Selecting Your BB Cream Shade
What is a BB Cream? esmi Mineral BB Cream - the perfect mix of moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen. Designed to moisturise, protect and correct the skin, our BB Cream is the perfect alternative to foundation on days when you don’t feel like a full face of makeup but would still like a lightweight product to even your skin tone and give a fresh glow. Since it’s a sheer coverage, choosing the right colour BB Cream can be a little daunting, so we’ve put together a simple guide to help you choose the right shade for you. All esmi foundation shades are created based on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale, which is a numerical classification to measure the response of each skin type to UV light. Selecting the right BB Cream shade for your skin tone Understanding your skin type and the characteristics your skin can really help to make shade finding easy! Skin Type I - Skin burns very easily and doesn't tan. Likely to have light blonde or red hair with light coloured eyes. Skin Type II - Skin will usually burn in the sun and has difficulty tanning. Skin Type III - Skin will sometimes burn and will tan gradually. Skin Type IV - Skin will tan easily and rarely burn. Skin Type V - Skin will tan without burning. esmi's Guide to Your BB Cream Shade As they are sheer coverage, our BB Cream shades cover a wider variety of skin types. Check out our below guide to help find your perfect match: Light - Suits Fizpatrick Skin Types 1-3 with a very neutral skin tone and little to no golden tones. Medium - Suits Fitzpatrick Skin Types 3-4 with a lightly tan/golden complexion. Tan - Suits Fitzpatrick Skin Types 4-5+ with deeply tanned skin tones Still not sure of what shade to choose? Send a makeup-free selfie to our skin specialist team who will be able to guide you through to your best match. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.
Am I Dry or Dehydrated?
Am I dry? Am I dehydrated? Or am I both? It can be tricky to tell the difference between dryness and dehydration but there are some key factors that can tell these apart. What is dry skin? Dryness is a skin type that typically produces less natural oils than other types of skin which can cause the skin to appear dull, rough, flaky or even scaly. It often feels tight, looks noticeably dehydrated and may be prone to showing more visible fine lines. There can also be times where the skin becomes itchy, irritated or you may experience flaky areas of skin. Dry skin is typically determined by genetics, although it will also be affected by other factors and can change with time. Occasionally the skin can be temporarily dry as a result of medications like accutane and antihistamines, etc. What is dehydrated skin? Dehydration is a skin condition that occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin. This can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type. For example, people with oily or combination skin can still experience dehydration. Dehydrated skin suffers from trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), because the skin is missing the oils needed to hold the water in. Dehydration is often caused by external factors such as weather, environment, diet and diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine. It's typically recognised as dry, sometimes flaky with persistent tightness which can often leave the skin feeling dull and lacklustre. Itchiness and irritation, especially in cooler weather or temperature changes can be a sign your skin is dehydrated. Luckily, dehydration is temporary and there are ways to minimise this concern! *Skin nerd alert!* The skin is made up of 70 - 75% water and most of this is located deep in the dermis where it plays a crucial role in the skins defence. The outermost layer of the skin contains cells without nuclei and are cemented by intercorneocyte lipids. These lipids are crucial for the barrier function of the skin and if they are lacking or damaged it leads to increased water loss, known as Transepidermal water loss. How can I tell what my skin type is? An easy method of determining your skin type is to thoroughly cleanse your skin and leave it free of any products for 30 minutes. After this time, take a look at your skin in the mirror and look for the following characteristics: Dry skin: Dry, flaky areas and may feel tight Combination skin: Has a combination or both oily/shiny and flaky areas (usually the t-zone being oily and the other normal-dry) Oily skin: Looks shiny, may feel slick to the touch Sensitive skin: Redness and irritation present, may be painful to touch How can I tell if my skin is dehydrated? A pinch test can be completed at home to determine if your skin is dehydrated. On clean, dry skin, pinch a small area of your cheek and if you see any wrinkling or the skin doesn't bounce back quickly this will be a sign that your skin is dehydrated. Dry skin tips If you are suffering with dry skin, the main goal is to help seal moisture into the skin and keep it nourished due to the lack of oils and lipids on the surface of the skin. Using a gentle cleanser like The Uncomplicated Cleanser is key as this is a creamy, gentle formulation that doesn't strip natural oils from the skin! Gentle exfoliation is important to remove any dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to allow your moisturiser or oil to absorb effectively. Layer oils over the top of your moisturiser. Our best-selling 24k Gold Nourishing Oil has the combination of Coconut, Jojoba, Avocado and Rosehip oil to lock in moisture. Taking internal supplements like Omega 3/Fish Oils to help barrier function and nourish the skin from the inside out. Dehydrated skin tips If you are suffering from dehydrated skin, the main goal is to reduce water loss from the skin and increase nourishment to protect the skin's barrier. Here are some tips to combat: Using warm/tepid water instead of hot as this can dehydrate the skin. Drinking water of course! This does help to hydrate the skin & body. This is essential for a healthy, happy skin. Using our high powered Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum helps increase the skin's hydration levels by 25% in just 2 hours while helping to condition and repair the skin. Using a facial mist like our Skin Snack Mist to rehydrate the skin throughout the day, this has a powerhouse of hydrating and nourishing ingredients Incorporate our Thirsty Plumping Sheet Mask into your routine for the ultimate hydration for the skin, this works to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate and lock in moisture Just as there is a fine line between dryness and dehydration, the terms moisturising and hydrating can often be used interchangeably. Hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid boosts the skin's water content to help with water loss and dehydration on the skin. Whereas moisturisers help seal moisture into the skin to target dryness.
Bearberry Extract and Skincare for Pigmentation
One of those really annoying parts of ageing (like the 2-day hangovers) is pigmentation. It happens to the best of us (particularly if you’re a little partial to a day in the sun), but not to worry, some clever cookies have found ingredients that help to brighten the skin and keep premature ageing away. One that you might not have heard of, but really should become familiar with, is bearberry extract. What is Bearberry Extract? Yes, it has a super cute name, but there’s more to bearberry extract than just that! It has been having a moment in K-beauty thanks to the huge range of bearberry extract skin benefits, particularly in the world of anti-ageing. The extract comes from a shrub that produces red berries - who would have thought something so small would be so fantastic? Bearberries contain something called arbutin, which is where all of the magic comes from. So, we’ll be referencing both here, just to keep you on your toes, but we’re talking about the same thing. The Benefits of Bearberry Extract for Skin You may have noticed we’re fans of bearberry extract for skin. The main reason is its amazing anti-ageing properties. One of the key components of cracking the anti-ageing code is steering clear of pigmentation. If you’ll allow us to get a bit geeky for a second, arbutin breaks down into hydroquinone, which disrupts the enzyme that produces dark spots - talk about an underrated hero! It is a renowned skin-lightening ingredient. In a nutshell, bearberry extract in skin care halts melanin production. As a powerful antioxidant, bearberry extract fights free radicals which, put simply, are unstable atoms that damage the cells and break down collagen. Collagen is what gives your skin a gorgeous, plump and youthful glow. So yes, it is kind of important. Free radicals on the other hand, are absolutely not. Hence, having a team of antioxidant soldiers in the form of arbutin is going to make a world of difference. Because it protects skin cells from free radicals which helps collagen production, bearberry extract in skin care plumps fine lines and wrinkles. It allows the body to produce collagen at its optimum level, so you can soak up all of those complements with your youthful-looking skin! As a bonus to evening out the skin tone, reducing melanin and slowing the signs of ageing, bearberry in skincare is also anti-inflammatory, helping to heal irritated skin and fade scars. Including Bearberry Extract in Skincare We’re going to guess you’re pretty impressed by the skin brightening and anti-ageing talents of arbutin in skin care by now - we sure are! Finding products that are packed with the good stuff is going to seriously transform your skincare routine. A crowd favourite, the Pomegranate Brightening Serum reduces the body’s melanin production which, you guessed it, lightens hyperpigmentation. We’ve also added amino acids to brighten full, sallow skin, plus vitamin C as the icing on the brightening cake. This Skin Treat targets pigmentation and sends it packing. While we’re on the brightening train going full steam ahead, the Brightening Eye Serum revives tired eyes by lightening pigmentation. Because the only bags we want are designer, this eye serum will keep dark circles away thanks to the magic of bearberry extract. If you’re looking for the plumping benefits of bearberry extract, you really can’t go past the Golden Anti-Ageing Serum. Yes, it looks incredible, but there’s more to this serum than meets the eye (it’s not just a pretty face!). The peptides and antioxidants reduce fine lines and wrinkles, all the while nourishing the skin. Arbutin in skincare fights free radicals for firmer skin, which is a major win. Bearberry extract may go by many names, but its brightening and anti-ageing properties work just as well, no matter what you call it! To find out more about the magic of this little berry, chat to one of our skincare experts!
