Skin Care Tips
10 Ways to Pamper Your Skin this Valentine's Day (and Beyond)
Updated February 1, 2024 Ah, February; the time of year when everyone has love on the brain. As you know, here at Harben House, there is nothing we love more than helping skin look and feel its best, so we are sharing 10 of our favorite ways to show your skin how much you care. With every day values and few splurges, there's something on this list perfect for pampering yourself (or a loved one) this year. 1. Revision Skincare Youthfull Lip Replenisher We can't think of a better part of the body than lips to focus on around Valentines Day, and hope you agree. If your lips have been looking a bit less luscious than they used to, don't panic: that's a normal part of aging, and there are lots of ways to love on your lips. Revision's Youthfull Lip Replenisher is one of our absolute favorite ways to care for lips thanks to its comprehensive formula. With peptides for volume, hyaluronic acid for hydration, antioxidants, and more, it has everything you need to help deliver your healthiest lips yet. Other Lip care favorites: Restorsea Pro Lip Magic - See softer, smoother, and plumper skin in 15 days with this gently exfoliating lip treatment. SkinMedica HA5 Smooth & Plump Lip System - With 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, the HA5 lip system will hydrate lips and help them appear plumper and more youthfull than ever. jane iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Acid Lip Treatment - Repair and restore dry, damaged lips with this richly hydrating and nourishing formula. 2. Baby Foot Spa Bundle It's so easy to neglect your feet, but we all know how good it feels when you take some time to care for them. Whether it's a pedicure, a foot massage, or an at-home soak, there isn't much that says "self-care" like doing something for your feet. Baby Foot is an exfoliation treatment, similar to a chemical peel, for your feet! With 16 natural extracts to exfoliate and moisturize skin, it leaves feet feeling soft & smooth as a baby's (hence the name). The Spa Bundle, comes with one foot peel, plus 2 soaks, and a tube of scrub, so you can give your feet some extra TLC. Other Baby Foot options: Baby Foot Moisturizing Foot Mask - A quick, non-exfoliating way to get moisture back into dry or cracked feet. Original Baby Foot Peel - The Baby Foot Peel is available in its original form, or the Men's version. 3. Clarity RX Live + Be Well Probiotic Himalayan Salt Mask Face masks are a fantastic way to care for your skin beyond your standard daily regimen, and this one from ClarityRx is good enough to consider making it part of your regular routine. It's silky-smooth and packed with powerful ingredient to balance and protect your biome. Lactobacillus Probiotic works to strengthen your skin’s natural defenses, while providing instant relief to red or irritated skin. Pink Himalayan sea salt detoxifies, plus a blend of botanicals nourish and moisturize. Other face masks to consider trying: ClarityRx Rehab | Mediterranean Detoxifying Mud Mask Revision Skincare Pore Purifying Mask Osmosis MD Tropical Mango Barrier Repair Mask 4. Leahlani Aloha Glow Kit Want a little something extra with your facial mask? This kit from Hawaiian brand Leahlani makes the experience even more luxurious, and it comes in adorable packaging that makes this kit a perfect gift (even if it's just for yourself). The Aloha Glow Kit includes three of their most popular products: Pamplemousse Cleansing Oil, Bless Beauty Balm, and the inimitable Mermaid Mask. All three steps are designed to nourish & moisturize skin with Hawaiian superfoods and botanical extracts, leaving it happy, healthy, and glowing. Other mask kits to get or gift: Leahlani Mask Magic Kit Osmosis Cranberry, Sage & Aloe Mask Trio 5. SilcSkin Multi-Area Facial Pads SilcSkin creates silicone pads that can be applied to the skin overnight to help hydrate skin, increase blood flow, reduce scar visibility, and smooth wrinkles, all while you sleep. The Multi-Area Facial Pad set includes 4 reusable pads shaped to fit around your eyes, mouth, and brows. SilcSkin also makes pads for other areas, including Eyes, Collette (Neck), Decollette (Chest), and Brows. 6. SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks For a different approach to an eye mask, SkinMedica's Instant Bright Eye Masks are single use gel patches that cool & hydrate skin to reduce puffiness in 15-20 minutes. Each set comes with 6 pairs of the patches, intended to give your eyes a weekly pick-me-up over a 6-week period. 