Skin Care For Rosacea
How to Treat Rosacea Dealing with rosacea can be stressful. From uncomfortable flushing episodes to severe redness, swelling, and painful bumps it can affect your confidence, lifestyle, and pose serious skin issues if left untreated. Our skin care experts share what triggers rosacea plus must-have products and skin care tips on how to treat rosacea symptoms. What is Rosacea? Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition. Itâs characterised by redness, sensitivity, and uncomfortable flushing episodes that cause skin to turn bright red and heat up. Extreme dryness and acne-like pustules and bumps are also common. The ârosacea spectrumâ is very broad. The severity of symptoms can range from a prolonged blush or persistently rosy cheeks to painful stinging, burning sensations, and extreme, constant redness. Whether youâve been dealing with rosacea for years or itâs suddenly appeared, it usually begins with episodes of the skin flushing red and can increase to: Permanent redness Bumps Sensitised skin - burning / stinging sensations Capillaries becoming visible Thickening skin If left untreated, rosacea can have long-reaching skin health implications and take a toll on your confidence. How is rosacea diagnosed? Your dermatologist or health practitioner will do a physical examination of your skin and usually ask questions about your medical history. The symptoms of some allergies, acne and lupus can appear similar to rosacea so your health practitioner will want to rule those out before making the diagnosis of rosacea. What causes rosacea? The skin redness, bumps and flushing associated with rosacea can be triggered by any number of factors. Usually, things that raise your body temperature including: Alcohol Spicy foods Hot, humid weather Hot showers Sun exposure Stress Vigorous exercise Heated rooms Using the wrong skincare products can also lead to red flare ups. Skin with rosacea can be highly sensitive to chemicals, fragrance, and other factors. Best Skincare for Rosacea Treatment While there isnât a cure, you can learn how to treat rosacea by managing symptoms through skin care and lifestyle choices. Using the right skin care to treat rosacea can help to relieve discomfort, reduce flare-ups, and help maximise results from any prescribed oral or topical rosacea medication. Avoid harsh products designed to clear acne If youâre dealing with acne-like symptoms (bumps and pustules) donât use harsh cleansers and drying products aimed at clearing breakouts. Rosacea skin is extremely sensitive and using strong formulations and those that dry out skin only increase irritation and severity of symptoms. Always read the product label and steer clear of these ingredients: Fragrance Alcohol Urea Glycolic acid Lactic acid Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) The Best Skin Products for Rosacea Build your rosacea skin care routine with gentle products containing active ingredients designed to relieve and control symptoms. The key word here is gentle! Focus on ingredients that work to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate, soothe and minimise redness. A few of the best active ingredients to treat rosacea include: Tasmannia lanceolata extract (Mountain Pepper): Cool irritation and strengthen skin Tasmanian Mountain Pepper is native Australian botanical with incredibly potent antioxidant properties for skin barrier strengthening, promoting stronger capillaries and combating free radical damage. Itâs also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial for cooling and minimising irritated, red skin and rosacea flare ups. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness A gentle cream cleanser enriched with redness-minimising and antibacterial Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract to cool inflammation while gently removing impurities. Hyaluronic acid: Super hydrator Donât let the word âacidâ scare you! Hyaluronic acid is a humectant ingredient (an ingredient that attracts water) and is naturally produced by your skin cells to help skin retain moisture. If you have rosacea, your skin barrier is compromised. This means your skin canât hold onto moisture which results in increased sensitivity and rosacea flare ups. Hyaluronic can aid in delivering much-needed hydration to thirsty skin. 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 with a radiant and hydrated glow. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Barrier strengthening Niacinamide will help heal and strengthen a damaged skin barrier. Its anti inflammatory properties can aid in calming an irritated, uncomfortable complexion. We recommend: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie With an energising wild mint aroma, this serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Contains Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Aloe vera: Soothing and moisturising Wondering how to treat rosacea naturally? Aloe Vera is an effective ingredient in plant-based skincare to help calm and soothe red, uncomfortable skin. It helps reduce inflammation and redness, impart hydration and antibacterial properties can assist in targeting the bacteria associated with pustules. We recommend: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie and The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness. Both contain Aloe Vera. Probiotics: Encourage a healthy skin environment Using probiotics (good bacteria) in skincare to treat rosacea can help create an optimal environment for skin health to thrive and stimulate renewal to repair the barrier. In turn, this leads to a decrease in skin sensitivity and the symptoms associated with rosacea. We recommend: Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness This lightweight moisturising lotion is formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool red flushing flare-ups and strengthen hypersensitive skin. Your rosacea skin care routine Hereâs how to put together a daily skin care routine to treat rosacea with our esmi product recommendations: Cleanser: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness (Morning and evening) Serums: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie and / or Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. If you use both, you can apply the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie in your morning routine and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum in the evening. Moisturiser: Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness. If you have extremely dry skin, which is very common for those with rosacea, you can follow with 24K Gold Nourishing Oil. SPF: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 How to Treat Roscaea with Lifestyle Changes Making changes to your lifestyle, along with your skincare routine, will help get rosacea under control: Avoid or reduce alcohol and spicy foods in your diet Keep hydration levels up - with water / fluids and skin care Wear sunscreen daily Stress management Use products with gentle formulations Try different styles / durations of exercise Avoid drying ingredients in skincare products; like alcohol and fragrances Be gentle when touching your skin Cleanse with lukewarm or cool water Avoid hot, steamy showers Paying attention to what specifically triggers rosacea for you will help you make the right lifestyle adjustments. For example, if long, intense cardio workouts always trigger a rosacea flare of red skin and pimples, try switching up your routine. Experiment with shorter workouts or different types of exercise. Medication to treat rosacea A severe case of rosacea may call for oral or topical antibiotics, in combination with a skin care and lifestyle plan for managing symptoms. Please consult with your health practitioner for professional medical advice if you are experiencing extreme symptoms. Treat Your Rosacea with esmi Skin Minerals If you need a hand creating a skin care for rosacea routine, our skin care consultants are excited to help you! Book your free skin care consultation today. Learn More About Skincare 5 Causes Of Red Face And How To Reduce It Skin Care for Perioral Dermatitis How To Get Glowing Skin  Â
5 Causes of Red Face & Ways to Reduce It
Uncontrollable flushing, permanent redness, and ruddy cheeks. Dealing with skin redness can be super stressful and knock your skin confidence. We look at what causes red face and how to treat it. 1. Redness from Rosacea Why is my face always red? The answer may be rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition characterised by red, ruddy skin, and flushing. Symptoms usually begin with episodes of the skin flushing red and can increase to: Permanent redness Bumps Sensitised skin - burning / stinging sensations Capillaries skin becoming visible Thickening skin Symptoms can range from mild to severe but left untreated, rosacea can have long-reaching skin health implications. What causes/triggers rosacea? The skin redness, bumps and flushing associated with rosacea can be triggered by any number of factors. Usually, things that raise your body temperature including: Alcohol Spicy foods Hot, humid weather Hot showers Sun exposure Stress Exercise Dehydration and the wrong skincare products can also lead to frustrating flare ups. Skin with rosacea can be highly sensitive to chemicals, fragrance, and other factors so choosing the right skincare is paramount. Skincare and lifestyle tips for managing rosacea How to get rid of red skin caused by rosacea? Unfortunately, thereâs no cure for rosacea but you can learn how to reduce skin redness with the right lifestyle choice and skin care. Here are some tips: Avoid or reduce alcohol and spicy foods in your diet Keep hydration levels up - with water / fluids and skin care Wear sunscreen daily Use products with gentle formulations Avoid drying ingredients in skincare products; like alcohol and fragrances Be gentle when touching your skin Cleanse with lukewarm or cool water Avoid hot, steamy showers Choose skincare products with anti-inflammatory and hydration promoting ingredients; more on those below! Paying attention to what specifically triggers rosacea for you will help you make the right lifestyle adjustments. Rosacea-friendly skincare ingredients Look for ingredients that reduce inflammation, promote skin hydration, and strengthen the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid: Ultra hydrating Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Barrier strengthening Aloe vera: Soothing and calming Tasmannia lanceolata extract: Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Vitamin C: Potent antioxidant for skin healing Treating Rosacea: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie is an at-home topical treatment for Rosacea using natural & vegan ingredients. With an energising wild mint aroma, this serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Quick absorbing and water based, the Minty Green Smoothie targets inflammation with Tasmannia lanceolata extract, a powerful antioxidant. It also speeds up healing with arnica, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGâs) support collagen and elastin while niacinamide (B3) strengthens the moisture barrier. Infused with aloe veraâs calming, soothing properties. 2. Redness from Sensitive Skin and Irritation Skin sensitivity and redness usually go hand in hand. Sensitive skin has a weakened barrier making it very susceptible to bacteria, allergens, and other irritants that can cause visible red skin. An impaired skin barrier also wonât cope well with certain ingredients in skincare products and easily becomes red and reactive. The key to managing sensitive skin? Using gentle products As a general rule, avoid any of the chemical ingredients known to excessively dry the skin and cause irritation. Some of the main culprits include: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and synthetic fragrances. Many essential oils will also set off sensitive skin so itâs best to opt for fragrance free products. Sensitive skin types need to be mindful of over exfoliation too. Going overboard with exfoliants will damage an already fragile skin barrier even more with microtears and stripping away natural oils it needs to stay healthy. Tips for managing sensitive skin Choose fragrance-free products. Not only in skincare but fabric detergents too. Opt for gentle exfoliating ingredients - avoid scrubs with large particles that can cause microtears in the skin. Of the alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid is the gentlest on skin. Be gentle when cleansing the skin / touching your face. Choose skincare designed to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation. Always wear sunscreen. We recommend: Probiotic Skin Mylck Inflamed, damaged and ultra sensitive skin meets the calming, restorative powers of probiotics in a gentle, lightweight moisturising lotion. The beneficial bacteria in the esmi Probiotic Lysates have been researched and found to help heal and support skinâs natural defences. This Lysate helps to create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive when compromised by outside elements and bad-bacteria. 3. Allergic Reactions Allergies to ingredients and products will show up quickly in your skin in the form of redness, irritation, tingling, or stinging. If youâre experiencing any of those signs, stop using a product immediately. We recommend always doing a patch test on a small area of your neck before applying a new product to your face. Give the patch test 24 hours to see if you experience an adverse reaction. If redness, irritation, and swelling is excessive, please get in touch with your healthcare professional immediately. 4. Natural Flushing Deep red flushing can often be a sign of rosacea but in other cases, some people are simply genetically predisposed to flushing. Especially, as research tells us, after drinking alcohol. If turning red after a glass of wine is something that sounds familiar, this may be the reason for your flushed face. The most obvious approach to managing this kind of flushing is to cut down or avoid drinking alcohol. You can also add a green-based concealer or primer to your makeup stash. They neutralise the colour red making them an ideal choice for skin prone to flushing and redness. 5. Sun Damage Spending too long in the sun without protection not only leaves immediate signs of sunburn it causes long term redness too. Sun damage stretches the small blood vessels, giving your skin a blotchy, red appearance. Broad-spectrum protection. Every. Single. Day. Itâs the golden rule of healthy skincare - wear sunscreen all year round, no matter the season or weather. Not only will this minimise the chance of redness it will save your skin from ageing prematurely, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and dehydration. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB causes damage to the surface of the skin (the visible red burn) while UVA penetrates into the deeper layers of skin. Theyâre responsible for destroying collagen that causes wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 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. What to apply to sunburned skin to soothe and promote healing Accidentally spent a little too much time in the sun? Try these redness-reducing tips to take the sting out of sunburn. Apply light moisturiser with aloe vera, chamomile or other calming ingredients Take a cool shower Drink plenty of water Use aloe vera gel Wet a facecloth and put it in the freezer for a few hours then apply to skin Keep skincare minimal. The less you put on your burnt skin the better and definitely don't exfoliate! If youâve got questions about dealing with redness, whatever the cause, our skin experts are here to help. Book your free consultation with an esmi Skin Consultant for further guidance on how best to treat redness. Discover more The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin Supercharge Your Skincare With Vit C
Oily Skin Care Routine
