by Minas Chrysopoulo
You can think of moisturizing oils as food for your skin. With a molecular structure similar to sebum (your skin's natural oil), it is extremely well-absorbed and functions almost identically within the skin itself. In fact, skincare oil can help to re-regulate your skin's moisture barrier, which is responsible for sebum production. What this means, however counterintuitive, is that those with oily or acne-prone skin can actually reduce the amount of natural oils produced by their bodies by regularly using a moisturizing oil.
Additionally, skincare oils are generally "cleaner" than other moisturizing products. Whereas lotions and creams often contain various additives to achieve a desired consistency, deliver additional skincare benefits, or to enhance shelf life, oils are often single-ingredient, blended with plant-based essentials oils, or contain other botanical ingredients. Most oils used as moisturizers are naturally shelf stable for three years or more, meaning synthetic preservatives aren't necessary. These characteristics make body oils a better fit for many with skin sensitivities, and actually leave less of a "greasy residue" than many lotions and creams.
As mentioned, lotions contain water mixed with oils and other ingredients, which make them ideal for actively dry skin. This formulation allows the lotion to both penetrate the skin, while delivering water and other substances that can enhance the skins ability to retain moisture--both in the near and long term.
Lotions are useful for replenishing the skin once it has already become dry, whereas an oil will perform best when applied to damp skin, such as when you first step out of the shower. As a result, lotions are a good solution when you need on-the-go hydration.
Body oils and lotions both effectively moisturize the skin, so choosing between them comes down to personal preference. And, in reality, it's not necessary to use only one or the other. Skincare oils and lotions can actually complement each other quite well, whether applied in combination or at different times throughout the day.
No matter which moisturizing product (or products!) you reach for, it's always wise to read the ingredient lists carefully. Long gone are the days when you have to settle for synthetic preservatives and chemical fragrances, but that doesn't mean you won't still find lurking behind the beauty counter. Beyond shopping for non-toxic formulations, avoid those that are gel-based or contain alcohol. These preparations will ultimately have the opposite of the desired effect, drying out the skin, and hindering the optimal function of its natural moisture barrier.
by Minas Chrysopoulo
Valentine’s, Galentine’s, Palentine’s – is the perfect time to indulge in a little selfcare. February 14th is a day where you can set away time to show yourself some love. Make sure you take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically in order to look and feel your best. It doesn’t matter if you are staying in, having a girls night, or going out with your significant other – you deserve to have an amazing day.
Following the next three steps will help you feel good about yourself and have a great day no matter what.
Care About Skin Care
There’s no better way to start your day than with fresh skin. Cleanse your skin with your favorite facial skincare products and apply a moisturizing primer such as InviCible. InviCible is a vitamin C makeup foundation primer that is great for all skin types. This product illuminates your skin while reducing dark spots, age spots, acne marks, and blemishes. Apply two times per day under your foundation and concealer for the best results.
Drink Your Water
One of the most important self care tips is to make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. Staying hydrated helps rid your body and skin of toxins. Drinking water is the key to plump, youthful, and clear skin. Studies have shown that drinking water can increase elasticity in the skin, which helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking ample water also helps reduce swelling and puffiness in your face.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, and protein can greatly impact the health of your skin. By consuming these foods on a regular basis, you can help increase the production of collagen in your skin. With the increase of collagen, your skin will be smoother and help prevent premature wrinkles. Stay away from sugar and foods high in fat in order to prevent blemishes from occurring.
InviCible is a safe and effective facial primer that can be safely added to your skincare routine. Not only does the product work well as a makeup base, but it also works hard to correct facial imperfections and balance skin tone while you go about your day!
by Minas Chrysopoulo
With the scorching heat and blazing temperatures coming our way, summer can be a very trying time for our skin. Achieving the natural bronzed look that everyone wants is not always a bad thing but you have to be careful. The harsh rays of the sun can cause premature aging and wrinkles if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Follow these 4 skin care tips to ensure your skin remains dewy, hydrated and moisturized all summer long.
SPF, SPF, SPF.
The most important step to your makeup routine is to wear sunscreen. Make sure you apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours to protect your skin. You can even apply sunscreen under your facial makeup to prevent premature aging of the skin. Sunscreen also presents discoloration and dark spots caused by sun damage. This will help you maintain a smooth and even skin tone all year round.
