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.

Amazon Skin Care Tools Every Girl Needs

Amazon truly is the Everything Store. It is a place where you can purchase anything from spare light bulbs to toothpaste to baby nappies, and have them all conveniently delivered to your door within 24 hours. This phenomenon would have positively been considered witchcraft mere decades back. Yet, here it is today. And because it is the Everything Store, there is plenty opportunity for lovers of Beauty and Skin Care, like you and I, to take advantage and throw in some beauty goodies to our next Amazon delivery. This blog post is all about the amazon skin care tools that every girl needs.

SILK PILLOWCASE

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. That’s a whole lot of time with our heads planted in a pillow. If you are a back sleeper, I salute you. However, there are benefits with detoxification to sleeping on your side (I can cover that in a separate post). The repeated action of your face up against a surface, day after day, year after year causes creasing in your skin, and over time leads to the formation of unwanted lines and wrinkles.

A silk pillowcase will not leach moisture from your skin like a cotton pillow case. You will no longer have to wake up with crazy creases on the side of your face before you head out to work. You’ll find less hair breakage because of the soft surface. A silk pillowcase is a must-have the sake of your anti-ageing strategy, and for your beauty. Even more so if you, like me, prefer to sleep on your side for as many hours as possible. 

GUA SHA

If you read my travel skin care essentials post, I explained the benefits of facial massage after long haul flights. You can use a Gua Sha skin care tool to promote lymphatic drainage and effectively de-puff the face. 

Gua sha is an alternative therapy method used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a means of promoting circulation and redirecting energy flow in the body. It can help promote healing, reduce inflammation and stimulate the lymphatic system.

The daily ritual of Gua Sha can provide a multitude of long term skin benefits. Gua sha use can reduce wrinkles, firm and tone, even out complexion, define the jaw line, de-puff and combat pigmentation and puffy eyes. Gua sha can also be used to relieve tension and relax the muscles.

This tool from Amazon is a great, inexpensive option if you would like to try out Gua Sha but do not want a substantial expense before deciding if you like the results from Gua Sha. But trust that if you are consistent with this practice, your skin results will soon speak for itself.

JADE ROLLER

Jade rolling is another way to stimulate the lymphatic system and reduce puffiness in the face. It consists of a larger roller on one side and a smaller roller on the other, for more targeted areas such as around the eyes. In some respects, it requires less of a skilled technique than Gua Sha and is an extremely gentle approach.

You should use the jade roller on clean skin. For extra coolness you can store it in the fridge before use. You want to make sure you are draining down the neck and towards the lymph nodes. It should feel cooling and relaxing on the face. And if anything, it is a perfectly calming ritual to add to your self-care routine.

FOREO FACIAL BRUSH

A Foreo is the ultimate cleansing and massage device for your skin. I have toyed with a number of cleansing devices in the past, including the Clarisonic. While I thoroughly enjoyed using the Clarisonic, the constant need to change brush heads became far too cumbersome and uneconomical (£20 per brush head?!) It just didn’t make sense anymore for me to continue purchasing brush head after brush head, when I had already invested a significant amount of money on the brush body to begin with.

The Foreo is made of silicone. This makes it far more hygienic and convenient as you will not have to constantly replace brush heads every six weeks.  It will really give a deep cleanse to the skin and pull every last trace of makeup from your pores. They even have adorable mini versions of the Foreo so you can leave your main cleansing brush at home and take along with you a convenient, portable one on your travels. It will soon be one of your must have Amazon skin care tools.

KONJAC SPONGE

Perhaps you are not sold on the idea of an electronic skin cleansing device. Maybe they are a little out of your budget. Or perhaps the case is just that you are an eco conscious consumer. Konjac sponges tick all the boxes and are a biodegradable, inexpensive alternative.

Konjac sponges are a popular Japanese means of cleaning the skin. They are completely vegan and eco-friendly approach to your cleansing routine. Made from the konjac root, these sponges are hard when dry and become soft and sponge-like when soaked with water for cleansing.

These sponges are very gentle and non-abrasive on the skin, while still being effective at cleansing and removing makeup. There are various properties infused into different konjac sponges, such as charcoal for detoxifying the skin.

The sponge allows you to use less cleanser per use, so your product goes further. It is also biodegradable, so once the time comes to replace it at 6-8 weeks, it can be easily composted. These sponges are economical, environmentally friendly, and do wonders for your skin too. What’s not to love?

FACIAL HAIR REMOVER

These little razors are very useful to have on hand at all times. For ladies who experience a little peach fuzz they don’t particularly enjoy, or some rogue eyebrows or upper lip hair, these razors work like a charm.

Some women swear by shaving their face and claim that makeup applies much more smoothly to a hairless complexion. There is also the argument that men age more slowly than women due to their daily shaving practices, which provide additional exfoliation. I do not dispute that, but I have fortunately never felt the need to shave my own face. If you are someone who would like to begin shaving your peach fuzz, using a little tool like this will be of great use to you.

Even if you have no interest in shaving your entire face, these razors can be used to groom around eyebrows and upper lip area between waxing appointments. And who knows what else.

Amongst all the Amazon skin care tools, there is also this inexpensive, cute electric pink facial hair remover. If you have decided that you do enjoy the results you see from shaving your peach fuzz, you’ll love this handy little device. It can be easily cleaned under running water and has a handy LED light for use in even dimly light environments.

TANNING GLOVE

If you are a user of self-tanners, you will recognise the importance of using a glove to cover your palms while you apply the tanner to your body. You will also be aware of how gross these mitts get after only a few uses and how they don’t last.

This luxury velvet self-tan mitt will last you far longer than other conventional tanning mitts. It will apply any self-tan formula from mousses to creams and lotions. It is also soft and velvety, so will smoothly apply product for a streak-free finish.

FACE WASH HEADBAND

We all know the struggle of attempting to wash our face while trying not to wet our hair. These flannel headbands will absorb any water and keep it off your hair, so you can soundly wash your face without worrying about ruining your hair or having to dry it afterwards. You can also use it while applying makeup to keep flyaway hairs from your face and prevent any foundation and other products from getting in your hair.

DRY BODY BRUSH

A dry body brush is a great way to exfoliate the skin and encourage blood circulation as well as remove toxins from the body. Because it stimulates blood flow, it plays a role in diminishing the look of cellulite and promoting a smooth, soft skin.

Dry body brushing is invigorating and energising because it speeds up the delivery of oxygen and nutrient to cells. When brushing your limbs, make sure you are brushing in an upwards motion towards the heart.

MIRCROFIBRE FACE CLOTH

It can be a pain having to re-purchase makeup remover products. Not to mention, they quickly run out if you wear makeup on the daily. A microfibre face cloth will remove your makeup easily, with only water, no product needed. It simply needs to be wet in order to remove your makeup. You can then easily wash and re-use it. No more having to reach for the makeup wipes, or cotton pads and makeup remover solution.

BRUSH FOR FACIAL MASKS

If you’re a fan of beauty self-care and facial masks, you’ll definitely want a brush on hand. The brush will distribute the mask evenly over the face far more effectively than hands alone. And it can be used to mix the ingredients before application. It’s just a handy tool for your lazy Sundays or Friday nights in when you just fancy a little extra pampering.

HUMIDIFIER

The days are becoming colder and drier. Pretty soon Winter leave your skin parched and screaming for hydration. This cold, dry air steals moisture from your skin and damages your skin care efforts. If you live in arid regions, a humidifier is a must.

