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The Importance of Skincare Routine in Maintaining Healthy Skin

The condition of your skin is an essential aspect of your overall health and well-being. Acknowledging the role of a dedicated skincare routine is crucial in maintaining the skin’s integrity and appearance. Whether you are battling with daily environmental stressors, or combating signs of aging, implementing a disciplined skincare ritual can prove invaluable. Understanding your skin’s unique needs and tailoring your skincare practices accordingly cannot be overlooked. Keep reading to discover the multi-faceted benefits of committing to a personalized skincare regimen and how it can significantly improve the health of your skin.

Key Pillars of an Effective Skincare Routine

Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine. It clears the buildup of impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells, allowing the skin to breathe and absorb subsequent products effectively. Selecting a cleanser should be tailored to individual skin types to avoid disrupting the skin’s natural pH balance. Following cleansing, toning can further balance the skin and prepare it for additional treatments.

Hydration follows, with the use of moisturizers that keep the skin’s outer layer intact, ensuring it remains smooth and resilient. Even oily skin requires moisture, as dehydration can trigger excess sebum production, intensifying existing skin issues. Here, light, non-comedogenic lotions can be particularly beneficial. You can visit https://rossiderm.com/ for a variety of skincare products.

Sun protection is a non-negotiable element of a skincare routine. Regardless of the weather, UV rays can penetrate and damage the skin, accelerating aging and increasing cancer risk. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with sufficient SPF should be incorporated daily, even on cloudy days or while staying indoors near windows.

The Role of Consistency in Achieving Healthy Skin

Consistency is the bedrock of successful skincare. Establishing a daily routine and sticking to it ensures that the skin receives the care it needs to repair and regenerate. Over time, regularity fosters the strengthening of the skin’s barriers and adaptations to the beneficial ingredients being applied, leading to more pronounced and lasting results.

Adherence to routine should not equate to complacency. Observing the skin’s response to various products and adjusting as necessary is integral to cultivating a routine that remains effective over time. Periodic evaluation allows for the identification of what works and what doesn’t, promoting continual skin health improvement.

Furthermore, the periodic and correct application of skincare products guarantees maximum efficacy. For instance, certain ingredients, like retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids, require time to reveal their full potential. Consequently, patience and persistence are essential in witnessing a product’s effectiveness.

How a Tailored Skincare Routine Can Address Specific Concerns

Every individual’s skin is unique with its characteristics and challenges, therefore, a “one size fits all” approach is rarely effective. Personalized skincare considers factors such as skin type, age, hormonal changes, and environmental exposures. Utilizing products that cater to personal concerns, such as acne, sensitivity, or age-related signs, can significantly bolster the skin’s health.

Certain conditions, like rosacea or eczema, demand specific ingredients and formulations to minimize irritation while promoting healing. Consulting with a dermatologist can illuminate specific needs and ensure that the chosen products complement treatments. Initiating a skincare routine that is in sync with one’s skin behavior serves not only to treat but also to prevent.

Integrating the right kind of treatments depending on the skin’s condition throughout various seasons or life stages, can make an important difference. This adaptability is crucial in managing acute flare-ups or progressively changing conditions, paving the way for a consistently healthy skin outcome.

The Long-Term Benefits of Prioritizing Skin Health Through Routine Care

Establishing and maintaining a diligent skincare regimen confers extensive long-term benefits. The skin’s texture, clarity, and elasticity are inherently preserved, while the likelihood of developing severe complications or skin conditions diminishes appreciably. Investing in routine skincare now can delay or escape the necessity for invasive procedures later.

Not to be forgotten is the psychological impact of clear and vibrant skin. A healthy complexion bolsters confidence and emotional well-being, often leading to a more positive outlook on life. Such subtle psychological boosts can have profound effects on the general quality of life and interpersonal relationships.

Moreover, routine skincare can be considered a form of self-care and mindfulness. The daily process of attending to one’s skin can provide a moment of calm and focus in an otherwise hectic schedule. In a way, it is a therapeutic ritual that reaffirms self-appreciation and body positivity.

Overall, the benefits of a consistent and personalized skincare routine are manifold and invaluable. Maintaining a balanced, healthy skin regimen may seem like a simple part of one’s daily routine, yet it bears considerable influence on long-term skin health and by extension, general well-being. Taking the time to nurture your skin today is an investment in your future self, one that will likely yield dividends in both appearance and wellness.

5 Must-Try Skinstitut Products for Flawless Skin

Achieving flawless skin is a goal that many of us aspire to, and while genetics and lifestyle play a significant role, a well-structured skincare routine is essential. One brand that has been making waves in the skincare industry is Skinstitut.

