Month: July 2021

It’s the age-old question: how do I reapply sunscreen throughout the day without messing up my makeup? 

When it comes to preventing visible signs of aging, there’s no better ingredient out there than SPF. The trick is applying your sunscreen correctly so that you’re actually getting the full protection it claims to offer, and this includes reapplying throughout the day as your first application wears off.

In this post, I’ll go over four different ways to reapply sunscreen over makeup, plus the pros and cons of each.

How Many Times a Day Do I Actually Need to Reapply Sunscreen?

The answer to this question depends a lot on what your day looks like. If you’re spending your day outdoors (especially if you’re sweating or swimming), reapplying every two hours is a must. 

Unless you work outside though, reapplying every two hours on a daily basis isn’t necessary (or, let’s face it, realistic). On a regular day, it’s mostly about using common sense and reapplying at times when you’ll be getting the most UV exposure. For most people, one to two reapplications should be enough. This could be before stepping out to take your lunch break or take a walk, or when you’re getting in your car to leave work and run some errands. If you sit right next to a window all day, you may want to add in one more reapplication since UV rays penetrate through windows.

Remember though, the most important sunscreen application of the day is your first. Start with a strong foundation in the morning by applying the correct amount of sunscreen to your face and all other exposed areas of your skin.

What’s the Best Way to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup?

Okay, so let me just start by saying this: there is no perfect way to reapply sunscreen over makeup, and here’s why. Sunscreen is tested by applying a specific amount of product to a certain centimeter square area of the skin. It’s applied evenly to clean skin and allowed to form a film before being evaluated and given an SPF number.

The nature of reapplication means you won’t be applying whichever product you use to clean skin, so there’s a good chance it won’t be able to form a protective film as well as it’s supposed to. All this to say, it’s really difficult to get the true SPF number indicated on a label when you’re applying something over makeup, skincare, and another layer of sunscreen.

But, don’t despair! There are still some great options out there and at the end of the day, some extra protection is better than none. Here are four ways to touch up your sun protection throughout the day while wearing makeup.

1. Reapply Sunscreen Lotion Using Hands or Beauty Tools

The first option on the list is to reapply your regular sunscreen throughout the day using either just your hands or a beauty tool, like a brush or Beauty Blender. The nice thing about this option is that you’re using a tested, tried-and-true sunscreen product and can evenly coat your skin. On the other hand, it can be a little messy to apply and disruptive to your makeup if you’re wearing a full face so that sometimes means you have to apply it more sparingly in order to keep your makeup intact.

I’ve seen tons of articles recommending people use a Beautyblender (a popular makeup sponge) to reapply their sunscreen. If this works well for you, I say go for it. Just be mindful of keeping them clean but also switching them out regularly so you aren’t introducing bacteria to your skin. Also, realize that the sponge will absorb some of your product, but eventually, the saturation will max out and the product will be deposited onto your skin. This may just be a bit of a waste if your sunscreen is expensive!

Pros of Reapplying Sunscreen Lotion

• You’re using a tried and true SPF product.
• You can coat the skin well for even protection.
• Good option if you only wear light makeup.

Cons of Reapplying Sunscreen Lotion

• Works best with tinted mineral, chemical, or hybrid sunscreens (mineral + chemical). Purely physical sunscreens may leave a cast or not blend well due to the use of pure zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• If you’re using a beauty tool, it could soak up your sunscreen or pick up and smudge the makeup you’re already wearing.
• Can be cumbersome, messy, or inconvenient.
• Chemical sunscreen may not be able to properly form a film over your skin for protection since you’re already wearing sunscreen and makeup.

2. Use a Cream Makeup Compact

What you may not know is that even if your makeup products aren’t marked as SPF, they’re still giving you some amount of sun protection. This is thanks to the fact that titanium dioxide—an active mineral ingredient used in physical sunscreens— is used in almost all tinted makeup products. Of course, makeup isn’t a suitable replacement for actual sunscreen, but it adds a little bit of an insurance policy. I actually recommend that people wear makeup every day for this very reason!

