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What is hyaluronic acid and why is it in so many skincare products?

Hyaluronic acid (HA):  this ingredient commonly found in moisturizers, serums and sheet masks is an important addition to your daily skincare routine. 

Why? Well, that’s because HA is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, helping to bind water to collagen and trapping it in the skin so that it appears plumper and more hydrated.

What even is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a natural component found in various areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints. However, for use in cosmetic products, HA is chemically derived from mucopolysaccharides (also known as glycosaminoglycans, which are negatively-charged polysaccharide compounds composed of repeating disaccharide units). Also, HA can be derived through a bacterial fermentation process, using plant materials as nutrients for the bacteria. 

The physicochemical properties of HA are responsible for its vital biological abilities such as moisture retention, and physiological functions, such as skin hydration ability, lubrication, and diminishing aging symptoms.

Why is hyaluronic acid so important?

As we age, we naturally lose collagen and hyaluronic acid, so the skin easily becomes dehydrated. On top of that, an unfavorable climate, heaters during wintertime, certain skincare products and underlying skin conditions can cause tiny breaks in the protective skin barrier, causing water loss. That’s why creating a skincare routine with moisturizing products can be helpful. 

Hyaluronic acid has several benefits such as easy penetration, lightweightness, and an ability to lock in moisture from the environment and deeper dermis to hydrate the skin.

Since dehydrated skin is one of the main causes of wrinkles, hyaluronic acid also replenishes lost moisture and helps reduce the appearance of any fine lines.

Use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology

Nowadays, HA is one of the most widely used active ingredients in cosmetic formulations. It’s evident that the skin is an indicator of an individual’s health and HA is one of the main contributors to healthy skin. 

Why? Because of its hydrophilic nature, HA can be used as a moisturizing component in skincare formulations.

In cosmetic formulations, hyaluronic acid also has the function of a viscosity modifier and/or a skin conditioning agent (that has emollient, occlusive and humectant properties). That said, HA is mainly used in anti-aging cosmetic products. 

Additionally, the HA average molecular weight can influence its physico-chemical properties such as biological activity and penetration into the skin.

For example, HA with LMW (low molecular weight) has the ability to enhance the level of moisture of the skin and accelerate regeneration. While HA with HMW (high molecular weight) has an occlusive effect (the ability of a substance to form a physical barrier on top of the skin), which prevents moisture loss and helps to keep skin hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.

hyaluronic acid water retention

HA is also particularly important for delivery of active ingredients. It has been proven that HA enhances the penetration of the active ingredient through the stratum corneum (SC), which behaves as a barrier to the entry of the molecule into the deeper layers of the skin. HA is dually responsible for holding and locating the active ingredient in the epidermis.

Hydration effect of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic formulations

HA has the ability to bind water up to 1000 times its volume. As a result, it contributes to cellular growth, adhesion, and membrane receptor function.

The major biologic role of HA in the intercellular matrix is to reinforce the intracellular structures and produce the elastoviscous fluid matrix that firmly envelops collagen and elastin fibers. 

HA holds moisture, as well as provides firmness and radiance to the skin. It can be used topically to regenerate the skin and support hydration. Even so, its very high molecular weight prevents its penetration through the SC.

how does hyaluronic acid work
positive effects of hyaluronic acid

Anti-aging effect of HA in cosmetic formulations

HA has an important role when it comes to skin aging. 

Although HA is naturally and constantly renewed, its renewal tends to slow with age. Cells lose their ability to produce HA and skin becomes drier, thinner, and looser, leading to wrinkling, among other significant changes. It’s also associated with declining skin moisture. 

In other words, it’s best to act very early, sustaining an optimal hyaluronic acid turnover similar to that of young skin, to prevent the signs of aging.

effects of hyaluronic acid

In relation to its biological effects at skin level, hyaluronic acid is actively involved in skin cell signaling and thus influences the ECM (extracellular matrix) stability. HA has an impact on the growth of keratinocytes, which protect the epidermis from aging, and it has an elasticity effect in cosmetic preparations.

Additionally, the chemical double-binding structure means HA has antioxidant properties.. It also prevents the proliferation of the skin cells and has anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. 

A note on HA injectables

As well as in topical skincare products, hyaluronic acid also comes in the form of an injection and a gel-like product in dermal fillers. 

This cross-linked HA has become a desirable aesthetic procedure. Many are looking to rejuvenate the skin and compensate for the age-related loss and, overall, diminish age-related symptoms. 

Once injected, HA attracts water to regenerate volume and recreate lost structure. Dermal fillers, in particular, can help reduce the sunken or sagging appearance of the face and soften the overall look of lines and wrinkles. 

This procedure is not invasive but needs to be performed by an expert specialist. Another benefit of dermal fillers is that they’re reversible and can be dissolved by inserting an enzyme hyaluronidase.  

Although injecting HA into the dermis would minimize the hallmarks of aging and boost skin volume and elasticity, don’t forget about your usual skincare routine.

how a dermal filter works

Who should use hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types. It’s non-irritating and doesn’t trigger acne, rosacea, or allergic skin reactions. 

There is, however, a small chance of adverse side effects. Therefore, we recommend that you talk to your doctor if you do experience side effects from a product that contains it. This could be due to another active or inactive ingredient.

Skin types that definitely benefit the most from using hyaluronic acid are those with dry and/or more mature skin. As we already know, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid with aging, so replacing it topically will make the most impact on those skin types.

HA also has calming and anti-inflammatory properties on sensitive skin. However, if you want to avoid the potential drying effects of high-percentage hyaluronic acid solutions,make sure that the products you’re using contain hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which tends to be the best ingredient for sensitive skin.

Final thoughts

Knowing all that, I encourage you to try either our daily protecting moisturizing cream based on hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin and makes it more firm and supple. Our complementary skin-reviving night cream also features hyaluronic acid and rejuvenates your skin while you sleep.

LITERATURE:

  1. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, Morgovan C, Rus LL, Vonica-Țincu AL, Loghin F. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021 Jul 22;26(15):4429. doi:10.3390/molecules26154429.
  2. Al-Halaseh LK, Al-Jawabri NA, Tarawneh SK, Al-Qdah WK, Abu-Hajleh MN, Al-Samydai AM, Ahmed MA. A review of the cosmetic use and potentially therapeutic importance of hyaluronic acid. J Appl Pharm Sci, 2022; 12(07):034–041.
  3. BYRDIE. (12.11.2023). https://www.byrdie.com/what-is-hyaluronic-acid . Dostop: 29.3.2024.
  4. Allure. (21.3.2023). https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-skin-care . Dostop: 29.3.2024.
  5. MasterClass. (22.7.2021). https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-hyaluronic-acid . Dostop: 29.3.2024.
  6. Harvard Health Publishing. (23.1.2022). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653 . Dostop: 29.3.2024.
  7. Fallacara A, Baldini E, Manfredini S, Vertuani S. Hyaluronic Acid in the Third Millennium. Polymers (Basel). 2018 Jun 25;10(7):701. doi: 10.3390/polym10070701.
  8. DK_GLOWY (n. d.) . https://www.dkglowy.com/product/skin-reviving-night-cream-2/ . Dostop: 29.3.2024
  9. DK_GLOWY (n. d .) . https://www.dkglowy.com/product/skin-      protecting-moisturizing-cream-2/ . Dostop: 29.3.2024

5 Things You Can Do to Control Atopic Dermatitis

Living with one of the most prevalent long-term skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) certainly isn’t easy. There are many things you need to consider if you want to maintain a healthy skin barrier. If not, your skin will develop inflammation, become dehydrated and itchy. 

