Skin Care Tips
Fresh Start: Our Favorite Cleansers
This time of year always feels like a good time to update your skin care routine, and there's no better place to start than with the foundation of any regimen: a good cleanser. Here are some cleansers we, the Harben House staff have been loving lately, including a new favorite. 1. Allies of Skin Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm Meredyth has been raving about this cleanser since she first tried it last year, so I recently decided to give it a shot too. This luxurious balm melts onto skin, and with its well-balanced formula, it cleanses gently and smoothly. Plus, it has a pleasant scent from natural botanicals while being fragrance free. The one downside to this balm cleanser is that it can be a little difficult to remove. But, that doesn't feel like a problem if you're using it as a first step in a two-part cleansing routine, which it's ideal for as an oil based cleanser. 2. Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser Ourself's Daily Purifying Cleanser is a perfect classic cleanser that cleans without drying skin. It's great at removing makeup without being too harsh, and lathers up into a satisfying, deep cleansing foam. This is the cleanser I'm currently using as my second step after the Allies Vitamin C Balm, and I'm enjoying it as a versatile option. 3. EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser If you were a fan of the best-selling Foaming Facial Cleanser that EltaMD recently discontinued, this cleanser is your next step. With a similar formula that has been boosted by new active ingredients, this cleanser will feel familiar but leave you with even better results. 4. Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser This gentle cleansing lotion is Jenny's long time favorite, perfect for people with sensitive skin or for use post-procedure. Everyone who loves this cleanser knows how well it cleanses without drying or irritation, and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. 5. Restorsea Reviving Cleanser If you're like me and have sensitive skin, exfoliating cleansers can be too much for your skin. While Reviving Cleanser isn't technically an exfoliator, it does help dissolve dead skin cells, thanks to Restorsea's proprietary Aquabeautine XL® complex. I love this cleanser for its ability to cleanse gently and remove makeup quickly. Just keep in mind it is lightly scented, so if you are particularly sensitive to fragrances, this might not be right for you. 6. Revision Brightening Facial Wash If you've been around a while, there's a good chance you've seen Courtney talk about how much she loves this cleanser, and maybe even tried it yourself. If you haven't, consider giving this gem a try. This exfoliating cleanser features AHA & BHAs, plus soothing botanicals to soothe skin as it is lightly resurfaced, with a bright, refreshing scent.
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What is Skin Flooding, and Should You Try it?
If you're active on social media, there's a strong chance you've heard people talking about a new trend in skincare: Skin Flooding. If you're wondering what Skin Flooding is, and whether or not it's a trend you should try, you've come to the right place. What is Skin Flooding? Skin Flooding is a skincare philosophy focused on one thing: hydration. To try and achieve deeply hydrated skin, you layer multiple hydration focused products onto your skin, including a toner, serum, and moisturizer. (Don't forget to start with your favorite non-drying cleanser.) Exactly how you choose to flood your skin will vary from person to person. Some people use two or three different toners, add in essences or multiple serums, but that's all up to personal preference. As long as you're using those three hydration focused products: toner, serum, and moisturizer, you're doing skin flooding well. When I first heard about this trend, I was surprised that it was aligned with my personal skincare strategy, so I am excited to see this catching on for so many people. Read more about skin flooding here. Wait, a Toner? It's become pretty common in the past decade or so for people to leave toners out of their skincare routine, so that inclusion might throw you off. That said, here are some things to keep in mind about toner use in general, and with skin flooding in particular. Choose an alcohol-free toner. If a toner you're considering using has alcohol in it, keep moving. Alcohol dries skin, making it a better fit for oily or acneic skin, and not the right choice for a hydration-focused routine.. Using a toner before applying serums can help absorption. If you didn't already know that applying skincare products to wet skin can improve absorption, it's true. A water based toner can help do exactly that, by helping draw products into your skin with it. A toner can boost hyaluronic acid's effectiveness. If you've read our blog about HA, then you already know one possible downside to HA is that in some cases, it can absorb water from your skin. Because HA is a hydrophilic compound, it draws water from its environment. Applying HA to wet skin provides moisture for it to take as it absorbs into your skin. Don't be afraid to double up. Some proponents of skin flooding swear by using multiple toners, or even adding an extra step of plain water. You can even maximize your application by putting your toner in a spray bottle and spritzing your face and neck thoroughly. Who Should Try Skin Flooding? A good skin flooding routine can be beneficial for almost anyone, if you tailor it correctly, but it's especially good for people with dry or aging skin. I've seen a lot of women talking on social media turning to skin flooding as a solution to increased dryness they're seeing in menopause or perimenopause. Definitely consider it if you're undergoing similar hormonal shifts as that can have major effects on skin. If your skin is sensitive, flooding can still be a good fit. Just be sure to go slowly with introducing new products and choose them carefully. Skin flooding can even be helpful for people with oily or acne prone skin, but be really careful with choosing your products and avoid occlusives or anything that can clog pores. Recommended Hydrating Products Are you interested in trying flooding, but not sure on the best products to use for it? Here are my recommendations based on what I currently use & best-sellers our customers love. Toners: Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse This is my personal favorite toner and the one I'm using in my current flooding