Category: Beauty & Perosnal Care

Are you ready to build a skin care routine but not sure where to start? Enter: The Eminence Organic Skin Care Best Sellers List! These are the tried and true products that licensed estheticians and skin care enthusiasts (like you!) swear by. Keep scrolling to find out how to incorporate these best-selling favorites into your skin care routine for day and night.

Skin Care Routine For Day | Skin Care Routine For Night 

Skin Care Routine For Day

Your morning skin care routine is all about prep and protection to get your skin ready to face the day ahead. Here are six daily skin care steps to follow:

1. Cleanse

A thorough cleanse sets up your skin to absorb the ingredients in the rest of your routine. Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar advises: “You always want to begin with a cleanser. You can use a gel or milk, depending on how dry your skin is, and you want to do this in the morning and at night. Very simple.”

To get your morning routine started off right, we suggest the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. This milky gel cleanser uses lactic acid to gently dissolve dead surface cells and reveal the glowing skin underneath. The face feels fresh and perfectly cleansed, not over-stripped. Surface buildup, impurities and blockages are removed, leaving the complexion looking clear, smooth and radiant. 

Another option is to begin your day with the Stone Crop Gel Wash. A great choice for even the most sensitive skin, this gel cleanser contains stone crop, which hydrates and nourishes, plus revitalizing chamomile and restorative shea butter. The result is skin that appears clear, smooth and bright.  

Application Tip: Cleanse with tepid water

Hot water has the potential to irritate and dry out your skin. Instead, cool things down with lukewarm water to help keep your moisture barrier intact.

2. Tone

Many of us skip this step in our skin care routines. Why? We tend to associate toners with stripping, alcohol-based astringents. However, today’s formulas have evolved to deliver moisture and nutrients that balance skin tone and prep the skin. Natalie says: “Think of your cleanser and toner as the shampoo and conditioner for your skin … Remember to use both of them daily.”

Try the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. Ideal for all skin types, this refreshing facial mist is infused with stone crop to boost hydration and leave skin looking smooth and revitalized. This toner is particularly helpful for uneven skin types as it makes the skin appear clear, fresh and vibrant.

Application Tip: Apply to damp skin

According to Health Magazine, “Moist skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin.” Apply a few spritzes of toner or facial mist while your skin is still damp to soak in all the skin care benefits.

3. Treat

Natalie tells us: “After you’ve prepped the skin, it’s time for all the finishing products. We always like to do what we call a “treatment” to your skin, and this helps if you have something that you want to minimize or reduce the appearance of.” Serums, concentrates and facial oils deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, helping to correct concerns and protect skin from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Three of our favorite treatments are the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum and the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate. 

The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The potent Vitamin C in this serum is stabilized by botanically-derived ferulic acid and full of antioxidant-rich leafy greens to help improve the appearance of skin elasticity and hydration, while brightening the skin and improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum contains salicylic acid that gently exfoliates and brightens the look of the skin while boosting hydration. The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate includes a Lactic Acid Complex and antioxidant-rich mangosteen to resurface the skin, refine the look of pores and provide protection from environmental stressors.

Application Tip: Less is more

Serums, concentrates and facial oils are incredibly potent. You only need to apply three drops (oils and serums) or two pumps (concentrates) to experience their full benefits.

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Product Picks

Restore and smooth

Vitamin C serum for all skin types

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4. Moisturize

All skin types need a moisturizer (yes, even if your skin is oily or acne-prone). Moisturizing is a crucial step toward keeping your protective moisture barrier intact and environmental stressors out.

If you’re dealing with mature skin, our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer is a great option. As well as moisturizing coconut oil and coconut water, it contains our Natural Retinol Alternative to help skin appear lifted and tightened and PhytoCellTec™ Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells that promote elasticity and delay visible signs of aging.

If you prefer something lightweight, try the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This gel-cream delivers intense hydration and improves texture and luminosity, leaving skin feeling plumped and refreshed. 

Application Tip: Don’t stop at your chin 

The skin on your neck and chest needs love too. Apply your moisturizer all the way down to ensure the area stays hydrated and reaps the other benefits of the formula you choose. 

5. Apply Eye Cream

Eye creams aren’t just for your nighttime skin care routine. The right formula can work wonders by waking up tired eyes, protecting this delicate area and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Eye creams are best applied after serums and you only need a small amount for them to be effective.

Our recommendations for a wide-awake look? Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream and Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum. The best-selling Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream rapidly improves the appearance of puffy eyes, minimizes the look of dark undereye circles and quickly smooths the look of wrinkles.

The Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum targets the look of undereye wrinkles and crow’s feet. A blend of coconut water and green apple hydrates and moisturizes the delicate skin near the eye. 

Application Tip: Keep it cool

Leave the Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream in the fridge to boost the soothing and cooling effect of its stainless steel rollerball. This will add an extra de-puffing chill to your eye cream application.

6. SPF Protection 

It goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway: You need to wear SPF every single day. If you’re looking for a product that does double duty, our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid is a great option. This all-mineral sunscreen offers a hydrating and nourishing feel with a dewy finish. It also contains bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that helps to smooth the skin’s texture and minimize the visible signs of aging.  

If you’re after a little coverage and a mattified finish, look no further than the Sun Defense Minerals. Easily applied with the built-in brush, this natural mineral sun care adds a silky matte finish to the skin. Find your shade — or go translucent — for skin that appears even, flawless and smooth. 

Application Tip: Apply SPF liberally every 2 hours

For maximum protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and then reapply it at least every 2 hours.

Skin Care Routine For Night

When your head hits the pillow, your skin goes into overdrive, repairing, restoring and regenerating as you sleep. For this reason, your night skin care routine is all about targeted treatments that tackle your skin concerns and conditions.  

1. Cleanse

Even if you’ve gone makeup-free for the day, it’s important to wash your face morning and night. Washing at night helps remove impurities that have accumulated during the day and have the potential to clog pores, leading to dry, irritated skin and even breakouts. One of the best ways to get rid of buildup on your face is to start with a makeup remover. Our Herbal Eye Makeup Remover uses cucumber, calendula, lavender and chamomile to gently cleanse the eye area without leaving behind an oily residue.  

Follow that up with the Stone Crop Gel Wash. Infused with hydrating stone crop, this wash is ideal for all skin types as it cleanses impurities and surface buildup without drying out the skin. We also love this best seller for its ability to deeply cleanse pores without irritation, leaving the skin looking bright and feeling soft and clean.

The Mangosteen Resurfacing Cleanser is another beloved face wash that works for day and night. A customer named Sophie gave it five stars on our website, saying in her review: “This product is by far the best I’ve tried for my skin … leaves it clean and refreshed … the amazing scent adds to the beauty of the product!” 

Application Tip: Be gentle

A gentle massage with your fingertips is all it takes to cleanse the skin. Rub the product in using circular motions and then rinse thoroughly with a soft cloth.

2. Tone

Not just for your morning routine, a toner can revitalize your skin as part of your nighttime ritual. If you’re already using it in the morning, why not try the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist before bed too? A few spritzes before your serum will boost hydration and leave skin looking smooth and refreshed. 

Application Tip: Try a cotton pad

If you usually spritz on a toner or mist, try spraying it onto a reusable pad and wiping your face down. Not only will it deliver all of the benefits of the ingredients, you’ll get to say goodbye to any remnants of makeup or mask that may have been left behind post-cleanse.

3. Exfoliate

In addition to your regular cleanse, you should exfoliate a few times a week to encourage healthy skin cell turnover and renewal. Daily exposure to environmental stressors can cause buildup on the skin’s surface, making it appear dull, rough and uneven. Regular exfoliation clears this buildup, preventing clogged pores and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Refine your skin and achieve a bright and radiant-looking complexion with the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. Made with flour from rice, chickpea and oats, this product gently exfoliates and buffs skin’s texture, and also features lactic and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells. Just add water and watch this powder exfoliant transform into a luxurious paste that removes impurities, refines the appearance of pores and smooths the look of the skin. 

