Skin Care Tips
What is Elastin, and What Does it do for Skin? - Skincare Basics
If you’re at all familiar with skincare, you’ve definitely heard the word elastin thrown around as something to do with skin and aging, but a lot of people don’t know exactly what it is. This article, as part of our Skincare Basics series, is here to explain what elastin is, the role it plays in skin health, and how with the right skincare, you can replenish your skin’s supply of it. What is elastin? Image credit: Howard Vindin / WikiMedia Elastin is a naturally occurring, stretchable protein found throughout the body anywhere stretchiness is needed. It is We most often hear about it in our skin (more on that soon), but it’s also a key part of tissue throughout the body’s stretchy parts including muscles, ligaments, the bladder, and lungs. Read more about elastin at The Cleveland Clinic. What does elastin do for your skin? Image Credit: Mosterpiece / Getty Images Elastin is one of the primary building blocks of your skin. When young and healthy, the elastin in our skin is twisted into long, stretchy fibers that span across the dermis and help skin stretch and bounce back to maintain its shape. Together, with another protein, collagen, it forms a lattice-like structure in the dermis that supports your skin’s structure, making it strong and flexible. As we age, the elastin fibers throughout our body slowly degrade and eventually can break, leading to signs of aging like sagging skin and wrinkles. These are a natural result of our skin’s elastin support system breaking down over time and reducing skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back. One way to visualize the loss of elastin in your skin is to pinch an area of loose skin like on your elbow or the back of your hand. On a younger person like a child or someone in their 20s, the skin instantly bounces back, but with increased age, it will react more slowly. How can you maintain elastin in the skin? Image Credit: ttsz / Getty Images The bad news about elastin in the skin is that we produce the bulk of our elastin early in life, with production peaking at about 3 months of age, and about half of it gone by age 70. But, in good news, your body continues producing elastin throughout your life, albeit at a slower pace year after year. And, elastin is one of the most durable proteins in the human body, with a lifespan up 70 years, so the elastin you have can stay healthy a long time if you care for it. Here are some things you can do to protect and rejuvenate the elastin in your skin: Wear sunscreen - the sun’s powerful UV rays are one of the biggest contributors to elastin breakdown over time, so lather up the SPF whenever you’re outside. Product recommendations: EltaMD UV Clear, Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen, Revision Skincare Intellishade Original, Sente Even Tone Sunscreen. Make healthy lifestyle changes - as we’ve discussed before in other blogs about anti-aging strategies, getting on a consistent sleep schedule makes a big difference in your skin’s health. Add to that other healthy changes like eating more nutrient dense foods, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol comsumption, and staying active, will reduce stress, improve blood flow, and help your skin be its best. Eat & use antioxidant rich products - Free radicals that bind to our skin from air pollution are another big stressor on your skin’s elastin supply. You can help purge your body of free radicals by eating more anti-oxidant rich foods like blueberries and spinach, and help your skin defend itself with antioxidant serums. Product recommendations: Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum, Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex, Flawless Canvas Free Radical Scavenger, Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%. Stay hydrated - Water is essential for proper functioning in basically every system in the body, so make sure you’re drinking enough daily. Dehydrated skin is stressed skin, and stress kills elastin, so drink up. As an added boost to your skin’s hydration levels, use a hyaluronic acid serum to boost your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Product recommendations: SkinMedica HA⁵® Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator, Ourself HA Replenishing Serum, Alastin HA Immerse, Sente Hydrate+ Serum, Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum Introduce Peptides to your regimen - In order to build new proteins like elastin, your body needs amino acids, which are protein building blocks. Peptides are one such amino acid that can boost your body’s protein building process, so using products with peptides may help restore your skin’s elasticity. Product recommendations: Revision Skincare Revox 7, Neocutis Bio Serum Firm, Ourself Ourself Daily Renewal Cream, AnteAGE MD Serum Summary Despite being a microscopic protein, elastin is incredibly important to our bodies, and even more critical to maintaining healthy, youthful-appearing skin. Putting some effort into caring for your skin’s elastin supply is one of the most impactful ways to improve its well-being and appearance.
