Category: Beauty & Perosnal Care

You may have heard that one of the biggest beauty blunders is forgetting to remove your makeup before bed. But why? Sleeping in makeup can cause countless problems including inflammation, breakouts, tired-looking skin and dullness. It’s crucial to remove your makeup thoroughly before your head hits the pillow to prevent skin issues. We have gathered all the skin care tips you need to learn how to properly remove your makeup.

What Happens When You Don’t Remove Makeup? | How To Remove Your Makeup | After You’ve Removed Your Makeup

What Happens When You Don’t Remove Makeup?

Is it really so bad to sleep in your makeup? While one slip up won’t ruin your complexion, consistently skipping your skin care routine can cause cumulative damage. Here’s a breakdown of why you should not sleep with makeup on and what happens to your skin when you don’t give it a thorough cleanse before bed.

Free Radical Damage

During the day, your skin accumulates oxidative stress through contact with pollution, blue light and UV rays. These environmental stressors expose your skin to free radicals, highly unstable molecules that attack otherwise healthy cells. As a result, you may notice skin dullness, inflammation and premature aging. Products like silicone primers, foundations and powders may be key to your makeup routine. However, these occlusive cosmetics can trap debris and oil, preventing your skin from repairing itself. Our Product Support Representatives tell us: “Free radicals cling to makeup, causing a number of skin issues including collagen breakdown.” When you sleep in your makeup, you deprive your skin of the opportunity to recover naturally from the day’s oxidative stress. As a result, damage to structural proteins, like collagen and elastin, continues, and your skin takes on the visible signs of aging more quickly.

Dull Skin

There’s truth to the term “beauty sleep”: Your skin performs its most important regenerative functions overnight. While you sleep, growth hormones kick into gear and stimulate skin cell renewal. This triggers the skin’s natural turnover process whereby dead and damaged skin cells are shed from the surface and replaced by new, healthy cells. Makeup interferes with this cycle by trapping dead skin and preventing your skin from sloughing them off. 

We naturally shed close to 50 million skin cells a day. When skin cell turnover is interrupted, dead cells aren’t efficiently removed and accumulate on the skin’s surface. This contributes to a dull, dry and lackluster complexion. Dendy Engelman, MD tells SELF: “When we’re not exfoliating or removing those top surface cells as quickly, the light doesn’t reflect off the skin as nicely as it does when it’s very clean and properly exfoliated. Even if your skin doesn’t break out, it is going to look older, rougher and less radiant.”

Clogged Pores And Breakouts

The fact that comedogenic products (products with ingredients likely to clog pores) lead to breakouts is a no-brainer. The potential for acne is amplified when these types of cosmetics are left on overnight. Wearing makeup to bed traps these impurities under the skin, increasing the risk of a breakout. Breakouts or acne worsens when oil, debris and bacteria combine, causing infection and inflammation.

In fact, there’s a type of acne that is caused specifically by makeup. Acne cosmetica is caused by pore-clogging makeup and shows up as tiny bumps and whiteheads on the cheeks, chin and forehead. If you’re going to sleep with a full face of makeup on, you’re not only preventing these breakouts from clearing but also contributing to their emergence in the first place. 

Irritation And Inflammation

Makeup’s occlusive effect also contributes to skin irritation and inflammation. Heavy cosmetics form a barrier overtop of the skin that locks in environmental irritants such as chemical agents, allergens and pollution. Cosmetics themselves often include synthetic ingredients and fragrances that can be irritating to the skin, especially when left on for a prolonged time. 

Inflammation is the skin’s first line of defense against external stress. When faced with harmful stimuli, the skin issues an immune response that rushes blood to the area. While this is meant to speed up healing, it also results in uncomfortable symptoms such as heat, swelling and redness. For some skin types, this can be temporary but for those with sensitive skin, it can cause ongoing discomfort in the form of blotchiness, itchiness and dryness.

How To Remove Your Makeup

By now, you have a handle on the importance of removing your makeup before bed, but how do you do it properly? If you’ve ever detected a trace of mascara smeared under your eye or a smudge of foundation on your pillowcase (even after you’ve washed your face), you’re probably not making the most of your cleansing routine. Follow these tips to ensure you clear every last bit of makeup from your complexion.

Avoid Cleansing Wipes

First, skip the cleansing wipes. While they may be convenient, most makeup wipes won’t fully remove your makeup. As James C. Marotta, MD tells Good Housekeeping, “very few makeup wipes contain ingredients that can actually break down all of your face oils, makeup and gunk on your skin, so you’re really just rubbing bacteria, irritants and makeup wipe residue around your skin.” Plus, many cleansing wipes contain chemical ingredients and preservatives that can irritate the skin and cause dryness.   

Double Cleanse

The best way to remove makeup is to double cleanse. This method is crucial for breaking down makeup as well as other surface impurities such as dirt and oil. This cleansing technique begins with an oil-based cleanser and is then followed by a second cleanser of your choice (we suggest a gel-based option like our Stone Crop Gel Wash). If you have an oily skin type, don’t let cleansing oil scare you. Cleansing formulas with natural oils will not only clear makeup, but also lift excess sebum from your skin’s surface. 