All About Fragrance in Skincare
We can all agree that there’s something so luxurious about applying your skincare and being greeted with a gorgeous scent. It’s that “I’ve just been to the spa” feeling that makes you feel so zen. For some people, the scent is what makes or breaks a product. Here at esmi, we like to take a natural approach with our products which has a fantastic bonus - gorgeous scents! Having said that, not all fragrances are created equal. In most cases, it comes down to individual preference, but there are definitely some fragrances that you don’t want to come within ten yards of your precious face. Synthetic vs Natural Fragrance Your natural skincare fragrances are derived from the natural ingredients in the product, also known as the essential oils. They predominantly come from a plant’s flowers, leaves or roots, with some common examples including lemongrass and tea tree oils. These ingredients can be super beneficial for your skin while also smelling great - win, win! Synthetic fragrances are made in a lab using a mixture of chemicals. You can usually tell pretty quickly as although it might smell luxe, it won’t smell particularly natural. These mixes of chemicals can prove to be irritating on the skin. Annie Chiu, MD board-certified dermatologist says synthetic fragrances are a leading cause of contact dermatitis and allergic cosmetic reactions. Eeek! If your skin doesn’t mind synthetic fragrances, still use them lightly and not in every product integrated into your routine. Prolonged use can cause irritations to develop over time. Here at esmi, we avoid synthetic fragrances of all kinds for this very reason! Skincare is never a ‘one size fits all’ situation, so figuring out what you like (more importantly, what your skin likes) is key. Benefits of Fragrance in Skincare If fragrance in skincare is your thing (and it is absolutely our thing!), you’re always going to want to err on the side of natural. Apart from smelling gorgeous, the essential oils where the natural fragrances come from have heaps of other pluses. Much like the benefits of aromatherapy (which also uses essential oils, coincidentally), natural fragrance skincare can promote emotional and physical healing. These products can alleviate stress and work wonders on boosting your mood, like a shot of serotonin! Besides the benefits for your mental well-being, some products containing essential oils can also minimise inflammation and slow down ageing. Um, yes please! Essential oils are also rich in antioxidants which can hydrate and protect your skin! Plus, there is some research to suggest that essential oils like lemongrass and tea tree have acne-fighting powers. Is there anything they can’t do?! Between creating a relaxing experience and skin boosting properties, natural fragrances can make the whole skincare routine a more enjoyable experience, and we say a big “heck yes” to that! How to Approach Fragrance in Skincare In terms of how to approach fragrance in skincare, the answer is tentatively. Natural fragrances can make for a super luxe skincare routine, but it is not always easy to tell the difference between natural and synthetic. Always patch test products by using a small amount on your hands and waiting 24 hours to see if a reaction develops. If it all looks clear, then you’ve got the green light to become obsessed with this product! On the flip side, if your patch test reveals some not-so-fun irritation, keep a note of the product and any ingredients (especially fragrances) so you know what your skin is saying “no thanks” to. The golden rule is to always look for products that use high quality ingredients (*cough* esmi *cough*). We are all about using natural and nourishing ingredients that are effective because would you believe, we want you to love our products (and the way they smell). Investing in high quality, mainly natural ingredients is going to produce better results which will not only save you money in the long run (did someone say shopping trip?), but will make you that much more excited to settle in for your skincare routine, which can only be a good thing, right? If you want to know more about fragrances in skincare, our skin consultants have extensive knowledge all there is to know in this area. Get in touch today!
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes are very common for both women and men. Dark circles age your entire face, make you look tired, and can be difficult to get rid of. However, there are ways to fade and reduce the appearance of dark circles. What causes dark circles under the eyes? Dark circles can occur for a variety of reasons, most commonly either lifestyle related or genetic. The reason for your dark circles will determine the best way to treat them and reduce their appearance. The key causes of dark circles are: Lack of sleep This is one of the most common causes of dark circles and it is the easiest to fix! Solution: Get more zzz'sThe good news about dark circles as a result of sleep is that they are almost always temporary, and can be fixed with a good night’s sleep. To treat the immediate appearance of sleep-related dark circles, try applying cool eye compresses to your eyes after waking up. A Brightening Eye Serum will also help to instantly revive and illuminate tired eyes. Poor diet You might be surprised to learn that diet can cause dark circles to appear under your eyes. Studies show that a diet high in sodium (salt) can contribute to fluid retention in the face, causing puffiness and dark circles. Solution: Reduce your salt intakeTo treat the appearance of diet related dark circles, try tweaking your diet to include less salt. This will help to reduce water retention in your face and even out the appearance of your under eyes. Natural ageing As you get older, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity. The looser skin can create a shadow under your eyes, giving the appearance of under eye circles. Solution: Anti-ageing skin careA high quality eye treatment will help to fight the signs of ageing around the eyes, refreshing and reinforcing the skin over time. Our Anti-Ageing Eye Treatment is packed with multi-action age-fighters including the revolutionary SNAP-8™. This lightweight serum lifts and tightens, reduces wrinkle depth, and moisturises the eye area. It can also be used with a Booster Mask and Golden Anti-Ageing Serum for a full anti-ageing routine. Pigmentation Pigmentation under the eyes can occur genetically or over time. Solution: An eye serumTo target this kind of pigmentation, we recommend introducing a brightening eye serum into your routine. The esmi Brightening Eye Serum contains a unique blend of plankton extract, active ingredients, and peptides to target dark circles, brightness, and fine lines in the delicate eye area. Allergies If your eyes feel itchy and irritated, then your dark circles could be related to allergies. Solution: Visit your GPThe best treatment for allergies will be determined by your doctor, and symptoms should ease once treated. Do you have more questions on how to get rid of your dark circles? We encourage you to get in touch with our skin specialist team to help you get on top of your skin concerns today. Our team will help you create your own free, personalised skin care plan. Get in touch with us today.
The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Although they’re often confused as the same thing, dehydrated skin and dry skin are actually different skin concerns. While dehydrated skin lacks water and is a temporary skin condition, dry skin lacks natural oils and is a skin type. Read on to understand more about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and how to treat each one. What is dry skin? Dry skin lacks oil in the stratum corneum - the skin’s outer layer. If you have a dry skin type, your skin produces less of its natural oil (sebum) than other skin types. Your skin needs a healthy balance of sebum to function at its best; oil helps hold moisture into the skin and keep it soft and smooth. When the skin doesn’t produce enough oil, it loses the capacity to hold onto moisture and dry skin is the result. The skin barrier is also more susceptible to sensitivity and damage without a sufficient layer of protective oils. Signs of dry skin include: Rough or itchy skin Flaky skin Redness and irritation Skin feels tight Small, fine wrinkles Thin, fragile skin Those with dry skin types are also prone to inflammatory and excessively dry skin concerns like atopic dermatitis (eczema) characterised by redness, cracking and inflammation. How to look after dry skin Caring for dry skin means focusing on products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the skin’s surface. This is why oil-based skin care is a great choice for dry skin types. The right blends of plant oils can make a big difference for a dry, flaky complexion as they supplement the sebum your skin isn’t producing. Some of the best plant oils for dry skin include; Jojoba: With a molecular structure close to your skin’s natural sebum, jojoba is readily accepted by the skin and is an ideal facial oil. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, restore balance, and promote hydration. Avocado: Rich in antioxidant, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil promotes skin hydration, soothes and fights free radical damage. Rosehip: Packed with omega-6’s and omega-3’s fatty acids, rosehip is revered for its moisturising and regenerative properties for dry, itchy, damaged skin. It’s also rapidly absorbed and creates a protective barrier on the skin to guard against moisture loss. It’s also important to avoid products with strong ingredients that remove moisture and oil leaving skin dry, flaky and tight. For example; Benzoyl peroxide Salicylic acid Alcohol Witch hazel Sodium lauryl sulfate For dry skin we recommend 24k Gold Nourishing Oil One of our best sellers and an excellent moisturiser for dry skin, 24k Gold Nourishing Oil helps to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and decolletage. Non-greasy, it contains a blend of rosehip, coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil plus the anti-ageing, antioxidant power of 24k gold flakes. What is dehydrated skin? While dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water and, unlike dry skin (which is a skin type), dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can happen to all skin types. Even oily ones! Signs of a dehydrated face include; Skin feeling tight and uncomfortable - even after moisturising Redness Congestion An oily, shiny complexion Inflammation Fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced Dehydration caused by external factors, for example weather, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol or not enough water. How to look after dehydrated skin Using dehydrated skin products with ingredients that replenish the skin’s water content is key for treating thirsty skin. The best ingredient to beat dehydration is hyaluronic acid. It delivers a mega hit of moisture to the skin thanks to its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in hydration! A humectant ingredient, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the air to the skin, plumping and rehydrating cells from the inside out. Using a serum containing hyaluronic acid is the quickest way to deliver moisture to a thirsty complexion as serums are quickly and deeply absorbed into the skin. For dehydrated skin we recommend Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum This water-based serum is your ultimate skin hydrator! Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your skin containing triple action Hyaluronic Acid which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The serum also contains aloe vera, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and allantoin which work together to improve skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. The hydrating serum isn’t a moisturiser and needs to be followed by a moisturiser or face oil on top to lock in the hydration for best results. We recommend following with 24K Gold Nourishing Oil or Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil. Take a holistic approach to treating dehydrated skin Tackling dehydration isn’t only about using the right dehydrated skin products. For the best results, you may need to make lifestyle changes too. For example, eating more water-rich foods and less salty ones (salt dehydrates the skin) and drinking more water and less alcohol. To view more skincare options for dry vs dehydrated skin click through to the Dehydration shop by concern or Dryness shop by concern. You might also like to read: The Different Skin Types Why Skin Gets Oily And How To Stop It What Causes Dry Skin
How To Get Rid of Wrinkles