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Skin Structure & Functions - Skincare Basics
Most people have already heard that skin is the human body’s largest organ, but have you ever wondered about how skin works? The first in our new Skincare Basics series, this article is a deep dive into the structure and function of skin, to help you understand what your skin needs and how to care for it. How is skin structured? Photo credit: About Time / Getty Images Your skin is divided into three basic layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outer layer including the skin you can see, with pores, hairs, etc. Its role is to protect your body, produce new skin cells, and contains melanin, which determines skin’s color. It also functions to keep skin hydrated by functioning as a natural barrier to water loss. Photo Credit: ttsz / Getty Images The epidermis itself is divided into 5 layers or strata: Stratum Corneum - The visible layer of skin, made up of keratinocytes and fats that prevent water from entering or leaving the body. Stratum Lucidum & Stratum Granulosum - 2 thin layers of skin cells beneath the surface Stratum Spinosum - the fourth layer, comprised of skin cells and proteins that hold the cells together and enable flexibility in skin. Stratum Basale - The deepest layer of the Epidermis, this is where keratinocytes produce keratin proteins that grow hair, nails, and new skin cells for the outer layers. This deepest layer is also where melanin, which determines skin’s color, is found. The dermis is the middle, thickest layer of your skin. It contains nerve endings, sweat and oil glands, and hair follicles. This layer is also where collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts form a supportive structure for your skin. It is divided into two layers of its own: Papillary Dermis - the thin top layer of the dermis, which contains blood vessels, touch receptors, collagen fibers, fat cells, and more. Reticular Dermis - Bound tightly below the papillary dermis, this deeper layer is thicker and filled with blood vessels, glands, hair follicles, etc. Importantly, this is where a network of elastin and collagen fibers form the skin’s structure, providing strength and elasticity. The deepest layer of your skin, the hypodermis, also called subcutaneous tissue produces fat cells that can insulate the body and store energy. Its other primary function is to connect skin to muscles and bones, and providing a buffer around organs, and preventing the skin from rubbing against everything beneath it. Read more about the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis at The Cleveland Clinic. Function and Health Your skin has several important functions, including: Protecting the body from the sun, germs, and other environmental hazards Regulating body temperature through sweat and fat storage Providing sensory feedback from touch and pain Producing hair Providing cushioning and connective tissue for bones and muscles When we are born, our skin has everything it needs to be healthy and function properly (except for sunscreen, which everyone should wear every day). A youthful dermis is full of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that keep skin strong, flexible, and well hydrated, contributing to a smooth, plump, and healthy appearance. Photo Credit: Rujirat Boonyong / Getty Images As we age, our skin naturally loses its supply of hyaluronic acid, and our collagen and elastin fibers weaken and break. That weakens skin’s underlying structure, leading to the visible signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and crepiness. This is why so many anti-aging skincare products contain ingredients to resupply or restimulate natural production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid: if you can maintain or repair your skin’s natural structure, skin will remain healthy and more youthful for longer. For more information on elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and the best products to help replenish your skin’s supply of them as you age, click the links below to be taken to the Skincare Basics article for each. Collagen Elastin Hyaluronic Acid
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5 Ways to Keep Skin Healthy in the Sun
Keep your skin safe and healthy in the summer heat! Protect your skin and read our tips more making sure you take care of your skin this summer.
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5 Ways to Reverse Signs of Aging Around the Eyes
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest, and most delicate skin on your body at only 1/9th the thickness or the rest of your skin. This makes it more prone to damage and signs of aging. In fact, the skin around your eyes is usually the first place people show signs of aging with puffy eyes, fine lines under eyes, wrinkles around eyes, and dark circles. There are special types of anti-aging serums and moisturizers as well as natural remedies to help fight these early signs and prevent more external damage. Use these five under eye wrinkle treatment tips to reverse the signs of aging causing wrinkles around eyes.
