Difference Between Oily Skin & Hydrated Skin
Having oily skin doesnât mean that your skin is hydrated - skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time. The right oily skincare routine isnât only about balancing oil production it needs to address hydration too. Why oily skin can be dehydrated Oily dehydrated skin is characterised by dullness, irritation and congestion. Many people wonder how oily skin can still be dehydrated, but it happens because dehydration is a skin condition that occurs due to lack of water, not lack of oil. This means that those with oily skin types can still be prone to dehydration, and in fact skin oiliness can be worsened by dehydration that triggers overproduction of oil. Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type, dehydration is a skin condition that can affect all skin types, even oily ones. This means signs of oil do not equate to signs of hydration! When the skin is dehydrated (lacking water) it overcompensates by producing more oil. Dehydration occurs when the skin barrier, the protective uppermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum, lacks moisture. Several factors can cause skin to become thirsty and dehydrated. Changes in the weather, using the wrong skincare, lifestyle choice (excessive alcohol consumption/smoking are examples), diet, and other environmental factors. These all contribute to depleting the water content in your skin, leaving it parched and dehydrated on a cellular level. Signs oily skin is dehydrated If you have oily skin, some signs of dehydration include: Dull skin & dark circles: Dehydration can cause skin to lose its radiance. Youâll notice your overall complexion becoming dull and lackluster when hydration levels are depleted. Shadowy circles under your eyes may become more obvious too. Itchy & irritated skin: Without enough moisture in the outer layer of your skin, it can feel tight and itchy. Flaky patches are also common, even if there is excessive oil on the surface of the skin. Increase breakouts & congestion: As pointed out earlier, dehydration can trigger the production of more oil - itâs the skinâs way to try and compensate for a lack of moisture. Excessive oil production increases the chance of blocked pores which can lead to everything from mild acne, like blackheads and pustules through to cystic acne. Fine lines & wrinkles: Signs of ageing become more obvious when skin is dehydrated. When skin is lacking moisture, it loses the ability to bounce back. While dehydration does cause deeper lines to become more obvious, it also results in the appearance network of fine lines that are directly related to dehydration. Their appearance diminishes once skin returns to a hydrated state. Ingredients to solve oily, dehydrated skin issues Luckily, dehydration isnât permanent. With the right oily skincare treatment and in some cases, lifestyle changes, you can nurture your skin back to a healthy state. The best products for your oily skincare routine will be formulated with ingredients to keep skin hydrated. Here are some ingredients on the hydration power list to look out for: Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant with superior hydration qualities. Acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skinâs cells. Hyaluronic acid is revered for its ability to hold x1000 its own weight in water. Niacinamide: Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Squalene: Non-irritating and ideal for acne-prone skin, squalene is an antioxidant with beneficial moisturising properties. Ceramides: Increase water retention properties by strengthening the skin barrier. Other ingredients beneficial for an oily skincare routine are alpha hydroxy acids - to clear congestion - and Vitamin A ,C and E for a host of antioxidant benefits. The best oily skincare routine Cleanser Your skin needs some of its natural oils to maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier. A well functioning barrier means the skin is better able to retain moisture and transepidermal water loss (moisture evaporating off the skin) is minimised. The ideal cleanser for an oily skincare routine is one that is gentle enough not to strip the skin of all oil while targeting congestion. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal Ideal for all skin types prone to congestion, breakouts, and large pores, the active ingredient charcoal purifies and balances oils for a refined, clearer complexion. Serum Adding a serum targeting dehydration is an effective way to give thirsty oily skin a moisture boost. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than moisturisers. This means they can penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin and a hydrated glow. Hyaluronic Serum contains Vit B3 (niacinamide) which will help to balance skin and regulate oil flow which can act as a preventative for breakouts. It also accelerates healing and repair post-breakout. Moisturise If you have any oily skin type, you might be tempted to skip the moisturising step assuming your skin doesnât need hydration - itâs already oily! This is a mistake as oil doesnât signal hydration. Not moisturising means your skin wonât create the barrier that allows it to hold onto water, diminishing the hydration it really needs. Oily skin also needs a moisturising product to improve the condition skin through the combination of humectants and emollients ingredients found in moisturising creams and oils. Yes, thatâs right. Oily skin types can use face oils! Many oils do an excellent job to help regulate oil production and increase hydration. Not all oils are created equal though - some can aggravate sebum production. The best options for oily, breakout-prone skin are lightweight oils with a low comedogenic rating and those with calming, antibacterial properties. Jojoba, acai, rosehip, and almond oil are all effective options. We recommend: Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Ideal for all skin types, especially oily skin with balance concerns, this nourishing oil can replace moisturiser to improve tone, calm, and hydrate while regulating oil flow. Peppermint Green Oil is an excellent choice for teenagers with oily skin. Highly moisturising with antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acne-prone skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties targeting redness and inflammation. Exfoliation Regular exfoliation should be part of every oily skincare regimen. Sloughing away dead skin cells and unblocking pores, exfoliation instantly improves skin tone and texture for brighter, fresher looking skin. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Containing a blend of lactic and glycolic acid, this powerful duo works together to slough away dead skin on the surface, reducing the appearance of blackheads and drawing out impurities. Need help choosing the right products for your oily skincare routine? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi is always here to support you on your skin journey!
How to Care for Ageing Skin
We can't hold back the signs of skin ageing forever but there are ways to slow them down with a targeted anti-ageing skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices. Signs of skin ageing The first visible signs of skin ageing start to appear around 25 years old. We all age a little differently - our genetics and lifestyle play a big role in how skin ageing occurs in our 30s and beyond. Fine lines and wrinkles: Collagen and elastin are the skinâs support structure. Fine lines and wrinkles appear as collagen and elastin begin to break down and skin loses its strength and elasticity. Dark circles and bags: Dark circles are more prominent in ageing skin. With the loss of collagen and thinning, translucent skin around the eye area means the blood vessels beneath the eyes become more visible. Hyperpigmentation is also part of the natural ageing process and darkening of the skin under the eye is common. Under-eye bags due to ageing occur when the skin under the eye weakens and the sagging forms a pouch. Dehydration and rough skin: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies and plays a key role in skin hydration. With age, itâs harder for the skin to hold onto moisture and the amount of hyaluronic acid produced declines - leaving skin drier and rougher. Drooping eyelids: As the skin loses elasticity and thickness, eyelids begin to droop and cause folds of wrinkles. The fat, bone and muscle around your eye play a big role in how prominent drooping is. Age spots and hyperpigmentation: Between the age of 35 to 49 it is common for patches of pigmented skin to increase. These are signs of photo-ageing - the result of repeated exposure to ultraviolet light which causes age spots and hyperpigmentation. Skin can become uneven and dull looking. Crows feet: The wrinkles around your eyes, also known as crows feet, are usually the earliest signs of skin ageing. The skin around the eye is thinner than anywhere else on your face and has a lack of oil glands. Mouth lines: Lines around the mouth are a telltale sign of skin ageing and there are a few different types. Superficial lines: Very fine lines that can be easily improved with the right anti-ageing skincare products. Dynamic lines: Also known as laugh lines. They are caused by repeated facial expressions - like smiling - but arenât as obvious when your face is relaxed. Static wrinkles: These are deep set in the dermal layer of skin and are visible even when your face is relaxed. Intrinsic ageing vs Extrinsic ageing Our skin ages in two ways. The ânaturalâ way - known as intrinsic ageing - is essentially the inevitable process of skin ageing we all experience. Genetics play a big role in how the individual intrinsic ageing process plays out as do other internal factors like hormone levels, cells and proteins. The second kind of ageing is caused by external factors like lifestyle and environmental pollutants and is known as extrinsic ageing. The good news? With the right anti-ageing treatments and healthy lifestyle habits - eating well, sleeping enough and not smoking - you have much more control over slowing this type of skin ageing. The best skincare ingredients to slow skin ageing Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid draws water into the cells and holds onto it for rapid hydration benefits - it can hold 1000x its weight in water. It deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimises fine lines.We recommend: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (contains Hyaluronic acid) Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin also known as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid, and beta-carotene. Revered for its anti-ageing benefits, Vitamin A can make healthy changes to a cellâs DNA, cause the dermis to thicken for firmer skin and brighten skin. We recommend: Anti-Ageing Eye Serum (Contains retinyl palmitate) Hydroxy acids: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) include glycolic, citric and lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids are used to remove dead skin cells and are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles.We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum (contains citric acid and glycolic acid) Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an all star anti-ageing ingredient. Providing free-radical protection, it minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and smooths for an even skin tone. Omega Fatty Acids: Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness.We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil (contains Rosehip oil which is brimming with Omega 3 and Omega 6) Peptides: Peptides are a type of protein that help preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores. Green tea extract: Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract can protect skin against the harmful effects of UV exposure which includes slowing the signs of premature ageing. Best anti-ageing skincare routine Gentle cream cleanser: The best anti-ageing skincare cleansers are gentle as skin becomes drier, thinner and more sensitive with age. Look for cream cleansers enriched with ingredients to plump, hydrate and soften skin. Gentle cleansers wonât strip your skin of natural oils. Cleanse in the morning and evening.We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Antioxidant rich serum - morning and evening: Serums deliver a higher dose of ingredients, including anti-ageing antioxidants and peptides than other anti-aging face creams. Why? Their smaller molecules allow them to penetrate deeper into the layers of skin. Choose a serum for the morning and evening which contain combinations of different antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin C.We recommend: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Facial oil to moisturise: Beneficial oils for mature skin? Rosehip oil, avocado, jojoba, squalane, and argan are some of the best anti-ageing skincare products. Facial oils are typically a single oil or an oil mixture made up of retinol and acids. You can replace your moisturiser with a facial oil or add a few drops of facial oil to your moisturiser and apply together.We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Sunscreen: The #1 step to slowing signs of ageing skin is applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily. The best anti-ageing sunscreens also contain active ingredients such as vitamins C and E, sometimes A (retinoids) and B3 to nourish while protecting skin. Finish with a foundation that provides additional sun protection.We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 and Liquid Mineral Foundation Hydrating night time mask treatment: Focus on hydration and addressing skin ageing concerns with a mask treatment while you rest. Mature skin will benefit from overnight masks with antioxidants to fight free radicals and boost collagen and elasticity.vHyaluronic acid, peptides, and amino acids will help soften fine lines, even skin tone, brighten, and strengthen the skinâs barrier.We recommend: Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Exfoliate weekly: Physical or chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layers which minimises the look of fine lines and photoaging. It also helps the skin absorb the ingredients from other products more effectively. Citric, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and fruit enzymes clear dead skin and stimulate collagen renewal. Include an eye treatment: Provide the delicate skin around your eye with additional anti-aging and firming support for a fresher eye area.We recommend: Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Need some help putting your best anti-ageing skincare routine together? Book your free consultation with our skincare specialists.
