Skin Care Tips
Pregnancy Safe Skin Care
When it comes to skin care during pregnancy, I typically live by the motto “when in doubt, go without”. During my pregnancies and nursing, I felt that if the safety of a product or ingredient was debatable or iffy, it was better to simply avoid it. I’ve especially found that using organic or clean skincare, without preservatives and "dirty" ingredients, is beneficial for many people during this exciting time. Of course, most women don’t want to stop their skincare routine for nearly a year, so let me guide you on the product types not to skip over that will benefit you most during pregnancy.
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EltaMD UV AOX Mist SPF 40 Sunscreen: New Product Launch
It's finally here! After a long wait, EltaMD is back with a spray sunscreen after their previously popular UV Aero was discontinued, and now it's even better than ever. UV AOX Mist SPF 40 is a 100% mineral spray sunscreen that hydrates and delivers antioxidants for added sun protection in a sheer-finish formula that blends well without white streaks or patches. That's powerful, chemical-free skin protection with anti-aging ingredients for all skin types. Plus, it's now in an air-powered canister that enables you to spray from all angles. No more contorting yourself to keep the can upright while applying to your full body, and no more worrying about chemical propellants in traditional aerosol spray sunscreens. We've tried it, and we're in love with this sunscreen. Being able to apply from any angle (even upside down) is a real game changer, and it feels like you have more control over where the sunscreen goes compared to other spray sunscreens. Spray it a few inches away from your skin and it mists over the area, drying quickly when rubbed in, and without the oily finish a lot of spray SPF has. Spray it close to the skin, and it comes out like a lotion you can rub in wherever you want (which comes in handy when it's windy). When Courtney tried it over the weekend, she couldn't stop raving about how quickly it absorbed without leaving a cast. Plus, she said she's felt guilty in the past about using spray sunscreens with chemical propellants on her kids, and now she's excited to have the convenience of an all-mineral spray SPF in a chemical free delivery. Giving you the best of both worlds by being both convenient and natural, we think UV AOX Mist is definitely going to be EltaMD's next big hit. This initial launch was produced in limited quantities, so definitely pick one up soon if you want to give it a try and see if it is going to be your new summer staple.
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Neocutis Lumiere Firm vs. Restorsea PRO Firming Eye Serum
We're back with another comparison report between two great eye creams! This time, we're taking a side-by-side look at two firming treatments: Neocutis' Lumiere Firm Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream and Restorsea PRO Firming Eye Treatment. These two products are consistently in our top-selling eye creams, so they are both worth considering if you are looking for a new firming eye treatment. Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream Chances are you're already familiar with Lumiere, Neocutis' legendary eye cream that has been on everyone's favorite lists for many years. Lumiere Firm is an improvement on the original Lumiere formula, intended to provide increased firming benefits. (It also comes in a thicker formulation, Lumiere Firm Riche, if you have drier skin that needs extra hydration.) Lumiere Firm is one of the most comprehensive eye creams on the market today. Packed with growth factors, peptides, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, and vitamin c, plus brightening, moisturizing, and conditioning agents, this formula actually has it all. It has been clinically tested and shown to reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles, while firming & refreshing skin in as little as 14 days. For best results, apply to the skin around your eyes and along the orbital bone, by lightly dabbing product in. You can use it in both your morning and evening routine, applying after cleansing & serums, and before moisturizer & SPF. Restorsea PRO Firming Eye Serum Similarly, Restorsea PRO Firming Eye Serum is an eye treatment designed to address multiple signs of aging around the eye, including wrinkles & fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles, while firming theN skin. What makes Restorsea's product line unique is their patented Vibransea Complex, which uses enzymes from Salmon roe as a gentle natural alternative to chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and retinol. Its inclusion in their PRO Firming Eye Serum encourages healthier, younger looking skin around the eye as it breaks down dead skin cells without irritating healthy cells. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula also includes antioxidants, caffeine to stimulate blood circulation & reduce puffiness, and natural botanicals like oat extract and honeysuckle. To use, place one drop to the back of your hand, then gently apply to the skin around the eye with your ring finger. Work from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner, moving up and over your eyelid to the brow, then under the eye. So, how to choose? I would say the primary difference between these two is the type of formulation. Lumiere Firm is more of a cream, while the Restorsea is a serum, so the simplest way to choose between the two might be whether or not you need extra moisturization around your eyes. For some people, the lightweight, quick absorbing Restorsea PRO Firming Eye Serum would be the better fit, if moisturizing eye creams sometimes leave you feeling heavy and/or oily. On the other hand, other people will definitely appreciate the moisturization Lumiere Firm provides (and others will want the even more with the Firm Riche variant). Another way to make the choice could be in the other ingredients of their formulations: If you want growth factors, choose the NEOCUTIS. If you like the idea of Vibransea as a gentler retinoid alternative to encourage cell turnover around your eyes, go with the Restorsea. Really, these are both great products with a lot to love, so it's just a case of which formula better fits your needs.
