The essence of good skincare applies to a 4 step process- lift, scrub, hydrate, and protect. Painting over the problem [with makeup] doesn't correct blemishes, enlarged pores, uneven complexion, sun and age spots, etc. You have to treat your skin like a piece of wood furniture. Let’s say for instance that you set a wet glass on a wood table and the condensation left a ring. You cannot just paint over it; you have to strip it, sand it, and then re-stain/ seal it. Same goes for your skin. Let’s do a deeper dive. Lift: This is particularly important for...
We all have experienced the feeling of resisting the urge to “pick” at our faces. It’s hard… I get it there is something about extractions that feels so satisfying. It’s like “Ah, mission complete.” But we all have also heard how bad it is for you; it leads to scarring and spreading of bacteria which ultimately makes it worse. Blackheads can be a main source of why we pick… they are extremely common and everyone wants to get rid of them. What is a blackhead? Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in...
Oxidation is a word we don’t often think about related to skin.. Pennies, bike frames, and other metal compounds is typically what we think of. Well skin oxidizes too which is why we have antioxidant ingredients. The definition of skin oxidation is when a compound loses electrons because the level of oxides is increased; this is exactly why when oxygen combines with iron, you see rust [like on your bike frame]. Another case comes when sebum on the surface of the skin (a combination of keratin and oil) clogs pores and is exposed to the air. The result is a...
For years, the cosmetic industry has peppered many advertisements with “oil-free” which has now left a mark on many of us. In general, I don’t think any of us really want to be “oily” per-se but oil gets a bad rep because it is constantly affiliated with breakouts, clogged pores, messy makeup, etc. But is this the whole picture... really? If you're reading this you probably already realize that it’s not. Oil can be one of the most amazing ingredients for your skin. It can restore balance, help seal in hydration and water, protect, and fight against free radicals so...
Retinol is an ingredient that gets a lot of buzz for its reputation of success with anti-aging. This is true and generally has powerful effects on your skin from anti-aging (which is a broad term) to acne. Oftentimes, the idea is the higher the percentage the better it is for your skin. That can be true but it really depends on the level your skin can tolerate. Dermatologist or prescription grade has the highest levels, not because there is a limit for over the counter, but the higher the percentage the more it requires an esthetician or dermatologist to recommend...