These are the steps to perform a double cleanse:

1. Break down makeup with a cleansing oil or balm. The oil in the cleanser will solubilize oil-based products like foundation and mascara so they lift easily from your skin’s surface. Warm a small bit of Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or Wildflower Cleansing Balm in your hand. Then, use your fingers to swipe it across your eyelids and lips and use circular motions to lightly massage it over your face. Rinse clean with lukewarm water. 
2. Remove remaining impurities with a second cleanser. Now that you’ve loosened and lifted your makeup, you need to sweep away stubborn dirt, grime and bacteria that are left on the skin. Simply apply your favorite cleanser to wash your skin more deeply and target specific skin concerns such as acne or aging. With this two-step process, you clear both types of impurities that can clog pores, dull your skin and contribute to premature aging. 

Ready to start double cleansing? Watch this video for tips and product recommendations from our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar:

Don’t Forget Your Neck And Hairline

You may have removed (what feels like) an inch of foundation from your face, but be sure you haven’t skipped your neck and hairline. If you stop short of these easy-to-miss areas, you can accumulate makeup residue that clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Pull back your hair with a headband and extend your face wash past your jaw to ensure you catch every last bit of makeup.

Remove Eye Makeup 

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner can be notoriously difficult to remove. If you’ve done a double cleanse, you’ve probably removed most of your eye makeup, but it’s worth touching up the area with a natural and organic makeup remover. 

Before you tackle your eye area, remember that the skin there is thinner and more delicate, so it’s important to be gentle. Rather than rub vigorously, saturate a cotton pad with remover and hold it over each eye for ten seconds. This will give it time to break up and dissolve the make up products before you gently wipe it off. Tackle the eye line and inner corners with a cotton bud to complete your cleanse.

Use Steam

Still not feeling quite clean? You can give your skin a facial steam to deepen your cleanse. Steam softens surface debris and releases any leftover grime and makeup that is still trapped in your pores after cleansing. Follow these steps for a facial steam at home:

1. Fill your sink or a bowl with hot water.
2. Place a large towel over your head.
3. Hover your face five to ten inches away from the steam. Lower or raise your head for more or less heat.
4. Steam for five to ten minutes (we recommend two minute intervals so you don’t overheat).

What To Do After You’ve Removed Your Makeup

Makeup removal gives your skin a clean slate, but it needs to be followed with proper care to maintain your skin’s health and resilience. After cleansing, continue your skin care routine with these essential steps:

• Apply a toner or facial mist to hydrate your skin and prep it for the skin care products that follow.
• Use a serum, oil or concentrate to target specific skin concerns and conditions. 
• Moisturize to lock in hydration and protect your skin’s lipid barrier. 
• Tap on an eye cream for a bright and smooth eye area. 
• Apply SPF to protect your skin from the drying and aging effects of UV rays. 

Which products are part of your cleansing routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner for skin care recommendations from a licensed esthetician! Use our Spa Locator to find a spa near you. 

This article was originally written in August 2019.

Are you planning to offer microneedling in your spa? If you have Clients dealing with acne scarring, wrinkles and stretch marks, introducing this treatment might lead to very happy customers. If you’re unfamiliar, microneedling (or collagen induction therapy) boosts collagen production, which in turn smooths fine lines and reveals youthful, glowing-looking skin. This is a safe and effective procedure (when performed by an appropriately trained professional) with a fairly short downtime. 

But don’t take it from us — we interviewed Hooman Khorasani, MD, a quadruple board-certified dermatologic and skin cancer surgeon in New York City. Here’s what he had to say about microneedling benefits and how to introduce it into your spa. 

Microneedling sounds scary—What is microneedling and how does it work? 

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure developed to treat multiple skin concerns like acne scars, skin tightening and rejuvenation and minimizing the appearance of pores. Microneedling causes micro-incisions (controlled trauma) in the epidermis and superficial dermis, allowing more collagen production and your body’s natural healing mechanisms to kick in. The process of microneedling rapidly creates multiple micro channels in the treatment area, leaving the skin noticeably smoother and more uniform after three to six months.

What results should Clients expect from microneedling? 

The results of microneedling alone can be subtle and most individuals will require multiple treatments for the optimal outcome. To increase the treatment’s efficacy, many practitioners combine microneedling with the application of platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP will contribute to additional growth factors derived from the patient’s own plasma.  

It is important to note that microneedling does not have any effect on treating hyperpigmentation. Therefore, one may have to combine microneedling with a laser treatment or a chemical peel to combat pigmentation concerns.  

Can you combine other add-ons with microneedling?

In recent years, microneedling is often combined with the delivery of radiofrequency heat to the skin. This technology is called RF microneedling and is more effective than traditional microneedling alone. The principle of the treatment process is the same, with the added benefit of heat being generated in the dermis, resulting in further stimulation of fibroblasts. This treatment is usually recommended in a series, every four to six weeks, and is often performed in conjunction with complementary treatments, such as chemical peels and PRP therapy.

In addition, add-ons such as chemical peels and PRP treatments maximize the efficacy of microneedling and will allow you to exceed your Client’s skin expectations (if applied correctly). This treatment may be performed on various parts of the body, allowing you to customize the treatment and cater to your patient’s needs. The best results may be achieved through multiple, consistent treatments. 