The humidifier will introduce moisture back into the air so that your skin does not dry out overnight. Products like hyaluronic acid can actually work to attract moisture from the air to your skin. So you do ideally want some level of humidity for best results. Read this post on how hyaluronic acid benefits your skin and how you should be using it.

FACIAL FLANNEL

These are boring but so necessary. I recommend you use a new flannel every time you wash your face to minimise the introduction of any bacteria to your skin. Your regular bath towel that you use for a week straight will not suffice as a face towel. Hand towels and body towels used multiple times become a breeding ground for bacteria and trust me, you do not want that on your face.

EXTRACTION TOOL

Mama said not to pick your face, but sometimes we can’t help it. Sometimes it’s a straight up emergency and you need to be somewhere and look cute. And you most definitely cannot have Mr Zit looking like he’s ready to erupt in front of the whole world to see. It’s understandable.

This extraction kit will make sure you are hygienically doing away with Mr Zit, without encouraging the proliferation of further bacteria to your skin. It is one of those Amazon skin care tools you should probably have on hand for emergencies.

TONGUE SCRAPER

But these don’t count as Amazon skin care tools, you say. Well hear me out. This is a wellness tool that you absolutely need to have because when you promote health within, it shows on the outside. Tongue scraping is a necessary hygiene step that not enough people do. 

No one wants a build up of toxins and bad breath. Or even worse, that foul coating some people have over their tongues. Tongue scraping can help prevent bacteria from proliferating, causing gum disease and infections in the mouth (gross!), and promotes overall oral health.

It is believed in Ayurveda that this movement cleanses digestive tissues and internal organs. Anything that promotes health on the inside will reflect to what you see on the outside. A healthy internal environment will reflect in your skin. So get to tongue scraping, girlfriend.

NAIL CUTICLE KIT

Not all of us have the time, nor do we have the finances to head to a weekly manicure appointment. Especially during this time of year in the colder weather, your cuticles can get dry, flaky and far less than cute. This little rose gold cuticle kit will keep your cuticles maintained and ensure you do not have to deal with pesky dry nail beds.

LIGHT UP MIRROR

Doing your face makeup in a dimly lit room is less than conducive to a good makeup day. If the lighting in your house is terrible, natural window light is not an option or you typically have to get ready before sunrise or after the sun goes down, you need a light up mirror.

A lighted mirror will make doing your makeup and other facial grooming tasks infinitely easier. This mirror has one side with 1x magnification and the other with 10x magnification. I think this quality is essential when choosing a makeup mirror because the extra magnification really helps you to scrutinise the little details when it comes to makeup or just tweezing your eyebrows.

TWEEZERS

Every lady knows tweezers are an absolute essential. We should have one in our skin care cabinet, on our counter, in our makeup bags and in our purses at all times. We all know those emergencies. 

Tweezerman is by far my favourite brand of tweezers. Their blades are sharp and precise and easy to use with even the smallest hairs. I have tried my fair share of cheap tweezers and most of them are too blunt and cannot grasp small hairs or remove them in one piece.

I personally use and love these little tweezers and make sure to have a set with me at all times.

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set

Of course, a brush set is essential for every beauty lover out there. Brushes are must have Amazon skin care tools because they encourage hygienic makeup application (just remember to wash them!). Nothing quite changes your beauty game like brushes. 

This brush set includes my favourite tools for a perfect everyday face. I really do not think you would need more than these brushes on a daily basis. Despite what you may see in makeup tutorials and on social media, you do not need dozens of brushes for a makeup look.

On the contrary, I often use only 2 makeup brushes on an everyday basis (both of which are from Real Techniques). Yes, downsizing your makeup brushes is absolutely possible. It is never about a lack of resources, or in this case makeup brushes, but about how you are resourceful with the brushes you have.

This Everyday Essentials makeup brush set contains four brushes and a sponge, all of which are my favourite brushes to use and all you will need for an everyday look. Great looking skin should be the focal point of an everyday makeup look and this set has some excellent face brushes. 

Durable and affordable makeup brushes

Real Techniques was one of the first makeup brush lines I purchased from, over 6 years ago when I first started to properly wear makeup. I will tell you with all earnestness, that these brushes are the best affordable brushes you will invest in.

I have washed them countless times and they have never once failed me, shed profusely or broken apart. Unlike some makeup brushes I own from other companies (I am looking at you, Morphe), they are extremely durable. They wash well, are cruelty free and will last you.

This set comes with the blush brush, face sponge, setting brush, deluxe crease brush and expert face brush. I use the blush brush and expert face brush every single day. Whether I am doing a more natural makeup look or a more polished makeup. If I am trying to look a little more dolled up, I will add the setting brush, eye brush and sponge too.

Face brushes

The blush brush is the perfect large fluffy brush for bronzer and blusher application. On an everyday basis I do not want harsh lines or streaks on my face, so I use the blush brush to diffuse colour around my face after foundation, to revive my complexion but not make it appear as though I am wearing a lot of bronzer or blusher. Just looking healthy.

I primarily use my ring finger to disperse concealer under my eyes. However, when I am aiming to look more “done up” I will use the face sponge for this task. It also does a perfect job at pushing liquid foundation or creams into the skin so that you do not appear streaky or unblended. I will always make sure my sponge is wet before use as the dry sponge soaks too much product.

Lastly, the expert face brush. This is a flawless foundation brush that will make your foundation lay on the skin beautifully. It distributes any liquids or even powder foundations evenly over the face and is dense enough that it will not soak up a lot of product, so your foundation goes further.

Eye brushes

The setting brush in this kit is hands down my favourite brush for setting the under eyes after applying concealer. I have tried a number of brushes and not a single one holds a candle to this setting brush. This brush is small enough that it perfectly fits in the under-eye area. But it is large enough that it actually lays down product as you push it into the skin.

The deluxe crease brush is perfect for defining the crease or socket line. On a daily basis, this is the only eye brush you need. Contour the eye with a little bronzer or blush then apply mascara. I think it’s a great look for weekdays when you don’t have copious time for an extravagant eye look. A subtly defined socket just brings definition to your eyes and makes them look awake. Of course, this brush can be used for more intricate eye looks too.

Amazon skin care tools are abundant

I hope that this post was helpful in determining the Amazon skin care tools you really need as part of your skin care strategy. These Amazon skin care tools are absolutely essential for me and make taking care of my skin so much easier. I think that every girl should consider adding some of these products into their beauty routines. 

There clearly is an abundance of awesome Amazon skin care tools to choose from, and these were just the tip of the iceberg. Amazon always makes everything easy and seamless with things like one-day shipping so that your goodies can be with you in no time.

Remember to Subscribe to the Blog for more skin care and beauty posts like these. I will even give you access to the daily skin care essentials checklist when you Subscribe.

Check out some more skin care advice blog posts:

How To Get Rid of Blackheads For Good

The Top Oily Skin Tips You Need To Know

Essential Travel Skin Care Advice for Flying 

How to Take Care of Your Skin During The Fall Season

How many of these Amazon skin care tools do you use? Do you have any must-have skin care tools from Amazon?

