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.

Simple Self-Care Practices to Make You Feel Unstoppable

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

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

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

Feeling unstoppable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Express gratitude daily.

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

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

3. Exercise

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

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

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

Enjoy the process

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

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

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

Don’t just rely on motivation

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

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

Mental effects

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

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

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

4. Meditation.

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

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

Meditation keeps overwhelm at bay

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

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

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

5. Acupuncture. 

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

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

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

6. Say No.

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

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

Value your time

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

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

7. Do more things that make you happy.

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

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

8. Treasure taking time to be with yourself. 

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

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

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

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

Life is about reinvention and updates

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

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

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

Make self-care a priority

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

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

More posts on self-care practices

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

Skin Care Tips for Long Haul Flights

How to Take Care Of Skin During Fall

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

Mindset Series: Let’s talk Inner Beauty

How to Live Your Truth When The World Tells You Otherwise

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

Shannon xo

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

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

Best of August 2018: Skincare, Beauty and Wellness

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

Best of August 2018: Product Finds

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

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

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

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

Nars Concealer UK

Nars Concealer US

Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick

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

Frog Prince Lipstick UK

Frog Prince Lipstick US

Simple Hydrating Gel Cream

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

Simple in the UK

Simple in the US

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick

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

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

Fenty Beauty is available here in the UK

Fenty Beauty is available here in the US

Tech Fave

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

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

Best of August 2018 Blog Posts To Check Out

Skin Science

The Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid

All About Antioxidants 

Sun Damage and the effects of UV radiation

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid in Skincare

All About Vitamin C: Brighter, Firmer Skin

Natural Beauty & Wellness

Avocado Oil Benefits for Skin and Health

The Benefits of Rosehip Oil For Skin

The Only Natural Alternative To Retinol Clinically Proven By Science

Beauty and Skin Care Advice

How to Properly Layer Skincare Products 

Top 10 Essential Tips To Keep Skin Healthy During Travel

Top Korean Skincare Products You Need To Try

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

Sephora Skincare To Add To Your Shopping Cart

Self Development

The Importance of Inner Beauty and Mindset 

How to Live Your Truth and Be Your Authentic Self

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

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

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

Shannon xo

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

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

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.

9 Things To Consider Before You Start A New Skincare Routine

With the abundance of new products streaming into the market on a daily basis, it is easy to be enticed by all the latest and greatest. I know that my overwhelming curiosity with new skincare certainly has compelled me to make a number of purchases in the past. Unfortunately, constantly switching up your products can lead you to lose track of what is and what is not working. While it might be tempting to entirely replicate someone else’s routine based on how their skin looks, I would not necessarily advise it. I always advocate for tailoring your routine to your own personal needs. And even gauging based on how your skin feels on any given day. In this post I give you a guideline on all the things you should consider before you start a new skincare routine.

1. Have you been consistent with your current skincare routine?

More than ever, people are drawn to the promise of instant gratification. With technology perpetually at our fingertips, we are growing more and more impatient. From the click of a button, we can have food delivered to our house. One day shipping enables our entire shopping cart to arrive within a 24-hour window. It is easy to be seduced by the promise of instant results. So, you would not be entirely remiss to overlook the fact that the human body does not give the instantaneous response of a machine.

You can easily fall into the trap of deciding to abandon a product if, after only a couple of days or weeks, you see little visible results. Trust me, I’ve been there too. The truth we may not always want to hear is that certain skincare ingredients can take up to 2-3 months to see visible results from. Yes, months. You can use 5-minute sheet masks as much as you like for that instant gratification factor. But the truth is, the results you obtain from a one-off treatment will never compare to the long term results from a consistent daily routine.

Although I will say, if you have the luxury of time for sheet masks, this Asian brand brightening sheet mask is absolutely adorable. Beauty Bay ships it worldwide so we all have access to this cute product and it isn’t exclusive to Asia anymore. The packaging is pink and has a Panda on it – what more could a girl ask for?! Oh, and it does produce pretty satisfying instant “glass skin” results too. 

Ask yourself whether you have truthfully been consistent with your routine. Have you allowed enough time to actually see visible results? Or have you kept with it ‘for the most part’. That is, aside from the couple of times a week you have gone to bed without removing your makeup. Perhaps travelling has interrupted your ability to carry out your normal routine. Again, I’ve been there. But before you rush start a new skincare routine, consider how consistent you are. And remember, patience will reap the greatest results.

2. How much time are you willing to devote to your skincare routine?

K-beauty and Asian multiple step routines are hot right now. And you might feel you want to jump on the trend of including many skincare steps. I have an entire post dedicated to Korean Skincare Products; I love asian skincare. However, if your routine consists of many redundant steps with no aim, you may be wasting time and not reaping real benefits. It would be much more beneficial to narrow down your routine to a designated few products that you know make a difference. As opposed to fluffing it up with as many products as possible.