7. Osmosis MD Cool Skin Tool Used alone or with serums, this tool is a great way to calm skin, increase blood flow, encourage lymphatic drainage, and soothe irritation & redness. You can even use it to help calm breakouts, or to reduce pain from sunburns and headaches! Made with a proprietary, anti-microbial alloy that retains coolness over time, you can help your skin feel cool and collected for up to half an hour. Cooling effects can be extended even longer if you refrigerate the device prior to use (but don't stick it in the freezer). More skin care tools from Osmosis MD: Osmosis MD Rose Quartz Facial Roller + Gua Sha Osmosis MD Epic Skin Tool Osmosis MD Epic Duo Skin Tool 8. AnteAGE VRS AnteAGE is known for their stem cell and growth factor technology, which can stimulate natural healing processes and restore a youthful appearance. Their VRS Vaginal Rejuvenation Solution is a perhaps surprising, but powerful way to use that technology to restore youthful vitality to skin in a part of the body you may not think of when it comes to aging. Growth factors, cytokines, and hyaluronic acid combine in this solution to address the problems that develop with age, strengthening the vaginal wall, reducing inflammation, and increasing moisture. Gynecologist tested, VRS is an effective, discreet vaginal rejuvenation method that can be used as a stand-alone at-home treatment, or for post procedure care. If VRS isn't for you, here are some options for another rarely-discussed area of skin: your scalp. AnteAGE MD Home Hair System Restorsea PRO Revitalizing Scalp Treatment 9. Jane Iredale Skin Omegas Supplement Supplements may not be top of mind when you think about skincare, but are a great way to get vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin when you aren't getting enough of them in your diet, helping skin from the inside-out. Jane Iredale's Skin Omegas supplement is rich in both Omega 3 and Omega 6, two fatty acids that can do wonders for skin health. These omegas are anti-inflammatory, increase hydration, and help maintain a healthy lipid layer in skin. Here are some other options for skin-boosting nutritional supplements: Osmosis Regenerate | Liver and Collagen Renewal Truth Treatment Systems Fulvic Cellular Repair Complex 10. Revision Lumiquin Hand Cream While our hands usually get a bit more attention than feet (after all, they're on display a lot more often), they are another commonly neglected part of our skin. Revision Skincare's Lumiquin is a unique night time treatment that moisturizes your hands and evens their skin tone to reduce the appearance of age spots or other discoloration. Applying the cream before bed allows Lumiquin to work on skin for several hours without interruption from hand washing. For best results, use every night, and pair with a regular hand cream & SPF for the day time. Here are some daytime hand cream options we recommend: jane iredale Hand Drink Hand Cream SPF 15 EltaMD So Silky Hand Cream Restorsea PRO Intensive Treatment 10x Hand Cream So there you have it, 10 ways you can show your skin some love this month (or all the time), plus some bonus ideas thrown in there. We know it would be a lot to keep track of, so all the products mentioned above are saved on one page, now called our Self-Care Collection, for you to peruse any time.
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The 10 Best Skincare Products for Men
** Updated June 2025 Skin is skin, and everyone can benefit from putting a little extra time into caring for theirs, regardless of age or gender. The vast majority of skincare products are unisex and will work for anyone, which is good news for men interested in taking better care of their skin in a market that is dominated by marketing to women. That said, there are some physiological differences that tend to be present in men's skin compared to women's. For example, men tend to have thicker facial skin, with higher oil production. And, many experience facial sensitivity and redness from shaving. Taking these differences into account, we are sharing our top 10 skincare picks for men, including something absolutely everyone should be using (*cough* sunscreen *cough*) and an all-in-one product designed specifically for men who don't want to commit to a full routine. 1) Cleanser: SkinMedica Facial Cleanser A good cleanser should be the first step in any skincare regimen. Aside from helping your skin feel fresh and clean after a workout or long day, a good cleanser helps prevent skin problems by removing pollutants that can clog pores and create irritation. SkinMedica's Facial Cleanser is a classic foaming cleanser that is effective at removing dirt and impurities, but is still gentle enough to be suitable for all skin types. It also includes Vitamin B5 to help bind moisture to the skin's surface, meaning it leaves your face feeling clean but not dried out. We also recommend: Obagi-C C-Cleansing Gel for normal to dry skin, and Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser for guys with sensitive skin. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel is a great option for very oily or acne-prone skin. 2) Hydration Spray – NeoGenesis Moisturizing Mist Using a hydration spray after cleansing your face, and especially after shaving is a great way to soothe and hydrate skin, and prepare it for serums and moisturizers afterwards. What we love about NeoGenesis' Moisturizing Mist is the extra hydration and anti-aging boost it adds with antioxidants and NeoGenesis's patented stem cell technology that helps skin repair itself. Not only will this spray help soothe and moisturize skin, in preparation for your routine, but it has its own active ingredients too. Other options: ClarityRx Take Your Vitamins | Daily Mineral Spray is another great hydration spray that has the added bonus of more than 70 minerals and colloidals to help nourish skin. And, it doesn't come in a spray bottle, but Revision Soothing Facial Rinse is the perfect follow up to facial shaving and a great foundation for a skincare regimen. 