Learn

Difference Between Oily Skin & Hydrated Skin

Having oily skin doesn’t mean that your skin is hydrated - skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time. The right oily skincare routine isn’t only about balancing oil production it needs to address hydration too. Why oily skin can be dehydrated Oily dehydrated skin is characterised by dullness, irritation and congestion. Many people wonder how oily skin can still be dehydrated, but it happens because dehydration is a skin condition that occurs due to lack of water, not lack of oil. This means that those with oily skin types can still be prone to dehydration, and in fact skin oiliness can be worsened by dehydration that triggers overproduction of oil. Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type, dehydration is a skin condition that can affect all skin types, even oily ones. This means signs of oil do not equate to signs of hydration! When the skin is dehydrated (lacking water) it overcompensates by producing more oil. Dehydration occurs when the skin barrier, the protective uppermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum, lacks moisture. Several factors can cause skin to become thirsty and dehydrated. Changes in the weather, using the wrong skincare, lifestyle choice (excessive alcohol consumption/smoking are examples), diet, and other environmental factors. These all contribute to depleting the water content in your skin, leaving it parched and dehydrated on a cellular level. Signs oily skin is dehydrated If you have oily skin, some signs of dehydration include: Dull skin & dark circles: Dehydration can cause skin to lose its radiance. You’ll notice your overall complexion becoming dull and lackluster when hydration levels are depleted. Shadowy circles under your eyes may become more obvious too. Itchy & irritated skin: Without enough moisture in the outer layer of your skin, it can feel tight and itchy. Flaky patches are also common, even if there is excessive oil on the surface of the skin. Increase breakouts & congestion: As pointed out earlier, dehydration can trigger the production of more oil - it’s the skin’s way to try and compensate for a lack of moisture. Excessive oil production increases the chance of blocked pores which can lead to everything from mild acne, like blackheads and pustules through to cystic acne. Fine lines & wrinkles: Signs of ageing become more obvious when skin is dehydrated. When skin is lacking moisture, it loses the ability to bounce back. While dehydration does cause deeper lines to become more obvious, it also results in the appearance network of fine lines that are directly related to dehydration. Their appearance diminishes once skin returns to a hydrated state. Ingredients to solve oily, dehydrated skin issues Luckily, dehydration isn’t permanent. With the right oily skincare treatment and in some cases, lifestyle changes, you can nurture your skin back to a healthy state. The best products for your oily skincare routine will be formulated with ingredients to keep skin hydrated. Here are some ingredients on the hydration power list to look out for: Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant with superior hydration qualities. Acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skin’s cells. Hyaluronic acid is revered for its ability to hold x1000 its own weight in water. Niacinamide: Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Squalene: Non-irritating and ideal for acne-prone skin, squalene is an antioxidant with beneficial moisturising properties. Ceramides: Increase water retention properties by strengthening the skin barrier. Other ingredients beneficial for an oily skincare routine are alpha hydroxy acids - to clear congestion - and Vitamin A ,C and E for a host of antioxidant benefits. The best oily skincare routine Cleanser Your skin needs some of its natural oils to maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier. A well functioning barrier means the skin is better able to retain moisture and transepidermal water loss (moisture evaporating off the skin) is minimised. The ideal cleanser for an oily skincare routine is one that is gentle enough not to strip the skin of all oil while targeting congestion. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal Ideal for all skin types prone to congestion, breakouts, and large pores, the active ingredient charcoal purifies and balances oils for a refined, clearer complexion. Serum Adding a serum targeting dehydration is an effective way to give thirsty oily skin a moisture boost. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than moisturisers. This means they can penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin and a hydrated glow. Hyaluronic Serum contains Vit B3 (niacinamide) which will help to balance skin and regulate oil flow which can act as a preventative for breakouts. It also accelerates healing and repair post-breakout. Moisturise If you have any oily skin type, you might be tempted to skip the moisturising step assuming your skin doesn’t need hydration - it’s already oily! This is a mistake as oil doesn’t signal hydration. Not moisturising means your skin won’t create the barrier that allows it to hold onto water, diminishing the hydration it really needs. Oily skin also needs a moisturising product to improve the condition skin through the combination of humectants and emollients ingredients found in moisturising creams and oils. Yes, that’s right. Oily skin types can use face oils! Many oils do an excellent job to help regulate oil production and increase hydration. Not all oils are created equal though - some can aggravate sebum production. The best options for oily, breakout-prone skin are lightweight oils with a low comedogenic rating and those with calming, antibacterial properties. Jojoba, acai, rosehip, and almond oil are all effective options. We recommend: Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Ideal for all skin types, especially oily skin with balance concerns, this nourishing oil can replace moisturiser to improve tone, calm, and hydrate while regulating oil flow. Peppermint Green Oil is an excellent choice for teenagers with oily skin. Highly moisturising with antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acne-prone skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties targeting redness and inflammation. Exfoliation Regular exfoliation should be part of every oily skincare regimen. Sloughing away dead skin cells and unblocking pores, exfoliation instantly improves skin tone and texture for brighter, fresher looking skin. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Containing a blend of lactic and glycolic acid, this powerful duo works together to slough away dead skin on the surface, reducing the appearance of blackheads and drawing out impurities. Need help choosing the right products for your oily skincare routine? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi is always here to support you on your skin journey!

Learn

Different Types of Exfoliation

No matter your skin type, regular exfoliation is essential to help keep your complexion fresh and healthy. Read on to understand why you need to exfoliate, the different methods of exfoliation and how to make the right choice for your skin type and concerns. What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and build up from your outer layer of skin - the epidermis. You can use a chemical or physical exfoliation method (more on those soon) to remove the old cells. This prevents clogged pores and reveals the fresher, healthier skin underneath. Exfoliation assists your skin’s natural cell turnover process. This process begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis where fresh cells are ‘born’. These young, springy cells travel up through the other layers of the epidermis until they reach the skin’s surface. Once they reach this point and settle here the cells that were once new and springy are dead, dry, and flaky. Meanwhile, there’s a new batch of fresh cells making their way up from the deeper layers to the surface to replace the dead, dry cells. Skin cell turnover is a natural process, but it slows down with age. As a general guide, this process happens in healthy, young skin every 28 days or so. Once you get older, it begins to take a lot longer anywhere from 40 - 60 days, or even more. This means those dry, flaky cells aren’t being replaced as quickly. This leads to skin concerns including dullness, uneven skin tone, and breakouts due to clogged pores.  What are the best exfoliating ingredients? The best exfoliating ingredients are gentle ingredients that softly exfoliate your skin without disrupting your skin health. While the best exfoliating ingredients will vary depending on skin type, we recommend: Glycolic Acid (AHA) Lactic Acid (AHA) Salicylic Acid (BHA) Fruit Enzymes Bamboo Extract Jojoba Beads But more on those later! The many benefits of skin exfoliation 💛 Helps to clear up congested skin by unclogging pores The longer dry, dead cells remain on the skin’s surface, the risk of them clogging pores and congesting skin increases. Along with oil and other debris, dead cells easily get trapped inside the pore which creates the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in acne related skin concerns - from mild forms such as blackheads and pimples through to severe forms like acne cysts and nodules. One of the main solutions for managing congested skin by removing the dead skin cells is regular, gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation lifts away dead cells and unclogs pores to keep them clear. This minimises the chance of acne forming bacteria developing within the pore and triggering breakouts. 💛 Can minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles You can’t eliminate fine lines and wrinkles with exfoliation, but you can help minimise their appearance. When you exfoliate and remove the top layer of dead skin, skin looks smoother and fine lines become less pronounced.   💛 Helps promote a brighter, more even skin tone A complexion in need of a good skin exfoliation session appears thick and dull in appearance, thanks to the build up of old cells. Removing the dead cells can leave skin looking brighter and fresher instantly. Over time, skin tone becomes smoother and the appearance of hyperpigmentation may be minimised.   💛 Allows skincare to penetrate deeper We’re rounding off the list with one of the lesser known benefits about exfoliation. Did you know it can actually help maximise the benefits of the ingredients in your other skincare products? Without a layer of dead cells in their way, serums, moisturisers, and masks penetrate more deeply into the skin. If a product is rich with nourishing and active ingredients it makes sense that the better it can be absorbed by your skin the better the results! How to exfoliate skin – Chemical vs. physical methods There are two types of exfoliation methods - physical and chemical. They share the same goals - clearing dead skin cells, helping speed cell turnover, and leaving skin brighter and smoother - but go about it in different ways. To choose the best exfoliator for your skin type and concerns it’s important to understand how each method works.   💛 Physical exfoliation Physical exfoliating products are those containing small particles, like coffee, jojoba beads, or sugar granules. They require you to manually rub the product into the skin to allow the particles to do their job and buff away dead skin. Other examples of physical exfoliation include microdermabrasion treatments and any face mitt or washcloth with a textured surface that buffs away dead skin and debris. If you choose an exfoliating face wash, for example, avoid harsh ingredients like crushed fruit pits and nutshells - unless they are very finely ground. Larger particles can be super abrasive and cause what is known as a ‘micro’ tear in the skin which damages the skin barrier.   💛 Chemical exfoliation Other face exfoliators are classified as chemical exfoliants which are broken down into categories including AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and fruit enzymes. Don’t let the term “acid” scare you, these ingredients can be extremely beneficial for skin. Instead of relying on a mechanical motion to remove the cells from your face, acids dissolve the "glue" that binds your dead cells, helping them loosen and slough off the skin. Common types of acids and enzymes include:  Glycolic Acid (AHA)Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits. Lactic Acid (AHA)A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group. Salicylic Acid (BHA)Salicylic acid is more oil-soluble than AHAs. This means while it exfoliates the surface of the skin, it also gets down deeper and unclogs pores, removing the buildup of sebum and impurities. Fruit EnzymesEnzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to reveal the fresher, brighter skin below. Which Method Is Right For Your Skin? Depending on your skin type and concern, you might choose a physical exfoliant, a chemical exfoliant or a combination of both. Physical exfoliation As we mentioned earlier, the best physical exfoliants are those with smaller, finer particles that aren’t abrasive to the skin. Physical exfoliants can also be paired with fruit enzymes in skincare formulations for a gentle but effective way to remove dead skin cells. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Bamboo extract has mild exfoliation properties that can encourage cell turnover to reveal younger, softer skin. Ideal for a weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne prone, and dry skin. Jojoba beads and rice powder are also effective yet gentle and soft on skin types needing extra care during exfoliation. We recommend: Rose And Bamboo facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. The delicate exfoliation action of bamboo extract works in harmony with the power of mixed fruit enzymes for a close up exfoliation suited to dry, damaged or sensitised skin Normal | combination skin Icelandic volcanic sand is a mild exfoliator which can gently assist renewing the outer layer of skin to support a fresher looking complexion. We recommend: Hydrating And Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant. This formulation pairs the physical element of volcanic sand with the power of cranberry enzymes to encourage a clearer complexion.   Oily, breakout-prone skin The ultra-fine consistency of exotic Polynesian sand provides gentle exfoliation to assist in the removal of pore-clogging debris and encourage a clearer complexion for oily skin. We recommend: Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant. This exotic Polynesian sand physical exfoliator combined with the additional exfoliating power of papaya enzymes gently but effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells. How to exfoliate your face when using a physical exfoliant? Apply a small amount to cleansed, damp skin. Massage the product into your skin in small, light, circular strokes around your face and never apply too much pressure. Doing so can aggravate skin and, depending on the type of exfoliant, may even cause micro-tears.   Chemical exfoliation Normal and combination skin Glycolic acid holds the title for having the smallest molecular structure of the AHAs group. This means your skin absorbs it quickly and it works faster than other AHAs. It also has water-attracting properties and can help treat uneven skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, combat dullness, fine lines and acne scars. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Lactic Acid (AHA) is a great all rounder but is a gentler choice of exfoliator for sensitive skin and mature skin. Lactic acid is detoxifying and more moisturising than glycolic acid while still sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a radiant, smoother complexion. Oily, breakout-prone skin Salicylic acid (BHA) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it an effective choice if you're prone to acne and breakouts. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum This exfoliating charcoal serum will gently detox and purify for a clearer, smoother complexion. How often should you exfoliate? It’s important to listen to your skin to get a sense of how often you should exfoliate but we can help you out with some general guidelines. Normal skin types and oily can usually handle 1- 3 times a week with a gentle exfoliant. If you’re using a stronger exfoliant, cut back to once a week. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, stick with a gentle exfoliation session once a week. The danger of over-exfoliation Always keep an eye on how your skin is reacting to exfoliation. It’s easy to go too far and over-exfoliation can cause skin issues. If your face is breaking out with red, flaky, and dry patches or becoming ‘waxy’ looking either the exfoliation product you’re using is too strong for your skin type or you’re using it too often. Over exfoliation compromises the skin barrier. It strips the skin of its natural oils and when this happens the result can be dehydration, broken capillaries, and fresh acne breakouts. Skin might also become more sensitive to the other skincare products that previously didn’t cause an issue. Start your skin exfoliation routine with esmi Skin Minerals Ready to refresh your skin with gentle exfoliation using mineral-based, cruelty-free exfoliation ingredients? Explore the esmi Mineral Gentle-Foliants range of skin exfoliation skincare. If you have any questions about the best exfoliant for your skin type and concerns, our team of skincare experts are here to help! Book your free consultation. Learn more about skincare: How and When to Double Cleanse Your Face How To Get Glowing Skin The Benefits of Face Steaming