What pre-microneedling treatment advice should we give Clients?

Patients should be instructed to avoid blood thinning agents such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic and ginger for seven days prior to treatment to avoid unnecessary bleeding and bruising. Patients who are prone to getting cold sores should have prophylactic treatment with an anti-herpetic medication such as Valtrex. 

 What after care tips should be provided?

Remind Clients that immediately after the microneedling treatment, the skin may appear red for a few hours, similar to a moderate sunburn with some pinpoint bleeding. The appearance depends on the length and depth of the needles used and the number of passes performed.

Six hours post-treatment, the Client can gently massage the treated area with lukewarm water and a cotton round to remove any remaining serum or plasma. Advise Clients to use non-comedogenic products, such as Eminence Organics Firm Skin Acai Cleanser and Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream. 

The skin may feel drier or tighter than usual, so advise Clients to keep the skin hydrated with a hyaluronic acid serum, such as the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. You want to cleanse the skin twice a day and apply moisturizer in the morning and evening, and apply a mineral sunscreen every day, reapplying every two to four hours, depending on the heat level and direct sun exposure. 

Avoid applying makeup until the skin is fully healed, usually seven to 10 days post-treatment. A tinted mineral sunscreen may be used as a makeup substitute, if needed.

How do you best train and prepare microneedling practitioners? 

The primary focus should always be on staff and patient education, as this is the key to successful microneedling treatments and results. Novice practitioners should be careful with higher treatments depths being used (>1.5mm). They should be more conservative when treating over bone in areas such as the forehead. The type of microneedling pen used should be FDA approved to ensure sterility is respected. This is a particular concern, as a few devices have been associated with transmission of viral components. 

Are you planning to offer microneedling in your spa? Let us know in the comments below or on social media. You can also find out about becoming an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here and the benefits we provide, including social media packages and more.

Disclosure

Despite all we’re told about sun protection, more than one third of adults admit to getting sunburned in the past year. While the immediate symptoms of a sunburn are only temporary, the long-term damage is permanent and can emerge years later. Read on for our guide to caring for sunburned skin, and how you can prevent it from occurring in the first place.

What Causes A Sunburn? | Why Are Sunburns Harmful? | Sunburn Stages | Symptoms | How To Protect Your Skin | Ingredients To Use

What Causes A Sunburn?

A sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it releases a pigment called melanin to protect itself. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen by absorbing the energy from UV rays and redistributing it. However, it can only provide so much protection — if you are spending too much time in the sun, your tan can quickly become a sunburn. 

When you experience sunburn, your body produces chemicals called inflammatory mediators which increase blood flow in the affected area(s).  This action produces a sunburn’s characteristic redness, warmth and swelling. While you may immediately notice a pink hue and rise in temperature, it takes up to 24 hours for a sunburn’s full effects to set in. In other words, don’t be surprised if your slight burn becomes lobster-like by day two.

UVA Vs. UVB Rays

When it comes to UV radiation, there are two types of rays that cause skin damage: UVA and UVB. Here’s how they differ.

UVA Rays

UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. They are present with equal intensity throughout the day and penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. This type of radiation plays a key role in photoaging: It alters the DNA of cells in the dermis, causing damage to structural proteins like collagen and elastin. With a weakened structure, the skin begins to sag and develop fine lines and wrinkles.

UVB Rays

UVB rays cause damage in the skin’s more superficial layers and are responsible for skin reddening and sunburn. They are also more closely linked with the development of skin cancer. The intensity of UVB rays varies by season, location and time of day. These rays are at peak intensity between 10AM and 4PM from April to October but have the potential to damage skin year-round. Unlike UVA rays, they cannot pass through glass and will reflect back towards the skin, hitting it twice, causing more damage.

Why Are Sunburns Harmful?

So, why are sunburns so bad? Aside from their immediate pain and discomfort, sunburns also cause long-lasting damage to the skin. Sunburns contribute to premature aging in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and sun spots. They also play a major role in the development of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the risk for melanoma doubles if you have had more than five sunburns, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

Sunburn Severity

Sunburns can range in severity, from mild burns that fade quickly to more severe burns that can require a trip to the hospital:

Mild

Mild sunburns typically last between three and five days. They are accompanied by redness, tenderness and slight pain. 

Moderate

Moderate sunburns tend to be more painful and can take up to two weeks to heal completely. They are characterized by vibrant redness, swelling, heat and small blisters.

Severe

Severe sunburns require a visit to a doctor. These burns are accompanied by red to purplish discoloration, large painful blisters and symptoms such as chills, nausea and dehydration.

Symptoms Of Sunburned Skin

The symptoms of sunburned skin include:

• Redness
• Pain and/or tenderness
• Heat
• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Small blisters

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you visit a doctor:

• Fever
• Faintness
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea
• Chills
• Confusion
• Large, painful blisters

Risk Factors

Everyone reacts differently to sun exposure. There are several risk factors that can impact your susceptibility to sunburn:

• A fair complexion
• Freckles and/or red hair
• UV exposure between 10AM and 4PM 
• High altitudes
• Proximity to the equator
• Tanning beds
• Medications that cause photosensitivity 

Stages Of A Sunburn

A typical sunburn follows three stages:

Stage 1: First 1-3 Hours

In the first few hours after sun exposure, your body reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected area(s). This inflammatory response causes the skin to become pink, swollen and warm to the touch. 