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

Shannon xo

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

The post Amazon Skin Care Tools Every Girl Needs appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Unusual Korean Skincare Ingredients You Need to Know About

It is about time I added another instalment to my series on Asian Skin Care. In my previous article about Top Korean Skincare Products, I introduced a few of my favourite K-beauty brands and some of their star products. Korean beauty is notorious for its highly innovative formulas and cutting-edge ingredients. In this post, I will be introducing a few interesting Korean Skincare Ingredients you need to know about. Some of these Korean skincare ingredients are a little unusual, but they are all worth keeping an eye out for, next time you are shopping K-beauty.

Snail Secretion Filtrate

What it is:

This is perhaps one of the most infamous Korean skincare ingredients. And it is exactly what it sounds like: snail slime produced by edible snails. (Fancy some escargot, anyone?)

Because South Korea now bans the testing of beauty products on animals, the harvesting snails is done with this in mind. Therefore, a number of quality K-beauty brand harvest their snail mucin as “gently” as possible. This is done in an attempt to apply as little external stress as possible to the snails.

Snails are left to roam around, leaving little trails of slime behind them. Then, once they go back home to chill after their stroll, the snail mucin is collected and processed for cosmetic use.

If snail welfare is a concern for you, I would recommend you do your own research before purchasing from certain brands.

Benefits:

• Some of the key nutrients of snail slime include hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, glycolic acid and peptides.
• If you have read my complete guide to hyaluronic acid, by now you would be familiar with all its benefits. It helps keep skin hydrated, provides antioxidant benefits, and assists with wound healing.
• Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps to diminish dark spots, as explained in my post all about glycolic acid. It will also help boost collagen production, fight blemishes and signs of ageing.
• Glycoproteins and peptides work to reinforce skin’s barrier function. They keep skin smooth and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What would Korean skincare be without beloved snail secretions?

Shop Snail Secretion Filtrate Skincare

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Oh K! Snail Sheet Mask

24K Golden Snail Hydro Gel Sheet Mask

Aloe BHA Skin Toner with Snail Secretion Filtrate

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

What it is:

Galactomyces is a type of nutrient dense yeast and by-product of the fermentation process.

I am a huge fan of fermented products, both for cosmetic and ingestion because fermentation processes introduce a number of friendly bacteria and probiotics necessary for a healthy microbiome.

Benefits:

• Galactomyces ferment filtrate exhibits powerful antioxidant activity, combatting the reactive oxygen species responsible for premature ageing. Read this article about the importance of antioxidants for skin for more on why you need antioxidants in your routine.
• It also fights against acne-causing bacteria and reduces the number of enlarged pores and blackheads. Therefore it is a great ingredient to use if you struggle with blemishes and enlarged pores.
• Galactomyces is a great moisturising agent. It will thus keep skin hydrated and encourages hyaluronan production in skin cells.
• K-beauty is all about bright, bouncy, clear skin, so it is no wonder that galactomyces is so widely used in Korea. It brightens the complexion and evens skin tone by reducing melanin synthesis in the skin.

Shop Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Skincare

COSRX Galactomyces Alcohol Free Toner

Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

Benton Fermentation Essence

Neogen Agecure 3D Lifting Wrinkle Neck Mask

Volcanic Clay

What it is:

Volcanic clay is one of the more mystical sounding Korean skincare ingredients. It is essentially mineral-rich clay, collected from volcanic areas.

Because clay is relatively alkaline, it should be mixed with a liquid such as apple cider vinegar before being applied to skin.

Benefits:

• Clay is rich in minerals that draw out impurities and remove toxins from the skin. Clay’s detoxifying properties are important for fighting against premature signs of ageing, as the accumulation of toxins will contribute to ageing.
• If you struggle with clogged pores and blackheads, volcanic clay is a godsend for oily skin individuals and people struggling with blackheads. This is due to the fact it absorbs excess sebum, can aid in exfoliation and de-clogs pores.
• Clay is worth considering if you are acne prone. Check out my post on how to get rid of blackheads for more tips on getting rid of blemishes and enlarged pores.
• Due to various antioxidants and its mineral rich profile, it can also help with skin healing.

Shop Volcanic Clay Skincare

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

The Face Shop Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam

Acne Pore Control Mask

Ginseng:

What it is:

Ginseng is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. It is an adaptogen herb. Adaptogens essentially help to support hormonal function and your adrenal system. There are many types of ginseng and they each have a multitude of transformative properties.

Benefits:

• Ginseng is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Inflammation and overexposure to free radical damage are major contributors to premature ageing. Ginseng helps to quell this inflammation and combat free radical damage.
• Brightens skin. Ginseng is energising and invigorating. Paired with its antioxidant properties, it can help brighten and tighten a dull complexion. There are various eye creams on the market that like to incorporate ginseng for its de-puffing and brightening effect on dark undereye circles.
• Ginseng boosts blood circulation, which encourages a natural glow.
• Ginseng’s antibacterial activity and ability to impede excess oil production make it great for those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin.

Shop Ginseng Skincare

Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye

Erborian BB Creme Eau Ginseng

Missha First Essence Booster

Banila Co Clean It Zero Nourishing

Bee Venom

What it is:

Bee venom, or apitoxin, is essentially the poisonous liquid bees release when they sting. This bee venom contains a number of compounds with potential medicinal applications and skin benefits.

The process of collection of bee venom is both expensive and laborious, which makes this ingredient a hot commodity in the skincare space.

Benefits:

• Bee venom contains a combination of peptides, enzymes and amino acids which all have impressive anti-ageing benefits for skin.
• As an anaphylactic, bee venom has the potential to temporarily relax facial muscles, in a similar way to botox.
• It can help to smooth out wrinkles and improve blood flow to help diminish visible signs of ageing.
• Because the ingredient is merely topical, I wouldn’t say it’s a miracle replacement for actual injections of botulinum toxin into the skin. However, it is worth a try if you have the cash and aren’t too enthused about actual botox injections.

Shop Bee Venom Skincare

Benton Snail Bee Mask

High Content Steam Cream

Propolis

What it is:

Propolis is another bee-related ingredient. It is the substance produced by bees to varnish, protect and keep honeycombs together.

Rich in flavonoids, propolis has extremely impressive antibacterial properties that are crucial in maintaining a sterile environment for the hive.

Propolis can also be taken internally to boost the immune system.

Benefits:

• Propolis provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to aid against environmental aggressors. It can therefore help calm redness from inflammation and post-acne marks.
• The antimicrobial, antibacterial activity of propolis makes it highly favourable for acne-prone skin.
• It also has wound healing properties, helping to smooth out and regenerate skin, while speeding up skin recovery from scars and sunburn.

Shop Propolis Skincare

Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Essence

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule Serum

Leegeeham Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule

Egg Whites

What it is:

Quite literally, the whites of an egg that has had its yolk removed. Egg whites are rich in protein and collagen essential for healthy skin function.

Benefits:

• Tightens skin. The albumin protein is a film forming agent, which will help to firm and tighten skin when applied. As a result, it can aid in firming loose, ageing skin. This can be especially helpful before special occasions when your skin needs a pick-me-up.
• Egg whites may also be beneficial for dealing with acne and oily skin types.
• The tightening action can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Shop Egg Whites Skincare

Skinfood Egg White Pack

Holika Holika Smooth Egg Skin Egg Soap

Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam

Tony Moly Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Pore Tightening Mask

Have you tried any of these Korean skincare ingredients before? What other unusual Korean skincare ingredients have you come across?

Remember to Subscribe to the Blog for more Skin Care and Beauty Articles. I will also give you access to my free skin care essentials checklist when you Subscribe. 

