5 Tips For Healthy Skin in Mask Wearing Times
For most of us, wearing a mask has become a regular part of life. When we leave the house, our mantra is now, “phone, money, keys, mask”. And while we’re totally all for keeping each other safe, our skin didn’t quite get the memo. Wearing a mask has seen a sharp rise in skin issues (maskne, anyone?), and we’re here to nip them in the bud. 1. Up Your Water Intake For something new and different for us, we’re going to remind you to get your 2 litres of H2O a day. Your blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients (yes, the important parts) are 80% water, so boosting your hydration is critical to making sure your cells work at their optimum level. Water is also a key part of the collagen production process, making it super important for skin elasticity and clearing any inflammation. Water helps to flush out toxins from the body. Toxins and bacteria, that if left unchecked, cause issues like acne. In a nutshell, water is your best friend if maskne has made its home on your skin - rude! Seriously, grab a glass of water right now. You’ll thank us later. 2. Pop on a Serum Underneath Your Mask Our secret weapon is using the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum underneath your mask. It contains niacinamide, a skin repairing ingredient and a favourite here at esmi HQ. It is ideal for protection against environmental factors like pollution and toxins. Plus, it is great for fighting acne! Being water based, this Skin Treat is super gentle and won't irritate the skin. Use a few drops underneath your moisturiser or oil before you grab your mask and head out into the world. 3. Keep Makeup Minimal One of the perks of wearing a mask (you know, aside from the obvious) is less time spent on your makeup. Not only is half of your face covered, but wearing heavy makeup can contribute to breakouts. Think of it like this, makeup + steamy breath + sweat + no way for it to escape = bacteria and congestion city. Now is the time to focus on quality skincare that is going to soothe and clear your skin. Having said that, we are suckers for a bold eye look to keep you looking fresh while the lower half of your face is in hiding. 4. Our Probiotic Skin Mylck Range Wearing face masks creates an environment that nasty bacteria love. You? Not so much. It can result in rashes, dermatitis and eczema flare ups. What you need is an army of good bacteria. Time to send in the probiotic soldiers. Our Probiotic Skincare Range harnesses the calming and restorative powers of good bacteria. They are anti-inflammatory, balance skin microflora, replenish skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. So yes, they’re pretty darn good. Try our Skin Mylck Cleanser to send bad bacteria packing and the Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness lotion if flare ups and acne have you stressed. Feeding your skin with bacteria that actually protects and nourishes it will make a world of difference. 5. Hydrate with Moisture-Rich Skincare When we wear masks, our skin can become compromised and dehydrated, sometimes resulting in some less than comfortable dry patches. Time to welcome the hydrating skincare. When you get home and take your mask off (how good does that feel, just by the way), cleanse your skin with a gentle, barrier-protecting cleanser like the Skin Mylck Cleanser or the Uncomplicated Cleanser to remove any dirt or bacteria that has been trapped under your mask. Then, lather on the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask and leave it on for 10-20 minutes before washing it off to give your skin a serious drink of water. A little bonus here is dabbing on a few drops of the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Skin Treat to calm any inflammation. Top things off with a light but effective moisturiser or oil. We know we’re a broken record here but our Probiotic Skin Mylck really is a must here. Just the thought of wearing a mask doesn’t have to send your skin into a tizz! Believe it or not, it is actually possible to stay safe, and keep your skin happy. Get in touch with our Skin Service for more information on mask-related skin concerns.
The Best Face Mask for Acne
What is the best face mask for acne? The best face mask for acne is formulated with charcoal or clay to help draw out acne forming bacteria, impurities and soak up excess oil. If you’re using a clay or charcoal face mask choose one formulated with the addition of moisturising ingredients to keep skin hydrated. Clay and charcoal are natural yet powerful ingredients. They can be drying to the skin if not teamed with moisturising elements in a face mask formulation. Why choose a charcoal mask for clear skin? Charcoal makes an effective face mask for clear skin thanks to its pore purifying and refining magic. The type of charcoal used in skincare is known as activated charcoal. It’s not the kind of charcoal lump you’d find at the bottom of a BBQ pit! Instead, activated charcoal is created by burning carbon-rich materials at higher temperatures. This means it’s much more porous than regular charcoal. Thanks to its porous structure, activated charcoal acts like a sponge, drawing out and soaking up excess oil and acne bacteria from the skin. These impurities then bind to the charcoal and are cleansed away along with the face mask. This deep cleansing action is particularly beneficial for combination and acne-prone skin with large pores. Bacteria mixing with oil and dead skin cells blocks pores and creates the perfect environment for acne to thrive. By helping keep pores clear, activated charcoal minimises the chances of breakouts. Face masks with this natural, mineral-rich ingredient can also promote a brighter, smoother skin texture overall. When pores are clogged, they can appear enlarged and ‘dirty’ looking. Skin is also dull and bumpy to touch. With the regular use of activated charcoal, pores become clearer helping them appear smoother and more refined. Why choose a clay mask for clear skin? Like activated charcoal, a clay mask for acne helps detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. They also do a great job of tightening skin so pores appear smaller. The key to getting the most out of your clay mask is choosing the right type of clay for your skin type and concerns. Both bentonite clay and kaolin clay are great choices for acne-prone skin. Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash and has been used for centuries as a natural skin care ingredient. It’s highly absorbent and boasts antibacterial activities which can play a role in neutralising breakout causing bacteria on the skin. Kaolin Clay A gentle cleanser, kaolin clay (also known as white clay) helps absorb excess oil, mildly exfoliates the skin, and extracts impurities. It doesn’t cause redness or irritation which makes it ideal for sensitive skin and inflamed breakout-prone skin. The best of both worlds Treat your skin to the detoxifying, breakout busting benefits of both charcoal and clay with esmi Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask. One of the best face masks for acne, the benefits include: Brighter, softer skin Detoxifying More even skin tone Smoother, supple skin Exfoliates Repairs and strengthens The detoxifying, oil-absorbing trio of kaolin clay, bentonite clay, and charcoal help clear pores, control acne, and soften skin. The jojoba oil and sweet almond oil in this charcoal and clay mask for acne help the skin retain moisture while promoting healing. How to use Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Step 1: After cleansing, use clean fingers or a mask brush to generously apply the mask. Make sure you avoid the eye area. Step 2: After the mask has dried*, massage your face with wet fingertips or esmi Charcoal Brush to gently buff the fine clay particles. This helps loosen dead skin and impurities to be washed away. Step 3: Rinse well or remove with esmi's Microfiber Facial Cleansing Mitt. Follow with your favourite esmi treats. *The length of time to leave the mask on depends on how liberally the mask is applied. It will take longer to dry the more that is applied. The clay mask isn’t the only face mask for pimples in the esmi range! If you’re dealing with inflamed, active breakouts the Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask could make a great addition to your weekly routine. This mask is designed to shut down inflammation, redness and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Check out our Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask and Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask today!
Repurpose your Empty esmi Bottles
DIY home decor or skincare on the run? Maybe you’re the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and chucks the scraps straight in the bin. Maybe you’re the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and chucks the scraps into the compost to pop out into the garden. Or perhaps you’re the one we all aspire to be, the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and proceeds to re-use the offcuts to make your own veggie stock, flu-fighting remedy, roast veggie skin chips AND feeds their garden #goals No matter where you sit in these categories - we all know by now how important it is to do our part in the re-use/recycle reality of where our world is headed. Have you ever thought, I wonder what I could do with my empty esmi bottles? (maybe you haven’t, but we’re sure you are now!) Well, we’re here to give you some ideas! We’ve seen some great ways and also come up with a few of our own on how you can repurpose your skincare bottles. Plus when they’re that pretty to look at… why would you want to chuck them in the bin?! So let’s jump straight in! Plant babies! That’s right. All of you green thumbs out there will now have another cute little way to pop some greenery around your window sills, bookshelves and bathroom vanity. #vibes Use an offcut from one of your over-performing devil’s ivy to pop in with some water and place into an old skin treat bottle! Or get yourself some miniature succulents like the ones pictured above. This is a good one for those of us whose thumbs are less green in colour! #whydomyplantsalwaysdie Skincare in the air! So maybe you’re not much for plants around the house…. But maybe you’re all for a good holiday? Let’s say you’ve planned your next overseas (#postpandemic) trip and you couldn’t possibly imagine having to go without your beloved skincare. We hear you! And boy do we have THE travel skincare hack for you! Traveling on a plane means you have a limit on the volume of liquids you can pack in your luggage. Most of our products are actually within this allocated volume. But our booster masks aren’t! I’m sure if you’ve used one of our booster masks before, you’ll agree they quickly become an essential part of your skin care routine, especially when on holiday’s and wanting to indulge in some #treatyoself #selfcaretime Did you know that once you’ve used that last drop of serum, you can actually re-purpose your empty skin serum bottles (the ones with the glass dropper) by filling them with a mask or even a cleanser? Plus the great Marie Kondo would also be in the background applauding you on your impressive space-saving abilities, so really, it’s a win on all fronts. To do this, all you need to do is use the dropper from the empty serum bottle to remove the product from your mask or cleanser container and squeeze it into your empty bottle! Fill to whatever level you desire, give it a little shake and you’re good to go! Not sure what we mean? Head over to our Instagram Highlight called ‘Fun Facts’ and watch the step-by-step video on how best to do this, so you’re well prepared next time you’re off and away! Go, you environmental warrior! How else could you re-purpose your bottles? We’re always on the look out for great ways to do this so please be sure to comment below or reach out to us on Instagram with how you’ve found a continued purpose for our beautiful bottles in your life! And if you try anything we’ve mentioned above - be sure to send us a photo!