Shop Skinstitut at ActiveSkin offers a range of products designed to address various skin concerns. In this blog post, we will explore five must-try Skinstitut products to help you achieve the flawless skin you’ve always desired.

Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14%

Exfoliation is a key step in any skincare routine, and Skinstitut’s Glycolic Scrub 14% is a powerhouse. This exfoliating scrub contains glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover.

Regularly using this scrub can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give your skin a radiant glow. The 14% glycolic acid concentration ensures it effectively exfoliates without being too harsh on the skin.

Skinstitut Rejuvenate 15 Serum

Serums are concentrated formulations designed to target specific skincare concerns, and Skinstitut’s Rejuvenate 15 Serum is a game-changer for those looking to combat signs of aging.

This serum contains a potent blend of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, which work together to hydrate firm, and plump the skin. Regular use of this serum can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin more youthful and radiant.

Skinstitut Retinol Serum

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a skincare ingredient widely praised for its ability to promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Skinstitut’s Retinol Serum contains a stable form of retinol that is gentle on the skin while still delivering impressive results. Incorporating this serum into your nightly routine can help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin over time.

Skinstitut Even Blend Serum

Uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and dark spots can be a source of frustration for many individuals. Skinstitut’s Even Blend Serum is formulated to address these concerns and promote a more even complexion. This serum contains a blend of active ingredients, such as alpha arbutin and niacinamide, which reduce the appearance of pigmentation and brighten the skin. With consistent use, you can expect a more radiant and uniform complexion.

Skinstitut Multi-Active Mist

Hydration is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Skinstitut’s Multi-Active Mist is a versatile product used throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed. Packed with aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea extract, this mist soothes the skin while boosting hydration. It’s perfect for setting up makeup, refreshing your skin during the day, or simply giving your skin a quick pick-me-up.

Conclusion

Achieving flawless skin requires a well-thought-out skincare routine, and Skinstitut offers a range of products that can help you on your journey. Whether you’re looking to exfoliate, combat signs of aging, address pigmentation issues or simply keep your skin hydrated, Skinstitut has a product for you. Remember that consistency is critical, so stick to your skincare routine, and with time, you’ll notice significant improvements in your skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance.

Top 7 Lazy Skincare Habits That Are Ruining Your Skin!

As much as everyone loves to have healthy and glowing skin, sometimes laziness takes over, and people start ignoring their skincare routines. It is important to remember that even small bad habits can have a long-lasting impact on your skin’s health, even if it is as small as not rinsing your face when your CC Cream is on.

To help you distinguish between good and bad skincare habits, here is a list of the top 7 lazy skincare habits that could ruin your skin.

Sleeping With Makeup On

Leaving makeup on while sleeping is a common lazy habit that most people are guilty of. Not rinsing the face at night can cause clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin. Experts also term it as a premature invitation to wrinkles and fine lines. To avoid this, wash your face with a mild cleanser or simply with water before sleeping at night.

Skipping SPF

With the earth’s temperature rising to an all-time high, your skin needs extra care to protect it from harmful UV rays. Excessive sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancer. So, skipping sunscreen is not an option. Instead, adding sunscreen with optimum SPF according to skin type, regardless of the weather, is necessary.

Furthermore, accessories like a cotton scarf and sunglasses can greatly help limit the damage caused by UV rays and pollution.

Excessive Exfoliation

Exfoliation to remove dirt and unclog pores helps clear the skin, but over-exfoliating can damage it. It strips your skin of its natural oils and causes dryness and irritation. Thus, skin experts recommend limiting exfoliation to only 1 or 2 times a week with a gentle exfoliator or scrub.

Ignoring Neck Area

Research shows human neck area ages faster than the face. Neck skin is as delicate as your face, so neglecting it from your skincare routine makes it look dull and aged. That’s why it is also recommended to apply skin-nourishing products on your neck area. Move your fingers in an upward motion while applying any product effectively.

In short, whatever goes on the face, goes on the neck area.

Not Washing Makeup Brushes

Many makeup users claim to use the best products, yet their skin is prone to acne and infections. Though there can be other reasons, it is mostly a result of an unhygienic routine. Take the case of makeup brushes. While people wash their toothbrushes on time, they ignore makeup brushes used for blending the foundation or CC cream.

Dirty makeup brushes have bacteria entrapped in them, which, if not cleaned properly, can transfer to your skin, ultimately causing infection and irritation. The same cleaning steps include face towels, so ensure you wash them regularly to maintain proper skin hygiene.