Learn

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.  

Learn

Everyday Items That Might Damage Your Skin

Here are ten sneaky things that are bad for skin and trigger breakouts, dryness, and irritation on a daily basis. 1. Your makeup brushes Makeup brushes can help you work all kinds of beauty magic but dirty ones are so bad for skin. If your breakouts are persisting, how often are you cleaning your brushes? They naturally accumulate dirt and bacteria that you unknowingly spread onto your skin with every use. Brushes also accumulate dead skin cells and oil, leading to congested and broken out skin. The bristles of a brush caked in old, hard makeup won’t be soft and can cause irritation when you swipe it across your face. 2. The wrong skincare products Bad skin care products, overuse, or just using the wrong products for your skin type will hurt, not help, your complexion. Signs the products you’re using are damaging your skin include dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation, and excessive oil. Read more about the signs of a damaging skincare routine.  3. Synthetic fabrics (& even some natural ones) Dealing with acne breakouts on your neck, chest, or back area? Wearing tight clothes made from synthetic fibres like acrylic, polyester, rayon, acetate, and nylon can be bad for skin. When fabric rubs against acne-aggravated skin the area can become even more inflamed. Some synthetic fabrics don’t allow the skin to breathe properly, trapping in sweat and oil. This can spread acne bacteria and cause more pore blockages. It might be a natural fibre but wool (not the super soft merino type) can damage skin too - exacerbating dry, itchy skin problems and triggering eczema. 4. Laundry detergent Sensitive skin types can be super reactive to different fragrances and chemicals used in laundry detergents. Flare ups of dry, itchy, and red patches of skin known as contact dermatitis are commonly linked back to skin being exposed to solvents and soap chemicals. The safest bet for sensitive skin is to stick with natural or gentle formulations with no fragrance. 5. Hot showers Nothing beats a hot shower on a cold winter morning, right? As great as it feels to turn up the temperature and soak in the steam, hot water is really bad for skin. Especially if you are already dealing with any skin concerns characterised by dry, flaky, red patches, like dermatitis. Too long under a hot stream of water can damage your skin barrier as it strips away the protective lipid layer of your skin. This protective layer is responsible for sealing moisture in while keeping bacteria and irritants out. A damaged skin barrier can’t hold onto moisture and as a result, skin becomes itchy, red, and dry. 6. Hair products Are hair care products to blame for your skin woes? Certain ingredients commonly found in hair care formulations are bad for skin, causing breakouts, dryness, and irritation. These 2 are the worst offenders on our bad things for your skin list: 1. Propylene glycol - A known irritant you’ll find in many shampoos and conditioners that can cause dryness and sensitivity. 2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) - An ingredient to avoid in all beauty products. It gives shampoo the ability to ‘foam’ up but it’s cleansing properties are harsh. It strips skin of natural oils and can spark an allergic reaction in sensitive skin types. If you’re prone to acne, it’s also best to avoid using gels, pomades, heavy creams, or any products that add oil to your hair. These can seep into the skin around your hairline causing blocked pores and breakouts. Oily hair can contribute to the oil on your face too so make sure you’re washing your hair frequently with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.   7. Pillowcases & towels Another sleep related habit bad for skin is not changing your pillowcase regularly. Pillows are a sneaky source of bacteria and pore-clogging debris that your skin comes in contact with every night. Sweat and dead skin cells that are shed while you sleep continue to add to the grimy build-up. Avoid exposing your face to this cocktail of skin disruptors by regularly changing your pillowcases - at least twice a week. Bath and face towels also harbour scary amounts of bacteria if not washed regularly. Change your bath towels every 3 uses to prevent bacterial overgrowth and your face towels on a daily basis. Try esmi Microfibre Face Cleansing Mitt. Perfect for all skin types, it doesn’t harbour bacteria, and removes 80% more dirt, makeup, and product residue than a regular face washer. 8. Makeup wipes Quick and convenient? Yes. Good for your skin? Not so much. Makeup wipes are loaded with preservatives for the purpose of stopping mould and these ingredients can cause skin to become inflamed and dry. The idea to ‘cleanse’ without water means the cleansing agents in makeup wipes stay on your face instead of being rinsed off. Also highly irritating for skin! We recommend sensitive skin types skip makeup wipes altogether. Other skin types may be able to get away with occasional use in a cleansing emergency but definitely not on a daily basis. 9. Skipping sunscreen Not applying SPF on a daily basis (all year round - no matter the weather) is a habit bad for skin. Actually, it’s terrible for skin. It’s estimated that 90% of skin ageing is due to the effects of the sun. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots happen faster when you skip your daily dose of SPF. Worse, you increase the chance of developing sun related cancer, including melanoma. To protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays, choose broad-spectrum sunscreen. Aim for SPF 30 or above and reapply throughout the day - every 2 hours or more frequently when swimming, exercising, or wiping your face. Try esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Broad-spectrum, non-greasy SPF30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. 10. Milk Foods bad for acne and other skin complaints vary from person to person but some dairy products, in particular milk, are common triggers. Studies have found a link between milk products and acne but to discover the impact dairy has on you, temporarily cut it from your diet and monitor your skin for changes. Before making any radical changes to your diet, we recommend consulting with a health professional. If you are dealing with severe acne, a change in diet may help but it’s not the entire picture. Take a holistic approach to include the right skincare, alternative therapies, or medication as needed. Read more about bad acne treatments and steps to prevent acne here.