6 Foods to Combat Dry Skin
Eat your way to a hydrated, calm complexion with food for dry skin. These 6 delicious skin heroes help combat dryness and irritation by strengthening the skin barrier and locking moisture into the skin. 1. Citrus Fruits for Dry Skin Citrus fruits are rich in legendary Vitamin C. This all-star antioxidant is essential for a healthy complexion. It helps repair the skin barrier, promotes collagen production and speeds up wound healing. Vitamin C also protects against the free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Both can cause dryness and dullness among other concerns. Vitamin A is also contained in lemons and limes and alongside Vitamin C help strengthen the integrity of the skin barrier. When the skin has a healthy barrier, it can retain adequate moisture to keep the skin hydrated. The best citrus fruits for a dry skin diet include: Oranges Limes Lemons Grapefruit Mandarines Plan to get your citrus hit with juice? Choose fresh fruits to juice yourself or go for a premade option with no added sugar. 2. Oil - Coconut & Olive Oil for Dry Skin Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil are pretty fantastic for your skin. Let’s take a look at what makes these plant oils so special. Extra virgin olive oil The first big benefit of this common oil is its high squalene content. Squalene is a lipid (fat) naturally found on your skin’s surface to hydrate the skin and keep your skin barrier healthy. Oil glands are responsible for producing these moisture-promoting lipids. Dry skin glands don’t produce as much oil as other skin types and this leads to a lack of moisture. This is why extra virgin olive oil is an excellent food for dry skin as the squalene content helps counteract the lack of natural lipids in dry skin. Oleocanthal is the other stand out component of olive oil for dry skin. An anti-inflammatory agent, oleocanthal can be beneficial for intense peeling and dry skin associated with inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Coconut oil Hailed as a skin saviour (just one of its many health benefits!) coconut oil is packed with linoleic acid - an essential fatty acid. Your sebaceous glands use linoleic acid to form sebum which helps keep skin moisturised and enhances the strength of the skin barrier. This widely-loved oil is also brimming with antioxidants to fight the free radical attacks that cause skin to lose elasticity and firmness. 3. Avocado Oil for Dry Skin Avocado is a powerhouse of vitamins and monounsaturated fats for a dry skin diet. The “good” fats in this beauty food help keep your skin moisturised while working to reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, the protein in avocados promotes the health of collagen and elastin for firmer, younger-looking skin. This oh-so-creamy fruit is also brimming with vitamins E and C to help protect cells from free radical damage to slow the signs of ageing. It’s an all-around winner in your diet for dry skin. Guacamole, here we come. 4. Nuts for Dry Skin Do your dry skin a favour - reach for a handful of nuts next time it’s snack o’clock. Monounsaturated fats play a role in maintaining the skin's water level and supply the ceramides and fats that keep the barrier healthy and strong. Nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, and E, and monounsaturated fats. Omega-3s work to soften rough, dry skin from the inside out and also offer a calming, anti-inflammatory effect for irritated skin. Vitamin A helps restore and strengthen a weak skin barrier to encourage higher levels of moisture retention. Found naturally in your skin’s sebum, Vitamin E promotes skin conditioning and prevents dryness. As dry skin lacks sebum, including foods rich in Vitamin E in your diet can help counteract this imbalance. Some of the best nuts to include in your dry skin diet are: Walnuts Almonds Cashews Brazil nuts 5. Cucumber Benefits for Dry Skin Want to improve the rough, flaky texture of dry skin? Hydrating your body from the inside is just as important as the products you apply on the outside. The sky-high water content of cucumber teamed with the silica (a trace element) it contains offers a wealth of health benefits, including skin hydration. Silica has a tremendous impact on the skin. It’s the third most abundant trace element in our bodies and is instrumental in collagen formation and improves the skin’s ability to hold onto precious moisture. It also offers natural anti-inflammatory benefits. The combination of Vitamin A and C in cucumber also help fight dryness. Consuming the nutrition-rich water cucumber contains helps the body flush out toxins and promotes a glowing complexion. Fun fact: cucumbers are actually fruits! They’re related to watermelons as part of the cucurbit family of flowering plants. 6. Fatty Fish or Fish Oil for Dry Skin Salmon is so SO good for your skin. A few serves a week of this glow-boosting fish should be part of every dry skin diet. Like nuts, it’s the high amounts of omega-3 in fatty fish that boost the presence of fatty acids in your skin. In turn this promotes improved moisture retention and balances skin’s inflammatory response to guard against dry, red, and itchy skin. Omega-3 may also offer increased protection against the sun’s rays, another big plus for all skin types, especially dry skin. Take your pick of other fatty fish including mackerel and sardines to reap the same skin plumping, moisture boosting benefits. A high quality fish oil supplement may also be an option We always recommend having a chat with your trusted health care professional before making significant changes to your diet. Team your diet for dry skin with a supplement for dry skin and skin care products designed to target a parched complexion for the ultimate dry skin routine. Shop our Skincare To Fight Dryness selection or read more about skincare ingredients to you can feed your skin from the inside and out. You Might Also Like To Read: 3 Ways to Fight the Effects of Pollution on Skin Best Foods to Eat to Improve Your Skin How to Detox Your Skin
Hydrate Your Skin for a Cause
This year esmi joined the conversation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Taking a step back to reflect and learn more about breast cancer for yourself or someone you love is possible when we can raise our voices and help spread the word. The esmi team are committed to supporting breast cancer awareness and actioning change using what we know best - skincare! If you are an avid user of our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum you know how it can help and heal dehydrated skin. That’s why we wanted to hydrate for a cause and create a Limited Edition Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (using the breast cancer signature pink colour of course) to raise awareness and donations for the National Breast Cancer Foundation — the leading national organisation in raising money specifically for breast cancer research. What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? If you haven’t heard, Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for Australians to learn more about breast cancer disease and acknowledge how it can affect those with breast cancer and their support network. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Australian women besides skin cancer (your little reminder to wear daily SPF). Chances are you or someone you know has had experience dealing with breast cancer as a patient or as a support person. Even though breast cancer is common, survival rates are improving year on year with 89% of those diagnosed surviving for 5 years or more as a prognosis. This is largely due to awareness campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month which teaches Australian women the importance of regular screenings and visiting the doctor when something doesn’t feel quite right. This month also highlights the importance of education and research in this space which can lead to more efficient treatments and support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. But, what can I do to help? You can donate directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation or share social media resources and messaging. Or, you can see why esmi’s support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a little more fun. Why Donate Through esmi? Our team has created a Limited Edition version of our best-selling Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum! And, the best part? It’s pink of course! Each purchase of our Limited Edition serum includes a $5 donation by esmi and a $5 donation by you to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Plus you receive hydration goodness to combat all types of skin concerns — dry, oily, sensitive and pigmentation. Together you and your favourite skincare brand (esmi!) can aid in raising awareness for breast cancer this month. Help Us Reach Our $30,000 Goal! If you’re a lover of our Hyaluronic Hydrating serum and need a top-up or someone who wants to try it for the first time, there’s no better way than to donate! Help us reach our $30,000 goal to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Hydrate for a cause and treat yourself to this beautiful Limited Edition Hyaluronic Hydrating serum here. Want to add more Skin Treats to your day? Shop our whole range of Skin Treats to mix and match with our Limited Edition serum to create a balanced routine that targets your skin concerns.