Don’t Forget to Moisturize
With the weather being hot and humid, it’s easy to forget to moisturize. Even if your skin already feels oily and wet due to that extra layer of sweat on your face – you still need to moisturize. Moisturizers help protect from the pollutants and chemicals that can irritate your skin throughout the day. Invest in a lighter moisturizer which won’t clog your pores or feel too heavy on your skin during the summer months.
Invest in a Vitamin C Primer
Incorporating a vitamin C primer into your daily routine is very important in the summer. This helps prevent hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. InviCible’s vitamin C primer is proven to regulate collagen synthesis, tighten the skin and protect from sun damage. InviCible contains 17% vitamin C – one of the highest concentrations of stable vitamin C available in any skin care product. Add a few drops to your skin care routine morning and night for the best results.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is always crucial for the overall health and wellness of our skin, especially in the summer. Shoot for eight glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated can also help your skin recover faster after a sunburn.
InviCible is a safe and effective facial primer that can be safely added to your skincare routine. Not only does the product work well as a makeup base, but it also works hard to correct facial imperfections and balance skin tone while you go about your day!
by Minas Chrysopoulo
A primer is a makeup base that's applied to your skin before foundation. It reduces shine and creates a smooth surface, making it easier to apply both liquid and powder products on top of it. Primers offer other benefits as well, such as:
helping with the appearance of enlarged pores
evening out the complexion by blurring imperfections like fine lines
controlling oil production
reducing redness
You can apply this base layer after moisturizing—and before applying sunscreen—by dotting it along your forehead, nose, cheeks (including under your eyes), upper lip area (above the Cupid's bow), and chin. Blend it out thoroughly with clean fingertips until it has been evenly distributed across all areas of the face.
One of the most important steps in preventing your makeup from melting off is to set your face with powder. There are two options here—mineral powder or translucent powder.
Mineral powder not only sets your foundation, but it also helps to mattify and control oil production, making it an important step if you have oily skin (like me). I recommend Youngblood Pressed Mineral Rice Powder Foundation. It's a great mineral foundation that also doubles as a setting powder.
Translucent powders usually come in a loose form and can be applied over any foundation for shine control and added staying power. I recommend Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, which not only gives you shine-free skin throughout the day but also creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup application.
And a pro tip: avoid using the puffs that often come with pressed powder compacts or sponges that are meant to be used with loose powders. Both of these applicators can soak up too much product and apply way too much when you don't want it! Instead, use a fluffy makeup brush like MAC 159 Duo Fibre Blush Brush to pick up less product and distribute it more evenly onto the skin.
Setting sprays are liquids that, when applied to your face after makeup application, lock in everything you put on your face. "The act of setting spray itself is a misting action; some people refer to it as a setting powder in liquid form," says celebrity makeup artist and Beautyblender global pro team lead Angie DiDonato. "It helps to not only give the skin an incredible finish but also helps set the makeup so that it adheres to the skin and lasts longer."
To use a setting spray correctly, make sure your entire face of makeup has been applied first. Then hold the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face and lightly mist all over, careful not to close your eyes or mouth while spraying. Let it dry before applying anything else or touching the sprayed area so that it fully sets. Then you can go about your day knowing that no matter how hot and sticky things get, your makeup will be safe underneath this protective layer.
You can hack the humidity by applying waterproof, smudgeproof mascaras to your lashes. They won't melt off with the heat or sweat and you'll never have raccoon eyes again. If you want to take it a step further, apply a waterproof eyeliner on your upper lids and waterline so that everything stays in place all day long even when you're out in the sun or tearing up from how delicious that gelato is.
If you're worried about not being able to remove it at the end of the day, use an oil-based makeup remover like olive oil as they do wonders for breaking down waterproof makeup. With these tips, you'll be looking fresh no matter what season it is!
Why you should use a lip stain instead of lipstick:
Liquid lipsticks are too intense for the no-makeup makeup look. They're also too intense for all-day wear when it's humid out, because they easily smudge and run.
Applying a lip stain means you don't have to worry about reapplying your lipstick every time you eat or drink something. You can just apply the lip stain as many times a day as needed!
Lip stains are more long-lasting than traditional colored cosmetics like lipstick or gloss, so they won't easily smear or get wiped away by sweat or moisture in the air. Plus, there's no need to constantly reapply them throughout the day.
