Category: Beauty & Perosnal Care

A cup of tea is a perfect pick-me-up in the afternoon but did you know it’s also a great pick-me-up for your skin? From fighting free radicals to reducing the appearance of fine lines and dissolving dead skin cells, tea has become a popular skin care ingredient. Read on to find out whether this ancient elixir is your skin’s cup of tea. 

A Brief History Of Tea 

The story of tea begins in China in 2737 BCE. According to legend, Chinese emperor and renowned herbalist, Shen Nung, was sitting beneath a tree when some leaves from the tree blew into water that was being boiled for drinking. He decided to try the infusion that had accidentally been created. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.

All traditional teas are still made from the leaves and buds of different varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant — originally from the borderlands of northern Burma and southwestern China. The difference between teas lies in how they are processed — whether they are fermented or not, for instance — and this determines their oxidation levels. Green teas are not oxidized at all, while black teas are very oxidized. In terms of beauty benefits, green tea and matcha are very poplular, but black tea, white tea and kombucha are also potent allies for your skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Tea For Skin?

Tea has bioactives that have been scientifically proven to hydrate skin and protect it from aging and environmental harm. Antioxidant tea polysaccharides fight free radicals and absorb and retain moisture. Tea polyphenols protect skin by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and diverting it from doing epidermal damage. Polyphenols dive deep into the skin, putting up roadblocks around destructive enzymes that work against the skin’s “body-building” collagen and elastin. They protect your skin’s hydration by boosting hyaluronic acid and their anti-inflammatory activities improve microcirculation. So we’ve established that tea is your skin’s best friend, now we’ll spill the tea on which blends will help you!

Green Tea

A perfect accompaniment to sushi, green tea is grown mostly in Japan. Green tea leaves are harvested, withered and steamed so that they stay green and unoxidized. There is an abundance of good things for the skin in this type of tea, especially EGCG, a polyphonic compound that is a powerhouse for the skin. It is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It protects against the redness that UVB rays produce and is being studied for its role in healing wounds and lessening scarring. EGCG also has a remarkable ability to get inside the skin and stay there, mostly in the stratum corneum, where it actively moisturizes and smooths skin roughness and wrinkles.

Matcha Tea

Another Japanese export, matcha tea is green in color, but grown differently from regular green tea. About a month before harvesting, it is covered from direct sunlight to increase chlorophyll and amino acid levels. Intensely nourishing matcha tea powder is regenerative for tired, damaged skin that is low on oxygen. It also fights inflammation and protects skin from harmful free radicals.

White Tea

Young tea buds and leaves are harvested only once a year in early spring to make white teas like Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) and Yin Zhen Bai Hao (Silver Needle). The leaves and buds are minimally processed — not oxidized or rolled — which means that nothing has been bruised or twisted to damage cell walls and release the plant’s juices. As well as having strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, white tea extracts in skin care products are believed to boost hyaluronic acid action for a plumper, more hydrated-looking complexion.

Black Tea

Black tea, like pu’er from China’s Yunnan province, is the most oxidized of the teas because it is produced from leaves that are harvested, dried, rolled, ground and fermented. Black tea extracts are new to the skin care game and their tannins appear to protect skin from environmental damage as well as perform anti-bacterial, nourishing and hydrating functions. Other teas do that as well but black tea has one feature the others don’t: caffeine. Caffeine in skin creams stimulates microcirculation and helps reduce the look of puffiness under the eyes.

Kombucha

A by-product of black tea, kombucha is produced by fermenting black tea with sugar, yeast and bacteria. As a beverage, probiotic kombucha builds an ideal bacterial environment in the gut that aids digestion. And it can do something similar for your skin. According to dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, kombucha “… is excellent for balancing the skin’s microbiome by promoting a healthy ratio of good bacteria.” This is great if you are prone to acne or rosacea. Kombucha is also a natural exfoliant and antioxidant.

Darjeeling Tea 

Often referred to as the “Champagne of teas,” true Darjeeling is grown exclusively in select tea plantations at the foothills of the Himalayas spread across the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is said that this tea grows at the highest elevation of all teas and that it is the altitude that creates an ideal environment for the tea plant, giving these teas a unique flavor and aroma. The natural antioxidant properties found in Darjeeling tea can promote healthy skin, while the polyphenols are known to combat inflammation.

Pineapple Tea

One more tea that is making its name in the beauty world is pineapple tea! It is made by boiling pineapple rinds, which extracts an enzyme called bromelain that is very helpful for digestion, but also has exfoliating properties for the skin — which makes pineapple tea a rising beauty star on TikTok. Bromelain dissolves the proteins that bind together dead skin cells with minimal irritation for clear, radiant skin. If you’re looking for the benefits of bromelain, our Pineapple Refining Tonique is where you’ll find them.

Tea For Different Skin Types

Dry skin

Tea-infused products in your daily beauty routine can really up your skin’s game, and there seems to be a type of tea for every type of problem. Those with dry skin that is sensitive to pollution, cigarette smoke and the sun’s UVA and UVB rays should look to beauty products with extracts of hydrating green tea, white tea and oxygen-revitalizing matcha tea.

Oily Skin

Oily skin that is prone to acne will respond well to products with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory extracts of matcha, kombucha or white tea that detox the skin. Or try green tea, which is known to reduce the production of sebum.

Mature Skin 

Mature skin can benefit most from how black tea can plump the look of skin and green tea retains moisture. White tea will also gently plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Any of these varieties will suit your skin to a “tea.”

Pop quiz: What are the two most common ingredients that make up a good moisturizer? Water and oil. This answer may seem deceptively simple, but let’s explore it a little further.

Skin 101

The topmost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, needs to be made up of at least 10% water to look and feel healthy — though 20-30% is ideal. But water, as we know, evaporates easily. That’s where other ingredients like emollients, humectants and occlusives come in. Often made from oil, these ingredients act as a barrier or sealant to lock moisture in the cells to stop water from evaporating. And a well-moisturized stratum corneum can soak up to six times its weight in water, nicely plumping the skin. Water also interacts with enzymes to help skin shed dead cells in an orderly way. Without water, dead cells pile up on the skin, making it red, chapped and rough. Skin that’s not properly moisturized can develop cracks and become itchy, scaly and even painful. So, moisturizing is a must after your daily skin cleansing routine, but how do you know which kind best suits your skin type? Let’s break it down into two categories of moisturizers — gels and creams — and weigh their pros and cons.

Gel Moisturizers | Cream Moisturizers | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Sensitive Skin | Normal Skin 

What Are Gel Moisturizers?

