A Guide to Lactic Acid in Skin Care
Lactic acid - donât worry, itâs not nearly as scary as it sounds! In fact, it can have some pretty powerful skin benefits like clear, glowy skin, and isnât that what we all want, right? So, if you want to know more about lactic acid for skin, youâve come to the right place.  đŠľÂ What is lactic acid? You might have heard us talking about alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Well, lactic acid is a type of AHA, but not as strong as others like glycolic acid. As the name suggests, it comes from fermented lactose - yes, like the lactose found in milk, but donât worry, youâre not going to smell like sour milk all day.  Like all AHAs, lactic acid skincare is a chemical exfoliant that removes dead cells sitting on top of the skin. It is a magic ingredient that will give you skin smoother than a babyâs bottom. If youâve heard of people taking milk baths (count Cleopatra as a fan), it is basically the same concept.  đŠľÂ Benefits of lactic acid for Skin Lactic acid, like other AHAs, is a powerful exfoliant. It works to dissolve the bonds of old skin cells on the top layer of the skin to reveal newer, smoother skin. Lactic acid increases cell turnover to give you that âInstagram IRLâ glow.   Lactic acid can also treat a range of skin concerns like acne, congestion, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. You see, by sloughing away the top layer of dead skin, pores are decongested, minimising the risk of acne. If youâve found yourself with acne scars (as if the pimples werenât bad enough), lactic acid is going to help to brighten any pigmentation by letting new skin shine through.  What you might not expect, is that lactic acid can lead to thicker, firmer skin as it promotes the production of collagen - the good stuff that keeps your skin plump and elastic. It also allows products to better penetrate the skin, leading to increased hydration. More collagen and hydration means fewer fine lines and wrinkles.  đŠľÂ How to use lactic acid in skincare Being a chemical exfoliant, lactic acid comes with a few guidelines in order to safely get the most out of it. While lactic can be safer for sensitive skin than most AHAs, it still pays to tread carefully.  If you notice any skin irritation like redness, burning or itchiness, step away from what youâre using. Very mild symptoms may appear the first time you use lactic acid, but if they continue, time to try a lower percentage or avoid it altogether.  We recommend starting your lactic acid journey by dabbling just a couple of times a week, then work your way up to 3-4 times a week, just so your skin has time to adjust.  Using AHAs can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage, which is why we always recommend using lactic acid products at night and never, ever skipping your Skin Shield Sunscreen in the morning.  On a more positive note, lactic acid plays nicely with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so donât forget to grab your Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum for radiance like no other.  𩵠Lactic acid skin products If you love a facial (um, who doesnât?), you have likely heard of a lactic acid peel. To safely get the best results from a lactic acid peel, your best bet is to leave it to the professionals. They are able to use a higher concentration of the acid to give you a serious glow and minimise any side effects.  If, on the other hand, you want to safely get those incredible lactic acid results at home, weâve got just the thing. The Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum contains a mix of glycolic and lactic acids to speed up the cell renewal process, helping maintain a soft and smooth youthful-looking complexion. The charcoal also draws out toxins and impurities, giving you the clear, smooth skin of your dreams. Yes, it really is that good.   Donât be sleeping on lactic acid skin care, this glow-boosting AHA can help clear acne, hyperpigmentation and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Trust us, youâre going to be attached at the hip to your lactic acid products. Still not sure if lactic acid is right for you? Chat to our skin consultants today! Â
How to Get Rid of Blind Pimples Under the Skin
Raise your hand if youâve ever been personally victimised by a blind pimple hiding under the skin. Yup, we thought there might be a few of you! While they might not look as scary to everyone else as your run of the mill pimples, they can often be quite painful and annoyingly unpoppable. Weâre going to chat all things blind pimples: what they are and how to get rid of under the skin pimples overnight. That way, youâre not going in blind (sorry, we had to!).  What are Blind Pimples? Before we delve into the nitty gritty, letâs establish what a blind pimple actually is. Blind pimples are essentially pimples that form under the skin. They form thanks to a mixture of bacteria and excess sebum, deeply clogging the pores, under the skin, leading to inflammation. They can also be caused by a cyst (benign growths filled with liquid) or a nodule (abnormal tissue growth) beneath the skin, but donât worry, they arenât as scary as they sound. As anyone whoâs ever had a blind pimple will tell you, they can really hurt and can get quite angry. Think of it as a pressure that has built up and canât be released.  Sometimes, these pimples will rise to the surface and appear as the whiteheads or blackheads we all know and love - not! Other times, blind pimples can stay hidden beneath the surface. In these situations, you may feel a bump over the surface of the skin and redness where the blind pimple is lurking.   The really annoying thing about these kinds of pimples is how stubborn they are. Unlike regular pimples that can be softened or, dare we say, popped, blind pimples are harder to get rid of. How to Avoid Blind Pimples  Of course, the best blind pimple treatment is prevention. Keeping your skin clean and free from bacteria and sebum build up is going to do wonders for avoiding blind pimples. Cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser is going to get rid of any nasties. If you find yourself struggling with blind pimples, or pimples regularly, try our The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal. Ideal for skin prone to congestion, this magical product is enriched with the detoxifying power of Charcoal, helping draw out any impurities and purify those pores.  After cleansing, fight congestion with our Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant, perfect to use a few times a week. This is going to unclog pores by clearing out any dead skin cells lurking. Then finish up with your favourite moisturiser.  Always stick with products that are non-acnegenic, meaning they wonât clog pores and cause acne. Seems like a no-brainer, hey? Well the scary thing is, there are a lot of products out there, particularly makeup products, that can clog pores. Looking for an everyday foundation that is kind to your skin? Our Liquid Mineral Foundation is lightweight and non-acnegenic so isnât going to trigger any of those nasty blind pimples. How to Get Rid of Pimples Under the Skin Sometimes, despite doing all the right things for your skin, things like hormones or stress can send a blind pimple your way anyway. Lifeâs not fair, hey? Thatâs why youâll want to take notes of these blind pimple treatments.  The first and most important rule: donât pop it. We repeat: put down the tweezers! No matter how good you think your pimple popping skills are, that sucker is too deep for you to reach. By trying to pop a blind pimple, you risk pushing the congestion further into the skin and irritating it further, causing scarring. Letâs make sure weâre on the same page here; popping is not how to get rid of pimples under the skin.  Instead, you want to bring the pimple to a head. Even though the idea of having your pimple on full display is a big âno, thanksâ, the sooner the head comes to the surface, the sooner it can be treated.  Start by applying a warm compress for 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day as soon as you sense one brewing. This will help ease the pain while encouraging it to the surface. You also want to keep the area clean to minimise any bacteria causing further issues.  Charcoal products are also going to be your best friend. The Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum is a powerful chemical exfoliator that is rich in AHAs to speed up cell renewal and decongest the skin. Plus, the big drawcard here is it draws out lumps under the surface of the skin, making it an amazing blind pimple treatment.  On nights where you need some down time and Netflix, reach for the Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask to detox skin and draw out impurities (read: blind pimples). The bentonite clay fights harmful bacteria and buffs away dead skin.   Now, on mornings where you wake up with the feeling of a blind pimple brewing, you wonât pull the covers over your face and hide; youâll know exactly how to send that bad boy packing! If you need an extra helping hand dealing with pimples under the skin, chat to our skin consultants. Â
Ditch Dehydrated Skin For Dreamy & Dewy
Letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be dehydrated and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What does dehydrated skin look like? Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that may be triggered by diet (think salty foods and alcohol), not wearing moisturiser daily or your body losing more water than youâre drinking. Your skin might feel tight and uncomfortable while dark circles under your eyes and fine lines are more noticeable. Along with dullness, your skin may be more vulnerable to cracking which is an easy entry point for environmental stressors. You might also be experiencing an oily complexion and breakouts due to excess oil production over compromising for low water content, we know, confusing right? Can your skin type change depending on the season? When we think about skin types and the seasons, theyâre usually impacted by temperature and humidity changes. Winter can be known to cause your skin to dry out while the cold air tightens pores, minimises circulation and reduces sebum production. If you add hot showers and heaters to the mix, itâs no wonder itâs as dry as those dehydrated citrus slices we add to cocktails! The good thing is that the balmy spring and summer seasons bring their own natural humidifier which gives your thirsty skin an extra boost of water. How do you hydrate dehydrated skin? Right now, your skin is basically thirsty for a big drink so you need water-rich products that replenish your skin's water content and prevents excess moisture from evaporating. Having rehydrated skin helps protect your overall skin barrier health, improves skin texture and leaves you with a radiant base for makeup. Letâs start with how youâre caring for your body because weâve got shifty eyes as we deliver this bad news. Our skin specialists recommend skipping those scolding hot showers, ouch! We know they feel like youâre escaping after a long day but they actually encourage water to flow out of your skin and evaporate which leads to dehydration. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly. Secondly, you should be staying away from harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and oils. Ditch any products that contain chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid or salicylic and reach for a gentle cleanser, like The Uncomplicated Cleanser. This creamy product carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and Camilla leaf extract. Try to avoid over-cleansing your face as this will strip the skin of its natural microbiome, follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry so itâs still dewy when you apply water-based serums and moisturisers. You should think of your face like a spongy beauty blender so itâs not soaking wet but freshly misted. Apply your hydrating products within a few minutes of cleansing, this helps them pull the water in so your skin can drink it! Can drinking water fix dehydrated skin? We know itâs an easy assumption that drinking water will keep your skin hydrated but just drinking water wonât cut it. Your skin's dehydration is impacted by your diet, lifestyle, environment and skincare routine. We always recommended drinking eight glasses of water daily but youâll need to also up your hydration and moisturisation game for supple skin. How do I hydrate skin from the inside? Replenishing your internal hydration is the first major step so start by adding water-rich and antioxidant-filled fruits and vegetables to your diet. Think crunchy celery, juicy watermelon and refreshing cucumber! Along with hydrating moisturisers and serums, these types of foods will increase the total water content of your body. You might not realise it but our skin is actually an organ so nourishing omega-3 fatty acids will help your skin function properly while acting as a barrier from the outside environment, these can be found in salmon, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Try to avoid dehydrating food and drinks such as alcohol, excessive coffee and anything high in sugar and sodium as these can lead to an unwanted dull or sallow complexion.  The best ingredients for dehydrated skin At esmi, we believe the best hydrating skincare products are those that refresh and revitalise tired and lacklustre skin. That starts with learning how to nourish dehydrated skin with a combination of skincare products that contain naturally replenishing ingredients. When your skin is properly hydrated, itâs able to act as a natural barrier to any external or harsh elements while drawing water in and amplifying the effect of hydration. Look out for products with humectant ingredients that attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin barrier hydrated. Products like our Hylauronic Hydrating Serum relieve dehydrated skin, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Check hydrating products for occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Using hydrating serums and oils that support and protect your skinâs barrier is crucial for dehydrated skin. These will physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. What products are best for dehydrated skin? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally hydrating products for a radiant and dewy complexion! Make SPF your BFF Itâs no secret that too much direct sunlight can cause dehydration while free radicals from UV rays can damage your skinâs barrier. Applying an enriching sunscreen helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup, with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract which is rich in vitamin c to deliver an antioxidant boost. Buff the bad Exfoliate weekly with humectant ingredients, like glycolic or lactic acid, that reduce the loss of moisture to remove dead skin cells that may build up on the surface of your face. Choose our lightweight Volcanic Sand Hydrating & Ageless Gentle Foliant with soothing vitamin e that repairs and softens skin. With a combination of sodium hyaluronate and ageless Icelandic volcanic sand, deep layers of your skin will be hydrated and awakened. Itâs important to also make sure you have rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! Snack like itâs late night Rehydrate and refresh your skin throughout the day with our Skin Snack Facial Mist. Itâs perfect for when youâre exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather. Follow after your daily makeup application to feed dehydrated skin with raspberry extract to protect cells from water loss and green tea extract to target signs of aging. Be just like Bruno Mars If youâre feeling dry, why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Itâs 24K magic, just like Bruno Mars said! Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss and addresses dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so youâre left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. Itâs best to finish your routine with to lock in, seal and create a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, why not quench dehydrated skin cells with our Hydration Skin Solution Bundle?
