THE SKIN EDIT
The Natural Face Exfoliants Trilogy: AHA, Papain, and Bromelain
When it comes to achieving smooth and glowing skin, exfoliation is a key step in any skincare routine. But did you know that nature has provided us with three incredible exfoliating superheroes? Say hello to bromelain, papain, and AHA! These natural face exfoliants work wonders in revealing fresh, radiant skin. In this article, we'll dive into the world of bromelain, papain, and AHA, define each of them separately, and explore their unique benefits.
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Sunscreens: 12 Myths vs Facts
Sunscreen is a vital tool in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, it's not uncommon for various myths and misconceptions to circulate around the topic of sunscreens. To help you navigate through the sunscreen maze, let's shed some light on the most common sunscreen myths and present the facts supported by scientific research. By separating fact from fiction, we can make informed decisions about sun protection and ensure the health and well-being of our skin. So, let's dive in and discover the truth behind sunscreen myths versus the evidence-based facts.
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Sunscreen UV Filters Unmasked: Must-Haves and No-Nos
We know the hustle and bustle of city life doesn't spare us from the mighty sun's rays. But have you ever wondered what goes into that magic potion we call sunscreen? Well, get ready to embark on an ingredient safari as we explore the world of sunscreens and discover which UV filters make the cut, which ones stir up controversy, and which ones are perfect for sensitive skin.
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How to read a Sunscreen label - SPF, PA, Broad Spectrum ratings
As we step into the sunny days of summer, ensuring proper protection against harmful UV rays becomes increasingly vital. Sunscreen, our trusted ally in shielding our skin from the sun's damaging effects, comes in a wide array of options. But have you ever found yourself puzzled by the confusing jargon on sunscreen labels? Fear not, for in this blog article, we will unravel the mysteries of sunscreen labels and shed light on the importance of understanding key indicators such as SPF, PA, and Broad Spectrum.
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Are you paying the right price for your skincare products?
Are you able to evaluate if the price tag of a skincare product is worth the investment, or are you just buying the 'brand'? We want to help you understand the differences between expensive and affordable skincare and to help you shop with honest price tags and ingredients.
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9 Skincare Tips Without Skincare Products
Will spending a lot of money buying the best skincare products and following religiously lengthy beauty routines give us flawless skin and delay ageing?Well, indeed, well-formulated skincare picked according to your skin type and condition can truly transform your skin, but good habits before even talking about products are essential. In this article, we share 9 essential skincare tips without using any skincare product that will make your skin look and feel great, inside and out. 1 | CHANGE PILLOWCASE EVERY 3-4 DAYS Pillow cases collect bacteria, oils, and residue from skincare products, increasing the chance of breakouts, irritation and redness. Wash your pillowcases (and linen) with a mild detergent and change them 2 times a week. PS: pure fine cotton and silk are the best choices of pillowcases fabric. 2 | GET REGULAR BEAUTY-SLEEP Your body needs sleep to feel rested, so the skin does too. A night of good sleep will make the skin look brighter, less dull and minimize dark circles under your eyes. 3 | WASH + DISINFECT MAKEUP BRUSHES AND SPONGES Every time you use your makeup brushes and sponges, you transfer bacteria from your skin that will stay on the brushes and possibly grow. This could lead to possible breakouts and worsening of acne. Wash your brushes weekly and disinfect them regularly, 4 | DON’T PICK PIMPLES OR TOUCH YOUR FACE TOO OFTEN Squeezing pimples can push pus (aka bacteria) deeper into the skin, causing cause more inflammation, swelling and redness. It will also disrupt the skin barrier, create a new wound, and increase the risk of infection and scarring. Touching your face with unclean hands can spread dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face, increasing the chance of clogged pores and breakouts. 5 | USE LUKEWARM WATER INSTEAD OF COLD OR HOT WATER If you wash your face with hot water, the risk is to dry out your skin, which can lead to issues with your skin barrier function; if you use cold water, excess oils are not dissolved in cold water, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. 6 | ADJUST YOUR MOBILE PHONE SETTINGS TO REDUCE BLUE LIGHT Blue light can interfere with our sleep cycle, and can lead to changes in the skin cells, speeding up the aging process. Too much blue light could also lead to pigmentation. Smart devices offer a built-in Blue Light (Night Shift mode) feature to change the screen's colour temperature. The warmer the color, the more blue light is filtered. There is also a variety of apps available too. 7 | REPLACE FACE MASKS IDEALLY EVERY 4 HOURS Prolonged face mask-wearing can lead to the accumulation of oils, dirt and sweat on the skin, and these things together causing skin irritation, redness, and acne (maskne). It can also cause skin irritation on the nasal bridge, chin or cheeks. 