuring ruler that goes from 0-14, with 0 being stingier than stingy (acidic) lemon juice in the eye, 7 being neutral (and about the pH of water) and 14 being the most alkaline, something like bleach.
Your skin pH is not neutral. Your skin pH rests somewhere between 4.2-5.5… meaning it’s actually acidic.
When your skin is in a happy place, it’s pH will be resting comfortably within this bracket. A healthy skin pH keeps bacteria and viruses out and also helps to lock hydration in.
Here’s the kicker. Water has a pH of 7, hard water has a pH of >8.5 and many face washes and cleansers have pH levels way above 10.
Wash your face and you upset your skin’s pH. It’s like adding cold water into a hot bath.
Wash your face once and studies show your skin’s pH will return to normal within a few hours. Wash your face more than once a day with a strong cleanser regimentally for months and that recovery time gets longer and longer. Instead of taking 2 hours to recover, your skin could be taking the whole day. The result – dry, irritated, dull looking skin.
What should you do to help keep your skin’s pH healthy? The quickest advice, is you guessed it… stop washing your face so much. Most people, without thinking wash their face once in the evening and then once again in the morning. Washing your face in the evening makes a lot of sense. If you wear make-up it removes it before sleeping and if you don’t it removes daily SPF and pollution build-up. Then, without thinking about it, we somehow also add in a second wash of skin in the morning. Skip this second wash.
We’ve learnt a lot about gut health in the last few decades, most specifically that a healthy gut has a loving community of friendly bacteria. One side of the coin doesn’t exist without the other. If you have hot, you also have cold. If you have happy, you also have sad… and, if you have bad bacteria that cause stomach upsets, you also have good bacteria that help to protect against them.
Scientists are slowly learning that skin has the exact same community. Sometimes called a microflora and sometimes called a microbiome. However you hear it, it means the same thing – a balanced tribe of skin healthy bacteria.
When your skin’s tribe of bacteria are in the right pecking order, your skin is healthy. Each bacteria knows its place, does its thing and loves its neighbour.
When your skins tribe of bacteria are upset, your skin health takes a little dive.
Let’s take a look at a specific example… there’s a certain strain of bacteria naturally present on everyone’s skins and it goes by the name of Propionibacterium acnes or p.acnes for short. Healthy skin types have a relatively small population of Propionibacterium acnes, these are bottom of the pecking order kinda guys. However when given the opportunity to thrive and grow, they cause all sorts of havoc, namely and most obviously redness and inflammation, can you take a guess at what that looks like? Spots, pimples and acne.
The science is still learning here, when it comes to your skin microflora we don’t have all the answers… yet. What we do know is that over-washing causes damage to skin and that damaged skin picks up bad bacteria fast.
What should you do to help keep your skin’s microflora healthy? Wash your face less. It’s also a good idea to use mild cleansers in replacement for strong, SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) containing ones.
Here’s a little fact not many people know, the top layers of your skin are all oil based. Think about it, when water falls onto your skin, it repels off right? … it beads up and trickles downwards. It acts exactly as a raincoat would. Your skins only able to do this because its top layers are oil based and water and oil don’t mix aka, they don’t like each other. They’re like Batman and the Joker.
Being oil-based means your skin’s existing hydration levels get locked in and pesky diluting ones (like rain) get locked out… until you wash your face.
Traditional face washes are like mediators. They sit Batman and the Joker down to participate in some good ol’ counselling. While the 2 are together, they get mixed up and washed away.
Here’s how it works. Traditional cleansers contain ingredients called surfactants. Ever heard of SLS or sodium lauryl sulphate? Well, that’s just 1 type of surfactant… it’s also a very strong one. To claim membership to the surfactant family, an ingredient has to have the ability to make oil and water love each other. Usually oily stuff loves oily stuff and watery stuff loves watery stuff. They seek each other out and remain separated from their arch nemesis. However, when a surfactant turns up, in one hand it grabs water and on the other hand, it grabs oil. They’re mixed together with no questions asked.
This can be bad news for your skin. Wash your face too much and your skin’s natural oil base is washed away. Without it, skin loses hydration quickly. This is the defining feature of a dry skin type, it lacks in naturally protective oils.
…and that irritation doesn’t always rear itself as itchy irritation. Before reaching that peek, skin irritation shows as redness, inflammation and flaky skin… and even before getting here, skin can be irritated and just be ‘lack-lustre’ i.e. your skin is being tugged in a different direction to healthy and that means it cannot reach peek glowyness.
Washing your face too often, changes all those factory setting parameters we’ve been chin-wagging about, as well as inserting something else into the matrix. Think of your skin like a wall, skin cells are the bricks and your skin’s natural oils are the mortar. Because surfactants are very good at dissolving into everything, they also dissolve into your skins oily mortar. Ever seen a bird nesting in an old flint stone wall? That’s kinda like what a surfactant can do. It can wiggle its way into your skin mortar, poking holes along the way.