Why Skin Gets Oily and How to Stop It! Say goodbye to excess oil with this skin care routine designed for oily skin. Oily skin isnât fun. A constantly shiny face, breakouts, and makeup that just seems to slide right off! Whether youâve got naturally oily skin or dealing with a sudden oil increase here we walk you through the steps for shine free skin. The Cause of Sudden Oiliness âWhy is my face so oily all of a sudden!?â The onset of sudden and excessive oiliness can be triggered by a few things - whether you have a âtrueâ oily skin type or not. Change in diet If youâve been overindulging in sweet treats and fried foods this could be the reason for your extra shiny skin! Refined sugar spikes blood sugar levels which has been shown to fuel the overproduction of sebum. Processed, high fat foods like burgers, fries, and pizza also cause this blood sugar spike / oil production effect. Dairy products have been linked to an increase in oily skin too. Using different or overusing skincare products Switched your skincare routine or overusing products - especially exfoliators!? Your skin could be responding with increased oiliness. Overuse of strong products can strip the skin of its natural oils triggering it to create even more oil to compensate. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy Fluctuating hormones can trigger a process of increased sebum production, changes in skin cell activity, and inflammation. Many women experience oily skin during pregnancy even if their skin is usually balanced or dry. Dehydration When the skin is dehydrated (lacking water) it overcompensates by producing more oil. Excessive oiliness can be a sign of dehydration. How to correct sudden skin oiliness Make changes to your skin care routine and diet where you can. Cut back on the sugary, high fat treats and stop going overboard with strong skincare products - step away from the exfoliant! Use skincare products and ingredients that focus on regulating oil flow and hydrating skin - read on for our oily skin recommendations. Skin Routines for Oily Skin Types Having a âtrueâ oily skin type is different from experiencing a sudden increase in sebum; youâre dealing with oil 27/4! Naturally oily skin is characterised by a shiny or greasy appearance, enlarged pores, prone to congestion and breakouts. Skin can also appear thick. Ingredients and skincare habits oil skin types should avoid Heavy occlusive ingredients: Paraffin, mineral oils, petroleum and lanolin. Usually found in thick, heavy moisturisers and can exacerbate oily skin and block pores. Coconut oil: Coconut oil is comedogenic and oily skin types should avoid. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: This chemical is extremely drying for the skin and triggers excessive oil production. Skincare habits to stop Avoid washing your face too often or exfoliating too frequently. Both can strip the skin of its natural oils causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. Using face cleansers that are too drying for the skin (they leave skin feeling âtightâ) also trigger overproduction of oil - even if you only cleanse twice a day. Ingredients to look for in an oily skin routine Hyaluronic acid: A superior hydrating ingredient which encourages balanced oil flow. Niacinamide: Helps strengthen the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Ceramides: Increase water retention properties by strengthening the skin barrier. Kaolin clay: Absorbs excessive oil to regulate sebum production. Activated charcoal: Aids in oil regulation and removes dirt and bacteria from pores AHAs - Glycolic and Lactic acid: Help unclog blocked pores and reduce oil. Cleansing Your Skin Without Stripping It Instead of using a harsh cleanser that dries out skin and creates more oil, opt for a gentle cleanser instead. Formulations with low doses of active ingredients like glycolic and lactic acids cleanse skin while maintaining the oil/moisture balance - skin isnât oily or dry so the skin barrier function stays healthy. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal A gentle cream cleanser 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. Believe It or Not - Oils for Oily Skin! Using oil-based products on greasy skin might sound a little crazy but itâs one of the most effective ways to treat oily skin! Face oils can assist to hydrate, protect and repair the skinâs barrier function. They signal the presence of oil to the sebaceous glands so they donât work overtime creating more. Peppermint Green Oil This lightweight oil will help to balance oil flow whilst helping cool skin and providing antibacterial benefits. Formulated with the natural antioxidant and anti inflammatory benefits of Black Tea Seed Oil plus the antimicrobial and refreshing properties of Peppermint Oil. Boost Your Skin With A Mask Nourish your skin with a face mask for oily skin to keep excess shine at bay and get breakouts under control. Look for active oil-absorbing ingredients designed to help regulate and decrease excess oil from the skinâs surface. Hydrating ingredients also help by boosting hydration levels so the skin doesnât overproduce oil. Beneficial oily skin face mask ingredients: Oil-absorbing Kaolin clay: Absorbs excessive oil to regulate sebum production. Activated charcoal: Aids in oil regulation and removes dirt and bacteria from pores. Hydration promoting Hyaluronic acid: A superior hydrating ingredient which encourages balanced oil flow. Niacinamide: Helps strengthen the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Formulated with activated charcoal and kaolin clay, the mask's powerful detoxifying properties aid in regulating oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. The result? A brighter, more balanced complexion. Say Goodbye to Oily Skin with a Tri Essentials Bundle Get the essentials to help tackle oily skin with our Tri Essentials Bundle With your choice of a Cleanser, Skin Treat, and Booster Mask you can get your oily skin routine products in one handy bundle. Easy!
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 shouldnât strip your skin of all hydration and oil. This disturbs your skinâs 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, youâll 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 skinâs appearance over time. If youâre looking to address ageing skin concerns, youâll 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. Itâs 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 skinâs 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 youâll 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 skinâs 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. Â
How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars
The question of how to get rid of acne scars is one our esmi skin team is asked frequently! Here we guide you through the different types of scars and marks, the best ingredients and products for acne scar treatment, and when to start tackling them. We truly understand how acne scarring can affect your skin confidence. Scarring is something many of our customers deal with and treating it takes time and patience. While skin care solutions can help assist with improving the look of even very deep scars, some still may remain visible. And thatâs ok. We encourage you to embrace skin confidence wherever youâre at in the journey while working towards your healthiest skin outcomes. Top Tips to Fade Acne Scars Naturally Look for natural active ingredients like kakadu plum extract, liquorice, bearberry and pomegranate. Stimulating the skin with a gentle massage to boost circulation. Regular exfoliation can help minimise the look of acne scars. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Always wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure which will worsen scars. The Types of Acne Scars Acne scars develop in the dermis (the second layer of the skin) and appear on the surface as depressions, indentations, or raised lumps. Discovering how to get rid of acne scars begins with understanding the type of scars youâre dealing with. 4 of the most common acne scars are: Ice pick scars (atrophic) Deep and narrow, these scars look like the skin has been poked with an ice pick and are the most common type of acne scars. They are often the result of cystic acne. Keloid scars (hypertrophic) A raised mound that is a different colour, often darker, than the surrounding skin. These types of lumpy scars are caused by excess protein created during the skin healing process. Rolling scars (atrophic) Often the result of long-term inflammatory acne, rolling scars appear as indents that vary in depth and have sloping edges giving the skin a wavy appearance. Boxcar scars (atrophic) Boxcar scars are defined by their straight, sharp edges that cause a box-like indent in the skin. They are most common in areas like the jaw and cheeks where the skin is thicker. Acne scars vs Acne marks The types of acne scars above are characterised by textural integrities. They present as either indents or lumps in the skin due to an underproduction (atrophic) or overproduction (hypertrophic) of collagen during the healing process. Acne can also leave behind âmarksâ - dark spots and discolouration on the skin known as hyperpigmentation or red spots known as erythema. These marks are the result of inflammation to the skin caused by acne. When to Consider an Acne Scarring Skin Routine The process of healing acne scars canât be rushed. Frustrating news, we know, but timing is super important in the approach you take on how to get rid of acne scars. You shouldnât think about dealing with scarring until all active breakouts are cleared. If you try to treat scars while youâre still breaking out, you risk exacerbating the situation. The result? Increased chance of irritation and scarring down the road. Once active breakouts are under control you can move forward with tackling acne scarring. What Ingredients to Look for to Fade Acne Scarring In understanding more about how to get rid of acne scars, itâs useful to know the different ingredients that help fade acne scarring and how they interact with the skin. Vitamin C: An all-round antioxidant superstar, Vitamin C promotes collagen production which helps rebuild healthy skin and speed up the healing of scars. Glycolic acid: A chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid helps increase cell turnover to improve the appearance of acne scars and discolouration. Kakadu Plum extract: Believed to be the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C in the world, Kakadu plum can brighten, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and promote collagen production. Liquorice extract: Known for its ability to lighten hyperpigmentation, liquorice extract offers a number of active ingredients to bright, soothe, and strengthen skin. Bearberry extract: A botanical extract, bearberry is a natural skin brightener which also contains allantoin which helps to soothe and repair damaged skin. Pomegranate extract: An excellent choice for acne prone skin, pomegranate extract not only helps manage breakout causing bacteria it also plays a role in lightening post-inflammatory scarring and promoting skin regeneration. Retinoids (Vitamin A derivative): Can help reduce acne lesions, quicken cell regeneration, and lighten dark spots. Using a Brightening Cleanser Donât underestimate the role your cleanser can play in your acne scar treatment routine. Using a cleanser with brightening active ingredients can help minimise discolouration and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening is ideal to help improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation while being gentle enough to use in the morning and evening. The cleanser assists to brighten and even out skin tone with the help of Vitamin C rich Kakadu Plum extract while gently lifting away impurities and maintaining the skin's hydration levels. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Use in the morning and at night - donât forget to double cleanse in the PM after wearing foundation. Pomegranate Serum for Regeneration Including serum in your treatment routine for acne scars can really speed along results in minimising pigmentation and healing scar tissue. Pomegranate Brightening Serum is a potent brightening, anti-pigmentation serum with powerful skin lightening ingredients including Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), pomegranate extract, and licorice extract. Ideal for most skin types the serum can help improve the appearance of pigmentation to minimise acne scars and enhance skin's luminosity and clarity. How to use Pomegranate Brightening Serum Ideal for morning and evening, use the dropper to apply an amount smaller than a pearl on cleansed skin and gently massage in. Allow the serum to absorb before applying other products. Have sensitive skin? Start by applying a pearl-sized amount to cleansed skin every second night for 2 weeks, gradually increasing to every night. For best results, finish with 24k Gold Nourishing Oil to lock, seal and create a protective barrier on the skin and protect your skin daily with Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. Boost Blood Circulation to Reduce Scar Appearance Boosting blood circulation in the skin may help speed up healing in areas affected by scaring, improve texture and overall strength of the skin. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes for a visibly firmer, more youthful complexion - boosts skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation. This oil is best suited to for a more dry skin type. Non-greasy, itâs perfect for combination to dry skin as a moisturiser to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles on face, neck, and decolletage. How to use 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Using the dropper, drip 2-3 drops of oil directly to the palm of the hand and massage into cleansed skin after applying other skin treats. Can be used morning and night and around the eye area. Detoxify & Exfoliate How to get rid of acne scars with exfoliation? Exfoliation works to remove the build up of dead cells on the surface of the skin. When dry, old cells pile up on the outer layer of the skin it can enhance the appearance of acne scars. Regular exfoliation (1 - 3 times a week, depending on your skin) can help minimise the look of acne scars and aid in smoothing uneven skin tone caused by acne marks. Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum This exfoliating charcoal serum is a 10% AHA (Glycolic and Lactic Acid) combination. These are fruit acids which help to remove skin cell build up, drawing dirt and debris from the skin to aid in the improvement of overall skin texture, including acne scars and acne marks. This serum is ideal for most skin types. How to Use Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Using the dropper, apply a pea-sized amount to your charcoal brush or fingers and massage into freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the under eye area. When using AHA, you may feel a mild to intense tingling sensation but donât worry itâs a normal skin response. Leave for 5-10 minutes before wetting the charcoal brush or fingers and massage around the face to remove any softened dead skin cells before washing off. The charcoal is a detoxifying ingredient and can draw impurities out of the skin - continue to use after impurities have emerged. We suggest using the Charcoal serum 2 times a week or less frequently if you have sensitive skin. Using the Charcoal Serum for the first time? When introducing the Charcoal Serum to your skincare routine, apply 1-2 times a week after cleansing. Brighten and Boost to Promote Smooth Skin Tone You can probably see by now that the most effective approach on how to fade acne scars is using products in your routine that work to brighten and even the skin tone. Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask Ideal for lightening hyperpigmentation, acne marks and sun damage, this face mask evens out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion. Suitable for most skin types, the mask is formulated with a brightening blend of Kakadu Plum, Licorice and Bearberry extracts to tackle dull skin and protect against free radical damage. How to use the Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask Apply the Bouncy Brightening Booster Mask after cleansing with clean fingers or a mask brush. Leave the mask on as long as you like, it works brilliantly overnight to soak up all the active ingredients. You can use it on your neck and chest too! Rinse well or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Note: Our Booster Mask range is quite concentrated so if your skin is new to such intense active ingredients it is a good idea to ease your skin into it and work your way up to leaving it on overnight. Nourish & Heal Hyper sensitive and acne-prone skin needs to soothe and heal. The lysates in our Probiotic Skin Mylck helps to balances skinâs microflora and aids in replenishing the skin moisture. It also helps to speed up skin recovery and strengthens the skin barrier. Probiotic Skin Mylck How to use Probiotic Skin Mylck Using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm. Massage into your skin after cleansing. Perfect for use under makeup or sunscreen. Refresh & Hydrate Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Keeping hydration levels topped up helps scar tissue remain supple which aids the healing and fading process. Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist Rehydrate and replenish your skin throughout the day with this refreshing face mist. Formulated with super hydrator Hyaluronic Acid and protective natural oils it works to keep skin's moisture barrier healthy and hydrated. Itâs perfect to use in environments where your skin is exposed to drying elements - for example, air conditioning, UV rays, and wind. How to use Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist Shake the bottle to combine the oils and extracts and spray onto your face throughout the day for a quick skin refresh. You can also use it over the top of makeup to set your look.