Different Types of Exfoliation
No matter your skin type, regular exfoliation is essential to help keep your complexion fresh and healthy. Read on to understand why you need to exfoliate, the different methods of exfoliation and how to make the right choice for your skin type and concerns. What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and build up from your outer layer of skin - the epidermis. You can use a chemical or physical exfoliation method (more on those soon) to remove the old cells. This prevents clogged pores and reveals the fresher, healthier skin underneath. Exfoliation assists your skinâs natural cell turnover process. This process begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis where fresh cells are âbornâ. These young, springy cells travel up through the other layers of the epidermis until they reach the skinâs surface. Once they reach this point and settle here the cells that were once new and springy are dead, dry, and flaky. Meanwhile, thereâs a new batch of fresh cells making their way up from the deeper layers to the surface to replace the dead, dry cells. Skin cell turnover is a natural process, but it slows down with age. As a general guide, this process happens in healthy, young skin every 28 days or so. Once you get older, it begins to take a lot longer anywhere from 40 - 60 days, or even more. This means those dry, flaky cells arenât being replaced as quickly. This leads to skin concerns including dullness, uneven skin tone, and breakouts due to clogged pores. What are the best exfoliating ingredients? The best exfoliating ingredients are gentle ingredients that softly exfoliate your skin without disrupting your skin health. While the best exfoliating ingredients will vary depending on skin type, we recommend: Glycolic Acid (AHA) Lactic Acid (AHA) Salicylic Acid (BHA) Fruit Enzymes Bamboo Extract Jojoba Beads But more on those later! The many benefits of skin exfoliation đ Helps to clear up congested skin by unclogging pores The longer dry, dead cells remain on the skinâs surface, the risk of them clogging pores and congesting skin increases. Along with oil and other debris, dead cells easily get trapped inside the pore which creates the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in acne related skin concerns - from mild forms such as blackheads and pimples through to severe forms like acne cysts and nodules. One of the main solutions for managing congested skin by removing the dead skin cells is regular, gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation lifts away dead cells and unclogs pores to keep them clear. This minimises the chance of acne forming bacteria developing within the pore and triggering breakouts. đ Can minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles You canât eliminate fine lines and wrinkles with exfoliation, but you can help minimise their appearance. When you exfoliate and remove the top layer of dead skin, skin looks smoother and fine lines become less pronounced.  đ Helps promote a brighter, more even skin tone A complexion in need of a good skin exfoliation session appears thick and dull in appearance, thanks to the build up of old cells. Removing the dead cells can leave skin looking brighter and fresher instantly. Over time, skin tone becomes smoother and the appearance of hyperpigmentation may be minimised.  đ Allows skincare to penetrate deeper Weâre rounding off the list with one of the lesser known benefits about exfoliation. Did you know it can actually help maximise the benefits of the ingredients in your other skincare products? Without a layer of dead cells in their way, serums, moisturisers, and masks penetrate more deeply into the skin. If a product is rich with nourishing and active ingredients it makes sense that the better it can be absorbed by your skin the better the results! How to exfoliate skin â Chemical vs. physical methods There are two types of exfoliation methods - physical and chemical. They share the same goals - clearing dead skin cells, helping speed cell turnover, and leaving skin brighter and smoother - but go about it in different ways. To choose the best exfoliator for your skin type and concerns itâs important to understand how each method works.  đ Physical exfoliation Physical exfoliating products are those containing small particles, like coffee, jojoba beads, or sugar granules. They require you to manually rub the product into the skin to allow the particles to do their job and buff away dead skin. Other examples of physical exfoliation include microdermabrasion treatments and any face mitt or washcloth with a textured surface that buffs away dead skin and debris. If you choose an exfoliating face wash, for example, avoid harsh ingredients like crushed fruit pits and nutshells - unless they are very finely ground. Larger particles can be super abrasive and cause what is known as a âmicroâ tear in the skin which damages the skin barrier.  đ Chemical exfoliation Other face exfoliators are classified as chemical exfoliants which are broken down into categories including AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and fruit enzymes. Donât let the term âacidâ scare you, these ingredients can be extremely beneficial for skin. Instead of relying on a mechanical motion to remove the cells from your face, acids dissolve the "glue" that binds your dead cells, helping them loosen and slough off the skin. Common types of acids and enzymes include: Glycolic Acid (AHA)Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits. Lactic Acid (AHA)A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group. Salicylic Acid (BHA)Salicylic acid is more oil-soluble than AHAs. This means while it exfoliates the surface of the skin, it also gets down deeper and unclogs pores, removing the buildup of sebum and impurities. Fruit EnzymesEnzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to reveal the fresher, brighter skin below. Which Method Is Right For Your Skin? Depending on your skin type and concern, you might choose a physical exfoliant, a chemical exfoliant or a combination of both. Physical exfoliation As we mentioned earlier, the best physical exfoliants are those with smaller, finer particles that arenât abrasive to the skin. Physical exfoliants can also be paired with fruit enzymes in skincare formulations for a gentle but effective way to remove dead skin cells. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Bamboo extract has mild exfoliation properties that can encourage cell turnover to reveal younger, softer skin. Ideal for a weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne prone, and dry skin. Jojoba beads and rice powder are also effective yet gentle and soft on skin types needing extra care during exfoliation. We recommend: Rose And Bamboo facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. The delicate exfoliation action of bamboo extract works in harmony with the power of mixed fruit enzymes for a close up exfoliation suited to dry, damaged or sensitised skin Normal | combination skin Icelandic volcanic sand is a mild exfoliator which can gently assist renewing the outer layer of skin to support a fresher looking complexion. We recommend: Hydrating And Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant. This formulation pairs the physical element of volcanic sand with the power of cranberry enzymes to encourage a clearer complexion.  Oily, breakout-prone skin The ultra-fine consistency of exotic Polynesian sand provides gentle exfoliation to assist in the removal of pore-clogging debris and encourage a clearer complexion for oily skin. We recommend: Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant. This exotic Polynesian sand physical exfoliator combined with the additional exfoliating power of papaya enzymes gently but effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells. How to exfoliate your face when using a physical exfoliant? Apply a small amount to cleansed, damp skin. Massage the product into your skin in small, light, circular strokes around your face and never apply too much pressure. Doing so can aggravate skin and, depending on the type of exfoliant, may even cause micro-tears.  Chemical exfoliation Normal and combination skin Glycolic acid holds the title for having the smallest molecular structure of the AHAs group. This means your skin absorbs it quickly and it works faster than other AHAs. It also has water-attracting properties and can help treat uneven skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, combat dullness, fine lines and acne scars. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Lactic Acid (AHA) is a great all rounder but is a gentler choice of exfoliator for sensitive skin and mature skin. Lactic acid is detoxifying and more moisturising than glycolic acid while still sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a radiant, smoother complexion. Oily, breakout-prone skin Salicylic acid (BHA) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it an effective choice if you're prone to acne and breakouts. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum This exfoliating charcoal serum will gently detox and purify for a clearer, smoother complexion. How often should you exfoliate? Itâs important to listen to your skin to get a sense of how often you should exfoliate but we can help you out with some general guidelines. Normal skin types and oily can usually handle 1- 3 times a week with a gentle exfoliant. If youâre using a stronger exfoliant, cut back to once a week. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, stick with a gentle exfoliation session once a week. The danger of over-exfoliation Always keep an eye on how your skin is reacting to exfoliation. Itâs easy to go too far and over-exfoliation can cause skin issues. If your face is breaking out with red, flaky, and dry patches or becoming âwaxyâ looking either the exfoliation product youâre using is too strong for your skin type or youâre using it too often. Over exfoliation compromises the skin barrier. It strips the skin of its natural oils and when this happens the result can be dehydration, broken capillaries, and fresh acne breakouts. Skin might also become more sensitive to the other skincare products that previously didnât cause an issue. Start your skin exfoliation routine with esmi Skin Minerals Ready to refresh your skin with gentle exfoliation using mineral-based, cruelty-free exfoliation ingredients? Explore the esmi Mineral Gentle-Foliants range of skin exfoliation skincare. If you have any questions about the best exfoliant for your skin type and concerns, our team of skincare experts are here to help! Book your free consultation. Learn more about skincare: How and When to Double Cleanse Your Face How To Get Glowing Skin The Benefits of Face Steaming
5 Reasons Why Your Skin May Be Acting Up
Dealing with skin concerns that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? Your skin is giving you clues that something isnât right. Here are 5 reasons your skin might be acting up and what to do about them. Change in weather Skin concerns: Dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts A change in the weather - especially a drop to colder temperatures - can spark a host of skin concerns. In cold weather, the skin has to work harder to maintain hydration. Low humidity and cold days coupled with heated indoor spaces can damage the skinâs barrier. Cracks begin to form in the outer layer of skin which causes a loss of hydration and inflammation. On the flip side, warm, humid temperatures can also exacerbate skin concerns for oily skin types such as breakouts and blocked pores. Skincare solutions Customise your skincare routine depending on the season to target the specific skin care concerns for that time of year. During the colder months, focus on treatments like masks and serums that add hydration. In summer, rich and creamy moisturisers may feel too heavy. Try lighter oils or moisturisers and choose a cleanser that gently exfoliates the skin - preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Remember: No matter the season, daily SPF protection is a must! Allergies Skin concerns: Irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity When sensitive skin is exposed to certain household and laundry cleaning products a red, swollen, itchy rash called contact dermatitis can develop. While cleaning products are usually the most common culprit, theyâre not the only thing that can trigger common skin conditions. Certain synthetic fabrics, fragrances, cosmetics, metals, and even organic materials like plants can be the cause. Other signs of an allergic skin irritation can be sudden breakouts or skin that isnât normally reactive becoming overly sensitive. Skincare solutions If youâre experiencing skin problems, check any new products (household or beauty products) youâve introduced to your routine or your home. Stop using them and see if your skin concerns continue. Sensitive skin types should avoid products with synthetic fragrances and in most cases stick with natural, fragrance free products and fabrics made of natural fibres. Health (Sleep, stress & diet) Skin concerns: Breakouts, dryness, dehydration, and undereye circles Are you stressed or sleep deprived? Both can lead to skin that is acting up - and so can your diet. Letâs start with stress. Your body produces an increased amount of the hormone cortisol when youâre under pressure. A spike in cortisol in turn leads to the skin creating more sebum which can trigger breakouts. Stress can also cause existing skin issues like eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Another side effect of increased cortisol is restless sleep. Not getting enough quality rest leads to more skin concerns, including under eye circles, dehydration, and dry skin conditions. Hydration is key for healthy skin function and your bodyâs hydration levels are impacted by the amount of sleep you get. When your skin is dehydrated, wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced and the chances of triggering eczema and psoriasis or skin discolouration increase. Read more about how sleep affects the health of your skin Then thereâs your diet. If your skin has suddenly begun to act up it may be due to eating more of a certain kind of food. We all react differently to foods so what triggers skin concerns for a friend may not trigger them for you, however, some of the usual suspects include: Refined sugars Dairy High fat, fried foods These types of foods are especially common in triggering acne breakouts. Not drinking enough water and drinking too much alcohol will also cause skin dehydration. Skincare solutions No matter how good your skincare routine is, it can only do so much to address the skin concerns caused by poor sleep, diet, and stress. Take a close look at each of these lifestyle areas and experiment by making changes for better sleep, lower stress levels, and eating right for your skin. Using the wrong skincare Skin concerns: Irritation, breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity Your skin will send a message loud and clear if the skincare products youâre using arenât compatible. Breakouts, irritation, dryness and sensitivity can all be signs you're using the wrong products for your skin type. For example, a frequent skincare mistake made by oily, breakout-prone skin types is using a cleanser that is too harsh for the skin. Using a harsh cleanser (many cleansers aimed at teenage acne are extremely strong) risks stripping your face of its natural oils and disrupts the skinâs pH balance. This triggers the skin to create even more oil which results in more breakouts. Or, if your skin is reacting to a particular ingredient - either natural or synthetic - you might experience redness and irritation. Even if youâre using great quality products, you can still experience an adverse reaction. Skincare solutions The first step is knowing your skin type so you can choose the right products. Our guide to the different skin types and suggested routines will help you out. If youâre still experiencing skin complaints, it may be a reaction to a certain ingredient. A few ingredients that commonly trigger rashes, irritation and breakouts include: Fragrance Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is a chemical known to cause rashes, blemishes, and eye irritation. Salicylic acid can be extremely strong on skin. Stick with gentler acids like lactic and glycolic which are less likely to cause irritation. Emollients. While these can be very beneficial, they can cause breakouts for some skin types. Remember - always do a patch test on your wrist or the area of skin behind your ear before trying a new product. Medications Skin concerns: Irritation, dryness, scaly skin, and sensitivity Known as âdrug hypersensitivityâ signs your body is having an overly sensitive response to medication can include breaking out in hives, dryness, itchy rashes, and swelling, and general sensitivity. Skincare solutions Always seek medical advice and if possible, stop taking the medication. Symptoms may persist for a few days or weeks after stopping the medication but most people will recover without permanent damage to skin. During the recovery period, treat your skin with extra care. Switch to gentler products and stick to a more minimalist routine so you donât overwhelm your skin while it heals.
