What Vitamins Are Good for Your Skin?
Vitamins: not just that thing you’re supposed to take in the morning but never quite remember! Vitamins not only make sure your body is working at its best, but vitamins and skincare go hand in hand. Now, there are plenty of vitamins that are going to give your body a boost, and a healthy balanced diet can get you well on your way. But when it comes to your skin, it often needs a helping hand with some vitamin-packed products. We’re going to break down the four best vitamins for skin. Vitamin A An A+ skincare routine isn’t complete without vitamin A. It is a crowd favourite amongst dermatologists due to its regenerative properties. It can be split into two categories: retinoids and carotenoids, but both are converted to retinol - an ingredient you’re probably more familiar with. The skin is a retinoid-responsive organ which means it can easily absorb vitamin A if applied topically, so you can fully reap all of those benefits. If you’re not well and truly a member of the vitamin A fan club, you’re missing out. It can stop acne in its tracks by acting as an exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells and unclogs pores. It also stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines, speeds up skin cell turnover to reveal healthier skin, plus has the bonus of antioxidant properties. Phew, now that’s what we call a show-off! Alright, let’s talk giving your routine a vitamin A boost. Like we said, retinoids are a form of vitamin A so retinol products are going to be your first port of call. It just so happens that our range of encapsulated retinol is the perfect hit of vitamin A. The retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin layer before being activated. Our range comes in four levels of concentration which you can find more about here. Always start with our lowest level and just a couple of drops once a day to work your way up. Congratulations, you’re officially a member of the vitamin A fan club - we have t-shirts (okay we don’t, but we totally should). Vitamin B3 Much like Snoop Dogg, vitamin B3 has had many names in its life, but when it comes to skincare, you’ll likely see it called Niacinamide (or Niacin). It is an incredibly restorative vitamin that can bring even the most tired skin back from the brink. Our bodies can’t actually produce niacin so applying it topically is crucial. One of Niacinamide’s key benefits is its ability to smooth the skin’s texture. This means it can reduce the depth of wrinkles (major yes) and help to keep acne at bay, especially because it also regulates oil production. It also helps your skin to retain moisture so if you’re on the dehydrated side, it will change your life. Plus, Niacin is like a meditation session for the skin; it is uber calming so will keep redness and sensitivity in check. So basically, vitamin B3 is like the queen B-eyonce, there’s not much it can’t do! To give your skin a shot of Niacinamide, our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum has you totally covered. It fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. It is our go-to for skin repair, restoration and to regulate oil flow. Vitamin C Did anyone else get told as a kid to eat their carrots because the vitamin C would help them see in the dark? Just us? Okay… Whether that is true or not, what is true is that vitamin C can have enormous benefits for the skin. Board certified dermatologist, Patricia Wexler, says it is “ a potent antioxidant… vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.” This means it helps to stimulate collagen production to keep your skin gorgeous and plump. If years in the sun are showing on your skin, vitamin C can lift hyperpigmentation (well, that and wearing sunscreen daily). It is basically an anti-aging magician. Vitamin C is another one of those vitamins that our bodies can’t store, so incorporating it into our diets and skincare is going to make a world of difference. Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum is packed with pomegranate (of course) and Kakadu Plum extract, which has one of the world’s highest levels of Vitamin C and is superb for skin brightening. Want a double dose of antioxidant protection? Our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen will not only keep the sun’s harmful rays off you, but the vitamin C in the carrot root oil and cucumber will fade those sun spots. Vitamin E Calling all of you with dry skin. Yes, you! Vitamin E is your nourishing and soothing superhero. It helps to seal in moisture and smooth the skin, so you can say “see ya” to dry patches. It can calm inflammation and give you some of those sweet, sweet anti-aging benefits. In skincare, you’ll often see vitamin E come in the form of shea butter. So if dry skin is causing you stress, let vitamin E get you on the right track. Luckily, we have heaps of products packed with the good stuff. Firstly, our Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo contains vitamin E-rich seaweed extract to keep your skin super hydrated. Then embrace your extra side with our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil, and when you need a ‘treat yourself’ moment, reach for the Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask that embraces the power of shea butter. So, now that you’ve got the vitamins in your skincare down pat, we’ve written about how to glow from the inside out thanks to the foods you eat which you can catch up on here. Want to know more about the vitamins you should be looking for for your skin? Chat to our skincare experts on our website!
How Do Clay Masks Work?
Let’s talk about clay face masks! Clay face masks are designed to detoxify the skin by drawing out excess oil, impurities, and bacteria from your pores. What does a clay mask do? They work by soaking up pore-clogging elements sitting on the surface of your skin. As the mask dries, you can feel your face tighten as it soaks up oils and draws impurities to the surface. Do clay masks work? Yes! They’ve been used for centuries in health and beauty routines to help control oil, refine and detoxify skin. The trick is choosing the right type of clay for your skin and concerns. There are several different types of clay used in skincare - we’ll introduce two of our favourites: kaolin clay and bentonite clay. The benefits of kaolin clay Ideal for all skin types including dry and sensitive skin Fine-grained clay with mild absorption properties, kaolin clay is one of the best clays to look for in a face mask. Kaolin is well suited to all skin types, including sensitive and dry, and offers a host of skin-beautifying benefits: Helps control oiliness by gently removing excess sebum from the skin but not stripping your skin’s natural oils. Draws out impurities while being gentle on the skin. Kaolin is a mild clay so you get the detoxifying benefits without any irritation. Cleanses skin with mild exfoliation action. Leaves skin feeling softer and brighter. Helps fight acne. Kaolin absorbs acne-forming bacteria from the pores without drying or stripping the skin like many acne products can. Where does kaolin clay come from? So, where does kaolin clay come from before it ends up on your skin in a face mask? In its natural state, kaolin is a layered silicate clay mineral found in deposits throughout the world, including Brazil, USA and the UK. Kaolin has been nicknamed White China Clay because it’s found in abundance in the Jiangxi province of China. After kaolin is mined from the earth, it’s cleaned, dried and milled into a fine, fluffy white clay powder. You can also find kaolin in different coloured hues, like pink, red or yellow depending where it’s been mined. The benefits of bentonite clay Ideal for normal and oily skin types In the world of clay masks, bentonite clay is also a popular choice for detoxing and clearing skin. With stronger absorption properties, bentonite is a great fit for normal and oily skin types. Bentonite clay mask benefits include; Detoxification for smoother, clearer skin.This clay is known for its skin detoxing powers! It attracts, bonds to and absorbs chemicals, metals, and other impurities to draw them out of your skin. Exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface to reveal softer, brighter skin beneath. Healing blemishes. Minimising the appearance of pores. By sucking up all the dirt and impurities from clogged pores, skin appears more refined and clear. What gives bentonite clay its incredible ability to detox the skin? This special clay carries a negative electrical charge. This helps with detoxification because many heavy metals and toxins are positively charged. Bentonite’s negative charge attracts the positively charged toxins, just like a magnet, to draw them out of the skin. Where does bentonite clay come from? Formed from volcanic ash, bentonite clay is sourced from ancient sea beds. These areas are now dry but were once covered in water. Because the ash was soaking in seawater, bentonite is brimming with minerals including calcium, magnesium, sodium, silica, copper, potassium, and iron. Get the benefits of kaolin and bentonite in a single mask! All skin types, including dry and sensitive, can experience the clay mask benefits with esmi Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask. The mask is formulated with both kaolin and bentonite clay - the ideal detoxifying, exfoliating, and skin softening clay duo. The addition of aloe vera in the mask helps soothe and maintain the skin’s moisture balance so your complexion is clearer and shine-free, but not dry. Check out the Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask. You Might Also Like To Read: The Different Skin Types How to Tackle Oiliness and the Best Oily Skin Products
Makeup Cartel & Baby Give Back
Here at Makeup Cartel, we understand our fortunate position to be able to give back to our community, so we take the opportunity whenever we can! Baby Give Back provides invaluable support for families in crisis, who are unable to provide the essentials for their children, including families that have been hit by natural disasters and personal tragedies who need a helping hand. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable babies and children have an equal start to life.” Their team of 300+ volunteers collect donations of key items like nappies, cots, wipes, prams - everything we take for granted. Being a smaller organisation, every little bit goes directly to the families in need and the demand is growing each and every month. We have been working with the incredible team at Baby Give Back since 2019 and have supported them through a range of initiatives and fundraising events. Care Packs to Mums in Need We have been able to donate care packs full of esmi products to mums who cannot always afford skincare. While this may seem like a luxury, giving mothers in need necessities like body wash and sunscreen, as well as skincare, provides a sense of normalcy and an opportunity for a moment of self care. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup! We have even had the honour of presenting care packs directly to mothers in need. Being able to hear their stories is always such a strong reminder of why we do what we do, if you are able to assist those around you, it is such a rewarding experience to do so. Natural Disaster Donations During previous flooding events, Makeup Cartel HQ became a donation hub, where locals could donate items that would be passed onto Baby Give Back. We’re so proud of our community who have always come out in force, donating nappies, wipes, children’s clothing, toys, books and everything in between. High Tea Sponsorships As part of their fundraising initiatives, Baby Give Back hosts annual high teas which we are honoured to sponsor. They are such enriching days where we are surrounded by incredibly inspiring members of the community, passionate about providing for children in need. We create gift bags for all attendees, many of whom are those Baby Give Back has directly assisted, packed with our luxe skincare. Social Media Support Our close relationship with Baby Give Back means they are able to alert us when stock of particular donations are low. That’s when we make the call out to the Makeup Cartel community who generously come together and donate in droves. It is moments like these that remind us how much we adore our customers - yes, that means you! We are so excited to continue to support Baby Give Back for many years to come. If you want to contribute to their incredible work, head to their donations page here.