Application Tip: Add a powder exfoliant to your cleanser 

To save time, double up on your double cleanse. Add Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to the Stone Crop Gel Wash to add physical and chemical exfoliation to your cleansing routine.

4. Mask

Masking a few times a week is one of the best ways to see visible changes in your skin, fast. Face masks deliver concentrated amounts of vitamins and nutrients to hydrate the skin and treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions — from fine lines and wrinkles to breakouts and large pores. The treatment you choose will depend on your skin type and on the conditions you hope to tackle.

All skin types can benefit from the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. This cream-gel mask delivers a boost of vitamins to improve the appearance of skin hydration, leaving it looking bright, firm, youthful and smooth.

Application Tip: Double mask

If one mask is good, then two is better, right? Many Eminence Organics masks pair well, and using two or more masks in one session allows you to personalize a formula that will work for your specific needs and give you the results you’re looking for. Try the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque and the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque. If your goal is skin that appears lifted and firm, this mask combo is for you.

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Product Picks

Plumping & firming moisturizer

All-mineral sunscreen

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5. Treat

The best time to treat your skin to results-oriented actives and deeply nourishing ingredients is at night to help optimize your skin’s natural repair process. Whether you choose an oil, a  serum or a concentrate, ingredients like our Natural Hydroquinone Alternative, Natural Retinol Alternative and Smart Collagen+ Complex can help restore the appearance of the skin overnight. 

A few great treatment options include the Facial Recovery Oil or the Bamboo Firming Fluid. Let your skin soak in the goodness of Facial Recovery Oil’s Biodynamic® ingredients. A step up from organic, Biodynamic® methods enhance quality, delivering pure and potent actives that are even higher in vitamins, nutrients and active compounds.   

The Bamboo Firming Fluid is a skin-plumping concentrate that will give you tighter-looking skin. Bamboo and coconut deeply hydrate and improve the appearance of elasticity in the skin.

Application Tip: Let it absorb

Natalie recommends letting your chosen treatment absorb fully (usually around five minutes) before moving on to the next step in your routine.

6. Night Cream

It may be tempting to use your daytime moisturizer at night, but their formulas are quite different. Night moisturizers are much richer in texture and are designed to be absorbed while you sleep. Additionally, they aim to fix any damage done to the skin during the day; they replenish moisture, help repair skin’s moisture barrier and target specific concerns like dark spots and the visible signs of aging.  

In the evening, it’s vital to replenish your skin with night cream like our Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream or our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck. The luxurious Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream is infused with monoi, argan, evening primrose, jojoba and grapeseed oils to deeply hydrate skin and replenish moisture. It also includes an Argan Stem Cell Complex that leaves the skin looking firm and youthful. 

The Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream is a rich, velvety overnight essential. Full of botanical peptides, it locks in moisture and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep!

Application Tip: Include your neck 

Similar to the eye area, the neck has thinner and more fragile skin than the face, making it more vulnerable to the signs of aging. When applying your night cream, be sure to include your neck: Starting from the collarbone, work your way up to your jawline using fluid, upward motions for a natural lift.

7. Eye Cream

Because the delicate skin around your eye area has a different structure than the skin elsewhere on your face, applying your regular night cream won’t be as effective. Eye creams are not only formulated for this fragile area but also contain actives to target the specific issues your eye area is prone to, including dark circles, crow’s feet and puffiness. 

At night, choose a rich formula that will deeply hydrate and plump your skin while you sleep. The Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream is that cream. Not only does it contain naturally derived plant peptides and innovative algae extracts to reduce the visible signs of aging, this versatile eye cream provides long-lasting hydration and visibly improves the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. You’ll wake up to an eye area that is radiant and revitalized.  

Application Tip: Be gentle

The skin around your eye area is extremely fragile. Instead of rubbing in your eye cream, use your ring finger to gently tap it into the skin.

Watch Natalie as she discusses these best organic skin care products, how to apply them, and why you should be using them. .

Are you looking to add some of our best-selling products to your skin care routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organic Spa Partner to find out which products will work for you!

This article was originally written in January 2019.

Winter is coming and — whether you’re excited about hot chocolate and snowball fights, or you’re curling up by the fire and nesting until spring — there’s no denying that the harsh weather can have a big impact on the skin. Read on to find out about some of the best spa treatments for winter and how to help your Clients navigate this cold, crisp season looking and feeling great.

Seasonal Skin Care Transition

The transition from fall to winter looks different depending on where you live, but it’s safe to say that the temperature is dropping and the heat, cranked. What this means is that the hot, dry air indoors is wreaking havoc on your skin, and the cold air and wind outside are doubling down. Not to worry, though, there are a lot of skin care treatments that can hydrate, reduce irritation and even warm up cold skin during these long, dark months. Clients could use some major replenishing from head to toe, and they look to you to expertly guide them through this transition, preparing them for the onslaught of harsh, cold weather.

As winter arrives, any dry skin or flakiness is probably getting more intense as the temperature drops and the weather gets more extreme. Snow, you’re beautiful but not always great for the complexion. On top of that, many of us turn to artificial sources of heat and long, hot showers or baths to help escape the cold. Both central heating and exposure to hot water can further strip skin of its natural oils, and you may find your skin becomes dry, itchy, cracked and flaky. That’s why winter skin care is so important.

Facial Treatments 

If windburn on cheeks or dry, dehydrated skin is an issue, Clients can reap the benefits of a moisturizing, rejuvenating or restorative treatment. And while many types of facials can provide benefits any time of year, certain treatments stand out as ideal choices for this season.

If your Clients are experiencing weather-related skin irritation, a rejuvenating facial is a great place to start. The Paprika Herbal Treatment is a spicy option perfect for mature, uneven or problem skin. The paprika and cinnamon rejuvenate and invigorate while sage, honey and lavender work to soothe, replenish and hydrate wind-ravaged skin, leaving Clients with a fresher, firmer, more radiant complexion.

The extreme temperatures and shifts in humidity can create the perfect storm of skin issues. Any glow that was left over from summer is long gone and dullness may have set in. Now is a good time to recommend a peel since gentle exfoliation encourages faster cell turnover, which gently breaks down the glue that holds dead skin right where you don’t want it.  

The Blueberry Detox Firming Peel has lactic acid which sloughs off dead skin cells, while juice from blueberries, raspberries and blackberries provides a shot of vitamins and antioxidants. An esthetician and a customer, Pamela S., reviewed the peel on our website saying: “I LOVE this treatment … I count on this for skin in need of a detoxifying exfoliation and a glow that lasts for days. It contains paprika, which warms the skin and increases blood flow, which is SO GOOD. A secret weapon that every esthetician needs in their back bar.”

Nothing hits quite like hot cocoa in the winter, and the Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque is a real indulgence for dry skin this time of year. Full of moisturizing oils from macadamia nuts, almonds and jojoba, plus antioxidants in cocoa and Vitamins C and E, this treat for your skin will leave it hydrated and looking firm and plumped. It’s also available in retail size, so your Clients can indulge in this decadent mask in the comfort of their homes.

Body Exfoliation 

Another great way to replenish parched winter skin from head to toe is with an exfoliation treatment. Too much time spent warming up by the fire or relaxing in a hot tub or sauna can do a number on the texture and hydration levels all over the body, causing tightness, flakes and itching. An exfoliating scrub gets rid of the dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother-looking skin. A beneficial treatment on its own, a body exfoliation is also a great add-on before another treatment, like a body wrap. 

A professional scrub is a wonderful way to get rid of that top layer of dead, itchy skin and reveal a smooth, hydrated glow. Our Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub creates the perfect mood for the winter season. Cranberry is high in vitamins and antioxidants, as are other ingredients like green tea and pomegranate. Our Coconut Sugar Scrub is another great option in the winter. Hydrating coconut oil is paired with revitalizing cucumber, while exfoliating natural cane sugar leaves skin feeling soft and silky. And the beachy aroma of coconuts might conjure up images of a tropical paradise, even with a foot of snow on the ground. Follow with a wrap, massage, shower and a soothing moisturizer, and your Client will leave feeling hydrated and happy.