Not Moisturizing Enough

Makeup enthusiasts complain of having dry and flaky skin after completing all the steps of their beauty routine. They could be using the best beauty products available in the market made from 100% Vegan and Cruelty-free ingredients, which includes everything except a moisturizer. Using a CC Cream with Hyaluronic acid benefitted many users, as listed in a few CC Cream reviews.

While skin scientists have revolutionized the makeup industry, sticking to a few old hacks like moisturizing is still important. A suitable moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and nourished, further delaying the signs of premature aging. So, pair up your regular makeup products with a good moisturizer.

Tip: Use a gel-based moisturizer for summer and an oil-based moisturizer in winter if you have a dry or combination skin type.

Overlooking Eyes & Lips

The skin around the eyes and lips is delicate that needs proper care every season. Overlooking these areas can make them appear dull and dry. On the contrary, adding proper skincare steps for lips and eyes can nourish them properly. So, regular use of lip balm and an under-eye cream is recommended to keep these delicate areas hydrated.

Wrapping Up

Coming back from a busy day and directly jumping off to sleep is not helping your skin. While you took a few seconds to plan your next day and set the alarm for tomorrow, your skincare routine also needs a boost.

So, ensure your skincare routine includes all the necessary products and steps to help your skin rejuvenate at night and prepare it for a healthy and natural glow the next morning. For more skincare tips and hacks, keep exploring the blog section.

Best Gifts Set to Satisfy Your Girl

Are you planning on shopping for your girlfriend – a dedicated skincare lover? Do you need gift ideas to kickstart things? Whether she is a diehard fan of top-notch brands or a newbie experimenting with whatever products are available, the following write-up aims to help everyone. Please check it out now.

Facial Toning Device

Almost all modern-day women wish for micro-current anti-aging skincare tools that can successfully firm and lift their skin. A facial toning device may seem like a splurge gift, but a skincare-obsessed girl will love when her wrinkles and fine lines are significantly reduced.

According to reputed dermatologists, even though facial toning devices manage to provide you with a sculpted appearance within a short period, there is hardly any scientific research evidencing that the treatment is safe or effective long term.

Hydrating Sheet Mask

Every skincare gift set has sheet masks that will help your girl unwind while giving her skin substantial hydration and glow. The ingredients in a sheet mask are similar to those in a moisturizer, serum, or toner.

Never wash your face after taking off the sheet mask. The product must be given enough time to get absorbed into the skin. Washing the face can unfortunately cause dehydration. That’s bad!

Cleanser, Exfoliator, Serum, and Moisturizer

The best skincare gift set includes a high-quality cleanser, exfoliator, toner, serum, and moisturizer – products your girlfriend will love to have.

Cleansers remove makeup, oil, and dirt. They can unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells in no time. Girls generally double cleanse, so, give your girlfriend an oil cleanser and a gel or foam cleanser.
Exfoliators improve the overall texture of the skin by removing its top layer. One must exfoliate one to two times each week. Also, gift your girlfriend a product without any harsh chemicals.
Before moisturizing, it is important to use a serum. Serums are packed with a wide range of vitamins, nutrients, and powerful ingredients that can transform skin in no time. It is best, to begin with, for Vitamin C serums.
Lastly, give your girlfriend a good moisturizer. It is best to go for products with SPF 50 or more.
Gua Sha and Jade Roller

Gua sha has acquired widespread popularity throughout the world. You may gift this to your girlfriend without any hesitation. It involves scraping the skin using a massage tool to enhance circulation. This ancient healing technique of China ensures better health, curing issues such as chronic pain.

Facial massage de-puffs the face or slims it down. So, a beautiful jade roller is an amazing gift for anybody looking to decrease facial stress and increase their glow. Jade rollers stimulate lymph nodes so that the face can get rid of toxins and unnecessary fluids. Please invest in a roller made of nonporous material like quartz, amethyst, or jade.

Brush Set

Your girl will love a cute brush set. She can use brushes of different sizes to apply a gel or clay face mask.

Girls also purchase face-cleaning brushes made of silicone. It is gentler on the skin but can clean the dirt accumulated without any hassle.

Silk Pillowcase

The best skincare lovers know the benefit of a silk pillowcase. It can reduce sleep lines and does not absorb any skincare products. Offer your girl the gift of smooth skin with a luxury pillowcase.

Lip Mask

Everyone wants soft lips free of flakes. A lush lip mask would make an amazing Valentine’s or Christmas gift. Stock lip masks on your shopping list for your lip care buff. You may also give your girl lip butter that contains cocoa butter, olive butter, and shea butter.

Bottom Line

Did any of the above-mentioned skincare gift ideas fascinate you? Well, shopping for loved ones can be quite challenging, and I sincerely hope that this guide helps you select a fun as well as a thoughtful gift for your girlfriend. Rely on the best online platforms to get special discounts.