Use a makeup primer. A great primer will give your skin the just-showered shine you're after, while also providing it with the hydration it needs to stay smooth and healthy.
Apply a setting spray before your foundation. A hydrating setting spray is like a quick flush of water for your skin, but in an easy formula that can be sprayed on and rubbed in at any time of day.
Opt for an SPF moisturizer if you want to wear makeup all day long. If you want to skip foundation altogether, then choosing an SPF moisturizer that matches your skin tone makes sense—but even if you plan on wearing foundation, this choice can give your face the dewy glow we love while keeping it safe from those harmful UV rays.
Ready to beat the heat and humidity? Grab our primer here.
by Minas Chrysopoulo
For many, acne scars are the most distressing of all types of scars.
Acne scars have become one of the most widely discussed issues in the world of skincare, not only among adolescents but also among many adults. Touted treatments range from home remedies to expensive laser resurfacing and even surgery.
While some treatments can certainly help, unfortunately, there is no "magic bullet" for every type of acne scar.
There are several types of acne scars:
Ice-Pick Scars: The most common acne scar is a narrow, deep pit in the skin. In severe cases, these ice-pick marks take the form of large, open pore-like skin lesions. They develop after persistent acne or after an inflamed blemish or cyst.
Boxcar Scars: Wider than an ice-pick scar, this is an oval and indented lesion in the skin with angular sides. They usually occur on the cheeks and temple.
Rolling Scars: These have a wave-like appearance. They occur due to fibrous bands between the skin and the underlying subcutaneous tissue which tether and pull on the epidermis. This deforms the overlying skin and causes a scar.
Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised, very firm and red and can develop after any skin injury, including acne. They often have an “overgrown” appearance and can be itchy.
Keloid Scars: Like hypertrophic scars, keloids result from an overproduction of collagen. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids can "keep growing" to extend beyond the initial boundaries of the skin injury. These scars are thicker, harder, and red, overly raised and extend beyond the boundaries of the initial skin injury.
Dark Acne Scars and Acne Marks: Any type of acne scar can become dark, especially with unprotected sun exposure. Any form of skin injury, including acne, causes inflammation in the skin that can go on to cause skin darkening in the area. This abnormal pigment is know as "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)". Acne lesions can leave dark marks once they've healed, even in the absence of a scar.
InviCible Skincare products help fade the hyperpigmentation that is so often left behind once acne lesions heal. Our topical therapy contains non-comedogenic dimethicone silicone, along with natural ingredients like aloe, Vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, that can help normalize collagen production, even out skin tone, and minimize the appearance of your acne scars and dark marks.
by Minas Chrysopoulo
When it comes to makeup, you’re likely doing a bunch of things that actually age your face. In fact, there are specific makeup mistakes you can avoid in order to make your face look younger and more refreshed. But, before we get into the makeup mistakes themselves, I want to start off with some ways to ensure that your overall beauty routine is going to be helping you look younger. In general, the goal is for less-is-more when it comes to applying makeup on your face if you want your complexion to look healthy and youthful.
You're a grown woman and you shouldn't feel the need to wear makeup. But, if you are going to wear it, try taking a more natural approach. There's no reason for you to slather on foundation or contour your face in order for it to look younger. Use BB cream instead of foundation and focus more on using light hand when applying your makeup. Also try using less eyeliner so that your eyes pop without looking overdone.
When applying foundation, you should always use the smallest amount possible. This ensures that you do not lay down too much product on your face and create a cakey look. If you are applying too much foundation, it can make your skin look unnatural and older than it is.
To test if you have applied enough foundation, look into a mirror at an angle so that all of your face can be seen in one glance. The color of your skin should match the color of your neck with no major differences between the two — if there is any difference at all then it means that either too much or too little product has been used on one side of the face or another.
If this happens to be true for most areas on your face (i.e., both cheeks appear overly pale compared to other spots), then pick up more product with a sponge and start applying in small circles from top-to-bottom rather than side-to-side until everything looks even again!
