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.

Top 5 Skincare Ingredients to Treat Acne

I have struggled with acne to one degree or another for around a decade now. Over time, I grew tired and frustrated of being constantly referred from one professional to another. No one seemed to offer solid advice beyond issuing an antibiotic prescription. For years my skincare regimen consisted of the same predictable prescription tablets and antibacterial face scrub (since banned by the FDA). It wasn’t until I took matters into my own hands, out of desperation and frustration, that I began to see improvements in my skin. It was a painful process but in my own research, I found skincare ingredients to treat acne, and not just cover it up.

After much trial and error over the years, I have narrowed down my top 5 skincare ingredients to treat acne. These are the most effective skincare ingredients to treat acne that I have found, with astounding results. All of these ingredients are topical, and most are available over the counter.

1. Salicylic acid.

I have sung the praises of BHAs in numerous blog posts. As someone who has battled with acne, it is an ingredient I strongly recommend. I will say however, that if you struggle with more severe cystic acne, salicylic acid will likely not be a cure-all. But for people with mild to moderate breakouts, it is certainly a tool you need in your acne kit.

Salicylic acid is the main type of beta hydroxy acid. It is lipophilic (or “oil-loving”), meaning it is solutble in oils and fats. This enables it to penetrate the pore and remove excess sebum. It encourages exfoliation, skin cell turnover and decongests pores. This prevents follicles from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil. As a derivative of aspirin, it is anti-inflammatory and can calm inflammation caused by breakouts and exfoliation.

If you want more information about salicylic acid, the best products, its properties and uses, I have written an entire blog post about salicylic acid.

I would highly recommend a leave-on salicylic acid exfoliant such as this 2% BHA solution. It is one of my favourite salicylic acid products and makes a huge difference. You will wake up with radiant skin and clarified pores. 

2. Benzoyl Peroxide.

A blocked pore creates an oxygen free environment. It cultivates the ideal conditions for P Acnes bacteria to grow and thrive. Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the follicle and kills the bacteria causing the breakout. This makes it the perfect spot treatment to get rid of a pimple quickly.

Let me tell you, that if you feel that under-the-skin painful pimple threatening to surface, benzoyl peroxide works wonders. Oftentimes, when I feel a breakout coming on, just dabbing a little 5% BPO onto the area will do the trick. Even if you just want your pimple to clear more quickly, benzoyl peroxide will help that process. It will dry out your skin though, so make sure you keep the surrounding area moisturised. This prevents dry flaky areas of skin.

3. Azelaic Acid.

This is one of my favourite skincare ingredients to treat acne. It is the most underrated skincare ingredient when it comes to breakouts. You often hear about salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne. But no one ever seems to give azelaic acid the necessary praise it deserves. Azelaic acid is conventionally used as a treatment for rosacea, and it is great for doing so. However, I have found from my own experience that it is a game changer when it comes to treating acne.

As an antibacterial agent, azelaic acid reduces the growth of bacteria in the follicle. It decreases inflammation and helps loosen the build-up of dead skin cells and oil. It is keratolytic and comedolytic, meaning it inhibits the formation of comedones by reducing the growth of keratin surface skin cells that pores and sebaceous glands.

The beauty of this ingredient is that, if you do struggle with redness and rosacea, you will see your skin greatly managed and more even. You will no longer wake up with a face that looks red and irritated, and there will be less inflammation overall to your skin. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, it will not cause excessively dry skin either. It’s a win all-round!

This azelaic acid suspension is inexpensive and highly effective. However, I do find that it does not last an awfully long time. For a more sophisticated formula, this azelaic acid + BHA treatment works wonders for breakouts, enlarged pores and blackheads. It has the added benefit of targeting dark spots and brightening the complexion.

4. Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect. As inflammation causes oxidative damage to sebum, it leads to pimples. Applying niacinamide topically can reduce inflammation and decrease the likelihood of a blemish forming. It can also reduce moisture loss and regulate oil flow for those with excessively oily skin.

I have spoken about the benefits of niacinamide in my how to get rid of blackheads post and several other posts. This ingredient is one of my absolute favourite all-round skin restoring and protecting ingredients. While it is one of the best skincare ingredients to treat acne, it is also effective at balancing oily skin and and maintaining skin health. Whether my skin is behaving particularly well or I am experiencing an increase in blemishes, I try to incorporate this ingredient into my daily routine.

Effaclar Duo contains both niacinamide and salicylic acid to work double duty at battling breakouts. For an even greater boost of niacinamide, the 10% Niacinamide Booster contains a hefty dose of niacinamide along with vitamin C to help brighten any pesky post-acne marks.

5. Retinoic acid.

These are vitamin A derivatives. Aside from their anti-ageing benefits, they are gold standard skincare ingredients to treat acne with. There are several different options, from over the counter retinol, tretinoin, differin, tazarotene. Retinoids have hormone-like chemical messengers that bind to receptors in the cell. This alters the way cells behave. They promote cellular turnover of dead skin cells, making it harder for oil to clog pores. Thus, they keep sebaceous follicles free of comedones. Retinoids reduce oil production and also reduce acne associated inflammation.

While many retinol can work for combatting acne, Differin (or adapalene), was specifically formulated for acne treatment. This retinoid can be obtained by prescription in the UK and is readily available over the counter in the US.

Retinoids do sensitise skin so I would recommend slowly introducing them into your routine. In my previous post about Fall Skin Care Tips, I suggested reintroducing retinoids back into your routine during the Fall. Now that your sun exposure will likely be reducing over the cooler months, your retinol use can increase without so much sun sensitivity.

Caution: Do not overdo active ingredients

I want to emphasise that you should not overdo these skincare ingredients to treat acne. The active ingredients I have mentioned are effective but very potent. Before you go to happy town smothering every single one of these ingredients on your face at once, I urge you to pause. More is not more when it comes to active skincare ingredients. Piling on a number of strong topicals all at one go may not only be ineffective, but it may also exasperate your skin condition.

I have fallen into the trap of thinking that if a little is good, then more must be better. I bombarded my face with salicylic acid twice a day, along with retinoids daily, benzoyl peroxide on every inch of my face and so on. Not only did my acne not subside, but it only seemed to be getting worse no matter what I did.

Often acne arises as a result of excess inflammation showing up on your face. I would not recommend using such powerful ingredients all at one time due to the increased risk of irritation. In individuals with darker skin, this irritation can increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In a future post I will be explaining how best you can safely and effectively use these ingredients and how best to incorporate them into your routine.

You can get your acne under control

I know how frustrating breakouts and acne can be. Trust me, I’ve been there. Even to this day, when I am pushing 22 years old, I experience breakouts. The truth is, acne is a multi-faceted skin condition with multiple causes and types. It does not necessarily have much to do with a numerical age.

Many times, people who have not experienced acne try to console you by saying you will grow out of it. As if one can snap their fingers when the clock strikes 12 on their 18^thbirthday and suddenly the clouds part and your skin clears. Unfortunately, that is not quite how it works.

With the proper treatments and skincare routine, you can keep your breakouts under control. While we can’t control hormonal or dysbiosis-related breakouts with skincare products alone, proper skincare will unquestionably make a difference.

In the future I will be doing more posts on how to manage hormonal and other types of breakouts too so remember to Subscribe for when I release those articles. 

