The harsh winter air can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Staying hydrated from the inside out is the first step towards radiant winter skin. It's crucial to understand the difference between dehydrated and dry skin to tailor your skincare routine effectively.
Dehydration is a condition where your skin lacks water, not oil. This means your skin is thirsty and needs hydration from within. Dehydrated skin can feel tight, dull, and may show fine lines more prominently. It can happen to any skin type, even oily skin. To combat dehydration, focus on drinking enough water and incorporating hydrating foods into your diet. Herbal teas and water-rich fruits like cucumber and watermelon can help quench your skin's thirst.
Dry skin, on the other hand, is a skin type characterized by a lack of natural oils or lipids. It tends to be a more chronic condition and is often genetic. Dry skin can feel rough, flaky, and itchy, especially in winter. To care for dry skin, you need products that provide moisture and seal it in. Look for hydrating cleansers, rich moisturizers, and serums that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. StackedSkincare's Green Tea & Coconut Cleanser and Hydrating Serum are excellent choices for addressing dry skin concerns.
By distinguishing between dehydrated and dry skin, you can choose the right StackedSkincare products and lifestyle adjustments to ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy throughout the winter months. Remember, hydration is key, and knowing your skin type is the first step toward achieving that coveted glow.
Cleansing your skin is essential, but during the winter, it's crucial to choose a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. StackedSkincare's Prebiotic Gel Cleanser is formulated to respect the skin's microbiome, which is vital to its health and radiance. It gently removes impurities, makeup, and excess oil without disrupting the skin's protective barrier.
Exfoliating is a vital step in skin care to alleviate dry skin as it helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can make your skin appear dull and flaky. By regularly exfoliating, you encourage the turnover of fresh, hydrated skin cells, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion while allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Below are our recommendations for gently exfoliating your skin.
For gentle yet effective exfoliation on your face, consider the StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool. This innovative tool gently removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving your skin smoother and more receptive to skincare products. It's perfect for maintaining a radiant complexion without the harshness of traditional scrubs.
For a deeper exfoliation that targets uneven skin tone, fine lines, and blemishes, the StackedSkincare TCA Face Peel is a game-changer. It's formulated with a combination of AHA’s, BHA’s, and TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), and other skin-loving ingredients to help reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. This no downtime, gentle peel can be used 3-5 times a week to promote radiant skin all winter long.
Don't forget to show your body some love too! StackedSkincare's TCA Body Peel offers the same benefits as the face peel but is specifically formulated for your body. It can help address concerns like dryness, dark spots, acne, and KP.. Remember to follow the instructions diligently to achieve the desired results without over-exfoliating.
Incorporating these StackedSkincare exfoliation tools and products into your winter skincare routine will help you achieve that radiant glow by sloughing away dead skin cells and revealing a fresher, more youthful complexion. Remember to exfoliate wisely and adapt the frequency to your skin's needs, as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation, especially during the winter months.
In the quest for radiant winter skin, understanding the importance of combining different types of moisturizing ingredients is key. To truly hydrate and lock in moisture, you need a skincare routine incorporating humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredients. StackedSkincare offers a lineup of products that do just that.
Humectants are like magnets for moisture, drawing water into your skin. StackedSkincare's HA Serum, enriched with hyaluronic acid, is a powerful humectant. It attracts and retains moisture, ensuring your skin stays plump and hydrated throughout the day.
Emollients provide a protective, hydrating barrier on the skin's surface. The StackedSkincare Microbiome Moisturizer is formulated with nourishing emollients that help lock in the moisture drawn in by the HA Serum. This combination leaves your skin feeling soft, supple, and protected from winter's harsh elements.
Occlusive ingredients act as a seal over your skin, preventing moisture from evaporating. StackedSkincare's Shiunko Face Oil, with a blend of natural oils like jojoba and rosehip, serves as an occlusive layer that locks in the hydration provided by the HA Serum and Microbiome Moisturizer. It also adds an extra layer of nourishment, making it perfect for the winter months when your skin needs that additional protection.
By incorporating these three types of moisturizing ingredients and the corresponding StackedSkincare products into your daily routine, you create a comprehensive hydration strategy that keeps your skin radiant, smooth and well-protected even in the harshest winter conditions. Remember, a well-hydrated skin barrier is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin.
Sunscreen isn't just for summer! In fact, during winter, especially when you're hitting the slopes for some skiing, UV radiation can be even more harmful. When you're up on a mountain, the snow acts as a natural reflector, bouncing UV rays back onto your skin. The higher altitudes also mean thinner atmospheres, allowing more UV radiation to reach your skin. This combination can lead to a higher risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
That's why it's essential to make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your winter skincare routine, especially if you’re on the slopes!
For added defense against UV damage, incorporate antioxidants daily under your SPF. Antioxidants like astaxanthin, found in StackedSkincare's Microbiome Moisturizer, are powerful in neutralizing free radicals resulting from UV exposure. This moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but also infuses it with the protective benefits of astaxanthin, making it an ideal choice for winter skincare.
By combining sunscreen and antioxidants, you create a formidable shield against winter UV damage. Whether you're hitting the slopes or simply going about your daily activities, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial for maintaining your skin's health and radiance all year round.
While it's tempting to indulge in a steamy, hot shower during the winter to warm up, it can actually be harsh on your skin. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when showering or bathing. This gentler temperature will help preserve your skin's moisture and prevent it from becoming overly dry and itchy.
Winter air is notoriously dry, both indoors and outdoors. To combat this dryness and maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels, consider using a humidifier in your home. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out. It's especially beneficial while you sleep, as it can soothe dry nasal passages and keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.
Your diet can have a significant impact on the health of your skin during the winter months. Include warming, nutrient-rich foods in your meals to nourish your skin from the inside out. Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support skin health. These ingredients can help combat the effects of winter's harsh conditions and contribute to a radiant complexion.
By making these lifestyle changes during the winter—opting for lukewarm showers, using a humidifier, and embracing a skin-friendly diet—you'll not only protect your skin from the season's challenges but also maintain a healthy, radiant appearance.
]]>To get to the bottom of what is causing allergic reactions on your face, I recommend documenting your habits to look for patterns. What did you eat that day? What were you using on your skin? Did you change laundry detergents? Finding out what’s causing your rash is just as important as treating it. But when you’re covered in little red bumps or itchy hives, your only thought is how to get rid of your rash and get rid of it FAST. Here are basic steps you should follow to ensure speedy skin healing.
As soon as you notice a reaction, reach for an anti-inflammatory cream that contains 0.5% hydrocortisone. Mix it with equal parts aloe vera gel and apply twice daily to the affected area. Hydrocortisone soothes inflammation while aloe cools and hydrates, providing immediate relief for hot, itchy skin.
Break out the ice! Gently rub the rashy area with our Cryo Sculpting Roller or an ice cube to reduce inflammation and slightly numb the skin. The cold will help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort.
As soon as you notice the telltale signs of an allergy on your skin, pop an antihistamine like Benadryl. Skin allergies occur when the body produces histamine, a natural immune compound that causes inflammation and rashes. Antihistamines help block this response to relieve hives, itching, and redness.
Inflamed and irritated skin is especially sensitive to topical treatments. Put away your serums and peels for a few days and pare down your routine to avoid damaging your skin. Use a super gentle cleanser and moisturizer like Cetaphil. Once your skin is completely healed, you can begin using your regular products.
Give it Time
Unfortunately, while rashes may seem to pop up in an instant, they do take sometime to heal completely. If you are in extreme discomfort or don’t experience full relief in 3-5 days, it’s time to see a dermatologist for more serious anti-inflammatory measures.
]]>Before we dive into the regimen, let's talk about the key to proper moisturization. It's all about the balance of humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Humectants like hyaluronic acid draw moisture into your skin's surface layers, providing that much-needed hydration.
Emollients help to smooth and soften your skin, creating a supple texture.
Occlusives, on the other hand, form a protective barrier to lock in all that moisture, preventing it from evaporating into thin air.
Exfoliation plays a vital role in achieving radiant skin. That's why we employ a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation techniques, including dermaplaning and peels. These methods work synergistically to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizers to penetrate deeper and work their magic.
Your Radiant Skin Regimen:
Cleanse with the PREBIOTIC GEL CLEANSER to maintain your skin's moisture barrier.
Say hello to smoother skin with the DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATION TOOL, priming it for better serum and moisturizer absorption.
Soften roughness with the TCA LACTIC & GLYCOLIC FACE PEEL, gently exfoliating your skin with hydrating acids.