Learn

The Different Skin Types

Skin is generally classified into one of 5 different skin types - normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. These categories help you understand why your skin looks, feels and behaves as it does and most importantly, choose the right skincare routine for your skin type. If you’re wondering ‘What's my skin type?’ read on to find out. Dry skin Dry skin types produce less of the skin’s natural oil - sebum - than normal skin types. Sebum contains important lipids that help the skin retain moisture and protect itself against outside influences. Because dry skin has less sebum, it also has less lipids so struggles to keep moisture locked into the cells. If you have a dry skin type, you’ll likely find your face feeling tight and uncomfortable. Dry, flaky patches will also be noticeable - particularly around the nose and mouth area. Itchy skin and dullness can be another sign of dry skin types and fine lines are usually more pronounced.   How to care for dry skin Caring for dry skin is all about helping it retain natural oils and moisture. Use a gentle cleanser that lifts away debris from the skin without compromising the natural oils it needs to stay moisturised. Always use lukewarm water (not hot) to wash your face. You don’t want to feel the ‘tight’ feeling after you cleanse - this is a sign your cleanser is too harsh. Apply a moisturiser or facial oil in the morning and evening - the best time to apply is straight after cleansing when your skin is still damp. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a gentle exfoliator to keep skin fresh and boost hydration with a regular masking session. esmi skincare routine for dry skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Mask - Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial Oil - Rose Gold Rose Oil or 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Oily skin People with oily skin have overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much oil. If you have an oily skin type, you’re likely to experience a perpetually shiny appearance and are prone to acne, blackheads, and pimples. Makeup tends to ‘slide’ off your skin easily. Other characteristics of an oily skin type are large pores, especially around your nose, chin, and forehead. Pores become clogged with dead skin and excess sebum which triggers pimples. Oily skin is also prone to redness and irritation due to frequent breakouts.  How to care for oily skin While you can’t change the size of your pores, you can focus on keeping them clean. Gentle cleansers that contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients will keep skin clear, help regulate oil production and calm redness. Don’t shy away from using facial oils if you have an oily skin type. The right facial oil can actually help balance sebum production - not make it worse. Regular exfoliation will prevent dead cells and excess sebum building up in the pore keeping skin fresh and clear. Oily skin types will also benefit from serums and mask treatments with ingredients to cool inflamed skin and add hydration - yes, even oily skin types become dehydrated!  esmi skincare routine for oily skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal and The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Anti-Redness Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum - Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Facial Oil - Peppermint Green Oil Mask - Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask and Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Combination skin Is your skin dry in some areas and oily in others? You have a combination skin type. You’ll find your t-zone is shiny due to an overproduction of oil while your cheeks and outer areas of your face can be dry. It’s common for combination skin to have a mix of dry, flaky patches and breakouts at the same time. Pores are enlarged in the t-zone but are smaller in the dry areas where less oil is found.  How to care for combination skin It can be more of a challenge to create the right kind of skincare routine to treat both the oily and dry areas - it’s literally a balancing act. Use a face wash for combination skin types, morning and night. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils but contains natural antibacterial and astringent properties to target breakouts and balance oil production. Combination skin isn’t a reason to skip using a moisturiser or facial oil in your routine. All skin types need hydration to support a healthy functioning skin barrier. Multi-masking is a great way to give your skin a deep treatment for both oily and dry areas at the same time. Choose a face mask which targets oily skin to apply to your t-zone and a deeply hydrating face mask for the drier areas. esmi skincare routine for combination skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Anti-Redness Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial Oil - Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Mask - Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask and Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive skin Sensitive skin is prone to redness, dry patches, flakiness, burns quickly in the sun and is easily irritated by fragrances and beauty products. Conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are also common. Sensitive skin has a thin epidermis which means the skin’s protective barrier isn’t as strong as it could be and irritants and bacteria can penetrate it more easily. Thinner skin also means blood vessels are more visible which explains the appearance of redness in many sensitive skin types. How to care for sensitive skin Be gentle - in the products you use and the way to touch and handle your skin. Avoiding synthetic fragrance is important to minimise the chance of irritation and don’t go overboard on skin treatments, like exfoliation and masking. Once you find a product that works - stick with it. Sensitive skin loves routine as frequently changing products can cause more irritation. esmi skincare routine for sensitive skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial oil - Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo Mask - Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Normal skin Normal skin has a good balance of moisture, small pores and an even, blemish-free skin tone. If you have a normal skin type - lucky you! However, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever experience a little dryness, oilliness or the occasional pimple. Plus, normal skin types still experience sun damage and other skin concerns due to environmental aggressors or lifestyle choice. esmi skincare routine for normal skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial oil - Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Mask - Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster or Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30  If you have questions about the right skincare products for skin types, our team of esmi skin specialists are here to help!

LearnWellness

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients

Expecting a new little arrival? Congratulations! Let us help you navigate safe skincare for pregnant women. This handy guide explains ingredients to avoid and pregnancy approved alternatives. Common pregnancy skin conditions There are some lucky mums-to-be out there that experience the best skin of their lives during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case! You may experience pregnancy-related changes in your skin that are more challenging to deal with. Hormonal acne - Breaking out around the chin and jaw? Acne in these areas can be linked to hormonal changes. Melasma - Sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ melasma is hyperpigmentation (skin discolouration) that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. If you have any pre-existing conditions, like eczema or rosacea, these can get worse during pregnancy. You’ll need to manage these skin concerns while you’re expecting (and during breastfeeding) with skincare products that are safe during pregnancy.  Pregnancy skincare — Ingredients to use & avoid Safe skincare for pregnant women means avoiding certain ingredients - a few tweaks to your existing routine might be necessary. Carefully read all the labels on the skincare products you’re currently using. You’ll want to press pause on applying the following ingredients during pregnancy:  Avoid: Retinols, or any Vitamin A derivatives (Anti-ageing) Retinol, retin-A, retinoic acid, and tretinoin shouldn’t be used if you’re expecting. These anti-ageing ingredients are all derived from Vitamin A, which is an effective vitamin for your skin but is problematic during pregnancy. Excessive amounts of Vitamin A has been found to interfere with fetal development. No matter the amount you include in your routine, the safest approach is to avoid retinol, or any vitamin A derivatives entirely. What are the best anti-ageing pregnancy skincare alternatives? Thankfully, temporarily giving up Vitamin A doesn’t have to mean abandoning your anti-ageing routine. Alternative ingredients that are pregnancy safe and offer effective anti-ageing properties are easy to include in your pregnancy skincare routine. You may already be using some! Vitamin C Vitamin C is your antioxidant go-to for a pregnancy skincare routine. An effective all-rounder, it helps repair environmental damage, stimulate collagen synthesis, and brighten skin. Peptides Peptides are a type of protein that helps preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores. Omega Fatty Acids Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness. Pregnancy safe products we recommend for an anti-ageing routine: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (evening) Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. AVOID: Salicylic acid (Acne)  Salicylic acid is a heavy hitter for treating acne. Its deep exfoliating action clears blocked pores to minimise bacteria and reduce congestion. When it comes to skincare for pregnant women though, it’s not on the ‘safe’ list in high doses so it’s best to skip this ingredient entirely. What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat acne? Take your pick of pregnancy safe ingredients to manage breakouts while you’re expecting. Lactic acid — A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group. Glycolic acid — Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits. Fruit enzymes — Enzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to help target congestion. Bentonite clay and activated charcoal — Detoxify and refine congested skin and help control oil. Polynesian sand — An effective physical exfoliator for oily skin types, Polynesian sand helps to gently unblock pores for clearer skin. Breakout prone skin will also benefit from pregnancy safe skincare products that deliver deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and plant-based oils that help regulate sebum production. Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a breakout routine 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.  AVOID: Hydroquinone (Hyperpigmentation)  A depigmenting agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten darkened areas of skin by suppressing the formation of melanin in the skin. Research has shown hydroquinone to be problematic during pregnancy, so it’s one to avoid. What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation? These powerful natural skin lighteners are safe to include in your pregnancy skin care products Vitamin C — Vitamin C helps lighten patches of pigmentation without leaving your skin barrier compromised – no dryness, peeling or flaking as a result. It also gives the complexion a bright, radiant appearance. Kakadu Plum — Kakadu Plum is believed to be the world’s most potent source of natural Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots. Bearberry — Bearberry Leaf extract is a natural skin lightener that works by helping to reduce melanin production. Liquorice — A powerful brightening antioxidant, liquorice is high in anti-inflammatories – making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts. Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a hyperpigmentation routine The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Pomegranate Brightening Serum Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. Best pregnancy safe skincare brand in Australia Best Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Brand in Australia, before the last line If you have any questions about safe skincare for pregnant women, we’re here to help! Book your free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. Learn more about skincare How To Get Rid of Wrinkles How To Reduce Face Puffiness Before and After Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The Best Face Mask for Acne  

