The Causes of Acne

So, why do we get pimples? As part of the ‘How To Get Rid Of Acne’ Series on my YouTube channel, I created this video on the causes of breakouts. In this video I explain what acne is, how it forms, and the factors that contribute towards acne. I give a holistic and science-based perspective to treating skin conditions and the importance of investigating the underlying issues that may be inducing them. Whether it’s stress-induced, fungal or cystic acne – knowing the cause of your breakouts can get you a step closer to overcoming your skin woes.

New Beauty & Wellness Videos

The post Why Do We Get Acne Breakouts? appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

In the wake of the current global health crisis, many are being relinquished to the confinements of their own homes in a bid to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and slow the spread throughout the globe. While lockdown in your home for a few weeks seems awfully daunting and almost insanity-inducing, it is about how we frame our mindset and see the bigger picture around the situation. I have compiled a list of things to keep you busy and safe at home through these manic, bizarre times.

While there are those that may still be in denial of the severity of the pandemic, it is indeed a very real crisis. And judging from Italy and Spain alone, currently the most infected of the EU, the consequences of not being proactive can prove disastrous.  While fatalities from seasonal influenza happen over a period of 8 months or so, the nature of this novel virus means it has the capacity to spread like wildfire. The number of those infected is increasing exponentially within a short period of time if not contained. Should we be overly complacent and completely shun recommended protocol, there will be severe repercussions throughout society. 

Aside from the obvious fatalities, hordes of people falling sick at once puts immense stress on hospitals and medical care. As the medical system becomes oversaturated, this could prevent others who are in critical condition, who require life-saving surgeries, transplants, transfusions, from getting the help they need – never mind the economic impact. This is why self-quarantine and social distancing are crucial at the moment. However, instead of being despaired and flustered, we must come together and focus on the greater good. Once we get out on the other side, this will strengthen us and empower us as a whole.

If we all play our part in doing our best to social distance, and self-quarantine where needed, the repercussions will be far less severe, diffuse the curve, and soften the ultimately catastrophic impact the virus will have on the economy, healthcare system and our community as a whole. Each of our small actions add up; I implore you to please follow guidelines, so we do not have to face more calamitous outcomes than necessary.

For all who recoil at the very thought of being cooped up at home, I have compiled a list of dozens of things you can do to keep you occupied during this time. I hope you can make the best of this situation and turn very dismal circumstances into something positive. This too shall pass; we just need to keep looking forward.

1. Learn a new language. We have all wanted to learn a new language at some point but somehow never get around to it. Now is the perfect time to begin doing so! There are plenty of online resources and endless free learning tools – all you need to do is pick the language you desire. And once this entire crisis blows over, why not treat yourself to a trip to a place that speaks your chosen language to get some real-life practice? That is certainly something to look forward to. 
2. Read. This may seem mundane or obvious, but in the fast-paced, easy access culture we live in today, not many people read much anymore. When was the last time you picked up a book and read it cover to cover? Give social media and online forums a break and lose yourself in a good book. Forget about audio books, even. While you not currently commuting, you have the luxury of actually sitting down and devouring a novel like you did as a child. You don’t even have to go out and purchase one as you can download an entire book store straight to your tablet, phone or computer. 
3. Practice an instrument. You know that old keyboard or guitar you have lying around from when you wanted to learn to play an instrument when you were 12? Dust it off and start playing again. Lose yourself in the power of creating music.
4. Take up painting. Not a skilled painter yet? Doesn’t matter, practice makes perfect. Find an image you love and begin drawing ‘til you perfect it. Watch online videos that give you step by step painting instructions. If nothing else, painting is extremely therapeutic and calming, which is what you need right now. 
5. Netflix, watch your favourite Korean drama, reality tv show or docuseries. There is an entire online library of every series you could imagine. You could go through fifty different series on Netflix before the quarantine is up and still not have finished them all. It is certainly the time to catch up on all your favourite TV shows, and you don’t even have to feel guilty about it.
6. Yoga and Pilates. If you don’t have a mat at home, just use a towel or blanket to practice the poses and exercises. Because both these do not require any workout equipment, they are the perfect way to give yourself a little light movement and clear your mind, in the comfort of your own home.
7. Practice your makeup skills. You don’t have to worry about leaving the house looking crazy, so now is a great time to attempt some new or daring looks and see how it suits you. Practice your cat eye, try out a new foundation or makeup technique.
8. Step up your skincare game. You have the luxury of engaging in a ten step Korean skincare routine without having to worry about rushing out the house now. 
9. Meditate. As a chronically stressed society – now even more so – we can all benefit from stress-reducing practices like mindfulness and meditation. Make it your goal to master meditation and control your mindset.
10. Home workout. No gym? Switch things up with a home workout. There are plenty online to follow. It gives you a little break from the weight room and mixes things up a little bit to keep them fun if your gym routine has become a little stale. Use it as a time to practice getting really good at some bodyweight exercises like pull ups and push ups. 
11. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Spend some time soaking your feet, filing and painting your nails, attempting some nail art.
12. Take a bath. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm bath. Use some Epsom salts or a bath bomb, light some candles, pour a glass of wine, and bring your favourite book. Now is a great time to unwind and indulge in some me time.
13. Bake. Baking can often be time consuming and so many times we resort to outsourcing our cakes and pastries, simply purchasing them at a store. Awaken your inner domestic goddess and channel your energy into baking some sweet treats. If you have kids, get them involved and make it a family activity.
14. Cake decorating. There are so many beautiful decorations to adorn your cakes with available on the market. People decorate cakes as a hobby. There are a multitude of tutorials on how to create beautiful things. Get baking, decorating and save some for the elderly couple who live next door too.
15. Learn some new recipes. If you are currently limited with the food you have on hand, challenge yourself to look up and learn new recipes. Make it a team effort if you are living with others.
16. Cooking contests. Set a contest for everyone in your household to see who can come up with the best recipe using a limited number of ingredients.
17. Groom your pets. Why not DIY the dog’s monthly grooming? Take some time to pamper your poodle, give them a wash, trim their hair and nails. 
18. Do some gardening. Plant some vegetables, pick fruit, trim the hedges, trim the lawn. 
19. Pamper yourself. When was the last time you did some major self-care and pampering? Put on a face mask, hair mask, give yourself a bikini wax, shave your legs, pluck that ‘stache, dry brush, face massage, body lotion. 
20. Write poetry/music. Channel your inner artist and put your feelings to paper. No one ever has to read it, but it’s a great way to get creativity and thoughts flowing.
21. Catch up with work. You know last Wednesday, when you said you were sooooo behind on work? Do it. Just because you’re not physically at the office or at your work place does not mean you can’t use the opportunity to get ahead.
22. Clean your home. Do not let the chaos and the clutter going on in the outside world enter your home. Keep your home clean so you can live in it comfortably and have no reason not to invite friends over to celebrate once the quarantine is over.
23. Organise. Tidy up your room. Organise your world files, your bookcase, your spice cabinet, your pantry. Give everything a place and put everything in its place.
24. Rearrange or assemble furniture. Now is the time to spruce up your home. Read up on some feng shui books and move things around until they are just to your liking. Set up a new desk, shelving unit, chest of drawers or kitchen appliance.
25. Have sex. You currently have no excuse for ‘just a quickie’ or being too exhausted from work. If you’re locked in with your significant other, take the opportunity to reconnect and truly take the time to make love to one another. There is literally no better time to get creative in the bedroom without interruptions. Besides, orgasms are great for de stressing and have so many hormonal benefits. Indulge in some steamy, dragged out lovemaking sessions. Practice tantra, stretch out foreplay so it becomes a main event and not just an add on. Massage one another, introduce new toys, set up candles, eat food off each other. Girlfriend, the world is your oyster. Just remember to use adequate contraceptive measures to reduce the likelihood of an oopsie, if you’re not wanting to get pregnant. If you’re not confined with your significant other, phone sex and sexting should not be underestimated. 
26. Home dates. Can’t go out? No problem. Make a dinner date at home, watch a cute movie, take a bubble bath, start a little project together. 
27. Masturbate. Don’t have a live-in lover? In this climate, you don’t want to risk going out and catching anything unwanted from a guy at a bar, so be your own lover. Stock up on some good sex toys, play relaxing music, and get to it solo. 
28. Sort out your wardrobe. The chances are you have a multitude of clothes you’ve never worn, are too worn out, can’t fit or don’t match your current style. Take some time to organise your winter and summer clothes, put aside some to donate, heck even colour code your outfits if you feel so inclined. 
29. Write letters to the elderly. A lot of elderly, immune suppressed, those in care homes, or vulnerable people are likely to feel lonely at this time. Lift their spirits by writing them letters and sending them out. You never know whose day you could make.
30. Volunteer. Run errands for the vulnerable people in your community. Replenish and deliver groceries, medications to the elderly or vulnerable population.
31. Journal. It can be therapeutic to write out your thoughts and feelings in this chaotic and confusing time. Put pen to paper and use it to vent your frustrations or musings.
32. Play with your kids. If you are usually a working parent, use this time to bond with your children and get them to clue you in on their games. Children have a lot to teach us too through play and their outlook on the world.
33. Take up knitting, sewing, crochet or working with textiles. This is not an activity reserved only for the elderly ladies. It can bring an enormous sense of accomplishment once you finish a new knitting or textile project that you can later gift away or wear yourself.
34. Online dating. While I am a novice to the online dating world (I’m a little old fashioned), I imagine it would be hot with conquests at this time. While many are refraining from going out and actually meeting people, there are many who may have set their sights online. In some ways this may be an advantage since it weeds out the f* boys who are only around to hit it and quit it, or to play around. Chatting to someone properly before meeting can allow you to evaluate whether or not you’ll actually be able to have meaningful conversation when you do meet.  And you don’t even have to try hard to make yourself sound that exciting, because I guarantee if he’s in quarantine too, his life won’t be much more exciting than yours either.
35. Sleep. You know that sleep you’ve been trying to catch up on for the past 84 years, but last-minute exam cramming, essay deadlines, late nights out, and restless kids got in the way? You have the liberty to actually sleep in a little now without having to worry about making pack lunches or rushing the kids to school or to the office before 9am. Since you might be spending more time in bed, I suggest picking up a Senescence Wellness silk pillowcase to make the most out of your beauty sleep and ensure that with increased rest you do not form increased wrinkles.
36. Plan a trip. Seeing as most trips abroad are cancelled for the next few months, why don’t you begin mapping out a hypothetical holiday? Plan out your perfect getaway, where you would stay, places you’d visit. Write down all the details and once you are finally free to travel again, you already have an entire holiday plan set to revisit and arrange. 
37. Plan outfit ideas. So, you have a cute top, a nice pair of boots, a new jacket, but are not sure what to wear them with. Take inventory of your pieces and begin planning outfits for every occasion so you are not left last minute with nothing to wearthe next time you go out. 
38. Scrapbook. Most people have a digital library of snapshots they have taken but no physical printed copies of photos anymore. Start putting together a scrapbook either for yourself, or for a loved one with all your best memories. 
39. Movie night. Chill with the whole family and enjoy a quiet movie night amongst yourselves.
40. Board and card games. Dust off your old board games, get out your deck of cards and interact with the family.
41. Assemble a puzzle. Put together an intricate thousand-piece puzzle and once you’re done, frame it. 
42. Do laundry. We all dread laundry day but we all love the feeling of fresh sheets and towels. Prioritise laundry as part of your cleanliness routine.
43. FaceTime. So we can’t meet our friends face to face. We can however FaceTime and hang out with one another virtually.
44. Learn a new skill. Basket weaving, sculpturing, watercolour, calligraphy, wood carving, hip hop dancing, stand up comedy. You can learn a myriad of skills from the comfort of your own home.
45. Online quizzes and questionnaires. The internet is rife with quizzes for anything you’d possibly want to know. There are tonnes of questionnaires that need to be completed online for research purposes too. Spend some time answering questions and helping new causes.
46. Write reviews. I am sure you have a million products you’ve purchased online that retailers ask you for feedback on, but you never get around to posting your two cents. Spend a couple minutes to give your feedback on products for websites you use often. You never know how helpful they could be to others, and some brands even offer incentives in exchange for reviews. 
47. Arts and crafts. As a kid you loved playing with glitter and sequins and gluing things together to create artwork. There is no reason you can’t do this as an adult, or get your kids to take part in it with you. 
48. Build a fort. You can build a fort in your own backyard, or even inside your own living room. Have some fun and put together a cosy little nook where you can chill and read and forget the problems of the world.
49. Dye your hair. Go ahead and dye or tint your own hair, if you don’t have access to your local salon. Even if it doesn’t come out to salon standards immediately, you have a little leigh way to allow the colour to take its own. 
50. Cut your kids’ hair. If it doesn’t come out perfect initially, at least you know you have a few weeks to grow it out. 
51. Video games. This is without a doubt the number one thing the men in our lives will be doing most during quarantine. Try joining in to see what all the fuss is about and if it really is as riveting as they claim. 
52. Karaoke. As long as you don’t drive your neighbours insane, there’s no harm in getting the family together for a little karaoke session, right?
53. Compose a song. Some of the greatest ballads come from life’s toughest situations. If you have it in you, channel all your current emotions into song.
54. Repurpose and remodel clothing. Take it into your own hands to give some of your old clothing pieces an overhaul. Turn your tee into a vest, crop your jeans. 
55. Indoor picnic. Set up a picnic blanket in the living room or on the terrace and have a picnic or barbecue. 
56. Teach your kids how to do basic house tasks. You’d be shocked at how many kids go away to college not knowing how to even do their own laundry. Keep your kids ahead by teaching them how to wash the dishes, do laundry, clean a bathroom, mop the floor, make a bed, cook a basic meal.
57. Read the bible or a book of worship. If you are a believer, it is an opportune time to get closer to God. Read his works, keep a devotional journal, meditate on what you read. Memorise words of hope from bible passages. Turn to your faith to get you through the hardship.
58. Have an impromptu dance party. Alone or with company, no one is judging you.
59. Make a home movie. Whether you want to film your kids to send to relatives, or your pets, take a few cute clips and edit them into a little movie.
60. Study. School might be out, but you might not want to let your grades go with it.
61. Take online classes. There are little online classes for everything from nutrition, hormone balance, makeup to reiki healing to finance and budgeting to bullet journaling. Choose a few classes and learn something new. Some universities offer free online courses too.
62. Create some home décor or art work. Whether it’s some pottery, an ornate plate, an ash tray, a vase. Create something to decorate your home with.
63. Learn graphic design or photoshop. All you need is your computer and possible a little pad for sketching.
64. Practice hairstyles. There is a gazillion hair tutorials to follow. Find and practice some new go-to hairstyles and mix up your look.
65. Create some mood boards and inspiration boards in preparation for your next big event or project.
66. Make your own oat and nut milks, or tea blends. While you have the extra time, why not try to make from scratch a few things you usually buy prepared? Try your hand at making some plant-based milks or herbal tea blends from scratch. 
67. Colouring books. Colouring is not just for children. Adult colouring books are therapeutic, help to self soothe, reduce stress and anxiety, and are a sort of creative meditation.
68. Support local and small businesses. Where you can, try your best to show support for small businesses, as the upcoming months will prove a struggle for many. Whether it is local restaurants who are providing takeout, small online boutiques, local shops offering delivery of their products. You can still shop online or via telephone or made-to-order, and it is vital that we all do our part to support keeping our economy afloat. 
69. At home photobooth. Since you won’t be able to get some outdoors or exotic location shots for a while, set up your own at-home photobooth and get the whole family involved. Jazz up the background, bring in some props, and use it as a chance to laugh with one another. 
70. At home facial. Because inter facial touching is a no go at this moment, compile some of your products and give yourself an at-home facial. Steam your face with a warm cloth, exfoliate your skin, apply a mask, give yourself a facial massage. 
71. Do homework with your kids. A lot of parents are worried they won’t understand their child’s homework, particularly if they’re not a quantum mechanics aficionado. If you have young children however, their homework should be easy enough. Do a little research on what their curriculum requires, print out some online worksheets and keep their little brains ticking. 
72. Write personal letters or emails to loved ones. When was the last time you sent out a letter of appreciation to the close people in your life? Take some time to pen a few heartfelt letters to your loved ones, or compose a few emails telling them how grateful you are to have them in your life. They will treasure the gesture from you. 
73. Bond and have meaningful conversations with your loved ones. We are all so busy day to day we lack true connection and understanding of the people in our everyday lives. We might see them all the time yet know so little about what’s going on inside. Take advantage of this time to foster your connections with those closest to you in person and invite them in to your heart. 
74. Wash your makeup brushes. Take advantage of a pared back makeup routine by giving your skin a break from your daily full face of makeup. Use the opportunity to give all your makeup brushes and tools a thorough clean, disinfect your eyelash curlers and mascara wands, freshen up your grubby makeup bag. 
75. Virtual zoo and museum tours. There are plenty of museums, zoos and art galleries that now offer online virtual tours. Find a virtual tour you’re interested in anywhere in the world and avoid going out and exposing yourself to pathogens. 
76. Online hangout dinner party. If you can’t invite people over, just host a dinner with a group of friends via Zoom instead. You can also do quizzes, bingo, and play games with a group of people via online video.
77. Livestream concerts. There are plenty of artists holding virtual concerts via social media.
78. Sprout some seeds. If you don’t have a garden, there’s always the option of preparing your own broccoli sprouts and micro greens from home. Just purchase some seeds online and use a paper towel or a sprouter.
79. Create Tik Tok videos. I have not yet immersed myself in the world of TikTok but it looks pretty fun and creative. I just created an account @shannonfeetham and want to start playing around with the app, creating videos on skincare/makeup, cooking, fitness and the like.
80. Make your own protective face masks. Guidelines seem to be backtracking on their earlier advice to not use face masks, however there is currently a shortage. You can try making your own for the times you need to pop outside, using elastic bands and an old t-shirt. Be aware that these will not be completely protective like medical grade masks, but they are better than nothing. Remember to wash them often.