Body Wraps

Body wraps are another year-round treatment, but there’s something about coming in from the cold to a warm and cozy wrap that sounds especially appealing. Here are some your Clients will love: 

Eminence Organics herbal body wraps are designed to heal, restore and detoxify and can be used to tighten skin along the entire body. Continuing on the hot cocoa theme, the Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap is a real indulgence this time of year. Made with cocoa, which is high in antioxidants to moisturize the skin and remove the appearance of fine lines, plus softening macadamia and almond oils, this wrap is a decadent treat for your skin. 

For a warming option, our Herbal Cellulite Treatment nourishes and hydrates the skin with honey, while paprika and stinging nettle create the sensation of heat — which is welcome during these cool months. This spicy combo helps energize the appearance of skin for a healthy-looking glow. If your Client’s skin is feeling parched, the Stone Crop Restorative Body Wrap contains aloe and powerful actives to hydrate, rejuvenate and brighten the look of skin from head to toe.

Massages 

While we’re getting cozy, the idea of a nice massage is definitely on the table. What better way to calm down during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than with some relaxing downtime? 

Our Apricot Body Oil is a massage oil go-to that will leave the skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished. Apricot kernel oil is high in Vitamins A, C and E, and both grapeseed and jojoba oils are incredibly nourishing and hydrating. 

Another Eminence Organics oil that is perfect for massage (in the spa or at home) is the Stone Crop Body Oil, which is formulated with arnica and oils from stone crop, rosehip and avocado to moisturize.

While a winter wonderland draws feelings of cozy comfort, it has the potential to wreak havoc on your skin. Icy temperatures and blustery winds bring the dreaded side effect of depleting your skin’s moisture and leaving it dry and dull. To combat the cold, we have some essential winter skin care tips, including a winter skin care routine. Plus, our estheticians have hand-picked a selection of Eminence Organic Skin Care products, including the best moisturizer for winter, for each skin type. 

The Season’s Impact | Tips To Protect Your Skin | 6 Step Winter Routine | Tips To Brighten Dull Skin Video | Sensitive Skin | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Normal Skin 

Winter Skin Care: The Season’s Impact On Your Skin

It happens every year — winter descends and your skin recoils by turning dry, raw and dull. For several reasons, the cold season is often the worst time of year for your complexion. First, brutal winter weather whips around your skin, with chilling winds that draw moisture straight out. Second, we compensate for lower temperatures by cranking up the thermostat, which further strips moisture from your skin. Under dual attack, it’s no wonder your skin suffers dryness during the winter. 

The end result of winter conditions? Dull, dry skin. Without moisture, your skin may be more sensitive and reactive than normal. Even oilier skin types experience uncharacteristic dryness and flaking. To soothe your complexion, here are our suggestions for an Eminence Organics winter skin care routine.

Winter Skin Care Tips To Protect Your Skin

1. Use A Humidifier

Forced-air heaters blast away moisture during wintertime, stripping away important oils and leading to itchy skin. Try counteracting these drying effects by blowing a warm- or cool-mist humidifier instead. Re-introducing moisture into the air helps soothe and calm irritated skin.

2. Hot Showers And Baths Dry Out Your Skin

Hot baths and showers may warm you up during cold winter days, but hot water, especially on your face, will only dry out your skin. Extreme temperatures damage your skin’s moisture barrier, preventing it from locking in the moisture it needs to remain soft and smooth. If possible, opt for warm, not hot, water each time you cleanse. When you take a warm bath, add a shot glass amount of body oil into water and your skin will appear super smooth and hydrated. After your steamy shower or bath, follow up with a hydrating body lotion or oil to replenish skin. 

3. Fight Dry Skin Symptoms From The Inside

Who would have thought that you could tackle dry skin from the inside as well as out? WebMD states that food rich in healthy fats improves your skin’s moisture levels. After all, fatty acids like omega-3s help replenish your skin’s lipid barrier and protect against moisture loss. Chow down on foods rich in healthy fats like flax, avocado, sunflower oil and nuts, as well as fish like salmon and sardines.

A 6-Step Winter Skin Care Routine For Hydration

To tackle dull and dry winter skin, we’ve created a routine for all skin types that addresses wintertime issues. Follow these steps to return a radiant glow to your complexion:

1. Cleanse

With winter draining the moisture from your complexion, try adding an oil-based cleanser like our Stone Crop Cleansing Oil to your winter skin care routine. This type of cleanser is beneficial for all skin types (even oily!) due to its ability to draw out oil-based impurities like stubborn makeup. This cleanser also replenishes the skin with moisturizing ingredients like sunflower oil and jojoba oil. Use it alone or pair it with your favorite gel or cream-based cleanser in a double cleanse. For extra comfort and nourishment, your skin will also love the Coconut Milk Cleanser. This cleanser contains both coconut milk and coconut oil, ingredients that moisturize and soften the look of the skin.

2. Tone

Another easy way to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months is to use a toner. You can think of a toner as the conditioner for your cleanse. It adds a base layer of hydration that keeps your skin soft and moisturized. Try our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, featuring the unique qualities of the stone crop plant, to hydrate, soothe and heal dry skin.

3. Apply Essence

One of the best ways to replenish dry winter skin is to add an essence to your skin care routine. A facial essence is a lightweight fluid that is often described as a cross between a toner and a serum. Our Birch Water Purifying Essence deeply hydrates the skin and preps it to absorb the benefits of the skin care products that follow.

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the best way to revive dull winter skin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that frigid temperatures and harsh winds can also make your skin more reactive. Fab Fit Fun recommends Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel: “Thanks to Eminence‘s line of at-home exfoliating peels, your skin will look awesome. We love the Chamomile version, which soothes and renews even the most sensitive skin sans irritation and redness … And unlike some harsh formulas on the market, you can use this gentle one up to three times a week.”

If you’re wanting to learn how to combat dull skin, watch our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, as she does a deep dive on reviving a dull complexion.

5. Treat

Eminence Organics facial masks and facial oils are the perfect way to deliver an intense dose of nutrients and moisture to the skin. We recommend Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, a facial treatment that blends results-oriented actives and botanical ingredients for intense hydration and protection. It can be used in your skin care routine morning and night, and is suitable for all skin types. 

6. Moisturize

And last, but definitely not least, moisturize. Moisturizing during the winter is essential to combat dry skin. Even though the sun isn’t as strong during the colder months, exposure to the elements can still suck the moisture out of your skin. Replenish with our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, which includes deeply moisturizing coconut oil, shea butter and grape seed oil. 

Moisturizers, Serums & Face Oils For Dry Winter Skin

Sensitive Skin

Hydrate sensitive skin with the precious herbs and oils in our award-winning Facial Recovery Oil. This oil is a part of the Beyond Organic collection, made with organic, Biodynamic® ingredients from our Demeter certified Biodynamic® farms. This luxurious face oil is hypoallergenic, clinically tested and made with the finest and most potent ingredients Mother Nature has to offer. For the winter months, soothe and renew a sensitive and dry complexion with a formula of clary sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract and ylang ylang. Our Product Support Team also recommends pairing the Facial Recovery Oil with the Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream. Also from the Beyond Organic Collection, this nourishing cream is formulated with apricots, echinacea and aloe to carefully support sensitive skin.

Cameron Diaz is one of its many fans, saying: “A drop goes a long way to relieve any dryness in your skin … A drop on each cheek after your shower will do wonders.” Referred to as “liquid gold,” this precious oil is the key to keeping dry skin soft and supple during cold winter months.

Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin in winter, give your skin an additional dose of support with the Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque. This mask features ginger and pre, pro* and postbiotics to support the skin’s moisture barrier and visibly renew its appearance. In addition, you can use the Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer which rejuvenates and hydrates mature skin. It contains shea butter and skin-plumping botanical hyaluronic acid. Targeted formulas Homeostatine® and BioComplex boost the appearance of elasticity for younger-looking skin.

