If you’ve been active in the skin care industry lately, you would have noticed that vitamin C and retinol are some of the most sought-after ingredients. There are many misconceptions surrounding what these products can do to your skin, and here, we will dive deep into the matter. Even though using retinol and vitamin C together can be very tempting, it is better to know the real effects of using these two products on your skin both separately and together before making this decision.
For example, did you know that while many see short-term benefits with retinol, in the long run this ingredient damages the skin, making skin age quicker than it should?
What Does Retinol and Vitamin C Do?
Retinol is a skin care ingredient widely used by people who wish to rejuvenate mature skin. At Annmarie Skin Care, we believe that retinol, despite it being a popular skin care ingredient, is not a safe option for your skin. We find it better to use a high-quality alternative, like our Bioactive-A Complex, which offers comparable results that retinol promises without the side effects.
Misconceptions of the benefits of retinol include:
Helps reduce skin redness
Revitalizes the appearance of mature skin
Evens the appearance of skin tone
Retinol can negatively affect the skin with continual use hence why in our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, we use Bioactive-A Complex, as it is safe for the skin, giving you all of the above benefits without any of the damaging effects.
The side effects of retinol include:
Irritated skin
Redness
Sun sensitivity
Flaking or peeling skin
Itchiness
On the other hand, Vitamin C is a common ingredient in anti-aging serums and lotions. That’s because it helps maintain a smooth and glowy complexion on your skin. It is best to use your vitamin C topically for best results since consuming foods rich in vitamin C doesn’t assure you the same immediate benefits.
Benefits of vitamin C include:
Safe for most skin types
Hydrates the skin
Brightens and lightens your look
Evens the appearance of skin tone
Decreases the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
Firms and tightens the appearance of skin
Renews the look of beautiful skin
Acts as a natural skin protector
The only side effect of vitamin C is that it can be a little irritating when applied on extremely sensitive skin or in excessive amounts.
Misconceptions surrounding vitamin C
There are some common misconceptions about what Vitamin C can do to your skin. These include:
It can make your skin sensitive to the sun and only be applied at night. Even though in its pure form, it can be acidic, that doesn’t mean topical use can cause the skin to be sensitive. Vitamin C is great at offering protection to outdoor lovers.
Vitamin C won’t work for sensitive skin. Vitamin C is great for all skin types, and if yours is a little sensitive, you should find the right vitamin C for your skin, like Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate (THDA).
The higher the percentage of vitamin C, the more effective it is. For vitamin C to be effective, it is dependent on its pH levels. When starting off using vitamin C, it’s better to use it at lower percentages to prevent irritating your skin.
Vitamin C can discolor the skin. Vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase which helps even out the appearance of your skin tone.
You can’t use Vitamin C with other active ingredients. Vitamin C is compatible with other active ingredients that can benefit your skin. But, it would help if you did not combine it with AHAs, BHAs, or retinol as they are exfoliating in nature and can cause irritation. When combining vitamin C with them, you’ll need to be extra cautious.
All vitamin C is the same. Various forms of vitamin C are used for skin care, but Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate (THDA) is the purest, most effective, and most researched form of vitamin C. Unlike the other types of vitamin C, it is highly stable, it can penetrate both layers of the skin, and its optimal pH (7) allows it to benefit your skin without irritating it.
Can I Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together?
Even though vitamin C is a great product for your skin, we can’t truly say the same for retinol. So, we don’t recommend using these products together. Instead, use vitamin C during the AM and your retinol alternative (Bioactive-A Complex) at night. Mixing these two with this schedule will help enhance the appearance of your skin.
In our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, we offer both vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate) and Bioactive-A Complex to boost the results you will get on your skin when compared to using your ordinary serum or facial oil alone. For best results, use your vitamin C (Brighten) in the morning and your retinol alternative, Revitalize, in the evening.
When shopping for skin care products, it can be a little hard to find the perfect product that contains high-quality vitamin C and other ingredients for your skin. That’s why we recommend you use products with the most natural form of vitamin C, which we offer at Annmarie Skin Care. Even though retinol has excellent short-term effects on the skin, we prefer to recommend products that will give you the best skin both in the short and long run.
What Happens If You Mix Retinol and Vitamin C?
Well, to start, these two actually don’t even really mix well. When retinol and vitamin C mix, they behave similarly to how water and oil mix; so, it is best to use them separately. Even if you have the urge to use them together, they tend to prevent the absorption of each into the skin, which would defeat the purpose of applying these products in the first place.
Here at Annmarie Skin Care, we use a great and pure retinol alternative (Bioactive-A Complex) which works harmoniously with vitamin C, providing you with all of the benefits you need for your skin.
Is It Bad to Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together?
Not exactly. It matters which form of retinol and vitamin C you use, as well as the timing of application. If you’re using a retinol alternative like Bioactive-A Complex—which has impressive benefits without all of the harsh effects—and using the best type of vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate), too, then you’ll have no issue using both products.
But, we do recommend applying them in different skin care sessions, applying vitamin C in the morning and your retinol alternative in the evening. In incorporating these two safer products, you’ll enhance the high-quality serum and/or facial oil formulas you already have and see the benefits of brighter, more rejuvenated skin.
1. Do I need vitamin C if I use retinol or a retinol alternative?
Yes, because they do entirely different things for your skin. Use vitamin C during the day and your retinol or retinol alternative at night.
2. Is vitamin C or retinol/retinol alternatives better for the skin?
We recommend including both products (vitamin C and a retinol alternative) in your skin care routine as they serve different purposes—vitamin C helps brighten, while your retinol alternative helps rejuvenate. Both vitamin C and retinol alternatives are good for your skin, as long as you get products that use high-quality sources and feature ingredients that are truly safe for skin (both in the short and long term). Check out our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, which includes Brighten, high-quality vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate) with seabuckthorn, and Revitalize, a safer and more beneficial retinol alternative (Bioactive-A Complex) with astaxanthin, which we offer at Annmarie Skin Care.
3. Can I use my retinol or retinol alternative and vitamin C at the same time?
It is better to apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol (or better versions of retinol, i.e., Bioactive-A Complex) at night.
While people may have different responses to the notion of aging, one thing we stand by is the importance of taking care of the skin throughout the years. There areanti-aging ingredients andproducts that help with this by minimizing signs of aging skin, such as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When looking for anti-aging skin careproducts, especially those that are truly safe for the skin in both the short and long term, it can be challenging to know exactly what ingredients to search for in your face and body products. Additionally, skin aging is more than what you use topically; your diet, genes, environment, and lifestyle habits all influence how your skin reacts and matures.
Even though most skin care products claim to have anti-aging properties, below, we will give you a rundown of specific ingredients for anti-aging benefits that are scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, we will go into factors outside of skin care in your lifestyle that can be optimized to protect your skin against premature aging.
Powerful Ingredients for Anti-ging Used in Products
When looking at skin care products to purchase, look out for these ingredients, as they are some of the best ingredients to utilize for anti-aging skin care.
Sunscreen
Even though this isn’t technically an ingredient, it’s something that you must apply to your skin if you want to protect it against UV light (which is notorious for causing premature aging). When purchasing facial skin care products, check them out for SPF as an ingredient. Ensure you’re using a sunscreen with zinc, so that you will have broad-spectrum protection. If your skin is already experiencing some sun damage, sunscreen on its own will not reduce the appearance of dark spots, but it will prevent the cause of further damage to your skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which means that it protects the skin against environmental stressors that break down the skin and cause wrinkles. With continual use of products rich in vitamin C (like our Citrus Stem Cell Serum or Brighten from our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs), you will see smoother, plumper, and more moisturized skin. If you buy vitamin C on its own to use on your skin, you will need to store it carefully as it is sensitive to air and sunlight. If you don’t keep it well, the activated ingredients might not work as effectively as they should.
Vitamin A alternatives
We choose to avoid retinol or Vitamin A-specific ingredients due to the harm they can cause not only to one’s skin, but potentially to one’s health, as well. Instead, we use a bioactive A-Complex (Revitalize in our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs) that is green algae-derived and bioavailable for enhanced absorption. This bioactive A-complex is an ingredient that reduces signs of aging, prevents further aging, and is designed specifically to renew, firm, and tone skin for a more youthful, revitalized look. Choosing a safe alternative to Vitamin A or retinol can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydrated skin without compromising your health.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help unclog pores and reduce the appearance of any dark spots you might have. If you have sensitive skin, you will appreciate this ingredient because it is gentle and brightens the skin without irritating it. Not only being a top ingredient for anti aging, niacinamide can also improve the look of the skin’s health by helping it retain moisture for a dewy complexion.
Tea extracts
Most tea extracts like green, oolong, and black are great for the skin. In anti-aging creams (like our Anti-Aging Eye Cream) and serums, you will most likely find green tea extract as an ingredient. Research shows that green tea extract is a top ingredient for anti aging that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (1).