How to Get Glazed Donut Skin IRL
You may have heard the term âglazed donutâ skin floating around the beauty sphere. Hailey Bieber (aka the queen of trendsetting) coined glazed donut skin as she shows her natural beauty through a strategic hydrating skincare regime.  The esmi team loves a good trend, and glazed donut skin is no exception. And, we know you donât need to jump on every trend you see. However, if youâre wanting glowing, glassy, glistening skin from the moment you wake up in the morning, the glazed donut trend is for you! What is Glazed Donut Skin? The phenomenon of glazed donut skin involves actively nourishing and moisturising the skin before bed, so when you wake up your face is as glistening as, well, a glazed donut! As the trend name suggests, the âglazeâ part of this routine is to hydrate and protect your natural skin barrier, ensuring that you can emerge from a deep sleep with your skin looking its best.    How To Get Glazed Donut Skin: Our Top 3 Tips But, how do you get glazed donut skin? Well, any skincare junky will most likely have the products already present in their skincare collection â itâs just a matter of knowing when and how to apply.  Here are our 3 top tips for ensuring you can get glazed donut skin every night to live your Hailey Bieber dreams!  Begin with a Calm Cleanse A good cleanse is the first step in your glazed donut skin routine. Double cleansing might also be useful to draw out any makeup, sunscreen or sweat that is still on your face. The trick is to use a gentle cleanser that is specific to your skin type and not to rub your skin too harshly â this will help avoid unbalancing the skin barrier.  esmiâs cleansers are all formulated with balanced and calming properties to ensure the healthiest skin possible when single or double cleansing. This is the perfect way to begin your glazed donut skincare routine.  If you need to go deeper an exfoliant might also help, but only if you have inflamed skin that is prone to breakouts. Using an exfoliant will help to clear dead skin cells, making way for the hydration products to work their magic on your natural skin barrier.  Our Gentle-Foliants have no harsh or stripping ingredients, so if you need an extra layer of cleansing to obtain glazed donut skin, these will be your best friend.  Prioritise Active Hydration Serums and oils â any of these products can be used on their own and as a hydrating power to ensure once your skin is cleansed (and cleansed well) the skin barrier will be hydrated to the max!  To ensure you get that dewy, glazed donut skin look use a hydrating serum or oil on damp skin thatâs not fully dry. This allows the hydrating product to get into the pores of your skin and lock in that moisture.  What products are best to use for this step? At esmi we have a few that are guaranteed to get that glazed look. They include: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum which will increase hydration by 25% in 2 hours Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration â perfect for those with sensitive skin  24K Gold Nourishing Oil for extra moisture and nourishment with antioxidant properties to smooth fine lines and wrinkles  Lock in Moisture For Your Skin & Lips Now, this is when the glazed donut look starts to get glowing! Once you have cleansed and added active moisture to your skin barrier the next step is to lock it all in.  Choosing a moisturiser specifically for your skin type will not only nourish and hydrate but ensure your skin concerns are being treated at the same time. Our Hydra-Fluid Moisturisers are perfect for this step â especially if you have oily skin! This weightless formula easily absorbs into the skin barrier and calms skin which is perfect when going to bed. Or, if your skin is looking a little dry, look no further than our Nourishing Moisturisers! Available for sensitive skin, brightening, firming and nourishing to aid in helping a multituse of skin concerns.  For a full-face glazed look, we recommend this step for your lips also! And, we hate to say it but the chapstick youâve been carrying around for 2 years wonât do the trick. esmiâs Hydrating Lip Balm is exactly what it sounds like! Packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that will create a natural lip shine (hello donut glaze).  If thatâs not already enough and you want to up your glazed donut skin game and spritz of our Skin Snack Face Mist will be your final step. Not only is this mist hydrating, but it also refreshes your skin, ensuring you feel clean and comfortable before a good nightâs rest.  Jumping on the Glazed Donut Skin Trend  Itâs fair to say that the glazed donut skin trend isnât going anywhere â especially when hydration is key to a successful skincare routine. Hailey Bieber was onto something when she unveiled her glowing, natural skin to the world and boy does the esmi team like it! Want to know more about how to get glazed donut skin? Speak to our skin specialists for extra product recommendations and tips.
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Your Face
Itâs no surprise that the esmi team is obsessed with SPF! It decreases your rate of ageing, is a preventative measure for sun spots and, when worn daily, can actively decrease your risk of skin cancer â thereâs nothing it cannot do.  So, when we get asked âwhat is the best sunscreen for my face?â our hearts sing. Facial SPF is the most important aspect of a morning skincare routine, especially if you live in sunny Australia.  And, to ensure our esmi community can choose the right sunscreen for their skin type weâve developed a guide to help you identify the best ingredients to look for in SPF for your face. Letâs dive in, shall we.  SPF For Your Face: Why it Matters! You might think SPF for your face can be skipped over. This might be because you donât have a family history of skin cancer, or you donât live somewhere thatâs particularly sunny in the daytime. Well, the esmi team has some news for you! Wearing sunscreen on your face is crucial any time of year as it actively protects your skin from harmful UV rays. This UV light doesnât just travel when itâs sunshine and rainbows, 80% of UV light can travel through clouds no matter what the weather is. Therefore, itâs important to always wear daily SPF if you are going outside for the day.  SPF also matters for your skin as it can help protect against visible signs of ageing, keep complexion even and ensure your skin is healthier overall. Overexposure to UV light is not ideal for both health and your skin's appearance so why not incorporate SPF for your face into a daily skincare routine? How to Choose The Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type The fact is most people donât know what sunscreen is right for their skin type, end up choosing the wrong product and then end up with a skin base that doesnât feel or look right for their skin. We want to end this and allow our community to make an educated decision on a sunscreen that is perfect for dry, sensitive or oily skin.  Sunscreen for Dry Skin For those who have dry skin and donât know where to start with facial SPF, always check for hydrating ingredients. Any skincare product that will add additional moisture to your skin is beneficial, especially as sun damage can be extra harsh on dry skin, causing a flaky and cracked appearance that weâre sure no one wants to experience.  Ingredients to look out for in your daily sunscreen include hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. It is also ideal to choose an SPF product that has a creamy texture which will feel comforting on dry skin, in the summer and winter months.  Our Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30 contains hydrating ingredients including aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration throughout the day â a perfect facial SPF option for those with dry skin.  Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin itâs important to look for sunscreens that are suitable for all skin types or especially for sensitive skin. The esmi Skin Shield can be used by all skin types and is highly rated by people with sensitive skin due to the active ingredient of zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a great addition to sunscreen as it is anti-inflammatory and gentle on all skin types. If your skin is prone to acne, eczema and ulcers this sunscreen ingredient is essential for your chosen facial SPF.   Sunscreen for Oily Skin  Speaking of Zinc, this active ingredient is also recommended for those with oily skin who want a sunscreen that offers a smooth, matte finish. This ingredient deflects rays away from the skin as it is mineral based and sits on top of the skin instead of absorbing into the face causing extra redness and irritation.  As Skin Shield has zinc oxide as the main active ingredient we also recommend this product for individuals who have oily skin. We never want someone with oily skin to not wear SPF due to extra shine, so we have made sure Skin Shield is non-greasy and can be worn under makeup.  The Best Sunscreen for Your Face  As you may have guessed our esmi Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30 is your go-to no matter what your skin type. Itâs a best-seller for a reason and is our number-one recommendation when you are looking to add extra protection to your skincare routine.  But, psst â we have a little secret! Coming soon to The Makeup Cartel brands is Sun Skills. A new sunscreen focussed brand that will elevate the way you SPF. Stay tuned for more! Â
5 Congestion Clearing Products We Swear By
Weâre so excited youâve brought balancing products that will take you from congested to clear! Stick your new congestion-fighting skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss blocked pores goodbye! But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be congested and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What Is Congested Skin? Congested skin is as common as low-rise jeans were in the early 2000s, weâre looking at you Britney Spears. If you have congested skin your pores are clogged with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, sweat and dirt. As this debris builds up, itâs unable to escape so becomes trapped which leads to blackheads, uneven skin texture and a dull appearance on your T-zone. What Causes Congested Skin? Our bodies produce natural oils through the sebaceous glands to nourish and moisturise our skin however, overactive oil glands can cause a build-up on the skin. This can be triggered by monthly menstrual cycles as hormones increase the production of sebum. Gut health and a poor diet also elevate blood sugar levels which can increase acne-causing hormones, excess oil and increased cell production. Take it easy on processed foods and limit refined sugar by prioristing a healthy lifestyle as part of your self-care habits. It can be tempting to touch your face but youâre also constantly touching things like your phone or EFTPOS machines so youâre transferring that bacteria right onto your skin. Add minimal or no skincare routine to this and you could be damaging your skin without even knowing it! Change your skincare routine by cleansing once in the morning and twice at night, we know it sounds like a lot but hear us out. The first cleanse is to remove makeup and SPF while the second is to get deep into the pores to remove the dayâs debris and built-up oil. Congestion VS Acne They both seem to sound the same with pimples and blocked pores, right? Well, not quite so listen up! Congestion is just that, topical and irregular blockages that are likely brought on by poor skin health and lifestyle choices. Acne is a consistent skin condition that occurs in all skin types, even dry. Itâs a form of inflammation and irritation that affects the deep layers of the skin with red and irritated breakouts. This is all thanks to oil glands becoming infected as they continue to excrete into clogged pores, creating a full pustule where bacteria canât escape or be flushed out naturally. Can Sweat Cause Acne? Weâre busting the myth wide open on sweat and pimples! Sweat doesnât cause acne, itâs actually your best friend when it comes to flushing toxins from your body as long as you have clean skin before that sweat session. The only problem you might see here is if you bask in your sweat and donât cleanse your face, this can attract dust and dirt that settles on the skin which can lead to sweat pimples. How Can I Decongest My Face? You might reach for a harsh scrub but steer clear of anything that strips the skin of its natural moisturising qualities. Choose The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal for a gentle cleanser that carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities. Itâs packed full of detoxifying charcoal to draw out toxins from deep within pores while aloe vera calms and heals inflammation. This creamy product is ideal for skin types that are prone to congestion, breakouts and large pores. Dehydrated skin can lead to problems that result in skin congestion as your skin will try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil, taking you right back to where you started. Seal in moisture to congested skin thatâs been cleansed and exfoliated with esmiâs Detox Hydra-Fluid Moisturise to restore balance to oil-prone areas. The right moisturiser wonât leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy so choose this weightless gel to protect against environmental stressors and pollutants. Itâs also formulated with lactic