As already mentioned, our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer is another luxuriously-rich formula that brings together coconut, shea butter and grape seed oil to moisturize dry skin. It also contains a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex making the skin appear lifted and tightened.

Oily Skin

The Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer improves the appearance of clogged pores and blemishes thanks to cucumber and tea tree. The formula also includes probiotics to gently exfoliate and leave the complexion looking calm. 

If your oily skin is still feeling parched, add the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator to your skin care routine. This hydrator is a must for taking care of parched skin during winter as it contains a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a mixture of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that deeply hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. For best results, layer it under the Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer. 

Combination Skin

Protect yourself during winter with the Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer, which promotes the appearance of smoother and revitalized skin. Mangosteen is an antioxidant-rich superfruit that encourages natural radiance and minimizes the look of environmental stress.

Combination skin will also benefit from the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer as it restores skin hydration using a combination of retinol alternative bakuchiol and niacinamide. These two key ingredients smooth the appearance of wrinkles while visibly firming your complexion.

Normal Skin

Even normal skin types may notice dry patches during winter. Defend your skin against harsh winter elements with the Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer, which provides you with smoother and revitalized-looking skin. You can also use the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream which features a Peptide Illuminating Complex to reveal your radiance naturally.

To enhance your winter skin care routine even further, try our selection of cold weather essentials at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

This article was originally written in December 2020. 

*The product does not contain live probiotic cultures. 

As a beauty writer, I’ve never met a facial gadget or treatment that I wasn’t game to try. I’m always down to test out the newest and most viral beauty trends, tools and ingredients. And while there seems to be a buzz-worthy new product or device introduced every day, sometimes it’s the ancient tools and methods that come back into the spotlight and remind us why they’re still around. So when I was tasked with testing out the centuries-old art of facial cupping, I was excited to see what all the buzz was about.

What Is Cupping? 

Cupping is a form of therapy that uses suction to stimulate skin, muscles and blood flow. Dating back hundreds of years, it is a practice that is deeply ingrained in Traditional Chinese Medicine but has also been traced back to ancient Egypt. It can be done on the face and the body to treat pain, relieve muscle tension and reduce swelling and water retention. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, cupping improves the flow of “Qi,” the Chinese word meaning “circulating life force” or “energy.” In other words, it’s a revitalizing treatment that can reduce pain and swelling (puffiness) by stimulating the tissue just below the skin to help move excess lymphatic fluids and toxins.

How Is Cupping Performed? 

My first introduction to cupping therapy was in the early 2000s when photos of celebrities walking red carpets with big, circular red marks exposed on the skin of their backs went viral. While these circles looked like the result of something mysterious (and painful), word quickly spread that these were in fact the result of an ancient form of therapy called cupping. 

The body treatment uses glass cups suctioned to the skin by negative pressure created with an ignited material. In other words, a tiny fire is lit inside the opening of a round glass cup and the partial vacuum created by the removal of oxygen from the cup draws (sucks) the skin tissue into the cup, and the cup is left to sit for several minutes. The cupping method works by stimulating and promoting the free flow of Qi in the meridians (energy highways). This creates blood flow, thus eliminating the stagnation that may be causing pain from a deeper layer in the muscle. By creating this suction and negative pressure, cupping may drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions, lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to sluggish skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system.

With that in mind, I was a little nervous about performing facial cupping on myself. What if I ended up with big red welts all over my face? Fortunately, the possibility that I would end up with bouncier, brighter, more glowy skin outweighed any of my trepidation. 

Facial Cupping 

While the concept is the same, facial cupping is done with silicone cups that suction to the skin with no heat or glass involved. The treatment is said to have a powerful effect on microcirculation, detox and lymphatic drainage. In other words, my dark circles and puffy undereyes will be replaced by soft, glowy and smooth skin if all goes well. The motion of the cup is said to circulate and drain toxins that build up under the skin — in the same way lymphatic massage and gua sha can stimulate the detoxing of stagnant fluids (aka puffiness). 

As facial cupping is becoming more popular, it’s definitely easier to find a practitioner who performs it. My Chinese Medicine doctor has been doing it for years and sees benefits with her patients who “want to try more natural treatments to help revitalize their skin and … maybe soften lines and wrinkles.” Because it’s non-invasive, many patients like the idea of trying it since it’s more gentle than, say, injectables and laser treatments. One quick warning, though, whether you’re doing it at home or at a spa, wait four to six weeks post Botox or filler. 

DIY Facial Cupping

Always consult a professional before starting any new skin care treatments or techniques.

I ordered a set of rubber cups online. The package included two large cups and two small ones — more like a cone shape than a “cup” and thick but pliable — in other words, very different from the glass balls I’d seen used on the body. The large cones were designed for the majority of the face — like the cheeks, forehead and jawline — and the small ones for the more delicate skin around the eyes. I watched a few YouTube videos to get a feel for the process and felt ready to give it a try. 

I started with a cleansed face. Next, I applied a light layer of face oil. I decided to go with the Facial Recovery Oil, which is one of my favorites and a texture that I thought would work — not too thick, not too thin, just the right amount of glide. The big caution I gleaned from my research was that the cup is never to stay in one place, but rather to be moved (slid) from start point to end point to avoid creating those red bruise-like marks. This is why it’s important to choose the right oil. Then it was time to start the process. A bit nervous, I stuck the first cup to my cheek, held my breath (not recommended) and got to work. 

I don’t know what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. I squeezed the cone between my thumb and index finger and touched it to my skin. While I felt a tight suction, it wasn’t overwhelming or painful. At the first sensation that the cone was properly adhered to the skin, I started sliding it up the contours of my face. I began at my chin and moved up my jawline to my earlobe, repeating the same motion about 10 times (only moving up, never down). Then I did the same from the outer corner of my lip to the top of my cheekbone and then from the apple of my cheek up to my temple. Next, I switched to the smaller cone and started on the inside corner below my eye and swiped out toward the temple. Again, with slow, repeated motions, concentrating on one area at a time. And finally, I switched back to the bigger cone and slid down from my temple, under my chin to the important chain of lymph nodes on the neck and collarbone. This action may help drain lymphatic fluid. Then I repeated the entire process on the other side. 

I immediately noticed energy, almost like I could feel the fluids being released and moving through the pathways under my skin. Nothing aggressive or painful at all, just a flow. I guess my Qi was activated. 

The Results

When I was done, I took a closer look in the mirror and was pretty impressed by my handiwork. My skin was flushed in a good way — rosy and glowy. And I think my face looked lifted and taut, especially my jawline. But I think the biggest change I noticed was the way the skin under my eyes was plumped and smooth. The bags were gone and I looked refreshed and bright, like I’d had 10 hours of sleep and zero glasses of wine last night!

Before                                                      After

Side Effects

I guess the redness could be considered a side effect, but it’s a welcome one. While the glow and “lift” lasted all day, the rosy hue was gone in about an hour. But I will say that I can see how this DIY treatment could go awry. When my phone rang and threw off my rhythm, I let the cup sit still on my cheek for a few seconds and a faint red circle formed underneath. It wasn’t painful and it faded within minutes. 

Next Steps

Many of the YouTube tutorials I watched recommended combining facial cupping with gua sha — another ancient practice that plumps the skin, stimulates lymphatic flow and amps up the detoxification process. The two practices together (on alternate days or one after the other) complement each other nicely and keep the puffy eyes and the look of fine lines and wrinkles to a minimum. 

My Final Verdict

Treating puffy eyes, adding plumpness where fine lines existed, giving my skin a rosy glow and achieving a youthful, awake and radiant complexion are the benefits I saw. Not bad for literally five minutes of my morning. I’ve been alternative between the Facial Recovery Oil and the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, and a few weeks into my new routine, I feel like my skin has a more vibrant appearance and that any dullness is gone. I’m also less puffy, especially under the eyes, which is a big deal. Overall, my face feels reenergized, refreshed and lifted. I’ll take it. I will definitely continue to carve out time in my morning routine to make this happen. 