For more skin care advice:

How to get rid of blackheads for good

Essential Skin Care and Makeup Tips for Oily Skin

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid Skincare

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 is strictly prohibited.

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The post Skincare Ingredients To Treat Acne 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.

The post Unusual Korean Skincare Ingredients To Know appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

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.

Essential Oily Skin Tips

Oily skin can be a pain point for many people. Your makeup just never seems to last, you are plagued with blackheads and breakouts, and you can’t seem to shake that pesky shine from your forehead. In this post I will be giving you 9 essential oily skin tips so that you can tackle your oily skin, drama free. Along with oily skin tips, this post will dispel some oily skin myths and helping you understand the causes of oily skin.

The Oily Skin Dilemma 

You may be familiar with this scenario.

You wake up and diligently apply your skincare and makeup for the day. Even rising a little earlier than you would like to, just so you can execute your routine properly.

Feeling fabulous, you head off to work/college/university and go about your day.

By the time midday rolls around, you whip out your compact mirror and suddenly you’re pretty horrified. You are definitely not looking as cute as you remember.

Despite how meticulously you applied your base this morning, your foundation has caked up and broken apart.

Your eye makeup has ended up everywhere but your eyes, and you now resemble a panda – albeit not as adorable when rocking black eyes.

And your forehead and cheeks are so greasy you could fry an egg over your face.

If you can relate to this, chances are you have oily skin.

Oily Skin Agony 

Sure, you’ve heard it before, when people try to console you about your oily skin. “You’ll age slower” you’ve been told. 

Firstly, you should celebrate this fact. Your skin will not appear as visibly wrinkled as your counterparts with dry skin. So celebrate the youthful effect.

But girl, I know the struggle is real.

It can be a pain to have to deal with oily skin on the day to day, when all you really want is to be as low maintenance as possible. No one wants to constantly check whether their face has melted off. You are in need of some oily skin tips and tricks. 

Also, oily skin tends to be more prone to breakouts than dry skin. Isn’t that a pain considering you thought you were over the acne phase after you passed puberty?

So you’re telling me that now I have to deal with acne and wrinkles?! That most certainly does not sound like what I bargained for when I officially graduated from being a teenager. You’re not alone, my friend.

While you can’t actually do anything to drastically alter your skin type overnight – other than changing your hormones or using isotretinoin to dry out your oil glands – there are ways to manage oily skin.

So, embrace your skin for the way it is now and don’t sweat it. I have you covered with these oily skin tips.

Oily Skin Causes

Your skin comprises sebaceous glands. The role of sebum in sebaceous glands is to help keep skin lubricated and protect it. When your sebaceous glands begin producing too much, sebum, this results in oily skin. An excess of sebum not only contributes to oily skin, but also increases the likeliness of clogged pores and acne as sebum plugs up the pore.

Oily skin is primarily dictated by hormones. This is why, during periods where your hormones go crazy, such as during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, you will notice changes in your skin type. This is why, when we think of oily skin, we typically think of greasy pubescent teenagers with acne. Typically, high levels of androgens can trigger excess oil production.

Because your skin type is majorly dictated by hormones, there is only so much skincare can do to treat oily skin types. You may not necessarily be able to have an immediate result in terms of completely eradicating oily skin, but you may find your skin grows less oily with time. As your hormones shift with age, you may experience your oily skin beginning to balance out.

Many women find that as they grow older, their skin becomes increasingly drier. However, there is no telling when exactly your skin will stop being oily. Not all women will automatically experience dry skin as soon as they reach 50 or 60 or whatever age the media considers to be “mature”. Which is why I always express the importance of individualising your routine.

Although I know oily skin can be a pain, try to appreciate it while you have it. On the bright side, it certainly can be seen as a sign of youth.

Skin Care Oily Skin Tips

Your skin care products will be your first line of defence when combatting oily skin.

1. Choose a non-stripping cleanser.

Of all the oily skin tips I could give you, I am going to start with the basics: proper cleansing. Conventional wisdom might tell you to choose only oil-free cleansers, or cleansers specifically for oily skin. But frankly, many cleansers tailored specifically to oily skin can simply be stripping.

During my first stint with skincare, when I hit 10 years old and began developing the occasional spot, I was taken to the only beauty shop that existed at the time in my hometown. The shop assistant insisted I be put on a routine of a bar soap, alcohol-based toner and oil free moisturiser. The moisturiser I was told at the time, was to get rid of the “tight” feeling from the soap. This should have been the warning to me – that “tight” feeling is a sign the soap is stripping my skin!

Of course, I knew nothing about skincare at that age and proceeded with my cleanse, tone, moisturiser regimen that did nothing for my skin except make me increasingly oilier and accrued a whole new family of spots. If you want to hear my take on bar soaps, check out this previous post about blackheads. The article on how to get rid of blackheads also gives a lot of oily skin tips that you will benefit from.

You do not need an antibacterial face wash.

At 13, when I began to experience a full flare up of acne and oily skin, I headed to a dermatologist who of course prescribed antibiotics and a scrub. Nothing more. So, I diligently used this scrub 2 to 3 times per day until my skin was red and raw, for years. Without any moisturiser might I add, because my skin was oily, and I thought it already had enough moisture.

Nearly a decade later, I am somewhat of a chemistry aficionado. I am able to read ingredient labels and understand the substances on an ingredient list, so I realise that this scrub was severely damaging to my skin. This scrub contained what I now know to be an antibacterial agent that has since been banned from use in cosmetics and soap. So, fantastic – I might as well have been scrubbing my face with a suspension of rocks in antibacterial hand wash.

My point is, conventional advice will tell you that your oily skin needs a specific face wash. And because you are oily, the more aggressive the better. You need to hit it with menthol, camphor, acids, alcohol and every ingredient you can to dry out the oil. In truth, bombarding your skin with all these harsh ingredients only aggravates your skin’s response. Your skin is being sensitised. While it initially feels dried out, there’s a reason the oiliness returns so quickly. The result? More oiliness. And so, the cycle continues.

Cleansing is key.

Many people assume that because a cleanser is only in contact with your face for a couple of minutes then rinsed off, the variety you use is not overly important. I beg to differ. Every time I have used a cleanser that my skin does not agree with, it will instantly flare up a bout of redness and rosacea in my skin. This means that using a cleanser that your skin does not tolerate well, could further worsen your skin issues.

Depending on your tolerance to certain oils, you do not necessarily have to go oil-free with all your cleansers. For instance, if you wish to remove your makeup with an oil or balm, it should not aggravate your oily skin, provided you follow up with another cleanser. I would recommend following up an oil-based cleanser with a water-soluble cleanser just to ensure you have not left any residue on your face that could potentially clog your pores.

Unless you are allergic to certain ingredients or oils in a cleanser, I do not think it will do too much in the way of exacerbating oily skin. Even if you are using an oil-free cleanser, it could potentially cause issues for you should you not rinse it off properly. So, provided you are not leaving excess residue on the skin, you should worry more about a cleanser being gentle than just oil-free.

There are certain scrubs that are gentle and would be fine for your skin. Just make sure the beads are perfectly spherical and not so sharp you feel like you are cutting your face. Cleansers with ingredients such as clay, salicylic acid, AHA’s and charcoal are great for oily skin.

Gentle Cleansers to Try

2. Chemical exfoliants.

If you are not already using salicylic acid in your routine and you have oily skin, you must seriously consider it. Salicylic acid is one of the must-do oily skin tips. I have an entire post dedicated to everything you need to know about salicylic acid, so make sure to check that out.

