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  • Puerto Rico guesthouse features retro-modern interiors

    Puerto Rico guesthouse features retro-modern interiors

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    Four vacation rental apartments within a green-painted building in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are each designed with a slightly different take on “minimalism meets retro-chic”.

    Verde contains four minimalist apartments: two studios and two one-bedroom apartments, all a 10-minute walk to Ocean Park Beach.

    Studio apartment with vintage floor tiles, central bed and blue-beige walls
    Each of the four apartments in Verde has a different interior, including the cool-toned Verde 1

    The units were designed and are operated by LGBTQIA-owned hospitality group Dreamers Welcome, which manages over 60 rentable rooms across hotels, multi-unit properties and single-family dwellings in Puerto Rico and North Carolina.

    All of the spaces at Verde are designed to create a “cohesive contrast where minimalism meets retro-chic charm”, according to the owners.

    Studio apartment with giant keyhole that leads to an outdoor shower
    Verde 1 studio features concrete furniture and a giant keyhole that leads to an outdoor shower

    The loft-like Verde 1 studio boasts 12-foot (3.7-metre) ceilings and opens onto a private terrace, complete with a water feature and hammock.

    Inside, antique checkerboard tiles cover the floor and polished concrete furniture elements including a table-cum-counter and a centrally positioned headboard add Brutalist touches.

    Apartment with honey-toned floors and colourful accents
    Verde 2 has a warmer palette, with honey-toned floors and colourful accents

    Walls are painted pale blue until halfway up, then replaced with beige that continues across the ceiling.

    A giant keyhole behind folding glass doors provides access to a small outdoor pool with a shower.

    Outdoor pink concrete tub and rain shower
    Verde 2 has access to two outdoor spaces, including one with a pink concrete tub and rain shower

    Verde 2 features a warmer palette, with honey-toned floor tiles and pink concrete surfaces including the outdoor shower and soaking tub.

    This one-bedroom apartment has access to an additional terrace, wrapped with wood slats for privacy, and has colourful accents throughout.

    Tinted glass creating an amber glow in a bedroom
    In Verde 3, tinted glass gives the room an amber glow

    “The oversized windows overlook a verdant plant enclosure allowing for plenty of natural light to pour in,” said Dreamers Welcome.

    Upstairs, Verde 3 is another studio unit, where retro-tinted glass gives the whole space an amber glow.

    Neutral-hued bedroom with a hammock
    Neutral hues are used through the majority of one-bed Verde 4

    A compact kitchenette opens onto a balcony enclosed by concrete blocks and more tinted glass.

    “Midcentury modern pieces like lamp fixtures, peacock chairs, and wood panelling create a unique contemporary vibe rooted in the past,” Dreamers Welcome said.

    Bathroom featuring olive green walls and a pink vanity and shower
    In contrast, Verde 4’s bathroom features olive green walls and a pink double vanity and shower

    The final one-bedroom apartment, Verde 4, is decorated in neutral tones apart from the bathroom, which has olive green walls and pink concrete double vanity and shower.

    A hammock is installed in the bedroom and a corduroy sofa in the living area can sleep a third guest.

    There’s a full kitchen for those who wish to cook for themselves, and a balcony for eating and relaxing outside.

    Two of the four apartments also have access to a secret room, which is lined entirely with silver foil as an homage to Andy Warhol’s Factory in New York City.

    Warhol-themed secret room lined with silver foil
    Two of the units have access to a Warhol-themed secret room

    Guests won’t know if the space they’ve booked is one of those with access until they arrive and discover the room by exploring for themselves.

    Dreamers Welcome was founded by entrepreneur Stephan Watts and artist Roy Delgado, and the duo design the interiors for each of their properties themselves.

    Green building in San Juan
    The apartments are housed within a green-painted building 10 minute’s walk from Ocean Park Beach

    Puerto Rico’s Caribbean climate makes it a popular tourist destination, particularly for American tourists, and the island has a wealth of accommodation options to cater to them.

    A 1920s residence that was destroyed by Hurricane Maria and then converted into a luxury holiday home in Dorado, and pairs of apartments stacked in rectangular concrete blocks to form a self-sufficient guesthouse are among other choices for holiday makers.

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  • How Airbnb Uses AI to Curb Unauthorized New Year’s Eve Parties

    How Airbnb Uses AI to Curb Unauthorized New Year’s Eve Parties

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    • Airbnb temporarily banned parties in 2020 and made the ban permanent in 2022.
    • The company said it uses AI that checks “hundreds” of factors on an account before blocked an attempted booking.
    • Last year, the company said it blocked 63,550 US New Year’s Eve bookings.

    Airbnb is using AI technology to crack down on people using its properties to host wild New Year’s Eve parties.

