Collagen, Biotin, and Chlorophyll—Do Skincare Supplements Really Work?

As the line between skincare and wellness continues to blur, many people are turning to supplements in the hopes of improving their skin from the inside out. Collagen supplements are probably the most common, although niacinamide, zinc, and even hyaluronic acid supplements have also proven to be popular. More recently, chlorophyll became the go-to, after it exploded in popularity on Tik Tok due to claims it could alleviate certain skin issues (more on that, later).

In this post, I’ll talk about the effect supplements can have on the skin. I’ll also discuss common ingredients in skincare supplements, determining which ones can be effective when taken orally and which ones are better left to topical application. Keep reading for all of this and more!

Can Skincare Supplements Really Improve My Skin from the Inside-out?

My answer to this question is, “it’s complicated.” While some supplements can possibly offer skin benefits, it’s well-established that ingesting specific compounds is not the most effective way to protect, maintain, and improve skin health. It’s important to understand that once something is ingested, it must make it through the gastrointestinal tract, cross the intestines to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body to reach the skin. It’s unlikely that specific ingredients head right to the skin, depositing there versus depositing equally throughout the body. However, topical skincare ingredients are applied directly to the skin, targeting it directly.

There are mixed thoughts on skincare supplementation in the scientific community. Studies have certainly been conducted, but most of them are in vitro or animal studies, which means they can’t necessarily be extrapolated to humans. The studies that have been conducted on humans are either inconsistent or offer mixed results. It’s also worth noting that most modern-day diets are diverse and nutritious, which means the average person gets all the vitamins and minerals they need from their diet alone. Deficiencies, while not unheard of, are uncommon.

Can Skincare Supplements Cause Any Adverse Effects?

It’s possible that certain supplements could cause increased sensitivity or alter the condition of the skin. This means that it could affect the way your skin reacts to a topical skincare product. It’s important to disclose any supplements you’re taking, along with dose and frequency, to your doctor to ensure there are no potential adverse effects or reactions that could result.

What Are Some Common Skincare Supplements and Are They Effective?

Here are some of the most common ingredients used in skincare supplements.

Collagen

Let’s kick things off with collagen, which is perhaps the most popular type of skincare supplement on the market. Collagen is a protein that’s integral to the structure of the skin and keeps it looking firm and tight. It degrades as we age, and our bodies lose the ability to rebuild it, which leaves us looking for a way to restore it. That’s where collagen supplements come in. People take them in either powder, liquid, or capsule form due to claims that they can improve firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even maintain skin hydration.

There have been studies conducted to investigate the impact of collagen supplements on the skin, and some of them demonstrated positive results. For instance, one study looked at skin vulnerability in an older adult population. Adults were supplemented with 10 grams of collagen per day. After eight weeks, there was a significant, measurable improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. In another study, Japanese women were treated with 10 grams of collagen per day for 56 days. They reported a measurable increase in skin moisture.

While there are studies with promising results, there is much more research needed to truly understand the benefit of collagen supplements, especially when it comes to the reduction of wrinkles (which is a major reason people take collagen supplements). Because there are so many different types of collagen, and varying demographics between populations that have been studied, it’s difficult to say whether or not collagen supplements can really benefit the skin like so many of them claim they can.

One sure-fire way to build and protect collagen is through the topical application of peptides. These are chains of amino acids that act as the building blocks of proteins (including collagen). You can find peptides in the Firm + Repair Overnight Serum.

Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is responsible for the formation of fatty acids and glucose in the body. While we’re not able to directly see the benefits of consuming biotin, we can see when we’re deficient. Biotin deficiency results in things like hair loss, rashes, and even hearing and vision problems. It can be serious, but it’s rare. Most people can get enough biotin from their diets.

In fact, the average adequate intake of biotin for an adult is 30 micrograms per day. One boiled egg has eight micrograms of biotin. One serving of salmon has five micrograms of biotin. Because it’s found in foods like milk, cheddar cheese, broccoli, bananas, and sweet potatoes, it’s unlikely you’re actually deficient in it. Indeed, if you’re not deficient, and you take a supplement anyway, your body will most likely excrete it.