There are a lot of reasons why powder can add years to your appearance. First, it’s a common misconception that powder should always be applied to the face after applying foundation. Powder is actually intended to set makeup and keep it in place—not create an even skin tone. When you layer on too much powder, however, it can settle into fine lines and creases on the skin and make them look much more pronounced than they actually are; this happens because there’s not enough moisture left in the pores and wrinkles for them to expand naturally when exposed to air. If you want your foundation and concealer blend seamlessly into one another with no visible demarcation between them (which helps minimize any redness or discoloration), consider using a translucent setting lotion instead of high-coverage products like foundation or concealer so that everything blends together smoothly without adding extra layers of coverage!
Moreover—and maybe most importantly—powder products have been shown time after time again through scientific studies conducted by cosmetic companies themselves as well as independent researchers at universities such as Harvard Medical School that these materials cause premature aging among women who apply them daily over long periods of time! You can read more about long-lasting skin care in this blog post.
Use the right tools for the job. While there are many makeup tools on the market, not all of them are created equal. Makeup brushes and sponges are two popular types of applicators that can be used to apply various types of makeup. While both tools have their pros and cons, knowing which to use for what will help you achieve a flawless look in less time.
Know your foundation from concealer and powder. Your skin type determines whether you should apply foundation, concealer or powder first—and how much coverage you want out of each product. If you're unsure about which products work best for your complexion, consult a professional before heading out into the world with an incomplete face of makeup!
Your eyeliner can make you look older if it is applied too thickly or in the wrong place. That's because, as we get older, our skin loses elasticity. For this reason, it's important to keep your eye makeup simple and clean-lined.
Instead of applying eyeliner all over the lid and smudging it out (as was popular in the 90s), try using a few dabs of pencil liner along the upper lash line in order to achieve that "windswept" effect without looking like you're wearing a mask of black paint on your face. If you want more drama (but still want to avoid raccoon eyes), apply liner only at the outer corners of eyes for that sultry cat eye look—this will add shape and definition without giving away how old-fashioned this technique really is!
Primer is a product that smooths out pores, fills them in, and evens out the skin so that makeup can go on more smoothly. It also helps make your foundation last longer and look more natural. Primer can also help keep your makeup looking its best through sweat, oiliness, or humidity—which are things we all deal with sometimes!
As we’ve seen, there are a lot of mistakes that can make you look older than you are. So how do we avoid them? A great way to start is by taking a more natural approach to your makeup. This might mean experimenting with sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion instead of reaching for full-coverage foundations every time—and it’s also a good reminder that "no makeup" days can be just as beautiful! It might also mean switching from a primer made with silicones (which tend to look cakey) to one made with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe, or using the right tools. That said, the most important tip is always this: enjoy yourself!
by Minas Chrysopoulo
Freckles and age spots both involve brown skin spots, especially on the face. However, they are typically referred to, treated, and thought of differently. Age spots and freckles do have some similarities; however, they are two different types of hyperpigmentation that can be treated similarly.
What Makes the Skin Darken?
The skin darkens due to damage to the skin cells, especially the cells that produce melanin or pigment. Everyone has a regular pigment that his or her skin produces, whether fair or dark skin. When the skin cells' DNA becomes damaged, either due to the sun, trauma, or age, then melanin production can be damaged. This can lead to hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
What are Freckles?
Freckles typically are small and occur on those who have fair skin, especially red-headed people. They typically occur on children and fade as a person ages, although a person with hereditary freckles can have them for his or her whole life. Sun exposure typically causes them; therefore, the more time someone spends in the sun, the more freckles they will get. The freckles may also become darker after spending time in the sun without broad sunscreen protection. Freckles tend to be an inherited trait, especially as they go hand in hand with other hereditary traits, including red hair and fair skin. For those where it is inherited, the appearance of freckles is inevitable, however, consistent use of sunscreen can help to minimize just how many and how dark they will be.
What are Age Spots?
Age spots tend to be bigger than freckles and occur due to aging, as the name implies. They can also be slightly raised. Typically, age spots occur on the hands and face rather than the entire body - unless you've experienced a severe sunburn on your back or shoulders, then dark spots can appear in these areas as well. Although sun exposure plays a significant role in the development of age spots, they tend to occur due to the deterioration of the skin cells that is part of the natural aging process. The more time a person has spent in the sun, the more damage to their cells, which is why age spots are connected to sun damage. The years of sun damage can lead to more melanin production in a certain area, causing an age spot. This is why wearing sun protective clothing, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen, is vitally important from an early age.