Facial gel moisturizers are lightweight and water-based (and sometimes oil-free … more on that later). They make a nice, smooth base for makeup and feel cool and refreshing when applied to the skin. Absorbent with a non-greasy texture, gel moisturizers are perfect for oily or combination complexions that don’t necessarily need any more oil added topically. If your skin is prone to dehydration, the humectant properties of gel moisturizers make them ideal — they draw water from the surrounding air as well as pulling moisture from deeper down in the skin itself, aka the dermis layer. 

What Are Cream Moisturizers?

Thick and oil-based in composition, creams are intensely hydrating and seal in moisture better and with longer-lasting effect than gels. They can leave oil residue, which is not ideal if your skin already skews oily. Creams are often also enhanced with nourishing, emollient ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which soothes and softens rough, dry skin. This can be especially important if you live in a place with long, cold winters.

What’s The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type? 

Dry

If you have parched skin, oil-free facial gels are probably not your best bet. As mentioned above, they don’t form as effective a barrier to moisture loss as creams do. Look instead for nourishing creams with luxurious emollients, like shea butter, that make your skin feel smoother. A good option for daytime is the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40. Formulated with larch tree, a moisturizing ingredient that shields skin from dehydration and antioxidant-rich lilikoi seed oil, this SPF and moisturizer combo protects and improves the appearance of dry skin in one step.

Another great product for dry skin is the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, which uses coconut water, coconut oil and shea butter to add moisture. A customer, Diana, reviewed it on the website saying: “The coconut moisturizer is amazing … my skin looks great and the fine lines are really hard to see. Love, love, love this product line.”

Oily

While cream moisturizers are perfect for dry skin, they aren’t necessarily the best pick for oilier complexions. Light facial gel moisturizers are better options for skin that is on the oily side, and a good all-over choice is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This vegan gel-cream contains Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that intensely hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. This formula is also made with plant sugars that optimize the skin’s moisture reserve. Another gel moisturizer to try is the dewy, lightweight Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer. It melts into your skin, imbuing it with ingredients like mangosteen fruit extract and pore-minimizing red clover flower extract.

Combination

One strategy is to opt for gel moisturizers on the oily parts of the face and cream moisturizers for dry patches. But if spot treating different areas on the face seems a little high-maintenance, the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer is a good choice for combination complexions and aging skin. Besides bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this moisturizer contains niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier, and panthenol, which hydrates and prevents moisture loss. Happy customer, Emily B., says in a review on our website: “I feel hydrated and glowy all day AND the consistency is lovely under makeup … I’ve been getting compliments on my skin all week!” 

Sensitive

Cream moisturizers with gentle formulations and minimal fragrance should be your go-to if you have sensitive skin. The Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream contains apricot, which replenishes the skin’s barrier, while flax seed moisturizes, hydrates and lubricates. Revitalizing Echinacea Recovery Cream is another good option for sensitive skin types. It moisturizes with replenishing yarrow herb and evening primrose oil. Or try Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, which is formulated with calendula oil and grape leaf extract, plus shea butter that improves the skin’s barrier and protective sunflower oil, chamomile and arnica.

Normal

If you don’t have problematic skin, then choose a gel or cream that suits your skin’s other needs. You might want a moisturizer with age-defying ingredients that plump, firm or heal your skin like the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Or, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF like the Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is a good option to consider for daytime, while the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer makes a great nighttime cream. Don’t forget, you can always choose more than one moisturizer, customizing your ritual to your skin’s changing needs moment by moment.

The most important thing is that you moisturize and that you use a product that fits your skin’s profile. Remember this general rule of thumb: light-as-air gel moisturizers for oily complexions and nourishing, hydrating cream moisturizers for dry. Interested in finding out more? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to help choose the best products for your skin.

With age comes experience, wisdom and beauty. We’ve entered a new age of skin care that celebrates the aging process, especially focusing on the needs of mature skin. Instead of concentrating on anti-aging, it’s time to emphasize keeping your skin healthy and radiant, no matter your age. Read on for our guide to embracing aging gracefully with skin care for mature skin.

How Skin Ages | Signs Of Aging | How To Age Gracefully

How Skin Ages

Two Aging Processes

As we get older, our bodies naturally start to age, a process called intrinsic aging. This is a continual mechanism by which our cellular and biological functions slow down. With time, the skin’s strong and flexible matrix begins to weaken and hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen naturally deplete. Intrinsic aging accounts for only 10% of skin changes; the remaining 90% is caused by these external influences which accelerate the aging process. Our bodies are also subject to extrinsic aging, caused by exposure to environmental stressors. These include lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise as well as external factors like pollution, blue light radiation and UV rays from the sun.  ​
 

Free Radicals

How does environmental aging happen? Pollution, blue light and UV rays expose skin to free radicals. Heidi Waldorf, MD likens these highly reactive molecules to “anti-oxygen bombs that trigger inflammation and cascades of damage.” Unchecked, free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages the skin, degrades its structural proteins and leads to premature aging. 

Inflammaging

When the skin is repeatedly exposed to free radicals, a process called inflammaging can kick in. According to our Product Support Representatives: “Inflammaging is a term used to describe aging induced by chronic, persistent, underlying inflammation that ultimately exhausts the skin’s defense system. This weakens skin structure, results in the degradation of collagen and elastin and impairs the skin’s barrier function.” 

Signs Of Aging

As we age, it’s normal for our years to begin to show on our faces. Here are a few signs of aging that develop due to the loss of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin over time.

Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin are essential components that maintain the skin’s youthful, bouncy appearance. But over time, the skin loses its ability to return to its original state. Repeated facial expressions, such as frowning and smiling, stretch the skin. Several factors contribute to this loss of resilience:

• Decrease in moisture: The skin dries out and becomes less supple, making it prone to showing lines.
• Reduction in structural support: As we age, substances such as collagen that give the skin support and firmness gradually diminish.
• Loss of elasticity: Elastin is the protein that allows skin to stretch and snap back, and this also decreases as we age.

As a result of these changes, the skin may show permanent creases, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, such as those seen on the forehead from repeated expressions.

Sagging Skin

As the skin loses strength, it also has more difficulty defying gravity’s pull. Our skin starts to slacken and hang more loosely, especially around the lower face and neck. Eminence Organic Skin Care International Educator, Brian Goodwin, explains: “When the foundation slips, we see jowls form, loosening of the tissue around the eyes and an overall drooped appearance for the entire face.”