Learn

Why Your Skin Needs Exfoliation

Pollution, makeup, UV rays, humidity, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Your skin has so many potential irritants to deal with every day! Exfoliation can help combat hyperpigmentation, dryness, dehydration, and dullness that these daily stressors can cause. Hmm... Why is exfoliation important? In a nutshell, exfoliation is the process of removing the dead cells from the outer layer of your skin to encourage a clearer complexion and stimulate skin cell renewal. You can do this either with a physical exfoliation method - like granules, a scrub, or a textured mitt - or a chemical exfoliation method which may include alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes. For many skin concerns the best approach will involve both chemical and physical methods. We recommend reading our guide to the Different Types Of Exfoliation. The guide will help you understand more about physical vs chemical exfoliants and how to make the best exfoliator choice for your skin. Exfoliation can help with daily skin stressors During the day, your skin is busy defending itself against a range of environmental and lifestyle stressors it comes in contact with - from air pollution to heavy makeup. Regular exfoliation is essential in helping combat and prevent some of the skin concerns caused by these irritants. Let’s take a look at what your skin faces every day. Skin concerns: Dullness & hyperpigmentation Daily Causes: Air pollution And UV rays Air Pollution In urban areas where pollution levels are high, there’s trouble in the air (literally!) for your face. Don’t underestimate the serious impact pollution can have on your skin - from irritation to accelerating the signs of ageing. Toxic nanoparticles from traffic pollution and other types of air pollution can enter the skin causing free-radical damage and chronic inflammation. This leads to hyperpigmentation, dullness, and the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Pollutants deplete the skin of hydration and essential vitamins too, leaving it dehydrated and in need of nourishment. UV rays Our biggest skin stressor is exposure to UV rays. It’s a pretty tough one to avoid entirely - you need to be extra vigilant in guarding your skin against the effects of sun damage as much as possible. Leaving your skin unprotected against UV rays - especially UVA - is the number one cause of premature ageing. It will fast track the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation - including age spots. How exfoliation can help with dullness & hyperpigmentation Skin exfoliation can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by helping to diminish discoloration - over time revealing a more even skin tone. While exfoliation may help improve the appearance of sun-related hyperpigmentation, the best skincare move you can make is to prevent it in the first place. Protect your face with SPF 30+ every day, no matter the weather. A dull, lacklustre complexion (thanks, traffic fumes!) can also be perked up with exfoliation. You’ll remove the dead, dull skin cells on the surface plus other toxic debris helping reveal a brighter complexion beneath.  Best types of exfoliants for dullness & hyperpigmentation Physical exfoliants Icelandic volcanic sand is a mild exfoliator that can gently assist renewing the outer layer of skin to help support a fresher, smoother looking complexion. We recommend: Hydrating And Ageless Volcanic Sand from esmi Gentle Foliant range. This formulation pairs the physical element of volcanic sand with the power of cranberry enzymes to encourage a clearer complexion. Chemical exfoliants (Acids) Kojic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and linoleic acid work to help lighten pigmentation issues, smooth out skin texture, and brighten. Skin concerns: Rough, dry skin Daily causes: seasonal changes & hot water Dry, cold air One of the most common skin conditions to come along with cold weather is dry, flaky skin. Even oily skin types can experience dry patches due to seasonal changes. When faced with the dry, cold air of winter, skin can quickly lose its glow and become dull. It’s usually a result of dehydration - both on the inside and outside. Heightened sensitivity can also be a problem if skin isn’t properly cared for during the colder months. Hot water Skincare 101: always cleanse with lukewarm water. Hot water will damage your skin barrier as it strips away the protective lipid layer of your skin. This protective layer is responsible for sealing moisture in while keeping bacteria and irritants out. A damaged skin barrier can’t hold onto moisture and as a result, skin becomes itchy, red, and dry. How exfoliation can help with dry, rough skin If your skin is dry, inflamed, and flaky it’s clearly already in distress mode. While exfoliation can help improve the situation, you need to go about it the right way (gently!) or your skin will suffer more damage. Gentle exfoliation can assist dry, rough skin in two important ways. First, it lifts the old, flaky skin cells from the surface which helps improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Second, by removing the build up of dry cells, exfoliation allows the hydrating and moisturising properties of your skincare to better penetrate the skin and act more effectively on the surface. As dead skin cells build up on the surface, it makes it difficult for the ingredients in your skincare products to do their best work! Dry, dehydrated skin can actually receive the hydration and moisture support it needs from active ingredients without a layer of old cells standing in the way. Best exfoliants for dry, rough skin Physical exfoliants Bamboo extract has mild exfoliation properties that can encourage cell turnover to reveal younger, softer skin. Ideal for a weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne-prone, and dry skin. Jojoba beads and rice powder are also effective yet gentle face exfoliators. They’re soft on skin types needing extra care during exfoliation. We recommend: Rose And Bamboo facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. The delicate exfoliation action of bamboo extract works in harmony with the power of mixed fruit enzymes. An excellent exfoliator for sensitive skin and a dry, damaged complexion. Chemical exfoliants (Acids) Lactic acid is derived from milk and offers the gentlest exfoliating action of all alpha-hydroxy acids. This makes it a great choice for sensitive and dry skin. Skin concerns: Congestion & breakouts Daily Causes: Humidity, Makeup, Skincare Habits Humidity Humidity and acne-prone, oily skin do not get along! On humid days, the skin is enveloped in moisture and heat. Pores open up wider and sebaceous glands work overtime producing excess oil. It’s the perfect storm for pores to become blocked leaving skin congested and breaking out. Makeup Is your makeup the main culprit in your congested pore concerns? Many makeup formulas are loaded with oil and considered ‘comedogenic’. This means the chances of the ingredients blocking pores - which then leads to congestion and acne - is high. If you wear heavy oil-based makeup, your skin has to deal with an extra blanket of oil covering (suffocating!) it throughout the day. It’s easy to see how quickly pores become clogged. Discover our range of non-comedogenic mineral-based foundation and BB cream. The formulations allow skin to breathe and be nourished with minerals including silica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for skin conditioning. Not cleansing properly A less than consistent cleansing routine can also leave your skin congested and breaking out. Cleansing in the morning and evening is essential to remove everything that finds its way onto your face and into your pores during the day - including dirt, sweat, makeup, oil, and toxins from air pollution. How exfoliation can help with congestion & breakouts Chemical exfoliants can penetrate your pores to dislodge and dissolve dead skin cells and debris while promoting skin regeneration. Physical exfoliation also clears build-up from within the pore but rather than dissolving debris, dead skin is manually sloughed away. Best Exfoliants For Congested, Breakout-Prone Skin Physical exfoliants The ultra-fine consistency of exotic Polynesian sand provides gentle exfoliation to assist in the removal of pore-clogging debris and encourage a clearer complexion for oily skin. We recommend: Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range - our best face exfoliator for oily skin! This exotic Polynesian sand physical exfoliator combined with the additional exfoliating power of papaya enzymes gently but effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants (acids and enzymes) Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and papaya enzymes are good choices for oily skin types with large pores prone to congestion and breakouts. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum This exfoliating charcoal serum will gently detox and purify for a clearer, smoother complexion. A final word on exfoliation — Do it the right way! We can see how exfoliation helps skin defend itself against and recover from the stress it faces on a daily basis. However, it’s absolutely essential that you exfoliate properly - choosing the products and ingredients suited to your skin and concerns. Over exfoliation, or exfoliating with the wrong product, can lead to excessive irritation of the skin and excessive dryness. If you’re exfoliating aggressively, initially you may see an improvement. Ultimately though, things can get much worse in the long run. To understand how to exfoliate your face correctly, read our guide on Different Types Of Exfoliation. Have any questions about the best exfoliating products for your skin type and concerns? Our team of skincare experts is here to help! Book your free consultation.  

