Vitamin C Serums are one of the most popular anti-aging treatments. As a brand that has built themselves around Vitamin C, we're here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions so that by the end of this, you will know if a Vitamin C Serum is the right solution for you.
A Vitamin C Serum is a lightweight concentrated treatment that absorbs quickly and targets skin concerns such as discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. Vitamin C is a powerful active ingredient but depending on the form used in the Vitamin C Serum, it can cause some irritation.
The Form We Like Best: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Our Vitamin C Serum combines Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate with our C Botanical Blend™, our exclusive blend of Rosemary Extract, Centella Extract, Hibiscus Extract, Hesperidin and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, all botanicals that are all naturally rich in Vitamin C. This combination gives the skin a powerful dose of Vitamin C without the risk of irritation, no matter what skin type you have.
Your Vitamin C Serum should be applied after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer. Applying a Vitamin C Serum in the morning will help defend against free radical exposure while instantly brightening and energizing skin tone. You can also apply your Vitamin C Serum at night or you can alternate it with Retinol for a powerful day/night routine.
The average skin cell renewal cycle is 30 days but this rate naturally declines as we age. We recommend a full 60 days of consistent use to see the full benefits of a Vitamin C Serum. However, within 2 weeks you can expect to see an improvement in overall radiance and skin health. Long-term results such as reduced signs of aging and brightening discoloration can take 8-12 weeks, based on your overall skin care routine and unique skin conditions.
We recommend taking a before picture at the start of using a Vitamin C Serum and compare it to your skin after 3-4 weeks of use. You’ll be surprised at the visible improvements you don’t tend to notice when looking in the mirror every day!
Vitamin C Serums are a versatile product that can layer with other ingredients to enhance the results of your skincare routine.
If your skin feels dehydrated and dull, combining Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid will deliver intense hydration while brightening skin tone. “Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C are commonly used together because they complement each other to hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and is loved for it’s ability to soothe the skin while reducing redness and discoloration. When combined with Vitamin C, you will see additional brightening and skin strengthening benefits without the worry of irritation. If your skin is sensitive, this is the perfect pair for you!
Despite both being strong actives, Azelaic Acid is safe to combine with Vitamin C. When used together they will reduce breakouts, blemishes, and discoloration for an overall improvement in skin clarity. We combine both in our Azelaic Acid Moisturizer by using a form of Vitamin C called Ascorbyl Glucoside. We intentionally choose this derivative because it is most compatible with Azelaic Acid and ensures stability and efficacy in this formula. Additionally, this derivative has a time-released effect for continual absorption which reduces irritation risk and it's excellent for scarring.
When using a Vitamin C Serum with Azelaic Acid, you may want to begin by using the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and the Azelaic Acid product at night. This allows a slow introduction to your skin and gives you the opportunity to monitor for any signs of irritation. Once your skin is accustomed to both ingredients, they are safe to use in the same skincare routine.
It can be confusing to understand what ingredients shouldn’t be used with Vitamin C and a Vitamin C Serum. Let’s talk about the two most common ingredients we get asked about.
The concern around mixing Retinol and Vitamin C is due to the incompatability of Ascorbic Acid with Retinol, as Ascorbic Acid requires a much lower pH than Retinol. If combined in the same formula, not only would the Retinol become ineffective, but the Vitamin C could also begin to oxidize.
Instead of Ascorbic Acid, we a derivative of Vitamin C called Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (the form we mentioned earlier). This derivative on its own is far more stable and less irritating than Ascorbic Acid. Additionally, it is stable at a higher pH range, which means it can be safely and effectively combined with Retinol!
There can also be some confusion with mixing Glycolic Acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), with Vitamin C because they are both potent actives. To clear any doubts, it is safe to combine the two in your skincare routine! The most important thing to be mindful of is how your skin responds to the combination. If you tend to experience sensitivity, we recommend introducing the ingredients into your routine by alternating them and as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredients, you can slowly start layering. If at any point you experience irritation, simply go back to alternating!
The Vitamin C derivative we use in our Glycolic Acid products is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate which is an oil-soluble form that is stable at a lower pHs and can be safely formulated with other acids such as Glycolic Acid.
A chemical peel is a robust treatment that deeply exfoliates the skin so we would recommend following the peel only with a gentle moisturizer to prevent irritation and to allow the skin barrier an opportunity to recover. You should only have to take this precaution directly after the peel (which we recommend you do at night!)
There are many things you have to avoid when you are pregnant however, a Vitamin C Serum is not one of them. It is completely safe to use in your skincare routine while pregnant as it will defend the skin against environmental stressors and it may help prevent pregnancy related melasma. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist says "Vitamin C is a great and safe ingredient to use while pregnant. Thankfully, it’s a super safe ingredient, and works well with other products in most basic skincare regimens, such as sunscreen.”
Your skin may encounter new concerns throughout pregnancy, linked to hormonal fluctuations and other related conditions, therefore, you should always consult with your doctors prior to using any products during this period.
If you’re unsure, start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. If after 30 minutes your skin appears shiny, it is likely oily. If your skin appears tight, it is likely dry. If you see that only the T-Zone (forehead & nose area) is oily but the rest of the face is dry, you likely have combination skin. Lastly, if your skin feels comfortable, you likely have normal skin.
Sandy Skotnicki, M.D., founder of Bay Dermatology Centre tells SELF, “Knowing your skin type will help steer you toward products that will manage dryness and oiliness while effectively taking care of any other skin concerns you have."
A skincare routine for oily skin should include lightweight products that balance oil production without stripping and a skincare routine for dry skin should include nourishing products that moisturize and hydrate.
It’s important to understand that your skin can change. Factors such as the weather, hormones, environmental changes, and age can cause changes in your skin. When this happens, observe what your skin needs most and small product and ingredient adjustments depending on your skin's needs.
Wrinkles, dark spots, acne, blackheads, dehydration, and dull skin are examples of common skin concerns that you may experience.
Incorporating different active and botanical ingredients is the best way to address skin concerns while also balancing your skin type.
Our Most-Loved Active Ingredients to Drive Results Include:
When you know your skin type and skin concern, you'll be able to create the best skincare routine for you.
Angelo Landriscina, MD, FAAD tells Healthline, “It’s easy to complicate things with so many products out there. When it comes to skin care, more isn’t always merrier. You can actually make your skin worse by using too many products.”
A simple skincare routine will deliver results while being more sustainable. Consistency is the most important aspect of a successful skincare routine and if you have a complicated, long routine, it will be difficult to maintain good habits.
1. Cleanse
Cleanse everyday to break down buildup, dirt, and excess oil to keep your skin clear and refreshed. Daily cleansing will prevent breakouts and clogged pores while also ensuring you get the most out of your products.
2. Treat
Serums are concentrated treatments that absorb deep into the skin for visible results. We like to call serums the “workhorse” in your skincare routine.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizing should always be the final step in your skincare routine - even if you're oily! Moisturizers defend your skin barrier against free radical damage and lock in the powerful ingredients applied in your serum. During the day, be sure to follow with SPF!
Building off the three essential steps, our complete skincare routine outlines the benefits, recommended ingredients, and application tips for a complete (but still simple!) 5 step routine that is designed to deliver results.
The great thing about building your routine is that it’s up to you to decide how simple or involved you want to be. You can choose products that can be used both morning and night to keep things simple or you can incorporate nighttime treatments based on your skin care goals.
Some ingredients such as Glycolic Acid and Retinol should only be used once a day or at night to avoid sun exposure. When you want to target advanced concerns, using these ingredients overnight will work with the skin’s natural nighttime recovery process and create even better results.
How often should I exfoliate? | You should exfoliate 1-3x a week depending on your skin's needs and the type of exfoliator used. |
How do I tell if my skincare routine is working? | Time and consistency! The average skin cell renewal cycle is 30 days so we recommend a full 60 days of continued use to properly assess the impacts of the products. Also, take before and after pictures! |
How often should I change my skincare routine? | Your skin is always changing! Factors such as weather and age can impact your skin. For example, you may want to include more nourishing products during the colder months and more lightweight products during the warmer months. Pay attention to how your skin feels and if it starts to feel unbalanced, adjust! |
If I only want a 2 step skincare routine, what steps should I do? | Always cleanse and moisturize! Cleansing will keep your skin clean and hydrated and moisturizing will keep your skin defended and nourished! |
Less is always more and healthy skin comes with consistency and time. Create a skincare routine that's sustainable for you and tailored to your skin goals. Skin changes but the power of our products don't!
Take our skincare quiz if you'd like us to recommend a personalized skincare routine based on your unique skin needs!
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the skin the same way internal consumption supports our body – it’s designed to keep us healthy! Topical Vitamin C defends our skin against environmental stressors while strengthening its natural barrier to brighten and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making this one of the most proven anti-aging ingredients in skin care. This is the fundamental ingredient we leverage in all of our products because radiant skin starts with optimal skin health.
You may contemplate if you should include a serum in your skin care routine because, let’s be honest, it’s another step and another product. However, adding a serum can really amplify your skin care routine because it is the “workhorse” of skin care products.
You can be a newbie to the skin care world and still know that Vitamin C Serums are all the buzz and widely loved - which is why there are so many to choose from! By incorporating a targeted treatment like our Vitamin C Serum in your daily regimen, you will notice a visible improvement in the overall health of your skin. “Serums typically offer the highest concentrations of active vitamin C and tend to have better skin penetration compared to other vitamin C products, like creams and cleansers.” Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist on faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, tells SELF.
Our best selling Vitamin C Serum uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is stable at a higher PH resulting in less risk of irritation, making this safe for all skin types including those with sensitive skin. This active form of Vitamin C is backed by clinical-data that demonstrates it supports collagen, decreases discoloration and improves firmness. We combine this form of Vitamin C along with our exclusive C Botanical Blend™ to provide the skin with a gentle yet effective antioxidant treatment that improves skin health and signs of aging. Our C Botanical Blend™ is a specialized blend of Rosemary Extract, Centella Extract, Hibiscus Extract, Hesperidin and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, all in which a rich in Vitamin C. The combination of these botanical ingredients creates a foundation of nourishment and health for all skin types.
Here are 5 benefits your skin will soak up when using our Vitamin C Serum.
80% agreed or strongly agreed that their skin tone appeared brighter after using our Vitamin C Serum.*
We like to call Vitamin C the “BLT” of skin care because it brightens, tightens and lightens the skin. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C can reduce discoloration to create a more balanced, even complexion. Our Vitamin C Serum includes Sea Buckthorn Oil which is an omega-rich oil that supports the skin’s natural recovery process while improving overall tone. In addition, our brightening serum leverages Plant Stem Cells to support natural cell rejuvenation for skin that is more vibrant, smooth and firm.
Lack of collagen production, which tends to slow down with age, can cause fine lines and wrinkles. "The No. 1 cause of skin aging is the loss of collagen” tells Robert Rountree, M.D. to MindBodyGreen. Vitamin C boosts collagen production to reduce and prevent these signs of aging. Our Vitamin C Serum also includes Hyaluronic Acid which is a proven ingredient to deeply hydrate while plumping fine lines for younger looking skin.
There can be some confusion when it comes to mixing different active ingredients together such as Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, but these actives work seamlessly together for lasting results. Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology tells Healthline “Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly used together because they complement each other to hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin.”
Hyperpigmentation is tough to reverse but our Vitamin C Serum brightens discoloration including acne scarring, dark spots, and sun spots. Our brightening serum is formulated with Ferulic Acid which is a powerful antioxidant that works in conjunction with Vitamin C to fade dark spots while strengthening the skin barrier. Dr. Sheila Farhang, MD and founder of Avant Dermatology and Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ, shared with marieclaire.com "Not only is ferulic acid an antioxidant but it is also known to brighten dark spots and overall skin dullness thanks to its ability to inhibit the enzyme [tyrosinase which causes melanogenesis—the production of melanin.]" With consistent use of our Vitamin C Serum, you will notice significant improvement with any discoloration you may have.
Vitamin C can help reduce acne? Yes! Radiance by WebMD explains “Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne.“ Our Vitamin C Serum brightens scarring caused by acne while smoothing texture. Our Vitamin C Serum is also safe to combine with Niacinamide which is a powerful ingredient that helps reduce breakouts and blemishes. There are some forms of Vitamin C, such as Ascorbic Acid, that cannot be properly combined with Niacinamide due to pH differences. However, because our unique blend contains Vitamin C in the form of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, our brightening serum is compatible and safe to combine with Niacinamide for optimal clarifying results.