3) Hydration Serum - Revision Hydrating Serum As we age, our skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture, which can cause a host of problems including sagging and imbalance in oil production. One major way to help skin stay hydrated and youthful is to add a hydrating serum to your regimen that includes Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring hydrophilic compound found in skin, but it diminishes over time. By adding it back to your skin in an absorbable form like the sodium hyaluronate in Revision's Hydrating Serum, you can see younger looking skin that feels healthier and more hydrated too. We also recommend: Alastin Skincare HA Immerse Serum, Senté Hydrate+ Serum, or NEOCUTIS Bio Gel Firm Moisturizing Hydrogel. 4) Anti-Aging Serum – iS Clinical GenXc Serum If you want to address signs of aging like wrinkles and improve your skin's texture, there are a ton of anti-aging serums on the market. When it comes to serums that are best suited for men's skin needs, it's hard to find one better than iS Clinical GeneXc Serum, which has been recognized by Men's Fitness Magazine as a great choice. It's a powerful formula packed with proprietary enzymes, antioxidants, and botanical extracts to provide well-rounded results for younger, brighter looking skin. We also recommend: Osmosis MD StemFactor Growth Factor Serum for sensitive or dry skin, and Jan Marini Bioclear Lotion for oily or acne-prone skin. 5) Sensitive Skin Serum – ClarityRX Take it Easy Calming Serum For those who experience a lot of irritation, sensitivity, or redness after shaving, adding a specialized serum to your skincare routine can be a game changer. Formulated to soothe your skin and help it improve its own resilience, ClarityRx Take it Easy Calming Serum is a great option to consider. It can help reduce redness and inflammation, while hydrating and softening your skin. Plus, since it's a Hyaluronic Acid-based formula, it can double as your hydrating serum. We also recommend: Revision Vitamin K Serum or iS Clinical HydraCool Serum. 6) All-in-One Treatment – Restorsea PRO All Day Everyday Lotion 3Xn If you've gotten a bit overwhelmed with all the products up to this point, we've got an all-in-one product that can simplify things for you. Restorsea's founder Patti Pao developed their PRO All Day Every Day Lotion 3X as a combination moisturizer and anti-aging product for her male friends and investors who wanted to use only one product. This comprehensive treatment can help moisturize, soften, and smooth skin, all in one step. It's best suited for guys with normal to dry skin, but it's safe for sensitive skin too. 7) Eye Treatment – EltaMD Renew Eye Gel Skin is thinnest around the eyes, so it's one of the first places on the face to start showing signs of aging like crows feet, sagging eyelids, and dark circles. EltaMD Renew Eye Gel is designed to help improve the health of the fragile skin around your eyes to reduce puffiness, smooth lines, and fade discoloration. It's a great comprehensive, oil-free formula that can help your eyes look and feel better quickly with daily use. We also recommend: Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream to help with sagging skin, or Restorsea Pro Firming Eye Serum for added firming results. 8) Moisturizer – AnteAGE Moisturizer It's a skincare basic for a reason: everyone should be using a moisturizer to help keep skin looking and feeling its best, especially after washing or shaving your face. AnteAGE's moisturizer is an incredibly complex and advanced formulation that uses lipids to physiologically nourish and moisturize skin while helping to improve its functionality. It's also got anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pollution and even blue light protection to support your skin against everything that tries to damage it. We also recommend: EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer for a budget option and Sente Dermal Repair Cream for dry skin. Revision Skincare Intellishade Clear is also a great anti-aging moisturizer, with built in SPF 50 protection. 9) Facial / Beard Oil – OsmosisMD Immerse Restorative Facial Oil If you have extra-dry skin, or a beard, it may be a good idea to add a facial oil to your skin routine to keep your skin and facial hair looking their best. With a naturally-sourced blend of oils, Osmosis MD Immerse Restorative Facial Oil is an anti-inflammatory and conditioning boost to your skin's health. Antioxidants help support your skin's healing processes, and help skin glow. Plus, it can be smoothed into facial hair to give your beard or mustache a softer, healthier look and feel. 10) Sunscreen – EltaMD UV Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 By now everyone knows that wearing sunscreen daily is important to prevent skin cancer, so hopefully you're already lathering up. But, it's also the most cost-effective way to keep your skin looking younger since sun damage is a key driver of signs of aging like wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. As lightweight, quickly absorbing formula, EltaMD UV Sheer is a great daily product that provides SPF protection without feeling heavy or greasy. We also recommend: EltaMD UV Sport for a full-body option, or Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 for people with oily or acne-prone skin. For more great skincare products for men, check out our full Men's Skincare Collection.
