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A Light Face Moisturizer for Warmer Weather
If you’re looking for a face moisturizer for warmer weather, Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer may be just what you’re looking for. In this post we’re discussing tips to help you find one that’s just right for your skin. Want information about moisturizers in general? Check out this post we wrote earlier. Shop Daily Infusion Moisturizer A face moisturizer is a product that we apply to skin to relieve dryness and make it feel more comfortable. They can range from lighter serums and lotions to heavier and thicker treatments such as petroleum jelly (although this isn’t something we’d recommend!). Water qualifies as a moisturizer, but because it evaporates quite quickly, it’s not very effective on its own. The ideal face moisturizer falls somewhere in between water and petroleum jelly and many customers find that a product like Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer works perfectly for them all year round because it moisturizes without leaving skin feeling greasy. It’s also suitable for all skin types. Moisturizer Ingredients Moisturizers are made up of three main types of ingredients: Humectants. Deliver moisture to skin by either grabbing it from the environment or pulling it from the skin’s deeper layers (dermis) to its surface layers (epidermis). Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), glycerin, propanediol, honey and propylene glycol are all examples. Emollients. Soften and smooth skin by filling in the gaps. May also lock in moisture. Fats and oils like vitamin E, cholesterol, jojoba oil and some silicones are emollients. Emollients may also have occlusive action. Occlusives. Work by forming a thin, oily layer over skin, helping to lock in moisture. They should be applied over damp skin, ideally. Lanolin, beeswax, petroleum jelly and fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are occlusive. Some occlusives may also have emollient activity. The combination and amounts of each ingredient influence how light or heavy a moisturizer feels. A Face Moisturizer for Warmer Weather Humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) changes depending on where you live or the season. Tropical locations and summer often bring higher humidity while winter and desert or cooler climates tend to be drier. A heavy moisturizer (one with more emollient and occlusive ingredients) that was perfect for cooler winter temperatures may feel too heavy now. If you find that your skin is left feeling greasy or oily now that it’s warmer outside, it may be time to revisit the moisturizer you’re using. Opt for one that contains fewer occlusive ingredients and that contains more humectant ingredients. Our Daily Infusion Moisturizer has a good balance of humectants (glycerin), light emollients (caprylic/capric triglyceride, coco-caprylate/caprate, squalane) and occlusives (cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, glyceryl stearate) to deliver light moisture that all skin loves. We refer to it as the ‘Goldilocks of Moisturizers’ because most of our customers feel it’s just right! Tips: In order to maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer, keep the following in mind: Apply over damp skin to lock in moisture. Moisturize as often as you need to. Don’t forget sunscreen to help protect skin against damage from UV rays. Now you and your face are ready for summer!
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5 Novel Skin Care Ingredients You May Not Know About
I’m an advocate of sticking with ingredients that are tried and true when it comes to skin, but sometimes novel skin care ingredients arrive. They often show promise, but may not have the research or experience to back up their claims. Before jumping on the bandwagon about an ingredient that may or may not deliver on its promises, it’s often a good idea to await more clinical studies to help you determine whether they may be a good fit for your skin. Shop All Apothekari In this post, let’s take a closer look at 5 novel skin care ingredients that you may not know about which have the potential to be skin care superstars. 1. Bakuchiol Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, aka the “babchi” plant, bakuchiol has origins in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties. In skin care, bakuchiol has properties similar to retinol, helping to stimulate collagen production thereby increasing cell turnover and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and photodamage. Studies have shown that it is far less irritating to skin compared to retinol. And, it can be used in combination with retinoids. 2. SMART Drone Peptide Technology This high-tech newcomer was developed using principles of drone navigation technology to target specific areas of the skin to boost the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and elastin. It is purported to help skin to look smoother, hydrated and less crumpled and improves visible bounce back. This technology works by wrapping one peptide inside a capsule and another to surround the outside of the capsule. The peptide on the outside helps to guide the capsule to the correct site in within the skin, where the first peptide is released to work its magic. The outside peptide also has the added benefit of stimulating elastin synthesis. How sci-fi does this sound?! 3. Rosa Damascena Flower The growing conditions for the Rosa damascena flower in Turkey produce specific and delicate fragrance properties. Here, flowers are gathered by hand in rose gardens each morning before sunrise removes the first dew found on the petals. It is used not only for its heavenly fragrance (which has a calming and soothing effect on mood) but also for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties. Find rosa damascena in our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish, Shea Body Butter and Vanilla Rose Sugar Body Polish. 4. Starflower Seed Oil Also known as borage oil, the seeds from the starflower plant are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that is extremely helpful in treating dry skin conditions. Borage oil helps to maintain skin moisture levels and is an incredible nourishing and hydrating ingredient, which helps to skin look and feel healthy. 5. Persian Silk Tree Albizia julibrissin, also known as the Persian Silk Tree, is a tree native to East Asia and South America. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties and it is used in skin care to protect against glycation, a process that results in loss of skin elasticity and which ages the appearance of skin. Have you tried any of these novel skin care ingredients? Share your experience below.