This powerful antioxidant defends the skin from environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution to prevent premature signs of aging. “Vitamin C has a wide range of protective and anti-aging effects for the skin,” says Annie Chiu, MD to SELF. Apply our Vitamin C Serum and follow with SPF in the morning to defend the skin from aggressors all day long. You can also apply our Vitamin C Serum at night to support the skin barrier overnight for healthier, protected skin when you wake up. Either way, our robust formula is packed with antioxidants to protect the skin, no matter when you want to apply it.
No matter where you're at in your skin care journey, Vitamin C is an essential ingredient you should incorporate to brighten, protect, and firm. It’s a versatile active ingredient that is used across all categories to enhance overall skin health so that you can love the skin you're in.
]]>At night exposure to certain environmental aggressors such as outdoor pollution and UV rays is decreased, allowing your skin to transition from “defense” to “recovery”.
Skin benefits while you sleep:
However, there are also downfalls:
Another important part of the overnight recovery process is the body’s ability to open its detox pathways and remove toxins as you sleep. Toxic burden combined with overnight dehydration can severely impair skin barrier strength, which can lead to negative skin health and accelerate the signs of aging.
So what exactly does all this mean?
It means at night, skin care ingredients can work more effectively and healthy skin is renewed. By incorporating the right nighttime skin care routine you can optimize the overnight recovery process and yield enhanced results.
Using advanced actives such as Retinol, Bakuchiol and Glycolic Acid at night are great ways to combat dullness and signs of aging, however, they can also cause dryness. Layering these ingredients with a detoxifying and hydrating serum will help prevent water loss, defend the skin barrier and further reduce anti aging concerns such as discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles.
“Signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin are caused both by intrinsic factors such as genetics, and extrinsic factors such as UV exposure, diet, and other lifestyle habits”, explained board certified dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann at the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute.
The ingredients you put in or on your body make a difference. Ingredients absorb into your skin (which is why products work!) and those ingredients should create a positive impact on your skin and health.
Our All-in-One Hydrating Night Serum leverages safe and clinically proven ingredients such as:
These ingredients support the skin’s detoxification process by activating detox pathways which in turn break down and eliminate toxins while defending against free radicals and environmental aggressors.
We’ve also added Vitamin E, CoQ10, Resveratrol, and Niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier for nourished and defended skin.
Our hydrating serum formula was designed to incorporate ingredients that work together to recover from the day while defending against future environmental exposure, ultimately resulting in an overnight anti-aging treatment that hydrates, soothes and brightens.
96% of customers felt their skin was more radiant after 1 application.*
88% felt their skin was more hydrated.**
88% felt this product improved the look and feel of their skin.**
81% said their skin felt healthier.**
3 out of 4 said their skin felt brighter.**
According to Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, FAAD, board certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, “topical serums with hyaluronic acid can temporarily bind water in the superficial layers of the skin", which, according to Shainhouse, can make your skin appear fresher and dewier. "It also has the ability to temporarily minimize the appearance of fine lines.”
Formulated to have a lightweight yet creamy texture and designed to provide a variety of anti-aging benefits in your skin care routine.
Air pollution depletes the skin of oxygen and hydration, negatively impacting your skin barrier. UV rays also contribute to skin damage and can be drying to the skin (which is why it’s important to use SPF and incorporate powerful antioxidants into your skin care routine!).
To further support skin health, our nighttime face serum includes:
When combined these ingredients help to recover the skin from exposure to aggressors, strengthen the skin barrier, and replenish moisture.
It's Time to Put Toxins to Bed
Reality is - we are surrounded by an environment that we cannot always control. Whether it’s UV rays, air pollution, or volatile weather, avoiding skin stressors is not always realistic and living a life of puracy is unrealistic (not to mention stressful!).
So what can you do?
You can focus on optimizing healthy recovery, support your body's natural processes, and focus on what you can control.
Our nighttime face serum is one step you can take to achieving these goals.
Combined with InstaNatural's Core Clean Promise, our All-in-One Hydrating Night Serum infuses the skin with clinically-proven ingredients so that you can see visibly brighter, more radiant skin without the worry of questionable ingredients.
*Based on a self assessment of 23 women, ages 23-50, after an 8-hour application of BioDTox™.
**Based on a consumer study of 17 women ages 25 to 65 after 4 weeks of once daily use.
]]>If you've ever struggled with breakouts and blemishes, you probably also suffered from from dry, irritated skin caused by your skin clearing products -trading one problem for another. Traditional skin-clearing treatments tend to be harsh and drying, compromising your skin's integrity in order to treat acne.
10% Azelaic Acid Moisturizer is formulated to do what other products don't! By incorporating a 10% concentration of Azelaic Acid alongside a carefully selected blend of botanicals, our moisturizer provides the skin-clearing benefits you want along with the nourishment and hydration your skin needs.
A gentle acid that is naturally-derived from grains or olive, Azelaic Acid is an exfoliating ingredient that refines an clears the skin. While very effective, it's much gentler than other acids (such as glycolic) and is more tolerated by sensitive skin types!
Regular use of Azelaic Acid will address breakouts, rosacea, skin texture, and anti-aging concerns due to its ability to soothe, clear clogged pores, support cell turnover, and prevent discoloration.
While powerful, Azelaic Acid does need time to work in the skin.
Unfortunately, acne doesn't always end with puberty. Thanks to hormones, stress, pollution, and mask-wearing - the appearance of clogged pores, blackheads, and blemishes can be a persistent struggle for many. We heard from our customers that skin clearing treatments didn't address their other skin concerns, such as dullness, fine lines, and redness.
We recognize that acne can co-exist with other skin concerns - and we heard from our customers that they felt most skin clearing products weren't designed to address their skin's needs. So we took that feedback and created a product that supports clear skin while also addressing signs of aging, uneven texture and irritation - so you don't have to compromise.
Designed to promote clarity while giving you balanced, healthy skin, our 10% Azelaic Acid Moisturizer includes a synergistic blend of actives and botanicals for visible results.
As always, this product is Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free, Vegan, and made without parabens, sls/sles, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, synthetic dyes, petroleum, polyethylene glycol (PEGs), DEA/MEA/TEA, and more.
Did you know a pen can be the most powerful tool in achieving your 2022 goals? Well, it's true! According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews, you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down.
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas:
Bonus: Treat yourself to a cute planner and pens for an extra dose of motivation!
You know what they say - the more, the merrier! This is especially true when it comes to sticking to your resolutions and achieving your goals. There will definitely be days when you aren't feeling the most motivated - we've all been there! So, when the going gets tough, it's great to have friends who help motivate and keep you accountable.
There are plenty of ways to find people to share your journey:
By surrounding yourself with supportive people, you'll be more likely to achieve your goals and have fun along the way!
While it can be tempting to capitalize on that new year motivation and run at full speed towards your goals, it's important to remember to take care of yourself along the way. New Year's resolutions can lead to burnout if you don't check in with yourself regularly and take breaks when you need them. It's what you do consistently over a long period of time that determines your success!
As you work towards your goals, here are a few self-care ideas to keep in mind for when you need a little TLC:
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with I Support the Girls and Family-to-Family, Inc.'s Share Your Beauty initiative. Together and with your help, we will donate thousands of beauty and self-care products to women nationwide. During the month of December, we will donate one product for every one purchased to a woman in need.
In 6 years, I Support the Girls has donated over 16 million products to more than 3,500 social service organizations. They have established 58 affiliates across the globe, who collect and donate locally in their communities. This holiday season, we are proud to partner with I Support the Girls and the hunger and poverty relief organization, Family-to-Family, Inc., to help restore dignity to women across the country through donations of self-care and beauty products.
We believe everyone deserves access to products that help them feel good about themselves, and no one should have to choose between self-care and their next meal.
We invite you to join us to give the gift of giving this holiday season. With your help and support, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of women.
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Healthy skin is the secret to flawless-looking makeup, and exfoliation is key to achieving it. Exfoliation refines skin tone and texture to reveal a smoother, more even complexion, which improves makeup application and prevent products from caking, clogging and creasing throughout the day.
Brightening Vitamin C Scrub incorporates natural physical exfoliants such as Quartz Crystals and Strawberry Seeds to gently buff away dead skin cells while powerful Vitamin C tones, tightens and brightens for a healthy glow.
If you know someone who's always on the go but values a thorough skin care regimen, then our 30% Glycolic AHA Chemical Peel is the perfect gift! Infused with an advanced blend of exfoliating acids, this chemical peel can be used as little as once every other week to achieve more refined, glowing skin. Like a facial without the added expense or hassle, 30% Glycolic AHA Chemical Peel is the gift that keeps on giving.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to tone, tighten and brighten the skin. Gift our bestselling Vitamin C Serum to the friend who is looking to even out their complexion and achieve that coveted healthy glow. Lightweight and easy to incorporate into an existing routine, this all-in-one serum defends, treats and hydrates while preventing early signs of aging.
Early mornings, while natural to some, can be bit of a struggle for many. One of the best ways to combat the urge to jump right back into bed after silencing your alarm is to commit to an energizing morning skin care regimen. Start the day right with a gentle, refreshing cleanser like our fan-favorite Vitamin C Cleanser. With its light citrus aroma, this brightening face wash will make the perfect wake-up call for the consistent (or aspiring) early-riser in your life.
Whether they're a student cramming for finals, a new parent up all night with their little one, or someone who's favorite sentence is, "just one more episode," odds are you know someone who doesn't always get a good night's sleep. Our Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Cream can help them look refreshed and awake even after pulling an all-nighter! Formulated with Caffeine an Hyaluronic Acid, this hydrating eye cream works to energize the skin and and reduce puffiness while plumping the look of undereye wrinkles and bags. Pair Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Cream with a new coffee mug for a fun, practical gift for your favorite night owl.
Whether they are traveling for work or jet-setting for vacay, frequent flyers know the effect that long-haul flights (and recycled air) can have on the skin. It’s critical to not only protect the skin when flying, but to lock in moisture to prevent irritation and dryness. Our Rose Water works to hydrate and refresh the skin while soothing redness. It mists easily over makeup and can be applied anytime throughout the day (or straight off the plane) to keep the skin looking and feeling its best.
Consistent exercise can have lasting benefits for our physical and mental health, but the sweat can be a cause of blackheads or breakouts. Our Glycolic Cleanser is perfect for fitness fanatics because it cleanses the skin of dirt and build-up while gently exfoliating to refine texture and shrink the look of enlarged pores. Bonus? It's an incredible body wash, perfect to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the entire body (back-acne, no more!).
The holidays are the perfect time to practice self care and our Exfoliating Glycolic Mask is up to the task. This exfoliating face mask combines Glycolic Acid with Quartz Crystals to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation benefits, while Pumpkin, Vitamin C and Turmeric refine and brighten for skin that appears softer, smoother and more radiant.
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Travel can wreak havoc on your skin and cause excessive dehydration. Air travel can be especially problematic due to the low moisture content of the recirculated air onboard the plane. Hyaluronic Acid pulls hydration into the skin and keeps it there to prevent and reduce the dehydration that can be caused during travel. Add a hydrating face serum like Hyaluronic acid serum to your travel checklist to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Pro-tip: Remember to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated and nourish your skin from within!
Don't forget to bring a facial toner in your travel bag! While toners are great for preparing your skin to absorb the rest of your skin care products, they can also provide a quick pick-me-up after a long day of traveling. We recommend packing a spray toner, like Rose Water, which can easily be misted over makeup and provides gentle hydration to refresh and energize the skin.
Pro-tip: Use Rose Water to dampen your makeup sponge and infuse your skin with hydration while touching up your look!
No matter your skin type, moisturizer is key to a healthy, beautiful complexion. It's especially important to keep your skin moisturized and protected while traveling, as you may be exposed to harsher conditions (hello winter air) and more environmental aggressors than normal. If you're traveling to a drier, colder climate, pack a richer moisturizer or night cream. Heading somewhere warmer? Then you'll benefit from a lightweight texture that maintains hydration without heaviness.
Pro-tip: Applying a moisturizer over a Hyaluronic Acid-based serum amplifies results, because it allows the serum to pull hydration from the moisturizer into the skin!
A good peel off mask is handy in so many ways! Apply it during your commute for skin care on-the go, let it work its magic while you iron the wrinkles out of your party dress, or use it as an excuse to take 30 minutes to yourself before a long night of mingling with extended family. In any case, you'll end up with smoother, brighter skin that looks great for any occasion.
Bonus: They also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!
Peel off masks are a fun way to care for your skin and make a great holiday gift. However, many products currently on the market contain ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and your health.
At InstaNatural, we strive to create the most efficacious natural products and we place an extreme importance on safety, as we believe your beauty routine shouldn’t be something to worry about. This mission is what drove us to develop our new Vitamin C Peel Off Mask, and as a result we created a product that excludes the use of questionable ingredients and instead harnesses natural alternatives and a robust blend of actives and botanicals for visible results.