Hydroxy acids
These include acids like citric, lactic, salicylic, and glycolic. We prefer to use a pure, honey-derived lactic acid (in our Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant) because it can simultaneously exfoliate and hydrate the skin—proving effectiveness without damaging it. Lactic acid is considered one of the safest, most non-irritating alpha hydroxy acids and it prepares the skin through exfoliation to absorb the ingredients that follow. When searching for this ingredient, try to find one that is of a high-quality, natural origin (like honey or fruits).
Regular use of lactic acid helps you have smooth skin, while reducing the appearance of dark spots. It can also fade out the look of fine lines and wrinkles. According to studies, the use of AHAs also helps thicken the epidermis, keeping wrinkles at bay.
Can Lifestyle Choices Reverse Aging?
Yes. Besides ananti-aging skin care routine, lifestyle choices significantly influence how your skin ages and how quickly it ages. Below are some changes you can make to prevent your skin from aging prematurely.
Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the formation of fine lines around your mouth, and it can be hard to reverse them. Also, it has a lot of harmful effects on your general health. According to scientific research, smoking can also cause acne, psoriasis, and premature skin aging.
Drink less alcohol: Alcohol causes dehydration in the body which we all know doesn’t work well for the skin. People who drink more than average tend to have facial aging. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and leafy vegetables help the body maintain strong natural defenses and keep away the appearance of wrinkles—there are studies that prove this fact, too.
Diet and exercise: Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables (without pesticides) will help keep your skin looking refreshed and wrinkle-free for longer. Be mindful of your sugar intake, as consuming lots of refined sugar is not great for your skin and will mostly result in breakouts. And, keep the body moving in a way that excites you! Exercising helps in boosting blood circulation in the body, which in turn ensures blood rich in oxygen reaches your skin, making it appear more youthful.
Moisturize your face: You can use face oils to ensure that your skin never gets dry. Face oils help retain moisture in your skin, making your skin look plump and youthful. Moisturization is one of the best solutions for preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Once you begin using facial oils, you will keep wrinkles away longer.
Cleanse your facetwice a day and after a sweat session: When you sweat, your skin becomes irritated, which can result in a rash or other types of reactions and breakouts. To avoid this, wash your face with a pH-balanced cleanser in the morning and evening and after you visit the gym for cleansed skin, free of dirt and grime.
Stop using tanning machines: Tanning machines and related equipment are dangerous as they contain harmful UV light, which accelerates the aging of your skin. If you want to avoid wrinkles, steer clear of tanning beds and equipment. Instead, opt for the outdoors to achieve a sun-kissed glow (but don’t forget to apply natural sunscreen regularly if exposed to longer periods of sunlight).
Conclusion
There are many factors in our everyday lives that age and impact the health of our skin. Above, we have listed the best ingredients for anti-aging skin care and lifestyle habits to adopt to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent further signs of aging. Because skin health is determined by what you consume and what you apply topically, it is best to use both strategies together on your path to revitalized, awakened skin.
Everyone has their own pace, so make the changes at a rate that feels sustainable for you—eventually, through habit, they will become routine and you will see the results of a more youthful, supple complexion. Interested in expanding your anti-aging regimen? Head over to our article that covers DIY anti-aging facial routines to further benefit your skin.
Frequently Ask Questions
What ingredients reduce wrinkles?
The best ingredients for reducing the appearance of wrinkles are vitamin C, bioactive-A complex, niacinamide, tea extracts, and hydroxy acids (we prefer a pure, honey-derived lactic acid). When looking for these ingredients in products, ensure they are 100% organic products and always wear sunscreen.
What ingredients help the skin look younger?
The best ingredients for anti-aging skin care are ones that exfoliate, moisturize, and unclog your pores. These include vitamin C, sunscreen, niacinamide, tea extracts, hydroxy acids, and sunscreen.
We know, here at Annmarie Skin Care, that our skin care is top-notch. We use organic ingredients, highly prioritize earth-loving packaging and processes, make sure our products are incredibly effective—and that’s just the start.
But we also know that clean skin care is not the only way you want to take care of your body, nor is it the only way to support whole-body wellness. Enter our We Heart series.
We love to do the leg work for you and find the best products and brands to support the healthiest, happiest, most beautiful, and sustainable life that any of us could imagine.
A Wellness Round-Up
This month, we are featuring several of our favorite brands and products that support you in your all-over wellness. These brands are in alignment with our own values and we are excited to support the impact they are making on the world and greater global wellness! You can read our full blog here!
Keep scrolling to see the brands and products we’ve selected!
B. POWERED SUPERFOOD HONEY By Beekeepers Naturals
Beekeeper’s Naturals: B-Powered Superfood Honey is pure hive power, equal parts energizing and beautifying. It combines immune-supportive propolis, brain-nourishing, and skin-beautifying royal jelly, energizing bee pollen, and—of course—raw enzymatic honey.
REGENESIS By Cymbiotika
ReGenesis integrates five of the most important nutrients required for almost every biological process in the human body. A combination of Glutathione, CoQ10, PQQ, lactoferrin, and lactobacillus rhamnosus. This glutathione is stable and bound to lactoferrin and advanced human strain probiotics.
QUERCETIN By Double Wood Supplements
Quercetin is a heavily researched bioflavonoid that is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, although levels are highest in apples and onions. Our Quercetin includes 100 mg of Bromelain per capsule to help improve Quercetin’s absorption.
ESSENTIAL C COMPLEX By Paleovalley
The Essential C Complex is the most powerful, 100% natural, vitamin C product on the planet. It contains not one but three of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C: amla berry, Camu Camu berry, and unripe acerola cherry. Each nutrient-packed serving delivers 750% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
We didn’t stop there! We have several more amazing products we couldn’t leave out!
Vitamin D by Umzu: Liquid Vitamin D3 is all about helping your body support a strong immune system, heightened well-being (especially in the winter months), mineral absorption, increased bone density, and improved hormonal function. As a fat-soluble vitamin, UMZU’s Vitamin D3 is suspended in MCT Oil from coconuts for maximum absorption.
Liquid Zinc Ultra by Premier Labs: Zinc is a critical micronutrient, but the type of zinc in supplements can influence the impact on the body. Many zinc supplements on the market are formulated with zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, which are poorly absorbed and nearly insoluble. In contrast, Liquid Zinc Assay is made with zinc sulfate heptahydrate, a hydrated form of zinc sulfate, that is water-soluble. This highly absorbable form of zinc is designed to provide healthy zinc supplementation.
Protect Mint Immune Throat Spray by Shen Blossom:Protect can be used at the onset of allergies to protect the body. It helps open the lungs allowing for relief while also countering histamine reactions. Protect can be used in higher or more frequent doses to help with acute cold and flu symptoms. Protect can be applied to a toothbrush or sprayed in the mouth before brushing to balance the oral ecology. The mint root in this formula leaves your breath feeling fresh and the mind invigorated.
Shilajit Live Resin® by PurBlack: Shilajit is a powerhouse of nutrients, natural elements, and biologically active organic substances. Authentic and genuine shilajit quickly shifts human chemistry towards health and longevity.
You can shop any of our regular Annmarie Skin Care products here and our Favorite Brands Marketplace items here!
Are you in need of bright and revitalized skin? Then you’re in the right place. AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C together are great for healthy skin. We all know the benefits of vitamin C for the skin, including protecting your skin from environmental stressors and brightening your appearance. But most people aren’t aware of the benefits of AHAs and BHAs as they don’t use them in their skin care routine. We will get into how each of these products works independently and when combined.
What Are AHAs?
Also known as alpha hydroxy acids, AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from sugary fruits (or honey). The main purpose of AHAs in your skin care routine is to peel away the skin surface and expose a smoother-looking layer. Unlike physical scrubs, AHAs work to bind and dissolvebuild-up without scrubbing your face, which can sometimes irritate your skin (if sensitive).
What Are BHAs?
BHA, alternatively known as beta hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble and more penetrating than AHAs. This means they can go deeper into the skin to exfoliate it and remove excess natural oils on the skin. If your skin is dry, be careful when using BHAs or the frequency of use since they are a little stronger and can cause some irritation on sensitive skin or an imbalance of oil production.
What Is Vitamin C?
Before we get into mixing AHA, BHA, and vitamin C together, we need to understand vitamin C and its role in your skin care journey. It is the most sought out skin care ingredient in the beauty industry. With the correct vitamin C products, the ingredient has won the hearts of many fans and experts. Here are some uses of vitamin C:
Protects the skin against environmental stressors, thus good for sun lovers
It leaves your skin looking plump and rejuvenated
It can minimize the appearance of dark spots to promote healthy-looking skin.
It brings out a natural glow to your skin.
Can I Use Vitamin C with AHAs and BHAs?
Yes, you can, but only if you establish a skin care routine. AHAs and BHAs are great at making your skin look plumper. AHA is great for reducing how wrinkles appear, while BHA helps balance the skin’s natural oils and unclog pores.