10 Things You Can’t Live Without
What does this look like for you? Okay, we’ve all pondered it. You’re stuck on a deserted island. And can only have with you, a few essential items. No wifi. No laptop. No phone. No Instagram… wait… if I eat something and don’t share a photo of it, did it really even happen?! Okay, so we’re slightly exaggerating with that last one! But when you think of 20 things you couldn’t live without… What are they? Here’s our list - bearing in mind we are collating this with a #livingyourbestlife vibe, not a #winnerofsurvivor vibe. We might not NEED these to survive an apocalypse, but they’re definitely in this day and age version of ‘things we can’t live without’. 1. Skincare #bestfaceforward While water would be our number one SURVIVAL item for the ‘deserted island’ scenario, this list is more aligned with the ‘daily life’ scenario, so skincare is AT THE TOP! A solid skincare routine using products that will feed your skin the nutrients it needs are absolute ‘cannot live without’ items. Grab one of our skin treats and see for yourself! 2. Clean water + good food It doesn’t need to be water from a spring in the Swiss Alps or cuisine from the fanciest restaurant in town, but food and water will ALWAYS be a necessity! And even better if it looks super cute on your Insta feed right?! #gramgamestrong 3. Phone Whether it’s to call a loved one, communicate with your kids to know they're safe, check in on a friend or update your social media account. I think we’d all consider our phones to be a pretty important thing to have these days. And with the beauty of the internet in your pocket, you have endless possibilities of things to find, people to meet and community engagement to access. Let’s just all be mindful to use it for the benefit of others. 4. Coffeeee! Liquid gold. The good stuff. If you can live without, you go glen coco. Maybe you’re a tea drinker? Green Tea Matcha? Whatever your choice of beverage… who can imagine a life without them?! 5. Clothes We don’t know about you, but nothing worse than being caught on your daily commute to work, butt naked in the middle of the train right?! I mean, really this one is for the benefit of those around you. And with fashion forever evolving (or going back to the ’90s, YUSSS!) how fun that we can all dress in our own way. 6. The beach Now we’re getting into those things that just make life BETTER. How good is the feeling after a long day at work, or a day cooped up studying or with a house full of over-energetic kids, to just go and walk along the sand and to look out at the beautiful ocean around us? Bliss. 7. Books A book can be so powerful. Each one merely words set out on pages, bound together to form a book, but each with such a unique purpose. Some allow you to study and complete your degree. Some help advance and further your career. Some might teach you a new skill or guide you to learn a new way of life. Maybe it feeds your soul and teaches you about your religion. Or perhaps it is used to inspire you, as it journey’s through the life of somebody else. And our personal favourite, the books that entertain you with their multi-layered fictional characters and unfolding story. 8. Company Okay, so this is not a ‘thing’. But have you ever tried to live your life without ANYONE’S company? No human contact (as we’ve learnt throughout this pandemic) is certainly not the ideal. Even introverts who love their own space, would need at least small amounts of human contact and company. So it deserved a spot on our list. 9. Screens Again, we’re not talking about survival here. We’re talking about what are those everyday things that we can’t live without (anymore!) And although screens get a bad rap because they can be used too much, a balanced amount is healthy. Your laptop? Can allow you to work from wherever while looking after family or travelling around the country making memories. All the while being able to provide for your family. On the computer! This is where the next inventions in the tech world are created! Your living room TV can provide the family with the movie we all sit to watch together with a shared blanket and giant bowl of popcorn. And who doesn’t love sitting in a movie theatre with an oversized slushy and 2 hours of purposed chill out time?! 10. Music There have been studies done that show the physical and psychological benefits of what music does for living beings. Have you ever watched a movie or TV and show and imagine what it would be like without the music in the background? Weird! Imagine Christmas time without Christmas carols? Playing it in the car on the long road trip to visit the in-laws, having it on in the background of your dinner party, experiencing it live as people play the instruments in front of you or even jumping up and down at a concert! #groupie Most religions even use music as a form of worship, powerful. This is some of our things we can’t imagine life without. What are some of yours?
What Percentage of Retinol Should I Use?
Retinol. It is one of those buzzwords that is thrown around a lot in the skincare community, and for good reason! It is one of those products that we will shout from the rooftops about. Retinol can absolutely transform your skin, if (and it’s a big ‘if’) you do it correctly. There are different strengths of retinol products and to get the best results, you have to know which one your skin is going to love. If that seems overwhelming, that’s why we’re here! Let’s break it all down… What is retinol? The thing to remember here is that the world of retinoids is a complicated one. There are a bunch of different types and concentrations. We’re going to focus on retinol, which is derived from vitamin A. On most retinol products, you’ll see a retinol percentage. That is the strength of the product and is super, super important to take a note of. More on that later… Our vegan retinol products are Encapsulated Retinol and we’re a bit biased, but we think that’s the only way to do it. The retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin layer before being activated. This is perfect for sensitive skin, as it maximises skin benefits while minimising dryness, irritation, and flaking on the surface of the skin, sometimes a side effect of traditional retinol. Why use retinol? The list of results you’ll see from introducing retinol into your skincare routine is just about endless. It has anti-ageing and acne-fighting powers, and resurfaces the skin by speeding up cell turnover, giving you an IRL Instagram filter glow. It also stimulates collagen production to plump fine lines and fades any acne scars or hyperpigmentation from sun exposure. You’ll also see improved skin texture and tightened pores. And just because we like to go the extra mile, our retinol products contain tomato extract to regulate oil production and fight free radicals, carrot seed oil for anti-ageing benefits, and sunflower oil to strengthen the skin barrier. You will start to see results in 2-3 week with the possibility of some redness and slight peeling, but as long as you’re using the right strength retinol, it is nothing to worry about. Which retinol strength should I use? There is a misconception that retinol is always too harsh and irritating, which is usually a sign that the product is too strong and the skin is not used to it. While you may experience some slight sensitivity when you first start using retinol products, this is just the increased cell turnover. Your skin will become accustomed to it and you’ll be seeing those amazing results in no time. The golden rule to see results without irritation is to start low and slow. Think of using retinol like running a marathon - you have to train your skin! We’ve developed four levels of retinol strengths; 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. Without fail, we tell all of our customers to start with the Level 1 Retinol, which has a retinol percentage of 0.25% (experts agree that you will struggle to see results with a lower concentration than this). If you are new to retinol or our retinol products, starting with the lowest concentration is going to seriously lower any risk of sensitivity or redness. Another thing to remember is that retinol is a treatment - don’t think of it like a moisturiser you can slather on twice a day. Use just a pearl sized amount every second night after cleansing. Then you can go ham with your moisturising lotion or oil. After finishing the first level of your Encapsulated Retinol, if any redness or peeling has stopped, then you’re ready for the next level - congrats! If you’ve got sensitive skin, you will probably want to stay around the Level 1 or Level 2 mark (and patch test before you start), whereas if you have oily or thicker skin, you’ll probably be able to tolerate and see results from a higher retinol percentage. In a nutshell, it is a super personal thing, so just go slowly to see what works for you. You don’t want to be messing around with strong retinol products if your skin is not ready for them, or you can risk long-term irritation, itchiness or flaky patches. Don’t stress though, if you start slowly and build your way up, your skin will become just as obsessed with retinol as we are and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! If you have any questions about our Encapsulated Retinol products, our friendly skin care experts are happy to help!