Many peel off masks and other popular skin care products are formulated with harmful ingredients that can damage the skin and have negative health effects. While it may not seem like much, the ingredients in your skin care products do impact the body - after all, if skin care ingredients didn’t work in the skin, then skin care products wouldn’t be effective! With continued use of multiple products, the impacts of these ingredients can add up and contribute to a host of health concerns.
On top of all this, many of these ingredients also pose serious problems for the environment. Talk about scary!
Our Vitamin C Peel Off Mask contains ingredients that care for your skin, your health, and the environment.
Our New Vitamin C Peel Off Mask is the latest addition to an assortment of products that care for your skin and your wellbeing. We believe in the power of natural and safe skin care products and we aim to educate and empower our customers throughout their journey. So go ahead and watch a scary movie with the lights off knowing your skin care is one thing you won’t have to fear!
Our bodies are designed to recover and repair while we sleep – which is why getting adequate sleep is a precursor to optimal health. Nighttime, however, isn’t just a time where you can get your rest and recharge, but it’s also your skin’s time to do the same. Just as the body works hard to recover itself, the skin experiences its own overnight repair process.
So what happens overnight? During the day, your skin is busy defending itself from environmental aggressors like air pollutants and UV rays, but at night, the skin transitions to a state of “recovery”. As you wind down for the night, the skin’s metabolic rate increases. An increased metabolic rate is what is responsible for producing new skin cells making this the best time to apply nurturing skin care ingredients as these work more effectively, and healthy skin cells are created. Therefore, incorporating the right nighttime skin care routine can optimize the overnight recovery process and yield enhanced results.
Our Vitamin C Night Cream supports overnight skin recovery by combining powerful actives alongside nourishing botanicals intensely moisturizing to replenish and prevent the look of fine lines and dullness.
The most critical element of achieving and maintaining healthy skin is ensuring the skin’s barrier is strong. As we experience an increase in product efficacy and a decrease in hydration at night, application of a night cream will provide an extra layer of nourishment and barrier support to work with the skin’s natural overnight process. While most skin types can benefit from a night cream, they are especially beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, dehydrated or unbalanced skin. This is because night creams are typically more emollient and work to nourish and repair the skin.
Advanced skin care treatments such as Retinol and AHAs are applied at night and can further contribute to the skin feeling dry or sensitive. Therefore, pairing an advanced skin care routine with a thicker, more nourishing night cream can balance the side effects of these more aggressive ingredients.
In our Vitamin C Night Cream, Niacinamide supports and improves skin barrier strength, while Green Tea & Chamomile Extract soothe and calm irritation, making it the perfect soothing nightcap for those who struggle with redness and sensitivity.
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the environmental aggressors it is exposed to on a daily basis. Environmental aggressors such as pollution, sunlight, stress, temperatures and contaminants can compromise the skin’s defenses by weakening its protective barrier. This also causes an increase in free radicals in the skin, which is what leads to conditions such as premature aging, dryness and dullness.
The only time our skin can catch a break is when our bodies are sleeping. As we mentioned earlier, nighttime is the best time to apply more targeting products for enhanced results since our bodies are working to recover. For this reason, it is important to undo the effects of environmental stressors on the skin with a reparative and moisturizing night cream.
Our Vitamin C Night Cream contains our proprietary Botanical Oil blend. This blend of intentionally selected botanical extracts and oils provide the skin with natural sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants. In this blend, Cloudberry Oil, Rowanberry Oil and Lingonberry Oil are only among some of the ingredients that work to defend the skin while also nourishing, brightening and soothing the look of irritation.
Now that we know how vital it is to maintain a healthy and strong skin barrier, this will also help prevent transepidermal water loss. Transepidermal water loss occurs when water surpasses the epidermis and leaves the skin resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and dehydration.
Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid will lock in the water molecules while Cloudberry Oil and Niacinamide nourish and strengthen the skin to prevent this from occurring. Applying Vitamin C Night Cream will infuse the skin with these powerful actives so that you wake up with nourished and hydrated skin.
Incorporating a night cream year round is essential to maintaining healthy and youthful skin. During the warmer months, it’s important to keep your skin protected and hydrated. The UV rays can cause damage to the skin while also dehydrating it. Incorporating a night cream will help replenish and provide a quenching dose of hydration. During the colder months the cool, dry air can draw moisture away from the skin leaving it dry, sometimes cracked, and even prone to irritation. During this season, night creams contain soothing and emollient ingredients that work to drive intense moisture into the skin. Including a night cream into your regimen year round will promote a strong skin barrier for skin that is more supple, vibrant, and healthy.
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be hectic so make sure to take the time for your nighttime regimen. When you give yourself and your skin the love and attention that it deserves, you wake up refreshed and radiant ready to take on the next day!
Just as you're ready to start your day, your skin is getting ready too. In fact, your skin has very different needs during waking hours than it does during its regenerative state at night.
Step One - Even if you cleansed before you went to bed, your skin will still need to be washed again in the morning to remove any sebum released by your skin overnight, as well as any dead skin cells which can clog pores and get trapped under oils. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle facial cleanser and if you really want to achieve a deep down clean, a facial cleansing brush can work wonders while imparting a dewy glow. And they feel wonderful too!
Step Two - Using a cotton ball or pad, apply an alcohol-free toner all over your face to to hydrate your skin and prep it for maximum absorption of your subsequent serum and moisturizer. While some people opt for cosmetic or skin care brand toners, others use natural astringents such as Witch Hazel. Both will do their job and providing tangible results.
Step Three - Apply an antioxidant-rich and nutrient-rich facial serum to restore moisture and hydration to strengthen your skin barrier and improve the overall elasticity of your skin. (PRO TIP: Any product containing Vitamin C will help to improve the radiance of your skin)
Step Four - After treating your skin with a serum, it’s time to moisturize! The right daytime moisturizer for your skin will help to protect it against environmental factors and it can also help to keep oil production in balance. (PRO TIP: Opt for a moisturizer with SPF to prevent sunspots and ward off signs of aging)
Step Five - One of the biggest culprits of aging skin is prolonged sun exposure without protection. Top off your routine with an SPF product to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
In addition to your daily morning and evening skin care routine, you can add a few other products to your regime as needed.
Exfoliants - Whether chemically or through physical exfoliation, exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells by sloughing off the outer layer of the skin. Quartz Crystals, Strawberry seeds, or glycolic acids can be used to exfoliate the skin on a weekly basis.It's not just what we do on the outside that affects our skin. Bad habits can wear your body and your skin down fast. From ditching the junk food, to getting proper sleep and exercise, the following additional beauty tips are positive lifestyle changes you can make that will significantly improve your complexion when practiced daily.
What more can you do to improve your benefits by incorporating these healthy living suggestions?
Relax and Meditate: Don't let stress take its toll on your skin. Practice daily mindful meditation to help focus and balance your mind and body. Once your body is in a relaxed state, it can focus on repairing instead of surviving daily stressors.Whenever you begin a new skin care routine it's often difficult to commit if you're not seeing results. Be patient and remember that a targeted skin care routine will help you reach your goals when used consistently in harmony with your skin’s natural cell cycle.
Treat your skin with care. Give it the nourishment and hydration it needs and you'll be happily rewarded with a healthy and glowing complexion with very little investment other than some natural skincare products and some relaxing pampering time (and we all deserve that!)
During the fall, the nights are longer, and the days are shorter, temperatures cool down and sunlight gradually dwindles as we approach winter. Due to the increase in wind, humidity and air changes our skin can start to react negatively. Here are some of the changes you can expect to start noticing this season.
There are a few steps you can incorporate into your already existing regimen that can help your skin recover from the harsh weather changes.
Keeping your skin highly hydrated is essential during colder seasons as your skin tends to dry out and may become dehydrated. Hydrating your skin is key to improving skin elasticity which is responsible for improving youthfulness and decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Top ingredients to use to hydrate your skin:
Investing in a good moisturizer is extremely important as your skin dries out due to the cold weather. Thicker, creamier moisturizers are highly recommended as well as a consistent routine that includes moisturizing the skin at least twice a day morning and night. If you skip this step, you may start to experience dry or flaky skin that can be uncomfortable and lead to skin looking dull and patchy. The eye area also requires attention as it happens to be the thinnest skin layer on your face and highly susceptible to premature aging if neglected.
Top ingredients to use to moisturize your skin:
Enjoy glowing skin through the season change by including serums and cleansers that will promote radiance and allow your skin to have an overall brighter appearance and glow. A natural radiance can be achieved by using ingredients that are created to brighten and improve dull looking skin for ultimately healthier looking skin, even during colder parts of the year like the fall.
Top ingredients to use for glowing skin:
Taking care of your skin this fall has never been easier if you keep these three simple tips in mind. If you are already seeing cooler weather approaching, there is still time to invest in a skin care routine that contains beneficial ingredients which will maintain the health and youthfulness of your skin this season. Enjoy the new season fully equipped with products that will take care of your skin this fall!
]]>Over the years bakuchiol has increasingly created its presence within the skin care industry. Bakuchiol is an ingredient that has been used for centuries in India, utilizing traditional practices of Ayurvedic medicine. It is popularly indigenous to certain countries in Asia such as India, China, and regions of Pakistan.
More recently, bakuchiol has exploded in popularity as an ingredient in skin care, offering those with more sensitive skin the ability to target aging concerns. If you’re looking to learn more about this new anti-aging ingredient, read on to find out its benefits and how best to incorporate it into your skin care routine.
Bakuchiol, popularly known as a “natural retinol alternative”, is an extracted oil that is derived from the seeds and leaves of the Indian native plant Babchi. Bakuchiol has also been found in plants such as Psoralea corylifolia which have most commonly been used in traditional medical practices in China to treat skin disorders ranging from vitiligo to psoriasis. Studies have continued to show the gentler effects bakuchiol has while delivering similar beneficial results to retinol. This natural plant has been hailed as a gentler alternative to prevent and soften signs of aging.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative and is believed to act as a gentler alternative to retinol, to achieve similar results such as reducing the appearance of aging lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol offers retinol-like benefits while eliminating the risks that people with sensitive skin may sometimes experience when using retinol.
Bakuchiol can be found in many skin care products such as serums, oils, and moisturizers that one can use religiously in any skin care routine. We do highly recommend investing in serums that contain bakuchiol as they are known to contain highly active ingredients which essentially work to target specific skin concerns by penetrating the deeper levels of the epidermis, allowing for better results.
Anyone can use bakuchiol it has been deemed suitable for all skin types which includes:
Because bakuchiol has been and is still currently known to be a gentle and safe ingredient, it is highly recommended for those with sensitive skin as well as pregnant women. We do still recommend seeking advice from a medical professional before use if you are pregnant and or have sensitive skin.
Our 2.5% Retinol Bakuchiol Serum is a nourishing treatment that provides targeted results against signs of aging. Some of our key ingredients include:
This serum combines both Retinol and Bakuchiol to ensure that most skin types may enjoy the benefits of a serum that works to focus on anti-aging concerns.
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We know and understand how nerve-wracking exfoliation can be when you don’t know what to look out for or which type of exfoliant to use.
We are bringing you everything you need to know about getting rid of dead skin cells through exfoliation, including helping you understand the differences between physical and chemical exfoliation, and their effects on various skin types.
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We know and understand how nerve-wracking exfoliation can be when you don’t know what to look out for or which type of exfoliant to use. We are bringing you everything you need to know about getting rid of dead skin cells through exfoliation, including helping you understand the differences between physical and chemical exfoliation, and their effects on various skin types.
Exfoliation is an important step in your skin care regimen that works to remove the top layer of dead skin, notably improving the overall tone and texture of your skin.
Physical exfoliation includes the use of scrubs that consist of an abrasive ingredient such as jojoba beads, ground shells or crystals. These exfoliants are typically massaged into the skin in order to manually buff away the dead skin cells that exist on the outer layer of the skin.
Recommended Skin Types:
Frequency: At least two to three times a week, depending on the product’s recommended directions.
Dry and sensitive skin typically does not take too well to physical exfoliation as this method may make drier skin types feel depleted and can expose sensitive skin to irritations. However, using a gentle scrub with less frequency, in addition to a replenishing after skin care routine, may be a good physical exfoliation method to use in rotation with chemical exfoliation. Note that anytime you introduce a new product or step into your routine, it is important to start slow and monitor your skin’s response – if you feel it’s too much, simply decrease how often or adjust the type of product you’re using.
Follow these quick and easy steps to enjoy the benefits of physical exfoliation, using our Exfoliating Glycolic Mask!