While some relish their skincare ritual with many products, it may turn others off completely. While the thought of an elaborate twelve-step routine may appear intriguing to some, it is not always more beneficial. Nor is it always the most practical. There is no reason that an effective routine has to have an extensive number of steps. The best kind of skincare routine is the one you will stick to. There is no point purchasing twenty different products when the thought of committing to using them all is overwhelming.

You may enjoy dedicating the time to an elaborate multi-step skincare routine every day. If you enjoy it, go for it. But if you prefer to only use the most effective products and take the shortest amount of time, there is no shame in that. Apply your skincare and move on with your other tasks. Decide how much time you are willing to spend on your skincare application before you establish a new skincare routine.

3. What is your primary skin concern?

You are aware that you should be taking care of your skin. But are you simply using products without really having a proper plan of attack? Are you just using skincare for the sake of using it without really knowing what you are trying to do for your skin? Before you start a new skincare routine, think about how well your current routine is serving you. You can then gauge what mode of action to change.

You might be thinking “but I want to fix everything”. Trying to start a new skincare routine might seem like the ideal fix. This may even lead you to overdoing it on the advanced anti-ageing treatments, acne treatments and harsh peels. We want to go in guns blazing and fix everything at once.

You have to understand that if you are trying to target everything, you will not be effective at targeting anything. Rather than aimlessly purchasing a number of products, get clear on your main pain points. Look for the key products that target your main skin concerns. Then, once you have that area under control, zero in on something else.

When it comes to your skin, there is usually a specific zone you pay particular attention to over others. You may struggle with acne breakouts or have significant areas of hyperpigmentation. Perhaps you have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. Or maybe you just want to target the general signs of ageing. Get clear on that before overhauling to start a new skincare routine.

4. How much money are your willing to spend on a new skincare routine?

It is critical to consider the budget you are willing to allocate to your skincare. Before being influenced into purchasing your favourite celebrity’s entire skincare routine from a magazine article, consider this. How sustainable would it be for you to maintain that skincare routine, after you have run out of the products? It is all well and good to fall in love with a set of products. However, if you will not be able to potentially re-purchase these items again in the future, you might not be able to maintain your results.

You may have the luxury of being able to invest in the best high-end skincare. You may enjoy the experience of luxury brands. But if you are on a budget like most people are, it is important to keep in mind how sustainable your new routine will be. You do not want to be selling your first-born child or going in debt to maintain a routine you cannot afford.

Decide which areas you would like to splurge on and where you would like to save in your skincare routine. You may find it more worthwhile to spend on cleansing tools such as a Foreo cleansing device and opt for affordable cleansers. Designate a budget to your beauty routine and work from there.

5. Do you have any known ingredient intolerances?

Before purchasing a new set of products, keep an eye out for ingredients that may cause irritation. This may involve some trial and error to see what your triggers are, but you want to make sure that the products you are using are not making the situation worse. Some people cannot tolerate certain active ingredients like retinol or certain acids. Search for alternatives and do not force your skin to use an ingredient if it does not tolerate it. Speaking of which, if you do find you are intolerant to retinol, I have an entire blog post about a natural retinol alternative that does not cause irritation but still works wonders. 

Ingredients that have caused me a great deal of irritation and contact dermatitis in the past have been menthol in certain acne products, and essential oils in all-natural products. Many people swear by all-natural skincare. However, my skin is extremely sensitised to the fragrant essential oils often used in such products. Certain preservatives like methylisothiazolinone have also caused me intense swelling and reactions.

A particular skincare product that tends to cause me issues is face cleanser. For a long time I thought that, because cleanser is only on the skin for a couple of minutes, I would not have to be so careful. However, I find that using the correct cleanser in my routine makes the biggest difference to how red and irritated my skin gets. When my skin is acting up, I tend to pare back my routine and opt for gentle, cream based cleanser. I am loving this gentle cleanser at the moment.

As I have mentioned before, I have very sensitive skin and am very acne-prone and suffer from eczema, so it is likely I experience more irritation than the average individual. Find out what triggers you and tailor your product needs around that. You do not want to start a new skincare routine only to have it not agree with your skin.

6. What is your skin type?

Knowing your own unique skin type is a vital part of constructing a proper skincare routine. You want to choose products that work with your particular skin type, and not against it. If you are prone to breakouts it is probably not a good idea to be using a lot of comedogenic products. If you have very dry skin, you will want to take it easy of astringent toners and the like. For very oily skin, you do not need to be skipping moisturiser all together, but you also don’t want to be excessively oiling up your skin.

If you aren’t sure of your skin type, pay attention to how it feels completely free of product. A simply rule of thumb is to wash your face, dry it and do not apply any additional products. After thirty minutes, examine your skin. If your skin feels tight and parched, you likely have dry skin. Oily skin will have areas of shine on the forehead, nose and cheeks. If you have some oil through the T zone and are not uncomfortably dry, you may have combination skin.