How to Reduce Face Wrinkles with the Perfect Skin Care Routine

Wrinkles are the biggest enemy of a woman. They make your skin look old and tired, which might make you feel like you don’t want to go out and meet people. However, wrinkles can be minimized by following a proper skincare routine. Skincare is an essential part of any anti-aging regimen. It helps keep your skin looking young and healthy for years to come. But wrinkles are just one of many signs of aging that you can prevent with proper skin care. Here are some tips to help you reduce face wrinkles:

Apply sunscreen daily

Sunscreen is one of the essential ingredients in your skincare routine because it protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB), which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are ideal if you plan on being outside for a long time since they provide more protection than lower SPF numbers do. If you’re planning on spending time outdoors during peak hours — when there’s more sunlight — use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher rating.

Moisturize daily

You should moisturize daily — even if it’s only with a light layer of lotion or gel — to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. You should use it with a gentle cleanser and toner after washing your face. Moisture helps keep your skin plump and elastic so that it doesn’t wrinkle up too much when you smile, frown, or squint at the sun for too long. It’s best to moisturize immediately after washing your face at night before going to bed, but many people find it more convenient to use moisturizer in the morning before applying makeup or sunscreen. Either way is fine as long as you remember doing it daily! It also helps keep your skin looking younger and longer. You can also incorporate rose face masks to fight wrinkles altogether. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for your skin type to provide optimal results and prevent irritation or allergic reactions.

Use eye cream

Wrinkles around the eyes are often the most noticeable — even when they’re not as deep as crow’s feet or smile lines. Eye creams are specially formulated to hydrate this delicate area and prevent fine lines from forming in the first place. Look for an eye cream with peptides to boost collagen production, which helps fill in fine lines and plump up thinning skin around the eyes. You might also consider using a cleanser with lactic acid, which helps hydrate and keep your skin supple.

Exfoliate once or twice a week

Another step in reducing the appearance of wrinkles is to consider treatments like those offered at Contour Clinics anti-wrinkle, as well as removing dead skin cells from your face. This will make your skin look smoother and allow any moisturizer or anti-aging product you use on your face to penetrate more deeply into the skin’s surface layers. There are several ways to exfoliate:

Use an exfoliating scrub once or twice per week. You can find many kinds of scrubs at the drugstore — some with beads and others without — which work well for most people. If you have sensitive skin, however, avoid scrubs with abrasion elements like groundnut shells, which can irritate your skin if used too often. You can also use a chemical peel once every few months if you want more dramatic results than what a scrub alone provides.

Use retinol and vitamin C serum

You can use retinol products at night, but you don’t have to. The efficacy of retinol is not dependent on when you apply it. You can apply it in the morning and still get great results. However, retinol works better when your skin is more relaxed and less stressed by environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and stress. The best time for using retinol is at night, after cleansing your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and toner. After applying moisturizer, gently pat on a pea-sized amount of retinol cream or gel onto your cheeks, forehead, and chin area where wrinkles form first. Allow the product to absorb into your skin before applying makeup or going to bed. In addition, consider incorporating the rejuvenating effects of Beverly Hills MD Lift Firm Booster into your nighttime routine for enhanced skincare benefits.Vitamin C serums are also an excellent addition to your skincare routine. It stimulates collagen production and repairs sun damage and other signs of aging on the skin’s surface.

If you follow the above techniques, your skincare routine should be able to reduce wrinkles and other effects of aging on your face. As with any cosmetic procedure, the most important thing is consistency. To have noticeable results, you must remain committed to using these techniques in your daily skincare routine.

About The Author

Sheryl Wright is a freelance writer who specializes in digital marketing, inclusive business, and interior design. If she is not at home reading, she is at a farmers market or climbing in the Rockies. She currently lives in Nashville, TN, with her cat, Saturn.

5 Tips To Save Your Skin This Summer

Summer is the time of sunshine, warm weather, and swimming. However, it’s also the time of sunburn, sweat, and chlorine.

If you’re anything like me, you live for the few months of summer when you can wear tank tops, bask in the sun, and have days by the water. However, as a makeup artist and skincare enthusiast, I know that summer is one of the most brutal times for your skin. But, there are things you can do to save the skin you’re in, while still enjoying the dog days of summer.

1. Use Sunscreen

If you take nothing else from this article, take this: USE. SUNSCREEN. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. That’s a pretty big chance of something that I’m sure none of us want to develop. Thankfully, skincare brands and even sunscreen brands are all over it. An example is Spot My UV detection stickers which tell you when it is time to reapply sunscreen.