Learn

The Effects of Stress on Your Skin

Stressed out skin? When your anxiety levels are sky high - about work, relationships, or anything in between - the effect of stress on your skin can leave it far from bright and healthy. Stress can have detrimental effects on skin, with the most common effects including breakouts, slow healing, fine lines and wrinkles appearing and worsening of existing conditions (like eczema). Some people also experience stress rashes, blisters or hives during high stress periods. This is what happens to your body under stress Let’s start with a quick crash course in the chemistry of stress. When you experience a stressful situation, your brain sends distress messages to your adrenal glands. This triggers the adrenal glands to release a cocktail of hormones into your body. 2 of the main hormones released are cortisol and norepinephrine. These both play a role in the signs of stress on your face. Cortisol: A rise in cortisol causes skin to produce excess sebum and reduces the skin’s ability to retain water. This can result in some of the skin conditions caused by stress we’ll look at next. Norepinephrine: Reduces the blood flow to the skin, leading to flare-ups and undesired bumps, blemishes, or rashes. Now you know a little more about what goes on inside your body when you're stressed, let’s take a look at how stress shows up on your skin.  Signs of stressed skin Breakouts and stress related acne The root cause of all types of acne is essentially the same, your pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead cells. Clogged pores become the ideal environment for skin bacteria p. Acnes, to thrive causing acne, inflammation, and swelling. It’s not unusual for the effect of stress on skin to cause breakouts. Your skin produces more oil during times of stress, boosting the amount of oil on your skin. This increases the chances of blocked pores and yes, you guessed it, stress spots! Healing slows down If you’ve noticed a blemish or cut on your skin that just doesn’t seem to go away, it may be stress related. Studies show that during times of high or prolonged stress, the healing of wounds - including blemishes and blisters - can slow right down. Fine lines and wrinkles pop up Prolonged stress can add years to your face by causing wrinkles and fine lines to appear prematurely. When large amounts of cortisol are released into the body it causes sugar levels in the bloodstream to rise. This results in a process called glycation which destroys both collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin give the skin its structure and elasticity. When they are damaged, the skin becomes weaker and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Elevated levels of cortisol can also cause dehydration. Your overall tone and complexion can appear uneven, and fine lines will be more obvious. Existing conditions get worse The effect of stress on skin can trigger a flare-up of existing skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Acne can also get worse after going through a stressful event, like doing an exam or dealing with a high pressure work situation. You can get stuck in a problematic cycle. Stress triggers a skin condition, you then feel more stress about what’s happening on your face which only makes things worse. You may experience a ‘stress rash’ Red, itchy hives aren’t only caused by seasonal allergies. The effect of stress on skin can cause hives to break out in what is commonly called a ‘stress rash’. The hormonal and chemical changes our bodies experience under anxiety and tension cause blood vessels to expand and leak, resulting in red and swollen patches of skin. If drinking a glass (or three) of wine is your way to manage stress, think again. Alcohol can increase the severity of hives, as can heat. Most stress rashes go away within a few days, though some can persist for weeks. You can help relieve swelling and itching with a cool compress or ice pack. Over-the-counter antihistamines may also be an option but always check with your medical practitioner before taking medication to address the effect of stress on skin.  Calm your mind and skin  It’s clear stress and skin health are linked. Any of the above signs could be your skin sending a message to reduce tension in your life. We know this is easier said than done, but a few simple steps in the right direction can help reduce the skin conditions caused by stress. Get more quality sleep Stress and a lack of sleep are a disastrous combination for your skin. If you’re so stressed that it’s hard to sleep, you’ll get stuck in a cycle of stress-related insomnia. Try shutting down all screen time at least an hour before bed and use essential oils in the bedroom with calming properties to encourage restful sleep. Sticking to a regular schedule will also help - go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Hit the gym, park, or yoga mat You’ve heard it before but here’s a reminder - exercise is a major stress reliever. Regular exercise has the power to transform your body, your spirits, and your skin! If you’re not up to an all-out sweat session, gentle activities like yoga or even a 10 minute stretching session are great ways to reduce the effect of stress on skin too. Embrace the power of No If you’re naturally the “Yes, I’ll be there/ help/do it” type, learning to say “No” takes practice but it’s so worth it! When you get better at declining demands on your time that don’t serve you, you’ll cut the stress of trying to juggle it all and simplify your life. Plus, you’ll find more time to do the things that do serve and energise you. Create self-care rituals to soothe anxiety Self-care is about being good to yourself and your mental health. Simple, self-care rituals can give you a little space to take a much needed mental break and minimise the effect of stress on skin. Don’t underestimate the power of creating a calm mental oasis during your day - even if it’s just a few minutes. We’ve put together a list of easy self-care ideas to inspire you to introduce more ‘me time’ into your day and dial down stress levels. Our favourite? Turning your skincare routine into a self-care ritual!  

Learn

Signs Your Skin Routine is Damaging Your Skin

Is your skin routine doing your complexion more harm than good? Signs the products you’re using are damaging your skin include dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation and excessive oil. You might be using the wrong products in your skin routine, overusing products, or having an allergic reaction to an ingredient or formulation. Be on the lookout for these signs that your skincare routine is hurting, not helping, your complexion. You’re breaking out regularly Have you noticed your skin is breaking out more often? This is an indicator that an ingredient or combination of ingredients in your skincare regimen isn’t playing nice with your skin. If you’ve just introduced a new skincare product or makeup and your skin is breaking out, the formulation might not be suitable for your skin, causing aggravation. There is a caveat here. Some products will cause your skin to ‘purge’ itself of toxins as part of the process to achieve clearer, fresher skin. If this is the case, a round of breakouts isn’t something to worry about as the product is doing its job. Some common ingredients and treatments that can trigger your skin to purge include: Exfoliating hydroxy acids Cleansing brushes, peels and microdermabrasion treatments Vitamin C Benzoyl peroxide Retinoids Bentonite clay It’s a good idea to choose lower strength products and gradually build to higher potencies as your skin adapts. Unsure if your skin is purging or having a bad reaction? One way to tell is if pimples are appearing in areas you don’t usually breakout. For example, if you usually have pimples in the t-zone but are experiencing breakouts around the side of your face and cheeks it could be a bad reaction. Your skin is extremely oily  The overproduction of oil can be a sign you’re over-cleansing your skin. Your skin needs a certain amount of its natural oils (sebum) to stay healthy and balanced. If your cleansing routine is stripping your face completely of oil, skin goes into overdrive producing sebum to try to counteract the loss of oil. This process leads to more oil on your skin than normal which can keep you trapped in a cycle of over-cleansing in an effort to get rid of the oil. This isn’t a healthy skincare regimen for oily skin. You need to use a cleanser that’s right for your skin type. If your skin feels taut and tight after cleansing, it’s a sign that your cleanser is too harsh. Choose a gentler cleanser and make sure you’re applying moisturiser or facial oil after cleansing - even if you have an oily skin type. Dry patches have popped up Is your complexion scattered with dry, rough and peeling patches? This can be a sign of over-exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps to shed dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, radiant skin sitting below the surface but you need to be cautious not to go overboard. Other signs you’re exfoliating too frequently include redness, irritation, and breakouts. The first thing to do is stop exfoliating. Give your skin time to heal and return to its baseline texture - the texture it was prior to irritation. You should also switch to a mild cleanser and fragrance-free moisturiser or face oil to treat your skin with extra care while it heals. As a guide, only exfoliate once or twice a week to help speed up skin cell turnover without causing damage. Sensitive skin types should exfoliate less. The appearance of dry patches can also indicate you’re not using the right product for your skin type. For example, if you have a dry skin type, using oil-absorbing products will leave skin even drier with red, scaly patches. Read our guide to the different skin types to help determine the right products for your skin. Your skin is red & inflamed Inflamed, red skin is a classic sign of irritated skin. If you notice redness developing - whether it fades or persistently sticks around - it could be time to evaluate your skincare routine. A complicated skincare routine can trigger inflammation as too many products with potent ingredients can wreak havoc on your skin. For example, exfoliating with an AHA based product, using a serum with a high percentage vitamin C, followed by a strong retinol moisturiser and then a skin brightening treatment. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the product - they can have a place in your face regime. The issue is applying them to the skin in quick succession can leave it red, stressed, and inflamed. Products with harsh or aggravating ingredients can also cause the skin to flare up. Some problematic ingredients known for sensitising skin include artificial fragrances, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), silicones, petrochemicals, and synthetic emollients. Try to avoid these ingredients in your skin routine. Or, you simply may have a personal reaction to an ingredient or a mix of ingredients - it’s not a reflection of the quality of the formulation. If you have sensitive skin, chances of a reaction to products are higher as your skin barrier is already vulnerable. Even ingredients that aren’t usually considered irritants can cause your skin to react. Sensitive skin loves routine so once you find products that work for you, stick with them. Tips for healing skin damaged by your skin routine Strip your skincare routine back to basics If your skin is stressed, layering product after product on won’t help it - the best skin regimen for a damaged complexion is a simple one. Get back to the basics for a few days using just a gentle cleanser and moisturiser or facial oil to give your skin a chance to breathe and heal. You can slowly re-introduce additional products or treatments designed to assist the healing process. Use a gentle cleanser No matter what sign of distress your skin is giving you, a gentle face wash can help minimise symptoms while keeping your skin clean. Try esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser for a deep, yet gentle clean suitable for all skin types. Patch test Prevention is better than a cure! Put a small amount of the product on your wrist (where the skin is thinner) or the side of your neck and cover the area with a small bandage. If you don’t see any reaction in 24 hours it should be fine to use the product on your face. Always read the ingredients label Read through all the ingredients on the product or packaging. The higher up the list an ingredient is, the more there is of it in the formulation. Steer clear of the sensitising products we mentioned earlier and any ingredients you’ve previously had a reaction too. Any of the above symptoms sound familiar? If you’d like guidance on the best skincare regimen for you, book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey!  

LearnSkin careSkin Health

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!  

Learn

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!

Learn

What Causes Dry Skin?