There are truly hundreds of ways you can use this time in quarantine. Boredom is only for those who lack the creativity to keep themselves occupied. Take this time as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience or burden. Exercising gratitude for the smallest things at this time can also be tremendously helpful.

I hope this post inspired you or at very least got your wheels turning to the many things you can do to keep yourself occupied during quarantine. 

Stay safe and well, and as always,

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

The post Things To Do During Coronavirus Lockdown appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Silk Pillowcase for the Ultimate Beauty Sleep

It is likely you will spend much of your life with your face in a pillow. Hours of cumulative smushing of your skin into a pillowcase can over time etch in permanent lines and wrinkles. We tend to be gentle and cautious with our faces during the waking hours, yet during the sleeping hours we may be causing more damage than we are aware. To skincare addicts like me, women who want to preserve their beauty, or simply people who enjoy their sleep time, a silk pillowcase is the ultimate beauty staple. In this blog post I will tell you all about the silk pillowcase benefits and why it will be your new beauty staple too.

There is a reason we so aptly call it ‘beauty sleep’. During sleep your body works on cellular repair, regeneration and a whole host of other critical processes. Quality sleep ensures you are energetic, your immune system works effectively, you can concentrate clearly, keep disease at bay, regulate mood, quell inflammation, uphold a sharp reaction time, maintain a healthy weight, keep clear skin, maximise athletic performance… the list is endless. A silk pillowcase is the perfect way to upgrade your beauty sleep to ensure you wake up bright eyed and prepared to take on the day. Your silk pillowcase benefits you in a myriad of ways.

Silk Pillowcase Benefits

Encourages healthy hair

The friction elicited between your hair and a cotton pillowcase can encourage hair frizz, knots, tangles and – worst of all – hair breakage. If you are looking to grow out your hair, preserve its shine, or simply keep it in top condition, a silk pillowcase will greatly benefit you. Unlike cotton or other synthetic materials, silk is gentle on hair.

Say goodbye to the dreaded morning bedhead. Knots and tangles will become a thing of the past. You will see less hair on your pillowcase caused by tension of your pillow tugging against your scalp all night. A silk pillowcase is crucial during periods of time where your hair is more delicate and susceptible to breakage. Whether you have chemically treated hair, are dealing with stress or hair thinning – reduce unnecessary overnight hair breakage with a silk pillowcase. You deserve to preserve your precious locks.

Preserves youthful-looking skin

This is one of my favourite silk pillowcase benefits. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand when I wake up with creases on my face from my pillow. Especially when you have to run out the door. Unlike standard cotton pillowcases that leach moisture and hydration from your skin, silk is kind on skin. It helps to maintain skin’s hydration level, thus preserving skin health. While cotton pillowcases can absorb all the skincare products you have so meticulously selected to remain on your face overnight, silk does not do this. This will be essential to your anti-ageing efforts.

We spend a third of our lives on our pillowcase. In fact, we will never have a closer, more intimate, frequent face-to-face (literally!) relationship with anyone outside of our pillowcase. I am sure you have woken up plenty of times with sleep creases etched into your skin, from where your face was planted in your pillow.

When we are young, our skin can bounce back from stressors a lot quicker. However, over time, consistent etching of these sleep creases into our skin results in more permanent wrinkles and lines. Silk has a unique amino acid composition that is very similar to that of human skin. It is soft, gentle, and will minimise any lines that could be caused overnight as a result of using a standard pillowcase.