If you do want guaranteed SPF, there are makeup compacts that offer just that, like the Avene High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50. 

Pros of Using a Cream Makeup Compact

• Since it’s a makeup product, it will help keep your makeup look intact.
• Easy to carry around and mess-free.
• Good for someone who wears full makeup and likes foundation.
• Physical blocker (titanium dioxide) means it doesn’t matter as much that you already have other products on your skin, the sun protection will still be effective.

Cons of Using a Cream Makeup Compact

• The applicator or sponge could get dirty and introduce bacteria to the skin.
• You need to apply an even coat all over for sun protection, which could look heavier than some people want.

3. Use a Tinted Powder (That Contains Titanium Dioxide)

This is the method that I’ve personally used for years and a lot it comes down to ease of application for me. I love just being able to quickly and conveniently reapply a powder product as needed, then go about my day.

The same thing applies here as with cream makeup compacts; any makeup powder containing titanium dioxide will offer protection (although it has not been tested for it), but you can also get sunscreen powders that have been proven to protect against UV rays and given an SPF number by the FDA. Both Colorescience and Supergoop make good SPF options, I have personally used both of these.

Pros of Tinted Powder

• Easy, portable, and mess-free.
• Good for those with oily skin since it’s oil-absorbing.
• Powder particles are good at grabbing onto and coating the skin (essential for sun protection).
• Easy to apply on other body parts like hands, neck, chest, or hair part.
• Physical blocker (titanium dioxide) means it doesn’t matter as much that you already have other products on your skin, the sun protection will still be effective.

Cons of Tinted Powder

• You need a good amount of powder, which could look cakey on some complexions.
• May not be ideal for those with dry skin.
• Shade ranges for powders with SPF can be limited.

4. Use a Sunscreen Spray or Mist

Sunscreen sprays and mists have definitely become more popular over the past few years as people pursue “dewy-looking” skin. If I’m honest…this is my least favorite reapplication method, simply because it’s unlikely you’re getting significant sun protection from it.

First of all, people underestimate how much of an SPF mist is needed to get the protection indicated on the bottle. Chances are it’s a lot more than you’ll be comfortable using from an aesthetic standpoint. In addition, it’s really critical that these spray sunscreens can form a film over the skin to be effective. This just isn’t possible when you’re spraying it over layers of products already on your skin. Finally, you’re actually supposed to rub in sunscreen sprays or mists to get them into the skin, which defeats the purpose of keeping makeup intact. Not a glowing recommendation, I know, BUT if this is the only way you can stand to reapply SPF throughout the day I still encourage you to do it. After all, some protection is better than none!

Pros of a Sunscreen Spray or Mist

• Easy, portable, and mess-free.
• Doesn’t disrupt makeup much.
• Great for those who like a dewy look.
• Can easily be used on the body as well.

Cons of a Sunscreen Spray or Mist

• Spray or aerosol delivery could cause irritation to the eyes, nose, mouth.
• Can’t form a film over skin with product already on it, won’t offer much sun protection.

Which Method of Sunscreen Reapplication is Best?

Bottom line, the best method of reapplying sunscreen is the method you’ll actually use. As you can tell, reapplication is a tricky business and none of these methods is perfect. The one that works best for you will depend on your skin type and how much or what kind of makeup you wear on a daily basis, so I encourage you to experiment a little and see what you like. At the end of the day, just be aware of the pros and cons of each so you can mitigate the cons as much as possible.

Next, read about the pros and cons of mineral vs physical sunscreen and which one is best for your skin type.

The post Four Ways to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup (and the Pros and Cons of Each) appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Four Ways to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup (and the Pros and Cons of Each) Read More

Antioxidants are an essential part of any well-rounded skincare routine. They play a key role in preventing oxidation, a process that contributes to cell damage and skin aging. Oxidation is triggered by any number of things we encounter daily, including UV rays and air pollution. We’re also exposed to oxidation from internal factors that are part of the body’s natural aging process. 

The good news is that it’s easy to protect your skin by making topical antioxidants a staple in your daily routine (especially your morning skincare routine). The bad news is, there are so many options it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. In this post, I’ll share five of my favorite antioxidants and talk about which ones might be right for your skin type.