    Airbnb first banned parties temporarily in 2020 and has introduced a variety of measures to stop them since, BI previously reported. The company made the ban permanent in 2022 and enforces it particularly strictly around holidays like Memorial Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve.

    For Memorial Day in 2023, the company said it added restrictions to some one and two-night reservations and blocked reservations that it deemed high risk based on the user’s past ratings and their distance from the booking, as well as if their reservation was made at the last minute.

    Last year, the company blocked 63,550 New Year’s Eve bookings in the United States, 13,200 in the United Kingdom, and 5,400 in Australia, the company said in a December 18 blog post.

    In the post, the company said it will be activating “proprietary AI and machine learning technology” to block booking attempts for full homes over the holiday weekend that “could be potentially higher-risk for a disruptive and unauthorized party.”

    “When it comes to how we use technology like AI, we’re focused on taking a thoughtful approach that aims to benefit Hosts, guests and neighborhoods,” Airnbnb head of trust and safety, Naba Banerjee, said in the post. “We’re optimistic these measures will help have a positive impact for the communities we serve.”

    The company said it will be using the program over the holiday weekend in the United States, including Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.

    The technology scrapes through “hundreds” of different factors for each potential booking, including the duration of the trip, how far the booking is from their location, and if the reservation is being made at the last-minute, according to the post.

    The post states that the company will block some bookings for full homes that are one to three days in length if they are deemed “high risk.” Those who are able to successfully book an Airbnb locally over the weekend will be asked to confirm that they know Airbnb bans parties.

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  • Discover 10 Best Sellers | Eminence Organic Skin Care

    Discover 10 Best Sellers | Eminence Organic Skin Care

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    With so many great Eminence Organics products to choose from (and so little space on your bathroom counter), it can be tricky to know where to start. Whether you’re new to us or just looking to add to your skin care collection, here are the treasured classics and everyday essentials that are popular across the board. With plenty of customer and celebrity love over the past year, these best-selling products are bound to make a spectacular addition to your collection. Add them to your skin care routine for a gorgeous, glowing and healthy complexion.

    1. Stone Crop Hydrating Mist

    Our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist has been at the top of this list before, and for good reason. Not only does it refresh and hydrate your skin with one quick spray, it’s packed with vitamins and leaves skin looking vibrant and bright. If the 50+ five-star reviews don’t convince you, maybe the praises from Vogue and Vanity Fair will. Your skin will thank you for a perfectly fresh and toned complexion.

    2. Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer

    Celebrity health and wellness experts swear by this rich moisturizer, packed full of natural ingredients that deeply hydrate the skin. Coconut, shea butter and grape seed oil combine with our Natural Retinol Alternative and Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells for skin that appears lifted and youthful.

    3. Stone Crop Gel Wash

    This beloved cleanser gently washes away impurities and deeply hydrates for an irresistibly fresh and glowing complexion. Suitable for all skin types — even the most sensitive — the Stone Crop Gel Wash uses botanical extracts to help even skin tone and minimize the appearance of stubborn imperfections. Happy customer, Melissa W., left a review on our website saying: I love everything about this wash. Smell, feel and results … best face wash I’ve used … love my skin!”

    4. Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser

    The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser lifts impurities and preps the skin for exfoliation. A Lactic Acid Complex (lactic acid, ribose, red clover flower extract) contains a proprietary blend of actives that gently resurface the skin and refine pores for a more radiant, even and youthful-looking complexion.


    Product Picks

    • Stone Crop Hydrating Mist
    Award Winning

    Hydrating and soothing toner

    Award Winning

    Plumping & firming moisturizer


    5. Facial Recovery Oil

    The award-winning Facial Recovery Oil is part of our Beyond Organic Collection, which consists of products made with certified Biodynamic® ingredients. Clary sage oil contains hydrating properties to improve the appearance of damaged skin, while olive oil and sage leaf extract deeply hydrate and rejuvenate. Studies have shown that, on average, Biodynamic® ingredients contain 30% more antioxidants and 47% more Vitamin C. No wonder this magical oil has earned the nickname “liquid gold.”

    6. Bamboo Firming Fluid

    Turn back time and smooth out the look of wrinkles with our award-winning Bamboo Firming Fluid. This luxurious concentrate combines hydrating coconut and a Natural Retinol Alternative to give the skin a tighter, more lifted appearance. Customer Joan R. calls it “The best serum I have ever used,” and Judy‘s online review says: “I am absolutely in love with this product … I have noticed significant improvement in the firmness and texture of my skin … my complexion looks brighter and more radiant.”

    7. Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck

    Diminish the visible signs of aging overnight with our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck. This rich and deeply hydrating night cream replenishes moisture while you sleep for a finer, smoother and more youthful-looking complexion come morning.