Promotes shiny hair

When you work so hard to achieve glossy, magazine-quality locks, don’t allow your would-be beauty sleep to ruin them. Regular pillowcases have the tendency to leach colour and lustre from vibrant, shiny hair. Your locks will glide over soft silk, maintaining all your natural hair-loving hydration, keeping hair sleek and shiny. Silk will also help preserve your hair style far better than cotton will. Your hair, as well as your hair stylist, will thank you.

Suitable for sensitive skin

Our Senescence Wellness Silk Pillowcases are hypoallergenic, using only the finest materials and non-toxic dyes. It’s soft and delicate texture is non-abrasive and smooth. This minimises any possible skin irritation or redness caused by regular pillowcases. While other materials such as cotton may absorb oils, sweat and dust, resulting in more frequent breakouts and other skin sensitivity issues, silk will be greatly helpful in your efforts to combat unwanted breakouts.

Not to mention, if you sweat a lot at night, this may be exasperating your facial breakouts. Standard cotton pillowcases will be doing you no favours because of their porous qualities. As with all bed sheets, pillowcases, makeup brushes, or anything that touches your face, just make sure to wash them regularly to reduce bacterial counts.

Cooling and naturally regulates temperature

For those who struggle with overheating at night, silk is naturally cooling and can help to regulate body temperature. Unlike cotton, which can leave you feeling sweaty and hot, silk helps to wick away moisture. This keeps your face cool and dry throughout the night. Studies have shown that keeping the room at a cooler temperature at night time can help you achieve better sleep. So, if you struggle with becoming overly hot, switching to silk can help you achieve better quality beauty sleep.

The Ultimate Form of Self Care

There is simply something about a silk pillowcase that is wonderfully indulgent, like the ultimate form of self care. It makes you feel as though, in using it, you truly are looking after yourself. You are making a statement that you matter and you are important – not only during your waking hours, but while you are dreaming too. Sleep is precious, and so are you. 

It is empowering to know you can actively be looking after your hair and skin in a state as passive as sleeping. You can go to bed and wake up with peace of mind that you are truly getting the most out of your beauty sleep. Now that you’ve heard all about silk pillowcase benefits, I suggest you try it for yourself. For girls who already do their best to care for their hair and skin, a silk pillowcase is a great way to up-level your beauty routine.

The Senescence Wellness Silk Pillowcase 

Today I am revealing for the first time something that I have been working towards for a long time now. Under our sister company, Senescence Wellness, we are releasing Luxury Silk Pillowcases for hair and skin. The product is first launching with Amazon UK. If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know I am extremely passionate about skincare, natural beauty and wellness. The choice of silk pillowcases felt like a natural product to launch our new brand. It is luxurious but simple to use and works universally regardless of your skin/hair type, age or skincare preference.

I wanted to choose a product you could feel great about using, that lasts, and makes a significant difference in your beauty and wellness routine. I chose the type of silk pillowcase that I knew I would love and personally use myself and would not compromise on the kind of quality I wanted. You will not only get all the silk pillowcase benefits, but be a part of a wellness movement. This entire experience has certainly been a learning experience and I hope you enjoy your pillowcase as much as I do.

My Ideal Pillowcase for Silk Pillowcase Benefits

It was unequivocal in my mind that I wanted to go with an envelope pillowcase design. I could not get past the fact that I felt a zippered closure somewhat cheapened a luxurious fabric like silk. I also tend to find zips a little unsightly (in my humble opinion of course). Although pricier to create, the envelope closure is far sleeker and elegant. You do not have to worry about snagging or the breaking of the zipper. There is no concern with your hair getting caught in the zipper, and it is easier to wash.

I chose a 19 momme silk due to its luxuriously soft feel and breathability. I also felt as though it was the right level of lustre; it is not overly shiny as higher mommes can be, but still has a delicate texture, high quality feel and look. The silk is also not too thin and transparent, but also not too thick and thus not cooling enough. I wanted to select a high-quality silk that is smooth and delicate, tactile, breathable and aesthetically pleasing. And I am rather satisfied with the outcome.

I found that a number of silk pillowcases on the market were not actually 100% silk. Some were silk blends with synthetics, or one side was silk and the other cotton. I wanted you to be sure the Senescence Wellness Silk Pillowcase was 100% pure silk, so even the most sensitive skin will love it. You deserve quality, and I will settle for nothing less.

Conscious Branding

For packaging I wanted to keep things minimal but chic. Our main focus is on delivering a great product with a lot of heart, and positive messaging. Many brands will charge above and beyond a premium price on their products, based solely on fancy packaging. (Packaging whose cost of manufacture is often nowhere near justifiable for the inflation in product price that comes with it.) I decided that with my brand I want to try my best to not have to contribute to the excessive packaging problems of today.

Oftentimes, no matter how pretty a box the product comes in, packaging will be discarded soon after. As consumers there are only so many boxes we can stack before entering hoarder territory. Clutter is neither good for our state of mind and wellbeing nor for the planet. As a Wellness centric brand it is of paramount importance that our actions align with our values.

Your Self Care Journey Begins with Beauty Sleep

We are currently offering an introductory price of only £39.99 for our silk pillowcases. All support and feedback is truly appreciated. My aim with this new brand is to bring you the best Beauty and Wellness products that you will use and cherish. Products that make an immense difference to your Wellness routine, and make you feel amazing. My whole aim with this brand is to help you feel empowered. We want to offer the tools for your Beauty & Wellness ritual to assist you on your self care journey.

So, what are you waiting for?

Upgrade your beauty sleep with a Senescence Wellness Silk Pillowcase. 

Follow our Instagram for your daily dose of empowering wellness content @senescencewellness.

You might also enjoy the following blog posts:

Affordable Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine for Your 20’s

Skincare Ingredients To Treat Acne

What is Bakuchiol & Can It Help with Anti Ageing

Salicylic Acid Skincare: The Complete Guide

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limits,

Shannon xo

The post Silk Pillowcase Benefits: My Ultimate Beauty Staple appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Acne Supplements That Actually Work

By now you might be aware of my past struggles with acne and breakouts. Not long ago, it seemed that any little thing would exacerbate my skin and spur on an acne breakout. I had been on antibiotics for years in an attempt to clear it up, and every time I tried to come off antibiotics, I would ultimately have to start them again. This perpetual on-off cycle went on for years until I decided enough was enough and took matters into my own hands. I became rigorous about my skincare, makeup removal, and tried to cut down on the junk I was putting into my system day in and day out. I was aware of the damage that years of antibiotics and other drugs had wreaked on my digestive system. Determined to find a solution, I began research. I tried many acne supplements in the process.

In spite of the hundreds I would shell out for a consultation with a dermatologist, they would barely spare five minutes listening to my story before pulling out the prescription pad and prescribing months’ worth of topical and oral antibiotics – neither of which actually eliminated the issue. All it left me with was a weakened skin barrier, impaired gut function, food allergies as a result, and an indefinite prescription of pills. My hormones were not out of balance, but my dermatologist continued to push birth control pills for my skin. There is a strong dichotomy between what conventional medicine says is the solution for acne (or lack thereof) and what a more functional medicine approach would lead one to believe.

You are what you eat?

For years I had convinced myself that my frankly poor diet consisting of endless servings of high sugar cereals, milk (despite my lifetime of lactose intolerance) crackers, addiction to anything wheat and processed junk had nothing to do with the breakouts on my face. After all, my dermatologist had not rebuked or even mentioned the possibility that my high sugar diet had anything to do with my breakouts or inflammation. It was not until I confronted the fact that my poor dietary habits and aversion for fresh food were major contributors to the state of my skin, that I finally got a hold of my breakouts. What a concept.

Although this may sound pretty obvious, keep in mind that the same foods that caused me to break out will not be the same foods that cause you issues. There are people for whom processed foods or dairy are not the culprit, as much as certain nightshade vegetables, or even some other seemingly healthful options. What is healthful for one person does not directly reflect as being healthful for another.

Imbalances inside, show up outside

There are countless micronutrient and hormonal imbalances that lead to breakouts and thus countless options to treat your breakouts. We are all deeply individual, with different lifestyles, different genetics and microbiome states. We are so individual that the current state of your own microbiome and inner flora could be completely different now to what it will look like in three months’ time. In this post I will be telling you about supplements that I have personally had success with for treating my breakouts.

Keep in mind, you may not have the same issues I had, and your inner flora are going to be vastly different to mine. However, I hope this gives you a little hope as to the options you have at your disposal before going too crazy with the medications. (Please note that, particularly if you suffer with severe cystic acne, your best option would be to consult a medical professional. It may be better to get your skin under control first and using the supplements I am mentioning as skin maintenance, in order to prevent it from worsening anymore and potentially causing lifelong scars and marks.)

Herbal Extracts

Let me preface by emphasising that I by no means shun conventional medicine. We need only look at the advances we have made in medicine over the past century, and the lives saved, to recognise its potency and necessity. However, what concerns me is the fact that antibiotics and the like are now being prescribed as a cure-all for smaller ailments that could often otherwise be managed with less disruptive therapies.

In my quest to find alternative solutions, I came across the wondrous world of herbal remedies. Up until this point I had assumed “natural” or herbal supplements were all frankly a bunch of ludicrous contrivances. After all, science had progressed far beyond the natural remedies of our ancestors. What I had failed to realise was that much of conventional medicine today is manufactured upon managing pretty severe or debilitating ailments.

Steroids, antibiotics, NSAIDs – they are great when dealing with crippling illness, infections, surgeries. However, to depend upon such medications for a little cough, mild cramps, or even spots, can actually be more damaging than beneficial. Conventional medicine is predicated upon the treatment of symptoms. It never truly targets the root of the ailment or the cause of disease. 

Burdock Root

There are a few herbal remedies that caught my attention as potential acne supplements.

• Burdock root has blood purifying properties and has been found to elicit detoxification of heavy metals from the blood. By improving blood circulation, it promotes skin health.
• As a natural diuretic, it helps remove waste which assists in the expulsion of toxins from the body.
• It also improves detoxification and drainage of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage is critical for immunity and overall wellness.
• Burdock can greatly help inflammatory conditions like acne, and even eczema and psoriasis, by quelling that inflammation of the skin.

Blue Flag

Both burdock and blue flag are herbal extracts that essentially work by clearing the body of toxins. They calm the inflammation that leads to skin problems.

• Blue flag aids the skin by purifying the blood as it works through the liver, the body’s main detoxification organ.
• Cleanses, decongests and removes waste products associated with poor skin health.
• Influences the glandular system, lymphatic, intestinal glands, liver and gal ducts.
• Believed to counteract the effects of fatty food or alcohol on the skin.
• Combines well with burdock root to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

These extracts should be used in therapeutic doses and neither of these herbs should be taken raw. I stumbled upon these tablets with both blue flag and burdock root. It contains an optimal dosage of both herbs too.

Let me tell you, these acne supplements are a game changer for breakouts. I typically take these tablets around meals, in order to combat the effect of the blood sugar spike. I feel as though it helps reduce potential inflammation I might get as a result of my (sometimes questionable) dietary choices.