Steps:
Follow these quick and easy steps to enjoy the benefits of physical exfoliation, using our Brightening Vitamin C Scrub!
Steps:
Chemical exfoliation refers to the process in which acids work by prompting the shedding of epidermal cells on the outer layer of the skin, by breaking down the glue that holds together these cells. Consequently, the dead skin cells are “peeled” away leaving brighter, smoother skin with an increase in cell renewal.
Types: The most popular acids used in chemical peels are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), which includes Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Citric and various fruit acids. These ingredients can be derived from natural sources, and they are commonly used in chemical peels because their small molecular weight allows for a deeper exfoliation. These acids are great for slowing the aging process while also reducing the signs of discoloration on the skin.
The second most popular is the Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)- Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid still dissolves the sebaceous glue that holds dead skin cells to the skin’s surface, but it also helps clear excess oil and debris from the pores, reducing the look of blackheads and breakouts.
Recommended Skin Types:
Frequency: At home chemical peels can vary in strength, but in general chemical exfoliation is needed less often than physical. We recommend beginning with every other week and increasing based on the product used and your skin’s tolerance.
Follow these quick and easy steps to enjoy the benefits of chemical exfoliation using our 30% Glycolic AHA Chemical Peel.
Steps:
TIP: Because chemical exfoliation can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, we recommend applying an SPF during the day.
To see the best results after adding exfoliation to your routine, we highly recommend gentle, daily exfoliation. While regular peels and scrubs are still important, daily exfoliation maintains the cell’s renewal cycle, allowing your peels and scrubs to be more effective.
Pairing a gentle daily exfoliation such as an exfoliating acid toner, with advanced exfoliation treatments, can enhance the results of better-looking skin while reducing the risk of irritation from too aggressive or frequent advanced exfoliation.
Our 7% Glycolic AHA Toner serves as a gentle daily exfoliant which can easily be used to maintain your exfoliated skin.
Follow these quick and easy steps to enjoy the benefits of acid toner exfoliation using our 7% Glycolic AHA Toner.
Steps:
TIP: We only recommend using acid toners as a maintenance routine, specifically on the days when you are not using any other form of exfoliation, to avoid over exfoliation.
The key to a positive experience during exfoliation is to understand what works for your skin type. A combination of physical and chemical exfoliation can be used to combat dullness and ensure positive overall results in the appearance of your skin.
Don’t forget, maintaining exfoliated skin is just as crucial as exfoliation when you are aiming to see the best results!
Now that you have been introduced to the many aspects of exfoliation, we hope you understand the importance of adding exfoliation to your skin care routine. Our Glycolic Acid Collection serves as the perfect option to get you started with the best exfoliation routine for your skin type. Enjoy!
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Welcome to Part 2 of our Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care series! If you haven't had the chance to read Part 1 where we cover Sulfates, Mineral Oil/Petroleum/Silicone, and Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs) - click here!
At InstaNatural, we believe in the power of natural and safe skin care products and we aim to educate and empower our customers throughout their journey. We hope that this list of ingredients to avoid in your skin care provides you with the information to feel confident in your skin care decisions. In this post we will expand on the content provided in Part 1, covering Artificial Fragrances, Preservatives and Ethanolamines Compounds (MEA/DEA/TEA).
Many personal care products utilize fragrance to incorporate a pleasant aroma into the experience. Our sense of smell is closely tied to memory and through the basic principles of aromatherapy, aroma can impact the way we feel – it can improve our mood, soothe us to sleep or energize our minds. Fragrance has become something so personal to consumers that the development of proprietary aromas has allowed brands to establish an experience that cannot be found in another product. As a way for brands to protect this trade secret, “Fragrance” is an ingredient that does not have to be fully disclosed to the consumer. This means when we read “fragrance” on a label – we have no idea what is in it.
Artificial fragrances are created using synthetic compounds that may have allergen, irritation, or toxicity concerns. Furthermore, most artificial fragrances contain phthalates, which are plasticizers used to make plastics more flexible. They are used in fragrances because they make the aroma last longer. There are many different types of phthalates, however they have concerns to be endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory toxicants, and some types may pose human cancer concerns.
It is important to note that an ingredient listed as “Fragrance” can be 100% natural, but due to the way aroma blends are created, the number of natural ingredients used to create these blends are too long to list on a product’s label. However, many natural brands are willing to share what is in their aroma blends and understand the concerns that consumers have.
If a product contains water, it can grow bacteria. In order to prevent this from happening, and to ensure your products last longer than 30 days, preservatives are required to be used in skin care products.
Preservatives have gotten a bad reputation, however not all preservatives are bad. Avoiding unsafe preservatives such as Parabens, Butylated Compounds (BHT/BHA), Methylisothiazolinone, Diazolidinyl Urea and Quaternium-15 is one of the easiest ways to clean up your personal care products. Due to consumer demand, even conventional brands are moving away from these ingredients.
Parabens have been widely associated with their possible link to cancer and can be absorbed through the skin, blood and digestive system. Butylated Compounds (BHT/BHA) are linked to many health concerns such as endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity. Methylisothiazolinone has been linked to concerns such as lung toxicity and ingredients such as Diazolidinyl Urea and Quaternium-15 are formaldehyde-releasers, which is a known carcinogen.
Through consumer demand, many brands have found safer preservative options – and the science is continually advancing to provide more options and continued data on the available ingredients.
Ethanolamines are ammonia compounds that are used in a wide variety of household and personal care products. You can tell if a product contains one of these compounds as the ingredients often contain “MEA”, “DEA”, or “TEA” within their names.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel conducted studies on the ingredient and concluded that they were “safe for use” but only when used in rinse-off products and for short durations. Otherwise there is a risk for irritation and potentially other health concerns. They also recommend that these ingredients should not be used in products in which N-Nitroso compounds, which are potentially carcinogenic, may be formed.
Additionally, Diethanolamine is an ingredient that is banned from use in personal care products in Europe. In 1998 the National Toxicology Program completed a study that found an association between topical application of DEA and certain DEA-related ingredients and cancer in laboratory animals* and there are additional studies that show DEA and MEA have the potential to cause developmental abnormalities during pregnancy.
While the ingredients are currently considered safe by the FDA and CIR, the EU feels differently and there is enough data to make us question the need for this ingredient. Due to the potential risk factors, which include cancer, organ system toxicity, and environmental concerns – we feel it is best to stay away, especially when there are plenty of safer alternatives available.
At InstaNatural, we make continual efforts to ensure the products we create are safe and effective, utilizing as many natural and naturally derived ingredients as possible, and always staying up to date as new data becomes available.
We incorporate natural essential oils or 100% natural aroma blends in place of artificial fragrances.
And we incorporate safe, effective and naturally derived preservatives instead of the unsafe options.
As the industry continues to advance, we are committed to advance our developments as well. This is why you can trust InstaNatural to offer products that ensure your health is never compromised, while providing results. You can learn more about our formulation standards by checking out the Core Clean Promise.
We understand that the information available can be daunting – and we hope this series and the products we create help you along your journey.
Navigating the world of skin care can be confusing due to the number of products, tools and techniques that are available. When you add in the element of understanding ingredients, it can be downright overwhelming.
At InstaNatural, we believe in the power of natural and safe skin care products and we aim to educate and empower our customers throughout their journey. We hope that this list of ingredients to avoid in your skin care provides you with the information to feel confident in your skin care decisions. Whether you’re a novice just getting started or a seasoned veteran looking to expand your knowledge, we've broken down six major ingredient categories into a two part educational series!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surfactants that are commonly found in conventional cleansers, shampoos or bubble baths. They became a popular choice because they provide a high level of lather in cleansing products, which many people correlate to a feeling of “clean”.
However, both ingredients can be stripping to the skin and hair, causing irritation or dermatitis – especially on sensitive skin types. Additionally, due to the process of ethoxylation, SLES has a potential for contamination with 1,4 dioxane which has many health concerns. While they do create a desirable lathering effect, we believe that their potential risks outweigh their benefits and we recommend avoiding products that include these ingredients.
Many conventional moisturizers or lotions (and even some that claim to be natural) use mineral oil, petroleum or silicones in their formula. These ingredients offer a nice “slip” to the product, allowing for a silky application or are included to create an occlusive barrier to “protect” the skin or provide a primer effect. However, they provide no real benefit to the skin.
Mineral Oil is derived from petroleum and is used as a moisturizer or to create a barrier on the skin. Commonly found in baby products, rather than absorbing into the skin mineral oil sits on the surface and creates a barrier which, in theory, is beneficial for sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema. However, while the ingredient does a good job at protecting the skin, it doesn’t soothe, reduce or prevent sensitive skin conditions and long-term use may cause dryness because the barrier prevents skin from being able to pull water from the air for hydration. Mineral Oil also has the potential to be an immune system irritant with overall toxicity concerns.
Petroleum functions the same way as mineral oil, but it is more occlusive than mineral oil, creating an even thicker barrier on the skin. In addition to the negative skin benefits, petroleum also has a concern of being contaminated by potentially cancer-causing PAHs. Unlike Europe, the US FDA has no set requirements on the refining process or PAH levels in personal care products.
Silicones also function in the same way as mineral oil and are often used in skin care and makeup because they create an instant “blurring” effect on the skin – lessening the look of lines, wrinkles and pores while giving products a silky feeling. There are many different types of silicones, and some can be derived from petroleum and may carry similar health concerns due to the method of processing. Despite the type of silicone, they can cause breakouts and blackheads because they don’t absorb but rather sit on the surface of the skin, trapping oil, dirt and debris. Many silicone-containing products are designed to be mattifying, which over time can cause your skin to over produce oil because it causes the skin to lose its natural sebaceous balance.
Polyethylene Glycol (often seen listed as “PEG”) are ingredients used in products to stabilize emulsions or to help increase the efficacy of other ingredients due to its ability to enhance the absorption of other ingredients. PEGs are petroleum-derived ingredients that are often contaminated with high levels of ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane. The World Health Organization, International Agency for Cancer Research has classified Ethylene Oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4 dioxane as a possible human carcinogen.
Furthermore, while PEGs carry their own health concerns, because they are penetration enhancers, they can drive other unhealthy ingredients further into the skin – potentially causing more damage or skin care issues.
PEGs are not only used in conventional products but may also be found in products that claim to be natural – so it is important to read ingredient labels before making a purchasing decision. You may see an ingredient that begins with “PEG-“ and then lists something that sounds natural, such as “PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides”, which means the ingredient started from a natural source but is still a polyethylene glycol derivative. It’s important to remember that while an ingredient may have a natural source, it does not always mean it is safe.
A question that you may be asking yourself is – but does this really matter in my skin care? And we believe the answer is yes. While some of these undesirable ingredients or contaminants may be present at low levels in a single product, what is often not considered is how many products we use every single day. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals every day – many of which we cannot control (such as pollutants). However, we can control what we put into, onto and around our bodies – and personal care products are a huge piece of that.
Data is lacking about the compound effects of using these unhealthy ingredients at low levels, combined, and over long-term use. Therefore, our decisions must be based on the data available and while it isn’t always directly correlated to use in cosmetics, it’s enough to make you reconsider the price of beauty.
Still unsure how to get started? Don’t think you have to replace everything you use immediately. It takes time, money and trial and error to find new products to love. Instead, focus on replacing items as you run out, and if you want to replace items sooner – replace the items you use most often (like your daily facial cleanser) versus items you only use occasionally.
At InstaNatural, we make continual efforts to ensure the products we create are safe and effective, utilizing as many natural and naturally derived ingredients as possible, and always staying up to date as new data becomes available.
We swap sulfates for coconut-derived cleansers such as Decyl Glucoside or Lauryl Glucoside.
We leverage natural butters and oils instead of petroleum derivatives or PEGs.
As the industry continues to advance, we are committed to advance our developments as well. This is why you can trust InstaNatural to offer products that ensure your health is never compromised, while providing results. You can learn more about our formulation standards by checking out InstaNatural's Core Clean Promise.
Interested in learning more? Click here to read Part 2 of Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care. We understand that the information available can be daunting – and we hope this series and the products we create help you along your journey.
Chemotherapy, while providing lifesaving benefits in treating cancer, can unfortunately come with side effects. Going through this treatment can impact your body and change the way you look and feel. Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite are common side effects of chemotherapy, but did you know it can affect your skin as well? This process most frequently causes dryness and sensitivity in the skin, which tends to result in redness, itching and discomfort.