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3 Reasons To Fall in Love With Bamboo Powder
You may have noticed an increase in the use of bamboo powder in skin care products recently. Hailing from Asia, bamboo is an exotic grass, which happens to be one of the fastest growing plants on earth, making a readily renewable and sustainable plant resource. Once it’s cut, the root system sends out new shoots for re-growth without any need for it to be replanted. It grows all over the world in natural environments without the need for any fertilizers or pesticides. It gives off 35% more oxygen then trees and has a huge variety of uses, including clothing fibres, building material, food and medicine. Shop Apothekari Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish What Is Bamboo Extract Powder Good For? While a late comer to the cosmetics game, bamboo powder is making its way into a range of products, including our Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Polish. While many of us think of bamboo as a decorative planting for the garden, this attractive grass comes with several attributes that make it a useful addition to skin care formulations as well. Bamboo powder is known to contain various compounds, including flavones, glycosides, phenolic acids, and amino acids, which together provide a range of skin benefits. Here are 3 reasons why you may just fall in love with bamboo powder: It Exfoliates. It differs from most other physical exfoliants because it is fine enough to deliver very gentle, yet effective exfoliation. It Has Antioxidant Properties. Containing various compounds, the flavones in bamboo extract give it antioxidant properties, which help to defend against free radicals. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Which helps to soothe red and irritated skin. The Chinese have known for centuries that if you cut your skin and put bamboo on it, it’ll heal faster. A study has confirmed this as well, thanks to several constituents of bamboo powder that deliver this benefit. Are you ready to give bamboo powder a go?
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Anti-Inflammatory Skin Care Ingredients
In this post let’s focus on anti-inflammatory skin care ingredients following our last article on skin inflammation, what causes it and how to treat it. If your skin exhibits acne breakouts, redness or other types of discomfort, it’s sending a message that something is irritating it. Whether it’s UV exposure, allergens or something in your skin care regimen that’s throwing things off, the best thing to do is identify and eliminate the offending agent if you can. Decisive action can help to nip things in the bud before setting off an inflammatory cascade that may turn into something longer lasting that will damage skin. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory skin care ingredients available by prescription that are used to treat eczema and dermatitis. You’ll get fast results but for the most part, you shouldn’t use corticosteroids long term as they can thin skin and dampen the immune system. Lots of non-prescription anti-inflammatory skin care options are available today and they are available in a range of treatments to help all skin types. 7 Anti-Inflammatory Skin Care Ingredients Whether you need to repair or want to lessen the chances of inflammation starting in the first place, here are seven ingredients that should be on your radar: Niacinamide. Niacinamide is one of those under-valued ingredients that does so much for skin. In addition to its inflammation busting properties, it has been shown to stimulate collagen production, prevents moisture loss, increase ceramide (lipid) production and even the skin tone. Find it in our A is for Anti-Aging Serum, where it’s combined with retinaldehyde and a host of other ingredients to help deliver more youthful and vibrant skin. Chamomile. Rich in bisabolol, an anti-irritant that naturally occurs in chamomile, this herb’s healing properties help to soothe redness and rosacea and repair damaged skin. Find it in our A is for Anti-Aging Retinal Serum. Turmeric. This beautiful golden hued spice is gaining lots of attention due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, including curcumin. When ingested orally, the active components in turmeric are useful in managing arthritis. Skin care preparations that include turmeric calm and soothe skin and help to brighten the skin tone. Blue Tansy. The blue colour comes from azulene, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in battling cystic and hormonal acne. White Willow Bark. Rich in inflammation fighting compounds known as flavonoids, white willow bark has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving abilities comparable