Looking After Your Skin In Winter
Winter can be tough on your skin. Our winter skincare guide will help you banish signs of dryness, irritation, and dullness during the colder months. Winter skin concerns The main cause of skin issues during winter is a lack of moisture in the air. This, coupled with time spent in heated indoor spaces, can cause your skin barrier (the outer layer of skin known as the stratum corneum) to become damaged. Your skin barrier is made up of skin cells and the lipid matrix which is composed of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterols. Lipids act like âglueâ to hold the skin cells together. When the skin barrier is strong and functioning properly, there are minimal âcracksâ in the surface. This means moisture is sealed into the skin while irritants and bacteria are kept out. On the other hand, the surface of a weakened skin barrier is damaged and cracked. This means moisture seeps out easily, skin is more vulnerable to bacteria and other irritants and signs of ageing are accelerated. Seasonal changes and rapid temperature fluctuations (moving from warm indoor heating to the cold air outside, for example) have been shown to damage the skin barrier. Dry skin One of the most common skin conditions to come along with cold weather is dry skin. Even if your skin type isnât naturally dry, chances are youâll experience drier, flaky skin during winter. If you have a dry skin type, you need to be extra vigilant with winter skincare as cold weather can exacerbate your skin issues. Dullness If you donât get your winter skin care routine right, skin can quickly lose its glow and become dull. Itâs usually a result of dehydration - both on the inside and outside. Loss of hydration in the dermis and the lower levels of the epidermis results in a decrease of skin thickness. This leads to skin looking dull and lacklustre. Sensitivity You may notice your skin has become more sensitive seemingly overnight when cold weather hits. Signs of sensitivity include reactivity - one minute skin seems fine and the next itâs breaking out in a rash, red bumps, or flushing. Itchiness and dryness are also Your winter skincare routine Just like you swap your summer wardrobe for a winter one, you should be switching up your skincare during winter too. There are two key goals for your winter skincare products - a) minimise moisture loss and b) increase hydration. Remember, a damaged skin barrier means moisture in the skin is lost at a quicker rate through the âcracksâ in the surface. Your winter skincare routine should include products and ingredients aimed at repairing cracks and strengthening the barrier to minimise moisture loss. Ceramides, emollients, fatty acids, allantoin, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) are some of the best ingredients to help seal in moisture and repair the skin barrier. You also need to boost the amount of hydration skin cells receive. You can increase hydration topically by using humectant ingredients in your winter skincare products. The hydrating superpower of humectants is their ability to draw moisture to the skin. đ Cleansers Our winter skin care tip for washing your face? Steer clear of traditional foaming cleansers. The chemicals used to create the âlatheringâ effect can be harsh and very drying for the skin barrier. Avoid cleansers containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and synthetic fragrances too - these chemicals can exacerbate dryness and sensitivity. Mild cleansers are a must for winter. Choose a gentler, plant-derived formulation that provides a deep cleanse without ingredients that make winter skin issues worse. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Gently removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. đ Serums Add a serum to your winter skincare routine before moisturising for an extra dose of hydration. One of the best ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum is hyaluronic acid. It draws water to the cells and can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is also effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for hydrated, plumper, and repaired skin. đ Moisturiser The colder months call for a richer moisturising formulation than you might use in summer. Facial oil makes an excellent moisturiser for dry skin in winter. Oils contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants which help seal in moisture to keep the skin hydrated. Suggested winter skincare oils include rosehip oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. Rosehip in particular is a wonderful skin repairer, brimming with tissue and cell regeneration fatty acids plus antioxidants to hydrate and heal damaged skin. Squalene is also an excellent ingredient for dry skin. Non-irritating with antioxidant and moisturising properties, squalene is suitable for all skin types. We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Non-greasy, itâs perfect for combination to dry skin as a moisturiser to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles. đ Exfoliation The right exfoliator will refresh tired-looking winter skin. The cold air outside combined with dry indoor heating means skin cells dehydrate and die quicker during this time of year. A gentle exfoliator will buff away dead cells to reveal fresher looking skin without drying it out. We suggest using a mild chemical exfoliator containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) rather than a physical exfoliator to dissolve dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. Lactic acid is the most gentle AHA and ideal for sensitive skin types. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Gently detox and purify congested skin for a clearer, smoother complexion. đ Overnight Mask Leaving on a rich, nourishing treatment overnight (skin is more permeable at night time) allows the ingredients in your winter skin care regime to soak in and maximise results. We recommend: Ultra Nourishing Face Mask Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone, and heal damaged skin. If you need help with winter care for your face book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi is always here to support you on your skin journey! Â
Everyday Items That Might Damage Your Skin
Here are ten sneaky things that are bad for skin and trigger breakouts, dryness, and irritation on a daily basis. 1. Your makeup brushes Makeup brushes can help you work all kinds of beauty magic but dirty ones are so bad for skin. If your breakouts are persisting, how often are you cleaning your brushes? They naturally accumulate dirt and bacteria that you unknowingly spread onto your skin with every use. Brushes also accumulate dead skin cells and oil, leading to congested and broken out skin. The bristles of a brush caked in old, hard makeup wonât be soft and can cause irritation when you swipe it across your face. 2. The wrong skincare products Bad skin care products, overuse, or just using the wrong products for your skin type will hurt, not help, your complexion. Signs the products youâre using are damaging your skin include dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation, and excessive oil. Read more about the signs of a damaging skincare routine. 3. Synthetic fabrics (& even some natural ones) Dealing with acne breakouts on your neck, chest, or back area? Wearing tight clothes made from synthetic fibres like acrylic, polyester, rayon, acetate, and nylon can be bad for skin. When fabric rubs against acne-aggravated skin the area can become even more inflamed. Some synthetic fabrics donât allow the skin to breathe properly, trapping in sweat and oil. This can spread acne bacteria and cause more pore blockages. It might be a natural fibre but wool (not the super soft merino type) can damage skin too - exacerbating dry, itchy skin problems and triggering eczema. 4. Laundry detergent Sensitive skin types can be super reactive to different fragrances and chemicals used in laundry detergents. Flare ups of dry, itchy, and red patches of skin known as contact dermatitis are commonly linked back to skin being exposed to solvents and soap chemicals. The safest bet for sensitive skin is to stick with natural or gentle formulations with no fragrance. 5. Hot showers Nothing beats a hot shower on a cold winter morning, right? As great as it feels to turn up the temperature and soak in the steam, hot water is really bad for skin. Especially if you are already dealing with any skin concerns characterised by dry, flaky, red patches, like dermatitis. Too long under a hot stream of water can damage your skin barrier as it strips away the protective lipid layer of your skin. This protective layer is responsible for sealing moisture in while keeping bacteria and irritants out. A damaged skin barrier canât hold onto moisture and as a result, skin becomes itchy, red, and dry. 6. Hair products Are hair care products to blame for your skin woes? Certain ingredients commonly found in hair care formulations are bad for skin, causing breakouts, dryness, and irritation. These 2 are the worst offenders on our bad things for your skin list: 1. Propylene glycol - A known irritant youâll find in many shampoos and conditioners that can cause dryness and sensitivity. 2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) - An ingredient to avoid in all beauty products. It gives shampoo the ability to âfoamâ up but itâs cleansing properties are harsh. It strips skin of natural oils and can spark an allergic reaction in sensitive skin types. If youâre prone to acne, itâs also best to avoid using gels, pomades, heavy creams, or any products that add oil to your hair. These can seep into the skin around your hairline causing blocked pores and breakouts. Oily hair can contribute to the oil on your face too so make sure youâre washing your hair frequently with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.  7. Pillowcases & towels Another sleep related habit bad for skin is not changing your pillowcase regularly. Pillows are a sneaky source of bacteria and pore-clogging debris that your skin comes in contact with every night. Sweat and dead skin cells that are shed while you sleep continue to add to the grimy build-up. Avoid exposing your face to this cocktail of skin disruptors by regularly changing your pillowcases - at least twice a week. Bath and face towels also harbour scary amounts of bacteria if not washed regularly. Change your bath towels every 3 uses to prevent bacterial overgrowth and your face towels on a daily basis. Try esmi Microfibre Face Cleansing Mitt. Perfect for all skin types, it doesnât harbour bacteria, and removes 80% more dirt, makeup, and product residue than a regular face washer. 8. Makeup wipes Quick and convenient? Yes. Good for your skin? Not so much. Makeup wipes are loaded with preservatives for the purpose of stopping mould and these ingredients can cause skin to become inflamed and dry. The idea to âcleanseâ without water means the cleansing agents in makeup wipes stay on your face instead of being rinsed off. Also highly irritating for skin! We recommend sensitive skin types skip makeup wipes altogether. Other skin types may be able to get away with occasional use in a cleansing emergency but definitely not on a daily basis. 9. Skipping sunscreen Not applying SPF on a daily basis (all year round - no matter the weather) is a habit bad for skin. Actually, itâs terrible for skin. Itâs estimated that 90% of skin ageing is due to the effects of the sun. The appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots happen faster when you skip your daily dose of SPF. Worse, you increase the chance of developing sun related cancer, including melanoma. To protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays, choose broad-spectrum sunscreen. Aim for SPF 30 or above and reapply throughout the day - every 2 hours or more frequently when swimming, exercising, or wiping your face. Try esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Broad-spectrum, non-greasy SPF30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. 10. Milk Foods bad for acne and other skin complaints vary from person to person but some dairy products, in particular milk, are common triggers. Studies have found a link between milk products and acne but to discover the impact dairy has on you, temporarily cut it from your diet and monitor your skin for changes. Before making any radical changes to your diet, we recommend consulting with a health professional. If you are dealing with severe acne, a change in diet may help but itâs not the entire picture. Take a holistic approach to include the right skincare, alternative therapies, or medication as needed. Read more about bad acne treatments and steps to prevent acne here.
The Different Skin Types
Skin is generally classified into one of 5 different skin types - normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. These categories help you understand why your skin looks, feels and behaves as it does and most importantly, choose the right skincare routine for your skin type. If youâre wondering âWhat's my skin type?â read on to find out. Dry skin Dry skin types produce less of the skinâs natural oil - sebum - than normal skin types. Sebum contains important lipids that help the skin retain moisture and protect itself against outside influences. Because dry skin has less sebum, it also has less lipids so struggles to keep moisture locked into the cells. If you have a dry skin type, youâll likely find your face feeling tight and uncomfortable. Dry, flaky patches will also be noticeable - particularly around the nose and mouth area. Itchy skin and dullness can be another sign of dry skin types and fine lines are usually more pronounced.  How to care for dry skin Caring for dry skin is all about helping it retain natural oils and moisture. Use a gentle cleanser that lifts away debris from the skin without compromising the natural oils it needs to stay moisturised. Always use lukewarm water (not hot) to wash your face. You donât want to feel the âtightâ feeling after you cleanse - this is a sign your cleanser is too harsh. Apply a moisturiser or facial oil in the morning and evening - the best time to apply is straight after cleansing when your skin is still damp. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a gentle exfoliator to keep skin fresh and boost hydration with a regular masking session. esmi skincare routine for dry skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Mask - Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial Oil - Rose Gold Rose Oil or 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Oily skin People with oily skin have overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much oil. If you have an oily skin type, youâre likely to experience a perpetually shiny appearance and are prone to acne, blackheads, and pimples. Makeup tends to âslideâ off your skin easily. Other characteristics of an oily skin type are large pores, especially around your nose, chin, and forehead. Pores become clogged with dead skin and excess sebum which triggers pimples. Oily skin is also prone to redness and irritation due to frequent breakouts. How to care for oily skin While you canât change the size of your pores, you can focus on keeping them clean. Gentle cleansers that contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients will keep skin clear, help regulate oil production and calm redness. Donât shy away from using facial oils if you have an oily skin type. The right facial oil can actually help balance sebum production - not make it worse. Regular exfoliation will prevent dead cells and excess sebum building up in the pore keeping skin fresh and clear. Oily skin types will also benefit from serums and mask treatments with ingredients to cool inflamed skin and add hydration - yes, even oily skin types become dehydrated! esmi skincare routine for oily skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal and The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Anti-Redness Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum - Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Facial Oil - Peppermint Green Oil Mask - Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask and Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Combination skin Is your skin dry in some areas and oily in others? You have a combination skin type. Youâll find your t-zone is shiny due to an overproduction of oil while your cheeks and outer areas of your face can be dry. Itâs common for combination skin to have a mix of dry, flaky patches and breakouts at the same time. Pores are enlarged in the t-zone but are smaller in the dry areas where less oil is found. How to care for combination skin It can be more of a challenge to create the right kind of skincare routine to treat both the oily and dry areas - itâs literally a balancing act. Use a face wash for combination skin types, morning and night. Choose a gentle cleanser that wonât strip the skin of its natural oils but contains natural antibacterial and astringent properties to target breakouts and balance oil production. Combination skin isnât a reason to skip using a moisturiser or facial oil in your routine. All skin types need hydration to support a healthy functioning skin barrier. Multi-masking is a great way to give your skin a deep treatment for both oily and dry areas at the same time. Choose a face mask which targets oily skin to apply to your t-zone and a deeply hydrating face mask for the drier areas. esmi skincare routine for combination skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Anti-Redness Exfoliator - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial Oil - Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Mask - Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask and Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive skin Sensitive skin is prone to redness, dry patches, flakiness, burns quickly in the sun and is easily irritated by fragrances and beauty products. Conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are also common. Sensitive skin has a thin epidermis which means the skinâs protective barrier isnât as strong as it could be and irritants and bacteria can penetrate it more easily. Thinner skin also means blood vessels are more visible which explains the appearance of redness in many sensitive skin types. How to care for sensitive skin Be gentle - in the products you use and the way to touch and handle your skin. Avoiding synthetic fragrance is important to minimise the chance of irritation and donât go overboard on skin treatments, like exfoliation and masking. Once you find a product that works - stick with it. Sensitive skin loves routine as frequently changing products can cause more irritation. esmi skincare routine for sensitive skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial oil - Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo Mask - Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Normal skin Normal skin has a good balance of moisture, small pores and an even, blemish-free skin tone. If you have a normal skin type - lucky you! However, it doesnât mean you wonât ever experience a little dryness, oilliness or the occasional pimple. Plus, normal skin types still experience sun damage and other skin concerns due to environmental aggressors or lifestyle choice. esmi skincare routine for normal skin Cleanser - The Uncomplicated Cleanser Serum - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Facial oil - Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Mask - Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster or Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Sunscreen - Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 If you have questions about the right skincare products for skin types, our team of esmi skin specialists are here to help!