Skin Care for Him
A basic men’s skin care routine can help battle breakouts, avoid shaving irritations, and tackle signs of fine lines and wrinkles. esmi products are gender-neutral and here we step you through creating a cleansing, firming, and protective routine for the man in your life. Simple Skin Care Regimen for Men Cleansing Face Daily A simple yet effective men’s skin care routine starts with cleansing. No matter his skin type, cleansing each day - morning and evening - removes the build up of sweat, dirt, oil, and dead cells. Keeping pores fresh and clear minimises the chance of ingrown hairs and breakouts. The evening cleanse is also important for getting rid of any pollution particles that settle onto his face during the day. Pollution causes free radical damage, speeding up the signs of ageing. Cleansing before shaving also removes and prevents bacteria causing irritation of freshly shaven skin. Does he hit the gym or play sports? Let him know cleansing after a workout is important as part of a male skin care routine too. Sweat is great for detoxifying, but it can mix with dirt and bacteria, clog pores and cause breakouts. The Uncomplicated Cleanser is the ideal cleanser for a men’s skin care routine. Suited to all skin types, this cream cleanser is formulated with aloe vera, green tea extract, and to remove debris with impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser Step 1: Dampen skin with lukewarm water. Step 2: Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. While skin is still damp, apply serum, then moisturiser and, in the morning routine, sunscreen. Serum After Shaving Applying a serum after shaving is an easy step that can make a big difference in achieving clearer, younger looking skin. Serums are formulated with high levels of active ingredients. Active ingredients are the workhorses of a skin routine, they’re the ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid (Sodium hyaluronate) and peptides, that work to firm, calm and brighten skin. The Hydrating Nourishing Acai Duo is a great choice for a low fuss male skin care routine. With Acai oil, Provitamin B5, Sodium hyaluronate and seaweed extract it offers lightweight hydration plus nourishing anti-aging properties addressing multiple skin concerns at once. The beauty of the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo is that it combines the potency of a serum with the moisturising and repair benefits of an oil. It’s a one stop shop for improving hydration, brightness, and elasticity while protecting the skin. How to use Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo Step 1: Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Step 2: Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to the palm of the hand. Step 3: Massage into the skin after cleansing or shaving. Sun Protection To keep your man’s skin young-looking and protected against skin cancer, daily SPF protection is a must. Even if he doesn’t work outdoors. Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 delivers comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types. It’s easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, firmer skin. Sunscreen should be applied after the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo or the moisturising step in his routine. If he does work outside or is spending long periods in the sun for sports, hiking, or hitting the beach, SPF reapplication is a must. Other Skin Care Products for Men The basic skin care for men routine we’ve stepped you through above will suit all skin types. However, if he wants to target specific skin concerns - like acne, ageing, and dryness - there are extra or alternative products you can incorporate to tackle these issues. Congested and acne prone oily skin Signs: Whiteheads, blackheads or more inflamed pimples and cysts. Skin may be red, bumpy, oily, and dull. What he needs: Antibacterial and oil regulating ingredients. Men usually have more oily and thicker skin. If he’s dealing with redness due to inflamed acne try The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness followed by Peppermint Green Oil. The cleanser calms redness while the lightweight oil helps to balance oil flow whilst being cooling and providing anti-bacterial benefits. Dryness Signs: Tight feeling, flaky rough skin with fine lines and cracks. What he needs: Hydration and protection. We suggest adding Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to his men’s skin care routine. The serum’s hero ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid which is a superior hydrator for dry skin. Apply the serum before the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo or the moisturising step. The flaky, dullness of dry skin can also be improved with gentle exfoliation. This will help remove flaky skin for a brighter complexion and allow the serum and moisturising treatments to work more effectively. We suggest using Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant once or twice a week - depending on his skin type. Exfoliating before shaving can help prevent the razor from getting clogged with dead skin cells. Ageing Signs: Signs of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, age spots. What he needs: Antioxidants and hydration. Is he worried about new wrinkles creeping in? Suggest the Golden Anti-Ageing Serum for his evening routine. The serum is rich in antioxidants and peptides which work to rejuvenate skin by visibly plumping fine lines, brightening, and conditioning. The serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturising. Do Men Care About Skin Care? Face care for men is increasing in popularity as more men realise this truth: skin care matters! Taking care of your skin helps your complexion stay fresh, healthy, and more youthful looking. Not to mention incorporating SPF to protect skin from more dangerous concerns like skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Healthy skin can boost confidence levels too! A simple, quality male skin care routine that targets his specific skin type and concerns can have a big impact on self-esteem. A practical skincare routine is a perfect gift for the man in your life. If you have any questions about his skin concerns or products, reach out to the esmi Skin Team. We’re here to help!
Pairing Skincare Ingredients with Retinol
Retinol has been a hot commodity on the skincare scene for years now, but have you ever wondered if you’re mixing it with the wrong products? We all love to mix a cocktail (margarita please!), but it’s very important to consider the ingredients we blend together on our face, especially when it comes to retinol. We’re here to tell you what you can and can’t use with retinol to be gentle with your skin and get that glow! What is retinol? Let’s take it back to basics. As a derivative of vitamin A, retinol is a powerful ingredient that promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production. It helps to lessen the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and an uneven skin texture. Basically, it’s the holy grail, ask any skincare fanatic. While it supports cell turnover, retinol also gently exfoliates, helping decongest pores and control oil production. It should always be applied at night, and in the beginning, less is more. Pure retinol can be intense if applied too generously to begin with, leaving the skin feeling dry, irritated, sensitive and even lead to peeling and redness. So, start by applying it once a week and gradually build up to 3 times weekly. If you haven’t already guessed, we’re huge fans of retinol, heck, we even made our own! If you’re new here, meet our Encapsulated Retinol - similar to most retinols, but smarter. If the word encapsulated has you confused, don’t fret. All this means is that the retinol is surrounded in a protective layer that keeps all the components active until they arrive at the deeper levels of your skin to limit irritation. Always start with Level 1 and work your way up when your skin is happy. Ingredients you can use with retinol Niacinamide Skin care junkies rejoice when we tell them, yes, you can use niacinamide with retinol. Fortunately, they are safe to pair together and actually have heaps of benefits when combined. Using niacinamide with retinol helps to form a protective barrier on your skin and lessens dryness and irritation, meaning you’ll enjoy more benefits of retinol with fewer drawbacks. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid and retinol are a dynamic duo. Hyaluronic acid soothes the skin, provides a hydration hit and prevents any possible irritation from the retinol without getting in the way of its hard work. If your skin is a little on the drier side, this is the combo for you. If you’re looking to ward off any dryness and get a real bang for your buck, reach for our best seller, our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum contains both hyaluronic acid (who knew!?!) AND niacinamide, so it’s perfect to use alongside retinol. SPF Okay, so not strictly an ingredient itself but hear us out. 365 days a year, come rain, hail or shine, SPF is a non-negotiable. Using your beloved retinol can cause your skin to be more sensitive when exposed to sun, increasing your risk of developing sunburn, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Make sure to only apply your Retinol Serum of a night time though! Keep your gorgeous face safe and lather on our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen at the end of your morning skincare routine, every day! What not to use with retinol To get the most out of your retinol and give your skin the best chance at glowing, there’s a few ingredients we need to tread carefully with. Vitamin C We LOVE vitamin C. Whether it’s orange juice in a mimosa or in a juicy face serum. However, there’s often confusion surrounding whether you can use vitamin C with retinol. The answer is yes, but, and the “but” is important, make sure you separate the two products. They are both active ingredients so using them at the same time can sometimes lead to irritation. Apply retinol as a part of your nighttime skincare routine and vitamin C as a part of your morning ritual. Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum in particular is sure to brighten your mornings. Lactic Acid Ok so, acids and retinol are part-time frenemies. What we mean is, if you have sensitive or dry skin, lactic acid and retinol is not a winning combo for you. Using lactic acid too frequently with retinol can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to dryness, irritation and redness. So if you want to use lactic acid with retinol, just make sure you use it sparingly and on alternative days to your retinol. Our Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum is a great place to start, as it contains 24K gold and jojoba oil which have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic Acid Adult acne is never fun and if you’ve been through the trenches with it, you know you want results, and you want them yesterday. Salicylic acid and retinol are both fantastic for clearing up acne, but if you’re asking, “can I use salicylic acid with retinol?”, there’s some important guidelines. The combination of ingredients can be harsh and drying on the skin. To keep your skin happy and healthy, be sure to only use retinol every third night, and apply your salicylic acid in the morning. If your skin becomes irritated, slow down on one of these products until it subsides. Embarking on a new skincare routine with powerful ingredients doesn’t have to be daunting, especially now that you know what you can and what not to use with retinol. Cheers to smoother, clearer, firmer skin! If you still have any questions, chat to one of our skin experts today.