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New Product: Obagi NU-CIL Eyelash Enhancing Serum
If you have been looking for a way to revitalize your lashes and get a fuller, healthier look, then you should consider trying Obagi's new NU-CIL Eyelash Enhancing Serum. In clinical trials, users reported a 93% rate of visible lash improvement after 12 weeks of use. Additionally, 89% of trial participants said their eyelashes looked thicker or more densely packed, so there is a strong chance that you will see similar results. How does this formula deliver such impressive results? First, the formula is designed specifically to work with your eyelashes' natural life cycle, working with lashes while in their growth phase thanks to a proprietary lipid compound. The goal is to nourish the hair and produce completely natural lashes that grow longer and stronger than they would on their own. Another key to success in growing luscious lashes is Obagi's NouriPlex™ Technology, a proprietary blend of four high performance ingredients. Plus, the formula is boosted with biotin to support keratin production, vitamin B5 for moisture and texture, and sodium hyaluronate for hydration. The result is a comprehensive eyelash treatment that can produce visible results fairly quickly, and naturally, making this serum one to watch.
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New Jane Iredale HyrdroPure Color Correcting Serum
If you've dealt with persistent or post-procedure redness on your face, then you already know why the brand new jane iredale HydroPure Color Correcting serum is green. While its green tint helps counteract underlying redness on the skin, what separates this new serum from other color correctors goes far beyond color. An all-new, powerful formulation, this serum takes an extra step to soothe and hydrate skin in an effort to address root causes of redness, not just cover it up. It includes hyaluronic acid for hydration, allantoin and olive squalane to soothe and moisturize, and the antioxidant CoQ10 to help heal and prevent further damage. Botanicals like calendula, willow bark extract, and aloe vera round out this formula to create a soothing, hydrating serum with a dewy finish that would be useful even without the tint. When I heard about this product launch, I was excited to try it, and was pleasantly surprised once I did. I've worn it around a few times and here are my main takeaways: First, this serum feels incredible going on. You can really feel the hydration sinking in immediately, and soothing skin. It smells faintly like aloe vera, which I liked, and I liked that it doesn't finish too shiny. Because of the delivery system, with the tint suspended as little balls within the serum, you do have to mix the serum into itself after pumping, otherwise it won't go on smoothly. Also, since this color correcting serum is intended to be worn under makeup, it does leave skin with a bit of a white cast. Don't be surprised when you see it-- it's easily covered up by your usual foundation. In my case, I was even able to cover it up well with my usual tinted sunscreen, and enjoyed seeing my face look the same as always but without the redness on my cheeks that I usually have in the summer. If you are looking for a color correcting solution, I highly recommend giving the new HydroPure Color Correcting Serum a try. It's a quick and effective way to neutralize the appearance of red skin while hydrating and soothing skin to help combat future redness.