If you experience pesky spots, blemishes or even mild eczema, I highly recommend you give these tablets a shot.

This is where I purchase Clear Complexion Tablets.

Zinc

(but not just any zinc)

Not only is zinc an essential mineral vital for proper immune function, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties to boot. As previously mentioned, acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin. Thus, any nutrients that will help to soothe that inflammation are invaluable in the treatment of acne. It may also diminish problematic yeast overgrowth that contributed to acne. Zinc’s wound healing properties are also crucial for healing breakouts. 

Studies in the 1970s first observed that patients with acne had significantly lower levels of zinc that controls. Zinc as a single product, as well as combination treatment paired with other therapies, has proven to be efficacious in improving acne lesions. As acne supplements, zinc can be incredibly effective. You can access the studies here.

Zinc deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake, but also due to excessive loss or poor absorption, and certain chronic illnesses can also lead to its deficiency. Those who avoid animal food sources are also more prone to zinc deficiency. Vegetarians or vegans who mainly obtain their protein sources from legumes, beans, nuts, wholegrains and soy typically have trouble. This is due to the phytates that inhibit zinc absorption. 

Zinc Sources

Great food sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, eggs and poultry. However if you are concerned that your dietary zinc intake is low, or that you are a poor absorber, you may wish to supplement with zinc. 

Certain zinc compounds are more bioavailable than others and will thus have a greater impact on your skin. Zinc acetate, zinc orotate, zinc methionine, zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate are all options that have been studied, however there is some conflicting opinions as to the best form. I personally prefer zinc picolinate for its bioavailability.

This is the exact zinc I use. 

Vitamin D

(but pay attention to the form of vitamin D)

It is no coincidence that my most severe acne flare up coincided with the only time I had ever been vitamin D deficient in my life. Before moving to the UK I had never experienced vitamin D deficiency, nor did I ever have to supplement with vitamin D, because I grew up in a relatively sunny place. 

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is responsible for regulating thousands of functions in the body. It has antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties that are critical for addressing the causes of acne. Inadequate levels of vitamin D are strongly linked to acne prevalence. 

A daily dose of sunshine will of course be the best source of vitamin D. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, beef liver, full fat dairy and sardines. Vitamin D is fat soluble so pair with a source of fat, in order to fully obtain its benefits. If you are concerned that you are not getting sufficient vitamin D through diet or adequate sun exposure, you may wish to consider supplementing with vitamin D. 

Not all vitamin D is created equal

Look out for vitamin D3 supplements as they are the form of vitamin D that will be most beneficial. Vegans in particular will struggle to meet their vitamin D requirements. The vegan diet is naturally far lower in bioavailable vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 from mushrooms and other vegan sources is typically more poorly absorbed.

These are my favourite vitamin D supplements that I have used for years and have not struggled with low vitamin D since. It is from a reputable brand and is very inexpensive for the amount you are getting.

If you are vegan, I would suggest this Vegan Vitamin D3 because vegan supplements often use vitamin D2, which is poorly absorbed. However, this Vegan Vitamin D3 comes from a high quality, completely animal-free source so you can rest assured you are actually topping up your levels. 

Probiotics

The mistake I made, and what my doctors failed to share with me is that, in the attempt to remove the acne-causing bacteria with antibiotics, I was also removing good bacteria. The antibiotics I had been prescribed indefinitely by my physician had set off an atomic bomb in my digestive system. It wiped out every trace of flora. 

In order to healthfully thrive, your body has to maintain a balance between both good bacteria, and bad bacteria. Your body works in equilibrium, and allowing one thing to overpower another will unquestionably result in imbalances and hence consequences.

Despite what we are led to believe, not all bacteria are bad. Even the dreaded E. coli has plenty of harmless strains. Its use in research is responsible for a number of scientific breakthroughs. In fact, our body comprises more bacterial cells than human cells! Maintaining a fine balance between both beneficial and harmful flora is crucial for optimal health. 

The Fine Balance of Bacteria

The whole premise of antibiotics for acne is that it targets bacteria that lead to acne. Essentially, the proliferation of this “bad” acne-causing bacteria leads to acne and breakouts. However, in the process it wipes out all other harmless bacteria responsible for millions of other functions within the body. This means it is critical to re-inoculate the body with “good” bacteria, or probiotics. We must tip the scale back in favour of the “good” bacteria and stop any “bad” bacteria overgrowth again. It is all about balance; even too much “good” bacteria can be a problem.

Probiotics and the microbiome is a topic I feel very strongly about, so I will be writing an entirely separate blog post on everything you need to know about probiotics. There are all sorts of strains and different classes of probiotics you should look out for. In the meantime, if you have acne and are (or are not) on antibiotics, I urge you to reach for some probiotics. 

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics, as are yoghurt, kefir, and kombucha. You may also wish to try a probiotic supplement. This is the high quality probiotic I use and trust. I find this probiotic works for me best and is extremely effective.

Treat the Cause

In “part 2” post, I will address a number of other acne supplements that are also highly effective. Depending on the cause of your acne, the acne supplements you respond to and your own individual treatment options will vary. You may have to address hormonal imbalances if that is the cause of your acne, or yeast overgrowth. Every case is individual. However, everyone will benefit from the supplements mentioned in this post regardless of the cause of your acne.

I hope this post on acne supplements was informative. I hope it helped get your wheels turning on acne supplements and the many options you have for treating the cause of your breakouts – not just the symptoms. 

Sign Up Here for more health and skincare posts. You also get instant access to my Skincare Essentials Checklist when you sign up.

For more skincare information, check out these posts:

Top 5 Skincare Ingredients to Get Rid of Acne

How to Eliminate Blackheads for Good

Essential Tips for Oily Skin

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid for Skin

9 Things to Consider Before You Start A New Skincare Routine

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

The post Acne Supplements that Actually Work appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

With the abundance of facial oils available today, from fan favourites like coconut to argan oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil is one I feel is often overlooked. It is not only a great facial oil for skin, but its inherent benefits also play a role in maintaining optimal internal health as well. In this post I will be shining the spotlight on sea buckthorn oil benefits for both skin and health.

What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Despite what its name may lead you to believe, sea buckthorn oil derives from the sea buckthorn shrub (also known as sandthorn, sallow thorn, seaberry or Siberian pineapple).

There are a variety of medicinal purposes for the use of the leaves, seeds and fruit of the plant. Its medicinal powers have been known for centuries and have been used in formularies from ancient Greece to ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Sea buckthorn oil can be extracted from both the fruit or the seed. This is done by cold pressing the fruit or seed followed by filtration.

The odour is musky and although they share similarities in their nutritional content, their nutrient profiles differ slightly. They also differ in colour and texture. The fruit oil is darker red colour and more viscous, while the seed oil is paler orange and thinner in consistency.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Skin

Sea buckthorn oil promotes maintenance of healthy skin due to its nutrient rich composition and fatty acid profile.

Fatty Acids Keep Skin Smooth

The fatty acids in oil create an occlusive film over the skin to reduce trans epidermal water loss and maintain skin’s hydration levels. Palmitic and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil. They smooth and soften skin while forming an occlusive layer to reinforce the protective skin barrier.

Omega Fatty Acids for Visible Skin Benefits

Sea buckthorn oil has a unique fatty acid profile in comparison to other plant oils. In fact, it may be one of the only plants to contain all four omegas – omega 3,6, 7 and 9. Typically omega supplements will boast the content of omega 3, 6 and 9 that we might entirely overlook omega 7 as a nutrient at all.

Omega fatty acids are extremely important ingredients for skin. They serve as essential building material of skin’s surface and build cell membranes. They create a more youthful looking, smoother complexion and increase skin hydration. Calming signs of redness and sensitivity, they also defend skin from environmental damage.

The rare omega 7 (aka palmitoleic acid) is a relatively new fatty acid discovery. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid and component of skin lipids and facilitate the communication between fat and muscle tissue in the body. It helps to stimulate skin regenerative processes and wound healing. Therefore sea buckthorn oil has the potential to reduce the look of scars and wounds.

Suitable for Oily Skin Types

Gamma linoleic acid (omega 6) improves blood circulation, which in turn assists with the removal of toxins and delivers oxygen to cells. The GLA in sea buckthorn oil penetrates into skin’s deeper layers, stimulates cell regeneration, relieves inflammation, slows ageing and even regulates skin sebum production. Due to the presence of omega 6, it is also suitable for oily skin types.

Typically oily skin types are reluctant to use facial oils on their skin, however sea buckthorn oil may prove beneficial for oily skin. Linolic acid found in sea buckthorn oil plays a key role in skin health. It regulates skin metabolism and sebum production, thus reducing pore blockage and blackheads.

Sea buckthorn oil also contains phospholipids and glycolipids which aid in moisturising and softening the epidermis, as well as improving skin elasticity and cell renewal. They have the propensity to reduce skin inflammation and slow the ageing process. Furthermore, sterols in the oil strengthen the lipid barrier and improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Fatty Acids in Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits:

• Saturated fatty acids soften skin and prevent trans epidermal water loss.
• Sea buckthorn oil contains an abundance of omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9.
• These omega fatty acids reinforce and smooth skin’s surface.
• They increase skin hydration and visibly strengthen skin.
• They have regenerative properties and heal wounds.
• Regulate the function of skin’s sebaceous glands.
• Protects against infections, soothes inflammation and slows ageing.
• Moisturises skin, reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity.

Powerful Nutritional Profile of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are largely due to its diverse cocktail of vitamins and nutrients. It is particularly rich in a number of vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K, P and B complex vitamins as well carotenoids, antioxidants, flavonoids, fruit acids, anthocyanins, and minerals. Essentially, it is a recipe for extraordinary healing.

Packed with polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, tocopherols and flavonols, sea buckthorn oil is a cocktail of antioxidant goodness. Sea buckthorn oil’s potent antioxidant profile combats free radicals. And thus it prevents premature cell ageing and helps to regenerate cells.

The vitamin C content of sea buckthorn oil is 15 times higher than that of an orange. It will protect against UV damage and help to even out the complexion. Read this vitamin C article for more about vitamin C’s amazing effect on skin.

In a nutshell, sea buckthorn oil fights free radicals, protects against harmful UV rays, regenerates cells and slows skin ageing. It supports wound healing, treats scars and reduces pigmentation. What’s more, it may also have a role in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Health

Due to its abundance in nutrients and essential fats, sea buckthorn oil has a significant positive effect on human health. Because of this, it has been used for centuries in ancient medicine and is now gaining popularity as a functional food and nutraceutical.

Antioxidants in sea buckthorn support the immune system and help to fight infection. Taken internally they will also help to promote healthy skin and hair.

Omega fatty acids encourage healthy cardiovascular function and support the brain and nervous system.