8x8 – The unofficial Golden Rule for daily water consumption. It says that on average, we should be drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day to combat dehydration. In general, drinking enough water has been shown to increase energy and circulation while regulating digestion, body temperature and blood pressure. During treatment, experts recommend drinking 8-12 (8-ounce glasses) daily, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Short, lukewarm showers are ideal for dry, sensitive skin. Hot temperatures tend to pull moisture out of the skin, which can result in irritation, itching, and overall damage to the surface of our skin. In contrast, drastically cold temperatures are generally uncomfortable and can be harsh on your immune system, especially during treatment. For more detail into the pros and cons of hot and cold showers click here. For perfect balance of benefits, it is best to stick to lukewarm temperatures which are still calming and much kinder on the skin.
After bathing, it is best to apply a clean and fragrance-free lotion or oil to the skin while it is still damp. Doing so will allow your moisturizer to absorb deeper, locking in moisture and soothing the skin. In this case, think of your skin as a sponge – if you apply soap when it is dry, it doesn’t tend to absorb and suds’ up as well as if you run it under water first. After showering or bathing, pat (don’t rub) your skin gently to remove excess water then apply product while your skin is close to, but not fully dry. We recommend using either an organic cold-pressed oil or a clean moisturizer (free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrance).
Certain skin care ingredients are designed to remove or enhance the removal of built up skin cells, these will typically be found in the form of scrubs, exfoliants, and peels. While these products have great resurfacing abilities, by nature they may cause irritation to skin that is compromised or sensitive. Be aware of ingredients like Glycolic Acid, other AHA/BHAs, and physical exfoliants (i.e. sugars) during treatment.
Our skin encounters various fabrics throughout the day – sheets, blankets, and clothing to name a few. Conventional detergents and softeners used to clean laundry often have irritating chemicals and artificial fragrance which linger on fabrics long after they are washed. As these materials rub against the skin, they can cause redness and itching. Consider swapping your conventional detergent for one that is gentle, clean and fragrance-free. EWG provides an excellent resource for choosing the right one.
Take it one step further by swapping traditional dryer sheets for wool dryer balls, this option is not only more sustainable but will remove yet another source of unnecessary chemicals and fragrance from your routine.Alcohol and alcohol derivatives tend to dry out the skin and are frequently found in personal care products. Perfumes are not only a common source of alcohol exposure but often contain artificial fragrance which should also be avoided during treatment. Another culprit is alcohol-based toners, which can be replaced with witch hazel or floral based toners instead. During treatment, it is beneficial to be on the lookout for this ingredient on product labels and remove it from your skin care routine wherever possible.
Skin sensitivity unfortunately increases sun sensitivity. You may often hear that it is always important to wear a light facial SPF every day, but this suggestion becomes far more critical during treatment. To protect the skin from sunburn, apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas, apply a lip balm with SPF, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure. SPF needs to be used every day regardless of the weather, so don’t skip it – even on a cloudy day! It is recommended to be extra conscious between peak hours of 10am-2pm and to avoid tanning beds.
As time passes, it is inevitable your skin will change. You may start to notice the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, or that your skin is not as plump as it used to be. Dark spots, fine lines and other signs of aging don’t happen overnight, they form over time and can be caused by multiple factors including environmental aggressors. Although it is completely normal you can certainly act early to slow down the skin’s aging process.
When searching for products and ingredients to combat the first signs of aging, you should look for items that have brightening, moisturizing and soothing properties.
We know that this search can be difficult with countless products and ingredients on the market. We’ve made things easier for you and narrowed down which products and ingredients work best for early aging skin.
There’s no better time than now to prevent early signs of aging skin. Down the road, your skin will thank you for the extra nourishment you gave it early in your skin care journey.
With that said, here are our top three ingredients to combat aging skin:
Vitamin C is often referred to as the gold standard of anti-aging. This ingredient is known for its ability to do so much for all skin types, from oily to sensitive skin.
So, why is Vitamin C so popular in skin care? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that addresses multiple skin concerns. To start Vitamin C brightens, tones and tightens the appearance of skin helping to maintain firmness and radiance. It also works to ensure that your skin is smooth, even and hydrated to improve tone and texture. In addition, Vitamin C defends against environmental aggressors that contribute to aging skin including sun damage.
Over time, your skin changes, and you may still be dealing with skin concerns from the past, such as acne scarring, dark spots or rough skin texture. On top of addressing the early signs of aging skin, Vitamin C also works to reduce the appearance of discoloration and roughness.
Vitamin C is undoubtedly a holy grail skin ingredient with its ability to combat multiple early signs of aging and other skin concerns, like dark spots and textured skin. The skin is left looking lifted and plump.
The ingredient itself is extremely versatile because of its ability to do so much for the skin. Its versatility also lies in its ability to be in almost every type of skin care product: cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers. This is great because it makes it very easy to reap the benefits of Vitamin C in one or more products in your routine. This makes integrating Vitamin C into your skin care routine simple for both day and night use.
Our Vitamin C Collection is one of our most popular collections. Our Vitamin C Cleanser makes washing your face invigorating. Our Vitamin C Toner is hydrating, cooling and preps the skin for the rest of your products. Our best selling Vitamin C Serum is where Vitamin C is most potent, brightening and lightening the skin. And lastly, our Vitamin C Moisturizer provides moisture while keeping the skin tone bright and even to finish off your youth restoring skin care routine.
With consistent use, Vitamin C can fade the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin and firm the skins overall look. With the help of Vitamin C, your skin can be left youthful, radiant and glowing.
Hyaluronic Acid, which is also known as HA, is a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies. It works to bind water, and acts as a lubricant for the joints as well as for your skin, where most of it is found.
As you age, HA begins to naturally diminish, which can cause the skin to sag and wrinkle. To slow this aging process, its best to get into the habit of replenishing your HA count in your skin.
Think of Hyaluronic Acid like a drink of water for the skin. It has the amazing ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an extremely replenishing and moisturizing skin care ingredient. It also can increase skin elasticity and slow collagen loss, which contributes to your skin looking firmer and more youthful.
Because of its moisturizing properties, it delivers deep nourishment to the skin leaving the skin looking plumper and refreshed. This is an ideal ingredient for those with dry skin since it can minimize flakiness as well as those with sensitive skin. It’s a gentle, natural ingredient that works well for all skin types.
Like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid is a versatile ingredient because it can be found in multiple skin care products, such as serums, moisturizers and even face masks for an extra amount of moisture.
We highly recommend using it in serum form, since that’s where Hyaluronic Acid is most potent. Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum soothes dry, dehydrated and flaky skin with its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It’s combined with Vitamin C, making it the ultimate skin care product to combat the early stages of aging skin.
If you choose to integrate this into your skin care routine, you’ll find your skin to be soothed and smoothed as it fades the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes for a great anti-aging ingredient since it’s lightweight, yet powerful abilities make the skin look younger and plumper.
Niacinamide is most commonly known for its ability to help with breakouts and blemishes. This ingredient works to reduce redness and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by black heads.
However, Niacinamide also has great anti-aging benefits including strengthening the skin’s protective barrier by defending it from external factors that can cause aging concerns. In addition, it reduces hyperpigmentation on the skin by brightening discoloration, age spots and sun spots over time.
Niacinamide works great for all skin types but is another ingredient that is particularly good for those with dry, sensitive, breakout-prone skin. Our Niacinamide Serum reduces sensitivity and redness while also minimizing wrinkles and fine lines for healthy skin. It also includes Hyaluronic Acid in it, incorporating even more anti-aging benefits.
Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide are all nourishing ingredients you’ll feel comfortable implementing into your anti-aging skin care routine. Most importantly, you’ll feel great knowing that the products you’re using can reap countless benefits for your skin.
Dealing with both dry and sensitive skin can be difficult. It is often challenging to find products that provide enough hydration to the skin without irritating it. Natural products are the best for this skin type because of their gentle ingredients and effective results. Free of skin irritants, like dyes, chemicals and other artificial scents, natural products are more likely to soothe and nourish the skin instead of causing more trouble to it.
Although it does take time to find what combination of products and ingredients work best for you and your skin, knowing how to take care of your skin shouldn’t feel like a chore. With so many natural ingredients and products out there to choose from, it can be difficult and overwhelming to find products that work best for your dry and sensitive skin without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for the best ingredients in a toner, serum, oil or moisturizer for your skin type and concerns, we’ve narrowed down your choices to four gentle, yet powerful ingredients and products that are easy to integrate into any skin care routine. For those of you that want to soothe and replenish flaky, irritated skin consider these ingredients and products.
Here are the top four ingredients and products that’ll work to nourish your dry, sensitive skin:
Rose Water works wonders for dry and sensitive skin. Rose Water is a by-product of the steam distillation during the essential oil process. While essential oils are being extracted from the rose petals, the condensation is also collected, and this is what creates Rose Water. It is full of antioxidants that soothe and nourish the skin. One of our favorite ways to use it is by soaking the product onto a cotton round and adding it in our routine as a toner. This is because skin is naturally acidic, since it sits on the 4.5-6.2 levels on the pH scale. Rose Water works to balance and maintain those acidic levels. It can also help remove left over dirt and oils that your cleanser may have missed. As it settles into pores, its moisturizing properties work to improve tone and texture. Toning with Rose Water preps the skin for serums and moisturizers, that way your skin can receive the optimal amounts of hydration from the rest of your routine.
Often, you’ll find Rose Water in a spritz bottle, which makes application invigorating and cooling. Besides being used to prep the skin for serums and moisturizers, Rose Water is also great for setting makeup on the face after application.
Our favorite Rose Water is InstaNatural’s Organic Rose Water. It’s made with 100% pure rose water making it perfect for sensitive skin. It’s also naturally rich in other powerful ingredients, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These soothing, hydrating and revitalizing properties make it a great toner for hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Argan Oil is a must have for those with dry, sensitive skin. Although it works well for all skin types, it’s especially effective for those with dry skin. Argan Oil is high in Vitamin E and fatty acids. These ingredients work together to support the skin’s natural protective barrier, help repair damaged skin and provide nutrients that prevent further dryness and irritation.
Argan Oil is a versatile skin care product that can be used on the face, neck and all over the body to nourish your skin from head to toe. It’s powerful, yet lightweight and non-irritating formula absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving a residue. Argan Oil is soothing and relieving, which helps to prevent further dryness and irritation on the skin.
These countless skin benefits all come in one bottle. We recommend trying InstaNatural’s Organic Argan Oil - this product provides moisture and hydration to your dry, sensitive skin for a healthy and plump appearance.
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, reduces irritation on the skin and decreases the appearance of discoloration and redness. Like Argan Oil, Niacinamide also supports a healthy skin barrier, which allows for skin protection against environmental conditions that can cause irritation.
Niacinamide’s skin-soothing and skin-restoring properties help reduce the appearance of dry and flaky skin. It also calms redness caused by breakouts and reduces hyperpigmentation by brightening the complexion. It boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture so that it is left well-moisturized, replenished and glowing.
Try finding Niacinamide in serum form, since that’s where the ingredient is most potent and effective. Combined with soothing and firming skin ingredients like Vitamin E, Avocado Oil and Rosemary Extract, the InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum is perfect for helping dry, sensitive skin become soft and smooth.
Despite having the word acid in it, Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best ingredients for those with dry, sensitive skin. It helps retain moisture in the skin as well as soothes dry, dehydrated and flaky skin.
Our favorite is InstaNatural’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it delivers deep hydration and nourishment to dry and dull complexions. InstaNatural incorporates amazing ingredients into their formula including Jojoba Oil and plant extracts to soothe the skin along with Vitamin C to brighten while visibly reducing lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The lightweight gel texture offers a cooling nourishment your skin will love.
Don’t give up on finding powerful products that will nourish and replenish your dry, sensitive skin because they are out there! Many natural products and ingredients are both gentle and effective. Our top four ingredients and products are best for helping dry, sensitive skin as they work to retain moisture and help with protecting the skin from aggressors that can worsen the condition of the skin. Combining moisturizing products and ingredients into a skin care routine can be the most beneficial to your dry, sensitive skin, so long as you maintain consistent enough use that works best for you and your skin.
It takes time to find what works best for you, your skin type and skin concern, but taking the steps to nourish dry skin is important. Deeply moisturizing ingredients are not only crucial for decreasing irritation and reducing the appearance of flakiness, but also leads to a healthier and more youthful glow.
Organic Rose Water Organic Argan Oil
Niacinamide Serum Hyaluronic Acid Serum
It goes without saying that one of the best feelings is being able to come back home after a long day of work and set aside some time to focus on taking care of yourself and body.
Your nighttime routine might be your optimal, and maybe only, time for yourself. So, while you’re treating your skin to extra nutrients and nourishment, look at your nighttime routine as an opportunity for some self care and much needed time to yourself.
Nighttime isn’t just a time where you can get your rest and recharge, but it’s also your skin’s time to do the same. While you get your beauty sleep, your skin heals and repairs itself. This process is accelerated with the proper skin products and ingredients, making it extremely important for you to be consistent with your nighttime routine so that your skin can properly recover from the day on a nightly basis.