Bearberry Extract and Skincare for Pigmentation
One of those really annoying parts of ageing (like the 2-day hangovers) is pigmentation. It happens to the best of us (particularly if you’re a little partial to a day in the sun), but not to worry, some clever cookies have found ingredients that help to brighten the skin and keep premature ageing away. One that you might not have heard of, but really should become familiar with, is bearberry extract. What is Bearberry Extract? Yes, it has a super cute name, but there’s more to bearberry extract than just that! It has been having a moment in K-beauty thanks to the huge range of bearberry extract skin benefits, particularly in the world of anti-ageing. The extract comes from a shrub that produces red berries - who would have thought something so small would be so fantastic? Bearberries contain something called arbutin, which is where all of the magic comes from. So, we’ll be referencing both here, just to keep you on your toes, but we’re talking about the same thing. The Benefits of Bearberry Extract for Skin You may have noticed we’re fans of bearberry extract for skin. The main reason is its amazing anti-ageing properties. One of the key components of cracking the anti-ageing code is steering clear of pigmentation. If you’ll allow us to get a bit geeky for a second, arbutin breaks down into hydroquinone, which disrupts the enzyme that produces dark spots - talk about an underrated hero! It is a renowned skin-lightening ingredient. In a nutshell, bearberry extract in skin care halts melanin production. As a powerful antioxidant, bearberry extract fights free radicals which, put simply, are unstable atoms that damage the cells and break down collagen. Collagen is what gives your skin a gorgeous, plump and youthful glow. So yes, it is kind of important. Free radicals on the other hand, are absolutely not. Hence, having a team of antioxidant soldiers in the form of arbutin is going to make a world of difference. Because it protects skin cells from free radicals which helps collagen production, bearberry extract in skin care plumps fine lines and wrinkles. It allows the body to produce collagen at its optimum level, so you can soak up all of those complements with your youthful-looking skin! As a bonus to evening out the skin tone, reducing melanin and slowing the signs of ageing, bearberry in skincare is also anti-inflammatory, helping to heal irritated skin and fade scars. Including Bearberry Extract in Skincare We’re going to guess you’re pretty impressed by the skin brightening and anti-ageing talents of arbutin in skin care by now - we sure are! Finding products that are packed with the good stuff is going to seriously transform your skincare routine. A crowd favourite, the Pomegranate Brightening Serum reduces the body’s melanin production which, you guessed it, lightens hyperpigmentation. We’ve also added amino acids to brighten full, sallow skin, plus vitamin C as the icing on the brightening cake. This Skin Treat targets pigmentation and sends it packing. While we’re on the brightening train going full steam ahead, the Brightening Eye Serum revives tired eyes by lightening pigmentation. Because the only bags we want are designer, this eye serum will keep dark circles away thanks to the magic of bearberry extract. If you’re looking for the plumping benefits of bearberry extract, you really can’t go past the Golden Anti-Ageing Serum. Yes, it looks incredible, but there’s more to this serum than meets the eye (it’s not just a pretty face!). The peptides and antioxidants reduce fine lines and wrinkles, all the while nourishing the skin. Arbutin in skincare fights free radicals for firmer skin, which is a major win. Bearberry extract may go by many names, but its brightening and anti-ageing properties work just as well, no matter what you call it! To find out more about the magic of this little berry, chat to one of our skincare experts!
Why You Need Probiotics for Your Hair
Here at esmi, skincare is pretty important to us (duh). That’s why we spend endless hours researching and formulating to give you products that are going to actually work, not just mask the issue. It’s also why we know skincare doesn’t end at the hairline. So, when it came to creating our hair care products, we took a skin-first approach. Our entire skin is a microbiome, in other words, a community of bacteria. But before you get all freaked out, a lot of that bacteria helps our skin stay healthy. The microbiome is responsible for keeping the balance between good and bad bacteria, which is why if it becomes compromised, you’ll likely start to see some skin, and in this case, hair issues arise. Why is a Healthy Microbiome Important? A compromised microbiome (whether it is on your body, face or scalp) can arise from a range of factors, like UV exposure, harsh chemicals (especially in skincare and haircare products), stress and diet. When your scalp microbiome becomes damaged or unbalanced (meaning there is more bad bacteria than good), you will start to notice dehydrated, dull, oily, dry or weak hair. Anyone else having an “aha” moment right now? Keeping your microbiome healthy and balanced is going to give you the hair of your dreams and that’s where we come in! What is Special About Haircare by esmi? All of our products are heavily scientifically-researched to guarantee you get the best results - no room for guessing here. That’s why for this range, we collaborated with BiomeCentric to create custom (and totally unique to us) Biome Blends. “What on earth is a Biome Blend?” Excellent question. Our haircare products contain specific blends of beneficial probiotic lysates, one for each hair concern. A lysate is a concentrated dose of probiotics, and is a more stable way to deliver all the sweet, sweet benefits that come from probiotics. By balancing the scalp microbiome with probiotics, we create the ideal environment for hair to thrive. When we wash our hair, the products we use are absorbed by the skin on our scalp, so you want to be sure they are nourishing, gentle and will effectively target your hair woes for a healthier scalp and hair follicles. Just remember: a balanced microbiome means a healthier scalp, giving you lush, strong, nourished and shiny hair. It’s a no-brainer, really! What Else is in Our Haircare Products? Along with our trademarked Biome Blends of probiotics, you’ll find some of your favourite skincare ingredients in our haircare. Remember, skin doesn’t end at the hairline so it only made sense for us to feature some hero skincare ingredients. You’ll recognise star players like coconut oil in our Dry Hair Shampoo and Dry Hair Conditioner, peppermint extract in the Oily Hair Shampoo and Oily Hair Conditioner and green tea extract in our strengthening shampoo and conditioner, just to name a few. The combination of skincare ingredients and the Biome Blend probiotics is going to give you long-lasting results that don’t simply mask the problem, but actively target the issue. Did someone say hair goals? Which Product is Right For You? We have five formulations of both shampoo and conditioner to treat whatever hair concern you might be experiencing. Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner Oily Hair Shampoo and Oily Hair Conditioner Dry Hair Shampoo and Dry Hair Conditioner Dull Hair Shampoo and Dull Hair Conditioner Strength Shampoo and Strength Conditioner Since our hair products take a skin-first approach (we know we keep going on about it, but it’s important!), when choosing your products consider your scalp concerns. If you have dandruff, it is likely a sign you have an oily scalp. If you have dry hair, all roads lead to a dry scalp, meaning you should definitely try out our Dry Hair Shampoo and Conditioner. The best part? You can always mix and match to send a couple of hair concerns packing. Haircare by esmi is biome friendly, clean, vegan, scientifically-backed and takes a skin-first approach to give you long lasting results. We could be a little biassed, but we think they are pretty incredible!
