Red & Reactive Skin Survival Guide
Red, sore, angry, dry, flaky…! “Please help calm my skin” you say? For anyone who has a reactive skin, whether it be genetic, environmental or from over use of harsh ingredients, you will know how hard and frustrating it can be to find products to soothe and repair your skin. I’m going to introduce you to some versatile yet super active ingredients that are effective for a wide range of conditions from acne through to eczema skins. Super active ingredients to the rescue! Niacinamide Vitamin B3. Acne prone skin – Vitamin B 3 skincare helps to slow down and regulate oil flow. Great news if your skin is oily and prone to breakouts, especially if you suffer from acne. Regulating oil mean less oil flow which mean less breakouts and more easily manageable skin. More manageable skin means you can skip those harsh ingredients that can end up stripping the skin of its all-important oil and ends up leading to aggravated and breakout prone skin. Niacinamide, as found in esmi Skin Minerals’ Green Smoothie Skin Treat, will help to repair and restore a problematic skin, and is also beneficial for treating post breakout redness. Sensitive skin – Vitamin B for skin will help to calm and ease inflammation by improving barrier function. If you suffer from rosacea, eczema or any other skin concerns that cause a weakened skin surface, Vit B 3 will help protect against environmental factors that can cause those unwanted flare ups. esmi’s Anti Inflammatory Mint Gel Booster Mask is suitable for even the most sensitive skins. Hyaluronic Acid. Don’t let the word acid scare you! Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring ingredient in our skin (which makes it so much easier for your skin to recognise and absorb – making it so effective). Hyaluronic acid is like a big drink of water for your skin! Any impaired skin barrier that is suffering from dry, flaky, reactive or over stripped skin will benefit from adding this active ingredient into your regime. This makes it an excellent skincare product for conditions like eczema and dermatitis, through to a combination skin. This ingredient can actually hold 1,000 times its weight in water(!!) so this means the cells will attract water and hold onto it, leaving suffering skin dewy and plump. For your Hyaluronic Acid hit check out esmi’s Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. Linoleic Acid. Commonly found in oils such as rose hip, evening primrose and wheatgerm, this ingredient is amazing for treating an impaired barrier. Linoleic acid will allow the skin barrier to become stronger which in turn will lock in hydration and moisture. Studies have shown that this ingredient is also a very beneficial skin care product for acne – it can actually stop a forming pimple from becoming a full-blown breakout, it will reduce the pimple size and clear it before you even knew it was there! These oils are super lightweight and are suitable as moisturisers for dry to oily skin types and can be found in esmi’s 24k Gold Nourishing Oil. Allantoin. This non-irritating ingredient soothes and protects, it really is an all-star ingredient for keeping sensitised skin in tip top condition. It has the amazing ability to heal the skin and stimulate the growth of new tissue. It is amazing for eczema treatment, even dermatitis sufferers and fantastic to help with healing acne scarring. Allantoin can be found in esmi’s Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask. Tips for over sensitised skin: Avoid harsh ingredients. It’s always important to remember to use gentle products on skin that is suffering from a reaction or has been stripped of oil and avoid anything that will exasperate it further. The best place to start is with a gentle cleanser. ‘Suitable for all skin types’ is usually a good indicator that the product will be on the gentle side but do your research. Does it contain any SLS’s? These are renowned for being harsh on the skin and drying it out. If your cleanser is leaving your skin squeaky clean there is a good chance its stripping the oil from your skin. Try our Uncomplicated Cleanser which is super gentle on the skin. Use a mild exfoliant. Mild exfoliation is key. Using products with an enzyme is beneficial for exfoliating sensitised skin… all skins really! Rather than scrubbing with something that could potentially damage the skin barrier, an enzyme exfoliant uses AHAs which can be derived from sugar cane, fruits or vegetables. AHA’s gently dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing dead skin to slough off easily. This leaves skin super soft and smooth, pores clean and allows for better penetration of serums and moisturisers. For a great mild exfoliant try esmi’s Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Go for a simple gentle regime. Be kind to your skin! We can sometimes freak out when our skin breaks out or becomes dry and this stress can actually lead it to becoming worse. Remember; our skin is the largest organ in our body and our face is the most exposed, so it can get a bit of a rough time, so over loading it with tonnes of products to help ‘fix’ your skin is only going to have the opposite effect. Treat it with care! Not sure where to start? Talk to our skin specialist team who will guide you through your FREE personal Skin Care Plan and help you get on top of your skin concerns today. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey. CHAT: www.esmi.com.auEMAIL: skin@makeupcartel.com.auPHONE: 1300 66 11 76
Skin Care for Perioral Dermatitis
Struggling with perioral dermatitis? We share our skin care tips and products for perioral dermatitis treatment and everything you need to know about this common skin concern. What is Perioral Dermatitis? Periorificial dermatitis appears as clusters of small, itchy, red bumps (papules) around the eye, nose, and mouth area. It’s an inflammatory skin condition, one that usually affects women aged 15 to 45 years. Periorificial dermatitis can be common in people with acne and rosacea. It’s also been linked to the use of steroid creams and inhalers used to manage asthma and allergies. A soothing, gentle skin routine plays a key role in perioral dermatitis treatment along with understanding and managing other potential triggers. The Triggers of Perioral Dermatitis Research is yet to uncover the exact reason perioral dermatitis appears initially but a few things that have been implicated in triggering flare-ups. Compromised, damaged skin barrier One of the most common triggers is a weakened skin barrier which leads to the red, inflamed bumps of perioral dermatitis. Using skincare with harsh ingredients or overuse of products - especially exfoliators - strips the skin barrier (the outer layer) of the oil and moisture it needs to function healthily. This leaves skin vulnerable to dryness, inflammation, and redness. Treatments for perioral dermatitis include avoiding these ingredients: Parabens and phthalates: Preservatives that are extremely harsh on skin. Alcohol: Extremely drying and can irritate sensitive skin. Sulfates: Used to create a ‘foaming’ effect in skincare, sulfates strip the skin barrier. Oxybenzone: Used in chemical sunscreens and is a known irritant. Fragrance and many essential oils: Highly irritating. Petrolatum, PEGS, paraffin: Pore clogging which exacerbates symptoms. Perioral dermatitis skin care is all about choosing naturally calming, strengthening ingredients to heal the skin barrier. We’ll talk more about those ingredients in a moment! Topical and oral steroids Topical steroids are often prescribed for other inflammatory skin conditions, like rosacea and eczema but steroid creams, gels, and lotions may actually trigger perioral dermatitis. Oral steroids have also been linked to symptoms. Toothpaste Check your toothpaste ingredients! Fluoride toothpaste and those designed to whiten teeth can play a role in triggering perioral dermatitis. Hormonal changes Developing perioral dermatitis may also be associated with hormonal changes. This could explain why it is more common in women than men. How to Treat Perioral Dermatitis Seeking the advice of a dermatologist or your health practitioner is a must, especially in serious cases, so they can guide you on treatments for perioral dermatitis. Consulting a naturopath may also help with perioral dermatitis natural treatments involving a holistic approach to managing symptoms including diet recommendations. Your skincare routine is an excellent place to start making adjustments and monitor how your skin reacts. We suggest you stop using all current skincare - especially those with ingredients we listed earlier. Introduce lightweight, fragrance-free, soothing products that include the below ingredients and keep your routine as simple as possible! What Ingredients to Look For Perioral dermatitis skin care should be fragrance-free, gentle and focus on reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. Barrier strengthening / hydrating / encourage skin healing Niacinamide: Soothes irritated skin when you’re dealing with an inflammatory skin concern. Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid): Addresses dehydration. Probiotic Lysates: Promote a healthy skin environment to encourage healing and fight bad bacteria. Soothing / antibacterial / anti redness Jojoba seed oil: Possesses numerous healing, moisture promoting properties. Arnica: A natural skin healer, arnica boosts circulation and reduces swelling. Aloe vera: Famed for its moisture-promoting, skin repairing, and calming abilities. Green tea (camellia leaf extract): Calms and helps regulate sebum production to promote a balanced, clear complexion. Products from the esmi Skin Minerals range to help manage perioral dermatitis: Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser Calming and gentle Gently removes all traces of foundation and impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. You might also like to try The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness if your skin is particularly red and inflamed. Contains aloe vera and green tea extract. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Use in the morning and evening - double cleanse in the evening. Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Ultra hydrating The ultimate skin hydrator, this quick-absorbing hydrating serum fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this hyaluronic serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a hydrated glow. How to use Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Dispense a pearl size amount of serum from the dropper onto fingertips and massage into the skin after cleansing or exfoliation. Can be used morning and night and around the eye area. Moisturiser Probiotic Skin Mylck Anti-inflammatory and strengthening Inflamed, damaged and ultra sensitive skin meets the calming, restorative powers of probiotics in a gentle, lightweight moisturising lotion. The beneficial bacteria in the esmi Probiotic Lysates have been researched and found to help heal and support skin’s natural defences. Formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics. How to use Probiotic Skin Mylck Using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Skin Mylck onto your fingertips or the palm of your hands. Massage into your skin after cleansing. Perfect for use under makeup or sunscreen. Sunscreen Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Some chemical sunscreens can make perioral dermatitis worse - it’s crucial to choose a formulation without the chemical oxybenzone. Opt for a natural sunscreen instead! Broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection, Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 protects against UV damage and fights the first signs of ageing. Comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. How to use Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Shake well before use. Apply lotion liberally as the final step in your routine and allow to absorb at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. We recommend starting with cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen then introducing the serum a few weeks into your new perioral dermatitis skin care routine. If you need further information and support treating perioral dermatitis, speak to one of our skin consultants. We’re here to help!