The 5 Best Antioxidant Skincare Ingredients (and How to Choose the Right One)

All antioxidants work in generally the same way—they look for reactive oxygen species (also known as free radicals) and try to scavenge them before they have a chance to damage cells through oxidation. So if they all work in a similar way, how do you know which antioxidants to use for your skin? 

My advice is to look for antioxidants that offer additional benefits that are in line with the rest of your skin’s needs. Some antioxidants really go above and beyond just the standard function, so why not choose the ones that will get you one step closer to achieving your skin goals?

Here are what I believe to be five of the best antioxidants you can use, plus the additional benefits they offer. Keep reading to learn which ones will improve your skin! 

1. Retinol (Vitamin A)

A lot of people don’t know this, but retinol (also known as vitamin A) is actually an antioxidant. Retinol is a lipophilic (oil-loving) molecule, which means it can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and work its magic from within. 

If you’re interested in preventing visible signs of aging, retinol is for you. Its antioxidant properties already set it up for being a great preventative-aging ingredient, but retinol also increases the rate of cell turnover to reveal younger-looking skin. This helps build collagen, which retinol also protects by decreasing the activity of enzymes that break collagen down. 

One thing to be aware of when it comes to retinol is that you can definitely have too much of a good thing. This isn’t an ingredient you want to overuse or jump right into using every day. Learn how to start without irritating your skin by reading my beginner’s guide to retinol.

Product Recommendation: Advanced Resurfacing Serum

2. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)

This one may be a mouthful, but tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) is really just a type of vitamin C. What makes it so special is that it’s a very stable, lipid-based form of vitamin C, which means it’s way less likely to irritate skin than traditional forms of vitamin C. Because of this, I recommend it to people with sensitive skin or people using retinol products. (These are the four other things to look for in a vitamin C serum particularly if your skin is sensitive and if you use retinol.)

THD offers all the other great benefits you would expect to get from vitamin C (building collagen, fighting inflammation), but where it really excels is in improving and preventing hyperpigmentation. This makes it an especially good option if you’re someone who wants to target melasma or brown spots, or if you’re just interested in a brighter-looking complexion.

Product Recommendation: Vitamin C & E Treatment

3. Astaxanthin

As an antioxidant, astaxanthin works by sitting on the surface of the skin and scavenging free radicals to keep them from doing damage. Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment found in certain algae (like red marine algae).

Astaxanthin, or red marine algae, is a soothing ingredient that can help calm inflammation (especially from UV rays) and combat redness. It’s a great option for anyone concerned with irritated, blotchy skin or redness.

Product Recommendation: Hydraboost Rescue Creme

4. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is one of skincare’s most versatile ingredients and boasts antioxidant properties among its many talents. Niacinamide is unique because, in addition to acting as an antioxidant itself, it also increases the antioxidant potential of the skin. Translation? It supports your skin in a way that allows it to produce more of its own antioxidants. 

As far as what else niacinamide can do for your skin, it would almost be easier to list out what it can’t do. Niacinamide has been shown to decrease redness and blotchiness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out hyperpigmentation, and improve skin barrier function by preventing transepidermal water loss. Learn more about how to use niacinamide depending on your skin’s needs.

Product Recommendation: Moisture Infusion Toner

5. Green Tea Extract

Most people are already aware of the health benefits of drinking green tea, but did you know it’s a great skincare ingredient as well? Green tea extract is chock-full of polyphenols, a powerful class of antioxidants. One type of green tea extract emerging in skincare is ECGC (which stands for Epigallocatechin Gallate). It’s been shown to eliminate reactive oxygen species in the skin very efficiently. 

In addition to being an extremely effective antioxidant, green tea extract can provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin.

Product Recommendation: Redness Care Firming Serum

Will you be adding one of these five antioxidants into your routine? Keep in mind that there are a lot of great antioxidants out there, these five just happen to be some of my favorites and ones that I love to use in my skincare product line! I’ve found them to be reliable based on the results I’ve seen people get and the research I’ve read. I hope you found this post helpful!