And before you leave, I suggest checking out these posts for more these skin care tips:

Top Korean Skincare Brands You Need To Try

How to Properly Layer Skincare Products

How to Get Rid of Blackheads for good

Skincare Products You Should Only Use At Night

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

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material is strictly prohibited.

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Skincare Products You Should Be Using Exclusively At Night

Do you ever feel a little overwhelmed by all the skincare choices out there? The ever-growing skincare market can be disorienting. Perhaps you’d like to use something other than just face wash and moisturiser, or are thinking about adopting a more intricate skincare routine. But you are not sure where to start. Suddenly there are day creams, night creams, eye creams, serums, skin lighteners, SPF’s, toners, exfoliants. And how are you supposed to know which skincare to only use at night versus during the day? In this post I will be giving you a definitive guide to the skincare to only use at night versus any other time. 

Skincare To Only Use At Night

To begin, these are the skincare products you should be using exclusively at night. There are a number of reasons you want to reserve these ingredients and skincare products for night time use only. In some cases, it may even be detrimental to your skin to use these products during the daytime.

Skincare to only use at night #1: RETINOIDS

Skincare ingredients such as retinol, prescription retinoids, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tazarotene, and variations of retinoic acid should be reserved for use at night only.

This family of ingredients are extremely potent and renowned for their miraculous anti-ageing, anti-acne properties. However, they can be very irritating and sensitising for skin. This is why retinoids are a skincare to only use at night.

Retinoids can greatly increase your skin’s susceptibility to sun damage, which is why I would advise against them for daytime use. Applying them at night gives them more opportunity to really take effect while you sleep.

While some may condone retinol for daytime use, provided it is followed up with sun protection, I would strongly suggest otherwise. Retinol is a powerful ingredient. It is highly transformative, but this can also mean it is taxing on the skin.

As your skin already has to defend against daily and environmental aggressors during the day, I would suggest forgoing retinol use until the night time. In the case of retinoids, more is most certainly not always better, so there is no need to use them twice a day. So, save them for night time use only.

These Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules are a powerhouse of anti-ageing ingredients. Ceramides are used in many rich, anti-ageing skincare products to boost moisture and support collagen. 

The Ceramide Capsules are already iconic, and the retinol version only supercharges them. If you want some intensely anti-ageing skin benefits, these individually packed capsules will not disappoint.

Skincare to only use at night #2: GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is another anti-ageing powerhouse ingredient. You will remember from my glycolic acid article that, although glycolic acid is a highly effective ingredient, it can greatly increase sunburn risk and induce sun damage.

Because glycolic acid is chiefly great at eliminating visible signs of sun damage, you do not want to use it only for it to worsen the problem you were originally hoping to amend. For all the details on glycolic acid, and how it differs from other acids, read this glycolic acid post.

Glycolic acid is another ingredient that like retinol, is so powerful I would not recommend using it more than once a day for the majority of people. Once a day use should suffice and you can reserve that for night time use.

If you live in an area that does not see much sun, or during the darker months when sun intensity is not at an all-time high, you may be able to get away with using acids during the day. However, you should exercise precaution and make sure you are wearing an SPF if you live in a sunny area.

With 5% glycolic acid, Alpha H Liquid Gold will absolutely transform your skin. It will diminish any signs of hyperpigmentation and give you a radiant skin glow. Check out this glycolic acid article for more product recommendations.

Skincare to only use at night #3: NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide is an ingredient you can really use at any time of day. However, those with more easily sensitised skin may not want to mix ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide. Especially if you are using a high percentage of niacinamide specifically to target issues like acne or pores. 

There is concern that ascorbic acid may affect the integrity of niacinamide. If you use a strong vitamin C serum during the day time, you may wish to alternate and use niacinamide products at night instead.

Because vitamin C works best at a lower pH and niacinamide works at a pH closer to neutral, there is fear that the ingredients used in combination may render one another ineffective. 

High doses of niacin have the potential to induce facial flushing. If you have used the ingredients in combination and have had no such issue, using both products in tandem might in fact be beneficial, as both ingredients are great for skin.

Skincare formulations have become so sophisticated that it should not cause issue in most people, provided both ingredients are not used in very high percentage. You will come across various skincare formulations that use vitamin C derivatives and niacinamide and they work beautifully.

You may want to exercise caution if you are using a high dose niacinamide and potent ascorbic acid product. Bombarding your skin with so many strong active ingredients all at once can have negative repercussions.

This 10% Niacinamide Booster contains brightening ingredients to help even out your complexion and target visible signs of ageing.

Skincare to only use at night #4: ACNE SPOT TREATMENTS

Spot treatments such as benzoyl peroxide creams, sulfur, camphor and clay-based products, work to eradicate spots by drying the area out. It is very difficult to lay any makeup over these products without ruining your makeup, so it is best to reserve spot treatments for your night time skincare routine.

EradiKate Blemish Treatment and Indie Lee Blemish Lotion are a type of two-phase blemish treatment. There is this pink sediment that settles at the bottom of the product. You can simply dip a cotton bud into the bottle and then dot the pink product onto any spots.

Most people do not want to be seen parading around with pink and white dots across their faces in a corporate environment. Using them at night gives them the most time to work, without having the potential makeup, sunscreens and other products mixing with the product and redistributing the ingredients around the face.

Skincare to only use at night #5: THICK EYE CREAMS

Eye creams are infamous for being the thickest skincare products you lay on your face. This is because the immediate undereye area does not directly house any oil glands, which means it can easily dry out.

Unless you have particularly dry eyes, I would not call an eye cream a must-do step. However, even those with dry under eyes are likely to find that their night time eye creams are far too thick for day use.

The emollient nature of eye creams can lead to concealer creasing. Not to mention, the excess oil and moisture will cause your eye makeup to smudge and run around your eyes.

Save the eye creams for bed time and let them do their thing at night. During the day time, simply applying your regular moisturiser or sunscreen around the eye area should suffice.

Skincare to only use at night #6: HEAVY MOISTURISERS

Night time moisturisers are notoriously rich in consistency. It is no surprise that such rich moisturisers should exclusively be saved for your night time routine, if indeed your skin type is so dry that it warrants one of these thick moisturisers.

Although creams that target more mature women tend to be thicker and richer, your skin will not magically call for a thick moisturiser once you hit ‘a certain age’. This means that you do not have to feel obliged to opt for a night time cream just because it is labelled as such, unless your skin indeed calls for one.

Unless you have exceptionally dry skin, you will not want to be using rich cream during the day time. The emollience of such creams will cause makeup to shift around after a few hours and feel far too occlusive during the day time. You will want to hydrate with a moisturiser that is less viscous and more breathable in nature.

In some instances, a night cream is simply a day cream with a slightly richer consistency. Day creams without SPF may even be used interchangeably as your night time option. In fact, day and night creams originally began as the same formula, albeit packaged in different jars and labelled separately.

Skincare to only use at night #7: CLEANSING BALMS AND CLEANSING OILS

Some confuse this cleansing product and use it as their only skincare cleansing option both morning and night. Cleansing balms and cleansing oils should solely be used for the removal of makeup. They should then be followed up with a regular gentle cleanser to remove any residue.

The first step of cleansing balm/oil removes your makeup and the second step actually cleanses the face. Cleansing balms and cleansing oils should not be used on their own. Especially not in the morning when you are merely removing last night’s skincare and sweat.