Your Day Skincare vs. Night Skincare
Your skin needs different support during the day than while youâre sleeping. We take a look at what happens to your skin AM vs PM and the best day and night skincare routine - including our favourite product recommendations. Daytime skincare routine What is happening to your skin during the day? During the day your skin is in protection mode. Itâs busy defending itself against free radical attacks caused by UV light, pollution, stress, smoking, poor diet, and other environmental factors. These free radical attacks can damage the elasticity and collagen in healthy skin, accelerating the signs of ageing. UV exposure during the day plays one of the biggest roles in premature ageing. Skin is also protecting itself to all the bacteria it comes in contact with throughout the day. Every time you touch your face or press your phone to your cheek your skin is exposed to bacteria. This can trigger breakouts or spread existing acne. The weather is another potential stressor your skin comes into contact with during the day. A drop in temperature can lead to dryness and dehydration while a spike in humidity can trigger breakouts. Itâs your skin barrier that does the work deflecting damage and protecting skin. The stronger the barrier, the better it is at both defending itself from potential damage and repairing itself from existing damage. When your barrier is weakened, itâs more susceptible to free radical damage, exposure to bacteria and other stressors it comes into contact with. This damage leads to irritations, breakouts, accelerated ageing and dehydration. Best daytime skincare routine The goal of your daytime skincare routine is to help your skin protect itself against all the stressors it comes in contact with. You can do this by using daytime skincare products to support a healthy, strong skin barrier. Cleanser Choose a gentle, non-drying cleanser to maintain the delicate balance of oil and moisture on your skin. You donât want to strip your skin entirely of oil - this will compromise your skin barrier and trigger an overproduction of oil. Starting with freshly cleansed skin in the morning will also help the products you apply afterwards to be better absorbed by the skin. Explore esmi Skin Minerals range of gentle cleansers to target skin concerns including congestion, ageing, and dullness. Antioxidant-rich serum Serums are highly concentrated nutrient-dense treatments. Boost your skinâs natural defence factors with the help of an antioxidant-rich serum to help neutralise potential damage caused by free radicals attacks while treating specific skin concerns. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant choice to apply during the day. Read our guide to antioxidants to understand more about the crucial role antioxidants play in defending the skin against free radical damage. Moisturiser or facial oil On the moisturising front, the difference in your day and night skincare routine is usually that the daytime product is lighter. Lightweight, non-greasy formulations - be it a moisturiser or face oil - are best during the day. We recommend: Hydrating Hydra-Fluid Moisturiser or Acai Skin Balancing Facial Oil SPF protection No daytime skincare routine is complete without SPF protection. One of the biggest differences between your day and night skincare routine is the application of sunscreen - obviously not needed at night but a non-negotiable during the day! If your day time moisturiser doesnât include broad-spectrum SPF protection, apply a separate product. We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Mist (Optional) To keep skin refreshed and hydrated throughout the day, consider keeping a face mist handy when youâre on the go. A burst of hydration is the perfect pick-me-up for tired skin. We recommend: Refreshing And Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist Night skincare routine What is happening to your skin at night? At night your skin switches from defence mode into repair mode - combating any damage done during daylight hours. It does the heavy lifting of regenerating itself while you sleep. During healthy sleep cycles, the levels of both melatonin and human growth hormone (HGH) in your body naturally increase. These two hormones are essential for skin rejuvenation. Melatonin initiates cellular regeneration while HGH stimulates the collagen and elastin necessary to support thicker, firmer skin. Transepidermal water loss (moisture evaporating from your skin) also increases at night. It's important to replenish the water loss with moisturiser or facial oil overnight. Best night skincare routine The goal of your night routine is to support the skinâs natural rejuvenation process to boost results. The good news is that skin is also more receptive to products at night! Some of the best ingredients to apply at night include retinol, peptides, and glycolic acid. Many spot and prescription products are also recommended for night time application. Cleanser Your night time face wash routine should include a double cleanse to remove all traces of makeup, excess oil, and dirt. Donât skip this step if you have breakout prone skin - itâs essential in a night skincare routine for acne. For acne-prone skin, we recommend using The Uncomplicated Cleanser for the first cleanse. Follow this with the The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal. If youâre experiencing cystic acne or acne that is inflamed, go for The Uncomplicated Cleanser With Anti-Redness. Moisturiser or facial oil You need moisturiser for your day and night skincare routine but you can get away with a heavier formulation while you sleep. The best nighttime moisturiser and facial oils are rich in antioxidants, deeply hydrating and contain emollient ingredients to minimise trans epidermal water loss. Emollients contain lipids (fats) that help seal in moisture while softening and smoothing skin. We recommend: 24k Gold Nourishing Oil or Golden Anti-Ageing Serum or Sensitive Moisturiser Mask Your night face care routine is the perfect time to maximise the benefits of a face mask targeting specific skin concerns - especially ageing, dehydration, and dullness. You could use a mask in your day and night skincare routine but skin has more time to absorb the active ingredients while you sleep. If applying an overnight nighttime mask, skip the facial oil and make it the final step in your routine. We recommend: Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask (ageing concerns), Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask (hydration) or Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask (dry skin). Eye treatment The skin around your eye area is delicate and prone to puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Include a separate eye treatment in your nighttime skincare routine to target this area to wake up with a refreshed eye area. 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. Explore esmi Skin Minerals range of eye treatments to treat concerns including ageing, dehydration, and dullness. Have questions about the day and night skincare routine right for your skin type? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.Â
How to Feel Confident in Your Own Skin
Achieving real skin confidence is possible. Creating your healthiest skin means taking a holistic approach to nurturing your complexion and boosting your emotional skin positivity. From not comparing yourself to others, stressing less, eating well, and really getting to know your complexion, letâs take a look at how to feel confident in your own skin. Digital detox & de-stress You donât have to spend very long scrolling through social feeds to spot the seemingly perfect skin and flawless bodies of influencers, friends, or total strangers. If youâre constantly comparing yourself to edited and staged posts on social media, it can take a toll on your confidence and distort your body image. Taking a break from social media, or limiting your time on it, gives your mind a break. You cut the comparison anxiety and can focus on feeling confident in your own skin. Stress, in general, takes its toll on your skin too. Ever noticed how you break out or skin conditions - like eczema - flare up when youâre stressed out? Stress causes your adrenal glands to release a surge of the hormone cortisol which can trigger skin issues - particularly acne. Managing stress by prioritising self-care will boost your wellbeing, leaving you feeling happier and more confident in your own skin. Focus on sleep hygiene Sleep - or lack of it - has a dramatic effect on your stress levels and skin. Commit to getting more quality rest by going to bed earlier, ending screen time at least an hour before bed, turning phones to flight mode, and sleeping in a dark bedroom. Taking a short nap during the day can also help manage stress levels. Essentially, the better your sleep schedule, the more confident youâll look and feel. Do something that makes you happy Make time for an activity that boosts your endorphins and makes you smile. A healthy self-care routine allows you to take time out of your day, even if just for 5 minutes, to do something for yourself. Weâve put together some simple, everyday self-care ideas here. Appreciate yourself Press pause on the negative thoughts of your inner critic and take time to appreciate the good things about yourself. Write out a few of your recent accomplishments - no matter how small - or things you like about yourself. You could repeat some positive affirmations or speak a compliment out loud to yourself in the mirror, too. Smile! The simple act of smiling has been shown by studies to improve your mood, lower stress levels, and even boost your immune system. Smiling brightens up your face and makes you look better too. Possibly the quickest way to boost your confidence! Know your skin type to build the right routine Beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. It might be hard, though, to feel confident in your own skin when youâre self-conscious about issues like dryness, acne, and fine lines. A healthy complexion will boost your skin confidence. To nourish your complexion the right way you need to know the best skincare products to treat it. Without knowing what your skin really needs, youâll invest in products that wonât deliver the best results. Your skin struggles will continue and instead of boosting your skin confidence, the anxiety about your skin will continue. Studies have revealed that skin conditions can lower self-confidence, induce anxiety, and even lead to depression. All good skincare routines begin with knowing what skin type you have. Normal Skin âNormalâ is the term used to refer to skin that has a well-balanced sebum and moisture production - itâs not too oily or too dry. Normal skin has refined pores and no visible blemishes, flaky areas or oily spots. Best ingredients for normal skin: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), ceramides, fatty acids. Recommended product: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Dry Skin Dry skin is characterised by a lack of natural sebum - it produces less than other skin types. As a result, skin tends to be rough and flaky looking. Itâs more susceptible to irritation and infection as a lack of moisture means the skinâs protective barrier is weak. Skin can be dull and lack elasticity. Best ingredients for dry skin: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalane, Vitamin C + E. Recommended product: esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Oily skin Oily skin produces more sebum than normal and is prone to breakouts, blackheads, and acne. Pores are visibly larger and the skin is shiny. The good news about the oily skin type is it usually has fewer wrinkles. Best ingredients for oily skin: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), aloe vera, activated clay and charcoal, Vitamin C. Recommended product: esmi Anti Redness Minty Green Smoothie Combination skin Just like the name suggests, this skin type is a combination of different skin types. The characteristics of combination skin are an oily, shiny ât-zoneâ with dry, flaking skin in the cheek area. Best ingredients for combination skin: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), Vitamin C + E, acai oil. Recommended product: esmi Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Sensitive skin Some of the signs you have sensitive skin include a tendency to flush and become red easily, dry patches, itchy skin, and sensitivity to changes in weather / temperature. Sensitive skin can often occur as a response to using the wrong type of skincare products. Best ingredients for sensitive skin: Lactic acid, provitamin B5, witch hazel, jojoba oil. Recommended product: esmi Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo When you know your skin type and how to heal specific issues, you can make more informed product decisions about the right skin treatment routine for you. Commitment to your routine is crucial. Some skin results may take longer to show but donât give up. Your healthiest complexion and real skin confidence are on their way! Eat well for skin confidence We all know the saying - you are what you eat. When it comes to your skin, itâs advice is worth listening to. Diet plays a huge role in how your skin looks and filling your plate up with healthy, wholesome food will help you feel more confident in your own skin. Beta carotene Beta carotene is important for skin tone and skin cell development. Foods high in beta carotene include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, apricots, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, red and yellow peppers, and parsley. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids These essential fatty acids have been shown to minimise UV-induced photodamage, extrinsic signs of skin ageing, and inflammatory skin issues. The following foods are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids; salmon, mackerel, oysters, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, seaweed, and edamame beans. Omega 6 fatty acids can be found in whole-grain bread, poultry, eggs, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. Selenium Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown a selenium-rich diet can help fight free radical activity and may protect against UV related skin damage and inflammation. Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, wheatgerm, and broccoli. When it comes to healthy, supple skin, hydration is key. Make sure youâre drinking plenty of water each day for brighter, more energised looking skin. Including a regular green juice, like celery juice (great for skin!) in the mix will also step up your skinâs nourishment. If you want good skin, cut out or at least reduce the amount of sugar you eat too. Sugar is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation that shows up on your skin as dry patches itchy skin, acne and wrinkles. Cutting down on processed and high-fat foods will also help. Take these simple, actionable skin tips and see your skin confidence soar!