routine. I prefer to spray my toners and this one is a bit thick so I usually water it down slightly to make it sprayable. With soothing botanicals like aloe vera and chamomile, and vitamin K, this is a gentle and nourishing formula that makes a perfect first step for a flooding regimen. EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner This is another great option for a gentle multi-tasking toner with a simple formula including moisturizers. Gently formulated to balance your pH and help repair the skin barrier, this is a good choice for most skin types, including sensitive. Neogenesis Moisturizing Mist While this mist isn't technically a toner, it would be another great option to use in a flooding routine. Especially if you want to do a two part liquid step at the beginning, this would be a great fit for the second toner spot. Designed to moisturize and soothe skin and especially after sun exposure, you can include this spray as a hydrating step in your daily skin regimen and as needed throughout the day. Hydrating Serums SkinMedica Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator As far as product recommendations go, SkinMedica HA5 is the one with the best track record-- it's the one I can be most sure that people who try it will like it. With 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, now boosted in a new formula with collagen and added nutrients, HA5 is better than ever at hydrating skin and helping it retain water naturally. Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum This is my current hydrating serum in my routine, and I've been loving it! Ourself's patented tiered release encapsulation technology delivers HA and peptides deeper into the skin than was previously thought possible. If you're looking for a silky smooth formula that's easy to rub in, wears well under makeup, and that can help firm your skin while it hydrates, there's nothing better. Alastin Skincare HA Immerse Serum One of our long-time best selling hydrating serums, HA Immerse could be the right fit for you. It's another comprehensive formula, with multiple forms of HA, plus peptides and more anti-aging ingredients. People love this serum for its hydration with immediate and long-term plumping effects, and it's gentle enough that it works for most people with sensitive skin. Moisturizers Sente Dermal Repair Cream This moisturizer is another fan favorite that always sells well, and for good reason. Sente's flagship product, the first to feature their patented HSA technology, is loved for its ability to heal while moisturizing. With hyaluronic acid, moisturizers, vitamins, and botanicals, it's a well-rounded formula that people love for its ability to hydrate, soothe, and firm skin. EltaMD PM Restore Facial Moisturizer Another popular moisturizer, EltaMD PM Restore is formulated with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to strengthen your skin barrier while it moisturizes and hydrates. Ideal for nighttime use, this moisturizer has a daytime counterpart, AM Restore so you can moisturize your skin with ideal ingredients both day and night.
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Microencapsulation: A Skincare Revolution with Ourself Skincare
The biggest obstacle in getting your skincare ingredients where they need to be is a literal barrier: your skin's outer layer, aka the skin barrier. The skin barrier has an important job; keeping moisture in and pollutants out, which helps keep your entire body, not just deeper layers of the skin safe. It's great at this job, which is good news for your health, but that becomes a double edged sword with age as it blocks easy replenishment of compounds like collagen and elastin that keep skin healthy and youthful. So how can you actually get your anti-aging skincare ingredients to penetrate your skin? Microencapsulation Encapsulation has been around since the 1930s, where it was originally developed as a potential alternative for carbon copy paper, where tiny amounts of dye were wrapped in a fragile protective layer to allow targeted application. It quickly evolved to be useful in other arenas like with vitamins and other ingredients that need to be protected from oxidation or similarly degradative processes. You can learn more about the history of microencapsulation here. In the 1980s, there was a breakthrough in the cosmetic industry, with the introduction of liposomal encapsulation to help absorption of skincare products. Before, the majority of active ingredients failed to penetrate the outer layer of the skin and would simply sit on top of it. Now, by encasing active ingredients in a layer of lipids, ingredients were better able to slip through the lipid membranes in the outermost layer of skin. Then, the outer layer is shed, allowing the active ingredients to be delivered a bit deeper into the epidermis, and produce greater benefits. This also adds protection to more reactive ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, which can oxidize quickly, contributing to greater potency and longer shelf life. Odds are you already use at least one or two products that have encapsulation to thank for their results and shelf stability. To read more about liposomal encapsulation in beauty, click here. Ourself: The Next Generation of Encapsulation A new arrival in the skincare market, created by seasoned pros from brands like SkinMedica and Alastin, has pioneered a new development in microencapsulation, allowing for the first subtopical delivery system. Ourself products use a patented multi-tiered vescicle system that allows encapsulation of multiple active ingredients within 18 or more layers of phospholipids. This evolution of traditional liposomal encapsulation is a huge step forward, allowing tiered-release of active ingredients, which gets them to deeper layers of the skin. That means, that for the first time, ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid can actually be delivered to the dermis, leading to an increase in collagen fibers, skin hydration, and skin firmness. The results from their clinical trials are incredible, showing ingredients penetrating deep into the dermis and stimulating collagen production as quickly as within 24 hours. Read Ourself's clinical findings as published in the Dermatologic Surgery Journal. To read more about Ourself's clinically tested technology, click here. Ourself Results I have been using Ourself's marquee skincare product, HA+ Replenishing Serum for about a month and a half now, and am ready to report on my results. First, I love how easy it is to