Your Guide to Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is the skincare step you definitely don’t want to miss. Every skin type and concern can benefit from this hero antioxidant. Vitamin C brightens, firms and protects skin and it’s never too late (or too early) to incorporate a Vitamin C serum into your routine. We take a look at why it’s brilliant for fading pigmentation, anti-ageing and guarding against (and reversing!) sun damage. Plus, we explore the esmi range of serums powered by this all-star ingredient so you can choose the best Vitamin C serum for your individual skin concerns. What are the benefits of vitamin C serum? Vitamin C serum lightens pigmentation and acne scars, firms skin, and offers a big hit of antioxidant protection against UV and pollution. It’s the perfect all-round ingredient for any routine. The most common forms of Vitamin C used in skincare include: Ascorbic Acid - also known as L-ascorbic acid Ethyl ascorbic acid Ascorbyl palmitate Sodium ascorbyl phosphate These forms of Vitamin C have a notable amount of research confirming their effectiveness and stability in skincare formulations. Vitamin C serums may also include natural forms of the antioxidant. For example, Kakadu Plum is an Australian native botanical ingredient that is the richest known source of natural Vitamin C in the world. Serums are an excellent way to incorporate Vit C into your routine as they penetrate more deeply into the skin than other products. Vitamin C Serum & pigmentation A potent skin brightener, Vitamin C is famed for its ability to fade and smooth the appearance of various forms of pigmentation including: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne or other skin damage. Liver spots or sunspots. Melasma associated with hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy. Vit C serum helps to fade the appearance of pigmentation and dull, uneven skin by inhibiting the production of melanin which is the pigment responsible for causing darker areas of skin. Vitamin C & acne The healing process of deep inflammatory types of acne such as nodules and cysts can leave behind marks and scars. The ‘marks’ are dark spots and discolouration on the skin are known as hyperpigmentation. Skin is darkened but it remains smooth without texture irregularities. Acne scars, on the other hand, change the texture of the skin - leaving indentations and raised spots. This is an indication that the damage has occurred at a deep level. Vitamin C can assist with improving the appearance of both acne marks and scars. It promotes collagen synthesis which is vital for wound healing and rebuilding healthy skin - acne scars - while its brightening properties can help fade discolouration - acne marks. Vitamin C for skin firming & anti-ageing Healthy, young looking skin has plenty of collagen. Collagen gives your skin volume, keeps it looking plump and those fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Ageing, lifestyle factors (like smoking and a poor diet) and the environment (pollution and UV exposure) all contribute to the breakdown of collagen. This is where Vitamin C serum comes in. Vitamin C plays a major role in helping the skin produce more of the good stuff (collagen!) and also inhibits the breakdown of existing collagen. Double win. We recommend incorporating Vitamin C serums into your routine at any age. In your 20s it’s the ideal preventative skincare to set the stage for healthy skin ageing and keep your complexion firm as long as possible. In your 30s and beyond, Vitamin C can help turn back sun or environmental damage and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C & sun protection This powerhouse vitamin is an antioxidant well-known for its ability to protect the skin from the damage caused by UV rays and pollution. When your skin is exposed to the sun and other environmental aggressors - like pollution - free radicals form and attack healthy skin cells. They do this by ‘stealing’ an electron from a healthy cell causing it to weaken and damage collagen and elastin. This results in the signs of premature aging like fine lines, rough skin, and discolouration. Antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, stop free radical destruction in its tracks by ‘giving’ an electron to the free radical so it doesn’t steal from the healthy cells. Not only does Vitamin C protect the skin from damage, but it also helps reverse existing sun damage by brightening sun spots and stimulating collagen production. Don’t skip sun protection though; Vitamin C serum isn't a replacement for sunscreen. Daily application of broad spectrum SPF, like esmi Skin Shield, is still a must for every skincare routine. Think of Vitamin C and sunscreen as a skincare power couple; they work best together! The longer you use Vitamin C serum, the better the results. While most skin types will usually notice a brighter complexion after a few weeks of use, consistent use over months will deliver optimal results - more luminous, firmer, and softer skin. The best vitamin C serums Firm, brighten, protect. No matter your goal, there’s an esmi serum formulated with Vitamin C to suit your skin type and concerns. Our Vitamin C serums and lotions should be applied following the cleansing step in your routine. Pomegranate Brightening Serum Pomegranate Brightening Serum is our Vitamin C serum that illuminates skin with the power of Vitamin C and Kakadu Plum. A true brightening team! Suitable for: Most skin types to tackle pigmentation, sun damage and dullness concerns. If you have hypersensitive skin, we recommend introducing our Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening first to introduce your skin to brightening ingredients. Formulated with: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Kakadu Plum. How to use Pomegranate Brightening Serum (morning and / or evening) Use the dropper to apply an amount smaller than a pearl on cleansed skin and gently massage in. Allow the serum to absorb before applying other products. You can use this Vitamin C serum in your morning and evening routine. Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Golden Anti-Ageing Serum is formulated with powerful peptides and antioxidants, including Vitamin C, to visibly plump fine lines, brighten and condition. Suitable for: All skin types and ages as a night time defence against fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation. Promotes a brighter, smoother complexion. Formulated with: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), peptides, and vitamin E. How to use Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (evening) Using the dropper, apply a pearl sized amount and gently massage into skin, including the under eye area. The Golden Anti-aging Serum is designed to be used at night as the skin repairs and regenerates while you sleep. Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening is moisturising lotion gentle enough to offer the lightening benefits of Vitamin C serums without irritating sensitive skin. Suitable for: All skin types, especially hypersensitive skin. Formulated with: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Kakadu Plum and Probiotic Lysates. How to use Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening (morning and / or evening) Using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm. Massage into cleansed skin. Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo is the best Vitamin C serum that offers the moisturising benefits of a face oil too. Suitable for: Ideal for all skin types to brighten a dull, dehydrated complexion prone to age spots and hyperpigmentation while stimulating collagen to firm and tone. Formulated with: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), niacinamide, and acai oil. How to use Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo (morning and night) Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to your palm and massage into the skin. Brightening Eye Serum Wake up a tired, dull eye area with our Brightening Eye Serum designed to target dark circles, brightness and fine lines in the delicate eye area. Suitable for: All skin types to promote a brighter, tighter and more youthful eye area. Formulated with: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), caffeine, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. How to use Brightening Eye Serum (morning and / or evening): After cleansing or exfoliating, and before moisturizing, 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. For vit C face masks and cleansers to complement your serum view our entire range of Vitamin C skincare products.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples
What is the best way to get rid of pimples? You asked and we’ve answered! There are plenty of things you can do to battle breakouts, from lifestyle and dietary changes to skincare routines. Read on for our tips to get rid of pimples and clear breakouts. 1. Wash bedding regularly Is your bedding contributing to breakouts? It’s icky to think about but dirty pillow covers, sheets, and bed covers are hotspots for bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. When your skin comes in contact with dirty bedding it also comes in contact with all these factors that can trigger breakouts. If you’re wondering how to get rid pimples, the answer could be simple: change your bedding at least once a week. 2. Don’t touch! It might seem like one of the easiest way to get rid of pimples, but squeezing them never ends well! It might be momentarily satisfying to pop a pimple but you’re making breakouts worse. When you pick at your skin, it spreads bacteria to other parts of your face. Skin also becomes red, inflamed and the chances of scarring increase. Even if you don’t pop a pimple, touching and rubbing your face can also transfer the dirt and oil from your fingers to your face. Become more mindful of how often you touch your skin during the day and try to minimise it. 3. Sanitise your phone Most phone screens are dirtier than a toilet seat. Gross but true, according to research by Scientists at the University of Arizona. Along with bacteria, phone screens carry oil and dirt which is transferred to the skin around your cheek area. If you’re wondering how to stop pimples that keep appearing in this area, it could be as simple as cleaning your dirty phone screen. Keep your phone screen germ free by regularly cleaning it with sanitising wipes. 4. Remove makeup before bed We know it can be tempting to skip the PM cleanse and just crawl into bed after a busy day or a big night. The problem? Makeup left on overnight blocks pores, causes irritation and chances are, you’ll wake up to pimples. No matter how tired you are, always take a few minutes to cleanse before bed with a gentle cleanse like The Uncomplicated Cleanser. It’s time well spent for clearer, healthier skin. 5. Reach for complex carbs A few simple dietary changes may help get rid of pimples too. Switching foods like white pasta, bread, pizza, and cakes for complex carbohydrates (low-glycemic foods) can be beneficial for your skin. Good sources of complex carbs include brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, corn, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and other veggies like asparagus and zucchini. 6. Drink more water Good things come to those who drink plenty of water! Including healthier, calmer skin. Sipping H2O helps keep your skin hydrated which in turn can balance out excess sebum production. Your skin is triggered to produce more oil when it is dry and dehydrated. It’s your body’s way of trying to add moisture to the skin. Less oil reduces the chance of clogged pores which means fewer pimples. 7. Wear sun protection! Not protecting your face with SPF is the #1 skin crime. Sunburn speeds up the signs of ageing, increases the chances of skin cancer and can also contribute to acne. Sunburn triggers the skin to produce more oil. Excess sebum mixed with dry, peeling sunburnt skin builds up on the surface and becomes trapped in pores. Stay sun safe and help prevent pimples with our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30. Ideal for all skin types, including oily skin, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen is non-greasy and won’t block pores. 8. Avoid harsh products It sounds strange but many skincare products (especially cleansers) promoted to get rid of pimples can actually make the problem worse. Strong products strip the skin of acne bacteria but also of its natural oils and moisture. You may see a short term improvement as pimples clear up but in the long run, these products are keeping you trapped in an oily cycle. When your skin is stripped of moisture and oils, the surface becomes dry. Your sebaceous glands go into overdrive producing more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture. More oil increases the chance of blocked pores and pimples. The skin barrier can become damaged with the long term use of harsh cleansers causing skin to become red and reactive too. 9. Oils are your friend Don’t shy away from oils because you have acne-prone skin. Using the right facial oil regulates sebum production and restores the balance of oily, breakout prone skin. Including healthy oils and foods that contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s in your diet can improve skin too. Omega 3 and 6 are the building blocks of healthy skin cell membranes helping to keep skin hydrated and clear. Good sources of these fats include salmon, sardines, flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. 10. Adopt a skin care routine A customised skin care routine is one of the best ways to get rid of pimples. The basic skincare routine for pimples includes: A gentle cleanser Always use a gentle cleanser that nourishes and hydrates the skin rather than stripping it of oil and moisture. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Hydrating serum and anti-redness serum A hydrating serum helps regulate oil flow as skin is hydrated and not triggered to produce more sebum to compensate for lack of moisture. Incorporating an anti-redness serum will cool inflamed, red skin and is ideal for inflammatory types of acne. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie. Moisturiser or face oil with anti inflammatory and antioxidant benefits Follow the serum step with a moisturiser or face oil to lock in moisture and provide extra antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial benefits. We recommend: Peppermint Green Oil Weekly exfoliation Exfoliation helps keep pores clear by removing the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and debris from the surface of the skin. We recommend: Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant Weekly anti redness mask A regular masking session can help minimise the appearance of red, inflamed pimples and treat them with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. We recommend: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Discover our full range of acne skin care formulated to help get rid of pimples. You can also talk to one of our esmi Skin Consultants for a free skin care plan to tackle pimples.