Even though both products are amazing on their own, you can’t slather them together on your skin. You need to use one in the morning and the other in the evening mixed with vitamin C for effective results—you also may not want to use multiple hydroxy acids in one day as that can be a lot of exfoliation for your skin.
When it comes to AHA, BHA, and vitamin C together, you can use products with these ingredients in the same skin care routine but you’ll want to be mindful to apply specific products at their recommended times, not overdo it, and to not mix them too much.
For example, you find vitamin C present in a lot of serums and face oils. So if you’re using an exfoliant that is rich in AHA (like lactic acid) in the evening, the following morning you can use your vitamin C serum. Same goes for using a toner that may be rich in BHA (like salicylic acid), the next morning you can use your serum that has vitamin C. You will, of course, want to use your face oil moisturizer over your serum and then finish with sunscreen, as your skin will be more sensitive to sun from using a BHA or AHA the night prior.
Depending on the percentage of AHA or BHA in the product, these may be ingredients to incorporate weekly or twice a week and to not mix together in the same skin care session. Remember, you don’t want to strip your skin. You’ll want to check with the manufacturer on how to best use this product just to be on the safe side.
Since AHA, BHA, and vitamin C together are strong, they may irritate sensitive skin. To counteract this, you can stop using all the products at once, then, later on, introduce them slowly, using the acids and vitamin C on alternating days. It is best to introduce them slowly into your skin care regimen if you want lasting benefits without irritation.
If you’re new to all this and it’s getting a bit confusing, peruse our Wild Alchemy Collection—our luxury line of biocompatible formulas made with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—which features products with vitamin C (like our Wild Fruit Serum and Brighten from our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs) and AHA in the form of honey-derived lactic acid (like our Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant).
How To Use AHA, BHA and Vitamin C Together
As mentioned before, you can use all these three powerhouses in your skin care routine. However, if you experience any dryness when using them together, we recommend allowing more time between uses. Also, when using any hydroxy acids, always ensure you follow it up with an organic serum rich in hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate or tremella extract for the best and most hydrating results. Then you can finish your routine with your moisturizer and sunscreen.
Another year at Annmarie Skin Care means another year of progress towards creating a more sustainable future. We showcase this progress in our Sustainability Report not only for transparency so that you, our customers, can feel that much more connected to our mission but also because we are quite excited about the milestones we achieve every year, and we, of course, want to share them with the world. This year is no exception.
In 2021, we spent a lot of energy diving deep into our ingredient auditing—ensuring we are using the most activated and result-oriented ingredients that are also safe for your health and the planet. We’ll be highlighting some of these featured and specialty ingredients in the sourcing section of this report, along with the other staples you find year-over-year that are the core of who we are—products, packaging, and our company practices.
With every Sustainability Report, we share stats about what we do here to help paint a picture of what clean, organic, and wildcrafted skin care means to us and how we make our impact in this world. You’ll know how many toxic chemicals you avoided by choosing Annmarie Skin Care, the different sustainable collaborations/partnerships we’ve formed, which new initiatives we supported and acted on in 2021, along with a lot more!
Federal legislation we support for transparency and regulation in the skin care industry
On our platform, 154,442 donations were made to 7 different non-profits in 2021
Who is Annmarie Skin Care?
Since our inception, we’ve prided ourselves on providing our customers with unquestionably high quality, honest and effective products to support an organic and natural lifestyle.
We strive to live our values and practice sustainability throughout our business practices. Our Sustainability Report aims to share with our community the details of how exactly this looks
What practices make Annmarie Skin Care different?
Our 3-step, proprietary Energized Botanical Infusion Process sets us apart.
Organic and wildcrafted ingredients:
We use organically grown ingredients in all our products, from farmers who use little to no pesticides and natural fertilizers to produce them. Growing organics and using them for our skin care is one of the most proactive ways for us to coexist with the environment, create a thriving ecosystem for all creatures, and make your skin look beautiful—all at the same time.
There are times when we don’t use certified organic ingredients, but in these cases, this is either because we have found a source that is grown organically but not certified, or the ingredient has been wildcrafted.
Real, pure ingredients
If you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t be putting it on your skin. We don’t use any alcohols or toxic chemicals, harsh preservatives, or any synthetic fragrances in our products. Our skin deserves pure ingredients from clean and pristine sources.
All of our products are crafted in small batches and go through the most minimal amount of processing possible to ensure that the alive and activated ingredients are not jeopardized. We don’t just show you a list of ingredients of herbs from nature—we make sure that these ingredients are in their most true and activated form.
Transparency, truth in labeling
At Annmarie Skin Care, we believe in full transparency when it comes to the ingredients we put in our products. We feel everyone deserves the right to know exactly what they are putting on their skin so they can make an informed decision of whether or not they want to purchase a product. This shouldn’t be an anomaly, but as wild as it sounds, the more “clean” products make their debut on the market, the more we see brands laying out “key ingredients” or “top ingredients” and completely forgoing listing out their entire ingredient deck, which is another form of greenwashing you will not see from Annmarie Skin Care.
No GMO’s
Genetically engineered crops are slowly polluting our land and ecosystem here in the United States, as well as around the world. We feel it is essential to take part in the movement to protect the food supply and plant and insect biodiversity for us and future generations by not supporting the use of any GMO crops in our products.
Sometimes ingredient suppliers may try to sell us on the idea that the end product does not contain GMOs, but the source itself is from a genetically engineered crop. This is absolutely unacceptable to us for the mere sake that allowing this would be supporting the very system we are not in alignment with. We choose ingredients that are sourced from pure crops and have an end result of a pure ingredient.
“Now, the commercialization of biotechnology has raised concerns among scientists, farmers and the public over a much more subtle yet potentially more insidious form of pollution—the biological contamination of wild species, organic crops and other agricultural products… Plant geneticist Dr. Norman C. Ellstrand describes the difference between chemical and biological pollution: “A single molecule of DDT remains a single molecule or degrades, but a single crop [gene] has the opportunity to multiply itself repeatedly through reproduction, which can frustrate attempts at containment.” Even as agricultural biotechnology brings with it an unprecedented increase in potential biological pollution, its current uses are also likely to increase the use of agricultural chemicals.” —Center for Food Safety
2021 Sustainability Report: Product
These statistics represent our efforts towards sustainability and ethical business practices when it comes to our products.
This past year we decided to set a few long-term goals in regards to actionable sustainability–to reduce our carbon emissions. We’ve started creating the structure for some and accomplishing others.
Things like reducing the plastic we use should not be too hard, considering the majority of our products are housed in glass. But we still dove in and took a look at every single piece of plastic we use to see where we can either switch to a recycled cardstock, use a bioplastic that actually does degrade, or remove it altogether and create a reuse system where possible. To offset emissions, we are inspecting every aspect of our production and existence as an organization to see where we can first reduce, and then see how many emissions we are actually producing as a company and need to offset. More to come on this in next year’s report.
Proud member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition
Plastic affects the environment, wildlife and human health (and more).
Chemicals leached by plastics are in the blood and tissue of nearly all of us. Exposure to them is linked to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption and other ailments.
Joined the Climate Collaborative and the SME Climate Hub
Collaborations and Partnerships in 2021: Our Favorite Brands Marketplace & We Heart Collection
The Annmarie Skin Care mission doesn’t stop at organic and wildcrafted skin care, or with our products for that matter. It’s about using clean, sustainable, eco-minded products throughout our lives, and we’re proud to feature some of our best discoveries in the Favorite Brands Marketplace and in our We Heart Column, which we feature every month.
You can rest easy knowing these products are thoroughly enjoyed and vetted, created by companies who align with our values—from fair-trade sourcing and mindful packaging to inclusivity and a broad range of belief systems aligned around a common theme—doing good by the planet. By sharing other brands that meet our high ethical standards, we believe we are helping to get more sustainable products into the hands of more people and removing toxic products from the marketplace. It’s also a way of highlighting a diverse group of individuals—homemakers and crafters, men and women, minorities and non-minorities—who are all on the same journey to making the world a more sustainable and healthier place.
In 2021, we proudly welcomed five new products to the Favorite Brands Marketplace:
And we supported a number of new brands and products through our We Heart Collection. In 2021 we had an incredibly large number of brands and products we wanted to support, so we chose to do so in a few featured blog posts for different fun topics.
We highlighted North American Herb & Spice, Gaia Herbs, Garden of Life, Just Thrive, along with a few other cool health and wellness immunity products in our Wellness Round Up. With all of the lounging around and working from our home offices, we decided to dig into the most sustainable fashion brands offering sustainable loungewear—Mate The Label, Harvest & Mill, and Coyuchi, to name a few. Or maybe you recall that time in the summer sparkling beverages were popping up everywhere and you were unsure which to drink? Our La Croix Alternatives post featured some very funky, yummy, and clean beverages—Drink Simple, Hoplark, and Sparkling Botanicals captured some hearts.