Creating a Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is a common issue marked by heightened reactions to environmental factors and skincare products, leading to redness, itching and irritation. Finding suitable skincare products and routines can be particularly challenging for those with sensitive skin due to the very common presence of fragrances, dyes and harsh chemicals found in many products and brands. Additionally, sensitive skin often reacts unpredictably to changes in weather, diet and stress. How to create a skincare routine for sensitive skin? It can be tough out there for those with sensitive skin! Creating a skincare routine tailored to sensitive skin involves careful selection and use of products that nurture and protect the skin without causing irritation. 🤍 Keep things simple When you have sensitive skin, keeping your skincare routine simple is crucial. Using fewer products minimises the risk of irritation and allows your skin to maintain its natural balance. A simplified routine helps to ensure that you’re not overloading your skin with too many active ingredients that could potentially cause reactions. Additionally, sticking to a consistent routine allows your skin to adjust and become more resilient over time. Tips: Limit the number of products: Avoiding a plethora of different products and ingredients is crucial. This reduces the chance of irritation and makes it easier to identify any product that might be causing a reaction. Avoid frequent changes: Changing products frequently can disrupt your skin’s balance. Give your skin time to adapt to new products to see how it truly responds. esmi Product Recommendations: The Uncomplicated Cleanser: This gentle cleanser effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Sensitive Skin Solution Bundle: Replenish and calm sensitive skin with this curation of products designed to assist those with sensitive skin. It's targeted at strengthening and repairing damaged and impaired barriers to promote strong happy skin! 🤍 Avoid harsh ingredients Avoiding harsh ingredients is essential to maintaining a healthy and irritation-free complexion. Harsh ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt its barrier, and cause redness, dryness, and inflammation. By steering clear of such ingredients, you can help ensure your skin remains calm and balanced. Tips: Steer clear of alcohol, sulfates & parabens: These ingredients can be drying and irritating, leading to increased sensitivity and discomfort. Avoid Strong exfoliants initially: Ingredients like AHAs and BHAs can be too harsh for sensitive skin. If you choose to use them, introduce them slowly and monitor your skin’s reaction. Patch test new products: Before applying new products to your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure they don’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction. esmi Product Recommendations Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser: Formulated with protective Probiotic Lysates to strengthen the skin's natural defence this creamy probiotic cleanser gently lifts away impurities for clearer, softer skin and a calmer barrier. Sensitive Moisturiser: Nurture your skin with the best moisturiser for sensitive skin. Restorative with lightweight nourishment, this gentle fragrance-free moisturising cream will help to strengthen and repair compromised barriers. Rose + Bamboo Gentle-Foliant: This Gentle-Foliant contains a natural oil closest to the molecular structure of skin's own sebum, Jojoba Oil, which helps to balance and calm skin. It can aid in reducing redness and skin repair. 🤍 Choose fragrance-free products When it comes to sensitive skin, avoiding fragrance in skincare products is crucial. Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, can be irritating and allergenic, leading to redness, itching and inflammation. Opting for fragrance-free products helps minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensures a gentler approach to skincare. 🤍 Stay moisturised Keeping sensitive skin moisturized is essential to maintaining its health and resilience. Moisturizing helps to fortify the skin’s natural barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and environmental damage. Well-hydrated skin is better equipped to handle external stressors and is less likely to react to irritants. Tips: Use a gentle moisturiser: Apply these products while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture effectively. Opt for hyaluronic acid for maximum hydrating: These ingredients attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. esmi Product Recommendations: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum: To combat dehydration for all skin types, the skin cell's water content can be replenished with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. Using hyaluronic acid for skin in the form of a serum means thirsty face cells receive much needed moisture quickly. Sensitive Moisturiser: Nurture your skin with the best moisturizer for sensitive skin. Restorative with lightweight nourishment, this gentle fragrance-free moisturising cream will help to strengthen and repair compromised barriers. Proboitic Skin Mylck: Our Probiotic Skin Mylck helps heal and strengthen hypersensitive skin. The lightweight moisturising lotion is formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics. 🤍 Apply SPF daily Applying SPF daily is crucial for all skin types, but it's especially important for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can be more susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can exacerbate irritation, redness, and other skin conditions. Daily use of sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, preventing immediate and long-term damage Protects from UV damage: Prevents sunburn and reduces the risk of skin cancer by blocking harmful UV rays. Prevents premature ageing: Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent photoaging, including wrinkles and sunspots, which can be more pronounced in sensitive skin. Maintains overall skin health: Consistent protection from UV exposure helps keep sensitive skin calm and reduces the likelihood of flare-ups and irritation. esmi Product Recommendations esmi Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30: The perfect everyday mineral sunscreen. Its non-greasy formula suits all skin types, and is very gentle on sensitive skin. This sunscreen is ideal for use on the face, absorbing beautifully into your skin and leaving you with long-lasting UV protection and hydration. Sun Skills For Sensitive: If your skin is easily irritated, Sun Skills for SENSITIVE will help strengthen your skin's barrier and prevent premature ageing. The sheer touch protective formula dries with a natural finish that balances your skincare ritual, without clogging pores or irritating skin. 🤍 Essential advice for sensitive skin care Voilà! That's our advice for our esmi family who are going through the journey of sensitive skin. We hope you get the chance to try some of our products to soothe sensitivity and reactivity.