8 | WEAR A HAT + SUNGLASSES (+SPF) WHEN OUTDOORS Unprotected sun exposure is one of the causes of accelerated skin ageing as well as it increases the chance to develop skin cancer. While limiting the exposure to direct sun and broad-spectrum SFP are essential, getting into the habit of wearing a sun hat and UV protective sunglasses can make a difference. 9 | HAVE A BALANCED DIET, LIMIT ALCOHOL AND AVOID SMOKING Moderation and balance is the key to optimum health. Our Mantra: More greens, more raw food, more water - less alcohol, less sugar, less dairy. And no smoking. Looking for clean skincare that will boost your skin inside and out, naturally? Check out Native Essentials skincare solutions by skin type: References: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/blue-light-skin
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Natural Skincare Routine for Rosacea
If your skin flashes easily after a glass of wine or after stepping outside during a cold winter day, the chances are that you may have Rosacea. The good news is that Rosacea can be treated and controlled, although it is a chronic skin condition that requires 'regular maintenance'. The cause of Rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to an overactive immune system, genetics, environmental factors, pathologies of the endocrine system or a combination of these. Rosacea affects 1 in 5 people aged 30 and older, particularly very fair-skin individuals. It starts with irregular facial flushing, a bit like sunburn, and it can become more regular over time, with tiny capillaries visible that will not disappear. A good tinted moisturizer can hide quite effectively skin redness and flare-ups. Still, once you learn what triggers Rosacea and which ingredients are a good match with your skin, you can quickly build a winning Rosacea control skincare routine that includes even products targeting ageing skin to make yourself look and feel better. In this article, we will focus on: The basics of Rosacea (Papulopustular Rosacea type) What triggers Rosacea How to care for Rosacea and how to build a Rosacea Skincare Routine When to see a dermatologist for severe Rosacea WHAT IS ROSACEA Rosacea is not a skin type but a skin condition. Rosacea skin is normally dry and sensitive, but it could also be normal, oily or even combination. There are four types of Rosacea. In this article, we will focus on Papulopustular Rosacea, the most common type. It is a skin condition characterized by visible blood vessels and redness, usually across the middle of the face. It can be associated with spots (pustules) and acne-like red bumps, but it's not acne due to the lack of clogged pores. A Rosacea flare-up can take days to calm and get back to normal. Rosacea skin is: very fair and thin inflamed, burning and stinging sensitive because its barrier function tends to be weakened very prone to dryness it reacts quickly to some common skincare ingredients has often enlarged pores, but it is not necessarily oily very temperamental! THINGS YOU SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF IF YOU HAVE ROSACEA Managing Rosacea requires a holistic approach and a lot of trial and error. However, the first step to prevent nasty skin irritations and actions that can aggravate your Rosacea, is to know the triggers and how to avoid them. Follow these 12 Tips to prevent your Rosacea and redness-prone skin flare-up: Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations: air-con directly on your face or sitting too close to a lit fireplace, wind, high humidity, hot or very cold water directly on the face can flare up Rosacea immediately. Don't forget to apply sunscreen regularly: Rosacea skin is very sensitive and dehydrated, and direct sun exposure without applying a mineral sunscreen will weaken it further, on top of UV damage. Pick the proper physical exercise: a few minutes in a sauna, or hot bath, or hot yoga will immediately trigger your Rosacea Be careful of what you eat and drink: very spicy food, too much alcohol, especially red wine are big no-no's Avoid anything that could micro-tear the skin: physical exfoliants and high concentration of AHA's, especially glycolic acid, micro dermal abrasion, micro-needling. Products that can dry the skin will weaken the skin barrier: harsh foaming cleansers (SLS), BHA's (they will dry the skin even more), alcohol-based toners, astringents like Witch Hazel extract. Stay away from potent skincare: from acne clearing products (like Salicylic acid) to Retinoids, any skincare products with a high concentration of active ingredients will trigger even more inflammation. Be careful with fragrance and essential oils: never use essential oils like Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Camphor, Clove (it's ok to use antibacterial essential oils but in very low dilution). Any synthetic fragrance can trigger Rosacea. Acne Rosacea is not the same as Acne: there is no need to double cleanse or use products for blackheads and whiteheads. Over-the-counter Retinols may not be for you: in some cases, a low concentration of gentle Retinols (Bakuchiol, Retinyl-palmitate, Retinol) can benefit Rosacea Acne, but we recommend talking to a dermatologist or at least to patch test. Change face mask often: prolonged face-mask usage leads to heating of the skin, causing additional irritation and worsening of Rosacea. Take it easy! Emotional stress has a direct effect on your immune and cardio-vascular systems and it can trigger Rosacea. HOW TO CARE FOR ROSACEA SKIN Rosacea sufferers know that the only skincare routine they can tolerate is simple, targeted, and free from allergens. You can build your Rosacea Skincare Routine with natural products keeping in mind five steps: COOL down overheated skin with Cucumber extract, Rose water, plant-based mists (no fragrance), mineral water. SOOTHE inflamed skin with very gentle ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract, Bisabolol, Zinc oxide, Sulfur. PURIFY skin with Azelaic acid, Niacinamide, gentle anti-bacterial essential oils in VERY low concentration such as Fragonia, Manuka, Kanuka. HYDRATE very dry skin and retain moisture with Hyaluronic acid (low and high molecular weight), Glycerin, Ectoin. PROTECT and strengthen the skin barrier weakened by inflammation and dryness with Squalane, non comedogenic Lipids, Peptides, Probiotics, Ceramides. WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST FOR YOUR ROSACEA If your Rosacea is not easy to control, or gets worse over time or the skin is irritated for more than a week, seeing a dermatologist would be the best thing to do. Severe Rosacea should be treated systematically by a dermatologist with prescription-only topical and oral medications (antibiotics such as Metronidazole, Clindamycin, Tetracycline or Brimonidine and controlled Retinoids such as Tretinoin, Adapalene). PRODUCTS THAT CALM ROSACEA AND BOOST THE SKIN'S HEALTH Our best-seller set serum-moisturiser MOISTURISE + PROTECT SET IS formulated for sensitive and Rosacea skin. The set includes: ÏIS, an intense hydration booster with double weight molecular weight hyaluronic acid and Ectoin for very dry and irritated skin. Free from essential oils. 30 ml - fully recyclable packaging. HAE, an advanced prebiotic moisturiser enhanced by soothing Aloe Vera to keep the skin supple and moisturised for up to 12 hours. Free from Essential oils. 30 ml - fully recyclable packaging. Shop Moisturise + Protect Set
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Skincare Actives - the more + the highest concentration, the better?
Let's admit it - when browsing for skincare, products with a long list of active ingredients and high percentages of actives are super tempting. And what about beauty bloggers, with their flawless skin suggesting impossible beauty routines with skincare made with a high concentration of Active Ingredients? In a world where information (and disinformation) is easy to access, we want to share some skincare science based on facts rather than myths, hoping to help you pick the correct skin care products for your skin type and condition and avoid expensive mistakes. In this article, we cover: The Rule of the Order of Ingredients on the Label Active Ingredients - how to identify them on the Label Skin Tolerance to Active Ingredients by Skin Type Table of Safe and Effective Concentration of Skincare Active Ingredients Buying new products with a higher concentration of actives The Rule of the Order of Ingredients on the label Skincare labels list all ingredients in order of concentration or descending order of predominance. In other words, the ingredient present at the highest percentage is listed first, the next highest percentage second, etc. Correct labels follow the INCI classification (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient), a system internationally recognized to identify cosmetic ingredients. It is a legal requirement of the majority of the countries to have a complete ingredients list, although some countries may not require to list anything less than 1%. Active Ingredients - how to identify them on the labels Unfortunately, identifying all active ingredients for the non-expert consumer is quite tricky. Some Vitamins may be easy to spot, but this is almost impossible for more technical actives. Here are some useful tips: Tip 1 - actives are expensive ingredients and they define the function of the product you are buying; they are usually mentioned on the front of the label as a selling point. Tip 2 - look at the INCI list (ingredients) of the label: active ingredients are usually listed from the middle to the end of the list. Tip 3 - Not all Vitamins are listed as vitamins and acids are not 'acids' as we think but active ingredients. Tip 4 - Some actives are complex blends of natural and lab-made ingredients under a trademark name. Here is an example of a label and how to spot active ingredients: Skin Tolerance to Active Ingredients by Skin Type In essence, active ingredients are what make a skincare product effective. One big misconception is that active ingredients, especially anti-ageing ones, are tolerated in the same way by all skin types. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While Normal to Oily skin tends to have a higher active ingredients threshold tolerance, Dry, Acneic and Sensitive Skin may not tolerate some actives at all or can tolerate a lower concentration. The reason behind this is that the protective skin barrier is compromised, and / or there are conditions like inflammation, acne, rosacea that impair the regular repair and renew the cycle of the skin. And let's not forget the importance of good formulations, where a correct and synergistic combination of active ingredients can make the difference from an average skin conditioning product to an outstanding skincare treatment. Table of Safe and Effective Concentration of Skincare Active Ingredients Single-Active ingredients are extracted and produced in many ways, and their ideal concentration for skincare products may vary quite substantially.The chart below is a general guide of some single skincare ingredients commonly used in commercial products (naturally derived and synthetic) and their safe concentration for over the counter cosmetics. INCI OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS MIN MAX Adenosine 0.1% 1% Allantoin 0.20% 2.00% Alpha Arbutin 0.20% 2.00% Argireline 3.00% 10.00% Azelaic acid (Potassium azeloyl diglycinate) 1.00% 10.00% Bakuchiol (natural retinol) 0.50% 1.00% Bisabolol 0.50% 1.00% Caffeine 0.10% 0.50% Caffeine (encapsulated) 1.00% 5.00% Ceramides 3 (NP) 0.01% 0.20% D-alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) 0.50% 2.00% d-Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 0.70% 2.70% Ectoin 0.50% 5.00% Ferulic acid 0.10% 1.00% Gluconolactone (PHA) 1.00% 15.00% Glycolic Acid (AHA) 1.00% 30.00% Hyaluronic acid (HMW) 0.05% 3.00% Hyaluronic acid (LMW) 0.01% 1.00% Lactic acid (AHA) 1.00% 10.00% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 1.00% 5.00% Mandelic acid (AHA) 1.00% 50.00% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 0.20% 5.00% Oryzanol 0.10% 1.00% Peptides (depends on the complex) 0.50% 2.00% Resveratrol 1.00% 3.00% Retinal 0.01% 0.10% Retinyl palmitate 0.10% 1.00% Retinyl retinoate 0.01% 0.10% Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.10% 3.00% Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Vitamin C) 0.20% 3.00% Ubiquinone Q10 (depends on the complex) 0.01% 0.50% Urea 2.00% 15.00% Do your research before buying products with specific actives Our skin changes over time, and the products that maintained it healthy and fresh in the past may not be the best thing anymore. Unfortunately, changes in health, lifestyle, ageing, and hormonal unbalances may increase the skin's sensitisation to some active ingredients that previously used to 'work fine' and trigger irritation. If you have sensitive skin and want to try, for instance, a new Vitamin-C serum or if your normal skin is now suffering from occasional rosacea acne or mild dermatitis, the first thing you should do is to patch test on the palm of your hand. Even if the patch test does not show any particular reaction, we recommend when trying new skincare: Any new skincare product should be used gradually; first, 2 times a week, then 3 times and if no major reactions, you can use it more often. You can decrease the concentration of the product with the 'sandwich' technique: half part product with the active ingredient, half part plain moisturiser. Consider more gentle alternatives (for Vitamin-C for instance, you can consider Niacinamide or natural oils like Rosehip when both seeds and pulp are expressed). Plant-based waterless products such as a facial oils or balms tend to have lower concentrations and a limited number of active ingredients than water-based products (serums, moisturisers) and they work more on the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. The majority of active ingredients are soluble in water and they work by reaching the dermis (second layer of the skin) and interacting with the skin cells. Typically, serums have the highest concentration of actives when compared to moisturisers, essences, toners. Essential oils are very active ingredients that penetrate the dermis; they should only be used in very low concentrations depending on the type of oils and formulation. It is best not to buy any skincare formulated with essential oils if you have very sensitive skin KEY TAKEAWAYS Always think of your skin type and tolerance before buying skincare with a high concentration of Active Ingredients. In doubt, always patch test on the palm of your hand any new skincare before buying it. Be careful when trying skincare with very high concentration of AHA / BHA / PHA, Retinoids and Vitamin-C, even if your skin is normal. If your skin is dehydrated, before starting any new skincare with high Active Ingredients, focus on rebalancing the lost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier with topical probiotics, ceramides-rich moisturizers and face oils. If you suffer from occasional dermatitis, acne rosacea, hormonal skin, choose skincare with the lowest active concentrations. Avoid skincare formulated with AHA / BHA / PHA, Retinoids, Vitamin-C and essential oils at least until your skin is normalized. Any product listing at least 5 active ingredients or that have on the front of the label the percentage of the main active ingredients higher than the chart above, may not be for everyone. When using a new skincare product with high concentration of active ingredients, use it gradually; use the 'sandwich technique' and / or use it first 2 times a week, then 3 times and if no major reactions, you are good to go more often.