The causes of dry skin can be complex - anything from genetics to your skincare habits can be causing your flaky skin woes. Read on to find out more about what triggers dry skin and our suggested routine to care for it.  An intro to dry skin Before we look at the causes of dry skin, let’s find out more about what dry skin is and the difference between a dry skin type and a dry skin condition. The outer layer of your skin is known as the stratum corneum - or skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is made up of dead cells and enough natural protective oils (sebum) to help trap in moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth. The root cause of dry skin is a lack of protective oil in the outer layer. When the protective oils are diminished, the skin loses its capacity to hold onto moisture and dry skin in the result. Dry skin type vs dry skin condition You may have what is known as ‘true’ dry skin - which means you have a dry skin type. Dry skin types produce less sebum which means the skin barrier is naturally lacking oil making it more susceptible to dryness and damage. On the other hand, you may be experiencing a dry skin condition - where dryness is temporary and has been triggered by some of the causes of dry skin we’ll look at shortly. Even oily skin types can experience dry symptoms, especially if the skin is dehydrated. Signs of dry skin include: Rough or itchy skin Flaky skin Redness and irritation Skin feels tight Small, fine wrinkles Thin, fragile skin Cracks and bleeding in severe cases Causes of dry skin What causes dry skin on the face? Whether you have naturally dry skin or are experiencing temporary dryness some of the following things can exacerbate or cause the problem. Seasonal changes (especially winter!) Following the same skincare routine year-round might not work so well when temperatures drop. Winter is one of the main causes of dry skin for all skin types. If you’re experiencing temporary dryness try adding a richer moisturising formulation than you might use in summer to target flaky, dry patches. Facial oil makes an excellent moisturiser for dry skin in winter to help it better cope with the seasonal change. Oils contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants which help seal in moisture to keep the skin hydrated. If you are a true dry skin type, your routine should be focused on relieving dry skin year-round but you’ll need to take extra care during the winter months. Skin is also prone to dryness in summer. Spend too long in the sun without protection and skin will gradually lose moisture and essential oils, appearing dry, flaky, and more wrinkled. Bottom line: Never skip the SPF! Skincare ingredients Avoid ingredients with the potential to irritate or cause loss of oil or moisture. A few of the worst offenders include: Sodium lauryl sulfate Fragrance Potent prescription retinoids Sodium laureth sulfate Sodium tallowate (in soap) Salicylic acid What about the ingredients dry skin needs? Ingredients with occlusive, emollient, and humectant properties play vital roles in treating the causes of dry skin. Occlusives - The cornerstone of dry skin treatments, occlusive ingredients form a seal over the skin, helping trap moisture in. Emollients - Smooth and soften dry, rough skin. Humectants - Have the ability to pull moisture to the skin’s surface from the air and the deeper layers of skin. Key ingredients to remedy the causes of dry skin include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), shea butter, rose essential oil, and squalene. Ageing As we age, the sebaceous glands produce less oil and it becomes harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness, more wrinkles, and a rougher appearance. Not only does skin produce less oil, but the amount of hyaluronic acid present in our bodies also declines. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that plays a key role in skin hydration. Even if you have an oily skin type, you will find your complexion becoming drier with age. Skincare habits A simple change to your skincare habits can eliminate some of the causes of dry skin. Over-cleansing Cleansing your skin too frequently or using a harsh cleanser quickly depletes the skin of the natural oils that act as its first defence against external irritants and help seal in moisture. Cleansing in the morning and evening is a must but if you’re experiencing a bout of excessive dryness, steer clear of gel cleansers and opt for a gentle cream or oil cleanser instead. Over-exfoliating Just like over-cleansing, excessive exfoliation will quickly spell dry, flaky skin. This is one of the common causes of dry skin in oily skin types with large pores. Overdoing exfoliation with the intent to keep pores clear of bacteria and oil build-up leads to stripped skin and a dry, damaged barrier. Keep exfoliation sessions to a maximum of twice a week and even less if you have a dry skin type. When you do exfoliate, it's important to replenish the lost oils and moisture lost from your skin by following up with a moisturiser or face oil. Applying moisturiser at the wrong time Knowing when you apply your moisturiser can help minimise dry skin. Following cleansing, while your face is still damp, the skin is porous and more receptive to products. If you apply moisturiser to completely dry skin, you’ll miss this window of maximum absorption. Not drinking enough water How much water do you drink each day? Skincare is only one part of the equation when it comes to solving the causes of dry skin. If you’re not sufficiently hydrated, you’ll still be dealing with the signs of dry skin, no matter how great your skincare routine is. Including more healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 oils can boost the moisture-holding capacity of the skin, too. Foods like salmon, flaxseed, and plant oils are good sources of healthy fats - get more of them on your plate!  Skincare routine for dry skin Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser Gently removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. Skin Treats Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for hydrated, plumper, and repaired skin. A superior dry skin treatment. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Non-greasy, it’s perfect for combination to dry skin as a moisturiser to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist A hydrating and refreshing snack through the day to help replenish, rehydrate, and refresh your skin. Booster Masks Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone, and heal damaged skin. Sunscreen Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Every skin care routine for dry skin should include SPF protection and this non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection. If you have any questions about the best dry skin treatment for your skin, book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. We’re here to help!  

Learn

5 of the Best Active Ingredients

When it comes to skincare, ingredients are everything! Understanding what active ingredients are and how they go to work on your skin is key to making smart product choices. Let’s dive in and take a look at the basics of active ingredients and some of the best picks for various skin concerns. What Exactly ARE Active Ingredients? Put simply, an ‘active’ is the ingredient included in a skincare formulation to target a specific skincare concern. It changes the skin in a particular way - it’s the ingredient responsible for doing the work that the skincare product says it will do for you. For example, a cleanser promising to brighten skin may use the active components of vitamin C - which has potent brightening properties - to banish dull skin. Sometimes a product won’t contain any active ingredients but that doesn’t mean they don’t work. A cleanser without active ingredients doesn’t make a claim to target a skin concern in particular - ie, acne or dullness. It’s simply a functional product that cleanses the skin. 5 The Best Active Ingredients For Your Skin Let’s take a look at 5 of the best active ingredients to treat common skin concerns. 1. Retinols (Vitamin A) for anti-aging (skin firming & smoothing) One of the best skincare ingredients in an anti-ageing routine, retinols (also known as retinoids) are antioxidants derived from Vitamin A. They do an incredible job of stimulating skin cell turnover to leave skin looking smoother and minimising fine lines. Use retinol as part of your regular routine to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. With time, you’ll see firmer skin with a smoother, more even skin tone. Some people may experience temporary redness, flakiness, peeling when first using retinol - everyone’s skin reacts a little differently. It’s usually paired with hydrating ingredients - like hyaluronic acid - in skincare formulations to combat any dryness or irritation.  2. Peptides to boost collagen These are other active ingredients you’ll want to include in your anti-ageing routine. Peptides - found in the epidermis and dermis layers - are the building blocks of new collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Essentially, they play a crucial role in the firmness, texture and overall appearance of your complexion. Without them, skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles and fine lines begin to creep in. Your skin’s natural collagen production slows with age - adding skincare products with peptides will help keep skin looking firmer for longer. When choosing a skincare product with peptides, opt for one with a blend of supportive, skin-replenishing ingredients like antioxidants for the best results. We recommend - Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask. An all-in-one anti ageing gel mask with 24k gold, peptides, and antioxidants to soften fine lines, restore and protect the skin’s natural barrier.   3. Vitamin C to brighten One of the most popular, all-star active ingredients in is Vitamin C thanks to the host of benefits it delivers to skin. It’s known for its potent brightening abilities - smoothing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and lightening the skin overall. An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen stimulator, Vitamin C also wards off free-radical damage and can help stimulate collagen production for firmer looking skin. There are a lot of vitamin C derivatives but the pure form of Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA). The percentage of LAA in a product can range anywhere from 10% - 20%. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is another common form of Vitamin C you’ll find in topical formulations. Vitamin C is best when teamed with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid to boost results. We recommend - Pomegranate Brightening Serum. A hardworking serum which contains Kakadu Plum extract - nature’s most potent source of Vitamin C which is superb for skin brightening.   4. Hyaluronic acid for hydration Hyaluronic acid has an amazing ability to attract water - it helps plump skin by restoring the skin’s moisture barrier. It can actually hold 1000x times its weight in water making it incredibly effective at boosting the skin’s moisture levels. The best active ingredient for hydration, hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in your body. Found in your joints and skin, it helps maintain strength and elasticity. All skin types are susceptible to dehydration - oily, dry, sensitive and combination - so every routine will benefit from the hydrating powers of this active ingredient. We recommend - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin.   5. Alpha hydroxy acids to clear congested skin Regular exfoliation should be part of every skincare regimen. Sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliation instantly improves skin tone and texture for brighter, fresher looking skin. This is where alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) step in. Unlike physical exfoliators - think face scrubs with granules - AHAs are active ingredients that are classed as a chemical exfoliant. They dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together and this allows easy removal of dry dead cells without needing to physically scrub the skin. AHAs leave skin soft and smooth and stimulate cell turnover. Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are common AHAs. Lactic acid is the most gentle AHA and ideal for sensitive skin types. We recommend - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Containing a blend of lactic and glycolic acid, this powerful duo works together to slough away dead skin on the surface, reducing the appearance of blackheads and drawing out impurities.   Makeup that contains active ingredients Skincare isn’t the only thing we put on our skin, right? Choosing ‘actives’ in your makeup ingredients is a great way to double down on the beauty ingredients your skin can benefit from. Our Loose Mineral Foundation is formulated with allantoin which is an active ingredient with moisturising and anti-irritant properties. Allantoin also promotes the renewal of cells and speeds up wound healing. You’ll find the actives hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) in our Liquid Mineral Foundation and Mineral BB Cream too - alongside other natural makeup ingredients to benefit the skin. Not sure what active ingredients are best for you? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant - the team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.  

Learn

What is Causing Your Blackheads?