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles We share how to prevent wrinkles forming prematurely with skincare and lifestyle tips to slow down the signs of ageing. An antioxidant-rich diet, low stress, quality sleep and the right skincare are the best ways to work against the extrinsic signs of ageing. Get Enough Sleep Never underestimate the impact quality sleep can have on your skin. The question of how to get rid of wrinkles naturally really starts with lifestyle factors - and sleep is a big one. At night skin gets to work repairing and regenerating itself while you sleep. It’s during this time your body produces increased growth hormone which aids in boosting cell reproduction and stimulating collagen synthesis. When you don’t get enough sleep, this process doesn’t happen optimally and collagen production is diminished. This leads to skin losing its firmness and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin care to use at night Skin is more permeable at night which means it’s better able to absorb the ingredients in your skincare. You want to maximise the benefit of this deep absorption by using products brimming with active ingredients such as retinol (Vitamin A), peptides, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid. A few favourite esmi treatments to use overnight to help get rid of wrinkles include: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Potent antioxidant activity makes this serum the perfect night time defence against free radical damage, fine lines and pigmentation associated with ageing. All ages and skin types. Fine lines, dehydration and environmental stress Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract and Acai Oil offer hydrating and anti-ageing antioxidants to assist in plumping fine lines, deeply hydrating, and rejuvenating all skin types. Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Suitable for most skin types to combat signs of ageing and fatigue by boosting skin elasticity, softening fine lines, conditioning and defending against free radical damage. Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Perfect for all skin types to target issues of dehydration, dryness, oily and problematic skin. Banishes dullness, plumps fine lines and balances oil flow. Diet & Hydration When addressing how to get rid of wrinkles from a lifestyle perspective, what you eat and drink can be one of your best weapons in the war on fine lines! Hydration Are you drinking enough water each day? Water is essential for glowing, clear skin. It helps your skin by improving elasticity, regulating oil production, flushing toxins, and increasing skin radiance. Not getting enough water leaves your skin dehydrated causing fine lines and wrinkles to be more obvious. Other signs of dehydration include tightness, dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and congestion. Make sure you’re getting your 8 glasses a day by sipping on plain water, or try coconut water and water flavoured with real fruit pieces. Including water-rich foods in your diet will also boost your hydration levels. Foods with high water content include cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, spinach, oranges, and mushrooms. Eat plenty of whole foods rich in antioxidants Research tells us that antioxidants such as carotenoids, tocopherols and flavonoids, as well as vitamins (A, C, D and E), essential omega-3-fatty acids, some proteins and lactobacilli (“friendly bacteria”) all contribute to optimal skin health and slowing signs of ageing. Eating a diet with a wide variety of these foods will help protect against premature ageing by inhibiting free radical activity, promoting a hydrated skin barrier, and encouraging cell regeneration. Avoid eating excessive amounts of refined sugar and trans fats as these do the opposite and accelerate skin damage and ageing. Read our guide to 16 of the best foods for skin. Sun Safety Did you know that the sun’s UV rays are responsible for more than 90% of the signs of skin ageing? UVA rays in particular reach far enough into the skin to damage collagen. Skin loses elasticity and firmness which speeds up the visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging. This means daily broad spectrum SPF protection is absolutely your #1 defence for how to prevent wrinkles forming early. Sun tips for healthy skin! Wear broad spectrum 30+ SPF sunscreen 365 days a year. Even if it’s not sunny or you work inside. Avoid spending too much time outside during the hottest times of the day, usually between 12pm - 3pm. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or every 4 hours. Cover up with other protective items like a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeve clothing. esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 A broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidants, this silky smooth, daily sunscreen protects against UV damage helping fight the first signs of ageing. Comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. Avoid Over-Cleansing How to get rid of wrinkles? Check the ingredients in your cleanser. Harsh ingredients can lead to over-cleansing your skin which makes fine lines and wrinkles appear more pronounced. Keeping your skin clean is the foundation of a healthy, bright complexion but over-cleansing strips away the natural lipids (oils) that moisturise the skin. Without these important oils, skin becomes dry and rough looking on the surface. Stick to using a gentle cleanser that maintains a healthy oil / moisture balance on the skin’s surface. Moisturising Well moisturised skin has a plump, smooth, and healthy skin texture. To help get rid of wrinkles naturally, or at least improve their appearance, moisturiser plays a non-negotiable role in your skin care routine. How do moisturisers work? Their main goal is to boost hydration levels by sealing in moisture to prevent it from evaporating off the skin. Moisturisers work on the surface layer of the skin to minimise trans epidermal water loss helping to keep skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Face oils make excellent moisturisers as they contain antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that support your skin’s natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) to improve derma strength. Rosehip oil, avocado, jojoba, squalane, and argan are some of the best oils to target wrinkles. You can replace your moisturiser with a facial oil or add a few drops of facial oil to your moisturiser and apply together. We recommend 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes for a visibly firmer, more youthful complexion - boosts skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation. Reduce Stress If you’re continually stressed out, don’t be surprised to see more wrinkles and fine lines making an unwelcome appearance! How stress creates wrinkles When large amounts of cortisol are released into the body it causes sugar levels in the bloodstream to rise. This triggers a process called glycation which isn’t good news for your skin - it destroys both collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the key building blocks of skin. They provide it with structure and elasticity and when they are damaged, the skin becomes weaker and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Increased amounts of cortisol in your body can also cause dehydration. This also makes fine lines and wrinkles more obvious plus your overall skin tone will become dull and uneven. Help get rid of wrinkles naturally by managing stress levels through exercise, breathing techniques or other self-care activities that help you relax! View our full range of Skin Treats suitable for skin at every age to find a product to target your specific skin concerns.
esmi Skin Care Routine For Younger Looking Skin
Your skin care routine for healthy, youthful-looking skin! Our guide will help you build a skincare system to address the signs of ageing and encourage a youthful glow. Cleanser Your daily face cleansing routine for younger looking skin calls for a cleanser that is effective at removing debris but treats your skin gently in the process. It shouldn’t strip your skin of all hydration and oil. This disturbs your skin’s natural moisture barrier, drying it out and making signs of ageing more pronounced. A good youth-promoting skin care routine includes a cleanser formulated with ingredients that encourage skin suppleness and elasticity. While you cleanse, you’ll be supplying it with glow-inducing nutrients too! We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Serum (AM & PM) Applying a serum after your cleanser is such an important step in your skin care regimen for younger-looking skin. Serums are lightweight products that pack a punch in rapidly delivering active ingredients the skin needs to replenish and repair itself. Incorporate serums into your skincare regimen that include: Antioxidants The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C, A, and B thwart free radical activity which otherwise speeds up the signs of ageing. Vitamin C is a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient that every youth-boosting skin care routine needs. It works to promote a lighter, firmer and more even complexion improving the skin’s appearance over time. If you’re looking to address ageing skin concerns, you’ll want to include Vitamin C or Vitamin C derivative in part of your routine. Serum is an ideal place for it! Retinol Famed for its youth-boosting properties, retinol may be an ingredient to consider in your serum routine. A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol has an outstanding ability to help promote cell renewal. Go slow incorporating any derivative of Vitamin A, especially with a sensitive skin care routine. It’s common to experience an adjustment period when the skin can become extremely irritated. Retinol also increases photosensitivity so daily SPF30 protection is a must. Peptides The building blocks of collagen, peptides are a key ingredient for anti-ageing routines. They improve the firmness, texture and overall appearance of your complexion by helping boost the production of collagen. Hydration A serum is a fast and easy way to deliver a big hit of hydration to thirsty skin cells too. The best active ingredient for hydration is hyaluronic acid. It can hold 1000x times its weight in water making it super effective at boosting the skin’s moisture levels. We recommend: Morning: Sunset Skin Anti-Ageing Acai Duo Evening: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum A Day & Night Moisturiser No matter your skin goals, moisturising in the AM and PM is a must for healthy skin. As you age, it becomes increasingly difficult for the skin to hold onto moisture and one of the biggest changes you’ll observe is your skin becoming drier. Even if you have oily skin, dryness and dehydration can still be an issue because oil is not hydration. The moisturising step in your skin care routine helps seal moisture into the skin, preventing it from evaporating off the surface - known as transepidermal water loss. This helps skin retain moisture and keep it hydrated. For a good skin care routine to support both skin protection and rejuvenation, consider using a different moisturiser for your morning and evening routines. Your morning moisturiser should help protect skin against the free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors it comes in contact with during the day. Antioxidants are excellent at shutting down free radical activity so choose an antioxidant-rich moisturiser for the AM. The goal of your nighttime moisturiser is to repair any damage while you sleep and work in sync with the skin’s natural nighttime regenerative cycle. Ingredients in PM moisturisers are rich in antioxidants, deeply hydrating and contain emollient ingredients to minimise transepidermal water loss during the night. We recommend: Morning: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Evening: Rose Gold Rose Oil Eye Serum The skin under your eye is thin and incredibly delicate. Signs of ageing and fatigue in the form of fine lines, sagging, and crows feet show quickly in this area. You really want to treat it with extra TLC! Eye serums and creams packed with emollient and hydrating ingredients will do wonders for a more youthful-looking eye area. Lightly tap the product around the eye area and very gently work it into the skin. We recommend: Hydrating Eye Serum Sunscreen Every youthful skin routine must include daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Your sunscreen step is also a chance to include more active ingredients such as vitamins C and E, and B3 into your skin care routine to nourish your skin while providing protection. You can finish with a foundation that provides additional SPF benefits too. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Liquid Mineral Foundation. Nighttime face mask (Weekly) Using an overnight face mask is a great way to maximise the benefits of your youthful skin care routine. Did you know that your skin is more permeable in the evening? This is a bit of a double-edged beauty sword! The plus side is, ingredients have the chance to penetrate deeper and allow your skin to really soak up their benefits. The downside is that moisture escapes more easily off the skin which can leave it thirsty. You can counteract this by using a deeply hydrating nighttime mask to minimise water loss and help you wake up to a more hydrated, plumper complexion. Depending on your skin, you may be able to handle a few different masking sessions during the week. Or, if your skin is less tolerant, once a week may be enough. We recommend: Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask The active ingredients in our Booster Mask range are quite concentrated. We suggest starting off with a 10 minute masking session and gradually working up to leaving it on overnight. Exfoliator (Weekly) When your skin sheds dead cells, a layer of old, dry cells forms over the top of the younger, brighter skin underneath. This leads to a dull complexion, increased build-up in pores and also highlights lines and wrinkles. Regular exfoliation will slough away the dead cells to reveal fresher skin and help improve the signs of ageing. No matter your age, you should approach exfoliation carefully, choosing a type of exfoliant and using at a frequency suited to your skin type. We recommend: Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Our esmi Skin Consultants are here to help you put together a skin care routine for younger looking skin! If you need guidance, reach out to us for your free skincare consultation.