Face Serum vs. Face Oil
Face serums and oils are two of our favourite ways to treat the skin but thereâs often confusion about what each one does! Here is our guide to what they are, what they do and where they fit in your skin routine. What is the difference between a face oil & a serum? What is a face serum and what is a face oil? Letâs begin by clearing up any confusion about the difference between serum vs oil. Serums: Target specific skin concerns with potent active ingredients What does serum do? Serums are lightweight products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than other skincare products, like moisturiser creams, lotions, or face oil. This allows them to deliver a potent hit of ingredients more quickly and deeply into the skin. Serums may have a thin and watery consistency or a more gel-like texture. Serum isnât designed to replace a moisturiser, but rather be used in conjunction with one for best results. The addition of a serum will supercharge skincare results for all skin types and concerns. Serums Concentrated levels of active ingredients (up to 70%) Target specific skin concerns Absorb rapidly and deeply into the skin Smaller molecular structure Water or gel like consistency Best results use with a moisturiser Face oils: Deliver moisturising benefits and increase derma strength Face Oils are a blend of natural oils containing antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Their main goal is to boost hydration levels by sealing in moisture to prevent it evaporating off the skin. Face oils support your skinâs natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) to improve derma strength. Unlike serums, which absorb deeply into the skin, face oils have larger molecules that can only penetrate the surface. They work on strengthening the skin barrier - the outer layer - to minimise trans epidermal water loss. This keeps skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All skin types, even oily ones, can benefit from facial oil. Face oils Contain antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Focus on sealing moisture into the skin Improves the appearance of fine lines / wrinkles Larger molecular structure Works on surface level to strengthen the skin barrier Can replace or be used with a moisturiser How to Use Face Oil and Face Serums Serum or oil first? Thatâs probably the most common question on the topic of face serum vs oil! The quick answer - serum first followed by face oil. How to use a face serum After cleansing, while the skin is still damp, apply serum by using a gentle motion to press or massage it into the skin. Allow time for it to fully absorb. How to use a facial oil Once the serum has absorbed into the skin follow with facial oil application. Drop a few drops of face oil into your palm and massage into your face. If youâre using a cream / lotion moisturiser in addition to face oil, follow the serum step with the cream / lotion then apply the face oil. Face Duo: Combining face oil and face serum into one simple step!  esmi Face Duos combine the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. Itâs easy to give your skin the benefits of a face oil and serum in one simple step! Letâs take a look at the Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo, for example. This Face Duo offers the potent, active brightening benefits of Kakadu Plum and Liquorice extract to target hyperpigmentation and dullness concerns while Acai Oil offers moisturising and anti-ageing benefits to smooth and tone skin. How and when to use a Face Duo Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to the palm of the hand and massage into the skin after cleansing or exfoliation. Perfect for use under any makeup, moisturiser, oil or sunscreen. Can be used morning, night and around the eye area. View the full range of esmi Face Duos, Face Oils, and Face Serums! You Might Also Like To Read Why Your Skin Needs Oil Meet Hyaluronic Acid - Your Skinâs Super Hydrator Supercharge Your Skincare Routine With Vitamin CÂ
How To Detox Your Skin
Now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your skin for the new season! Get our tips on how to detox your skin from the inside out and recommendations for skin detox products from the esmi range. The best skincare ingredients & tips for a skin detox â Use a face mask with bentonite and kaolin clay Bentonite and kaolin are two of the most popular cosmetic clays and youâll usually find them in the best detoxifying face masks. Bentonite clay detoxifies skin by absorbing oils, dirt and toxins which attach themselves to the clay. When the clay is cleansed from the skin, the debris is washed away with it. Kaolin clay acts in the same way but has a more fine-grained texture than bentonite and its absorption properties are milder. Itâs a good choice for normal to dry skin that may find bentonite too strong. Using a clay mask as a step in your skin detox can help aid in the removal of impurities, target acne forming bacteria, and generally leave the skin smoother and softer. We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask â Include a serum with activated charcoal, a detox powerhouse! Like clay, the molecules of activated charcoal attract toxins, dirt, and chemicals from the skin to be easily washed away. It assists in removing deeper impurities from the skin and unclogging pores. The result is smoother, more clarified skin. If your skin is breaking out even more soon after using a charcoal skincare product, donât worry. Itâs common to experience a âpurgingâ phase as the charcoal draws out impurities from deep within the skin. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum â Double cleanse in the evening If youâre not doing it already, double up your cleansing step in the evening. During the day your skin faces environmental aggressors, including air pollution. Toxic nanoparticles from air pollution can actually lodge themselves in the surface of the skin and trigger free radical activity. Free radicals are responsible for a host of skin issues, from dullness to accelerating the signs of premature ageing. Double cleansing skin in the evening is an effective way to detox your skin from pollution particles and other environmental stressors from the day. The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, and excess oil while the second cleanse clears the skin of any stubborn debris still sticking around. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser. You may like to follow with The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal as a detoxifying facial cleanser for the second round if youâre dealing with oily skin, breakouts and congestion. â Detox your makeup Treat your skin to a cleaner makeup routine by avoiding cosmetic products that contain formaldehyde-related preservatives. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical and is linked with common preservatives in cosmetic products including DM hydantoin, phthalates, and oxybenzone. Consider switching to mineral makeup formulations that donât contain irritating preservatives that can cause skin problems. Containing healthy minerals, including skin-friendly silica, mineral makeup also has the added benefit of helping to heal and condition the skin while you wear it. It offers additional SPF protection when teamed with your daily sunscreen and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. We recommend: The esmi range of mineral foundation, BB cream, and powder. Ideas for detoxing your skin from the inside out Support your detoxifying skin care products with healthy eating and lifestyle choices to truly maximise the benefits of a skin detox. â Sip herbal teas formulated for detoxification Drinking tea can be very beneficial in supporting your skin detox. Choose teas that are formulated with herbs to promote detoxification and keep your body hydrated. Some effective herbs, spices and root plants to consider using in your tea-tox include: Burdock root - Brimming with antioxidants, burdock root provides a host of benefits, including potential skin healing for issues such as acne and psoriasis. Dandelion root - Research has found the properties in dandelion root tea can assist in helping detoxify the liver. Milk thistle - Assists in promoting the regeneration of new healthy cells and supports the cleansing process by removing toxins. Tumeric - With potent antioxidants that fight free radical damage, turmeric can aid liver and skin detoxification when brewed in a tea. Green tea - Another antioxidant powerhouse, drinking green tea makes a detoxifying, skin-supporting swap for your regular latte. â Give yourself a lymphatic face massage When you stimulate the circulation in the lymphatic system through massage, you assist your body in draining fluids and toxins away from your cells for proper elimination. Massage stimulates circulation which encourages an overall improvement in skin tone and brightness. A lymphatic face massage is something simple enough to do yourself at home with your esmi Gua Sha Stone but it's advisable to consult a health practitioner first.  â Experiment with celery juice The humble celery stalk has received a surge in attention recently thanks to its skin healing, anti-inflammatory properties. Itâs also incredibly rich in minerals and hydrating. â Cut out sugar Eliminating sugary foods from your plate for a time is detox 101! Depending on how much sugar you usually eat, it could be a shock to the system. Itâs common to experience withdrawal symptoms so your best approach could be to ease into a sugar detox slowly. â Drink plenty of water During a skin detox stepping up your water intake is key. Sip plain water, water flavoured with herbs and fruit pieces, or alternate with glasses of coconut water for a natural electrolyte boost. None of the suggestions above should be taken as medical advice. We encourage you to consult with your medical or holistic practitioner to choose a skin cleanse diet or approach thatâs right for you. Â
Our Guide to a Basic Skincare Routine
Why do we need skincare? Your skincare routine doesnât need to be complicated to achieve healthy, happy skin. Weâll step you through each element of a basic skincare routine for your healthiest complexion ever. Creating a skincare routine that actually works What skin type do you have? Creating a skincare routine that works for you starts by knowing your skin type. This gives you a good understanding of why your skin looks, feels and behaves as it does. Most importantly, youâll know how to choose the right skincare routine for your skin type. Skin is generally classified into one of 5 different skin types - normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. If you arenât sure we recommend reading our guide to The Different Skin Types to help you determine what type you are. Building a skincare regime to address specific skin concerns Next, you need to understand the specific skin concerns youâd like to address - hyperpigmentation, signs of ageing, acne, dehydration, dryness, dullness, etc. Some of these may link closely to your skin type; for example, oily skin is usually more prone to breakouts. Other concerns like hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and signs of ageing occur in all skin types. Knowing the specific concerns you want to treat means you can assemble a skincare routine with active ingredients to target them. Daily skin routine: What order to apply skincare The skincare products and order to apply them for a basic routine include: Daily treatments Cleanser Serum (hydration) Moisturiser Sun protection (Morning only) Weekly treatments Exfoliation (after cleansing) Deep masking treatment (after cleansing) Letâs take a closer look at each element of a basic skincare routine. Step 1: Using a cleanser Your cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. While every cleanser has the same basic goal - to clear the skin of debris, excess oil, bacteria, dead cells - all cleansers are definitely not created equal. Many strip the skin entirely of its natural oils and moisture. They certainly âcleanâ the skin but by removing all oil and moisture they also damage the delicate skin barrier. This can lead to a range of skin concerns from excess oil production to heightened sensitivity and excessive dryness. Signs your cleanser is too harsh? Your skin feels tight and extremely dry after washing your face and you might also experience irritation. For the best cleansing experience, regardless of your skin type, choose a gentle, non-drying cleanser to maintain the delicate balance of oil and moisture on your skin. Gentle yet effective ingredients for cleansing formulations include; Aloe vera: Containing mostly (95%) water, aloe vera is hydrating and calming for skin. It also has excellent cleansing and very gentle exfoliant properties. Green tea extract: Brimming with antioxidant activity, Green tea is also an anti-inflammatory with the ability to soothe and calm redness. Stearic acid: Helps cleanse debris from the skin while its emollient properties protect skin's surface against water loss. Capric triglyceride: Helps to reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss by creating a barrier on the skin's surface. Active ingredients to target specific concerns Your cleanser can also include active ingredients to help target specific skin concerns. If dullness and hyperpigmentation are a problem, for example, you may choose a cleanser formulated with brightening ingredients, like Vitamin C. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser (All skin types) Infused with aloe vera to calm and heal and the protective, antioxidant properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract the cleanser balances skin and wonât leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. We recommend using The Uncomplicated Cleanser in both your morning and evening skincare routine. Double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces of build up. Targeting a specific concern? You may like to try one of the following cleansers: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness - Redness concerns The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening - Hyperpigmentation and dullness The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing - Ageing concerns The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal - Congestion and oiliness Step 2: Exfoliating your skin Put simply, exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and build up from your outer layer of skin - the epidermis. Why exfoliate? It helps prevent clogged pores that can lead to congestion and acne. By removing dead cells and debris, exfoliation also reveals the brighter, fresher skin underneath helping skin appear smoother. There are two different ways you can exfoliate your skin; Chemical exfoliation (not as scary as it sounds!) which includes alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and fruit enzymes. These ingredients work to unglue and lift dead cells and debris from the skin without the need to manually âscrubâ your skin. Physical exfoliation includes products like facial scrubs. You need to physically massage it into the skin to remove buildup and clear pores. We recommend reading our Guide To Exfoliation for an in-depth look at different ingredients and methods. This will help you better understand what type is right for you. Using a specific exfoliation product isnât something you should do every day. Like those harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation leads to a damaged skin barrier. However, your cleanser may contain ingredients that offer mild exfoliation properties for a very gentle daily exfoliation activity. The exfoliation type and frequency best for you depends on your skin type and concerns. We recommend to start slowly and gently and monitor how your skin reacts before making adjustments. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Chemical exfoliant properties Suitable for most skin types with congestion and acne concerns An exfoliating charcoal serum with gentle chemical exfoliation properties to tackle blackheads, acne, and underlying skin congestion to help draw out impurities and unclog pores for smoother looking skin. We recommend: Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Chemical and physical exfoliant properties Suitable for weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne prone, and dry skin. A delicate, restorative exfoliation experience for skin needing TLC. Gentle bamboo extract and fruit enzymes help leave skin soft, luminous, and purified while luxurious rose oil aids in calming and moisturises. Step 3: Hydrate & moisturise Hydration is crucial for healthy skin. Your complexion is brighter, clearer, and more supple looking when your skin is well hydrated. Both moisturising and hydrating ingredients play important roles in keeping hydration levels up. Hydrating ingredients (known as humectants) attract water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrate cells from the inside out. Moisturising ingredients (emollients and occlusives) work to lock hydration into the skin. Your skincare routine should include a hydrating product (ideally a serum) to add water and a moisturising product to seal it in. Moisturising products Help minimise water evaporating off the skin, support a healthy skin barrier and achieve the above with occlusive and emollient ingredients.Depending on the formulation, some moisturisers may offer humectant ingredients. Hydrating serum products Water-based and penetrate the skin more deeply than moisturisers. Hydrate the skin from the inside, support a healthy skin barrier and achieve the above with humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Face oil products Help minimise water evaporating off the skin, support a healthy skin barrier and achieve the above with occlusive and emollient ingredients We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum All skin types The esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to aid in skin repair, restoration, and help regulate oil flow. We recommend: Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo All skin types Help brighten, tone and moisturise tired skin with the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. Sun protection No skincare routine should skip a daily dose of SPF. Wearing sunscreen daily is absolutely your best defence against slowing the visible signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation. Include a broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen in your skincare routine - 365 days a year. No matter the weather, no matter the season. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 All skin types Comfortable, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and enriched with antioxidant protection of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to help support hydrated, smoother skin. Other skin routine considerations What you eat is a different kind of skin care but just as important as your skincare products. Weâve put together a list of healthy skin foods but the basics are eating antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, healthy fats from oily fish and nuts, and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids. At-home facials & treatments A face mask is an ideal at-home facial treatment to target any specific skin concerns or when your skin just needs a little pick-me-up. We all have those days! We recommend: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Ideal for dry skin types De-stress dry skin and help slow cellular ageing with colloidal gold, free-radical fighting green tea extract, and a nourishing oil complex to aid in skin renewal, repair and protection. We recommend: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask Suitable for most skin types Suited for lightening hyperpigmentation, age spots and sun damage, this face mask helps even out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion. We hope covering the elements of a great skincare routine will help you build one ideally suited to your skin. If you would like any guidance in building a more specific skincare routine, book your free skin consultation with our team of skin experts. Weâre here to help! Â
Face Creams vs. Oils & Serums
Face oil, serum or cream moisturiser? If youâre confused about what each one does and if you really need all three, keep reading. We break down the difference and explain why we believe face oil and serum deliver the best results for your skin. Oil & Water Based Serums What is a water-based serum? Serums are lightweight products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. Water-based serums have a smaller molecular structure which allows them to be absorbed deeply and rapidly into the skin. Just a few concentrated drops of serum is an extremely efficient way to deliver big results for your skin. What is a face oil? Face oils are a blend of natural oils containing antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These oils are derived from the seed, fruit, bark, stems, roots, or leaves of a plant. Face oils have emollient properties which work on top of the skin, rather than penetrating deeply. On the surface, these emollients support hydration by sealing in moisture to prevent it evaporating off the skin. They also bolster your skinâs natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) and derma strength by helping fill in spaces between skin cells to lubricate and smooth the skin. Depending on the formulation/blend, some face oils contain active ingredients but they donât deliver the same potency as serum formulation. Face oil and serum are a skincare dream team! Itâs not a matter of serum or moisturiser. A serum isnât designed to replace a moisturiser, rather complement it. Using both youâll maximise the results of your skincare routine. Serum delivers a burst of active ingredients deep into the skin to target specific skin concerns. The face oil then works on the surface to lock in moisture, helping the skin hold onto hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Serums and face oils are also free from synthetic lubricating and thickening agents (fillers!) unlike many creams and lotions. Weâll talk about these âfillersâ in a moment. How to use face oils and water-based serums in your routine After cleansing, while the skin is still damp, apply serum by using a gentle motion to press or massage it into the skin. Allow time for it to fully absorb. Next, apply the face oil by dropping a few drops of oil into your palm and massage into your face. Face Creams & Lotions Like face oil, moisturising creams and lotions work on the surface of the skin. Their basic function is to stop the skin drying out by holding water into the outermost layer keeping skin supple and smooth. Often creams and lotions are also formulated with active ingredients to address skin concerns. Look out for thickening ingredients that may irritate skin Creams and lotions contain synthetic or mineral thickening agents and occlusives to give the product its consistency and texture. Mineral and natural thickeners (both naturally derived) These are naturally occurring ingredients that can absorb water or oils and boost the thickness of a formulation. Synthetic thickeners Some of these synthetic ingredients, a common one is carbomers, are low-quality thickening agents used to add bulk to formulations. These types of ingredients provide little, if any, long lasting benefit to the skin and some can even cause irritation. Active ingredients: Serum vs moisturiser These thickening ingredients also reduce the impact of any active ingredients in the formulation. The active has to âfightâ its way through thickening agents to actually penetrate the skin. High quality serums, on the other hand, have no fillers. Theyâre concentrated drops of super efficient active ingredients delivered straight to the skin. Which is best for me? So, which is the best - oil or cream for your face? We recommend treating skin with both the active ingredients of a serum and the moisturising properties of an oil. The combination of the two is a more effective, potent, and natural way to get your skin the ingredients it needs to stay hydrated, healthy, and address specific concerns. Combinations from our range of esmi Skin Treats that work well to target the following skin concerns include: Dehydration Serum: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Ageing concerns Serum: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Hyperpigmentation Serum: Pomegranate Brightening Serum Face Oil: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Redness, inflammation and acne Serum: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Face oil: Peppermint Green Oil See our full range of Skin Treats to target specific skin concerns. You can purchase a combination of Skin Treats in one of our Skin Care Bundles to kick start your skin care routine!Â
Myths About Certain Ingredients
Confused about the best skincare ingredients for your routine? There are plenty of myths out there about skincare and beauty ingredients! We clear them up and point you towards the best ones for targeting different skin concerns. Skincare Ingredient Myths Natural skincare ingredients are always safe Just because an ingredient is natural or a product is classified as organic skincare doesnât mean it wonât ever cause an adverse side effect. Itâs possible to have an allergic reaction or increased sensitivity to a natural ingredient. Essential oils, in particular, can be extremely strong and are known to cause adverse reactions for some skin types. Whether youâre using a natural ingredient or not, always patch test a new product on a small area of your neck before applying it to your face or body. Preservatives are bad for your skin and health Skincare products which contain water or water-based ingredients must have a preservative (natural or synthetic) for the formulation to remain stable and be safe for use. While itâs true many âtraditionalâ preservatives have been found to pose adverse health effects, not all preservative ingredients are harmful. Benzyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol (PE), and Caprylyl glycol are a few examples of safer alternatives to traditional preservatives. Read our article Preservatives In Skincare to understand more about harmful vs healthy preservative ingredients. The more Vitamin C you apply, the better! Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the best skincare ingredients out there to simultaneously target a range of skin concerns. However, itâs advisable to take a âless is moreâ approach to including it in your skincare routine. If the product youâre using has a high concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid youâll likely experience irritating side effects. The percentage of LAA in a product can range anywhere from 3% - 20%. We recommend easing into using Vitamin C at a percentage of 3% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a highly stable, derivative of Vitamin C) which is also a pregnancy safe percentage. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is another common form of Vitamin C youâll find in topical formulations. Face oils make oily skin worse Not true. Using the right face oils for your skin type can help improve the appearance of an oily, shiny face and regulate sebum production. Using a facial oil creates an occlusive layer to seal in moisture for all skin types, even oily ones. Without moisture, the sebaceous glands are prompted to produce more oil in an attempt to correct the dryness. In addition to helping skin stay hydrated and plump, certain face oils can also offer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits to target redness and sensitivity. Jojoba, acai, rosehip, and almond oil are some of the most beneficial for oily skin. Mineral sunscreen ingredients arenât as effective as chemical sunscreen ingredients Chemical sunscreen ingredients work by absorbing UVA and UVB rays to prevent them from damaging the skin. Natural mineral sunscreen ingredients - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - reflect the rays, rather than absorb them, to prevent damage. Both of these natural active ingredients provide excellent broad-spectrum protection and offer the same protective benefits as chemical ingredients. Natural makeup ingredients arenât long-wearing Natural ingredient makeup has come a long way since the days you only found it on the bottom shelves of âalternative healthâ stores! Now, many makeup brands formulated with natural cosmetic ingredients are just as long lasting as âtraditionalâ formulations. Mineral makeup, in particular, not only offers your skin long last wear but a range of additional benefits to actually improve your complexion while you wear it. The texture of mineral makeup allows skin to breathe and be nourished with minerals including silica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for skin conditioning and natural broad spectrum sun protection. Explore our range of vegan mineral foundation, powder, and BB cream. Best Skincare Ingredients For Common Concerns Our handy list below outlines some of the most effective ingredients to target common skin concerns. Letâs clear up any confusion about what ingredients you need in your routine! Best skincare ingredients for acne-prone and oily skin These ingredients are helpful in the treatment of different types of acne, from blackheads and pimples to cysts and nodules. Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that assists in helping regulate oil flow and delivers exfoliating activity for clearer pores. Bentonite and kaolin clay: Bentonite and Kaolin clay help soak up extra oil. Bentonite is known for its ability to draw out toxins and impurities from the skin while kaolin clay has more mild absorption properties. Kaolin is well suited to more sensitive skin. Retinoids (Vitamin A): Retinoids are naturally occurring forms of Vitamin A and can help prevent pores from clogging to target breakouts. Read our Guide To Getting Rid Of Acne Best skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation and dull skin Hyperpigmentation can be a tricky skin concern to treat. A few of ingredients youâll want to use in your routine to help target dark patches include: Vitamin C: Helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots by inhibiting melanin production. Encourages a more even, radiant complexion. Kakadu Plum: Kakadu Plum is believed to be the worldâs most potent source of natural Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots. Bearberry Leaf extract: Works by reducing melanin production making it an excellent plant-based skin lightening agent. Liquorice: Used for brightening, liquorice is also high in anti-inflammatories â making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts. Learn more about dealing with hyperpigmentation and reviving dull skin. Best skincare ingredients for ageing skin Dealing with fine lines, sagging skin, and a dull complexion? The best ingredients to target ageing concerns include: 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. Alpha and Beta 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. Learn more about how to care for ageing skin Best skincare ingredients for dry skin Ingredients with occlusive, emollient, and humectant properties play vital roles in treating the causes of dry skin. Occlusives: Occlusive ingredients help trap moisture by forming a seal over the skin. Examples of occlusive ingredients include jojoba oil, lanolin, olive oil, and argan oil. Emollients: These ingredients smooth and soften dry, rough skin. A few examples include shea butter, cocoa butter, essential fatty acids like those found in rosehip oil, and squalene. Humectants - Can pull moisture to the skinâs surface from the air and the deeper layers of skin. Hyaluronic acid boasts superior humectant properties. Learn more about what causes dry skin and how to treat it. Â
Skin Care Tips for Active Lifestyles
Swimming, running, netball, football, hiking - weâre covering skin care for athletes and anyone who gets active outdoors. Working up a sweat is great for your skin but youâve got to take care of it the right way! Skin Care For Sports Exercise boosts blood circulation (hello rosy glow!) while sweating helps the body purge itself of toxins and bacteria. Both of these things can lead to clearer, healthier looking skin but only if youâre looking after it pre and post-exercise. Protect your skin from sun and wind Any outdoor sport exposes you to the weather and windy conditions or sunny days can impact your skin. SPF protection is a non-negotiable for your skin care for sports routine - the positive difference for your skin health when you use sunscreen vs no sunscreen canât be said enough. Always apply sunscreen (broadspectrum SPF30+ or higher) before heading outside to exercise and if youâre a swimmer, use water-resistant sunscreen. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Always cleanse immediately after exercise Working up a sweat stimulates lymphatic drainage which helps detoxify your body and skin by releasing toxins through your pores in the form of sweat. Sounds great for your skin, right? Well, only if you cleanse your face ASAP after sport. If sweat stays on your skin it mixes with the oils, bacteria and dead skin cells quickly clogging pores and leading to breakouts. Cleansing your skin immediately after exercise is a key element of healthy skin care for sports. Wear makeup? Removing it before exercise will help minimise the chance of breakouts too. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser or The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Stay hydrated Sweat causes your bodyâs water hydration to dip when it evaporates from your skin. Not only does this impact your physical performance, it leaves your skin parched too which may lead to symptoms including congestion, redness, and inflammation. Sweat isnât the only thing that can deplete moisture levels. If youâre playing sport outdoors on a windy day, this will pull water from your skin too - a double dehydration combo. Stay hydrated with water and natural electrolyte drinks (like coconut water) while exercising to replace lost fluid. You can also support skin moisture levels by adding a hydrating serum to your sports skincare routine. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (all skin types) and Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration (Moisturising fluid for sensitive skin types) Skin Care for Outdoors Regularly spending time outdoors in nature or green spaces is so important for our wellbeing. When we spend time in natural sunlight, it triggers the production of Vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is crucial for overall health (both physical and mental) and itâs often called âthe sunshine vitamin.â We shouldnât âfearâ the sun, but we need to be careful about how we can enjoy the benefits of sunlight without compromising the skin. Overexposure to UV light accelerates the signs of premature ageing - itâs responsible for up to 90% of the visible signs of ageing. It causes free radical activity in the cells leading to lines, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. Worse, it increases the risk of skin cancer. Skin can also become dehydrated with too much sun exposure. Signs of dehydration include dullness, tight or itchy skin, and more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Find a happy balance by spending time outdoors when UV is usually lower - early morning or late afternoon - and wear sun protection. SPF 30+, hat, and protective clothing if you are spending long days outdoors. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Need guidance on putting together your best outdoor or sports skincare routine? Book your free skin consultation with one of our skincare experts! Weâre here to help.
What Does Gold Leaf Do In Skin Care?
Our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil is one of our most popular products! Gold is a potent antioxidant revered for its youth-promoting properties. Find out more about the incredible benefits of gold leaf skincare. What is 24K Gold Leaf Oil? You canât tell looking at the loose coins rolling around in your wallet, but gold contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are incredibly beneficial for skin. The youth-promoting benefits of gold skin care Gold is revered for its ability to promote youthful-looking skin by stimulating collagen and increasing elasticity for a firmer complexion. Weâre not suggesting you rub gold coins onto your face! Gold skin care infused with gold leaf (flakes of gold) is the way to impart this precious metalâs benefits to your skin. How is gold leaf made? The basic method of producing gold leaf has remained the same for centuries - bars of gold are essentially beaten into tiny flakes. These tiny flakes of precious metal are then infused into different types of gold skin care alongside other beneficial ingredients. Meet our esmi 24k Gold Nourishing Oil! Luxurious and non-greasy esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil contains high quality, cosmetic grade, 24k gold flakes and is perfect for combination to dry skin as a moisturiser. It helps address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles on face, neck, and dĂŠcolletage. A 100% cruelty free and vegan formulation, the oil also contains natural and plant derived ingredients including a blend of rosehip, jojoba, avocado, and coconut oil. We look at the benefits of these incredible oils further along! How does gold leaf oil affect skin? The pure gold in esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil offers powerful anti-ageing and skin saving benefits. Helps boosts circulation Gold is known to help improve blood circulation. The oil imparts a beautiful healthy glow post-application thanks to this boost in circulation! Stimulated collagen and improves skin elasticity Gold skin care counters the breakdown of collagen fibres and elastin in the skin. This breakdown occurs naturally with age and increases with free-radical activity leading to sagging skin, fine lines, loss of volume and skin elasticity. esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil can help stimulate skinâs collagen production and strengthen elasticity for a smoother, firmer, looking complexion. Protects against environmental stressors Not only does gold antioxidant activity help increase the production of new collagen, but it can also help protect the health of existing collagen. It aids in guarding the skin against the free-radical damage caused by external stressors including pollution, UV light, and other toxins our skin comes in contact with every day. The antioxidants in our gold leaf skin care helps neutralise damaging free radical activity on existing collagen to fight signs of fine lines, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. How do you use 24K gold leaf oil? esmi 24k Gold Nourishing Oil is designed as the moisturising step and fits into your routine like this: Cleanser followed by 24K Gold Leaf Oil or, if you use a serum, cleanser then serum then 24K Gold Leaf Oil Use the dropper to apply 2-3 drops of oil directly onto your palm and massage into the skin - including around the eye area. You can use the oil in your morning and evening routine. Supporting ingredients Itâs not just the gold working hard for your skin in our 24K Gold Leaf Oil! It also contains a blend of plant oils and other skin-saving ingredients to help boost moisture levels, improve elasticity and firmness, fight free radical activity, minimise pigmentation, and aid in healing damaged skin. Rosehip oil High in vitamin A, rosehip oil aids in skin regeneration, brightening, evening out skin tone, and improving firmness and elasticity. Jojoba oil A plant oil with characteristics similar to your skinâs own sebum, jojoba helps to regulate oil production, heal the skin barrier, and has anti-inflammatory and moisture promoting qualities. Avocado oil Packed with vitamins A, B, C and D, and vitamin E, the fatty acids in avocado oil promote firmer, softer skin, hydration, and neutralise free radical damage. Coconut oil With skin-saving fatty acids, like linoleic acid and lauric acid, coconut oil is also antibacterial and provides emollient, skin softening benefits. Squalane Squalane is an oil with excellent emollient, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-boosting benefits. Products to team with 24k Gold Nourishing Oil for optimal results The Uncomplicated Cleanser Itâs important to use a gentle cleanser with the oil. The Uncomplicated Cleanser suits all skin types and concerns, the cleanser balances skin and wonât leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Team 24k Gold Nourishing Oil with Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum for deep rehydration and skin plumping. The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for more hydrated, plumper, repaired skin. Ideal for all skin types, apply the serum after cleansing and before applying the oil in your routine. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil is one of our most popular products! Purchase today in a Skin Bundle to get the 24k Gold Nourish Oil and the complementary products you need for an amazing skin routine. You might also like to read: 5 Of The Best Active Ingredients Myths About Certain Ingredients 3 Ways To Fight The Effects Of Pollution On Skin Â
Treating Acne With Probiotic Skin Care