Have you tried facial cupping or other treatments that could help lift and revitalize your skin? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on social media.

When Clients visit a spa for results-driven professional facial treatments, their goal is to leave with a glow that will last. And this should be your goal for them too. After all, the better they look and feel, the more likely they are to return. For Clients searching for vibrant skin, the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System Facial Protocol is a reliable choice. Read on for the entire step-by-step facial protocol, plus information on the home care retail kit your Clients will love. 

What Is The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Facial? 

Regular gentle exfoliation is essential for maintaining a radiant complexion, and the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Facial is designed to do just that. The facial we’re about to share with you is designed to rejuvenate the complexion and leave it beautifully illuminated. The products selected feature arctic plants and berries, which protect the appearance of the skin against environmental factors. Protecting the skin against the elements will help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and promote a natural radiance. This facial protocol features professional-grade products with selections from the Eminence Organics Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System, a comprehensive exfoliation treatment that includes the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA20 and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream.

First in the three-step kit is the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, which combines manual and enzymatic exfoliants to help you take a two-pronged approach against dullness. This exfoliant sloughs off dead skin to create a luminous complexion. Up next is the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA20 which further exfoliates to refine and even out skin tone. Lastly, the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream contains a blend of botanically-derived peptides (from hibiscus seeds), along with yellow plum extract and gardenia. These ingredients all work to maintain plump-looking skin. Now that you have an insight into the benefits of this treatment’s featured products, let’s explore this facial protocol designed to keep your Clients’ skin looking bright and radiant.

Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Facial Protocol

Questions To Ask Your Clients Before Treatment 

While it’s exciting to dive head-first into products with your Clients, it’s crucial that you get a “No” to these questions before you continue. If you do run into any affirmative responses, a different facial will be a better option — we recommend the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%.

• Are you currently using retinol?
• Have you had a chemical peel in the last two weeks?
• Have you just recently shaved the treatment area in the last two hours?
• Are you under the care of a dermatologist/plastic surgeon and using any at-home “peeling” treatments?
• Do you have a sun/windburn?
• Do you have a cold sore, or do you get cold sores?
• Do you have active acne?

Once you’ve confirmed that none of the pre-treatment concerns apply, you’re all set to begin with the first crucial step: cleansing.

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Product Picks

For problem prone skin types

Enzymatic and manual exfoliator

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A Step-By-Step Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Facial Protocol

1. Cleanse

Start by cleansing with the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser. This cleansing step will give the peel that follows maximum penetration. For all skin types, you can also cleanse with the Stone Crop Gel Wash or Lemon Cleanser, which are suitable choices for a non-buffered peel application. 

2. Tone

Apply the Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist or the Lime Refresh Tonique and leave it on.

3. Exfoliate  

A preliminary patch test is advised before a general application is made: Cleanse the skin behind the ear, apply the product and leave it undisturbed for 1–3 minutes. Neutralize with the Soothing Chamomile Tonique. If no unnatural reaction occurs, apply the product as directed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.

Before exfoliating, you need to pre-treat the skin. Apply the appropriate VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peel as a degreasing step. Apply in circular motions covering the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. We recommend using dampened cotton rounds to protect your Client’s eyes and applying a rich eye cream or moisturizer around sensitive areas to form a barrier. Always keep a bottle of eye wash handy in case you splash acid into the eye. Do not rinse as there is no need to neutralize. In case of eye contact, flush gently and thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Exfoliating Steps For Normal Skin

Note: For normal skin, do not perform a facial steam.

Step 1: Using your fingertips, apply ½ tsp (3 ml) of the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant directly and evenly on the facial area. For the Client’s neck and décolleté, add ½ tsp (3 ml) and apply directly and evenly. Avoid the eye area and active acne lesions. Advise your Client that they might feel a tingly warm feeling during the application. 

Step 2: Immediately after the first step, treat the entire face by layering on the Arctic Berry Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20. Using gentle circular motions, begin applying the peel to the forehead, then the cheeks, the jaw and finally to the upper lip and surrounding areas. Ensure you have applied enough of the Arctic Berry Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20 (approximately 1 full dropper) so that a slight foaming action occurs when the Enzyme Exfoliant and the Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20 are mixed together. With a light motion, gently scrub the skin for around 1–3 minutes. Leave the mixture on for up to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Using the same application technique, add another layer of the Arctic Berry Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20 and gently scrub the skin for 1 minute or less.

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Product Picks

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Peel activator for all skin types

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Soothing toner for all skin types

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Exfoliating Steps For Sensitive Skin

For Clients with sensitive skin, you can omit Step 3, which is the second layer of the Arctic Berry Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20. The remainder of the above steps are the same. Leave the mixture on for up to 7 minutes. As with normal skin, for sensitive skin, do not perform a facial steam either. 

Exfoliating Steps For Very Advanced & Non-Sensitive Skin TYPES

Note: For very advanced and non-sensitive Clients, a facial steam is optional.

Step 1: Add a maximum of 3 layers of the Arctic Berry Pro Advanced Peel Activator MA20. Gently scrub the skin for one minute or less after the second and third layers of the Peel. 

Step 2: Leave the mixture on for up to 7 minutes. 

Step 3: Wash off with a warm wet towel.

Step 4: Neutralize with the Soothing Chamomile Tonique by spraying into the palms of your hands and massaging the tonique into the skin until absorbed, or by saturating two cotton rounds and then applying the Tonique by compressing lightly to the skin. Continue until the tingling sensation has subsided. Rest the skin for 1 minute.

4. Mask

After exfoliating with the peel, apply the Calm Skin Arnica Masque or Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque.

5. Targeted Treatment: Serum, Concentrate or Oil

For all skin types, use the Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, which gives the appearance of plumper-looking skin. You can also apply the deeply hydrating Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum for all skin types, or the Firm Skin Acai Booster-Serum for Clients looking to achieve a firmer, more lifted-looking complexion (also appropriate for all skin types). 

6. Moisturizing 

Apply a thin layer of the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream to the face, neck and décolleté. Gently massage the product in until it’s absorbed.

7. Finishing Eye Care

Apply a thin layer of the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum to the eye area using light blending motions until it’s absorbed. Leave it on. For additional hydration, layer the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream over the top and leave it on.

8. Sun Defense

For all skin types, apply the Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 as per instructions to finish and protect your Client’s skin. After application of a peel treatment, the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Application of an SPF product is mandatory after treatment. Advise your Client to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure after each treatment and for a week afterward.

9. After Care

Explain to the Clients that the best results are seen with a series of professional treatments (1-2 times per month) supported by home care with the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System retail kit. Clients may not be aware that a full retail product is available to them, so you can remind them that they can maintain their radiant skin in between treatments by using it at home. Please note that the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System retail kit contains a self-neutralizing multi-acid 10% Advanced Peel Activator, which is safe to use by a Client on themselves. 

Have your Clients seen results from home care kits? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. Find out how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.

Cleansing is an important step in your skin care routine, but it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the right type that will work best for your needs and specific complexion. To minimize the time spent determining the right choice, we’re sharing how to find the best facial cleansers for your skin type. 

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin | Oily Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin | Normal Skin

Why Use A Facial Cleanser?

Imagine a day’s worth of dirt, oil and leftover makeup merging into an invisible mask of pollutants on your skin. This is where the magic of a good cleanser shines, sweeping away these impurities. If neglected, applying products over this unwashed layer only traps the dirt and oil, leading to clogged pores. These clogged pores, filled with a mix of oil, bacteria and grime, become the perfect breeding ground for breakouts. You can learn even more about the purpose of cleansing in this cleansers 101 guide.

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin

Understanding your skin type is crucial in selecting the right facial cleanser, especially if you have sensitive skin. So, how do you know if you have sensitive skin? When exposed to irritants, sensitive skin frequently responds with a rash that may appear red, flaky or bumpy.  You may notice these reactions from certain chemicals, ingredients or perfumes as well as leave-on topical products, such as facial serums and moisturizers, that are designed to stay on the skin instead of being washed off. You may also notice that you react to a change in diet or when you have hormonal imbalances. In addition to rashes and bumps, sensitive skin may feel itchy and tight — particularly after cleansing with products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Sensitive skin is also often accompanied by dryness or dehydration, which can also leave skin feeling prickly and parched.