Many people who have eczema also have other conditions such as food allergies, skin allergies, asthma and hay fever. So, the therapy is much more complex and consists of regular moisturizing and avoiding triggers. 

That’s why you should consult with your physician for a tailored  diagnosis and treatment plan. However, to learn more aboutatopic dermatitis and the 5 things you can do to manage and prevent flare-ups, keep reading.

What is Atopic Dermatitis and its Symptoms?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases characterized by patches of dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. It mainly occurs where your skin flexes — inside the elbows, behind the knees and in front of the neck. 

Often first appearing in childhood, it tends to flare up periodically. But it may also develop in adults for the first time. 

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis? 

The main cause of atopic dermatitis is still unknown. Genetic predisposition, epidermal barrier disruption, and dysregulation of the immune system are some of the critical components of AD. 

An impaired skin barrier may be the initial step in the development of the atopic dermatitis, which leads to further skin inflammation and allergic sensitization. Epidermis Dysfunction in atopic dermatitis causes:

  • Increased skin pH, penetration of allergens and microbes, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin inflammation
  • Decreased skin hydration and levels of ceramides.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups? 

Generally speaking, eczema can appear when a person is exposed to a potential trigger. Avoiding potential triggers is a crucial part of preventing flare-ups. 

Triggers aren’t the same for everyone.  Even so, the most common triggers are as follows: 

  • Sweat 
  • Fabrics (like wool and polyester)
  • Pet dander
  • Hot or cold weather
  • Harsh soaps and detergents. 

How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis consists of  “remission” periods and “flare-up” periods (when symptoms get worse). Currently there is no cure for atopic dermatitis. 

The goal of treatment involves reducing symptoms of itchy, dry skin and postponing “flare-up” periods. However, when the symptoms get worse, patients need to use topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. 

Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and do anything else that your healthcare provider recommends.

How to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis Breakout

There are a few things you can do to prevent an atopic dermatitis flare-up. Let’s address them now.

1. Use Skincare products with Emollients that effectively enhance the skin’s barrier 

Emollients, such as vegetable oils (olive, argan, jojoba, and sunflower,…) and vegetable butters (cocoa and shea),  provide a safe and effective method of skin barrier enhancement. They basically provide the skin with a source of exogenous lipids, improving its barrier properties. 

Our Ultimate All-day face and body nourishing cream, for instance contains cocoa and shea butters, jojoba and sunflower oil, sumac tree wax and birch leaf extract. These ingredients work collectively to firm the skin and improve its tone, texture and clarity with lipid-replenishing and soothing effects. They have emollient properties which help to manage dry, irritating and itchy skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis. 

2. Follow Important Bathing/Showering Rules

Water is an effective way to put moisture back into the skin, but only if you use lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing when you wash in the bath or shower as this can be too abrasive for the skin.

Likewise, you should apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower. As long as you follow these rules, you can keep the skin barrier healthy.

Too much contact with water and improper bathing can cause irritation. Especially if you repeatedly get your skin wet without moisturizing it immediately afterwards.  

Frequent application of appropriate moisturizers, such as physiologic lipid mixtures and ceramide-dominant lipid, is known to help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), enhance skin hydration, decrease bacterial colonization, and improve skin barrier function.  This means that a topical corticosteroid may not be needed. 

The right moisturizer can also protect your skin from environmental damage, such as our new rich and nourishing body cream that we mentioned earlier. This is infused with omega fatty acids to reduce dryness by retaining moisture.

    Atopic skin | Bodycare | Children's skin | Dry skin | Sensitive skin | Skincare |

    ULTIMATE ALL-DAY FACE & BODY NOURISHING CREAM

    €28.35
    A rich, luxurious cream enriched with Cocoa and Shea butters, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Sumac Tree Wax, and Birch leaf extract that moisturizes your whole body, leaving it velvety soft.
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3. Use Mild Soaps and Avoid Exposure to Detergents 

Avoid exposing your skin to detergents by using a cleanser with nonionic surfactants (such as Sucrose Cocoate) and sindets (Cocamidopropyl Betaine). Stay away from ionic surfactants (such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).   

Our Gentle Cleansing Foam, for example, contains soap-free, non-ionic coconut oil derivatives that remove impurities only, not natural skin lipids. There is no squeaky clean effect.  

For a more sustainable way of cleansing apply 1-2 pumps on the palm of your hand and gently massage in a circular motion. If you’re wearing makeup, do one cleanse to remove makeup and then another to gently, yet thoroughly, cleanse skin and pores. For an even more sustainable way, you can also use reusable makeup remover pads, instead of cotton pads. 

    Adult acne or teen skin | Dry skin | Oily skin | Sensitive skin | Skincare |

    GENTLE CLEANSING FOAM

    €18.50
    A powerful yet gentle cleansing foam that removes makeup, dirt, pollution, and other impurities to rejuvenate your skin.
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4. Use Moisturizers That Contain Ceramides

Ceramides play an essential role in forming a permeability barrier in the skin. In patients with AD, the amount and composition of ceramides in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) are altered.

According to the newest studies, ceramide abnormalities are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Furthermore, ceramide-dominant emollients have beneficial effects on skin barrier function; thus, they have been approved as an adjunctive barrier repair agent for  (AD).

Our Skin Protecting Moisturizing Cream contains ceramides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It has a formula that works on the epidermis up to 48 hours after application to replenish lipid compounds.

    Skincare |

    4-STEP NATURAL BEAUTY ROUTINE BUNDLE

    €76.60
    The ultimate care package for healthy, beautiful skin. Transform your skin with 4-step fast & easy skincare routine that actually works!
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5. Use Products That Are Free From Perfumes, Dyes and Alcohol

Lastly, another way you can control atopic dermatitis is to look for products labeled fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. 

Our entire  DK GLOWY skincare range is COSMOS-certified, natural, organic, non-toxic with no artificial fragrances, colors, or GMOs. Not to mention all of our products are cruelty-free, vegan, and never tested on animals.  