Hyperpigmentation

Another sign of aging skin is hyperpigmentation in the form of sun and age spots. In aging skin, these dark spots are typically brought on by years of sun exposure. When faced with UV rays, the skin protects itself by triggering the production of a pigment called melanin. As time passes and the skin’s melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) are stimulated over and over, they start to overproduce and cause deposits of pigment on the skin’s surface.

How To Age Gracefully & Maintain Healthy Skin

While you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can make simple changes that ease the aging process. There are several ways to keep aging skin in good shape, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and using results-oriented skin care. 

Healthy Lifestyle

One of the best ways to minimize the visible signs of inflammaging is to cut down on stress. According to the Huffington Post, studies show that people with high levels of stress have shorter telomeres, which are located at the tips of DNA chromosomes, causing cells to die or become damaged more quickly. Adopting healthy habits like regular exercise, meditation and a sleep schedule can help ease stress and, by extension, slow premature aging. 

Look After Your Mental Health

When we manage stress effectively through practices such as mindfulness, meditation or regular physical activity, our cortisol levels balance out, leading to fewer stress-related breakouts and a more vibrant complexion. 

Balanced Diet

Another way to help your skin age gracefully is to adjust your diet. Sugar, salt and alcohol are key culprits of premature aging and can easily be cut down. Swap in antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and leafy greens to assist your body in fighting free radicals. And, (surprise!) drink plenty of H2O to keep your skin (and body) hydrated and healthy.

Use A Nighttime Skin Care Routine

Did you know that your skin undergoes its most intensive repair process at night? Surprisingly, one way to wake up to smooth-looking skin is by establishing a nighttime routine. During sleep, the skin has the chance to counteract the environmental influences from the day. Our bodies are in repair mode while we sleep, so getting a good night’s rest is imperative to achieving skin that looks and feels healthy.

In addition, our skin experiences transepidermal water loss (TEWL) overnight which can weaken its protective hydrolipid barrier. Night treatments offer a chance to apply moisturizing ingredients topically, preventing water loss and effectively delivering product benefits. Treating your skin to nourishing, hydrating products every evening is ideal since nighttime oil production is two times lower than during the day.

Some of our Monoi Age Corrective Collection products feature an exclusive Argan Stem Cell Complex that unites with antioxidant-rich monoi. The ingredients in this collection work to visibly firm, hydrate and nourish all skin types. Brian recommends incorporating the Monoi Age Corrective Collection in your nighttime regimen for any skin type: “The skin is more receptive to absorbing ingredients at night when the epidermis becomes more penetrable. This factor makes it even more paramount to incorporate hydrating ingredients and protective oils into nighttime routines.” 

Choose Specific Skin Care Ingredients

You can also minimize the visible signs of aging by seeking out potent actives in your skin care. Applying products that restore moisture, deliver antioxidant-rich ingredients and promote health are key to keeping skin looking youthful. Here are a few ingredients to look for when you’re selecting products for your skin care routine:

Our Product Support Representatives recommend the following products, which contain many of the ingredients listed above:

Exfoliation is an important skin care step for reducing the signs of aging and this can be achieved by using the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. This powder exfoliant is formulated with lactic acid and our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant that removes a buildup of dead skin cells while the Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex contains hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root, offering deep hydration. 

Next, the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is formulated with Vitamin C to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimize the appearance of free radical damage. Vitamin C in this serum is stabilized by botanically-derived ferulic acid which provides antioxidants to brighten the look of the complexion.

Finally, you can use anything from the Marine Flower Peptide Collection to combat the signs of aging. For example, the Marine Flower Peptide Serum rejuvenates the complexion thanks to a Smart Collagen+ Complex as well as the use of an algae extract which increases hydration and improves the look of firmness.

Protect With SPF

Sunscreen is a very effective preventative product for maintaining youthful-looking skin and protecting yourself against health risks associated with sun exposure. By blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancers by up to 50% and also helps mitigate premature skin aging. 

You can help protect your skin from fine lines and wrinkles with our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. This SPF combines bakuchiol with niacinamide to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Explore Face Sculpting Tools 

Does face contouring really work on the visible signs of aging? Absolutely, and we have an in-depth tutorial on how to use face sculpting tools that leave the skin looking dazzling and depuffed. 

Watch our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, as she shows you how to contour your face using ice globes, and find out which products you need for the most effective routine. 

Ready to age gracefully? For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

Pop quiz: What are the two most common ingredients that make up a good moisturizer? Water and oil. This answer may seem deceptively simple, but let’s explore it a little further.

Skin 101

The topmost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, needs to be made up of at least 10% water to look and feel healthy — though 20-30% is ideal. But water, as we know, evaporates easily. That’s where other ingredients like emollients, humectants and occlusives come in. Often made from oil, these ingredients act as a barrier or sealant to lock moisture in the cells to stop water from evaporating. And a well-moisturized stratum corneum can soak up to six times its weight in water, nicely plumping the skin. Water also interacts with enzymes to help skin shed dead cells in an orderly way. Without water, dead cells pile up on the skin, making it red, chapped and rough. Skin that’s not properly moisturized can develop cracks and become itchy, scaly and even painful. So, moisturizing is a must after your daily skin cleansing routine, but how do you know which kind best suits your skin type? Let’s break it down into two categories of moisturizers — gels and creams — and weigh their pros and cons.

Gel Moisturizers | Cream Moisturizers | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Sensitive Skin | Normal Skin 

What Are Gel Moisturizers?

Facial gel moisturizers are lightweight and water-based (and sometimes oil-free … more on that later). They make a nice, smooth base for makeup and feel cool and refreshing when applied to the skin. Absorbent with a non-greasy texture, gel moisturizers are perfect for oily or combination complexions that don’t necessarily need any more oil added topically. If your skin is prone to dehydration, the humectant properties of gel moisturizers make them ideal — they draw water from the surrounding air as well as pulling moisture from deeper down in the skin itself, aka the dermis layer. 

What Are Cream Moisturizers?

Thick and oil-based in composition, creams are intensely hydrating and seal in moisture better and with longer-lasting effect than gels. They can leave oil residue, which is not ideal if your skin already skews oily. Creams are often also enhanced with nourishing, emollient ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which soothes and softens rough, dry skin. This can be especially important if you live in a place with long, cold winters.

What’s The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type? 

Dry

If you have parched skin, oil-free facial gels are probably not your best bet. As mentioned above, they don’t form as effective a barrier to moisture loss as creams do. Look instead for nourishing creams with luxurious emollients, like shea butter, that make your skin feel smoother. A good option for daytime is the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40. Formulated with larch tree, a moisturizing ingredient that shields skin from dehydration and antioxidant-rich lilikoi seed oil, this SPF and moisturizer combo protects and improves the appearance of dry skin in one step.