Ingredient Spotlight: Blue Tansy
Scientifically known as Tanacetum annuum, Blue tansy is one of the newer ingredients to join the esmi skin care ingredients list. It has quickly become a popular ingredient, due to its extensive list of benefits (and beautiful colour!). 💙 What is blue tansy? Blue Tansy is a flowering plant that is found in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. It is actually a member of the daisy family and looks quite similar to Chamomile when in bloom. Plot twist - Blue Tansy is actually yellow in colour. However, it gets its distinguishable blue colour during the steam distillation process of the plant's flowers. The essential oil extracted from the plant is valued highly in skincare, as well as aromatherapy. Loved for its calming aura and anti-inflammatory properties. 💙 Benefits of blue tansy Blue Tansy is popular for the following benefits. Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant contains chamazulene, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It can help soothe irritated skin, calm redness, and reduce inflammation. This is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Antioxidant power: Rich in antioxidants, blue tansy helps combat free radicals that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Antioxidants help protect the skin from external stressors and promote a youthful complexion. Balancing & healing: Blue tansy is renowned for its balancing properties, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and combination skin. It helps regulate oil production, which makes it great for acne-prone skin. Additionally, it aids in healing minor wounds, cuts and blemishes. Calming & soothing: The aroma of blue tansy essential oil has a calming effect on the mind and body. When used in skincare products, it provides a relaxing and comforting experience, making it ideal for reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing. Anti-bacterial: Blue tansy possesses natural anti-bacterial properties, making it effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria. Gentle exfoliation: Blue tansy contains natural enzymes that offer gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. 💙 Where to find Blue Tansy in esmi's skin care Blue Tansy features in two of our esmi products: the Hydrating Hydra-Fluid Moisturiser (at 0.05%) and our Afterglow Rejuvenating Bakuchiol (at 0.06%). The deep blue colour that comes out in the steam distillation process adds to the colour of these two esmi goodies. The scent is really sweet and has apple-like notes which is why our Bakuchiol and Hydrating Hydra-Fluid smell good enough to eat! About: Hydrating Hydra-Fluid Moisturiser This hyaluronic acid moisturiser provides lightweight nourishment with a burst of hydration. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves skin soft and moisturised.Supporting oily, dull and unbalanced skin, the Hydrating Hydra-Fluid will balance oil flow while keeping the skin hydrated. Experience the calming benefits of blue tansy skincare. About: Afterglow Rejuvenating Bakuchiol A powerful, yet gentle-on-the-skin natural alternative to retinol, esmi's Afterglow Rejuvenating Bakuchiol stimulates collagen production, encourages cell turnover and brightens uneven skin tones. The beauty of a botanical alternative to retinol is that it's gentle on your skin and won't lead to sensitivity that's often associated with retinol use. This makes it ideal in both your morning and night routine and is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin. It's also suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unsure of what skincare would suit your skin type? Take our skin quiz or chat with our Skin Specialists.
Face Serum vs. Face Oil
Face serums and oils are two of our favourite ways to treat the skin but there’s often confusion about what each one does! Here is our guide to what they are, what they do and where they fit in your skin routine. What is the difference between a face oil & a serum? What is a face serum and what is a face oil? Let’s begin by clearing up any confusion about the difference between serum vs oil. Serums: Target specific skin concerns with potent active ingredients What does serum do? Serums are lightweight products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than other skincare products, like moisturiser creams, lotions, or face oil. This allows them to deliver a potent hit of ingredients more quickly and deeply into the skin. Serums may have a thin and watery consistency or a more gel-like texture. Serum isn’t designed to replace a moisturiser, but rather be used in conjunction with one for best results. The addition of a serum will supercharge skincare results for all skin types and concerns. Serums Concentrated levels of active ingredients (up to 70%) Target specific skin concerns Absorb rapidly and deeply into the skin Smaller molecular structure Water or gel like consistency Best results use with a moisturiser Face oils: Deliver moisturising benefits and increase derma strength Face Oils are a blend of natural oils containing antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Their main goal is to boost hydration levels by sealing in moisture to prevent it evaporating off the skin. Face oils support your skin’s natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) to improve derma strength. Unlike serums, which absorb deeply into the skin, face oils have larger molecules that can only penetrate the surface. They work on strengthening the skin barrier - the outer layer - to minimise trans epidermal water loss. This keeps skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All skin types, even oily ones, can benefit from facial oil. Face oils Contain antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Focus on sealing moisture into the skin Improves the appearance of fine lines / wrinkles Larger molecular structure Works on surface level to strengthen the skin barrier Can replace or be used with a moisturiser How to Use Face Oil and Face Serums Serum or oil first? That’s probably the most common question on the topic of face serum vs oil! The quick answer - serum first followed by face oil. How to use a face serum After cleansing, while the skin is still damp, apply serum by using a gentle motion to press or massage it into the skin. Allow time for it to fully absorb. How to use a facial oil Once the serum has absorbed into the skin follow with facial oil application. Drop a few drops of face oil into your palm and massage into your face. If you’re using a cream / lotion moisturiser in addition to face oil, follow the serum step with the cream / lotion then apply the face oil. Face Duo: Combining face oil and face serum into one simple step! esmi Face Duos combine the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. It’s easy to give your skin the benefits of a face oil and serum in one simple step! Let’s take a look at the Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo, for example. This Face Duo offers the potent, active brightening benefits of Kakadu Plum and Liquorice extract to target hyperpigmentation and dullness concerns while Acai Oil offers moisturising and anti-ageing benefits to smooth and tone skin. How and when to use a Face Duo Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to the palm of the hand and massage into the skin after cleansing or exfoliation. Perfect for use under any makeup, moisturiser, oil or sunscreen. Can be used morning, night and around the eye area. View the full range of esmi Face Duos, Face Oils, and Face Serums! You Might Also Like To Read Why Your Skin Needs Oil Meet Hyaluronic Acid - Your Skin’s Super Hydrator Supercharge Your Skincare Routine With Vitamin C
Pimple Mapping for Treating Acne
Face mapping could help you uncover the root cause of acne, blemishes, and pimples based on where they appear. We share the basics of skin mapping to connect breakouts with potential health or lifestyle causes. Easy pimple face chart included! What is pimple mapping? Face mapping is the practice of analysing where breakouts are appearing on your face to help identify what is causing them. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, face mapping is based on the idea that your skin - which is your body’s largest organ - reflects your inner health. Skin mapping splits your face into different zones. Each zone has a corresponding internal health or lifestyle issue which may be the trigger of acne in that area. For example, breakouts popping up in your forehead zone are linked to sleep disturbance and diet/ digestive issues. While acne face mapping may help to understand why acne is presenting, acne should be treated depending on skin type as discussed in our Guide to Getting Rid of Acne. Can face mapping reveal the cause of your acne? Let’s take a look at the pimple face map zones in more detail plus a handy pimple face chart. Pimples on forehead Cause: Acne spots on the forehead may be linked to diet, stress and irregular sleep. According to Chinese face mapping, the forehead zone is linked to digestive health. The pimples on your forehead could be telling you to take a closer look at your diet. Certain foods could be causing digestive issues which are triggering acne. Lack of sleep and high stress levels may also show up as pimple clusters in this zone. Solution: Keep a healthy sleep cycle to make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. To sort out any dietary issues, try keeping a daily food diary. This can help to see if breakouts correspond with eating certain foods. We have listed the best foods to help your skin improve here! T-Zone and chin acne Cause: T-zone and chin acne is sometimes known as hormonal acne. Acne along your jaw, chin, and t-zone is understood to be related to hormonal changes. It’s common to break out in these areas during puberty, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle. Solution: Steer clear of comedogenic products (those that clog pores) and any harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of moisture and oil. This triggers the skin to produce even more oil and in turn, more breakouts. Discover more ways how to properly cleanse these sensitive area here. Pimples on cheeks Cause: Pimples on cheeks are often caused by pollution or bacteria. Have stubborn pimples on your cheeks that won’t go away? These breakouts may be caused by a dirty mobile phone screen or pillowcase. Phone screens accumulate a crazy amount of bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Pressing the phone against your face transfers bacteria directly to your cheeks. It’s the same for your pillowcases too! Solution: Disinfect your phone regularly with a wipe or spray and change your pillowcases each week. It’s not just your phone and bedding. Anything that comes in contact with your face should be cleaned regularly to avoid spreading bacteria. It’s also important to cleanse your skin properly before bed to remove all traces of makeup and impurities - including bacteria. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser. This best seller is the ideal simple, gentle cleaner for all skin types. Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Don’t forget to double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces on makeup, sunscreen, and debris. Get to know more Top 3 Products You Need in Your Skin Care Routine Dealing with Maskne The Best Face Mask for Acne
Face Creams vs. Oils & Serums