    8. Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil 

    Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil blends results-oriented actives and ingredients that provide intense hydration and protection. It also plumps and firms the look of skin, reduces visible signs of aging and improves skin tone and texture. As if that’s not enough to get you excited, this is a great oil to use for glide when performing gua sha and other treatments at home.


    Product Picks

    Award Winning

    Rich face, neck and decolletage…

    Award Winning

    Deeply hydrating facial oil


    9. Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser

    The Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is formulated to cool and balance your skin with cucumber and tea tree oil. This cream-gel cleanser nourishes and softens the skin with sweet almond milk. This formula also contains a Biocomplex2™, a booster of antioxidants that brings vitality, strength and radiance back to the skin. 

    10. Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

    With a stamp of approval from celebrities, makeup artists and beauty editors, our award-winning Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is fast becoming a cult classic. Gentle yet effective, this rice-based exfoliant gently sloughs away dead skin cells, removing impurities and shrinking the appearance of pores for a brighter, more polished-looking complexion.

    You can also watch this In The Mix video, where our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, demonstrates how these best-selling products can seamlessly integrate into a “maximalist,” “minimalist” or “mid-malist” skin care routine. 

    To learn how to use these products, read our best sellers skin care routine for a step-by-step guide. And for more information on which of these best sellers are right for you, visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner

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  • As Skulls Crumble, the Famous Paris Catacombs Are Showing Their Age

    As Skulls Crumble, the Famous Paris Catacombs Are Showing Their Age

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    Workers at the historic catacombs of Paris are rebuilding a wall containing remains of martyrs from the French Revolution. The massive underground gravesite houses up to 7 million bodies transferred there after centuries of cemetery overflow.

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  • 5 Skin Care Goals For Radiant Skin

    5 Skin Care Goals For Radiant Skin

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    Are you on a quest for healthy, glowing skin but not sure where to start? Achieving a radiant complexion is more than a matter of luck; it’s about setting the right skin care goals. From sun protection to deep hydration, we’re going to guide you through five essential skin care goals you should strive for if you want to achieve radiant-looking skin.

    5 Skin Care Goals You Should Start Now

    Goal 1: Reduce Premature Signs Of Aging 

    One of the most effective ways to reduce premature signs of aging is the regular use of sunscreen. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which are a primary contributor to early skin aging. While time spent in sunshine can be good for the soul, UV exposure can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and a loss of elasticity in the skin, not to mention an increased risk of skin cancer. By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days or during winter, you provide your skin with an essential line of defense that preserves the skin’s natural collagen, overall health and youthfulness. SPF is intended to be reapplied throughout the day, especially after a swim or a workout, to keep your skin shielded from sun damage.

    Our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid is a great way to start the day. This formula shields the skin from the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays with zinc oxide, for broad-spectrum sun protection, and bakuchiol and niacinamide, to reveal smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Think of it as your secret weapon for all-day protection. You can view the entire sun care range here to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. 

    Goal 2: Reduce And Prevent Breakouts

    Even if your skin is well-protected against sun damage, the quest for perfect, glowing skin can still face obstacles like breakouts. These troublesome issues arise when pores get clogged with a combination of oil, dirt and dead skin cells, leading to inflamed and noticeable blemishes. To effectively manage breakouts, it’s essential to maintain a consistent cleansing routine that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. You may be familiar with double cleansing, a staple in the Korean 10-step skincare regimen. Double cleansing involves two distinct types of cleansers. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to gently lift off surface impurities like makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. This type of cleanser attracts and draws out oil-based debris from the skin. Step two follows this wash with a water-based cleanser to ensure a thorough clean. This second step is crucial for removing any remaining residue, breaking down the oil components of any lingering impurities. 

    Regular exfoliation is another powerful method for reducing breakouts. By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation prevents pore blockages, which helps transform dull, tired skin into a radiant complexion. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid, aid in the removal of dead skin cells to keep pores looking clear. Consider adding exfoliating products into your skin care routine to encourage fresh, new skin cells to come to the surface.

    After laying the groundwork for clearer skin, let’s now focus on the delicate eye area (often the first place to reveal signs of aging).

    Goal 3: Minimize The Look Of Eye Wrinkles

    Achieving the fourth skin care goal involves turning your attention to the delicate eye area. It’s often said that the eyes are a reflection of life’s joys! Yet, with time, this joy can also leave its mark in the form of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. Facial muscles connect directly to our skin, so, every smile or frown makes these underlying muscles contract and expand, often resulting in undesired crow’s feet around the eyes. 