Given these challenges, it’s important to choose a cleanser that is gentle yet effective. When your skin is on the sensitive side, cream cleansers are a great choice as they help lock in moisture while removing impurities. One of our top picks? The Lemon Grass Cleanser, which contains olive oil to soothe dry skin and sunflower oil, rich in vitamins to reduce the visible signs of aging. This hypoallergenic cleanser also contains wheat extract for hydration.  

Cleansers For Oily Skin

For those dealing with oily skin, the approach and choice of products will differ significantly. If you’re unsure whether you have oily skin, here are a few signs that you may have this skin type:

• Greasy to the touch
• Visible, large pores
• Prone to breakouts 
• Makeup gets soaked up quickly but also slides off easily 
• Shiny looking 

If you do have this skin type, your goal should be to control the buildup of oil or debris and prevent breakouts. Our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser to combat oily skin. Rich in antioxidants, this gel lather unclogs and deep cleans pores thanks to its star ingredient — charcoal. This may sound odd, but charcoal actually draws out dirt and oil to help prevent clogged pores. Another antioxidant-rich ingredient in this formulation is blue matcha, which is known to improve the visible signs of aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). You can watch Natalie go into more detail about this cleanser in this In The Mix video.

Cleansers For Dry Skin

If your skin is rough, flaky or peeling, you probably have dry skin. Ask yourself these questions: Does your skin feel unusually tight, almost stretched, after showering, swimming or cleansing? Is the overall texture of your skin more on the rough side? Have you observed the emergence of fine lines or deeper cracks in your skin? You most likely have dry skin. Both genetics and environmental factors like heating or winter can exacerbate your symptoms.

To effectively tackle dry skin issues, it’s essential to choose the right skin care products. Dry skin can benefit from gentle cleansers including foaming products like our Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. It features micellar technology and actives that help balance the skin microbiome and protect the skin barrier, an essential for sensitive skin. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics improves the skin barrier while kombucha, jasmine, white tea and ginger combine to refresh and balance the microbiome.

Cleansers For Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by oily and dry skin in one complexion. Your T-zone and chin feel extra oily while your cheeks or other parts of your face get dry. The skin’s oiliness and dryness can fluctuate with changes in weather. Humidity might increase oiliness, while cold weather could enhance dryness. The goal for combination skin is to treat both oily and dry areas for a clear, balanced complexion. You will most benefit from using different products on different areas of your face. You can visit an Eminence Organics Spa to receive a tailored routine for your skin type. 

For those with combination skin, we recommend the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser which has a Lactic Acid Complex to remove buildup, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished. Mangosteen, a superfruit, defends your complexion from pollution and other environmental stressors that could dry out the skin.

Cleansers For Normal Skin 

Normal skin types simply need to maintain their balanced and healthy skin. You don’t notice dry or oily patches, nor do you suffer redness or itchiness from trying new products. You might occasionally notice breakouts related to hormones or infrequent cleansing, but your skin is generally balanced. While normal skin is typically well-balanced and less prone to issues, it’s not completely immune to the occasional changes or breakouts caused by environmental factors. To help maintain this balance and counteract these effects, the Stone Crop Gel Wash is an excellent choice for normal skin. This gentle cleanser provides a light foam, refreshing and cleansing the skin, while ingredients like stone crop and chamomile work to hydrate and soothe.

Have you found a cleanser that suits your complexion? To narrow your selection down, view the full lineup of Eminence Organics cleansers here or visit an Eminence Organic Spa for a consultation. 

*This formula does not contain live probiotic cultures. 

Pollution’s impact on skin health goes beyond the smog and dirt we encounter outdoors; it’s also about the hidden hazards lurking in our homes and daily routines. From the air we breathe to the products we use, various pollutants are silently compromising our skin’s radiance and health. 

Before you panic, we’ll uncover how everyday elements like toxic cleaning supplies, hidden chemicals in consumables and textiles and accumulated indoor pollution can adversely affect your skin. Here are the top three offenders and our tips for minimizing their effects to maintain healthy, glowing skin. 

Toxic Cleaning Supplies

While a thorough clean of your home can be very satisfying, the cleaning products you reach for are probably not skin-friendly. According to The David Suzuki Foundation, “Most of us are exposed to cleaning products and their residues at low levels on a daily basis.” Many household cleaning products contain chemical ingredients that linger in the air and settle on our skin after use. As Jeannette Graf MD tells Marie Claire: “The skin’s barrier contains protective bacteria, as well as cells that play a role in our immune system.” Detergents and solvents in cleaning products not only disrupt the skin’s protective barrier but can also harm beneficial bacteria, leaving the skin more susceptible to pollution’s dulling, drying and aging effects.

To protect your skin’s health, consider replacing chemical-laden household cleaners with eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, always wear gloves to protect your hands when using these products. To further safeguard your skin from environmental stressors, it’s crucial to be aware of hidden chemicals in everyday items. In the next section, we delve into the specifics of these chemicals and their impact on your skin.

Hidden Chemicals

Processed foods, synthetic fabrics and non-organic beauty products often contain chemical compounds harmful to your skin’s protective barrier. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can result in a dull, lackluster and lifeless complexion. To avoid these hidden chemicals, opt for organic alternatives to processed foods, choose clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton and wool, and select beauty products free from toxic ingredients.

Eminence Organic Skin Care products are formulated without the use of harmful chemicals like parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol or sodium lauryl sulfate. To cleanse the skin, we recommend using our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser as an alternative to harsh facial cleansers with chemical additives. This milky gel gently removes dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping moisture from the skin. It also contains mangosteen, a superfruit that helps protect skin from drying environmental stressors while promoting natural radiance. To further safeguard your complexion and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, try our Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque. This potent mask formula features ginger and pre, pro* and postbiotics to visibly renew the appearance of the skin while supporting your moisture barrier.

Accumulated Pollution

If the harmful effects of air pollution on your skin makes you want to run indoors and shut the windows, you may have cause for concern: The air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. The pollution in our homes and offices may be the culprit that’s keeping us from achieving the smooth radiance we’re after. And even if you clean regularly, microscopic dust mites can lurk in your bed, carpets and upholstery. These stubborn, tiny critters can irritate your skin, aggravating sensitive and problem areas. Accumulated dust in your home is a component of what’s known as particulate matter — airborne particles that easily penetrate (and affect the look and feel of) the skin. These small particles bounce around the skin causing repeated damage: They disrupt the skin’s barrier and damage elastin and collagen, which speeds up signs of aging including wrinkles.

While the pollution inside our homes poses unseen challenges to maintaining healthy skin, adopting specific self-care practices can counteract these negative effects. A key step is showering before bed, which washes away not just the day’s stress but also the microscopic dust and pollutants that accumulate on the skin. You can also remove impurities with skin care products like our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™. With its light fizzing action, this powder-to-foam exfoliant delivers oxygen to the skin’s surface and reveals a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. You can also diminish pollution’s effects by incorporating the Birch Water Purifying Essence into your routine. Formulated with birch water, this nutrient-rich ingredient leaves the skin feeling purified and hydrated.

Looking for even more skin care suggestions? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to speak with a licensed esthetician and browse our selection of skin care products.

*Products do not contain live probiotic cultures.

Our skin, the largest organ in the body, works the same way for almost everyone: It is our first line of defense against toxins and harmful pollutants, regulates body temperature and manages the amount of water and electrolytes coming in. But despite this seeming uniformity, there are key differences between women’s skin and men’s skin — enough that men should consider following a skin care routine and use products specially selected for them.

Is Men’s Skin Different From Women’s? 

