3 Reasons why your skin feels drier during Autumn

As the weather changes and we enter into the cooler months you may notice that your skin feels drier than usual. If you struggle with dry skin conditions the change in the season will make this worse. Below are 3 key reasons why are skin changes during the colder months and how to adapt your skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated.

1. Cooler Air
   
   As the weather gets colder the level of water vapour in the air (humidity) also drops and where there was plenty of water in the air for your skin to draw from now there is much less. On top of this the harsher conditions such as windy weather make it a challenge for your skin to stay protected and keep hydrated. These factors can lead to drier, tighter, inflamed skin which if not cared for properly can lead to cracks in the outer layer of the skin from the general lack of moisture.
   
2. Central heating
   
   As the temperature drops the thermostat in our homes and workplaces goes up, which while is keeping us warm, this is adding more dry air. Your skin is going from cold dry air to warm dry air. This can cause the skin to feel irritated, drier and parched due to the lack of moisture and rapid change in the environment.
   
3. Hot showers and baths
   
   Once water is applied to the skin it evaporates quickly and can strip the natural oils that are on the skin. This process is sped up when we shower or bathe with excessively hot water.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN

• Drink plenty of water – keep your skin from drying out by keeping yourself hydrated from the inside out.
• Use gentle cleansers that won’t strip your skin further. Our Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm will gently cleanse away make up, dirt and pollution, leaving the skin clean, soft and supple.
• Use gentle exfoliators to remove dead dry skin that build up during this time. Dead dry skin if not removed can clog the pores leading to blemishes.
• Layer up on hydrating serums, moisturisers and oils. Adding fine layers can add extra moisture to the skin. Our Pure Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Pure Hydration Balm will add much needed moisture to the skin whilst Skin Glow Facial Oil will seal in moisture and improve the texture of the skin.
• Wear lip balm to prevent your lips from cracking. Pure Moisture Rose Lip Balm will soothe dry, irritated chapped lips and protect them from colder days.

Can cleansing balms cause spots and blemishes?

Cleansing Balms are popular way to clean your face as they dissolve and lift dirt and make up without stripping the skin. However, some people are questioning whether these products can cause spots and blemishes or acerbate acne.

Cleansing Balms are made up of oils and waxes and used to breakdown make up and dirt and impurities on the face. This sounds counter productive but depending on the formulation used will determine how the product cleanses the face and how well the product is received by the skin.

How do cleansing balms work?

The key to knowing if something will be ok for you is to know how the intended product works.

Cleansing balms that use an emulsifying wax work by interacting with both oils and water.  The emulsifying wax has a water attracting part and an oil attracting part. The oil attracting part binds with the oil molecules on the face.

The water attracting part binds with the water molecules causing a stable structure. This allows the oil droplets to disperse in water without clumping together.

The emulsion forms and stops the oil droplets from separating back. The dispersed oil in water then can then be easily rinsed away.

Cleansing balms that are made up of oils and waxes such as beeswax use the principle of “like dissolves like”. 

The oils in these type of cleansing balms contain similar/same properties that are in the oils in sebum, make-up, skincare and sunscreen.

When applied to the face the oils in the balm dissolves the oils that are on the face. Once applied a warm damp cloth can be used to thoroughly remove dirt from the pores without stripping the skin.

How can a cleansing balm cause spots and blemishes?

There are three main reasons why a cleansing balm could cause spots and blemishes include:

1. The ingredients are too harsh for your skin type

If your skin is sensitive to certain ingredients then these can disrupt the skin’s barrier function leading to inflammation which may trigger an increase in sebum production, clog pores ad result in spots and blemishes.

Due to irritation the skin may make the skin more susceptible to bacteria growth which may make spots and acne worse.

Check the ingredients list to see if there are any that you think you are allergic to.

If the product seems fine but you know you are super sensitive you can always perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear and leave it for 24 hours to see if irritation occurs before using the product.

2. The ingredients contain comedogenic oils

Comedogenic oils cannot be easily absorbed by the skin. This could cause an accumulation that can trap dead skin cells and bacteria causing spots, blemishes and acne.

Some comedogenic oils include coconut oil,(butter and oil varieties does not include fractionated) cocoa butter, wheat germ oil and flaxseed oil. However, different skin reacts differently to different oils and some people may not have a problem with comedogenic oils.

Non-comedogenic oils are less less likely to clog pores and maybe suitable for people prone to spots and blemishes. These include sunflower oil (varieties with high linoleic acid), jojoba oil and sweet almond oil.