If you only cleanse with a cleansing balm or an oil, some oil may remain on the skin. This makes it difficult for any water-based serums and skincare products to penetrate the skin and work properly. Your makeup may also not lay as well over the skin. So, reserve these products for use in your evening routine only.

One of my absolute favourites is this Cleansing Balm from Clinique. It will melt away any makeup you could possible have on, along with the toughest waterproof mascara. Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm is also a great one and is smoothing and lovely on the skin. It is slightly pricier than Clinique but the website I linked regularly does sales.

Skincare Products to Use at Any Time of Day

Because I like to be thorough, and to give context to the rest of my post, here’s a list of skincare you can feel free to use any time of day. They work equally well as part of a morning or evening skincare routine.

1. Hyaluronic acid serums

Water-based serums with hyaluronic acid are usually thinner in consistency. This makes them a great lightweight option, ideal for use during the day or night. Read this article all about hyaluronic acid for everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid and my favourite hyaluronic acid products.

2. Salicylic acid

This chemical exfoliant is a favourite among the acne-prone. Unlike glycolic acid, salicylic acid does not induce sun sensitivity, so you can use it both day and night. Read this complete guide to salicylic acid for everything you need to know about the skincare ingredient as well as my favourite products.

3. Dry oils

Dry oils are light and easily absorbed into the skin. They do not form that greasy film over the skin that seemingly never dissipates. Fast-absorbing oils such as rosehip oil and squalane are perfect for use any time of day and will not leave you a greasy mess. I love to use fast-absorbing oils in the morning just before I apply my sunscreen, as it makes everything I layer over it apply a lot more smoothly. I have an article dedicated to rosehip oil, so make sure to read that for rosehip oil skin benefits.

4. Sheet masks

Although I would tell you to save the deep hydration masks until the night time, sheet masks are a lighter weight option to infuse instant hydration into the skin. This makes them great to apply before makeup if your skin needs a boost for the day.

Use them at night time as part of your unwinding ritual. Or even just on a day where you are feeling like pampering yourself. K-beauty famously offers an array of sheet masks. I have listed a few in this article about the top Korean Skincare products you need to try.

5. Skin brighteners

All-over skin brighteners can be used both in the morning and at night. These products help to fade dark spots and discolouration, encouraging a brighter complexion.

Skincare Products To Only Use During The Day

A few things differentiate day time and night time skincare. There are certain properties of day time skincare products that make them optimal for use during the day.

1. Antioxidant serums

Serums with antioxidants such as resveratrol and vitamin C, will safeguard your skin from environmental aggressors, pollution and UV damage throughout the day. I explained it all in this post about antioxidants and free radicals. This means they are important ingredients to wear on a daily basis so that you are giving your skin as much protection as possible.

As I stated previously, you are using a high strength vitamin C in the morning, you want to save any potent niacinamide products for the evening time. For the best vitamin C skincare products and benefits, read this vitamin C skincare article. 

2. SPF

It seems obvious, but any products containing SPF are solely for daytime use. Whether it is sunscreens, face creams with any SPF, BB creams and the like, you should not be wearing any SPF products to sleep.

If the product has SPF in it, you should not be sleeping in it, even if it is a colourless cream. Anything with SPF is often heavier, and not in a deeply nourishing way. Not to mention, certain sunscreen actives like zinc oxide, are astringent and can potentially dry out skin.

Aside for the obvious fact that there is no sun during the night time, the ingredients that give SPF rating are often occlusive. Ingredients such as titanium dioxide are used in colour cosmetics. Like makeup pigments, SPF molecules are larger, heavier and have a higher chance of clogging pores.

If you aren’t wearing makeup to sleep (which you should never do anyway), why would you wear SPF? Give your skin a break and save any SPF for the day time. Invest in a separate moisturiser for night time use alone. 

For more on what SPF means, and exactly how sunscreen protects your skin, read this post about sun damage and skin.

Nighttime skincare is different from daytime skincare

I hope this post helps to make clear which products you should be using by time of day. It is important to establish a day time and night time skincare routine with specific products for each. Depending on the time of day, you can decide which products and ingredients will suit your skin best. 

You should now understand the skincare to only use at night, the products you should be saving for daytime use, and the products you are free to use at any time of day. So go ahead and put together your skincare routine with confidence! If you’d like to know how to layer the products mentioned, read this post on how to layer skincare products for best results. 

Subscribe to the Blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. I’ll also give you access to my essential skincare checklist as a bonus.

For more skincare advice, check out these posts:

How to properly layer skincare products

How to transition your skincare routine from Summer to Fall

Essential Makeup and Skincare Advice for Oily Skin

How to get rid of blackheads

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

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material is strictly prohibited.

The post Skincare Products You Should Only Use At Night appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Travel Skin Care For Long Haul Flights

Having boarded my first 16-hour long haul flight at a couple of weeks old, I suppose am pretty well versed on the ins and outs of long distance flights. And if there is one thing that stands out to me when it comes to long haul flights, it is their capacity to sabotage your skin care efforts. After my 36-hour journey to the Far East last week, I am still recovering from the effects of the journey on my skin. Let’s face it: travel skin care can sometimes be an afterthought.

In the midst of the rush to pack, stress to meet deadlines before your trip, and the anticipation of the journey, it is easy to overlook your skin care regimen. I know that after years of consistent and extensive travel I still fall prey to neglecting my skin. Amongst all other tasks, it can be difficult to make skin health a priority. But there’s no way to get around the way travelling into 12, 15, 18-hour territory on a plane can be ruthless on your entire system. So, how do we keep our skin in good condition while travelling?

10 Essential Travel Skin Care Tips

This blog post is a complete travel skin care guide to maintaining healthy, happy skin on your travels so that you can enjoy your trip to its fullest. I have compiled a list of the 10 essential travel skin care steps you should be making to achieve healthy skin for your next holiday. In this article I break down all the things you can implement before, during and after your flight for an optimal complexion. Whether your destination is five hours or fifty hours away, you can make sure you are looking after your skin every step of the way.

Before your flight

You are preparing for your upcoming trip and checking off your to-do list before you leave.

1. Skip the exfoliants and other strong treatments.

Chemical exfoliants, peels, retinols and other potent anti-ageing treatments speed up the rate of skill cell turnover. These ingredients also have the propensity to impair skin’s barrier function. The skin’s barrier aids in retaining moisture, antimicrobial activity, regulates inflammation and protects against environmental aggressors and free radical damage. This means that having a depleted skin barrier is less than optimal when it comes to travelling. A key part of travel skin care is keeping your protective barrier in tact to shield from outside offenders.

Just as travel and flying can wreak havoc on your immune system and make you susceptible to catching an illness, the same applies to your skin. Your skin is in a weakened state during travel and flying, and an already weakened skin barrier only adds fuel to the fire. When we are flying, we are exposing ourselves to all sorts of foreign microbes, free radical damage and things that have the potential to harm our skin. Keep your skin in an optimized state by avoiding any sort of vigorous treatments before exposing it to travel. Read my article for more about why you must protect your skin from free radicals.

2. Moisturise generously.

Humidity on a plane is virtually nonexistent. If you have ever been on an aircraft, I am sure you are familiar with that parched, shrivelled up feeling your skin has when you are in the thick of air travel. Your skin is being leached of moisture by the dry, recycled air. Before your flight, you want to make sure you are moisturising generously to prevent your skin drying out drastically. You want to make sure your travel skin care routine includes a good moisturiser that seals in hydration to prevent it leaching out.