    To combat eye wrinkles, try one of our best sellers, the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream. The Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream employs naturally derived plant peptides, algae extracts and a Smart Collagen+ Complex to visibly lift and plump the eye area. It also contains botanical hyaluronic acid to smooth, plump and maintain long-lasting hydration. One of our website reviewers, Kaitlyn, says that this eye cream is her new favorite, stating: “I have tried so many expensive medical grade eye creams and this eye cream beats them all! I wake up with hydrated undereyes and I look refreshed!”

    Goal 4: Promote Skin Elasticity & Firmness On Your Neck & Face

    Now that you know how to improve the eye area, you’ll want to draw your attention to improving the overall look of elasticity and firmness in your skin texture. And don’t forget the neck! The neck is an important area that often gets overlooked; however, it’s just as susceptible to signs of aging as the face. If you’re noticing saggy skin on your neck, face or jawline, ingredients like peptides and botanicals will help. Our Bamboo Firming Fluid, for example, is designed to make the skin look firmer and lifted. This concentrate is formulated with bamboo, a Natural Retinol Alternative and Swiss green apples to improve the look of saggy skin around the face, jawline and neck. But remember, skin firmness is not just about topical treatments. A balanced diet, staying hydrated and protecting your skin from sun damage also play significant roles in maintaining its elasticity and firmness.

    Goal 5: Enhance Skin Hydration 

    Well-hydrated skin not only looks plump and healthy but also functions more efficiently — especially when protecting itself. In terms of lifestyle habits, staying well-hydrated will help your skin maintain moisture and elasticity. If your skin feels zapped of moisture, adding a refreshing toner to your daily ritual is the easiest change you can make. Our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, as the name suggests, features stone crop, a potent plant that replenishes moisture and brightens the look of the skin. In addition, facial oils also stand out as one of the top choices for providing essential hydration. Try our Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, which combines active ingredients for an intense dose of hydration to improve the look of skin tone and texture.

    Are you ready to incorporate some of these skin care goals into your routine? For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

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  • Dezeen readers name Casa Tres Árboles best home interior of 2023

    Dezeen readers name Casa Tres Árboles best home interior of 2023

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    Dezeen readers name Casa Tres Árboles best home interior of 2023

    As part of our review of 2023, Dezeen readers have voted Casa Tres Árboles by Direccion the best home interior of 2023.

    After 400 votes, the project in Mexico was the clear winner, with almost 35 per cent of people picking it from the poll that ran throughout December.

    Lounge with red sofa, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion
    Dezeen readers named Casa Tres Árboles best home interior of 2023. Photo by Fabian Martinez

    Informed by “monastic sanctuaries” and designed to celebrate light and shadows, Casa Tres Árboles is a weekend home in Mexico‘s Valle de Bravo.

    Mexican studio Direccion, used combined natural materials and an earthy colour palette for the interiors of the split-level home.

    Dezeen readers picked the home form a shortlist that included projects from Spain, The Netherlands, UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa and USA.

    The rest of the vote was pretty evenly split, with the Hiroo Residence in central Tokyo, the second most popular choice – receiving 12 percent of the vote.

    Designed by architect Keiji Ashizawa, the 200-square-metre apartment features numerous wooden finishes combined with subtle tones of grey and beige.

    Living room in Hiroo Residence by Keiji Ashizawa
    Hiroo Residence was readers second favourite project. Photography by Tomooki Kengaku

    Four further projects were joint third most popular – Dumbo loft by Crystal Sinclair Designs, House by the Sea by Of Architecture, Torres Blancas apartment by Studio Noju and Domūs Houthaven apartment by Shift Architecture Urbanism – each receiving nine per cent of the vote


    Dezeen review of 2023

    2023 review

    This article is part of Dezeen’s roundup of the biggest and best news and projects in architecture, design, interior design and technology from 2023.

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  • 10 Cities Where Climate Change Is Likely to Be the Worst by 2050

    10 Cities Where Climate Change Is Likely to Be the Worst by 2050

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    • Some Americans are choosing where to live based on the risk of climate-related disasters.
    • For example, cities in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana are prone to flooding and extreme heat.
    • Insurance broker Policygenius ranked the US cities with the most climate risks. Here are the worst.

    Cities in America’s Sun Belt often top lists of great places to move.

    Spots in that region, which stretches from Florida in the Southeast to Southern California in the Southwest, are often lauded for their good weather and relatively lower cost of living.

    But they’ve got issues, too: The climate crisis is predicted to turn the very sunshine that draws people there into extreme heat in the coming years, and being close to the beach puts people and homes at risk of flooding and damage from rising sea levels.

    Online insurance marketplace Policygenius evaluated the climate risks of America’s 50 most populous cities based on their likelihood of experiencing the following issues by the year 2050: heat and humidity, flooding and sea level rise, air quality, and frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

    Policygenius also judged the cities’ social vulnerability, or likelihood of death and disruption as a result of these conditions, and community resilience, the ability to prepare for and adapt to a changing climate. It used publicly available data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other studies as laid out in its full methodology.