Omega 7 contained in sea buckthorn oil fights inflammation, lowers blood glucose and insulin resistance, as well as suppresses fat accumulation.

Flavonoids promote healthy immune system function and cell rejuvenation, as well as slow premature ageing.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sea buckthorn can provide pain relief and aid in lessening inflammatory conditions such as GI tract issues, liver inflammation and sore joints.

Products for Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

There are a number of skincare products and supplements containing sea buckthorn oil that will provide you with a myriad of sea buckthorn oil benefits. 

Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

The Ordinary Sea Buckthorn Oil

100% Sea Buckthorn Oil

Oribe Golden Face Oil

Leahlani Siren Serum

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are nothing short of extraordinary. And as more research emerges on the benefits of this wonderful plant and omega 7, I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about it over time.

Are you going to try incorporating sea buckthorn oil into your beauty routine? How about trying an omega 7 or sea buckthorn supplement?

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

The advice in this article is not a substitute for advice from your medical or healthcare provider. Unauthorised use and/or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited.

The post Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Skin and Health appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Simple Self-Care Practices to Make You Feel Unstoppable

As of late I have felt myself loosening the reigns on my self-care practices. And I must admit, the effects are tangible. I have not been properly fostering my mental wellbeing or prioritising self-care practices. It does take a physical and emotional toll. Over the past year, as I have been diving more and more into self-development practices, I have become very aware  of when something is out of balance. I can tell when I am not in alignment. When I have not been making self-care and my mental state a priority, I feel it manifest as physical symptoms.

While it can feel discouraging that I still get down at times, I take it as a positive thing because now I can actually distinguish between feeling well and feeling less so. Not too long ago, I would have probably never been able to recognise what it was to feel good and have mental clarity. Frankly, try as I might to appear upbeat on the outside, I felt down and off-balance all the time. I did not prioritise my happiness, nor did I give a second thought to self-care practices. 

On my blog, I like to tackle all aspects of self-care, from beauty practices to mindset practices. This blog post primarily focuses on self-care practices that will have an impact on the way you feel. They are mindset habits you can take to foster a positive mental attitude. Everything stems from the mind. Work on your mindset and the quality of your daily life will improve multiple times over. 

Feeling unstoppable

Implementing daily self-care practices is empowering. Once you know how to take care of yourself and your own wellbeing, you begin to realise that your fate lies in your own hands. Oftentimes, people blame the outcome of their lives on others. The problem with doing this is, you are placing your life in the hands of other people. I have news for you: you are in control of your own life. I know that many times in life we are faced with circumstances we did not ask for nor did we forsake upon ourselves. There are certain situations beyond our control. But one thing you can control is the little internal unit that is your state of being.

While you may not have a say in what goes on in the outside world, you do have a say in the way you run your internal factory. You have a say in the software and hardware of your spirit, soul and body. And if you dedicate enough time to working on it, you can achieve things beyond your wildest imagination. So, nurture and invest the time and energy in to yourself. The work you do on yourself will no doubt be the most strenuous and at times excruciating work you will ever do. But it will be worth it. 

Once I began on my journey of really tuning into myself, I began to see that self-care was not selfish. That I am far more useful when I am in a beautiful state than when I am in a state of anguish and chaos. Whenever I feel myself slipping under, I realise it is time to re-centre and prioritise my wellbeing. These simple self-care practices will help you to be the most optimal version of yourself. 

1. Do not look at social media first thing in the morning.

I took a six-month complete break from social media this year. Yes, six months. In the current day I realise that is nearly unheard of. And I still haven’t fully returned to social media yet. I find that while social media is a valuable marketing tool, it does nothing for making you feel good about yourself. Scrolling past a host of curated images showcasing the edited versions of other people’s lives honestly does nothing for my state of wellbeing.

You want to set your day up for brilliance and success when you wake up in the morning. Bombarding yourself with hundreds of snapshots of other people does nothing but evoke various emotions in you, all in a short space of time. It may evoke negative and uneasy emotions. You may find yourself unnecessarily comparing your life to that of others. If you want to be drained of energy and allow any toxic influence into your life first thing in the morning, social media is the fastest way to do so.

It can be tempting to automatically open social media apps when you wake up. Especially if you have to reach for your phone when the alarm goes off. But I know that avoiding all social media in the first hours upon waking can result in a much better mindset for the day than when choosing to glance at Instagram. Be in control of your outcomes from the moment you wake up in the morning. Cancel out the external noise of social media and focus on you. Feel your body fully, feel gratitude for being here, and begin your day.

2. Express gratitude daily.

I consider taking time for gratitude as one of my self-care practices because it has such a notable effect on every aspect of life. Really being grateful for the blessings in your life encourages even more things to be grateful for.It is a powerful thing, to write down the things you are grateful for on a daily basis. Even if it means only writing down a small minor win. I always try to do a mental checklist of everything I am grateful for. However, the physical act of writing down three things is even more impactful. 

Write down three things you are grateful for in the morning, and three things before you go to bed. It’s simple but effective and you can start with a simple exercise like using this 6 minute diary every morning. This mere act will help invite more gratitude into your daily life and help you cope on days where there is a level of overwhelm or frustration. Gratitude is immensely important for personal growth and constant development. It is one of the most simple but proficient self-care practises. 

3. Exercise

Exercise is high up on the list of self-care practices that impact me most. The daily practice of moving my body has definitely taken a back seat in recent months. I have no solid excuses, I just have not been prioritising this aspect in my daily life as much. It can be discouraging when you have fallen behind on your strength training and return to the gym feeling that you can barely move half of the weight you did before. I am planning to start up again slowly and consistently, even if it means only doing bodyweight exercises for a while first.

Many people approach exercise with a view to lose a set amount of weight, or slim down for a big event. They use this particular goal as their fuel to work out or go to the gym. This mentality is a short-term fuel and is no way sustainable in the long term. People search for some kind of motivation to push them to go to the gym. They push themselves to exercise out of guilt for overindulging. It is almost like a ritual of punishment for so many people.

This entire mindset is unsustainable and will not set you up for success in the long term. You burn yourself out with this constant exertion and not giving yourself the space to rest and recover. Once your big event comes and goes, exercise will be put on the backburner and is no longer a priority. In fact, you may end up dreading exercise because of the mindset you have had towards it the entire time. It is like you have to be all-in or not at all.

Enjoy the process

The issue with this is people are so focused on attaining the results that they completely neglect the process. They don’t enjoy the process, the physical act of getting their body moving, the endorphins and feel-good chemicals being released. Trying to quantify your goal into a specific number of inches or a specific weight on the scale may be a short-term way of attaining results. But the human body can only be pushed so far, and you may end up rebounding twice as hard once you loosen your grip.

This is why the majority of people are on this perpetual cycle of weight loss and weight gain, on a diet and off a diet. Many people are at some kind of war with the gym, dread the act of exercise and impatiently scrutinise themselves every day for results. And if the results do not come fast enough, they give up or turn to drastic measures.

I love the practice of being at the gym. I am by no means a professional lifter or the fittest individual but that is not my reason for working out. Going through the motions and process has a therapeutic effect. I now view exercise as a self-care practice. And that is how working out has become one of my favourite things to do. As a girl who values her lazy time, that is quite a feat to achieve.

Don’t just rely on motivation

To me, motivation is fleeting; it comes and goes. Some days you feel inspired and some days the gym is the last thing you want to see. I view the gym as my happy place. Yes, I have been able to make an enclosed environment full of sweat and rusty weights my happy place. I know that the Bro Science mentality views the gym as a place where you have to push yourself and go hard, but truthfully, the gym is simply my therapy.

As someone who has always been on the petite side and never engaged in exercise before, I did not begin the gym for aesthetic reasons. Sure, I would love to gain some muscle and strength but that would be a happy side effect rather than a main goal. I began because I realised that the designated time I gave myself to work out was my ‘me time’, my little escape. A place to let out my frustrations and to feel strong and empowered.

Mental effects

My mood is lighter when I have been exercising. I have more mental clarity and I feel more resilient towards stressors. I know for a fact that if I had been purely motivated by appearance to work out, it would not still be such an important aspect of my life today. The key to building a consistent exercise ritual is to find a mode of activity that you enjoy. Something you look forward to doing daily.

I enjoy the physical act of being inside a gym because it somehow gets me into a head space where I know this is my uninterrupted time. There are many intense exercises and workouts you can push yourself through, but my personal goal is not to achieve a certain aesthetic. Rather, it is to keep my mental state in check. I favour slow and controlled movements to intense bursts. And I avoid cardio at all costs; I don’t enjoy the repetitive movement. I like changing up between movements and running in place for an hour just is not interesting to me.

Working out really helped me cope a great deal last year when I was dealing with a lot of tension, stress and unfortunate events in my life. I have not been as zealous at the gym recently, so I will begin making it a point to etch out time in my schedule for work outs. I am not a fan of therapy, so I treat exercise as my time for growth and personal therapy. Instead of treating it as a punishment, treat it as a reliever. Find an exercise you love, a routine that gives you peace of mind and consider it your self-care time.

4. Meditation.

I have attempted to meditate once or twice before deciding it did not work for me. There have been times in my life where I have had to deal with chaotic situations. The world was seemingly crumbling around me. There was noise and destruction from every corner. I was a little afraid to meditate, to be alone with my thoughts for too long. I have been sceptical of meditation in the past. But adding meditation to your list of self-care practices can help to build mental strength and resilience. It makes you better able to manage external noise.

The mere act of deep breathing has a greatly underestimated powerful effect on calming you down. If you do not meditate regularly, it can be difficult to remember to find the time to engage in meditation. However, if meditation is something that truly helps with your mindset, and calm the business of your mind, it is a practice that is worth implementing into your routine.

Meditation keeps overwhelm at bay

Meditation teaches proper breathing and mental strength techniques that keep issues like anxiety and overwhelm at bay. For people who, like me, find it extremely hard to quiet their mind, factoring in a little bit of time every day can help to organise the clutter. But it is not something that comes easily. It most certainly is a lot easier to ignore your internal cues and continue wading along. Until of course you find yourself chin-deep in overwhelm and barely able to keep yourself afloat. So, preventing yourself from drowning in your troubles is key.

There are a number of ways to meditate. It’s all about choosing the mode of meditation that suits you best. I am considering using Calm for guided meditation but there are a whole host of other meditation apps to explore too. When selecting apps, I tend to download a few different ones at once, in order to trial and test which one most suits my needs. Please let me know if you have any other meditation app recommendations. 

Ideally, meditation should be one of the first self-care practices of the day. I would like to meditate first thing in the morning in order to put myself into a peaceful, mentally strong state for the day. I struggle with racing thoughts and a rushing mind where I can barely piece together one thought quickly enough. Meditation is an incredibly effective tool for your self-care practices tool kit. It helps to quiet the clutter and give some relief to a busy mind.