How to Get Rid of Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet are a natural part of ageing and come to all of us eventually! The right skincare for crows feet treatment can help soften, plump and reduce wrinkle appearance around the eyes. What causes crow's feet? The biggest causes of crow’s feet are loss of elasticity and collagen, squinting, smiling and sun damage. Crow’s feet deepen due to a lifetime of facial expressions, especially squinting, that continually expand and contract the muscles around your eyes. This is compounded by the natural reduction of collagen and elastin (they keep your skin firm and stretchy) as we age. Skin just doesn’t ‘snap back’ into place like it once did and wrinkles deepen. Then there’s sun damage. UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of the visible signs of ageing, which includes wrinkles and lines around the eyes. We’ll all experience lines around the eyes as the years roll on. The good news is, there are things you can do to get rid of crow’s feet and prevent them from becoming deeper. Tips for preventing crow’s feet Wear sunscreen SPF protection should be at the top of everyone’s anti-ageing skincare routine for youthful, radiant, and healthy looking skin. UVA rays penetrate the skin and damage the collagen causing sagging, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Even when it’s overcast, the skin is still absorbing the sun’s rays so a cloudy day is no excuse to skip the SPF. We recommend Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ as the ideal daily sunscreen for all skin types. Use sunglasses Sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent crow’s feet in two ways. First, by protecting the delicate skin around your eyes from UV exposure. Second, to prevent squinting on sunny days. You won’t need to squint to block out glare which means your facial muscles stay relaxed behind your glasses. Include a targeted eye serum in your routine If you want to know how to get rid of crow’s feet, including an anti-ageing eye serum in your routine is a must. We look at key ingredients for eye serums designed to target crows feet in a moment. Get your eyes checked If you’re having difficulty reading books and screens, chances are you’re squinting much more than you realise. You can get your eyes checked to see if glasses or contact lenses can help correct a squint. Crow’s feet treatment Never blinking or smiling again isn’t really an option! Luckily, there are ingredients you can incorporate into your skincare routine to get rid of crow’s feet or reduce their appearance over time. SNAP-8™ SNAP-8™is an innovative peptide-powered wrinkle fighter and crow’s feet treatment. Consisting of a string of eight peptides, SNAP-8™ has been called the needle-free alternative to botox. It helps relax facial muscles around the eyes by blocking the neurotransmitters that tell the muscles to contract. This reduces the appearance and depth of crow’s feet and other facial expressions lines. Caffeine Tightening the skin around your eyes helps improve the appearance of wrinkles. As a temporary crows feet treatment, this is exactly what caffeine does - it constricts the blood vessels and causes skin to tighten. Hyaluronic acid Crow’s feet can be plumped and improved by hydrating the skin. When your skin is dehydrated, all wrinkles and fine lines appear deeper and more obvious. A superior hydrator, Hyaluronic acid (HA) deserves a place in your routine for natural wrinkle remedies. HA is a sugar molecule found naturally in your skin. Its role is to help your skin hold onto moisture keeping it hydrated, plump and dewy. HA has powerful humectant properties which means it draws moisture from the air around you and the deeper layers of your skin to hydrate and plump the skin surface - including those crow’s feet. Peptides Anti-ageing powerhouses, peptides are short chains of amino acids and the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibres. Collagen and elastin are proteins that work together to give skin firmness, shape, and elasticity. Crow’s feet gradually become deeper because the body slows its production of these key proteins as we age. This is where peptides come in and act as a ‘messenger’ to tell the body to produce more of these youthful proteins. They help in a vital way by transporting the compounds needed to synthesise collagen and elastin. Peptides can also boost hydration and calm inflammation. Vitamin E Harness the antioxidant power of Vitamin E to help get rid of crow’s feet and guard against the sun damage that causes them to deepen. Vitamin E works to protect the skin from the wrinkle forming damage caused by free radicals from sun exposure. This popular vitamin also offers excellent moisturising properties which can help soften and smooth wrinkles around the eyes. Vitamin E may even be able to help brighten dark circles of a tired looking eye area. Bonus! esmi Anti-Ageing Eye Serum How to get rid of crow’s feet? With our Anti-Ageing Eye Serum. It combines all the potent multi-action ingredients to fight eye wrinkles in a single formulation. SNAP-8™ / peptides Caffeine Hyaluronic acid Vitamin E Suitable for all skin types and ages, this lightweight serum lifts and tightens, reduces wrinkle depth and moisturises a dry eye area. Eyes are instantly refreshed and results are reinforced over time. How to use the Anti-Ageing Eye Serum After cleansing or exfoliating, and before moisturising, apply a grain of rice-sized amount (per eye) and massage to below the eye area and above on to the brow bone in an outwards motion. Double down on your crow’s feet treatment by teaming the serum with ultra-moisturising Eye Delight Reflection Eye Balm. Apply the balm following the serum to further firm, hydrate, and reduce puffiness in the delicate eye area. By using it over the serum, you also help lock the active ingredients of the serum into the skin. Shop the full range of esmi Eye Treatments for anti-ageing, brightening, and hydration.
Top 3 Products You Need in Your Skin Care Routine
The non-negotiables in skin care. No matter the season of life you are in, I’m sure all of us can attest to the feeling of being time-poor. When someone asks the token question ‘how have you been?’, we often give the token answer ‘busy’. And whether you’re a stay at home mum, shift worker, teacher, business owner or uni student, life really does seem to be getting busier and busier! But looking after yourself and your skin is an essential part of life. And your skin deserves to be taken care of! So today, we’re here to offer our simple, non-negotiable products we reach for when it comes to our daily skincare routine. In the hope to help you tick all of those skin-concern-specific boxes while also ensuring your routine is timely and efficient. So, where do we start? 1. SPF If you are not already using products to protect your skin from the sun on a daily basis, THIS IS YOUR REMINDER TO GET ONTO IT! Our skin is exposed to natural light every day, so arming it and protecting it is an essential step to take. And can also be done very easily with the right products. Adding a daily, lightweight sunscreen to your skincare routine can be a simple yet effective addition in looking after your skin while maintaining your busy lifestyle! Our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lightweight broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection. It’s silky smooth and protects the skin against UV damage while also fighting the first signs of ageing. Being lightweight/non-greasy it’s very comfortable to wear under makeup and perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. Due to the natural ingredients and colouring from carrot root oil, your SPF will fade from yellow to white naturally, so don’t be alarmed by the change in colour! FUN FACT! Our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen bottle has an airless pump action! 2. Cleanser Morning and night! To freshen the face for the day or wash off the day that was, we like to make sure that cleansing is the first step in our skincare routine. We like to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser! Use as a gentle cleanse in the morning to form a clean base or double cleanse at the end of the day to gently remove all traces of foundation and impurities while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. There is nothing worse than that dry, cracked, tight feeling after using a cleanser - this one will leave your skin feeling supple, clean and fresh. We also have a range of cleansers to suit different skin concerns you may have. Like our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser which is Ideal for ultra-sensitive, damaged and acne-prone skin. Get in touch with one of our Skin Service Team for your FREE skin consultation and find the perfect cleanser for your skin. 3. Serum Okay, if you are yet to enter the world of skin serums, you are MISSING OUT. They are a game-changer when it comes to daily skin care. Depending on your skin type and any major skin concerns you may have - it may be best to, again, chat with one of our Skin Service Team to assess which product would best suit your skin needs, but our favourite is definitely our OG serum. #rideordie Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing hydrating serum fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this hyaluronic serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a hydrated glow. I like to use this in the morning as a base for my makeup as not only does it hydrate my skin but also seconds as a primer to create a smooth base for my makeup to be applied. And at night time, I like to use it as a post shower hit of hydration when skin is still damp. So don’t let the thought of a complicated skincare routine overwhelm you! It can be super simple, and super effective. Just three products and three simple steps.
Eye Serum vs. Eye Balm
While fine lines and wrinkles are an inevitable part of life, serums and balms are the best eye care products to promote a more youthful, supple eye area.
Is Moisturiser Necessary?
Repeat after us: Moisturiser is absolutely necessary! There’s a good reason why moisturisers are the most prescribed products in dermatology. Don’t go skipping it now! It is all about finding the right fit for you. Once you do, trust us, you won’t look back. Luckily, when it comes to hydration, traditional cream moisturisers are not your only option. You’ve also got your serums, oils, gels and lotions. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’re going to break it down for you. But before we dive into finding your perfect moisturiser, let’s take a step back. Why exactly is skin hydration important? Why is it important to moisturise your face? Your face and neck are often exposed to harsh elemental factors. We’re talking the sun, extreme heat and cold, wind and pollution. When faced with these elements, you’re looking at some pretty dry skin. When your skin gets dry, the first thing you’ll start noticing is a bit of tightness and discomfort, especially after hopping out of a hot shower. A lack of hydration can also speed up the aging process. Dehydrated skin loses its elasticity which can cause fine lines and sagging skin. Plus, a moisture deficiency limits the skin’s ability to heal itself. That’s a hard pass from us! In a nutshell, moisturisers work in two ways; they add hydration to your skin (win!) and they form a protective barrier that stops hydration from leaving your skin (double win!). Both of these help you feel more comfortable, keep your natural glow and slow down those wrinkles. Depending on the type of moisturiser you use, the level at which it adds moisture and stops moisture from leaving varies . Like we said, it is all about finding what suits your needs best. What products can you use to moisturise your face? Cream moisturisers The usual moisturiser go-to is the classic cream. It’s the one you were probably first handed as a teenager. Now, that’s not to say it doesn’t have its place, but many cream moisturisers don’t come with a huge amount of ingredients that actually boost your skin’s health. They do help with dreaded hydration loss, but if you’re in need of a hydration boost, we recommend pairing your cream with a little something extra. Facial oils For those on the dryer side, say hello to your new best friend - facial oil. Find one that is non-greasy and addresses dryness, dehydration and signs of aging. Facial oils are a type of emollient, which is just a fancy way of saying they help to strengthen the outer layer of your skin to prevent water loss. Many are packed with hydrating, antioxidant and anti-aging ingredients. Plus, they feel incredibly luxurious when you apply them which is a major bonus! Serums Hydrating serums are like the Beyonce of skin care