Salicylic acid is oil soluble. This makes it a godsend for oily skin. With oily skin, sebum and waxy substances accumulate in the pore and there is a larger deposit of dead skin cells. Salicylic acid will help dissolve this build up and prevent it from plugging up the pore lining.

Think of it like a plugged drain. Everything is stuck and only accumulates until the drain is de-clogged. Instead of these waxy and sticky substances hanging around your pore lining, using salicylic acid means your oils can flow with ease again.

While you don’t need to be scrubbing your skin on the regular, you should be exfoliating. Salicylic acid and other chemical exfoliants will help slough away dead skin cells, preventing blackheads and acne, and keeping your oily skin under control.

In my complete guide to salicylic acid, I explain the entire process and exactly how salicylic acid works for your skin. Head on over to my salicylic acid post for all the benefits and the exact products I would recommend you use.

3. Use a mattifying or gel moisturiser.

By now, oily skin people should know the importance of adequately hydrating the skin. Forgoing a moisturiser will do your skin no favours as you need to replenish any protective substances lost from cleansing. A mattifying moisturiser can provide you with adequate moisturisation without encouraging a greasy mess. Your makeup will also lay on prepped skin much better than on bare skin.

If you have oily skin, you may not necessarily want to reach for face oils for hydration. There are dry oils that you can use as I explain in this post about my favourite face oil of the moment. However, if your skin is extremely oily, it may be a better option to go with a more mattifying product that will still provide moisture. A gel moisturiser works great for this. Your skin probably does not need additional oil over your pores.

A moisturiser that is oil-free does not necessarily equate to a mattifying moisturiser. Under makeup, a mattifying moisturiser is ideal because it ensures your skin is remaining hydrated but also preventing your face from becoming an oil slick. I actually prefer a mattifying moisturiser to a face primer. But it is worth noting, if you are extremely oily, you may not want to skimp on a mattifying face primer too.

Great Gel Moisturisers

4. Or just use serums.

Serums are a lightweight way to hydrate and deliver beneficial ingredients into skin.

There is this misconception I’ve heard that oily skin needs moisturiser because it somehow tricks your skin into being less oily. Honestly, I cringe whenever I hear this advice, particularly the way I’ve heard some people word it through the grape vine. Especially because this leads people to believe they should reach for any run-of-the-mill occlusive moisturiser as it will somehow cause their skin to produce less oil.

If it were the case that oily skin is overcompensating for a lack of oil in the form of some jar moisturiser, all dry skin people would not have dry skin. As I previously stated, oily skin is mainly the result of hormones. Before skincare products were even a thing, people had oily skin. So, it is not by some virtue that oily skin is caused by a deficiency in face lotion. Moisturising does not have to mean slathering on a thick cream.

Your oily skin may just need a serum.

All skin needs hydration and to retain moisture. It needs skin-replenishing ingredients and antioxidants, much like your body does. You can get all these ingredients from a light serum or other skincare product. It does not specifically have to be labelled “moisturiser”. Even your sunscreen could be used as a moisturiser, rather than thinking you need a designated moisturiser for the simple fact it is labelled as such.

For oily skin, a hyaluronic acid serum may be all you need to attract moisture to the skin. Most are lightweight and absorbs into skin quickly without leaving a film over the skin or adding to your oily skin. Read this complete guide to hyaluronic acid for all the best products and how hyaluronic acid can benefit your skin.

Instead of being rigid with about a step-by-step specific textbook approach to your skin, I encourage you to see what works best for your skin type. You may find that after layering a couple of well-regulated serums, your skin is perfectly well hydrated. You may not need a moisturiser for the sake of using a moisturiser. For more on how to effectively layer skincare, read this post on how to properly layer skincare products.

5. Keep Oil At Bay With Clay.

In my previous post about how to get rid of blackheads, I explained the helpful nature of clay masks. If you are finding your skin is particularly oily, it may be worth using a clay mask every so often to draw out skin impurities and absorb excess oil. Additional ingredients such as charcoal provide extra detoxifying benefits.

Before a special occasion, clay can be especially helpful to eradicate a lot of surface oil from your skin. Apply the clay mask and allow it to do its thing for 20 minutes. Rinse your face and proceed with your base. You will find that if you have trouble with your makeup caking and getting shiny, this will greatly reduce it.

All about that base

Stage 2 of dealing with oily skin is proper, specific makeup application. Oils in the skin can cause makeup to break apart and not wear well.

Luckily, there are a whole host of oily skin tips that will keep your makeup looking as great as possible for as long as possible.

I have listed a few of my favourite oily skin tips for makeup. These oily skin tips will help you keep your makeup locked in place until you actually decide to remove it.

For my male readers, these oily skin tips are also fine to apply to men. Men can forgo the full coverage foundation and just do the mattifying steps alone. Unless you like the bold, full coverage look, then do your thing. 

6. Blot your skin before makeup.

Once you are done with your skincare application, your skin may still be a little slick. Before you apply any makeup or even face primers, simply blot your face first. You can do this by using one ply of tissue paper or a blotting sheet. This will absorb the final layer of oil that could later contribute to your makeup becoming a sliding fiasco.

Follow up with your pore-fillers or mattifying primers and blot again lightly. This also minimises the excess oil and ingredients that could cause slipping.

Before you apply foundation, proceed with a light dusting of translucent powder. I know, *gasp* powder before liquid foundation? Remember I said light dusting, so go easy on it. Ingredients in the powder such as talc, rice starch, silica or cornstarch will help absorb oil and ensure that extra layer of protection throughout the day.

And don’t forget to bring some blotting sheets with you in your handbag for touch-ups.

7. Oil-free Foundations.

This one is a no-brainer. While certain oils in well-formulated skincare products can be beneficial for skin, oils and waxes in makeup tend to mean thick and heavy products. Oily skin and waxy, emollient, stage makeup does not mix. Cream compact foundations or stick foundations, although they make skin look flawless, will not do your oily skin any favours.  

The struggle with oily skin is that oil will break makeup apart. This is why oil cleansing is a thing. It is therefore crucial to properly prep your skin, first and foremost before applying any foundations. This ensures your skin is as matte as possible, for as long as possible. 

Your first thought might be to go completely liquid and oil-free and opt for a dry powder foundation. Many compact powder foundations have the tendency to cake up throughout the day. And with touch-ups, that could mean you are just layering cake upon your face.

There are however, mineral foundations that do play nicely with your oils throughout the day and wear beautifully. Although such mineral foundations will never provide complete full coverage, they are a safer powder option and look more realistic than a “full-coverage” pressed powder.

There is a myriad of bulletproof liquid foundations on the market today that are guaranteed to keep your oil at bay. And, paired with the correct primer and powder, you can rest assured your makeup will not budge.

Best Foundations for Oily Skin

Fenty Beauty Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – This foundation would be great for anyone from combination to oily skin. It provides a matte finish that does not budge. And there is a huge selection of shades to choose from, so you are sure to find the one that suits you just right. For my UK readers, you can order Fenty Beauty foundation here. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear – Double Wear is a relentless, unmoving formula. It will stay on through a 20 hour trek through the tropics (although I would not recommend you do that). There’s a reason it is a holy grail for so many people. If you have a wedding or event where you know you need your makeup to stay in place through thick or thin, this is the foundation to go for. And of course, Estee Lauder provides a whopping 55 shade colours so everyone can try it. You can also shop Estee Lauder at Sephora. 