So, what is the difference between men’s and women’s skin? “Men’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s and has higher collagen density in their skin,“ explains the Eminence Organic Skin Care Product Support Team. Collagen levels do go down for men as they get older too, but it does so at a constant rate. In comparison, women’s collagen levels remain steady and then suddenly plummet after menopause (which may make the change feel more dramatic). Men, on average, produce more sebum in their skin because of testosterone. Excess sebum production makes men more prone to oily, shiny skin, large pores and acne.

Another factor? Shaving. Razors bring a whole set of skin problems women typically don’t have to face, like irritation from razor burn, inflammation, and sometimes, infection. Men are also more likely to develop rosacea, which makes blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, causing redness. Keep reading to find out what kinds of skin care products are best to achieve clear skin for men.

A Simple Skin Care Routine For Men 

Like women, men need to do all the basics: cleansing, eye care, moisturizing and sun protection. Add in toning, exfoliating, masking and treatment steps, and you have a full home care regimen that works for maintaining the skin in its best condition. Let’s dive into the details for this routine, designed specifically for men.

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Product Picks

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Gentle wash for all skin types

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Cleanser

Stone Crop Gel Wash has a loyal fan following, including long-time Eminence Organics devotee Mark Ruffalo who swears by our Stone Crop Gel Wash to keep his skin on point. This gentle gel cleanser is infused with stone crop and shea butter to wash away impurities without over-stripping the skin. You’ll find even more enthusiasts on our website where reviewer Jay gives the cleanser five stars, saying: “For all the guys out there … this is the best product I have ever used. Fragrance-free, results-oriented and a squeaky-clean feeling. Try shaving with it to reduce razor burn and irritation.”

For those with normal to oily skin, our Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is loaded with charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha. Rich in antioxidants, this gel lather unclogs and deep cleans pores.

Toner

For the toning step, a healthy spritz of Stone Crop Hydrating Mist will make the skin feel hydrated and refreshed all at once. This revitalizing toner is suitable for all skin types, particularly those with uneven skin tone.

If you’re looking for a post-shave toning step, the Pineapple Refining Tonique can boost the exfoliation that occurs when using a razor. The formula contains gentle Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), bromelain and tranexamic acid, all of which visibly renew dull, textured skin without irritation. 

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Product Picks

Ultra nutrition and hydration

Vitamin C+E mask for all skin types

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Exfoliant 

After cleansing and toning, we recommend exfoliating the skin to slough off dead skin cells, clear congestion and bring new skin to the surface. The Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ has microgreens, stone crop and rice flour to de-gunk clogged pores and protect against the visible aging effects of environmental stressors. Simply add water to see it transform from powder to foam.

Mask

Battling breakouts and large pores? Masking may not be every man’s style, but you’re bound to love the fresh feel of our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque. Infused with organic ingredients like cucumber, yogurt and tea tree oil, this refreshing face mask shrinks pores and improves the look of breakouts for a soft and smooth-looking complexion.

The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is another option: This treatment is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to improve the appearance of skin health. It contains stabilized Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, a potent antioxidant that helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Leafy Greens (kale, spinach and broccoli sprouts) are rich in antioxidants to help improve the appearance of skin elasticity and skin hydration for younger-looking skin.

Serum & Concentrate

Follow up your masking step with a selection of oils and serums — choose one, or many! A drop of the lightweight Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum firms and plumps the appearance of skin and reduces the look of redness and inflammation. With star ingredients like Vitamin C, leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli sprouts), Vitamin E and botanical ferulic acid, the serum targets the signs of aging and improves the appearance of skin elasticity. 

Or, consider a thin layer of our Bamboo Firming Fluid’s deeply hydrating coconut and bamboo delivers tauter, tighter, younger-looking skin. It also contains a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex designed to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Eye Care

Reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes requires daily use of an eye cream. Why not try our Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum Neroli oil and coconut water are designed to provide hydration around the delicate skin around the eye area. 

Or try the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream, which reduces the look of dark undereye circles. This formula uses plant peptides and innovative algae extract, which provides extra hydration to visibly improve the undereye area.

Moisturizer

The trick to finding the right moisturizer is knowing your skin type. For those with normal to oily skin, our Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer is a popular go-to. Its lightweight, gel-cream formula melts nicely into the skin and leaves a matte finish. Men with skin that tends towards the dry side can try the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. Stone crop is a succulent that hydrates and nourishes dry skin types. This creamy formula also contains a Biocomplex2™, a booster of antioxidants that restores the look of radiance, vitality and strength in the skin. 

Sun Care

Applying SPF daily helps to protect the skin against the damaging rays that contribute to skin irritation, premature aging and the formation of certain skin cancers. We recommend the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, an all-in-one lightweight daily moisturizer containing cocoa seed extract and satsuma mandarin peel. In addition to all-mineral sun protection, these ingredients improve the appearance of the skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution.

Looking for even more skin care suggestions? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to speak with a licensed esthetician and browse our selection of skin care products for men.

If you’re a skin care enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of micellar technology. This type of skin care technology is making waves for its ability to harness the power of micelles (microscopic cleansing agents) to give the skin an effective cleanse, leaving it clean, hydrated and bouncy. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about micellar technology and how you can use it for gentle and effective cleansing. 

What Makes Micellar Technology A Skin Saver?

Dermatologists worldwide recommend micellar technology as one of the best ways to cleanse for every skin type. It provides a gentle and thorough cleanse without stripping the skin of its essential moisture. 

Micellar technology was popularized in the early 1900s by the French, who used it to combat the effects of harsh local water on the skin. Micelles, tiny cleansing molecules, are composed of oil-friendly “tails” and water-friendly “heads,” which form small cleansing clusters that attract and dissolve impurities. These surfactants remove water-soluble and fat-soluble impurities (e.g., oil-based makeup) and provide a gentle solution to cleanse, tone and replenish. 

You can think of micelles as microscopic magnets. In cleansers, they attract and lift dirt and oil from the skin’s surface, so it can be wiped (or rinsed) away. The result: Skin that has been gently and thoroughly cleansed and ready to absorb the beneficial ingredients in the skin care steps that follow.

5 Benefits of Micellar Technology

We’ve already touched on a few benefits of micellar technology for mild but effective cleansing. Let’s explore the full list. 

1. Gentle Cleansing

The primary benefit of micellar technology is that it allows for cleansing that’s easy on the skin. You tend to find micelles in gentler, more hydrating cleansers that avoid the use of harsh chemical ingredients. Instead, they rely on the natural composition of micelles to clear away dirt, oil and impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture.

2. Skin Barrier Support

Your skin’s lipid barrier protects it from the elements, keeping it healthy and hydrated. Micellar technology respects your skin’s barrier. It eliminates external factors that clog pores and dull your complexion and keeps the healthy oils and bacteria your skin needs to stay healthy and intact.

3. Effective Cleansing

Micelles are gentle but mighty. In a typical cleanser, surfactants float freely throughout the formula. In micellar technology, they cluster together into micelles, so the gentle cleansing agents are more highly concentrated when they make contact with your skin. That means more effective cleansing without excessive rubbing or harsh ingredients that strip moisture from the skin. 

4. Enhanced Hydration

Micelles also work to attract water, leaving your skin more hydrated. This enhanced hydration primes the skin, making it more receptive to absorbing the active ingredients in subsequent skin care steps.

5. For All Skin Types

Micellar technology is suitable for all skin types. Micelles are incredibly gentle, making them effective for even sensitive skin. They sweep away dirt and bacteria without stripping the skin, leaving all skin types perfectly cleansed.

How To Add A Micellar Cleanser Into Your Routine

The best way to add micellar technology to your beauty arsenal is to add a micellar cleanser to your skin care routine. We recommend our Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. 

Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser

This unique liquid-to-foam cleanser gently removes impurities without stripping moisture from the skin. Eminence Organic Skin Care’s foam cleansers do not contain any sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS) or harsh detergents — they’ll lather up and rinse clean without leaving your skin feeling tight or irritated.

The Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser includes micelles, which gently clear oil, dirt and debris from the skin. This foaming cleanser also features kombucha, ginger, white tea, and jasmine which work together to refresh and balance the microbiome on your skin barrier. You can read more about the entire Kombucha Microbiome Collection here.

Here’s how to use the cleanser as the first step of your skin care routine:

1. Pump a small amount of product to transform the liquid into a lightweight foam.
2. Apply to the skin and massage gently with your fingertips in a circular motion, covering the face and neck. 
3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. 

The result is clean, refreshed, and healthy-looking skin that’s primed to receive the next steps of your skin care routine. We suggest following up with your favorite Eminence Organics toner or essence to maximize your skin care benefits. 

Final Thoughts On Micellar Cleansers

Micellar cleansers are a gentle, effective and hydrating way to cleanse all skin types. They keep your skin barrier intact, help lock in hydration and allow for greater penetration of the actives that follow in your routine. Your skin will feel clean, refreshed, balanced and healthy.

Curious to learn even more about micellar technology in skin care? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner to discover how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine.

When the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said: “Change is the only constant in life,” maybe he knew that TikTok was coming. After all, in this world of viral trends and beauty blogs, it seems we are always changing things up in our routines — revamping our skin and body care habits, introducing new food recipes and trying out the latest beauty products. While these changes can level things up in our lives, there are situations where that new skin care product, food or routine could be the source of unwanted skin reactions. Let’s examine the range of reactions that can occur with changes in our routines and identify which are typical and harmless and which might be signs of a more significant concern.

Is My Skin Reacting? 5 Triggers That Cause Reactions

When it comes to reactions that show up on the body, some are instant and obvious and others can take longer to appear. While an immediate reaction can be jarring, it can make for an easier diagnosis. For example, if you try a new food one night and wake up swollen or itchy the next morning, there’s a good chance you can trace the reaction back to that food. Other reactions can be more sneaky, showing up days or even weeks into a new routine. 

Signs can vary but often appear on the skin in the form of a rash or cracked skin, redness, swelling, stinging, burning, raised bumps, flaky skin or breakouts. Sometimes the reaction coincides with pain or itching, but not always. Let’s do a deep dive into the different things that can cause skin to react, how to spot reactions and when to seek help.

1. Reactions To Skin Care Products

With so many skin care and beauty products out there, it’s tempting to switch things up and try whatever is new or viral. After all, if people are talking about it, then it must be good, right? Unfortunately, just because a skin care product becomes popular, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. 

Some of the reactions that are common with new skin care products include redness, irritation, itching and acne breakouts. These can be caused by a number of things including:

If your skin reacts badly to a beauty product, your first instinct is probably to stop using it immediately. However, there are certain products that might cause skin to react temporarily. This is where some sleuthing can come in. Take a peek at the ingredients — maybe you’ve reacted to something in the past and this is a reminder that your body doesn’t agree with that ingredient. Eminence Organic Skin Care products are made without many of the synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation and reactions as we uphold our mission of using the best organic and Biodynamic® ingredients. A reminder to always read the label or ingredients list before trying a new product.  

And be mindful of what the reaction is. If it’s swelling, pain and redness, your best bet is to stop use immediately and consult your dermatologist. If the new product causes your skin to break out, maybe you’re just purging. If there’s mild redness and peeling, same idea (hello, retinol) and your skin may just need a couple of weeks to get used to the new product or ingredient. If the breakout is around your mouth, it could be perioral dermatitis (more on that later) and you may need treatment.

Always do a patch test before trying a new product and definitely err on the side of caution and contact your doctor if you’re unsure. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all diagnosis. 

2. Reactions to Dietary Changes

Food reactions, which often manifest on the skin, can be uncomfortable and annoying. This happens whether you’re experiencing a negative response to a new food, or gradually realizing that a certain food doesn’t suit your body chemistry.

Tingling or itching in the mouth can be a telltale sign that all is not well, as can a raised, red itchy rash on the body, the face or the scalp, or swelling of the eyes or lips. While food reactions are generally mild and go away when you stop eating the food, any extreme reactions like breathing difficulties, extreme swelling and light-headedness should be treated as emergencies. 

When it comes to these skin reactions, your best bet is to avoid the foods. Some common triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs and soy, and it’s worth getting tested (or doing an elimination diet) to get to the root cause of the issue. 

What you eat can show up on your skin in other ways too. Some foods are inflammatory (sugar, wheat, dairy and salt, among others) and reducing intake can cause a reduction in puffiness and flaky skin. Eating a balanced diet — filled with good fats from salmon, nuts, seeds and avocados, lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins — is the best way to maintain the look of healthy, glowing skin (in other words, your skin is reacting in a good way). And don’t forget to drink enough water. 

3. Reactions To Weather 

If you’ve ever had a sunburn in the summer or dry, itchy skin in the winter, your skin has reacted to weather. While usually these reactions are easy to identify, they can be dangerous and you’re better off avoiding them altogether if possible. 

Too much time in the sun with too little sunscreen can result in an almost immediate redness, swelling, followed by blistering of the skin, itch and peeling. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.” And don’t forget, you can also get a sunburn when it’s cloudy out. This is your reminder to wear SPF all year long, even indoors, and cover the skin with protective clothing — especially when spending time outdoors in the hot sun. 

If you’re faced with a sunburn, our Product Support Team has some recommendations for ingredients that can help soothe, calm and treat the skin. Aloe vera, stone crop and botanical hyaluronic acid are soothing and moisturizing for dry, irritated skin. Vitamins C and E are important for sun damaged skin relief and recovery. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage, preventing damage caused by UV rays. Vitamin E visibly diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin texture. Chamomile and echinacea are known to provide relief for sunburned skin, and coconut oil has moisturizing, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

While hot sun can cause your skin to react, the opposite end of the spectrum, cold weather, can do a number on it as well. Cold air can leave skin dry, chapped and even cracked. And indoor heating and hot baths can further strip moisture from the skin. To combat the dryness and other issues that come up during the winter, treat your skin with hydration and exfoliate to get rid of dry, flaky skin. Find a whole winter skin care routine here.

4. Reactions To New Ingredients

Sometimes the smallest tweak to your routine can cause a reaction. Something as simple as a new laundry detergent or toothpaste could send your skin into a tizzy. Certain ingredients just don’t work for some people, so it’s important to consider that if a reaction seems to come out of nowhere. If a reaction happens in a certain area, consider any changes you may have made. A new toothpaste, irritants from shaving cream and even certain types of chewing gum can bring on a condition called perioral dermatitis, a red rash that can appear around the mouth. Often mistaken for acne, this unsightly and often painful condition could be a reaction. If you can trace a breakout to a new product, cease and desist immediately and symptoms should clear up. If not, see your dermatologist to discuss treatments. 

Body washes, lotions and laundry detergents often contain additives and chemicals like preservatives, parabens, colors, emulsifiers and fragrance that can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions that present as itching, hives or rashes. Always read product labels before trying new things and rest assured that Eminence Organics products are free of animal by-products, petroleum, propylene glycol, harmful fragrances and colorants and parabens. Another common ingredient that can cause or exacerbate the condition is SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which is used in many facial cleansers. Eminence products contain no SLS, so making the switch to one of our organic cleansers can be a good first step. 

If your skin is reacting and you’re not sure of the cause, consult with your dermatologist to get to the root cause or if you suspect an allergic reaction. 

5. Reactions To Stress 

Much of what we know about how stress affects the body is via symptoms like elevated heart rate, stiff or tense muscles, low energy and digestive issues. But stress also plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you experience tension on a chronic level or not. There are a few ways it can show up — from irritation and rashes to eczema, dry skin, acne and dark circles under the eyes. The best way to combat stress in your life is to address it from all angles. Meditation and yoga can help, as can exercise and a healthy diet filled with non-inflammatory foods and lots of water! When stress shows up on skin, it’s important to look into which aspects of your life might be contributing and see what tweaks you can make — after all, health is about the full body, inside and out.

Are you dealing with skin reactions and not sure what is causing them? 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.