All in all, we had some fun chatting with our team about what they love, tasting different drinks and hearing everyone’s recommendations for keeping your immune system pumped.. And we pretty much heard you all (our community) thoroughly enjoyed following along with us.
10,169,431: that’s about how many ML of toxin free goodness our customers purchased last year
We sold over 10,169,431 ml of products last year. That means our customers have put 10,169,431 ml worth of pure, wild, botanical and energized infused skin care on their face and bodies, avoiding the harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients.
168: that’s how many different chemicals a day you’ve kept off your body using our products
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average US woman uses 12 personal care products and/or cosmetics a day, containing 168 different chemicals.
Furthermore, one of every five adults is potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients—hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide. The topmost common impurity ranked by number of people exposed is hydroquinone, which is a potential contaminant in products used daily by 94 percent of all women and 69 percent of all men. (EWG)
If you stick to only our products (plus clean oral care and hair care products), you’re keeping an average of 168 chemicals a day off your body. Our clean, natural products have helped reduce thousands of individuals’ exposure to these chemicals, many of which can cause hormone disruption, skin irritation, and a whole host of other issues.
17: that’s how many third-party standards we’re upholding
We are currently MADE SAFE® and Leaping Bunny certified. Each of these certifications has a strict set of standards that companies must uphold to maintain their certification, and we uphold these with pride.
MADE SAFE® screens ingredients against their Ingredient Database of known harmful chemicals, which is made up of thousands of chemicals found on scientifically authoritative lists from organizations and agencies around the world. They additionally examine ingredients for bioaccumulation, persistence, and general and aquatic toxicity.
The MADE SAFE® seal literally means that a product is made with safe ingredients. There are 11 different categories of ingredients that Made Safe products are screened for. Check out those 11 ingredients here and read more about Made Safe here.
Leaping Bunny is the highest standard for cruelty-free products and ingredients. The Leaping Bunny logo is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it.
The Leaping Bunny Standard consists of 6 criteria, known as The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. Read more about their standards here.
MADE SAFE® and Leaping Bunny Certified
Some of the recognizable ingredients (substances) that you won’t recognize in our products are:
Aluminum
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Ethylene Glycol
Fragrance
Hydroquinone
Mineral Oil (Paraffin Oil, Paraffin Wax, Petrolatum, Liquid Paraffinum)
0: that’s how many pounds of pesticides we’ve used this year
That means our customers have avoided putting countless pounds of pesticides on their body by using our organic or wildcrafted skin care.
In 2012, the EPA reported that the US used 1,182 million pounds of pesticides in agriculture. This was the last time they put out a report of this nature. Because of a lack of information made available to consumers, it’s hard to tell exactly how many pounds of pesticides we’ve saved by only using organic and wildcrafted ingredients, but we can tell you it’s quite a bit.
“Aside from cancer, reproductive disruption and birth defects, exposure to pesticides has been linked to asthma, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression and anxiety.” —Pesticide Action Network
2021 Sustainability Report: Sourcing
Featured Ingredients in 2021: Activated, clean, wild, and beyond what the industry provides.
Yes, herb-infused oils energized with crystals are our specialty. And yes, we are big on utilizing cold-pressed, concentrated seed oils, unique and potent CO2 extracts, aromatherapy with many varietals of pure essential oils, and the power of nature in its simplest form. We wanted to take that a step further…
This past year we took a look to see what we were missing. What products and ingredients do our customers want (or use elsewhere) that we are not providing? And how can we provide it but in the cleanest and purest form possible, still living our ethos of Wild & Beautiful?
We’re talking about vitamin C, retinol (no, we don’t use retinol, but we’ll get into that), plant cells, peptides, ceramides, collagen, and more. There are a plethora of beauty products on the market that contain one or some of these ingredients but are truly questionable in terms of sustainability, purity, clean derivatives, and the overall effect they can have on your health. So what did we do? You guessed it–we took a deep look to determine what ingredients we can utilize and where exactly we can incorporate these ingredients into our line. In our Wild Alchemy Collection, you’ll start to find more of these wildly clean, activated ingredients (and safe alternatives to ones that are trending in beauty) that truly transform your skin while not damaging your health.
Collagen Prepeptides
In our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, you’ll find our Hydrate Elixir, which specifically targets plumping and firming aging skin. This elixir combines vegan peptides with a non-GMO vegetable sourced hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration. Peptides are some of the most challenging ingredients to find that are MADE SAFE® approved, ones aligned with our view on clean beauty—effective and not damaging to our health. These peptides are vegan and go through seamlessly clean processing, with no harmful substances to be concerned with. Some peptides in your common skin care products utilize a natural form (plants, fungi, or animals—yes, including humans!), and these may or may not be manufactured in ways that utilize toxic substances. This is why we look at the entire manufacturing process as part of the screening for bringing a new ingredient into our line. Some peptides may look fine on the surface or at the INCI level, but when you dive into how they are made, their processing is extremely problematic.
Pineapple Ceramides
Beyond targeting severe signs of aging and environmental compromise, the Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum was designed to elevate your routine into something truly transformative. Most ceramides are either synthetically derived or may come from human or animal skin. We chose to use a ceramide from Japan derived from pineapples, and one that uses safe methods for processing.
Vitamin C
This is one of the most sought-after powerhouse ingredients found in skin care. It’s not just trendy either… You’ll find season after season, year after year, this ingredient still takes the spotlight as that one ingredient you should always incorporate into your regimen. It’s a staple. Some of the larger concerns with a lot of vitamin C include—stability (and it easily going rancid, causing zero to little effectiveness for its true purpose), irritating to the skin (causing reactions and hypersensitivity), not being fully effective as a topical treatment, or potentially being derived from petroleum (who wants that?). Tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate (THDA) is our number one pick for vitamin C, and the reason it’s featured as a key ingredient in our Concentrated Boosting Elixir, Brighten. Paired with antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn berry CO2 extract, this elixir is known to brighten (as the name suggests), tone the appearance of aging skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and truly revitalize dull skin. THDA is an oil-soluble vitamin C that is extremely stable, while it can penetrate the dermis and epidermis due to its lipid properties. Its optimal pH (7) allows it to be one of the most non-irritating forms of vitamin C on the market. To top it off, the tetrahexyldecyl-ascorbate that we use is a MADE SAFE® approved ingredient—bringing full circle alignment to providing effective skin care with clean ingredients. It is derived from glucose, a natural sugar obtained from non-genetically engineered vegetable starches.
Bioactive A-Complex
The search for a retinol alternative was a big one. We had heard the requests for a retinol product for some time now and just couldn’t bring ourselves to putting this ingredient in our products. Sure, the research shows how it can tighten your skin, decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, or smooth away the look of dark spots and imperfections. But, consumers often get swindled by the false promises of today, without realizing the negative impacts these types of beauty ingredients can have on health (and skin!) down the road. So, what if you could achieve all of those skin benefits that retinol touts and not be concerned that your reproductive health is at risk? Or what if you didn’t have to worry that your skin was slowly thinning over the years from using this harsh ingredient? Well, that’s where our Bioactive A-Complex comes in! This specialty ingredient is derived from algae and is completely safe for your health (and MADE SAFE® approved), while still giving you all of the results you want for your skin. It’s paired with buriti fruit oil and astaxanthin for creating an antioxidant-rich, potent, and highly effective skin elixir. You’ll see this one featured in our Concentrating Boosting Elixir, Revitalize.
Stem Cells
You can use your imagination on where stem cells for skin care can commonly be derived from. We can also just tell you… humans (adult, fetus, or embryo), animals (such as pigs or chickens), or genetically altered human cells. Not sure how many people would really want to use stem cells on their skin after knowing where and how it was derived. If you share our vision for safe, effective, and sustainable solutions, you may be seeking an alternative to the norm. We use plant-derived stem cells. Stem cells from plants are undifferentiated cells that have the capacity to regenerate the whole plant, and the way they work on the skin is in a similar manner—allowing the skin to be rejuvenated and see results that are not just temporary. In our Citrus Stem Cell Serum, we use stem cells derived from oranges, and in our Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum, we use lingonberry-derived stem cells. Lingonberry stem cells specifically contain polyphenols components, including anthocyanidin, procyanidin, resveratrol, catechin, etc. Orange stem cells contain growth factors which are molecules containing skin-loving components including proline and betaines, organic acids and sugars, proteins, and peptides. Including stem cells in a formula are pivotal in brightening and moisturizing the skin, diminishing the appearance of dark spots, and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Looking ahead to 2022, we will certainly continue to share insight and information on some of the other clean activated ingredients you’ll find in our product line, along with the regular highlights on our sustainable sourcing.
2021 Sustainability Report: Packaging
Taking a closer look at our efforts towards sustainability when it comes to our packaging and supply chain.
90,000 plastic-free shipping boxes were shipped in 2021
Our shipments are plastic-free using Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) registered corrugated boxes! The SFI standards include measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value.