Another great product for dry skin is the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, which uses coconut water, coconut oil and shea butter to add moisture. A customer, Diana, reviewed it on the website saying: “The coconut moisturizer is amazing … my skin looks great and the fine lines are really hard to see. Love, love, love this product line.”

Oily

While cream moisturizers are perfect for dry skin, they aren’t necessarily the best pick for oilier complexions. Light facial gel moisturizers are better options for skin that is on the oily side, and a good all-over choice is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This vegan gel-cream contains Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that intensely hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. This formula is also made with plant sugars that optimize the skin’s moisture reserve. Another gel moisturizer to try is the dewy, lightweight Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer. It melts into your skin, imbuing it with ingredients like mangosteen fruit extract and pore-minimizing red clover flower extract.

Combination

One strategy is to opt for gel moisturizers on the oily parts of the face and cream moisturizers for dry patches. But if spot treating different areas on the face seems a little high-maintenance, the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer is a good choice for combination complexions and aging skin. Besides bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this moisturizer contains niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier, and panthenol, which hydrates and prevents moisture loss. Happy customer, Emily B., says in a review on our website: “I feel hydrated and glowy all day AND the consistency is lovely under makeup … I’ve been getting compliments on my skin all week!” 

Sensitive

Cream moisturizers with gentle formulations and minimal fragrance should be your go-to if you have sensitive skin. The Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream contains apricot, which replenishes the skin’s barrier, while flax seed moisturizes, hydrates and lubricates. Revitalizing Echinacea Recovery Cream is another good option for sensitive skin types. It moisturizes with replenishing yarrow herb and evening primrose oil. Or try Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, which is formulated with calendula oil and grape leaf extract, plus shea butter that improves the skin’s barrier and protective sunflower oil, chamomile and arnica.

Normal

If you don’t have problematic skin, then choose a gel or cream that suits your skin’s other needs. You might want a moisturizer with age-defying ingredients that plump, firm or heal your skin like the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Or, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF like the Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is a good option to consider for daytime, while the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer makes a great nighttime cream. Don’t forget, you can always choose more than one moisturizer, customizing your ritual to your skin’s changing needs moment by moment.

The most important thing is that you moisturize and that you use a product that fits your skin’s profile. Remember this general rule of thumb: light-as-air gel moisturizers for oily complexions and nourishing, hydrating cream moisturizers for dry. Interested in finding out more? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to help choose the best products for your skin.

A cup of tea is a perfect pick-me-up in the afternoon but did you know it’s also a great pick-me-up for your skin? From fighting free radicals to reducing the appearance of fine lines and dissolving dead skin cells, tea has become a popular skin care ingredient. Read on to find out whether this ancient elixir is your skin’s cup of tea. 

A Brief History Of Tea 

The story of tea begins in China in 2737 BCE. According to legend, Chinese emperor and renowned herbalist, Shen Nung, was sitting beneath a tree when some leaves from the tree blew into water that was being boiled for drinking. He decided to try the infusion that had accidentally been created. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.

All traditional teas are still made from the leaves and buds of different varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant — originally from the borderlands of northern Burma and southwestern China. The difference between teas lies in how they are processed — whether they are fermented or not, for instance — and this determines their oxidation levels. Green teas are not oxidized at all, while black teas are very oxidized. In terms of beauty benefits, green tea and matcha are very poplular, but black tea, white tea and kombucha are also potent allies for your skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Tea For Skin?

Tea has bioactives that have been scientifically proven to hydrate skin and protect it from aging and environmental harm. Antioxidant tea polysaccharides fight free radicals and absorb and retain moisture. Tea polyphenols protect skin by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and diverting it from doing epidermal damage. Polyphenols dive deep into the skin, putting up roadblocks around destructive enzymes that work against the skin’s “body-building” collagen and elastin. They protect your skin’s hydration by boosting hyaluronic acid and their anti-inflammatory activities improve microcirculation. So we’ve established that tea is your skin’s best friend, now we’ll spill the tea on which blends will help you!

Green Tea

A perfect accompaniment to sushi, green tea is grown mostly in Japan. Green tea leaves are harvested, withered and steamed so that they stay green and unoxidized. There is an abundance of good things for the skin in this type of tea, especially EGCG, a polyphonic compound that is a powerhouse for the skin. It is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It protects against the redness that UVB rays produce and is being studied for its role in healing wounds and lessening scarring. EGCG also has a remarkable ability to get inside the skin and stay there, mostly in the stratum corneum, where it actively moisturizes and smooths skin roughness and wrinkles.

Matcha Tea

Another Japanese export, matcha tea is green in color, but grown differently from regular green tea. About a month before harvesting, it is covered from direct sunlight to increase chlorophyll and amino acid levels. Intensely nourishing matcha tea powder is regenerative for tired, damaged skin that is low on oxygen. It also fights inflammation and protects skin from harmful free radicals.

White Tea

Young tea buds and leaves are harvested only once a year in early spring to make white teas like Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) and Yin Zhen Bai Hao (Silver Needle). The leaves and buds are minimally processed — not oxidized or rolled — which means that nothing has been bruised or twisted to damage cell walls and release the plant’s juices. As well as having strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, white tea extracts in skin care products are believed to boost hyaluronic acid action for a plumper, more hydrated-looking complexion.

Black Tea

Black tea, like pu’er from China’s Yunnan province, is the most oxidized of the teas because it is produced from leaves that are harvested, dried, rolled, ground and fermented. Black tea extracts are new to the skin care game and their tannins appear to protect skin from environmental damage as well as perform anti-bacterial, nourishing and hydrating functions. Other teas do that as well but black tea has one feature the others don’t: caffeine. Caffeine in skin creams stimulates microcirculation and helps reduce the look of puffiness under the eyes.

Kombucha

A by-product of black tea, kombucha is produced by fermenting black tea with sugar, yeast and bacteria. As a beverage, probiotic kombucha builds an ideal bacterial environment in the gut that aids digestion. And it can do something similar for your skin. According to dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, kombucha “… is excellent for balancing the skin’s microbiome by promoting a healthy ratio of good bacteria.” This is great if you are prone to acne or rosacea. Kombucha is also a natural exfoliant and antioxidant.

Darjeeling Tea 

Often referred to as the “Champagne of teas,” true Darjeeling is grown exclusively in select tea plantations at the foothills of the Himalayas spread across the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is said that this tea grows at the highest elevation of all teas and that it is the altitude that creates an ideal environment for the tea plant, giving these teas a unique flavor and aroma. The natural antioxidant properties found in Darjeeling tea can promote healthy skin, while the polyphenols are known to combat inflammation.