Cystic & Hormonal Acne for Teens & Adults
Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between the acne you experience as an adult vs when you were a teenager? What about the difference between cystic and hormonal acne? Letâs take a look at the difference between cystic, hormonal and other types of acne for both adults and teenagers as well as the best skincare ingredients to treat those pesky breakouts. Adult acne vs. Teenage acne The root cause of all acne is essentially the same, your pores become clogged with excess sebum and dead cells. Clogged pores become the ideal environment for skin bacteria, p. Acnes, to thrive causing acne, inflammation, and swelling. Adult and teenage acne can be triggered by hormonal changes that lead to excess oil production, causing pores to become blocked. So, what's the difference between adult acne and teenage acne? Adult acne is more common around the chin, and along the jawline while teenage acne usually appears in T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and sometimes on the chest and upper back. The treatment of adult acne and teenage acne should also be approached in different ways. Because teenage skin is very oily, it can handle stronger acne treatments. As the skin ages, it becomes drier and more sensitive so treatments designed for teenage acne can cause excessive irritation for adults. The best acne treatments for adults are gentler and easier for the skin to tolerate. What is hormonal acne & how do you treat it? Your skin changes in response to fluctuating hormones, such as estrogen, which can trigger acne. For adults, hormone-related adult acne can be triggered by your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and stress. Teenagers experience acne due to an increase in androgen hormones - like testosterone. These hormones play a key role in kick-starting puberty and send the production of sebum into overdrive, increasing the chance of clogged pores. Hormonal acne can usually be treated with a combination of the right skincare products. In some, more severe, cases you may need over the counter medication too. Stay tuned for our full hormonal acne skincare routine below with products to help you treat these sorts of breakouts. What is cystic acne & how do you treat it? Cystic acne is the most serious and painful type of acne. Both teenagers and adults can experience cystic acne which is identified by the following characteristics: Large white bumps Large pus-filled cysts Skin is inflamed and painful to touch Over the counter treatments and skincare products alone arenât strong enough to treat cystic acne. If youâre dealing with cystic acne see a dermatologist about prescription medication to compliment an anti-acne skincare routine. What are blackheads & whiteheads & how do you treat them? These are the mildest forms of adult acne and teenage acne. A blackhead (scientifically known as an âopen comedoneâ) is essentially a pore clogged with dead skin, sebum and dirt that has opened a little and been exposed to air - turning it black. A whitehead is known as a âclosed comedoneâ - the pore is clogged but hasnât opened for air to enter and cause it to turn black. These two are usually the easiest type of acne to treat and can be improved with the right skincare routine and treatments. In some extreme cases, blackheads may need to be professionally extracted by an esthetician. What are the best skin care ingredients to treat acne? Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, a potent exfoliator for the topmost layers of the skin - removing dead cells which clog pores. Glycolic acid also boosts moisture retention. This helps prevent the overproduction of oil that leads to breakouts. Its skin regeneration properties help reduce the appearance of scars and overall, brightens the skin. Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid, Salicylic acid also acts as an exfoliant however, salicylic acid is able to penetrate deeper into the skin than glycolic acid - targeting acne at its source. Both glycolic and salicylic acid are often used in combination to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, benzoyl peroxide fights the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. By targeting the bacteria, breakouts are minimised. It also helps keep pores of dead cells and oil build-up. Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal has benefits for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin. Itâs anti-fungal and antibacterial properties fight bacteria while drawing impurities out from within the pore. Bentonite and Kaolin Clay: Known for its ability to draw out toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals from the skin Bentonite also soaks up extra oil. Kaolin clay has more mild absorption properties than bentonite, which makes it better for dry to normal skin. Retinoids (Vitamin A): Naturally occurring forms of Vitamin A retinoids also have very effective pore clearing capabilities. They prevent pores from clogging stopping breakouts before they even begin developing. esmiâs best hormonal acne treatment routine for adults & teens Cleanse your face: We always recommend you Double Cleanse your skin each morning and night. The first cleanse is to remove any products (like SPF or makeup) and the second is to get deep into the pores to remove debris and any built-up oil. You can use the same cleanser for both or a combination of cleansers to achieve more targeted results. Choosing a gentle cleanser is particularly important for teens as many cleansers targeted towards teenage acne can be very harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils. This only exacerbates the issue. The Uncomplicated Cleanser: Starting with the original Uncomplicated Cleanser is ideal to remove surface products. The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal: Follow with a second cleanse using The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal. Ideal for all skin types prone to congestion, breakouts, and large pores, the active ingredient charcoal purifies and balances oils for a refined, clearer complexion. If youâre experiencing cystic acne or acne that is inflamed, instead of the Charcoal Cleanser you could opt for The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness for the second cleanse. It contains antibacterial properties that are ideal for soothing inflammation and minimising break out flare-ups. Exfoliate (gently!!): Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Using this 2-3 times per week will help to buff away dead skin cells and detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities, revealing a clearer, smoother complexion. This serum contains powerful drawing agents, it will draw out any underlying congestion - so donât be alarmed if your skin purges. Continue use after impurities have emerged to aid healing. Apply serums that target acne-prone skin: Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo (Teen): The 'gentle' dose of actives in this formulation is perfect for teens and helps to balance and strengthen skin, promote repair and soothe skin. Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie (Adult & teen acne): Cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Suitable for all skin types to treat red, puffy or acne inflamed skin. Ideal for both adult and teen acne as a spot treatment for breakouts. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (Adult & teen acne) Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin and a hydrated glow. Hyaluronic Serum contains Vit B3 (niacinamide) which will help to balance skin and regulate oil flow which can act as a preventative for breakouts. It also accelerates healing and repair post-breakout. Moisturiser with oils (trust us!) Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil (Adult acne) 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 (Teen acne) Highly moisturising with antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acne-prone skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties targeting redness and inflammation. Treat yourself with face masks Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask (Teen acne) The mild exfoliation action of kaolin clay is kind to sensitive and breakout-prone skin, soothes and regulates oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. Teenagers should introduce this step slowly, once the skin is used to the actives in the cleansers and serums. Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask (Adult acne) Cools the discomfort of red, irritated skin while shutting down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You Might Also Like To Read: Your Guide to Sebaceous Filaments Your Highschool Teenage Skincare Routine What Order to Apply Skin Care Products
The Importance of Self-Care
#selfcaresunday. Itâs all over our Instagram feeds and for good reason. Making self-care a priority allows us not just to function, but to flourish! Letâs look at why everyone needs a little more âmeâ time in their lives and 13 ideas for easy self-care practices. Why self-care is so important Self-care is any activity you do to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. Something that refuels or relaxes you. The idea of self-care is simple but it can have a profound effect on improving your thoughts, moods, and your relationship with yourself and others. Itâs also very easy to overlook. When life gets crazy self-care can slide to the bottom of your priority list but itâs those busy times when itâs most important to take time out for you. A self-care plan can dial down stress levels, boost your immune system, and help you feel better inside and out. Prioritising self-care isnât selfish. When we take care of our own emotional and physical wellbeing, weâre in a better place to take care of others too. As the saying goes; you canât pour from an empty cup. When you think of #selfcaresunday, images of soaking in the tub with a glass of red and a magazine might spring to mind. However, self-care isnât just things like bubble baths and manicures. You can practice internal self-care too, like not beating yourself up for a mistake, or forgiving yourself if you fail. It can also mean reaching out when you need help or to talk to someone instead of trying to handle something on your own. Or it could be simply cutting yourself some slack on days where you didnât get through as much as you planned. Self-care and your skin Stress can show up on your face in all kinds of ways, from dry, flaky skin to under-eye circles. It can also trigger breakouts or cause existing skin issues like eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Making time for self-care lowers stress levels meaning your skin will reap the benefits! Why not turn your daily skincare routine into a self-care practice? Instead of rushing through the motions, slow down and pay attention to each step. Enjoy the texture and fragrance of the products and the way they feel on your skin. Listening to relaxing music or burning an aromatic candle while you go through your skincare routine will also boost the indulgence factor. Simple ideas to relax & recharge Feeling like your best self shouldnât be a luxury you save only for special occasions. The best way to nurture your emotional and physical health consistently is to introduce small self-care activities into your daily and weekly schedule. Weâve put together simple examples of self-care strategies to inspire your inner and outer nurturing! Dial-in dinner Give yourself a night off - order dinner in. Enjoy the time youâd usually spend cooking and cleaning by taking a bath or reading instead. Sunday night facial Nothing says self-care like a luxe DIY facial so spend Sunday night pampering your skin. Make it easy with esmi âBuild Your Ownâ At Home Facial Kit. Gratitude journal A gratitude journal is an easy way to focus on the positive things going on in your life. Write down 5 things youâre feeling happy about and grateful for right now. Disconnect from social media Take a break from the social noise and donât check your accounts for a day. Get your mask on No time for a full DIY facial? Focus on a face mask instead. Choose one suited to your skin type and take 10 minutes out to sip a coffee or a glass of wine while it gets to work! Buy yourself some flowers A gorgeous vase of flowers is an instant mood lifter - a bright, fragrant way to give yourself a boost. Declutter stuff What does decluttering have to do with self-care? A cluttered home can induce stress and anxiety. Spending 15 minutes decluttering can bring a sense of tranquillity to the space. Experiment with different makeup looks Break out of a makeup rut with a little âmeâ time spent trying different looks. YouTube tutorials are your best friend! Embrace a tea ritual A tea ritual is a great way to press pause, be present and step out of the daily chaos. Pay attention to the smell, the taste, and temperature. Tea is brimming with antioxidants too - a major health bonus. Mini meditation You donât need to spend hours sitting cross legged on the floor to reap the benefits of meditation - just a few minutes a day is enough. Try the Headspace app. Eat a mindful meal When was the last time you sat down to eat a meal without multi-tasking, looking at a screen or any other distractions? Mindful eating helps you appreciate food and flavours, prevents overeating and is a window of quiet time for yourself. Cloud watching Lie back and let yourself become hypnotised by those big, billowy clouds for 5 or 10 minutes. Schedule a sleep in When we get busy, sleep is often the first thing we give up which can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health - including your skin. Show yourself some love by planning a scheduled sleep in. No alarm in sight! Make your own self-care plan There is no one-size-fits-all approach, after all, self-care is about yourself! Experiment and find your own individual self-care list of activities that refresh you then schedule activities from your list into your day, week and month. It can be tempting to add to the millions of #selfcaresunday snaps on social media but put the phone down and forget about making self-care picture perfect. Just be present and soak up the moment. No filter required!