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Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream vs. Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment: Product Comparison Report
We are kicking off a new blog series comparing some of our best-selling products head-to-head in case you need help making a decision. First up is a category everyone should have in their routine: eye creams! Alastin Skincare's Restorative Eye Treatment and Revision Sincare's DEJ Eye Cream are consistently among our best-selling eye products, so we're breaking down their differences to help figure out which might be the right choice for you. [Of course, they're both popular for a reason, so you really can't go wrong with either.] Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment is part of their TriHex Technology® product line, containing a proprietary blend of peptides and botanicals. TriHex has been designed to help clear out old, damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and encourage the production of new, leading to healthier, more elastic, and younger-looking skin. An all-in-one eye cream, Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment is designed to treat multiple signs of aging as they emerge around the eye: smoothing the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines, reducing puffiness, and firming skin. It also can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, and promote a more even skin tone. This fragrance-free, silky, moisturizing formula feels good going onto skin, and includes a clever blend of botanicals. Silver mushroom extract encourages hydration, Mimosa tree extract improves skin firmness, and green tea extract helps to fade dark circles. This formulation is great for all skin types but has been recognized as doing especially well for those with sensitive skin. Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream If you're aren't familiar with Revision's line of DEJ products, they are clinically tested anti-aging products designed around your skin's Dermal-Epidermal Junction (DEJ). The area of the skin, where the dermis and epidermis connect, the DEJ is a complex network of structural proteins that encourage adhesion between layers, provide a foundation for the dermis, and home to blood vessels that allow the transfer of nutrients between layers. Because this layer, sometimes known as the "basement" of the skin thins with age, visible skin is less well-supported, leading to droopy or sagging skin. [Read more about Revision's work with the DEJ here] Since the area around our eyes is already one of the thinnest parts of the skin, they are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging like droopy eyelids, crepiness, and of course, crow's feet. Revision DEJ Eye Cream is a lush moisturizing eye cream intended to treat multiple concerns around the eye, with a focus on strengthening the DEJ to correct and prevent drooping, wrinkles, and fine lines. Its gentle formula is safe to apply to your eyelids, and contains probiotics to help balance your microbiome. The formula also includes an antioxidant blend to protect skin from free radical damage, and cucumber water for a soothing, cooling boost. The tube comes with a cooling metal applicator pump that makes it easy to dispense the right amount of product and soothe skin during application. So, which of these eye creams should I choose? Ultimately the decision between these two comes down to what you want out of your eye cream. They are both good options as comprehensive eye treatments, and will help firm skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but they have different strengths beyond that. If you want to address dark circles or puffiness under your eyes, the Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment is the better choice. If you are concerned with drooping or saggy skin around your eyes, especially on your eyelids, Revision's DEJ Eye Cream is right for you, whether you are looking for a preventative or corrective treatment. Again, these are both consistently popular and well-reviewed eye creams, so there really isn't a bad choice, but hopefully taking a deeper look at them will help you figure out which is right for you.