200,000 sustainably produced inserts were printed last year
Our product inserts, which are legally required to go with every product, are produced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper that is 100% recycled and 30% post-consumer waste and is Processed-Chlorine Free (PCF), which means that they offer paper that is bleached with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide instead of the typical chlorine bleach that can be detrimental to native fish and wildlife.
All product boxes were produced by wind power
We had over 200,000 product boxes produced last year and every single one of them are produced 100% by wind power. The wind power comes from the Xcel Energy Windsource for Business Program, which saves an estimated 500 tons of carbon emissions per year—that’s like planting 123 acres of trees every year.
2021 Sustainability Report: Company Practices
Focusing on how we can encourage health and wellness, diversity amongst ideas, people, beliefs, and life approaches, constant growth, along with inclusion on every level is practiced in many ways through our day-to-day at Annmarie Skin Care.
The below represents our internal efforts towards a more human-centered, diverse, and sustainable workplace.
Sustainability at home
We encourage our team to practice sustainability in their everyday lives and send out monthly surveys asking them to let us know how they are participating in creating a more beautiful and sustainable world. A few of our favorites:
“Using sustainable, organic ingredients in cooking and baking—looking beyond just organic ingredients and instead into the company and their mission; thinking more intentionally about the entire food cycle to cultivate a mindful process/practice in baking/eating. Focusing on REAL ingredients crafted by good companies doing honest work.” –Chandra
“Reducing/omitting the use of plastic is my lifelong goal. I’d love to eventually be at a place where I’m 98% free of plastic use and essentially boycotting the purchase of anything made from plastic.” –Rose
“Ship at least one wellness product to a member of my family this year.” –Esther
We allowed our team the opportunity to use a collective total of over 500 paid volunteer hours in 2021:
Giving back to our community is of the utmost importance to us, so each of our team members are allotted 24 hours of paid volunteer time a year.
We volunteered across several organizations, including Friends of Children of Brevard, Powell Gardens, Moss Creek Farm, South Yuba River Citizens League, and with local communities doing things like pollution clean-up, building garden beds for preschools, and speaking out on issues important in their community.
Quarterly Wellness Focus
Every quarter, we launch a new wellness focus for the team to dedicate time and energy to, and it’s broad enough for each individual to join in with their personalized version of that theme but designed to connect the team through collective participation. This program is always inclusive of what each person wants to focus on and offers resources to help guide them throughout the quarter—oftentimes there is a speaker on the topic or we incorporate small groups and buddy systems for motivation, accountability, and engaged participation. In 2021, our focuses included:
Q1 – Movement
The start of the year is a great time to harness the active energy that comes with new beginnings. This quarter was all about movement, and our team partook in dancing, stretching, yoga, and HIIT both individually and through scheduled group workouts!
Q2 – Forest Bathing
Our team members spent time this quarter getting outside, connecting deeper with nature (like hiking or visiting their local botanical gardens), tending to their indoor plants, and sharing gardening tips!
Q3 – Summer Breath Connect
Some activities for this quarter included group calls following Wim Hof breathing technique videos, yoga nidra, and a short educational presentation around the nervous system and the positive role breathwork and meditation can play by speaker, Alexis Gross.
Q4 – Fall back to Your Roots
The last quarter of the year was focused on reconnecting with self, defining purpose, and setting intentions. We scheduled a monthly reminder in our team calendar, which encouraged the team to journal with the following prompts: “Who am I? What are my values?” for October, “List out 10-15 items that spark creative joy and why?” for November, and “How do my values and my creativity align with my role at ASC? Can I connect deeper to my values and creativity? If so, how?” for December.
It’s wild how breathing—something we often do every day mindlessly—can be done more consciously and with intention for a transformative experience. From this quarterly focus, we have been able to learn so much about the power of breath by truly focusing on it. Or if we think about how frequently we are caught up in the day-to-day movement in a busy city that we forget to take the time to connect with nature. It’s incredible how at ease and relaxed you can become by taking 10 minutes out of every day to “forest bathe”—spending time in nature. These little things we do as a team each quarter allow us to connect deeper to the planet, to ourselves, and to each other.
Redefining our Culture Manual in 2021
This was an incredible way to reinvigorate the team, encourage a growth mindset, galvanize an energy revolving around leadership and ownership, and have everyone on the same page overall. Creating this guide on how we operate allows for a more cohesive team and a more sustainable working atmosphere.
Quarterly Book Club
Every year we offer the team the opportunity to participate in our company-wide book club. In 2021, we featured:
Atomic Habits
Radical Alignment
Breath
The Wild Woman’s Way
What’s next?
It’s never a dull moment at Annmarie Skin Care––we are constantly evolving with the planet in mind and striving to increase our sustainable business practices. In 2022, we intend to make even more tangible changes to our supply chain and our day-to-day decisions to make an even stronger impact on our sustainability efforts. Keep an eye out next year for all of the updates on how we’ve tackled both big and more easy-to-reach challenges!
We get by with a lot of help from friends. Sometimes, we partner with conscious individuals in the wellness industry. Other times, we promote ethical brands we love.
That’s why our ongoing We Heart series has become so near and dear to us over the years. We vet these companies to ensure their business practices align with our company’s values—checking everything from sourcing, to production methods, to certifications and more. You can rest easy knowing they all align with our standards for ethical, sustainable, and clean products.
Above anything else, we’re hopeful that the people and products we stand behind fit your lifestyle and fill in any gaps in your wellness—beyond organic and wildcrafted skin care. We love doing it. So today, we’re proud to present April’s We Heart Sustainable Loungewear Roundup!
The concept is simple: we’re running down a few of our favorite sustainable loungewear companies from the past couple of years… and passing along exclusive savings. Scroll on down to check them out.
MATE: MATE is a clean essentials brand, sustainably made in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. They believe fashion is not simply an industry, but an ecosystem, and a forever-connected circle in which we must protect people and the planet.
COYUCHI: Fibers that come from nature are perfect just the way they are. That’s why each Coyuchi piece is designed with care and consideration—and 100% organic cotton. They never blend their fibers with synthetic materials like polyester and go to great lengths to keep their products clean and toxin-free.
VETTA: At VETTA, they focus on fabrics that are beautiful but also sustainable. Textiles can impact the environment in a number of different ways, so they think about the impact as a whole and try to choose fabrics that have the least negative effect on the earth.
HARVEST & MILL: Harvest & Mill clothing is made exclusively with organic cotton that is entirely grown, milled, designed and sewn in the USA. All of their clothing is carbon neutral, non-toxic and fully traceable.
TENTREE: TenTree makes Earth-First essentials using the most sustainable (and comfortable) materials in the world. They believe that big change starts small. By planting 10 trees for every purchase, they hope to make big change accessible to everybody.
Homemade beauty products for glowing skin are such a hit because they can transform your skin’s texture and appearance with fewer (and safer) ingredients, all within the comfort of your own home. If you find that buying commercial facial products isn’t something you want to do, or can’t do, then homemade facial recipes for glowing skin are the way to go. You can create products for many different types of functions, giving you full range and control of what goes in your recipe (and on your face) to achieve your skin goals. Thus, you can base the ingredients you choose for your products on which skin concerns you are looking to target. For example, you could put together a DIY face serum for glowing skin or brightening skin.
There are a couple of options for making a recipe for glowing skin. Here, we will give you three of our favorites! One uses ingredients you can easily find in your home, while the others use ingredients you may need to buy; though, they aren’t too difficult to find. But if you’re more interested in simply looking over these recipes and purchasing a product that is not only already made, but also thoughtfully crafted with high-quality ingredients that are safe for your skin, check out our line of face serums that all have a base of hydrating organic aloe vera.
Carrier Oils & Essential Oils for Glowing Skin
Now, to make yourself products at home, you will need a couple of ingredients. Most products call for carrier oils and essential oils. Below is a brief summary of these two types of oils. To learn more about carrier and essential oils, check out our article that covers their usages for skin types.
What are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oilsare made from plants that dilute the potency of essential oils and other ingredients. Their purpose when creating products is to help “carry” the essential oils and other ingredients onto your skin. Most essential oils are potent and can cause irritation if applied undiluted and without caution onto the skin.
Carrier oils, however, are lightly scented or not scented at all and do not interfere with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. You can use carrier oils on their own, too, if you’d like. When choosing a carrier oil, always choose organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined oils. We also recommend looking into the weight of the oil; for example, organic grapeseed oil is a great lightweight carrier oil.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that capture their flavor or essence. Essential oils can be obtained through distillation or other mechanical processes like cold pressing. When picking essential oils to use on your face, ensure they are not extracted using chemical methods. We also recommend always doing a patch test to ensure your skin does not react poorly to the essential oil you plan on featuring in your homemade product.
How To Dilute Essential Oils With Carrier Oils
When diluting these two to make a product, it is crucial to consider the dilution guidelines.
For 0.5% to 1% concentration, you will add 3-6 drops of essential oil.