Skin Care For Rosacea
How to Treat Rosacea Dealing with rosacea can be stressful. From uncomfortable flushing episodes to severe redness, swelling, and painful bumps it can affect your confidence, lifestyle, and pose serious skin issues if left untreated. Our skin care experts share what triggers rosacea plus must-have products and skin care tips on how to treat rosacea symptoms. What is Rosacea? Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition. It’s characterised by redness, sensitivity, and uncomfortable flushing episodes that cause skin to turn bright red and heat up. Extreme dryness and acne-like pustules and bumps are also common. The ‘rosacea spectrum’ is very broad. The severity of symptoms can range from a prolonged blush or persistently rosy cheeks to painful stinging, burning sensations, and extreme, constant redness. Whether you’ve been dealing with rosacea for years or it’s suddenly appeared, it usually begins with episodes of the skin flushing red and can increase to: Permanent redness Bumps Sensitised skin - burning / stinging sensations Capillaries becoming visible Thickening skin If left untreated, rosacea can have long-reaching skin health implications and take a toll on your confidence. How is rosacea diagnosed? Your dermatologist or health practitioner will do a physical examination of your skin and usually ask questions about your medical history. The symptoms of some allergies, acne and lupus can appear similar to rosacea so your health practitioner will want to rule those out before making the diagnosis of rosacea. What causes rosacea? The skin redness, bumps and flushing associated with rosacea can be triggered by any number of factors. Usually, things that raise your body temperature including: Alcohol Spicy foods Hot, humid weather Hot showers Sun exposure Stress Vigorous exercise Heated rooms Using the wrong skincare products can also lead to red flare ups. Skin with rosacea can be highly sensitive to chemicals, fragrance, and other factors. Best Skincare for Rosacea Treatment While there isn’t a cure, you can learn how to treat rosacea by managing symptoms through skin care and lifestyle choices. Using the right skin care to treat rosacea can help to relieve discomfort, reduce flare-ups, and help maximise results from any prescribed oral or topical rosacea medication. Avoid harsh products designed to clear acne If you’re dealing with acne-like symptoms (bumps and pustules) don’t use harsh cleansers and drying products aimed at clearing breakouts. Rosacea skin is extremely sensitive and using strong formulations and those that dry out skin only increase irritation and severity of symptoms. Always read the product label and steer clear of these ingredients: Fragrance Alcohol Urea Glycolic acid Lactic acid Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) The Best Skin Products for Rosacea Build your rosacea skin care routine with gentle products containing active ingredients designed to relieve and control symptoms. The key word here is gentle! Focus on ingredients that work to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate, soothe and minimise redness. A few of the best active ingredients to treat rosacea include: Tasmannia lanceolata extract (Mountain Pepper): Cool irritation and strengthen skin Tasmanian Mountain Pepper is native Australian botanical with incredibly potent antioxidant properties for skin barrier strengthening, promoting stronger capillaries and combating free radical damage. It’s also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial for cooling and minimising irritated, red skin and rosacea flare ups. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness A gentle cream cleanser enriched with redness-minimising and antibacterial Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract to cool inflammation while gently removing impurities. Hyaluronic acid: Super hydrator Don’t let the word ‘acid’ scare you! Hyaluronic acid is a humectant ingredient (an ingredient that attracts water) and is naturally produced by your skin cells to help skin retain moisture. If you have rosacea, your skin barrier is compromised. This means your skin can’t hold onto moisture which results in increased sensitivity and rosacea flare ups. Hyaluronic can aid in delivering much-needed hydration to thirsty skin. We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a radiant and hydrated glow. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Barrier strengthening Niacinamide will help heal and strengthen a damaged skin barrier. Its anti inflammatory properties can aid in calming an irritated, uncomfortable complexion. We recommend: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie With an energising wild mint aroma, this serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. Contains Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Aloe vera: Soothing and moisturising Wondering how to treat rosacea naturally? Aloe Vera is an effective ingredient in plant-based skincare to help calm and soothe red, uncomfortable skin. It helps reduce inflammation and redness, impart hydration and antibacterial properties can assist in targeting the bacteria associated with pustules. We recommend: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie and The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness. Both contain Aloe Vera. Probiotics: Encourage a healthy skin environment Using probiotics (good bacteria) in skincare to treat rosacea can help create an optimal environment for skin health to thrive and stimulate renewal to repair the barrier. In turn, this leads to a decrease in skin sensitivity and the symptoms associated with rosacea. We recommend: Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness This lightweight moisturising lotion is formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics and anti-inflammatories to help cool red flushing flare-ups and strengthen hypersensitive skin. Your rosacea skin care routine Here’s how to put together a daily skin care routine to treat rosacea with our esmi product recommendations: Cleanser: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness (Morning and evening) Serums: Anti-redness Minty Green Smoothie and / or Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. If you use both, you can apply the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie in your morning routine and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum in the evening. Moisturiser: Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness. If you have extremely dry skin, which is very common for those with rosacea, you can follow with 24K Gold Nourishing Oil. SPF: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 How to Treat Roscaea with Lifestyle Changes Making changes to your lifestyle, along with your skincare routine, will help get rosacea under control: Avoid or reduce alcohol and spicy foods in your diet Keep hydration levels up - with water / fluids and skin care Wear sunscreen daily Stress management Use products with gentle formulations Try different styles / durations of exercise Avoid drying ingredients in skincare products; like alcohol and fragrances Be gentle when touching your skin Cleanse with lukewarm or cool water Avoid hot, steamy showers Paying attention to what specifically triggers rosacea for you will help you make the right lifestyle adjustments. For example, if long, intense cardio workouts always trigger a rosacea flare of red skin and pimples, try switching up your routine. Experiment with shorter workouts or different types of exercise. Medication to treat rosacea A severe case of rosacea may call for oral or topical antibiotics, in combination with a skin care and lifestyle plan for managing symptoms. Please consult with your health practitioner for professional medical advice if you are experiencing extreme symptoms. Treat Your Rosacea with esmi Skin Minerals If you need a hand creating a skin care for rosacea routine, our skin care consultants are excited to help you! Book your free skin care consultation today. Learn More About Skincare 5 Causes Of Red Face And How To Reduce It Skin Care for Perioral Dermatitis How To Get Glowing Skin
How to Reduce Skin Redness