Signs Your Skin Routine is Damaging Your Skin
Is your skin routine doing your complexion more harm than good? Signs the products youâre using are damaging your skin include dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation and excessive oil. You might be using the wrong products in your skin routine, overusing products, or having an allergic reaction to an ingredient or formulation. Be on the lookout for these signs that your skincare routine is hurting, not helping, your complexion. Youâre breaking out regularly Have you noticed your skin is breaking out more often? This is an indicator that an ingredient or combination of ingredients in your skincare regimen isnât playing nice with your skin. If youâve just introduced a new skincare product or makeup and your skin is breaking out, the formulation might not be suitable for your skin, causing aggravation. There is a caveat here. Some products will cause your skin to âpurgeâ itself of toxins as part of the process to achieve clearer, fresher skin. If this is the case, a round of breakouts isnât something to worry about as the product is doing its job. Some common ingredients and treatments that can trigger your skin to purge include: Exfoliating hydroxy acids Cleansing brushes, peels and microdermabrasion treatments Vitamin C Benzoyl peroxide Retinoids Bentonite clay Itâs a good idea to choose lower strength products and gradually build to higher potencies as your skin adapts. Unsure if your skin is purging or having a bad reaction? One way to tell is if pimples are appearing in areas you donât usually breakout. For example, if you usually have pimples in the t-zone but are experiencing breakouts around the side of your face and cheeks it could be a bad reaction. Your skin is extremely oily  The overproduction of oil can be a sign youâre over-cleansing your skin. Your skin needs a certain amount of its natural oils (sebum) to stay healthy and balanced. If your cleansing routine is stripping your face completely of oil, skin goes into overdrive producing sebum to try to counteract the loss of oil. This process leads to more oil on your skin than normal which can keep you trapped in a cycle of over-cleansing in an effort to get rid of the oil. This isnât a healthy skincare regimen for oily skin. You need to use a cleanser thatâs right for your skin type. If your skin feels taut and tight after cleansing, itâs a sign that your cleanser is too harsh. Choose a gentler cleanser and make sure youâre applying moisturiser or facial oil after cleansing - even if you have an oily skin type. Dry patches have popped up Is your complexion scattered with dry, rough and peeling patches? This can be a sign of over-exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps to shed dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, radiant skin sitting below the surface but you need to be cautious not to go overboard. Other signs youâre exfoliating too frequently include redness, irritation, and breakouts. The first thing to do is stop exfoliating. Give your skin time to heal and return to its baseline texture - the texture it was prior to irritation. You should also switch to a mild cleanser and fragrance-free moisturiser or face oil to treat your skin with extra care while it heals. As a guide, only exfoliate once or twice a week to help speed up skin cell turnover without causing damage. Sensitive skin types should exfoliate less. The appearance of dry patches can also indicate youâre not using the right product for your skin type. For example, if you have a dry skin type, using oil-absorbing products will leave skin even drier with red, scaly patches. Read our guide to the different skin types to help determine the right products for your skin. Your skin is red & inflamed Inflamed, red skin is a classic sign of irritated skin. If you notice redness developing - whether it fades or persistently sticks around - it could be time to evaluate your skincare routine. A complicated skincare routine can trigger inflammation as too many products with potent ingredients can wreak havoc on your skin. For example, exfoliating with an AHA based product, using a serum with a high percentage vitamin C, followed by a strong retinol moisturiser and then a skin brightening treatment. It doesnât mean thereâs anything wrong with the product - they can have a place in your face regime. The issue is applying them to the skin in quick succession can leave it red, stressed, and inflamed. Products with harsh or aggravating ingredients can also cause the skin to flare up. Some problematic ingredients known for sensitising skin include artificial fragrances, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), silicones, petrochemicals, and synthetic emollients. Try to avoid these ingredients in your skin routine. Or, you simply may have a personal reaction to an ingredient or a mix of ingredients - itâs not a reflection of the quality of the formulation. If you have sensitive skin, chances of a reaction to products are higher as your skin barrier is already vulnerable. Even ingredients that arenât usually considered irritants can cause your skin to react. Sensitive skin loves routine so once you find products that work for you, stick with them. Tips for healing skin damaged by your skin routine Strip your skincare routine back to basics If your skin is stressed, layering product after product on wonât help it - the best skin regimen for a damaged complexion is a simple one. Get back to the basics for a few days using just a gentle cleanser and moisturiser or facial oil to give your skin a chance to breathe and heal. You can slowly re-introduce additional products or treatments designed to assist the healing process. Use a gentle cleanser No matter what sign of distress your skin is giving you, a gentle face wash can help minimise symptoms while keeping your skin clean. Try esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser for a deep, yet gentle clean suitable for all skin types. Patch test Prevention is better than a cure! Put a small amount of the product on your wrist (where the skin is thinner) or the side of your neck and cover the area with a small bandage. If you donât see any reaction in 24 hours it should be fine to use the product on your face. Always read the ingredients label Read through all the ingredients on the product or packaging. The higher up the list an ingredient is, the more there is of it in the formulation. Steer clear of the sensitising products we mentioned earlier and any ingredients youâve previously had a reaction too. Any of the above symptoms sound familiar? If youâd like guidance on the best skincare regimen for you, book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey! Â
Storing Your Skincare Products: The Complete Guide
Are you ruining your skincare products by storing them the wrong way? Follow our complete guide on how to store your skincare products to maximise results, avoid contamination, and help them last as long as possible! How temperature & light affect your skincare Temperature and sunlight have a bigger impact on your skincare products than you might think. Extreme temperature and sunlight can result in the breakdown, oxidisation, curdling, or melting of formulations. If the product contains active ingredients, those actives become less effective - a good example is Vitamin C. This skincare superstar quickly becomes unstable in heat which reduces its potency. Let it get too hot and your vitamin C serum canât do the job itâs truly capable of! Typically, benzoyl peroxide and retinol based formulations can also become easily compromised if exposed to heat or light. As sunlight can speed up the breakdown of active ingredients, keeping your stash on a window sill or leaving them in the car isnât a good idea. As a general rule, the best way to store your skincare is at room temperature and out of direct sunlight - in a cabinet, drawer, or lidded box. Should you store skincare products in the fridge? We can all agree a mini-fridge stocked with skincare makes for a great Insta #shelfie. But is refrigeration actually necessary? Products that benefit from refrigeration It's not a must, but products like retinol and vitamin C serums can benefit from being refrigerated. The cooler temperature prevents active ingredients from breaking down and oxidizing so they stay effective as long as possible. Some benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments require refrigeration to remain stable, so always check storage directions. In general though, as long as a product contains preservatives, it doesnât need to be refrigerated. Keeping it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight is fine. The cooling effect of the fridge is a nice pick me up though - especially on hot summer days. You can let your moisturiser, face mist, or mask chill in the fridge for 30 - 60 minutes before applying it. If youâre using products to target red, angry blemishes, cooling them first can help soothe the skin instantly when applied. The benefits of an eye gel can also be boosted with an extra cooling and de-puffing effect. What needs to be stored in the fridge? If youâve whipped up your own food-based DIY natural skincare treatments at home without a preservative, these definitely need to be stored in the fridge. Leave them on your bathroom counter and theyâll be mouldy and unusable in no time. Some organic skincare or natural skincare has a shorter shelf life and will benefit from being stored in the fridge. The formulation wonât break down as quickly which means it lasts longer. Skincare you shouldnât put in the fridge Balms and oil based products should be kept at room temperature. Extremely low temperatures can cause them to split, become cloudy and even solidify. If your cleanser or masks are clay formulas, keep them at room temperature - they will solidify in the fridge. Steam spells bad news for skincare Youâll want to keep your beauty stash away from the effects of steam in your bathroom. Keeping your face cleanser in the shower to use might seem like a great time saving hack but steam can break down the active ingredients in skincare formulations. Then thereâs the issue of mould. When products arenât sealed properly, condensation can seep and they become the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, washing your face in a hot shower isnât the best move for your skin. Hot water strips the skin of the natural oils it needs and the result is often dry skin and a damaged skin barrier. Limit the amount of steam products are exposed to by storing them in the cabinet or drawer that can be closed. Stick to cleansing your face with lukewarm water before you shower. These habits will contaminate your products Even the best skin care products can quickly become contaminated with a few bad habits. Not sealing the container Tightly close containers and jars after use. A damp bathroom environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow causing contamination and potential infections, breakouts, and irritation. Using dirty fingers If you need to dip your fingers into a product to apply it, make sure theyâre clean! Unwashed hands harbour all kinds of bacteria that can happily make themselves at home in the product. Make sure you clean off the pumps of your products to remove any old build up too. Diluting products with water Adding water could allow potentially harmful microorganisms to contaminate the formulation. It will also reduce the productâs effectiveness. When does skincare expire? No matter how on point your product storage is, all skincare products eventually pass their prime. Using old products can actually be dangerous for skin if they trigger bacterial growth or infections. How do you know exactly when a product expires? Only some skincare products, like prescription anti-acne creams, have actual expiration dates displayed on their packaging. Other types of skincare products have what is known as a PAO (Period After Opening) time frame. Somewhere on the packaging youâll see the number of months the product is good for after opening. For example, 12M is 12 months. This PAO is usually listed on the packaging the product comes in - although it can be listed somewhere on the product container, bottle, or jar itself. If the PAO is only listed on the package, once you throw it out it can be easy to forget. A tip here is to use a marker to indicate the date opened on the bottom or back of the product. If skincare products arenât stored properly, the formulation can easily go bad or become ineffective before the recommended PAO time frame. How to tell if a product has gone bad A few clues that one of your top skincare products should no longer be anywhere near your skin include: A funny smell / change in odour since you opened it. The texture has changed - itâs runny, separated, lumpy, etc. Feeling grainy or streaky on your skin. Youâve started to notice redness and irritation flare up after application. If any of the above rings true, itâs time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you. We want you to get the most out of your skincare products and hope this guide helps with all things skincare storage!
Causes of Acne
No matter the type of acne you have it all starts with the same problem - blocked pores where bacteria thrive. Letâs take a look at the causes of acne and how to prevent the pore blockages that trigger breakouts. Our skin is full of pores. Pores are the tiny openings in the skin where hair follicles come out and oil (sebum) and sweat are excreted. Pores can become clogged with excess sebum, sweat, and other debris. When this happens, the pore becomes the ideal environment for skin bacteria, p. Acnes, to thrive. This bacteria takes over areas of your skin and triggers different types of acne - from blackheads through to cystic acne. Causes of Acne While all acne is essentially triggered by this pore clogging process there are different reasons why the pore becomes blocked in the first place. Your Skin Is Producing Too Much Oil The overproduction of sebum is one of the main causes of acne. The role sebum plays is to help keep your skin moisturised but when your skin produces too much oil, pores easily become clogged. So, what makes your skin produce excess sebum? Hormones Fluctuating hormones, such as estrogen, can trigger a process of increased sebum production, changes in skin cell activity, and inflammation. Hormone fluctuations can be triggered by your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and stress. These are some of the main adult acne causes. Teenagers experience acne due to an increase in androgen hormones - like testosterone. These hormones play a key role in kick-starting puberty and send the production of sebum into overdrive, increasing the chance of clogged pores. The term âhormonal acneâ simply means acne that is triggered due to hormonal changes. Itâs not a specific âtypeâ of acne. The types of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts - any of these can be caused by changes in hormones. Read more about the different types of acne here. Diet If you start making changes to your diet by cutting back on foods that cause acne, you may see an improvement in your breakouts. What foods cause acne? We all react differently to certain foods so any dietary causes of acne can vary. Thereâs no hard and fast rule but there are some common types of food that have been shown to trigger breakouts in many people. Refined sugar Eating excessive amounts of refined sugar can fuel the overproduction of sebum in your skin. 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. High fat, fast food Research has linked acne flare ups with a diet rich in calories, fat, and refined carbohydrates. Many processed foods high in fat - like burgers, fries, and pizza - are high-GI that raise blood sugar levels quickly and cause insulin levels to jump. Like refined sugar, part of this process triggers your skin to produce more oil which can cause pimples on the face. Using the wrong cleanser You donât want your cleanser to remove all traces of sebum. If a cleanser is too harsh for your skin (many cleansers aimed at teenage acne are extremely strong) youâre at risk of over cleansing. This strips your face of its natural oils and disrupts the skinâs pH balance. Stripping the skin is one of the causes of acne as it triggers the skin to create more oil - resulting in more breakouts. Stick to cleansers that contain gentle active ingredients that deeply cleanse the skin while keeping the oil / moisture balance. More on those ingredients below! Skincare Habits That Can Cause Acne These poor skincare habits are also causes of acne because they allow your pores to become clogged or spread acne-causing bacteria. Not cleansing your skin twice daily To keep your skin clear daily cleansing is a must. Itâs important to incorporate ingredients into your routine that specifically assist in keeping pores clear. Some of the best ingredients in facial cleansers to target acne include: Glycolic and lactic acids Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate and deeply cleanse the pores but also maintain the oil-moisture balance of your skin, which is very important. Charcoal Ideal for all skin types prone to congestion, breakouts, and large pores, charcoal is an active ingredient to purify and balance oil production for a refined, clearer complexion. Green Tea Extract Using a cleanser with green tea extract can help reduce sebum production. Green tea is especially rich in a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown by research to improve acne and oily skin. A double cleanse is essential at night, to remove all makeup, dirt, and bacteria that make breakouts worse. We recommend cleansing with The Uncomplicated Cleanser first to remove any surface debris. Follow with a second cleanse using The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal or, if your acne is severe and inflamed, with The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness. Using dirty makeup brushes and applicators Not regularly cleaning any tools you use to apply makeup is one of the often overlooked causes of acne. Dirty makeup brushes and applicators harbour all kinds of bacteria, oils, and dirt, which wonât do your skin any favours. We recommend cleaning your brushes with gentle soap, brush cleaner, or shampoo. Itâs important not to fully submerge your brush and minimise water flowing into the base to avoid breakage. Clean weekly or fortnightly and replace it every 6 months. For sponge applicators, wash with soap and hot water, squeezing until the water runs clear. Discover esmiâs range of vegan makeup brushes. Using comedogenic skincare and makeup Scientifically, clogged pores are known as comedones. If an ingredient in skincare or makeup is classified as âcomedogenicâ it means itâs likely to clog pores. This doesnât mean comedogenic ingredients are bad for all skin types but if you have oily, breakout-prone skin it helps to avoid them. Non-comedogenic ingredients allow skin to breathe, remain hydrated, and minimise the risk of breakouts. Your best bet for non-comedogenic cosmetics is mineral makeup. It reduces the risk of acne, blemishes, and skin irritation. As an added benefit, the zinc oxide in most mineral makeup has a calming effect on the skin and blends beautifully with the natural oils of your skin. Discover esmiâs range of mineral makeup including vegan BB cream, vegan foundation, and vegan powder. Picking at your skin What causes spots? Picking at the spots you already have! Popping pimples might be satisfying at the moment but youâre spreading more acne bacteria from the infected pore to surrounding pores. Picking and popping pimples also increases the likelihood of scarring and can delay your bodyâs natural healing process. The bottom line? Hands off.