Next, learn exactly how antioxidants prevent cell damage and how to incorporate them into your routine.

The post The 5 Best Antioxidant Ingredients to Look For in Your Skincare Products appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

The 5 Best Antioxidant Ingredients to Look For in Your Skincare Products Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

There’s no doubt that putting together and maintaining a skincare routine can be an expensive endeavor. This leads many people down the path of skincare dupes. A dupe, or duplicate, is a product that matches the look, feel, main ingredients, and results of a (usually) more expensive product on the market.

In this post, I’ll address whether dupes are real or a myth, how to find them, and when you should splurge on your skincare. I also spoke with Valerie George, cosmetic chemist and co-host of Beauty Brains Podcast, for her point of view on skincare dupes.

What Does it Take for a Product to Be Considered a Dupe?

First thing’s first: skincare dupes are definitely a real thing. 

“As a cosmetic chemist, I encounter this all the time,” Valerie says. “Brands that are usually in a lower price bracket are inspired by other successful products on the market, which are sold in a higher price bracket. As a chemist, I’m asked to mimic the appearance, function, marketing ingredients, and sometimes fragrance to create a dupe of a product.” 

Valerie notes, however, that it takes more than just a few key ingredients for a product to be considered a dupe. (For example, you couldn’t simply compare two exfoliating masks that both use AHAs and bromelain enzymes and say they’re dupes of each other.) They have to be close enough in appearance and skin feel that someone would be completely satisfied with the whole experience and performance of a product.

Can I Tell If a Product Is a Dupe by Comparing Ingredient Labels?

Short answer—no. If you’ve read my blog before, you already know my stance that you can’t judge a product based on the ingredient label. There are too many factors at play: quality of ingredients, percentage of ingredients used, type of delivery system used for active ingredients, and the pH of a product, to name a few. These can all make a HUGE difference when it comes to the actual performance of a skincare product, and none of these things can be gleaned from reading a label.

Let me give you an example. Dimethicone is a popular type of silicone used in lots of different skincare products. As I mentioned in this post about silicones, dimethicone can come in many different weights. This can make a huge difference in the texture of a product. Dimethicone can feel really emollient or occlusive at certain weights, while at others it may feel dry and evaporate almost immediately. Even as a product formulator like myself, or a cosmetic chemist like Valerie, we can’t see dimethicone on an ingredient label and know which weight was used. 

There are so many nuances like this when it comes to product formulations. Believe me when I say the ingredient label is only one piece of the puzzle. 

So What’s the Best Way to Go About Finding Skincare Dupes?

First off, I would caution against using online tools that claim to compare products and match dupes. Since these rely almost solely on ingredient labels, I’m not a fan. For all the reasons I mentioned above, there’s no way you can get accurate information as to whether one product is a duplicate of another through the algorithm these tools use.

Valerie agreed with me, saying, “I looked up products I’ve personally formulated and that I know inside and out, and I looked at the products they recommended as dupes (most of which I’ve also used). For the most part, I couldn’t believe what was being recommended because they’re not similar at all.”

Unfortunately, the only real way to tell is through trial and error. Some things you can certainly research beforehand, including the look of a product, its main function, marketing claims, and key ingredients. But at the end of the day, a true dupe also comes down to the human experience and whether or not you’re happy with how a product performs. Word of mouth is probably the easiest way to find dupes, so I’d ask around via social media or online forums. But, keep in mind that just because a product worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. 

Does a Skincare Product Really Need to Cost More to Work Better?

The answer to this question isn’t always black and white, and I would say it depends on what kind of product you’re looking at. 

Price is more likely to matter when you’re looking at products that contain truly active ingredients. This includes things like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These performance ingredients can be really expensive and need to be used at certain levels to be efficacious, all of which translates to a product costing more money. For example, if a company uses a peptide that costs a few thousand dollars per pound and it needs to be used at 2% to give results, this is going to drive up the cost of the product so the seller can make a decent margin. Logically speaking, if you buy an inexpensive peptide cream at the drugstore, it isn’t going to be as effective or as high quality because of that cost margin. 