    People are increasingly taking the risks of climate change into account when moving. Read on to find out more about the cities most at risk, and why.

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  • 5 Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged And How To Fix It

    5 Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged And How To Fix It

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    Keeping your body healthy is important, and that includes your skin. When your skin barrier is strong, it protects your skin from external stressors and locks in moisture; when it’s damaged, irritants and allergens seep in and water evaporates, leaving your skin barrier compromised. That’s when issues can arise, leading to skin that is dull, dry and dehydrated. We’re going to explore the five telltale signs of a damaged skin barrier: increased sensitivity, dryness, dehydration, flakiness, redness and irritation as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Understanding these signs is vital to recognizing when your skin needs extra care. Here’s everything you need to know about your skin barrier plus our tips to protect it and repair it.

    What Is Your Skin Barrier?

    An easy way to understand how your skin barrier works is to think of your skin as a structure made of bricks and mortar. Dr. Hooman Khorasani, MD, a quadruple board-certified dermatologic and skin cancer surgeon in New York City explains: “The skin barrier is provided by structures called lamellar sheets. These sheets are between the cells of the topmost layer of skin called the stratum corneum. These structures are analogous to the mortar between the bricks in the wall of your house.” Lamellar sheets, which are composed of fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides, hold your skin cells in place and keep your stratum corneum intact. 

    What Does It Do?

    Your skin barrier acts like a security guard for your skin. It shields your skin from bacteria and irritants and seals in moisture and hydration. Skin with a healthy barrier is well-hydrated, moisturized, resilient and flexible. It can better withstand the negative effects of environmental stress and ages gracefully. On the other hand, a thin or weak barrier allows irritants in and hydration out. This causes dullness, dryness and sensitivity and can lead to inflammation and premature aging.

    How Does The Skin Barrier Become Damaged?

    Over time, your skin barrier can become impaired. Aging, exposure to environmental stressors and everyday activities like over-cleansing cause cumulative damage that compromises its structure. Remember our brick-and-mortar analogy? Without proper care, the mortar between the bricks weakens and cracks begin to emerge. These make space for bacteria and irritants to enter the skin and for moisture and hydration to escape. 

    Here are a few things that can cause your skin barrier to become damaged:

    • Natural aging
    • Pollution
    • UV exposure
    • Blue light
    • Bacteria
    • Stress
    • Poor diet
    • Harsh chemical skin care
    • Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating
    • Extreme temperatures
    • Genetic conditions such as psoriasis

    What Happens When It’s Damaged?

    One of the primary effects of skin barrier damage is transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Through this process, hydration and moisture passively evaporate through the compromised barrier, leading to dryness and dehydration. This compounds the visible signs of aging and contributes to inflammation, sensitivity and a dull-looking complexion.

    In addition to loss of moisture, skin with a damaged barrier is left bare to environmental assaults by pollution, UV rays and blue light. These are three key contributors to accelerated aging, causing the skin to develop fine lines and wrinkles as well as lose volume and elasticity. 

    With a weakened barrier, your skin also becomes exposed to irritants, microbes and allergens. When these penetrate the stratum corneum, they can cause inflammation, redness and sensitivity. For those with genetic conditions such as eczema and rosacea, an impaired barrier can exacerbate symptoms.

    5 Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged

    How can you tell if your skin barrier is damaged? These are a few telltale signs that your skin barrier has weakened:

    • Dryness
    • Dehydration
    • Flakiness
    • Redness and irritation
    • Fine lines and wrinkles

    1. Dryness

    When your skin barrier is damaged, it struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness. Dry skin often feels rough and appears flaky, making it difficult to maintain a smooth and hydrated appearance. This dryness is not just a surface-level concern; it reflects a deeper inability of the skin to hold onto essential moisture, necessitating a more nurturing and moisture-rich skin care routine. 

    2. Dehydration

    Dehydration goes beyond just dryness; it’s a lack of water in the skin. This can make your skin feel tight and look dull. Dehydrated skin loses its plumpness and elasticity, leading to a less youthful appearance. It’s important to hydrate the skin both internally, by drinking plenty of water, and externally, through hydrating skin care products.

    3. Flakiness

    A visible sign of a compromised skin barrier is flakiness. This occurs when the skin loses its ability to self-exfoliate and shed dead skin cells effectively, resulting in a buildup that appears as flaky patches. It’s a sign that your skin needs gentle exfoliation and deep hydration to restore its smooth texture.