The Difference Between Freckles and Age Spots
The main difference between freckles and age spots is the age of the person and the size and location of the spots. Freckles are small, can appear anywhere, and are directly attributed to sun exposure in those susceptible; they are also inherited. Freckles can appear on anyone of any age, especially children. Age spots are not hereditary, can occur to anyone of any skin type, tend to develop on the hands and face, can also be larger in size, and begins to be noticed in middle age.
Treatment of Dark Spots and Freckles
Whether a dark spot due to sun damage or freckles from the same or genetics, there are only two ways to minimize their appearance. Prevention with the use of sunscreen year round and generously applied every two hours and using a dark spot treatment. Make sure the sunscreen you are using blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that the treatment for dark spots is one that is effective with skin lighteners such as Vitamin C and licorice root extract. Do you have a question about your scar or dark spot? Leave a comment, and we’ll be happy to answer.
by Minas Chrysopoulo
As you age, certain changes to your skin are almost inevitable, such as wrinkles and age spots. Although you cannot completely avoid the natural aging process, there are certain actions you can take to prevent and mitigate the problem.
Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin with years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. The use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.
By recognizing what causes age spots, you can reduce your risk and find the right product to reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin.
Age spots are small to medium brown spots that appear on the skin, primarily the face and hands, as you age.
They are often referred to as liver spots. They are caused by UV damage to the melanin production of the skin cells, which causes certain skin cells to appear darker than others.
Age spots can range in size between miniscule to more than a 1/2 an inch, and will appear as tan, brown or black in color. They can also group together, which creates a more significant appearance.
They are typically harmless and benign, making them mostly a cosmetic problem. However, if an age spot grows or changes rapidly, then you should get it checked out by a dermatologist to ensure it is not cancerous.
Here are some examples of what age spots can look like: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-age-related-growths
The main difference between freckles and age spots is the age of the person and the size and location of the spots. Freckles are small, can appear anywhere, and are directly attributed to sun exposure in those susceptible; they are also inherited.
Freckles can appear on anyone of any age, especially children.
Age spots are not hereditary, can occur to anyone of any skin type, tend to develop on the hands and face, can also be larger in size, and begins to be noticed in middle age.
Freckles are small brown spots on your skin, often in areas that get sun exposure. In most cases, freckles are harmless. They form as a result of overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color (pigmentation). Overall, freckles come from ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulation.
There are two categories of freckles: ephelides and solar lentigines. Ephelides are the common type most people think of as freckles. Solar lentigines are dark patches of skin that develop during adulthood. This includes freckles, aging spots, and sunspots. The two types of freckles can look similar but differ in other ways such as their development.
Read: What's the Difference Between Freckles and Age Spots?
Age spots develop due to excess UV exposure, either from the sun or tanning beds. They appear in the areas that have been most exposed to the sun, including the face, hands, and shoulders.
Melanin is the pigment in skin cells that provides it with its color. UV light accelerates the production of melanin, which is what leads to tanning.
However, the UV rays also damage the skin cells. Over time, this damage alters the production of melanin in the skin cell, causing a high concentration of melanin in a particular area, which creates age spots.
Age spots are more common in those with pale skin, but those with a darker skin pigment can also develop age spots, as well.
Once you do begin to develop some unsightly age spots, you can start treatment to reduce their appearance.
The best way to treat age spots is prevention, which includes wearing sunscreen whenever you are in the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and other excess exposure to UV rays. If you already have developed age spots, then you can treat them with a skin-lightening cream.
Avoid dangerous and potentially toxic ingredients such as kojic acid and hydroquinone when choosing skin-lightening creams. Instead, choose all-natural ingredients, such as licorice root extract and vitamin C, which will lighten the skin and keep it healthy.
These creams lighten the skin gradually and take time.
If the age spots do not respond to treatment, then you can discuss more invasive procedures, such as laser therapy or dermabrasion, with your doctor.
The dermatologist may suggest one of the following procedures:
These procedures all carry risks and can scar the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a specially trained dermatologist should perform them.
These removal techniques can also make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Anyone who has undergone one of these procedures should take extra precautions in the sun and follow their doctor’s advice.