apply compared to other HA serums. It's a smooth formula that glides on easily, absorbs well, and doesn't pill like other HA serums can. Because it feels a little thinner than your typical HA serum, it feels like a little goes a long way, and it's easy to spread out across my whole face and neck with just 1-2 pumps. Plus, with Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and peptides, it's an all-in-one serum that promises to do much more than your standard hydrating serum. My skin tends to be very sensitive and doesn't always tolerate Vitamin C well, so I was curious to see if the multi-level encapsulation would help with that. Since I've been using Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum, I haven't had any increase in sensitivity, so it seems the vitamin C encapsulation has been working for my skin. It hasn't been a big change, but I do think my overall complexion looks a bit brighter too. The biggest change I've observed in my skin is that it definitely feels firmer since I started using Ourself. I'm 40 and have been using scientifically backed skincare for about 10 years. I haven't experienced any sagging yet, and my fine lines and wrinkles aren't too noticeable yet, so I can't speak to results with those concerns. But, I definitely have noticed in the past few years that my skin feels softer and less elastic than it used to. Since using Ourself, there is a noticeable improvement in how firm and resilient my skin feels, so I plan to keep using this serum to keep it that way. Summary Microencapsulation was a huge step forward in the skincare industry, allowing for greater stability and absorption of active ingredients past the skin barrier. Ourself's patented multi-layer encapsulation technology is the next generation of encapsulation, allowing active ingredients to penetrate all the way to the dermis, deeper than they've ever gone before. If you've tried Ourself and love it like I do, tell me about it in the comments!
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What is Bakuchiol? The Skincare Ingredient Everyone's Talking About
Bakuchiol has been an ingredient used in skincare for a while now, but recently it's been more talked about as an important one. Some people even call it a gentler retinol alternative. But what is bakuchiol, and is it really accurate to call it a retinol alternative? Read on to learn more.. What is Bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant, which produces the beautiful purple flower pictured below. The plant is native to Asia and has been used for centuries in Chinese and Indian medicine traditions. The Sanskrit name for the plant is "Bakuchi," and that's where bakuchiol gets its name. You can read more about bakuchiol and its historical usage here. What does Bakuchiol do for your skin? Bakuchiol has been isolated and researched for its potential medicinal properties since the 1970s, but has only made it's way into skincare within the last 20 years. Clinical studies have shown bakuchiol to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as an ability to minimize the appearance of signs of aging like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It can also help prevent pores clogging to prevent blemishes, and help restore a glowing, youthful appearance. If those benefits sound familiar, you may be starting to see why people are referring to it as a retinol alternative. Read more about how bakuchiol works and how it compares to retinol at the Cleveland Clinic Is Bakuchiol really a retinol alternative? Retinol, or Vitamin A, has a completely different chemical structure than bakuchiol, so you may initially think they'd have totally different benefits, but that isn't the case. While bakuchiol may not give you all of retinol's benefits and might not be as potent, it does produce many similar effects without the drawbacks of retinol, which can be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. For example, bakuchiol provides results with far less irritation than retinol. And, it does not make your skin more susceptible to sun damage the way retinol does (but that's not an excuse to skip the sunscreen, okay?) Some people are hesitant to call bakuchiol a retinol alternative because it isn't an exact 1:1 replacement, and that's true. However, the benefits are similar enough to make it a valid analogue for people with sensitive skin to try using instead. It also appears in some retinol products as an added anti-aging boost, so you don't have to see it as one or the other-- use both together! Best products with Bakuchiol Allies of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil With 1% bakuchiol. this oil from Allies of Skin is the highest concentration we carry, in a formula that took 5 years and dozens of revisions to create. In addition to bakuchiol, it has vitamins C & E, botanical extracts, and 11 natural oils to soothe, hydrate, and nourish skin. This product is designed to not only firm skin, but smooth your complexion and keep it moisturized all day long. Revision Skincare DEJ Night Face Cream This fan-favorite (and Courtney's long time fave) is a gentle retinol that boosts its anti-aging effects with bakuchiol. Consider this as a great place to start with retinol if your skin is on the slightly sensitive side. It's an opportunity to get the famous effects of both retinol and bakuchiol, with a reduced risk of irritation. AnteAGE Eye Cream If you've been looking for a multi-tasking eye cream that does it all, give AnteAGE Eye Cream a try. This formula includes antioxidants, peptides, bakuchiol, brightening agents, and lipids to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, firm and smooth the under eye. Get multiple anti-aging effects in one non-irritating formula. NeoGenesis Volcanic Ash Mask This purifying mask can refine pores and draw out pollutants, while smoothing and hydrating skin. While kaolin clay and a blend of minerals and moisturizers do the bulk of the work here, bakuchiol is an important addition to the formula, contributing to a smoother, more youthful appearance. It's perfect for a weekly refresh, especially with blemish prone skin. iS Clinical Retinol Emulsion 0.3 iS Clinical's Retinol Emulsion is a perfect example of the next generation of retinoids that use new technology & ingredients to maximize results. 0.3 is a lower concentration, but because this is an encapsulated retinol that can better penetrate the skin, it's plenty potent. And, with bakuchiol added to optimize its benefits, this is a powerful retinol worth the time of even seasoned retinol users.