Hydrate and soothe dry skin our HA HYDRATING SERUM.
Next, nourish your skin with our Microbiome Moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration and to support your skin's natural balance.
Seal in the moisture and prevent water loss with a few drops of SHIUNKO BLUSH FACIAL OIL.
With the power of proper moisturization and our innovative exfoliation techniques, you're on your way to revealing your most radiant skin yet. Let's get started on your skincare journey!
Cheers
Kerry
Menopause leads to lower estrogen levels, which in turn reduces collagen production and your skin's ability to retain moisture. This results in drier, less elastic, and more sensitive skin.
Not the glow-up we were hoping for, huh? But let's be clear; you’re still fabulous, and this is another phase of life we can master together.
I know there are a million products out there promising miraculous results, but healthy skin doesn’t take a miracle. It takes a method. Let's talk about how StackedSkincare products can fit into that method for you.
You can pile on all the moisturizers and oils, but they will be ineffective sitting on top of dead skin. You must exfoliate to hydrate. Dermaplaning is instant dry skin relief - it removes the dead skin creating a barrier for your products to penetrate. To amplify your exfoliation, use our TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel 3-5x/week to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin with lactic acid.
Your skin renews itself every 28-90 days (see chart below), shedding dead skin cells to reveal the newer cells underneath. This natural regeneration process is called skin cell turnover and it’s what helps your skin look bright, plump and radiant. As you can see, as we age, and head into our menopause years, our cell renewal begins to decrease significantly to 45+ days. This is why increasing your exfoliation as you age is so important.
Age | Turnover Cycle |
---|---|
Infants/Children | 3-5 Days |
Teens | 10-21 Days |
20's | 14-21 Days |
30's | 28-45 Days |
40's | 45-60 Days |
50's+ | 60-90+ Days |
In order to properly moisturize your skin, you need humectants, emollients , and occlusive ingredients. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, are ingredients that attract and bind water. In skin care, they draw water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outermost layer. Emollients moisturize the skin, and oils seal the hydration and prevent water loss. You can find all these ingredients in our hydrating products, including our HA Hydrating Serum, Microbiome Moisturizer, and Shiunko Face Oil.
For maximum hydration gains, pair these products with our Microneedling Tool.
Retinol and Retin A are the gold standard for boosting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which is super critical during menopause., Our unique Advanced Retinol Serum is formulated with a humectant complex, making this product gentle yet highly effective for sensitive, menopausal skin.
Menopause dryness doesn’t just affect our faces, it’s our body too. Be sure to exfoliate with our gentle TCA Multi Acid Body Peel twice weekly to resurface your skin. Not only will you feel less dry, but you’ll notice less creepiness and those dark spots start to fade away. Pair it with our Hydrating Body Serum twice daily. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave your skin greasy. I like to leave it in the shower and spray it on while my skin is still moist, and I finish with jojoba oil to seal it in.
Menopause doesn’t have to be the end of glowing, fabulous skin. With a little method and much self-love, we got this, ladies! Here's to empowered choices and radiant skin, no matter what stage of life you're in!
For more skincare wisdom and tailored recommendations, visit our website and take our quiz.
We're here to empower you.
Cheers,
Kerry
]]>The skin under the eyes is thin, and when you don't get enough sleep, your blood vessels dilate, causing those purplish circles to appear under your eyes.
To reduce under-eye dark circles and fine lines, our MicroNeedling Tool paired with our Firming Eye Complex, stimulates collagen production to thicken the epidermis and conceal the appearance of the blood. An Ice Roller is also a fantastic way to instantly will de-puff and hydrate your under eyes.
Sleep is essential to ward off aging. While we sleep, the skin produces new collagen to help repair injuries and damage. If you are regularly sleep-deprived, your skin will gradually develop more wrinkles and signs of aging than if you’d been consistently well-rested. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night should be non-negotiable, it is for me! If you have trouble getting to sleep, try any of these:
Skincare tip: Treating your skin at home with Microneedling and Retinol will help stimulate collagen to smooth fine lines, lift dark spots, and prevent signs of aging.
When you're sleep-deprived, your body becomes a breeding ground for stress hormones like cortisol, causing early signs of aging, acne, and inflammation.
Cortisol also increases inflammation and makes it harder for your body to battle acne-causing bacteria. This increase in inflammation can cause red, painful acne lesions and exacerbate underlying inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
Using an at-home face peel with salicylic acid 3-5 times a week, like our TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel, will gently exfoliate the skin, kill acne-causing bacteria, dislodge pores, and calm inflammation
Dry and Dehydrated
When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have enough time to produce and regulate moisture. And when you're dry and dehydrated, your skin suffers, causing acne, irritation, fine lines, and dryness.
Dehydrated skin is lacking water, while dry skin is lacking oil.
Your skin needs both! Drinking ample water helps to alleviate dehydrated skin, while topical ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, help to moisturize the skin from within and protect and seal it from water loss.
One thing I also love to do when my skin feels dry is to use a steamer while cleansing; it not only helps to remove all the dirt and debris, but it also provides relaxation to help me sleep and adds moisture to my skin.
Stress
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control your skin's fate or your health. Find healthy ways to manage your stress, whether through exercise, meditation, walking, playing with your fur baby, or whatever relaxes you most.
I've found the less stress I'm under, the less my skin is itching and inflamed from my eczema. I try not to take life too seriously, have fun, and get a good night's sleep to keep my inflammation under control.
Cheers to healthy, clear, and hydrated skin!
Kerry
]]>To help you navigate the skin changes you might notice every month, we’re doing a deep dive into the four stages of the hormonal cycle and how you can flex your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and clear all month long. This post covers everything you need to know about the luteal phase of your cycle. For a full rundown of the other hormonal phases, visit the following: Menstruation (Days 1-6), Follicular (Days 6-12), and Ovulation (Days 13-16).
The luteal phase is the window of time between ovulation and your period. This is the longest phase of the menstrual cycle, lasting roughly 15 days. After an egg is released and settled in the uterus during ovulation, your body starts to prepare for a possible pregnancy by thickening the lining of the uterus with nutrients designed to nourish the egg if it is fertilized. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized, your body begins to prepare for the next phase– menstruation.
During the luteal phase, there is a big drop off of estrogen as progesterone starts to take center stage, helping the body thicken the uterine lining. This quick decrease in estrogen and increase in progesterone can impact both the body and mind. Because progesterone is in charge of producing the stress hormone cortisol, you might experience anxiety or low mood. High levels of progesterone also increase food cravings, and can make you feel bloated and tired.
Hormonal fluctuations during the luteal phase can have some less-than-desirable effects on the skin. Progesterone activates our oil glands, causing oilier skin and clogged pores. Progesterone can also cause the skin to swell, increasing inflammation and sensitivity and creating a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria P.acnes, which can make your skin susceptible to painful, cystic breakouts. Hormonal breakouts often pop up on the chin or jawline, so if you notice a sudden appearance of pimples in this area, you likely have your hormones to thank.
Managing oil, keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay, and preventing dead cell buildup is key to managing skin during the luteal phase. Since your skin is sensitive during this part of the cycle, keep your skincare gentle and exfoliate with peels instead of abrasive scrubs.
Opt for a multi-acid peel like our TCA Lactic & Glycolic Face Peel to gently remove dead skin and help balance oil. Our peel contains salicylic acid, a gentle acid that fights breakouts and excess oil production. A clarifying serum like our EGF Activating Serum can also help–epidermal growth factors help speed acne healing but, unlike most common acne treatments, won’t make skin irritation worse.
If you’re in the middle of dealing with a painful hormonal breakout, target blemishes directly with our High Frequency Acne Device. This innovative tool uses an electric current to instantly kill acne-causing bacteria in the pores and calm inflammation. Follow with our Cryo Sculpting Roller to further minimize swelling and inflammation.
]]>
To help you navigate the skin changes you might notice every month, we’re doing a deep dive into the four stages of the hormonal cycle and how you can flex your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and clear all month long. This post covers everything you need to know about the ovulation phase of your cycle. For a full rundown of the other hormonal phases, visit the following: Menstruation (Days 1-6), Follicular (Days 6-12), and Luteal (Days 17-28).
Ovulation is the third and shortest phase of the menstrual cycle, lasting around 3 days. During this phase, the mature egg makes its way from the ovary and into the fallopian tubes. While the timing of ovulation can vary every month based on factors like stress, diet, and exercise, it typically occurs about 13-15 days before your period.