Topical creams can also reduce the appearance of age spots. Research suggests that creams containing one or more of the following ingredients may help:
Just remember, that it takes time for the skin to heal and return to normal once you have begun treatment.
Age spots don't require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
It's best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if a spot:
You can take precautions when you are young to avoid getting age spots as you age.
1. Avoid direct sunlight. Depending on where you live, the sun is at its worst at certain times.
2. Use sunscreen while in the sun, which has broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30 or higher. If out in the sun for longer periods, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours according to
3. Cover, cover, cover - wear hats and clothes protecting your skin from the sun, and baseball caps and sun visors don't count. They don't cover enough of your skin.
Consider wearing clothing designed to provide sun protection. Look for clothes labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 to get the best protection.
Age spots are not cancerous. They can sometimes resemble skin cancer types, so it is important to be aware of the differences.
Age spots can look like actinic keratosis (AK) growths, which are precancerous. However, age spots are flat, while AK growths usually feel rough.
If a person suspects they have AK growths, they should visit a doctor for an examination.
Have a question about your scar or dark spot? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!
Try InviCible Primer & Corrector today!
Ref.: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sun-protection
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323287#home-remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-freckles#freckles-vs-moles
by Minas Chrysopoulo
Getting your daily recommended 30 minutes of activity every day is no simple task. For many, workouts are scheduled before morning commutes, during lunch breaks, or later in the evening.
Balancing a jam-packed professional and personal life with a quest for health and fitness is no easy feat, and sometimes, it requires cutting corners.
Here are some great tips for making the most of your time.
It is not necessary to remove your makeup before you work out. Most facial skincare products contain more natural ingredients which are lighter by nature.
If you wear a heavy moisturizer or makeup, that is a barrier on the skin that prevents the evaporation of water (sweat).
If you don’t have time to remove your makeup before your workout, or you’re uncomfortable going bare-faced, try to wear a tinted moisturizer and waterproof mascara rather than your full makeup routine.
If you like using dry shampoo, apply it before your workout so it will absorb oils and grease. Dry shampoo cannot soak up all the dampness caused by sweat. And many shampoos have a very high alcohol content which will dry out your hair.
Spray a generous amount of dry shampoo onto the areas that get wet the fastest, such as the hairline and the base of your neck.
Dry shampoo will add volume and texture to your hair, so you won’t have to worry about styling it after an intense workout.
Make sure you pick a dry shampoo that works well with your hair type and will last all day.
Do not touch your face during your workout because your hands are dirty, and you might get a bacterial infection. So deliberately keep your hands off your face while working out.
Don’t wipe or rub your face against your clothes, as it can lead to rashes and itchiness. Instead, use a soft towel and pat it on the skin to get the sweat off.
It seems obvious to drink water during a workout. This hydrates your body and helps you have beautiful skin to hydrate. As the saying goes: "Beauty is from within" and is never truer.
One of the major skin concerns people have when it comes to working out is breakouts.
Have you ever forgotten to wash your face after a run and allowed the sweat to dry? Notice how hours later, if you go to wipe your cheek, you’ll see how perspiration cakes onto your skin. This can cause breakouts and irritation.
As you exercise, sweat, oil, and dirt can build up and eventually clog your pores. This can lead to acne, unwanted skin irritation, and, in severe cases, facial scarring. To prevent this from happening, wash your face gently after workouts.
Washing your face can help stop breakouts before they happen.
Don't rinse your face with hot water. Hot water will open your pores and make your face redder. Think cool, so cold water will cool you off as well as get rid of the redness of your face after exercising.
During a workout, your face might turn red from the exertion. Spray a hydrating and cooling toner on your skin to calm it down. The benefit of a skin toner is it acts as a moisturizer for your skin.
Or, wash your face with cold water. Very refreshing.
If you don’t have time to shower immediately and need to be somewhere in about a short time.
Bringing a pack of deodorant wipes or cleansing wipes with you when you're on the go for workouts can help you feel refreshed after sweating. A quick wipe-down will help you quickly remove the odor from your body and leave you feeling fresh. You can swap your gym towel for a cleansing wipe and pat down your face, chest, and neck.
Avoid breakage and creases in your hair by pulling your hair back in a loose ponytail or low braid, especially when wet. Try to avoid tight elastic hair ties. These can cause hair to break, hair to fall out, and cause headaches. Use hair ties that are gentle, such as spiral hair ties or scrunchies.