acid to increase cellular turnover for smooth skin and carrot root extract to promote cell regeneration. Not that we want to add more to your laundry list but not changing your pillowcase and bedding can cause your skin to break out even if youâre double cleansing every night. Your pillowcase carries dirt, sweat and built-up products from your hair and hands so we recommend changing it every few days. While youâre at it, why not give your makeup brushes a wash so they arenât clogged with dead skin cells, dried makeup and dirt? Putting time and energy into a skincare routine just to top it off with dirty makeup brushes is totally counterproductive! Make this part of your weekly beauty routine so youâre on your way to glowing skin again. What Ingredients Are Best For Congested Skin? The best treatment for your skin is using naturally antibacterial ingredients that deeply clean pores and clear congestion without being abrasive to the skinâs surface. Glycolic Acid For Acne Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that boosts moisture retention, reduces the appearance of scars, treats hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. Itâs a potent exfoliator that removes dead cells from the topmost layers of the skin, preventing the overproduction of oil that leads to breakouts. It also stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen which leaves your skin feeling plumper with fewer fine lines. Activated Charcoal For Acne We know you can find activated charcoal in lattes, smoothies and toothpaste but what about your skincare? Itâs basically wood burnt down to an absorbent powder, composed of carbon and ash that makes for a gentle exfoliant. Activated charcoal works like a vacuum for your pores with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that minimises the nutrients that congestion feeds on, leaving you with a full face glow. Bentonite VS Kaolin Clay Any skincare products that use clay naturally purify, cleanse and detoxify your skin with absorbent properties that draw toxins and oil. Bentonite draws heavy metals, impurities and chemicals from the skin to leave you with a clear and balanced complexion. Coming from volcanic ash, it has slightly more powerful oil absorption properties than kaolin clay which makes it perfect for extremely oily skin. Kaolin Clay is the best option for sensitive skin thatâs typically normal to dry. With gentle absorption properties, the mild white clay evens out skin tone and reduces redness while absorbing oil without affecting your skin's natural oil level. What To Avoid When You Have Congested Skin Itâs best to avoid products with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin and potentially cause breakouts. Our skin specialists recommend skipping comedogenic makeup and skin products while avoiding mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, lanolin, alcohol and artificial colours. If youâre still not sure, book a consultation or start a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. What Products Are Good For Congested Skin? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally clearing products that will keep your pores clean and refined.  Green Smoothie, But For Your Face Our Anti-Redness Green Smoothie serum is the best product to treat skin redness, reduce puffiness and calm damaged skin. Youâll find it packed full of Tasmania lanceolate extract, a powerful antioxidant that speeds up healing along with anti-inflammatory arnica. Itâs suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. Buff The Bad Excess dead skin cells are to blame for congestion so for a clearer complexion, our lightweight Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum draws out underlying congestion while buffing away dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also loosens and breaks apart the bonds of skin cells to encourage your softer side. Simply drop it onto a charcoal brush or your fingers and massage it into freshly cleansed skin! Donât be alarmed if your skin purges afterwards, just keep using it after your impurities have said hello to help the healing process. Itâs important to note that over-exfoliation will cause your skin to fight back, leaving you with more breakouts and redness so stick to once a week and have rest nights to let your skin recover and reset. Say Hey To Clay If you feel the need to squeeze any blemishes, use our Charcoal Clay Booster Mask instead! We love it because charcoal acts like a sponge to draw out impurities from deep within, soft kaolin clay regulates oil production and creamy bentonite clay neutralises harmful bacteria to buff away dead skin. The powerful combination of charcoal and clay refines and purifies for soft skin so apply a generous amount across the whole face or to just a few pimples. It takes time for skin-clearing ingredients to kick in so be consistent with your treatments and give congestion treatments at least four weeks to do their thing. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, why not refresh and refine unbalanced skin cells with our Congested Skin Solution Bundle?Â
The Secrets To Preventing Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Weâre so excited youâve brought plumping products that will take your skin from lined to luminous. Stick your new fine lines and wrinkles skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be creased and what smoothing products could complement your skincare ritual. What Fine Lines & Wrinkles Mean As you gracefully age you might start to notice fine lines and wrinkles forming creases in your skin. Over time, your skin loses flexibility and is no longer able to spring back into place meaning grooves from facial movements and expressions can become permanent features. These typically form around your eyes, mouth and neck thanks to the raising of your eyebrows leading to forehead furrows and frown lines from frustration or concentration. Itâs harder for your skin to hold onto moisture as you age so as naturally occurring hyaluronic acid declines, your skin can be left feeling dehydrated and rough. Hyperpigmentation is also part of the natural ageing process so darkening of the skin under the eye is common. You can give a shout-out to the loss of collagen and thinning skin around the eye area meaning blood vessels beneath the eyes also become more visible. Fine Lines Vs Wrinkles Collagen and elastin form the support structure for skin, giving it that supple shape and firmness we all long for. Fine lines and wrinkles are then caused when those collagen and elastin fibres break down and the skin begins to lose its elasticity and strength, talk about dramatic. There are three types of lines youâll find as you age: Superficial lines are very fine and can be easily improved with the right anti-aging skincare products. Dynamic wrinkles are from repeated facial movements and arenât as obvious when your face is relaxed, we like to think of them as laugh lines. Static wrinkles are a true loss of gravity and elasticity meaning theyâre deep set in the dermal layer of your skin and visible even when your face is relaxed. Can Fine Lines & Wrinkles Be Prevented? Intrinsic ageing means your skin becomes less elastic and more fragile while the decreased production of natural oils leaves your skin feeling dry and creased. Without supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Hormone levels, cells and proteins also play a part alongside genetics in determining your skin structure and texture. The first visible signs of skin ageing start to appear when youâre around 25 years old so the bottom line is that weâre all eventually going to get a few. Fine lines can be just as beautiful as youthful round cheeks, donât you think thereâs just something sweet about laugh lines? Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors like lifestyle and environmental pollution from smoking, pollutants and sun exposure. UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue so to pause and protect against premature ageing, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. Moisturising is an important step in your skincare ritual as it helps trap water in the skin so you look and feel younger! If youâre feeling extra dry, why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss while addressing dryness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so youâre left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. Itâs best to finish your routine with to lock in a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. The Best Ingredients For Fine Lines & Wrinkles To combat fine lines and wrinkles, you need strengthening and vitamin-rich ingredients that keep your complexion hydrated and bouncy so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Products with humectant ingredients attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skinâs barrier hydrated. Replenishing products should also contain occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Occlusives will also physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which you also know as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid or beta-carotene. Hailed for its anti-aging benefits, Vitamin A stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity and help new blood vessels form for firmer and brighten skin. If that isnât the ultimate anti-wrinkle treatment then we donât know what is! You might get your 5+ a day in but is it going straight to your skin? Adding products with all-star anti-ageing Vitamin C to your skincare ritual means youâll have free-radical protection for an even skin tone thatâs brighter and smoother. It also reduces the appearance of under-eye circles, provides hydration and promotes collagen production for a natural glow. Hyaluronic acid is incredible for drawing water into flat cells and holding onto it for rapid hydration benefits. It can hold 1000x its weight in water to internally boost water content that deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimising fine lines. Use our best-selling skin treats, Ageless Hyaluronic Serum and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration shot of up to 25% within just two hours, talk about a thirst quencher! The Best Products To Reduce Wrinkles Anti-ageing skincare should target wrinkles and fine lines while addressing other signs of ageing including dullness, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual with these naturally plumping products for a radiant and youthful complexion. The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing works gently but deeply to lift away impurities and pollutants while balancing, smoothing and enhancing skin softness and moisture. Creamy anti-ageing peptides plump and hydrate while aloe vera calms and heals inflammation. Your skin will also be left protected with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract! Anti-Aging Eye Serum The skin under your eyes is the thinnest on your entire face so you can look instantly refreshed and youthful with our Anti-Aging Eye Serum. The gel serum includes octapeptide SNAP-8 which has been hailed as a topical alternative to cosmetic injectables, reducing wrinkles by up to 63%. Youâll look instantly refreshed as it lifts and tightens to reduce wrinkle depth while fighting crow's feet and puffiness. Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask Combat the signs of ageing and fatigue with our 24K gold-infused Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask. It contains anti-aging peptides that reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions, being a topical alternative to injections. Beautiful antioxidants soften fine lines, boost skin elasticity to restore youthful suppleness to the skin and defend against free radical damage so you can take a moment to yourself.  If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Firming Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
Five Products To Lighten & Brighten Pigmentation