Maintain your skin’s hydration levels with adequate emollients and occlusive agents to ensure moisture is not rapidly escaping your skin. If you typically use a humectant like hyaluronic acid, you might want to switch that in favour of an oil or rich cream. This is because hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment in order to keep skin hydrated. Due to the fact that there is extremely low moisture levels on an aircraft, a product only containing hyaluronic acid will do little to ensure sufficient hydration.

The Moisturising VIPs (Very Important Products)

Instead, try a rich moisturiser like Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream. It is packed with ceramides which are important for enforcing your skin’s protective barrier. This product will seal in moisture and prevent drying out of skin. It also contains licorice root which I love for its anti-redness and skin brightening properties. The Ceramidin Gel Cream is a wonderful lightweight alternative and you can get it in the UK from Selfridges online.

Another classic favourite of mine for travel is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration. It uses soothing ingredients like allantoin and colloidal oatmeal to calm stressed skin, as well as providing intense moisture. If this texture is too thick for you, Ultra Repair Moisturiser is an equally great option.

For my oily ladies, a simple non comedogenic face oil may be all you need. I like this variety because it contains 3.4 times more oil than other brands that only offer 30ml. So while it may look like more money up front, it is actually more worthwhile. If you cannot get your hands on that one, Peter Thomas Roth and Indie Lee make extremely high quality ones too. If you would like to go the affordable route, this one works great too, although I will say I’m not the greatest fan of the packaging. I have knocked it over and had it shatter and had to repurchase it a number of times before even being remotely able to finish the bottle. 

3. Apply a sunscreen.

We already know sunscreen is a must for a travel skin care regimen. But it’s not just for when you’re lying on the beach at your destination. If for some reason you think you are safe from sun damage on a plane, think again. You might overlook the sunscreen since you are essentially still “indoors” and not directly exposed to sunlight as you would be at a beach for instance. However, in reality, this is not the case. At higher altitudes, you are closer to the Sun and the effects of sun damage can be exacerbated. To know exactly where sunscreen should go in your routine, read this article about how to layer skincare.

While you may be shielded from much of the UVB radiation that causes sunburns, UVA rays can still penetrate the windows of the aircraft. UVA radiation penetrates more deeply into skin than UVB and damages DNA. Therefore, it would be sensible to make sure you are still protecting your skin from potential sun damage. Make sure you have read this article about everything you need to know about sun damage, the different types of UV radiation and what you should know about SPF.

During the flight

You have boarded the aircraft and already feel the effects of the dry, recycled air.

4. Spritz away.

Try to incorporate a hydrating mist into your travel skin care plan. Having a facial mist on hand during a flight can be a Godsend for your skin. Periodically spritzing your skin with a hydrating facial spray will ensure you are topping up your skin’s moisture levels and retaining much needed hydration. Sprays can help to soothe and calm skin and act as a refreshing pick-me-up mid-flight.

It is important to make sure that you are using a hydrating facial mist to help seal in moisture. Some facial sprays, if not selected properly can actually be excessively drying to the skin. Do not mistakenly opt for a facial setting spray which tends to include a high amount of denatured alcohol that will have a marked effect on causing skin to dry out.

The Face Mist VIPs

Sprays that only contain water like an Evian Facial Spray will only cause water to evaporate from your skin. Likewise, while Urban Decay Setting Spray works wonders for keeping makeup in place, it does nothing for nourishing your skin. Opt for a spritz like the Pixi Glow Mist or Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist which contain ingredients that help skin to retain moisture.

5. Lip balm for the win.

A significant part of travel skin care is caring for the lips too, and not just the face. It is of vital importance to continually reapply a moisturiser to the lips. Lips are extremely susceptible to growing parched and chapped. This will only be aggravated by the enclosed environment on an aircraft. The skin of the lips is very thin and is thus less protected than the rest of your body, so making sure lips are coated at all times will prevent excess damage and dryness.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream will forever be a favourite because it is a fabulous multi tasker. It is great for travel due to its versatility. It can be used anywhere you need some extra moisture such as cuticles, elbows, and lips. For a simple lip balm, I really like this Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30 because it acts as a moisture barrier while also adding a little colour and containing additional SPF.

6. No naked skin.

This one may be a bit controversial for advocates of makeup removal on flights. However, if you think about it, makeup does provide an extra layer of protection for the skin against the external environment and pollution. Removing everything from your face on a flight has the potential to expose your bare skin to outside bacteria, radiation and free radical damage. Travel skin care doesn’t only mean packing on skincare products, but also keeping out skin aggressors.

Don’t get me wrong here, I am not advocating a full-face beat, complete with false lashes and the works. I know there is concern with sleeping in makeup, but one night of sleeping in a little mineral makeup will not be the demise of your face. While I would not advocate wearing a lot of eye makeup, a non-comedogenic mineral foundation should not do too much harm for a flight. Mineral foundations have the tendency to look better as they are worn in too. They tend not to wear off as noticeably in the way a conventional liquid foundation would. If you indeed have the good fortune to fly first class, and have the luxury of extra leg room to set out your entire travel skin care routine, power to you.

But for the everyday economy-class girl who doesn’t really want to go through the inconvenience of having to constantly get up, pull your luggage out from the overhead lockers, wait in line for the washroom, cause a mess trying to splash your face amidst the airplane turbulence, return to your seat with your elaborate skincare routine, then have to reapply your makeup before landing… you have the option to just keep your face on. And doing so won’t actually harm your face.

The Base VIPs

Something like Bareminerals Foundation SPF 15 will provide coverage without aggravating your skin or causing breakouts. It is on sale now through one of my favourite beauty websites. They have just released a brand new Blemish Clearing Foundation formula with salicylic acid which I have yet to try but is definitely on my list. It is not available yet in the UK but we do have access to this Blemish Remedy Foundation. It has a mesh so is less messy than the loose minerals. If loose minerals are a little too inconvenient for your liking, BarePro Powder Foundation is a good option in a compact. I personally use pressed powders because  they are more convienient and easier to travel with.

Mineral makeup will never appear as flawless as liquid foundations although I’d argue you don’t need a full face on a flight. There are certain lightweight skincare/makeup hybrids that do offer more coverage than a powder however, if you do prefer a little something extra. For an all-in-one option that hydrates, offers broad spectrum SPF 30 and can be built up to a solid medium coverage, I used the Bareminerals Tinted Moisturiser on my last long haul journey back home a couple of days ago. I was in a pinch and did not have any of my skincare, sunscreen or usual foundations with me, so I applied the tinted moisturiser alone to bare skin and it worked beautifully, even in the absence of a primer. The coverage can be built up without looking cakey and it leaves a glowing finish to skin.

If you do prefer makeup removal

Especially when flying economy class, engaging in the entire makeup removal process can be rather laborious and troublesome. Not to mention, trying to wash off a full-face in the cabin bathroom sounds less than appealing and pretty gross. I would rather wear a simple light dusting of powder and skip the rest of the makeup application while travelling than doing a full-face and wanting to remove it mid-flight.

If you feel you absolutely must remove your makeup, opt for a gentle makeup wipe. MAC makeup wipes are able to remove even the most long wearing makeup and work excellently. I also really love these affordable Simple Water Boost makeup wipes because they are non drying and affordable. If you’re dedicated enough to bring cotton pads and a bottle of micellar water, this mini Bioderma works like a charm.