Exfoliate your skin gently, apply serum, and at the end, apply moisturizer on your skin with a cooling gel can also be effective.
Or if you use InviCible Primer, all you need to do is spray a cooling toner, add some facial oils (if that is your routine) and then apply InviCible Primer as your Vitamin C and moisturizer.
We also recommend immediately following up with a medical facial primer such as InviCible, which helps smooth imperfections and dark spots.
Again, this might be overkill. But once we get busy with our day, we could forget to drink more water to keep hydrating our skin and our body. So keep that water flowing past your lips.
by Minas Chrysopoulo
by Minas Chrysopoulo
Vitamin C has long been known for its health benefits when taken orally as part of a balanced diet. It is essential for making collagen, an important protein that keeps our skin youthful and vibrant.
Every woman who tries to keep up on the latest beauty tips and tricks knows the positive effects of vitamin C on the skin.
Most women find that topical vitamin C brightens their complexion and takes off years of aging from their face. Women clearly want that type of anti-aging effect.
Without vitamin C, collagen isn’t as healthy as it could be. The skin doesn’t look as plump as it used to and fine lines can turn into deeper wrinkles.
There are two ways vitamin C gets into the skin:
In recent years, Vitamin C has taken the skincare industry by storm, becoming a staple ingredient in many skincare products. Let's look closer at how Vitamin C originated in the skincare industry and why it has become such a popular skincare ingredient.
The use of Vitamin C in skincare dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations utilizing citrus fruits and other Vitamin C-rich sources for their skin-enhancing properties. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Vitamin C started gaining attention in the skincare industry.
In the 1970s, dermatologist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of Vitamin C on the skin. His studies showed that Vitamin C protects the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to premature aging. This discovery opened up new possibilities for incorporating Vitamin C into skin care products to promote healthy skin.
One of the challenges of using Vitamin C in skincare is its stability.
Vitamin C is highly unstable and can degrade when exposed to light, air, and water, making it difficult to formulate into skincare products. Unfortunately, many forms of C are unstable and become oxidized when exposed to moisture in air.
You can tell when this happens because the product turns brown. Oxidized vitamin C is not effective and provides no benefit to the skin.
When using Vitamin C in skincare, it's important to consider factors such as concentration, formulation, and stability.
Vitamin C is most effective when used in concentrations of 10% or higher, but higher concentrations may not be suitable for all skin types. Additionally, it's crucial to store Vitamin C products in opaque or airtight containers to protect them from light and air exposure, which can degrade the ingredient.
It's also recommended to start with a lower concentration if you are new to using Vitamin C in your skincare routine and gradually increase as your skin becomes accustomed to it. Patch testing is also recommended to check for any potential skin sensitivity or reactions.
However, advances in technology and formulation techniques have made it possible to create stable Vitamin C derivatives that are suitable for topical application.
These derivatives, such as L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, are commonly used in skincare products due to their ability to deliver the benefits of Vitamin C to the skin effectively.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to premature aging and dark spots. Vitamin C can neutralize these free radicals, helping to protect the skin and prevent further damage.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also inhibits melanin production, the pigment that gives color to our skin. By inhibiting the production of melanin, vitamin C can help to lighten dark spots and even out the overall complexion. This is why it is often found in products that are marketed as "brightening" or "lightening."
When it comes to natural skincare, there are a number of ingredients that can help to brighten and even out the complexion. Some of the most popular natural ingredients for addressing dark spots include:
When combined with vitamin C, these natural ingredients can work together to brighten and even out the complexion for a more youthful, radiant look.
Another benefit of topical vitamin C is that it can help to reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of acne and other skin conditions. It can also improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Vitamin C has become a star ingredient in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, toners, and even cleansers.
Skincare brands often highlight the use of Vitamin C in their products, and consumers are increasingly seeking out skincare products that contain this powerhouse ingredient. With its proven skincare benefits and versatility, Vitamin C has become a must-have ingredient in many skincare routines.
In conclusion, Vitamin C has become a game-changer in the skincare industry. Its origin can be traced back to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Sheldon Pinnell and has since become a staple ingredient in many skincare products. With its antioxidant properties, brightening effects, and collagen-boosting benefits, Vitamin C has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts worldwide.