Red skin, reactive skin and rosacea are frustrating and often embarrassing skin conditions that can be difficult to deal with. For some of these conditions the redness will never fully go away or disappear, so it’s important to equip yourself with knowledge of your skin condition and a simple skin regime to best manage it. Redness is most commonly found on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It can be associated with flushed skin (blushing easily and for extended amount of time) and broken capillaries (spider web looking veins usually across the nose and cheeks). The more flare ups you have the redder these areas will become, which is why management is so important. You may also experience papules and pustules known as acne rosacea. It’s very important not to treat rosacea with ‘acne clearing' products as it can worsen your condition. Flaky, dry and scaly skin can also be a common symptom. Try to avoid the following: Cleansers that leave your skin with that ‘squeaky-clean’ feeling Rough and scratchy exfoliants Highly perfumed products Foundations that don’t allow the skin to breath Alcohol in skincare. i.e. witch hazel, toners It’s important to choose gentle skincare products as part of a good, regular skincare regime to help reduce redness. This can really make a world of difference, especially during a flare up. Common triggers While it’s hard to avoid stress, it can be a major contributor to our skin acting up, especially if you already have underlying skin care issue like rosacea and redness. Common triggers can also include food (try to avoid anything with spice) and all those naughty activities like drinking (especially wine!), smoking and sun exposure. Make sure you avoid the midday sun and always wear your hat and 50+ SPF! Triggers include: Stress Extreme Temperatures Spicy food Fragrances and alcohol in skincare Alcoholic drinks – especially wine Smoking Try to look for the following: Anti-oxidant rich ingredients Calming products Gentle formulations Anti-Inflammatory products Key ingredients to look for: Look for anti-oxidant rich ingredients that will help to strengthen the skin and calming formulations. Rosacea is a form of inflammation in the skin, so choosing product packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients will be key in helping to control redness. Niacinamide – Repairs and restores skin and helps to fight inflammation. Squalane – Prevents moisture loss and boost cell regeneration. Allantoin – Soothes and protects the skin. Has the ability to help heal the skin and stimulate the growth of new tissue. Hyaluronic Acid – Super hydrating, will attract water to skin cell and allow the skin to hold onto it. Caffeine – Constricting effect, which can help improve the look of redness, soothing and antioxidant properties. Arnica – Can calm the redness and inflammation associated with rosacea. Increases white blood cell activity to help combat irritation. Have a look at the makeup you’re wearing and choose a mineral formulation which is not only good for your skin but will also allow it to breath. This will come with zinc, which not only has a sun protection factor, but is anti- fungal and will help with the healing process. Products to try: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask The Uncomplicated Cleanser Liquid Mineral Foundation Mineral Foundation Powder As you can see, there is help out there to deal with red skin and rosacea! By understanding your skin concerns and implementing a good, regular regime you can help to manage and calm your skin to prevent any further damage. Not sure where to start? Talk to our skin specialist team who will guide you through your FREE personal Skin Care Plan and help you get on top of your skin concerns today. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey. CHAT: www.esmi.com.auEMAIL: skin@makeupcartel.com.auPHONE: 1300 66 11 76
Skin Care for Him
A basic men’s skin care routine can help battle breakouts, avoid shaving irritations, and tackle signs of fine lines and wrinkles. esmi products are gender-neutral and here we step you through creating a cleansing, firming, and protective routine for the man in your life. Simple Skin Care Regimen for Men Cleansing Face Daily A simple yet effective men’s skin care routine starts with cleansing. No matter his skin type, cleansing each day - morning and evening - removes the build up of sweat, dirt, oil, and dead cells. Keeping pores fresh and clear minimises the chance of ingrown hairs and breakouts. The evening cleanse is also important for getting rid of any pollution particles that settle onto his face during the day. Pollution causes free radical damage, speeding up the signs of ageing. Cleansing before shaving also removes and prevents bacteria causing irritation of freshly shaven skin. Does he hit the gym or play sports? Let him know cleansing after a workout is important as part of a male skin care routine too. Sweat is great for detoxifying, but it can mix with dirt and bacteria, clog pores and cause breakouts. The Uncomplicated Cleanser is the ideal cleanser for a men’s skin care routine. Suited to all skin types, this cream cleanser is formulated with aloe vera, green tea extract, and to remove debris with impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and camilla leaf extract. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser Step 1: Dampen skin with lukewarm water. Step 2: Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. While skin is still damp, apply serum, then moisturiser and, in the morning routine, sunscreen. Serum After Shaving Applying a serum after shaving is an easy step that can make a big difference in achieving clearer, younger looking skin. Serums are formulated with high levels of active ingredients. Active ingredients are the workhorses of a skin routine, they’re the ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid (Sodium hyaluronate) and peptides, that work to firm, calm and brighten skin. The Hydrating Nourishing Acai Duo is a great choice for a low fuss male skin care routine. With Acai oil, Provitamin B5, Sodium hyaluronate and seaweed extract it offers lightweight hydration plus nourishing anti-aging properties addressing multiple skin concerns at once. The beauty of the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo is that it combines the potency of a serum with the moisturising and repair benefits of an oil. It’s a one stop shop for improving hydration, brightness, and elasticity while protecting the skin. How to use Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo Step 1: Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Step 2: Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to the palm of the hand. Step 3: Massage into the skin after cleansing or shaving. Sun Protection To keep your man’s skin young-looking and protected against skin cancer, daily SPF protection is a must. Even if he doesn’t work outdoors. Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 delivers comfortable, non-greasy SPF coverage for all skin types. It’s easy-to-apply and formulated with additional anti-ageing benefits of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea for hydrated, firmer skin. Sunscreen should be applied after the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo or the moisturising step in his routine. If he does work outside or is spending long periods in the sun for sports, hiking, or hitting the beach, SPF reapplication is a must. Other Skin Care Products for Men The basic skin care for men routine we’ve stepped you through above will suit all skin types. However, if he wants to target specific skin concerns - like acne, ageing, and dryness - there are extra or alternative products you can incorporate to tackle these issues. Congested and acne prone oily skin Signs: Whiteheads, blackheads or more inflamed pimples and cysts. Skin may be red, bumpy, oily, and dull. What he needs: Antibacterial and oil regulating ingredients. Men usually have more oily and thicker skin. If he’s dealing with redness due to inflamed acne try The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness followed by Peppermint Green Oil. The cleanser calms redness while the lightweight oil helps to balance oil flow whilst being cooling and providing anti-bacterial benefits. Dryness Signs: Tight feeling, flaky rough skin with fine lines and cracks. What he needs: Hydration and protection. We suggest adding Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum to his men’s skin care routine. The serum’s hero ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid which is a superior hydrator for dry skin. Apply the serum before the Hydrating & Nourishing Acai Duo or the moisturising step. The flaky, dullness of dry skin can also be improved with gentle exfoliation. This will help remove flaky skin for a brighter complexion and allow the serum and moisturising treatments to work more effectively. We suggest using Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant once or twice a week - depending on his skin type. Exfoliating before shaving can help prevent the razor from getting clogged with dead skin cells. Ageing Signs: Signs of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, age spots. What he needs: Antioxidants and hydration. Is he worried about new wrinkles creeping in? Suggest the Golden Anti-Ageing Serum for his evening routine. The serum is rich in antioxidants and peptides which work to rejuvenate skin by visibly plumping fine lines, brightening, and conditioning. The serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturising. Do Men Care About Skin Care? Face care for men is increasing in popularity as more men realise this truth: skin care matters! Taking care of your skin helps your complexion stay fresh, healthy, and more youthful looking. Not to mention incorporating SPF to protect skin from more dangerous concerns like skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Healthy skin can boost confidence levels too! A simple, quality male skin care routine that targets his specific skin type and concerns can have a big impact on self-esteem. A practical skincare routine is a perfect gift for the man in your life. If you have any questions about his skin concerns or products, reach out to the esmi Skin Team. We’re here to help!