It’s hard to find a skincare product that doesn’t already have SPF in it, including primers, moisturizers, lotions, foundations, etc. In my opinion, that’s worth spending a few extra dollars on so that you can “set it and forget it.” However, if you are looking for just a sunscreen instead of a makeup product, Neutrogena created products that are safe for your skin – including a specifically breakout-free sunscreen lotion for us who have acne-prone skin. Trust me – if you can do something so simple to help protect yourself from something so serious, do it.

2. Moisturize

A common misconception of skincare is that if you’re producing oil on your skin (specifically your face), you don’t need moisturizer. Let me squash that lie right now. If you have oily skin, that means your body doesn’t produce enough moisture so it’s working overtime to develop what you don’t have enough of. Using a moisturizer will save your skin – yes, even in sweaty weather. Honestly, especially in sweaty weather.

Moisturizer should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine, no matter their skin type. This is especially true when you’re skin may be taking in some extra sunshine. To keep your skin in check, moisturize at least once a day – right after you wash your face. For my makeup-wearing people, this should be twice a day: once in the morning and once at night after you take your makeup off.

3. Cooling Spray

I live in the south which means brutal heat and humidity. Hello 100° weather, hello sweat… The elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about. But I have news for you: everyone sweats. However, that doesn’t mean you have to really suffer through it. Let’s all thank the skincare gods that they’ve come up with an easy fix.

I’ve always been an advocate for Mario Badescu products. Although some may be a little pricey, I have yet to encounter one that doesn’t do what it says. Their facial refreshing sprays are no different. Like a good skincare brand should do, they’ve produced several different sprays for different skin types and skin concerns:

Aloe, herbs, and rose water
Aloe, cucumber, and green tea
Aloe, chamomile, and lavender
Aloe, sage, and orange blossom

All with stellar reviews, these sprays may just be the cooling sensation you need in the dead heat and humidity of summer.

4. Check the UV Index

The Ultraviolet Index (UV index) is a measurement created in the 90s used to find the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation. Don’t let the word radiation scare you. In simpler (and less scary) terms, it’s the unit of measurement to see how intense the sun’s rays are. The scale is color-coded and number-coded and goes from 1-11+. The lower the number, the lower the exposure.

The lower the number, the “safer” it is to be out in the sun since there’s less sun exposure. Before you go out and tan, check your local UV index to see how long you can safely spend outside, what the recommended SPF is, etc.

5. Hydrate

Let’s be honest, we all should probably be doing this a lot more than we currently do. However, this is especially pertinent in the summertime. Drinking water is said to help clear up your skin – and trust me, it really does. Especially if you use sunscreen you don’t normally use, water is essential to keep your skin in tip-top shape.

Hydration is also essential when it comes to combatting heatstroke or other side effects caused by sun exposure. Of course, other help for heatstroke is cold water exposure (pools, ice baths, cold showers), rest, a colder environment… It may take away from your sun time, but it’s worth it to keep your body’s equilibrium in check.

Summertime can be relaxing, fun, exciting, and anything else you want it to be. In using these five tips, you can help to make sure your skin has the same amount of fun you do.

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About The Author

Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

How The Beauty Marketplace Is Changing – Here’s What You Need to Know

Online beauty sales are proliferating, thanks to the widespread adoption of internet access and mobile devices, as well as social media engagement (which is central to much of the e-commerce experience). The online beauty and personal care market are set to grow at an annual rate of 6.6 percent between 2017 and 2022, reaching $57 billion by 2022.

Within this overall market, the Asia Pacific region will see the highest growth rate, while North America and Western Europe will remain the most important regional markets. Here’s what you need to know about how the beauty marketplace changes if you want to get involved in this exciting new industry.

Different innovation models in the beauty marketplace

There are a few different innovation models of beauty marketplaces.

The first is the direct-to-consumer model: The direct-to-consumer business model is an online retailer that operates by selling to customers directly rather than through brick-and-mortar establishments, wholesalers, or online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. Distributors and the majority of the conventional supply chain are bypassed, and all sales are made straight to the brand. Brands sell their products directly to consumers through their channels.

The second is the indirect-to-consumer model: where brands sell their products to retailers, who then sell them to consumers.

When middlemen or intermediaries are present in the distribution channel, indirect distribution takes place.

Third is the online-offline platform model: This model combines the online marketplace with offline product display.

A business technique known as online-to-offline (O2O) commerce encourages consumers to visit real stores to make purchases. Online-to-offline (O2O) commerce uses a number of techniques and strategies to persuade clients to leave the online environment after first identifying them there, such as through emails and Internet advertising. The strategies employed in this kind of plan are a combination of those used in traditional marketing and those used in online marketing.