At the end of the day, I don’t recommend taking a biotin supplement unless you’re deficient in it. If you think that’s the case, consult a doctor. There’s simply not enough evidence to support it can have any kind of visible effect on the skin.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a super buzzy skin supplement, thanks to its recent popularity on social media. People claim drinking liquid chlorophyll can address certain skin concerns such as redness, hyperpigmentation, and acne. The truth is, there’s little to no scientific evidence to prove that.

Unlike collagen and biotin, chlorophyll doesn’t exist naturally in our bodies. When we ingest a chlorophyll supplement, it’s really providing an antioxidant function (antioxidants are important in fighting free radicals, which are involved in aging our skin and causing cellular damage). One study found that two doses of chlorophyll per day for 90 days showed an improvement in facial wrinkles and skin elasticity in participants. That’s promising, but more information is needed—especially when it comes to claims of addressing redness, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts.

With that being said, taking a chlorophyll supplement probably won’t hurt. Although, you could simply eat leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli to reap the antioxidant benefits! All of those foods are high in chlorophyll content. On that note, check out the 10 best antioxidant-rich foods to eat for your skin.

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a skincare superstar. It’s known for improving skin barrier function, soothing redness, lessening the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and even addressing breakouts. This ingredient is critical to cellular function and helps make antioxidants that are needed in cells throughout the body. However, oral supplementation probably isn’t the most effective way to reap these skin benefits. Again, this is because, in order to reach the skin, it must make its way through the digestive tract, into the bloodstream, and circulate throughout the body. Seeing as every cell in the body uses this vitamin, it’s unlikely it’s getting to the skin in a significant amount. Although a supplement probably couldn’t hurt, it’s best to stick to topical application for skin benefits. Read more about the benefits of using niacinamide in topical skincare products. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supplements have been around since the 1950s, and there is research out there that points to their efficacy. One study investigated oral vitamin A supplementation in people with so-called normal skin. It was determined that supplementing with vitamin A increased vitamin A levels in both the blood and the skin. In other words, it showed that vitamin A supplements can actually reach the skin. Despite this, I personally think that vitamin A and vitamin A derivatives (retinol and retinoids) are best when applied topically. They can help improve the skin’s appearance through cellular turnover. Just be sure to read my beginner’s guide to retinol to ensure the best experience.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins for the maintenance of connective tissue and skin. It plays an important role in wound healing, is tolerated in high doses, and is present in many, if not all, cells in the body. When it comes to the skin, it can provide brightening effects and antioxidant benefits.

I personally take a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids daily. However, I take it for internal antioxidant and immune support—not necessarily for skin benefits. The reason I take one with bioflavonoids is that they’re thought to strengthen capillaries, which can help prevent broken blood vessels. I still think the topical application of vitamin C is the best way to get this ingredient’s brightening and antioxidant benefits delivered to the skin since oral supplementation will deliver it equally around the body.

One benefit of vitamin C supplementation is the potential for a photoprotective effect (protection from UV light). One study demonstrated this by supplementing participants with 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day for eight weeks. With vitamin C alone, they didn’t see a photoprotective effect. However, when they tested it in combination with vitamin E, and then vitamin E and carotenoids (an antioxidant), it helped improve photoprotection of the skin, reduce DNA damage, and skin burning. The synergistic effect between vitamin C and E isn’t surprising. After all, vitamin E helps stabilize vitamin C and provides extra free radical protection. That’s why I formulated with Vitamin C & E Treatment with both ingredients.

Hyaluronic Acid 

I believe hyaluronic acid is best for topical use. While there is some research on the skin benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements, it’s not the most reliable. Researchers reviewed the effects of a specific oral hyaluronic acid supplement in a group of 20 subjects. They took the supplement daily for 40 days. While they reported results such as improved skin thickness and moisture content, they tested a specific blend that also contained ingredients like vitamin C, biotin, and zinc, which also play a role in skin health. They admitted more research needs to be done to correlate hyaluronic acid supplementation and skin benefits. I say stick to topical application of hyaluronic acid, or its more stable, bioactive salt form, called sodium hyaluronate.

