Although many people don’t realize it, the words hydration and moisture have two different meanings. Hydration is water; it’s what your skin needs when it’s dehydrated. Moisture is oil; it’s what your skin needs when it’s dry. 

 

So, what’s the difference between a hydrator and a moisturizer?

 

HYDRATOR 

A hydrator helps bring water back into the skin using humectants (substances that retain water and allow the skin to absorb the water). 

Hyaluronic acid serums and creams are great examples of hydrators. 

 

MOISTURIZER 

A moisturizer has oils that lock in the hydration; this keeps the skin looking soft and smooth. All skin types have an oil barrier, but that barrier tends to break down as the skin gets drier or older. 

Lotions, oils, and creams are products that lock in moisture. People with oilier skin should look for lightweight lotions, whereas people with drier skin should look for thick creams. 

 

In a way, hydrators and moisturizers complement each other. Hydrators hydrate the skin, while moisturizers lock in that hydration and create a protective barrier. All skin types need hydration and moisture, including oily skin! If you’re looking for a new hydrator or moisturizer, our website has various kinds for you to pick from. 

People are constantly preaching about the importance of wearing SPF. We’re going to be discussing why wearing SPF is so important and the risks that can be caused if it’s not worn. 

 

WHAT IS SPF?

Let’s start by answering this question: what exactly is SPF? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s basically a measure of how well the sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays. It’s crucial to constantly use SPF, regardless of the season and the time of the day. The skin is ALWAYS vulnerable to UV rays. 

 

Random fact: 80% of the sun’s rays pass through clouds, and the snow can reflect up to 80% of the UV rays; basically, you have to wear sunscreen all year round. 

 

WHY IS SUNSCREEN SO IMPORTANT? 

We’re going to start with the most obvious reason, sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays. Our risk of sun damage has increased since the exhaustion of the ozone layer. Our skin is now more venerable to UV rays, and sunscreen’s job is to block these rays. 

When UV rays are blocked, the chances of getting skin cancer are decreased. You’re cutting down your risk of getting skin cancer by half when you wear SPF. 

Sun damage from UV rays causes premature aging, and SPF prevents that from happening. Discoloration and wrinkles caused by sun damage can be prevented by using sunscreen. 

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NOT WEARING SUNSCREEN? 

The risks tie back to the benefits of wearing sunscreen, but here is a list of the few risks of not wearing sunscreen: 

1. premature aging 
2. skin damage and skin cancer 
3. genetically changed skin cells 
4. broken blood vessels 
5. “spider viens”, wrinkles, sun spots, scarring, inflammation, and sunburn 
6. dry skin
7. weaker immune system 

 

HOW DO I FIND A SUNSCREEN?

There are sunscreens with mineral filters and others with chemical filters. 

Chemical filters - absorb UV rays and convert them into heat; can cause irritation and itching 

Mineral filters - physically block UV rays and reflect them using minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide

It is up to you to decide what kind of sunscreen you want, but it is recommended to find one that suits your skin type. 

 

Now that you know the benefits of wearing - and risks of not wearing, SPF - go get yourself sunscreen. You can start looking for a new SPF on our website, now!

Chlorophyll water is a new trend that erupted on the social media app TikTok, a few weeks ago. We are going to explain what chlorophyll is and uncover the supposed benefits and potential risks of this new trend. 

 

Lets’s start by explaining… WHAT IS CHLOROPHYLL?

 

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that gives some plants their green color. It’s utilized by plants that transform sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. 

Although it’s not an essential nutrient for humans, it has several vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit the human body. 

You can absorb chlorophyll from either plants or supplements (however, supplements are more effective).  

 

BENEFITS

On TikTok, people are claiming that adding fifteen drops of liquid chlorophyll to a glass of water will reduce body odor, clear skin, enhance energy levels, and boost weight loss. 

 

A recent study did in fact prove that people who consumed chlorophyll had reduced body odor. 

 

Very few researches have been conducted to study chlorophyll and the treatment of acne. Zain Syed, the president of the Maryland Dermatologic Society, stated that “The studies showed a very mild effect on acne. Nothing to the effect of what is being portrayed in these -TikTok- videos”.

 

Regarding weight loss, research into this topic is very limited. A 2014 study proved that women who consumed supplements that included chlorophyll had a higher weight loss than women who didn’t. However, due to the limited research on this topic, no conclusions can be drawn. 

 

Chlorophyll also acts as a detoxifying nutrient. Many studies have been conducted that proved that consuming chlorophyll decreases liver and stomach tumors as well as reduces tumor sizes. 

 

RISKS

Some of the side effects of chlorophyll are digestive issues, diarrhea, and burning when applied topically.  

 

CONCLUSION

Although the TikTok videos circulating make it seem like liquid chlorophyll is magic in a bottle, research is very limited. No factual conclusions can be drawn about the benefits of this nutrient. Whether the benefits TikTokers are raving about are accurate, or whether it is all just a placebo effect... that is a decision for you to make. 

Don't know where to start your skincare routine? You can start by reading this!

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We've all seen the new skincare trend on the social media accounts of our favorite celebrities. Gua Sha, the massaging tool that many people claim helped lift their faces and define their facial features. But what is a Gua Sha and what are its actual benefits?  

 

Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique where the skin is scraped with a smooth stone. In ancient China, this technique was used all over the body, but today it's mostly used on the face and neck. This technique stimulates microcirculation which increases blood flow. 

 

WHAT ARE GUA SHA STONES?

Gua sha stones are made of jade or quartz. These stones are made into tools that are used to ease tension, sculpt and lift the skin, and stimulate circulation.

 

BENEFITS

Here are the benefits of the Gua Sha stone:

• It lifts the skin and makes facial features appear more defined. As well as de-puff the face and reduce under-eye bags. 
• It expels fluids and toxins from your system. 
• It reduces the tension that can cause fine lines and wrinkles. 
• It reduces redness and the size of acne by moving blood cells and improving circulation 
• It reduces the visibility of acne scars because it moves blood to the surface of the skin which renews skin cells 

 

HOW TO USE

Apply a serum or moisturizer before usage, and make sure to keep the stone as parallel as possible to your face. Don’t apply too much pressure! 

Remember to wash your Gua Sha with soap and water constantly to keep it clean 

What are you waiting for? You can buy it right now here. 

The ultimate 411 guide to the ingredient you’re seeing everywhere

Hyaluronic acid what is it? What is it composed of? What are its benefits? Why should everyone have it?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found naturally in our skin that holds water and helps keep it hydrated and plump. The HA within our bodies holds a thousand times its weight in water to not only retain all that moisture in our skin and joints, but also prevent all that moisture from evaporating into the air, according to Dr. Lily Talakoub, a dermatologist at the McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center.

As we age the naturally occurring HA within our body decreases. “Diet affects the skin significantly,” says Dr. Howard D. Sobel, a dermatologist in New York City. “Eating fruits and veggies with lots of antioxidants protect the skin from inflammation in turn helps the skin retain it.”

When used in skin care products like creams and serums, hyaluronic acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin. “Because of its ability to draw and hold water, it can be used as a humectant in your skin care regimen,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “It continually keeps skin moisturized throughout the day.”

Use hyaluronic acid serum after the toner and before applying moisturizer or other serums. It helps the skin to consume all the ingredients on a deeper level.

Products with hyaluronic acid you can find here for purchase!

What are you waiting for? Take advantage of this holy grail ingredient!

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