Estrogen levels climb as the egg prepares to be released into the fallopian tubes, triggering the production of another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). After the egg releases, estrogen levels begin to decrease and progesterone levels increase. There are a lot of hormonal changes at play at this stage, which can affect the body in various ways– you might have heightened senses, experience some nausea and headaches, or even feel bloated and have some stomach pain.
Ovulation is the most action packed part of the menstrual cycle. With lots of hormones rapidly shifting in a relatively short amount of time, you can expect some changes in your skin as well. As the body sets itself up for the egg to be released, estrogen is at its highest point, so your skin is likely to remain nice and glowy. However, as luteinizing hormone levels ramp up, so does your oil production, so you might find that your skin is more prone to breakouts shortly after this phase.
Although your skin is in relative balance as it prepares for ovulation, this is the time to manage excess sebum if you’re finding your skin is oilier than usual. Twice a week, reach for our Dual Enzyme Clay Mask to gently absorb excess oil and keep your pores clear of dead cells. Follow with a lightweight hydrating serum like our HA Hydrating Serum to replenish moisture following your mask. Our serum is also formulated with niacinamide to continue managing excess oil while helping the serum penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.
]]>To help you navigate the skin changes you might notice every month, we’re doing a deep dive into the four stages of the hormonal cycle and how you can flex your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and clear all month long. This post covers everything you need to know about the follicular phase of your cycle (days 7-13). For a full rundown of the other hormonal phases, visit the following: Menstruation (Days 1-6), Ovulation (Days 13-16), and Luteal (Days 17-28).
Right after your period, your body transitions to the follicular phase where it begins to prep for ovulation. During this stage, follicles inside the ovaries get ready to release a new egg, and the lining inside the uterus begins to thicken.
The follicular phase is triggered by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which ramps up estrogen and testosterone levels. Because estrogen and testosterone are major mood-boosters, you might feel more energetic, happier, and more productive throughout this phase of the menstrual cycle.
The surge in estrogen during the follicular phase is good news for your skin. Estrogen helps promote the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin, helping the skin produce newer, stronger, healthier cells. Your skin is going to be rocking a healthy, all-natural glow, feeling more plump, bouncy, and hydrated.
Your skin is at its best right now, so this phase is all about maintaining and embracing your natural glow. Since your skin is ramping up its production of newer, stronger cells, help support the process with a cell turnover boosting serum like our EGF Activating Serum, which uses vegan growth factors to help newer cells regenerate at a more consistent rate. Exfoliating will also keep your pores free from build-up, which will help your skin stay blemish-free during the later stages of the menstrual cycle. Now is the perfect time to use our Dermaplaning Tool to gently exfoliate and brighten your skin or our Microneedling Tool to visibly plump the look of fine lines.
]]>Even if you’re one of those lucky people whose skin is relatively balanced, you might notice excess oiliness or dry patches that seemingly appear out of nowhere throughout the month. These changes are likely thanks to the normal hormonal fluctuations your body experiences every month as part of its menstrual cycle.
To help you navigate the skin changes you might notice every month, we’re doing a deep dive into the four stages of the hormonal cycle and how you can flex your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and clear all month long. This post covers everything you need to know about the menstruation phase of your cycle. For a full rundown of the other hormonal phases, visit the following: Follicular (Days 6-12), Ovulation (Days 13-16), and Luteal (Days 17-28).
Your cycle starts with menstruation, also known as your period. This is when your body sheds the uterine lining it has built up throughout the rest of the cycle. Although every body is different, you can expect this part of the cycle to last roughly 3-8 days.
Progesterone and estrogen, which rise throughout other parts of the menstrual cycle, plummet during menstruation while inflammatory prostaglandins, natural chemicals that help your uterus contract, begin to rise. These fluctuations can cause all sorts of changes in your body and mood, which is why you might feel tired, bloated, and crampy during this part of the month.
Estrogen and progesterone are key players when it comes to the way your skin functions. Estrogen affects the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin while progesterone impacts circulation and pigmentation. As estrogen and progesterone decrease during your period, your skin might feel dry, blotchy and lackluster. The rise in prostaglandins can also trigger sensitivity and inflammation, weakening the skin’s barrier function and making it more susceptible to external irritants.
This is the time to be gentle with your skin. Put away ingredients that can irritate the skin, and properly moisturize your skin with humectants, emollients, and occlusives to hydrate from within and seal in the moisture, prevent water loss, and protect your barrier. Our HA Hydrating Serum draws moisture back into the skin. Follow with our Microbiome Rescue Daily Moisturizer to reduce redness, irritation, and dehydration with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a prebiotic complex. Finish with our Shiunko Blush Face Oil loaded with fermented plant extracts and essential fatty acids that calm redness, visibly tighten, and repair the skin barrier to retain moisture.
]]>"Less messy that ice cubes, this stainless steel egg-sized barrel helps flush puffy areas. It's also perfect for soothing irritated skin." - Oprah Daily
Features:
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EXFOLIATE WITH A BODY PEEL
The key to reviving winter skin is exfoliation, but before you reach for a sugar scrub, consider a peel instead. Scrubs tend to be very abrasive, causing tears and micro-injuries to the skin that can trigger serious inflammation. Body peels like our TCA LACTIC & GLYCOLIC BODY PEEL contain a combination of exfoliating acids to lighten hyperpigmentation, stimulate cell renewal, and clear body bumps, all while banishing dry skin. Our formula contains high concentrations of lactic and glycolic acids—natural exfoliators that actually hydrate the skin so it’s left dewy, not dry. Also included: salicylic acid to battle body acne and soften bumpy chicken skin caused by keratosis pilaris. Plus, our peel self-neutralizes so you just brush it on once or twice a week and go about your business. TIPS:
DEEP HYDRATION TREATMENT
After 3-4 weeks of using the peel, your skin will feel plumper, softer, smoother, and a whole lot more moisturized. For an extra moisture boost, apply a lotion or serum like our HYDRATING BODY SERUM every day after bathing.This lightweight anti-aging body serum is loaded with firming peptides and plant-based antioxidants like Japanese knotweed to help fight signs of aging, while olive squalane and phytoglycogen replenish moisture.
TIPS:
THE BEST FAUX TAN
One of the perks of using a body peel instead of a scrub is that it evenly exfoliates. That means you won’t have any crusty build-up left on your knees, ankles, or elbows—all the places where self-tanner likes to accumulate. Using a body peel before you apply a self-tanner or get an airbrush tan means your bronze glow will not only look more even, it will also last longer!
TIPS:
Just like the skin on the face, the skin on the neck and décolleté is a vulnerable region that shows the usual signs of aging: fine or deep-set lines, loss of elasticity, dryness and discoloration from sun damage.
The skin and muscles in our necks are generally thicker and stronger since they support the jawline and head. However, the major muscle in the neck is not actually connected to the bone structure, making it more prone to loss of elasticity.
In both the neck and décolleté, there is very little fatty tissue and fewer oil glands, which makes both areas more prone to wrinkling and dryness. Also, people who are experiencing hormonal aging may also notice a difference in the texture and tone of the skin as they get older.
Exfoliation and hydration are at the heart of any good firming neck and décolleté treatment. When we activate cell turnover, new healthy skin cells come to the surface and replace older cells showing signs of damage like dark spots, sagging, or lines.
We've outlined a skincare routine to battle the signs of aging in this often-overlooked area.
MicroNeedling Tool uses hundreds of tiny (pain-free!) needles that kick-starts the body’s healing response. As the skin heals itself, it creates the appearance of firmer, plumper skin.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is the gold standard for anti-aging. It stimulates collagen to plump and firm the skin. Our Advanced Retinol formulation provides all the benefits of retinol without the dryness and peeling.Like your face, the skin on the neck and décolleté needs plenty of moisture to remain healthy. As the final step in your regimen, apply a few drops of our HA Hydrating Serum. Hyaluronic acid helps replenish and plump dehydrated skin cells while a gentle dose of lactic acid will continue to diminish the appearance of dark spots and soften fine lines.
A face oil is always applied as the last step in your regimen and acts like a protective shield that seals in the moisture added by your serum. Our Shiunko Bluse Face Oil is infused with antioxidant-rich fermented green tea oil and calming Japanese indigo oil, it also soothes irritation and redness caused by dry skin.
Lastly, always apply SPF on your neck and décolleté and reapply every 2 hours if you are in the sun. SPF, wearing a hat, and staying in the shade are the best ways to prevent signs of aging in these often overlooked areas!
As tempting as it is to load up on skincare in the hopes that you’ll use it, you’re better off starting small and being realistic about what you can actually commit to. If you’re a busy new mom or a medical resident, you probably don’t have more than five minutes and that’s okay! The key to healthy skin is consistency. Here’s a quick look at what you might commit to based on your availability.