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Best Selling Skincare Products of 2022 - Harben House Customer Favorites
As the year winds down, it feels like a good time to share your favorite skincare products from 2022. And, because a top 10 doesn't feel like quite enough, here are the 25 top-selling cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and more as chosen by you: the Harben House shoppers. Thank you all for making this a great year, and we look forward to seeing what everyone will love in 2023! 25. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 - It's no surprise people love this daily sunscreen from Jan Marini-- it's lightweight, sheer, smells good, and provides broad-spectrum protection. Its antioxidants are an added bonus that protect and help repair damage from the sun. 24. Flawless Canvas Quantum Lift Reset Serum - Dr. Vicky Vega has been a superstar of the skincare world for years and is likely responsible for at least one product you know and love. Quantum Lift Reset Serum is her latest hit under her own brand; a hydrating, plumping, healing, anti-aging serum. To learn more about Vicky and Quantum Lift, you can listen to Courtney's interview with her on The Beauty Formula Podcast here, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 23. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 - Untinted - UV Daily is a fantastic broad-spectrum every day sunscreen that can do double duty as a daytime moisturizer thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in the formula. It also features vitamin E for increased antioxidant protection from the sun. 22. jane iredale Pure Pressed Blush - We love jane iredale around here, so we're glad to know you all do too! PurePressed Blush comes in 14 gorgeous colors, and every one of them is in a soft, creamy formulation that goes on smooth & blends like a cream, but builds like a powder, with added botanicals to soften and smooth skin. 21. AnteAGE MD Brightener - This won't be the only time you see an AnteAGE product in this list, and for good reason. This Brightener works well on its own, but really shines in conjunction with the rest of the AnteAGE line. Using peptides, tranexemic acid, and growth factors, MD Brightener helps to even skin tone, fade discoloration, and bring back your glow. 20. Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus MD - A powerful retinol boosted with peptides and antioxidants? Yes, please! Add in hydrating agents to soothe skin and reduce irritation, and you've got a winner. 19. Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse - Revision is the most-featured brand on our list this year, and their soothing facial rinse is a strong part of any regimen. It's a lovely alcohol-free, oi-free toner that smells great, and refreshes skin after cleansing. 18. Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced - Building on the success of its predecessor Nectifirm, Nectifirm Advanced is a powerful tool for reducing the signs of aging on the neck and decolletage. With its blend of peptides, antioxidants and Microbiome technology, Nectifirm Advanced helps reduce the appearance of crepey skin and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. 17. Osmosis MD Stemfactor Serum - Using patented stem cell methods, StemFactor is among the most trusted growth factor serums on the market. With over 600 growth factors and proteins, this is a powerful serum that rejuvenates and encourages glowing skin. 16. EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 - Tinted - As far as physical daily sunscreens go, UV Physical is a fantastic option. Chemical-free, oil-free, water-resistant, and rich in antioxidants, this is a comprehensive sun protection solution. 15. Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream - Backed by impressive clinical trials, DEJ Eye Cream is a highly moisturizing, anti-aging eye cream. Its peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts smooth and hydrate skin to diminish fine lines and reinforce the skin barrier for healthier, younger-looking skin. 14. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex - Fantastic at removing makeup, this powerful but gentle cleansing gel has been a favorite for years. Great for all skin types, even sensitive or blemish-prone, this cleanser leaves skin soft & smooth. 13. Revision Skincare Youthfull Lip Replenisher - Revision's advanced lip treatment combats the signs of aging around your mouth with a powerful formula including peptides, Hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. It works from within to plump, contour, and define healthier lips. 12. Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex - A powerful anti-aging serum, Alastin's Restorative Skin Complex features their proprietary TriHex technology and antioxidants. Use morning and evening to improve collagen production, volumize aging skin, smooth fine lines, and even skin tone. 11. Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment - Another hit from Alastin, this eye cream with TriHex technology is great for smoothing fine lines, reducing puffiness, and firming skin around the eye. It also features hydrating botanical extracts and a lipid encapsulated retinol for improved delivery. 10. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum - This powerhouse serum brings us into the top ten! Like all of SkinMedica's products TNS Advanced+ Serum is backed by extensive scientific research as a comprehensive anti-aging treatment. With 450 growth factors, peptides, and probiotics, this treatment delivers an overall improvement in skin texture, fades discoloration, and reduces fine lines & sagging. 9. Elta MD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 - UV Elements is another one of EltaMD's fantastic facial sunscreens, intended for sensitive or post-procedure skin. It includes hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and can be used as a daily moisturizer. 8. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex - Vitamin C has long been known as a powerful antioxidant for the skin, but rather than just fighting existing free radicals, Revision's C+ Correcting Complex goes on the offensive and prevents free radical damage rather than just repairing it. The result is a strong anti-aging and pigmentation treatment that smooths fine lines, increases melanin production, and supports microbiome health. 7. Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 - HydraTint is a lightweight, all physical daily sun protection option that is rich in antioxidants, hydrates, and has a tint that works with most skin tones. It's water resistant and provides UVA/UVB protection too. 6. AnteAGE Home Microneedling Solution Refill - When used in conjunction with the AnteAGE Microneedling Roller, this solution is a powerful pro-healing skincare treatment. Containing hyaluronic acid for hydration, anti-inflammatory growth factors, and cytokines, this is the perfect treatment for post-procedure skin or skin that otherwise needs help in the healing process. 5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Tinted - EltaMD's daily sunscreen designed for oily skin, this oil-free formula protects sensitive skin from the sun's damage. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 help hydrate and soothe skin to reduce inflammation and sensitivity too. 4. Osmosis MD Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum - Osmosis' blockbuster serum, Rescue combines patented active ingredients to calm redness, clear blemishes, boost skin's immunity, and even skin tone. It's powerful addition to a regimen for people battling inflammation, Acne, Rosacea, Hyperpigmentation, and more. 3. AnteAGE System MD - A true power couple, the AnteAGE System, with the Serum and Accelerator is a breakthrough skin treatment that improves skin appearance and health. A pro-healing system ideal for post-procedure or everyday use, it's loaded with cytokines and anti-aging, anti-inflammatory ingredients to help your skin look its best. 2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Untinted - If you're surprised both the tinted and untinted versions of this sunscreen cracked the top 5, then you may not have tried UV Clear before. It's been EltaMD's #1 selling sunscreen for years, so give it a shot if you're looking for a new daily SPF. 1. Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector - A revolutionary product, the Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector is a clinically proven hyperpigmentation treatment that people all over the planet have fallen in love with. (It is also by far our best-selling item with international customers!) Now, if you haven't heard, Cyspera has been discontinued, but don't worry: we still have it in stock for the time being. And, in even better news, Sente has created a replacement that improves on the existing Cyspera formula called Cysteamine HSA Pigmentation and Tone Corrector. You can read more about Cysteamine HSA and how it compares to Cyspera on our blog. That's it! Thanks again for being part of the Harben House family, and we look forward to being part of your skincare journey in 2023.
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Cyspera and Cysteamine HSA: How are They Different?
If you love Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector as much as we do, you have probably heard that it's been discontinued, and may have wondered what to replace it with. The good news is that this best-selling hyperpigmentation treatment that is used & loved by people all over the world isn't going anywhere. What is Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector? Long term Cyspera loyalists will remember the early days when it was called Cysteamine. Now the original name is back, with an improved formulation! Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector has everything you know and love about the old Cyspera, plus a few bonuses, including Sente's revolutionary Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology. How is Cysteamine HSA Different from Cyspera? With Cysteamine HSA, you can expect to receive the same pigment correcting effects you're used to from Cyspera, but with a few changes we think you'll love: Price Cysteamine HSA is priced at $149, down from Cyspera's $169. Long-time users, start thinking about what you'll do with that extra $20! Size This is a tiny change, but Cyspera was sold by weight: 50g, which is equivalent to 1.75 oz. Cysteamine HSA is sold by volume: 50mL, or 1.7 oz, which means you get slightly less product even though it comes in the same tube. That may be a small piece of the new lower price tag. Reduced Waiting Time With Cyspera, you are supposed to wait one hour after washing your face to apply the product. With its new formulation, Cysteamine cuts that down by 66%, meaning you now only have a 20 minute pause between washing and application. Scent If you've used Cyspera, you are already familiar with the smell: something similar to hair dye or hair remover. Most people get used to it with repeated use, but for those of you who never did, Cysteamine comes with a great update: a milder smell! Cysteamine still smells similar, but it is definitely more subtle and maybe a little sweeter. Sensitivity Cyspera was built on a mineral oil base, which caused irritation for some users. Cysteamine has been reformulated to replace it with a gentler base that will be tolerable for even more people. Plus, the inclusion of Sente's proprietary HSA compound provides even more soothing repair for sensitive skin. Have you already tried Cysteamine HSA? Let us know in the comments what you think!
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Best of 2021 : Retinols
Best of 2021 Retinols - From Best Price to Best Ingredients. For Beginners or just adding on to your regimen. We got you!
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Best Eye Creams -Under Eye Wrinkles - Dark Circles - Bags - Retinols
Looking for an eye cream to treat under eye wrinkles and fine lines, dark circles, or under eye bags? There are now many effective eye creams out there specifically designed to treat some of these under eye problems. Let's take a look at some of the best eye creams out there!