products; they’ll change your life for the better and you’ll wonder what you did without them. Many contain lipid-replenishing elements that nourish the skin. Much like oils, serums contain powerful active ingredients that hydrate and combat aging. They are fast-acting and made of tiny molecules, so they can get deep into the skin and really work their magic. If you’ve never heard of hyaluronic acid, you’re going to want to write it down. The superstar addition to any hydrating serum, hyaluronic acid helps your skin hold on to moisture and keeps you looking radiant. As hyaluronic acid is a hydrator (not a moisturiser), it is beneficial to follow this hydrating serum up with a moisturising oil to lock in all that goodness. What moisturiser is best for me? Which moisturiser you should be reaching for really depends on what you need it to do, and that comes down to your skin type. If you’re not sure what yours is, head to our website for a free skin consultation. We’ll figure it out in no time! Oily skin If you’ve got oily skin, chances are you’ll feel the need to skip moisturiser, but not so fast! In fact, not moisturising can cause your skin to dry out and produce more oil, so you’re not doing yourself any favours by skipping this step. Instead, your best bet is to use an oil-controlling facial oil like our Peppermint Green Oil. It is lightweight and non-acnegenic so you don’t need to worry about it clogging up those pores. Dry/combination skin Lacking some serious moisture? You need the high-performance stuff. Try the 24K Gold Nourishing Oil for a non-greasy blend of nourishing coconut, jojoba and avocado oils. It is rich in skin-saving fatty acids and combines powerful vitamins with antioxidants. It is also great for combination skin on areas that are feeling a little dry. The gold flakes make it extra luxurious and the oil smells like you’ve just spent a day at the spa! Top with your favourite cream moisturiser to lock it in. Normal skin Just because you’re not feeling too tight after a shower doesn’t mean your skin won’t love some of that sweet, sweet hydration. Enter: the Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo. Hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin cell’s water content while the acai oil and essential fatty acids nourish skin ensure a soft, balanced complexion. It is quick-absorbing and fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. Sensitive skin With sensitive skin, having calming and nourishing ingredients is key. The Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration helps target dehydration in sensitive complexions with helpful bacteria to balance your skin’s microflora, restore damaged skin barriers, and increase hydration. Ageing skin If you’re looking for something that gives your skin a tall drink of water and fights fine lines, a luxe facial oil packed with vitamin E, amino acids and vitamin A should be your go-to. The secret weapon for all skin types When you’re on the go and feel that dreaded tightness of your skin come on, keep a hydrating mist handy. You won’t find us leaving home without our Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist. It works perfectly over makeup and makes you look glowy and refreshed. The best part? It works on all skin types so no one gets left out! If you’re still a little unsure about which moisturiser will save your skin, get in touch with an esmi Skin Consultant on our website. You might also like to read… What is Face Serum? The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin Face Creams vs Oils and Serums Reference links: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050617/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7498985_The_clinical_benefit_of_moisturizers https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work https://www.dermstore.com/blog/your-burning-questions-about-moisturizers-answered-by-a-dermatologist/ https://maxmylooks.com/types-of-moisturizers/#Gels_vs_Lotions_vs_Creams_vs_Ointments https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-face-serum
Collagen Boosters: How to Boost Face Collagen
Ageing. It is one of those things that is unavoidable in life. Just like going through your Swiftie phase, it is a rite of passage. Now while there are some amazing things that come with ageing (did you know that you can just buy a cake and a bottle of wine whenever you want?), one of the not-so-amazing things is sagging skin. When we’re spring chickens, our bodies naturally produce collagen which gives us that plump, youthful skin. It is the most abundant protein in the human body and acts as the ‘glue’ that keeps all of our skin, muscles and tissue together. As we age, our body starts to lose its elasticity, and external factors actually start to break down collagen. Enter: wrinkles and sagging. Yes, okay that is a bit of a pain in the behind, but it is not the end of the world! There are plenty of natural ingredients that stimulate collagen production in skin. These are what we call collagen boosters. Ingredients that boost collagen Vitamin C An absolute superstar of an ingredient, vitamin C is here to give you that much needed collagen boost. It is a key part in the body’s natural collagen production, whether applied topically or as part of collagen boosting supplements. When incorporated into your skincare routine, vitamin C fights off DNA damage from the environment and protects the outer layer of your skin. It speeds up the collagen production process and maintains the collagen that already exists, which means less wrinkles and more of that gorgeous plump glow. There’s a reason our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen is packed with vitamin C - this clever little vitamin increases the effectiveness of sunscreen by decreasing cell damage. So, vitamin C and sunscreen go together like Nutella and a spoon - the perfect pair! If you want an extra hit of vitamin C to naturally boost collagen, apply a pea sized amount of our Pomegranate Brightening Serum which targets sun damage and ageing. Plus, you can soak up that sweet, sweet vitamin C from the Kakadu Plum and Bearberry found in our Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask. Once you’ve given vitamin C a well-earned place in your skincare routine, take things up a notch by adding vitamin C supplements to your day. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid (or HA for short because phew, that is a mouthful) gives your skin a big drink of water and is responsible for that plump, dewy look that is all over our mood boards. As we age, we lose HA naturally, making the skin more dehydrated and slowing down collagen production - yeah, no thank you. HA is what is called a ‘water-binding’ component that can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water which, frankly, is just showing off. It aids in collagen production by surrounding the skin cells with water, creating the perfect environment for collagen production. “Hyaluronic acid helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier and more hydrated,” says Dr Tsippora Shainhouse. For a shot of hydration, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is our number one pick. It can be used on all skin types, quickly sinks into the skin, plumps the skin and of course, gives collagen production a gentle kick up the behind. If you want a little something extra, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask boosts hydration (as the name suggests) and the Anti-Ageing Eye Serum lifts wrinkles if those late nights are taking their toll. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fan-favourite antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient. It fights free radicals (atoms that damage cells and break down collagen) and prevents damage to the skin and compromised collagen. We love it because it protects the skin and a deficiency can put a halt to collagen production. The body cannot produce vitamin E on its own, so we have to consume it or add it to our skincare - both if you’re wanting top marks. Try our Golden Anti-Ageing Serum which is rich in vitamin C and E (a double whammy of collagen-boosting goodness) to plump any wrinkles that may have crept in. Incorporating a skin supplement with vitamin E into your diet can help you get the most out of your skincare and send that collagen production into overdrive. If you’re starting to see sagging when you look in the mirror, put the fillers down and boost collagen production naturally! Thanks to a range of skincare products and supplements, you’ll be looking plump as a grape in no time! If you have any other questions about boosting collagen, get in touch with our experts for a free consultation here.
How Does Zinc Benefit the Skin?
When you’re learning the A-Z of glow-boosting vitamins and minerals for the skin, you should be brushing up on zinc. Don’t be fooled by it being last on the list, zinc packs a serious punch. Besides supporting the body’s immune system, zinc has a bit of a reputation for being a show-off in the skincare world, and so has found its way into a range of skincare products. So, let’s take a look at why you need zinc for your skin. Zinc benefits for skin Firstly, zinc is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you’ve got irritated skin thanks to some very unwelcome acne or dryness, take notes. If you’ll let us get a bit geeky for a second, zinc slows the release of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Less cytokines means less inflammation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory nature, zinc can also control flare-ups of acne by reducing the usual redness that comes along with nasty pimples. As a little acne-fighting bonus, zinc also reduces keratin which clogs pores. It’s a clever little cookie, isn’t it? Zinc also brings along some pretty fantastic anti-ageing benefits. It is an essential nutrient for boosting collagen and elastin production. And if you’re not new here, you know that means plumper, more youthful-looking skin. Collagen is produced by zinc-dependent enzymes called collagenases so yes, it is quite important for that juicy glow. You’ve probably heard of antioxidants, but what are they really? Well, they fight off free radicals that can break down collagen production and yup, you guessed it, zinc is one of them! You’ve also probably heard people refer to zinc in the sun protection realm. When paired with oxygen, zinc oxide is formed, which shields the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, making it more effective than chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens (those that contain zinc oxide) are also less irritating, but we’ll talk more about why we love them in a bit. As a little fun fact, zinc oxide also creates a protective layer around the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss which is a fancy term to describe when skin moisture is lost to the environment. This keeps the skin hydrated and prevents premature ageing. How to incorporate zinc into your life Okay, so now that we’ve definitely sold you on the benefits of zinc for the skin (Right...Right?), let's get to the important stuff: how do you reap those sweet benefits? Zinc in skincare When applied topically, zinc has some killer sun protection, which is why it is the active ingredient in our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen. It creates a barrier that protects the skin from UV rays. The zinc oxide also helps to repair, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Yes, it really is that amazing. Want a double dose of zinc? Our coverage products even the skin tone, while calming and healing damaged skin. Try our Liquid Mineral Foundation, Loose Mineral Foundation or the Mineral BB Cream for a gorgeous sheer coverage. Who said you couldn’t combine makeup and skincare? Including zinc in your diet Our bodies are pretty amazing but unfortunately, can’t produce zinc or store it for long periods of time. That’s why eating foods high in zinc is going to be your ticket to glowing skin town (we love it there). You should be aiming for about 8 milligrams of zinc a day. Getting there means getting friendly with foods like chicken, red meat, milk, cheese and eggs. For all you lovely vegans out there, legumes like chickpeas and lentils are a great option. Keep in mind, the body needs proteins rich in amino acids to absorb zinc effectively. That means fish, mushrooms and quinoa. Get cooking, lovely! Zinc supplement for the skin If you’re looking for an extra zinc boost (hey, we don’t blame you - it’s hard not to love it) skin supplements are a great option. Find a supplement packed with zinc to calm and heal the skin. If you ever need any extra convincing to join the zinc fan club, chat to one of our Skin Experts and they’ll answer any questions you may have.