For 1% to 2.5% concentration, you will add 6-15 drops of essential oils.
Rejuvenating Glowing Skin Products With At-Home Ingredients
We have three great recipes for glowing and brightening skin products that you can make with at-home ingredients. Some ingredients like essential oils can be substituted or bought, but that’s pretty much it! There are no ingredients in the recipes below that should be too difficult to source.
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend doing a small patch test of the recipes on the back of your hand or behind your ears; you can also visit this article for moresensitive skin tips. Give the patch tests a few hours to see if any reactions occur before applying fully as a precaution. Otherwise, the ingredients in these recipes for glowing and brightening skin are mild and generally considered safe for all skin types.
DIY Skin Brightening Mask
This DIY product utilizes ingredients you can readily find in your kitchen. If not, you can easily find them at your local grocery store. This DIY face serum is wonderful for brightening skin to give you a healthy, vibrant glow.
What you’ll need
Two tablespoons of organic lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Two tablespoons of organic yogurt (Greek yogurt)
How to use it
Take both ingredients and mix them in a bowl until texture and consistency is even.
After it turns into a homogenous paste, apply it on your clean face, let it dry, then wash it off.
This product is suitable for all skin types and will give you glowing skin. If you use it consistently, you may see the results in as little as two weeks. As a precaution, ensure you use sunscreen afterward when using this citrus product.
The ingredients in this recipe can easily be sourced online or in your local grocery store if you don’t have them laying around. Use this DIY face serum to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin to a state of blissful radiance.
What you’ll need
Two tablespoons of organic rose water
Two tablespoons organic aloe vera gel
Two capsules of vitamin E
You could also create some of these ingredients at home. For the rose water, gather some rose petals and boil them in water. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can cut it, scrape the gel out, and add it to the mixture.
How to use it
Mix all the ingredients and add them into a small dropper container.
Cleanse your face before applying the product for maximum benefits.
Rosewater helps balance your skin’s pH and has antioxidant properties that revitalize skin.
Vitamin E helps prevent the skin from being damaged from pollutants and environmental stressors.
Facial Oil for Glowing Skin
While these ingredients may not be in everyone’s pantry, they are not difficult to find. If you don’t have them on hand, try sourcing these ingredients from your local health & wellness retail shop or online.
What you will need
¼ cup of organic jojoba oil
3-5 drops of vitamin E oil
Two teaspoons of organic aloe vera gel
Organic lavender and calendula essential oils
Application
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, then add them to your glass dropper bottle. You can then apply this product to your clean face.
Benefits of ingredients
Jojoba oil is excellent for most types (with the exception of very oily skin), as it resembles your skin’s natural oils and does not clog pores. This oil is very moisturizing and great for reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Lavender and Calendula Essential Oil work together to bolster each other’s strengths at calming and soothing the skin. These essential oils are especially great for those who love spending time outdoors, as they can reduce temporary redness and calm skin from extended sun exposure.
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, which help the skin shield itself from environmental stressors and revitalize the appearance of mature skin. When purchasing vitamin E, ensure it’s pure, of good quality, and not mixed with other oils.
Aloe vera is a humectant, which means it’s an ingredient that preserves moisture. This brings dry and dull skin back to life with a healthy dose of hydration for a plump look. Learn more about humectants in this article.
Conclusion
These three homemade facial recipes for glowing skin can be made with minimal ingredients in less than a few minutes each. Try these recipes over a period of time, and you will be sure to see excellent results. Always remember that your skin care routine should follow this order: cleanser, toner, serum, facial oil, then finish up with sunscreen. Such a fabulous routine will ensure that your skin remains hydrated all day and protected from the elements. If you enjoyed these three recipes for rejuvenating skin, consider checking out these easy DIY anti-aging facial masks you can make at home.
Ordinary skin care goes as follows; cleanse, moisturize, then sunscreen (in the a.m). But if you want to add that extra glow into your skin, you should consider adding a face serum into your skin care routine. Even though we all fancy minimalism, who doesn’t want skin as clear as glass?
There are so many things you might be asking yourself about serums, and we are here to answer them all to help you grasp what serums are.
What Is A Face Serum?
A serum is a translucent aloe-based or aqueous solution that is lighter than a moisturizer or facial oil. You should apply your serum after cleansing and before applying your facial oil. A serum’s primary purpose is to deliver active ingredients directly into the skin. Serums contain tiny molecules that easily penetrate the skin, providing a high concentration of active ingredients to target your skin concern.
Because serums contain various active ingredients, you can target multiple skin concerns like reducing the appearance of wrinkles, dullness, discoloration, and fine lines. To reap the maximum benefits of this nutrient-dense product, you’ll need to use a facial oil as the following step after the serum to help seal in the moisture.
Face Serum or Moisturizer First?
After cleansing, a face serum is used, followed by a moisturizer(or facial oil), then sunscreen. Because serums are aqueous-based and oil is water repellent, putting the serum on first, then layering your facial oil on top will help drive the serum’s ingredients (and all of its benefits) deeper into the skin and allow the moisturizer to act as a seal. The concept of a serum is simple—it’s a product in your ritual that is extremely targeted for any skin concerns and delivers deep hydration to the skin for a more plump and youthful look. Serums can be rich, but would not be classified as oils or moisturizers. They can also be presented as a more water-y formula, but would not be classified as an essence.
Benefits of Face Serums
Face serums are great for targeting different skin concerns, while also delivering a ton of nutrients for a healthy-looking glow.
1. Hydrates skin making it look plump and youthful
To maintain beautiful skin, hydration is vital. If you feel like your skin is a little bit dehydrated, adding a serum into your routine will be a better option than relying solely on your moisturizer.
Serums that contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane are great for hydration. Hyaluronic acid in serums will help your skin lock in moisture to keep it looking smooth and glowing. To maximize the effectiveness of your serum, apply it on damp skin and seal it in with a facial oil for maximum benefits. If you have struggled with dull and dry skin, then a serum should be included in your skin care routine.
If you have oily skin, you will have to experiment to see what works best for you—some people with oily skin can get away with skipping the moisturizer, or benefit from using our Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin.
2. Soothes sensitive skin
Since serums are lightweight, they readily absorb into the skin and are great for people with oily skin. Active ingredients like probiotics and white willow bark (which contains salicin, the derivative of salicylic acid) help manage oilier skin types.
3. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Face serums with active ingredients like our Bioactive A-Complex, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C (all found in our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs) may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract and retain moisture. When the skin is looking plump and hydrated, you will no longer be able to see the fine lines of aging.
Vitamin C is a tremendous anti-aging compound. It helps the skin combat the negative effects from environmental stressors. It is also a brightening agent that will leave your skin looking even-toned and illuminous. Besides the strength it offers, vitamin C also hydrates the skin without leaving behind a greasy film.
An anti-aging face serum that contains rosehip oil will help your skin feel firmer and softer. Anti-aging serums are suitable to apply at night before bed or in the morning before applying your facial oil for maximum benefits.
Other ingredients to look out for include jojoba oil, goji berries, and chia seed oil. According to several studies, all of these ingredients are full of antioxidants—which lead to restoring the skin. Finding a facial product that features these ingredients means you will have firmer, smoother, wrinkle-free, and radiant-looking skin.
4. Protects skin with antioxidants
Serums containing ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, vitamin C, probiotics, green tea, astaxanthin, and resveratrol help protect the skin from environmental stressors and pollutants that contribute to premature skin aging and wrinkles.
Smoothes skin and refines texture: Serums that feature ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides help smooth skin and refine the appearance of skin texture.
Minimize dark spots appearance: Vitamin C, Bioactive A-Complex, citrus-derived stem cells, and herbs such as licorice or uva ursi help brighten the skin, as they create an even, glowing complexion.
5. Reduces the appearance of skin redness or irritation
You predominantly suffer from irritation, redness, and itchiness if you have sensitive skin. Such delicate skin won’t be equipped using a facial oil alone since pollution and long sun exposure could cause havoc on the skin. Ingredients like squalane, aloe vera, shea butter, and zinc are great for soothing the skin as they are deeply hydrating and can tackle dryness. Other ingredients to look out for are avocado oil and sunflower oil, which are great for soothing sensitive skin.
6. Reduces the appearance of pore size
Most people with oily skin tend to have visible pores. Because face serums can contain a high dose of antioxidants or exfoliating ingredients like our bioactive A-Complex, they can help clear out dirt and unclog pores. Then, there are ingredients like vitamin C, which can tighten visible pores, making them unnoticeable. Face serums are also lightweight, and thus, easily absorbed into the skin, which additionally prevent clogging of the pores. If your goal is to minimize the appearance of large pores, look for a lightweight serum with exfoliating ingredients.
7. Unclogs pores and balances natural oils
If you have oily skin and are afraid of incorporating a face serum that has moisturizing effects, look for a serum with ingredients that are tailored for your skin type.