Weâre so excited youâve brought balancing and brightening products that will have you turning your back on pigmentation! Stick your new pigmentation skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be pigmented and what lightning products could complement your skincare ritual. What is pigmentation caused by? Pigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin its colour. Too much melanin can cause dark spots or patches on your skin that vary in size and develop anywhere on the body. After repeated sun exposure, sun and age spots appear on your hands and face. While freckles seem cute on the Jenner sisters, theyâre actually small spots of concentrated melanin that form when our skin is exposed to UVB radiation. This is because UV rays trigger melanin production to defend your skin from damage, which is what gives you a tan. Pigmentation can also be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy, sigh. This is known as melasma which is the formation of dark and discoloured patches that commonly appears on the stomach and face. Itâs all thanks to melanocyte cells being stimulated by oestrogen and progesterone which encourages the skin to produce excess melanin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur when thereâs been trauma to the skin, like acne or eczema, that disrupts the epidermis. This causes melanocytes to produce melanin that can leak down and become trapped in the deeper layers of your skin. The result is pigmentation that is deeper and more resistant to treatment, leaving behind dark spots after the skin has healed. How to reduce pigmentation To reduce pigmentation, you need to add antioxidants and natural skin lighteners like rich Vitamin C to your beauty routine. Itâs one of the best treatments for pigmentation on your face with its ability to help lighten existing colour and scarring. Because we canât produce Vitamin C on our own, adding it to your beauty routine helps with the growth and repair of tissues without leaving your skinâs barrier compromised. With radiance-boosting properties, youâll be following Rihanna and shining bright like a diamond in no time. Another secret to boosting cell turnover and restoring your skinâs lipid barrier is to moisturise, sounds simple right? It is when you choose emsiâs Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening to illuminate sensitive and troubled skin. This lightweight moisturising lotion is made with the probiotic Lysates which helps create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive when compromised by outside elements and bad bacteria. Added Kakadu plum extract also lends its natural skin-brightening powers to target dull skin and hyperpigmentation while ethyl ascorbic acid, a non-irritating Vitamin C derivative, brightens and boosts collagen synthesis. Skip baking on the beach this summer because weâve got news, heat and sun exposure will actually darken pigmentation! Itâs also no secret that using brightening actives can make your skin more sun sensitive while free radicals from UV rays can damage your skinâs barrier. Our skin often makes excess pigment faster than we can remove it, so weâve got to protect our skin to prevent it from returning so quickly. Applying an enriching sunscreen helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract which is rich in vitamin c to deliver an antioxidant boost. Letâs look on the bright side here, some dark areas may even fade on their own with good sun protection so hit buy on that cute beach umbrella youâve been eyeing up! Is pigmentation permanent? Pigmentation can be quite a personal concern to treat so results will vary depending on the type of pigmentation and severity. They say good things take time so have some patience as the right skincare routine can strengthen your skin while diminishing the appearance of pigmentation and scarring for a clearer complexion. The best ingredients for pigmentation To combat pigmentation, you need strengthening and vitamin-rich ingredients that keep your complexion bright and balanced so your skin can naturally lighten while retaining oils and moisture. Niacinamide (B3) for pigmentation Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is an important antioxidant for cell repair and guarding against moisture loss and dehydration. It reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blotchiness and redness with anti-inflammatory properties that benefit acne or rosacea. It can also protect your skin from infrared and UV light by removing all the damaging free radical molecules created by the environment, excuse us while we apply this B3 beauty before going outside! Kakadu plum for pigmentation Kakadu plum is believed to be the worldâs most potent source of natural vitamin c, move over oranges! This makes it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots, improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This beautifully natural ingredient also contains other beneficial vitamins such as zinc and vitamin e which work together with vitamin c to lighten skin, even out skin tone and renew the complexion. Liquorice for pigmentation Okay we know liquorice is delicious, especially the strawberry kind, but itâs also great for brightening post-inflammatory pigmentation from breakouts! While the sugary kind you eat wonât help your skin, natural extracts have powerful antioxidants and high anti-pigmentation properties that interfere with your skin's production of melanin. By supporting your skinâs resistance to harmful UV rays, it effectively prevents any further brown pigment from forming. What is the best treatment for pigmentation? This is where we come in, a great pigmentation treatment at home helps minimise dark patches and promotes an even skin tone. Whether youâre treating discolouration or trying to prevent new pigmentation from appearing, start your daily ritual with these naturally brightening products for a radiant and clear complexion. Pomegranate Brightening Serum Looking for a product with a Kakadu plum pick-me-up? Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum is a potent brightening, anti-pigmentation gel with powerful melanin inhibitors and skin-lightening ingredients. Infused with antioxidant Q10 spheres to energise and feed skin cells, it also contains liquorice for anti-inflammatory activity thatâll leave you with a fresh and youthful complexion! Itâs ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's clarity. Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant Using an exfoliator on pigmented skin increases the rate of skin renewal, encouraging the hyperpigmented skin to be replaced by new skin cells. Stimulate cell turnover, boost hydration and clear dead skin cells by exfoliating with our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. Itâs an added bonus that when the surface of your skin is smooth, the light effortlessly reflects off it so your skin tone appears more even. Encapsulated Retinol We know retinol might sound scary but our milky Encapsulated Retinol 0.25% Level 1 is perfect if youâre new to it or just have sensitive skin. This product is formulated with 100% encapsulated retinol to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis for a fresher, firmer complexion. Encapsulated retinol has enhanced bioavailability and stability which means the retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skinâs layers before being activated. Being derived from vitamin a with proven anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-dark mark properties, using topical retinoids helps lighten dark spots on your skin and regulate cell function. Avoid using retinol products in the morning as UV rays destabilise skincare ingredients and can increase your risk of sun sensitivity.  Be patient with your beautiful skin as it adjusts to any new product, hyperpigmentation miracles donât happen overnight. Thereâs no one size fits all solution for flawless skin but if youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, then brighten up with our Brighter Skin Solution Bundle.
Five Products Weâre Obsessed With For Redness
Weâre so excited youâve brought calming and replenishing products that will take your skin from raw and rosy to beautifully balanced! Stick your new redness skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss your face flushing goodbye! But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be prone to blushing and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What is facial redness? Facial redness is anything from flushing flare-ups to persistent, blotchy redness on your cheeks, nose and forehead. Having persistently high colour means you might naturally have red undertones or inflammation from rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis or itchy eczema. Dealing with chronic redness is a form of inflammation that causes small blood vessels to expand and push against the skin. When blood flow increases, the enlarged blood vessels try to fight off irritants and encourage healing which leads to a flushed complexion and a feeling of warmth. Add to this a weakened and damaged skin barrier; broken capillaries become more noticeable under skin that may appear thin and almost translucent. What causes redness of the skin? As sensitive red skin is less resilient, it can be triggered by any number of things such as allergic reactions to irritants like fragrances and alcohol in skincare. Redness can be genetic so it doesnât take long for hormones to flare existing conditions like rosacea, definitely not as rosy as it sounds. If your skin is prone to breakouts, the redness might also be inflammation in your skin from acne flare-ups. Lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive exercising and eating spicy foods may also dilate blood vessels due to their heat-generating abilities which increases the flow of blood to the face. That means skipping the chilli margaritas, sigh. Along with stress and extreme temperatures, sun exposure is one of the most common causes of skin redness. Without your SPF BFF, UV rays can cause sunburn that sends more blood to the exposed skin to repair the damage meaning, you guessed it, more red skin. To pause premature aging and protect against red rays, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Isopropyl alcohol and chemical sunscreens are common irritants so reach for mineral sun protection thatâs less reactive for sensitive skin types. Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. How can you reduce redness on your face? Letâs start by talking about how hot your showers are, we know they can have you feeling like youâre escaping after a long day but they actually strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier. It also causes blood vessels near the skinâs surface to dilate, which can leave your skin red and flushed, especially if youâve got rosacea. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly.  Less is often more when it comes to sensitive and inflamed skin so as a general rule, the fewer ingredients the more suitable a product may be. Itâs best to start with a simple routine before slowly adding more products as the skin adjusts and builds up a tolerance. By taking it slow, you also minimise the risk of overstimulating the skin. Itâs important to make sure youâre having rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! If youâre cautious when it comes to trying new skin products, our skin specialists recommend testing a patch on your skin first. Use a small amount on your inner arm the first day and see what happens, if you donât spot any irritation after a week then try it on the side of your face or neck. Be thoughtful when it comes to your skin and avoid trying multiple new products at once, that way youâll know exactly what the culprit is if you do notice sensitivity or irritation. Skip any harsh cleansers and scrubs that leave your skin feeling tight, shiny, or dried out. To avoid irritation, choose a gentle cleanser like our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser. It strengthens hyper-sensitive skin by replenishing your skinâs moisture with the Australian Made probiotic Lysates, scientifically proven to create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive while supporting its natural defences. Follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. The best soothing ingredients for redness Dealing with damaged and inflamed red skin on the face is an uncomfortable experience but with the right skincare and lifestyle changes, itâs very treatable. Look for strengthening ingredients that keep your complexion calm and balanced so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Any emollient ingredients increase hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss which causes dryness, irritation, and redness. They will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. The benefits of peppermint oil for skin With superior purifying antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil naturally soothes redness and unclogs pores. The cooling and calming effects of peppermint relieve burns, skin rashes and dry skin while promoting circulation and stimulating the skin for that youthful glow youâve always wanted. The benefits of arnica for skin Arnica's anti-inflammatory powers increase white blood cell activity to help combat irritation while calming the redness and inflammation that comes with rosacea. Itâs also perfect for decreasing puffiness around the face so youâre left with a refreshed and moisturised complexion. The benefits of allantoin for skin Non-irritating allantoin acts as an emollient to soothe and protect your skin, keeping you moisturised and putting the stop sign on dryness and irritation. It also can help heal and stimulate the growth of new tissues while being as calming as your Sunday morning yoga class. What products to avoid with redness? Itâs best to avoid serums with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin, this means there might be some trial and error involved before finding the perfect products. Our skin specialists recommend skipping anything with synthetic acids, fragrances and colourants, fillers and preservatives. Put away products that also contain sulphates, glycolic and salicylic acids, beta-hydroxy acids, abrasive scrubs and mechanical exfoliants like microbeads and walnut shell powders until the redness is well controlled. Alcohol is used in a lot of skincare products, even though it dries out the skin and can damage its protective barrier, look for irritating denatured alcohol or alcohol denat before applying a new product. If alcohol is found towards the end of an ingredients list, there might not be enough of it in the product to bother your skin. We recommend booking a consultation or starting a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. What skin products reduce redness? This is where we come in, say hello to your new anti-inflammatory esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally caring products for a cool and calm complexion! Minty & mild mask Our Anti-Inflammation Mint Gel Mask instantly cools the discomfort of red, irritated skin while shutting down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains aloe vera extract to reduce itchiness and promote the regeneration of new skin. Itâs suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. This makes it the perfect soothing formula for post-laser, IPL or diathermy treatment to provide immediate cooling relief for visibly red skin. Buff the bad For a brighter complexion, our gentle Fresh Sea & Salty Sand Gentle Exfoliant with exotic Polynesian sand removes pore-clogging debris and fights congestion to keep oily skin clear and fresh. Tropical papaya enzymes have antibacterial properties that promote a smooth complexion while luxurious 24K gold flakes boost skin elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation. Refreshing & resurfacing retinol We know retinol might sound scary but our milky Encapsulated Retinol 0.25% Level 1 is perfect if youâre new to it or just have sensitive skin. This product is formulated with 100% encapsulated retinol to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis for a fresher, firmer complexion. Encapsulated retinol has enhanced bioavailability and stability which means the retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin layer before being activated. Packed full of carrot seed oil, sunflower oil and tomato extract this is our idea of keeping calm and carrying on! Be patient with your new ritual as your skinâs barrier is going to need time to heal. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Sensitive Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