Stage 2: First 24 Hours

It takes around 24 hours for the full effects of a sunburn to set in. As the skin continues to hold onto heat and discomfort, redness and pain peak and small blisters may begin to pop up on the skin’s surface.

Stage 3: 3-14 Days

The healing process can last from three days to two weeks. During this time, the skin begins to “normalize”: Redness, swelling and pain decline and the skin may become itchy as it starts to peel and flake. 

Fun fact: Why does sunburned skin peel? Sun damage accelerates skin cell turnover, shortening the amount of time young cells usually have to mature and separate. As a result, they stick together like sheets of tissue paper that peel off over the course of healing.

How To Protect Your Skin

Luckily, there are several ways that you can protect your skin before, during and after sun exposure.

Before Sun Exposure

Rule number one of sun protection: Always apply a chemical or physical sunscreen. But, which one? Equally effective, they simply differ in their active ingredients and how they protect the skin. Chemical sunscreens are “absorbers” that convert UV rays into heat before releasing them from the skin. Physical sunscreens create a protective barrier that blocks and reflects UV rays before they make contact with the skin’s surface. No matter which you choose, we recommend reaching for a broad-spectrum formula that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What about SPF? SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and measures how long your skin will be protected from UVB rays (and by extension, sunburn). For extended sun exposure, The Skin Cancer Foundation advises an SPF of 30, a protective factor which filters out 97 percent of the sun’s UV radiation. Apply at least one teaspoon of sunscreen for each area of your body to keep it sufficiently protected – and don’t skip over easily forgotten areas like the tops of the ears, the back of the neck and the hands.

During Sun Exposure

Sun care doesn’t stop once you’ve applied sunscreen. To avoid sun damage, it’s crucial that you continue to protect your skin throughout the day. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

1. Seek shade between the hours of 10AM and 4PM PST, when UV rays are at their most intense.
2. Beware reflective surfaces: Water, snow and sand reflect UV rays and increase the risk of sunburn.
3. Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protective Factor) 40 or more.
4. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or after 40 minutes if you’re swimming or sweating.
5. Head indoors at the first sign of sunburn.

After Sun Exposure: What Helps Sunburn?

We’ve all been there: You nod off at the beach, spend two minutes too long in the sun or forget to keep track of your sunscreen application. The moral of the story is: Even if you follow the steps above, there’s no guarantee you’ll end the day sunburn-free. Here’s what to do when you get a sunburn.

Stay Hydrated: Inside & Out

Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD tells HuffPost: “Bad sunburns cause a process called vasodilation, where your blood vessels dilate and you lose water from your skin very quickly.” To counteract the drying effects of a sunburn, you should drink plenty of water and load up on hydrating fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon and cantaloupe. Topically, you can apply a deeply hydrating serum like Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum to replenish dehydrated skin.

Cool Your Skin Down

You can take a cool bath or shower to soothe redness and dryness — but skip the soap, which can irritate scorched skin. If cool water isn’t cutting it, apply a cold compress to the burn. Pour water and ice into a bowl, soak a cloth in the liquid and hold it over the burn. Each of these methods will help absorb heat from your skin and minimize swelling.

Soothe & Repair Red, Dry Skin

Sunburn can leave your skin red, dry and raw. To repair dryness, reach for moisturizing oils and lotions that include soothing ingredients such as rosemary, arnica, rosehip and stone crop. And, steer clear of products containing petroleum, an ingredient that can lock in heat and exacerbate your symptoms. 

Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends pairing our Rosehip & Lemongrass Soothing Hydrator and Rosehip & Lemongrass Repair Balm to relieve red, dry skin. Apply the lightweight hydrator from head to toe, then layer the balm to zero in on areas needing extra attention, like the nose and cheeks. Both products include a Natural Repair Complex derived from rosehip and rosemary which is formulated to repair and protect dry skin that has been exposed to the elements.

Don’t Pick 

Hands off! It may be tempting, but don’t pull at, pick or exfoliate your sunburned skin. Why? It’s already shedding on its own. As your skin heals, healthy skin cells rise to the surface and the sun-damaged cells naturally flake and peel off. These new cells are delicate and susceptible to irritation: Picking and prodding will only make your sunburn look and feel worse. 

Apply A Vitamin C Serum

One of the key culprits of premature aging is sun exposure. UV rays promote the production of free radicals, unstable and highly reactive molecules that cause damage to structural proteins like collagen and elastin. Without a stable structure, skin loses the volume, density and bounce associated with a youthful complexion.

You can minimize the visible signs of sun exposure by adding a Vitamin C serum to your skin care routine. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage. It also promotes collagen production in the skin, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Natalie recommends our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum which enhances the benefits of Vitamin C with antioxidant-rich leafy greens like kale, spinach and broccoli sprouts.