Zinc

This ingredient offers a multitude of benefits for the skin, and it has a lot of demonstrated therapeutic effects when used orally and topically. Zinc contributes to the normal maintenance of skin health, as it’s involved in repair and anti-inflammatory processes. It has even been demonstrated to have a positive effect on breakouts, dandruff, and dermatitis. If you’re interested in taking a zinc supplement, it may, in fact, provide skin benefits. However, consult a doctor before you do so, as overdoing it could lead to neurotoxicity (yikes!). 

Antioxidants 

A lot of compounds can function as antioxidants, including the aforementioned chlorophyll, niacinamide, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s well understood that consuming antioxidants increases the number of antioxidants in the bloodstream, so, yes, eating a diet rich in antioxidants is important! Take it from Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Keri Gans, who says, “a diet rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory benefits, may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by reducing oxidative stress in our body.” However, whether it’s carotenoids, lycopene, anthocyanins, or any other type of antioxidant, they don’t head straight for the skin. Instead, they circulate in the bloodstream, going to all cells in the body.

While antioxidants are present in the skin, we don’t know how many can get there through supplementation. Plus, since there are so many types of antioxidants, and the word itself covers such a wide variety of compounds, it’s a pretty broad statement to say that we should all be supplementing with antioxidants. That’s why I suggest a mixed approach to antioxidants—both consuming them and applying them topically.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Different skin supplements can affect the body (and the skin) differently. As a whole, the research isn’t super solid to back up a lot of the claims that brands, and their supplements, have made. However, I’m of the mindset that it doesn’t hurt (that’s why I sometimes recommend certain supplements for people with acne-prone skin). After all, if there’s a chance that a supplement can play a supporting role in accomplishing whatever your skincare goals are, then why not take them? Just be sure to consult with your doctor before doing so.

To me, skincare supplements are no different than the food you eat in that they might help the greater good (meaning your overall health and wellness), but they’re not going to make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your skin. Eating broccoli won’t give you an instant glow and neither will ingesting a supplement. As always, an effective skincare routine built around your specific skin type is your best bet.

Next, read up on how to care for your skin when working out.

The post Collagen, Biotin, and Chlorophyll—Do Skincare Supplements Really Work? appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Waiting for Results? Here’s How Long It Takes Different Skincare Ingredients to Work

Waiting on results from skincare can be frustrating, especially when you’re putting a lot of time and effort into your routine. The saying goes that “good things come to those who wait,” and for some skincare ingredients, this is definitely true! Keep reading to learn which skincare ingredients will give you instant gratification (and which ones are worth the wait). 

It’s Not Always Black and White

Before we dive in, I want to talk a bit about expectations. While it’s nice to have a general time frame in mind, it’s often impossible to say exactly how long a specific product will take to make visible changes in your skin. This is because there are tons of variables at play: the form of the ingredient being used (for example, is it water- or oil-soluble form of vitamin C?), the dose (aka percentage), the base it’s formulated in, and how often you apply it will all make a difference. Not to mention, an ingredient “working” is relative since everyone has different needs and is looking for different results. 

I’ve based the timeframes in this post on a combination of ingredient studies and my own experiences seeing countless clients use these ingredients in the last 30 years. With that in mind, remember to take these timeframes with a grain of salt. Now, let’s get started!

The Skin Turnover Cycle

The skin turnover cycle is an important factor in understanding why some ingredients need time to create noticeable differences in the skin. The skin turnover cycle is the process by which the skin renews itself — skin cells are “born” in the base layer of our skin and eventually make their way to the surface where they are sloughed off to make way for newer, fresher cells. When you hear someone refer to skin “turning over,” this is the process they’re talking about. 

So how long does this process take? Chances are you’ve heard the skin renews itself on average every 28 days, but this is actually an older school of thought that’s been heavily debated since it was first proposed in the 70s. More recent research indicates that it likely takes 40-56 days for the skin on the face to turn over. Skin turnover also slows down naturally as we age, which is where skincare comes in handy since some ingredients can help speed this process up.