Pineapple Tea

One more tea that is making its name in the beauty world is pineapple tea! It is made by boiling pineapple rinds, which extracts an enzyme called bromelain that is very helpful for digestion, but also has exfoliating properties for the skin — which makes pineapple tea a rising beauty star on TikTok. Bromelain dissolves the proteins that bind together dead skin cells with minimal irritation for clear, radiant skin. If you’re looking for the benefits of bromelain, our Pineapple Refining Tonique is where you’ll find them.

Tea For Different Skin Types

Dry skin

Tea-infused products in your daily beauty routine can really up your skin’s game, and there seems to be a type of tea for every type of problem. Those with dry skin that is sensitive to pollution, cigarette smoke and the sun’s UVA and UVB rays should look to beauty products with extracts of hydrating green tea, white tea and oxygen-revitalizing matcha tea.

Oily Skin

Oily skin that is prone to acne will respond well to products with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory extracts of matcha, kombucha or white tea that detox the skin. Or try green tea, which is known to reduce the production of sebum.

Mature Skin 

Mature skin can benefit most from how black tea can plump the look of skin and green tea retains moisture. White tea will also gently plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Any of these varieties will suit your skin to a “tea.”

It’s no secret that collagen is a celebrated ingredient, essential for maintaining a youthful-looking complexion. But as we age, we experience a drop in collagen synthesis, leading to the development of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s no wonder collagen-boosting products have become all the rage. Today, you can find collagen in both topical skin care and oral supplements — but which is more effective?

We’ll deep dive into the differences between oral collagen supplements and topical collagen in skin care, how topical peptides come into play, and what you can expect from collagen skin care.

Topical Collagen | Peptides | Oral Collagen | Topical Collagen Vs Oral Collagen | Combining Topical Collagen, Peptides & Oral Supplements | Other Natural Ways To Boost Collagen

Topical Collagen In Skin Care: Does It Work?

Collagen is often termed as the skin’s mortar (fun fact: its name comes from the Greek word, “kolla,” meaning glue). This structural protein binds our cells and tissues together, helping them retain their strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, the synthesis of collagen diminishes over time, leading to the emergence of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This is where topical collagen steps in. 

You’ll find topical collagen in creams, serums and targeted treatments, aiming to improve skin elasticity and strength. Although collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, they do have water-binding properties. Dendy Engelman, M.D. states that topical collagen creams undeniably “hydrate the skin,” which in turn minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This hydration also leaves the skin smoother and more supple-looking.

If you’re looking for an additional ingredient to work together with topical collagen, we recommend topical peptides. Let’s unpack this potent active next.

Can Topical Peptides Improve The Skin’s Appearance?

Thanks to their smaller molecular size, topical peptides are more easily absorbed than collagen molecules and help to visibly revitalize the skin’s appearance. Like collagen, peptides are a form of protein, albeit smaller versions of protein. When topical peptides reach the dermis, they provide the skin’s fibroblasts with the building blocks they need to produce new collagen. By bolstering the skin’s collagen levels, peptides can improve the look of skin elasticity to enhance skin texture and reduce the look of wrinkles. As a result, many skin care products add topical peptides into their formulas as well.

Our Product Support Team here at Eminence Organic Skin Care explains the role of peptides in skin care:

“A peptide is a molecule consisting of smaller chains of amino acids making them more easily absorbed by the skin. There are various benefits that peptides provide to visibly revitalize the skin and different peptides work on the skin in different ways. Some peptides trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin tone and texture. Increasing these proteins can give aging skin increased elasticity and suppleness.”

Now that we’ve explored both topical collagen and topical peptide options, a different approach you can take is oral collagen supplements. But do oral collagen supplements actually work?

Will Ingesting Oral Collagen Improve The Look Of Skin?

Oral collagen is another way to add this essential protein to your beauty routine. Liquid collagen is hydrolyzed — it’s been broken down into peptides that are small enough to be digested and absorbed. 

According to NCBI, “Oral intake of collagen enhances the moisture content of the skin, especially the stratum corundum, as well as the elasticity of the skin, reducing wrinkling and roughness.” Beyond skin care, oral collagen supplements are also beneficial for hair, nails and joint health. They promote healthy digestion, exercise recovery and even more for your body’s overall wellness.

Now let’s debunk a common myth! Oral collagen is not a magic ingredient for immediate results. The results from oral collagen take time and may vary by individual. It’s best to talk to your physician before introducing collagen supplements into your diet.

Topical Collagen Vs Oral Collagen: What Experts Say

What do the experts say? Jeannette Graf, MD tells Byrdie that putting collagen on your skin provides moisturizing benefits and makes the skin feel softer and smoother. Marie Hayag, MD, adds that it’s the intentional layering, or cocktailing, of ingredients that work well together (e.g., topical collagen and topical peptides). 

Prevention Magazine makes the case for combining all three elements together and integrating oral supplements into a skin care regimen with topical collagen and peptides, saying: “It’s the mincing of collagen into very particular small chains of amino acids and peptides that holds the secret to youthful skin.” Dermatologist Doris Day agrees, saying “supplements are here to stay” and that they have a definite place in a skin care routine, alongside a good diet, sun protection and moisturizer. The New York Times also supports ingestible collagen, saying: “Studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging.”

Combining Topical Collagen, Peptides & Oral Supplements

The best way to improve the look and feel of your skin could be to combine all three types of collagen. Topical collagen, peptides and oral collagen often work synergistically to support the skin’s health. While topical collagen provides more immediate skin-smoothing results, topical peptides and oral collagen work overtime to improve the look of elasticity in the skin. The result: A firmer, smoother, bouncier-looking complexion. 

Essentials For Healthy-looking Skin

Here’s how you can incorporate topical collagen and topical peptides into your Eminence Organics skin care routine. 

Marine Flower Peptide Collection

The award-winning Marine Flower Peptide Collection includes products with both botanical peptides and collagen. Let’s explore how these products combine the two to support the look of your skin. 

The Marine Flower Peptide Serum, Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum all contain botanical collagen with water-binding properties that hydrate the look of the skin as well as botanical peptides that improve the look of elasticity in the skin, resulting in visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream also include the Smart Collagen+ Complex, formulated with cruelty-free collagen, natural plant peptides and sustainably-sourced freshwater and saltwater algae. These advanced actives improve the appearance of the skin so that it looks significantly smoother, plumper and more youthful. 