We have put together our top five skin care tips below so you can make the most of your time for yourself at night.
There is no better feeling than when it is time to wash away all your makeup. It’s essential that you start your nighttime skin care routine by removing your makeup. If you skip your skin care routine and go straight to bed with a full face of makeup on, dirt and debris from your day will stay on your face throughout the night. Without proper removal and cleansing, your skin can become irritated and more prone to breakouts. Our favorite way to remove makeup is with InstaNatural’s Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. This product effortlessly melts away makeup, dirt and excess oil on the skin. For more information on cleansing balms check out this blog.
To be thorough, consider double cleansing your face. This calls for first removing your makeup with a makeup wipe, oil, or cleansing balm and later following up with a face cleanser. Having your makeup already removed allows for the second cleanser to target your specific skin concerns. Our favorite way to double cleanse is with InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser. With a clean, fresh face your skin will be ready to soak in all the nourishing ingredients from the rest of your skin care routine!
Most facial masks are best to use at least 1-2 times a week since they’re more powerful than everyday skin care products. Every now and then though, after cleansing your skin, consider applying a face mask to further treat your skin care concerns.
Adding a facial mask to your nighttime skin care routine can provide extra nourishment and treatment, depending on your skin type and skin concern. InstaNatural’s Glycolic Peel is another great way to exfoliate the skin. This Glycolic Peel is a professional grade exfoliation treatment infused with powerful ingredients designed to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration and pores while also providing nourishment to the skin.
Consider adding a face mask such as InstaNatural's Exfoliating Glycolic Mask into your nighttime routine. It’ll leave your skin soft and smooth, along with adding extra care for any skin concerns. And who doesn’t love a good face mask?
Your skin care routine at night should differ from the day. Undoubtedly, your skin care routines should tailor to your skin care concerns morning and night. During the day, your skin care products are typically lighter, and they should focus on protecting your skin from environmental factors, such as the sunlight. At night, your skin care products are typically heavier, and they should focus on repairing and restoring your skin while you rest.
When finding an effective nighttime skin care routine, it is important to look for specific ingredients that will work well for your skin type and concerns. Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C are a couple of our favorites.
Glycolic Acid is a natural, gentle exfoliant. It works to remove dulling skin cells and boosts cell turnover so that the skin is left even, smooth and bright. Vitamin C provides antioxidant defense while brightening, toning and tightening the appearance of skin. It also supports healthy collagen production.
At night, a Glycolic Acid Cleanser and a Glycolic Acid Serum are great products to use to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dirt and debris from the day. In the morning, you can follow up with a moisturizer with an SPF so that you can protect the smooth skin you achieved the night before.
While you’re sleeping, your body goes for a long period of time without having a drop of water, which can ultimately take a toll on your skin. Before bed, make it a habit to drink a glass of water so that your skin isn’t dehydrated throughout the night.
Additionally, try to hydrate your body topically as well. Creams and lotions that contain hyaluronic acid work to hydrate the skin, which can reduce the effects of water loss that happens overnight. Internal hydration from drinking water before bed, and external hydration from applying moisturizing products to your skin can help your skin feel plump and well-nourished come the morning time.
The last step for ensuring the best care for nighttime skin care is making sure you get enough sleep and rest. It is recommended to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night. Your skin does most of its healing and repairing while you sleep at night, and without enough rest, your skin won’t have enough time to properly repair itself.
The magic of your nighttime skin care products plus a good night’s rest make for better mornings. Your skin has the chance to soak in all the nourishing qualities from your products overnight while you sleep so that you wake up with a brighter complexion. After all, they don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!
As you wind down at night, make sure to set aside some time for yourself and take care of you and your skin. A proper nighttime routine full of self-care and skin care will make you feel great inside and out.
Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm Exfoliating Glycolic Mask
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Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that remove dirt and impurities without leaving your skin feeling dry and stripped of its natural oils. Unlike other cleansers, balms can be used around the eye area to remove eye makeup because they are often made with natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Cleansing balms are so effective at breaking down makeup and dirt because of the natural oils in their formulas. These natural oils provide a deep clean to dissolve excess oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. After the makeup is removed the skin feels replenished, hydrated and most importantly clean. Cleansing balms make the perfect first step to any daily skin care routine. Our current obsession is InstaNatural’s Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. Filled with natural ingredients such as Rose Extract, Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil this balm not only smells amazing but also removes makeup including waterproof mascara effortlessly.
The key to getting soft, radiant skin with a cleansing balm is to apply with dry hands on dry skin. That’s right, cleansing balms should first be applied dry. This is because the oils in the balm need to attract to the oil on the skin before adding water. Once water is added the surfactants release the surface tension on the skin, which then lifts and removes the makeup and allows it to rinse off.
Step 1: Start out by taking a quarter sized amount and warming it between your dry fingers.
Step 2: Once it has been warmed massage onto dry skin in gentle, circular motions. If you are wearing eye makeup spend more time massaging the eye area to ensure all the makeup is being dissolved.
Step 3: Once the makeup starts to break down add warm water onto the skin and continue to massage in gentle circular motions.
Step 4: Finally remove with a warm, damp cloth. After you have removed the cleansing balm your skin will feel clean and fresh.
One of the best features about cleansing balms is that they work for all skin types and concerns. They are especially beneficial for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin types. Although many people associate dry and dehydrated skin as one in the same, they are different. For more information on dry verse dehydrated skin check out this blog. Cleansing balms work for these skin types because compared to gel cleansers, they provide an immediate increase in moisture to the skin and are gentler at removing makeup. This leads to keeping the skin nourished and soft without irritation and redness. A common misconception is that people with dry skin types are the only ones that can benefit from cleansing balms. In reality oily skin types can also benefit because the oils in the balm will gently breakdown excess oil on the skin without over drying.
Cleansing balms are the best makeup remover because most makeup products are oil-based and are designed for extended wear. While water-based cleansers and removers can remove makeup, the oils in cleansing balms are attracted to the oils in the makeup. This allows for the balm to gently break down makeup without causing dryness or stripping the skin of its natural oils. With cleansing balms there is no need for excessive scrubbing or soaking, which means you can effectively remove your makeup without irritating the skin. Smoother and softer skin is revealed after just one cleanse. Cleansing balms are the perfect first step to a double cleanse routine. The balm removes all the makeup so that the second cleanser can address your specific skin type and concerns. Our favorite cleanser to use for a double cleanse is InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Cleanser. This cleanser refines the tone and texture of your complexion making it the perfect follow up cleanser.
Many cleansing balms are filled with beautiful oils but contain no actual cleansing ingredients. These cleansing ingredients are called "surfactants" and are an important part of an effective cleansing balm. Without surfactants, the oils in the balm won't rinse from the skin which can cause clogged pores, excess oil and breakouts. It is important to look for balms that contain plant-derived surfactants alongside nourishing oils, butters and extracts for a soothing and effective product such as InstaNatural’s Rose Makeup Cleansing Balm. Some of our favorite ingredients in cleansing balms are Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil. All these amazing ingredients provide nourishment to the skin and are rich in antioxidants.
With so many different cleansing options to choose from it is important to know how cleansing balms compare. A cleansing balm is very similar to a cleansing oil, simply in a more "solid" form. This solid form makes it generally more moisturizing to the skin because they often contain butters or Coconut Oil. These added ingredients hydrate and soften the skin. Facial wipes are generally effective makeup removers, but they tend to require more rubbing to successfully remove all makeup. This can cause irritation and redness, especially around the eye area whereas cleansing balms just require gentle circular motions to remove makeup.
Summer is right around the corner! This is the time to enjoy the warmth and sunshine you’ve been anticipating since the first day of winter. Longer days are ahead, along with plenty of sunshine. It’s the perfect season for enjoying yourself, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin. In fact, it’s the season where your skin might need even more care and attention.
Summer usually means you’re spending time outdoors in the sunshine. Consequently, with prolonged exposure to heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, your skin is more prone to getting sun spots.
The sun’s effects on the skin shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this time of year but you should do what you can to protect it.
1. Sunblock is Essential
Sunblock should be used everyday regardless of what time of year it is, but it is an absolute must during the upcoming summer months. Sun spots are caused by excess exposure from sunshine, UV rays and heat. Sunblock provides a protective layer to the skin to mitigate sun damages.
It’s important to also choose the right sunblock for your skin. You should try to aim for a sunblock that has SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks nearly 97 percent of UVB radiation. According to research done at Duke University Medical Center, combining Vitamin C and E with sunscreen can provide four times the protection compared to only using sunscreen on its own.
InstaNatural’s Vitamin C Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a mineral based broad-spectrum sunscreen that hydrates and nourishes the face. Vitamin C is also a natural skin brightening ingredient, so your skin will have a natural glow while also being protected. It’s the perfect product for summer and works for all skin types! To learn more about the multiple benefits of Vitamin C check out this blog.
Now that you have the correct sunblock for your skin it is important to apply it correctly. When you apply sunblock, first apply it to your finger tips, then dot it all over your face before rubbing it in to ensure an even layer. For even more protection apply the sunblock to your neck, chest and rest of your body. As the day goes on, remember to reapply sunblock to ensure that your skin is well protected.
2. Use Effective Skin Care Products
Sunblock isn’t the only product you should rely on to protect your skin and prevent sun spots. Selecting products that provide even more protection while also nourishing and brightening the complexion can help reduce the chances of getting sun spots.
If you already have a few sun spots and want to minimize their appearance InstaNatural's Skin Brightening Serum is a great option. This serum addresses discoloration and uneven skin tone with the help of the natural active ingredients Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C. Over time and with consistent care, your dark sun spots will brighten and fade.
In addition to skin care, you can find protective properties in select makeup products too. Some makeup products for the face, like foundation and tinted moisturizers, contain SPF in the formulas. This is a simple way to add an additional layer of SPF.
These makeup products work great as additional care, however there is no substitute for sunscreen when it comes to protecting your skin. It’s essential that you apply sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 or more when starting your day as well as throughout the day. It may sound like a lot, but your skin will thank you for it!
3. Stay Cool
It’s no question that sun spots are formed from excess exposure to the sun and UV rays, but did you know that heat can also cause sun spots? Heat from the sun accelerates the production of melanin, which results in the formation of brown spots on the skin.
To stay cool try placing your skin care products in the refrigerator so that they’re chilled to the touch when you apply them. This is a particularly great tip to use with InstaNatural's Organic Rose Water. This toner is perfect just as it is but cooling it off in the fridge offers a refreshing mist on a hot summer day.
Of course, always remember to stay hydrated! Drinking water throughout a hot summer day is a key step for keeping your body temperature cool and making sure your skin is hydrated.
4. Dress Comfortably
Using a sunblock with a minimum of SPF 30 is important for protecting your skin, but it’s also important to consider what you wear when out in the sun. Strategically choosing what you wear can keep your body cool and protect your skin.
Sunglasses and hats can minimize your exposure to UV rays. It is recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Additionally, wear light colored clothing with breathable fabric to keep your body cool.
5. Limit your time in the sun
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine, but prolonged exposure under the sun, especially without protection, can accelerate the formation of sun spots on the skin. The sun is typically strongest between the hours of 10am - 4pm, try limiting your time in the sun during these hours. Staying indoors during these times is a great way to give your skin a rest from the sun. If you decide to stay outside, find a shady and well-covered area where you can enjoy the summer season. Remember though, just because you’re in the shade doesn’t mean you should neglect protecting your skin. Always remember to continue to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be set to enjoy your summer and time outdoors. Your skin will be happy knowing that it’s well-protected, and you won’t have to worry about sun spots on your skin.
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InstaNatural Collagen Night Cream
As we age our body’s natural functions change - impacting the appearance and overall health of our skin. Over the years our skin experiences a decrease in cell turnover, moisture and collagen production which results in a loss of firmness, elasticity and radiance. Additionally, as moisture levels decline the skin’s natural barrier can become impaired, putting skin at a higher risk of damage from environmental aggressors.
InstaNatural Collagen Night Cream
What Can Be Done?
You might be wondering why these things are important and what impact they have on your skin. Truth is, there are many things that contribute to the health of the skin – but cell turnover, moisture and collagen production are three crucial elements to maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
While you cannot stop the natural aging process, you can support your skin to function at its best for as long as possible.
To help you out - we are sharing 3 tips that will result in skin that looks and feels firm, radiant and youthful for years to come!
InstaNatural Collagen Night Cream
Why Nighttime Matters
During the day our body focuses its efforts to defend itself from external aggressors such as the sun, pollution and stress. It is less worried about recovery and more worried about preventing damage.