How Long it Takes Active Ingredients to Show Visible Improvement

Here are six of the active ingredients I get asked about most often and what you can expect when you start using them.

Hyaluronic Acid

I’ll start with hyaluronic acid because of all the ingredients in this post, it gets to work the fastest. As you probably already know, hyaluronic acid is a humectant. It attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to your skin to increase hydration. This gives your skin a nice, plump look. It can even make fine lines appear temporarily less noticeable.

Hyaluronic acid works strictly on the outer layers of the skin, which is why it can get to work in minutes. Larger weights of hyaluronic acid actually form a film over the skin to attract water to the surface, so these start working the fastest. Medium and small molecular weights take a little longer to make their way into the skin, but they still penetrate pretty quickly for dewier, bouncier skin. 

The takeaway: Hyaluronic acid gets to work immediately and you may see visibly plumper, more hydrated-looking skin after just a few minutes. 

Exfoliating Acids (AHAs and BHAs)

Most people use exfoliating acids in one form or another these days, and one of the reasons people like them so much is their ability to quickly make the skin look brighter and more luminous. While they can definitely provide instant gratification, there are also some longer-term benefits worth sticking around for.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

The most popular AHAs used in skincare are lactic and glycolic acid. All exfoliating acids work to dislodge dry, expired skin cells from the skin’s surface so they can be sloughed off. This reveals the fresh new cells underneath, which allows light to be reflected off your skin making it appear brighter. It also helps smooth the texture of the skin to make it feel softer. Because this exfoliating action is happening on the surface of the skin, you get these results pretty instantaneously. You could see results after five to ten minutes by using an exfoliating peel or see results overnight by applying an exfoliating acid serum. If you’re looking for a truly instant boost in radiance and smoothness, here’s why pairing a gentle facial scrub with exfoliating acids can be super effective.

If you stick with it, I have seen some research in the past that has shown that if you apply lactic acid three times a week for four weeks, your skin becomes softer and more hydrated, and overall elasticity is improved. 

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

Salicylic acid, the BHA used in skincare, gives the same quick exfoliating action you get from AHAs, but it has one notable difference—it’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate the lining of your pores to clear them out and reduce oil production. It starts doing this almost right away after you apply it, so salicylic acid is a great option if you’re someone whose skin gets oily throughout the day.

If you’re using salicylic acid to manage acne, expect to wait at least four weeks before starting to see real results. It’s also important to note that the more clogged pores you have to begin with, the longer it will take to see the final results. As far as setting proper expectations, remember that acne can be managed but not fully eradicated. It requires a multifaceted approach and while salicylic acid is a great tool, you really need a comprehensive acne routine for your skin type. In my experience, these are some of the most common causes of adult acne and how to deal with them.

The Takeaway: Exfoliating acids can make the skin look brighter and feel smoother within minutes or hours, but using them consistently pays off in the long run as well. After four weeks, AHAs like lactic acid can improve hydration and elasticity while BHAs can start to improve blemishes (though depending on the severity of your acne and the number of clogged pores you have, you may need to give it up to three months to see full results). 

Retinol

Retinol is really tricky because there are so many different types and strengths available, which really impacts how long it takes to see results. That said, here’s an idea of what to expect when using retinol for acne and for anti-aging benefits. 

For Acne

If you’re using a retinol product for acne, chances are you’re getting a prescription retinoid from your dermatologist, so always be sure to follow their instructions and advice. Some studies have shown that retinol can start to improve acne lesions as early as four weeks, but depending on the severity of your breakouts it can take up to three or even six months. I don’t normally recommend retinol for someone who gets red, inflamed breakouts, but if bumpy skin caused by clogged pores is your issue, it can be a great option. (Read more about clearing clogged pores.)

Also keep in mind that when you start using retinol (especially a prescription retinoid), things can get worse before they get better. The skin may get dry or flaky as it acclimates to the product, and acne lesions can actually increase in number as the skin “purges” breakouts that were waiting to come out anyways. Learn how to manage the dry, flaky side effects of retinol products.