If you’re dealing with atopic dermatitis, your skin will be red and itchy—and it may feel nothing short of frustrating. Never forget the importance of taking care of your skin. These recommendations will help you keep your symptoms under control and fend off future flare-ups.

Love yourself the way you are,

Doroteja Menhart | Pharmacy Student

DK_GLOWY

Why Your Body Needs Just as Much Care as Your Face

You probably spend more time on facial skincare than you do on your body. That’s okay, most people do. You think to yourself that behind your clothing, your body suffers less from sunlight and pollution. Right?

Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. Yes, your body ages less quickly than your face, but it still ages. And as a result of so little attention, your skin can feel dry and irritated. You can also worsen skin diseases like eczema, acne, or keratosis pilaris. Your body needs care.

Applying body cream is a quick and easy step to incorporate into your routine. Not only does it smooth and hydrate your skin, but it also helps prevent stretch marks and ageing, and helps control outbreaks and skin conditions. The more you nourish skin, the better it looks. 

Your body does a lot of work during the day, too.

After all, the skin is your body’s largest organ with a total area of around 20 square feet. It protects you against mechanical, thermal and physical injury, as well as hazardous substances. It’s sensory, allowing you to detect touch and temperature. And it also helps regulate your body temperature.

In other words, the whole of your skin needs looking after. You wouldn’t neglect another significant organ, like your heart, so it’s important not to neglect your skin.

Is there a better way to unwind than giving your skin the right cleansing and nourishment?

You Already Cleanse, So Why Not Protect?

The reason you might have neglected your body in favor of your face is that people see your face all the time. Yet, ironically, your face and neck account for just 2-3 percent of your total body surface area. It might be the bit everyone sees, but it’s a tiny fraction of the whole.

Everybody showers or bathes daily using products that will help their body stay clean. However, you may not realize that even water can dry out your skin—and you can be in the shower or bath for a long time.

Post-shower or bath, your face is likely to go through the rest of your everyday skincare routine in terms of toning and moisturizing. Your body? Often towel-dried and abandoned.

Just because your skin appears healthy doesn’t mean that it is. We seldom pay much attention to our bodies because we’ve wrapped them in layers of clothing. You don’t notice a new line, dry patch, or red, flaking skin as you would looking at your face in the mirror. 

Think of your clothing. Is the material causing you itching? Is it skin-tight or fitted? Do your thighs chafe or does your waist feel cinched? We might sometimes think more about how we appear in our clothes than how they feel against our skin. Friction can cause cellular damage that worsens over time. 

That’s why it’s so important to give back to your body as much as you do your face and neck. Respect what you put your body through daily and nourish it, protect it, and give it some love. 

How to Find the Right Skincare for Your Body

Slathering your body in your favorite facial moisturizer is…expensive. As we established, you’d need enough to cover over 90 percent of your body. Plus, facial moisturizers are often formulated as a barrier to the elements and might be too thick or sticky for your body.

Your body needs a formulation that your skin can absorb quickly but that still provides enough nourishment for all-day or all-night protection.

The Best Ingredients for Body Moisturizers

There are two types of key ingredients that moisturizers usually include, whether it’s both of them together or just one.

  • Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and urea, absorb water from the air and draw it into the skin. They have soothing and hydrating properties, covering the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.
  • Emollients, like vegetable oils (jojoba, olive, sunflower and argan) and vegetable butters (cocoa and shea), are lipid-replenishing and work to improve the skin’s barrier function. They help to manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and ichthyosis.

Body moisturizers that rely on chemicals seldom get the balance right. It’s like using a sledgehammer to pound a nail. They either suffocate the skin with mineral oil or use ingredients such as alcohols that evaporate quickly, leaving your skin dry and tight.

We believe you can extract the most effective ingredients from nature. Why? Because bioactive ingredients found in nature tend to be at much safer concentration levels. They support your skin’s natural defences rather than replace them, preventing disruption.

That’s not to say all-natural ingredients are a panacea to all skin woes. Like all skincare, always consult a dermatologist if you suspect a more serious problem/skin disorder and test the product (for several days) before replacing your current routine or skincare range. Your routine is as unique as you are.

The Ultimate All-Day Face and Body Nourishing Cream

The new DK_GLOWY Ultimate All-Day Face and Body Nourishing Cream is a gentle introduction to natural body care, featuring ingredients that both moisturize and repair the skin after a summer’s day spent outdoors. It aligns with your skin’s natural lipid balance and doesn’t contain alcohols or fragrances, which can clog pores and cause blemishes.

  • Cocoa butter, sunflower oil, jojoba and sumac tree wax have emollient properties to cater for very dry and sensitive skin, thus improving tone, texture, and clarity.
  • Shea butter contains vitamins to help boost your skin’s natural defences and prevent water loss.
  • Birch leaf extract soothes and rejuvenates the skin thanks to their antioxidative properties.

While creating this cream, we also considered how sensitive and delicate skin can be during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The good news is, the ingredients are all-natural, making it pregnancy- and baby-friendly.

However, if you’re experiencing extreme discomfort and sensitivity during pregnancy (given that it’s a very transformative period and our bodies can react suddenly to something that it normally wouldn’t), we recommend a prior consultation with your doctor.

We specifically designed this cream to be suitable for all skin types, especially very dry and sensitive skin. Not only does it ensure that the skin stays smooth, velvety soft, and hydrated, but it also prevents stretch marks, signs of ageing, and much more!

Sumac tree wax, in particular, provides a non-sticky formulation so the cream is lightweight and absorbs instantly, resulting in a smooth and natural glow. Try it for yourself and see if you love it as much as we do.

Tips for Moisturizing the Body

As we discussed earlier, it’s important to apply moisturizer after you’ve been in the shower or bath, where it may have been subjected to hot water and cleansing products, to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. When you apply it immediately afterwards, a good moisturizer can seal in some of the water still on your body and use it to hydrate your skin.

Here are a few of our top tips for getting the most out of your moisturizer:

  • Before applying moisturizer, pat your skin dry with a towel—rubbing vigorously can irritate sensitive skin
  • Always moisturize after exfoliating or shaving (as well as washing), given that both of these acts can strip away your skin’s protective barrier of natural oils
  • Tone or exfoliate before you moisturize to remove dead skin cells and maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer. But, be careful, over-exfoliated skin can become so vulnerable and damaged that it can be easily inflamed. This inflammation can then escalate into an acne breakout
  • Pay special attention to your arms, elbows, knees and legs as these areas tend to dry out easily and may need an extra layer of moisturizer

Also, note that you should moisturize your body after every shower or bath you take for skin that looks and feels its best.