Face oil, serum or cream moisturiser? If you’re confused about what each one does and if you really need all three, keep reading. We break down the difference and explain why we believe face oil and serum deliver the best results for your skin. Oil & Water Based Serums What is a water-based serum? Serums are lightweight products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. Water-based serums have a smaller molecular structure which allows them to be absorbed deeply and rapidly into the skin. Just a few concentrated drops of serum is an extremely efficient way to deliver big results for your skin. What is a face oil? Face oils are a blend of natural oils containing antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These oils are derived from the seed, fruit, bark, stems, roots, or leaves of a plant. Face oils have emollient properties which work on top of the skin, rather than penetrating deeply. On the surface, these emollients support hydration by sealing in moisture to prevent it evaporating off the skin. They also bolster your skin’s natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) and derma strength by helping fill in spaces between skin cells to lubricate and smooth the skin. Depending on the formulation/blend, some face oils contain active ingredients but they don’t deliver the same potency as serum formulation. Face oil and serum are a skincare dream team! It’s not a matter of serum or moisturiser. A serum isn’t designed to replace a moisturiser, rather complement it. Using both you’ll maximise the results of your skincare routine. Serum delivers a burst of active ingredients deep into the skin to target specific skin concerns. The face oil then works on the surface to lock in moisture, helping the skin hold onto hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Serums and face oils are also free from synthetic lubricating and thickening agents (fillers!) unlike many creams and lotions. We’ll talk about these ‘fillers’ in a moment. How to use face oils and water-based serums in your routine After cleansing, while the skin is still damp, apply serum by using a gentle motion to press or massage it into the skin. Allow time for it to fully absorb. Next, apply the face oil by dropping a few drops of oil into your palm and massage into your face. Face Creams & Lotions Like face oil, moisturising creams and lotions work on the surface of the skin. Their basic function is to stop the skin drying out by holding water into the outermost layer keeping skin supple and smooth. Often creams and lotions are also formulated with active ingredients to address skin concerns. Look out for thickening ingredients that may irritate skin Creams and lotions contain synthetic or mineral thickening agents and occlusives to give the product its consistency and texture. Mineral and natural thickeners (both naturally derived) These are naturally occurring ingredients that can absorb water or oils and boost the thickness of a formulation. Synthetic thickeners Some of these synthetic ingredients, a common one is carbomers, are low-quality thickening agents used to add bulk to formulations. These types of ingredients provide little, if any, long lasting benefit to the skin and some can even cause irritation. Active ingredients: Serum vs moisturiser These thickening ingredients also reduce the impact of any active ingredients in the formulation. The active has to ‘fight’ its way through thickening agents to actually penetrate the skin. High quality serums, on the other hand, have no fillers. They’re concentrated drops of super efficient active ingredients delivered straight to the skin. Which is best for me? So, which is the best - oil or cream for your face? We recommend treating skin with both the active ingredients of a serum and the moisturising properties of an oil. The combination of the two is a more effective, potent, and natural way to get your skin the ingredients it needs to stay hydrated, healthy, and address specific concerns. Combinations from our range of esmi Skin Treats that work well to target the following skin concerns include: Dehydration Serum: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Ageing concerns Serum: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Hyperpigmentation Serum: Pomegranate Brightening Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Redness, inflammation and acne Serum: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Face oil: Peppermint Green Oil See our full range of Skin Treats to target specific skin concerns. You can purchase a combination of Skin Treats in one of our Skin Care Bundles to kick start your skin care routine!
Skin Care By Age: Best Skincare Products For Every Age
We’re breaking down skin care by age! Let’s take a look at the different skin challenges of every life stage and the best products to address them. Skincare In Your Teens Acne and oil. Two words many teenagers know well! A range of products can clear breakouts - but be careful. Many work effectively simply because they’re so strong. Sometimes, too strong. They may clear acne initially but leave the skin stripped, sensitised, and irritated. This can lead to other skin issues - and even more breakouts. Depending on the type of acne you have, a gentler choice for skin are cleansers with lower doses of active acne-fighting ingredients. These won’t strip the skin but still effectively kill acne forming bacteria. The best skincare for teens is a simple regime that will balance and regulate oil flow, whilst providing anti-bacterial clearing ingredients, as well as anti-inflammatories to reduce redness and inflammation. Common skin concerns in your teens Congestion Excessive oil Acne - from mild, moderate to severe Skin care by age: Your teens The best skincare products for teens from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser If you’re experiencing cystic acne or acne that is inflamed, you could opt for The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness Exfoliation Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo Moisturise Peppermint Green Oil SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 20s Your 20s is the decade to commit to a consistent skincare regimen and form habits your future self will thank you for. The most important habit? Applying SPF30 every day. This habit alone will make a dramatic difference in the way your skin ages over the years. Starting and continuing an effective cleansing routine is key too. If you used a strong cleanser to target acne in your teens, it won’t be a good fit for skin in your 20s. Switch to a gentler cleanser which won’t strip the skin of the oil it needs to stay healthy. Over cleansing compromises the skin barrier which leaves it susceptible to other skin concerns, including more breakouts! Common skin concerns in your 20s Acne you experienced as a teen may persist Congestion Collagen production begins to decrease in your late 20s Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from teen acne Skin care by age: Your 20s The best skincare products for your 20s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Want to target a specific concern like acne or dullness? View our full range of cleansers. Exfoliation Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle Foliant Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Moisturise Acai Balancing Face Oil Treatments Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 30s Ageing concerns become more of... well, a concern in your 30s! Collagen and elastin production begins to slow down and the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles to creep in. In the later stages of your 30s, you may begin to notice more hyperpigmentation - especially if you were a sun bunny (without SPF!) in your 20s. Your skin will benefit from adding active ingredients to your routine to target fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. This is the time to get serious about taking an anti-ageing approach to your routine - if you haven’t already. What you do for your skin in your 30s can pay off decades later. Common skin concerns in your 30s Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear Hyperpigmentation Dullness Dehydration Skin care by age: Your 30s The best skincare products for your 30s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser Want to target a specific concern like acne or dullness? View our full range of cleansers. Exfoliation Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 40s Focus on hydration and the right type of exfoliation for healthy looking skin in your 40s. Like the production collagen and elastin, your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle is slowing down too. That means it’s taking longer for new, fresh skin cells to be produced and the old, dry cells remain on the surface for longer. The result? Skin appears rough in texture, dull and pores and fine lines are increasingly accentuated. Using the right exfoliation method (with the right frequency) to remove the dead cells can leave skin looking brighter and fresher instantly. It can also help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydration is another skin concern you’ll find yourself dealing with as skin matures. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies and plays a key role in skin hydration. With age, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced declines and it’s harder for the skin to hold onto moisture - leaving it drier and rougher. You can also boost sluggish collagen production with peptides and Vitamin A. Common skin concerns in your 40s Loss of firmness Rough, dull skin Fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced Dehydration Broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation result in uneven skin tone Skin care by age: Your 40s The best skincare products for your 40s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Exfoliation Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Serum options Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 50s and beyond The production of collagen and elastin really drops off in your 50s as the hormonal changes of menopause kick in. These changes also affect the pH level of your skin barrier which makes it increasingly harder for skin to retain moisture. You may find skin is more easily damaged and less resilient. Lines and wrinkles become more prominent - especially around the eye, mouth, and neck area. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised will help strengthen your skin barrier and smooth the look of lines and wrinkles. Exfoliation is still important to keep skin looking fresh but the method you use and frequency may need to be adjusted - skin is more sensitive than it once was. Indulge your skin with deeply nourishing treatments and active ingredients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid that target mature skin concerns. Common skin concerns in your 50s Crepey and sagging skin including neck and jawline Skin is less resilient and more easily damaged Extreme dryness and dehydration Age spots Dullness Deeper lines and wrinkles Skincare by age: Your 50s and beyond The best skin care products for your 50s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Exfoliation Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Serum options Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Have questions about choosing skincare by age? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. We’re always here to support you on your skin journey!