All of the products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection, including the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, include botanical peptides. These peptides improve the look of elasticity in the skin, resulting in visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro Tip: Add the Birch Water Purifying Essence to your routine for an added dose of botanical collagen. 

Both topical collagen and topical peptides have a place in your skin care routine. And oral collagen rounds them out. Together, these buzzy ingredients pack a powerful punch that leaves skin looking smoother and bouncier.

Other Natural Ways To Boost Collagen

Having explored the benefits of topical collagen, peptides, and oral supplements, let’s now delve into natural strategies to further enhance your skin care routine and effectively boost collagen production.

Balanced Diet and Hydration

Incorporate collagen-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants found in citrus fruits, leafy greens and lean proteins. Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Hyderabad-based dermatologist Dr. Lakshmi Sowjanya shared, “You can elevate your skin’s resilience and youthful allure by adopting natural strategies to enhance collagen production.”

Regular Exercise

Consider engaging in activities that stimulate blood flow and oxygenation, promoting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity.

Quality Sleep

Prioritize restful sleep, as collagen production peaks during this period, aiding in skin repair and regeneration.

Use Hyaluronic Acid

Use products with hyaluronic acid to improve the look of collagen in the skin and maintain skin suppleness. Its ability to retain moisture improves skin texture and firmness, while also contributing to overall skin health and a youthful appearance.

Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen daily to shield skin from UV damage and prevent collagen breakdown. Daily sunscreen application is a vital step in preserving your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Are topical and oral collagen part of your skin care routine? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tell us what has worked for you in the comments below. 

Are you looking for a luxurious facial treatment that you can do between your visits to the spa? Facial steaming is a simple way to pamper your skin in the comfort of your own bathroom. Read on to find out what products you’ll need to do it safely and effectively with minimal cost or equipment to achieve maximum skin glow.

What Is Facial Steaming?

While some concepts in the skin care world are complex, facial steaming is quite simple. This classic treatment allows steam from hot water to make contact with the skin and provide certain benefits, including cleansing, releasing trapped sebum, hydrating, promoting circulation and helping the skin absorb skin care products more deeply. If you’ve ever placed a warm, moist towel on your face, spent time in a steam room at the gym or taken a long, hot shower, you know what we’re talking about. Bonus: it’s a skin care ritual that can easily be performed at home.

The first purpose-built facial steamers date back to the early 1900s, but the use of steam itself as a method of relaxing and cleansing the body can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. These days, there are a lot of facial steamers on the market, but you can also DIY at home with a big bowl or sink of warm water and a towel.

Benefits Of Facial Steaming

As mentioned, there are a number of ways that steam applied to the skin on your face can benefit the health and condition of your complexion. It can also help with other issues, including sinus congestion and stress. We’ll explain some of the benefits here:

Cleanses

Steaming is an excellent option for removing buildup, especially if a deeper cleanse is needed. It lifts dirt and impurities from the skin, purges excess sebum and loosens unwanted substances like pollutants, leaving your skin thoroughly cleansed and refreshed for a glowing complexion.

Helps Release Acne-Causing Bacteria And Cells

Acne happens when your skin cells trap sebum in your follicles, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and inflammation. Using steam to loosen up dirt and oils can help free the sebum and stop pimples from forming. “There is a misconception that steaming the face opens pores and unclogs them,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Caroline Robinson tells SELF Magazine. She continues, explaining that our pores are “fixed structures that do not open or close in response to changes in temperature.” In other words, warm steam doesn’t open pores and cool water doesn’t close them. But what steam does do is soften the very top layer of dead skin, making it more permeable, loosening up any oils, dirt or acne-causing bacteria hanging out on the skin surface so it can be removed.

Promotes Circulation 

Heat from steaming — and the perspiration it causes — can encourage blood flow by dilating your blood vessels, which sends more oxygen to the skin. Proper circulation is not only ideal for your overall health, it has specific benefits to the skin, including the prevention of dryness. Additionally, steam promotes blood circulation and causes the skin to flush temporarily — making it look glowy, healthy and plump. 

Hydrates

Hydration helps your skin retain its strength and elasticity. Regardless of skin type, you’ve probably dealt with uncomfortable bouts of dehydration. Not to be mistaken with moisturizing — which you can do with facial oils and creams — hydration comes from water, which is why facial steaming is a great way to give your skin a shot of H20.  

Helps With Absorption Of Skin Care Products

Steam increases the permeability of the skin, allowing it to better absorb topicals. Try steaming before you introduce products like toner, serums and moisturizers to your skin. Steam has the ability to increase skin care product penetration to give you more bang for your skin care buck. 

Helps Relieve Stress

Carving out a few minutes for self-care can do wonders for your stress levels, and using those minutes to steam your face can relax your mind and body, while also enhancing the skin. While you’re at it, add some soothing herbs like mint or rosemary, or essential oils like lavender for an extra boost.  

Helps Relieve Sinus Congestion

A steam bath may conjure up memories of mom placing your head under a towel to help clear your cold symptoms — and, as usual, mom knew what she was doing! Steam lightly inhaled through the nose and mouth can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches in a gentle and soothing way. 

Step By Step Facial Steam

There are a few ways you can enjoy this versatile skin practice at home. It can be simple and free or as luxe as you choose. A quick search will bring up a huge selection of electric facial steamers, but if you like a DIY approach, the process can be done with nothing but hot water and towels. Here are some general guidelines to help you create this eco-friendly and relaxing skin care ritual in your own bathroom. 

Step 1

Start by cleansing your face. You want all oil, dirt and makeup gone to prevent them from seeping deeper into your skin as you steam. A gel or foaming cleanser is a good idea to help get rid of the oil and dirt. Some good options for all skin types include the Stone Crop Gel Wash or the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser.

Step 2

Heat water and carefully pour into a large, heat-safe ceramic or glass bowl or into the bathroom sink (with the stopper in place). Plastic bowls are not recommended. Tap water is a great, accessible option, but if you want to get fancy, try distilled or filtered water.

Step 3 (Optional) 

For a fragrant experience, essential oils or herbs can be added to the warm water. However, before doing so, we recommend consulting with a skin care professional on correct usage and determining what works for your skin. Essential oils can irritate the skin and need to be properly diluted before use. If used correctly, tea tree oil contains cleansing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and is known to assist in regulating sebum production. Lavender oil is known to lessen redness and irritation caused by dry skin and eczema. Pro tip: If you don’t have herbs or oils available, adding a couple of tea bags can help achieve the same results. Organic chamomile and peppermint are calming to the skin, while green tea has polyphenols that can fight against infection and bacteria. 