    4. Redness and Irritation

    Damaged skin barriers are more susceptible to irritation, leading to redness and a feeling of discomfort. This can be exacerbated by environmental factors, harsh skin care products or even stress. It’s crucial to use gentle, soothing products that reduce irritation and help the skin barrier recover.

    5. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

    While some fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, a sudden increase in their visibility can be a sign of dehydration and a damaged skin barrier. Dehydrated skin can accentuate these lines, making them more pronounced. Hydrating the skin can plump it up and reduce the appearance of these lines.

    How Can You Protect And Repair It?

    Now that you know what skin barrier damage does to your complexion, how can you protect and repair it?

    1. Apply Sunscreen Daily

    Rule number one for a healthy skin barrier: Apply sunscreen every single day. Dr. Khorasani recommends applying a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and avoiding sun exposure when the UV index is at its highest (from 10am to 4pm). We recommend our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40. This moisturizer is formulated with cocoa seed extract, satsuma mandarin peel and SPF 40 all-mineral protection to improve the appearance of skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution. Your skin will also enjoy the hydrating feel of the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid which contains zinc oxide to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It also contains bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that smooths out the skin’s texture to minimize the visible signs of aging, and niacinamide, an ingredient that retains hydration and supports the skin barrier.  

    2. Keep Skin Moisturized

    Another way to protect your skin barrier is to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. In addition to keeping your skin hydrated internally by drinking plenty of water, you can apply skin care with ingredients that replenish and retain your skin’s natural moisture. Snow mushroom is one such ingredient that rivals the humectant properties of hyaluronic acid. You can find this deeply hydrating ingredient in our Birch Water Purifying Essence, Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque and Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream.

    3. Look For Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients

    You can protect your skin against the drying effects of environmental stressors by loading up on antioxidants — both in your diet and your skin care. Antioxidants fight free radicals to minimize the visible signs of aging brought on by oxidative damage. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, mangosteen, birch water and lilikoi for a potent dose of antioxidants. We recommend applying our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum which is rich in Vitamins C and  E and ferulic acid.

    4. Choose Organic Skin Care

    Avoid chemical skin care that can disrupt your skin barrier. Instead, seek out natural, organic and Biodynamic® products that maintain strength and integrity. These types of ingredients infuse the skin with beneficial nutrients that optimize its health and fortify its barrier. When shopping for your favorite skin care products, beware of counterfeit cosmetics masquerading as the real thing. These often include ineffective and even harmful ingredients that won’t do your skin barrier any favors.

    5. Protect The Skin Microbiome

    Part of maintaining a healthy skin barrier is keeping your skin microbiome balanced. The microbiome is a community of bacteria that lives on the surface of your skin. Environmental stressors can disturb our skin’s microbiome, affecting the skin’s moisture barrier and leading to dry, dull and reactive skin. Gently prime your skin and restore its natural balance with the nourishing Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics work harmoniously to enhance luminosity while key ingredients like white tea and jasmine flower soothe dry, dull skin for a healthy-looking glow. You can also use the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. This lightweight liquid-to-foam cleanser is crafted with targeted micellar technology to gently remove impurities without over-stripping the skin.

    Curious about which products to use to keep your skin barrier intact? Chat with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find the best products for your skin type and skin concerns.

    *These products do not contain live probiotic cultures. 

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  • Walmart Says Shoppers Are ‘Value Hacking’ to Stretch Their Dollars

    Walmart Says Shoppers Are ‘Value Hacking’ to Stretch Their Dollars

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    • When shoppers buy store-brand pasta and premium sauce, Walmart says they’re “value hacking.”
    • The retail giant said consumers are using the strategy to save a few bucks on their grocery bills.
    • It’s an approach that has proven popular with Costco members and the Kirkland Signature brand.

    If you’ve ever tried to save a few bucks by picking the store-brand noodles to go with your nice jar of Rao’s marinara, you’re part of a current retail trend.

    Walmart’s head of investor relations, Stephanie Wissink, told analysts at TD Cowen that the retail giant was seeing more customers do exactly that.

    Their term for this cost-cutting strategy: value hacking.

    Specifically, they said the concept applies to mixing and matching premium and what retailers call “private label” products within the same meal.

    Wissink even noted that more customers are adjusting their grocery runs to work around the timing of their paychecks.

    Since Walmart derives over 60% of its product sales from the grocery category, the company is highly tuned in to how shopping behaviors are changing in the food aisles, especially after years of elevated inflation.

    Even as price increases have begun to slow down or even reverse, the cost of many consumer packaged goods from national brands remains stubbornly high, a point that Costco CFO Richard Galanti underscored earlier this month.

    By contrast, retailers like Costco and Walmart have been comparatively quick to pass along savings in their private-label offerings.

    Where the normal price difference between, say, a block of Kraft cheese versus Walmart’s Great Value might previously have been around 25%, Walmart told TD Cowen the savings has grown closer to 50%.