How to Properly Cleanse Your Face
How you cleanse your skin matters! We cover 6 steps on how to properly wash your face for clean, supple, and calm skin. Get the cleansing step of your skincare routine right to minimise breakouts, irritation, and dehydration. How to Properly Wash Your Face - Anything that touches your face should be clean - Wash your face using lukewarm water and your favourite cleanser - Double cleanse when wearing makeup - Be gentle when drying your face - Follow with hydration Wash Your Face Morning & Night Let’s start with the golden rule of how to properly wash your face; cleansing your skin in your morning and evening routine. During the day, sweat, natural oils, debris, and pollution particles all accumulate on your skin. If you wear makeup and SPF, these sit on your skin all day too. A double cleanse with a gentle cleanser is a must in your evening routine to remove this build-up. Left overnight, it can clog pores and you’ll wake up to pimples or inflammation. Cleansing in the evening also allows the products in your night time routine to better penetrate the skin. A film of oil, dead cells, and debris on the surface prevents active ingredients fully absorbing. So, if you clean your skin at night, why wash your face in the morning? Bacteria from your hair and mouth can be transferred to your face from your pillow and bedding while you sleep. Cleansing in the morning removes bacteria and residue of overnight skincare products to give you a fresh foundation for your daytime products. Bottom line? Don’t skip the AM cleanse. Anything Touching Your Face Should Be Clean Don’t undo your perfect cleanse by using dirty towels, face towels or headbands! Bacteria, dead skin cells, oils, fungus and other debris collect on these and transfer to your skin. Even using dirty fingers will thwart your cleansing efforts. Microfibre cleansing mitts are a brilliant way to apply cleanser and wash your face without touching your hands to your face. The esmi microfibre mitt removes 80% more dirt, makeup and product residue than using a regular face washer or your hands. Wash your mitt regularly to keep it fresh and replace every 6 months. Using a clean headband is also a handy way to keep your hair off your face while cleansing. Have a few on rotation so you’ve always got a clean one on hand. Wash Your Face Using Lukewarm Water & Your Favourite Cleanser The temperature of the water plays a key role in how to use cleanser the right way. Avoid using hot water as it strips the skin of its natural oils, dries it out and can result in skin barrier damage. Stick to lukewarm water which won’t shock or irritate your face - this is especially important if you have sensitive skin or rosacea which can be triggered by heat. How much cleanser should you use? We recommend applying a pearl-sized amount of cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Double Cleanse When Wearing Makeup Do you double cleanse? When you wear makeup, the double-cleanse method is your best bet to remove every trace of foundation and powder lurking on your skin. Washing your face twice keeps your pores clean and allows skincare products to deeply penetrate your skin boosting their effectiveness. How to use a cleanser for double cleansing: Massage a pearl-sized amount of face cleanser into wet skin with clean fingers. This first step is all about breaking up the makeup and other debris on your skin. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Now, repeat the same process with the addition of a microfibre mitt or gentle cleansing pad. This helps to remove all traces of makeup and impurities to really clear out the pores. You can use the same cleanser for both the first and second cleanse but choose one formulated with gentle ingredients. This allows you to wash your face twice without stripping the skin of the natural oils it needs to retain moisture. Be Gentle When Drying Maximising your cleansing routine isn’t just about how to properly wash your face. You need to pay attention to how you dry it too! The skin on your face is delicate and needs to be dried with TLC - not the regular terry cloth towel which is actually really abrasive. Dragging and rubbing it across your face can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and over-exfoliation, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Instead, very gently pat your skin with a towel to remove moisture. Leave it slightly damp and then follow with the next step in your routine. Applying products while skin is still damp helps lock in hydration and increases effectiveness. Follow with Hydration A cleanser helps prepare the skin to soak up every drop of the other products in your routine and maximise their potency. Immediately after cleansing, while skin is still damp, apply a hydrating serum followed by a moisturiser or face oil. This 2 step approach is the optimal way to boost skin’s hydration levels. A hydrating serum delivers moisture deep into the layers of skin while the moisturiser or face oil works on the surface of the skin to lock moisture in. There you have it! Our 6 simple steps for how to properly wash your face and how to use a cleanser. esmi cleansers are designed to target skin concerns and gently remove impurities while calming and protecting the skin. View the Uncomplicated Cleanser range.
Preservatives In Skincare: What You Need To Know
Are all preservatives in skincare a bad thing? The short answer is no - many products need preservatives to be safe to use on your skin. Not all preservatives are created equal though and you’ll want to avoid the unhealthy ones. Read on to understand what you need to know about preservatives in skincare products. What Is A Preservative In Skincare? A preservative is a natural or synthetic ingredient that is added to skincare to protect the formulation’s integrity and the health of your skin. Preservatives prevent skincare ‘going bad’ either due to bacterial growth or chemical changes that compromise the effectiveness and stability of the formulation. Do All Skincare Products Need Preservatives? Preservatives have gained somewhat of a dubious reputation. One of the big myths on this topic is that ALL preservatives in skincare products are bad. “Preservative-free” is often promoted as more healthy or “clean” than skincare with preservatives - but the truth is, the opposite can be true. If a skincare product contains water or water-based ingredients, it needs a preservative (natural or synthetic) to remain stable and safe to use on the skin. The only types of skincare safe to be formulated without are anhydrous products. Anhydrous means “without water” - products that are made of plant oils, butter, and waxes that contain no water. A product that contains water and is “preservative free” will quickly become a home to mould, bacteria, and microbial growth. Not a healthy choice for your skin. Even some anhydrous products can become contaminated if they are designed to come in contact with water during use. Wet fingers can introduce water to the formulation, opening the door to microbial growth if there is no preservative. Different Kinds Of Preservatives So why have preservatives earned themselves a bad reputation? There are both synthetic preservatives and natural preservatives - many synthetic preservatives are highly irritating to skin and considered toxic. Some have been linked to serious long term health issues too. Some of the common preservatives to avoid include: Parabens (Butylparaben, Methylparaben and Propylparaben) The most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, skincare and personal care products, parabens have been linked to health issues including reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and skin irritation. Diazolidinyl urea and Imidazolidinyl urea These are types of antimicrobial preservatives that release forming formaldehyde which acts as a preservative in cosmetic products. Studies have shown both can trigger health problems including skin sensitisation, eye and skin irritation, and respiratory issues when inhaled. Benzalkonium chloride A known eye and skin irritant, benzalkonium chloride has also been linked to organ damage and issues with the lymphatic system. It’s these kinds of toxic options that have given preservatives in skincare a bad reputation. Triclosan Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial and antifungal agent used as a preservative in antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics. Triclosan was banned for use in over the counter products in the US by the Food and Drug Administration due to the health risk posed by using products that contain Triclosan over time. With growing awareness about the potential health risks of these types of synthetic preservatives, consumers are increasingly looking for safer alternatives. Thankfully, there’s plenty of them. Healthier choices for your skin and body include both natural preservatives for skin care products and “Nature-identical” preservatives. These are identical to those found in nature, but are synthesised in a laboratory. A few common examples include: Natural phenethyl alcohol Phenethyl alcohol is an all-natural preservative derived from corn. It has antimicrobial functions against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mould. Benzyl alcohol Benzyl alcohol is an almond-scented, aromatic alcohol. Deemed as safe for use in foods by the US Food and Drug Administration, benzyl alcohol is an approved preservative under the COSMOS Organic Certification criteria Phenoxyethanol (PE) Phenoxyethanol is a preservative found naturally occurring in green tea and chicory. As a “nature identical” chemical it’s synthetically re-created in a lab for cosmetic / commercial purposes. Caprylyl glycol An alcohol derived from a fatty acid caprylyl glycol offers both humectant benefits (drawing moisture to the skin) and preservative-like properties. A safer option than traditional preservatives, such as parabens or those that release formaldehyde, caprylyl glycol is derived from the natural fatty acid found in palm and coconut oils. It also helps increase the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives. Potassium sorbate Potassium sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits. A “nature identical” preservative this ingredient is synthetically recreated for use in cosmetics, skincare products, and food. There are also what’s known as broad spectrum preservative ‘systems’ that have been deemed safe for use in certified organic skincare. Broad spectrum means the preservative is effective against bacteria, mould, and yeast. For example, a preservative ingredient on its own may not protect against all 3 contaminants, but combined in a formulation with other preservatives, the result offers broad spectrum activity. One example is a system called Preservative Eco which is composed of benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin and sorbic acid. You’ll find most skincare products are formulated with more than one type of preservative to achieve broad spectrum activity. Are vitamin E, rosemary extract or grapefruit seed extract preservatives? Another myth about skincare preservatives and organic preservatives for cosmetics is that antioxidants such as vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract and rosemary extract act as natural preservatives. Antioxidants can help stabilise oil and butter based formulations (preventing them from oxidising) but they don’t provide protection against bacteria, yeast, or mould growing in a product. We want to point out it’s still possible to have a reaction to any preservative (even natural ones) if you’re allergic to the substance - like honey, for example. For this reason, we recommend always patch testing a product before using it. Have more questions about preservatives in skincare? Our team of skincare experts is here to help!