The Takeaway: It’s been shown that retinol can start to improve acne lesions within four weeks, but depending on the severity of your blemishes it can take as long as three to six months. If you’re unsure about whether or not to stick with a prescription retinoid, consult with your dermatologist.

For Anti-Aging

Retinol is one of the best ingredients you can use for anti-aging, but you’re definitely in it for the long haul. If you’re looking for immediate results, this isn’t for you! Retinol speeds up our skin’s turnover cycle by changing the way our skin behaves at a cellular level, so needless to say it takes some time to take effect within the skin. When using retinol consistently, you might start to see an improvement in skin texture and luminosity within about four weeks. But in my experience, to see the full anti-aging results of a retinol product you need to wait a minimum of three months. Improvements to look for at this point include smaller-looking pores, a decrease in hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone, and a decrease in fine lines.

The great thing about retinol is that the results keep getting better and better the longer you use it, so once you start you’ll really want to commit. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to start with a lower percentage and work your way up. This means it will take longer to see visible results, but as long as you’re consistent the benefits will be the same in the long run.

The Takeaway: You can usually start to see an improvement in skin texture and luminosity within four weeks, but in my experience, it takes at least three months to be able to judge the full anti-aging results of retinol. Remember, retinol is a marathon, not a sprint!

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is such a versatile ingredient because it can address a wide variety of skin concerns if you give it enough time to do so. Again, how quickly it works for you depends on the percentage you use, how often you apply it, and which problems you’re trying to solve.

One study showed that a 5% niacinamide cream applied twice a day visibly improved redness and blotchiness in the skin in four weeks. Anti-aging effects like wrinkle reduction and improvement in skin elasticity started to kick in after eight weeks. Like retinol, niacinamide works at a cellular level, so it takes some time to show visible effects. For example, one of the ways niacinamide helps increase collagen production is by reducing the propensity of your skin to produce sugar proteins that lead to wrinkles. Naturally, this doesn’t happen overnight.

The Takeaway: Niacinamide at 5% can visibly start to improve redness and blotchiness after four weeks. After eight weeks, you may start to see better skin elasticity and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C may seem like an ingredient that would start working quickly, but you’ll want to give it more time than you might think. Vitamin C is popular thanks to its ability to brighten the skin, which it does by suppressing melanin activity to help fade discoloration like sunspots, post-breakout marks, or melasma. Studies show it takes four to eight weeks for vitamin C to have an effect on the overproduction of melanin that leads to hyperpigmentation. Since this is a process that takes place at a cellular level, I’ve even seen it take as long as three months for a vitamin C product to really reduce hyperpigmentation and produce a more even skin tone. 

It’s also important to remember that hyperpigmentation can be triggered by a variety of things, including heat. Preventing hyperpigmentation requires a multifaceted approach—in addition to using vitamin C, you must wear sunscreen and protective clothing to protect your skin from UV rays, and you should avoid overheating your skin as much as possible. Keep in mind that it’s not always possible to completely get rid of hyperpigmentation, sometimes the best we can do is manage it. All this to say, if your vitamin C doesn’t completely clear it up, that doesn’t mean it’s not working. The goal is to see a visible improvement. 

The Takeaway: you may start seeing visibly brighter skin after four to eight weeks but if you’re dealing with lots of hyperpigmentation, give it up to three months to see the full effects of a vitamin C product.

Peptides

Peptides are a really broad class of molecules, so how long it takes to see visible results depends entirely on which kind you’re using. The best way to get this information is usually from the company that sells the product, but keep in mind that their information usually comes from supplier studies. The suppliers are the ones who sell an ingredient, like a peptide, to companies and labs, so it’s worth noting they have a vested interest in making the ingredient look as good as possible. This doesn’t mean the studies aren’t valid, but it’s always important to keep possible biases in mind.