Step 4

Place a towel over your head so that it is trapping all the steam inside and position your face about 10 inches above the bowl. Don’t get too close to the steam — the ritual should be pleasant, not painful. Stay in the position for 8 –10 minutes for best results. 

Step 5

Once you have steamed your face, your skin is primed ready to absorb whatever is next. Now is a good time to apply a facial mask. If you’re looking to double down on hydration, go for the Coconut Cream Masque or Strawberry Rhubarb Masque. If you’re struggling with breakouts, your skin will love the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque or the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque. Aging skin will drink in the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque. Additionally, the Calm Skin Arnica Masque is a great option for all of the sensitive complexions out there. 

Step 6

Following your steam and mask, you’ve already treated your skin to exactly what it needs; but there’s still more you can do to get the most out of the process. If you’re hitting the sheets, choose an Eminence Organic Skin Care serum that best suits your needs. If you’re steaming earlier in the day while the sun is still out (even if it’s cloudy), apply a moisturizing SPF like Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 or Radiant Protection SPF Fluid to get the added benefits of bakuchiol and niacinamide.

Does Facial Steaming Work For Everyone? 

While this relaxing ritual has many benefits, certain skin conditions don’t mesh well with hot steam. Dr. Robinson says: “Heat and steam are known triggers for many dermatologic conditions, such as rosacea, melasma and eczema.” Since heat can provoke inflammation, anyone who’s prone to skin conditions that involve inflammation should stay away from at-home steaming practices. 

Facial Steaming Safety Guide

Water can cause a burn in 5 seconds or less at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Burn Association — that’s about 70 degrees below water’s boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you’ll have to be extra careful if you’re steaming your face at home. Make sure to have everything you need within arm’s reach and perform the ritual without distractions. Consider starting with your face further than the recommended 10 inches and then lowering it as your get more comfortable. Spend those 8 –10 minutes deep breathing or meditating for an extra boost of relaxation. Before starting new skin care techniques, we recommend consulting a skin care professional for safety tips and determining what works best for your skin.

Don’t forget to follow up your at-home skin care rituals with regular trips to the spa for professional care. Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out more.

Celebrities have access to the newest and best beauty and skin care products out there. Plus, they work closely with some of the most elite makeup artists and estheticians in the biz to keep their skin looking camera ready. With the multitude of products available to them, it’s a huge compliment when these stars use Eminence Organic Skin Care products and share their enthusiam for them with fans. We’re excited to let you in on some of their favorites! 

1. Issa Rae

You might know her from Insecure, the television show she created and starred in. Or maybe you saw her embody “President Barbie” in a little summer blockbuster movie you may have heard of. Regardless of where you first discovered Issa Rae, she is now a mega star and Vogue.com agrees. They asked her to share her beauty secrets to help the rest of us mere mortals achieve some of the glow that she emits onscreen, including using the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. You can watch her talk through her routine on YouTube here. 

2. Jeremy Allen White

For his Emmy-nominated role as Carmy Berzatto in The Bear, Jeremy Allen White undergoes some pretty major transformations in the makeup chair. Even his own tattoos are completely concealed, only to be temporarily replaced by his character’s extensive ink. And the work doesn’t stop there. His makeup artist Ignacia Soto-Aguilar tells NewBeauty: “A solid skin care regimen is crucial to minimize scene interruptions [for touch-ups].” And since a lot of his scenes move between the inside of a hot, steamy kitchen and outside in the harsh, dry, cold Chicago winter, it’s important to keep the skin as healthy as possible. Part of the routine for keeping Carmy’s skin glowing is the Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream. According to Soto-Aguilar, Jeremy loves the results so much that he now follows the same routine at home.

3. Camila Mendes

Perhaps best-known for her role as Veronica Lodge in Riverdale, Camila Mendes shared her favorite skin care products with Glamour.com and name-dropped an Eminence best seller!

“The Eminence Organics Stone Crop Hydrating Mist is one of my recent favorites. I like to spray a few spritzes of that on a cotton pad and wipe my face with it after cleansing. Not only does it remove all the extra product residue on my skin, but it also smells incredible.” 

And when asked about her desert island products, another Eminence fave, the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, made the cut! What can we say, Camila has good taste (and great skin)!

4. Natalie Morales

Another fan of the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is actress Natalie Morales. With a long list of TV shows under her belt, including Dead To Me, Parks and Recreation, The Newsroom and Trophy Wife, she’s definitely been exposed to her fair share of makeup chairs, beauty experts and the best of the best products. According to her glamour.com Drop The Routine interview, she loves a double (or triple) cleanse and relies on the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser to help remove her makeup and give her a satisfying, deep clean. 

We can see why these products are celeb faves! Get in touch with your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a professional consultation to find out which products will get your skin camera ready. 

Every time a pimple pops up on your face, we know what you’re thinking: This is war. But it’s actually after you’ve conquered the enemy (with your arsenal of skin care products) that the battle truly begins. Eliminating these short-lived blemishes often leaves long-lasting acne scars which can be the most disheartening part of clearing away pimples. Read on to find out how to get rid of the look of acne scars and reduce the appearance of dark spots from acne.

What Are Acne Scars?

First of all, what exactly are acne scars and why do they mark the skin? Dermatologist Dr. Lily Talakoub explains that acne scarring occurs when “the skin displays an inflammatory response to previous acne (whiteheads, cysts, nodules, etc.) and physical intervention such as picking or popping.” Acne scars can occur in different forms and it’s not unusual to suffer from multiple types of scars.  

The Most Common Types Of Acne Scars

Acne scars typically fall into two primary categories, with a third type — the raised keloid scar — appearing less commonly. The first category includes dark acne spots, often left behind as pigmented reminders of past breakouts. The second type includes depressed acne scars, which are indentations on the skin. These come in different shapes: rolling scars with a wavy appearance, ice pick scars that are deep and narrow, and boxcar scars with wider, more pronounced edges. Let’s unpack this more.

Dark Acne Spots 

Dark acne spots, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), are flat spots of darker skin that stay after an acne lesion has healed. Dark acne spots tend to form when the skin’s natural healing process triggers the production of excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) in response to inflammation. The discoloration can range in color from pink to red, brown or black, depending on your skin tone and the depth of the discoloration. The duration these spots remain visible can vary widely, from a few weeks to several months or even longer. PIH can develop in all skin types, but it tends to be more severe and longer-lasting for people with medium to dark complexions, according to Very Well Health.