to aspirin. It is a useful addition in the battle against acne breakouts. Green Tea. Sipping on a cup of green tea provides instant zen and this vibe transfers over to skin when applied topically. Green tea is a source of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in that delivers both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory skin care properties and is known to protect against UV damage. Find green tea extract in our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum. Licorice. Whether from the root or as an extract, licorice has been used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat inflammation for centuries. This heavy-hitter is a boon to sensitive skin prone to irritation. What are your favourite anti-inflammatory skin care ingredients?
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3 Skin Care Ingredients You Should Be Using
When it comes to cosmetics, there are 3 skin care ingredients considered essential to great skin. Ask most skin care professionals and you’ll likely get consensus. It’s easy to get confused by marketing and side-tracked by trendy new ingredients, but if you want to make the most of your skin care dollars and simplify your routine, consider adding these 3 skin care ingredients to your daily line-up. SHOP RADIANT SKIN SET 1. Sunscreen It’s boring, I know. But, applying sunscreen every day is one of the smartest and most cost effective strategies you can employ in maintaining healthy and youthful skin. The sun and its UV rays are responsible for more than 80% of skin aging. Wearing sunscreen daily along with practicing smart sun habits (wearing hats, seeking shade, covering up and staying out of the sun during its peak hours) makes very good sense. Sunscreen should be worn every day, year round, even in deepest, darkest winter. The sun’s UVA rays, which are prevalent through the seasons, can penetrate through clouds and windows leading to skin aging. Choose between two types of sunscreens – physical or chemical. Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays while chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin’s top layer and work to absorb UV energy and render it harmless. Both types of sunscreens are effective as long as you know what to look for: Seek out products labelled as ‘broad spectrum’. With physical sunscreens, make sure your formulation contains zinc oxide as it is the only physical blocker that covers the full UV spectrum. For chemical screens, ensure that you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays and that the ingredients are photo-stable, meaning that they won’t degrade upon exposure to sunlight. 2. Retinoids Derivatives of Vitamin A, retinoids are considered the gold standard when it comes to repairing sun-damaged and aging skin. They also stimulate the production of healthy, new skin cells. Retinoids are useful in fading age spots, reducing the appearance of fine lines and managing acne. When it comes to choosing one that is best for you, you can choose from one that is prescription strength or an over-the-counter option. Retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinaldehyde are the most popular OTC options. I’m a big fan of retinaldehyde because it is just one step away from converting to retinoic acid, the form of Vitamin A active at skin cells. It is also the gentlest form, which means that most individuals can tolerate it. Retinoids are light sensitive so they should be used at night. Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging boasts retinaldehyde, niacinamide and other ingredients to soothe irritation, minimize the appearance of fine lines and deliver brighter, firmer skin. 3. Antioxidants Antioxidants help to thwart the visible effects of daily environmental assault caused by free radicals, which are released by exposure to sunlight, pollution and other environmental stressors. Free radicals are unstable molecules which can cause a cascade of cell damage, leading to inflammation and cell injury. Antioxidants fight back by helping to slow down this process. Antioxidants benefit skin during the day and at night, but are essential as part of your morning routine. You can choose from a range of antioxidants including Vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, green tea and coenzyme Q10. When it comes to antioxidants, the more the merrier! Check out our Bespoke Vitamin C Serum, available in two concentrations and formulated with Vitamin C, green tea extract plus additional antioxidants along with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to protect and moisturize. Sunscreen, retinoids and antioxidants form the Holy trifecta when it comes to skin care. Are these 3 skin care ingredients included in your regimen?