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Is my Skin Dry or Dehydrated? The Difference and how to Fix it
Unlike having dry or oily skin that is determined almost entirely on genetics, dehydrated skin is a condition that is dependent on lifestyle choices, environment, and a bit on genetics, too, and can be alleviated or reversed. We'll walk you through how to determine if your skin is dehydrated, how to fix it, and which skincare products are best to help.
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What are the best Hyaluronic Acid products on the market?
What are the best Hyaluronic Acid products on the market? Purchasing an HA can be overwhelming, so we've done the leg work for you. Below is a review of the best of the best when it comes to Hyaluronic Acid. You're welcome.
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What exactly is Hyaluronic Acid? - Skincare Basics
What is hyaluronic acid, and how can it help your skin? This article gives a thorough overview of this powerful, thirsty molecule, and explains how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
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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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What is the Best Tinted Sunscreen?
Updated May 2024 In honor of the beginning of summer, we decided it was the perfect time to settle a long conversation about which of the tinted facial sunscreens we carry at Harben House is the best. Is it EltaMD UV Clear, our overall best seller? Is it Revision Intellishade, a long time favorite of Harben House staff? Could it be Alastin's Hydratint, a newer but extremely popular option? Or, is it something that's been going under the radar a bit more unnoticed? I decided to try all of our top selling tinted sunscreens, giving each a day of full wear, so I could compare them all and finally crown a champion. The overall winner was a bit of a surprise to me, but of course, since everyone's skin is different, I had to name more than one champion. We have the best of several categories for different skin types or desires, and I will share my overall notes on each of them. The Winners As a caveat, I am someone who likes an all-in-one tinted moisturizer SPF that can provide enough coverage to function as a foundation replacement on days I don't want to wear makeup (which is most days). While I have a natural bias toward products of that type, I also know that a lot of people prefer a daily SPF with less coverage that will layer well under makeup, so don't worry, the lighter coverage options get some love too. I also weighed the opinions of Courtney and the rest of the Harben House staff to be sure and represent different people's needs. Best Overall - Sente Even Tone Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 In Light-Medium, 1.7 oz. Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 7.80% Titanium Dioxide 4.25% From the very first moment, this sunscreen surprised me! It’s a totally different shade from most tinted sunscreens, (a more taupe-beige color) but the tint is sheer enough that I think this could work for most skin tones. Plus, it comes in two different shades for added flexibility, something none of the other sunscreens offer. My favorite thing about Even Tone is how smooth and luxurious it feels going on. Of all the sunscreens I tried, this one definitely feels the most expensive & indulgent. It’s easy to apply and blend across your face, and it feels lightweight and breathable. It also didn’t make me feel greasy throughout the day, as some sunscreens do. It finishes matte, but gave my face a slight glow without being glittery or shiny. I loved this sunscreen so much that if it provided more coverage, I would strongly consider switching to this as my daily SPF. But, since not everyone wants the level of coverage I do, I see this as a good middle option that most people would like. I highly recommend giving this sunscreen a try if you're in the market for a new daily SPF-- you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was. Best All-In-One - Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 3.2 oz, Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 8.9%, Zinc Oxide 3.4% Hydratint impressed me enough that I've worn it for a few days instead of the one day I did for most of the sunscreens I tried for this project. HydraTint is a nice-feeling, oil free formula that goes on smooth and feels light and breathable even through it provides a good level of coverage. It functions really well as an all-in-one moisturizer, SPF, and foundation replacer. Plus, it includes squalane for hydration and antioxidants to help heal damage from pollution. If I could change one thing about this sunscreen, I would like it to have a higher SPF, like its closest competitors from EltaMD and Revision do, but beyond that I'm a huge fan. Best Light Coverage Sunscreen - EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 1.7 oz, Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.0%, Octinoxate 7.5% UV Clear is the best-selling sunscreen we carry, and it's easy to see why. The oil-free formula goes on smooth and absorbs nicely, with a sheer, unobtrusive tint that leaves a clean finish without a white cast. Having been formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin, it feels lightweight and breathable, making it a great fit