Cover FX Power Play – This foundation is fully matte, sweat proof, and has completely full coverage. It will cover your deepest secrets. It does not transfer and you do not have to worry about shine peeking through in the middle of the day. You can also get Cover FX at Sephora online. 

Urban Decay All Nighter – When I first tried this foundation, I was pretty shocked at how matte it was. If you aren’t extremely oily, you likely will not need to powder it. Once it sets, it is locked in and will not budge. Shop Urban Decay at Sephora.

More Bulletproof Foundations 

Choosing the correct foundation shade

It is worth noting that oily skin girls tend to have the issue of foundations darkening, due to their skin’s oils. When testing for your foundation shade, swatch it and then wait 15 minutes or so to see how the shade looks. Then match yourself according to that shade. 

Dialling down the foundation coverage

Tinted moisturisers are some of my favourite products because they wear beautifully and keep skin looking radiant throughout the day. Most bases targeting oily skin tend to be pretty heavy and full-coverage. As a result, it can be difficult for oily skin that does not need a tonne of coverage. There are a number of oil-free tinted moisturisers, but they do provide a dewier finish. If you’re oily, I understand it is difficult to embrace the dew.

But it is possible to strategically appear dewy without looking like the bottom of a greasy pizza box. I will be writing an entirely separate article on how to achieve dewy skin without looking oily. Make sure you Subscribe to the Blog so you are alerted about when that post comes out. 

8. Powder away the shine.

Your final step should be a powder. I would suggest opting for a translucent powder to avoid unnecessary additional coverage that could potentially result in further caking.

Very oily skin types are the only group of people I would suggest “baking” to. I use the term very lightly, though. I do not particularly like the trend of smothering your skin in inches of powder and waiting half an hour before dusting it off. This can severely dry out your skin.

If your skin is not very oily and you choose to bake you can run the risk of looking aged by 80 years. It most certainly will emphasise every crevice of your face and draw attention to lines you didn’t even know you had.

At 17 years old, before baking was even known to me, I experimented with piling on some powder to prevent my concealer moving. And holy smokes did I suddenly look 105 years old. And I was 17, without a fine line in sight.

A few years later, the baking trend really took off and I tried it again with several different powders. Still no luck looking under 50. I would therefore not recommend this practice to anyone who is concerned about fine lines.

But don’t go over-the-top with powder.

Instead of the conventional “baking” technique, I prefer to take a different approach. Typically in baking you reach for more and more powder and apply a visible white layer on the face. Rather than smothering your sponge in a jar of powder, dip it in powder and only get as much as your sponge or brush will cover. Then press, roll and distribute into the skin. You do not need to dump a container of powder over your face. A fine veil will be enough to mattify the skin and hold in your oil, without overemphasising all your wrinkles.

Best Translucent Face Powders for Oily Skin

9. Help for Oily Eyelids.

If you have spent time on your eye makeup, you want it to stay on your eyes. As cute as pandas are, that is not the look most of us are going for when we head to work in the morning.

You can apply the exact same protocol to oily eyelids as you did with the rest of the face. Blot your eyelids, apply a primer, blot again, and then apply a powder base. You can then proceed with eyeshadow.

Powdering the tips of your eyelashes will also prevent the dreaded panda eyes from mascara smudges.

These oily skin tips will improve your skin

If you have been struggling with excess oil on your skin, these essential oily skin tips will make a noticeable difference. I hope this post was informative and that you picked up a few oily skin tips to help you devise your plan of action to combat oily skin. 

If your oily skin condition is extreme and you are also dealing with severe cystic acne breakouts, it would be best to seek the help of a dermatologist. Although I would not recommend drugs as a first line of defence, medications such as isotretinoin, birth control and anti-androgens can really help in improving your skin where skincare alone is limited.

Please share this post with anyone you know that is struggling with their skin. Subscribe to the Blog for more skin care advice and tips to help you achieve your best skin ever. You also get instant access to my Skincare Essentials Checklist when you Subscribe!

Let me know, do you have any oily skin tips that you use? Which oily skin tips will you be implementing in your skincare and makeup routine?

Make sure you check out these skin care blog posts that will also provide help for oily skin:

How to get rid of blackheads (for good!)

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid

The Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid 

How to properly layer skincare products for maximum benefit

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 Oily Skin Tips: Essential Skin Care & Makeup Advice appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Glycolic Acid Benefits

If you take even a remote interest in skincare, it is likely you have heard of glycolic acid. I have mentioned glycolic acid briefly in previous posts and have even recommended a number of glycolic acid products. In my last post about how to transition your skincare into Fall, I encouraged you to start looking at more chemical exfoliants. But I have not yet done a dedicated post on glycolic acid benefits. Hence, I decided to make one today. This post will be touching upon glycolic acid benefits, uses and what exactly glycolic acid is in skincare.

Notice:

It has been brought to my attention that the comment section of my blog has not been working over the past few weeks. I have been receiving messages from readers who have been unable to leave their comments. Many were getting popups saying that they were being mistaken for ‘bots’ by the system or simply unable to write a comment altogether. Looking into this issue, I checked my software and it was the case that over the past couple of weeks, over 40 of your lovely comments were mistaken for spam and discarded without my knowledge. 

I want to apologise to those of you who have so kindly taken the time to comment. I love hearing from my readers. The thought that you take the time out of your day to leave me a message means the world. I create this content to bring as much value as I can to you. So, to think I was not able to respond to your questions devastates me. I created this site entirely on my own and am not a professional web developer, so I am still in the learning process. 

If you have a query please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will get back to you. As of 6th September, the issue is now resolved. So, if there is anything you would like to say, I would love to hear from you.

I hope you are enjoying the blog and getting value out of the content I am publishing. Your support is more appreciated than you know. 

What is glycolic acid?

As you would know from my previous post about BHAs, chemical exfoliants are a non-abrasive means of exfoliating without manually scrubbing skin. Glycolic acid is yet another type of acid, but instead of belonging to the beta hydroxy acid group, it belongs to a branch known as alpha hydroxy acids.

Glycolic acid is derived from plants like sugar cane. Of all AHA’s, glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight. This means it is able to penetrate skin easily. This readiness to penetrate skin also makes it the strongest AHA. It is used in a variety of skin peels at higher concentrations, and topical skincare at lower concentrations.

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid

Unlike BHA skincare which comprises only salicylic acid, AHAs comprise a number of acids. Such AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and mandelic acid. The most common AHA you will likely come across in skincare are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Although I have seen increasingly seen the other acids making more and more of an appearance.

In my previous Skin Science post about all things BHA, I explained that salicylic acid is soluble in oil and is therefore great for pore clarification. Unlike BHAs, AHAs are water soluble. BHAs are lipophilic, as explained in my previous salicylic acid post, whereas AHA’s are hydrophilic. This means that they are more adept at working on the skin surface, rather than deep within the pore lining.

Why use glycolic acid?

I prefer chemical exfoliation to scrubs and physical exfoliants because you are not causing the same level of inflammation from physical abrasion of your skin. In the past I would use harsh facial scrubs twice a day for my acne. This only further inflamed my skin and caused a great deal of redness and irritation.