When dermatologists and scientists want to test the skin soothing ability of a new cream, they purposefully pre-irritate skin by using strongly cleansing surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate). Traditional face washes contain traditionally strong surfactants like SLS. Therefore, wash your face too often and you’ll be giving yourself a good ol’ dose of skin irritation.
What should you do to help keep your skin soothed and healthy? Wash your face less, pro-actively switching out strongly cleansing washes for gently acting alternatives.
How often do you wash your face? What do you use? Wondering whether there are mild, gentle surfactants in your pick? Tell me what you use below and we’ll take a look together…
Source:
In Being Savvy at Skincare by Cheryl Woodman
]]>Manufacturers of beauty products make claims on their labels about whether or not their products are hydrating or moisturizing. To ensure that you are choosing the right product and its function for your skin type, it’s essential to know the difference between the two.
Dehydrated skin lacks water and dry skin lacks oil. So your skin could be dehydrated, dry, or both. This is why it is important to choose the right products and know how and when to use them.
Dehydrated skin tends to look dull and feel tight, even when properly moisturized. If you don’t already, use a hydrating serum with some of the humectant ingredients we mentioned above. Apply your serum before your oil to lock in the hydration.
With dry skin, lack of moisture (lipid content) can result in rough, dry or flaky skin. If this is your skin, make sure you’re using the right moisturizing ingredients. We recommend oils because they penetrate deep into the skin and allow the skin to breathe (rather than creating a barrier, which many facial lotions will do).
Choose a rich ingredient like jojoba oil for its benefits or coconut oil if your skin is very dry. Our Anti-Aging Oil uses a jojoba base and contains other oils like carrot seed oil and chia seed oil for deep and healthy moisturization.
Abby Jean
Licensed Esthetician
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#1 THEY’RE TOO EXPENSIVE
Just like regular skincare brands, there are a variety of different clean skincare brands, which come at a variety of prices. Just like regular brands, you have to put in a little effort to pick which brand creates a product that suits you at a price that suits you. As the clean beauty industry grows, the variety of brands available grows with it, and as time goes by, clean beauty is becoming more and more accessible, but with the confidence of good quality ingredients comes alongside with it.
#2 THEY HAVE LOWER PERFORMANCE
People often worry that without the usual chemicals added to a product, that it will be lacking in performance. The opposite is in fact true. Brands focus on creating a product that produces the same results with cheaper ingredients, to keep their own costs down. These ingredients are often easy to access due to being man-made and require less sourcing. With clean ingredients, they work harmoniously with your skin, due to being natural just like our skin. Although this makes sense, we have come to rely on the added chemicals in our products, and can not picture a natural ingredient performing in the same way. With honest brands, you can be confident to have honest results.
#3 THEY DON’T SMELL NICE
Couldn’t be less true! Clean beauty products actually tend to have a fresher and softer scent to them. Okay, they may not have that luxurious perfume smell some of your other products have, but being fragrance-free means that they’ll actually be kinder to your skin and not have any fragrance-induced irritation.
#4 THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO FIND
Clean beauty is actually one of the fastest growing movements in the beauty industry right now, and it’s not stopping any time soon! With this movement growing and evolving, more and more stores are introducing more clean brands on to their shelves due to consumer demand. Most big drugstores and department stores have several clean brands available, and this will only increase in time. Gone are the days where clean beauty is inaccessible!
Remember, Healthy Skin is Happy Skin!
]]>Disclaimer: Although the Rose ingredient is ideal for sensitive skin, ensure you check the ingredients of all Rose-based products before trying to ensure there are no additional ingredients that may make it no longer suitable or will cause an allergic reaction. Ingredients used vary depending on the brand. Always look for brands with a dermatologically-tested certification.
Remember, Skincare is Self-Care!
]]>At JINMEE, we believe that skincare should be kept simple. That’s why, when we heard about one of the latest Korean beauty trends, Skipcare, we were instantly sold. Korea is famous for its vigorous 12-Step skincare routines with products containing various ingredients that perform various roles. It’s no wonder that Korea is famous for attaining wonderous results such as the ‘Glass Skin’ trend, which has been said to be only achievable through the strictest of skincare. But now, skincare has been stripped back to the bare minimum with a much more achievable 3-Step routine that we can all realistically get behind. This trend supports the idea of reevaluating your approach to skincare considering what basic product types and ingredient types your skin truly needs:
STEP #1: CLEANSING – Find a cleansing product that suits your skin type. This should be a 2-in-1 cleanser so it creates the same cleansing results as double cleansing (remember, the idea here is to take fewer steps).
STEP #2: HYDRATION – Find a product that hydrates your skin, whether this is a moisturiser or serum of some form. Any additional benefits such as added Vitamins, Acids or other skincare roles are preferred!
STEP #3: SPF – Now that your skin is clean and hydrated, it’s time to protect it! In Korea, using a product that has an SPF to protect your skin from environmental damage is considered essential, as prevention is than cure!