Beautysourcing.com practices the online-offline platform model. It is a marketplace platform that hosts and sells beauty wholesales products.

Because it has more than ten years of professional expertise in the cosmetics industry, it selects every supplier with skill and rigor. Additionally, it is a lateral business-to-business market. The platform can stay up to date with the newest trends in beauty supply chain industry.

Beauty Marketplaces are here to stay

With the rise of e-commerce, it was only a matter of time before beauty marketplaces became a thing. And now that they’re here, they’re here to stay. If you’re unfamiliar with beauty marketplaces, they’re online platforms that allow you to buy and sell beauty products. Think of them as the Beauty sourcing, eBay, or Amazon of the beauty world.

Also, sites like Revolve or The Hunt have been around for years, but in recent months new places have popped up in droves, like StyleSaint or The Black Market. They’ve made waves because people are always looking for new ways to shop for beauty deals, and these sites offer an affordable way to try out new brands without committing. But what does this mean for the future of retail? And how can brands best use this trend?

A business technique known as online-to-offline (O2O) commerce encourages consumers to visit real stores to make purchases. Online-to-offline (O2O) commerce uses a number of styles and strategies to persuade clients to leave the online environment after first identifying them there, such as through emails and Internet advertising. The method employed in this kind of plan combines those used in traditional marketing and those used in online marketing—the ability to try out new products before buying them.

Third, several reports show that cosmetics have become the largest retail category among women, with total sales reaching as high as 34 billion dollars. Finally, we’ve seen this summer that prestige cosmetics companies like L’Oreal have taken notice of the trend by launching initiatives to target millennial shoppers.

Benzene-Tainted Sunscreen: 4 Things You Should Pay Attention to When Choosing Sunblock

Sunscreen aims to protect you from cancer, not cause it. Last spring, the independent laboratory Valisure made public the results of a thorough study on sunscreen, which were quite alarming. Out of the 294 sunscreen samples tested, 78 contained benzene, highly toxic chemical exposure to which can result in leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma. What is unsettling is that only ten sunscreens have been taken off the market so far, which means that a lot of the products sold are still contaminated with benzene.

Unfortunately, in addition to the issue of benzene, there are other things you should consider when purchasing sunscreen, as this product comes in many formulations and types, some of which can pose a danger to your health in the long run. The following are four tips on choosing the safest, most effective sunscreen, which you should apply every time you go outside, rain or shine.

1. Avoid the Sunscreens Containing Benzene

It is essential to know that benzene is not one of the ingredients found in sunscreen, so you will not be able to avoid the tainted products just by reading their labels. While it is not entirely clear how benzene ended up in the sunscreen of so many companies, the culprit is most likely manufacturing contamination. However, you can find a complete list of the sunscreens in which benzene was found lurking near the end of this official Valisure document.

Some of the most popular sunscreens contaminated with benzene are Sun Bum, Fruit of the Earth, Raw Elements, Goodsense, Banana Boat, Ethical Zinc, Babyganics, Walgreens, La Roche-Posay, and Equate. Johnson & Johnson recalled five sunscreens made by Aveeno and Neutrogena, whereas Coppertone also took off the shelves five sunscreens, so you no longer have to worry about these brands.

2. Opt for a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Contrary to popular belief, SPF is not the main factor you should base your decision on when buying sunscreen. Even if the product has a high SPF, it will fail to protect you against UVA and UVB rays if the sunscreen is not broad-spectrum. While UVA rays are primarily responsible for wrinkles, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, UVB rays cause sunburns.

To benefit from complete protection against all the damages exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to, it is best to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is not difficult to find. Whether the sunscreen is chemical or mineral, you will find the product you are seeking in a broad-spectrum formulation.

3. Choose Mineral Sunscreen Over Chemical Sunscreen

The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen is that the former is absorbed by your skin, where it breaks down U.V. rays, while the latter acts as a shield, remaining on the surface of your skin and deflecting U.V. rays. Because it requires time to be absorbed by your skin, chemical sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside. Nevertheless, chemical sunscreen is also dangerous because most of these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as:

• oxybenzone

• avobenzone

• octisalate

• homosalate

• octinoxate

• octocrylene

In addition to being endocrine disruptors, these chemicals might also cause lower testosterone levels, higher cancer risk, respiratory tract irritation, skin irritation, organ toxicity, and severe eye irritation. On the other hand, mineral sunscreen contains two very safe and reef-friendly ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are equally effective in protecting you from ultraviolet radiation, and they will not cause you any health problems over the years.