    But rather than loading up their carts exclusively with these lower-priced options, shoppers are using some of those store-brand savings to offset the cost of fancier selections.

    It’s an approach that would be quite familiar to Costco members, where the company’s Kirkland Signature products consistently meet or exceed the quality of the same item from a national brand while costing a fraction of the price.

    A big part of Costco’s appeal is finding a great deal on a premium brand product, like Wawona’s frozen organic fruit blend, and pairing that with even bigger savings on Kirkland Signature oat milk for a delicious smoothie that doesn’t break the bank.

    For most businesses, falling prices pose several challenges, but juggernauts like Costco and Walmart say they’re up for it, especially since shoppers spend some of their grocery bill savings elsewhere in the store.

    “If the food prices come down,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in November, “that’ll free up dollars to be spent in general merchandise.”

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  • Jabra Headsets Buyer’s Guide – HeadsetPlus.com Plantronics, Jabra Headset Blog

    Jabra Headsets Buyer’s Guide – HeadsetPlus.com Plantronics, Jabra Headset Blog

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    Headsets and solutions form Jabra, formerly known as GN Netcom are one of the best solutions for the professional user in a work environment, and now they are taking the next steps on the new called Hybrid Working. This time we will analyze some of these and how to make the most of them and features.

    Preface: Do you need the best performance on your corporate office, home office or on the road? Looking for the most lightweight, long lasting devices for your daily use? Getting the most comfortable and appropriate wearing style or use for your duties? If these questions are on your checklist, Jabra has you covered with their products and solutions for your needs.

    Jabra offers a variety of solutions at different budget levels for different devices in a approachable and easy to use device: Jabra headsets. With the Jabra headset solutions, you can have a hands free conversation while on a call or online meeting, letting the user to focus on the call and have free hands when on the computer allowing to take the required notes or the steps to go and do the daily duties while on duty.

    Design & Use: Jabra had been engineering their technology for over 150 years, considering this they had been improving every time on having a better quality and sound performance on their products and even adapting to the different paces that had been changing on the last few years. Their philosophy: Hej, (that’s ‘hi’ in Danish). We’re Jabra.

    Jabra offers different headset solutions on different wearing styles that go from the Mono style with an over the head headband, to the Stereo covering both ears in a rich sound quality, to the convertible style for people wanting something just over one ear only to the ultra light earbuds for users wanting the best performance with a more discrete design when on the go.

    Quick Disconnect: Jabra offers its Quick Disconnect (QD) option for corded headsets,jabra gn2125 noise canceling telecoil headset hearing impaired view designed for call centers to be used with users desk phones and/or computers as well, as its versatility let user to connect their Jabra corded headsets with noise canceling microphones to virtually any desk phone, computer, or both at the same time using the appropriate adapters or amplifier. The corded headsets from Jabra offers featuresjabra biz 2400 ii qd mono ultra-noise canceling unc 3-in-1 view like PeakStop™ technology on even the most basic headset that immediately removes harmful loud sounds before reaching the users speakers while using the headset. Jabra’s quick disconnect can be found on the entry Jabra Biz 1500 Mono headset thru the heavy duty light weight Biz 2300 Duo headset to the top of the chain, the upscale Biz 2400 II QD Mono Ultra-Noise Canceling headset.

     

    Pricing: Jabra desk phone corded headset can be found on a reasonable and attractivejabra biz 1500 mono qd headset view price going from $65-$200, depending on the model andjabra gn2125 noise canceling telecoil headset hearing impaired view features included on the headset. This is an attractive point for mayor deployments on large call centers as most of the users will need a headset but keeping it on a conservative budget without the compromise of call quality for both ends. The entry level for this kind of solutions would be the really attractive Jabra Biz 1500 Mono QD headset, for users looking for a Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) headset, Jabra offers the GN2125 Noise Canceling Telecoil headset for Hearing Impaired with a really lightweight construction and leatherette ear cushions designed for all day use without the compromise of the hearing aids or the microphone when on a call.

    Headsets that are Wireless: Jabra offers wireless headsets for your desk phone use at the office. These kind of wireless headsets let the users to roam around the office while on a call and thanks to its DECT wireless technology allows user to go from room to roomjabra pro 920 mono wireless headset system view without any interference even if they have multiple wireless headsets or cell phones close by. These devices allows the user to answer/end calls as long as they have the proper remote answer solution, that depending on the desk phone can be electronically or mechanical, mute the microphone and adjust the volume on the speaker only. If the user needs to dial a number, put a call on hold, transfer a call or select a phone line from a  multiple line selector on the desk phone, the user has to go back to the desk  and do it from the phone directly wearing the headset. The entry level wireless headset from Jabra can be found on the Jabra Pro 920 Mono, this would be Jabra’s work horse, with a light weight and designed to last without compromises.