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New Product: Flawless Canvas Paradox™ Refining Cream
Flawless Canvas has finally released their long-awaited third product, and we're beyond excited about it. Meet Paradox™ Refining Cream, a new retinal product that can deliver visible results with the first bottle, with minimal or no irritation. Paradox™ is a .2% retinal cream, making it the most powerful retinal on on the market. But it is, paradoxically, extremely gentle despite being so powerful (and that's where it gets its name). A full 92% of people who took part in the clinical trials said they didn’t experience any irritation with their first use-- a big deal for such a strong retinoid. How does Paradox™ manage to be so gentle? Thanks to an intricate formulation including botanical extracts and multiple moisturizing and hydrating agents, Paradox™ delivers extra support to soothe skin against dryness and inflammation. Besides well-known moisturizers like glycerin and squalane, the formula also contains Hibiscus fruit and mondo grass extracts to increase hydration and help repair or boost function of the skin barrier. Plus, Red Sage root extract is included as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that can decrease redness too. Another important part of the formula comes in the form of the retinal itself. Retinal produces results much faster than the better-known retinol, but because it is significantly more expensive and less stable, it hasn't been used in skincare products as frequently. In this formula, the retinal has been encapsulated to improve its stability, allowing it to release over time for better results with less irritation. Cranberry fruit extract is also included in the formula to boost the retinal's effectiveness, while encouraging firmness and elasticity in skin. This formula is so fast-acting that within 1-2 weeks of daily use, users reported an improved skin texture and smoothness, with improved resilience and little to no irritation or flaking. With continued daily use for 4-6 weeks, fine lines, wrinkles, and creases reduced in appearance, and skin texture continued to improve. Overall, 83% of trial users reported a smoother skin texture, noticing fewer bumps and hormonal spots, so while results will vary, it is likely you will see improvements pretty quickly.
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New & Updated: jane iredale Bronzer Relaunch
If you hadn't heard already, jane iredale recently updated their bronzer lines, discontinuing their So Bronze line, updating their multi-colored PureBronze Shimmer bronze refills, and launching their new PureBronze Matte Bronzer. These are some simple but impactful changes so we'll break down what's changing and what you can expect from the new line. New: PureBronze Matte Bronzers PureBronze Matte Bronzer shades from left to right: Light, Medium, and Dark. The replacement for their previous So Bronze line, the new jane iredale PureBronze Matte Bronzers are a perfect update for the ways people use bronzer now. They're still a clean mineral and botanical based formulation, but the elimination of shimmer for a matte finish makes this a more versatile bronzer that can also be used for contouring. Its formulation is creamy and smooth, making it easy to blend and build, and it doesn't settle into fine lines, giving you a warm, sun-kissed look anywhere you want it. It also includes botanical ingredients like shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and pommegranate extract to moisturize, hydrate, and provide antioxidant protection. All of that is delivered in a lightweight, breathable formula, that leaves skin feeling fresh. It comes in three shades: light, medium, and dark, to work with a variety of skin tones. Plus, in a fun aesthetic update, it's now pressed with a sunburst pattern that adds a little extra personality. Updated: PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer Refill jane iredale PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer colors from left to right: Peaches and Cream, Moonglow, Rose Dawn, and Copper Dusk. If the new Matte finish bronzer isn't for you, don't worry, jane iredale still has a shimmery bronzer for you. You probably already recognize this as the quad bronzer refill that jane iredale has had for some time so if you've been using it, you may wonder what is different now. There have been two primary changes, both of which are fairly small, so nothing major. First, the Sunbeam colorway has been discontinued and replaced with a new one called Copper Dusk, which is nice warm, earthy group of shades. Second, there hasn't been a formula change, but the packaging has been updated with the new PureBronze name and adding the word shimmer to help differentiate between this and the new matte bronzer. New Compact Last, all jane iredale bronzers fit in their refillable compact, just like the PurePressed Mineral Foundation. But, with the launch of these new bronzers, they also released a new color of the compact: gold (pictured at the top of this page). We think it's a great idea especially for people who use both the foundation and the bronzer, so you can quickly remember which compact is which. Plus, it's cute. If you've tried the new PureBronze Matte Bronzer already, let us know what you think about it!