Adding another step into your skincare routine might sound like extra work, but the results are worth it. Your body works hard every day of the year, not just during swimsuit season. Protect your body daily, and it’ll reward you with beautiful-looking, silky-smooth skin all year round.

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

How to Fight Keratosis Pilaris (“Chicken Skin”) With the Right Skincare Routine

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Some people say these bumps look like a freshly-plucked chicken, and unfortunately, that’s the reality for millions of people around the world suffering from keratosis pilaris. A benign but annoying skincare condition, keratosis pilaris produces a rash-like outbreak of raised bumps across your arms, legs, back or face. They might itch but aren’t catching or harmful to your health. 

Nevertheless, you might feel less attractive and confident when these outbreaks occur. The bumps are occasionally red and might be mistaken for acne. Although no clear etiology has been defined, keratosis pilaris is often described in association with other dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and, less commonly, with atopic dermatitis, including conditions of asthma and allergies. While keratosis pilaris fades as you age, it can cause lasting damage to your self-esteem. I wish I could point you to a cure for this frustrating condition, but none exists.

That said, you can control keratosis pilaris with the right skincare routine. It might not eliminate the bumps, but it can lessen their appearance and control outbreaks so they’re less frequent and pervasive. Keratosis pilaris is more common in people with allergies or dry skin, and treating the underlying causes might help to minimize outbreaks.

First, What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is caused when your body produces too much keratin, an essential skin-protecting protein. The excess keratin builds up in your hair follicles and blocks them, resulting in raised bumps that might be red and inflamed. Scientists don’t understand what causes the body to produce excess keratin, and as yet, there is no known cure.

Like many skin conditions, you inherit keratosis pilaris from your parents. The chance is one in two if one of them has it that you’ll also get it. You might also be susceptible if you already suffer from abnormally dry skin conditions like eczema or xerosis. While it’s common in younger people (teenagers and infants), around 40% of adults have it too. 

Since outbreaks resemble acne, the treatment is often the same – focusing on control rather than eradication. The intestinal and epidermal barriers are connected through the systemic circulation (blood and lymph), but there are no studies indicating a direct correlation between keratosis pilaris and gastrointestinal absorption problems. There are many people who do say their rash is affected by consuming gluten, but again, no studies to back up those claims. However, some researchers say it can be caused by vitamin A or essential fatty acid deficiency. You might also consider eating more omega 3 (oily fish, eggs, walnuts, and so on) and supplementing with vitamin A since both help regulate cell production, but as yet, science hasn’t proven whether these measures are really effective against the condition. 

How to Treat Keratosis Vulgaris

Your treatment depends on you, and if your outbreaks are severe, please consult a dermatologist for a customized skincare and treatment plan, since there are many types of keratosis pilaris that may require an individual approach based on the symptoms. Otherwise, follow the guidance below to help control outbreaks – and remember: Your skin doesn’t define you. 

Also, keep in mind that products and treatments may work to varying degrees of success for different people. I will not say self-help measures will prevent keratosis pilaris or make it go away, but they may improve the appearance of the affected skin.

Brief Warm Showers Are Better

The longer you spend in the bath or under the shower, the more oil you strip away from your skin. Ever wondered why people wash dishes in hot water? The higher temperature helps to break down cooking grease. The same applies to your skin. If you bathe in hot water and for long periods, you remove your skin’s protective oils, which can worsen outbreaks.

Always Use a Gentle Cleanser

Avoid harsh or chemical soap formulas that can dry your skin. Keratosis pilaris often flares up when the skin becomes dry. Use products that contain mild surfactants such as non-ionic surfactants. Our Gentle Cleansing Foam, for example, contains soap-free, non-ionic coconut oil derivatives that remove impurities only, not natural skin lipids. No squeaky clean effect.  

Exfoliate With Care

You’ve probably enjoyed that fresh, glow immediately after exfoliation. It clears away dead skin that can clog pores and leave your skin looking plump and even. But over-exfoliation can damage your skin, upsetting the natural balance and causing inflammation and keratosis pilaris flare-ups. And that type of reaction can be hard to differentiate from run-of-the-mill skin issues and conditions. For safety, consider replacing the “scouring brush” with a mild toner instead. 

Moisturize Twice Daily

Since keratosis pilaris is associated with dry skin, your best defense against it is to buffer your skin’s natural oils with a moisturizer. Some suggest that creams derived from vitamin A (topical retinoids) work best by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugged hair follicles. Tretinoin and tazarotene are examples of topical retinoids, but these products can irritate the skin. When your skin is dry, the ceramide layer is thinner, so you can help prevent dehydration with a moisturizer that contains ceramides. These formulas can work on epidermis up to 48 hours after application to replenish lipid compounds.

For best results when using a moisturizer: 
  • Use a moisturizer that contains ceramides.
  • Apply it to damp skin within 5 minutes of bathing.
  • Slather it on when your skin feels dry.
  • Take a moisturizer with you for portable protection.

If you don’t suffer from keratosis pilaris, but know someone who does, please share these tips with them. It might not be a harmful skin condition, but the unsightly bumps can cause distress to those living with it. These steps might be the difference between feeling okay and feeling great, so let those with the condition know what they can do to feel better. 

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

5 Things You Can Do to Control Acne

Ever felt like your body is conspiring to make you unhappy? At no time is this feeling so apparent than in puberty, when we first become aesthetically aware of ourselves. Flooded with hormones that desperate need to fit in, you’d think your teens were hard enough without one of the most discomfort-inducing skin conditions adding to your problems: acne. 

The worst part? Acne can follow you into adulthood, leaving you feeling wretched, overwhelmed, and depressed. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the global acne treatment market hit a whopping $9.1 billion in 2020. People spend a fortune on medical gels, ointments, and pills that promise to control outbreaks and reduce scarring, but do they work? 

To an extent, yes. Acne is an incurable condition, but you can control it with medical treatment and an appropriate skincare regime specific to your skin type. There is a common misconception that acne is an oil problem, and in some ways, it is, but drying out your skin with harsh cleansers and chemical exfoliants won’t solve your problem – and might even make it worse.

Today, we’ll examine acne’s causes and what you can do to restore balance to your skin and reduce inflammation. I won’t discuss medical treatments in this blog since you should consult your physician for a proper diagnosis of the cause of your acne and the best treatment for you. My other recommendations, however, are suitable in most cases, so please read on.

What Is Acne and What Causes It?

Acne is a breakout of red bumps or yellow, whitish pimples, typically appearing on your face, back, or chest. In extreme cases, acne can also cause painful boil-like cysts that you might need professionally drained. (I’m sure you’ve squeezed the odd pimple or two, but you should never pop acne breakouts – especially pus-filled cysts – as it can result in scarring.)