5. Acupuncture. 

Until only a few months ago, I had never considered acupuncture as a plausible solution to any of my issues. I have not attended acupuncture in months now since I have been away from my usual practitioner and have not been able to find another one. And let me tell you, I notice a big difference.

Acupuncture is great for rebalancing your energy and blood flow. It helps to relieve mental conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. And there is even data to suggest it can assist with hormonal issues. There are anecdotal accounts of women whose infertility issues were solved with acupuncture treatment, so it may be worth looking into if that is something you are struggling with.

This is definitely one of the self-care practices I need to get back into. I plan to immediately schedule an acupuncture appointment once university starts, since acupuncture is a great stress reliever. I will warn that I end up feeling incredibly sleepy after every session. So, just make sure you do not have to do any strenuous activity on acupuncture days.

6. Say No.

It can be difficult to turn down opportunities. Especially if you’re someone who suffers a recurring case of FOMO. You want to do everything and be everywhere at one time. The problem is, you are one person. You have a limited capacity to execute and truly be able to give your all to multiple things at once.

If you have a chronic case of overachiever, you might fall into the trap of spreading yourself too thin. All your time may be dissipated to other places until there is nothing left for yourself. I have come to think of it as having a battery. There is a designated amount of energy and time to allocate to specific things. Wearing yourself away with depleting tasks is not self-care. 

Value your time

Your time is precious. It is important to be selective with the things you choose to spend your time on. Unless you have certain urgent moral obligations like a funeral or wedding, do not allow external noise to dictate the way you spend your time. Saying no can be hard but it is extremely empowering to be able to speak your mind. As you get older you realise that time is the most valuable asset available. Do not expend your time or energy on things that are not important.

Do not put the things things you value most in second place. Always keep in mind the fact that by wasting energy in other places, you may not have the bandwidth to complete the tasks you originally set for yourself. So, stop selling yourself short and devote more time to self-care practices and doing the things you love. Prioritise things that bring you joy and advance you in your life. Discard the rest. Stop saying yes because you think that you have to.

7. Do more things that make you happy.

If something brings you joy, you should not need anyone’s permission to continue enforcing it in your life. And you should not feel guilty for choosing to do something that makes you happy over something you are ‘meant’ to be doing. If everyone else is doing something that you are not comfortable with, or behaving in a manner you would rather not engage in, do not hop on the bandwagon simply to try and fit in.

Do more of the things that you notice raise your vibration, and make you feel happy and more uplifted. Carve out the time to do things that you love as a means self love and as part of your self-care practices routine. Fill your days with things that make you feel your best. Steer clear of anything that makes you feel inadequate or unhappy. Remember you have a limited amount of energy to dispense. Choose your tasks wisely.

8. Treasure taking time to be with yourself. 

This is one of the most powerful self-care practices I do not think people utilise enough. For some reason, people do not appreciate the time they spend with themselves. They view it as time spent alone. It confounds me and I wonder, do people really dislike themselves that much that they abhor the time they spend with themselves? Is it that mind-boggling of a concept to actually enjoy and actually choose to spend time with yourself?

I view it as spending time with myself, rather than time by myself. Nowadays with technology plugged in at all times and constant distractions, people can spend time by themselves but still not appreciate what it means to be with themselves. Mastering this time alone to really become self aware and conscious of who you truly are, is invaluable.

We live in our bodies, in our souls 24/7, yet we never really take the time to get to know the person whose soul and body we are inhabiting. When you enjoy your own company, you can begin working to improve yourself and grow yourself. How can you work on improving something when you have no idea what is wrong with it?

I can honestly say I never find myself getting bored on my own. I love being around people and connecting with people, but I give so much of myself a lot of the time that it can be depleting. Whereas you are still within certain confinements and are expected to maintain a certain image around others, when you are with yourself you are unrestricted. It is the only time you can truly be yourself. Take advantage of it and get to know yourself. 

Life is about reinvention and updates

There is a reason that apps and software undergo constant updates. Developers are tirelessly looking for areas to improve on in order to enhance user experience. But they have to understand the software inside out in order to do so. The same thing applies to you. You need to fully immerse yourself into who you are and what drives you. I am not talking about enhancing your physical appearance. I mean looking at yourself internally, understanding your own software.

Many people severely lack a sense of self-awareness. They just follow other people and have no idea what they want. They are so out of touch with themselves, that when they do not have someone else around to make decisions for them, they are lost and uncertain. These people never change or grow and are still doing the same thing they were doing five years ago. They fail to learn from their mistakes and are too afraid to stray from the feeling of familiarity. 

You cannot improve on something you don’t understand. Whether that means discerning your likes and dislikes, getting a clear picture of your ambitions, understanding your areas of weakness. On a physical level it might even mean taking the time to explore your own body. These are all self-care practices. You deserve to grow and develop. You deserve the time spent on improving and knowing yourself. Instead of spending all this time learning about other people’s lives, it is important to appreciate what it means to be you. 

Make self-care a priority

These are some small, daily self-care practices that have a huge impact on how I feel on a daily basis. Once you begin implementing them you will be able to tell when you have been slacking on your self-care practices. I have struggled with crippling anxiety in the past which takes a lot of time and work to get under control. By implementing a few simple habits and making self-care practices a priority in daily life, I can ensure that I keep my mental state in check. This means I nip it in the bud before it worsens and never have to fall into a downward spiral or be in a low mental state again.

Truly looking after the way that you feel will in turn result in you showing up in the world as the best version of yourself. Make it a point of doing things that charge your energy, rather than exclusively giving time to the things that drain it. If you are considering introducing some of these self-care practices into your own life, I hope this post is helpful. I know it was a lengthy one and you may not have had the chance to read the entire post, but I hope that whatever small snippet you managed to assimilate, gave a little food for thought.

More posts on self-care practices

This post consisted of primarily self-care practices for mental wellbeing. For beauty-related self-care practices check out these posts too:

Skin Care Tips for Long Haul Flights

How to Take Care Of Skin During Fall

This post was also another instalment from my Mindset and Inner Beauty Series. Take a look at my previous Inner Beauty and Mindset posts:

Mindset Series: Let’s talk Inner Beauty

How to Live Your Truth When The World Tells You Otherwise

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

© Shannon Feetham and shannonfeetham.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

The post Self-Care Practices to Make You Feel Unstoppable appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Best of August 2018: Skincare, Beauty and Wellness

August has officially come to an end and so begins the phasing out of Summer. I hope your month has been beautiful and you have had the chance to savour every day. In this post I will be presenting the best of August 2018. This is a roundup of all the articles I have published over the past month in case you missed any, along with a few favourite product finds.

Best of August 2018: Product Finds

These are a few great products I have been loving over the month of August but have not yet had the opportunity to talk about in blog posts. For many more of my favourite products and recommendations, make sure to check out my previous blog posts.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

I have only just been able to try this cult classic product after hearing about it for years. I purchased a mini size on a trip to Madrid a few weeks ago. The price has typically deferred me from trying it before, but when I saw the mini size I decided it was a good time to purchase it and try it out.

It provides excellent coverage, goes on smoothly and does not cake up excessively. It does not easily settle into the fine lines under my eyes like other typical radiant concealers tend to do. I use the shade ‘Custard’.

Nars Concealer UK

Nars Concealer US

Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick

This alarmingly green lipstick is actually not green at all. It is in fact colour-adapting once applied. Kind of like the mood rings we had in the 90s. It applies as a sheer, rose-toned wash of colour that gradually intensifies. The shade is very natural and simply looks like your lips are healthy and hydrated. Whereas some lipsticks make it look as though you are wearing an obvious opaque layer of paint, this is a more “my lips but better” shade.

Frog Prince Lipstick UK

Frog Prince Lipstick US

Simple Hydrating Gel Cream

I picked this up while it was on sale at Boots for around £3. Let me tell you it is fantastic! Typically formulas claiming they are for dry dehydrated skin are a little heavier so I was apprehensive about that. However, this moisturiser is completely light, non greasy, with a gel texture. I actually think it would work great for anyone with acne prone or even oily skin. It sinks in quickly and is still hydrating. Definitely worth the find.

Simple in the UK

Simple in the US

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick

Yacht Lyfe is a gorgeous pinky-peach with a shimmering finish. The sheen in this product is not overly glittery or obvious. Although many products in Fenty’s line are meant to be played up for full-face glam, I do like to play down intense colours for a more effortless effect. You can swipe this shade onto the cheeks for a glowy flush of colour or you can dial down the intensity to suit you. 

On “no makeup” makeup days, it is a nice shade to pick up with your fingers then just pat onto the cheeks. After lip balm I will pat this into my lips and also like to sweep some on to my lids too. I find it just livens up the face and gives a more cohesive look.

Fenty Beauty is available here in the UK

Fenty Beauty is available here in the US

Tech Fave

Lastly, I have a random favourite. I have been travelling frequently and needed something that would protect my laptop but also make it look cute. I found this sparkling silver laptop case and it is so pretty. While it is very affordable, it is probably not the most sturdy in terms of security. It just makes me happy every time I look at it on my laptop. This is the exact seller I bought my laptop case from.

I did not want to be too overwhelming with a favourites overload of 50 products. So, this is just a few products I have been using and loving on a daily basis that I have not before mentioned in a previous blog post. In the future, I would be happy to dedicate entire blog posts to monthly favourites. But for now, I feel as though you will get a sense of my taste and the product I enjoy from my regular articles. I frequently recommend products and provide in depth reviews of many of the products I mention in my blog posts. 

Best of August 2018 Blog Posts To Check Out

Skin Science

The Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid

All About Antioxidants 

Sun Damage and the effects of UV radiation

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid in Skincare

All About Vitamin C: Brighter, Firmer Skin

Natural Beauty & Wellness

Avocado Oil Benefits for Skin and Health

The Benefits of Rosehip Oil For Skin

The Only Natural Alternative To Retinol Clinically Proven By Science

Beauty and Skin Care Advice

How to Properly Layer Skincare Products 

Top 10 Essential Tips To Keep Skin Healthy During Travel

Top Korean Skincare Products You Need To Try

9 Things You Must Consider Before You Start A New Skincare Routine 

Sephora Skincare To Add To Your Shopping Cart

Self Development

The Importance of Inner Beauty and Mindset 

How to Live Your Truth and Be Your Authentic Self

I have a lot of new and very exciting articles coming your way in the upcoming months, so make sure you are Subscribed to the Blog. 

Let me know the products or experiences that have been your Best of August 2018. What have you been loving this month?

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

The post Best of August 2018: Skin Care, Beauty and Wellness appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

The Inner Beauty & Mindset Series

I have emphasised from the beginning it is my belief that Beauty and Wellness are not one dimensional. And so, my approach to them reflects this belief. Beauty is not limited to what is merely seen on the surface. A heart and soul full of pure intention will radiate beauty far more than a face plastered in expensive makeup and products. I have spoken about the power of individuality and looking beyond just the products you put on your face. To me, Beauty and Wellness include the state of your being and the person you are. For this reason, I am introducing a Mindset series to my blog.