At night, our body can rest – and that includes our skin. Our body switches into “recovery” and works hard to undo the damage that it faced throughout the day. Specifically, our skin is able to create new skin cells at a more rapid pace and more effectively breakdown and absorb skin care products. However, a downfall of the overnight process is that moisture and hydration levels can be depleted.
By applying a night-specific skin care product, you are able to work with your body’s natural cycle to achieve the most results from your skin care routine while preventing depletion of the moisture that is being zapped during the recovery cycle.
InstaNatural Collagen Night Cream
An All-in-One Vegan Solution with the Power of Peony
The steps to maintain healthy skin as we age are relatively easy – but knowing which products to use can be a harder area to navigate. At InstaNatural, we believe that your skin care routine shouldn’t be complicated or confusing and we strive to create effective products with the most natural and naturally-derived ingredients.
With that in mind, we set out to create our Collagen Night Cream, a robust moisturizer that targets the three elements that contribute to skin aging while working with your skin’s overnight recovery cycle, infusing your skin with proven actives and nourishing botanicals.
These ingredients combine to create a multifaceted solution that reduces the appearance of current signs of aging while preventing future signs from occurring. Incorporating our Collagen Night Cream into your routine will result in skin that appears visibly lifted and contoured, with softened lines and wrinkles and an overall increase in radiance.
Looking for more suggestions? Browse our Featured Regimens or contact our Customer Service team for a customized consultation!
Detoskin™ is a registered trademark of Provital, S.A.
*In vitro studies conducted by Provital Group.
**8-week results from an independent, double-blind clinical study with 32 women, aged 40-60, using 1.5% concentration of Detoskin™ and placebo.
With a plethora of new innovations and ingredients in the market, skin care can feel complicated. Cleansers, exfoliators, creams, serums – it’s often difficult to decipher which products to use and how to use them. At the end of the day, we are all chasing the same goal: to achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin. While the innovations and advancements in skin care are exciting, understanding the basics of a core routine is important to accomplishing your skin care goals. At InstaNatural, we believe there are 4 key steps that create the perfect skin care routine.
Proper cleansing techniques are often overshadowed by the glamour of more advanced treatment products. However, treatment products can’t work as effectively without being applied to thoroughly cleansed skin.
Cleansing the skin should happen twice a day, morning and night. You should apply a nickel-sized amount of cleanser into your hands and massage to create a foamy lather. In gentle, circular motions, apply the cleanser to the skin for at least 30 seconds, concentrating on troubled areas such as the t-zone. Rinse with warm (not hot) water and pat dry.
To ensure you don’t disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, be sure to find a gentle cleanser that uses plant-based surfactants and extracts.
What About Cleansing Tools?
Facial cleansing devices have been used by professional skin therapists for years before being available in retail stores. These devices can range in price, ease of use and benefits provided to the skin. My clients have often asked me how necessary they are in their skin routine and which ones are right for their skin.
While there are many types of devices, they generally break into 2 categories – manual and electronic. Manual hand devices are simple to use, inexpensive and provide a light exfoliation benefit to your normal cleansing routine. Electronic devices use advanced technology to provide a deeper cleanse and remove dirt and debris without causing irritation or damaging the skin. These devices require more of an investment and time to use.
While the use of cleansing tools is often encouraged by professionals and can enhance a routine, they are not required to achieve an efficacious and beneficial cleanse. More importantly, the use of a facial cleansing device does not eliminate the need for a quality cleanser that is suited for your skin type.
Often the most misunderstood step in skin care, the benefits of a toner are endless and really enhance a skin care routine. Historically, a toner’s primary purpose was to balance the skin’s pH back to healthy levels and tone the pores. While this is still a primary reason to use a toner, innovation has offered toners that provide incredible benefits to the skin. Depending on your skin concern, your toner can help clear blemishes, soothe redness, gently exfoliate or absorb excess oil in the skin.
While toners are a great way to infuse amazing ingredients into the skin, they also prep the skin for enhanced benefits from your powerful treatment products. As an extension of your cleansing routine, the application of a toner helps to maintain hydration levels in your skin, allowing your serums and moisturizers to apply more evenly, absorb quicker and penetrate deeper into the skin. The result is more comfortable, hydrated skin and more effective benefits from your products.
At the end of the day, we want to see results in our skin care routines. While an appropriate cleanser and toner set the foundation for results, using a targeted treatment product is the most effective way to reach your skin care goals. Targeted treatments come in a variety of formats, but most often these are serums or concentrates.
Treatment products often contain higher concentrations of proven ingredients, such as Vitamin C, Retinol or Salicylic Acid. In addition to increased concentration levels, the textures of serums are often much lighter, allowing them to absorb deeper and work more effectively in the skin.
Treatment products are also the easiest, and most fun, way to customize your routine. Depending on your skin concern, you can easily layer or rotate serums to achieve your goals.
Sometimes, the high concentration of ingredients in serums can cause your skin to initially feel dry or sensitive, especially if they contain Retinol or Salicylic Acid as these are powerful ingredients. If you’re new to using these ingredients in a serum, it is recommended to introduce one new product at a time and use every other day in the first few weeks. This will allow your skin to adjust and you can increase use as you build up a tolerance.
The last and final step in your skin care routine should always be a moisturizer. Regardless of your skin type, a moisturizer is crucial to providing the replenishment and hydration your skin needs to maintain health and balance.
Above all else, a moisturizer is one of the most important products to support a healthy skin barrier. Our skin has an incredible ability to protect itself from aggressors, while also keeping key nutrients inside. However, many things can disrupt our skin’s barrier – some of which are unavoidable. It is helpful to view your skin barrier as a brick wall. When it is strong, it is protective. When the mortar starts to weaken and the wall starts to crumble, it becomes vulnerable to damage. A disrupted skin barrier can result in skin that feels dry, appears dull, has redness, irritation and is generally problematic. These are all challenges that are easily addressed by supporting and replenishing your skin’s barrier function.
While moisturizers typically add moisture (in the form of oils), it is important that you use a skin appropriate product – even if you naturally have an oily skin type. Moisturizers are available in rich formulas for dry skin, oil-free formulas for oily skin, and antioxidant-packed formulas for anti-aging skin. To balance your oil production – whether that means adding more or reducing it – picking the correct moisturizer for your skin type is crucial, and always remember to leverage an SPF with your moisturizer during the day for maximum sun protection!
Skin care doesn’t stop there – in fact, products that extend beyond your daily regimen are valuable to skin health and obtaining your skin care goals. Masks, exfoliants, peels and oils are all incredible products to leverage in your routine; however, your foundation is the most important. Focus on establishing a core skin care routine based on these 4 steps. Once you’re comfortable, you can begin to explore the addition of weekly treatments into your routine! Just remember – a treatment mask or peel won’t provide long-term results if your daily routine isn’t established!
Written by Heather Wilson, Director of Brand Development & Lead Esthetician
]]>The new year is a perfect time to reflect upon ourselves, reveal our ambitions and create goals to set ourselves up to conquer the upcoming year with confidence and purpose. The adrenaline rush caused by the influx of ideas and motivation can cause us to feel unstoppable, but can result in us running out of steam only after a few weeks. What many people forget is that with big goals and ambitions, we must ensure our mind and body are in a place of wellness, so that we have the energy to power through.
At InstaNatural, we believe that how you treat your body directly impacts the health of your skin. More importantly, when your body is functioning at full-speed, you feel confident, and nothing is more beautiful than confidence! With that, we are here to provide 7 skin-friendly tips to easily detox your body to reveal healthier, radiant skin throughout the year.
The last few months of the year provide us with endless opportunities to indulge in big meals, sweets and festive beverages. Even with an “everything-in-moderation” mentality, it slowly adds up, creating a sluggish feeling that can result in breakouts and a dull complexion.
Getting your diet back on track is the perfect way to kick-start your new year and detox your body. Begin by eliminating your intake of artificial sugars and processed foods and focus on incorporating as many fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet as you can. Scale back on caffeine and alcohol and strive to drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces of water.
If you struggle with getting the recommended amount of fruits and veggies into your diet, consider swapping out your breakfast or mid-afternoon snack for a nutrient dense smoothie! Filled with tons of nutrients and fiber, smoothies are the perfect way to satisfy your appetite while receiving incredible health benefits.
Heather’s Favorite Smoothie Recipe:
1 cup kale
½ a banana
2-3 whole strawberries
5-6 whole raspberries
1 scoop protein powder
½ cup liquid (use green juice for an extra punch!)Blend until smooth!
While it is not always attractive or enjoyable, sweating is our body’s natural way of regulating temperature and ridding itself of toxins. Engaging in activity that raises our heart rate increases circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting the natural flushing of toxins throughout our body. This stimulation impacts the skin in a positive way because it energizes cells and rushes nutrients to the dermis through increased blood-flow. The result is radiant, plumped and nourished skin!
While engaging in physical activity is sure to make you feel great, the initial increase in sweat and purge of toxins can cause your skin to look worse before it looks better. As you sweat and toxins are released, you might experience an increase in breakouts. The best way to prevent and manage this (potentially) inevitable detox side effect is to be prepared with the right products and treatments.
After your activity, cleanse the skin with a gentle, gel-based cleanser to remove impurities, sweat and makeup. Follow with a toner and antioxidant-rich serum and moisturizer to nourish and defend the skin. Weekly, treat your skin to a detoxifying mask which will clear breakouts, reduce blackheads and absorb excess oil.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and despite our desire for it to keep us looking young, it ultimately has one main purpose: to protect our body. Because of this, our skin tends to take the most abuse from a detox because one of the key ways our body eliminates toxins is through our skin.
Dull, lackluster and dry skin is typically the result of a period of indulgence. While beginning a full-body detox has incredible skin benefits, it is important to kick-start your skin’s detox by sloughing away dead and dulling cells. Full-body exfoliation will energize and reveal fresh, healthy cells, putting your skin in an optimal place to absorb nutrients from beauty care products, while also reducing the appearance of breakouts that can occur during a detox.
Exfoliation treatments are safe and easy to do at home with a few simple products and tips.
At-Home Facial Exfoliation
Start by cleansing the skin with a gentle exfoliating cleanser, being sure to remove all traces of makeup. Follow with the application of an at-home chemical peel that uses Glycolic Acid and allow to exfoliate the skin as directed. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a calming toner, serum and soothing moisturizer to replenish and nourish the skin.
Repeat every week to maintain radiant, smooth skin!
Throughout the year, we tend to collect a lot of beauty products. While we excitedly add to our collection, we often neglect throwing items away. Continual use of expired or old products can cause breakouts and irritation, but it is often unrealized that these concerns can be caused by your makeup bag – not your skin care routine.
While this doesn’t directly impact your full-body detox, this period of cleansing is a great time to clear out the physical clutter, too. Since we know this can be difficult, we recommend following the below rules to help you decide what to toss:
During the busy holiday season, we tend to get off track and cut corners in our routines. While this is understandable, a new year means that it is time to get back on track. To maintain the skin benefits of your whole-body detox, it is important to have a realistic skin care routine in place.
Start by asking yourself what your primary skin concern is. The answer to this question should be the cornerstone of how you choose your skin care products. Concerns can be lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dryness or acne. The key to success is focusing on your primary skin concern.
Next, decide how much time you are willing to dedicate to your routine. For some people, this time is limited in the morning, but flexible in the evening. Whatever your schedule allows, ensure your routine is realistic within the timeframe you have.
Finally – keep it simple. Complicated routines of multiple products, steps and rotations can cause confusion and don’t necessarily create more results. Especially in the beginning, focus on a daily routine of a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer and incorporate a mask and exfoliation treatment weekly. As you become comfortable and find success with your routine, you can begin incorporating additional items or rotate products to target additional skin concerns and goals.
Starting your year with a whole-body detox might be tough, but it is also rejuvenating and energizing. Keep the momentum going by creating SMART goals and ambitions for your entire year, allowing time for self-reflection, whole-body resets and room for flexibility. At the end of the year, you’ll find yourself looking back on tremendous growth and find yourself feeling beautiful, confident and inspired.
Written by Heather Wilson, Director of Brand Development & Lead Esthetician
]]>With the winter months upon us, dryness tends to increase as the air zaps nourishment from our skin. While all skin types should be using a moisturizer year-around, not all moisturizers are created equal. Depending on your skin type, the wrong moisturizer can feel heavy, uncomfortable and even cause blemishes on the skin. As we prepare for the colder air, we want to help you understand what to look for in a moisturizer and the appropriate way to use it in your routine.
Applying a moisturizer is one of the easiest ways to nourish our skin with powerful ingredients to address skin concerns such as:
More importantly, moisturizers balance the skin’s natural oil production – which is often disrupted by improper product usage, hormones or environmental aggressors.