What Causes Dry Skin?
The causes of dry skin can be complex - anything from genetics to your skincare habits can be causing your flaky skin woes. Read on to find out more about what triggers dry skin and our suggested routine to care for it. An intro to dry skin Before we look at the causes of dry skin, letâs find out more about what dry skin is and the difference between a dry skin type and a dry skin condition. The outer layer of your skin is known as the stratum corneum - or skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is made up of dead cells and enough natural protective oils (sebum) to help trap in moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth. The root cause of dry skin is a lack of protective oil in the outer layer. When the protective oils are diminished, the skin loses its capacity to hold onto moisture and dry skin in the result. Dry skin type vs dry skin condition You may have what is known as âtrueâ dry skin - which means you have a dry skin type. Dry skin types produce less sebum which means the skin barrier is naturally lacking oil making it more susceptible to dryness and damage. On the other hand, you may be experiencing a dry skin condition - where dryness is temporary and has been triggered by some of the causes of dry skin weâll look at shortly. Even oily skin types can experience dry symptoms, especially if the skin is dehydrated. Signs of dry skin include: Rough or itchy skin Flaky skin Redness and irritation Skin feels tight Small, fine wrinkles Thin, fragile skin Cracks and bleeding in severe cases Causes of dry skin What causes dry skin on the face? Whether you have naturally dry skin or are experiencing temporary dryness some of the following things can exacerbate or cause the problem. Seasonal changes (especially winter!) Following the same skincare routine year-round might not work so well when temperatures drop. Winter is one of the main causes of dry skin for all skin types. If youâre experiencing temporary dryness try adding a richer moisturising formulation than you might use in summer to target flaky, dry patches. Facial oil makes an excellent moisturiser for dry skin in winter to help it better cope with the seasonal change. Oils contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants which help seal in moisture to keep the skin hydrated. If you are a true dry skin type, your routine should be focused on relieving dry skin year-round but youâll need to take extra care during the winter months. Skin is also prone to dryness in summer. Spend too long in the sun without protection and skin will gradually lose moisture and essential oils, appearing dry, flaky, and more wrinkled. Bottom line: Never skip the SPF! Skincare ingredients Avoid ingredients with the potential to irritate or cause loss of oil or moisture. A few of the worst offenders include: Sodium lauryl sulfate Fragrance Potent prescription retinoids Sodium laureth sulfate Sodium tallowate (in soap) Salicylic acid What about the ingredients dry skin needs? Ingredients with occlusive, emollient, and humectant properties play vital roles in treating the causes of dry skin. Occlusives - The cornerstone of dry skin treatments, occlusive ingredients form a seal over the skin, helping trap moisture in. Emollients - Smooth and soften dry, rough skin. Humectants - Have the ability to pull moisture to the skinâs surface from the air and the deeper layers of skin. Key ingredients to remedy the causes of dry skin include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), shea butter, rose essential oil, and squalene. Ageing As we age, the sebaceous glands produce less oil and it becomes harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness, more wrinkles, and a rougher appearance. Not only does skin produce less oil, but the amount of hyaluronic acid present in our bodies also declines. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that plays a key role in skin hydration. Even if you have an oily skin type, you will find your complexion becoming drier with age. Skincare habits A simple change to your skincare habits can eliminate some of the causes of dry skin. Over-cleansing Cleansing your skin too frequently or using a harsh cleanser quickly depletes the skin of the natural oils that act as its first defence against external irritants and help seal in moisture. Cleansing in the morning and evening is a must but if youâre experiencing a bout of excessive dryness, steer clear of gel cleansers and opt for a gentle cream or oil cleanser instead. Over-exfoliating Just like over-cleansing, excessive exfoliation will quickly spell dry, flaky skin. This is one of the common causes of dry skin in oily skin types with large pores. Overdoing exfoliation with the intent to keep pores clear of bacteria and oil build-up leads to stripped skin and a dry, damaged barrier. Keep exfoliation sessions to a maximum of twice a week and even less if you have a dry skin type. When you do exfoliate, it's important to replenish the lost oils and moisture lost from your skin by following up with a moisturiser or face oil. Applying moisturiser at the wrong time Knowing when you apply your moisturiser can help minimise dry skin. Following cleansing, while your face is still damp, the skin is porous and more receptive to products. If you apply moisturiser to completely dry skin, youâll miss this window of maximum absorption. Not drinking enough water How much water do you drink each day? Skincare is only one part of the equation when it comes to solving the causes of dry skin. If youâre not sufficiently hydrated, youâll still be dealing with the signs of dry skin, no matter how great your skincare routine is. Including more healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 oils can boost the moisture-holding capacity of the skin, too. Foods like salmon, flaxseed, and plant oils are good sources of healthy fats - get more of them on your plate! Skincare routine for dry skin Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser Gently removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. Skin Treats Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for hydrated, plumper, and repaired skin. A superior dry skin treatment. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Non-greasy, itâs perfect for combination to dry skin as a moisturiser to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist A hydrating and refreshing snack through the day to help replenish, rehydrate, and refresh your skin. Booster Masks Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone, and heal damaged skin. Sunscreen Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Every skin care routine for dry skin should include SPF protection and this non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection. If you have any questions about the best dry skin treatment for your skin, book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. Weâre here to help! Â
5 of the Best Active Ingredients
When it comes to skincare, ingredients are everything! Understanding what active ingredients are and how they go to work on your skin is key to making smart product choices. Letâs dive in and take a look at the basics of active ingredients and some of the best picks for various skin concerns. What Exactly ARE Active Ingredients? Put simply, an âactiveâ is the ingredient included in a skincare formulation to target a specific skincare concern. It changes the skin in a particular way - itâs the ingredient responsible for doing the work that the skincare product says it will do for you. For example, a cleanser promising to brighten skin may use the active components of vitamin C - which has potent brightening properties - to banish dull skin. Sometimes a product wonât contain any active ingredients but that doesnât mean they donât work. A cleanser without active ingredients doesnât make a claim to target a skin concern in particular - ie, acne or dullness. Itâs simply a functional product that cleanses the skin. 5 The Best Active Ingredients For Your Skin Letâs take a look at 5 of the best active ingredients to treat common skin concerns. 1. Retinols (Vitamin A) for anti-aging (skin firming & smoothing) One of the best skincare ingredients in an anti-ageing routine, retinols (also known as retinoids) are antioxidants derived from Vitamin A. They do an incredible job of stimulating skin cell turnover to leave skin looking smoother and minimising fine lines. Use retinol as part of your regular routine to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. With time, youâll see firmer skin with a smoother, more even skin tone. Some people may experience temporary redness, flakiness, peeling when first using retinol - everyoneâs skin reacts a little differently. Itâs usually paired with hydrating ingredients - like hyaluronic acid - in skincare formulations to combat any dryness or irritation. 2. Peptides to boost collagen These are other active ingredients youâll want to include in your anti-ageing routine. Peptides - found in the epidermis and dermis layers - are the building blocks of new collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Essentially, they play a crucial role in the firmness, texture and overall appearance of your complexion. Without them, skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles and fine lines begin to creep in. Your skinâs natural collagen production slows with age - adding skincare products with peptides will help keep skin looking firmer for longer. When choosing a skincare product with peptides, opt for one with a blend of supportive, skin-replenishing ingredients like antioxidants for the best results. We recommend - Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask. An all-in-one anti ageing gel mask with 24k gold, peptides, and antioxidants to soften fine lines, restore and protect the skinâs natural barrier.  3. Vitamin C to brighten One of the most popular, all-star active ingredients in is Vitamin C thanks to the host of benefits it delivers to skin. Itâs known for its potent brightening abilities - smoothing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and lightening the skin overall. An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen stimulator, Vitamin C also wards off free-radical damage and can help stimulate collagen production for firmer looking skin. There are a lot of vitamin C derivatives but the pure form of Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA). The percentage of LAA in a product can range anywhere from 10% - 20%. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is another common form of Vitamin C youâll find in topical formulations. Vitamin C is best when teamed with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid to boost results. We recommend - Pomegranate Brightening Serum. A hardworking serum which contains Kakadu Plum extract - natureâs most potent source of Vitamin C which is superb for skin brightening.  4. Hyaluronic acid for hydration Hyaluronic acid has an amazing ability to attract water - it helps plump skin by restoring the skinâs moisture barrier. It can actually hold 1000x times its weight in water making it incredibly effective at boosting the skinâs moisture levels. The best active ingredient for hydration, hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in your body. Found in your joints and skin, it helps maintain strength and elasticity. All skin types are susceptible to dehydration - oily, dry, sensitive and combination - so every routine will benefit from the hydrating powers of this active ingredient. We recommend - Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin.  5. Alpha hydroxy acids to clear congested skin Regular exfoliation should be part of every skincare regimen. Sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliation instantly improves skin tone and texture for brighter, fresher looking skin. This is where alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) step in. Unlike physical exfoliators - think face scrubs with granules - AHAs are active ingredients that are classed as a chemical exfoliant. They dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together and this allows easy removal of dry dead cells without needing to physically scrub the skin. AHAs leave skin soft and smooth and stimulate cell turnover. Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are common AHAs. Lactic acid is the most gentle AHA and ideal for sensitive skin types. We recommend - Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Containing a blend of lactic and glycolic acid, this powerful duo works together to slough away dead skin on the surface, reducing the appearance of blackheads and drawing out impurities.  Makeup that contains active ingredients Skincare isnât the only thing we put on our skin, right? Choosing âactivesâ in your makeup ingredients is a great way to double down on the beauty ingredients your skin can benefit from. Our Loose Mineral Foundation is formulated with allantoin which is an active ingredient with moisturising and anti-irritant properties. Allantoin also promotes the renewal of cells and speeds up wound healing. Youâll find the actives hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) in our Liquid Mineral Foundation and Mineral BB Cream too - alongside other natural makeup ingredients to benefit the skin. Not sure what active ingredients are best for you? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant - the team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey. Â
Steps To Prevent Acne
Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or a more serious form of acne, weâre sharing some simple yet important skincare and lifestyle habits that can help minimise breakouts and prevent acne. What causes acne? The root cause of all acne is essentially the same, your pores become clogged with excess sebum and dead cells. Clogged pores become the ideal environment for skin bacteria, p. Acnes, to thrive causing acne, inflammation, and swelling. You can learn more about the difference between teenage acne and adult acne here. Read on for some simple steps on how to control acne. Keep your face clean Cleansing is the first step to prevent acne. Washing your face twice daily is essential to remove excess oil, dead cells, and debris from your skin. Acne is caused by a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which live on the skin and thrives when dirt, oil and cells build up on the skin. Always use warm water, never hot, and choose a gentle cleanser with low doses of active exfoliating ingredients. Gentle, yet effective ingredients include glycolic and lactic acids deeply cleanse the pores but also maintain the oil-moisture balance of your skin. Help prevent acne with a double cleanse at night to ensure all dirt, excess oil and dead skin is thoroughly removed. We recommend using the esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser for the first cleanse. Follow this with either the esmi The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal or, if youâre experiencing cystic acne or acne that is inflamed the esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser With Anti-Redness Using lukewarm water, wet your face and work your cleanser into your skin using small circular motions. You can use your fingers or a microfibre cleansing cloth. Many of the cleansers designed to treat breakouts can be so harsh that rather than prevent acne, they can make the problem worse. Salicylic acid is a popular acne treatment because it does a great job cleaning pores and getting rid of excess sebum. The issue with salicylic acid? It strips your skin of natural oils and dries it out which triggers the skin to produce yet more sebum. A simple tip on how to prevent breakouts is to use a clean wash cloth to cleanse and a clean towel to dry skin each time to stop the spread of more bacteria. Always moisturise (Yes, you can use facial oil!) Cleansing is important but so is protecting the skin by maintaining the right oil-moisture balance. After cleansing, use a moisturiser or facial oil that rehydrates skin and calms acne irritation. If you have oily skin prone to acne breakouts you might shy away from using a facial oil reasoning that it will make your acne and oil issues worse. This isnât true. When this balance is compromised (ie - the skin is stripped of its natural oils) the skin becomes inflamed and is more susceptible to bacteria which will trigger acne. Some facial oils (not all!) can be beneficial in reducing breakouts. Oil is a wonderful way to maintain balance and protect the skinâs delicate barrier. Not all oils are created equal though - some can aggravate sebum production. The best options for oily, breakout-prone skin are lightweight oils with a low comedogenic rating (meaning theyâre unlikely to clog pores) and those with calming, antibacterial properties. We recommend: esmi Peppermint Green Oil and esmi Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Consult with a naturopath If youâre struggling with acne, working with a naturopath can help set you on the path to clearer, healthier skin. A naturopath will suggest a unique treatment plan which may include dietary changes, natural mineral and herbal supplements, and natural oils. Natural treatments may also extend to acupuncture and techniques for stress management. Practice healthy habits to prevent acne There are changes you can make to your lifestyle to minimise or prevent acne from occurring - especially the milder forms. Diet plays a huge role in the health of your skin so fill your plate with the right foods at every meal. Aim for foods that help reduce and prevent inflammation including blueberries, avocados, green leafy vegetables - such as spinach, kale, and collards, almonds, and walnuts. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines also target inflammation and provide additional benefits for the skin thanks to their essential fatty acids. By stacking your plate with these types of anti-inflammatory foods, you can help calm the painful flare ups associated with acne. Wondering how to reduce acne with other lifestyle changes? Exercise can also have a positive effect on the overall health of your skin. As you exercise, blood flow to the cells is increased which nourishes and keeps them vital. When youâre working up a sweat, itâs crucial to cleanse your face as quickly as possible after a workout. Letting sweat sit on your skin, mixing with oil and clogging pores will make things worse. Donât undo all the benefits of exercising for your skin with a less than optimal post-work skincare routine. Wear less or no makeup If you have breakout prone skin, one of the ways to prevent acne is by minimising the amount of makeup you wear and choosing non-comedogenic formulations. As a general rule of thumb, opt for mineral makeup which wonât clog pores but still provides great coverage. Avoid makeup that contains SD denatured alcohol, sometimes called isopropyl alcohol, which can exacerbate acne related issues like redness and drying. We recommend exploring the esmi range of mineral foundation, BB cream, and powder. Youâll find the perfect fit for every skin tone. Keep skin hydrated Dehydrated skin can become sensitive, inflamed, and prone to breakouts. Skin cells canât move through the cycle of dead skin cell removal efficiently which leads to hair follicles with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, leading to breakouts. How to avoid acne with hydration? The optimal way is to keep skin hydrated is by taking a holistic approach. Choose skincare products that deliver a deep hit of hydration and also keep your body hydrated with what you eat and drink. On the skincare front, one of the key hydrating ingredients to help stop acne is hyaluronic acid. Revered for its ability to hold 1000x its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our skin. Itâs a humectant and works by attracting water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrating cells from the inside out. We recommend: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Try an over-the counter acne medication product Depending on the type of acne you have, you may need to team your acne fighting skincare routine with stronger over-the-counter acne products to treat and prevent acne returning. Most of these treatments include higher doses of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid which target bacteria. As we pointed out earlier, some acids can be very drying for the skin - especially in higher doses - and may cause the skin to peel. Start with smaller doses to observe how your skin reacts. Be cautious about hair products Prevention methods on how to stop breakouts includes paying attention to your hair products too. Avoid using gels, pomades or heavy creams on your hair. These can seep into the skin around your hairline, block the pores and trigger breakouts. Oily hair can contribute to the oil on your face so make sure youâre washing your hair frequently with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Have questions about how to prevent acne? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.