Although most sunscreen on the American market is chemical, you can still find mineral sunscreen. If you have difficulties finding a safe, non-toxic, benzene-free sunscreen, you can now receive a great product by virtue of the Benzene Sunscreen Replacement Initiative from ethical companies that manufacture the sunscreen you are looking for! You must fill out the form at the bottom of the page, and someone will contact you shortly.

4. Buy a Sunscreen with SPF 30

A sunscreen with SPF 15 offers 93% protection against ultraviolet radiation, whereas one with SPF 30 provides 97% protection. Using a product with a higher SPF is unnecessary, as the protection percentage of those products is almost the same as that of a sunscreen with SPF 30. If you use sunscreen with SPF 15, you risk not protecting your skin appropriately. You might not apply enough product, or you may forget to reapply every 2 hours, as recommended, or every 40 minutes if you are spending time in the water.

Therefore, choosing to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 is ideal, as not only do those with a higher SPF fail to provide greater protection, but they are usually more expensive. Finally, you should apply sunscreen abundantly until you see a layer on your skin, whether you use lotion, spray, or gel. The ideal amount is 2 milliliters per square centimeter of skin, equivalent to a shot glass of sunscreen.

Sunscreen: An Invisible Accessory to be Warn Daily

Every day, approximately 9,500 people receive a skin cancer diagnosis, the most common malignant disease in the U.S. The sad thing about this statistic is that skin cancer is among the few preventable cancers, and the only way to do this is by wearing sunscreen every time you spend more than 15 minutes outside, whether it is summer or winter. You should apply sunscreen on all the skin areas that are going to be exposed to sunlight and your face, lips, and scalp to ensure you are fully protected.

About the Author

Jonathan Sharp is the CFO at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., a law firm specializing in toxic exposure located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Easy-to-Follow Shower Routine Steps for Healthy Skin

You might think of showering purely as a time to get yourself clean, ready for the day ahead. Or you could see it as a key step in achieving and maintaining glowing skin. The truth is that if you want your skin to be at its best, following effective shower routine steps is essential. And with that in mind here’s the right way to shower for healthy and beautiful skin.

1. Turn down the dial

Whilst the thought of a super hot shower may seem like bliss, your skin, and your hair, really won’t thank you for it. Excessive heat, although it can feel great, can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to dry out – and that’s the last thing you want when glowing skin is the goal. So, turn that dial down and treat your skin to a lukewarm shower.

2. Start at the top

If it’s a hair-washing day, this is the first of your shower routine steps. Why first? Well, cleaning your hair will lead to any dirt and grime along with shampoo and conditioner sliding down onto your body. And that will need cleaning off. The same principle of working top down applies if you’re not washing your hair, so start with your face.

Use gentle products on your face, free of harsh chemicals, and exfoliate two to three times a week to keep pores unclogged and remove old skin cells. Be careful not to go overboard with the amount of product that you use to cleanse and exfoliate, and rinse thoroughly with that cool water.

3. Work your body

Next, it’s time to wash your body. And it’s a really good idea to exfoliate your body too. This can be done with a gentlebody scrub, loofah, brush, etc., but don’t overdo it. Twice a week should be enough. Rinse off, finish your shower song and hop out.

4. Post shower

Although the washing work may well be done, what you do after getting out of the shower is key to healthy and beautiful skin too. If you’re shaving, this is the time to do it. And make sure those blades are sharp, as a blunt clip is going to leave you with razor bumps.

Next up, dry properly. Pat yourself dry – don’t excessively rub at your skin as this can irritate it. Better still, wrap yourself up in a clean, fluffy bathrobe and let that absorb the moisture. The key, as with all of the steps, is to be gentle on your skin. The gentler you are, the better your skin will likely respond.

5. Moisturize

You’re clean and dry, so now’s the time to pamper yourself. Apply lotion at this stage and let your skin soak up all of that goodness. Ideally, apply it while your skin is still damp, to help lock in the hydration. Again, avoid products withharsh chemicals and don’t over-apply as this can leave your skin feeling greasy. It might take a little trial and error to find the right product and amount, but once you do you will love the results.

Follow these five tips to leave your skin looking and feeling amazing!