Oily skin types tend to use drying, mattifying and stripping products to absorb the excess oil on their skin. However, the result of these products can create a counter effect. When we strip our skin of its necessary oil, it begins to overproduce to compensate, in turn making oil production increase. Aside from using the correct oil-controlling products, applying the correct moisturizer will regulate the skin’s oil production, prevent dehydration and support a shine-free and balanced complexion.
While the term “moisturizer” is often used to describe a product, moisture itself is the element of oil and hydration is the element of water. Moisturizers that are oil-free contain hydrating ingredients that are better suited for oily skin types, while traditional moisturizers contain oils to nourish the skin. Moisturizers can range in thickness based on their oil content as well as the types of oils used in the product.
Drying alcohols such as isopropyl and denatured alcohols are the first ingredients to avoid, as they will strip the skin and prevent your products from moisturizing the skin. Additionally, ingredients such as mineral oil and petroleum provide a layer on the skin that feels nourishing, but instead, sits on top of the skin, clogs pores, and can cause the skin’s natural oil production to slow, resulting in more dryness.
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Escaping for a day at the spa isn’t always easy, but we all deserve some rest and relaxation. In addition to the emotional support a spa day can provide, the skin benefits you receive from a facial or body treatment are unsurpassed. Fortunately, there are several ways to create your own spa-like oasis in the comfort of your own fluffy robe and home.
Start with a Smoothie
Food is fuel – and while taking care of our skin is typically the focus of a spa day, nourishing your body from the inside is a great way to unwind and jump start your relaxation. Smoothie recipes are far and wide, but for a nutrient-packed smoothie that will satisfy your taste buds, toss these simple ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth!
Ingredients:
Set the Mood
When you step foot inside your favorite day spa, your senses are immediately calmed and relaxation takes over. Many spas use aromatherapy to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, and it is easy to recreate this experience in your home.
An essential oil diffuser is a great choice for aromatherapy because of its ability to disperse the oil into tiny particles, filling the room with a wonderful aroma. Your sense of smell is closely tied to your emotions, so leveraging oils such as lavender, chamomile or bergamot will calm and soothe your mind, releasing any anxiety and allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your day.
Exfoliate from Head to Toe
Exfoliation is an essential part of every skin care routine because it sloughs away dead skin cells, helping to reveal softer, smoother and more radiant skin. When you eliminate dead cells from your skin's surface, it also increases blood flow which promotes healthier, glowing skin.
Try an At-Home Chemical Peel
A professional facial takes exfoliation up a notch by leveraging a chemical peel over your traditional scrub. While this might sound scary, facial peels have incredible skin benefits and provide enhanced results over scrubs.
Chemical peels use ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid to dissolve the intercellular glue that is holding dead skin onto the surface. In addition, these ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin to smoothen the appearance of lines and wrinkles, decrease pigmentation and clear blemishes and blackheads. These are benefits that your standard scrub cannot provide, because facial scrubs only focus on the surface of the skin.
With the continued innovation in skin care, you can perform a gentler version of these professional peels in the comfort of your own home! Glycolic Acid is our favorite ingredient to look for in peels because its small molecular weight allows it to penetrate deep in the skin and it has proven benefits for many skin concerns, including aging and blemish-prone skin types.
Don’t Neglect Your Body
The skin on our body deserves the same attention as the skin on our faces, however it often gets neglected. Exfoliating the body not only sloughs away dead skin cells, but it also energizes the skin for a more even complexion, softening the appearance of scars, stretch marks and even cellulite and allows for body moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
You can easily create your own nourishing body scrub by mixing the below ingredients until fully combined. The sugar gently removes dulling skin cells, while the coconut oil provides intense moisture to the skin.
Ingredients:
To apply, massage a handful of the scrub in circular motions along the skin, focusing on elbows, knees and heels. Rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry.
Take a Bubble BathRelaxing in a bubble bath is an easy way to release tension and soothe sore muscles, but soaking in a warm bath can also have wonderful skin benefits when you incorporate the use of bath bombs, which contain skin-softening ingredients such as cocoa butter, almond oil and coconut oil.
While soaking in the bath, we recommend playing relaxing music and lighting a candle. Try to use this time to truly clear your mind and focus on yourself. It doesn’t take long, but 15 minutes can make a huge difference in the way you feel, while also providing head to toe nourishment to your skin.
Energize Your Face with a Detoxifying Facial MaskAfter exfoliation and a warm soak in the bath, your facial skin should be prepped and ready for the application of a detoxifying face mask.
To detoxify and infuse your skin with minerals, apply a generous layer of a detoxifying facial mask - like a mud mask - and allow to set for 20 minutes.
Replenish Your Body with MoistureAfter you’ve exfoliated and soaked, your body needs to be replenished with moisture. While you can apply a body lotion, use this time to provide targeted care to your skin. Stretch marks, cellulite or scars can be addressed using creams that are infused with powerful ingredients known to target specific concerns.
If you’re looking for deep moisture, leverage pure and organic oils which have naturally-occurring constituents such as vitamins A, C and E along with fatty acids, providing intense skin nourishment and care.
Regardless of the product you use, you can apply your cream or oil using simple massage tricks to further release tension while energizing the tissue under the skin.
Enhance Your Fingernails with a ManicureA quick at-home manicure takes little time or tools and it is the perfect way to end your relaxing spa day. By this point, the skin on your hands should feel softened and hydrated, making your nails ready for a gentle treatment.
Directions:
Once your spa day is complete, enjoy the rest of your day by spending time outdoors, enjoying a nice dinner or grabbing coffee with a friend. The relaxing benefits of your spa day should make you feel refreshed and focused, allowing you to tackle anything that comes your way!
]]>One of the most common questions we receive as a skin care company is whether we have a gluten-free skin care line. While we don’t utilize gluten or its constituents in most our products, it hasn’t been until recently that we’ve been faced with the questions around certified gluten-free skin care. So what’s with all the hype? Read on as we unveil the truth about gluten-free skin care and cosmetics.
Gluten is the mixture of proteins found in products containing wheat, barley or rye. Its two main components, glutenin and gliadin molecules, link to create a cross bridge, creating elasticity in gluten-containing products. Simply put, gluten is what gives your favorite donut its perfect doughy, chewy texture.
But there’s a dark side to gluten for those who suffer from Celiac Disease (CD) or other Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivities (NCGS). In 2015, it was reported that 1 in every 100 Americans suffer from Celiac Disease. While Celiac can easily be identified through a blood test, no clear diagnostics for those with NCGS currently exist. So while 1% of the population can succinctly say they have CD, there’s a large subsection that is uncertain, but manifests similar symptoms.
Because CD is characterized as a condition where your body is unable to digest nutrients from food, symptoms primarily include those associated with your gut flora (think abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, etc.). Now with the inclusion of NCGS, symptoms have expanded to include blemishes, hives, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. Basically, a skin nightmare.
And with the incidence of gluten sensitivity at an all-time record high, it’s no surprise that the “Gluten-Free” phenomenon has transcended foods into the beauty realm. Gluten-free skin care brands are popping up left and right, all touting their gluten-free beauty products as the best way to combat these skin-related symptoms all while preventing gluten toxicity.
Despite the hype, the fact of the matter is that from a biological standpoint, gluten proteins are too large to bypass the skin’s barrier, meaning they cannot be absorbed through the skin. So, unless you have a contact allergy to gluten or its constituents, those that suffer from CD or NCGS shouldn’t be concerned with gluten in skin care products. The potential exception to this is in products applied directly to your lips (i.e. lipstick). Throughout the day, small amounts are ingested as you perform normal daily functions. But even then, these trace amounts should not impact your gastrointestinal symptom.
Instead of focusing on gluten as a harmful ingredient in your skin care routine, consider first simply eliminating it from your diet to determine if your gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms improve.
Instead of focusing on finding gluten-free skin care products, it is more important to pay close attention to the products in your current skin care regimen that contain known toxins and other aggressors, which could be exacerbating your skin conditions. Common chemicals to avoid include but are not limited to: sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, triclosan, petroleum derivatives, mineral oil; the list goes on and on.
Have you switched to a gluten-free diet and identified and eliminated any potential aggressors in your skin care regimen, but your skin is still not the beacon of perfect radiance? If so, the next step is to find naturally-based products that address your specific skin concerns.
If you’re plagued by adult breakouts, try a salicylic acid based cleanser with vitamins to prevent dryness typically associated with this ingredient. Follow it with a moisturizer containing similar ingredients to double up on salicylic acid’s healing power, without causing irritation. Another product you may consider adding to your regimen is a Glycolic Peel, which exfoliates to remove dead cells while providing an extra layer of defense against environmental aggressors.
While these recommendations may work for some of us, at InstaNatural, we believe that not all products work for everyone. Instead of taking a one-size fits all approach, we’ve created an extensive line of unique products designed to address every skin type and concern. Instead of jumping on another beauty bandwagon, call us today and speak to one of our dedicated Customer Care Consultants to discuss your unique skin concerns and craft your perfect regimen.
Beautiful winter skin, here we come!
]]>I’m here to share with you the primary skin concerns we all face and the best ways to take care and enhance your eye area – including a few tips and tricks of my own.
Dark Circles and Puffiness
Dark circles, puffiness and bags are often the first signs of aging around the eyes. It generally occurs in our twenties, when our cell turnover and collagen levels start to decrease.
Before you grab your concealer, it is actually easy to get rid of eye bags and dark circles with the addition of an eye product that uses proven and natural ingredients. Treating the cause of the darkness and puffiness is crucial and in the long run it is easier. Full coverage concealers tend to be heavy and can crease around bags and puffiness, drawing more attention to the eye area.
When looking for eye products for dark circles, you want to look for ingredients such as Caffeine, Bisabolol and Vitamin C, which helps stimulate and brighten the under eye area. Moisturizing ingredients are also important, since dark circles appear worse when skin is dry and dehydrated.
Eye products with caffeine are also great for puffiness and under eye bags. Caffeine helps to stimulate fluid retention in the eye area, which is often a primary cause of bags and puffiness around the eyes. Although caffeine is one of the best eye cream ingredients for dark circles and puffiness, sometimes the moisture that is offered in eye brightening products can make under eye bags appear worse. Instead, opt for an eye gel that uses water based ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Aloe Vera. For maximum dark circle and puffiness benefits, layer an eye serum underneath the gel.
Lines, Wrinkles and Crows Feet
Women are quick to say their eyes give away their age. Lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes are common complaints and women are always looking for a solution. With so many eye creams on the market, it is easy to be unsure what to look for.
Tackling aging concerns around the eyes isn’t just about the best eye cream ingredients for wrinkles. How we care for our eyes plays a huge role in overall eye health. Sun damage is the biggest factor in aging, and your eyes are not exempt. Wearing sunglasses helps prevent squinting, one of the main crow’s feet causes. However, larger sunglasses that cover the entire orbital bone offer UV protection to the delicate skin around the eyes and is the best option for defense. Makeup application and removal also can contribute to pre-mature aging concerns, because excessive tugging and pulling slowly breaks down our collagen and elastin - necessary nutrients for firm, wrinkle free skin. When applying and removing makeup, be sure to use gentle pressure, avoid rubbing and don’t sleep in your makeup.
To enhance these best practices, finding a high quality eye product with Argireline, a powerful and firming peptide, will help smooth the appearance of existing concerns while preventing future lines and wrinkles from occurring.
The Importance of Product
It’s easy to feel skeptical when you’re faced with dozens of products, claims, and ingredients that tout miracles. When considering an eye product, the most important factor to note is that prevention is key! Although powerful eye creams can reduce the appearance of existing signs of aging, it is much easier to prevent the line from occurring. Applying an eye care product in your twenties is a primary piece of an age prevention skin care routine, and your skin will thank you for it in the years to come. When you’re focused on prevention, look for lightweight eye products with skin strengthening ingredients like Amino Acids, Plant Stem Cells and Hyaluronic Acid. Some of the best natural eye cream ingredients, like Aloe, Jojoba Oil and plant extracts, are found in preventative eye creams, so you won’t have to sacrifice quality for efficacy.
The best ingredients for an eye cream to tackle tougher aging concerns can include Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and moisturizers like Jojoba and Shea Butter. Regardless of age, it is important to hydrate and nourish the eye area as moisturized skin tends to be more resilient against aggressors. Anti-Aging ingredients such as Peptides help to firm the appearance of skin, while Hyaluronic Acid visibly plumps wrinkles. In addition, both ingredients support the skin’s natural synthesis of collagen – and more collagen means fewer wrinkles.
Eye Cream Tips and Tricks
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