7. Top up your H₂O levels.

Air flight is dehydrating on your entire system, let alone your skin. Stay hydrated from within by monitoring your water intake. Consuming some fresh fruit during your flight will also ensure you are remaining deeply hydrated and not simply peeing out all the water. Water contained in food sources like fruit and vegetables assimilates into cells and builds moisture more effectively.

On arrival

You have arrived at your destination and you are ready to wash off the journey, unwind and relax.

8. Cleanse and mask.

You are finally able to seize the opportunity for a substantial facial cleanse. Begin with a cleansing balm or oil to melt away the remnants of your travels. My cleansing balm of choice at the moment is Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It is fragrance free, contains shea butter, and removes everything from waterproof mascara to last Friday night’s sins. Follow your makeup removal with a facial cleanser. There is nothing quite like the blissful feeling of a finally clean face after a 36-hour journey of travels. Once you are squeaky clean, indulge in a deeply moisturising face mask to restore all the moisture stripped by the flight.

The Masking VIPs

As I have been visiting Asia, I have been introduced to this Water Sleeping Mask by Korean brand Laneige. Essentially a sleeping mask works like a night cream on steroids. It originated in Asia, where they are huge proponents of dewy, plump skin and its youth promoting appearance. You simply apply it like you would a night cream, leave it on as an overnight treatment while you sleep, and wake up to soft bouncy skin. It works to intensely hydrate and can be used a few nights a week. I am really excited to do a whole write up on more must have Asian beauty and skincare products. Keep an eye out for that post coming soon!

I recently used up a mini size of this Rodial Dragon’s Blood Mask and it was great at plumping up my skin. Although it doesn’t have the highest concentration of active anti ageing ingredients to work long term, it does deliver quick results and diminishes fine lines. The Moisture Surge Overnight Mask is fabulous at providing intense moisture and is just a classic line I have been using for years. The Avene Moisture Mask works really well for sensitive skin and helps calm redness when I am dealing with flare ups. I am also dying to try this Jet Lag Mask by Summer Fridays. If you have tried it yourself, please let me know how it worked for you!

9. Get your glow back.

Now is the time to finally satisfy your craving for a good face treatment or exfoliant. The high-pressurised environment on board a flight can impede blood flow and encourage dullness. Combat a dull complexion with an AHA or BHA product to shed the dead skin cells and restore skin radiance. The exfoliating action of these ingredients will also work to clear your pores. This prevents breakouts and the build-up of bacteria that may have accumulated during your journey. Take a look at this must-read guide to BHAs.

The Travel Treatment VIPs

Make sure you add an exfoliating product to your travel skin care list. I am a huge fan of these Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads because they come in convenient individual packets which are great for travel. If your skin is more sensitive, this Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin will be your best friend. These are a little pricey, but I use an easy trick to stretch them twice as far. Simply cut the individual pads in half to make sure you are getting more for your money. I also like these Facial Radiance Pads for travel because they are a gentle treatment of glycolic and lactic acids that really help improve skin tone and texture. The great thing about pre soaked pads for travel is you don’t have to worry about carrying liquids or cotton.

10. Massage away the water retention.

Being stuck on a flight for 16 hours, paired with the abundance of salty snacks on board, can leave you feeling puffy and bloated. A facial massage assists in draining excess facial fluid and helps to get a sluggish lymphatic system flowing more efficiently. Travel skin care can be as much about the tools and techniques as it is about the travel skin care products.

Multitasker Massage and Cleansing Tools

This Foreo Luna Mini 2 is the perfect mini travel companion. It is compact and easy to transport so is perfect for taking on trips with the rest of your travel skin care products. Use it with your cleanser to remove makeup and impurities, while also giving your face a massage. I like that, unlike other facial cleansing devices, you do not need to keep replacing a brush head. It has a silicone surface so there is no need to constantly repurchase expensive brush heads to make sure it is still hygienic. I like this one because it is portable but is also great for use at home.

However, if you would like an even compacter option, there is the option of going even smaller with Luna Go. I personally prefer this to the smallest version Luna Play as that is a little too small for my preferences. If you do like how mini it is, go for Luna Play Plus as it is slightly bigger while still remaining cute and compact and has a longer battery life. There is also a great selection of colours for the Foreo Luna Mini 2 here, plus right now it is on sale here.

The Massage VIPs

This Jade Facial Roller is easy to use and great for relieving facial tension. It helps to smooth and contour the face while promoting lymphatic drainage. Simply glide the roller over the skin after applying a facial oil. Popping this in the fridge before use can also help to provide a refreshed, cooling effect.

Gua Sha is a Chinese Healing technique to improve circulation. This Facial Gua Sha tool helps to lift the face and sculpt by removing excess fluid build up. It improves radiance and promotes a brighter, firmer complexion. If you would like an affordable alternative, try out this Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set so that you can test both jade rolling and gua sha if you are still new to them.

This Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Facial Roller is encrusted with stones so that you get the cooling sensation while also achieving the massaging benefits. It is also available internationally through this online retailer if you would like to try it out but do not have access to the Sephora website.

Final Thoughts

It can be very tricky trying to keep your skin in good shape while you travel. Changes in timezones affect our circadian rhythms, the environment and humidity in the air alter our moisture levels, our diet and exercise habits change. There are so many factors that affect our skin’s behaviour when we travel. Especially for people like me, whose skin is highly sensitive to changes in climate and environment, we have to be extra weary of how our skin is behaving. Simply implementing a few of these steps can make a big difference from if you weren’t to do anything at all. I hope that this post has given you an idea of how to tackle your travel skin care routine. And let me know, do you have any additional travel skin care tips? What are your travel skin care best practices?

Make sure to share this post so others can benefit from it. You can also click the Pin It Button to save it to Pinterest as reference for future travels.

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For a curated selection of all my product recommendations in one place, make sure to follow me on Pinterest. I share my favourite skin tips, as well as some of my favourite posts from other blogs. I also give a sneak preview of some upcoming posts and share the best products of the moment.

Last but not least, wherever you are travelling to, I hope you have an amazing time.

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

Shannon xo

Shop This Post

I know this post is extensive and you might have missed a few things. For your convenience, I have listed out every travel skin care item mentioned in this post. Simply click on the link and it will take you straight to the exact product I’m referring to. I hope that this makes it more accessible so you do not have to scan the entire article for recommendations. Here is the at-a-glance recap for your reference.

Moisturisers

Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream

Dr Jart Ceramidin Gel Cream (UK and international)

Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration (US) FAB Ultra Repair Cream (UK)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturiser

Biossance Squalane

Facial Sprays

Urban Decay Setting Spray (good for setting makeup, not good for hydrating)

Pixi Glow Mist

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist

Lip balm

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30

Foundation

Bareminerals Foundation SPF 15

Blemish Clearing Foundation

Blemish Remedy Foundation

BarePro Powder Foundation

Makeup Remover

MAC makeup wipes

Simple Water Boost makeup wipes

Mini Bioderma

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Face Masks

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Mask

Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Avene Moisture Mask

Summer Fridays Jet Lag (UK) Summer Fridays Jet Lag (US)

Facial Massage

Facial Gua Sha Tool (US)

Foreo Luna Mini 2

Luna Mini (international)

Mini 2 (UK, on sale, more colours)

Luna Go

Foreo Luna Play

Play Plus

Jade Facial Roller

Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set

Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Facial Roller (US) Nurse Jamie Facial Roller (UK)

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and all opinions belong to me. So that my reader can easily and conveniently browse each product recommendation, I have linked a number of products. Because a considerable amount of time is taken to carefully research, try out, search for and list each product, I have chosen to include some affiliate links. I would like to give a whole hearted thank you if you choose to purchase through my links and for trusting my recommendations.