Simple Pregnancy Skin Care Routine
The esmi skin experts weigh in on how you should change up your skin care routine during pregnancy. From breakouts to dryness, or if you’re really lucky the fabled glow, pregnancy changes your skin. Your usual line up of products may not be right for your pregnancy skin care routine. Plus, there’s the issue of safe vs not-safe ingredients every mum-to-be needs to know about. Switching things up is also the ideal time to refresh how you approach your routine. Has applying skincare become a chore you rush through on autopilot? We encourage you to think of it as a self care routine instead. A moment in your day of pure ‘me’ time to reset and focus on yourself - something every expecting mum deserves! What Happens to Your Skin During Pregnancy The not so great news? The oh-so-pregnant-glow isn’t guaranteed when you’re expecting. Instead, you might find yourself dealing with a number of more challenging pregnancy related skin changes. Hormonal acne - Breakouts around the chin and jaw are common. Melasma (‘mask of pregnancy’) - Hyperpigmentation that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Dehydration and dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Increased sensitivity - Redness, flushing, and irritation Let’s look at safe skin care for pregnancy to tackle these concerns while you’re expecting and during breastfeeding. Acne and Breakouts During Pregnancy Whether you’re usually prone to breakouts or not, many women experience acne in the first and second trimesters. A rise in hormones called androgens causes your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. If not managed in your pregnancy skin care routine, all this excess oil can clog pores causing acne and inflammation. Acne treatment ingredients to avoid during pregnancy These ingredients aren’t safe for use while you're expecting or breastfeeding: Salicylic acid Retinol (Vitamin A) Some oral acne medications are also unsafe. Always consult with your healthcare professional. Pregnancy-safe ingredients to manage acne Thankfully, you’re not stuck with a ‘grin-and-bear-it’ approach to dealing with pregnancy breakouts! There are plenty of safe ingredients and products on the anti-acne list. AHAs - Glycolic acid and lactic acid Fruit enzymes Bentonite clay Activated charcoal What esmi skincare products are safe during pregnancy to help manage breakouts? The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo Peppermint Green Oil Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. Why Pregnancy Can Cause Redness and Flushing Hot, red, flushing cheeks is probably not the kind of subtle pregnancy glow you were hoping for. Redness, flushing, and a ruddier appearance are caused by hormonal changes and an increase in circulating blood volume during pregnancy. If you have existing rosacea you might experience flushing flare ups more frequently. Pregnancy-safe ingredients to manage redness Include these cooling, calming ingredients in your pregnancy skin care routine to help manage redness and flushing. Aloe vera Arnica Tasmanian Pepper Extract Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) Menthol We recommend: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Lightweight with an energising wild mint aroma, this serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Suitable for all skin types and safe to use in your pregnancy skin care routine and while breastfeeding. Reactive and Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy You may find your skin has become ultra sensitive and reactive almost overnight. Certain products, ingredients, and foods you had no issue with before can now spark an uncomfortable reaction. What’s the cause of increased skin sensitivity? You guessed it - increased hormones. Skin is also extremely sensitive to sunlight so wearing mineral SPF30+ sunscreen every day is a must. Avoid chemical sunscreen containing oxybenzone as this is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical. Fragrances can also trigger reactivity so it’s best to steer clear of heavily fragranced products. Calming ingredients for your pregnancy skin care routine Aloe vera Topical probiotics (read more about the benefits of probiotics for sensitive skin) Green tea extract Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Vitamin E esmi pregnancy-safe products we recommend for reactive and sensitive skin The Uncomplicated Cleanser Probiotic Skin Mylck Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. How Pregnancy Can Cause Skin Dryness Dry patches of tight-feeling, flaky skin are often associated with pregnancy. The skin barrier becomes more permeable which increases transepidermal water loss - moisture evaporating off the skin. In addition to keeping moisture levels topped up with hydration focused skincare make sure you’re drinking plenty of H2O and eating foods with high water content. esmi pregnancy-safe ingredients to aid skin hydration Hyaluronic acid Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Glycerin Aloe Vera We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum isn’t a moisturiser, it works by attracting water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrating cells from the inside out. After hydrating the skin, it’s then important to apply a moisturiser on top to lock in the hydration. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is also safe to use during breastfeeding. Other Important Pregnancy Skin Care Recommendations In addition to your getting at-home pregnancy skin care routine sorted, look after your skin by getting enough quality sleep. Sometimes easier said than done (we know!) but doing your best to establish a good sleep routine will help keep skin hydrated and healthy. Also avoid professional skincare treatments like laser treatment, micro needling, or chemical peels which are unsafe during pregnancy. Products Recommended for Breastfeeding Mothers While nursing, your skin may continue to change and hydration levels, in particular, need extra attention. You might have experienced oilier-than-usual skin during pregnancy but now your complexion is drier than the Sahara! To keep hydration levels topped up and moisture locked into the skin we recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo We hope our tips on how to take care of skin during pregnancy will help you make the right skincare choices during this special time. If you have any questions about pregnancy-safe skincare and ingredients, reach out to us at hello@esmi.com.au - we’re here to help!
Tired Skin? Here's How To Wake It Up
Look in the mirror and tired skin looks back? You’re not alone. A tired looking face is something we’ve all experienced at some stage! Discover why your skin is fatigued and how to wake it up. Common Reasons For Tired Skin “My face looks dull and tired.” This is a very common skin complaint and signs of a tired face can include: Dullness Under-eye circles Fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced Puffiness Tired skin can be traced back to a number of factors and happily, there’s something you can do to address each of them. Dehydration We can’t say it enough - hydration really is your skin’s best friend. Dehydration can cause skin to lose its radiance. Your overall complexion becomes dull and lacklustre when hydration levels are depleted. Shadowy circles under your eyes may become more obvious too, as will fine lines and wrinkles. Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing. Dry skin lacks oil and is a ‘skin type’ while dehydrated skin lacks water - it’s considered a skin condition. All skin types can experience dehydration, even oily ones. The good news is dehydration is a temporary skin condition which means it’s very treatable. Use hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine Look for ingredients known as humectants. They work by drawing water to the stratum corneum (the skin’s surface) either from the atmosphere or deeper layers of skin, to hydrate the surface. Hyaluronic acid has superior humectant properties, it acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skin’s cells and can hold x1000 its own weight in water. Glycerin is also a common humectant. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (All skin types) Drink plenty of hydrating fluids and eat water-rich foods. Top your skin’s hydration levels up from the inside by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, celery, watermelon, spinach, oranges, and mushrooms. Sip on plain water, coconut water, and celery juice and limit your intake of dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol. Sun Damage The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are enemies of bright, healthy looking skin. Sun exposure speeds up signs of ageing including wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, sagging and rough, uneven skin texture. All these elements can leave your complexion looking tired and older than your years. Don’t skip sun protection This means wearing broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen daily, whether you spend a lot of time outdoors or not. Also, be mindful to cover your skin up during long days outdoors with a wide brim hat and remember to reapply sunscreen. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Treat your skin to a dose of brightening antioxidants Lift tired skin out of a lacklustre state with the help of brightening antioxidants that target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C is excellent for skin brightening and its antioxidant properties also target free radical activity. Antioxidant Q10 spheres can also assist in fading dark spots and help to energise tired skin. We recommend: Pomegranate Brightening Serum (Suited to most skin types) You Need A Good Night’s Sleep Your skin might be looking tired because you are tired! The health of your skin and quality of sleep are intrinsically linked. When you’re not getting enough sleep, signs quickly show up in your skin. Your skin switches to regenerative mode while you sleep. If it doesn’t get enough time to complete its restorative process, skin won’t look as fresh and bright. Lack of sleep contributes to tired skin with dehydration. A study on the link between sleep and hydration revealed people who regularly slept for 6 hours or less each night were 16–59 percent more likely to be dehydrated than those who slept for 8 hours a night. Your tired face treatment, in this case, is getting more quality sleep. Introduce sleep-easy bedtime rituals to encourage more restful sleep and treat your skin overnight. Try essential oils Relax your mind and body before bed with the therapeutic qualities of essential oils. A few famed for their relaxation qualities include lavender, chamomile, and sweet marjoram - enjoy the benefits with a diffuser or using skincare formulated with the oil. Include an eye treatment Night time is ideal to provide the delicate skin around your eye with additional brightening support to wake up with a fresher eye area. We recommend: Brightening Eye Serum (Suited to most skin types) You Don’t Exfoliate Regularly Tired looking skin can also be the result of dead cells building up on the surface. Nothing steals your glow like layers and layers of old, dry cells. While natural exfoliation is part of the skin’s regenerative process it slows down with age so we need to give it a helping hand. Exfoliation removes the dead cells and reveals the fresher, brighter skin beneath. An instant wake up call for tired skin. We recommend: Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant (All skin types) Pollution and Smoking While UV rays have long been on the ‘bad for your skin’ list, you may not be aware of the damage pollution can do to your skin. Especially air pollution. Toxic nanoparticles of pollution can enter the skin cells - triggering free radical activity and inflammation which accelerate signs of premature ageing and dull, tired skin. Your pollution solution? Double cleansing at night to remove all pollution debris and using an antioxidant-rich serum to neutralise free radical activity. Smoking cigarettes? Not if you want healthy, glowing skin! Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide and nicotine and the combination impacts blood flow to the skin leaving it sallow, tired, and dry looking. Best Face Mask For Tired Skin Pamper tired skin with a face mask brimming with active ingredients to target dullness and help brighten a fatigued complexion. The Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask is suited to most skin types and can be left on for a 10 minute masking session or overnight to allow your skin to soak up the active ingredients. We recommend starting with a 10 minute application and work up to an overnight session as the active ingredients are quite concentrated.