Daily: | Weekly: |
---|---|
3-5 products and/or tools | Dermaplaning or peel |
Daily: | 2-3x Weekly: |
---|---|
3-5 products and/or tools | Peel at night |
Daily: | 2-3x Weekly: | 1x Weekly: |
---|---|---|
5 products and/or tools | Peel at night | Dermaplaning |
Remember what we said about consistency? Your skin loves getting the same treatment day after day, week after week. But some things are best applied at night or only used a few times per week. Here's your cheat sheet:
Product | Timing | Frequency |
---|---|---|
Cleanser | 2x Daily | |
Epidermal Growth Factors | 2x Daily | |
Hyaluronic Acid | 2x Daily | |
Vitamin C | 1x Daily | |
Anti-Aging Peptides | 2x Daily | |
Peels & Masks | 1-5x Weekly | |
Retinol | 1-7x Weekly | |
Moisturizer | 2x Daily | |
SPF | 1x Daily and as needed | |
Microneedling | 3-5x Weekly | |
Dermaplaning | 1x Weekly | |
High Frequency | 1x Daily | |
Ice Rolling | 2x Daily |
So now you know when you should apply your products, but how much should you really be using? In general, people apply too much skincare–except for SPF, which most people under-apply. Reference this quick guide to use the right amount every time.
Product | Serving Size | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cleanser | Quarter-sized dollop | |||
Serums | 3-5 drops
|
|||
Peels | 1 dropper full or enough to evenly cover face & neck | |||
Retinol | Pea-sized dollop | |||
Moisturizer | Dime-sized dollop | |||
SPF | 1/2 tsp or quarter-sized dollop |
We haven’t talked much about SPF at Skin School but that doesn’t mean it’s optional! You need to apply sun protection Every. Single. Day. While there are a lot of premium sunscreens available, there are also a lot of great options at your local drugstore. It’s worth testing a few to find one that you really love using. In general, we prefer physical sun protectants like zinc oxide to chemical screens because they are less irritating to sensitive skin. Want to learn more? Check out this simple sunscreen guide.
There are three types of hyperpigmentation, UV damage, Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and melasma.
It is crucial to shield your skin from the sun's hazardous rays to prevent the worsening of hyperpigmentation and the emergence of new spots. Coping with hyperpigmentation caused by UV damage requires time and regularity. The results may not be immediate, but if you remain patient and persistent, you will gradually notice those spots fading away.
PIH happens after a skin injury or trauma, like a breakout or an eczema flare-up. This happens when the body overcompensates during the healing process and produces too much pigment to replace the affected cells. Unlike UV hyperpigmentation and melasma, which can be very deep, this type of hyperpigmentation is generally easier to treat. While PIH often fades with time, treatments like at-home peels, dermaplaning, and microneedling can help it brighten more quickly.
Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation, melasma is triggered by hormonal changes and has been nicknamed "pregnancy mask" because it appears on the cheekbones and forehead during or after pregnancy. Various factors, including sun exposure, genetic predisposition, hormone changes, and skin irritation, can cause melasma. It is more prevalent in women, especially pregnant women and those taking oral or patch contraceptives. It is also common among women with PCOS.
There are ways to treat and reduce hyperpigmentation at home, and I've given you some of my top tips below.
The best way to treat any skin condition is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Since almost all forms of hyperpigmentation are exacerbated by sun exposure, limiting your time in the sun and embracing SPF is essential. Reach for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection of 30 or higher, and re-apply every two hours if you are in the sun. Choose a physical SPF over a chemical one if you can: chemical sun protectants convert UV rays into heat, which can exacerbate melasma.
Exfoliation is vital to lifting dark spots and can treat most forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma. Peels are my go-to for a gentle, yet highly effective and safe way to speed cell turnover and exfoliate the skin. Multi-acid peels are especially beneficial because they resurface the skin, brighten, hydrate, reduce inflammation, and prevent melanin production. To enhance the effectiveness of the peel, once a week, before you use your peel, use our DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATION TOOL to physically slough off the top layer of dead skin. By doing this, you are removing the layers of skin to lift the dark spots. Think of this as a constant skin rejuvenation where you are speeding your cell turnover with the peel, then sloughing off that dead skin with the dermaplaning tool to reveal an even tone and texture over time.
As discussed, speeding up cellular turnover can bring pigmented cells to the surface faster, revealing brighter, newer skin underneath. Retinol is the gold standard for anti-aging because it speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen. Our Advanced Retinol Serum is a next-generation form of retinol that is a non-irritating retinoid ester. It converts directly into retinoic acid, giving you all the benefits of retinol without dryness and peeling. If your skin is too sensitive for retinol, or if you want to change it up and use a more gentle plant-based retinol alternative to boost cell turnover and speed blemish healing, Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) are a fantastic ingredient to add to your regimen. EGFs do three main things to help lift dark spots: speed cell turnover, speed healing, and stimulate collagen. EGFs should be applied twice daily, and they can be used on the same nights as retinol, or used on the nights you don't. To make these ingredients more effective, pair them with our MICRONEEDLING TOOL, to drive the active ingredients deeper making them more effective and efficient at lifting hyperpigmentation.
Professional treatments like microdermabrasion, deeper chemical peels, and microneedling with PRP can help target and lift pigmented cells. Laser treatments have also been shown to effectively target hyperpigmentation, but not all lasers work for all skin tones or types of hyperpigmentation. You can consult a licensed dermatologist for help creating a treatment plan tailored to your unique skin needs. Everyone's skin is unique and will respond differently to treatments, so be patient and consistent with your skincare routine. And most importantly, don't forget to love and embrace your skin, hyperpigmentation, and all!
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Tool |
What It Is |
What It Does |
How It Works |
Best For |
Time Commitment |
Use It With |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Microneedling Tool | A rolling device with hundreds of small, stainless steel needles | • Visibly plumps and firms the skin • Minimizes the look of fine lines • Refines the appearance of enlarged pores |
Painlessly micro-exfoliates the skin, triggering its natural repair response to create new fresh skin cells. | Fine lines & wrinkles, Loss of collagen around the eyes, Enlarged pores & uneven texture | 3-5 minutes daily | An anti-aging serum to refine fine lines. |
Dermaplaning Tool | A single-edge blade that is used to physically exfoliate the face. | • Instantly softens and smooths • Helps skincare absorb better • Prevents breakouts • Helps lift dark spots with continued use |
Gently shaves away peach fuzz and dead skin build-up | Rough, dry skin, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven skin texture | 5 minutes, once a week | An acid peel to radically brighten dark spots |
High Frequency Device | An oxygenating device that zaps active acne. | • Minimizes inflammation and redness • Helps breakouts heal faster • Prevents new breakouts from forming |
Emits a safe electrical current that generates oxygen within the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria | Inflamed acne, Hormonal breakouts, Pore congestion | An acne treatment to get clearer skin, faster | |
Ice Roller | A stainless steel roller that you keep in the freezer to ice the skin as needed | • Minimizes redness • Soothes irritation • De-puffs tired skin • Encourages lymphatic drainage to sculpt your facial contours |
Similar to icing an injury, cold therapy reduces inflammation. | Sensitive skin, Inflamed acne, Puffiness, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea | 2-3 minutes, daily | A calming moisturizer to instantly chill stressed skin |
While most skin tools provide some instant gratification, the real magic happens when you use them consistently. After 4-8 weeks, you should start to see long-term benefits like wrinkle reduction and tone changes start to emerge. Stick with it: your skin will thank you!
To keep skin properly moisturized, it needs a balance of both water and oil. Water plumps and hydrates skin cells so they can function at their best while oil creates a seal over the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and preventing water from evaporating out of the skin. Your moisturizing routine should contain a mix of both water-loving ingredients that draw hydration into the skin and oil-based ingredients that lock in all the dewy goodness.
No matter your skin type or skin concerns, moisture is the number one non-negotiable for healthy skin. Moisture helps skin cells function at their best, shields the skin from external irritants, and keeps the deeper layers of the skin plump and firm. Dry, dehydrated skin becomes vulnerable to all sorts of skin woes, from irritation and acne to fine lines and wrinkles.
To get the most out of your moisturizing ingredients, apply them while your skin is still slightly damp skin from cleansing. Think of your skin as a sponge– if you put a blob of dish soap on a dry sponge, it will just sit there. But if you put that same blob on a wet sponge, it will sink right in. Applying products on damp skin helps your skin absorb moisturizing ingredients more effectively. It’s especially important for water-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which bonds with water droplets to draw them deeper into the skin.