Chemical exfoliants are a painless and more effective way of keeping acne in check and refining pores. Not to mention, you are getting all the additional glycolic acid benefits that I will touch on in this post. For those who have never used acid exfoliants before, the results can be almost instantaneous. Apply them and you are sure to wake up to a gorgeous, glowing complexion.

Glycolic acid benefits for acne and marks

Salicylic acid is a known hero for acne-prone skin. However, glycolic acid can also be very useful in the treatment of acne. In studies using higher strength glycolic peels have consistently shown a decrease in comedonic and nodular acne. The exfoliating action encourages skin cell turnover and prevents the plugging of follicles that lead to acne. It will further help to accelerate healing of those pesky post-acne marks left after a blemish has occurred.

Skin smoothing

Because you are consistently resurfacing skin and encouraging the shedding of old, dead skin cells from the surface, glycolic acid use results in smoother, improved skin texture. If you are experiencing dullness, glycolic acid can help you get your glow back. It will also diminish the appearance of enlarged pores. If you struggle with uneven skin texture, large pores, small bumps, or blemishes, you will benefit greatly from regular use of glycolic acid. It is also beneficial in conditions like keratosis pilaris and psoriasis.

Suitable for all skin types

While salicylic acid works wonders for oily skin, glycolic acid is greatly suited to drier skin types. The beauty of glycolic acid is it can be used by oily, combination, or dry skin alike. This means most people will be able to receive the glycolic acid benefits. It encourages collagen synthesis and increases skin’s natural moisturising factors. So, while over exfoliation can dry out skin, one of the great glycolic acid benefits is it can actually have a replenishing effect. Just don’t overdo it.

Anti-ageing benefits

Glycolic acid is probably the number one most widely used acid for anti-ageing. The accelerated collagen production and increased hyaluronic acid resulting from the application of glycolic acid makes it a firm favourite for diminishing the appearance of fine lines. Regular use of glycolic acid will result in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles as it smooths the skin surface. It dissolves excess buildup of dead skin cells to reveal younger cells beneath. 

The ability to decrease visible fine lines makes it one of the most exciting glycolic acid benefits amongst skin anti agers. But notice I said ‘fine lines’. If you have already developed deep wrinkles, your results will be much more limited and you may wish to turn to in-office cosmetic interventions for greater results.

Fades dark spots

Glycolic acid helps fade post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melasma. This makes it highly versatile in treating all sorts of skin discolouration in those who struggle with everything from post acne marks to melasma to visible sun spots. If you are struggling with signs of sun damage, glycolic acid is proven to be highly effective in reducing visible signs of skin discolouration and hyperpigmentation.

Shedding the superficial layer of skin helps to resurface and speed up the fading of hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid also has the ability to inhibit tyrosinase, which reduces melanin formation and lessens the appearance of dark spots. I went into a lot of detail about melanin and how dark spots form in this sun damage article.

Careful in the Sun

One caveat of glycolic acid is that it will increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Salicylic acid is not shown to increase sun sensitivity biomarkers. However, studies have consistently shown that the application of glycolic acid without properly protecting skin from UV radiation increases erythema (sunburn), DNA damage and sunburn cell formation. It is therefore important to be weary of your level sun exposure while using this ingredient.

If you are using glycolic acid products, you must be wearing a daily sunscreen to protect your skin from possible unfavourable side effects like burning and increased hyperpigmentation. While glycolic acid is great at fading your dark spots caused by excess sun exposure, it also has the potential to worsen them if you are not protecting your skin from further damage. So, to get maximum glycolic acid benefits, be mindful of your sun exposure. Read this facial sunscreen post about what to look for in a sunscreen.

How often to use glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is safe for use as much as your skin is able to tolerate it. The exact dose will be individual for everyone. You can start a couple of days a week and work your way up as you build tolerance. Be aware of how your skin is reacting. I began using a certain 30% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid peel a few times a week and my skin was showing signs of irritation. I found that I was having increased darkening on my upper lip that I had never before experienced. Since then I have had to be more diligent about my sunscreen application when I am using the product.

Some may find that using both an AHA and BHA product at the same can be too much for their skin. If this is the case for you, alternating between both acids may be the solution. Some may even find that they prefer using a BHA on certain parts of their face and AHAs elsewhere. If you struggle with blackheads for instance, you may wish to apply salycilic acid to your T zone and glycolic acid on the perimeters of your face. It is all dependent on your skin type and preferences.

Concentrations between 5% and 15% are most optimal for daily use. If your skin becomes uncomfortably itchy or burns, you know you are overdoing it. If your skin is extremely sensitive, you will want to patch test before using any type of strong acid on a regular basis. For most intense results, a medical spa or dermatologist can carry out high strength chemical peels on your skin. This is great for people with severe skin discolourations caused by cystic acne or other pigmentary lesions. Always consult a specialist before undergoing any high strength peels.

Best Glycolic Acid Skincare Products

There are a number of expertly formulated glycolic acid skincare products on the market. Here are links to some tried and true favourites:

Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum – I recommended this product in my skincare you need from Sephora post (which you must have a look at if you have not already). I stand by this product completely. It contains a 12% AHA blend with 1% BHAs and will do wonders for your skin. 

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel – These are two step pads in convenient individual packs. The exfoliant step has glycolic acid, followed by the anti-ageing step with retinol and vitamin C. Reveals your best, glowing complexion. 

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – Easy to use, pre-soaked pads with lactic and glycolic acid. Contains additional brightening ingredients for radiant skin.

Peter Thomas Roth 8% Glycolic Toner – The bottle has a convenient pump to dispense the product. The acid is at has a good pH to ensure effectiveness and includes soothinng ingredients such as aloe and allantoin. 

Alpha H Liquid Gold – There’s a reason this is called liquid gold. It contains 5% glycolic acid goodness, is not overly fragranced, and will deliver results. You won’t be disappointed.

Pixi Glow Tonic – Glow Tonic earned its name. Regular application of this product will leave your skin glowing, keep pores clear and brighten your complexion.Considering the amount you get in one bottle, it is good value for money. 

Paula’s Choice Smoothing Treatment – A blend of 10% AHAs with salicylic acid to target skin from all angles. Contains a variety of antioxidants and skin smoothing ingredients so you know you are getting maximum benefits from your products. Non irritating and can be used up to twice a day.

Glycolic Acid Products to Use Weekly

Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial – This at-home facial peel contains 25% AHA and 2% BHA. It also contains a wonderful blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and oils to replenish while resurfacing skin. Use it a couple of times a week and you are guaranteed to see a notable difference in skin texture, tone, clarity and skin radiance. 

The Ordinary 30% AHA + BHA Peeling Solution – In light of recent events and controversies, I am hesitant to recommend this brand. It is unfortunate the beauty industry currently has so much controversy surrounding certain companies. I will say from what I have seen, the way this company responds to customers is disappointing. However, I have purchased this product before and like to keep positive on my blog. I have not personally had a negative confrontation with the brand or its owner. I only ever purchase their products from sites like Amazon and Beauty Bay, not the Deciem site, so I cannot speak to that either. Because this brand is popular and affordable, I feel inclined to mention it. I know inquiring minds want to hear about others’ experience with the product.