To give you an idea, the supplier that manufactures the peptide acetyl hexapeptide-8 reports that their peptide reduces wrinkle volume and improves skin roughness in 28 days when used twice a day. Most people aren’t applying a peptide serum more than once a day, so I wouldn’t necessarily expect to see results this soon. I’d wait at least three months before judging the overall improvement of your skin. Again, all this work is happening at the cellular level, so you need to give the skin time to respond. Also, keep in mind that peptides are about prevention, so sometimes it’s more about what you don’t see further down the line than what you do see now.

The Takeaway: Peptides are a broad class of molecules, so how long it takes to see a visible improvement in your skin depends on the type you’re using. You can check with the company or supplier, but three months is usually a good rule of thumb. Finally, remember that sometimes it’s about prevention and what counts more is what you don’t see in your skin further down the line.

Final Thoughts

I hope this sheds some light on your questions about how long it takes active ingredients to make a visible difference in the skin! As you can see, the answer is usually complicated and, unfortunately, can’t be wrapped up neatly with a bow. But understanding how your skin renews itself and that some ingredients work deep within the skin on a cellular level may help explain why it’s not always so black and white.

If you’ve been using a product for a while and don’t feel it’s working for you (and you have realistic expectations), there’s no need to swear off that active ingredient for good. I’d suggest trying different percentages and formulations until you find something that works for you. And finally, always remember that one ingredient can’t do it all! Our skin is complex and needs a variety of things to stay healthy. The key is a well-rounded routine for your skin type that will deliver multiple benefits from multiple ingredients.

The post Waiting for Results? Here’s How Long It Takes Different Skincare Ingredients to Work appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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Skincare After Sun Exposure: Which Ingredients to Start and Stop Using

Summer is officially just around the corner, and that means more time spent outdoors. You already know you should be applying (and re-applying) SPF, wearing sun-protective clothing, and seeking out shade when possible. Unfortunately, no matter how diligent you are about sun protection, the reality is you’ll still be exposed to free radical damage that can aggravate and inflame your skin. While this may not cause a visible sunburn, it can leave your skin in less-than-ideal condition. 

Of course, spending time outside is one of the great joys of summer so I’m certainly not suggesting you hole up inside! (If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I spend a lot of time outdoors!) Instead, keep reading for my post-sun-exposure skincare advice to have your skin feeling revived and refreshed in no time. 

How Does Sun Exposure Affect the Skin? Spotting Signs of UV Damage

Most people tend to think of a sunburn as the only sign that your skin has gotten too much sun exposure. We take all sorts of precautions to keep ourselves from getting burned (rightly so), but the reality is that spending all day outside can trigger damage in your skin even if you don’t end up with a visible sunburn. There are two main reasons for this; The first is that it’s impossible to avoid UV rays completely (especially UVA), and the second is none other than those pesky free radicals you’re always hearing about. 

Since the other signs of UV exposure are more subtle than a straightforward burn, they can be a little bit harder to pick up on—unless you know what to look for. 

Skin Feels Tight (Dehydrated) 

When you’re out in the heat and your internal temperature increases, it can lead to lower water levels in the skin—also known as dehydration. Exposing your skin to a combination of heat and UV rays can also disrupt its natural moisture barrier, another possible trigger for dehydration. If you’re swimming, remember that saltwater and chlorine can have a drying effect as well. 

Not sure how to tell if your skin is dehydrated? Keep an eye out for skin that feels tight and “thirsty,” is drinking up moisture really quickly, and appears crinkly or shiny. You can also watch this video demonstration of a client of mine who had dehydrated skin.

Pigmentation Becomes More Visible (Freckles, Melasma, Sunspots)

It’s a well-known fact that sun exposure is a major trigger for pigmentation, whether that’s freckles, melasma, or sunspots. Something you might not know, however, is that heat can have the same effect. This means that even if you stay out of the sun, simply being outside when it’s hot can trigger an increase in pigmentation. Not great news, I know, but here’s how you can prevent summer sunspots.

Skin Becomes Red or Blotchy

Not all skin tones are prone to visible redness, but this can be one of the signs of overexposure to the sun’s rays. Blotchiness and redness can be a sign that your body is sourcing blood flow to damaged tissues and may indicate that you almost got a sunburn. Bear in mind that the redness you experience might not be constantly visible—it may present itself as skin that flushes more easily after a hot shower or while you’re doing your skincare routine.