7. How happy are you with the current condition of your skin?

Some may have no significant issues with their skin’s current state. In this situation you might want to assess how your skin will react to an entirely new routine. It might seem exciting to start a new skincare routine, but you might not actually need it. You don’t have to fix what isn’t broken.

I liken it to a person who is already in good shape, unnecessarily going on a fad diet. Or leaving a great relationship to explore what is out there. Just make sure you are not walking out on something that is already good. If what you are doing is working for you, you might want to consider sticking with it and not being mesmerised by the new best thing.

You may be sticking out a certain routine but are still not happy with your skin. If you have been consistent in your application for months already, and are seeing zero changes, it might be worth looking to alternative treatments. For those with bad skin, it can be daunting to start a new skincare routine. You might fear that it will cause your skin to get even worse.

Bombarding your skin with a myriad of products, even if they are tried and tested efficacious formulations, might be doing you a disservice. It may be better to actually dial down your skincare for a while and see how your skin acclimates. Then slowly reintroduce new products if the thought of a complete overhaul is too daunting for you.

8. What does your lifestyle look like?

If you are unhappy with the condition of your skin, it may not be a matter of the skincare products you use. You may be purchasing streams of all the very best product formulas and applying them diligently. You may start a new skincare routine every couple of months. Yet still no results. In this case, it may be better to assess your lifestyle before deciding to commit to a brand-new skincare routine. You might need to address certain lifestyle factors that are interfering with the potential results you could be experiencing from your skincare.

A person who has been chain smoking for decades will likely find it extremely difficult to combat dullness and lines. They will not be able to achieve plump and glowing skin. Regardless of the amount of money they invest in skincare products and treatments.

If you have a chronically low intake of vitamin C, it is likely you will experience collagen loss. I suggest you read this article for more on vitamin C. Likewise, chronic yo-yo dieting also depletes collagen over time and leads to premature ageing. If you are not getting adequate quality protein on a daily basis, you will not have the amino acid foundations of healthy skin, nails or hair. Being extremely sedentary will also play into it.

If you do lead a relatively healthy lifestyle by most standards but still experience skin issues, you may even have an underlying problem. Everyone is different and our bodies all need different amounts of exercise and nutrients. Your DNA and microbiome are completely distinct from anyone you know. You might want to do further investigation if even after adjusting all these factors, you experience no improvement.

9. Do you have realistic expectations?

You must remember that there is only so much skincare can do. Marketing campaigns and advertisements may lead you to believe otherwise, but skincare is not intended to work miracles. There is no such thing as a permanent face lift in a jar. If you are spending exorbitant amounts of money on products, you might want to reassess your expectations of skincare. Rather than jumping to a new routine, determine how much you really expect.

We can sometimes be influenced into believing that products with such high costs must be effective. The expectation is that, with such a high price tag, it must be able to live up to its claims. And also raise our children in the process. Although certain ingredients certainly do play a role in tackling the appearance of skin, there is only so much ‘lifting’ and ‘firming’ it will do for you. You may be better saving the money you are spending on extravagant skincare promising the world. Invest it in an actual face lift if that is the result you are looking for. It is important to manage your expectations. Not so you avoid disappointment, but to understand that while skincare will do a lot for you, it cannot do everything.

And lastly, don’t be so hard on yourself. We can fall into the trap of wanting to fix this flaw and that flaw and never truly appreciating who we are in the moment or how far we have come. Spending time obsessing over every individual flaw is a waste of energy that could be more beneficially spent growing you as a person and helping you thrive in other areas of your life.

Set your skin up for success

Now that the seasons are beginning to change, we are all considering switching up our routine. By taking these factors into account before you start a new skincare routine, you are that much closer to a successful regimen. This guide for how to layer skincare will tell you everything you need to know about how to devise your routine once you have decided on products. Remember to Subscribe to the Blog for so much more upcoming content about all things Skin Care. 

Until then, check out these blog posts for more skin care advice:

Top Korean Skincare Products You Need to Try

How to Transition Your Skincare Routine From Summer to Fall

How to Properly Layer Skincare for Maximum Results

The Natural Retinol Alternative That Actually Works

The Top 10 Essential Skin Tips You Need to Know For Travel

What new products are you excited to try? How often do you switch up your skincare routine? 

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

Shannon xo

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

The post New Skincare Routine? 9 Things You Must Consider. appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits

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

The role of vitamin C in the body

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

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

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

Protects skin from sun damage

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

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

Collagen building

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

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

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

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

Wrinkles and sagging

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

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

Skin Brightening

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

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

Speeds up healing

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

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

Drawbacks of vitamin C

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

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

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

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

Acne

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

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

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

Best practices for maximum vitamin C skin care benefits

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

Best vitamin C products

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

Gold Standard Vitamin C

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

Spot treatment 

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

Vitamin C that stays fresh

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

Collagen booster

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

Natural option

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

Final thoughts

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

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

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

Shannon xo

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

References:

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

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

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

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