This product does not have a tonne of bells and whistles aside from the AHA and BHA but it does the job, especially considering its price point. The high percentage of acid does cause quite a tingling sensation upon application unlike anything I have ever felt. It is intense but it works. I did see visibly smoother, brighter skin after use, which is pretty rare nowadays because I am so acclimatised to acid exfoliant use. It did however cause me increased sun sensitivity due to the high 32% concentration total acid used in the thick of Summer.

A word on alcohol in skincare

One point to consider is that some of these products do contain denatured alcohol. Not all alcohols are harmful. In fact, fatty alcohols such as cetearyl alcohol can be beneficial for skin. However, denatured alcohol is one ingredient people tend to be weary about. It is often used as a solvent for ‘toning’ products. One could argue that the alcohol present in these products evaporates before even being able to cause significant harm to skin. If it is a concern to you, you may wish to dispense the product and waft it around a little on a cotton pad to wait for the alcohol to evaporate before applying. Regardless, these products are still highly efficacious and will deliver great results. 

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Glycolic Acid Benefits in a nutshell

I hope that this post is helpful in explaining glycolic acid benefits and that it demystified any questions you had regarding glycolic acid for skin. In summary, glycolic acid is a versatile chemical exfoliant. There are a number of glycolic acid benefits. It is suitable for most skin types from oily to dry. It can help with collagen production, decreasing the look of fine lines, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. But remember to be diligent about sun protection while using glycolic acid. 

Make sure you Subscribe to the Blog for more skin care insights, skin science articles, and ingredient spotlights in upcoming posts. When you Subscribe, you will also get instant access to my Free Skincare Essentials Checklist. You are not going to want to miss the plethora of posts I have lined up for the blog. 

For more Skincare Ingredient Spotlight articles, check out these blog posts:

Salicylic Acid in Skincare 

Vitamin C for Brighter, Firmer skin

The Skin Benefits of Rosehip Oil 

The Natural Retinol Alternative You Need To Try

Hyaluronic Acid: The Complete Guide

What kind of results have you experienced with glycolic acid? Do you have any favourite glycolic acid products?

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

Shannon xo

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

References:

Kornhauser, A. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, p.135.

Bernstein, E., Lee, J., Brown, D., Yu, R. and Van Scott, E. (2001). Glycolic Acid Treatment Increases Type I Collagen mRNA and Hyaluronic Acid Content of Human Skin. Dermatologic Surgery, 27(5), pp.429-433.

The post Glycolic Acid Benefits: Achieve Younger, Glowing Skin appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Kiehl’s SPF Review

On a recent trip to Spain the other week, I found that I had run out of sunscreen. Let me tell you, the Sun was intense and merciless. On my quest to find a new sunscreen, I stumbled upon a Kiehl’s counter at a local department store. Kiehl’s is a brand I have frequently seen but have not tried an extensive number of products from. As I was browsing, it came to my attention that the brand carries a number of sunscreens in their range. And they all seemed rather promising. I am constantly on the hunt for the best facial sunscreens. This post is a Kiehl’s SPF Review for their Ultra Light Daily UV Defense sunscreen.

As context for this Kiehl’s SPF review and other upcoming skincare posts, I would recommend you check out these articles:

All about UV radiation, sun damage and SPF

Should you be using a Vitamin C serum?

All About Antioxidants

Notice:

It has been brought to my attention that the comment section of my blog has not been working over the past few weeks. I have been receiving messages from readers who have been unable to leave their comments. Many were getting popups saying that they were being mistaken for ‘bots’ by the system or simply unable to write a comment altogether. Looking into this issue, I checked my software and it was the case that over the past couple of weeks, over 40 of your lovely comments were mistaken for spam and discarded without my knowledge. 

I want to apologise to those of you who have so kindly taken the time to comment. I love hearing from my readers. The thought that you take the time out of your day to leave me a message means the world. I create this content to bring as much value as I can to you. So, to think I was not able to respond to your questions devastates me. I created this site entirely on my own and am not a professional web developer, so I am still in the learning process. 

If you have a query please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will get back to you. I believe the issue is now resolved as of 6th September. So, if there is anything you would like to say, I would love to hear from you.

I hope you are enjoying the blog and getting value out of the content I am publishing. Your support is more appreciated than you know. 

Face vs Body Sunscreen

Kiehl’s has a pretty good selection of SPF products to choose from. All of them have nice textures and blend into skin without a white cast. I had been using a body sunscreen on my face since I had run out of my favourite facial sunscreen. While it did the job, it would give me a white pallour and cause makeup to cake throughout the day. I was resolved to finish the entire tube though, as I was determined not to shell out the pennies to purchase a new SPF until I had finished the one I was using.

Now that I have switched back, the marked differences between a designated facial sunscreen and a body sunscreen are worlds apart. When applied to the face, a body sunscreen tends to feel heavy, greasy and occlusive. Makeup does not seem to adhere and instead slips off the face. It almost gives a slightly ‘sweaty’ feeling to skin. A well formulated facial sunscreen on the other hand, is a different story. They tend to be formulated to play well with makeup and have elegant textures that lay on the skin beautifully.

On to the review of the day.

Keihl’s SPF 50+ Ingredients

Sunscreen Actives

Kiehl’s Super Fluid (or Ultra Light) UV Mineral Defense SPF 50+ is a mineral based sunscreen. The sunscreen active used in the formula is titanium dioxide. This is an ingredient commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products as a sunscreen active, pigment and thickener. For maximum protection from all spectrums of UV light, many sunscreens will incorporate several sunscreen actives. Other Kiehl’s sunscreens do contain both chemical and physical blockers.

This formula contains only titanium dioxide. This is great if you find that like me, you have an allergy to a particular other type of sunscreen active, as titanium dioxide is a very gentle active ingredient. Titanium dioxide provides broad spectrum UV protection, although some may say it is somewhat inferior to its mineral counterpart zinc oxide. This is up for debate as the difference is relatively miniscule and titanium dioxide is still a perfectly adept source of SPF.

Typically, I have mainly used SPF 30 on my face. This is mainly due to the fact that this SPF parameter seems to give the best result under makeup. There is also not an incredibly significant difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 as there is between SPF 15 and SPF 30 for instance. I cover all the details in a previous post so you can read that SPF post to understand what I mean. In that article about UV radiation sun damage, I explain what SPF is, what is does, and I also go in depth about the difference between UVA and UVB, and what broad spectrum actually means.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the chosen antioxidant in this sunscreen. I appreciate the inclusion of an antioxidant in such products because I do not tend to use a separate antioxidant skincare product most mornings. I am just being honest. Sometimes you value a few extra minutes of sleep and just want to slap on your SPF and get going for the day. For this reason, including antioxidants into one product can be valuable. If you read my article all about antioxidants, you know why adding antioxidants into an SPF can be so useful.

The vitamin E in this formula helps to neutralise free radicals. Because UV radiation causes free radicals, as you would know from my Sun Damage article, the inclusion of vitamin E in this formula is important. The soothing and healing properties of vitamin E, which I praise in this avocado oil blog post, are another plus of the ingredient. Ideally, I would have liked to see the incorporation of a few more antioxidants such as vitamin C and resveratrol in the formulation, especially given the high price point. For more on why vitamin C is great with SPF, read this vitamin C article.