Once again, the sun isn’t the only culprit. Simply being out in the heat can also open up capillaries, which can increase blood flow to damaged tissues making them appear redder.

Skin Feels Warm to the Touch

If you’ve gotten too much sun exposure you might end up with lingering heat in the skin that makes it feel slightly warmer to the touch than usual. This can increase the visibility of skin hyperpigmentation and irritate skin sensitivities.

Finally, keep in mind that even if your skin isn’t showing any of these signs, you can still benefit from following these tips after spending some serious time outdoors!

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid After Being in the Sun

Before we talk about how to revive your skin after sun exposure, let’s talk about what NOT to use. These are some of the ingredients and types of products you’ll want to avoid using right after a day of the sun:

You want to avoid these types of products after being in the sun because they can be quite stimulating. Your skin is already over-stimulated (and probably inflamed) from all the free radical activity swirling around, so the goal should be to soothe, calm, and coddle it. 

As far as how long to lay off these products, two days is a good rule of thumb. That said, it’s always important to listen to your skin and make sure it doesn’t seem irritated before adding these products back in. (If you are dealing with an actual sunburn, you’ll want to wait until your skin is completely healed before adding them back in. This means no more redness, peeling, stinging, or itching whatsoever.)

Tips for an After-Sun Skincare Routine

Here are my top four tips for reviving your skin after a day of fun in the sun.

1. Cool Your Skin Down Once Indoors

As I’m sure you can see by now, sun exposure isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when spending time outdoors this summer. Being in the heat and having your body’s internal temperature increased can cause all sorts of problems like dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and redness. The way to combat this is simple: start cooling your skin down as soon as you get back inside. There are several ways you can do this.

  1. Apply something cold to your skin. This could be a jade roller you keep in the fridge or, if you want to get fancy, something like these cryo freeze tools. Of course, I also love going the opposite route and using a simple cold compress or a trusty bag of frozen peas. Just make sure you put something between the bag and your skin to keep it protected.
  2. Turn your favorite toner into ice cubes. I love doing this during the summer, and it’s super easy. All you need is your favorite alcohol-free toner and an ice tray. Voila! 
  3. Keep your skincare products in the fridge. While I don’t think skincare fridges are a necessity by any means, some products can feel really nice on the skin when they’re cold. Learn which skincare products to keep in the fridge.
  4. Take a cold shower. This might be the least glamorous of all the options, but a nice, cold shower never fails.

2. Hydrate With a Gel-Based Mask

Moving on to skincare products, the first thing I recommend to anyone after being in the sun is a gel-based hydrating mask. These are great for replenishing water levels in the skin to combat barrier damage and dehydration. I love a gel mask that also includes soothing ingredients to really help bring down any irritation and inflammation in the skin.

Hint: this is one of the products I love to keep in the fridge!

3. Load Up on Antioxidants

When you’re out in the sun, your skin is fully in defense mode. Once out of the sun, it goes into repair mode and you’ll want to do everything you can to aid in that process. One of the best ways to do this is to load up on antioxidants and apply them to your skin both during and after sun exposure. Antioxidants are a powerhouse when it comes to protecting your skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Learn how antioxidants work and how you can use them effectively in your routine.

4. Use Ingredients That Calm and Soothe

Speaking of aiding your skin’s natural repair processes, you’ll want to focus on using products with ingredients that calm and soothe the skin after getting sun exposure. This will help counteract some of the inflammation that’s been triggered and, as I like to say, “put out the fire.”

Here are a few ingredients I love for soothing upset skin:

  1. Algae Extract (especially red marine algae)
  2. Vitamin E
  3. Water Lily Extract (nymphaea alba)
  4. Green Tea Extract
  5. Allantoin

So there you have it, now you know which ingredients to avoid after being in the sun and which ones you’ll benefits from. I hope you found this post helpful and that you enjoy your time outside this summer!

The post Skincare After Sun Exposure: Which Ingredients to Start and Stop Using appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

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