Depressed Acne Scars Such As Rolling, Ice Pick & Boxcar Scars 

Indented scars are caused when inflammation occurs in acne-damaged skin tissue. The lack of collagen causes the scar tissue to sink into the skin, resulting in textured scars. Ice pick scars are in the shape of a point and boxcar scars appear with a wider base. Rolling scars, on the other hand, are shallower and softer to the touch. 

Fortunately, we have several products that help get rid of the look of acne scars. The Acne Advanced Treatment System, Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System and our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum are all skin care lifesavers that can help the appearance of different types of acne scars, including dark spots and depressed acne scars. Keep reading to find out how to use them.

How To Improve The Look Of Dark Acne Scars

After a pimple heals, and a dark acne spot or “scar” is left behind, you can target these areas with specific treatments. Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, tells us: “You want to look for ingredients that are going to brighten. This will help a lot with minimizing the appearance of darkness left behind by the acne condition itself.” 

So, do acne scars go away? And how long will it take? Natalie says that, depending on the level of discoloration, it can take between three and six months to see visible improvements. But, using the right ingredients at the right time can make all the difference in accelerating this process. Ingredients to seek out include: zinc hyaluronate, arbutin, licorice root and antioxidants.

Here are a few skin care products she recommends adding to your routine to minimize the appearance of discoloration. The Acne Advanced Treatment System — especially the Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator — works powerfully at reducing the appearance of dark acne spots. Zinc hyaluronate is one of the key ingredients that reduces the look of irritation and scarring. Arbutin is the other potent element for targeting the appearance of acne-related dark spots. Working in tandem, these effective ingredients reduce the appearance of dark scarring caused by problem skin.

Aside from the Acne Advanced Treatment System, the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System offers an additional way of reducing dark acne scars, using a blend of arctic berries, lingonberry seed oil and hibiscus seed extract. The system’s powerful blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients diminishes the look of these troubling marks and brightens the skin. In addition, mandelic and citric acid ingredients gently exfoliate and minimize the look of darker areas. 

Another heavy-hitter skin care product, our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, also helps to balance and even out the look of skin tone. To lessen the look of dark spots, this powerful serum is formulated with Vitamin C from lemons and grapefruit and Vitamin E from avocados and kale.

The Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum is another effective skin care product for reducing the look of dark spots. This powerful booster-serum contains licorice and lactic acid to slough off dead skin cells for a more rejuvenated-looking appearance. 

How To Reduce The Appearance Of Ice Pick Acne Scars

Depressed acne scars are the most difficult type of acne scars to treat. For ice pick, boxcar and rolling acne scars, you have to add regular exfoliation to your routine. Natalie’s top pick is our Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step system exfoliates deeply to refine the texture of the skin. Potent ingredients like ground wild cherry bark and lactic acid remove dead skin cells and buff the skin’s surface, while hibiscus seed extract plumps and smooths out the look of the skin.

Use our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum along with the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System for extra intensity. Powered by Vitamin C to improve the look of elasticity, the serum also includes hydrolyzed botanical hyaluronic acid extracted from grass to deeply hydrate and keep the skin plumped for a smoother-looking complexion.

Additional Tips To Prevent Acne Scarring

In addition to these powerhouse products, here are more tips for preventing and improving the look of acne scars:

1. Visit A Spa

If you’re struggling with acne, be sure to visit an authorized Eminence Organics Spa. A trained esthetician can assess your problem skin and provide professional treatments, extractions or exfoliations, without the risk of scarring the skin.

2. No Touching Or Picking

Since popping pimples can cause scarring, avoid picking or even touching your blemishes. Picking can tear the skin and force bacteria, oil and debris deeper, which can cause scarring. Even touching your face may spread bacteria, which can trigger acne and lead to scarring. 

3. Use SPF

Did you know dark acne scars can be worsened with exposure to the sun? Make sure you use SPF to protect against further darkening — explore our sun care options for more information about our SPF products.

4. Consult a Dermatologist

If you are prone to acne or scarring, consult a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice and treatment options.

What do you do to improve the look of acne scars? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you to get a consultation.

Celebrities have access to the newest and best beauty and skin care products out there. Plus, they work closely with some of the most elite makeup artists and estheticians in the biz to keep their skin looking camera ready. With the multitude of products available to them, it’s a huge compliment when these stars endorse Eminence Organic Skin Care products and share them with their fans. We’re excited to let you in on some of their favorites! 

1. Issa Rae

You might know her from Insecure, the television show she created and starred in. Or maybe you saw her embody “President Barbie” in a little summer blockbuster movie you may have heard of. Regardless of where you first discovered Issa Rae, she is now a mega star and Vogue.com agrees. They asked her to share her beauty secrets to help the rest of us mere mortals achieve some of the glow that she emits onscreen, including using the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. You can watch her talk through her routine on YouTube here. 

2. Jeremy Allen White

For his role as Carmy Berzatto in The Bear, Jeremy Allen White undergoes some pretty major transformations in the makeup chair. Even his own tattoos are completely concealed, only to be temporarily replaced by his character’s extensive ink. And the work doesn’t stop there. His makeup artist Ignacia Soto-Aguilar tells NewBeauty: “A solid skin care regimen is crucial to minimize scene interruptions [for touch-ups].” And since a lot of his scenes move between the inside of a hot, steamy kitchen and outside in the harsh, dry, cold Chicago winter, it’s important to keep the skin as healthy as possible. Part of the routine for keeping Carmy’s skin glowing is the Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream. According to Soto-Aguilar, Jeremy loves the results so much that he now follows the same routine at home.

3. Camila Mendes

Perhaps best-known for her role as Veronica Lodge in Riverdale, Camila Mendes shared her favorite skin care products with Glamour.com and name-dropped an Eminence best seller!

“The Eminence Organics Stone Crop Hydrating Mist is one of my recent favorites. I like to spray a few spritzes of that on a cotton pad and wipe my face with it after cleansing. Not only does it remove all the extra product residue on my skin, but it also smells incredible.” 

And when asked about her desert island products, another Eminence fave, the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, made the cut! What can we say, Camila has good taste (and great skin)!

4. Natalie Morales

Another fan of the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is actress Natalie Morales. With a long list of TV shows under her belt, including Dead To Me, Parks and Recreation, The Newsroom and Trophy Wife, she’s definitely been exposed to her fair share of makeup chairs, beauty experts and the best of the best products. According to her glamour.com Drop The Routine interview, she loves a double (or triple) cleanse and relies on the Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser to help remove her makeup and give her a satisfying, deep clean. 

We can see why these products are celeb faves! Get in touch with your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner for a professional consultation to find out which products will get your skin camera ready.