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What is Ectoin? A Trending Ingredient in Skincare
Odds are that you've seen Ectoin pop up in the ingredients lists of more skincare products recently. If you've ever wondered what it is and why it's good for your skin, this is the right place to be. What is Ectoin? Ectoin, also spelled "ectoine," is a resilient amino acid found in several species of bacteria that have evolved to survive in extreme environments. Ectoin plays an important protective role in these bacteria, helping them survive temperature extremes, sun damage, and fighting free radicals. What does Ectoin do in Skincare? You've probably already guessed how ectoin might be helpful for your skin, thanks to its protective properties. In skincare, ectoin helps to stabilize the proteins in your skin, improve its resilience, and even retain moisture. Because it's an amino acid, ectoin works well with many other skincare ingredients, and some experts even believe it works better in tandem with ingredients like retinol and vitamin c. That's why you'll see it in a variety of products like moisturizers, retinol serums, and more, as it can help skin defend itself against damage. [You can read more about ectoin in skincare at NBC News and Refinery 29.] Best Products with Ectoin Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum One of the buzziest products on the market at the moment, this is one of the very best ectoin products too. With a naturally deep blue color from its copper peptides, and a silky smooth formulation, this powerhouse serum is as fun to apply as it is powerful. The dynamic duo of copper peptides and ection help heal skin damage, then protect skin from future damage, leading to overall improvement in the appearance of skin and signs of aging. Alastin Skincare C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum Alastin packed 15 antioxidants into this formula, so it's more well-rounded than your average Vitamin C serum. Speaking of vitamin C, this formula includes encapsulated Sodium Ascorbate for improved absorption and efficacy. Ectoin rounds it all out, adding bonus protection against damage from the sun and free radicals. iS Clinical Retinol Emulsion 0.3 At this point, everyone knows that retinol can provide incredible benefits to your skin, as it increases the rate of your skin cell turnover, leading to fewer blemishes, and fresher, younger-appearing skin. But, those benefits come at a cost, as retinol often causes irritation and makes skin more susceptible to sun damage. That's why new retinol formulas look for ways to reduce irritation and boost protection from the sun. To that end, iS Clinical's Retinol Emulsion uses an encapsulated form of retinol for improved absorption at a lower concentration, supported by antioxidants and ectoin to help soothe and protect skin from environmental damage. AnteAGE Moisturizer One of our best-selling moisturizers, this is a great pick for people with dry, mature skin. It's got a well-rounded formula with ceramides, peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, designed to work with your skin's natural process to maintain hydration. The addition of ectoin creates an added benefit of protection from UV light, separating it from most moisturizers on the market.
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What are Ceramides? How they work in Skincare
They're everywhere, especially in moisturizers, but what are Ceramides, and what do they do for your skin? In this blog, we explore their natural role in skin health and how including ceramide rich skincare products can help repair your skin barrier.
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Finding the Perfect Vitamin C Product
Vitamin C comes in many different forms. Every company will say their Vitamin C ingredient is superior. As for the scientific evidence, the jury is still out. Here, we breakdown the debate between the different skincare Vitamin C’s and outline which product is best for each skin type.
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How to Choose the Perfect Sunscreen
There are hundreds of sunscreens to choose from now, with mineral, chemical, and tinted options, how do you know which is the best sunscreen for you? Courtney explains the basics of sunscreen and helps you figure out the right fit for your lifestyle.
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Introducing Allies of Skin
Allies of Skin is the newest brand at Harben House. Learn more about the brand, its founder, and some of their products in this post.
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