Blackheads cause a lot of skin angst. Those tiny black bumps that blemish the face are common, stubborn and frustrating! We take a look at why they happen and the best skincare ingredients to treat them. What are blackheads?  Before we share the best ways to treat blackheads on your skin, let's look at blackhead causes. The scientific name for a blackhead is an ‘open comedone’. It’s essentially a pore clogged with a mix of dead skin, sebum (your skin’s oil) and dirt that has opened a little and been exposed to air. This makes the pore an ideal environment for acne causing bacteria (P. Acnes) to flourish. The air turns dirt, oil and dead skin trapped in the pore black; which is how a blackhead gets its name. If you have an oily skin type with large pores, you’re more likely to have blackheads. What causes clogged pores? To discover the root of blackhead causes, we need to take a look at why your pores become blocked up in the first place. Preventing blocked pores is the key to minimising or eliminating the appearance of blackheads. Your skincare routine Poor skincare habits like not cleansing your skin properly and sleeping with makeup on is a key culprit in blocking pores and causing blackheads. Thoroughly cleansing your skin on a daily basis is a must to keep pores free of the build up. Even if you’re committed to your skincare routine, you could be using products with comedogenic ingredients. Essentially, comedogenic ingredients increase the chances of blackhead causing blocked pores. Certainly not all comedogenic ingredients aren’t bad - many are extremely beneficial for skin in other ways - but the chances of your pores becoming clogged are higher. On the other hand, non-comedogenic describes products or ingredients likely to help us avoid skin pore blockages. Do your research into the different ingredients in your skincare products to discover how they rate on the comedogenic scale. It’s important to know that everyone will experience blackheads using comedogenic ingredients. Those with naturally dry skin, and small pores may not be affected at all by comedogenic ingredients. Makeup Wearing makeup, especially heavy makeup, can increase the chances of blackhead causing debris to build up in your pores. Like skincare, makeup formulations can contain comedogenic ingredients that increase the chance of the pore becoming blocked. If you wear makeup, one of the best ways to prevent blackheads is to choose non-comedogenic mineral cosmetics. Mineral makeup is made up of tiny particles of naturally occurring minerals including iron oxide, zinc oxide, talc and titanium oxide. It’s free from ingredients that can cause blackheads like parabens, binders and fillers. Mineral makeup is ideal for combination or oily skin as it helps absorb excess oil and cover breakouts without actually making them worse. Excess oil production Clogged pores and blackheads are very common around the nose and chin area. For some skin types, especially oily skin, there is an increased production of oil in these areas, which attracts more dirt and debris to the area - increasing the chances of the pore becoming clogged. Slow cellular turnover As we age the rate of cellular turnover slows down. Basically, the skin takes longer to produce new, fresh cells in the deeper layers of skin and push them to the surface. Slow cellular turnover can also trigger pores to become larger and increase the chance of blockage. Cellular turnover can also slow down due to certain lifestyle choices like spending too much time in the sun, poor diet, smoking and stress. How to treat blackheads Now you know what causes blackheads and how your pores become blocked, what’s the best way to get rid of blackheads? Blackheads cause a lot more trouble for your skin if you squeeze them. Picking your pores to clear blockages is not a healthy long term solution for your skin! Continually stressing your skin by squeezing the pores causes wear and tear and can even make them bigger - and more prone to becoming clogged - over time. There should be little to no pain when unclogging your pores. Chemical exfoliants Chemical exfoliants act in a different way to physical exfoliants - think face scrubs with particles that need you to manually scrub the skin. Instead, chemical exfoliant ingredients work to dissolve the excess oil and dead skin cells that block pores and cause blackheads. There are two types of chemical exfoliants: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). The two most popular AHAs in skincare are glycolic and lactic acids - lactic acid is the most gentle AHAs - and BHA refers to salicylic acid. Don’t let the term ‘acid’ scare you. AHAs and BHA are naturally occurring acids derived fruits, milk, and sugarcane. Some skin types may find salicylic acid can excessively irritate and dry the skin - glycolic and lactic acids can be a kinder choice for skin. Used daily, a cleanser with gentle exfoliating acids will prevent the blackheads before they form and help clear existing pores. Blackheads cause your skin to take on an uneven, bumpy look so gentle exfoliation will promote a smoother looking complexion too. We recommend: esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser With Anti-Redness Bentonite clay Bentonite soaks up extra oil from the skin, a little like a paper towel for sebum, and is known for its ability to draw out toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals from the skin too. This is why bentonite is beneficial for skin types prone to blackheads as it keeps the skin clean and as oil-free as possible. When it comes to beating blackheads, using products aimed at regulating oil flow is key. Bentonite can be quite drying, so you’ll want a product formulation containing bentonite clay to have a good balance of ingredients that help the skin retain moisture too. We recommend: esmi Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Activated charcoal Think of activated charcoal as a magnet to draw dirt out of pores; it’s great at adsorption. Adsorption (not absorption) occurs when molecules of one substance bind to the surface of another—in this case, activated charcoal. The build-up blackheads cause inside the pore is drawn out of the skin by the activated charcoal and washed away when you rinse. The types of products to get rid of blackheads containing activated charcoal ranges from soaps to serums and masks. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Blackheads cause skin stress and frustration but we’re here to help! Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.

Learn

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.  

Learn

Revive Dull Skin

Get your glow back! 5 common causes of dull skin and tips for reclaiming your radiance. Dull skin is used to describe skin that lacks a healthy glow. It can appear lacklustre, tired, and may feel bumpy or uneven to touch. A few underlying issues can cause your skin to look less than its vibrant best.   Dead Skin Cells Are Building Up   If you don’t exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells and other debris build up on the skin’s surface. This build up is usually the main cause of dull skin. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to address - the quickest way to brighten up dull skin is to exfoliate! Exfoliation removes the dead, dull skin cells and other toxic pollution particles on the skin’s surface. The result? Fresher cells are revealed and skin appears brighter, clearer, and more even. Read our guide to the Different Types Of Exfoliants to discover the best choice for your skin. Bottom line? Exfoliation needs to be part of your weekly routine. Our Gentle-foliants range offers exfoliation solutions for congested, sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin.   You’re Dehydrated   To get that healthy glow and banish dullness, skin must be properly hydrated. Dehydrated skin lacks water and is a condition that can happen to any skin type. The symptoms can include dullness, itchiness, more pronounced fine lines, under eye circles, and increased sensitivity. Address dehydration by choosing dull skin treatments which include humectant ingredients. Acting like a personal hydration magnet for cells, a humectant ingredient draws water from the atmosphere and deeper layers of skin, to the surface. This keeps your stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) hydrated and healthy. The best products for dull skin in need of hydration include these humectant ingredients: Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant with superior hydration qualities. Acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skin’s cells. Hyaluronic acid is revered for its ability to hold x1000 its own weight in water. Niacinamide: Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Double down on boosting hydration levels by topping them up from the inside too. Fill your plate - and smoothies - up with water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum helps increase hydration from the inside out. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the serum also contains Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) which will help to balance skin and regulate oil flow. Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo The lightweight hydrating properties address multiple skin concerns at once - healing, protecting and hydrating.   You’re Surrounded By Air Pollution   We’re all aware of the damage the sun can do when you get out and about without SPF. But did you realise being exposed to air pollution can cause skin trouble too? Nanoparticles in some forms of air pollution are small enough that they can actually become trapped in the pore and trigger free-radical damage. Left unchecked, this damage can lead to the deterioration of skin health including dullness, uneven skin tone, and other premature signs of ageing. If you live in a busy city area where pollution levels are high, the answer isn’t as drastic as relocating! A double cleanse in the evening is the ideal way to remove every trace of debris, including nasty nanoparticles, from your skin. A weekly exfoliation session will help keep your pores clear of pollutants too.   Vitamin Rich Foods Aren’t A Big Part Of Your Diet   Your bathroom cabinet is stocked with dull skin remedies but you’re not seeing much improvement? You may need to switch up your diet. Skin looks dull when we don’t eat enough foods rich in vitamins - and too much of the unhealthy stuff! Certain food and drinks (you know the culprits - alcohol, caffeine and sugar) may contribute to skin looking dull and dehydrated. Diet tips for dull skin? Keep your skin radiant with healthy choices including carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, salmon, papaya, avocado, spinach, kale, and blueberries - to name a few! Try swapping your coffee for a green tea. Sipping on this antioxidant-loaded tea is incredibly beneficial for the health of your skin.   Hyperpigmentation Can Cause Dull Skin   If your skin is lacking a healthy colour, dullness may have shown up all over the skin - or maybe it’s isolated to certain dark spots, known as hyperpigmentation. The best way to address dullness due to pigmentation is to include active brightening ingredients in your skincare routine. Vitamin C is one of the best actives to help brighten skin and minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. There are a lot of vitamin C derivatives but the pure form of Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA). The percentage of LAA in a product can range anywhere from 10% - 20%. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is another common form of Vitamin C you’ll find in topical formulations. We recommend - Pomegranate Brightening Serum. This hardworking serum contains Kakadu Plum extract - nature’s most potent source of Vitamin C which is superb for skin brightening.   You Have A Dry Skin Type   ‘Dry' is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. It’s common for this skin type to feel tight, rough, and look dull. Or, you may be experiencing temporary dryness due to a change in weather, hot showers, and indoor heating which can all have a drying effect on skin - no matter your skin type. Earlier we mentioned that dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin, on the other hand, lacks oil. Without enough oil, it’s a struggle for the skin to retain moisture which can lead to excessive flaking and overall dullness. Caring for dry skin is all about helping it retain natural oils and moisture. Discover our recommended esmi Skin Minerals routine for dry skin here.   Have questions about choosing the best skincare for dull skin? Have a chat with our team of skincare experts. Book your free skin consultation today!  

AcneLearn

What Type Of Acne Do I Have?