Dealing with Maskne
In what is about to be the understatement of the century, the pandemic has come with its fair share of problems. Wearing a mask has become part of daily life, and a side effect of that (aside from the obvious safety, of course) is maskne, a.k.a. mask acne. If you thought you left acne behind in your teenage years along with chunky highlights, it may be coming back thanks to mask wearing and the breakouts that come along with it. While we may have to learn to live with the new normal of wearing masks, there’s no way we’re living with acne! What causes mask acne? So, how can a mask that does so much for protecting our safety, wreak so much havoc on our skin? Wearing a mask traps the air we breathe and use to speak in a very small area. This creates a humid environment and spoiler alert: bacteria really love humid environments. According to Aesthetician, Dylan Mustapich, “these masks create a seal that prevents moisture from escaping, resulting in a humid environment where acne-causing bacteria is able to thrive.” This bacterial growth, along with the subtle yet constant rubbing of the skin and the mask is what leads to pimples and the less than fun maskne. How to avoid maskne Now of course, the best way to deal with maskne is to avoid it altogether. Follow these steps and thank us later. Stay Hydrated Consider this your regular esmi reminder to drink a glass of water. Yes, we mean right now! Water helps to flush toxins out of the body, just like dumping a toxic ex. If toxins and bacteria are left unchecked, it is straight to maskne town. Water is also a key part of the collagen production process, making it super important for skin elasticity and clearing any inflammation. Speaking of staying hydrated, that applies to your skincare too. Use a few drops of our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum underneath your mask. It contains niacinamide, a skin repairing ingredient for protection against environmental factors like pollution. Plus, it is great for fighting acne! This Skin Treat is water based so is incredibly gentle. Keep makeup to a minimum For some, mask-wearing has given them a sweet, sweet sleep in because it means less time on makeup and we tend to agree! While we love a good full face as much as the next person, paring back your makeup while you wear a mask is going to reduce your risk of mask acne. Heavy makeup combined with a humid environment and bacteria is a fast track to congestion. Having makeup especially around the mouth and nose where the mask sits is only going to push the makeup deeper down into your pores, causing clogging. If you can’t bring yourself to go bare-faced, this is your chance to go big with your eye look. That bold smokey eye you’ve always been too scared to try? Now’s your chance! Wash your mask Rule number one of mask care is to wash them regularly in order to get rid of unwanted makeup, sweat, and all the things that will lead to bacterial growth. On that note, make sure the detergent you’re using to wash your masks isn’t too harsh. We should ideally be washing our masks after every use. If that means having to stock up on cute patterned masks so you always have spares when your others are drying, so be it! Probiotic skincare As we’ve mentioned, wearing a face mask creates a bacteria heaven, so introducing good bacteria that is going to keep the bad guys in check is key. Enter: our Probiotic Skincare Range. The good bacteria in our probiotic products are calming and restorative, anti-inflammatory and balance the skin microflora. Try our Skin Mylck Cleanser to clear your skin of bad bacteria and Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness lotion if you’re already dealing with breakouts. How to clear up maskne In an unsurprising twist, having a decongesting and probiotic skincare routine is going to clear the pimples from your mask right up. Always cleanse your face before you put your mask on and at the end of the day after you take it off to get rid of nasty bacteria. Use the Skin Mylck Cleanser in the morning to boost your good bacteria levels and The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal at night to deeply remove any dirt. Exfoliating regularly prevents pores from becoming clogged by removing dead skin cells and other pollutants. Our Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant combines the powers of physical and chemical exfoliants to deeply decongest your skin. In terms of Skin Treats, start the day with the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie to soothe the skin, and at night, use the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum which is an amazing wash-off product that draws out impurities. If you recall, we’re big advocates for staying hydrated, especially when wearing a mask. So before you head out for the day, top your Skin Treat with the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and then a light moisturising lotion like the Skin Mylck. If you’re looking for extra hydration credit, keep the Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist handy throughout the day. If you have any questions about sending mask acne packing, chat to one of our Skin Experts, they will be happy to help you get your skin back on track!
Blemishes & How To Get Rid of Them
A blemish can really mean the difference between a good day, and one where you just want to hide under your covers and only leave for ice cream. Whether it is acne, irritation, hyperpigmentation or anything in between, blemishes can crop up for a variety of reasons and can really make themselves at home on your skin. Everyone gets blemishes of some kind (yes, even Beyonce, probably), but we’re here to break them down for you, and teach you how to kick them to the curb. What are skin blemishes? Generally speaking, a blemish is some kind of skin marking. You probably think of pimples when you hear ‘blemishes’, but there are actually heaps of blemish types. Some can be itchy, painful, red, while others might not cause any harm, but are just a bit of a pain. We’re going to unpack just a few different types of skin blemishes (we’d be here until next week if we did all of them!) and how to get rid of them. Different types of blemishes & how to treat them Acne Kicking off with the blemish we all know and love (not!), acne. Acne is a type of face blemish that comes from the skin producing too much oil and sebum, clogging the pores. There are quite a few types; blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and cysts. Cleanse your face twice a day with The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness to help calm any irritation from acne blemishes. Fight congestion with the Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant. Then slather on the Anti-Inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask for the ultimate anti-blemish remedy. Top it off with the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie for the powerhouse of calming and antibacterial ingredients. Watch that redness fade away like your worries. And for the love of skincare, please, please don’t pick at your acne! Skin hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation blemishes are darker than the rest of the skin and, unlike acne, they aren’t raised. They can be caused by genetics (thanks, mum and dad), sun damage, pregnancy, age or acne scarring. Typically, hyperpigmentation blemishes are all thanks to an excess of a little something called melanin, which is what gives skin its colour. To avoid most pigmentation blemishes, you’re going to want to avoid sun exposure. Lather on our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 every day (and yes, we really do mean every day). For sun and age pigmentation, brightening ingredients like vitamin C are going to be your new bestie. Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum is packed with Kakadu Plum, the highest natural source of vitamin C. Now, one thing to note here is that birthmarks are also considered hyperpigmentation, but you’re usually stuck with them - and thank goodness for that, they make you beautifully unique! Freckles and moles are also a type of hyperpigmentation but could be a sign of something more serious. If they start to grow or change shape, time to see your GP, ASAP. Rosacea Rosacea affects around 20% of people, so if you find yourself with flushed skin or red blemishes most of the time, you are definitely not alone! It causes broken blood vessels to become visible on the surface of the skin, particularly around the nose, forehead and cheek regions. In some cases, your face will feel a bit tender to touch, and foods like dairy and spice may cause flare ups. Anti-redness products can help to keep this type of face blemish in check. The key is to be super gentle - the last thing you want is to make your skin any angrier! Our crowd favourite Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie is perfect for after cleansing. Then, as a light moisturising lotion, go for our Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness, featuring probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool and strengthen the skin. When it comes to combating skin blemishes, the healing properties of this Mylk are really something else! Eczema Eczema can appear because of environmental factors or simply genetics, often presenting itself as red/brown bumps and rashes. It’s one of the more annoying skin blemishes because as anyone with eczema will tell you, it can be itchy and sore - just an all-around pain in the butt. While there is no cure, per se, there are a few things you can do to relieve symptoms. Rule number one is to avoid any harsh products, as they will only make the blemishes worse. We always believe natural is best, but this is especially true for those of you with eczema. To give your skin the ultimate TLC treatment, keep it hydrated and use products that help to strengthen the skin barrier. It just so happens that our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum does both thanks to a magical pairing of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. To find out more about how to treat your skin blemishes, chat to our skincare experts for a free consultation. No matter what blemish has taken up residence on your skin, we’ll help you say “au revoir” to it!