Again check the ingredients of the products that you are buying, avoid comedogenic oils if you are prone to getting spots or acne and do a patch test before using the product to see if irritation or spots or blemishes occur.

3. The cleansing balm wasn’t removed properly

If the cleansing balm is not removed properly it may leave a residue of oil and dirt that can block pores and result in spots.

To stop this from happening it is best to use a clean warm damp cloth to remove all product and dirt from the skin. This will leave the skin thoroughly clean.

In conclusion as long as the cleansing balm contains non-comedogenic oils, is suitable for your skin type and is removed properly then it should leave your skin clean, soft and spot free.

Is Linoleic Acid the answer to solving your dry skin?

Dry skin is a common problem amongst people of all ages and is due to a lack of water in the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum).

It can be caused by a number of different factors including poor nutrition, a change in weather, ageing, an allergic reaction, medications and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis.

Improving nutrition and adhering to a good skincare regime can help to alleviate dry skin but if the skin barrier has been compromised the skin may have trouble retaining moisture leaving the skin being dry.

What is Linoleic Acid?

Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated omega 6 essential fatty acid that the body needs to be healthy and must be obtained through diet. In the skin specifically, linoleic acid plays a role at establishing and maintaining the skin barrier function.

How is Linoleic Acid used in skincare?

Skincare studies have found that, when applied to the skin, linoleic acid has a direct role in helping the skin barrier maintain its function at moisture retention.  

Using harsh products, high levels of actives or the wrong ingredients can unwittingly cause dry and sensitive skin.

Even natural oils containing high levels of oleic acid (olive oils, some types of sunflower oils and avocado oil) if not formulated properly can compromise the skin barrier over time. It has been found in a study that Oleic acid causes barrier disruption and eventually induces dermatitis when continually applied.

A compromised skin barrier can lead to dryness, premature ageing, atopic dermatitis and inflammation and increased sensitivity in the skin.

Repairing the skin barrier can be achieved through using products consistently that contain a high level of linoleic acid. These common plant oils below are high in linoleic acid and are essential to repairing the skin barrier in order to eliminate dry skin by helping the skin function properly by retaining moisture in the skin.

Sunflower Oil – Sunflowers are bred to contain different compositions of fatty acids. Sunflower Seed Oil that has been grown for its high amount of linoleic acid can contain around 68%. In studies it has been shown that sunflower oils that have higher amounts of linoleic acid help protect against breakdown and damage to the skin via maintaining skin integrity. It has also been shown to improve hydration to the skin and enhance skin barrier repair.

Grape Seed Oil is rich in phenolic compounds, vitamin E and resveratrol and contains 60-75% linoleic acid which contributes to the oil being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and an antioxidant.

Safflower Seed Oil contains a large amount of (70%) linoleic acid. It is known for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It also been reported by modern pharmacological studies that extracts of safflower had physiological functions including inhibiting melanin production, immunosuppression and antitumor activity.

Oat Oil – Although this oil contains 28-40% oleic acid and may disrupt the skin barrier the high percentage of (36-46%) of linoleic acid and other components in the oil is thought to help contribute to repairing the skin barrier.

Rose Hip Oil – contains a high percentage of linoleic acid (35.9-54.8%). Due to its composition and has a relatively high protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies are showing promising signs of affect on inflammatory dermatitis such as eczema, neurodermatitis and cheilitis.

Take Away

Using skincare that contains high levels of linoleic acid, avoiding high levels of actives and harsh products can help to repair the skin barrier which in turn will help the skin hold on to the moisture reducing symptoms of dry skin.

Here are two of our products that are high in Linoleic Acid:

HOT CLOTH CLEANSING BALM 30ML/60ML

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SKIN GLOW FACIAL OIL 10ML/30ML

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How to create a simple skincare routine

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Taking care of the skin is very important for your general health and wellbeing, not just solely for improving your appearance. As the largest organ in the body, our skin protects us from infections, damage to our internal organs, bones and muscles. So it is important that we maintain healthy skin as it plays such an important role.

As we go about our daily lives the cells on our skin sheds to allow for new skin that is developing underneath to come to the surface. It is important to take care of the skin as problems can arise if it is not kept in good condition. A good skincare routine can keep the skin looking its best and prevent and treat problems such as acne, dry skin, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles etc

Establishing a routine can be daunting and it is hard to know what to use with the plethora of products and advice out there. So it is important to know what your skin type is which you can read about here. Once you know what your skin type is you can follow this simple routine to get you going on your skincare journey.