The post Travel Skin Care: How To Keep Your Skin Healthy On Flights appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Avocado Oil: Liquid Gold for the Body

There are certain oils that receive a great deal of recognition. Coconut oil for instance has, quite deservedly, risen in prominence over the years for its health benefits and many uses. There is however, one oil I feel is a little underrated and many people have not capitalised on yet, but is equally multi-functional. I’ll give you a hint: it seems like you see the food source plastered all over your Instagram feed by every trendy blogger out there. Everyone from yogis to vegans and even keto followers seem to be able to agree on one thing for once; that is, they swear by this food.

I am speaking of the humble avocado, of course. Nothing quite compares to slicing a fresh avocado in half and finding its green colour fully intact without a brown spot or blemish, while it is the bane of one’s existence when you do not. Fear not though, because those brown avocados make for the best guacamole, and what gets better than homemade guacamole? I digress. This post is not an ode to avocados, but rather one to the liquid gold extracted from avocados. The avocado oil.

While the number of coconut oils lining the aisles at the supermarket have increased tenfold in the past eight years or so, I have yet to encounter a supermarket with an equally extensive array of avocado oils. In this blog post I will be explaining exactly why avocado oil needs a prominent space in your kitchen cabinet beside the other firm favourites like coconut and olive oil.

The many benefits of avocado oil

There are many benefits to consuming avocado oil and using it in your daily life. It is rich in nutrients and healthy fats. 

High in monounsaturated fat

It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids.  Monounsaturated means these fats contain one (‘mono’) carbon-carbon double bond (‘unsaturated’). They lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increase HDL levels (the good cholesterol) in the blood. This makes the oil liquid at room temperature. Avocado oil is even higher in the monounsaturated fat than highly acclaimed olive oil. A diet rich in monounsaturated fats is linked to decrease risk of heart disease, cancer and insulin sensitivity.

High in vitamin E

Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Read this post for more on the importance of antioxidants. Vitamin E has been shown to improve the appearance of dark spots, even skin tone and lighten scars. It has anti-inflammatory effects. High level inflammation is the enemy of healthy skin, so it is crucial to take steps to mitigate this inflammation. Watch out for an upcoming article on why you should pair vitamin E with vitamin C.

Good source of vitamin A

Vitamin A is critical for maintaining health skin, vision and bone health. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is perfect given the nutritional profile of avocado oil. With powerful antioxidant activity, it helps prevent free radicals from damaging collagen and helps to quell inflammation in the body. It encourages healthy skin cell production and turnover which leads to a more youthful looking complexion.

This vitamin has been touted as an anti-ageing superstar (ever heard of retinol?) and is useful for combatting skin conditions such as acne and eczema (both of which I have dealt with). I am preparing a future article in which I will be discussing everything to do with topical vitamin A, retinoic acid, and demystifying the different derivatives and varieties available on the market nowadays.

Good source of lutein

Lutein is a carotenoid that is vital for maintaining eye health, staving off age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Additionally, higher levels of lutein have been correlated with decreased risk of arteriosclerosis and developing certain cancers.

It preserves skin by combatting oxidative damage (read more about the effects of oxidative damage here). Studies done in which lutein was administered along with zeaxanthin, showed a significant increase in photo-protection. Read this article for more about the importance of photo-protection. Skin hydration and elasticity was also shown to improve in those treated with lutein.

An Oil of Many Talents

Avocado oil is an extremely affordable and multi-functional oil. From ingesting it to applying it topically, it is great for your skin, hair, nails and overall health. 

Body

Avocado oil is one of my favourite oils used to moisturise the body. I struggle with eczema and dermatitis on the body and find this oil to be particularly nourishing on my sensitive skin. The oil takes on a dark green hue which dissipates quickly when worked into skin. While coconut oil has me walking around like I just left a bakery or smelling as though I have been cooking up a storm, with a slippery feeling to my skin, avocado oil is much milder. It is easily absorbed into skin and there isn’t an overly strong smell upon application. It does have a mild scent, but I do not find it offensive in any way.  

Makeup Remover

The oil is actually a an extremely adept makeup remover. If you are a fan of cleansing oils, avocado oil is very much comparable. Simply pour out some oil into your palms and rub over dry skin. Rinse or use a wash cloth to wipe away residue. It does not leave an overly greasy film over the skin like many other oils and is just as effective. If you struggle with clogged pores, keep in mind avocado oil is moderately comedogenic so might be best for those with dry skin.

Nails

Apply a little avocado oil to cuticles. Its deeply moisturising properties really help to keep nails healthy and cuticles intact. Good news for those of us who don’t have the luxury of weekly manicures to maintain immaculate nail beds. It is non-irritating so won’t sting if you have some dry or broken areas around your cuticles like I find some cuticle oils do.

Hair

For those struggling with breakage, avocado oil is great for lubricating hair strands. You can simply smooth a little through the tips of your hair to help with dryness. It can also act as an overnight oil treatment for deep conditioning.

Sunburn

The anti-inflammatory properties of avocado oil make it great for treating sunburn and healing wounds.

Spot treat

Due to its deeply moisturising, healing properties, avocado oil is fantastic for targeting certain areas of skin that tend to get dry such as lips, around the nose, or other dry patches on the face.

Cooking

Unlike various other plant oils, avocado oil is extracted from its fruit rather than its seed. The oil has a high smoke point which makes it an ideal choice for high temperature cooking. Cooking at high temperatures with oils that have a low smoke point, such as flaxseed oil for instance, can encourage the formation of harmful compounds in the oil. It is therefore important to be mindful of the smoke point of the oils you are cooking with. This is why many opt for conventional vegetable oils for frying, due to their higher smoke point.

Unlike regular vegetable oils used for high heat cooking, however, avocado oil has a myriad of other health benefits. The high smoke point of avocado oil makes it by far the oil of choice for cooking, while its buttery, mildly nutty flavour still makes it perfect for drizzling over toast or salads. Have you tried using some regular vegetable oil for that purpose? I actually have before (desperate times) unfortunately, and you can trust when I say it most certainly doesn’t hold a candle to avocado oil.

Choosing an oil

My favourite avocado oil to use for both cooking and beauty applications is this particular brand of Extra Virgin Avocado Oil. It is an organic, fair trade, extra virgin variety. This means it is minimally refined and retains much of its nutritional content. I love this bottle in particular because it comes with a spout and the oil pours out with ease. Many other oils often simply have a cap that opens to a wide mouth, so the oil just free flows out of the bottle with minimal control and things can get messy. It is in a dark bottle so there is minimal light exposure which decreases the degradation of the oil. You can use it for your skin, and it also tastes great too.

I hope this post informative and that it perhaps opened your eyes to an oil you might not have previously had on your radar. What is your favourite oil to cook with? Do you use oil for your skin?

If you found this article helpful, please share it and help spread the word on the magic of avocado oil. To keep up to date with beauty advice, wellness tips and more posts like this, subscribe to the blog.

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

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored; I just love avocado oil. All opinions are my own 🙂

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