If you read my previous post about living your truth, you will have realised that not only do I enjoy writing about skincare, but I also have a lot to write about when it comes to mindset. What can I say? I love to express myself through writing. It has been important to me that I incorporate an inner beauty Mindset series to my blog. I strongly believe in the impact of Mindset and personal perspective. I always advocate that beauty spans beyond just the surface level. Beauty is more than the makeup you use, the clothes you wear, the weight you are on a scale. The majority of your beauty will come from the person you are within.

This Mindset series will go alongside my other content. The regular skincare and beauty pieces will still be my primary focus. I adore skincare and beauty products, being able to share advice and provide helpful information. I love writing the articles and integrating my understanding of science with skincare. When I created this blog, I knew I did not want to merely give generic advice or produce content that did not align with my beliefs. I want my content to be as thorough and informative as possible, especially when it comes to skincare and the science behind it. Although my blog encompasses a substantial amount of content based around beauty, wellness and skincare, I would be remiss to act under the pretence that beauty is merely skin deep.

Many people underestimate the power of Mindset, but it truly plays into every aspect of your life. If you are here for the skincare and beauty articles, there will still be plenty of those coming your way. I understand that not all my readers will appreciate or want to read this Mindset series. However, should you need some encouragement and happen upon these posts, they will be here waiting for you. Real life is full of hills and valleys, ups and downs. Perhaps these words may be just what you need to hear at the time.

I want my Mindset series to be as unfiltered as possible. This is the free expression of my own personal thoughts, opinions and experiences. Wherever you are in your journey, I do think that there is value to be garnered from this mindset series of posts. Inner beauty is something I would like to keep at the forefront of my content. In a world preying on people’s insecurities and capitalising on your desire to look a certain way, I want to provide my reader with something priceless. While there is a definitive price for nips and tucks, fillers and botox, makeup and skincare, no one will ever be able to put a price tag on your inner beauty.

I do not feel this is spoken about enough in the beauty space. Perhaps because it is not something one can simply purchase with the click of a button. Inner beauty and mindset are things you will have to work on continuously. These are not things someone can sell you or profit off. Which may be why people do not talk about inner beauty enough, despite being such an integral part of a person’s beauty. I feel that regularly incorporating such pieces into my Mindset series will help to reiterate the impact I so strongly believe your inner being has.

In today’s world where so much attention is given to appearance, oftentimes Mindset and inner depth can be overlooked. When you see nothing more than someone’s face on a screen you are not able to experience their character or witness them as a whole. In this artificial setting, it can be easy to forget that beauty beneath the surface is so profusely impactful.

When we encounter an attractive image, we are sold on appearances. We want her hair, his new car, their expensive wardrobe, that luxury vacation. But we never once think ‘I want their beautiful mind’. You can choose to conceal yourself behind false pretences, acts of insincerity, material possessions. But you cannot hide behind these things forever.

Remember: once you strip back the makeup, the jewellery, the designer items, the expensive cars, the social media following, the glitz and the glamour, you will be standing with your bare soul. Unadorned, unembellished, unveiled before the world. Standing, uncovered, before your creator, or whatever external force you believe in.

Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself on the outside and treat yourself with respect. But please, foster the beauty within. Work just as hard on cultivating a Mindset and outlook you can be proud of as you do on your appearance, if not more. Every day we should strive to work towards a better version of ourselves. So that once everyone leaves at the end of the day and you are alone with yourself, you can feel at peace with the person you are

As always,

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

© Shannon Feetham and shannonfeetham.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

The post Mindset Series: Let’s Talk Inner Beauty appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits

We have known about the benefits of vitamin C since its discovery in the 1930’s. Vitamin C really hit the big time when it was discovered that its presence in citrus fruits could prevent sailors from getting scurvy. As a child it may have seemed like your mother would preach vitamin C as a cure for everything from the common cold to a sprained ankle. And today, supplement companies are not the only ones utilising vitamin C. Many skincare brands are popping out their vitamin C products and serums like it’s a brand new innovation. The ingredient is becoming more mainstream with increasing demand. So, should you be using it? And what vitamin C skin care benefits are there?

The role of vitamin C in the body

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that cannot be synthesised naturally by the human body. It must therefore be consumed through diet. It is abundant in citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and all those good fruits and veggies. And now, the vitamin C excuse given by our parents to eat our fruits and veggies has ascended once more in relevance.

But instead of just being told to consume it through diet, we are being told to apply it topically to our skin as well. In recent years it seems that vitamin C has become more and more of a prevalent fixture, not only in medical-grade skincare but in every self-respecting skincare brand’s repertoire of products. Indeed, with proper use it can help reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. After learning about all the vitamin C skin care benefits, you too will be on the hunt for the perfect vitamin C. 

Oftentimes ‘vitamin C’ may not appear outright on a skincare product label. It may be listed as ascorbic acid, or one of its other variations. The chemically active form of vitamin C is known as L-ascorbic acid. It has a similar structure to glucose and is weakly acidic. L-ascorbic acid is the gold standard for vitamin C in skincare, however various other forms of vitamin C are also growing in use. In an upcoming blog post about I will cover all the derivatives of vitamin C, to help you decide which best fits your needs.

Protects skin from sun damage

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. If you read my post about antioxidants, you’ll be well informed about the crucial role they play in protecting skin from oxidative damage. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals via electron transfer or donation and removes oxidants such as those from environmental pollutants or UV exposure. By mitigating the harm from oxidative stress, its antioxidant activity is a measure against photoaging.

UV exposure decreases vitamin C content of skin so topical application of vitamin C will help to increase vitamin C concentrations in the skin. This provides a level of photoprotection and limits the effects of DNA damage from UV exposure. Additionally, vitamin E in conjunction with vitamin C has a further protective effect. Read my previous post for more on why UV protection is a great vitamin C skin care benefit. 

Collagen building

It is no secret that skincare freaks are obsessed with collagen. If anti-ageing is your priority, you might even see this as one of the most important vitamin C skin care benefits. Collagen is a protein found in our connective tissues and cells. Vitamin C encourages the synthesis of collagen in the skin. It acts as a cofactor in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, a process that prevents the weakening and damage of collagen in the body.

Without adequate vitamin C, collagen formation is impaired. This explains the symptoms of illnesses like scurvy, where there has been an evident deterioration of collagen due to lack of vitamin C. This also explains why smokers tend to age prematurely; smoking depletes vitamin C levels and thus impedes collagen formation.

So, if you’re dying for an extra collagen boost, perhaps just skip all the fancy collagen drinks and the extravagant collagen facial treatments you’ve been considering trading your first-born child for. Simply opt to increase your intake of plain old vitamin C instead.  For extra benefits, apply it to your skin as well as consuming it in your diet.

As always, I’d advocate getting your nutrients from old fashion food sources. Just go ahead and eat the food instead of trying to look for some miracle broth or spending the money on supplements. Especially when it comes to vitamin C, which is not that troublesome to get into your diet. And who’s complaining about adding a vitamin C-packed fruit smoothie into their routine?

Wrinkles and sagging

Topical applications of vitamin C have been shown to decrease the appearance of skin wrinkling. As skin ages it is subject to changes in the dermal layer, and the deterioration of elastin and collagen. This leads to wrinkles. Additionally, the thinning of skin and loss of muscle tone can result in skin sagging. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress in skin and improve skin structure.

The effect of a lack of vitamin C in the skin is evident by simply observing individuals who are vitamin C deficient. As we have already discussed, the antioxidant protection and collagen building vitamin C skin benefits will lessen skin ageing.

Skin Brightening

Vitamin C has brightening effects on skin. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with hyperpigmentation and dark spots as a result of chronic UV exposure. As you may recall from the blog post about sun damaged skin, prolonged UV exposure triggers the production of melanin in the skin. This leads to skin darkening and eventually brown spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C inhibits the action of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin formation, to prevent this overproduction of pigment. It can therefore improve skin evenness and diminish the look of dark marks. Although, its effects may not be as marked as stronger ingredients like hydroquinone.

Speeds up healing

Vitamin C levels impact wound healing. Due to its collagen-building, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can reinforce a compromised skin barrier and speed up wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory effects also mean that it may be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. 

Don’t go pouring lemon juice on a wound anytime soon though, as the acidity from the citrus can be highly irritating to the skin. I guarantee the stinging you’ll get as a result won’t make you feel any better or have any improvement on your condition.

Drawbacks of vitamin C

There are some drawbacks of vitamin C that are worth noting. L-ascorbic acid is hydrophilic and unstable. Vitamin C degrades on exposure to air, light and heat, so stability of topical vitamin C is a concern. Your expensive bottle of vitamin C serum may be degrading by the day. Research suggests a vitamin C concentration between 10 to 20 percent is optimal for vitamin C skin care benefits. There are OTC products that go as high as 30%.

The decreasing concentration means that even if a product claims to contain this level of vitamin C, it is losing efficacy from the moment you begin using it. You can tell a vitamin C product has gone bad because the serum will turn a brown colour. There is concern that using spoiled vitamin C products may actually increase free radical exposure in skin.

Due to the stability issue, many skincare products are increasingly using various vitamin C esters rather than ascorbic acid in their formulations. Depending on the ester, they can be gentler on the skin and absorb more slowly. These vitamin C derivatives however, are often less potent than vitamin C. Their vitamin C skin care benefits have not been as comprehensively studied as ascorbic acid. 

High concentrations of vitamin C cause skin sensitivity and irritation. The pH of the product is also of great importance. For maximum benefits, L-ascorbic acid should have a pH of below 3.5. Such acidic low pH levels have the potential to make the products highly irritating.

Acne

There have been anecdotal concerns about vitamin C products triggering acne. I have not encountered substantial research to support this. However, I have personally experienced an increase in acne after using specific vitamin C esters in my routine. That being said, I have extremely intolerant and irritation-prone skin. This reaction may just be due to the base of the vitamin C serum and not directly caused by the vitamin C itself.

It is also possible that specific vitamin C esters penetrate faster than your skin can tolerate. It does not mean your skin will break out with every vitamin C product. The acidic nature of the ingredient could also have an exfoliating-like effect, triggering unsurfaced blemishes to emerge more quickly. Again, this has not been proven and is merely my two cents. I encourage you to do your own research and consult a medical professional if you are having issues.

Dietary vitamin C is proven to be helpful among individuals with acne, when paired with zinc and other nutrients. There are a few studies that suggest vitamin C derivative sodium ascorbyl phosphate has a positive effect on acne lesions. However, it is not as readily absorbed by skin as ascorbic acid. As I frequently reiterate, it is important to experiment and test out different products to see which best suits your individual needs.