Get A Full Body Treatment

If slathering your skin in aloe vera isn’t doing the trick, book a professional body treatment at your favorite spa. Many spas offer after-sun services designed to cool and calm red, dry skin. Natalie suggests booking a treatment that includes our Stone Crop Restorative Body Wrap. This wrap contains a soothing blend of stone crop, aloe and powerful actives that hydrate and relieve dryness. 

Tip: When you book your appointment, be sure to mention that you are suffering from sunburn so your esthetician can customize your treatment accordingly.

Ingredients You Should Use To Treat Sunburn 

Our Product Support Team recommends the following ingredients and products if you’re dealing with sunburn. 

Aloe Vera

The gel of the aloe vera plant has been used for centuries to treat burns, cuts and skin dryness to soften the skin. Aloe vera gel and juice contain restorative properties that can be beneficial for all types of thermal burns (injuries caused by temperature changes), including sunburn and frostbite. Our Stone Crop Masque is ideal for sunburnt skin as it will leave your skin looking radiant and youthful thanks to the use of nourishing ingredients of aloe vera, stone crop and honey. 

Botanical Hyaluronic Acid 

To treat your body, consider a product that uses our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid designed to soothe dry, irritated skin. For example, our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion delivers intense hydration thanks to the combination of multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root extract. This lightweight lotion also contains the naturally cleansing and astringent strawberry, as well as antioxidant-rich rhubarb. The best part is that it delivers a fresh strawberry scent. 

You can also use botanical hyaluronic acid for the face. Consider using the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum designed to leave skin with a youthful-looking glow. This serum adds an extra layer of hydrating power because of supporting ingredients like aloe vera, honey and vitamin-rich strawberries and rhubarb. 

Vitamin C And E 

Vitamins C and E are important for sun damage skin recovery. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which fights free radical damage, preventing damage caused by UV rays. Vitamin E visibly diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin texture. As we mentioned earlier, our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum features both vitamins so we can’t recommend it enough! Firstly, stabilized Vitamin C delivers optimal antioxidant benefits to improve the skin’s appearance. And second, Vitamin E (From avocado) reduces the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles. 

Chamomile 

Chamomile calms and balances skin’s appearance. According to Byrdie, chamomile has “anti-inflammatory properties” and protects against “long-term and short-term skin inflammation.” Our Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer is a gentle option to improve the appearance of damaged and dry skin. It also contains arnica flower, calendula and shea butter to revitalize the skin and make it appear smooth and calm.

Stone Crop

Stone crop is a succulent that thrives in hot and dry desert conditions. These plants retain moisture for extended periods because they have adapted to receiving limited amounts of water and stores a high amount of water content in its leaves. In skin care, stone crop provides hydration and also can soothe dry skin from sun damage. Our Stone Crop Collection has harnessed the hydrating effects of stone crop. In particular, we highly recommend the Stone Crop Hydrating Gel to nurture dry, damaged skin on the face. 

Echinacea 

Echinacea is a group of flowering plants loaded with plant compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants include flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid, which are said to protect and repair dry, damaged skin, as well as give it a more taut and firm appearance. If you’re dealing with sunburnt skin, consider a product with echinacea such as the Echinacea Recovery Cream. Infused with nourishing echinacea, yarrow, aloe vera and evening primrose oil, this soothing cream will provide you with relief. 

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil has been used as a natural medicinal treatment for thousands of years. Today we understand that coconut oil is a moisturizer and antioxidant that restores the skin’s moisture barrier which contains antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Our Coconut Milk Cleanser uses coconut oil and coconut milk to improve the appearance of dry, dehydrated and sun damaged skin. This gentle cleanser has a cream base that deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin while also cleansing away makeup, sebum and grime. 

How do you protect your skin from the sun? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written in August 2019.

Is your skin struggling to retain its glow? You can develop a dull, dry complexion at any age and the slightest change in texture and tone can make your skin appear less youthful than it should. Eminence Organics’ antioxidant-rich Mangosteen Collection with our proprietary Lactic Acid Complex comes to the rescue! The full collection taps into the power of antioxidants and lactic acid to bring back the glow. Plus, the delicious home care products can be used in between spa visits to rev up dull skin.

In addition to the Mangosteen Collection, our experts recommend a serum, eye cream, face mask, an exfoliant and a face oil for glowing skin, which we’ll explore below.  

How To Get Rid Of Dull Skin | Best Products For Dry, Dull Skin | Reviews For The Mangosteen Collection 

How To Get Rid Of Dull Skin 

A skin-nutritious superfruit, mangosteen provides unique, biologically-active antioxidants that help perk up the appearance of the skin. Formulated with replenishing antioxidants as well as resurfacing lactic acid, the Mangosteen Collection doubles up on reviving your radiance. 

The collection gently resurfaces your skin, rekindling its natural glow while also minimizing the appearance of pores. Replenished and refined, your skin looks fresh, rejuvenated, and ready for action. 

Watch this In The Mix video where our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, shows off the full lineup for renewing your head to toe skin care glow at home:

 

Best Products For Dry, Dull Skin

Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

To revive dry, dull skin, make exfoliation part of your daily or weekly routine. A build up on the outer layers of your skin can cause skin to look dull, flaky and congested. The Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is formulated with rice flour that absorbs oil and a blend of lactic and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells. This exfoliant also contains strawberries and rhubarb that revitalizes the appearance of the skin with a boost of antioxidants. 

Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser

This milky gel cleanser lathers lightly to gently resurface the skin and deep clean pores. Although it removes buildup, our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser never overstrips the skin and instead, leaves the complexion feeling soft and smooth.

Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist

The key to the best beauty regimens is the finish, which is where the Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist comes in. It’s like a wake-up call of hydration to your skin. Just a few spritzes is enough to get powerful antioxidants to work, restoring smooth tautness, energy and youthfulness to the way your skin looks.

Turmeric Energizing Treatment

Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment is a supercharged powder-to-mousse formula containing turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite. This treatment exfoliates and enlivens the appearance of your skin, revealing a silky, luminous complexion. Working as an exfoliant, a warming powder and as a mask, this triple threat skin care product instantly awakens the skin, draws out impurities and makes your complexion glow.

Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate

The ultimate lightweight concentrate, this product continuously resurfaces and shrinks pores to deliver a silky smooth, high definition finish. Refine and replenish your skin for a flawless, luminous glow with our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate.

Watch Natalie as she discusses tips if you want to learn how to get brighter skin. .

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum contains two forms of Vitamin C to brighten the appearance of dull-looking skin and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. These include l-ascorbic acid, a potent antioxidant, as well as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, also known as Vitamin C salt. 

Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

Some moisturizers can be very heavy duty, but this gel formula is lightweight and effective for all skin types. The Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer’s deeply hydrating action is the perfect partner to the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate. Apply after the concentrate for flawless luminosity.

Wild Plum Eye Cream

Banish dark eye circles with iron-rich Wild Plum Eye Cream. Wild plum juice brightens the look of the skin and soothes the look of skin irritations. Shea butter, grape oil and calendula extract deliver hydration while moisturizing and repairing the look of the skin. 

Mangosteen Body Lotion

A new addition to your everyday skin care routine — because your body deserves the same moisturizing attention as your face! The beautifully absorbent Mangosteen Body Lotion silkily resurfaces and hydrates your skin for all-over healthy radiance. 

Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil

Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil leaves skin with a healthy glow. This rich formula is blended with luxurious camellia oil, pink tourmaline gemstones and marula oil to soften and deeply hydrate the skin. 

Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream

Hands are often left out of the beauty equation, leaving them chapped and feeling a bit unloved. Treat your hard-working hands to our Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream. This lavish cream keeps your hands supple and moisturized through its gentle and continuous resurfacing action.

Reviews For The Mangosteen Collection

All of the products will revive your dull skin, but don’t just take our word for it. Here are some rave reviews from Mangosteen Collection lovers: 

“I absolutely devour anything with mangosteen … It’s beyond a superfruit and seems to work magic on anyone who tries it. Definitely get your hands on these products!”  – Cynthia H.  

“My skin has never looked better since incorporating the Mangosteen line into my regimen! My pores are practically gone & the texture of my skin has improved.” – Justin L.  

Find out more about the Mangosteen Collection, and leave a comment below or on social media, telling us your favorite Eminence Organics product! 

This article was originally written in March 2018.

Oils. If using them on your face still frightens you with visions of shiny foreheads and breakouts, you need to get versed on the types of oils that are key ingredients in Eminence Organic Skin Care products. From well-loved jojoba oil to the lesser-known monoi, our facial oil ingredients are blended for glowing (not greasy!) complexions. Read on to discover more about our natural oils as well as the best oil for your face.

1. Rosehip Oil 

This luxurious ingredient in our best selling Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and our popular Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF15 is incredibly rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, which is key for superstar skin. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C fights free radicals, which are unstable molecules with a missing electron that go around “stealing” electrons from other particles. When free radicals steal electrons from proteins like collagen, the process creates damage, called “oxidation,” which ages the skin. Free radicals and the aging process gradually slow the production of collagen, the protein that gives your skin its ability to bounce back and look youthful. Antioxidants like Vitamin C save the day by donating electrons to these greedy free radicals and stopping the oxidation process. 

This is why rosehip oil works wonders on the skin, especially for a complexion that is losing elasticity and developing fine lines and wrinkles. According to Dr. Axe, the Vitamin C in rosehip oil can return the appearance of elasticity to your skin.

On top of its antioxidant superpowers, rosehip oil also hydrates powerfully, targets the look of dark spots and works against the look of redness. Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas says this oil is so effective and versatile that it has been used for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans.

2. Seabuckthorn Oil

Originating in the Himalayas and long used in Asia and Europe, seabuckthorn oil only recently gained popularity in the rest of the world. Traditionally used for healing wounds and dry skin, this oil is another incredible source of Vitamin C.  Additional benefits come from a long list of star ingredients including Vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. Another key component of our Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, sea buckthorn oil and its Vitamin C content prevent the look of aging and keep skin firm and elastic. You can also find this luscious oil in our beautiful Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque, formulated with Biodynamic® ingredients. 

3. Jojoba Oil

This hero ingredient is in our Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate and contains a bundle of beneficial elements including Vitamin B complex, copper, zinc, selenium and Vitamin E. The miracle benefit of jojoba oil, though, is its ability to mimic your body’s natural oils. Say goodbye to shiny foreheads because jojoba oil communicates to your skin that it is sufficiently moisturized and doesn’t need to produce more sebum. As Wellness Today explains, this extraordinary effect balances oil production and halts the appearance of too much oil on your complexion.