Probiotics are making waves in skincare! Topical probiotics can be beneficial for a range of skin conditions, including probiotic acne solutions. We walk you through what they do and how probiotics for acne can help manage breakouts and inflammation. The Lowdown on Topical Probiotics for Acne What are probiotics? Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that occur naturally in our bodies. Theyâre often called âgood bacteriaâ. Youâve probably heard about probiotics in relation to gut health but did you know that trillions of microorganisms live on your skin too? They are the tiniest defenders of your skin and we literally wouldnât be able to function without them! Collectively, these organisms are known as the skinâs microbiome which consists of a delicate, diverse balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria. Your skin microbiome is part of the skin barrier. A balanced microbiome = healthier skin A well functioning, balanced microbiome is essential for healthy skin and a strong barrier. Skin can defend itself against external invaders, stay hydrated, clear, and calm. Too many bad bacteria = inflammation and impaired skin barrier Many things can throw the skin's microbiome out of balance and cause a surge in bad bacteria. Sun exposure, pollutants, diet, medication, and irritating skincare ingredients to name a few. An unbalanced microbiome can result in inflammation and a compromised skin barrier leading to issues like acne, rosacea, eczema, excessive dryness, and skin sensitivity. Topical use of probiotics in skincare Research has shown the potential to address a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, by topically inserting good bacteria (probiotics) into the skinâs microbiome with skincare. In turn, this restores balance to the microbiome creating an optimal environment for skin health to thrive and rapidly stimulate cell renewal to repair the barrier. Extensive testing on keratinocyte monolayer scratches (one cell thick scratches) has shown the esmi Skin Minerals Lacticaseibacillus.rhamnosus Lysate as ideal for topical application to stimulate rapid skin cell renewal and accelerate wound healing. What do probiotics do in skincare for acne? Acne is triggered by an influx of bacteria known as p. Acnes. Excess oil on the skin leads to blocked pores which are the ideal environment for this bacteria to thrive and spread. This in turn leads to breakouts, inflammation, and swelling. Using probiotic acne skincare may help manage acne in two ways. First, to get the spread of acne bacteria under control (help clear existing breakouts) and second, by regulating oil production to minimise breakout recurrence. Control the spread of bacteria Adding good bacteria to the skin with topical probiotics can help fortify skin's beneficial microflora and reduce acne bacteria. Regulate oil production Many skincare products, especially those related to acne, strip the skin of oil entirely. This causes the skin to create more oil which triggers more breakouts. Stripping the skin also disrupts the skin barrier (which includes the skinâs microbiome) resulting in a surge of bad bacteria and increased sensitivity. Using probiotic acne skincare can help create an optimal environment to heal a compromised skin barrier and aid in balancing oil and reduced sensitivity. Probiotic Skin Mylck and What Probiotics Do in Skin Care esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck is a world-first in probiotic skincare. A very light moisturising lotion that simply melts into the skin, the probiotic rich formulation can help aid in healing acne-prone, compromised skin. Skin Mylck contains the 100% Australian Made probiotic Lysate to help create an ideal environment for compromised, acne-prone skin to repair a damaged skin barrier and kill pathogens (bad bacteria) to fortify skin's beneficial microflora. How to use Skin Mylck in your routine Skin Mylck is a moisturising lotion designed to follow the cleansing and sensitive skin soothing serum steps in your morning and night routines. If you donât use a Skin Treat serum After cleansing, using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm and massage into the skin. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser when treating your skin with esmi Skin Mylck. If you use a water-based Skin Treat serum After applying a sensitive skin serum allow it to absorb. Then, using the dropper, drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm and massage into the skin. If you have very dry skin While Skin Mylck is a moisturising lotion, if your skin is extremely dry, and you feel you need more moisture you could follow with a Skin Treat oil like Peppermint Green Oil. Creating An Acne Routine with Probiotics For the ultimate acne fighting routine, we recommend the following products be used in conjunction with Skin Mylck. Cleanser: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Skin Treats (Serum): Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie or/and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Moisturiser: Probiotic Skin Mylck or Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Anti-Redness (If acne is very inflamed) Face Oil: Peppermint Green Oil (If areas of skin are extremely dry and you feel you need more moisture) Exfoliant: Fresh Sea And Salty Sand or/and Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Mask: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Sunscreen: Skin Shield SPF 30+ esmi Skin Mylck range is designed to help with various skin concerns including dullness, redness and inflammation, dehydration, and sensitivity. View the full range of esmi Probiotic Skin Care. Our Skin Service team is here to guide you every step of the way and answer questions you have about our probiotic skin care products and the best probiotics for acne. Please reach out via chat or book a skin consultation.  You Might Also Like To Read: What Type Of Acne Do I Have? Steps To Prevent Acne  esmi Skin Mylk range is made with a 100% Australian made Lacticaseibacillus.rhamnosus Lysate produced in Australiaâs first and only cGMP/TGA certified facility for probiotic API manufacturing.Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4633615/
Night Skin Care Routine
Beauty sleep is real! Get un-ready with our guide to building the best night skin care routine. Tuck your skin in for a good nightâs sleep and wake to a fresh complexion. Night Skin Care Routines Arenât Just For Celebs Weâre a little obsessed with the Go To Bed With Me skincare series from Harperâs BAZAAR. Itâs fun peeking into the beauty stash of celebs and influencers as they share the lowdown on their evening skincare routines. But a great night skin care routine isnât just an influencer thing - itâs something we all need! What you put on your skin in the evening plays a huge role in the health of your complexion. What Your Skin Does At Night During the day, your skin is in defence mode, fighting off free radical attacks caused by environmental stressors including pollution and UV damage. At night skin switches into repair mode - combating any damage done during daylight hours. It does the heavy lifting of regenerating itself while you sleep. Skin is more permeable at night which means itâs better able to absorb the ingredients in your skincare. You want to maximise the benefit of this deep absorption by using products brimming with active ingredients such as retinol (Vitamin A), peptides, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid. At night, your skin isnât contending with the environmental stressors it handles during the day. Thatâs good news too because thereâs nothing to âinterruptâ its natural regeneration process; providing you get good quality sleep. Your skin is as individual as you are! This means there isnât one optimal routine to suit everyone but our guide below will help you put together the best night skin care routine for you. Step One: Cleansing Think about all the things that make their way onto your skin during the day - makeup, excess oil, pollution particles, and dirt. Going to sleep with all this on your skin is not a recipe for a glowing complexion! Without cleansing your skin, pores become clogged with debris which leads to congestion and breakouts. Pollution nano-particles can do long term damage too - theyâve been found to trigger free radical activity which can speed up the signs of ageing. The best night skin care routine should include a double cleanse to remove all traces of build up. All skin types and concerns benefit from a gentle, non-drying cleanser which maintains the delicate balance of oil and moisture on your skin. Look for ingredients including: Aloe vera: Hydrating and calming for skin with very gentle exfoliant properties. Green tea extract: Anti-inflammatory to soothe and calm redness. Stearic acid: Emollient properties minimise water loss while cleansing. Capric triglyceride: Reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss. We recommend using The Uncomplicated Cleanser for the first and second cleanse. Or, if youâre targeting a specific skin concern, you may like try one of the following cleansers for the second cleanse: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness - Redness concerns The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening - Hyperpigmentation and dullness The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing - Ageing concerns The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal - Congestion and oiliness Step Two: Exfoliating 1-3 times Per Week Exfoliation removes the dead, dull skin cells and other build up on the skinâs surface. The result? Fresher cells are revealed and skin appears brighter, clearer, and more even. Read: Why Your Skin Needs Exfoliation The best night skin care routine should include an evening exfoliation session 1 - 3 times a week depending on the frequency your skin can handle. Choosing the type of exfoliation ingredients right for you depends entirely on your skin type and concerns youâre dealing with. Hereâs our quick guide on suggested exfoliant ingredients to match skin concerns. Dry and sensitive skin Bamboo extract has mild exfoliation properties that can encourage cell turnover to reveal younger, softer skin. Jojoba beads and rice powder are also gentle exfoliant choices for skin needing extra TLC. Lactic acid offers the gentlest exfoliating action of all alpha-hydroxy acids and generally well suited to sensitive and dry skin. We recommend: Rose And Bamboo facial exfoliant. The delicate exfoliation action of bamboo extract works in harmony with the power of mixed fruit enzymes for sensitive skin and a dry, damaged complexion. Breakouts and congestion Exotic Polynesian sand has an ultra-fine texture to provide gentle exfoliation and assist in removing pore-clogging debris to encourage a clearer complexion. We recommend:Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range for oily and congestion prone skin. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and papaya enzymes are good choices for oily skin types with large pores prone to congestion and breakouts. Donât underestimate the importance of choosing the right exfoliant. Exfoliating with the wrong product or too frequently can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to excessive irritation. Step Three: Skin Treatments The best night time skin care routine wouldnât be complete without a treatment to target specific skin concerns. The improvement of hyperpigmentation, ageing concerns, dullness, and dryness can all be addressed while you sleep. A few of our favourite treatments to use overnight include: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Fine lines and hyperpigmentation Potent antioxidant activity makes this serum the perfect night time defence against free radical damage, fine lines and pigmentation associated with ageing. All ages and skin types. Pomegranate Brightening Serum Hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone Ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's luminosity and clarity. Face Masks Is there a more luxurious way to treat your skin overnight than with a face mask? Thanks to increased permeability, skin deeply absorbs the active ingredients while you sleep - plus it has more time to work! Each Booster Mask in our range is a great choice for night time use. Step Four: Eye Treatments The skin around your eye area is delicate and prone to puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Including a separate eye treatment in your nighttime skincare routine is an effective way to target these concerns. Eye serums are lightweight with a potent hit of active ingredients that can penetrate more deeply into the skin than cream based formulations. Key ingredients to target specific concerns and eye serum recommendations for the best night skin care routine Brighten: Peptides, Vitamin C Brightening Eye Serum Address signs of ageing: Caffeine, peptides, Vitamin E Anti ageing Eye Serum Hydrate: Hyaluronic acid Hydrating Eye Serum Apply the treatment hour or so before you go to bed to give the product time to absorb before placing your face on the pillow. Step Five: Moisturise The increased permeability of your skin at night isnât all good news. While products are better absorbed the downside is moisture evaporates more easily from the skin while you sleep. Choosing the right moisturiser for your best night skin care routine will help minimise water loss and work to lock hydration into the skin. What does a moisturiser do? Moisturisers work on the topmost layer of the skin to prevent the moisture from evaporating off the skinâs surface and soften skin with occlusive and emollient ingredients. If the formulation includes humectant ingredients (those that attract water to the skin) a moisturiser can help top up water levels, too. Overall, moisturiser helps skin plump, soft, hydrated, and strengthen the skin barrier. Face oils as moisturisers Face oils can act as the moisturising step in your best night skin care routine to improve skin hydration. Face oils contain beneficial emollient and occlusive properties which help seal moisture into the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Or, you can follow your cream based moisturising step with a face oil. The most beneficial oils for skin: Some of the most beneficial oils include: Rosehip: Anti-ageing and encourage hydration Avocado: Moisturising, promotes collagen production, and healing Jojoba: Can help balance oil production Evening primrose oil: Addresses dryness, fine lines, and improves skin texture Acai oil: Improve skin elasticity, anti-ageing, and acne clearing Black tea seed oil: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Peppermint oil: Anti-microbial and refreshing Face oils for oily skin Even oily skin types will benefit from certain lightweight face oils to help keep skin hydrated and regulate oil production to control breakouts. Jojoba, acai, rosehip, and almond oil are the most beneficial for oily skin. The final step in your routine Applying a face oil should be the final step in your evening routine. Leaving it until last creates a shield over the skin - helping lock in moisture the serum, eye treatment and/ or cream moisturising steps have delivered to your skin. We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil (All skin types) Luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes to encourage a firmer, more youthful complexion. Suitable for all skin types, it can aid in boosting skin elasticity, stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation. Acai Skin Balancing Face (Excellent for oily skin types) 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 (Oily, acne prone skin in teens) This lightweight oil will help to balance oil flow whilst being cooling and providing anti-bacterial benefits. If you need help putting together the best night skin care routine for your complexion, our esmi Skin Experts are here to guide you! Book your free skin consultation today.