Best practices for maximum vitamin C skin care benefits

In order to retain the vitamin C skin care benefits, a product’s packaging should be air tight. Unless the product comes in individually sealed sachets, you want to make sure to use it up within a couple of months to avoid issues. Incorporating it into your morning skincare routine can make sure you are getting antioxidant protection throughout the day. Make sure to read my step by step guide to properly layering morning skincare.

Best vitamin C products

Here are a couple of ascorbic acid products I love, so you too can get the vitamin C skin care benefits.

Gold Standard Vitamin C

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic – The ultimate holy grail of vitamin C serums. Not only does this serum include vitamin C, it also offers vitamin E and ferulic acid which have both been shown to increase the efficacy of formula. In fact the incredibly effective formula is patented and has been widely considered the gold standard in skincare antioxidants. 

Spot treatment 

Although many people will appreciate the vitamin C skin care benefits, you may only have a few trouble spots. If your main skin concerns are specific dark spots, perhaps from acne or as a result of sun damage, you may wish to consider a spot treatment. This Vitamin C Spot Treatment contains a hefty 25% concentration of vitamin C to target hyper-pigmentation. If you prefer a trail size before committing to a full size, check this one out: Vitamin C Spot Treatment Trial Size.

Vitamin C that stays fresh

This Fresh Pressed Daily Booster comes in individual packaging so as to minimise the chance of the product degrading over too long a time. It contains 10% vitamin C and can easily be mixed into your other products. 

Collagen booster

The Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen is another pricey but very effective serum. It is packed with a number of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (which I looooove) as well as amino acids. This serum is brimming with vitamin C skin care benefits. It not only contains ascorbic acid but another vitamin C derivative tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Again, watch out for that upcoming blog post. 

Natural option

Vitamin C Serum from Andalou Naturals is a lovely underrated serum. It is organic and natural, gluten free, free of GMOs and relatively affordable. If you find your skin cannot tolerate ascorbic acid, this serum contains a vitamin C derivative magnesium ascorbic phosphate. It also includes a whole host of antioxidants.

Final thoughts

As usual I could go on all day about skincare but I will leave it here before I get too carried away. In a future post I will be breaking down all the best skincare on the market that will provide you all the vitamin C skin care benefits. If you would like to see a review on a specific product, feel free to let me know. And tell me: do you use vitamin C in your routine? Let me know your favourite recommendations, I love hearing the products other people swear by.

If you found value in this information, please share it so that we can be of help to others. Subscribe to the blog for more skin care posts like this. A great deal of thought and care are put into each and every post, so your support, likes and shares are appreciated beyond words. 

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

References:

Wang, K., Jiang, H., Li, W., Qiang, M., Dong, T. and Li, H. (2018). Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Frontiers in Physiology, 9.

Raschke, T., Koop, U., Düsing, H., Filbry, A., Sauermann, K., Jaspers, S., Wenck, H. and Wittern, K. (2004). Topical Activity of Ascorbic Acid: From in vitro Optimization to in vivo Efficacy. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 17(4), pp.200-206.

Woolery-Lloyd, H., Baumann, L. and Ikeno, H. (2010). Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(1), pp.22-27.

The post Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits: Brighter, Firmer Skin appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

The Rosehip Oil Skin Benefits

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, facial oils can be intimidating or a no-go altogether. I certainly have had my share of breakouts and have not always used the correct oils or emollients for my skin type. However, it has not deterred me from trying facial oils. After much searching and testing and trial, I have assembled my own carefully curated list of facial oils that I must always include in my skincare rotation. Rosehip Seed Oil is one such oil. This article is dedicated to the many rosehip oil skin benefits, so that you too have reason to try out this facial oil.

Where does rosehip oil come from?

Before diving into all the rosehip oil skin benefits, it is worth explaining what exactly rosehip seed oil is. Contrary to what you may think, rosehip seed oil is not extracted from roses. Rosehip seed oil, as the name would suggest is instead extracted from the seeds of rose hips. These are berry-like seeds that are small and red (they look a little like goji berries) and remain after a rose has lost its petals.

Extracting oil from these small seeds can be a laborious process. They can be cold pressed or extracted a number of alternative ways in order to preserve the delicate nutritional content of the oil. Due to the arduous extraction process, rosehip oil can be rather high in price. In the case of this oil, a lower price point may mean cutting corners to diminish some of the rosehip oil benefits for skin.

I would not usually advocate more expensive skincare choices, but it may be worthwhile forgoing the cheapest option in this case. To ensure quality and that you are getting all the rosehip oil skin benefits possible, it is a good idea to search for a sustainably sourced, carefully extracted variety.

Moisturising rosehip oil skin benefits

One of the most obvious rosehip oil skin benefits is its ability to act as an emollient. Like other plant oils, the emollient nature of rosehip oil allows it to soothe and moisturise skin on application. Oils can also act as a protective barrier or occlusive so that the skin retains moisture. While some ingredients like humectants keep skin hydrated by attracting water from the environment, emollients protect and condition skin. Take a look at this must-read article about humectant hyaluronic acid.

Essential fatty acid content

Another of the primary rosehip oil skin benefits is its impressive nutritional profile. Rosehip seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids. Our own bodies cannot synthesise these fatty acids. They play a critical role in normal skin function and are a huge component of cell membranes. Essential fatty acids support the formation of ceramides in the skin, which in turn help to reinforce skin barrier function.

Everyday damage to collagen in the skin’s dermis lead to skin ageing. Both dietary consumption and topical application of EFAs will help to reduce photodamage from UV rays and skin inflammation. Thus, EFAs have the ability to minimise skin ageing. Read this article all about what can be done to attenuate UV-induced sun damage.

Vitamin A

The high vitamin A content via carotenoids is perhaps one of the most valuable rosehip oil skin benefits. Vitamin A in rosehip oil will protect skin from environmental damage and inflammation. It is, after all, a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidants aid in the prevention of hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. For an explanation as to why this is one of the most important rosehip oil skin benefits, read this article about antioxidants.

The use of retinoids and vitamin A derivatives is becoming increasingly prevalent for the prevention of wrinkles. Prescription retinoids or retinols used in skincare contain retinoic acid for its potent wrinkle-fighting, skin firming properties. Retinol is pre-formed vitamin A, while beta carotene is a precursor that must be converted into vitamin A by the body.

Alternative to retinol?

Some natural skincare advocates claim that the carotenoids found in rosehip oil are a viable alternative to retinol. However, the amount of vitamin A in rosehip oil simply isn’t enough to rival clinically proven retinoids. Beta carotene found in rosehip oil does not have the extensive backing that conventional retinol does for anti-ageing and wrinkle reduction. It can however be a useful substitute in those with skin that is simply intolerant to retinols, or women who are pregnant. If you are a more “natural” beauty advocate, you are going to want to take a look at this article about the best botanical extract alternative to retinol.

(Tangent: I use the word anti-ageing as a blanket term to describe the process of ageing “gracefully” with intention, using health and skincare methods. As I have mentioned before, I am not at all against ageing. Ageing is a privilege. I am not advocating the complete prevention of ageing or doing everything in your power to freeze your face in time. The term in this case describes the process of embracing getting older, while taking steps to care for yourself along the way. I know it doesn’t need clarification, but I would not want anyone to misunderstand my use of the word.)

Vitamin C

Rosehip seeds are packed with the powerful antioxidant vitamin C. I wrote an entire article going in depth about all the rest of vitamin C’s skin care benefits. This vitamin is great at brightening the skin and fading dark marks. In fact, rosehips are one of the best sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In spite of this, much of the vitamin C content is degraded during the pressing and extraction process. Not to mention, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and so this may mean that the vitamin C from rosehips is not actually bioavailable.

Anti-inflammatory

The potential to combat inflammation is one of my favourite rosehip oil skin benefits. Rosehips are a source of natural lycopene, also found in fruits like tomatoes. Lycopene promotes healthy skin due to its UV-protecting abilities and anti-inflammatory properties. As a child I was encouraged to eat toast with olive oil and tomatoes for this reason and tomatoes are now one of my favourite fruits!

Along with flavonoids and antioxidants, rosehip oil’s high composition of unsaturated fatty acids provides additional protection from inflammation. The anti-inflammatory factor is such a key aspect of rosehip oil benefits for skin in those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Wound healing

The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil also help to promote skin regeneration. At the same time, rosehip oil contains vitamin E, yet another robust antioxidant. Vitamin E has impressive wound-healing, nourishing qualities. Vitamin E can also help boost protection when paired with other antioxidants like vitamin C.

A non-greasy oil

Rosehip oil is a dry oil – that is, it absorbs into skin quickly. This is one of the many rosehip oil benefits for skin especially for acne-prone, oily skin individuals. It does not leave a greasy film over the skin, but sinks in with ease while still infusing your skin with moisture. For oily or acne-prone individuals who are apprehensive about adding a facial oil to their routine, I would definitely recommend trying rosehip oil.

What to look for in a rosehip oil

Rosehip oil should be a rich amber colour. A pale hue may be an indication that the oil has been more refined or obtained from an inferior source.

Because of the delicate composition of the oil, rosehip oil is light sensitive and can easily go rancid. One should therefore store rosehip oil in a dark container away from direct sunlight or heat exposure.

Choosing an organic cold-pressed variety will ensure you are preserving the nutritional content and integrity of the oil.

In order to retain the rosehip oil skin benefits, the method of extraction should be taken into consideration. A less highly processed means of extracting the oil will often result in a higher price point. This is due to the preservation of the oil’s nutritional content and overall quality. Because of how delicate rosehip oil is, I would be careful about trying to cut corners and expenses when choosing your rosehip oil.

To find out exactly where a facial oil should go in your routine, check out this guide to layering skincare.

Rosehip Oil Recommendations

Here are a few fantastic, tried and true organic rosehip oil options:

Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil – This is a high quality, certified organic, pure rosehip oil sourced from South America. The bottle comes with a hefty 45ml of product but is also available in a smaller bottle. I would suggest purchasing the rosehip oil from here if you are in the USA.

Pai Rosehip Oil – This rosehip oil is sourced by supercritical extraction, rather than cold pressing. The process promises a purer, less refined product than other extraction methods. It contains added rosemary extract and vitamin E for increased stability. If you’re in the US, you need to check out this oil at this amazing clean beauty store.

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – For a relatively affordable rosehip oil, check out this one from The Ordinary. They aren’t the best at keeping up stock – which is frustrating – but can easily be found on Amazon.

Make sure to Subscribe to the Blog for more Skin Care, Beauty and Wellness posts. I will also give you instant access to the Free Skincare Essentials Checklist when your Subscribe here.

Let me know, have you tried rosehip oil? What is your favourite oil to use on your skin? If you would like to read about another of my favourite oils, take a look at this article about avocado oil for skin.

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are my own.

The post Rosehip Oil Skin Benefits: The Best Facial Oils appeared first on Shannon Feetham.