The culprit behind this frustrating condition is a bacterium called P.acnes. A sensitive wee soul, P.acnes gets upset whenever your body undergoes hormonal changes, causing inflammation and disrupting your skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands. Hormonal changes can also block your hair follicles, resulting in a build-up of pus.

Your genetics play a big role, too. As your skin cells renew, the dead ones slough off in a process called desquamation. But if your body is genetically disposed to produce too much keratin (hyperkeratinization), it can’t shed the dead cells and they remain trapped inside hair follicles and sebaceous glands, coalescing to block your pores and cause breakouts.    

Acne is most common in your teens and early twenties. However, you might also suffer breakouts during other hormonal stages, such as pregnancy or your menstrual cycle. You might never get rid of acne completely, and you’re almost certain to suffer it if your mother and father did – another reason to evaluate your genetics before settling on your skincare regime.

How to Control Acne Breakouts

If you’re susceptible to acne, you’ll never eradicate it, but with a few simple steps, you can keep it under control and not let it control your life. Stress (increases your body’s level of cortisol, a hormone that causes your glands to produce more sebum), anxiety, and depression can all worsen skin conditions so whatever happens, try not to let acne define you. 

1. Avoid Products That Might Block Your Pores

Acne can eat away your self-esteem making you feel unhappy with your looks and less than confident without concealer. Makeup might make you feel better in the short term, but if you use it regularly and heavily, it can clog your pores and trap dirt, grease, and pollutants that irritate your skin further. Never leave makeup on for longer than a few hours and avoid products that contain oils so your skin can breathe.

2. Cleanse Daily to Remove Excess Oil

Your skin needs its sebum (oil) layer to retain moisture and nutrients. Acne can cause your skin to produce too much sebum, but you shouldn’t strip it all away. Instead, use a gentle cleanser no more than twice a day to remove impurities and mop up excess oil. 

We recommend our Gentle Cleansing Foam with rose water, camomile, and calendula. The natural ingredients are kind to your skin, and the formula helps restore your skin’s natural pH (which is critical for protein synthesis) and calms inflammation and redness. 

3. Apply a Toner to Help Shrink Your Pores

Astringent toners help to remove oils from your skin but if this drying effect is too harsh, it can stimulate further sebum production. Avoid anything chemical and instead choose an all-natural toner that cleanses, moisturizes, and gently shrinks your pores.

Our Balancing Toner contains blueberry, rose water, and cloudberry in a formula that soothes and moisturizes while still removing stubborn makeup and other impurities. Blueberry is also a mild astringent that helps shrink pores and minimize blackheads.

4. Hydrate Your Skin With a Water-Based Moisturizer

A popular misconception about acne is that sebum (oil) is bad. While it’s true that oil-based cosmetics can clog your pores and worsen acne, your skin still needs hydration to function normally and prevent scarring. Moisture also lubricates the skin and defends it from environmental pollutants that can cause premature aging. 

We recommend a light, water-based non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking) formula such as our Skin Protecting Moisturizing Cream. It’s non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and help minimize scarring. Ceramides also help to reduce pore size by supporting your skin’s natural elasticity and firmness.

5. Get Outdoors and Enjoy Some Sunshine

The sun is nature’s cleanser. It kills bacteria, including P.acnes, and it encourages the release of melanin, which can reduce the appearance of spots (since it darkens your skin). Just being outdoors, among nature or enjoying some sunshine, will lift your mood too, reducing the stress that can worsen acne. 

But be careful to avoid the sun when it’s hottest. Sunburn and sun damage will aggravate breakouts and cause pain. Beware sunscreens that might block your pores, too. Choose a water-based sunscreen and always cleanse when you return from time outdoors. 

Acne can feel terribly unfair, especially if it lasts until adulthood. Somehow you need to learn to live with the condition and manage it. Stick to a sensible skincare regime, and don’t let acne turn you into a recluse. Go outside, socialize, and enjoy yourself. Life’s too short to let a skin condition interfere with your quality of life. 

Having said that, emotional consequences of acne should never be taken lightly. It is normal to feel down every now and then if you have acne. But if feelings of distress persist find a physician who is sympathetic and willing to address the emotional issues that go along with acne, and help you in the right way.

These recommendations are not cure-alls, but like all things worth having, it takes a bit of work on your part, and a conscious decision every day to remain positive. Trust me, the rewards are worth it. And remember, none of us is perfect. Try to focus on the things you really like about yourself.

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

How Your Genes Affect Your Skin and What You Can Do to Help

In the 20th century, we learned more about our bodies than at any other time in history. In 1953, Crick and Watson decoded the structure of DNA, the genetic blueprint of all life. Then in 2003, fifty years later, a global scientific consortium mapped the entire human genome to an accuracy of 99.999 percent. Do we now know the secret to perfect skin?

Not quite. Although genetic research has revealed much about how our bodies work, it’s still an immensely complicated subject. Humans have up to 25,000 different genes, and there’s no single gene responsible for your skin. A combination of genes and other factors such as your skincare routine and environment dictate your skin’s health. 

Nevertheless, your genes do play a significant role in how your skin behaves. To understand how, you must first understand what genes are and how they impact genetic traits (the characteristics of your body). You inherit your genes from your family, but your environment can affect those genes – in good ways and bad as you’re about to learn. 

What Are Genes and Why Are They Important?

Biology defines the gene as the basic unit of hereditary. They live within your DNA on long structures named chromosomes and tell your DNA what proteins to produce. Your DNA then creates those proteins plus a copy of itself (RNA) that tells those proteins what to do. The way these all interact gets quite complex, but you need only know the basics. 

Genes allow traits to be passed from one generation to another, including evolutionarily useful mutations. For example, you inherit physical attributes like skin type (fair or dark), height, and agility. But you might also inherit undesirable traits such as your predisposition towards skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. 

Interestingly (or worryingly!), your genes also play a significant role in your psychology. According to one geneticist, Robert Plomin, your inherited genes could account for as much as 50 percent of your personality and mental abilities. It’s nature, not nurture, Plomin argues, that explains why you excel at Maths but struggle with Art. 

But before you blame your ancestors for any shortcomings, remember that no single gene determines a trait. Instead, multiple genes affect each trait, combining with environmental factors such as where you live, how wealthy you are, and your level of education to produce the sum of you today. The same applies to skin health. 

How Do Genes Impact Skin Health?

Your genes influence the production of proteins in your body. Since your skin is mostly proteins, each performing a different function, genes play a big part in overall skin health. To understand how, let’s take a quick peek at the top two layers of your skin: the epidermis (surface layer) and dermis (middle layer). 

The epidermis is the protective barrier between your skin and the elements. It produces new cells at a rate of 40,000 per day made of the protein keratin. Melanin, another protein, is also present, giving your skin, hair, and eyes colour. Deeper, at the dermis, the proteins collagen and elastin keep your skin strong and supple. 