If you’re using more than one serum or cream, apply thinnest serums and moisturizers first and then follow with thicker creams. Thicker creams often contain oils and butters that have larger molecules, so if you put them on first, they will block your thinner products from absorbing.
Even if your favorite face oil looks thinner than your heavy creams, always leave your oils and oil-based balms as the last step in your routine before SPF. Oils form a protective barrier on top of the skin, so if you apply a moisturizer over an oil, it won’t be able to penetrate the seal, leaving the product sitting on top of your skin. Using a face oil as the last step in your routine also allows the oil to trap the hydration from your moisturizer in the skin, locking in the moisture and preventing dehydration throughout the day. If you’re using an oil during the day, make sure to give it at least 5 minutes to absorb before applying your SPF so that the excess oil does not dilute the efficacy of your sunscreen.
Active Ingredient |
What It Is |
What It Does |
How It Works |
Best For |
Things to Consider |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Retinol | A synthetic derivative of vitamin A | Reduces breakouts, clears congested pores, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin firmness. | Activates the skin’s repair process to shed damaged cells and create newer, fresher skin cells. | Acne, Uneven Texture, Deep Lines, Loss of Firmness | Can cause redness, peeling and irritation. Look for next-generation forms which are gentler. May cause temporary purging in acne-prone skin. |
Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) | A synthetic version of a protein naturally found in the skin | Reduces breakouts, clears congested pores, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin firmness. | Activates the skin’s repair process to shed damaged cells and create newer, fresher skin cells. | Acne, Post-acne dark spots, Fine Lines | A gentler alternative for skin that does not tolerate retinol. May cause temporary purging in acne-prone skin. |
Vitamin C | An essential nutrient critical to human health | Visibly improves skin’s brightness, minimizes stubborn hyperpigmentation, and creates more even-looking skin tone. | Prevents aging pollutants from damaging your skin cells Inhibits an enzyme in the skin that creates excess skin pigment. |
Dark spots, Dullness, Uneven tone | The most common form, ascorbic acid, has a short shelf-life and can cause irritation in sensitive skin. Look for fat-soluble forms like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate if your skin is sensitive. |
Hyaluronic Acid | A hydrator naturally found in our eyes, skin and joints. | Quenches dryness, balances oil, visibly plumps fine lines | Draws water into the skin like a moisture magnet to reverse dehydration | Dryness, Oiliness, Rough skin | Doesn’t absorb well unless paired with ingredients like lactic acid and niacinamide. Look for a hyaluronic serum with these ingredients. |
Anti-Aging Peptides | Short chains of amino acids | Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost skin firmness and elasticity. | Send messages to your skin cells to repair collagen and elastin. | Crows feet, Loss of firmness | There are thousands of peptides: look for serums that specifically call out peptides for their anti-aging benefits. Gentle enough to use around the eye area. |
1. Take a look at the chart above and see which ingredient targets your main skin concern.
2. If choosing between retinol and EGF, consider the sensitivity of your skin: reactive skin may tolerate EGF better. Gentler forms of retinol are generally better suited to aging concerns than acne so if you are looking mostly for help with fine lines, an encapsulated retinol or a form called hydroxypinacolone retinoate may work well for you.
3. Consider the area of the face: While EGF, retinol and anti-aging peptides can all help fine lines around the eyes, peptides are best-suited to the thin and delicate skin in that area.
4. Look at your other products to see if there’s overlap with the ingredients listed above. For example, if you already use a moisturizer with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, you may want to choose another hero ingredient when shopping for a serum.
Still not sure what active ingredient is best for you? Ask Kerry! StackedSkincare founder Kerry Benjamin will be answering your questions via text this week only. Text CONSULT to 833-232-7047 for expert advice.
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to heat targeted tissue under the surface of the skin, triggering the natural production of collagen. It is a non-invasive treatment used to lift and tighten loose skin on areas such as the eyebrows, jawline, neck and jowls, as well as improving wrinkles.
Laser resurfacing is a treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as hyperpigmentation or acne scars. This technique involves short, concentrated pulsating beams of light directed at irregular skin, which removes skin layer by layer. It’s also known as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization. If you have a medium or dark skin tone it’s important to know that you are at risk for hyperpigmentation with laser treatments. I always recommend consulting your skincare expert before undergoing any laser treatment, and if you have these particular skin tones you can consider other non invasive treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and microneedling. These options can successfully lift pigment and smooth out acne scarring without the risks associated with laser.
A cosmetic RF machine uses Radio Frequency waves (electromagnetic waves at wavelengths of between 1Km and 1cm) in administration of treatments such as blemish removal, skin rejuvenation or getting rid of unwanted hair. An RF Machine is used mainly for administering skin tightening treatments for people suffering from sagging skin.
It depends! Lasers use light to target the tissue, while Ultherapy and radiofrequency devices use energy to heat the skin below the surface. All three result in skin tightening, however lasers and RF Machines focus energy on the surface of the skin, whereas Ultherapy targets deep below the skin (3 mm and 4.5 mm beneath the surface). Treating the deeper layers of skin means your body will be lifting and tightening from the inside out, which may help you to achieve better results.
Another important difference between the three is the amount of downtime associated with each treatment. Patients may need a couple weeks of social downtime after laser resurfacing, depending on the level of treatment. Ultherapy and RF Machines have virtually no downtime.
So to summarize, Ultherapy has the benefit of being a one-time treatment, and of targeting deeper tissue. RF is very comfortable and can be repeated at weekly intervals, but targets the skin (more superficial tissue). Lasers are very effective in combating wrinkles, aging, and many other skin imperfections on the surface level. Most patients can benefit from combining treatments, but may choose one over the other based on the condition of the skin and goals after treatment.
Pores are a necessary structural part of your skin— these little openings help your body release sweat, toxins, and natural oils that keep the skin hydrated.
Despite what you may have heard, pores don’t open and close— even if you apply cold or hot water. Muscles don’t control them, so there’s no way for them actually to dilate and shrink. While you can’t instantly close or tighten pores using skincare products, you can make them look smaller by keeping them clean and healthy.
Although your default pore size is largely genetic, pores stretch and expand when they become clogged with excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. A pore becomes clogged by dead skin trapping sebum and debris inside the pore causing the pore to stretch. The pore can remain stretched and visible even when the clog is gone. It's best to treat this and maintain your regimen to avoid stretching the pore even further. By treating it, you can prevent them from becoming enlarged and noticeable.
No single skincare step can solve enlarged pores on its own. Combine these healthy skin habits to balance facial oil, dislodge clogged pores, stimulate cell turnover, and smooth your texture over time.
To prevent pores from clogging in the first place, start by controlling excess oil and dirt. Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like our PREBIOTIC GEL CLEANSER to remove makeup, oil, dirt, and debris.
Exfoliate 3-5 times a week with an at-home peel to prevent dead skin cells from getting trapped inside your pores. Our TCA Multi Acid Face Peel is formulated with salicylic acid to help dislodge clogged pores. Dermaplaning weekly to slough off the dead skin will also help to maintain clear, healthy skin.
Regular extractions performed by an aesthetician can help reduce the size of your pores. An aesthetician can remove blackheads and congested pores without damaging your skin. A monthly visit will keep your pores clean so they don’t become larger over time.
The key to smoothing out textural imperfections like visible pores starts with stimulating your skin’s healing response so that it creates new skin cells. Our EGF ACTIVATING SERUM is formulated with powerful growth factors that help stimulate cell turnover. Use the serum with a MICRONEEDLING SKIN REFINING TOOL to drive it deeper into the skin, maximizing its efficacy, and stimulating your skin’s healing response.
When skin is dehydrated, your oil glands can start over-compensate by producing excess pore-clogging oil. Use a lightweight moisturizer to replenish your skin’s hydration levels. Our MICROBIOME DAILY RESCUE MOISTURIZER is formulated with a ceramide complex that helps strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier and prevent water loss that leads to excess oil production.
Microbiome Rescue Daily Moisturizer
The sun breaks down your skin’s collagen, making enlarged pores look worse over time. UV rays are also responsible for free radical damage, which causes premature signs of aging and cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect skin against UVA and UVB damage.
Our StackedSkincare System is a curated selection of products and tools to solve enlarged pores and most other skin concerns.
]]>Most people know to use body lotion after shaving, but slathering yourself in moisturizer before you shave can help as well. Razor burn occurs when the blade chafes the top layer of skin as it’s skimming along. By moisturizing before you shave, you add a protective layer of emollients that cushions the friction between your skin and the razor. Try a lightweight moisturizer like our HYDRATING BODY SERUM that is loaded with cushiony moisturizers like jojoba esters.