4. Monoi Oil

Monoi is a traditional South Pacific ingredient that has been used for centuries to protect the skin against intense tropical sun and drying salt water. You’ll find this ingredient in our Monoi Age Corrective products including the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser, the Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream and the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck. 

This fragrant Tahitian oil is derived from soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenias in oil. It provides many skin benefits as it hydrates and helps improve the appearance of skin’s surface, resulting in firmer-looking skin. 

Find out more about each oil ingredient and visit our Spa Locator for your nearest authorized Eminence Organics Spa Partner. Which oil do you find the most effective? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on social media. 

This article was originally published in January 2016.

Does your skin feel rough and flaky year-round? Everyone’s skin goes through occasional bouts of dryness, but a more persistent struggle may be a symptom of your skin type. Read on to learn more about dry skin and find our recommendations to reduce and relieve dryness.

What Causes Skin Dryness? | Dry Skin: 7 Signs & Symptoms | Why Do I Have Dry Skin? | How To Combat Dry Skin On The Body

What Causes Skin Dryness?

Like all skin types, dry skin is genetic. It is characterized by an inadequate supply of sebum (which keeps skin lubricated) and lipids (which keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact). Without these essential materials, the skin loses its ability to produce and retain sufficient moisture. On the surface, this deficiency presents as dry, flaky skin and a lackluster complexion.

Skin also becomes thinner and drier with age. Over time, the skin’s stores of hyaluronic acid diminish as a result of the body’s natural aging processes. This naturally-occurring substance, which attracts and retains moisture, is crucial for keeping skin soft and supple, but without lipids or sebum, dry skin cannot stay lubricated and the skin barrier becomes compromised. Dry skin produces less oil than other skin types. This can lead to an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can also be worsened with a compromised skin barrier. 

Dry skin is often confused with dehydration, but they are really quite different. While dehydration is preventable and easily treated, dry skin is a skin type that requires ongoing care to maintain. You may be stuck with dry skin, but the right skin care routine can make a world of difference. Moisturizers will help dry skin sufferers lock in more moisture, prevent TEWL and keep the skin lubricated.

Dry Skin: 7 Signs & Symptoms

A dry skin type comes with the following signs and symptoms:

• Tightness, especially after cleansing
• ​Rough texture
• A dull, lackluster appearance
• Barely visible pores
• Flaking, scaling or peeling
• Fine lines, particularly around the eyes and lips
• ​A tendency toward redness and itching

Why Do I Have Dry Skin? 

If you relate to most of the above symptoms, we’re going to recommend a gentle skin care routine to offer you relief from the persistent dryness. Before we do, you might be wondering why exactly you have dry skin in the first place. Previously we mentioned genetics, but there are environmental factors that exacerbate symptoms. 

1. Overly Hot Showers and Baths

It might feel soothing at the time, but taking long, hot showers leads to excessively dry skin. It’s hard to hear, particularly if you’re getting relief from the itch by standing under hot water, but dermatologists agree that showering for long periods dries out and damages the skin’s surface. Simply restrict showers and baths to 5-10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot. 

2. Harsh Product Ingredients

Some soaps strip away the natural oil barrier on your skin, drying you out. Be wary of coming into contact with dishwashing liquid and kitchen soaps that contain irritating chemicals. Whenever you find yourself  touching soapy laundry or using cleaning products, wear gloves to protect your hands. This reduces the amount of time you are coming into contact with water and harsh chemicals. For your skin care routine, use only gentle skin care products. For example, try a mild, non-foaming cleanser for your routine, like an oil or hydrating cleanser, rather than a cleanser that forms a lather as it might strip your skin of essential oils. 

3. Dry Winter Air

Winter impacts those prone to dry skin greatly, and the lack of humidity is a big reason. Outside, the cold air has less moisture, and when you head indoors, the central heating is most likely pumping through your home or your office. And heating systems severely dry out the air. Consider running a humidifier to replenish moisture to the air in your house. If you’re in the office, or in an environment where you can’t control the heating, keep a moisturizer close at hand to reapply as often as you need. 

4. Not Enough Fat In Your Diet

To keep dry skin at bay, include fatty acids in your diet. Fatty acids are omega-3s found in foods like seafood, dairy, canola oil, eggs and meat from grass-fed animals. These foods include essential fatty acids and mono and polyunsaturated fats that contribute to both your skin and your overall health. 

5. Not Enough Moisture In The Skin

As previously touched on, dry skin is genetic. You have an inadequate supply of sebum and lipids so the skin has a more difficult time keeping itself lubricated and the moisture barrier intact. To lock in moisture, apply moisturizers immediately after showering or washing your hands. For example, the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck contains the superstar ingredient monoi. Monoi is a soothing and protective oil that deeply hydrates the skin and can protect against harsh environmental stressors like the sun or drying salt water.

Help! How Do I Combat Dry Skin Across My Body?