Fragrance free

This product is free of synthetic fragrance, so it will not irritate skin that is particularly sensitive to fragrance. I found it interesting to note that the bottle specifically says that the sunscreen should not be used around the eye area. Typically, I apply all my sunscreens around the eye area because I would not want a darker eye region in comparison to the rest of my body. The eye area is also a region susceptible to sun damage, so it is curious that Kiehl’s would say this. That being said, it is not the most moisturising formula so could be a little drying around the eyes. If you wear eye makeup, there is titanium dioxide in that so I suppose it would give some amount of protection, and wearing sunglasses always helps.

Other ingredients

It does contain silicones and talc in order to achieve a silky, mattifying finish. This may be something you wish to keep in mind if you are opposed to such ingredients. I have no issue using these ingredients in my products. They are inert ingredients and enhance the finish of the products. There are individuals that may feel otherwise but this is just my two cents. In cosmetic chemistry, it would be incredibly difficult to formulate a pleasant-feeling, effective SPF for the face that also works nicely under makeup, without the presence of certain non “clean” ingredients.

The titanium dioxide in this sunscreen is nanosized, which I know may be of concern to certain individuals. Again, I do not find an issue with the inclusion of nano particles in products. Oftentimes these nano particles are coated which improves any safety concerns. They also make the product much more aesthetically pleasing. No one wants to be working in a thick gloop of zinc oxide to their skin; it is uncomfortable, and you would probably never wear sunscreen. If you are using a physical sunscreen and it has a pleasant texture, it is likely that they have used nano sized sunscreen actives.

Texture

As the name would suggest, this sunscreen is “super fluid”. It is a liquid formula that you must shake before application in order to emulsify the contents. The bottle has a needle-nose type spout to discharge the liquid. I am not the biggest fan of liquid SPF formulas, but I do find it works nicely under makeup. You will see that the product has a slight beige tint. I was drawn to the tint of the product as it offsets the potential white cast of a sunscreen, and I was done with looking pale as a result of the body sunscreens I had been applying to my face. 

The tint leans a little grey and somewhat reminds me of many grey-leaning BB creams from Asian brands. On my skin tone, the tint is not enough to make a noticeable colour difference on the face. It is extremely sheer and provides no coverage. However, I could see how people with much darker skin tones or who are particularly fair, would struggle with this. For reference, I am around a MAC NC30 in foundation shade and am pretty medium to light in skin tone. If you are much fairer or darker than me, I would suggest trying the other variety of Kiehl’s sunscreen that is completely colourless with no tint.

Matte Finish

I love that the product has a silky feel on the skin and has a mattifying effect. This makes it a great choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin. If you are particularly dry I would not recommend a formula like this. Mineral sunscreen actives are relatively drying too. This means that it might be better for your skin type to opt for a chemical blocker-based sunscreen. Or, at least, a more emollient SPF formula. For my skin type, however, this sunscreen works great as a makeup primer and leaves the skin pretty mattified all day. It should be noted that while I do not have dry skin, I am not overly oily either so very oily skin types may not find they are kept as matte.

Final verdict

I enjoy this sunscreen. It works well under makeup, has a matte finish, and is gentle on my skin. It has a high SPF 50+ that provides broad spectrum protection. I do wish that, for the price, they had done a little more to spruce up the formula. In this day and age, we are seeing emerging formulas protecting from blue light, pollution, and all sorts of environmental aggressors. So, this formula misses the mark a little in terms of what it could include.

However, I do think that it was one of the better choices I could have found at a pinch. It is not the best facial sunscreen I have tried but it does wear well. Overall, it has a nice finish, wears comfortably throughout the day and does not cause irritation. I would give it the thumbs up. 

Where to Find Kiehl’s SPF 50+

Below are links to the exact product I am talking about and where you can find them in your country. Kiehl’s has a few SPF products so the links will direct you to the exact one I am talking about. Find Kiehl’s Super Fluid SPF50+ here:

Sephora US

Selfridges

Amazon

Kiehl’s Website UK

Kiehl’s Website US

Still on the hunt for the Ultimate Facial SPF

I hope that this Kiehl’s SPF Review was helpful and that you had a little insight into the way I judge products. I am constantly on the look for new and innovative formulas and have a number of incredibly interesting products coming your way. This product missed the mark a little in terms of the exciting SPF products being released but is still a solid choice. There is a lot of new and innovative skincare technology I will be reviewing soon, so stay tuned. 

This is the first dedicated review to one product I have done so far. These single review posts go far more in depth than usual. However I want you to feel like you are making the most informed choice when I recommend a product. In posts reviewing multiple I am not able to go as in depth about the formula, what certain ingredients mean, and so on. Going forward, I’d like to reserve these dedicated, one product only reviews to products that truly blow me away and warrant their own review. 

I do think that it is important for skincare reviews to be a little more comprehensive. This is not the case with other products such as makeup as you are judging the product based mainly on its colour and texture. Skincare is significantly more intricate than that. 

The active ingredients of a formula carry a lot more weight in skincare than in makeup. So, I just wanted to make sure with this Kiehl’s SPF Review – or any other skincare review I do for that matter – that I am as thorough as possible. If you don’t like reading long reviews, no worries, I have a series of short, to-the-point reviews coming your way too. 😉

Subscribe to the blog for more upcoming skin care and beauty posts. I also send out a weekly newsletter to check up on all my subscribers and let you know more about the latest and greatest!

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

Shannon xo

Disclaimer

This post is not sponsored. I purchased this product with my own money. Kiehl’s do not know I am creating this blog post nor do I have any affiliation with the Kiehl’s brand. I have never been compensated to create a review and only give my authentic opinions based on my own views and experiences. 

I take a considerable amount of time and care to link each exact product, so that my reader can conveniently locate each recommendation with ease. Some links may be referral links. This means I can potentially earn a very small commission for referral should you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Keeping me in mind and using my links next time you shop at beauty retailers like Sephora really helps to support this blog, so that I can continue to deliver free, quality information to you. I strive to create valuable content and put a great deal of effort in to every post. Any show of support is greatly appreciated and will enable me to continue putting out consistent, informative articles that are continuously being improved and updated.

The post Kiehl’s SPF Review: Best Facial Sunscreen? 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.

Natural Retinol Alternative Bakuchiol for Skin

In my previous article all about Rosehip Oil Skin Benefits, I touched upon the vitamin A content of rosehip oil. I acknowledged that, although some natural skincare enthusiasts claim rosehip oil to be somewhat of a natural alternative to retinol (a form of vitamin A), this is simply not the case. Retinol is extremely efficacious and extremely potent. So much so, that percentages of the ingredient must be clearly labelled. Many retinoids are so strong that they are only available via medical prescription. Certain individuals do worry about retinol toxicity because of this and search for more natural alternatives. This article is all about the natural retinol alternative bakuchiol.

What does retinol do?

Retinol is characterised by its astounding anti-ageing properties. It decreases depth of wrinkles and lines, smooths the skin’s surface, increases skin firmness, and evens out skin tone. It has been scientifically proven and extensively researched for years because of its ability to visibly turn the clock back in time. For this reason, it is one of the most revered skincare ingredients in the anti-ageing sphere.

There is one caveat: not everyone can tolerate retinol. It causes skin sensitivity, flaking, dryness, redness, irritation and makes you more susceptible to sun damage. Because the ingredient is so potent, many people experience some alarmingly adverse reactions to it.

The reason people are attempting to associate ingredients like rosehip oil with retinol is because of the vitamin A content. As I mentioned in my post about rosehip oil, the vitamin A present in rosehip oil is different from retinol. Rosehip oil contains beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Retinol, on the other hand, naturally occurs in animal sources such as dairy, meat, eggs, fish and poultry. And so, they behave in the body somewhat differently.