It goes without saying that razor burn is worse when you’re using a dull blade, so make sure to keep it sharp!
Give yourself at least 5 minutes in the shower before you reach for your razor. Hair that’s been softened with warm water is easier for the blade to shave than dry hair. Plus, your skin has had the chance to absorb some moisture if you let it steam before you shave.
Most people who suffer from chronic razor burn find that shaving foams fall short. Many versions simply don’t contain enough emollients to really protect the skin. Instead, try a foaming gel, which is generally richer than plain foam. Some people also swear by a thick layer of hair conditioner. Hair conditioner contains oils and silicones that can help protect skin. Just remember that the more emollient your products, the more often you need to rinse the blade to prevent dulling build-up.
If your skin is sensitive to razor burn and bumps, use a gentle touch when shaving. Lightly skim the blade across your skin with very little pressure. If you missed a spot, you can go back over the area gently until all the hair is gone.
If you see bumps popping up, hands off the lotion! Many lotions are full of ingredients that can irritate and sting broken skin—making razor burn look redder and angrier. Body oils, on the other hand, usually contain minimal ingredients and will create a barrier that will protect the skin from further irritation.
Want to prevent razor burn bumps and razor burn? Look no further than our TCA LACTIC & GLYCOLIC BODY PEEL. It contains gentle natural acids that dissolve dead skin cells. Using a body peel like this one will prevent the sharp edges of shaved hair from becoming trapped under dry skin cells—the start of an ingrown hair. Using a peel once or twice a week will also prevent razor burn by eliminating dry skin that can cause shaving irritation. Just don’t use the peel directly after you shave to avoid stinging. Between shaves, use our HYDRATING BODY SERUM to keep skin moist and healthy. This formula contains olive squalane and phytoglycogen that can help repair the moisture barrier so skin is better protected against razor burn over time.
]]>Let’s start with the basics: your skin renews itself every 28-90 days (see chart below), shedding dead skin cells to reveal the newer cells underneath. This natural regeneration process is called skin cell turnover and it’s what helps your skin look bright, plump and radiant. However, our skin isn’t always able to effectively shed dead skin on its own and skin cell turnover slows as we age, taking longer and longer to regenerate. When dead cells pile up, it can make your skin look dull and make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Dead skin cells also accumulate in the pores, causing breakouts, enlarged pores and blackheads. Exfoliating helps speed up your skin’s natural renewal process by clearing away dead cells to promote clearer, brighter, younger-looking skin.
Age | Turnover Cycle |
---|---|
Infants/Children | 3-5 Days |
Teens | 10-21 Days |
20's | 14-21 Days |
30's | 28-45 Days |
40's | 45-60 Days |
50's+ | 60-90+ Days |
By speeding up your skin’s cell turnover timeline, exfoliation improves skin texture, brightens dark spots and supports collagen to keep skin looking plump and firm. By clearing dead skin build-up in the pores, exfoliating can also reduce acne, control oil production, and minimize the look of pores. Removing dead skin also makes way for your other skincare products to penetrate more efficiently and helps makeup glide on more smoothly, giving your skin the maximum benefits from the products you love.
There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Mostly found in peels, chemical exfoliation relies on skin-friendly exfoliating acids or enzymes to break down the sticky bonds between dead skin cells so they shed more effectively. Physical exfoliation involves the use of a tool or a grainy scrub to manually remove dead skin cells.
Name |
Type of Exfoliant |
What It Is |
Who It's Best For |
How Often to Use It |
What Else You Need to Know |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) • Lactic Acid • Glycolic Acid • Mandelic Acid • Malic Acid • Citric Acid |
Chemical | Found naturally in dairy and sugary fruits, AHAs are water-soluble chemical exfoliants that help evenly dissolve dead skin cells, promoting an instantly brighter complexion. |
Dry skin
|
1-5x weekly | AHAs can be irritating to some skin types, so it’s better to start slowly to gradually build up comfort. |
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) • Salicylic Acid |
Chemical | BHAs are oil-soluble acids that go deep into the pores to remove dead cells, balance oil production, and clear out acne-causing bacteria. |
Oily skin
|
1-5x weekly | Not recommended during pregnancy. |
Enzymes • Papain • Bromelain |
Chemical | Found in fruits like pineapples or papaya, enzymes work in a similar way to AHAs but affect just the surface of the skin. |
Sensitive skin
|
1-5x weekly | Pregnancy-safe alternative to BHAs. |
Scrubs • Sugar • Salt • Walnut Shell • Pumice |
Physical | Often formulated with nut shells or abrasive minerals, these exfoliators rely on tiny particles to physically scrub away dead skin cells. | Literally no one | Never | Scrubs can create microtears in the skin that compromise the skin’s moisture barrier and trigger redness and irritation. |
Dermaplaning | Physical | A tool that physically removes a layer of dead skin cells and stubborn peach fuzz. | Dry, dull skin. | 1x weekly | Not recommended for use on active pustular acne. |
Your personal tolerance for exfoliation is just that…personal. Start by using peels once per week and work your way up by adding an additional application every week. Some chemical exfoliants are stronger than others, so look to the instructions for guidance. While chemical exfoliation does cause more dead skin cells to shed, it does not always cause visible peeling or flaking so keep that in mind when you’re assessing a new product.
People with oily skin tend to tolerate exfoliation better and can use chemical exfoliants up to 5 times per week. If you have drier skin or a tendency towards redness and irritation, you might only be able to exfoliate once weekly. If you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation or chronically congested skin, pair dermaplaning with a peel once a week to help the brightening and clarifying acids penetrate deeper into your skin.
Let's get one thing clear: double cleansing is so much more than just washing your face twice. The process involves using a cleansing oil to dislodge makeup, dirt, and oil on the skin, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser like a gel cleanser to wash away any lingering impurities.
To understand why you begin with oil, here's a quick chem lesson: like dissolves like. This means that cleansing oils are better at drawing out excess oils from pores than their water-based counterparts and do so without drying out the skin. Using a cleansing oil before a gel cleanser helps thoroughly dissolves excess sebum, external irritants, and makeup, reducing skin stress while cleaning your pores. Double cleansing also allows you to use a gentler cleanser as your second step, which protects your moisture barrier from the irritating effects of harsh sulfates often used in cleansers to dissolve oil and waterproof makeup. The result? Ultra-clean, balanced skin that is ready to take in the rest of your skincare routine more effectively.
Although there are plenty of cleansing oils on the market, this is not an area where you need to shell out major cash. Keep it simple and opt for a budget-friendly option like jojoba oil, which is non-comedogenic and closest in composition to the oil our skin produces. This way, you can save your investments for active ingredients that are actually going to be absorbed into your skin.
You’ll need a cleansing cloth to gently remove the debris collected by your oil. Choose one that’s non-abrasive, preferably made with bamboo fiber or muslin.
Opt for a gentle, non-stripping gel cleanser like our PREBIOTIC GEL CLEANSER, which washes away impurities while feeding the skin’s good bacteria to restore balance to the skin.
Dispense a small amount of cleansing oil into your palms and massage into dry skin for at least 45 seconds, focusing on areas of the face where makeup and oil accumulates like the T-zone, creases of the nose, and chin.
Saturate your cleansing cloth with warm water and gently wipe away the cleansing oil with the cloth.
Once you’ve removed your cleansing oil, wash your face with your gel-based cleanser to remove any leftover residue. Be gentle, the first step in the routine has done the hard work for you!
Pat your skin dry with a towel, and follow with your serums and creams.
If you ever scraped your knee as a kid, chances are, your mom instantly reached for a tube of Neosporin, and most likely, you still have a tube or two lurking in your medicine cabinet. Some people advertise Neosporin as a cure-all, using it to treat blemishes and even slathering it on as a moisturizer. But while this common OTC treatment may be effective in treating minor abrasions, applying Neosporin topically on your face can have some serious skin side effects. Here’s the real scoop on Neosporin, why you should avoid it, and what to use instead.
What Is Neosporin
Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment available over the counter to prevent infection and encourage healing in minor cuts, bruises, and burns. It contains petroleum jelly and three antibacterial agents: neomycin sulfate, bacitracin, and polymyxin B. The problem? Neomycin is a highly allergenic ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis, a skin rash resulting in red, itchy, and scaly patches. What’s worse is that contact dermatitis can often look like the beginning of an infection, prompting you to use more Neosporin, resulting in a vicious cycle.