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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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Flower Power: Popular Floral Extracts in Skincare Products
If you've never noticed flower names in the ingredients list of your favorite skincare products, you might be surprised to know that floral extracts are frequent inclusions in skincare formulas. From everyday garden types like roses, sunflowers, and honeysuckles, to exotic ones like ylang ylang and mallow, flowers have a lot to offer to keep skin looking its best. Here we'll break down a few flowers that are commonly found in some of the products we carry, including the ones pictured above, and what these floral extracts do for your skin. Damask Rose (Rosa Damascena) Roses are a popular addition to skincare formulas, and the Damask rose is one of the most commonly used, in the form of its rosewater, rose oil, and extracts. The Damask rose is also commonly used in perfumes, thanks to its strong and unique fragrance, and the petals are edible. As if that wasn't enough versatility, this rose can also do several things for skin when included in formulations. Damask rosewater is great at soothing skin to reduce irritation and calm inflamation. The flower's oil can be used as a hydrating agent and has even been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and it is also rich in antioxidants. Additionally, glycerin, a common skincare ingredient can be derived from these roses. Here are some products containing Damask Rose: jane iredale BeautyPrep Face Moisturizer Leahlani Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toning Mist Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion Revision Skincare Firming Night Treatment ClarityRx Get Balanced | Probiotic Serum Osmosis MD Calm Gentle Retinol Serum Jasmine - Jasmine is famous for blooming at night and releasing its lovely scent, and is commonly included in perfumes, candles, and anything else that smells good. But, jasmine is also frequently used in skincare products because of its calming properties that help soothe sensitive or acne-prone skin. Jasmine oil is a natural moisturizer that can hydrate and calm skin without clogging pores. Some products that contain Jasmine include: ClarityRx Live + Be Well | Probiotic + Pink Himalayan Salt Mask AnteAGE Eye Cream Leahlani Aloha Ambrosia Morning Moisture Elixir iS Clinical Body Complex Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Sunflowers are most commonly used in skincare as oil from sunflower seeds. It's a popular ingredient especially in cosmetic products because it's stable and makes a good base for makeup, plus it's great for hydrating and soothing inflamed skin when used in skincare products. Sunflowers are also high in vitamin E, improving skin's ability to heal itself and diminish wrinkles, they contain antioxidants and Omega 6, and can even encourage skin cell turnover. Here are some products using sunflowers to make skin better: Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum Restorsea PRO Lip Magic Leahlani Happy Hour Balancing Serum ClarityRx Balm It Off | Nutrient Rich Pre-Cleanse Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica) - Of all the flowers used in skincare products, Honeysuckle is one of the most common, because it can do a lot. Aside from having natural anti-bacterial or anti-septic properties that make it a decent natural cleanser, it's also anti-inflammatory, making it a great addition to formulas intended to soothe irritated skin. Honeysuckle extract also is surprisingly good at evening skin tone and brightening hyperpigmentation. A few products with honeysuckle: Restorsea PRO Intensive Treatment 10X - Face Serum AnteAGE Regenzyme Osmosis Mineral Pressed Base Foundation Osmosis MD Replenish Antioxidant Infusion Serum jane iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer Matricaria Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita) Matricaria Chamomile is another flower that is found in a lot of different skincare formulas. Like many of the previous flowers, it is largely used as an anti-inflammatory agent, to soothe irritated skin, add hydration, and protect from further damage with antioxidants. Like honeysuckle, it can be used to even and brighten skin tone, but it is also used to help wounds heal, and can reduce acne, making it a great additive for sensitive skin formulations. You can find Matricaria Chamomile in the following products: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Osmosis MD Clarify Blemish Retinol Serum SUZAN OBAGI Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel Leahlani Siren Brightening Serum Mallow Flower (Malva Sylvestris) Though it might sound like a flower that could be white and fluffy, the mallow is a bright purple tropical flower that has been used for centuries in food, medicine, and now skincare. Primarily known for its ability to soften skin, mallow extract is another anti-inflammatory that can calm and moisturize irritated skin. It is also rich in vitamind C and E, making it helpful for healing and preventing further damage. Here are some products containing Mallow Flower: Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 Obagi360 Retinol 0.5 - Obagi Retinol Jan Marini Transformation Serum
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What is Rosacea, and How Can I Treat it?