    Wireless vs. Bluetooth: Cell phones had been more and more in use lately, not only for personal use, but now for work related purposes and a lot of times people can confuse the use of a wireless headset versus a Bluetooth headset. These 2 are different frequencies and for the same reason the range of a Bluetooth headset for the cell phone would not be as great as a DECT headset for the desk phone. For the same reason Cell phone Bluetooth headsets have a lower price point when compared with wireless headsets for office desk phones. Thanks to being more portable to be used with a cell phone, Bluetooth headset comes on a more compact and portable design when putting side to side with a DECT wireless headset.

    Headset style: The user needs to check the different wearing styles available to be used on a daily use. Of course there are going to be advantages and disadvantages on each case, which is something to consider on the long run. For example, if the user doesn’t want to mess with the hair with a smaller size headset with ear hook only will make the boom arm shorter and less noise canceling compared with a regular size bendable boom arm closer to the mouth for instance.

    Multi-Connectivity function: Jabra offers corded and wireless solutions for multi connectivity on the office.Jabra engage This means a user can simply put one headset on and use it with more than 1 device at the same time, making it easy to switch from one device to the other seamless and without compromise of the well known Jabra’s Noise Canceling microphones. On the corded solution we can  get the Biz 1500 headset and the Jabra link 180 as an affordable corded solution to have a corded headset with the desk phone and the computer. On a wireless solution for the office space, the Engage 65 wireless headset would be the best solution for one wireless headset for the desk phone and computer with a comfortable wearing style.

    Fully adjustable Jabra Advanced Active Noise Cancellation™: Jabra offers its fullyjabra evolve2 75 uc stereo bluetooth headset usb-a view adjustable Advanced Active Noise jabra evolve2 85 uc stereo bluetooth usb-a headset w/stand viewcanceling feature that allows the user to block all the unwanted noises from the environment and allowing them to adjust it depending on the situation. This feature comes with Jabra’s well known HearThrough adjustment that allows the user to hear conversations with a face to face person even wearing the headset, thanks to their advanced chipset that can process faster while on these conditions. This feature can be found on the Jabra Evolve2 75, and the Jabra Evolve2 85 headsets.

    Push-To-Talk corded solutions: Jabra offers Push-To-Talk (PTT) solutions for cordedjabra qd to 3.5mm push to talk (ptt) quick disconnect cable view headsets form Jabra. On the first case this would be on the shape of the Jabra QD to 3.5mm PTT. ThisJabra Biz 2300 USB GSA Mono PTT Headset, UC would allow a user to plug any corded Jabra QD headset to a 3.5mm jack phone as a cordless phone for example and being able to unmute the microphone at will by pressing the key located on this adapter. This solution can be used on mobile devices with the 3.5mm jack and any desk phone with the mentioned jack, letting the user to have a secure conversation similar to the one used on dispatch agencies. For computer based soft phones, Jabra offers their new Biz 2300 GSA PTT headsets. These models come preprogrammed to plug and play on the computer and the call/volume control will let the user to unmute the microphone by pressing it. The red light will let the user to know when the microphone is mute and turns green to let know the microphone is alive.

    Smaller, Better and more comfortable than before: Jabra launched the second generation of its Evolve Buds as the Evolve2 Buds. With an improved and more jabra evolve2 buds usb-a bluetooth earset uc cert viewcomfortable design than before for all day use. Now the earbuds comes Jabra fully adjustable Active Noise Canceling, including the well known HearThrough technology in a small pocketsize UC certified ear buds. TheJabra EVOLVE2 Buds USB-A Bluetooth Earset UC Cert case now allows to transport the ear buds AND the USB Link 380 Dongle all together. A huge improvement versus the first generation is that now the user can wear either both buds for a stereo sound quality, the right one only or the left one only! This allows to start the day use for example with the left one and when battery gets low, simply take the right one out, put it on and then take off the left one and store it in the case to charge it, even in the middle of a call, without hanging up!

    To know what is best for you, try out a few models practically in daytime conditions so you know their results. Adjusting the microphone should be easy. It is not important that only you hear your callers with clarity but your callers too must be able to have voice clarity when listening to you on the other side. Volume control arrangement is different in different models; so you would like to test that feature prior to actually purchasing it.

    You Should Know: Selecting a Jabra headset, do this –

    – Are you searching for a corded or wireless solution?

    – Are you in the look for a desk phone, computer or both?

    – What wearing style prefer to handle call on your headset?

    – Is it a really loud environment where you are located?

    – Are you always on the road and need something portable?

    – How long you keep your headset on during all work day?

     

     

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