That said, don’t be fooled into thinking expensive always means better. Some companies charge a lot based on nothing but nice-looking packaging and inflated marketing claims. Products like cleansers, toners, and moisturizers can definitely be of good quality even if they don’t come with a hefty price tag. At the end of the day, my best advice is to buy your products from a company that has good transparency so you know they’re doing the right thing when it comes to product formulation.

When Should I Splurge on Skincare?

At the end of the day, the results you get from skincare don’t come from a single product but from a well-rounded routine. This is a big part of why I created my 9 skin types and why I’m so passionate about them; our skin needs a variety of products and ingredients to be healthy. For this reason, I don’t usually recommend that people sink hundreds of dollars into one “hero” product. Your skin has multiple needs, and these can rarely be addressed by a single product. 

If you are trying to decide where to spend a little more money though, I’d go with a serum since they usually contain active or performance ingredients. It’s so important that the active ingredients you use are high-quality and effective because this is what gives you the most dramatic, visible results. 

This isn’t to say your cleanser, alcohol-free toner, and moisturizer aren’t very important parts of your routine, but it is possible to get well-formulated products in these categories on a budget. (Here’s what to look for in a facial cleanser.) 

So there you have it, an insider look into the world of skincare dupes! There are plenty out there, but the unfortunate truth is that they can be hard to identify without comparing two products for yourself. Ingredient lists are unreliable, and at the end of the day similarity in experience and results is what really matters. 

Next, read about ingredient percentages and what product labels won’t tell you.

The post Searching for a Skincare Dupe? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Searching for a Skincare Dupe? Here’s What You Need to Know Read More

There are a lot of buzzwords in skincare—so many, in fact, that it can be hard to keep up. Chances are you’ve heard the word “peptide” thrown around quite a bit, but you may find yourself wondering what exactly they are and how they work (or if they even work). 

In my experience, peptides aren’t as well understood as their buzzy counterparts, such as vitamin C and retinol. With this post, I hope to change that and open your eyes to the amazing benefits of including peptides in your skincare routine!

What are Peptides?

First, let’s cover the basics with a brief science lesson: Peptides are formed when two or more amino acids are linked together in a chain. Remember that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but a peptide doesn’t have enough amino acids to be considered a complete protein on its own. Every peptide has a unique sequence of amino acids, and that unique sequence is what gives it its special function.

It’s easy to spot peptides on an ingredient label because they usually contain the word “peptide” somewhere in the name.

How Do Peptides Benefit Skin?

When you get right down to it, almost all peptides serve the same primary function: to build or protect collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin (which are both a type of protein) are two major components that make up our skin and keep it looking firm and tight. As we age, we produce less, and what we do have will slowly start to break down. This is where topically applying ingredients that help our skin build collagen and elastin becomes really important. (If you want to go beyond topical products but aren’t ready for professional treatments, learn how you can use microcurrent at home to lift and tone your skin.)

While most peptides can help keep the skin looking firm, you may get additional benefits depending on which type you’re using. Remember how each peptide is made up of a unique sequence of amino acids? This unique sequence is what allows certain peptides to provide special functions such as reduction of inflammation, skin brightening, improved wound healing, and stimulation of native hyaluronic acid production. Not too shabby!

What Are the Different Types of Peptides in Skin Care?

Almost all peptides used in skincare are synthetic, meaning created in a lab. It is possible to get peptides derived from plant extracts, but this is difficult to do and they usually aren’t as stable or reliable as synthetic peptides. 

There are four main types of peptides in skincare:

1. 1. Signal Peptides. Signal peptides work by generating a signal in cells to elicit a certain reaction. For example, telling a cell to produce more collagen or hyaluronic acid. 
   2. Neurotransmitter-Affecting Peptides. Neurotransmitter-affecting peptides interact with the neurotransmitters in your cells to slow down the signal sent to your brain when you move your facial muscles to make an expression. This softens the movement so it becomes less dramatic, making it less likely to produce a deep wrinkle over time. (If that sounds familiar, it’s because this is a much milder version of what happens when you’re injected with a neurotoxin to prevent muscles from contracting.)
   3. Carrier Peptides. Carrier peptides help carry other molecules into cells. An example would be copper peptides; the peptide delivers a copper molecule into the cell where it plays a crucial role in the production of collagen.
   4. Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides. As the name suggests, enzyme-inhibitor peptides work to inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in our skin. 