What Order to Apply Skin Care Products
Your skincare order matters... but how to layer products can be a little confusing. Serums before oils or oils before serums? Mask then exfoliate or is it the other way around? Learn to layer like an expert with this skincare routine order breakdown and our product recommendations. Skincare routine order A more simplified routine for your daily routine with your 'core' skin care products. Step 1: Cleanse It might seem obvious that cleansing is first in your skincare order. However, it’s an easy mistake to skip the cleanse and head straight to exfoliation on days you are exfoliating. Or, apply a mask without cleansing first. Cleansing, no matter if your masking or exfoliating, is always the first step in your morning and evening face routine order. A double cleanse with a gentle cleanser is a must in your evening routine. This removes makeup and the sweat, natural oils, debris, and pollution particles that all accumulate on your skin. You can double cleanse in the morning too to remove bacteria and oil that builds up on your face while you sleep. How to cleanse your skin Splash your skin with lukewarm water and massage a pearl-sized amount of cream cleanser into damp skin with clean fingers. Rinse with lukewarm water. You may like to use the esmi Microfibre Face Cleansing Mitt to remove all traces of product residue. Pat dry with a clean, soft face cloth. Repeat to double cleanse. If you’re wearing non-tubular mascara, we suggest using an eye makeup remover before the first cleanse. Your Step 1 cleanser options You’ll discover the ideal cleanser for a range of skin concerns. The Uncomplicated Cleanser — Suited to: All skin types The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness — Suited to: Sensitive skin prone to redness and inflammation. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing — Suited to: All skin types dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Brightening — Suited to: All skin types prone to dullness, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal — Suited to: Oily and combination skin types prone to acne, congestion, and large pores. Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser — Suited to: All skin types, especially hyper sensitive and acne-prone skin. Step 2: Tone Using a gentle exfoliating toner can assist with removing any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities, without damaging or stripping the skin barrier while prepping the skin for your next step. It also allows for better product absorption, as well as smoothing and softening skin!Our Gentle Refine Cleansing Toner contains a gentle combination of exfoliation properties including AHA, BHAs and fruit enzymes and is suitable for daily use. How to use esmi Gentle Refine Cleansing Toner After cleansing your skin at night, apply 3-4 pumps of toner to a cotton pad. Wipe all over your skin. You may feel a temporary warming sensation on your skin after application. This is normal as the product contains AHA and BHA ingredients that help to exfoliate and clarify the skin. Hot tip: We like to allow the amazing ingredients in the Toner to absorb into the skin for 1-2 minutes before applying the rest of our skincare. Step 3: Exfoliate (1-3 times p/w) Next up - exfoliation! Using a gentle exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells from the surface and debris clogging pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. You can exfoliate your skin with a physical method, chemical method or combination of both. The esmi range offers the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum for chemical exfoliation and the Gentle-Foliants which combine both physical and chemical exfoliants. How to exfoliate your skin with esmi Gentle-Foliants Apply a pea-sized amount of exfoliant to damp, cleansed skin. In small, circular motions, very gently apply the exfoliant to skin. Massage around your face to remove build-up and allow enzymes to deeply cleanse pores. Don’t apply too much pressure. Leave on for 2–5 minutes and rinse with cool water or with your dampened esmi Face Mitt. The Gentle-Foliants are designed to use 1–3 times per week depending on your skin type or as advised by your esmi skin consultant. How to exfoliate your skin with the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Using the dropper, drip a pearl size amount onto your charcoal brush or fingers and massage into freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the under eye area. Leave for 5-10 minutes before wetting the charcoal brush or fingers and massage around the face to remove any softened dead skin cells before washing off. We suggest using the Charcoal serum 2 times a week, however, it can be used up to 5 consecutive nights. Use less frequently if you have sensitive skin. Your step 3 exfoliant options Smooth, brighten, and clear with our selection of Gentle-Foliants containing physical and enzyme exfoliant properties or the Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum. Rose and Bamboo (Gentle-Foliant) — Suited to: All skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin. Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand (Gentle-Foliant) — Suited to: Normal and combination skin. Fresh Sea and Salty Sand (Gentle-Foliant) — Suited to: Oily, breakout-prone skin. Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum — Suited to: Most skin types tackling blackheads, acne, and underlying skin congestion. Step 4: Masks (1-3 times p/w- Wash off) Face masks deliver a big hit of active ingredients to help address specific skin concerns. Incorporate a masking session into your routine after exfoliating 1- 3 times a week depending on your skin type. How to use esmi Booster Masks Apply generously to cleansed face with fingers or mask brush while avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes. When ready to wash off, gently massage the face with damp hands to promote circulation. Rinse well or remove with esmi's Microfiber Facial Cleansing Mitt. Your step 4 mask options You’ll find an indulgent esmi Booster Mask for every skin challenge right here! Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask— Suited to: All skin types. Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask — Suited to: Dry, mature and sensitive skin types. Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask — Suited to: All skin types, including sensitive skin. Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask— Suited to: Most skin types. Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask — Suited to: Most skin types. If you don’t have time to exfoliate and mask, simply choose one or the other to follow the cleansing step. Step 5: Eye Serum and Eye Balm The skin around your eye area is super thin, delicate and one of the first places fine lines begin to show. This area can use the extra TLC of a separate eye treatment, especially to address the signs of ageing. esmi offers Eye Serums and our Eye Delight Reflection Balm. Both types of formulations (serum and balm) work to treat the eye area but go about it differently. Eye Serums target specific under-eye concerns like wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, loss of firmness with active ingredients while the Eye Balm moisturises and nourishes. If using both, first apply the eye serum then follow with the eye balm. How to use Eye Serums (AM and/or PM) Apply a grain of rice-sized amount (per eye) Massage to below the eye area and above on to the brow bone in an outwards motion. Your step 5 eye treatment options Brightening Eye Serum Hydrating Eye Serum Anti-Ageing Eye Serum How to use the Eye Balm (AM and/or PM) Remove the lid, place your Eye Delight applicator on the area around the eye. Gently squeeze the tube until the product starts to appear from the tip, a grain of rice size is enough for both eyes. Gently massage in a circular motion using the steel tip or fingers until all product is absorbed. Step 6: Water-Based Skin Treats esmi range of Skin Treats include two types of formulas - serums (which are water-based) and face oils. In your skincare routine order, the serum comes first. How to apply water based Skin Treats (AM and /or PM) Dispense a pearl size amount of serum from the dropper onto fingertips. Massage into the skin. Your step 5 serum options Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum — Suited to: All skin types Pomegranate Brightening Serum — Suited to: Most skin types Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie — Suited to: All skin types Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (Apply in the evening) — Suited to: All skin types and ages Step 7: Masks (1-3 times p/w - Overnight) esmi Booster Masks can be left on overnight for an intensive treatment and cleansed off in your morning routine. Follow the same process of application as discussed in Step 3, however you can apply your serum before the mask (follow Step 5) when leaving on overnight. If you’re new to using the Booster Masks it’s best to begin by leaving the mask on for shorter periods and work up to an overnight treatment.Step 8 Retinol Step 8: Skin Mylck Probiotic Moisturising Lotion Probiotic Skin Mylck is moisturising lotion formulated with 100% Australian made probiotics to help heal and strengthen hyper sensitive skin, an optional step if already using a moisturiser. How to apply Probiotic Skin Mylck Using the dropper drip a thumb size amount of Mylck onto your fingertips or palm. Gentle massage into your skin. Your step 8 Skin Mylck lotion options The beneficial bacteria in the esmi Probiotic Lysates have been researched and found to help heal and support skin’s natural defences. Probiotic Skin Mylck — Suited to: All skin types, especially hyper sensitive skin. Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration — Suited to: All skin types to help restore a damaged skin barrier, and increase hydration. Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Anti-Redness — Suited to: All skin types prone to redness, flushing, and hypersensitivity. Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening — Suited to: All skin types, especially sensitive skin to gentle brighten with antioxidants. Ideal if your skin is usually too sensitive to handle stronger brightening skincare products. All Probiotic Skin Mylcks are lightweight formulations. If you have extremely dry skin, we recommend following with an Oil Based Skin Treat to boost moisturisation. Step 9: Moisturisers Moisturisers are a key step in your routine to keep skin hydrated and nourished all day, while treating concerns with active ingredients to boost skin health and support a healthy barrier function. Esmi offers a range of moisturisers for every concern; ranging from lightweight Hydra- Fluids ideal for oily skin, to nourishing creams for dryer skin types. How to apply esmi Moisturisers Apply after cleansing and skin treat application. Using bamboo spatula or clean fingers, scoop a pea-size of moisturiser. Apply to face, neck and décolletage. Always follow with SPF application in a.m. routine.Hot Tip- you can use more than one moisturiser in your routine! Choose a moisturiser that best suits your concerns, if you have more than one concern you can switch them up day to night. Usually we recommend opting for a lightweight moisturiser in your AM routine, and a more nourishing in the evening if you did want to use more than one. Detox Hydra Fluid - Suited to: All skin types, especially oily congested skin. Anti Redness Hydra Fluid- Suited to: All skin types, especially oily acne prone skin. Hydrating Hydra Fluid - Suited to: All skin types, especially oily dehydrated skin Sensitive Moisturiser - Suited to: All skin types, especially hyper sensitive skin. Firming Moisturiser - Suited to: All skin types, especially combination skin with premature ageing. Brightening Moisturiser - Suited to: All skin types, especially dry dull skin. Nourishing Moisturiser - Suited to: All skin types, especially dry skin that lacks oil. Step 10: Oil-Based Skin Treats Use for dry skin that needs extra nourishment after applying Moisturiser, or in place of moisturiser if you prefer. Face oils are the last layer before SPF in your routine. An easy rule of thumb to remember the order of skincare is lighter (water-based) products are first and the heaviest products (oil-based) come last. Face oil maximises the effectiveness of the ingredients your previous Skin Treats by sealing them into the skin. How to apply Face Oil Skin Treats (AM and PM) Use the dropper to apply 2-3 drops of oil directly to your palm. Gently massage into the skin. Can be used around the eye area. Your step 10 face oil options Face Oils 24k Gold Nourishing Oil — Suited to: Combination and dry skin types. Peppermint Green Oil — Suited to: Skin prone to blemishes, acne and oil balance concerns. Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil — Suited to: All skin types, especially oily skin. Face Duos esmi Duos combine the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. Duos make it easy to address specific skin concerns with a face oil and serum in one simple step. Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo — Suited to: Dry and normal types dealing with dehydration and ageing concerns. Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo — Suited to: all skin types to brighten a dull, dehydrated complexion. Other Skin Products Sunscreen One of the most important skincare steps is sunscreen application in your morning routine. SPF is the final step. Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF — Comfortable, non-greasy SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. How to apply Skin Shield Shake well before use. Apply lotion liberally and massage into skin. Allow to absorb at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Face Mist Keep skin hydrated throughout the day with esmi Refreshing and Hydrating Skin Snack Face Mist. How to apply Skin Snack Face Mist Shake the bottle to combine the oils and extracts. Spray a few pumps of the mist. Use over the top of makeup to set or throughout the day for a quick refresh of your skin. FAQs Do I have to do all of these steps to have a great skin care routine? We recommend a cleanser, serum, face oil and/or moisturising lotion and SPF for a great basic routine. From there you can add products to suit your skin’s needs. What goes first serum or oil? Apply serum first and then your face oil. Can you use serum and face oil together? Yes. They are designed to complement each other. You should always follow a serum with a face oil or moisturising lotion as serums aren’t a replacement for a moisturising product. Our Face Duos range is a combination of both an oil and a serum so you get the best of both worlds. Does face oil go before or after moisturiser? Face oil goes after a moisturiser and before sunscreen. What goes first cleanser or exfoliant? Cleanser. Always wash your face first before exfoliating. What goes on first sunscreen or serum? Serum should be applied before sunscreen. Sunscreen is the final (and most important!) step in your morning skincare order.
Antioxidants for the Skin
Antioxidants play an essential role in every effective skincare routine. Antioxidants for the skin help slow the signs of ageing by fighting free radical damage while also addressing a range of skin concerns - from hyperpigmentation and fine lines to dry skin and acne. Let’s take a look at what antioxidants do for skin, their relationship with free-radicals and how to include the right ones in your skincare routine. Antioxidants & free-radical damage To understand the work antioxidants do for skin, it’s important to first know how free radicals damage the skin and speed up signs of ageing. To explain free radicals and antioxidants, we’ll need to cover a quick chemistry lesson on the ‘free radical theory of ageing.’ All your skin cells are made up of molecules and each molecule contains pairs of electrons. When there are even pairs of electrons in each molecule, the skin cell is healthy and stable. The way free radicals cause damage to the skin is by ‘stealing’ an electron from one of the pairs of electrons in a healthy cell. This causes damage to the skin’s DNA and over time, the process of free radicals grabbing electrons from healthy cells leads to weakened cells and tissues. In turn, this triggers the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and inflammation throughout your body. How do free radicals occur? They’re the product of UV rays, pollution, lifestyle choices (like smoking) and some are also created naturally by the body. Now that we know a little more about how free radical damage occurs, let’s look at how antioxidants for the skin help. Essentially, antioxidants neutralise free radical damage by ‘giving’ an electron to the free radical so it doesn’t need to steal it from a healthy cell. This means they play a very important preventative role in healthy skincare routines - especially to slow down the premature signs of ageing. Exfoliation with antioxidants Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities from the skin's surface, while antioxidants help to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays. Read here why your skin needs exfoliation in its life! By combining exfoliation with antioxidants, you can achieve a brighter, more radiant complexion while also protecting your skin from damage. When choosing an exfoliating product with antioxidants, it's important to consider your skin type and any specific concerns you may have to ensure that the product is safe and effective for you. What are the best antioxidants for skin? In addition to their free-radical fighting powers, antioxidants offer a whole spectrum of benefits to treat individual skin concerns. Let’s take a look at some of the best antioxidants for the skin and ingredients containing these powerhouses to include in your routine. Vitamin A Anti-aging | balances oil | promotes collagen | skin renewal | smoothing Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin also known as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid, and beta-carotene. On the anti-ageing front, it’s one of the best antioxidants for the skin and revered for its youth-restoring properties. Speeding up cell turnover, Vitamin A causes the dermis to thicken creating plumper, firmer skin and a brighter complexion. This is one of the antioxidants for the skin that can actually create DNA change in the cells making it incredibly effective for treating a range of skin conditions. After working on the surface of the skin, Vitamin A can penetrate into the cell to correct the damage and keep the cell healthy. This allows Vitamin A to tackle problems from hyperpigmentation, acne, and large pores, to lines and wrinkles. esmi Anti-Ageing Eye Serum is a lightweight serum that lifts and tightens, reduces wrinkle depth and moisturises the eye area. Contains retinyl palmitate. Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) Hydrating | anti-ageing | reduces acne | strengthens the skin barrier | brightens Vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) is a great antioxidant all-rounder. All skin types can benefit from its anti-aging, brightening, and hydrating properties. This antioxidant fights acne, helping reduce redness, inflammation and balance the skin’s pH level. It also slows signs of premature ageing, improves the look of hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. Vitamin B3’s ability to strengthen the skin barrier (also known as the acid mantle) makes it an antioxidant that sensitive and dehydrated complexions will love. A strong barrier means the skin is protected from irritants and excessive transepidermal water loss (water evaporating from the surface) is prevented. esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum contains Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and is the ultimate skin hydrator. A quick-absorbing serum to fight dehydration for more hydrated, plumper, repaired skin. esmi Liquid Foundation is a healthy, maximum coverage liquid mineral foundation formulated with vitamin B3 to heal and hydrate. Vitamin C Skin brightening | cell regeneration | hydrating One of the most potent antioxidants for the skin is Vitamin C. It aids your skin's natural regeneration process, is renowned for its skin brightening properties and helps repair damaged skin cells. It does a wonderful job of addressing dull skin, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C comes in many forms and can be derived from a variety of ingredients. Some of the more common sources of Vitamin C found in skincare products include: Ascorbic acid Ascorbic acid is water-soluble and it’s primarily used in skincare for its ability to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It does this by suppressing the formation of melanin which inhibits the appearance of pigmentation. Kakadu Plum One of the best antioxidant sources from nature, the Kakadu Plum is an Australian native fruit with the world’s highest natural levels of Vitamin C - even higher than the blueberry. The extract of the Kakadu Plum is superb for skin brightening. Citric acid As the name suggests, citric acid is derived from citrus fruits. This alpha-hydroxy acid encourages cell turnover to exfoliate skin resulting in a brighter, smoother appearance. esmi Pomegranate Brightening Serum is an anti-pigmentation serum with powerful melanin inhibitors and skin lightening ingredients including Kakadu Plum, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), and pomegranate extract. Vitamin E Moisturising | strengthens skin barrier | soothing and anti-inflammatory In addition to its ability to fight free radical damage, Vitamin E is known for its hydrating and healing properties. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and can improve and calm a range of inflammatory skin conditions - such as eczema and psoriasis - as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E and vitamin C make an excellent pair in skincare formulations. Vitamin C regenerates vitamin E and in combination with each other, they provide photoprotection from sunlight. This is why it’s common to find antioxidant serums which contain both. esmi Peppermint Green Oil is a rich source of free-radical fighting vitamin E and can be used as an alternative to a moisturiser. esmi Golden Anti-Ageing Serum is a rejuvenating anti-ageing serum with powerful peptides and the antioxidant power of vitamin C + E to visibly plump fine lines, brighten and condition. Omega Fatty Acids Anti-ageing | firming | hydrating There are three types of omega fatty acids: omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9. The antioxidants in these omega fatty acids are some of the most effective antioxidants for your face to slow the signs of ageing. They provide firming, toning, and strengthening benefits and help keep skin hydrated. If you want to address premature ageing like fine lines and wrinkles and hydration issues, omega fatty acids are essential antioxidants for your skincare routine. When choosing antioxidant products for skin, omega-centric ingredients include: Linoleic acid Linoleic acid is rich in omega 3 fatty acid and is an essential building block for ceramides. Ceramides help skin retain moisture and strengthen its protective barrier keeping skin firm and plump looking. Rosehip oil Rosehip oil is an excellent skin repairer, brimming with tissue and cell regeneration fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6. It promotes collagen and elastin levels in the skin to increase firmness and slow the signs of premature aging. Oleic acid Oleic acid is the most common omega-9 fatty acids and is contained in olive, avocado, and macadamia oil. Its antioxidant properties are ideal for dry, ageing skin as it penetrates deeply into the skin's surface to replenish lost moisture. esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil is recommended to improve skin elasticity and collagen levels for a firmer, more toned complexion. Antioxidants tend to work in synergy with each other - especially vitamin C and E as noted earlier. Look for skincare formulations that contain two or more powerful antioxidants for the skin to really supercharge your skincare routine! Get to know more Myths About Certain Ingredients What Vitamins are Good for Your Skin? Our Favourite Natural Skin Care Products
Face Serum vs. Face Oil
Face serums and oils are two of our favourite ways to treat the skin but there’s often confusion about what each one does! Here is our guide to what they are, what they do and where they fit in your skin routine. What is the difference between a face oil & a serum? What is a face serum and what is a face oil? Let’s begin by clearing up any confusion about the difference between serum vs oil. Serums: Target specific skin concerns with potent active ingredients What does serum do? Serums are lightweight products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than other skincare products, like moisturiser creams, lotions, or face oil. This allows them to deliver a potent hit of ingredients more quickly and deeply into the skin. Serums may have a thin and watery consistency or a more gel-like texture. Serum isn’t designed to replace a moisturiser, but rather be used in conjunction with one for best results. The addition of a serum will supercharge skincare results for all skin types and concerns. Serums Concentrated levels of active ingredients (up to 70%) Target specific skin concerns Absorb rapidly and deeply into the skin Smaller molecular structure Water or gel like consistency Best results use with a moisturiser Face oils: Deliver moisturising benefits and increase derma strength Face Oils are a blend of natural oils containing antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Their main goal is to boost hydration levels by sealing in moisture to prevent it evaporating off the skin. Face oils support your skin’s natural barrier (lipids, cholesterol, and ceramides) to improve derma strength. Unlike serums, which absorb deeply into the skin, face oils have larger molecules that can only penetrate the surface. They work on strengthening the skin barrier - the outer layer - to minimise trans epidermal water loss. This keeps skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All skin types, even oily ones, can benefit from facial oil. Face oils Contain antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Focus on sealing moisture into the skin Improves the appearance of fine lines / wrinkles Larger molecular structure Works on surface level to strengthen the skin barrier Can replace or be used with a moisturiser How to Use Face Oil and Face Serums Serum or oil first? That’s probably the most common question on the topic of face serum vs oil! The quick answer - serum first followed by face oil. How to use a face serum After cleansing, while the skin is still damp, apply serum by using a gentle motion to press or massage it into the skin. Allow time for it to fully absorb. How to use a facial oil Once the serum has absorbed into the skin follow with facial oil application. Drop a few drops of face oil into your palm and massage into your face. If you’re using a cream / lotion moisturiser in addition to face oil, follow the serum step with the cream / lotion then apply the face oil. Face Duo: Combining face oil and face serum into one simple step! esmi Face Duos combine the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. It’s easy to give your skin the benefits of a face oil and serum in one simple step! Let’s take a look at the Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo, for example. This Face Duo offers the potent, active brightening benefits of Kakadu Plum and Liquorice extract to target hyperpigmentation and dullness concerns while Acai Oil offers moisturising and anti-ageing benefits to smooth and tone skin. How and when to use a Face Duo Shake the bottle well to mix the acai oil and water-based serum together. Dispense a pearl size amount of mixed oil/serum directly to the palm of the hand and massage into the skin after cleansing or exfoliation. Perfect for use under any makeup, moisturiser, oil or sunscreen. Can be used morning, night and around the eye area. View the full range of esmi Face Duos, Face Oils, and Face Serums! You Might Also Like To Read Why Your Skin Needs Oil Meet Hyaluronic Acid - Your Skin’s Super Hydrator Supercharge Your Skincare Routine With Vitamin C
The Best Face Mask for Your Skin Type
We help you choose the best face mask for your skin type and concerns from the esmi Booster Mask range. From reducing shine and tackling pimples, to brightening, plumping, hydrating and protecting there’s a mask in our luxurious range for you! What is the best face mask for oily skin? Oily skin is characterised by a shiny or greasy appearance, enlarged pores, and thick skin prone to congestion and breakouts. The best face mask for oily skin does a few key things: absorbs excess oil, detoxifies by removing toxins and clears pores to prevent them from becoming clogged. This is why clay and activated charcoal face masks are an excellent choice for oily skin. Clay works to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface to reduce shine and prevent blocked pores. It absorbs impurities, including acne-forming bacteria from deep within the pores too. Charcoal also works to detoxify the skin by drawing out toxins and impurities. esmi Skin Minerals best mask for oily skin: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask This mask's powerful detoxifying properties aid in regulating oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. Key ingredients: Kaolin clay: Absorbs excessive oil to regulate sebum production. Activated charcoal: Aids in oil regulation and removes dirt and bacteria from pores. This mask for oily skin will leave your skin fresh and shine free but not tight and dried out! This is also the best face mask for combination skin from the esmi range. What is the best face mask for dry skin? Dry skin needs extra TLC to restore moisture and nourish a fragile complexion. The best face mask for dry skin? A cream formulation rich in skin-restoring oils and active ingredients to saturate your skin and deeply replenish dry cells. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for dry skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone, and heal damaged skin. Key ingredients: Shea Butter: Contains skin softening, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen and heal the skin barrier while improving skin texture. Evening primrose oil: Improves skin elasticity and addresses dryness, irritation, roughness and fine lines. This mask can be left on overnight so your skin can soak up all the active ingredients while you sleep. What is the best face mask for dehydrated skin? Dehydrated skin benefits from a cream based face mask, too. Thicker, creamy maks are great for deeply hydrating skin when they are formulated with ingredients that deliver moisture to the cells and help lock it in. esmi Skin Minerals best moisturising face mask for dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Key ingredients Hyaluronic acid: Holding 1000 x its weight in water, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin to increase hydration and plumpness. Allantoin: Moisturises, soothes, and heals. Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss): Antioxidant-rich to defend against environmental stress while fatty acids helps lock in moisture. What is the best face mask for sensitive skin? Love of cream masks continues for sensitive skin! Creamy formulas make the best face mask for sensitive skin types as they wrap skin in a rich, soothing layer of hydration and nourishment without irritation. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for sensitive skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask We recommend this mask for sensitive skin too. Key ingredients that make this mask ideal for sensitive, reactive skin include; Green tea extract: Helps calm irritation, soothes redness and repairs damage. Vitamin E: An anti-inflammatory that calms and promotes hydration. Almond oil: Non-irritating and light, this oil provides moisturising and smoothing benefits. Is your skin sensitive and oily? We suggest choosing the Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask which is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, to help control oil. What is the best face mask for acne and breakout prone skin? If you’re dealing with active, red, inflamed breakouts, you’ll find a gel mask is a great choice to soothe inflammation while targeting breakout forming bacteria. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask for acne prone skin: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask Calms the discomfort of red, irritated skin while shutting down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Key ingredients: Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf: Aids in oil regulation and helps regulate cell turnover. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Works to reduce inflammation and redness, improve hydration, and minimises the appearance of enlarged pores. Wild Mint: Natural antiseptic properties help target acne forming bacteria. This gel mask is cool on the skin. You can double down on this cooling relief by popping your gel mask in the fridge before applying! What is the best face mask for pigmentation? Want to brighten dull complexion and target brown spots and discoloration? Face masks containing Vitamin C are a great choice brightening skin and lightening pigmentation. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and superior skin lightener! It helps fade dark spots by restricting production of melanin - a dark pigment in your skin. It’s the overproduction of melanin that causes pigmentation to form. esmi Skin Minerals best face mask to brighten skin: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask. Suited to most skin types, this mask helps lighten pigmentation and evens out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion. Key ingredients: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Fades pigmentation, brightens skin also protects the skin from environmental stress like UV rays and pollution. Kakadu Plum: A native Australian fruit, Kakadu Plum contains the highest recorded levels of Vitamin C of any fruit in the world. What is the best face mask for mature skin? Mature skin loves face masks rich in antioxidants and peptides. Peptides are the building blocks of new collagen and elastin fibres in the skin while antioxidants (like Vitamin A, C and E) work to repair damage and slow signs of ageing. esmi Skin Minerals best face anti-ageing face mask: Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask An all-in-one anti ageing gel mask to combat signs of ageing and fatigue by boosting skin elasticity, conditioning and defending against free radical damage. Suitable for most skin types! Key ingredients Peptides: Encourage collagen and elastin production. Kakadu Plum: Brimming with skin hero antioxidant Vitamin C for protecting, brightening and regenerating skin. Hyaluronic acid: Boosts moisture and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. View our entire Booster Mask range for all skin types and concerns. You Might Also Like To Read: The Different Skin Types Oily Skin Care Routine What Is Face Serum And Why You Should Have One
Skin Care By Age: Best Skincare Products For Every Age
We’re breaking down skin care by age! Let’s take a look at the different skin challenges of every life stage and the best products to address them. Skincare In Your Teens Acne and oil. Two words many teenagers know well! A range of products can clear breakouts - but be careful. Many work effectively simply because they’re so strong. Sometimes, too strong. They may clear acne initially but leave the skin stripped, sensitised, and irritated. This can lead to other skin issues - and even more breakouts. Depending on the type of acne you have, a gentler choice for skin are cleansers with lower doses of active acne-fighting ingredients. These won’t strip the skin but still effectively kill acne forming bacteria. The best skincare for teens is a simple regime that will balance and regulate oil flow, whilst providing anti-bacterial clearing ingredients, as well as anti-inflammatories to reduce redness and inflammation. Common skin concerns in your teens Congestion Excessive oil Acne - from mild, moderate to severe Skin care by age: Your teens The best skincare products for teens from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser If you’re experiencing cystic acne or acne that is inflamed, you could opt for The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness Exfoliation Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo Moisturise Peppermint Green Oil SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 20s Your 20s is the decade to commit to a consistent skincare regimen and form habits your future self will thank you for. The most important habit? Applying SPF30 every day. This habit alone will make a dramatic difference in the way your skin ages over the years. Starting and continuing an effective cleansing routine is key too. If you used a strong cleanser to target acne in your teens, it won’t be a good fit for skin in your 20s. Switch to a gentler cleanser which won’t strip the skin of the oil it needs to stay healthy. Over cleansing compromises the skin barrier which leaves it susceptible to other skin concerns, including more breakouts! Common skin concerns in your 20s Acne you experienced as a teen may persist Congestion Collagen production begins to decrease in your late 20s Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from teen acne Skin care by age: Your 20s The best skincare products for your 20s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Want to target a specific concern like acne or dullness? View our full range of cleansers. Exfoliation Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle Foliant Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Moisturise Acai Balancing Face Oil Treatments Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 30s Ageing concerns become more of... well, a concern in your 30s! Collagen and elastin production begins to slow down and the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles to creep in. In the later stages of your 30s, you may begin to notice more hyperpigmentation - especially if you were a sun bunny (without SPF!) in your 20s. Your skin will benefit from adding active ingredients to your routine to target fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. This is the time to get serious about taking an anti-ageing approach to your routine - if you haven’t already. What you do for your skin in your 30s can pay off decades later. Common skin concerns in your 30s Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear Hyperpigmentation Dullness Dehydration Skin care by age: Your 30s The best skincare products for your 30s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser Want to target a specific concern like acne or dullness? View our full range of cleansers. Exfoliation Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 40s Focus on hydration and the right type of exfoliation for healthy looking skin in your 40s. Like the production collagen and elastin, your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle is slowing down too. That means it’s taking longer for new, fresh skin cells to be produced and the old, dry cells remain on the surface for longer. The result? Skin appears rough in texture, dull and pores and fine lines are increasingly accentuated. Using the right exfoliation method (with the right frequency) to remove the dead cells can leave skin looking brighter and fresher instantly. It can also help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydration is another skin concern you’ll find yourself dealing with as skin matures. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies and plays a key role in skin hydration. With age, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced declines and it’s harder for the skin to hold onto moisture - leaving it drier and rougher. You can also boost sluggish collagen production with peptides and Vitamin A. Common skin concerns in your 40s Loss of firmness Rough, dull skin Fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced Dehydration Broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation result in uneven skin tone Skin care by age: Your 40s The best skincare products for your 40s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Exfoliation Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Serum options Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Skincare in your 50s and beyond The production of collagen and elastin really drops off in your 50s as the hormonal changes of menopause kick in. These changes also affect the pH level of your skin barrier which makes it increasingly harder for skin to retain moisture. You may find skin is more easily damaged and less resilient. Lines and wrinkles become more prominent - especially around the eye, mouth, and neck area. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised will help strengthen your skin barrier and smooth the look of lines and wrinkles. Exfoliation is still important to keep skin looking fresh but the method you use and frequency may need to be adjusted - skin is more sensitive than it once was. Indulge your skin with deeply nourishing treatments and active ingredients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid that target mature skin concerns. Common skin concerns in your 50s Crepey and sagging skin including neck and jawline Skin is less resilient and more easily damaged Extreme dryness and dehydration Age spots Dullness Deeper lines and wrinkles Skincare by age: Your 50s and beyond The best skin care products for your 50s from the esmi Skin Minerals range. Cleanse The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Exfoliation Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant Serum options Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Golden Anti-Ageing Serum Anti-Ageing Eye Serum Moisturise 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Treatments Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask SPF protection Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 Have questions about choosing skincare by age? Book a free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. We’re always here to support you on your skin journey!