The right face serum won’t cause your skin to be more oily. You should check for ingredients like salicylic acid (or willow bark, which is where salicylic acid is derived from), neem, and black cumin seed oil if you have an oilier skin type, as these ingredients help balance the natural oils of your skin to reduce shine.
What Does Serum Do For My Skin?
A serum’s primary function is to hydrate the skin, but it also serves a variety of purposes. Finding the right serum depends on what you are looking to achieve with your skin and what your skin’s needs are. Serums are formulated with different types of active ingredients to deliver nutrients and target one or many skin concerns. Read below to see some of the skin issues certain ingredients often found in serums can help overcome!
1. Temporary redness
Look for vitamin C (reduces temporary redness and is an antioxidant that helps fight against outdoor elements), lactic acid (unclogs pores), Bioactive A-Complex (soothes skin), zinc (balances natural oils), and niacinamide (calms skin and reduces the appearance of temporary redness).
2. Wrinkles
For anti-aging properties (or aging gracefully), hyaluronic acid is an ingredient you should look out for in serums. It is extremely hydrating and helps the skin retain a plump, youthful appearance.
3. Dryness
To prevent dryness, look for a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (retains moisture), vitamin B5 (hydrates and soothes skin), ceramides (retains moisture), lactic acid (exfoliates and brightens dull, lackluster skin), and vitamin E (protects skin from environmental stressors).
4. Unhealthy looking skin
For an overall healthier-looking glow, look out for ingredients like peptides (firms and brightens skin), vitamin C (evens out skin tone), and kojic acid (brightens the appearance of skin).
5. Dullness
Ingredients like ferulic acid, green tea extract, and resveratrol in serums work by shielding the skin from damaging outdoor elements and promoting rejuvenation.
It is necessary to remember that even though serums are beneficial, they should not be piled on, as an excessive amount of these active ingredients could irritate the skin. Minimalism is key here. We also recommend patch-testing before applying any product to your face, especially so if you have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Face serums are neither too thick nor too thin in texture and are easily absorbed into the skin to assist with whatever skin concerns you are looking to address. You can use face serums for a magnitude of purposes, from reducing the look of aging and wrinkles to hydrating and brightening. You can use different face serums at different times (day or night); always read the instructions for best results and remember to patch-test.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the right age to use face serums?
If possible, it is better to start using face serums in your 20s and early 30s. Using a serum later on in life will still yield great results; however, we find that starting when you are younger can have an even greater and longer-lasting effect at preventing the early onset of aging skin.
2. Must I have face serums?
Serums quickly absorb into the skin delivering a high concentration of nutrients to help keep your skin looking healthy. Because of how easily they can deliver these active ingredients, serums are a great tool to target various skin concerns like the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and temporary redness. With the right serum on hand, you can keep some of the harsh signs of aging at bay.
3. Do face serums clog pores?
No, they don’t. Serums are lightweight products that quickly absorb into the skin due to their small molecules. Because of how thin they are, they hydrate the skin without clogging the pores. If your serum clogs your pores, it could mean that you have used a serum that wasn’t optimal for your skin type. Oily serums or serums with high amounts of exfoliants and acids can cause such issues. To find a product that is right for you, check out our collection of face serums made with non-toxic ingredients for a serum that best fits your needs.
4. Does face serum cause pimples?
No. Face serums are aqueous-based formulas that deliver hydration and contain active ingredients to target various skin issues, especially those that arise from clogged pores or poorly maintained oily skin. When choosing a face serum, ensure it has the right ingredients for your specific skin issues.
Washing your face may seem like a simple task, which it is, but you need to do it properly to get the optimal effects and keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. If you’ve ever wondered what the right way to wash your face is, then you’re not alone. Most people assume that splashing a bit of water on your face does the trick, but there are better ways to get a great cleanse.
To learn how to wash your face correctly, you must first consider your skin type. Different skin types thrive on varying face washing routines.
Why Is It Important To Wash Your Face?
Washing your face can help eliminate grime, dirt, dead skin cells, makeup, and anything that can clog your skin’s pores. We recommend washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, as cleansing your face regularly will help maintain radiant-looking skin. Because your skin is exposed to environmental stressors on a daily basis—from things you apply on your face to dust and pollution—when you clean your face, you’re removing all of this buildup that settles on your skin.
Cleansing is the first and arguably most important step in your skin care routine. If done incorrectly, dirt and pollution may accumulate on the surface of your skin—which can lead to clogged pores and premature formation of fine lines.
Is It Okay To Wash Your Face With Just Water?
We’ve seen the recent “rinsing with ice water” tip and trend that encourages people to forgo washing their skin everyday, due to skin care products ruining natural oil production. We agree with this to a degree—if you’re using a typical drug-store cleanser (which can also age your skin) that includes harsh surfactants, alcohols, and chemicals, we find that giving your skin a break by rinsing only with water for a few days out of the week can help get your skin back to a renewed state. However, if you are using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser made with hydrating ingredients like aloe that won’t damage or strip your skin, then you are welcome to cleanse your face everyday. Or opt for a cleansing oil, so that you can reintroduce amazing, nutritive oils back into your skin.
On days that you feel your face isn’t too dirty, using water alone will suffice. Putting nothing on your face can allow the skin to get back to a state of producing its normal rate of oil, especially if you have been consistently using a harsh cleanser. Though, we do want to mention that while washing your face with water alone can help you from further stripping your skin’s natural oils, going too long without a healthy cleanser can result in clogged pores, causing your skin to look dull, textured and weathered.
After a long day at work or walking around, your skin will have accumulated a lot of dirt, grime, and other effects from environmental stressors. On such days, washing your face with an organic cleanser will help eliminate this dirt and unclog your pores.
What Does a Cleanser Do For Your Face?
A cleanser gets rid of makeup, debris, dead skin, dirt, and other pollutants from the environment that can affect the skin. Cleansing your face can help unclog pores so that your skin can breathe and become purified. If you don’t wash your face most of the time, you’ll end up having dull skin and clogged pores that can result in a lackluster look or a bumpy texture.
Other ways a cleanser can help your skin is by:
Clearing up debris and buildup for smoother skin.
Keeping your skin soft, supple, hydrated, and youthful-looking.
Giving your skin a radiant look.
Moisturizing your skin with healthy and nutritive oils
Creating a clean base for the next steps in your skin care routine
How Many Times Should You Cleanse Your Face?
It is advisable to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed in the evening.
However, if you’re using a cleanser with harsh chemicals, this does not apply. You will want to give your skin a break and instead opt for rinsing with water only a few days out of the week.
We also suggest making that switch to a pH-balanced, gentle, non-toxic cleanser soon so that you’re not damaging your skin. Cleansing your face in the morning is a great way to set the tone for the day, and offers you a clean base to work with. Cleansing your face in the evening is great for removing makeup, sunscreen and other dirt accumulated throughout the day, and a wonderful way to wind down. When you cleanse at night with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser, it also allows the skin to restore itself at night and improve the appearance of skin health.
If you sleep with impurities on your skin, it will keep the skin from renewing because the skin will not receive enough oxygen. Even if you prefer to cleanse your face only once a day, it is best to do it in the evening, so that you will not deprive the skin of vital nutrients. Cleansing in the evening will also allow your skin to better absorb your skin care products skin care products while you sleep.
How To Find The Right Face Cleanse
To find the right cleanser, a great place to start is to first consider what type of skin you have. Your skin type can help you determine what the best ingredients are for the result you are looking to achieve.
Face Cleanser for Dry Skin
Ingredients like aloe and coconut oil are suitable for dry or mature skin since they add hydration and moisture to your skin. But when choosing face cleansers, if you have dry skin, steer clear of cleansers that have a high percentage of ingredients like witch hazel and willow bark, as they can potentially increase the dryness in already dry skin.
Face Cleanser for Oily Skin
When you have oily skin, a gel cleanser or more astringent cleanser will be extremely beneficial. You may also want to consider using a cleanser that has derivatives of salicylic acid—with ingredients like willow bark and witch hazel. A great option for this skin type is a pH-balanced gel cleanser, which will give you a deep cleanse without clogging your pores. If you have oily skin or clogged pores, you can also consider using a cleansing oil to break up the debris and grime, while finishing with a gel cleanser. Cream cleansers may not be the ideal pick for those with oily skin; but if the cleanser is pH-balanced and does not contain harsh surfactants, it should not strip your skin and may feel great. We always recommend trying a product out to see how your skin responds to it.
Face Cleanser for Normal or Combination Skin
If you have normal or combination skin, it may be difficult pinpointing the perfect method for addressing your skin, as you will experience normal or dry skin in some areas and oily in others. You’ll want to stay away from harsh, synthetic chemicals, and find ingredients like tamanu and blue chamomile, which help calm and fortify the skin. Either a gel cleanser or cream cleanser is great for those with combination skin types.