Day Skin Care Routine: Coconut Sugar Scrub

Exfoliate dry skin with Coconut Sugar Scrub. Natural sugar cane granules buff your skin to perfection, while coconut oil deeply hydrates and prevents damage caused by drying. You can also use our Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub for full-body exfoliation.

Evening Skin Care Routine: Stone Crop Body Lotion

After removing that rough layer of dead skin cells, hydrate your newly polished skin with Stone Crop Body Lotion. Formulated with stone crop, lemon and bioflavonoids to enrich, support and moisturize the skin’s appearance.

Nighttime Routine: Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream

To combat itchy skin at night, smooth on Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream. This ultra-rich body lotion locks in moisture to reveal firm, velvety looking skin by morning. Lightly fragranced with monoi, this body cream helps alleviate itchiness due to dry skin.

Are you ready to find out more about alleviating your tight, dry skin? Read more about our recommended tips and solutions for living with dry skin. 

This article was originally written in April 2019.

Retinol is lauded as the gold standard of skin care. For years, this miracle ingredient has been included in topical formulas to reduce and delay the visible signs of aging; however, the benefits of conventional retinol come with plenty of uncomfortable side effects. If you’re ready to add retinol to your skin care routine but prefer to keep things natural, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our guide to retinol in skin care and how to incorporate a natural alternative into your routine.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, an antioxidant that is essential for healthy eyes and skin. Because the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own, it needs to be supplied by diet and/or topical skin care. It is often added to anti-aging products for its ability to promote skin cell turnover, build collagen, fight free radicals and erase fine lines and wrinkles. 

How Does Retinol Work?

In order for the skin to benefit from retinol, enzymes in the body must convert it into retinoic acid (also known as tretinoin), the active form of Vitamin A. Retinoic acid works on a cellular level to optimize the following functions that improve skin’s health and vitality.

Speeds Up Skin Cell Turnover

Efficient skin cell turnover is necessary for skin growth and repair. When you are a child, your skin cells naturally turn over every two weeks; however, as early as your twenties, the turnover process starts to slow to every 28-35 days. By fifty, it takes as long as 45-90 days for dead skin to fully shed from your skin’s surface. As a result, skin becomes drier, thinner and more pigmented as you mature. Retinol prompts surface cells to turn over more quickly, enabling your skin to grow healthy cells and shed dead layers more efficiently.

Stimulates Collagen And Elastin Production

Over time, your skin’s stores of collagen and elastin begin to deplete. These proteins, which provide necessary support and elasticity, keep skin dense, plump and wrinkle-free. As their production declines, the skin begins to loosen and sag, and fine lines and wrinkles set in. Retinoic acid not only stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, it also prevents their breakdown, keeping your skin strong, firm and elastic.

Neutralizes Free Radicals 

Ninety percent of skin aging is caused by environmental factors like pollution, blue light and UV rays. These stressors expose skin to free radicals — highly reactive molecules that cause oxidative stress and damage healthy skin cells. Unchecked, this can degrade the skin’s structural integrity and lead to premature aging. A Vitamin A derivative, retinol’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and reduce their reactivity, thereby improving your skin’s health and resilience.  

Retinol Benefits And Side Effects

Through these actions, retinol provides the following benefits:

• Removes dead skin cells
• Clears congestion
• Shrinks large pores
• Smooths uneven skin texture
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
• ​Keeps skin firm and plump
• ​Fades dark spots

However, regular use of synthetic retinol can cause the following side effects:

• Dryness
• Peeling 
• Redness
• Itching
• Irritation

• UV sensitivity

Most dermatologists advise that you skip retinol if you suffer from rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Natural Retinol Alternative

You can reap the benefits of retinol (and skip its side effects) by opting for a natural, botanical-based alternative. Our Natural Retinol Alternative is a complex that mimics the effect of chemical retinol by appearing to lift and tighten the skin. It improves skin firmness and elasticity and minimizes the visible signs of aging caused by free radical damage. Unlike synthetic Vitamin A, this alternative is derived from chicory root and tara tree extract, two natural compounds that provide the same results as conventional retinol — without the downtime.

How To Add Natural Retinol To Your Skin Care Routine

Add natural retinol to your skin care routine with our Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser. Infused with exotic monoi and made with our unique Natural Retinol Alternative, this refining cleanser rejuvenates skin for a smooth and lifted appearance. It also removes impurities and surface debris to encourage the appearance of smooth-looking skin.

You can also add natural options for retinol to your routine by using the Bamboo Firming Fluid. This silky concentrate is formulated with our Natural Retinol Alternative to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten skin. Bamboo and coconut are additional ingredients that tone and condition for a complexion that appears firm and ageless.

Eminence Organics fan, George Z., says in his five-star review: “I love my Bamboo Firming Fluid … I’m 74 with pretty good skin, nevertheless, the laugh lines were bothering me. Now, after two months, they are disappearing, along with the frown wrinkles between my eyes.”

For best results, apply the Bamboo Firming Fluid after your favorite toner and before moisturizing your skin. Like all Eminence Organic Skin Care products, a little goes a long way! A thin layer is plenty to keep your skin soft, smooth and wrinkle-free.

Do you use retinol in your skin care routine? Would you switch to a natural and organic alternative? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written in July 2019.