While beta carotene can convert to vitamin A in skin, it is not entirely that simple. This means that just because they both contain vitamin A, it is not necessarily accurate to group together certain skincare products as having the same efficacy. The source of vitamin A is also important. They may both function through different pathways.

The only clinically-proven natural retinol alternative

Enter Bakuchiol. This compound is a plant extract and antioxidant. It is found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. This plant has traditionally been used in Aurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat diseases of the skin. It bears no structural resemblance to retinol. Rather, it displays retinol-like functionality when applied to skin. And while retinol can make your face burn and peel off if you are not careful, bakuchiol does not show any of this irritation.

There is a constant search to find ingredients that match up to retinol and are less sensitising but still effective. Thus far, bakuchiol is the only botanical extract to clinically prove its viability at such a feat. According to a 2014 study, the twice a day application of bakuchiol was shown to exhibit anti-ageing effects on skin. After 12 weeks, there was a significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation lessened, skin elasticity and firmness improved, and even photo-damage reduced. All this, without the undesirable effects of retinol use on skin.

The way in which retinol displays such remarkable anti-ageing effects on skin is through its interaction with specific receptors in the nucleus of the cell. This is turn will increase the production of collagen and blocks inflammatory mediators. In other words, retinol communicates with cells and tells them to do their job better and behave in a younger manner. The way in which bakuchiol delivers results is through the regulation of gene expression. It too will upregulate and stimulate collagen production. The pathways through which both compounds work is similar, however bakuchiol does not seem to induce the same level of irritation.

Can it help acne like retinol?

Besides its powerful anti-ageing properties, retinol also has acne fighting effects. Retinoids act as a comedolytic agent to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts. There are many varieties of retinoids that professionals successfully prescribe for the treatment of acne. Adapalene, tretinoin and tazarotene are a few such retinoids that acne patients require prescriptions to obtain. So how does bakuchiol match up to this?

Bakuchiol has not been as comprehensively researched in the treatment of acne as retinol has. However there have been studies to suggest it may play a role in acne treatment. Bakuchiol has strong antibacterial and antioxidant effects. In a pilot clinical study, 1% bakuchiol was shown to reduce acne by about 57%. By comparison, salicylic acid only reduced acne by 48%. You may recall salicylic acid effects on acne from my complete guide to salicylic acid. The combination was shown to reduce acne and inflammation by 70%.

Retinol and irritation

Retinoids are a very commonly irritating ingredient. People try to push through the adverse side effects in the hope of reaping its extraordinary promises of anti-ageing and acne prevention. However, as I emphasise in each and every post, we are all different. We each have individual needs and tolerances. While retinol may work wonders for someone else’s skin, this may not be the case with you.

Typically, your skin takes a few weeks to acclimate to retinol. When I first began using retinoids, my skin was extremely irritated. It felt as though my face was perpetually sunburned, my skin was peeling at a mere touch, and always looked dry. After some time, your skin will acclimate to the dosage and you will no longer get those negative side effects.

It may also be worth experimenting with different types of retinoids as you may experience terrible reactions from some and you may be fine with others. I have found certain retinol products have been so strong they have triggered the worst flare ups of acne I have ever experienced. Others improve the condition of my skin. It is extremely individual and up to you to judge for yourself.

Who should use bakuchiol?

You may find retinol products irritate your skin to no end. Instead of trying to push through the pain, your skin may simply be intolerant to retinol. Retinol may not agree with your skin, regardless of the percentage you use or type of derivative. In this case, natural retinol alternative bakuchiol may be the answer to your skincare woes. Many natural skincare advocates will appreciate this ingredient due to its botanical nature. Typically, retinoids available via prescription will contain ingredients and certain preservatives that natural skincare advocates do not like, so bakuchiol is definitely a viable choice.

Because of the minimal irritation in comparison to retinol, anyone will be able to use bakuchiol. If you are pregnant or have any urgent medical conditions, it is always wise to consult with your doctor. As I said, it is not as widely researched as retinol, so you may find you prefer the visible results you see from retinol products. If you are running out of your current retinol, would like a break from retinol, would like to introduce a retinol-like product into your routine, or just love new skincare, it is worth seeing how your skin reacts to it.

Bakuchiol Products Worth Trying

Although it is a relatively new retinol-like skin care discovery, a number of skincare brands are already beginning to incorporate natural retinol alternative bakuchiol into their line.

Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum – This line contains purely non toxic, clean beauty products. Alongside bakuchiol, the serum includes squalane and sodium hyaluronate for hydration. It also contains a good dose of niacinamide which will also help to visibly reduce pore size, keep skin clear and even out skin tone.

Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Serum – This serum is very lightweight and brightening. It contains AHAs to improve skin texture and for additional anti-ageing benefits. The lavender tint also helps to combat dullness by colour correcting skin tone.

Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Creme – For those with drier skin types, you may prefer a more hydrating, thicker cream to a serum. This product is just that. The AHAs will provide overnight exfoliation. For more on chemical exfoliants read this. The inclusion of shea butter ensures that your skin does not become dehydrated overnight. It contains the lavender tint to brighten skin.

Whish Recovering Night Cream – This entire range incorporates bakuchiol into every product. Whish Face Oil is a lovely blend of plant oils that are rich in essential fatty acids. They do not use synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or parabens.

Ren Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid – This anti-ageing cream contains bakuchiol alongside a number of plant extracts. The brand is a more natural line so all products do not contain parabens, formaldehyde and other potentially carcinogenic ingredients. 

If you are feeling fancy

Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment – Dr Lancer has included both retinol and buckachiol in this powerful anti-ageing formula. The product also contains a number of antioxidants and hydrolysed collagen. Lancer is a higher price point, but the line does not disappoint when it comes to effective products. 

Oskia Super 16 Serum – This serum is hydrating and contains a number of antioxidants to further provide anti-ageing benefits alongside bakuchiol. It does also contain retinol palmitate, another vitamin A derivative. 

Omorovicza Miracle Oil – Omorovicza is a brand that by no means skimps on luxury. This product contains a blend of some of my favourite oils such as almond and sea buckthorn oil, and additional antioxidants. 

Shop This Post

I hope that this post helps to shed some light on the natural retinol alternative bakuchiol. It is a great, gentle option if you are new to retinol or find it does not suit your skin. Perhaps you need a break from retinol and want something that still gives excellent results. 

If you found this post informative, remember to Subscribe to the Blog for more articles like this.

I have a number of articles on the topic of anti-ageing skincare. For more on anti-ageing take a look at these posts:

All about Vitamin C For Anti-ageing

The Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare 

The Crucial Role of Antioxidants

The Best Korean Skincare Brands You Simply Must Try

Share this post with someone you care about because we all deserve to love the skin we are in. If anything, I’d appreciate the show of support for the simple fact that I wrote this entire article, lost it, then had to re-write it entirely all over again!

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

Shannon xo

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

References:

Chaudhuri, R. and Bojanowski, K. (2014). Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 36(3), pp.221-230.

Chaudhuri RK, Marchio F. Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected skin. Cosmetics & Toiletries Magazine. 2011;126(7):502–510.

The post Natural Retinol Alternative Bakuchiol Works Miracles appeared first on Shannon Feetham.