My 5 Minute Skin Care Routine
Working mum? Stay at home mum? Working multiple jobs? Does anyone else have those days where you go out in public with your kids, they are dressed and ready, looking good enough to step onto a catwalk. But then you catch yourself in the reflection of the car window and realise you look like you just stepped out of bed? Don’t stress.We’ve all been there. Often when we’ve been asked ‘How have you been?”, we tend to answer ‘busy’, myself included. And because of this new pace of life, we may not all have the time to get ourselves ready for the day like we once had, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get the same results! As a working mum of one very energetic ‘fournager’, and currently stepping into the third trimester of my pregnancy with my second, I no longer have the time I once had to do a full skin care routine! Whether I’m running out the door for work, attempting to squeeze in some early morning me time, or just juggling a grumpy toddler, mornings are usually a very busy time for our household. So any beauty tricks or skin care hacks that can save me a bit of time, I am all for! Thanks to this lack of time though, I have now got my 5 minute beauty hack on the run - MASTERED! A few things I’ve learned along the way: Keep it simple. Find products that tick more than one box. Consistency is key! So, let’s start the day. I like to set my alarm to go off 30 mins before my family wakes up. This gives me that little window of time to get myself ready, so I feel less stressed once the rest of the house is up and getting into the day. It makes me feel refreshed, awake, and ready to start my day. THIS is where I sneak my five minute skin care routine. ✨ Cleanse I use the Uncomplicated Cleanser to do a gentle cleanse and pat dry with a fresh face towel. If you have acne-prone skin like myself, you may want to try using a fresh towel or face washer after cleansing to minimise breakouts! ✨ Serum I have used our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum for nearly 3 years now and it has transformed my skin! It boosts internal hydration, helps to regulate oil flow and improves the overall skin complexion to create a fantastic base for your makeup! ✨ Sun protection I follow this with the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen which has an SPF30 to ensure my skin is protected for the day ahead. Again, with very acne-prone skin that is also very sensitive, adding this to my routine was a game-changer. ✨ Makeup If I’m wearing makeup that day, I will usually do a light, everyday look with the Loose Mineral Foundation or Mineral BB Cream if I’m wanting some extra coverage or extra SPF! To finish my makeup I spray my face with the Skin Snack Misting Spray which helps me feel refreshed and ready to go! I also carry this around in my handbag for a nice little spruce up throughout my busy day. To end the day, I use my skincare routine to help me wind down before bed. After a long day of running around like a headless chook, the time before bed can become quite precious. And giving yourself, even just 10 mins, to practice some self-care, can help calm your mind (and your skin!) So here’s what I like to do once I’ve put my daughter to bed and made myself a cup of sleep tea! ✨ Double cleanse Using my Uncomplicated Cleanser again, I first do a cleanse to remove any makeup from the day and then cleanse again to thoroughly clean the skin. Patting dry with the other side of my new face towel from this morning! ✨ Moisturise I always apply my Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness to ensure my skin is replenished. Then depending on how my skin is feeling, sometimes I’ll also go in with the 24k Gold Nourishing Oil as it helps on those days that you feel a bit of dryness to the skin. Plus it makes you feel super luxurious! Get everything you need for your five minute skin care routine with one of our Skin Care Bundles or get in touch with our skin specialist team to help you get on top of your skin concerns today!
Wake Up with esmi Skin Minerals
Start your morning right, with a smile and your favourite skin care. Quiet house. Fresh morning breeze. Sun coming up over the trees. The smell of fresh coffee brewing. Birds chirping through the window. It’s a fresh new day. A chance for a restart. First thing in the morning is by far, our favourite time of day. How do you spend it? Is it usually complete chaos and you feel like you’re forever chasing your tail? Or do you set aside some time for self-care, so you start the day in a calmer setting? However, you start the day it’s important to make some space and time for yourself. Create a calm environment and be totally present, to set your intentions for the day ahead. Carving out this time at the start of your day can have a very profound, positive effect on the way in which the rest of your day pans out - or at least how you handle it! So... First things first! Wake up your skin The feeling of fresh clean skin to wake you from your slumber can feel like pure magic, so we like to start with a little morning skin care routine. Whether you keep it simple with our five minute skin care routine or set some extra time aside to enjoy your morning skin care regimen, there is nothing better than waking up your skin. We like to keep it simple with just four simple products that cleanse the skin and refresh you for the day ahead. Start by cleansing the skin with our Uncomplicated Cleanser. It creates a clean, calm and supple base while balancing the skin so it’s not left feeling dry or tight and perfectly prepares the skin for the rest of your skin care routine. Followed by a hydrating serum like our Hyaluronic Acid which is quick-absorbing, fights dehydration and helps to plump the skin. It can also be used as a primer substitute under your makeup! Did you know your skin is like an ecosystem? Different parts of your body need different good-bacteria to be at their best. Our new Probiotic Skin Mylck features specially selected Australian Made probiotic Lysates scientifically proven to be ideal probiotics for skin application. Yes, you heard us right, probiotics for your SKIN! Finish your morning skin routine with SPF! Our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection that protects your skin from any UV light you may be exposed to throughout the day and fight the first signs of ageing. Grab your coffee Or tea, lemon water, juice, or whatever is your morning beverage of choice and begin the day with something that will make your heart sing. Feel as good as you deserve to. Start your day with intention. Not sure what products you should use for your morning skin care routine? Get in touch with our skin service team for your FREE skin consultation and put your freshest face forward!
Beauty Benefits of Silica in Skin Care
Hands up if you’ve ever heard of silica? Okay, so one or two clever clogs in the back, but for everyone else, we don’t blame you. While it may not often get the spotlight it deserves, silica is an ingredient that you should absolutely be looking for. We thought it was about time we gave you a masterclass so you know why you should be looking for silica in skincare. What is Silica? Bear with us as we take a quick trip to the lab. Silica is a natural compound made up of oxygen and silicon molecules that naturally occur in the human body. In fact, following it’s cousins iron and zinc, it is the third most abundant element in the body, so it is kind of a big deal. It is found in bones, tissue, and importantly for us, the skin. Importantly, silica is a key part of the collagen production process, which is what keeps your skin plump, tight and juicy. Saggy skin? We don’t know her. Oh and did we mention it also has anti-inflammatory properties as well? Show off. We’re born with high silica levels, but like all good things, these deteriorate as we age. That’s why incorporating silica in skincare has some major benefits. Silica benefits for the skin The benefits of silica in skincare can be summed up in two words: tightening and hydrating. Sign us up! Like we said, silica is necessary for collagen production to improve skin elasticity. To dig a little deeper, it stimulates fibroblasts which releases collagen type 1 - the type that minimises fine lines in youthful skin. “It has a tremendous impact on skin regeneration - silica is strongly linked with healthy youthful skin,” says Isabel Sharkar, a naturopathic doctor. It is truly an anti-aging superstar. Another fantastic part of ageing (read: not at all fantastic) is that our bodies struggle to retain moisture. This leads to a loss in hydration which is a critical element when it comes to producing collagen and elasticity. Silica promotes glycosaminoglycans (for the sake of our brains, we’re going to call them GAGs) which hold 1000 times their weight in water. Silica binds to the GAG molecules which, you guessed it, leads to hydration station. Moisture levels are also vital for collagen production, so they really do go hand in hand. Okay, we did say two benefits but here’s another one for good measure: silica is anti-inflammatory. This means it can help to relieve the symptoms of acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also great for sensitive skin as it carries a lot of oxygen and won’t cause irritation. How to get your dose of silica You want to know what’s better than silica in skincare? Silica in skincare that doubles up as makeup! Our Liquid Mineral Foundation and Loose Mineral Foundation both contain the good stuff so you can soak in all of the silica benefits with a side of coverage. Makeup that boosts collagen production and keeps your skin hydrated really is what dreams are made of. The foods you eat can also boost your body’s silica levels. You’re going to want to reach for whole grains, fruits and vegetables like beetroot, brown rice and leafy greens - they are all rich in silica! We’re big believers in beauty starting from within, so along with incorporating silica into your skincare and makeup routine, skin supplements are going to give you that extra boost. The SkinTrient capsules are designed to target skin concerns and good news, just about all of them contain silica for skin tightening. Yup, we’re talking the Restoring Green, Hydration Saver, Defense Antioxidant, Inner Detox, Dry Skin Saver and Probiotic Saver. Take your skin-boosting supplement every day and you’ll be seeing that radiance in no time! If you want to know more about silica and how it can help you get your glow on, chat to one of our skin experts here.