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How to Sustainably Feed Your Skin
There are certain elements that make up every good skincare routine; an effective cleanser, a weekly exfoliant, and a moisturizer that suits your skin - and that's just scratching the surface! If you love creating skincare routines, you'll know just how many elements you can add. But have you ever thought about feeding your skin? Trust us, it's not as weird as it sounds! By creating balance within your body and nourishing yourself, you could see huge changes in your skin. From shrinking pores to reducing fine lines, a fresh, glowing face starts with diet. Reduce Inflammation With Pro and Prebiotics When your gut isn't in sync, your skin will let you know. From redness to excess oils, your body isn't shy when it's trying to get your attention. Your gut is closely linked to your skin, and problems like eczema, dermatitis, and acne could be traced back to this connection. Luckily, oral probiotics are here to help. An oral probiotic delivers good bacteria straight to your gut to create a more healthy, balanced system. Taking probiotics has also been shown to reduce oiliness and acne, bringing harmonious balance back to your skin! If you think the bacteria on your face rather than your gut could be the problem, we've got you covered. Applying a probiotic or prebiotic directly to the skin can help: Reduce inflammation Prevent acne Restore your natural skin barrier Decrease sensitivity The skin on your face has a super delicate microbiome that needs to be balanced. Using a probiotic replenishes the good bacteria to help your skin thrive, while prebiotics feed good bacteria, leaving harmful bacteria to starve. If you have skin issues, like eczema or acne, this could be the key to banishing them for good! Prevent Ageing With Tomatoes If you're trying to prevent ageing, don't forget to tailor your diet. What you eat will affect how your skin ages, and the right food will compliment anti-ageing serums and treatments to give you a youthful glow. One of the best foods to freeze time on your face are tomatoes. These are full of a powerful antioxidant, lycopene, which can protect your skin from UV damage - the leading cause of premature ageing. They also contain beta carotene and lutein, which can fight the formation of wrinkles. All in all, tomatoes are a bit of a superfood! Ditch Dairy For Your Skin and the Planet Did you know that a hormone in cows milk can trigger acne outbreaks? It's actually just one hormone that's to blame - IGF-1. If you've ever struggled with acne and visited a dermatologist, they've probably recommended that you cut out dairy, and you should listen! Not only could a dairy-free diet help you achieve clear skin, but it'll also help the planet and reduce the carbon footprint of your meal. In our books, that's a win-win. Firm Up With Bell Peppers Collagen is one of the most vital building blocks for firm, healthy skin. But, as you age, your body naturally slows down its production, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of elasticity. However, you don't just have to sit back and watch this happen. By eating more foods that contain vitamin C - an essential building block for collagen -, you can give your cells a boost and rejuvenate your skin. One of the best foods to increase collagen production is bell peppers. These sweet, juicy vegetables contain a tremendous amount of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of chopped bell peppers contains 211% of your recommended daily value, which your skin is bound to thank you for. A Skin-Friendly Excuse to Eat Chocolate! If you're looking for an excuse to eat chocolate, you’ve just found one! Dark chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants that can protect and support your skin. By eating just a little bit of dark chocolate every day (look out for those with cocoa percentages of 80% and higher), your skin could become more hydrated, less sensitive to UV rays and air pollution, and be all-around healthier. As if chocolate wasn't wonderful enough already, right? Find Out More About How to Look After Your Skin Whether you suffer from skin issues, like acne or dermatitis, or you're looking to prevent ageing and keep your skin super glowy, putting the work in is essential. Eating carefully and keeping up with a skincare routine that works for you is a must! But, if you're not a dermatologist, it can be hard to know where to start. If you're struggling, be sure to get in touch with our team care@nativessentials.com we'll be happy to help! Or, look through our range of sustainable, natural skincare products for treatments designed to make a difference on your skin. This article was written by our guest writer, Jessica Cull. Jessica runs Captured Writing, a sustainable copywriting company for eco-friendly brands.
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