Tag: exfoliator

Why Do A Nightime Routine Blog Post graphic

Why Do A Nighttime Routine?

Posted on by Editorial Team

You may love a good night-time skincare routine, but do you know what its benefits are? Read below to learn why a night-time routine can really benefit your skin.

What happens to your skin while you sleep

Your skin is the second-largest organ in your body, and as such it performs many functions. So what is happening to your skin while you sleep?

  • Your skin loses water – or “sweats” – while you sleep due to less oil production, which means that it’s important to counteract this moisture loss with a moisturizer. Oils like jojoba imitate the skin’s natural sebum, while oils like hemp and olive supply much-needed fatty acids to maintain elasticity.
  • Skin becomes drier due to this moisture loss, which makes an extra-emollient moisturizer all the more important. If your skin is normally dry, then slather it on!
  • Your skin needs the right amount of sleep in order to replenish itself. If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, you’ll notice that your skin is more sallow and your eyes are puffier. Lack of sleep also raises cortisol levels, which contributes to inflammation. Higher stress hormones can contribute to breakouts and other skin problems, as well. Hormones like Melatonin and Human Growth Hormone increase during sleep, making a good night’s sleep all the more important.
  • Skin is warmer at night, which can make it easier for skincare products to be absorbed. So why not take advantage of this and apply products like AHAs or BHAs to speed cell turnover while you sleep? Turnover tends to occur between about 11pm and 4 am, before body temperature drops to its lowest level during sleep. Skin is also more permeable, so products can be absorbed more easily.

What should your skincare routine look like?

We already know that a good moisturizer can counteract moisture loss while we sleep, but what else can we do to enhance our nighttime skincare routine?

  • Be sure to remove all traces of makeup and accumulated dirt gently before bed. A light oil-based makeup remover like Whole Earth Body Actives Facial Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover is rich in Vitamin E and contains geranium oil to help balance sebum production. A gentle exfoliator will remove any dead skin cells.
  • Use products with ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinol and Vitamin C to help “detox” your skin, increase collagen production and reduce inflammation while you sleep. We like our Whole Earth Body Actives Age Defying Vitamin C Creme with Niacinamide. It’s gentle enough to use day and night for botanical-based antioxidant protection.
  • Get the best quality sleep that you can. Avoid electronic devices, caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bed. If you’re a side sleeper, a silk pillowcase can help prevent wrinkles while you sleep. Products like melatonin (which decreases as you age), or valerian extract (which can help you fall asleep) are non-habit forming and effective for some. Use a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier/air purifier in the summer if needed to maintain a humidity level of about 45 percent and keep mucus membranes from drying out.

By spending just a little extra time at night, you can go a long way towards helping your skin to be its very best. And isn’t waking up to healthy skin worth it?

Give Yourself A Spa Facial At Home

Give Yourself A Spa Facial At Home

Posted on by Lydia D

Give Yourself A Spa Facial At Home

Do you want to give yourself a spa facial at home? It’s easier than you think. Although regular days at the spa can be a wonderful way to treat yourself, it may not always be achievable. But you’re in luck. With a little time and effort, you can reap the benefits of a “spa day” without a day at the spa. Here are some tips:

  • Set aside at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. Turn off the cell phone. Turn up the mood music. The end of a busy day or weekend are good times. Being relaxed is part of the experience.
  • Have all of your products on hand; 1) facial steamer; 2) gentle cleanser; 3) exfoliator; 4) pore-cleansing mask; 5) moisturizer; 6) headband, head wrap or cap; 7) facial brush, sponge or washcloth; 8) pitcher of lemon water.

Once you’ve assembled your products and you’re ready to go, here are the steps that we recommend for your DIY facial:

  • Pull your hair back and secure with the headband or wrap.
  • Open pores using your facial steamer. If you don’t have one, take a washcloth and run it under hot water. Place on your face briefly to increase circulation prior to cleansing. Alternatively, heat water in a saucepot. Turn it off and stand above it with a towel over your head and allow the steam to reach your face. (Be careful to avoid burning yourself.)
  • Pour a small amount of cleanser into your palm; wet and massage into your face with slow, upward motions. Be especially gentle around the eye area. Don’t rush this part; it’s important to get your skin really clean. If you prefer, use a clean washcloth, facial cleansing brush or Konjac sponge to work the cleanser in. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Use a sugar scrub or other exfoliator to gently slough off dead cells. Use the same upward motion to put it on. Avoid the eye area. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Now it’s time for your mask. Clay and mud masks are popular for clearing pores. Which one you use depends upon your skin’s needs and your personal preference. Or you may prefer a sheet mask. Avoid the eye area. Leave on for at least 10 minutes or until it fully dries. Peel or wash off gently. Pat dry.
  • By now your skin should be glowing! At this point you can use your favorite moisturizer to sooth and protect, as well as to restore moisture and achieve optimum pH (about 5.5). A night cream containing peptides or a daytime lotion with sunscreen would also be appropriate depending upon the time of day. Treat the eye area to a gel or cream specially made for the delicate skin around the eyes.

And that’s it! You can now face the world with a fresh face. It may take a little time, but it’s well worth the effort. Repeat once a month or as needed to restore that healthy glow. Your face will thank you.