Using Retinol & Vitamin C Together
If you’ve been part of the esmi family for a while, you’ll know we have a deep love for both retinol and vitamin C - and if you’re new here, welcome, you’ll hear us talk about them a lot. They are both key parts of our skincare routines, thanks to some pretty incredible benefits. Having said that, to see those killer results and use them safely, there are just a few things to keep in mind. Luckily, when it comes to vitamin C and retinol, we’ve got all the answers. Before we dive into the retinol and vitamin C duo, let’s make sure we’re all over what they do individually. What is retinol & what does it do? Retinol is derived from vitamin A and has a pretty significant fan base thanks to its ability to speed up cell turnover and boost collagen production. That means brighter skin, fewer fine lines and a glow that you previously thought was reserved for Instagram filters. Retinol is perfect for anyone battling acne, as it lightly exfoliates and decongests the skin, and is pretty much a lifesaver for tackling premature ageing. Can you see why we’re obsessed yet? To get the best results from your retinol, start with a low strength and use a pea sized amount every second night. You may notice your skin go through some slight adjustments when you first start using retinol, but your skin will get used to it and thank you later. What is vitamin C & what does it do? Another favourite here at esmi HQ, there are heaps of reasons to love vitamin C. It is a prime antioxidant, which means it fights off free radicals, the tricky rogue electrons that damage our skin and break down collagen. Yeah, not a fan. As if that wasn’t enough, vitamin C is a key part of collagen production, making sure our skin stays plump and inhibiting melanin to keep those dark spots away. And for the cherry on top, vitamin C may help to protect you against UV rays. Now, before you run out the door without your sunscreen, stop right there! Vitamin C is NOT a substitute for sunscreen, it just gives it a helping hand to protect your skin. Just like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, they’re amazing apart, but even stronger together. All in all, vitamin C is basically a youth serum and a staple on our skincare shelf. Who doesn’t want to look younger for longer?! Using retinol & vitamin C safely As you might have gathered, retinol and vitamin C tackle some pretty similar skin concerns. So, if premature ageing and pigmentation are things that you’re struggling with, you might be thinking, “surely I can combat these issues at twice the speed by using both”, right? Hold your horses. Your question should be, “can I use retinol and vitamin C together?” Well, the answer is yes. These two superstar ingredients can be used in the same skincare routine, but should not be layered on top of each other. As Retinol and Vitamin C are both quite active ingredients layering them over one another can often overstimulate the skin which can lead to irritation and a sensitised barrier, which is more susceptible to UV and free radical damage - less is more in some cases! Another reason not to layer your retinol and vitamin C, is it may diminish their effectiveness. Bear with us while we get a little technical. The active forms of retinol and vitamin C have very different pH levels. Using them at the same time will lower retinol’s pH and raise vitamin C’s, making the retinol less active and the vitamin C less able to penetrate the skin. All in all, you won’t see the amazing results you’re after. So now that you know what not to do, let’s talk using vitamin C and retinol safely and effectively. The bottom line is to make sure you’re using your vitamin C and retinol products at different times of the day. Save your vitamin C products for the morning to get that brightening glow. Need some ideas in the vitamin C department? We’ve got you covered. The Pomegranate Brightening Serum is rich in Kakadu plum, which has one of the world’s highest levels of vitamin C. It also contains Ethyl Ascorbic Acid a very potent and stable form of Vitamin C to help minimise the appearance of pigmentation and promote that glow! It is ideal for most skin types, helping improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin, and enhancing the skin's luminosity and clarity. The Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo is another way to give your skin that sweet, sweet vitamin C. This Skin Treat brightens dull and dehydrated complexions prone to age spots and hyperpigmentation, all the while stimulating collagen to firm and tone. Retinol should be saved for every second night. It speeds up skin cell turnover which brightens the skin and fights ageing, but also makes your skin photosensitive, hence why we save this little beauty for when the sun goes down. Our Encapsulated Retinol range delivers the active ingredients deeper into the skin for less sensitivity. Always start with Level 1 and once you finish your first bottle, if your skin is coping well, you can move up the ranks. As always, make sure you’re using your Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen every morning to keep your skin protected, especially as it may be a bit more sensitive to UV light. To sum things up, you can definitely use retinol and vitamin C in your skincare routine. After all, who could turn down all of those brightening and anti-ageing benefits? Just make sure you’re saving vitamin C for your morning glow up, and retinol for your skin rejuvenation overnight. Have any other questions? Chat to our esmi skin service consultants, 7 days a week! RECAP: Retinol and vitamin C have amazing brightening and anti-ageing benefits They can be used in the same overall skincare routine, but not layered Using them one after the other can cause skin sensitivity It can also reduce the effectiveness Use vitamin C in the morning Pomegranate Brightening Serum Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Use Encapsulated Retinol every second night Don’t forget Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen!
Sensitive Skin Care Ingredients Guide
If you’re a little sensitive, we totally feel you. Sensitive skin we mean! We don’t need to tell anyone with sensitive skin what a pain it can be, but not to worry, your esmi skincare guardian angel is here. We’ve made a list of all of the skincare ingredients you shouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole, and the best ingredients for sensitive skin. Signs you have sensitive skin Before we get into the do’s and don’ts of sensitive skin, we’re going to first help you figure out if you’re on the sensitive side. If you are experiencing redness, be it rashes, bumps or flushing, these are tell-tale signs that your skin is irritated. Most of the time, sensitivity and redness comes with its fair share of itchiness and pain. The next culprit is dryness. Sensitive skin can present itself in the form of cracked, flaky skin that is drier than the Sahara Desert which is fun for exactly no one. Sensitive skin is also far more susceptible to sunburn and UV damage. The last one might not be what you expect, but often those with sensitive skin experience breakouts. Sensitive skin can come from both external factors like weather changes, or the products you’re using, and internal factors like hormonal changes or good old genetics. No matter the cause, more often than not you’ll find it is all thanks to a damaged skin barrier. Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin and has two main functions; keeping the nasties out, and keeping all of the good things in. Okay, that is a pretty simplified explanation but it's the basics of what you need to know. If your skin barrier is damaged, it cannot effectively retain moisture, protect the skin from UV rays or keep out bacteria, leading to dryness, increased sun damage and acne. If you are experiencing sensitivity, repairing the skin barrier should be your main goal. Ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin Let’s start with the bad news first - all of the worst ingredients for sensitive skin and ones you should be saying “no, thanks” to. A lot of active ingredients are on the stronger side, which is great if your skin can handle it and you want some killer results, but not so great if you have sensitive skin. Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A (you might know her as retinol) and AHAs are powerful and can irritate sensitive skin. As a general rule, they are ingredients to avoid for sensitive skin. Now before you get too disappointed, for most of our sensitive skin beauties, once the sensitivity subsides and the skin barrier is repaired, you can slowly (very slowly!) introduce these ingredients back into your routine. But let’s be clear, if an ingredient has you back in Sensitive Skin Town, population you, put it down. Synthetic fragrances might smell good, but they can often irritate the skin and make your sensitivity worse. If you can’t quite give up on the fragrance, natural fragrances are the way to go (it just so happens that our products that smell amazing are all naturally fragranced - no chemical nasties here). Some chemical sunscreens are a no-no for sensitive skin because they absorb UV light, which is what we want, but then release it as heat which can be too much for some skin types. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide which physically blocks UV rays. That’s where our Skin Shield Sunscreen comes in. Everyone should be wearing sunscreen every single day, but especially if you have sensitive skin. Now for the good news… Best ingredients for sensitive skin By now you are probably wondering, “okay, what ingredients are good for sensitive skin?” So glad you asked! Your skincare routine starts with a cleanser and with sensitive skin, you’ll want one that is super gentle, but still does the job. The Uncomplicated Cleanser is packed with sensitive skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera which soothes skin and supports the skin barrier. The green tea also calms redness which is a miracle worker for sensitivity. Up there with the best skincare ingredients for sensitive skin is vitamin E. Deeply nourishing, lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly, vitamin E is a fantastic antioxidant that fights free radicals, which your skin is highly susceptible to when you’ve found yourself with a damaged skin barrier. Oh, and vitamin E also restores that skin barrier which is the icing on the cake. Looking for a hit of vitamin E (and other moisturising oils)? May we suggest our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Some of the best sensitive skin products are the esmi Mylcks range - our probiotic skincare. Probiotics are key to supporting the skin barrier. When the microbiome of the skin is out of balance, there is more bad bacteria on the skin than good, disrupting the barrier. Giving your skin a dose of probiotics is going to make a world of difference to those with sensitivity. The good bacteria in the esmi Skin Mylck creates the ideal environment for your skin to heal and thrive, while helping to balance its delicate microflora. Basically, probiotic skincare is sensitive skin's best friend. Sensitivity is never fun, we totally feel you, but on the plus side, you’re now an expert on the best ingredients for sensitive skin and the best sensitive skin products, as well as what ingredients you need to put down, stat. As always, if you need a little more help, our experienced and qualified skin service team are on hand for a free skin consultation.