for people intending to wear it under makeup. It's definitely the one to try if you want a sheer coverage, gentle daily sunscreen that won't exacerbate skin conditions like acne or rosacea. Best Makeup Replacer - Revision Skincare Intellishade SPF 45 Matte (1.7 oz.), Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 5%, Octisalate 3%, Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 3% Original (1.7 oz.), Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Zinc Oxide 2% TruPhysical (1.7 oz.), Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.4%, Zinc Oxide 14.4% Intellishade Matte has been my daily SPF for years, and I was curious to see if any of the sunscreens I tried for this project would turn my head enough to replace it. In reality, I found I liked Alastin Hydratint just as much, but Intellishade beats it on one level: coverage. If you are hoping to have your daily SPF double as your foundation, then try Intellishade, as it provides the best coverage. As for the 3 tinted Intellishade options, the Matte is my personal favorite, because of how clean and dry a finish it produces. I also like the TruPhysical a lot, and Original is great, but finishes a bit dewy for my personal preference. Best for Sensitive Skin - EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 3 oz, Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.0%, Titanium Dioxide 7.0% UV Physical is another sunscreen I tried and loved, and one I will likely use in the future if my skin is feeling more sensitive. It’s a creamy, almost whipped formulation that soothes skin as it goes on, absorbs quickly, and leaves a finish that isn’t shiny. Plus, it’s got full-physical active ingredients, is oil-free, and includes antioxidants to help protect skin from additional sun damage. Designed for post-procedure or extra-sensitive skin, it’s perfect for anyone trying to protect skin from the sun without irritation. If you have sensitive skin, whether temporarily or all the time, this SPF is a great option. Best for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin - Jan Marini Marini Physical Protectant Tinted SPF 45 2 oz, Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 8% At first, I thought I didn’t like this sunscreen. It left me looking really dewy at initial application, so I worried I would feel greasy throughout the day. But, I was quickly surprised to see it absorb and finish lightweight and matte. After reading more about this sunscreen, I realized it was the oil absorbing particles at work. This is an SPF solution that is all about oil control, making it great for people with oily or acne-prone skin. The tint blends in well, plus I could feel the anti-aging ingredients in this formula-- it made my skin feel softer & smoother, which was a pleasant surprise. I think for someone with more oily or acneic skin than I have, this sunscreen could be a perfect fit. Best for Pale Skin - iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+ in PerfecTint Beige 3.5 oz, Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5.2%, Zinc Oxide 1.1% The first thing I noticed about this sunscreen is the color: it’s paler and pinker than the tint in the majority I tried. It blends really well and avoids having a white cast, but I wouldn’t expect it to provide much coverage unless you are very fair-skinned. I also noticed is how nice Eclipse’s formula feels. It’s beautifully smooth and feels great going on, leaving you with a nice glowy finish without being shiny. If you've got pale skin, I think the tint might provide more coverage than it did for me, and this could be a fantastic sunscreen for you. Best Moisturizing Sunscreen - EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 - Tinted 1.7 oz, Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 9.0%, Octinoxate 7.5% Of all the susnscreens I tried, this is the one that feels like the best moisturizer. UV Daily includes Hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin, plus it has Vitamin E to boost antioxidant protection and fight free radicals. I like how this sunscreen manages to feel lightweight and meaningfully hydrating at the same time. It blends in quickly, absorbs well, and evens skin tone with its tint, all without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky. I liked this a lot as an all-in-one with light coverage, so if that sounds like what you want, give UV Daily a try. Best Anti-Aging Sunscreen - Elta MD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 2 oz, Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 2.0%, Zinc Oxide 15.0% At first glance, UV Restore is a thinner formula, comparable to UV Clear, but it provides surprisingly good coverage with the tint. It’s a richly hydrating formulation, including squalane, antioxidants, and anti-aging ingredients to leave skin looking smooth and healthy. I liked this sunscreen a lot, though it isn’t exactly what I’m looking for personally. I would definitely recommend it for anyone interested in a daily SPF with extra skincare benefits, and who wants their skin to feel moisturized, with a subtle glow. Did your favorite sunscreen make the cut? Or, are you ready to try something new based on these recommendations? Either way, we hope you are wearing SPF everyday (especially in the summer), since it's the #1 best thing you can do for your skin's health and appearance.
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