Apart from causing a potential allergic reaction, using Neosporin to treat skin conditions like acne is actually ineffective and can further damage the skin. That’s because the bacterial agents used in antibiotic ointments like Neosporin don’t target Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. Using a topical antibiotic treatment for an extended period of time can actually break down the skin’s protective barrier, leaving the skin vulnerable to external irritants and further exacerbating breakouts.
What To Use Instead
If you’re dealing with a cut or abrasion on your face, switch out Neosporin for polysporin instead, an antibiotic ointment that is formulated without neomycin and is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Polysporin can help keep the skin moisturized to prevent scarring and discourage bacteria from entering the wound. Remember to apply polysporin only to the affected area, and avoid using it all over your face.
If you’re looking to treat acne or acne scarring, it’s best to stick with products that directly target the bacteria that causes acne. Using a weekly peel with salicylic acid like our TCA Lactic & Glycolic Face Peel helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and speed cellular turnover to minimize acne scarring. Our High Frequency Acne Device also kills acne-causing bacteria on command, instantly reduces inflammation, and heals existing pimples.
Simply put, your skin type is what you’re born with. There are two different ways to talk about skin type-- one has to do with how your skin balances oil and moisture, and the other with how your skin reacts to UV rays. All of these factors are determined by your genes. Although your skin will change with age, many people have the same skin type for most of their lives.
Although everyone’s skin is unique, there are four basic categories to keep in mind: normal, oily, dry, and combination. When it comes to skincare routines, each skin type needs something a little different to function at its best: understanding yours is the first step to learning how to effectively take care of your skin.
Skin Type |
What It Is |
Looks Like |
Skincare Routine |
---|---|---|---|
Normal | Not too dry and not too oily, normal skin maintains a healthy balance of sebum and moisture, making it less likely to deal with breakouts and sensitivity. | • Small pores • Velvety, soft texture • Rarely experiences redness or blemishes |
Stick to a simple routine that supports a balanced complexion. Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like our PREBIOTIC GEL CLEANSER and follow with our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER to maintain a healthy lipid barrier. |
Oily | Oily skin creates too much sebum, which can block pores and cause breakouts. | • Large, visible pores • Glossy texture • Prone to blackheads |
Balance oil and prevent pore congestion with our TCA LACTIC & GLYCOLIC FACE PEEL. Use a serum with growth factors like our EGF ACTIVATING SERUM to keep pores clear. |
Dry | Dry skin doesn’t produce enough sebum, which can impair the skin’s lipid barrier and cause flakiness, sensitivity and dullness. | • Nearly invisible pores • Delicate, thin skin • Can feel rough or tight |
Remove a layer of dry, dead skin build-up with our DERMAPLANING EXFOLIATION TOOL, then feed the skin with moisture with our HA HYDRATING SERUM. Lock in hydration with our SHIUNKO BLUSH FACIAL OIL. |
Combination | This skin type is a little trickier than the others, because different parts of the skin deal with different issues. Usually, the T-zone will be oily, with dryer cheeks. | • Large pores near the T-zone • Dry cheeks |
Treat oily pores in the T-zone with our DUAL ENZYME CLAY MASK. Follow all over with our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER to re-balance the complexion. |
The Fitzpatrick scale is a way to identify your skin type based on the amount of melanin or pigment in your skin. Assessing skin type through this lens helps dermatologists distinguish harmless dark spots from cancer-causing ones. Learning about your skin type through the Fitzpatrick scale also helps you know how to protect your skin from UV rays, as well as choose skin treatments best suited to your skin type, especially laser treatments.
Skin Type |
Features |
Reactions to UV Rays |
---|---|---|
1 | • Ivory skin • Red or blonde hair • Blue, grey or light green eyes |
• Always burns and peels • Never tans • Always freckles |
2 | • Fair or beige skin • Blonde hair • Blue, grey or green eyes |
• Usually burns and peels • Rarely tans • Skin may freckle |
3 | • Fair to beige skin • Dark blonde or light brown hair • Hazel or light brown eyes |
• Gradually tans • Sometimes burns • Skin may freckle |
4 | • Light brown skin • Dark brown hair • Dark brown eyes |
• Tans easily • Rarely burns • Skin rarely freckles |
5 | • Dark brown skin • Dark brown or black hair • Dark brown or black eyes |
• Tans easily • Very rarely burns • Very rarely freckles |
6 | • Deeply pigmented skin • Dark brown hair • Dark brown eyes |
• Tans easily • Never burns • Skin doesn't freckle |
Unlike skin type, a skin condition is how your skin responds to different things like your environment, diet, stress, and hormonal changes. Genes can also play a role in how likely you are to develop a skin condition. Skin conditions can range from a compromised lipid barrier that causes sensitivity and irritation to inflammatory responses like acne, psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea. The main thing to remember is that unlike a skin type, a skin condition is often a temporary response that can be treated with the right mix of lifestyle changes and active ingredients.
Skin Concern |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
---|---|---|---|
Acne | Acne occurs when bacteria, oil and dirt get trapped in the pore, and can be caused by stress, hormones and changes in the environment. | Acne comes in many forms: • Blackheads • Whiteheads • Red, painful pustules or cysts |
Treat acne with exfoliating and turnover-boosting products like our TCA LACTIC & GLYCOLIC FACE PEEL and EGF ACTIVATING SERUM. Add our HIGH FREQUENCY DEVICE to shorten the lifespan of active blemishes. |
Inflammatory skin conditions like Psoriasis, Eczema or Rosacea | Inflammatory skin conditions are thought to be caused by an autoimmune response that can be exacerbated by stress and weather changes. | Psoriasis: Patches of flaky red skin on the knees, elbow and scalp Eczema: Itchy red, dry patches of skin that can occur anywhere on the body. Rosacea: Redness and/or bumps on the nose, cheeks and forehead |
Product recommendations will vary based on your condition. Soothing itchy or painful skin with our CRYO ICE ROLLER can help, no matter what you’re dealing with. |
Sensitivity/irritation | Sensitivity and irritation occur when the skin’s lipid barrier is compromised, allowing environmental stressors to penetrate the surface of the skin. | • Dry, flaky skin • Very small red bumps • Redness and stinging sensation • Breakouts and inflammation |
Focus on barrier- strengthening products like our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER and SHIUNKO BLUSH FACIAL OIL. |
Download our chart to identify your skin type
Skincare companies aren’t required to print a shelf life on their products, which can make it tricky to figure out if a product is still good. Because they contain fewer preservatives, natural and clean products have a shorter shelf life so it’s best to ditch it if you opened it over 6 months ago and haven’t used it up.
So you bought a moisturizer that was just OK? Maybe it balled up under makeup or made your face feel sticky? Before you toss it, try using it on your body. You probably won’t notice small things like texture issues and the product won’t go to waste!
Breakouts, redness, and scaly skin: no one has time for products that make your skin feel worse. You’re not going to reach for it again, so let it go! (Psst..that includes that expensive retinol that turned you into a lizard.)
New skincare can be tempting, but if you love a product enough to repurchase it time and time again, there’s no reason to change it up!
Eroding your natural moisture barrier is no joke: it can cause breakouts, excess oil, redness, irritation and extreme skin dryness. If your cleanser makes your skin feel papery, squeaky or tight, it’s probably damaging your moisture barrier.
Your skincare tools will continue to serve you well, so keep them around! Keep any tool that you love using that has replaceable components like our Dermaplaning Tool or Microneedling Tool. Same goes for brushes that are still in good shape: you can keep washing and re-using these for years.
When it comes to tools, there’s no reason to hold onto old Dermaplaning Blades and Microneedling Rollerheads that you’ve already used. If you bought them from us, these parts are good for one month of use. If they’re from another brand, check to see when you should replace them. Same goes for brushes that have seen better days: if it’s losing bristles or the handle is separating from the brush, it’s time to let it go.
Once you’ve sorted through your products and lightened your load, complete this week’s worksheet to set your skin intentions for the weeks ahead. This will give you a clearer sense of your goals, the gaps in your current ritual, and what you actually already love about your skin.
WHAT IT IS
Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid, a bright red pigment found in algae and other sea plants. When ingested by marine animals like lobster, shrimp, and salmon, carotenoids protect them against oxidative stress and give them their signature reddish hue. Studies show that astaxanthin is about 6,000x more powerful than vitamin C and 500x more effective than vitamin E, and has been used in the medical community to boost the immune system, fight inflammatory disorders and support brain and heart health. Astaxanthin is also loaded with skincare benefits for every skin type.