Start Your Day with a Minty Green Smoothie
A green smoothie for my face? You bet! What is the first thing you think of when you hear the words ‘green smoothie’? Maybe it’s words like health, glowing skin, and nourishment. Or maybe it’s more along the lines of “why would I ever drink that?!” Well the benefits of eating greens, as we all know, are astounding for overall health! It’s amazing for your digestive health, bone strength, immunity support, lowers cholesterol, and drinking them is a great way to bump up your intake of those precious B Vitamins we all need. So why not take all those benefits, and apply them to your SKIN! I’m going to what?! No no! Put the blender jug down! We are not suggesting you pour the remnants of your morning kale smoothie directly onto your face. We have a much more effective solution for you. Say hello to our Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Serum! (Cue the hallelujah chorus). A lightweight skin serum with an energising wild mint aroma. This anti-redness serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Suitable for all skin types, it can help treat red, puffy, or acne inflamed skin. It’s also an ideal skin redness treatment to use after laser, IPL or diathermy treatments! Why do we love this anti-redness face serum? It’s cooling and calming. Think cold shower after a hot day at work, or drinking an icy cold drink after a day trip to the beach (is that the hallelujah chorus I can hear again?). Our Minty Green Serum contains Aloe Vera, providing a soothing, calming effect to the skin while also working to heal the skin. HOT TIP! You can even carry your application of the serum down to your decolletage, to help relieve redness from too much time in the sun! It’s great for acne-prone skin. Having acne-prone skin can be a constant source of frustration. Trying to find products that are sensitive and won’t break you out, but will also be effective in giving you the results you’re looking for can be one tough gig. We all know the feeling of having a whole bathroom vanity full of skin care products that you spent precious money on but never continued to use because they under-delivered. Well, you won’t find that problem here! Our Green Smoothie’s anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-microbial properties make for the perfect skin serum to apply to acne-prone skin with confidence. It is also wonderful in the management of acne rosacea, with one of the active ingredients being Arnica which helps to speed the healing process. Collagen production! Our Minty Green Smoothie contains an ingredient known as Glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s), which is not something you need to be able to pronounce, but it is something for you to know about! Why? It hydrates the skin and maintains good skin condition by supporting collagen and a healthy elastin structure. So you can wave goodbye to pre-mature ageing! #winning And one final thing we love... Vegetables! Okay, so maybe you don’t LOVE eating veggies, or perhaps you’re a total veggie fan, either way - you can now have it as a part of your skin care routine! That’s right. The Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie contains broccoli, cabbage, and alfalfa! And with a wild mint aroma, you’re absolutely set for a win. So instead of getting the side-eye from bystanders watching you rub a broccoli floret all over your face, consider applying our green serum instead! Are there other products I can pair my green serum with? Glad you asked! We have a whole range of skin care products, specifically designed to work together. So try pairing your Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie with: The Uncomplicated Cleanser - a gentle cleanser that removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant - an ever-so-gentle exfoliation of exotic Polynesian sand and tropical papaya enzymes that help fight congestion and keep oily skin clear, fresh, and bright. Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness - say goodbye to red, inflamed skin. This lightweight moisturising lotion is formulated with 100% Australian-made probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool flushing flare-ups and strengthen hypersensitive skin. So next time you reach for that delicious green smoothie, don’t forget to grab one for your skin too! Want to chat about your current skin concerns and find out what products will suit your skin type? Get in touch with our skin service team for your FREE skin consultation and find the perfect products for your skin!
The Best Face Mask for Your Skin Type
We help you choose the best face mask for your skin type and concerns from the esmi Booster Mask range. From reducing shine and tackling pimples, to brightening, plumping, hydrating and protecting there’s a mask in our luxurious range for you! What is the best face mask for oily skin? Oily skin is characterised by a shiny or greasy appearance, enlarged pores, and thick skin prone to congestion and breakouts. The best face mask for oily skin does a few key things: absorbs excess oil, detoxifies by removing toxins and clears pores to prevent them from becoming clogged. This is why clay and activated charcoal face masks are an excellent choice for oily skin. Clay works to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface to reduce shine and prevent blocked pores. It absorbs impurities, including acne-forming bacteria from deep within the pores too. Charcoal also works to detoxify the skin by drawing out toxins and impurities. esmi Skin Minerals best mask for oily skin: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask This mask's powerful detoxifying properties aid in regulating oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. Key ingredients: Kaolin clay: Absorbs excessive oil to regulate sebum production. Activated charcoal: Aids in oil regulation and removes dirt and bacteria from pores. This mask for oily skin will leave your skin fresh and shine free but not tight and dried out! This is also the best face mask for combination skin from the esmi range. What is the best face mask for dry skin? Dry skin needs extra TLC to restore moisture and nourish a fragile complexion. The best face mask for dry skin? A cream formulation rich in skin-restoring oils and active ingredients to saturate your skin and deeply replenish dry cells. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for dry skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone, and heal damaged skin. Key ingredients: Shea Butter: Contains skin softening, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen and heal the skin barrier while improving skin texture. Evening primrose oil: Improves skin elasticity and addresses dryness, irritation, roughness and fine lines. This mask can be left on overnight so your skin can soak up all the active ingredients while you sleep. What is the best face mask for dehydrated skin? Dehydrated skin benefits from a cream based face mask, too. Thicker, creamy maks are great for deeply hydrating skin when they are formulated with ingredients that deliver moisture to the cells and help lock it in. esmi Skin Minerals best moisturising face mask for dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Key ingredients Hyaluronic acid: Holding 1000 x its weight in water, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin to increase hydration and plumpness. Allantoin: Moisturises, soothes, and heals. Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss): Antioxidant-rich to defend against environmental stress while fatty acids helps lock in moisture. What is the best face mask for sensitive skin? Love of cream masks continues for sensitive skin! Creamy formulas make the best face mask for sensitive skin types as they wrap skin in a rich, soothing layer of hydration and nourishment without irritation. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for sensitive skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask We recommend this mask for sensitive skin too. Key ingredients that make this mask ideal for sensitive, reactive skin include; Green tea extract: Helps calm irritation, soothes redness and repairs damage. Vitamin E: An anti-inflammatory that calms and promotes hydration. Almond oil: Non-irritating and light, this oil provides moisturising and smoothing benefits. Is your skin sensitive and oily? We suggest choosing the Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask which is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, to help control oil. What is the best face mask for acne and breakout prone skin? If you’re dealing with active, red, inflamed breakouts, you’ll find a gel mask is a great choice to soothe inflammation while targeting breakout forming bacteria. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for acne prone skin: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Calms the discomfort of red, irritated skin while shutting down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Key ingredients: Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf: Aids in oil regulation and helps regulate cell turnover. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Works to reduce inflammation and redness, improve hydration, and minimises the appearance of enlarged pores. Wild Mint: Natural antiseptic properties help target acne forming bacteria. This gel mask is cool on the skin. You can double down on this cooling relief by popping your gel mask in the fridge before applying! What is the best face mask for pigmentation? Want to brighten dull complexion and target brown spots and discoloration? Face masks containing Vitamin C are a great choice brightening skin and lightening pigmentation. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and superior skin lightener! It helps fade dark spots by restricting production of melanin - a dark pigment in your skin. It’s the overproduction of melanin that causes pigmentation to form. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask to brighten skin: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask. Suited to most skin types, this mask helps lighten pigmentation and evens out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion. Key ingredients: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Fades pigmentation, brightens skin also protects the skin from environmental stress like UV rays and pollution. Kakadu Plum: A native Australian fruit, Kakadu Plum contains the highest recorded levels of Vitamin C of any fruit in the world. What is the best face mask for mature skin? Mature skin loves face masks rich in antioxidants and peptides. Peptides are the building blocks of new collagen and elastin fibres in the skin while antioxidants (like Vitamin A, C and E) work to repair damage and slow signs of ageing. esmi Skin Minerals best face anti-ageing face mask: Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask An all-in-one anti ageing gel mask to combat signs of ageing and fatigue by boosting skin elasticity, conditioning and defending against free radical damage. Suitable for most skin types! Key ingredients Peptides: Encourage collagen and elastin production. Kakadu Plum: Brimming with skin hero antioxidant Vitamin C for protecting, brightening and regenerating skin. Hyaluronic acid: Boosts moisture and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. View our entire Booster Mask range for all skin types and concerns. You Might Also Like To Read: The Different Skin Types Oily Skin Care Routine What Is Face Serum And Why You Should Have One
Before and After Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
One of our best sellers, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, is a deep hit of hydration for your skin Ideal for all skin types in a daily routine, this super soaking serum helps skin retain much-needed moisture for plumpness and elasticity. esmi Skin Minerals customer Kristin loves her hyaluronic acid before and after results. Incorporating the serum into her daily routine, Kristin first saw signs of a more refined complexion after just 3 days. Her skin continued to improve a month into using the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. If you’re just getting started with the serum, you should notice positive changes in skin texture in the first week of use. 4 weeks of using the serum daily will deliver the best results. Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Hyaluronic acid benefits in skincare include: Increased moisture Helping repair a damaged skin barrier Plumper, smoother skin Signs of fine lines and wrinkles are minimised Brighter skin More refined skin Improved elasticity Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours for a plumper, brighter complexion. Here’s what Kristin has to say about using the serum in her routine; “Within the first 3 nights of using it, I really did notice a change in the pore size of my skin!” “It was wild. Honestly, I'd never hugely believed in skin products (like, I swap products all the time because in the general scheme of things, I find my skin reacts in the same way to moisturisers and serums) but this was specifically noticeable!” “The longer I used it, the more "long-lasting" the smoothness was in my skin. It's soooo good!” What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For the Skin? Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate (you might see it listed either way on a label) is not like other acids in skin care, salicylic or glycolic for example, that exfoliate the skin. Instead, this acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps provide lubrication for skin, hair, eyes, nerves and joints. How does hyaluronic acid work? A humectant ingredient, the thing that makes it a hydrating superstar is hyaluronic acid’s ability to draw moisture to the skin's surface. It attracts water from the air and also deeper layers of the skin. By pulling moisture to the surface it visibly plumps, smooths and hydrates the skin. A superior hydrator, it can hold an incredible 1000 x its weight in water! What does hyaluronic acid do for skin when formulated in topical products? It’s ideal to combat dullness, flakiness, loss of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles for all skin types. An effective way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine is with a serum. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is absorbed deeply and rapidly into the skin. It can penetrate deeper than a moisturiser to deliver a big hit of moisture to skin cells. How to use Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum This serum is the perfect addition to your morning and evening routine. After cleansing, and while your skin is still damp, dispense a pearl size amount of serum from the dropper onto fingertips. Gently massage into the skin. Remember, the hydrating serum is designed to work with a moisturiser, not replace it. You’ll need to apply a face oil or moisturiser immediately afterwards to seal in all the hydration and maximise the serum’s effectiveness. Have a combination or dry skin type? We recommend applying 24k Gold Nourishing Oil or Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil to lock, seal and create a protective barrier on the skin. Click here treat your skin to this hydrating hero and experience your own hyaluronic acid before and after results!
We Scream for Sunscreen
We Scream for Sunscreen... Why we think you should too! ‘Oh my skin just feels so tight, dehydrated and hot’ Said NO ONE EVER.... right? After a long day, at work in and out of meetings, spending your day off outdoors, or running around after the kiddies, the last thing you want to feel is tight leathery skin. You know the kind where your face literally prevents you from showing emotion past a small grin! #notcute The reality is, we’re ALL going to spend time in the sun over the course of our lifetime. So sun protection should be a priority for us all! Especially in seasons where we’re likely to spend a lot MORE time than we usually would. Because of this, our skin is going to be constantly exposed to all sorts of environmental impacts, that can create long, lasting effects on the health of our skin. We understand you may be thinking: Sunscreen is too greasy on my skin. It always seems to break me out. Sunscreen creates a ‘cakey’ look under my makeup. I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN!? Perhaps one or even a few of these points, have been keeping you from reaching for an SPF. And we totally understand! But don’t fret! We are here to let you in on a little secret. You no longer need to let these things deter you from using a daily SPF. We have THE product for you! Here is all you need to know, about how our Esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen, can help you avoid these common problems! ‘Al Naturale’ Our sunscreen is created with all-natural ingredients! So it’s suitable for ALL skin types. Our formula is also preservative and fragrance free, so it really is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin. SPF 30 Protection With Zinc Oxide as a key ingredient, our SPF blocks out both UVA/UVB rays which are the culprits of the damage caused to our skin cells. UVA rays can penetrate your skin on a deeper level causing cells to age prematurely, so protection from both of these is extremely important to have in your daily skin care routine! Zinc Oxide aids in the halt of the ageing process, so this sunscreen is perfect for mature aged skin. Non-greasy Formula Designed specifically for the face, this product has a non-greasy application that is ideal for wearing under makeup, or for those who battle with oily skin. It applies softly and smoothly, absorbing quickly into the skin so you can follow with your makeup application, without getting that ‘cakey’ effect. Hydrating and Nourishing Our formula includes very hydrating and nourishing ingredients to ensure your sunscreen is not only protecting your skin but giving your skin some TLC in the process! The main ingredients include: Carrot Root Oil - antioxidant, rich in vitamin E and A, increases cell regeneration, moisturising, soothing, and softening. Hyaluronic Acid - intensely hydrating and holds 1000 times its weight in water! Certified Organic Green Tea Extract - power antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and reduces sebum production. Certified Organic Cucumber Extract - skin superfood, hydrating, cooling, calming, and reduces puffiness. Certified Organic Rosehip Extract - antioxidant, rich source of vitamin A and C, moisturising, brightening, promotes skin regeneration, and improves skin texture. Aloe Vera - hydrating, soothing, calming and healing. Adding in an SPF like our Skin Shield will not only gain you a layer of protection from the sun (or an added layer if you’re already wearing makeup with a good SPF in it) but you’ll also be adding a dose of nutrients and hydration to your existing skin care routine! Convinced? We sure hope so! So, why is sunscreen important? The use of a daily SPF helps to prevent sun damage to the skin, avoid premature ageing, avoid uneven skin complexion and protect it against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Get ready to say goodbye to that leathery, tight, dry skin. And say hello to your now protected, supple, nourished and hydrated skin! BONUS TIP! Our Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist is the perfect sidekick to take with you, for an on-the-go hydration option! Pop it in your beach bag, in your carry on. Take it outside while you’re tending to the garden or even have it on your desk while working away in an air-conditioned office! (cue the dry skin right?!) Really want to level up that refreshed feeling? Keep your face mist in your fridge for an added cooling effect. Want to find other skin care products to use alongside your new SPF? Get in touch with our skin service team for your FREE skin consultation and find the perfect products for your skin!