How to Minimise Your Pores
“My pores are huge.” - Regina George, Mean Girls While we hate to be the bearers of bad news, Regina, but the size of our pores is one of those genetic things that we can’t actually change. It is not all bad news, though! There are certain factors that make our pores appear larger which means there are steps you can take to minimise the appearance of your pores! If you’re feeling like your pores are looking a little larger than usual, you can pretty much guarantee that congestion is the culprit. That’s where a killer skincare routine steps in to save the day. Ageing also makes our pores appear larger due to a loss in skin elasticity. While we can’t stop aging (trust us, we’ve tried), we can adopt a skincare routine packed with products that helps tighten pores. Reduce Congestion to Minimise Pores’ Appearance Clogged pores (also known as congestion) make them appear larger which is a big ‘no thanks’. Congestion occurs thanks to pores being clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, hardening and making those pores more visible. The longer pores stay clogged, the higher the chance they will stay stretched out and make the problem worse, so you’re going to want to get started on that decongesting skincare routine, stat! Start with a gentle cleanser. As it happens, we know the perfect one! Our Uncomplicated Cleanser will remove the day’s grime and oil so they don’t clog your pores. Then it’s exfoliation time to remove those dead skin cells and reduce the texture brought about by those clogged pores. A physical exfoliator will slough away dead skin while a chemical exfoliation will dissolve the debris. It just so happens our Gentle-Foliants have a healthy mix of both! As long as you don’t have super sensitive skin, incorporating one of our Encapsulated Retinol products into your routine will dramatically help to minimise the appearance of large pores. Our retinol products are encapsulated, which means they can penetrate deep into the skin before all of those killer benefits are released. Just start really gently and slowly work your way up to a more concentrated product. Staying hydrated is so key. Dryer skin means pores open wider which is not at all a vibe. Hydrating products, such as our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum will work wonders to keep those pores in check. Here’s the key: don’t strip the skin as that will just tell it to produce more oil and then we’ve got the same problem! Use gentle, but effective ingredients. Key Ingredients to Tighten Pores There are a few ingredients to look out for when curating your pore tightening skincare routine. Think of this as your little black book of pore minimising. Exfoliating enzymes will help to keep congestion in check by getting rid of dead skin cells trapped in the pores. That keeps them from stretching and looking larger than ideal. Our Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant is ideal for oily skin with large pores prone to congestion and breakouts. It uses papaya enzymes and Polynesian sand to gently exfoliate your skin. It is an acne-prone skin’s best friend! Retinoid shrinks pores by increasing skin’s collagen production and decreasing oil which all leads to tighter pores. If we can offer a word of warning, only use a very small amount (we’re talking a couple of drops) and start with a gentle version, like our Encapsulated Retinol 0.25%. Topical retinoid is used to treat acne because it prevents pore blockage by restricting the clumping of cells. Hyaluronic acid is such a favourite ingredient for us. We’ve already mentioned our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum but we’re going to give it another shout out because it is that good. “Keeping skin hydrated can play a role in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores,” says Dr Winnie Uchendu. It also helps to tighten the skin which is just another added bonus. An ingredient you might be surprised to find here is caffeine. When topically applied, it can dehydrate fat cells, making the skin look smoother and firmer. Both of which means those pores are looking snatched. Other Considerations for Minimising Pores Back your skincare routine up with a few other pore-minimising tricks: limit sun exposure, watch your diet, and drink plenty of water. Here’s a little esmi secret you may not know: we’re big advocates of sunscreen. Okay, okay, it’s not a secret, we’ll tell anyone who listens. Sunscreen also actually has pore minimising effects (is there anything it can’t do?). Rachel Nazarian, dermatologist M.D says, “the sun breaks down your skin’s collagen, responsible for keeping your face firm and elasticised, so you’re left with larger pores and stretchier skin after repeat exposure.” Time to lather on that sunscreen! Sorry, but that SPF 15 isn’t going to cut it, you’re going to need SPF 30+ at least! There are a few foods that contribute to congested pores which, if you’ve gotten this far, you’ll know makes your pores appear larger. Those foods include refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta (noooooo!), as well as refined sugars. If you’re reading this, grab a big glass of water and get it into you. Don’t worry, we’ll wait. Water keeps your skin hydrated and nice and plump, which helps to reduce the appearance of pores. It also promotes natural detoxification, helping to prevent those pores from clogging. If you’d like to know more about how to make your pores appear smaller, we’ve got your back! Head to our website to chat to one of our knowledgeable skin consultants.
My Pregnancy Journey with esmi Skin Minerals
My Pregnancy Journey with esmi Skin Minerals It is currently 4.30am. And my calf muscles know it’s... CRAMPING TIME! #ouch Every time I try to move, it triggers my toes to curl under like they’re giving someone traffic directions or trying to detach themselves from my body. So naturally, I continue to toss and turn. Drinking water and putting salt on my tongue (yes, it actually works!) Wait, what is that?! Oh good, it triggered the reflux! Joy. I then FINALLY manage to muster up enough energy to climb over my charming pregnancy pillow and get my giant belly out of bed to go downstairs. I figured anything has to be better than lying here waiting for the next set of traffic directions to be handed out. Oh pregnancy, isn’t she lovely! One minute you’re being told ‘you’re a glowing goddess’, the next you’re being compared to a humpback whale. It’s a cute time, isn’t it? It’s the most beautiful gift, and experience but at the same time - the most challenging on the mind and body! If you’re anything like me, your skin can also do some WEIRD and not so wonderful things throughout the pregnancy journey. Dry itchy skin. Puberty style breakouts (in places you didn’t think were possible). Heat rash. Pigmentation. Stretch marks. Shall I go on?! For me personally, each trimester brought with it, a new set of skin concerns. But being able to chat with one of the skincare service team at Esmi Skin Minerals to help guide me along the way, was a game-changer. They assisted me in finding products that would help my skin throughout each new pregnancy skin concern. First Trimester My first trimester included a lot of acne breakouts on my face, decolletage, shoulders, and back #againnotsocute. Which really wasn’t a battle I wanted to fight while also battling the all-day sickness too. Now I’ll admit - the hashbrowns, cheeseburgers, and ‘fruit drinks’ (aka, sugar water) I was inhaling throughout those first few months, along with the inability to drink water was likely not helping my skin avoid breakouts! But what even are veggies during those first few months right?! So, after my chat with the skin service team, the idea was to pair it back with regard to my face, back to basics and just give it a good dose of probiotics by using the Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness. This let my skin ride out the first trimester, the change in hormones, and change of diet, stage of the pregnancy, without having to add or subtract too many different products from my current skincare routine. It’s a lightweight moisturising lotion that is formulated with 100% Australian-made probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool flushing flare-ups and strengthen hypersensitive skin. I also started showing REEAALL early! So the skin on my stomach showed signs of stretching straight away, and I knew from my last pregnancy, that it needed moisture from the get-go. How do you get a good dose of moisture in? OIL! I began using the 24K Gold Nourishing Oil directly on my stretch marks/tummy area where I was beginning to show and it not only helped the stretched skin stay moisturised, but made it feel more comfortable in the process. This oil boost skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and improves blood circulation which was all desperately needed! Second Trimester I am thankful that towards the middle of my second trimester, my acne breakouts on my face and body began to subside (hallelujah!) So I reintroduced my nightly 24k Gold Nourishing Oil into my face skin care routine, to help hydrate my skin overnight. I also reintroduced my OG skincare friend, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum into my morning skin care routine to create a solid base for my foundation for my makeup application, which I was now able to do, feeling well enough to leave the house! All the while, I was continuing to grow at a RAPID rate in the belly department, so ‘oiling up’ became quite the ritual! Note! I did find that my skin became quite dry towards the end of the second trimester, approaching the third - so I made sure to always apply body oil, moisturiser, or body butter whenever I got out of the water (after showers, swimming, etc) Another thing that happens is hyper sensitivity to the sun! Being an avid, daily sunscreen wearer, I had that covered. But I learned the hard way with the skin on my body. We had set up down at the beach for the day, I had applied sunscreen on my tummy thinking that would last me the day. Alas, NO. My tummy looked like it had been dipped in tomato sauce #stillreallynotcute And then proceeded to become EXTREMELY itchy! So safe to say, lesson learned. Apply your sunscreen kids! I actually found the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen with SPF30 that I use on my face daily, perfect for my belly too as it’s gentle on sensitive skin! Third Trimester We made it! Now that I’m in my third trimester, the rule is pretty much… GIVE ME ALL THE STUFF! I need moisture, probiotics, sun protection, anti-inflammatory. You name it, my skin is READY for it. It can be hard at this point in the pregnancy to stay diligent in applying skin care as a lot of the time you’re struggling just to put your shoes on! But it’s also a really important time to do so as your body does its final leg of the journey and your belly stretches to its limits! I’ve recently added the use of the Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack facial mist throughout the day to keep up hydration, especially considering how hot it’s been. And as I’m spending a lot more days makeup-free, I usually just add on my 24k Gold Nourishing Oil to the end of my morning skin care routine to give my skin a subtle, fresh glow for the day. How can I find what I need? If you’re pregnant and want to find some skincare products that will help assist with your current skin concerns - get in touch with our Skin Service Team for your FREE skin consultation and find the perfect products for your skin! Isn’t it amazing what a woman’s body can do? You’re growing LIFE. Make sure you look after YOU, in the process.