1. Cleansing

Cleansing is the cornerstone of any good beauty routine if it is not done properly it can potentially lead to developing skin problems. It is the first step in your skincare routine and without it the other products will not be able to perform as well.

Cleansing removes toxins, dirt and any make up which can prevent clogged pores that lead to spots, acne and damaged skin.

Choose a daily cleanser that is formulated to your skin type and not too harsh that it disrupts the skin barrier. It is important to cleanse twice daily. In the morning as you wake up your skin would have dead skin cells from shedding, dirt, dust and debris from your pillow case and circulated air (from a fan or heater) as well as dust mites that live on the dust and debris. In the evening you can add sweat, pollution and make up to that list.

Our Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm , which is suitable for most skin types, acts as a gentle oil based cleanser that is made with non-come genic oils (oils that wont block the pores causing spots and acne) and effectively melts make up, breaks down dirt, oils and grime to leave clean soft skin. This product must be removed with a warm damp cloth or flannel which will effectively take off the cleanser and give light exfoliation to the skin.

2. Toning

Toners are water-based liquid products that help to remove traces of cleanser and any make up or dirt left within the pores.

They also refresh and tighten the skin and depending on the ingredients help hydrate, calm down the skin or give gentle exfoliation. Toners also help the skin to take in the moisturiser.

Choose a toner that is for your skin type and use after cleansing and before moisturising.

3. Moisturising

After cleansing and toning what will be left on your face is water and if a moisturiser is not used the water will evaporate and leave a drying effect on the skin. Without moisturisers your skin will be extremely dry.

Moisturisers are made up of oil and water and bound together using some type of emulsifying agent. Their primary goal is to soften and hydrate the skin whilst creating a barrier to stop water from escaping and depending on their ingredients aid in addressing specific skincare problems whilst maintaining the skin barrier function.

Our Pure Hydration Balm, which is suitable for most skin types except extremely oily skin, contains passionflower oil, cucumber seed oil and broccoli seed oil which work together to deeply hydrate, strengthen, restore the skin moisture balance, improve the elasticity of the skin to keep it more flexible and radiant giving the skin a natural glow.

This simple daily routine, if followed, will improve the texture of your skin and will be the basis for most of your skin needs. Once you have established this you can then assess what other treatments will be suitable to add to your routine.

How to identify your skin type

Your skin type is determined by genetics, age and the environment.

There are four main skin types: Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination. All have different characteristics and determine how much sebum (skin’s natural oil) is being produced, water retention levels, and sensitivity.

It is important to know what skin type you have in order to choose the right products that will work best with your skin and not cause problems.

Here is a table with each skin type and its characteristics.

Normal Skin	Oily Skin	Dry Skin	Combination Skin
Soft to touch Little to no blemishes Not to oily or too dry – balanced skin Radiant even complexion No severe sensitivity	Enlarged pores Dull or shiny complexion Thicker skin Spots and blemishes	Flaky Skin Dry to the touch Fine lines Lacks oils Feels tight Dull complexion Red patches Small pores Can be sensitive/irritated	Mixture of different skin types Dry or normal in some areas and/or oily in other areas Spots, blemishes and larger pores in the oily areas Flaky skin, dry patches, redness in the dry areas

Skin type and characteristics

To correctly assess your skin type you will need:

• Gentle cleanser
• Towel
• Mirror
• Pen and paper

Step 1 – wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. This is so that any oils, dirt and debris can be removed so your skin can be assessed.

Step 2 – Use the face chart below as a guide and start at section 1 on your face. Write down how your face in that section looks and feels. You can use the above table to help correctly describe the characteristics of your skin. For example starting at the forehead – does the skin feel dry or soft to touch? Are there any spots or pimples? Does the skin look shiny or dry? Are there any fine lines?

Do this for each section of your face (2-12).

Step 3 – Once you have completed step 2 you can use the above skin type and characteristics table to see what best matches the description for your skin type.

Once you have determined your skin type you can go on to looking at establishing a basic skincare routine.

Normal Skin

Dry Skin

Oily Skin

Combination Skin

How To Get Beautiful Skin

Did you know that hydration is important for healthy glowing skin?

You can increase hydration levels in your skin the natural way by including hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine.