My Pregnancy Journey with esmi Skin Minerals
My Pregnancy Journey with esmi Skin Minerals It is currently 4.30am. And my calf muscles know it’s... CRAMPING TIME! #ouch Every time I try to move, it triggers my toes to curl under like they’re giving someone traffic directions or trying to detach themselves from my body. So naturally, I continue to toss and turn. Drinking water and putting salt on my tongue (yes, it actually works!) Wait, what is that?! Oh good, it triggered the reflux! Joy. I then FINALLY manage to muster up enough energy to climb over my charming pregnancy pillow and get my giant belly out of bed to go downstairs. I figured anything has to be better than lying here waiting for the next set of traffic directions to be handed out. Oh pregnancy, isn’t she lovely! One minute you’re being told ‘you’re a glowing goddess’, the next you’re being compared to a humpback whale. It’s a cute time, isn’t it? It’s the most beautiful gift, and experience but at the same time - the most challenging on the mind and body! If you’re anything like me, your skin can also do some WEIRD and not so wonderful things throughout the pregnancy journey. Dry itchy skin. Puberty style breakouts (in places you didn’t think were possible). Heat rash. Pigmentation. Stretch marks. Shall I go on?! For me personally, each trimester brought with it, a new set of skin concerns. But being able to chat with one of the skincare service team at Esmi Skin Minerals to help guide me along the way, was a game-changer. They assisted me in finding products that would help my skin throughout each new pregnancy skin concern. First Trimester My first trimester included a lot of acne breakouts on my face, decolletage, shoulders, and back #againnotsocute. Which really wasn’t a battle I wanted to fight while also battling the all-day sickness too. Now I’ll admit - the hashbrowns, cheeseburgers, and ‘fruit drinks’ (aka, sugar water) I was inhaling throughout those first few months, along with the inability to drink water was likely not helping my skin avoid breakouts! But what even are veggies during those first few months right?! So, after my chat with the skin service team, the idea was to pair it back with regard to my face, back to basics and just give it a good dose of probiotics by using the Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness. This let my skin ride out the first trimester, the change in hormones, and change of diet, stage of the pregnancy, without having to add or subtract too many different products from my current skincare routine. It’s a lightweight moisturising lotion that is formulated with 100% Australian-made probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool flushing flare-ups and strengthen hypersensitive skin. I also started showing REEAALL early! So the skin on my stomach showed signs of stretching straight away, and I knew from my last pregnancy, that it needed moisture from the get-go. How do you get a good dose of moisture in? OIL! I began using the 24K Gold Nourishing Oil directly on my stretch marks/tummy area where I was beginning to show and it not only helped the stretched skin stay moisturised, but made it feel more comfortable in the process. This oil boost skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and improves blood circulation which was all desperately needed! Second Trimester I am thankful that towards the middle of my second trimester, my acne breakouts on my face and body began to subside (hallelujah!) So I reintroduced my nightly 24k Gold Nourishing Oil into my face skin care routine, to help hydrate my skin overnight. I also reintroduced my OG skincare friend, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum into my morning skin care routine to create a solid base for my foundation for my makeup application, which I was now able to do, feeling well enough to leave the house! All the while, I was continuing to grow at a RAPID rate in the belly department, so ‘oiling up’ became quite the ritual! Note! I did find that my skin became quite dry towards the end of the second trimester, approaching the third - so I made sure to always apply body oil, moisturiser, or body butter whenever I got out of the water (after showers, swimming, etc) Another thing that happens is hyper sensitivity to the sun! Being an avid, daily sunscreen wearer, I had that covered. But I learned the hard way with the skin on my body. We had set up down at the beach for the day, I had applied sunscreen on my tummy thinking that would last me the day. Alas, NO. My tummy looked like it had been dipped in tomato sauce #stillreallynotcute And then proceeded to become EXTREMELY itchy! So safe to say, lesson learned. Apply your sunscreen kids! I actually found the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen with SPF30 that I use on my face daily, perfect for my belly too as it’s gentle on sensitive skin! Third Trimester We made it! Now that I’m in my third trimester, the rule is pretty much… GIVE ME ALL THE STUFF! I need moisture, probiotics, sun protection, anti-inflammatory. You name it, my skin is READY for it. It can be hard at this point in the pregnancy to stay diligent in applying skin care as a lot of the time you’re struggling just to put your shoes on! But it’s also a really important time to do so as your body does its final leg of the journey and your belly stretches to its limits! I’ve recently added the use of the Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack facial mist throughout the day to keep up hydration, especially considering how hot it’s been. And as I’m spending a lot more days makeup-free, I usually just add on my 24k Gold Nourishing Oil to the end of my morning skin care routine to give my skin a subtle, fresh glow for the day. How can I find what I need? If you’re pregnant and want to find some skincare products that will help assist with your current skin concerns - get in touch with our Skin Service Team for your FREE skin consultation and find the perfect products for your skin! Isn’t it amazing what a woman’s body can do? You’re growing LIFE. Make sure you look after YOU, in the process.
7 Myths About SPF And Sunscreen Busted
"The highest SPF rating is the best. I work in an office, I don’t need sunscreen! Sunscreen gives you acne." We’re on a myth-busting mission to clear up some of these common misconceptions, and more, about sunscreen! The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays Before we get to busting SPF myths, here’s a quick rundown of how the sun’s UVB and UVA rays affect your skin. UVB UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn to the surface of the skin, resulting in visible redness. UVB rays also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers. UVA UVA rays have longer wavelengths, giving them the ability to penetrate deeper than UVB. They reach far enough into the skin to damage collagen. Skin loses elasticity and firmness which speeds up the visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging. UVA also causes sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and the shortest wavelengths of UVA contribute to the visible appearance of sunburn. Of the two rays, UVA is responsible for most of the premature signs of ageing. Now you’ve got a handle on how UVA and UVB rays work, let’s bust some of the big myths about SPF. Myth - A High SPF Rating Means Your Skin Is Protected You may be surprised to discover the SPF protection rating on your sunscreen only measures the protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays. That’s right. Sunscreen can have a high SPF rating and do a great job of protecting your skin against sunburn (UVB), but still leave you exposed to the damage of UVA! Don’t make your sunscreen selection based only on the SPF rating - choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, too. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Myth: You Only Need 1 Application Of The Highest SPF SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number that follows SPF is a guide to how long the sun’s UVB rays will take to burn your skin while wearing the sunscreen compared to if you weren’t wearing any at all. For example, if you were using sunscreen with SPF30, it would take you an estimated 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing it. The problem is, high SPF ratings can create a false sense of security. You may think 1 application of SPF 50 is enough for the day and not worry about reapplying or putting on a hat. Relying on just a single application of SPF, no matter how high, can still leave your skin exposed to long term damage. Every sunscreen, whether it’s SPF 30 or SPF 100 should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Myth: If You Work In An Office, You Don’t Need Sunscreen Spend a lot of time indoors? Doesn’t mean you should skip your daily sunscreen application. All exposure to sunlight - whether it’s walking around outside on your lunch break or sitting close to the office windows - has the potential to accelerate signs of ageing. Typical car, home, and office windows block most UVB rays but some UVA rays can still penetrate glass. You might not see the signs of sunburn but that doesn’t mean your skin isn’t affected. You’ll do your skin a big favour by wearing sunscreen every day, even if you spend a lot of time indoors. Myth: Sunscreen Will Make You Breakout If you’re shying away from sunscreen in fear it will clog your pores and cause breakouts, consider this myth busted! While some SPF creams can be heavy, greasy, and packed with oil (a nightmare for oily skin) many sunscreens are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. Not all oils are bad in sunscreen either - some are very beneficial. We use carrot root oil in our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 to help tone and tighten skin! Steer clear of mineral oils though, as they can easily cause congestion. Look for formulations that are lightweight and non-comedogenic. Myth: Mineral Sunscreen Isn’t As Effective As Chemical Sunscreen Sunscreen falls into 2 categories “mineral” (also called “natural” or “physical” sunscreen) and “chemical”. Both protect your skin but do so in different ways. Chemical sunscreen penetrates the top layers of the skin. It absorbs and filters UV rays before they have the chance to cause damage. Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Rather than absorbing and filtering UV, it helps scatter and reflect rays away from the skin. A common misconception is that chemical sunscreen is always more effective than mineral sunscreen. This isn’t the case. Mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both as natural active ingredients provide excellent broad spectrum protection. Myth: A higher SPF Rating Dramatically Increases Protection SPF ratings can vary dramatically between sunscreens - but does it make a big difference to the amount of protection? The breakdown is as follows: SPF 4 blocks 75% of UVB rays SPF 8 blocks 87.5% of UVB rays SPF 15 blocks 93.3% of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks 96.7% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays Source arpanasa (Australian Radiation Protection And Nuclear Safety Agency) SunSmart recommends choosing a sunscreen labelled SPF30 or higher that is also broad-spectrum. Myth: You Only Need Sunscreen When It’s Sunny Outside This is one of the biggest, and most harmful, myths about sunscreen! It’s not safe to skip your daily dose of SPF because it’s cloudy and cool outside. Just because you can’t feel the warmth or burn on your skin, it doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t active. It’s been estimated up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. Even on an overcast day, your skin can be susceptible to damage if you’re not wearing sunscreen. The free SunSmart app is a handy way to see UV levels and the potential risk of UV on a daily basis around Australia. Protect Your Skin All Day, Every Day How does your current sun protection measure up? We recommend trying our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidants, this silky smooth, daily sunscreen protects against UV damage helping fight the first signs of ageing. Comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin.