How To Apply Cleanser On The Face
There are a few steps to wash your face. These include:
Put Your Hair Back
Use a headband or hair tie to put your hair back, as it can be unpleasant having hair constantly in your face when you are trying to wash it.
Wash Your Hands & Face
Wash your hands to prevent transferring anymore dirt and grime onto your skin.
Wet your face with a bit of water. Wetting your face helps the cleanser apply smoothly to your skin.
Apply Cleanser to Your Face
Pump your product into your non-dominant hand. With your finger tip, scoop a dime-size amount of the product from your hand and dot the cleanser on the main areas of your face to apply evenly.
Gently Massage Your Face
Gently massage the skin with circular motions, distributing the product across your entire face, jawline, hairline, and neck. Be careful not to apply too close to your eyes as it may cause irritation.
Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Once the cleanser has been thoroughly applied, rinse it off with lukewarm water. When rinsing off your face, avoid using water that’s too hot as it may irritate your skin. To know more about ideal water temperatures for cleansing, read “What Temperature Water Should I Wash My Face With?”
Pat Your Face Dry
Don’t rub the towel on your face as it is delicate. Patting dry is the best way to get rid of the excess moisture.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to clean your face deeply, see the steps we’ve outlined above to get you a refreshed complexion. But most importantly, we stand by the idea that the best way to cleanse your face without damaging your skin’s health is by using gentle, effective Facial Cleansers Made With Organic Ingredients.
Frequently Asked Question
1. At what age should you start cleansing your face?
There isn’t a specific age to start the process of maintaining your skin care routine and cleansing your face. But at around 12 to 15 years, it is common for one to be ready to start the basics like cleansing the face, using a moisturizer, and finishing off with sunscreen.
2. Is it okay to double cleanse your face?
Yes! In fact, double cleansing is a wonderful way to step your routine up a notch. In using two different cleansing products, you can thoroughly tackle all of your cleansing goals in one session. We recommend using an oil-based cleanser as the preliminary formula to dissolve oil that has hardened with impurities, as well as prepare the skin for the benefits of the second cleanse. Then, follow it with a secondary pH-balanced cleanser.
3. Should I wash my face after using a cleanser?
After using your cleanser, you can rinse your face off with lukewarm water. Unless you are intentionally double-cleansing, you do not need to follow up with an additional wash after your initial cleanse, because the cleanser has ensured your face is clean.
4. Can cleansing your face too much cause acne?
Even though cleansing is good for your skin, there is such a thing as too much cleansing. If you are using a harsh cleanser and you are cleansing your face multiple times throughout the day, you risk drying out your skin. And depending on what type of skin you have, exposing your skin to an irritating cleanser continuously can strip the skin of its natural oils, which may throw your oil production out of balance.
5. Should I cleanse my face after working out?
Yes, we recommend cleansing your face as soon as you are done working out (if possible, around fifteen minutes or less after your workout). Leaving sweat on your skin can cause dehydration due to the salt, which can leave you with clogged pores.
For the longest time since we all discovered the difference between smooth skin and rough skin, we have all been on a quest to have smooth skin. Getting smooth skin, on the other hand, is hard work. I’m saying this because the texture of your skin is influenced by external (skincare products, environment) and internal (health, diet, genes) elements.
Most skincare trends encourage us to explore smoother, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin. In every step of your life comes skin challenges. For example, when you’re in your teenage years, you will fight acne due to stress and hormones, then as you get a bit older, you start to combat skin issues due to sun damage, and the first signs of aging begin to appear.
Even though a regular skincare routine can go a long way in preventing your skin from being rough and textured, there are more factors to skincare that you need to pay keen attention to, to avoid breaking your goals of having clear skin.
What Causes Rough/ Textured Skin?
First off, we should figure out the cause of that rough skin before we sink into ways to get smooth skin; this will help you avoid some of these causes.
Pollution, Sun Damage, and Stress
These elements can result in stress and cause damage to your complexion. They can cause skin problems like; sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots, and roughness. People who live in dry areas with low humidity and those who struggle with genetic conditions like ichthyosis, eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris are more likely to suffer from rough and dry skin.
Ingredients in Your Skincare Products
Some ingredients like denatured alcohol could cause rough and dry skin.
Lack of Sun Protection
UV light never has a good impact on the skin, and it could cause leathery and rough skin.
Stress, Environment, and Diet
They are also significant factors that could cause your skin texture to turn rough.
Drinking and Smoking
They play a role in promoting rough skin.
When it comes to best ways to get smooth skin, we have divided them into three. There are healthy living tips, skin products, and home remedies for smooth skin.
Healthy Living Tips for Smooth Skin
Drinking Lots of Water to Improve Skin Texture
Hydration is backed up by science saying that it improves the skin. Adding lots of water into your diet reduces dryness/roughness. Water also improves your skin’s elasticity leading to smoother skin. Hydration also helps increase dermal thickness, and when your skin becomes thick, it is more adept at dealing with inflammation and appears smoother too.
Exercising for Smooth Skin
Regular exercise improves the skin’s appearance. When you exercise, you improve blood circulation in your body. Since your skin is the outermost layer of the body, it tends to receive few nutrients. But when you have good blood flow in the body, your skin will receive enough blood rich in nutrients and oxygen. Exercising also makes the skin’s outermost layer thinner and thickens the inner layer, the opposite of what aging does to the skin. The more exercise you partake, the better your skin health, and you’ll look youthful.
Sufficient Sleep for Glowing Skin
Stress can affect your body leading to premature skin aging. Just like the rest of your body, your skin repairs itself when you sleep. While sleeping, there is an increase in blood flow and collagen production. Your body also repairs skin damaged by UV light, keeping wrinkles at bay and reducing sunspots.
Eating Foods Rich In Antioxidants
Most skincare problems boil down to inflammation. Inflammation stems from different things that could either be internal or external. Internally, variables like stress, unhealthy diet, and health issues result in skin problems. Externally, physical irritation, UV exposure, pollution, and unbalanced skin microbiome could cause roughness. Foods rich in antioxidants include; fatty fish (salmon), yellow and orange fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables. Adding probiotics to your food helps in treating skin conditions like eczema and acne. It also repairs skin damage caused by UV light.
Protecting Your Skin Against The Sun
UV rays from the sun are dangerous as they can cause damage to skin cells’ DNA, increasing the chances of experiencing premature aging and dryness. Ensure you use sunscreen during the day and limit your time in the sun. Some people assume that winter is exempt from this rule, but it’s not because, during winter, the sun’s UV rays are even harsher as they bounce off the snow to your skin.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption And Quit Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol causes dry skin due to dehydration, hence premature aging. Whether used internally or externally, tobacco exposure causes premature skin aging, leading to wrinkles and higher risks of skin disorders like psoriasis and acne. Tobacco also impairs your skin’s ability to heal itself.
Skin Care Products To Use for Smoothness
Exfoliators Help Smooth and Brighten Your Skin
Mild exfoliation removes dead skin cells leaving your skin looking radiant and smoother. You can exfoliate mechanically or chemically. Chemical exfoliators like AHA promote firmness and improve the appearance of wrinkles. Mechanical exfoliation can include dry brushing. This process includes using a stiff-bristled brush to exfoliate your skin. It is best used on limbs, back, and other non-sensitive body parts. It would be best if you exfoliate after cleansing.
Moisturizers Prevent Premature Fine Lines
A hydrated skin means that the dermis is full of water keeping your skin plump, vibrant, and youthful. Moisturizing also prevents premature fine lines. It would be best if you chose a proper moisturizer (facial oil) for your body and another for your face.
Gentle Cleanser
According to the American Academy of Dermatology recommendation, you should wash your face with a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser. Cleansing should be part of your daily routine. Ensure you cleanse before bed, in the morning, and after a sweating session. Cleansing removes dirt, sweat, cosmetics, and impurities clogging your pores.
Home Remedies For A Smooth Skin
Essential Oils to Reduce Wrinkles
Oils like helichrysum, lemon, and rose help in curbing wrinkles. So, you can add these to your skincare products by diluting them with another carrier oil. Research shows that essential oils protect the skin against free radicals that normally cause skin aging.
Honey for Smooth Skin
Honey is a natural humectant; hence can be used as a mask. It can also reduce wrinkles’ appearance on the skin.
Oatmeal Baths
These baths help skin retain moisture.
Coconut Oil for Skin Moisturizing
It is an excellent moisturizer that contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, limit the use of coconut oil to your body as it’s notorious for clogging pores.
Humidifiers Bring Back Moisture to Your Skin Naturally
You can turn on your humidifier at night to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
Conclusion
Skin is very sensitive, if not the most sensitive part of the body, as it is the one that covers every other part up. Everyone wants to have smooth skin, but no one wants to put in the work. Please take the above remedies and advice on achieving smoother skin and apply them to your daily skincare and diet routines. If you have severe skin problems, you should probably consult a professional before trying anything. You can get some DIY body scrub recipes for achieving smooth skin.
Annmarie Skin Care 