Hyaluronic Acid is Sodium Hyaluronate and is derived from the bio fermentation of yeast with glucose and inorganic salts. It naturally occurs in the body and when applied to the skin acts as a powerful humectant.

Hyaluronic Acid has the ability to hold 600 times its weight in water. The humectant attracts water to the skin and helps give the skin volume and fullness.

Our new size Pure Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid 10ml uses the recommended 1% in its formula and is highly effective at hydrating the skin which in turn improves dry skin, helps plump the skin and gives the skin a natural glow.

To use apply it on damp clean skin followed by a moisturiser such as Pure Hydration Balm.

For a limited period we are giving 15% off Pure Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid 10ml when you sign up here.

The perfect oil for the skin on your lips

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Rose Hip Seed Oil is known as one of the top anti-ageing oils for the skin but it also should be considered as one of the ingredients in your lip care for the skin on and around the lips.

Rose Hip Seed Oil comes from the fruit of the wild rose or the dog rose which contain seeds that are used to create the oil. Rose hips are grown in Europe, Asia and South America.

The skin on the lips are thinner than the skin on the face as they contain fewer layers of skin which allows movement. They do not contain pores, which would provide sebum for lubrication. This structure of the lips causes them to be drier and more vulnerable. The skin also over time loses its plumpness due to a gradual decrease in collagen creating thinner lips and fine lines.

Rose Hip Seed Oil is an excellent source of trans-retinoic acid, which is a natural precursor of vitamin A, and linolenic acid which are both good for treating damaged  and ageing skin tissue.  These nutrients promote tissue regeneration as well as being soothing. The oil also helps to reduce scarring and fine lines and maintains the texture, freshness and elasticity of the skin, making it a good choice for dry skin and anti ageing.

How lavender can improve the condition of your lips

Lavender essential oil is produced from steam distillation of the lavender flowers. Known to calm nerves, relax muscles and ease anxiety. The properties in the oil provide excellent component in lip care and will promote healthier skin on the lips by:

– soothing and relieving skin irritations,

– alleviating dry skin,

– diminishing light scaring,

– improving balance and tone in the skin.

7 ways to multi use your lip balm

Streamlining your products can make life much simpler. Finding different ways to use the same product equals less waste and is kinder to your pockets. Here are 7 ways you can use a good quality lip balm and get the most out of it.

1. Add moisture to the lips – obvious – as this is what it is intended for. A good lip balm should be emollient and able to keep your lips thoroughly moisturised. Avoid petroleum, mineral oils and silicones.
   
2. Control eyebrows – the wax in the lip balm will help keep unruly hairs in place, whilst the oils will add some shine.
   
3. Soften cuticles – massage some into dry cuticles which will help to add moisture, prevent against split cuticles and will hep promote healthier nails.
   
4. Dry patches on the skin. Massage on to dry patches of skin it also can be applied to elbows, knees and feet.
   
5. Ends of the hair – if you have really dry ends a small amount can be applied to the ends to nourish the strands.
   
6. To control fly aways – Rub small amount on your finger tips and use the product to control fly aways and finish to the hair.
   
7. As a sealant – a small amount can be used as a sealant on curly and afro hair after applying a leave in conditioner.
   

Key Ingredients for Lip Health: Sea Buckthorn Berry

Sea Buckthorn Berry C02 extract is an extremely pure extract from the Sea Buckthorn Berry Plant that is grown across temperate climates in Europe and Asia. This extract is a key component of Nourish and Protect Lip Balm because of its wide range of nutrients that help to nourish and protect the skin on your lips.

These include:

-protein building amino acids which are the building blocks of skin cells;

– high levels of antioxidants to keep away free radicals that cause anti-ageing and skin damage;

-fatty acids: omega 3, 6 and 9 – these help to maintain elasticity, lessen UV photo damage and signs of ageing. Other benefits include anti-inflammatory and emollient properties and the ability to be absorbed well by the skin as well as the ability to restore the skin’s barrier function;

 -beta carotene (provitamin A) contributing to cell growth and repair;

– Vitamin B1 – helps to reduce flaky skin;

– Vitamin B2 – maintains the growth of tissues to ensure healthy turnover of cells;

– Vitamin B6 – promotes cell production;

– Vitamin C – stimulates collagen production and aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels for firmness and strength;

– Vitamin E – protects skin cells from damage.

All these nutrients play a role in building and repairing the skin cells, promoting anti-ageing and combating dry skin so that you are left with firm soft lips.