Simple Pregnancy Skin Care Routine
The esmi skin experts weigh in on how you should change up your skin care routine during pregnancy. From breakouts to dryness, or if youâre really lucky the fabled glow, pregnancy changes your skin. Your usual line up of products may not be right for your pregnancy skin care routine. Plus, thereâs the issue of safe vs not-safe ingredients every mum-to-be needs to know about. Switching things up is also the ideal time to refresh how you approach your routine. Has applying skincare become a chore you rush through on autopilot? We encourage you to think of it as a self care routine instead. A moment in your day of pure âmeâ time to reset and focus on yourself - something every expecting mum deserves! What Happens to Your Skin During Pregnancy The not so great news? The oh-so-pregnant-glow isnât guaranteed when youâre expecting. Instead, you might find yourself dealing with a number of more challenging pregnancy related skin changes. Hormonal acne - Breakouts around the chin and jaw are common. Melasma (âmask of pregnancyâ) - Hyperpigmentation that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Dehydration and dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Increased sensitivity - Redness, flushing, and irritation Letâs look at safe skin care for pregnancy to tackle these concerns while youâre expecting and during breastfeeding. Acne and Breakouts During Pregnancy Whether youâre usually prone to breakouts or not, many women experience acne in the first and second trimesters. A rise in hormones called androgens causes your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. If not managed in your pregnancy skin care routine, all this excess oil can clog pores causing acne and inflammation. Acne treatment ingredients to avoid during pregnancy These ingredients arenât safe for use while you're expecting or breastfeeding: Salicylic acid Retinol (Vitamin A) Some oral acne medications are also unsafe. Always consult with your healthcare professional. Pregnancy-safe ingredients to manage acne Thankfully, youâre not stuck with a âgrin-and-bear-itâ approach to dealing with pregnancy breakouts! There are plenty of safe ingredients and products on the anti-acne list. AHAs - Glycolic acid and lactic acid Fruit enzymes Bentonite clay Activated charcoal What esmi skincare products are safe during pregnancy to help manage breakouts? The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo Peppermint Green Oil Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. Why Pregnancy Can Cause Redness and Flushing Hot, red, flushing cheeks is probably not the kind of subtle pregnancy glow you were hoping for. Redness, flushing, and a ruddier appearance are caused by hormonal changes and an increase in circulating blood volume during pregnancy. If you have existing rosacea you might experience flushing flare ups more frequently. Pregnancy-safe ingredients to manage redness Include these cooling, calming ingredients in your pregnancy skin care routine to help manage redness and flushing. Aloe vera Arnica Tasmanian Pepper Extract Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) Menthol We recommend: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Lightweight with an energising wild mint aroma, this serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Suitable for all skin types and safe to use in your pregnancy skin care routine and while breastfeeding. Reactive and Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy You may find your skin has become ultra sensitive and reactive almost overnight. Certain products, ingredients, and foods you had no issue with before can now spark an uncomfortable reaction. Whatâs the cause of increased skin sensitivity? You guessed it - increased hormones. Skin is also extremely sensitive to sunlight so wearing mineral SPF30+ sunscreen every day is a must. Avoid chemical sunscreen containing oxybenzone as this is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical. Fragrances can also trigger reactivity so itâs best to steer clear of heavily fragranced products. Calming ingredients for your pregnancy skin care routine Aloe vera Topical probiotics (read more about the benefits of probiotics for sensitive skin) Green tea extract Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Vitamin E esmi pregnancy-safe products we recommend for reactive and sensitive skin The Uncomplicated Cleanser Probiotic Skin Mylck Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. How Pregnancy Can Cause Skin Dryness Dry patches of tight-feeling, flaky skin are often associated with pregnancy. The skin barrier becomes more permeable which increases transepidermal water loss - moisture evaporating off the skin. In addition to keeping moisture levels topped up with hydration focused skincare make sure youâre drinking plenty of H2O and eating foods with high water content. esmi pregnancy-safe ingredients to aid skin hydration Hyaluronic acid Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Glycerin Aloe Vera We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum isnât a moisturiser, it works by attracting water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrating cells from the inside out. After hydrating the skin, itâs then important to apply a moisturiser on top to lock in the hydration. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is also safe to use during breastfeeding. Other Important Pregnancy Skin Care Recommendations In addition to your getting at-home pregnancy skin care routine sorted, look after your skin by getting enough quality sleep. Sometimes easier said than done (we know!) but doing your best to establish a good sleep routine will help keep skin hydrated and healthy. Also avoid professional skincare treatments like laser treatment, micro needling, or chemical peels which are unsafe during pregnancy. Products Recommended for Breastfeeding Mothers While nursing, your skin may continue to change and hydration levels, in particular, need extra attention. You might have experienced oilier-than-usual skin during pregnancy but now your complexion is drier than the Sahara! To keep hydration levels topped up and moisture locked into the skin we recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo We hope our tips on how to take care of skin during pregnancy will help you make the right skincare choices during this special time. If you have any questions about pregnancy-safe skincare and ingredients, reach out to us at hello@esmi.com.au - weâre here to help! Â
How To Prevent Oily Skin And A Shiny Face
Is oily, greasy skin getting you down? Weâre here to help! Read on for our tips on how to prevent oily skin and control shine. Cleanser You can help prevent oily skin by using a gentle cleanser with active ingredients for oil and breakout control. Some traditional acne and oily skin face cleansers contain ingredients that are extremely strong. They remove every trace of oil and moisture from your skin. If youâre trying to prevent oily skin using a cleanser that removes all oil might sound good, but youâll actually make the problem worse. When the skin is stripped of all oil your sebaceous glands (responsible for creating sebum) are triggered to create even more to make up for whatâs been lost. Itâs like a continuous oily feedback loop! Use A Lightweight Oil-based Moisturiser Yes, you read that right! Oil can be extremely beneficial for oily skin and to prevent an oily face - but only if you use the right kind. Choose lightweight oils with a low comedogenic rating and those with calming, antibacterial properties. Jojoba, acai, rosehip, and almond oil are the most beneficial for oily skin. A common mistake when attempting to prevent oily skin is to skip the moisturising step in your routine. After youâve cleansed your skin you need to follow up with a moisturiser to prevent water evaporating from the surface - once your skin becomes dry, oil production increases. Using a moisturiser helps it hold onto water and stay hydrated. In turn, hydration helps balance skin and control an oily face. We recommend: Acai Skin Balancing Face or Peppermint Green Oil (Excellent for oily, acne-prone skin in teens) Be Cautious About Using A Toner Traditional toners contain high levels of alcohol which is extremely drying for the skin. Just like a harsh cleanser will trigger an oily âfeedback loopâ a strong toner causes the same issue because alcohol strips the skin. If you canât do without the toning step in your routine, opt for alcohol and astringent free formulations. Introduce a Retinoid (Vitamin A) Product Into Your Routine Vitamin A actually targets oil glands directly to aid in the control of oily skin by slowing down the production of sebum. There are 3 different types of retinoids. The strongest is retinoic acid which is available by prescription-only. Due to its strength, it can be highly irritating for the skin. Retinol is a weaker version and available over the counter. Although it isnât as strong as retinoic acid, donât be surprised if you still experience irritation. Finally, retinol derivatives like Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Proprionate are even gentler and also sold over the counter. Known for their initial irritating side effects on the skin, itâs important to introduce any retinoid product into your routine with care. Good skin comes to those that wait. Retinoids donât deliver overnight results but with regular use, you should see a significant improvement in your skin in about 3 months. Switch Up Your Diet Food high on the glycaemic index (GI) cause insulin levels to rise which can trigger sebum production. A 2010 study shows that eating sugar spikes insulin, which leads to an inflammatory response in the body and also produces androgens. Androgens are the hormones mostly responsible for sebum production. If youâre on a mission to prevent oily skin, you could try limiting high GI foods in your diet and observe how your skin reacts. Keep A Stash Of Blotting Paper Handy How to control an oily face when youâre on the go? A tried and true instant fix for oily skin is blotting paper. Using blotting paper is something you can do quickly and discreetly when youâre out and about to address shiny issues. Take a piece of blotting paper and press it gently but firmly on the areas of oily shine. Your T-zone - the area of your nose, chin, and forehead - is usually the oiliest. Keep the paper against your skin for a few seconds to allow it to absorb excess oil. Itâs important to use a blotting motion to soak up the oil, rather than rubbing or moving the paper around your skin. When choosing a blotting paper, opt for a brand free of synthetic fragrances and powders so it wonât irritate the skin. Use Glycolic Acid In Your Oily Skin Routine The smallest of the alpha hydroxy acid family, glycolic acid is a favourite for helping control oily skin. It works to reduce excessive oil and unclog pores to assist in preventing acne breakouts and balancing oil production. Glycolic acid is usually formulated in cleansers, serums, and masks designed to target oily and congested skin. Be careful to not overwhelm your skin by using different products that all contain glycolic acid. Stick with it in one or two steps of your routine. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Treat Your Skin To A Mattifying Clay Mask The mattifying benefits of clay can help prevent oily skin blues! Cosmetic clays, in general, do a great job at absorbing excess oil and assisting in detoxifying the skin. The two types of clay to look out for in a face mask for shiny skin are kaolin clay and bentonite clay. Kaolin clay is rich in silica and has a soft, fine texture. Itâs the gentlest of the cosmetic clays and absorbs oil without stripping the skin. An excellent choice for sensitive complexions. Bentonite clay is a product of aged volcanic ash. Like kaolin, this clay absorbs excess sebum from the skinâs topmost layer. It helps to mattify the skin, control breakouts and acts as an exfoliant leaving skin softer and brighter looking. Always follow a clay treatment with a moisturiser to prevent skin from drying out. We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Chill Out Is stress making it hard to control your oily face? When weâre stressed the level of cortisol (commonly known as the stress hormone) in our body rises. This boost in cortisol can trigger increased oil production leading to oily skin, acne and other skin concerns. Weâve covered a few easy ways you can calm your mind and your skin here. Have questions about how to avoid oily skin? Book your free skin consultation with our esmi team of skin experts! Â
Tired Skin? Here's How To Wake It Up
Look in the mirror and tired skin looks back? Youâre not alone. A tired looking face is something weâve all experienced at some stage! Discover why your skin is fatigued and how to wake it up. Common Reasons For Tired Skin âMy face looks dull and tired.â 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, thereâs something you can do to address each of them. Dehydration We canât say it enough - hydration really is your skinâs 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 âskin typeâ while dehydrated skin lacks water - itâs 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 itâs 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 skinâs 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 skinâs 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 skinâs 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 sunâs 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. Donât 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)Â You Need A Good Nightâs Sleep Your skin might be looking tired because you are tired! The health of your skin and quality of sleep are intrinsically linked. When youâre not getting enough sleep, signs quickly show up in your skin. Your skin switches to regenerative mode while you sleep. If it doesnât get enough time to complete its restorative process, skin wonât 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 16â59 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)Â You Donât 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 skinâs 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 âbad for your skinâ 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. Â
Top Tips For A Fun Pamper Night In