What is Causing Your Blackheads?
Blackheads cause a lot of skin angst. Those tiny black bumps that blemish the face are common, stubborn and frustrating! We take a look at why they happen and the best skincare ingredients to treat them. What are blackheads? Before we share the best ways to treat blackheads on your skin, let's look at blackhead causes. The scientific name for a blackhead is an âopen comedoneâ. Itâs essentially a pore clogged with a mix of dead skin, sebum (your skinâs oil) and dirt that has opened a little and been exposed to air. This makes the pore an ideal environment for acne causing bacteria (P. Acnes) to flourish. The air turns dirt, oil and dead skin trapped in the pore black; which is how a blackhead gets its name. If you have an oily skin type with large pores, youâre more likely to have blackheads. What causes clogged pores? To discover the root of blackhead causes, we need to take a look at why your pores become blocked up in the first place. Preventing blocked pores is the key to minimising or eliminating the appearance of blackheads. Your skincare routine Poor skincare habits like not cleansing your skin properly and sleeping with makeup on is a key culprit in blocking pores and causing blackheads. Thoroughly cleansing your skin on a daily basis is a must to keep pores free of the build up. Even if youâre committed to your skincare routine, you could be using products with comedogenic ingredients. Essentially, comedogenic ingredients increase the chances of blackhead causing blocked pores. Certainly not all comedogenic ingredients arenât bad - many are extremely beneficial for skin in other ways - but the chances of your pores becoming clogged are higher. On the other hand, non-comedogenic describes products or ingredients likely to help us avoid skin pore blockages. Do your research into the different ingredients in your skincare products to discover how they rate on the comedogenic scale. Itâs important to know that everyone will experience blackheads using comedogenic ingredients. Those with naturally dry skin, and small pores may not be affected at all by comedogenic ingredients. Makeup Wearing makeup, especially heavy makeup, can increase the chances of blackhead causing debris to build up in your pores. Like skincare, makeup formulations can contain comedogenic ingredients that increase the chance of the pore becoming blocked. If you wear makeup, one of the best ways to prevent blackheads is to choose non-comedogenic mineral cosmetics. Mineral makeup is made up of tiny particles of naturally occurring minerals including iron oxide, zinc oxide, talc and titanium oxide. Itâs free from ingredients that can cause blackheads like parabens, binders and fillers. Mineral makeup is ideal for combination or oily skin as it helps absorb excess oil and cover breakouts without actually making them worse. Excess oil production Clogged pores and blackheads are very common around the nose and chin area. For some skin types, especially oily skin, there is an increased production of oil in these areas, which attracts more dirt and debris to the area - increasing the chances of the pore becoming clogged. Slow cellular turnover As we age the rate of cellular turnover slows down. Basically, the skin takes longer to produce new, fresh cells in the deeper layers of skin and push them to the surface. Slow cellular turnover can also trigger pores to become larger and increase the chance of blockage. Cellular turnover can also slow down due to certain lifestyle choices like spending too much time in the sun, poor diet, smoking and stress. How to treat blackheads Now you know what causes blackheads and how your pores become blocked, whatâs the best way to get rid of blackheads? Blackheads cause a lot more trouble for your skin if you squeeze them. Picking your pores to clear blockages is not a healthy long term solution for your skin! Continually stressing your skin by squeezing the pores causes wear and tear and can even make them bigger - and more prone to becoming clogged - over time. There should be little to no pain when unclogging your pores. Chemical exfoliants Chemical exfoliants act in a different way to physical exfoliants - think face scrubs with particles that need you to manually scrub the skin. Instead, chemical exfoliant ingredients work to dissolve the excess oil and dead skin cells that block pores and cause blackheads. There are two types of chemical exfoliants: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). The two most popular AHAs in skincare are glycolic and lactic acids - lactic acid is the most gentle AHAs - and BHA refers to salicylic acid. Donât let the term âacidâ scare you. AHAs and BHA are naturally occurring acids derived fruits, milk, and sugarcane. Some skin types may find salicylic acid can excessively irritate and dry the skin - glycolic and lactic acids can be a kinder choice for skin. Used daily, a cleanser with gentle exfoliating acids will prevent the blackheads before they form and help clear existing pores. Blackheads cause your skin to take on an uneven, bumpy look so gentle exfoliation will promote a smoother looking complexion too. We recommend: esmi Uncomplicated Cleanser With Anti-Redness Bentonite clay Bentonite soaks up extra oil from the skin, a little like a paper towel for sebum, and is known for its ability to draw out toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals from the skin too. This is why bentonite is beneficial for skin types prone to blackheads as it keeps the skin clean and as oil-free as possible. When it comes to beating blackheads, using products aimed at regulating oil flow is key. Bentonite can be quite drying, so youâll want a product formulation containing bentonite clay to have a good balance of ingredients that help the skin retain moisture too. We recommend: esmi Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Activated charcoal Think of activated charcoal as a magnet to draw dirt out of pores; itâs great at adsorption. Adsorption (not absorption) occurs when molecules of one substance bind to the surface of anotherâin this case, activated charcoal. The build-up blackheads cause inside the pore is drawn out of the skin by the activated charcoal and washed away when you rinse. The types of products to get rid of blackheads containing activated charcoal ranges from soaps to serums and masks. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Blackheads cause skin stress and frustration but weâre here to help! Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey.
What Type Of Acne Do I Have?
The different types of acne can be classified under two broad categories - non inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. Use our guide to help you choose the right skincare and treatments to clear up the type of acne youâre dealing with. Non-Inflammatory types of acne These are the most common types of acne that can generally be treated with a great at-home skin routine designed to target acne. Occasionally naturopathic or over the counter treatments may be required too. Blackheads A blackhead is a pore clogged with dead skin, sebum and dirt that has opened a little and been exposed to air. Its scientific name is an âopen comedoneâ but the term blackhead comes from the fact the exposure to air turns dirt, oil and dead skin trapped in the pore black. Blackheads can show up on any skin type but are most common for oily and combination skin types. Whiteheads The main difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that a whitehead hasnât been exposed to the air. The pore is still blocked by the same type of build up - dead skin cells, oil, and sebum - but remains closed. Without exposure to air, it doesnât turn black. The scientific name for a white head is a âclosed comedone.â How to treat blackheads and whiteheads The key is to deal with blackheads and whiteheads before they become one of the more inflammatory types of acne. Here are a few of the ingredients you could include in your skincare routine to target the issue Salicylic acid Glycolic and lactic acids (gentler on the skin that salicylic acid which can be very drying) Bentonite clay Activated charcoal Youâll also benefit from ingredients that deliver deep hydration to the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, and those that balance oil and heal the skin post breakout. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum We know it can be tempting to squeeze and dig at the pore to remove them but doing this without the proper tools will make things worse. Chances are youâll spread the acne bacteria to other parts of your skin and also risk scarring. If you have a serious case of blackheads or whiteheads, we suggest consulting an esthetician or dermatologist for professional extraction. Inflammatory types of acne (mild to moderate) The two types of acne on the lower end of the inflammatory scale are the types of pimples known as papules and pustules. An acne papule is an inflamed blemish that looks like a red bump on the skin that can be tender to touch. Pustules are pimples that contain pus. They appear as small white or yellow spots surrounded by a swollen reddish area which is often hard and painful to touch. Both acne papules and acne pustules can form as the result of leaving blackheads and whiteheads untreated. Large groups of either type of pimple may be classified as moderate or severe acne. For teens, itâs common to find papules and pustules on other areas of the body, particularly back acne. They can also be considered hormonal acne as itâs common to have them appear during puberty, or at stages during the menstrual cycle. How to treat acne papules and pustules As mentioned earlier, glycolic and lactic acids are effective ingredients to remove dead skin cells and other debris. Retinoids (Vitamin A) is also a good choice - it prevents pores from clogging stopping breakouts before they even begin developing. In addition, look for natural antibacterial ingredients in cleansers, oils, and serums that target inflammation and redness. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Peppermint Green Oil (Ideal for teens) Hydrating & Nourishing Duo (Ideal for teens) Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum You could also consult a professional for homeopathic remedy options. A remedy is recommended based on your unique set of symptoms, including (but not limited to) acne symptoms. Inflammatory types of acne(severe) Cysts and nodules are the most severe form of acne. Cystic acne is a highly inflammatory type of acne, rooted deep beneath the skin. It presents as red, pus filled bumps that are usually painful to touch and have a high chance of scarring. This type of acne is strongly linked to hormones - your genetics can also play a role here too. Nodules and cysts are similar in the sense that they both form deep within the skin but nodules arenât pus filled and have no visible head. Serious types of acne usually require professional attention. Severe acne treatment can prescription medication, homeopathic therapy, and treatments like laser therapy or extraction - in addition to a targeted skincare routine. On the skincare front, look for products that not only target acne bacteria and inflammation but are also deeply nourishing for the skin. Many prescription medications and treatments for severe acne are strong and can leave the skin vulnerable. From the esmi Skin Minerals range we recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie (Ideal to use after laser, IPL or diathermy treatment) Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo (ideal for teens) Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Need help choosing the right products to treat acne? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey! Â