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Best Skin Care Products 2020
Best Skin Care Brands Looking for the Best Skin Care Products 2020? Confused by all the Skin Care Brands? Harben House experts have done all the research and can now tell you what are the Best Skin Care Products 2020. 1. EltaMD Sunscreen (EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44) The beautifully tinted, 100% physical EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 sunscreen is perfect for those with post-procedure or sensitive skin, who need a little extra moisturizer throughout the day. The active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit discretely on top of the skin without clogging pores or penetrating the dermis which may be irritating for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid is a key component, along side the active sunscreen ingredients, as it encourages your skin to hold onto water molecules, providing you with a fresh and smoother appearance. The cream texture glides on smooth, does not leave a chalky residue and enhances most skin tones. 2. Sente Cyspera (Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector) Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector the first proven pigment fighting product in it's class. Cyspera (previously known as Cysteamine) is is the first and only topical cream containing their patented ingredientCysteamine Hydrochloride (HCI) which has been clinical proven to diminish the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration.This novel pigmentation product has been proven to treat all types of pigmentation including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. It has even been shown to treat darker body areas like underarms, knees, elbows, etc. 3. iS Clinical (iS Clinical Cleansing Complex (6 oz) This clear, lightweight cleansing gel is powerful, yet gentle enough for hypersensitive skin. CLEANSING COMPLEX incorporates a balance of bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients that thoroughly cleanse the surface and pores of the skin without stripping essential natural oils, leaving skin soft and smooth. CLEANSING COMPLEX is excellent as a treatment step in professional facials and is very effective for removing makeup. Excellent for all skin types and all ages, this product even helps with blemish-prone skin. 4. EltaMD Sunscreen (EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 A daily oil-free sunscreen that shields sensitive and oily skin from harmful UVA/UVB sun-rays and further blemish breakouts. Vitamin B3 aids in creating healthy looking skin by reducing redness, inflammation and sensitivity while hydrating the dermis along with hyaluronic acid that also promotes supple, smooth skin. The mineral sunscreen is very lightweight and is easily worn underneath makeup that does not streak or give an unappealing greasy sheen. With continuous daily use, the sunscreen reduces the signs of aging and decreases the risk of skin cancer. 5. Revision Skincare (Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%) Introducing Revision's hottest new product- C+ Correcting Complex 30%. Using the next generation of Vitamin C, their revolutionary and patented MelaPath technology. MelaPATH technology illuminatets, refines, and rejuvenates skin. It is the only product designed to combat free radicals BEFORE they damage your skin, defending it for the future. 6. Sente Skin Care (SENTE Dermal Repair Cream (1.7 oz) SENTE Skincare's first, flagship product, Dermal Repair Cream, is the first clincaly tested product containing Sente's patented HSA (Heparan Sulfate Analog) technology. It is solely the product that put Sente Skincare on the map as one of the top medical-grade skincare brands.7. Osmosis Skincare (Osmosis MD Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum) This Osmosis epidermal repair serum has a remarkable ability to neutralize toxins, calm inflammation, activate epidermal wound repair, and provide the skin the tools needed to permanently treat pores, age spots, and skin texture changes. Patented anti-inflammatory properties boost skin's immunityRepairs age spots, skin texture, and poresCalms redness and clears blemishes 8. Skinmedica (SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum) Formulated with the most advanced Growth Factor technology (TNS-MR), this intensive treatment serum supports rapid, comprehensive skin rejuvenation with significant, visible improvements in coarse wrinkles, fine lines and overall texture. With continued use, TNS Advanced+ Serum lifts the appearance of sagging skin and enhances firmness to reclaim smooth, tight and youthful-looking skin that appears up to 6 years younger after 12 weeks. 9. Jan Marini Skin Care (Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality) Addresses even the most stubborn adult acne while simultaneously minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its unique dual chamber dispensing solution combines some of the most proven, yet previously incompatible, technologies in one product. The maximum allowed percentage of ultra-micronized benzoyl peroxide, highly concentrated all-trans-retinol, green tea extract, anti-aging peptides, advanced hydrators and antioxidants deliver unparalleled results in an easy to use solution Where to Buy Best Skin Care Products 2020? Interested in some or all of these Best Skin Care Products? HarbenHouse.com carries all of them and many of the other Best Skin Care Brands!
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