Hosting a pamper night in with your besties is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and get glowing with an A+ skin pampering session. A self-care date with your favourite people is the chance to slow down, catch up, and check in on how everyone is doing. All while wrapped in a fluffy robe and decadent face mask. Sound good? Read on for our best tips for hosting a fun pamper night in to treat your skin and raise your happy vibes! Tennis champ Ash Barty shares her skin routine and her family Aussie Tennis superstar Ash Barty is our much loved esmi Skin Minerals brand ambassador. We chatted to Ash to get the lowdown on her skin, favourite esmi products and why pamper sessions with her mum and sisters are everything. Tell us Ash, what are your main skin concerns? My biggest challenge has always been dehydration and dryness, after spending many years training, travelling and playing tennis, it has been difficult to keep my skin hydrated. How important is your skincare regime to actively treat these concerns? My skincare regime has become a bit of a home comfort for me and is a routine I keep no matter where I am in the world. Esmi has made it easy for me to care for my skin morning and night, every day of the year. What changes did you see in your skin once you started using esmi products? My skin became a lot clearer, I did not have as many breakouts and after big days of practice, I was able to cleanse my skin and replenish it properly. My skin has never been so hydrated! Weâd love to know - what are your favourite esmi products and why? My favourite esmi products would have to be the Uncomplicated Cleanser with Charcoal and also the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask. These two products are the perfect mix for me - allowing me to cleanse my skin and then give it some extra love with the hydrating booster mask. We hear you love organising regular self-care pamper sessions with family and friends? My sisters and my Mum love any excuse to have a pamper session!! We try to catch up once a fortnight at least to relax, chat about the kids and enjoy each otherâs company. This time at home has given me more opportunities than I would usually get to spend quality time with them which has been so nice. Itâs awesome to have you as an esmi ambasador; what do you value about your partnership with esmi Skin Minerals? Iâm extremely grateful to have the support of such a brilliant company. We are both home grown in Queensland and many of our values align. I love being around such positive people and working with clean, natural and safe products that are able to bring smiles to faces around not just Australia, but also the world. With Christmas just around the corner, will esmi skincare make the gift list for family and friends? Most definitely! I always try to support Australian businesses. Many of my friends have recently tried esmi for the first time and the Mini sets are absolutely perfect for someone travelling or trying new products. Definitely a go-to for Christmas stockings. Our tips for a fun pamper and self-care night in with your besties Invite 2 or 3 of your loved ones Keep your invite list in check - pamper nights work beautifully with smaller groups. Everyone can take their time at each self-care zone (more on those below!) and have the chance to chat properly with each other. BYO robes, slippers, and hair wrap Does anything say self-care me time like fluffy robes? Ask everyone to bring a robe, slippers, and hair wrap to create a relaxed spa vibe! Snack platters with healthy and decadent options Have platters on offer with a mix of different snacks. Think fruit, fresh veggie sticks and dips, and dark chocolate for healthy options and as well as a few more decadent treats like gourmet cheese, dips, and cupcakes. A fun, refreshing bar Want to serve alcoholic drinks? Bellinis are a perfect (and easy!) option but make sure youâve got delicious non-alcoholic beverages on offer too. Gorgeous skin is all about hydration so mix up a few jugs of water infused with fruit - combinations of berries, citrus, melon, mint, and ginger and all tasty options. Adding a few calming herbal tea options is a nice touch too. Choose a âfinaleâ night for your Pamper Night In Is your girl crew fans of the Bachelor or another series? Schedule your self-care session for the final night of the season. Watching the last episode together wrapped in robes, face masks, and sipping Bellinis is too fun! Set up different Self-care zones Create different areas for pampering like a mani and pedi station, face masking, hair treatment, and chill zone. You want to keep them in the same general vicinity but separating areas means everyone isnât crowding the bathroom sink at once. Prepare warm, beautifully scented hand towels Nothing says spa-decadence like fresh, warm, hand towels. Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and soak each hand towel. Squeeze the water out and roll the towels. After guests arrive, pop them in the microwave to warm up for 10 seconds and release the aroma of the essential oil. Hand them around while theyâre still warm! We love lavender essential oil to calm and citrus blends to energise. Turn up the self-care mood Playing music, burning gorgeously scented candles, a few vases of fresh flowers, and fairy lights will help create a luxurious atmosphere. A few simple touches are all you need. Top Products for Self-Care Night In Our esmi picks have got you covered for the perfect self-care night in! Headband An essential accessory for your cosy self-care night! It will keep flyaway hairs and your fringe away from your face while you cleanse, mask and treat your skin. Essential x 10 if youâve just straightened your hair! The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Cleansing Mitt Every at-home facial starts with a beautiful clean base. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser to set the tone for the rest of your skin pampering session. Perfect for all skin types and concerns, the cleanser balances skin and wonât leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Wake up dull skin with this maskâs powerful detoxifying charcoal / clay combination to refine and purify for soft, bright skin. Works wonders on tired, lacklustre skin and suits all skin types, even sensitive skin. Use an esmi Mask Applicator Brush for extra indulgence! Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a radiant and hydrated glow. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil This luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes for a visibly firmer, more youthful complexion - boosts skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation. Get everything you need for the ultimate Pamper Night In with one of our Skin Care Bundles.
Probiotic Skin Care Is Changing The Game For Sensitive Skin
Probiotic skincare is set to revolutionise the world of sensitive skincare products! Weâre thrilled to introduce your skin to esmi Skin Mylk, an Australia first in probiotic products for ultra sensitive, dry skin. Backed by scientific studies, this is the best face moisturiser for dry sensitive skin. Weâre not kidding when we say it can be a game changer in helping repair the most delicate and damaged skin. So, why all the excitement about probiotics' ability to rescue ultra sensitive, dry skin? Read on to find out! The Ecosystem of Dry Sensitive Skin Get to know your skin barrier Did you know your skin has its own very special ecosystem? The foundation of this delicate ecosystem is your skin barrier. This is the outermost layer of your skin - also known as the moisturising barrier - that plays a super important role in skin health. Its job is to keep the skin's surface supple and smooth by sealing moisture into the skin and acting as a shield to keep bad bacteria (pathogens) and irritants out. The skin barrier is made up of: Dead skin cells Lipids (skinâs natural oils) Natural moisturising factors (NMF) - including amino acids, lactic acid, and peptides A collection of living microbes (good bacteria) known as the skin microbiome. Itâs the skin's microbiome that acts as the first line of defense to keep pathogens - the bad bacteria - from overwhelming the skin. A well functioning skin barrier helps the skin stay hydrated, regulates oil production, and fights off free radical and bacterial attacks. Essentially, your skinâs ecosystem is healthy, happy! A damaged skin barrier, on the other hand, causes disruption to this delicate ecosystem. All the elements that make up the barrier no longer work in harmony. When your complexion is compromised itâs stripped of its vital oils and moisturising elements. As the barrier can no longer hold moisture into the skin, it becomes dry, flaky and tight. Skin also becomes sensitive and reactive. A damaged barrier means skin canât protect itself against the invasion of external bacteria and irritants. The delicate balance of good bacteria is disrupted and inflammatory responses increased. Compromised skin barrier symptoms: Redness Flakiness Tightness Sensitivity Increased breakouts Itchiness Rough skin tone Inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and eczema Many factors can cause this damage including: Using harsh skincare products - especially cleansers Over exfoliation causing micro-tears in the skin Not wearing sunscreen Overuse of active ingredients (like AHAs and retinol) Medication Genetics / existing conditions like eczema and rosacea Even some sensitive skincare products, if they simply arenât suited to your skin, can cause issues Can a damaged barrier be repaired? Yes, it can! If you have naturally sensitive skin or are dealing with a flare up of sensitivity and dryness, the focus of your skincare routine should be healing the skin barrier and restoring balance to its microbiome environment. Heal Sensitive Skin with The Best Sensitive Skin Moisturiser Healing the skinâs microbiome and barrier is where probiotics (good bacteria) come in. The introduction of good bacteria into the skinâs microbiome helps kill pathogens (bad bacteria) and fortify skin's beneficial microflora. In turn, this restores balance to the microbiome creating an optimal environment for skin health to thrive and stimulate renewal to repair the barrier. Think of it a little like healing a wound. If youâve cut yourself, there are things you can do to create a healthy environment for the wound to speed up the healing process and help skin recover optimally. For example, keeping it clean, dressed, and applying a cream. Probiotic skincare is a game changer for sensitive skin types As skin is renewed the barrier repairs and becomes stronger. Hydration levels increase (water no longer easily evaporates off the surface) and skin is better at shielding itself from invading âbad guysâ which reduces inflammatory responses, flushing flare-ups and irritation. Essentially, a strong skin barrier equals calmer, less reactive skin. This is why probiotics can be so incredibly beneficial in sensitive skin care products. Itâs such a promising advancement in skincare for hyper-sensitive skin types! Can you feel our excitement?! Probiotic Skin Mylck Meet esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck - the best probiotic for sensitive skin. A very light moisturising lotion that simply melts into the skin, the probiotic rich formulation ideal for extremely sensitive, compromised skin. Skin Mylck contains the 100% Australian Made probiotic Lysate to help create an ideal environment for compromised, ultra sensitive skin to thrive, heal and protect itself from outside irritants and bad bacteria. What is a lysate? A lysate is a concentrated dose of probiotic function. Itâs a more stable way to include probiotic benefits in skincare formulations and esmi is the first skincare brand to use a 100% Australian made probiotic! Healthier skin backed by science Extensive testing on keratinocyte monolayer scratches (one cell thick scratches) have shown the esmi Skin Minerals Lacticaseibacillus.rhamnosus Lysate as ideal for topical application to stimulate rapid skin cell renewal and accelerate wound healing. These benefits of repair and healing are delivered to your skin with the Skin Mylck formulation. How to use Skin Mylck in your routine Skin Mylck is a moisturising lotion designed to follow the cleansing and sensitive skin soothing serum steps in your morning and night routines. If you donât use a Skin Treat serum After cleansing, using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm and massage into the skin. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser when treating your skin with esmi Skin Mylck. If you use a water-based Skin Treat serum After applying a sensitive skin serum allow it to absorb. Then, using the dropper, drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm and massage into the skin. If you have very dry skin While Skin Mylck is a moisturising lotion, if your skin is extremely dry, and you feel you need more moisture you could follow with a Skin Treat oil like 24k Gold Nourishing Oil. An army of ingredients to benefit sensitive skin Alongside Probiotic Lysates, Skin Mylck is formulated with a range of ingredients to heal and calm ultra-sensitive skin. Linoleic acid in grape-seed oil helps strengthen skin's barrier function while plant-derived emollients help seal in moisture and impart a smooth, soft feel to the skin. Redness reducing Jojoba oil can offer skin repair, damage control and increased moisturisation with Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins. Target Other Skin Concerns Our dual action products in the Skin Mylk range can help tackle dull skin, hyperpigmentation, redness and dehydration concerns in sensitive skin. Skin Mylk Plus Hydration Help target dehydration in sensitive complexions with beneficial bacteria to assist balance skinâs microflora, aid restoration of the damaged skin barrier, and increase hydration. Pair with The Uncomplicated Cleanser and Skin Shield SPF for the best results. Skin Mylk Plus Brightening Kickstart restoration and illuminate sensitive, troubled skin with this lightweight moisturising lotion formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics and gentle brightening ingredients including Ethyl ascorbic acid (non-irritating Vitamin C derivative that is well tolerated by sensitive skin) and lightening superstar Kakadu Plum. Team with The Uncomplicated Cleanser and Skin Shield SPF for a gentle, protective routine. Skin Mylk Plus Anti-Redness Daily redness relief for sensitive and reactive skin starts here. The anti-inflammatory properties of both Probiotic Lysates and Australian botanical Mountain Pepper extract can help reduce itching and burning sensations and minimise skin redness. Mountain Pepper is also an excellent skin conditioner. Team with The Uncomplicated Cleanser and Skin Shield SPF for a gentle, protective routine. View the full range of esmi Probiotic Skin Care. Our Skin Service team is here to guide you every step of the way and answer questions you have about our probiotic skin care products and sensitive skin moisturiser. Please reach out via chat or email skin@esmi.com.au. *Made with a 100% Australian made Lacticaseibacillus.rhamnosus Lysate produced in Australiaâs first and only cGMP/TGA certified facility for probiotic API manufacturing. Â