If you've ever dealt with Rosacea, you know how frustrating this skin condition can be. It may come and go or be a chronic issue, but either way, it is a common skincare concern many people want to relieve. Since April is Rosacea Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good time for a deep dive on its causes and treatments. What is Rosacea, and what causes it? Rosacea most commonly presents as a persistent redness or blushing on the face, and neck, and may worsen to include the nose and eyes. Some people experience additional symptoms like eye irritation, swollen bumps, a thickening of the skin on the nose, and visible blood vessels. This condition may or may not be painful and can affect anyone, but most commonly appears in Caucasian women over the age of 30. The cause of Rosacea is still unknown, but it appears most likely to be caused by an overactive immune response and/or issues with the digestive tract. Hereditary and environmental factors appear to also contribute, with individual triggers that initiate flare ups. People commonly report rosacea flare ups with behaviors like eating spicy food, drinking red wine, temperature fluctuations, emotions, or changes in physical activity. Other things like sun exposure, not washing your face often enough, or using irritating skin care products can also create irritation that leads to a flare-up. [Read more about Rosacea symptoms and causes from the Mayo Clinic.] How can I treat my Rosacea? If you are dealing with Rosacea, here are some steps you can take to help alleviate or improve your skin's condition and see some of that redness fade. 1. Visit a Dermatologist - If you haven't already talked to a doctor about your skin, that should be your first step. They can help eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms and suggest treatments based on your full medical history as part of a diagnosis. 2. Keep track of your triggers - Dietary triggers are one of the most common causes of rosacea flare-ups so keeping a journal about what you eat and how your skin reacts is a great place to start. Tracking weather, stress, and exercise activity might also help you narrow down the causes behind your flare-ups. It's a lot of work, but information is invaluable in making lifestyle changes that can help address flare ups and prevent future ones. 3. Wear sunscreen everyday - Everybody already knows we should be wearing SPF daily, but it's pretty easy to let the habit slide. Protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays is also a great way to reduce irritation and prevent rosacea flare ups (plus keep your skin looking younger longer, and prevent skin cancer). 4. Adjust your face-washing routine - dermatologists report infrequent face washing as a common contributor to rosacea, and suggest washing twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Less frequent washing allows dirt and environmental pollutants to accumulate on the skin, causing irritation. Another common mistake when it comes to face washing with rosacea is using water that's too hot. You should always wash with tepid water, and be gentle with your skin while cleansing. It is also possible that you may be over-washing or using a cleanser that is too harsh for your sensitive skin. As always, be sure to follow up washing your face with a moisturizer. A sensitive moisturizer and/or barrier repair cream will help your skin stay hydrated, reduce irritation, and help it heal. 5. Inspect your skin care products - Beyond getting a gentle cleanser & moisturizer, if you have rosacea, it's important to look at your skincare products to make sure they don't include anything that will irritate your skin. Definitely choose products that are free from fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, glycoloc acid, lactic acid, camphor, and menthol. You may also need to avoid exfoliating during a flare-up, depending on how sensitive your skin is, so keep an eye out for cleansers that contain alphahydroxy acids (AHA) or other exfoliants as they may exacerbate your condition. You can find more tips about caring for Rosacea prone skin in this article from the American Academy of Dermatology. What are the best Rosacea friendly skincare products? We've collected all of our rosacea-safe products in one place to make shopping easier. Plus, here we'll highlight a few of our favorite products for addressing rosacea. NeoGenesis Booster Serum - NeoGenesis believes in creating skincare products that are safe to use even on the most damaged and traumatized skin, and they proudly developed products that are Oncology safe. It is no surprise that their products also work great on post-procedure or otherwise sensitive skin, and they have a complete Rosacea protocol too. Their Booster serum is the #1 product they recommend for rosacea, and we agree that it's a wonderful choice. With their their patented stem cell technology, plus peptides and antioxidants, this serum hydrates and soothes skin, and boosts collagen production to give a renewed appearance. We also highly recommend the Barrier Renewal Cream and Moisturizing Mist from their rosacea regimen. Sente Dermal Repair Cream - Sente's Dermal Repair Cream was their first hit product and helped to put them on the map. This is a powerful moisturizer that hydrates and protects the skin barrier, helps to repair damage, and reduce redness, all while diminishing signs of aging in a lightweight formula. Give it a try and your skin will thank you. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum - iS Clinical created the Pro-Heal Serum to help heal skin damaged by conditions like rosacea and contact dermatitis. Pro-Heal Serum is full of vitamins and antioxidants to soothe irritation and protect while healing. It's been clinically shown to reduce redness and signs of aging within 2 weeks. Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion - If you're in the market for a new gentle cleanser to soothe your rosacea, Revision has a fantastic option for you here. In a mild cream formulation with botanicals and extracts, this cleanser hydrates as it removes makeup and pollutants without disrupting the skin barrier. Elta MD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen - Take this as a last reminder that sunscreen is a MUST for everyone, especially people dealing with rosacea. There aren't many brands that come to mind faster than EltaMD when it comes to quality sunscreen, and UV Pure is just what its name suggests: a great clean sunscreen that is free from anything that would irritate your skin. It's a chemical free formula you can use on your face & body, boosted with anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants. Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 - If you want a tinted sunscreen for your face, Alastin's HydraTint is a popular choice with dermatologists (and Harben House shoppers). The formula is all-physical, lightweight, and includes antioxidants to fight damage from the sun and pollution. Plus, depending on how well the tint blends with your skin tone, you may decide to skip foundation some days.
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