PREVENTS PREMATURE SIGNS OF AGING
Astaxanthin is a superstar when it comes to fighting environmental aggressors like UV rays, smoke, pollution, and toxins that trigger premature skin aging. By neutralizing free radicals caused by these environmental factors, astaxanthin helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity.
HELPS REPAIR SUN DAMAGE
UV rays directly damage our skin cells, causing collagen loss, sun spots, and more serious mutations that can show up years after the initial sun exposure. Astaxanthin has been shown to work at a cellular level to help the skin repair sun-damaged cells. The result: visibly brightened dark spots and restored skin firmness.
PROTECTS AGAINST INFLAMMATION
By helping the skin cells function more effectively, astaxanthin balances the skin’s inflammatory response, which can help reduce irritation and calm skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
KEEPS SKIN PLUMP & DEWY
Environmental aggressors can weaken the skin’s protective moisture barrier, leading to dull, dehydrated skin. Astaxanthin strengthens the skin’s barrier and shields from water loss, keeping skin firm, plump and bouncy.
HOW TO USE IT
To get the benefits of astaxanthin both internally and externally, combine a daily supplement with a skincare routine rich in astaxanthin. While vegan astaxanthin supplements are a great option, you can also get plenty of astaxanthin by eating a diet rich in salmon or red shellfish. In skincare, astaxanthin plays well with other antioxidants, so you can combine it with vitamin C or E for enhanced results. Find astaxanthin in our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER for a daily treatment that neutralizes free radicals while plumping skin with moisture. For a more targeted treatment, our FIRMING EYE COMPLEX combines astaxanthin with our proprietary Adaptive Complex-25(™) peptide blend to minimize crow's feet and visibly brighten the sensitive skin under the eyes.
Our new SHIUNKO BLUSH FACIAL OIL gets its power from fermented plant extracts that deliver a potent dose of antioxidants to dramatically calm redness, visibly lift and tone the skin, and protect against environmental stressors. Let’s take a look at the powerful actives that make it all happen.
CALM & REPAIR WITH FERMENTED SHIUNKO OIL: Shiunko is an ancient botanical oil blend that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine to treat wounds and burns. Made from a blend of angelica root and red gromwell root infused in oil, shiunko is traditionally used as a cure-all for angry skin. In our formula, fermented shiunko oil supports skin repair, minimizes the look of redness, and soothes reactive, irritated skin.
SHIELD AGAINST FREE RADICALS WITH FERMENTED GREEN TEA OIL: Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help protect skin against free radicals and environmental aggressors that cause premature signs of aging. Fermenting this powerful plant boosts its antioxidant levels and allows its actives to more readily absorb into the skin. When worn with SPF, fermented green tea oil works to create an antioxidant shield that protects skin against damage caused by UV rays.
SOOTHE REDNESS WITH JAPANESE INDIGO & FIELD MUSTARD OIL: Japanese indigo is a naturally blush-colored oil rich in tryptanthrin, a nitrogen-rich compound that helps dramatically calm the look of redness. In our formula, Japanese indigo works with field mustard oil to nourish, soothe and calm the skin.
SOFTEN FINE LINES & WRINKLES WITH SPILANTHES EXTRACT: Spilanthes extract, sourced from the paracress plant, is a South American herb that encourages smoother-looking skin by softening muscle contractions that lead to wrinkles and fine lines, making it a less invasive alternative to injectables like Botox.
DEEPLY HYDRATE WITH VEGAN SQUALANE: Squalene is naturally produced by our bodies to create a healthy lipid barrier, but decreases as we age. Vegan squalane is a plant-sourced alternative that mirrors our skin’s own hydrators to reinforce healthy barrier function, prevent water-loss and keep our skin smooth and flexible.
Just like your gut, your skin is home to trillions of bacteria and fungi known as your skin microbiome. Maintaining a balanced microbiome with a diverse array of good bacteria is key to healthy, glowing skin. A healthy microbiome strengthens the lipid barrier and keeps acne-causing bacteria in check so your skin looks clear and hydrated. But what happens when the bad bacteria override the good? Cue acne, redness, and irritation. If your skin is feeling out of sorts, restore balance with a product that feeds your skin’s good bacteria like our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER. Our velvety daily hydrator nourishes the skin microbiome, restores barrier function, and rescues skin from redness so skin becomes stronger, silkier, and healthier with every use. Let’s take a look at the powerful actives that make it all happen.
BALANCE YOUR MICROBIOME WITH OUR PREBIOTIC COMPLEX: To support a healthy skin microbiome, our moisturizer contains prebiotics--ingredients that feed your skin’s good bacteria. Polysaccharides derived from chicory root boost your skin’s natural probiotics so they can fight off bad bacteria that trigger breakouts and skin sensitivity. They also help maintain skin’s essential moisture levels, preventing dryness and sensitivity that can contribute to microbiome imbalances.
PROTECT AGAINST AGING WITH ASTAXANTHIN: One of the world’s most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin shields against environmental free radicals from blue light and harmful UV rays that trigger early skin aging so skin looks younger, longer.
RENEW BARRIER FUNCTION WITH A CERAMIDE COMPLEX: Ceramides are fats stored in the skin’s upper layers, and they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy lipid barrier. A healthy lipid barrier locks moisture inside the skin and keeps pollutants out, preventing damage caused by dehydration and irritation. Our skin-identical lipid concentrate supports healthy skin barrier function to minimize redness and restore skin softness.
RESTORE MOISTURE WITH ENCAPSULATED GLYCERIN: Glycerin is a humectant, which means it can draw water out of the air and into the skin. Our encapsulated glycerin works together with a hyaluronic acid complex to lock moisture into the skin 15x more effectively than standard glycerin, helping skin stay plump, firm, and hydrated all day long.
Used daily, our MICROBIOME RESCUE DAILY MOISTURIZER restores skin health and balance, minimizes signs of aging, and protects skin from outside aggressors. Use it after microneedling, dermaplaning, or applying peels to protect against redness and give skin a plump and juicy bounce.
]]>It’s no secret that peels are the holy grail for fresh, glowing skin. But some exfoliating acids found in peels can be too much for certain skin types, not to mention a no-no during pregnancy. Thankfully, there are gentler alternatives— enzymes. Often derived from fruits like papayas or pineapples, these naturally occurring amino acids gently break down the keratin bonds that hold onto dead skin, which helps the skin shed more effectively. If you find yourself dealing with irritated and congested skin, opt for a detoxifying enzyme treatment like our DUAL ENZYME MASK, formulated to help clear congestion, gently resurface, and hydrate skin. Let’s break down some of the star ingredients in our mask and how they help reveal softer, fresher skin.
GENTLY EXFOLIATE WITH PAPAYA & PINEAPPLE ENZYMES: A gentler alternative to AHA-based peels, these natural exfoliants dissolve the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher-looking skin. Fruit enzymes are pregnancy-safe and have been shown to soothe the skin as they exfoliate, making them ideal for painful hormonal breakouts. Papaya enzymes have also been shown to help brighten the look of post-acne hyperpigmentation so you aren’t left dealing with spots.
DETOX CLOGGED PORES WITH AMAZONIAN WHITE & BENTONITE CLAY: Known for their detoxifying qualities, these mineral-rich clays absorb excess sebum, draw out pore impurities, and gently exfoliate the skin’s surface. Unlike many clay masks which can be very drying, our clay stays moist for longer so that the treatment doesn’t dehydrate irritated skin.
RESTORE BARRIER FUNCTION WITH JOJOBA ESTERS: This non-greasy, rapidly absorbing hydrator supports a healthy skin barrier, reduces the appearance of redness, and minimizes the look of enlarged pores. As the mask absorbs impurities in the skin, jojoba esters help replenish the skin’s lipids so the skin barrier stays strong.
CALM & RENEW WITH SUCCINIC ACID: Despite its name, succinic acid is not an exfoliating ingredient. Derived from amber or sugar cane, this acid supports cellular renewal while hydrating and calming the skin. It is especially effective for acne-prone skin as it has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the appearance of breakouts. Its hydrating properties have also been shown to help balance the skin’s oil production so pores stay clearer.
Next time your skin feels congested, apply a thin layer of our Dual Enzyme Mask and leave it on for 10 minutes or until dry. Rinse well and follow with our HA Hydrating Serum and Microbiome Rescue Daily Moisturizer to lock in moisture and restore skin softness. Keep up your detox ritual once a week until your pore congestion clears up.
]]>The Dermaplaning Tool blade should be replaced after 4 uses. Below is a video on how to safely remove and replace the Dermaplaning Tool blade.
Here is another view of replacing the blade.
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