By skipping steps in your skincare routine, your skin will not get overloaded with products. This means you can save time, money and stop reoccurring skin issues such as clogged pores! Your Hydrapuff can assist you in creating the perfect application of a quick and simplified skincare routine. Why not create your own multi-use sheet mask with Hydrapuff to use your own products in a Skipcare way? Check out our previous blog post on How to Make a Cocktail Sheet Mask with Hydrapuff!
Remember, Skincare Should be Simple!
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Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries are an incredibly independent sign that doesn’t follow trends to fit in with
everyone else is and their individuality is what allows them to thrive. With this in
mind, Aries suit exploring undiscovered and unique skincare brands that provide
something new. Why not try a new product with unique ingredient such as snail
extract? Your ability to be a leader allows you to choose something impulsively
with great skin results!
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Gemini is an energetic, quick-witted sign whose mind that is always racing. Your
element is Air, which carries you through your busy way of living. Choose
products that are lightweight and allow your skin to breathe. This will ensure
heavy-duty products will not weigh down your quick pace and the Air element
can reach your skin. But don’t forget your SPF! The sun is not in your sign. Your
flower is lavender, so use this calming ingredient to help you stay grounded.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer is ruled by emotion. Cancers are highly intelligent and feel very deeply.
These characteristics make you a kind-hearted person, but this can sometimes
be a burden to bare as the effects of your selflessness is often a heavy weight to
carry. It is time for you to stop always thinking about others and put yourself
first! Your sign’s lucky Gem is Pearl. Treat yourself to a product containing Black Pearl. This is a luxury ingredient that will put the brightness back into your skin.
You deserve it!
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, you are beautiful inside and out – and you know it! No one can dim your
light, and you wouldn’t care if they tried either. Your confidence is undeniable
and your gestures are grand. Why should your skincare be any different? After
all, your sign’s colour is Gold, which says it all! Gold can be found in a variety of
skincare products – sheet masks, gel masks, oil, cleanser, cream and liquid Gold.
So treat yourself to skincare that shines as bright as you.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo, you are inspired by all things beautiful and won’t settle for anything less
than picture-perfect. Your element is Earth, allowing you to be highly in touch
with nature. Find yourself brands with beautiful packaging and that are
environmentally friendly, with a focus on natural ingredients (Such as
Hydrapuff!). These brands will make you feel better physically and emotionally,
as they will give your skin pique health and will look AMAZING on your
undeniably perfectly-organised dressing table (and on your Instagram).
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Libra, your sign is incredibly romantic. Therefore, it is no surprise that your
sign’s flower is the Rose. Roses are soft, beautiful and perfect in appearance –
exactly how you want your life to be. It is important for your sign to learn to let
go, so while you should include skincare products with Rose as an ingredient,
you should also keep things as simple as you can. Don’t buy every type of
product because you think you should! Less is always more.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Scorpio, your element is Water! This means you need to hydrate, hydrate,
hydrate! Although your skincare should be hydration-orientated, be careful not
to go too far. Your all-or-nothing personality may cause you to overdo it, making
your skin become congested which causes breakouts. Be gentle to your skin and
keep your ingredients simple for maximum results. Hydrapuff is your ideal
product, it’s written in the stars!
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius, you are a natural born leader with a zest for life and adventure! Your
skincare should reflect this. Although your go-getting personality encourages
you to allow your skincare to take a back seat, it’s time to take control and keep
your skincare as exciting as you want it to be. Don’t get held back by the same-
old, let that risk-taking personality encourage you to try new things. Aim for
something that brightens your complexion, as sleep has never really been your
thing.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, everything is black and white with you and grey areas are unheard of.
You like a strict guide on how you should do everything; this is what puts you at
ease. Not everything is one-size-fits-all, especially your skincare. Sometimes you
need to learn to trust your instincts, as you are much more intuitive than you
give yourself credit for. Go to a beauty store and spend some time looking at and
reading products. Think about what you want from your skincare and pick what
you feel will fill that role. Trust yourself on this one!
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarius, you are very charismatic, with your eyes being your best feature. Use
this as your focus point for your skincare, ensuring your under eyes are always
bright and smooth. Make yourself one of our Hydrapuff mini-masks and place
under your eyes for an instant hydration boost! Focus on ingredients with anti-
inflammatory properties to allow your natural features to stand out. Use any
skincare that makes you feel good about yourself, as self-love is important for
you when learning how to express your emotions better.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces, you are a highly visual sign. Anything that is visually stimulating is your
escapism and your happy place. Don’t get too hung up on skincare that has
attractive packaging. Of course, pretty packaging is very appealing, but you need
to consider the quality of what you put on your skin. Focus on finding skincare
that is a happy balance between quality ingredients and nice packaging. As your
element is water, hydration should also be a focus point for optimal skincare.
Remember, Skincare is Self Care!
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