The different types of acne can be classified under two broad categories - non inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. Use our guide to help you choose the right skincare and treatments to clear up the type of acne you’re dealing with. Non-Inflammatory types of acne These are the most common types of acne that can generally be treated with a great at-home skin routine designed to target acne. Occasionally naturopathic or over the counter treatments may be required too. Blackheads A blackhead is a pore clogged with dead skin, sebum and dirt that has opened a little and been exposed to air. Its scientific name is an ‘open comedone’ but the term blackhead comes from the fact the exposure to air turns dirt, oil and dead skin trapped in the pore black. Blackheads can show up on any skin type but are most common for oily and combination skin types. Whiteheads The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that a whitehead hasn’t been exposed to the air. The pore is still blocked by the same type of build up - dead skin cells, oil, and sebum - but remains closed. Without exposure to air, it doesn’t turn black. The scientific name for a white head is a ‘closed comedone.’ How to treat blackheads and whiteheads The key is to deal with blackheads and whiteheads before they become one of the more inflammatory types of acne. Here are a few of the ingredients you could include in your skincare routine to target the issue Salicylic acid Glycolic and lactic acids (gentler on the skin that salicylic acid which can be very drying) Bentonite clay Activated charcoal You’ll also benefit from ingredients that deliver deep hydration to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, and those that balance oil and heal the skin post breakout. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum We know it can be tempting to squeeze and dig at the pore to remove them but doing this without the proper tools will make things worse. Chances are you’ll spread the acne bacteria to other parts of your skin and also risk scarring. If you have a serious case of blackheads or whiteheads, we suggest consulting an esthetician or dermatologist for professional extraction. Inflammatory types of acne (mild to moderate) The two types of acne on the lower end of the inflammatory scale are the types of pimples known as papules and pustules. An acne papule is an inflamed blemish that looks like a red bump on the skin that can be tender to touch. Pustules are pimples that contain pus. They appear as small white or yellow spots surrounded by a swollen reddish area which is often hard and painful to touch. Both acne papules and acne pustules can form as the result of leaving blackheads and whiteheads untreated. Large groups of either type of pimple may be classified as moderate or severe acne. For teens, it’s common to find papules and pustules on other areas of the body, particularly back acne. They can also be considered hormonal acne as it’s common to have them appear during puberty, or at stages during the menstrual cycle. How to treat acne papules and pustules As mentioned earlier, glycolic and lactic acids are effective ingredients to remove dead skin cells and other debris. Retinoids (Vitamin A) is also a good choice - it prevents pores from clogging stopping breakouts before they even begin developing. In addition, look for natural antibacterial ingredients in cleansers, oils, and serums that target inflammation and redness. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Peppermint Green Oil (Ideal for teens) Hydrating & Nourishing Duo (Ideal for teens) Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum You could also consult a professional for homeopathic remedy options. A remedy is recommended based on your unique set of symptoms, including (but not limited to) acne symptoms. Inflammatory types of acne(severe) Cysts and nodules are the most severe form of acne. Cystic acne is a highly inflammatory type of acne, rooted deep beneath the skin. It presents as red, pus filled bumps that are usually painful to touch and have a high chance of scarring. This type of acne is strongly linked to hormones - your genetics can also play a role here too. Nodules and cysts are similar in the sense that they both form deep within the skin but nodules aren’t pus filled and have no visible head. Serious types of acne usually require professional attention. Severe acne treatment can prescription medication, homeopathic therapy, and treatments like laser therapy or extraction - in addition to a targeted skincare routine. On the skincare front, look for products that not only target acne bacteria and inflammation but are also deeply nourishing for the skin. Many prescription medications and treatments for severe acne are strong and can leave the skin vulnerable. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie (Ideal to use after laser, IPL or diathermy treatment) Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo (ideal for teens) Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Need help choosing the right products to treat acne? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey!  

Learn

Myths About Wrinkles

“What can I do about my wrinkles?” Type that into Google and you’ll find information from all corners of the internet about this universal skin concern - but don’t believe everything you read. We’re debunking some of the big myths out there about wrinkles! How wrinkles form Before we get to debunking some of the most common myths around wrinkles, let’s take a look at how they form in the first place. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give the skin its structure and firmness. When these proteins break down - due to age or skin damage - the skin begins to lose its shape and doesn’t bounce back like it once did. This leads to various types of fine lines and wrinkles forming. Superficial lines: Very fine lines that can be easily improved with the right anti-ageing skincare products. Dynamic lines: These are laugh lines and eye wrinkles in the corners of your eyes. They are caused by repeated facial expressions - like smiling - but aren’t as obvious when your face is relaxed. Static wrinkles: These are deep set in the dermal layer of skin and are visible even when your face is relaxed. Some forehead wrinkles and under eye wrinkles are examples. Now it’s time to debunk some of the most common myths about wrinkles! Myth #1 - There’s one ‘magic’ product or ingredient that can address all your wrinkle concerns There is no single magic anti-wrinkle cream or ingredient to erase the appearance of fine lines. The best anti-ageing skincare routines work to improve the look of wrinkles and age-related concerns in multiple steps. From cleansers and moisturisers to overnight masks and serums, each product can play a role in supporting healthy, firm skin. Include products in your routine that contain ingredients that can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, including: Hyaluronic acid - Deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimises fine lines. Vitamin A - Revered for its anti-ageing benefits, Vitamin A can cause the dermis to thicken for firmer skin and brighten skin. Hydroxy acids - Can remove dead skin cells and are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C - Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and smooths for an even skin tone. Omega Fatty Acids - Assist in delivering positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness. Peptides - Can improve collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores.  Myth #2 - The more anti-wrinkle treatments you use, the faster the results When it comes to your anti-ageing skincare routine - good things come to those who wait! You need to be patient. Using a whole arsenal of wrinkle treatments doesn’t necessarily mean instant results. Products improve the look of concerns like under eye wrinkles and forehead wrinkles over time - your skincare efforts will pay off in the long run. Myth #3 - All sunscreen will help protect your skin from wrinkles Instead of searching for the ‘best wrinkle cream’ focus on using sunscreen instead - the sun is the number one cause of premature ageing. The sun’s UV rays are damaging to your skin all year round. Not just during summer or on hot days. The sun emits two types of rays that affect the skin - UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin and speed up the breakdown of collagen, causing wrinkles to develop faster than the natural pace of ageing. UVB rays cause the skin to burn and too much exposure to either UVA or UVB can lead to skin cancers. Not all sunscreens are created equal - you need to choose one with broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. If sunscreen doesn’t provide broad-spectrum protection, your skin is protected against UVB but still vulnerable to the damage of UVA rays. Wearing daily broad-spectrum SPF is the best way to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines forming. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Myth #4 - Beyond a certain age, it’s “too late” to address wrinkle concerns While the saying “Prevention is better than the cure” is true for skincare, even if you don’t get started with a great anti-ageing routine until your later years, all is not lost. The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines can still be improved with the right approach. That said, it’s never too early to be proactive about protecting your skin - especially with daily SPF - to help slow the signs of ageing. Myth #5 - “Mum had great skin so I don’t have to worry” Genetics plays a big role in how your skin will age. If you look at how your mum’s skin has aged, your skin will likely age in a similar way. However, good genetics can’t make up for things that can damage and age your skin prematurely like smoking, spending too much time in the sun, chronic stress, and poor sleeping habits. Just because your mum looks great for her age, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to how you treat your skin or skip an anti-ageing skincare routine. Myth #6 - Sticking with the same skincare routine will slow signs of ageing Consistency is important when it comes to skincare but sticking with the same routine, every year, all year round isn’t always helpful. Your skin’s needs change not only as you age but also during different seasons of the year. Your summer routine, for example, might not give the support your skin needs during the colder months. Fine lines and wrinkles may seem more pronounced in winter when the air is less humid and indoor heating quickly strips moisture from the skin. For your healthiest skin at every age and in every season keep an eye on how your skin is behaving and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Best Anti-ageing Skincare Routine Even if you live a super healthy lifestyle and pay careful attention to your skin, ageing - and the wrinkles that come along with it! - are an inevitable part of life. The good news is there’s plenty that can be done to improve the look of existing wrinkles and slow the speed at which new ones appear. We recommend the below skincare routine to assist in improving the appearance of ageing skin concerns, including wrinkles and fine lines. Gentle cream cleanser The best anti-ageing skincare cleansers are gentle as skin becomes drier, thinner and more sensitive with age. Look for cream cleansers enriched with ingredients to plump, hydrate and soften skin. Gentle cleansers won’t strip your skin of natural oils. Cleanse in the morning and evening. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Antioxidant rich serum - morning and evening Serums deliver a higher dose of ingredients, including anti-ageing antioxidants and peptides than other anti-aging face creams. Why? Their smaller molecules allow them to penetrate deeper into the layers of skin. Choose a serum for the morning and evening which contain combinations of different antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin C. We recommend: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Facial oil to moisturise Rosehip oil, avocado, jojoba, squalane, and argan are some of the best anti-ageing skincare products. Facial oils are typically a single oil or an oil mixture made up of retinol and acids. 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 Sunscreen The #1 step to slowing signs of ageing skin is applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily. The best anti-ageing sunscreens also contain active ingredients such as vitamins C and E, sometimes A (retinoids) and B3 to nourish while protecting skin. Finish with a foundation that provides additional sun protection. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30  Hydrating night time mask treatment Focus on hydration and addressing skin ageing concerns with a mask treatment while you rest. Mature skin will benefit from overnight masks with antioxidants to fight free radicals and boost collagen and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and amino acids can assist to soften fine lines, even skin tone, brighten, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. We recommend: Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Exfoliate weekly Physical or chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layers which can minimise the look of fine lines and photoaging. Citric, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and fruit enzymes clear dead skin, and stimulate collagen renewal. Include an under eye wrinkle treatment Provide the delicate skin around your eye with additional anti-aging and firming support for a fresher eye area. We recommend: Anti-Ageing Eye Serum   Need some help putting your best anti-wrinkle skincare routine together? Book your free consultation with our skincare specialists.

Learn

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. Â