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Glycerin Skin Benefits
Glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is an ingredient used commonly in cosmetics. And there’s a reason why – this little ‘ole ingredient packs one hefty punch! Shop All Apothekari Glycerin is present in all natural fats, both vegetable and animal. It also is found naturally in the skin as part of its NMF (natural moisturizing factor) where it acts to protect the skin against dryness, helping it to look and feel healthy. It may be derived from natural substances and also can be manufactured synthetically. Whether from natural or synthetic sources, its action on your skin is the same. Glycerin Skin Benefits Glycerin offers many benefits to skin including: 1. Humectant/Hydration Its ability to absorb moisture from the air can help to increase the skin’s moisture content. However, there can be too much of a good thing as very high concentrations of glycerin can actually take moisture away from skin, leading to dryness. This is a major drawback of any humectant – water from the skin’s lower layers may be attracted to the upper layers and then lost to the environment. For this reason, glycerin is often combined with other ingredients to minimize water loss and is unlikely to be problematic in well formulated cosmetics. 2. Emollient Unlike its humectant, moisture attracting properties, glycerin’s emollient action helps to keep moisture in by forming a protective layer over the skin. This improves the skin’s barrier function, which assists in increasing the thickness of the epidermal layer and helps keep harmful chemicals and environmental elements out of the skin and locks moisture in. 3. Improves Skin Appearance By keeping the moisture level of the skin on track skin appears and feels soft and smooth. 4. Wound Healing Its effects on wound healing are due to its ability to signal skin cells to mature properly. This means that it has the potential to help with diseases including psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancers. Studies have shown that glycerin may also have antimicrobial properties but further research is required. It is suitable for all skin types – including oily skin, where its humectant properties can help the skin stay hydrated without additional oil. It’s been shown to help acne heal faster, and it may minimize the appearance of acne scars. You can find glycerin in many Apothekari Skincare treatments because it offers so many skin benefits and very little disadvantage. Glycerin, we love you!
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Why Squalane Is Good for Your Skin
Squalane is an oil naturally occurring in the skin’s sebum and is also essential in the synthesis of cholesterol, steroids, and Vitamin D in our bodies. About 10 – 12% of our skin surface is made of squalene but production declines as we age and by age 50, our skin is thought to contain only 5%. Traditionally sourced from shark livers (where the compound squalene is converted to squalane to make it more stable), squalene is now (happily) sourced primarily from olive oil and sugar cane and converted to the more stable squalane for use in cosmetics. Shop Daily Infusion Moisturizer What Does Squalane Do for Your Skin? Squalane lubricates and protects and is widely used as a conditioner, emollient and carrier oil. Because it’s naturally found in skin, our bodies love it. It helps prevent UV damage, helps to regenerate cells and has antibacterial properties. While you can use it straight up, you can also find this ingredient in a range of products including emulsions, balms, facial serums and massage oils, or as a carrier for essential oils. It absorbs quickly, boosting the skin’s ability to retain moisture making it ideal for even really dry and chapped skin. It also enhances the skin’s natural barrier function, warding off external damage. And, it does this without clogging pores. Daily Infusion Moisturizer Beyond being an excellent moisturizing ingredient, squalane has been shown to possess antioxidant properties, helping to protect skin against free radical damage. I love this ingredient because it does so much! You can find squalane in our Daily Infusion Moisturizer where it’s combined with Fructooligosaccharides (naturally occurring sugars) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to deliver hydration without any hint of oiliness. It’s a firm customer favourite at Apothekari!
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