However, these protective proteins are susceptible to environmental damage and cell death (ageing). For example, sunlight (UV rays) can penetrate deep into your skin, causing damage to both the epidermis and dermis. Extreme cold, heat, or pollutants can also disrupt the functions of these proteins and lead to sagging, wrinkles, irritation, and even cancer. 

Since your genes are responsible for the production of proteins, you inherit a unique resistance to the effects of ageing and environment from your parents. Darker skin is more resistant to UV damage, for example. But equally, a polluted urban environment will disrupt these defences and accelerate ageing, so what can you do to give your genes a helping hand?

Help Your Genes Do Wonders for Your Skin

Your genes know what they need to do, and although they have preprogrammed limitations, you can help them do their job as best they can. If you avoid genetic disruption by eliminating harmful environmental factors and buffering your skin’s natural defences, your proteins can flourish, leaving your skin looking younger for longer. 

First, evaluate your natural defences. Is your skin oily or dry, light or dark, young or old? You need more protection as you age, so bear that in mind. Also, consider your family history – did your parents age well or suffer any skin complaints? Finally, is your environment hot or cold, humid or dry, urban (heavily polluted) or rural (clean)?

Once you understand your genetic strengths and weaknesses, you can then start eliminating factors that might impact your skin’s health or following a skincare regime that mitigates it. Below are some examples of actions you could take depending on different personal and environmental factors.

Hot, dry, and urban

Probably the worst conditions for your skin are hot, dry, and urban. First, your skin will lose moisture due to heat, exposing it to pollutants that disrupt protein synthesis. UV radiation will also damage your skin – badly if you’re fair – allowing pollutants to weaken your genes’ ability to replenish moisture and renew cells. 

Avoid the sun as much as possible by wearing a hat and sunglasses and covering exposed skin. Drink plenty of water. Cleanse regularly to remove pollutants but with a gentle formula that won’t strip away sebum, such as our Gentle Cleansing Foam. 

Next, use a daily moisturiser with sunscreen and night cream for deeper nourishment. We recommend our Skin Protecting Day Cream and Skin Protecting Night Cream for total protection. You might also consider our Anti Pollution Serum to repair cellular damage. 

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Hot, humid, and urban

Humidity can be good for your skin since it’ll lose less moisture. However, the water droplets in humid environments might also be a vehicle for urban pollutants, carrying them to your skin and lungs. Pollutants damage your skin and weaken its defences, leaving it susceptible to further damage, so cleanse and moisturise regularly. 

When things get especially sticky, try our Balancing Toner to both clear away lingering dirt and pollutants as well as give your skin a spritz of clean moisture. 

Cold, wet, and rural

Rural areas suffer less pollution but can still expose your skin to dirt and other impurities whipped up by heavy rain or wind. Cold air also pulls moisture out of your skin and into the air, and although the effect is lesser during wetter months, you must still moisturise morning and evening – especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Cold, dry, and urban

Cold, dry air will suck moisture away from your skin, eroding your skin’s natural defences and exposing it to urban pollutants. To combat this, cleanse regularly and moisturise morning and evening. Again, you might consider our Balancing Toner for a midday boost of moisture and to restore your skin’s defensive barrier. 

Your genes have limitations, but once you’re aware of them, you can avoid the risk factors that accelerate undesirable changes in your body, including skin health. Unfortunately, you can’t exercise complete control over your environment, and that’s where your skincare routine will help. Help your genes do their best by protecting your skin’s proteins from disruption and damage by starting with our Natural Beauty Essentials pack. 

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    4-STEP NATURAL BEAUTY ROUTINE BUNDLE

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    The ultimate care package for healthy, beautiful skin. Transform your skin with 4-step fast & easy skincare routine that actually works!
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Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

How Air Pollution Causes Premature Ageing of Your Skin

I’m sure you’re aware of the damage air pollution does to your lungs. But you might be surprised to learn that it’s just as devastating to your skin. Prolonged inhalation of particulate matter, nitrous oxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) cut years off your life but also add years to your skin – and worsen conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and acne.

Air pollution is rampant in almost every country in the world. Coal enabled the first industrial revolution but has also sparked over a century of lung-related illnesses and skin conditions, especially for the young and elderly. Today, air pollution cuts an average 2.2 years off life expectancy across the globe, and many air pollutants increase the risk of skin cancer.

If this has you worried, it should. The electric revolution is only just underway and it’ll be years before air pollution in densely crowded urban areas falls to benign levels. But there’s hope: The first step to solving any problem is understanding it, and this article will familiarize you with the effect of air pollution on your skin and how to protect against it.

Let’s Meet the Nasties

Particulate Matter

If you’ve ever seen a hazy, reddish tint to the horizon at dawn or dusk, you’ve seen the effect of particulate matter. These tiny particles of soot, dust, and pollutants reflect longer wavelengths of light, causing a hazy glow that’s either yellowish or red depending on the time of day. The effect on your skin and lungs, however, is much worse.

At sizes of a few microns across, particulate matter causes immense damage to your skin and lungs. Anything below PM2.5 (which measures 2.5 microns across), may produce a build-up of free radicals that leads to premature ageing and pigmentation. It’s ubiquitous, too, with vehicles, factories, and power plants contributing a huge share.

Worse, particulate matter is also a source of ​​Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which bind to particulate matter and can cause skin ageing. Since PAHs are produced when you burn any organic material at all, they’re a serious risk to those living near wood-burning facilities, power plants, or busy highways where diesel-powered trucks regularly roll by.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

If you smoke, or have hung around someone who does, or even repainted your walls, you’ve been exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They’re almost impossible to avoid since they’re produced in everything from car exhausts to industrial facilities. Not satisfied with being nasty on their own, they combine with other nasties like nitrogen oxides (NOx) to form O3 (ozone).

O3 might sound innocuous (our planet’s ozone layer protects us from the worst of the sun’s radiation, for example), but at high concentrations at ground level, can do untold harm to your skin (skip to the ozone section for more info). VOCs have also been linked with an increased level of cytokines, which can irritate eczema and other skin conditions.
<h4Ozone

Without ozone (O3), life couldn’t exist on Earth. It acts as a UV radiation barrier in the stratosphere without which all life would wither away and die. But while it acts to protect our DNA from the disruption of solar radiation in the atmosphere, at ground level, it wreaks havoc on your skin, causing a loss of antioxidants and weakening the dermis.

But where does it come from? As you read above, high concentrations of ozone at ground level are primarily the result of the interaction between NOx and VOCs. Combined with UV radiation, ozone can cause severe stress on skin and even produce inflammation. Like that drunk friend at a high school reunion, its effects are worsened in the presence of other pollutants.