What is the Best Age to Start Using Peptides, and How Often Should I Use Them?

Like most ingredients that improve aging skin, peptides should ideally start to be incorporated into your routine by your late-20s or early-30s. This is right around the age we start to lose our ability to manufacture collagen as quickly. By our early-30s, our native collagen supply also slowly starts to degrade. In addition to a comprehensive, preventative-aging routine for your skin type, supplementing with powerful, synthetic peptides may be a way to mitigate that. The only exception would be if you’re still dealing with a lot of active breakouts, in which case you’d want to get your skin to a calmer place before introducing peptides for preventative aging. 

As far as how often to use peptides, the more you use them the more effective they’ll be. Most studies of specific peptides or peptide mixtures report results based on daily or even twice-daily application. One of the great things about peptides is that they tend to be well-tolerated by all skin types (assuming they’re formulated in a base your skin agrees with), so you don’t need to worry about overdoing it the way you do with some skincare ingredients. As usual, consistency is key. Here’s how long you can expect to wait before seeing results from active ingredients, including peptides.

I recommend using peptides in a leave-on product since they work on a cellular level and need to make their way into the skin. This could be an eye cream, a moisturizer, or a serum (serums are great because they’re designed to penetrate deeper than other products). Peptides are notoriously unstable when exposed to air or water, so you either want to look for a formula in airless packaging or keep your jars and bottles tightly sealed.  

What Are the Best Peptides for Skin Care?

There are many great peptides available today and as research advances, we’re bound to keep seeing exciting new developments. For the sake of this post, I’ve chosen to talk about four peptides I truly believe in, use personally, and formulate with. One of the reasons I’ve chosen to formulate products using these peptides specifically is that they all have very robust and promising research. Keep reading to learn more about what they do and which one could be a good fit for you!

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is based on a very large peptide sequence known as Snap 25. This one, known as Snap 8, is a shorter, modified version of Snap 25. It’s a neurotransmitter-affecting peptide that’s been shown to reduce the appearance of roughness and fine lines on the skin.

Good for: anyone concerned with the texture of their skin and the reduction of visible fine lines.

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Manufacturer studies have shown palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 works most effectively on restoring skin with age-related damage (mainly loss of tone). It works to restore elastin synthesis, which helps give skin its suppleness.

Good for: those concerned with loss of skin tone and firmness due to aging.

Haloxyl 2%

Haloxyl is actually a blend of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-1, so you get two peptides in there. This combination of peptides has been studied specifically in relation to the under-eye area. Together, these two peptides work in synergy to restore firmness and tone. They’re also coupled with two non-peptide ingredients that can improve the appearance of under-eye circles by reducing the blood that pools under the eyes. I read a manufacturer study done on Haloxyl 2% that showed a 19 percent reduction in the darkness of under-eye color after 56 days of once per day application! 

Good for: anyone concerned with the firmness of the under-eye area and reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Aka Matrixyl Synthe’6)

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is great because it’s been shown to support six major elements that make up our skin matrix including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This makes it a real heavy-hitter and one of the best peptides you can use for visible signs of aging and overall skin health. 

Good for: anyone concerned with visible signs of aging and overall skin health.

I hope this post teaches you something new about peptides and shows you what a valuable addition they can be to your skincare routine! While peptides are a great way to build and protect your skin’s natural collagen, remember that healthy skin aging requires so much more than a single ingredient or a single approach. Here are 10 things you can start doing now to prevent wrinkles down the road.

The post How Peptides Help Build and Protect Collagen for More Youthful-Looking Skin appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

How Peptides Help Build and Protect Collagen for More Youthful-Looking Skin Read More