How To Break Free From Breakouts
Weâre so excited youâve brought soothing and clearing products that will have you breaking free from breakouts! Stick your new acne-clearing skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss blemishes goodbye! But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be acne-prone and what products could complement your skincare ritual. How Does Acne Form? Donât let acne ruin your day, itâs completely natural and almost everyone experiences it even if it feels like it comes at the worst time, hello first date! Acne can develop at any age and regularly appears on the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest. Itâs more common during teenage years but we can also thank lifestyle choices and hormonal changes like pregnancy and menstruation. Your pores connect the surface of your skin to the sebaceous gland which produces an oily substance called sebum, released continually into your hair follicles and skin. However, if the gland produces too much sebum, the pore can become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. This can lead to infection and inflammation around the clogged pore which is where a pimple forms - cue the Kim K crying face. Types Of Pimples On The Face There are three main types of acne which are non-inflammatory, inflammatory and severely inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads, a clogged pore that has been exposed to air, and whiteheads, pores that are blocked but remain closed. Inflammatory acne includes mild to moderate papules and pustules. These are inflamed blemishes that look like a red bump or small yellow spots on the skin, they contain pus and are often painful to touch. Severely inflammatory acne are cysts and nodules that are strongly linked to hormones and genetics. They are highly inflammatory and rooted deep beneath the skin so have a high chance of scarring. Is It Better To Pop Or Leave Your Pimples? Itâs important to be picky with your skin care but not your skin! It can be tempting to squeeze and dig at inflamed pores but our skin specialists advise that itâll just make things worse. In the short term, youâll simply make the pimple more inflamed and noticeable while delaying the natural healing process. Looking longer term, you may cause infection as you allow more bacteria into the pore while risking scarring. Non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads or whiteheads, is the only type of pimple that you should consider popping. These blemishes are often close to the surface so donât require much intervention, some whiteheads may even look as though theyâre ready to burst on their own. Before touching your acne make sure you wash your hands thoroughly then cleanse and exfoliate your face. How Can You Clear Up Your Acne? Change your skincare routine by cleansing once in the morning and twice at night, we know it sounds like a lot but hear us out. The first cleanse is to remove makeup and SPF while the second is to get deep into the pores to remove the dayâs debris and built-up oil. Stay away from harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and reach for a gentle cleanser, like The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness. This creamy product carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities while reducing redness and cooling the skin with Tasmanian Mountain Pepper and aloe vera. Make sure to protect your sensitive skin by gently patting your face dry instead of harshly rubbing as this can irritate acne-prone skin.  It can seem like oiliness means hydration but these are actually two different things. It can be tempting to miss moisturiser because it feels like your skin is already oily but drying out your skin can actually make acne worse. Your skin will try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil so celebrate a hydrated and bouncy complexion by picking the right moisturiser that doesnât leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Check out our Probiotic Skin Mylck to heal and strengthen hyper-sensitive skin. Are you seeing acne on your cheeks? You might have your phone to thank for that, yes alongside blue light and midnight scrolling. Youâve likely always got your phone on you so it picks up a lot of bacteria which can be transferred to your face when you make a call. Give your screen a once over with antibacterial wipes to get rid of germs and think about switching to using speaker or earbuds. Oh and the same goes with touching your face, youâre constantly touching things like EFTPOS machines on a day of shopping so putting your hands on your face transfers that bacteria right onto your skin. Not that we want to add more to your laundry list but not changing your pillowcase and bedding can cause your skin to break out even if youâre double cleansing every night. Your pillowcase carries dirt, sweat and built-up products from your hair and hands so we recommend changing it every few days. How Do I Get Rid Of Acne Scars? If you need help improving the appearance of dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and marks caused by pimples then check out our Acne Scarring Solution Bundle. It focuses on healing, strengthening, stimulating collagen production, increasing cell turnover and minimising discolouration for a beautiful complexion! The Best Anti-Bacterial Ingredients For Acne The best acne treatment for your skin depends on the kind of breakouts youâre dealing with. We believe caring for your skin with soothing antibacterial ingredients is the best way to prevent acne and clear active breakouts. Glycolic Acid For Acne Derived from sugarcane, Glycolic Acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that boosts moisture retention, reduces the appearance of scars, treats hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. Itâs a potent exfoliator that removes dead cells from the topmost layers of the skin, preventing the overproduction of oil that leads to breakouts. It also stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen which leaves your skin feeling plumper with fewer fine lines. Activated Charcoal For Acne We know you can find activated charcoal in lattes, smoothies and toothpaste but what about your skincare? Itâs basically wood burnt down to an absorbent powder, composed of carbon and ash that makes for a gentle exfoliant. Activated charcoal works like a vacuum for your pores with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that minimises the nutrients that acne feeds on, leaving you with a full face glow. Bentonite VS Kaolin Clay Any skincare products that use clay naturally purify, cleanse and detoxify your skin with absorbent properties that draw toxins and oil. Bentonite draws heavy metals, impurities and chemicals from the skin to leave you with a clear and balanced complexion. Coming from volcanic ash, it has slightly more powerful oil absorption properties than kaolin clay which makes it perfect for extremely oily skin. Kaolin Clay is the best option for sensitive or acne-prone skin thatâs typically normal to dry. With gentle absorption properties, the mild white clay evens out skin tone and reduces redness while absorbing oil without affecting your skin's natural oil level. Retinoids (Vitamin A) For Acne Naturally occurring forms of vitamin a are some of the most effective treatments for acne and also happen to be a highly effective anti-aging ingredient. Its clearing capabilities allow the skin to unclog pores and reduce oiliness to stop breakouts before they begin developing. What Products Work Best For Acne? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally calming products for a radiant and soothed complexion! Green Smoothie, But For Your Face Our Anti-Redness Green Smoothie serum is the best product to treat skin redness, reduce puffiness and calm damaged skin. Youâll find it packed full of Tasmania lanceolate extract, a powerful antioxidant that speeds up healing along with anti-inflammatory arnica. Itâs suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. Buff The Bad For a clearer and smoother complexion, our lightweight Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum detoxifies the skin by drawing out underlying congestion and buffing away dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also loosens and breaks apart the bonds of skin cells to encourage softer skin. Simply drop it onto a charcoal brush or your fingers and massage it into freshly cleansed skin! Donât be alarmed if your skin purges afterwards, just keep using it after your impurities have said hello to help the healing process. Itâs important to also make sure you have rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating!  Donât Be Wild, Stay Mild Stay cool with our Anti-Inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask that shuts down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This lightweight gel will comfort red and irritated skin. Beautiful broccoli sprout rescues skin from inflammation and is a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce redness while wild mint is a rich antiseptic that prevents skin from developing spots and rashes. It takes time for skin-clearing ingredients to kick in so be consistent with your treatments and give clearing acne treatments at least four weeks to do their thing. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, why not soothe unbalanced skin cells with our Oily & Breakout Skin Solution Bundle?Â
How To Kiss Bye Bye To Dry
Letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be dry and what products could complement your skincare ritual. Dry skin vs. dehydrated skin Dry and dehydrated skin can often be confused as the same thing but one is actually a skin type and one is a temporary condition. Dryness is a skin type where you may produce less sebum than normal skin types. This means your skinâs barrier is naturally lacking oil and may struggle to keep moisture locked into the cells, making it more susceptible to damage.  Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that may be triggered by diet (think salty foods and alcohol), not wearing moisturiser daily or your body losing more water than youâre drinking. Your skin might feel tight and uncomfortable while dark circles under your eyes and fine lines are more noticeable. You might also be experiencing an oily complexion and breakouts due to excess oil production over compromising for low water content, we know, confusing right? What does dry skin look like? Your skin is easily compromised and more susceptible to free radical damage, premature ageing, dehydration and flare-ups of inflammation. Itâll often feel tight and uncomfortable while looking dull and irritated with fine lines and cracks. You might notice dry flaky patches around your nose and mouth and may feel some itchiness. Can drinking water fix dry skin? We know itâs an easy assumption that drinking water will keep your skin hydrated but just drinking water wonât address a dry skin type. We always recommend drinking eight glasses of water daily but dry skin relates to a lack of oil so youâll also need to keep your skin moisturised. What causes dry skin on the face? Basically, the root cause of dry skin is a lack of protective oils on the outer layer which allows your skin to lose its capacity to lock in moisture. A healthy skin barrier is typically made up of dead cells and enough naturally protective oils to keep skin soft and smooth. A dry skin type can be caused by genetics, hormonal phases, stress and some medications. Seasonal changes can also impact dryness so take extra care during winter months by adding richer moisturising formulas and oils that contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help seal in moisture. Your skin can also gradually lose moisture and essential oils when you spend too long in the sun without protection so never skip the SPF in summer! Apply an enriching sunscreen that helps create a physical barrier on top of the skin with our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen. Itâs perfect for layering under makeup, with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cooling cucumber extract. Weâre sorry to say that as you age, sebaceous glands produce less oil making it harder to keep the skin moist. The amount of hyaluronic acid present in our bodies also declines, resulting in drying, more wrinkles and a rougher appearance. Can dry skin cause acne? Dry skin can actually make acne worse as your skin will try to compensate by overproducing oil. Celebrate a hydrated and bouncy complexion by picking the right moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling healthy and balanced. Our Probiotic Skin Mylck strengthens hyper-sensitive skin by replenishing skin moisture with Australian Made probiotic Lysates. This has been scientifically proven to create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive while supporting its natural defences. The best ingredients for dry skin types The best hydrating skincare products are those that restore dull and lacklustre skin. That starts with learning how to nourish dry skin with products that contain naturally replenishing ingredients so your skin can retain its natural oils and moisture. When your skin is properly hydrated, itâs able to act as a natural barrier to any external or harsh elements while drawing water in and amplifying the effect of hydration. Look out for products with humectant ingredients that attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin barrier hydrated. Youâll also want to check hydrating products for occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. These will physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. A few natural ingredients we love at esmi are: Hyaluronic acid for keeping skin plump and minimising fine lines while deeply hydrating. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for restoring your skinâs barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Shea butter, naturally packed with Vitamin E, for increasing your skinâs hydration and preventing moisture loss. Rose essential oil for its emollient, antiseptic and astringent properties that help treat redness and inflammation. What products are best for dry skin? Caring for dry skin means focusing on products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the skinâs surface. Having rehydrated skin helps protect your overall skin barrier health, improves skin texture and leaves you with a radiant base for makeup. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual off with these naturally hydrating products for a radiant and dewy complexion! Skin saviour Use our best-selling skin treat, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration boost of up to 25% within just two hours! The hydrating water magnet plumps and hydrates skin by acting as a sponge to attract water from the atmosphere. Talk about a thirst quencher! Buff the bad Exfoliate weekly with humectant ingredients, like glycolic or lactic acid, that reduce the loss of moisture, stimulate cell turnover and clear dead skin cells. Choose our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to stay fresh and boost hydration, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft, luminous and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. Donât hesitate, hydrate Our super hydrating yet lightweight Hydrating Eye Serum is a potent formulation of marine extracts, antioxidants and a moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. It nourishes skin while restoring and plumping the undereye area for a fresh and youthful complexion! Always go for gold Oil-based skin care is a great choice for dry skin types so why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss while addresses dryness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so youâre left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. Itâs best to finish your routine with to lock in a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. Using hydrating serums and oils that target moisture retention and protect your skinâs barrier is crucial for dehydrated skin. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up your ritual with our Nourishing Dry Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
The Secrets To Keep Sensitive Skin Smiling
Weâre so excited youâve brought calming and replenishing products that will take your skin from sensitive to smooth! Stick your new sensitive skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, letâs take a deep dive into why your skin might be sensitive and what soothing products could complement your skincare ritual. What sensitive skin looks like Sensitive skin can sometimes mean different things to different people but it typically points to having a thin or weakened epidermis so the skinâs protective barrier isnât as strong as it could be. This makes it easier for irritants and bacteria to penetrate the skin causing inflammation, redness and dryness. In other skin types, a functional lipid barrier is able to hold water while keeping environmental toxins like UV rays, heat and harsh chemicals out. Your sensitive skin might look fragile with broken capillaries while feeling itchy with a dry and patchy texture thatâs easily irritated. Delicate complexions may burn quickly in the sun and feature high colour which means flare-ups like rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are quite common. Itâs also possible for sensitive skin to be dry, oily and acne-prone all at the same time, sigh.   What causes sensitive skin? As sensitive skin is less resilient, it can be triggered by any number of things such as medications or health conditions like eczema. You may also have Mum and Dad to thank for naturally sensitive skin as genetic differences in the normal protective skin barrier are especially common in people with fair skin or red hair. We see you, Isla Fisher! If your skin is reactive it may be easily irritated by fragrances, not being handled delicately or the use of certain ingredients that damage the skinâs protective outer layer. Although sensitive skin is most common on the face, it can appear anywhere on the body as allergic or immune reactions can be because of chemicals, soaps, hand sanitisers and even laundry detergents. You might also be environmentally sensitive when it comes to seasonal pollen levels, temperature changes and humidity. Hormonal fluctuations like puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also affect the skinâs sebum secretion, leading to a weakened barrier function. You might also notice flushing and redness which are influenced by the skinâs network of blood vessels. Ageing skin also plays a part here, as the lipid barrier breaks down and replaces itself less frequently youâll see more sensitivity and dryness over time, talk about dramatic. Sensitive skin vs. sensitised skin Both sensitive and sensitised skin share redness, irritation and dryness so can often look and feel similar, much like Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch. So, how can you tell the difference? Sensitive is actually a skin type, like oily or combination, this means it rules when it comes to what ingredients and products are featured in your skincare ritual. Sensitised skin is often temporary, caused by coming into contact with something externally irritating. This includes harsh skin-stripping products and scrubs, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and pollution. Itâs best to simplify your skincare routine and steer clear of triggering cosmetic alcohols, active ingredients, fragrances and artificial colouring. Sensitive skin doâs & donâts If youâre cautious when it comes to trying new skin products, our skin specialists recommend testing a patch on your skin first. Use a small amount on your inner arm the first day and see what happens, if you donât spot any irritation after a week then try it on the side of your face or neck. Be thoughtful when it comes to your skin and avoid trying multiple new products at once, that way youâll know exactly what the culprit is if you do notice sensitivity or a breakout. Letâs start by talking about how hot your showers are, we know they can have you feeling like youâre escaping after a long day but they actually strip your protective lipid layer and encourage water to flow out of your skin. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly. Less is often more when it comes to sensitive skin so as a general rule, the fewer ingredients the more suitable a product may be. Itâs best to start with a simple routine before slowly adding more products as the skin adjusts and builds up a tolerance. By taking it slow, you also minimise the risk of overstimulating the skin. Itâs important to make sure youâre having rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating!  Try to avoid over-cleansing your face as this will strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and oils, follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. Washing too often will irritate sensitive skin and cause excessive dryness so ditch any products that contain chemical exfoliants and reach for a gentle cleanser, like our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser. Formulated with Australian Made probiotic Lysates, the creamy cleanser gently lifts away impurities for clear, softer skin. The addition of soothing aloe vera and camellia leaf (green tea) also heals inflammation while promoting healthy moisture levels and targeting signs of ageing. Keep sensitive skin smiling by avoiding rough cleansing cloths, reach for a soft Microfibre Face Cleansing Mitt that removes 80% more dirt and makeup instead. No more cotton pads or single-use face wipes also means thereâs zero bathroom waste, double win! Simply pop your mitt in a delicates bag before adding it to your laundry. Make sure to protect your sensitive skin by gently patting your face dry instead of harshly rubbing as this can irritate delicate skin.  The best ingredients for dry skin types Having a thin lipid barrier means your skin deeply absorbs products which can lead to reactive inflammation as your immune system goes into overdrive. Look for strengthening ingredients that keep your complexion calm, clear and balanced so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Products with humectant ingredients attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skinâs barrier hydrated. Replenishing products should also contain occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Occlusives will also physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. Acai oil contains omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 so is rich in nourishing essential fatty acids that soothe, restore and strengthen skin. Thanks to its emollient properties, it helps manage inflammation and has moisturising benefits. Vitamin E is brimming with anti-inflammatory properties that hydrate and calm even the most sensitive complexions. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and non-allergenic properties that are recommended for restoring sensitive and reactive skin. It acts similarly to our natural oils so helps balance and brighten your complexion without clogging pores, what a winner. Can sensitive skin use hyaluronic acid? Dryness and sensitivity often go hand in hand because having a thin lipid barrier means itâs easier for moisture to escape. This makes hyaluronic acid perfect for deeply hydrating sensitive skin while minimising fine lines. Use our best-selling skin treat, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration boost of up to 25% within just two hours! The hydrating water magnet plumps and hydrates skin by acting as a sponge to attract water from the atmosphere. Talk about a thirst quencher! What should sensitive skin avoid? Itâs best to avoid serums with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin, this means there might be some trial and error involved before finding the perfect products. Our skin specialists recommend skipping anything with synthetic acids, fragrances and colourants, fillers and preservatives. Put away anything that also contains sulphates, retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids, abrasive scrubs and mechanical exfoliants like microbeads and walnut shell powders. We recommend booking a consultation or starting a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. How to treat sensitive skin on your face Like a Taurus, sensitive skin loves routine so frequently changing products can cause more irritation. Once you find a sensitive skincare product that works, stick with it! The best skincare for sensitive skin works to strengthen and nourish the skin barrier with formulas that are gentle, fragrance-free and have a simple ingredient list. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual with these naturally soothing products for a radiant and clear complexion. Best sunscreen for sensitive skin To pause premature aging and protect again UV rays, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Isopropyl alcohol and chemical sunscreens are common irritants so reach for mineral sun protection thatâs less reactive for sensitive skin types. Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. How to exfoliate sensitive skin Less is more when it comes to exfoliating sensitive skin, gently sloughing with humectant ingredients means you can stimulate cell turnover, clear dead skin cells and reduce the loss of moisture. Choose our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to stay fresh and boost hydration, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft, luminous and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. Snack like itâs late night Rehydrate and refresh your skin throughout the day with our Skin Snack Facial Mist. Itâs perfect for when youâre exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather. Follow after your daily makeup application to feed delicate skin with raspberry extract to protect cells from water loss and green tea extract to target signs of aging. Talk about mood booster Ideal for dry skin types that need nourishment, our creamy Nourishing Booster Mask reduces inflammation and uneven skin tone while healing damaged skin. The rejuvenating party of evening primrose, moisturising coconut and nourishing almond oil address roughness, irritation and dryness. Enriched with Vitamins E and F, highly emollient shea butter heals peeling and cracked skin impacted by dermatitis and psoriasis.  Be patient with your new ritual as your skinâs barrier is going to need time to heal. If youâre just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Sensitive Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