Oxides

If air pollution was a horror movie, oxides would be the crazy family living out in the woods. Although related, each oxide attacks your skin in a slightly different way. NOx, for example, oxidizes amino acids while carbon monoxide (CO) interferes with the metabolism of your cells. The result is the same: steady, incremental skin damage over time.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is especially nasty – attacking the skin and mucous membranes, causing irritation, swelling, and redness. Even mild exposure to SO2 can trigger adverse reactions in your skin, and unfortunately, is a relatively common product of power generation and other industrial processes.

How to Combat Air Pollution for Healthier-Looking Skin

Now you know what you’re fighting, you can prepare your defense. Air pollution might be ubiquitous – and a scourge for city-dwellers everywhere – but you needn’t shut yourself inside with only an air purifier for company. You can roam as freely as if you lived in the Swiss mountains with the proper precautions, so here are some tips.

Stay Inside When Air Pollution is High

The first and perhaps most obvious solution is to stay inside when air pollution is at its highest. You’ll find plenty of air pollution tracking apps available to download, covering most if not all of the major cities in your country. A quick check will let you know just how bad things are and you can then prepare accordingly or just avoid going out at all that day.

Apply a Serum and Moisturizer

If you do decide to go out, protect your skin with a moisturizer. This forms a barrier between your skin and the air while also boosting your skin’s natural defences. You could also apply extra protection, such as our Skin Protecting Anti Pollution Serum, which will work beneath your moisturizer to nourish your skin throughout the day.

Cleanse When You Return Home

Even with a serum and moisturizer, air pollutants will eventually penetrate your skin the longer you’re exposed to them so cleanse as soon as you return home. Use something kind such as our Gentle Cleansing Foam since your skin might already have suffered a little and you don’t want to exacerbate things with harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Keep a Consistent Skincare Routine

Yes, I know life can leave little time for self care, but you only get one body and you must take care of it if you want it to take care of you. Try different skincare routines until you find one that works (we wrote about our favorite one here) and fits in your schedule. Stick to it no matter what happens and your skin will not only have consistent protection against air pollution, but have time to heal and repair from its effects.

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

From Oil Refinery to Beauty Counter: 5 Common Petrochemicals Found in Skincare Products

Back in the nineteenth century, oil sparked an industrial revolution. It lit streets and warmed homes, becoming so valuable people dubbed it “black gold”. Since then, society has extracted ever-greater utility from this gooey residue of ancient plant and animal matter, including fuels, plastics, medicines, and – you guessed it – beauty products.

From makeup to moisturizers, thousands of beauty products contain ingredients derived from crude oil. You might think this a modern thing, but Native Americans have used oil as a skincare ointment and insect repellent for centuries. Does that make it okay? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

Yes, fossil fuels are unsustainable and contribute to climate change. Some petrochemicals are carcinogenic, too. But many of the active ingredients in beauty products rely on petrochemicals to work effectively. As byproducts, the beauty industry is effectively recycling refinery waste, but how might that balance shift as we turn away from fossil fuels?

It’s beyond the scope of this blog to argue for or against petrochemicals in beauty products. We’re not trying to make you feel guilty for applying a bit of vaseline (made from petrolatum) on your lips in winter. But you should know which petrochemicals are in your skincare products so you can decide for yourself whether to use them or not.

Here are five of the most common.

While we aim to use bio-based ingredients exclusively, we use very small amounts of oil-derived ingredients (less than 0.7% which is lower than COSMOS ECOCERT permits) to help deliver active ingredients to your skin. You can read more about our commitment to using bio-based ingredients here.

Mineral Oil

What Is It?

Mineral oil is a colorless, odorless, and highly purified liquid produced when separating crude oil into oil and natural gas. After production, it’s purified and refined to cosmetic-grade quality, where it goes by names such as paraffin wax, paraffin oil, liquid petroleum, white mineral oil, microcrystalline wax, and more.

What’s Special About It?

Mineral oil is a humectant, which means it attracts and binds moisture to your skin, preventing dehydration. Most studies confirm that mineral oil doesn’t cause allergic reactions nor clog your pores (on its own, but it can trap dirt that does). Probably the most well-known product that uses mineral oil is Vaseline petroleum jelly.

Any Side Effects?

As an inert ingredient, the chances of an adverse skin reaction are low. However, because it can trap dirt as well as moisture, it might clog your pores and lead to irritation or acne. Always cleanse before and after using products containing mineral oil.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

What Is It?

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are produced during the reaction of ethylene oxide and water. As well as oil refining, PEGs are also derived from seed and nut oils. In cosmetics, you’ll see them listed with the name PEG plus a number: PEG-40, for example, or PEG-60. You’ll also find PEGs in medicines, plastics, and food.

What’s Special About It?

Many PEGs are hydrophilic, meaning they mix well with water and help active ingredients penetrate your skin.

Any Side Effects?

PEGs alone are considered safe, but there is a risk of contamination by ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and 1,4-dioxane – all of which are toxic carcinogens. You rely on PEG manufacturers to remove these contaminants from the final product. Whether they fulfill that obligation or not is anyone’s guess, so you might want to avoid PEGs completely.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

What Is It?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) is a detergent and surfactant, meaning it reduces surface tension in liquids and can break down oils. You’ll find SLS in most shampoos, cleansers (not ours!), and household cleaning products.

What’s Special About It?

It helps break down stubborn liquids and grease, making it an effective cleanser. It also helps create a rich lather in shampoos, cleansers, body washes, and so on.

Any Side Effects?

At concentrations found in today’s beauty products, SLS is generally considered safe, but it can irritate the skin and lungs at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact. Like PEGs, SLS might also be contaminated with carcinogenic toxins ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during production, so you might want to avoid products that contain it.

Isopropyl Alcohol

What Is It?

Isopropyl alcohol is a flammable, colorless liquid with a strong smell. It’s a hydrocarbon produced during the later stages of petroleum “cracking” (the process of breaking down long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller ones) and is the main constituent of rubbing alcohol.

What’s Special About It?

As a solvent, isopropyl alcohol cleans and disinfects, effectively removing oils and other liquids (and whatever dirt or bacteria resides in them) from skin and surfaces. Hand sanitizers, screen wipes, cleansers, and cleaning products often contain isopropyl alcohol.

Any Side Effects?

Alcohols irritate the skin and lungs. The concentrations in cosmetics are low and usually harmless in small quantities. But avoid all alcohols if you have sensitive, broken, or damaged skin as they can cause irritation and disrupt your skin’s healing process.

Benzene

What Is It?

Benzene is a flammable, colorless liquid with a sweet smell. A known air pollutant, benzene occurs in cigarette smoke, car exhausts, and volcanic activity, as well as during oil refining. In cosmetics, benzene is a scenting agent in synthetic fragrances. It can also contaminate cosmetic manufacturing processes and remain following the production of benzene-derived ingredients (such as those used in sunscreens).