After Sun Skin Care Routine
Sunburn - we’ve all been there! Hot, red, uncomfortable skin and serious regret about skipping SPF. Read on for how to care for sun damaged skin and, more importantly, how to protect your skin to avoid it happening again. How Sun Exposure Affects Skin A tan might look good but it’s not a sign of skin health. It’s much safer to get your sun-kissed glow from a bottle than spending hours in the sun. The damage UV rays do to your skin include: Fine lines and wrinkles Did you know research estimates up to 80% of premature ageing is caused by UV light? UVA rays reach deep into the layers of skin where they damage collagen and elastin. This weakens the structure of the skin and leads to the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles come to all of us eventually, but if you want to hold them off as long as possible (yes please!) daily 30+ SPF protection is a must. Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. One of the main things to trigger your body to produce more melanin is sun exposure. Dryness and irritation The sun isn’t kind to your skin barrier. It depletes the moisture and essential fats in the outer layer of your skin (the barrier) leaving it looking dry and parched. Flakiness, itchiness and a tight uncomfortable feeling are common when the skin gets this dry. Skin cancer - including melanoma Too much sun exposure doesn’t only mess with your best skin goals, it can have much more serious health effects. The sun’s UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells changing how the cells grow and divide. These changes can cause cells to become cancerous and potentially trigger dangerous melanoma. Protecting Your Skin During Sun Exposure Prevention really is better than cure. Protect your skin with these tips when enjoying a day outdoors! Wear sunscreen Are you diligent with your daily application of SPF or a beach-only blocker? Using sunscreen daily and remembering to reapply is your #1 defence against sun damage. Always choose broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and check the expiration date on sunscreen you’ve had for a while. Expired sunscreen won’t give you optimal protection and may cause irritation. esmi’s Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen (SPF 30) is your skin’s antioxidant-infused, daily defence against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. Cover up with a wide brim hat Go the extra mile to protect your face, back of the neck, ears, and eyelids with a wide brim hat. Wear sunglasses Your best choice is sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection. A good pair blocks 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin and eyes. Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is when the sun is at its most intense heat. Try to stay in the shade and undercover during this time. Drink plenty of water Keeping your body hydrated is part of smart sun skin care too. If you’re headed to the beach, exercising or another outdoor adventure make sure you take plenty of water to sip throughout the day. After Sun Skin Care Routine Post-sun skin care is all about replenishing skin and helping it recover from the stress of UV light. After sun skin care products should focus on adding hydration, topping up antioxidants and, overall, being gentle with your skin. Avoid any harsh or irritating cleansers or strong treatments to avoid stressing skin further. Step 1: Cleanse Use a gentle cleanser such as The Uncomplicated Cleanser to gently cleanse skin without stripping it of moisture and protective oils. Step 2: Apply a hydrating mask A super saturating and comforting mask treatment will help to replenish moisture lost during the day. Give the Hyaluronic Booster Mask a try! It instantly boosts hydration with skin soaking hyaluronic acid while minerals, vitamins, and oils restore, protect and balance. Step 3: Use a hydrating serum Continue boosting moisture levels with a hydrating serum. We recommend Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum in your after sun care routine. The key active ingredient in this skin soaker is hyaluronic acid which is critical for maintaining skin hydration and replenishing lost moisture. Step 4: Moisturise The final step in your after sun skin care routine is to moisturise with your choice of lotion, cream or facial oil. Caring for Sunburned Skin Sunburned skin needs extra TLC. Here’s how to care for sunburn immediately after sun exposure and over the following days. Stay out of the sun and replenish lost hydration Has your skin got that uh oh red glow? Time to get out of the sun immediately! Reapply sunscreen and stick to shady spots or indoors for the coming days. Keep a bottle of water handy to sip frequency to replenish lost hydration. Take a cool shower and avoid putting ice on your skin How to reduce redness of sunburn? Rubbing ice on hot, uncomfortable skin for instant redness relief sure sounds tempting - but don’t do it. Putting ice directly on the skin can cause even more damage. Instead, draw heat out of your body by having a cool shower. Applying a cool face cloth or compact to skin can also reduce redness. In the days following, be gentle with your skin and let it heal. Skip exfoliation treatments, like facial scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and enzymes and avoid waxing or shaving until your skin has recovered. These things will only further irritate tender, damaged skin. A treatment we do recommend post sun exposure is the Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask. It’s incredibly soothing and healing for sunburnt skin, instantly cooling the discomfort of red, irritated skin. The Tasmannia lanceolata extract provides powerful, skin rejuvenating antioxidant properties while aloe vera soothes. Serious sunburn? See a medical professional ASAP Serious sunburn can cause more than a red face and hot, uncomfortable skin. Severe sunburn can be accompanied by headache, fainting, vomiting, and a fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, please get yourself to a doctor or medical professional ASAP. Keep your skin safe this summer with Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. An easy-to-apply, non-greasy formula with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. You might also like to read: Saving Your Skin This Summer 2 Products Your Skin Will Totally Thank You For Best Foods to Eat to Improve Your Skin
New Year, New Skin!
Is 2022 the year to give your skin what it truly deserves? If you’re anything like us, the start of a new year brings a feeling of motivation to refresh certain aspects of your life. Maybe your plan is to focus on your business and work, or to spend more time with your family. Or perhaps it’s to work on creating a morning routine to start each day with a little more intention.Or maybe you have some new year skin goals or beauty goals?Now you’re speaking our language! We believe that creating a skin care routine, or changing up what you’re already doing, is a great way to start the new year! Why is having a skin care routine important? Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, we all have those niggling little skin concerns that continue to frustrate us. Creating a personalised skin care routine, that is specifically designed to target those areas of concern, can really help you begin to see some improvement! And if you already have a skin care routine, there can be perks to adding a new product into your routine to tackle different areas of your skin that change due to seasonal and lifestyle changes. Don’t forget! Your skin is the largest organ and one that is constantly exposed to all sorts of things from the lifestyle we live to the environment around us. It also ages with us, so it’s all the more important to be cared for!We feed our body to nourish it, so why not ensure we’re doing the same for our skin? Our skin quickly absorbs the product applied to it, so being mindful of what products we use, and why, can help to ensure we’re able to reach those new skin goals. Hydration Keeping your skin hydrated is essential in slowing the aging process. One of the best ways you can do this is by using a product like our Hyaluronic Acid. It is a quick-absorbing serum that helps fight dehydration, plump the skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. It hydrates from the inside out, while restoring, repairing and revealing healthy skin with a hydrated glow. Throughout the busy day, you may also be looking for an option to create hydration on the go.Enter Skin Snack!A refreshing face mist that is perfect for use when your skin is exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather or to follow after makeup application. HOT TIP! Pop your face mist in the fridge before a trip to the beach or pool so you have a cool, refreshing mist to apply while you’re enjoying some fun in the sun! Sun Protection Every day our skin is exposed to natural light, whether it’s through a window or spending the day outdoors, so it’s very important to do what we can to protect it! This isn’t only to slow down the aging process but to also reduce the risk of developing skin conditions like melanoma. Try adding a product like our Broad-spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen to your daily skin care routine. Enriched with antioxidant protection, this silky smooth, daily sunscreen protects against UV damage and fights the first signs of ageing.You can apply this straight after your skin care, or even wear it under your makeup! Comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.It is easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin! #winwin So whether you’re implementing for the first time, or changing up your current routine, it’s best to get in touch with one of our skin consultants for a FREE skin consultation to help you find the perfect products for your skin care routine.Be sure to leave us a comment below with your new year skin goals so we can follow along on your journey.
How to Wear Sunscreen Under Makeup
Everything you need to know about wearing sunscreen under makeup and why it’s your best defence to fight premature signs of ageing! What Level of SPF Is Required for Every Day? SPF30 is the level of broad-spectrum sunscreen you should be applying every morning, even if you spend a good part of the day inside. Even in winter. That’s right - SPF30 every day no matter what! Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UV damage is responsible for more than 90% of the visible signs of premature ageing on your skin - wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, discolouration and sunspots. UVA rays, in particular, speed up signs of ageing as they penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. They damage collagen and elastin fibres which leads to a loss of volume, wrinkles, and sagging. Wearing sunscreen under makeup every day isn’t just about maintaining a fresh complexion - a good sunscreen habit could quite literally save your life. UVB rays are responsible for skin cancers, including melanoma, so protecting your skin daily is important for your overall health. Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens When choosing sunscreen under makeup, you have two different types of formulations to pick from - chemical sunscreen or physical sunscreen. Both guard against UV damage but are fundamentally different in the way they protect your skin. Chemical sunscreen Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun rays and then converting them to heat which is released off the skin. As the name suggests, they do contain chemical ingredients that are absorbed into your skin. If you prefer chemical-free skincare and cosmetics, this type of sunscreen might not be the right fit for you. Some formulations can also be comedogenic meaning they’re likely to clog pores. Physical sunscreen (also called mineral sunscreen) Rather than absorb UV rays, physical sunscreen deflects them. Active mineral ingredients in the formulation sit on the top of your skin and scatter UV light away when it hits your face. Physical sunscreens are based on natural ingredients - usually zinc and titanium dioxide. Not only do these compounds protect the skin from UV damage, but zinc also helps heal and rejuvenate skin. More good news? If you have acne-prone skin mineral formulations are generally the best sunscreen to wear under makeup. They’re much less likely to clog pores than chemical sunscreens. When to Apply Sunscreen Apply a generous, even layer of sunscreen to your face after you’ve finished your skincare routine but before you apply foundation. Leave a few minutes between the sunscreen and foundation steps to allow time for the SPF to fully absorb. We can hear you asking.. “Is sunscreen really necessary if I use a foundation with sunscreen?” For optimal protection, we recommend a separate sunscreen application. Think of any sunscreen makeup infused with SPF that you apply afterwards as bonus protection. The right sunscreen can act as a great primer for makeup. Choosing a lightweight formulation with a non-greasy texture can create a smooth and even surface for makeup application. If you’re using a separate priming product you might be wondering if you should apply primer or sunscreen first? Wonder no more: sunscreen first then primer. If you reapply sunscreen over makeup during the day use a makeup sponge to gently press the sunscreen into your skin. This will minimise the disruption to your foundation. Alternatively, you could opt for a powder SPF to dust on when a top up in required. Sunscreen and Skincare Look for sunscreen that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Select a SPF30 broad spectrum enriched with antioxidants and other ingredients that benefit the skin beyond sun protection. esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, smoother skin. The best sunscreen under makeup, it offers comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Shop the best sunscreen to wear under makeup: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 You Might Also Like to Read 7 Myths About SPF and Sunscreen Busted 2 Products Your Skin Will Totally Thank You for Saving Your Skin This Summer