Up-and-Coming Beauty & Makeup Trends 2023
2023 is here (where did that time go) and weâre super excited about whatâs to come in the beauty and makeup trends space for the new year. But what will the top beauty trends of 2023 look like? Will a skincare-first approach take the beauty community by storm or is it all about creating a makeup look with bolder colours at the forefront? Whatever your favourite beauty routines and products are, there is a range of trends to jump on and explore in the new year. So, letâs get trendy! Protecting the Skin Barrier Taking care of your skin through quality skincare is nothing new but what about targeting your skin barrier specifically? What is the skin barrier you may ask? The purpose of your skin barrier is to protect your skin from harsh environments which often cause damaged skin â think humid or dry environments, sun and harsh chemical exposure, and even over-exfoliation can cause damage to the skin barrier. This is why gentle, non-toxic skincare will be a staple in your product cabinet in 2023! Get ahead of the trend and try our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum! Containing Vitamin B3 and allantoin for skin repair as well as hyaluronic acid (of course) to hydrate the skin throughout the day both with and without makeup, to ensure your skin barrier is protected to the fullest. Sunscreen is Queen SPF has proven to be the most effective preventative skincare measure in 2022 and will continue to be a staple in 2023 (and hopefully beyond!). Not only does adding SPF into your morning routine protect your skin from the harsh sun rays, but it also prevents ageing and the appearance of skin impurities. Many sunscreen brands, including esmi, are adding extra elements to their sunscreen formula like carrot root oil and hyaluronic acid for added hydration and plumping fine lines. Itâs no doubt that using a facial sunscreen that works for you and your skin on a deeper level will be the next big thing in sunscreen development! Skin Minimalism The no makeup, makeup look has been around long before 2023. But, it used to be the case that many products would be used to create this âno makeup lookâ â not anymore! In 2023 we are levelling up and choosing select products based on quality that will become staples in our day-to-day. The term skin minimalism means focusing on products that benefit the skin to ensure you donât have to wear as much makeup. This is a great trend to jump on for those on the go or people who want a less intensive makeup routine in 2023. Get involved in this trend through our Liquid Mineral Foundation which promotes coverage as well as powerful vitamins and antioxidants for skin health! Brushed-Up Brows Gone are the days of one-dimensional brows â enter brushed-up brows! For those who donât know, brushed-up brows is a technique that allows your eyebrow to stand straight and gives a feathered look. This natural brow look is perfect for those who want to make their brows stand out without going crazy with the product. As with skin minimalism, this brushed-up brow 2023 trend will be a staple in everyone's daily makeup routine. To get this brow look try our Zebra Clear Brow Gel for long-wearing brushed-up brows! Statement Lip Colours The nude lip and minimal makeup has its moment, but 2023 is here and itâs time to add some colour! Statement lips colours are set to be all the rage in 2023 and not just for nights out. Rocking a bold lip in the office, at a casual lunch or when shopping with friends will be common, making your bold makeup look even bolder! Will wearing a statement lip be your go-to makeup trend in 2023? If so check out our Lipstick range over at Lip Heroes! Eyes that Pop! No doubt the Gen Zâs of the world have been killing it lately with their creative and colourful eye looks that pop! Weâre talking eyeliner designs that break the rules and the use of super bright colours to match every single detail of their outfit. This makeup trend is set to continue in 2023 and with the help of some killer eye products you can make the most of it! Scalp-Centered Hair Care Ensuring your hair remains healthy from the scalp is set to be the most popular hair beauty trend of 2023. Not only does scalp health help with hair growth and strength from the get-go, it also regulates oil production and removes dead skin cells (goodbye dandruff), leaving the scalp balanced and healthy for the long term! Scalp treatments can be bought separately but why not have them included in your shampoo and conditioner? esmi Hair Care is the best way to jump on this trend early and incorporate it into your hair-washing cycle. Itâs a yes from us for scalp care in 2023! Which beauty and makeup trends will you try in 2023? The esmi team are ready for what the beauty and makeup industry has in store for us in 2023. Whether you want to simplify your makeup routine or take your skincare to the next level, 2023 is the year for it!Â
Our Commitment to Sustainable Skincare
Here at Makeup Cartel, we always want to be part of the solution, not the problem. It is no secret that the skincare and cosmetics industries have the potential to be detrimental to the environment, but they donât have to be - weâre living proof that itâs possible to be an ethical skincare brand! Weâve made a serious commitment to creating eco friendly skincare wherever we can. It is at the heart of everything we do and is something we take really seriously - itâs up there with creating really, really good skincare! Our Sustainability Initiatives All of the plastic in our products is biodegradable and breaks down in 5-10 years, as opposed to the 100s of years it takes your stock standard plastic to break down. Mother Earth doesnât have time to wait that long, and neither do we! Oh, and to make things even better, our packaging doesnât leave behind any microplastics. Pretty clever, hey? As part of being a sustainable skincare brand, weâve made sure that all of our glass and cardboard packaging is recyclable. That means, once youâve finished using and loving your esmi products, clean out the glass packaging (and remove any plastic components) and send that beauty straight to recycling. Easy as pie! Speaking of glass bottles, did you know you can repurpose them? Itâs true! Use them to house a new sapling or as the perfectly sized container for your favourite skincare when travelling. Read more about repurposing your glass bottles here. Our ingredient lists are predominately natural and completely clean, so they donât contain any nasties that are going to harm the earth. After all, you wouldnât put anything toxic on your skin, right? Plus, part of creating ethical skincare, means our products are completely cruelty-free, so we absolutely donât test on animals. And just as the icing on the cake, all esmi products are completely vegan, so you wonât see any animal products in our skincare. We love to see it!  We want our gorgeous esmi customers to enjoy our products for many years to come, which means we need to put our planet first! Creating sustainable skincare that you love using is our mission and we reckon weâve done a great job of it, if we do say so ourselves!Â
What are AHAs in Skincare?
What are AHAs in skincare? Youâve probably figured out by now that those of us in the skincare world love an acronym - hey, some of those ingredients are really wordy! Speaking of loving an acronym, one of our absolute favourites is AHAs, otherwise known as alpha hydroxy acids. If you havenât had your âaha!â moment on what AHAs are (pardon the pun), by the time you finish reading youâll well and truly be a member of their fan club. Without further ado, letâs dive into alpha hydroxy acids for skin. What are AHAs? While weâre keen to shout about why we love AHAs from the rooftops, letâs take a step back and ask the million dollar question - what are AHAs in skincare? They are acids (duh), but donât let that word scare you - they are perfectly safe. They are often plant-derived and considered chemical exfoliants that buff away dead skin and congestion on the top layers of the skin. You may be more familiar with physical exfoliants (the gritty scrubs), but chemical exfoliants can penetrate deeper into the skin as they are water soluble. Plus, they wonât leave your skin red raw if used gently. There are 7 types of AHAs, but the most commonly researched (and the ones weâre going to be discussing today) are lactic and glycolic acids. AHAs benefits for skin AHA skin care is a favourite among dermatologists, and for good reason. In fact, the list of reasons to get behind AHAs is extensive, but weâre going to narrow it down to our top four. Great for acne-prone skin If youâre someone who struggles with acne, AHAs could be your golden ticket to clear skin. We all know that acne occurs as a result of clogged pores, and the beauty of AHAs is their ability to loosen whatever is clogging your pores and remove any dirt or sebum. This also means AHAs can make pores appear smaller, as theyâre not as congested. Thanks to their exfoliating powers, glycolic and lactic acids also help to reduce the appearance of acne scars and overall skin tone. Anti-ageing benefits As we age, our skin is exposed to damaging environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. That, in combination with the cruelty of time means fine lines and wrinkles start to show up on our skin. The beauty of AHAs is their ability to promote collagen production. Collagen (the protein fibres that keep our skin plump) lies in the middle layer of the skin, where AHAs can reach. They destroy old collagen fibres to make way for fresh ones. Plus, AHAs in skincare also increase blood flow to the skin to give you a gorgeous radiance. Hydrate the skin AHAs will have your skin feeling soft and supple in a flash thanks to their hydrating powers. Some AHAs, like glycolic acid, are whatâs known as humectants, meaning they draw water from their surroundings to the skin. Yup, that means while they exfoliate, you also get a hydrated glow. AHAs can also help other skincare products like your hydrating serum and moisturiser work more effectively, by removing dead skin cells that are stopping all of the good stuff from getting deep into the skin. Otherwise, your products are just moisturising dead skin and we donât need to tell you thatâs never going to work so well. Fades hyperpigmentation Using AHAs on a regular basis can help reduce the appearance of dark marks caused by sun damage, ageing or hormonal changes in pregnancy. AHAs increase cell turnover which allows newer skin, without pigmentation, to shine through. Skincare containing AHAs Like we said, there are at least seven types of AHAs, so knowing what to look for on your ingredients list can be a bit like acing a chemistry test. Luckily, we left tests behind in high school, so weâve made it simple. Here are some esmi Skin Minerals products containing AHAs that will have people asking you who your facialist is (you can give them our details). Our go-to is the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. It contains 10% Fruit Acid Combination AHA's (5% Glycolic Acid and 5% Lactic Acid) to naturally and gently unclog pores and speed up cell renewal. It draws out impurities and works like a dream on blackheads, just FYI. If congested (rough and bumpy skin) has you down, reach for this little beauty. After using the Charcoal Serum, lock in moisture and get an extra dose of lactic acid with the Detox Hydra-Fluid Moisturiser. It will help to increase cellular turnover to leave skin smooth and soft, as well as featuring Red Algae Extract to hydrate and revitalise the skin. Before you lather on the AHAs, keep in mind the other ingredients in your skincare routine. You can layer your AHAs under any vitamin C serums, but they donât play nicely with retinol as they are both exfoliants and can irritate the skin. If AHAs arenât already a part of your skincare routine, do yourself a favour! They speed up your cell turnover by exfoliating the skin without harsh scrubs, leaving you with a clear, and brighter complexion - um, big yes to that! If you need a little more help figuring out which AHA products are right for you, chat to our skin consultants. Â
What is Clean Beauty?