The Latest Tech Trends Innovating Your Beauty Business

If you run a beauty business, you stand a better chance of flourishing if you adopt the latest salon technology. There are many salon software tools that you can utilize for better client and employee management, as well as beauty mobile apps that help you customize your services. By using flexible appointment scheduling systems, you can automate your booking process, provide top-notch customer experiences, and build strong customer relationships. Modern salon tech innovations will help you improve efficiency and functionality in your salon, upscale your marketing, manage your inventory better, and consequently grow your revenue. To give you an idea of what technology can do for your beauty business, this article explores 7 tech trends that are reinventing the hair & beauty industry:

Appointment and client management systems

A hair salon software is your game changer! It is the last and most important part of your digital marketing puzzle. For instance, once you convince a social media user to check out your services, or if an online searcher stumbles upon your website on Google, how do you ensure that they convert? Remember you have a very slim window for convincing them to schedule an appointment with you. If they can’t book an appointment at the very first contact they have with your business, there is a good chance that you will lose them forever. And knowing how unpopular phone calls are in this digital age, you can bet that most of your potential clients won’t be too comfortable speaking to you personally. That is why an online booking system is necessary.

Your booking system tells your online traffic where you are located, the hours you are open, and the date & time you’re free. They then can book an appointment at their convenience and make payments if necessary, all in a few quick clicks. That improves your online conversions and revenue. On top of that, your system will help you keep track of online clients’ contacts and other personal details. If there is anything you need to know about a client before you meet them in person, you can ask on the booking page. That includes their hair type, beauty interests, hair color or makeup preferences, and what their expectations are. Having this information on hand allows you to customize your services and make successful follow-ups (and appointment reminders) when necessary. That is good for customer retention.

Virtual imaging

Gone are the days of trial and error in the beauty industry. Clients now don’t have to invest in a hair or cosmetic makeover and then cross their fingers hoping that the “after look” is exactly what they had in mind. Augmented Reality (AR) technology has made virtual imaging a possibility. Virtual imaging allows clients to try out different makeups and hairstyles for a sneak peek of their most probable “after look” style before they commit to a makeover. It gives you a better shot at customer satisfaction.

Mobile applications

There are a ton of salon solution apps that you can leverage to grow your beauty practice. Apps for salon managers and stylists include Salon Iris, Beautylish, Milano Connect, and TapStyle, among many others. They are one-stop solutions for most of your salon and customer management challenges. You can, for example, access a community of salon owners and stylists through these apps. That makes it easier for you to find and hire top talents, network with your peers, and find answers/solutions related to salon products and equipment. Some apps, e.g. TapStyle, will even help you manage schedules and booking.

Personalized skin care

Good examples of this hot trend are L’Occitane en Provence and Perso by L’Oréal. It is one of the hottest trends in beauty tech, for many good reasons. This smart tech will help you assess clients’ skins through AI if you want to customize the perfect skincare regimen for them. The tech can also analyze local weather conditions (e.g. UV saturation and pollution) to determine how an individual’s skin is affected by their surroundings.

Loyalty program software

This tech trend allows you to create and manage loyalty programs for your online audiences. You can use your software to award points, give rewards, and offer tiered membership options to loyal clients. Consequently, the software helps you drive customer engagement, incentivize quality clients to come back, and give clients a reason to spend more in your salon. You can customize your loyalty program around one of these 3 systems:

Points-based system: Every time a customer orders a product from your online store or pays for a service through your online booking system, the loyalty program software awards them points automatically. When the points accumulate to your chosen amount, clients can redeem them for exclusive discounts or vouchers.
Tiered memberships: This reward system works by categorizing clients based on how loyal they are to your business. You can, for example, offer a platinum-tier level for new clients and a gold level for your most loyal clients, with silver and bronze membership levels in between. Rewards go to clients who work hard to climb up the ladder.
Referral system: A customer can also earn points upon referring a paying customer, posting a positive review online, or doing any other online activity that you deem beneficial to your online marketing.

QR codes

QR codes provide detailed information about an item or a service when scanned. You can use this technology in your salon to provide clients with as much information as they want regarding your hair & beauty products. Instead of telling clients that your products are organic, for example, you can provide them with a QR code that links to unlimited resources (YouTube videos, research articles, or even case studies) about the product. You just need to put up customized codes on products’ packages and encourage clients to dig in for more info.

Contactless payments

Contactless payment is a hot trend for businesses especially due to the lessons learned during the pandemic. Salons must now leverage mobile payment systems such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Conclusion

Any smart hair and beauty salon owner or manager knows how important technology is to business growth. It gives salons a competitive edge by allowing them to reach bigger audiences and serve clients better. We only discussed a few examples of the trends you need to keep pace with. Now keep your eyes open for any hot trends that may disrupt the hair and beauty industry in the foreseeable future.

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About The Author

Freya is a Math teacher, Yoga enthusiast, and a beloved mother of three lovely daughters. She is always looking for ways to grow and help others around her thrive through self-learning, meditation, and physical fitness. When she is not teaching or spending time with her family, Freya regularly writes on topics related to self-improvement and women empowerment.