What’s Special About It?

Nothing (maybe the sweet smell?).

Any Side Effects?

Benzene is a Group 1 carcinogen. Exposure can lead to headaches, vomiting, and convulsions. Severe or long-term exposure can damage bone marrow and reduce red blood cell count. You can’t escape benzene exposure, but you can minimize it by avoiding any product with artificial fragrance and always choosing sunscreens labelled “benzene-free”.

This is just a small selection of oil-derived ingredients you’ll find in beauty products. Many of the regulations in the industry fail to account for the volume and diversity of ingredients, making it harder for you to be a conscious consumer. Nevertheless, an awareness of what’s inside your products will help shield you from the worst while the regulators play catch-up.

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

4-Step Skincare Routine That Will Keep Your Skin Looking Young and Healthy

In an ideal world, your skin would take care of itself. You wouldn’t need to slather yourself in moisturizer. The sebum naturally present in your skin would provide all-day moisture while the oxygen in the air would restore collagen and lipids. Modern living, unfortunately, is just too harsh for your skin to bear alone.

Chemicals, pollutants, and harsh weather bombard your skin every day. Your skin’s natural defences are no match for this unholy trinity of skin-damaging agents, and it may show signs of premature ageing unless you intervene. A quick and easy skincare routine helps you repair damaged skin, for example, and buffer your skin’s natural defences.

Now, you might have a skincare routine already, and if so, great – keep it up. But if you’re curious how it stacks up against ours or want a solid foundation to start, read on. What follows is a quick and easy four-step skincare routine that repairs, nourishes, and protects your skin from harmful environmental effects all day long. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Step 1. Cleanse

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. You can’t expect any protective formulas to work properly unless you remove the layers of impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the day. I’m talking pollutants, dust, and other nasty particles that float in the air and live on the surfaces of things you touch, wear, sit, or sleep on.

Oh, and remember sebum? Depending on the health of your skin’s microbiome, which in turn depends on the irritants to which you’re exposed, you might be producing too much, causing your skin to feel oily and widening your pores. Using the right cleansing product will remove excess sebum without stripping it off entirely, restoring a natural balance.

Think of cleansing as the preparation stage of your skincare routine. Your cleanser removes all the impurities that act as a barrier between your skin and the air. Anything you apply afterward then has the best chance of absorbing to where it does the most good rather than simply sliding around over a layer of impurities.

The best cleansers use all-natural ingredients that are kind to your skin. Harsh chemicals, for example, might cause an adverse reaction or dry your skin out, leaving it red and inflamed. Our Gentle Cleansing Foam, however, combines rosewater, camomile, and calendula to remove impurities while protecting your skin’s natural pH balance leaving your skin fresh and ready for Step 2.

Step 2. Tone

To tone or not to tone, that’s the question, right? Toning is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of any skincare routine. Does it cleanse, moisturize, or both? While toning isn’t necessary to achieve healthy skin, it can provide additional support if you already suffer skin problems, have been outside in the elements all day, or worn a lot of heavy make-up.

Toners are astringent, which means they cleanse and tighten the skin, reducing the size of your pores and controlling problem sebum production associated with acne. They’ll catch whatever your cleanser missed. A lot of toners also contain moisture-grabbing humectants or exfoliative ingredients to prime your skin for a layer of moisturizer.

Whether you choose to tone or not is up to you, but if you’re on the fence, I’d recommend a gentle toner to supplement your cleanser as a precaution. A gentle toner might not produce a revolutionary effect on its own (unless you already have oily skin), but it will help maximize the effects of each step in this routine creating a better result overall.

As with cleansers, your toner should be equally kind to skin. On days when your skin doesn’t require a deep cleanse, you might consider toning instead of cleansing. We recommend our Balancing Toner with rosewater, cloudberry, and Hyaluronic acid. Its three-in-one action soothes, cleanses, and moisturizes and is gentle enough for frequent use.

Step 3. Moisturize

If you were to do just one step of this routine, I’d recommend this one. But what of all that advice on cleansing earlier? Without a cleanser, you could get by with warm water and some vigorous rubbing (not recommended), but your skin needs a moisturizer to retain vital nutrients, restore elasticity, and protect it against environmental pollutants.

The environment draws moisture out of your skin. From morning until night, your skin loses water through evaporation. Every shower, wash, or blast of hot or cold air dehydrates upper tissues, leaving them parched and thirsty. If this were to go on unchecked, you would risk dryness, flakiness, cracks, or even bleeding (ever had dry knuckles in winter?).

Few of us are lucky enough to live in climates that are temperate all year round. Or to reside in countryside locations with ample supplies of fresh water, clean air, and healthy food. Instead, we crowd together in urbanized environments exposing our skin to all manner of nasties. A moisturizer in these circumstances is your skin’s best friend – use one!

We recommend our Skin Protecting Day Cream, a light, non-greasy moisturizer with ceramides and Vitamin C to replenish the skin’s natural defences and promote a younger, healthier complexion. As with all of our products, it’s all-natural and absorbs quickly to protect all day, leaving your skin smooth, radiant, and gorgeous.

Step 4. Protect

Your skincare routine might stop at Step 3. If that’s working for you, keep it up – we don’t want to interrupt your routine if you’re enjoying incredible results. However, I include Step 4 because Steps 1-3 cater to already healthy skin with little to no signs of premature ageing, dullness, or irritation. Step 4, however, is your extra line of defence against these complaints.

What do I mean by skin “protection”? Doesn’t the moisturizer “protect”? Yes, it does, and in most cases it’s more than enough. But let’s say you already suffer from dry or ageing skin or live in an unusually harsh environment. Steps 1-3 provide everyday protection but when times get tough, your skincare routine must get tougher, and that’s where serums come in.

You might already use a serum or have at least tried one. A serum is a highly concentrated gel or cream-like suspension of nutrients, moisturizers, and restorative ingredients. Think of it as “skin rescue” – you can apply it regularly for superior protection around-the-clock or as a treatment for problem skin.

Where the toner supplements your cleanser, the serum supplements the moisturizer, providing nourishment as well as moisture. Our Skin Protecting Anti-Pollution Serum, for example, is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, and helps reverse free-radical damage and prevent premature ageing. It’s skin “food” that should be a fixture of your bathroom cabinet.

You’ll find a bewildering array of resources online telling you this or that routine is the best. Our recommendation is to ignore the noise and consider what you want to achieve. If you want your skin to stay young, healthy, and beautiful, there’s no secret or trick to it – just take good care of your skin as you would your general health, and this routine is a great start.

Love nature, love skin, love you.

Daniela Korenc | Founder and CEO

DK_GLOWY

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