Clean beauty. Itâs a niche that has dominated the skincare world in recent years and is definitely here to stay. What does âclean beautyâ really mean, though? Well, the answer you get may depend on who you ask! The term is quite open to interpretation and there are differing views about the *exact* definition. In general, though, clean beauty describes products that are formulated with natural and plant-based ingredients and without any chemicals that have been deemed harmful to human health. This includes the 3 compounds we love to hate - parabens, phthalates, and sulfates which have been linked to concerns from skin irritation to hormone disruption. Beyond ingredients, clean beauty brands also extend their mindful formulation philosophies to include cruelty-free product testing and sustainable production.  Clean beauty means clean ingredients Weâre proud and passionate about the high clean beauty standards of esmi products. From ingredients through to testing and packaging, we believe in being totally transparent about how our products are made, what goes in them, and how theyâre tested. Natural & plant-derived ingredients We use effective plant-based actives and natural ingredients in our formulations to help address a range of skin concerns from dehydration, and dullness to hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing. Some of our most-loved natural and plant-derived ingredients include: Aloe vera: Moisture promoting and skin-repairing aloe vera contains active ingredients including vitamins (vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, E and B12), enzymes, minerals, salicylic acids, and amino acids. Pomegranate: Contains Vitamin C to help with skin brightening and encourages skin repair and regeneration. Gold leaf: A natural antioxidant with active properties, gold helps boost circulation, stimulate collagen, and increase skin elasticity. Kakadu plum: The worldâs most potent natural source of vitamin C, this Australian super fruit helps diminish the appearance of dark spots and promotes a glowing complexion. Avocado oil: A natural oil with a high percentage of active Vitamin E which is proven to aid in strengthening the skin barrier and keeping skin moisturised. Clean beauty products can also contain safe synthetic ânature identicalâ ingredients that are healthy and effective for the skin. Nature identical ingredients are synthetic (created in a lab) but they are safe and stable for use - ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and synthetically produced Vitamin A are good examples. Plus, the production of synthetic ingredients is often more environmentally responsible than harvesting the ingredient from natural sources. Living cultures for your skin to thrive Our probiotic skincare range is formulated with a scientifically developed probiotic lysate strain. These live cultures (aka: good bacteria) benefit the skin by helping strengthen the skin barrier and maintain balance. You can discover more about the benefits of probiotics in this article - a recommended read for anyone with sensitive skin. Probiotics can do wonders for a reactive complexion! FDA approved We only use the highest quality TGA and FDA approved ingredients in our products. This means they are safe for consumers under labelled or customary conditions of use, and are properly labelled. View our full ingredients page here and the ingredients of each product under the "INGREDIENTS" tab on each product page. Clean Beauty Doesnât Cost The Earth At esmi weâre proud to play a role in promoting ethical, safe and more sustainable product choices across the skincare industry and beyond. We want to drive change by helping to create a world where all businesses are conscious and ethical. Itâs not only your skin we care about with our safe formulations; we care about animals and the environment too! Cruelty-free esmi products are completely cruelty-free and weâre committed to no animal testing at any stage. We use FDA approved cruelty-free ingredients and the final product is tested on happy human volunteers! We donât sell our products to countries where animal testing is mandatory, either. Packaging We design our packaging with the environment in mind so all esmi products come in recyclable packaging. The shipping bags and boxes we use are biodegradable too - even the white packaging fill is all natural and non-toxic. Itâs made from corn and is water-soluble. Shop esmi Skin Minerals range for clean beauty in Australia and discover skin solutions for every skin type and concern. You might also like to read: Our Favourite Natural Skincare Products Myths About Certain Ingredients 5 Amazing Vegan Skin Care Products
Real Results: Deborah
âIâm so happy and so confident in my skin!â Weâre so excited to share Deborahâs skin story and the fantastic results sheâs seen since using esmi Skin Minerals products.  For as long as Deborah could remember, she had suffered from red, dry, and irritated skin. It was itchy, uncomfortable and really affecting her confidence. If that wasnât enough, Deborah was experiencing perioral dermatitis; inflammation around the mouth causing red bumps. Products she had tried in the past seemed to be worsening the problem, causing flare ups in sensitivity and her perioral dermatitis. Deborah was on the hunt for products that would soothe her irritated skin, calm inflammation and keep her dermatitis away. Spoiler alert: thatâs where we came in! âI was online one day and came across esmi. I reached out to one of the consultants who was absolutely beautiful and who led me on my skin journey.â Our skin expert listened to Deborahâs concerns, looked at photos of her skin and created an anti-redness skincare routine for her sensitive skin. âWe slowly worked to where I am today.â The skincare routine Deborah now follows focuses on calming irritation, nourishing the skin and protecting the skin barrier. She starts with the Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser to remove the dayâs dirt and grime. Deborah was hesitant to use a cleanser, as they are what used to cause the bulk of the irritation, but she was pleasantly surprised by this one. It is ultra gentle, and helps heal, protect and maintain the skinâs moisture balance. Next come Skin Treats. Deborah uses the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to keep her skin plump and hydrated, all while giving her a boost of radiance and protecting her skin. The Probiotic Skin Mylck acts as her calming and restorative moisturising lotion. The good bacteria protect and heal the skin barrier and soothe inflamed, damaged skin. She follows this up with the Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil, which reduces redness thanks to the magic of acai oil. Deborah also keeps the Skin Snack Face Mist at her work desk to keep her hydrated and refreshed all day. Of course, she protects her skin everyday with the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen. âI stopped using sunscreens as they would break me out with dermatitis, but with this one, I have not had any reactions at all!â As a once a week treat, Deborah uses the Rose and Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to (gently!) remove any buildup of dead skin, and the Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask to deeply soothe, nourish and moisturise the skin. And what results has she seen from her new routine? âMy skin isnât red, definitely not itchy, not irritated. It feels hydrated. Iâm so happy and confident in my skin!â Deborah has some advice for anyone struggling with skin concerns. âReach out to one of esmiâs skin consultants and they will guide you on your skin journey.â âI am so glad I reached out to one of the consultants who knows what theyâre talking about and guided me to where I am today. I hope that youâre going to be as happy with your skin journey as I am!â Weâre so thrilled to see Deborahâs amazing skin transformation and weâd like to thank her for sharing her skin story with us! Meet more beautiful people who have achieved amazing results with esmi Skin Minerals on our Real Results page. If youâd like to book a free skin consultation with our skin specialists, speak to us on chat or send an email to skin@esmi.com.au.
Leading The Way to Carbon Neutral Beauty: Our Story
You might have seen the terms âcarbon neutralâ and âcarbon negativeâ floating around the beauty community. These buzzwords are evident of more brands committing to sustainable practices for the environment, but how do they relate to esmi Skin Minerals? esmi has always been passionate about producing vegan and cruelty-free skincare that is made in Australia. Our next goal is to continue this journey by lessening and eventually neutralising our carbon footprint. Weâre excited to announce that from November 2022 weâre continuing our transition to becoming carbon neutral! What does carbon neutral mean? Carbon neutral means that our business, product and operations actions emit the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere as what we offset. Becoming carbon neutral can look like altering our packaging to contain fewer microplastics to promote new green initiatives within the brand office and warehouse. Whilst certain changes may be small, they will make a big difference in the long term â showing our commitment to carbon neutrality and the environment. Now, let's dive deep into the new initiatives that will help esmi become a carbon neutral beauty brand. Reducing our carbon footprint through product packaging The esmi brand has been using unique Sugarcane bioplastic since 2019 in most of our tube products. What is sugarcane you may ask? The sugarcane crop is carbon negative (meaning it actually removes carbon from our atmosphere!), allowing the process of producing this type of packaging to be carbon neutral. We use Sugarcane bioplastic as it is a sustainable, environmentally friendly material that uses renewable resources â this is a fossil-fuel-free plastic that is 100% recyclable (can we get a hell yes!). Microplastics are also a cause for concern as they can be detrimental to the environment. Therefore, we also include biodegradable technology in our tubes, allowing the plastic and commercial packaging resins to biodegrade without leaving behind any microplastics. This is a game changer when it comes to skincare packaging and we are proud of it! But whatâs esmi doing now? From November 2022 we began moving our plastic packaging to have the following features: Product packaging is made of 25% to 35% recycled materials* Most of our caps and bottles* being 100% recyclable Most of our caps and bottles* are 100% biodegradable (if the packaging ends up in landfill). Removing a number of products from their boxes Infinite recyclability for our glass bottles (yes, weâre talking Skin Treats and Moisturiser jars!) *Excludes Toner bottle, Skin Shield bottle, Skin Snack bottle & moisturiser lids. Becoming carbon neutral through shipping initiatives Changing shipping practices will also help esmi lead the way to a carbon neutral future. We hope that every purchase made from esmi will do something good for the environment including once it has left our warehouse. To do this weâve partnered with Shopify Planet â an app aiming to focus on carbon removal from Shopify stores (like us!) instead of offsetting carbon. With this software we can calculate the emissions produced by every parcel thatâs shipped from our warehouse, ensuring we can neutralise our carbon footprint from shopping with the right data. The contributions made each month to help neutralise carbon emissions will go towards funding cutting-edge carbon removal projects through the Shopify Sustainability Fund which backs the development of technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere. At this point, you might also be asking how our shipping packaging is changing. Well, esmi has always been environmentally friendly when sending parcels to ensure products arrive safe and intact. Our shipping packaging initiatives include: 100% recyclable shipping packaging that does not contain polypropylene film (which is harmful to the environment in many forms) The use of soy ink and water-based varnish that wonât interfere with the recycling process Paper packaging that is low on carbon Cornstarch used for filling in packages that is both biodegradable and compostable All paper materials coming from responsibly managed FSC-certified forests Parcels secured with paper packaging tape and natural rubber adhesive that is both recyclable and environmentally friendly And, what about our office? We canât forget about the esmi headquarters where our office and warehouse team up to create an environmentally friendly workplace. We have our own recycling bins for cans and bottles and encourage green habits like sipping takeaway coffee from your own reusable cup and refusing single use plastic. The office has a long way to go but implementing small changes means weâre continually growing towards being as carbon-neutral as possible. When REDcycle is up and running again, we will re-incorporate that into the business. Joining a collection of carbon neutral beauty brands Our esmi team and community are undoubtedly excited to join a collection of carbon neutral beauty brands that put the environment first. And, this is in no way the end of our journey. As a brand, we are always researching and implementing new initiatives and technologies to help us reduce our carbon footprint. Itâs our responsibility and one the esmi brand is extremely passionate about.Â
Rose Oil Australian Bushfire Donations
Watching our beautiful country, its people and its animals in pain during the devastating Australian bushfires earlier this year is something none of us will forget. Like so many others who came together to help, we wanted to show our support and love to the people and wildlife experiencing their darkest hours. We came up with the idea to create a product exclusively for the Australian Bushfire appeal and donate 100% of the sales. And so, esmi Rose Oil was born! Making it happen was a huge team effort. Our amazing team of suppliers from around the world came together and donated their time, talents, and materials to develop this very special product for a very special cause. With the help of our awesome esmi Skin Minerals community, weâre proud to say we raised a massive $81,0016.65! Everyone who got behind this cause, thank you SO much. We wanted to give an update on how the funds were distributed - we split donations evenly between the following 3 organisations. Here's Who We Donated To: Country Womenâs Association Of NSW Donated: $27,005.55 to CWA of NSW's Disaster Relief Fund. The CWA is the largest women's organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children. CWA is involved in lobbying for change, helping the local community, creating a network of support and meeting together in towns and cities. CWA of NSW's Disaster Relief Fund is used to assist people in need. Wildlife Victoria Donated: $27,005.55 to Wildlife Victoria Bushfire appeal Wildlife Victoria has provided the community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service for 30 years. Their mission is to help and protect wildlife through rescue, education, and advocacy activities. Wildlife Victoria responds to community reports of distressed wildlife and facilitates the care needed. They also promote community knowledge and care of wildlife and advocate for the protection and welfare of wildlife. Wires Donated: $27,005.55 WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) has been rescuing and caring for wildlife for over 30 years and is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. Donations WIRES help rescue and care for more native animals, provide more wildlife information and education to the community, to protect and preserve native animals and to train and support more volunteer rescuers and carers. Letâs not forget that there are still so many people and animals with a long road of healing ahead. From the esmi team, thank you for purchasing Rose Oil to show your support!
