Skincare – Page 4

Skinimalism: Why the Best Skincare Routine is ‘Less’.

Learn how a more minimalistic skincare approach is the best skincare routine for your skin, our planet, and your wallet.

Are you intimidated by ten-step skincare, or just tired of feeling overwhelmed everytime you go to shop for new cosmetics? If so, it might be time to join the skinimalist movement.

Today, we’re breaking down one of the biggest trends in beauty with answers to some frequently asked questions, plus our go-to tips for skinimalism success.

What is skinimalism?

As you can probably guess, the term skincare minimalism – or “skinimalism” refers to the paring down of traditionally intensive skin and makeup routines. A more minimalist approach to beauty can take a variety of forms, from reducing the number of products and steps in our daily rituals, to wearing less make-up allowing our natural skin to shine through.

Skinimalism is about simplifying and committing to a more sustainable (and often less expensive) skincare routine, utilising beauty products that multi-task, and uncovering and celebrating our natural beauty by moving away from heavy make-up.

An increasing number of beauty lovers are adopting minimalism as a lifestyle and finding that sometimes less, really is more.

What are the benefits of a minimalist beauty and skincare routine?

Although it’s been billed as a wellness trend in recent years, there’s so much more to minimalism than meets the eye, and there are a lot of potential perks to scaling back. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourite benefits:

1. Save time and effort

When adopting more minimalist habits, one of the first things you’ll notice is that your everyday experience becomes more streamlined. You’ll be able to reclaim a few extra minutes every morning and evening, and over time, this savings can really start to add up. Whether you use your extra time to be more productive with your day or sneak in a few moments of much-needed relaxation is up to you. However, once you take advantage, chances are good you’ll be hooked on your new routine.

2. Save money

Another no-brainer benefit of doing less is spending less. By eliminating unnecessary steps in the routine, you’ll have fewer products to worry about restocking, translating into a huge boost for your budget. You can then reallocate the funds you would have spent buying another “must-have” product towards more intentional forms of self care, such as treating yourself to a massage, or depositing money into your dream holiday fund.

3. Save your skin

It’s no secret around here that we love our magic lotions and potions. However, for many people, those ten-step rituals can often be too much of a good thing. Too many active ingredients and additives in our products can actually be damaging to the skin’s naturally-existing ecosystem, leaving you with a damaged barrier and an irritated complexion. When you start to prioritise only what you need, you’ll likely be amazed at how well your skin responds to simplicity.

4. Save your sanity

Although for many of us skincare is self care, there’s an aspect to which complicated beauty routines can disrupt peace of mind. For example, if you’re constantly on the lookout for quick fixes or changing up your routine when you don’t love your results, you’ll risk burning out and feeling worse about yourself in the longer term. In this instance, trying a more minimalist approach can help you free up valuable bandwidth in your brain and learn to trust the process.

5. Save our planet

Besides all of the personal benefits of a minimal routine, another huge positive outcome of this movement is a reduction of harm to the environment. When you really pause to think about the amount of packaging waste and manufacturing pollution produced by constant consumption, it becomes clear that one of the easiest ways to combat these things is by using less. Although you don’t have to give up your beauty routine altogether, buying even a few less items per year can really start to make an impact.

Going Minimal: Our Top Tips for Adopting a Skinimalist Approach:

1. Focus on just a few essentials

For building your perfectly pared down skincare rituals, a good place to start is with three to five basic steps that support overall skin health. All skin types need a good cleanser, moisturiser, and sun protection, so these items should provide a good foundation. You can stick with these three, if you feel content. Or add a targeted serum or treatment product if you want to up the ante.

2. Think quality, not quantity

Going minimal doesn’t have to mean sacrificing results. In fact, a tip we love for keeping skincare simple yet effective is to invest in just a few good products. In particular, natural formulas that are packed with nutrient-rich, quality ingredients will yield the most payoff in terms of nourishing your skin, promoting moisture retention, and helping it to stay glowing.

Scenturie Natural Skincare is a nutrient-rich, minimalistic skincare range providing everything you need for a healthy, glowing complexion.

3. Look for products that multi-task

Another way to keep your best skincare routine quick and easy is with products that serve multiple purposes. This way, you can eliminate a step or two without compromising efficacy. The good news is that many of today’s products are designed to do just that. Look for items such as cleansers that are also makeup removers, masks that provide exfoliation alongside an infusion of moisture, or perhaps a toner that hydrates and can double as a makeup setting spray.

Multi-tasking skincare products

4. Customise according to your concerns

Lastly, one more helpful thing to consider when simplifying your best skincare routine is to stay focused on your specific skin type and present condition. Rather than trying to address everything all at once, you may find it more beneficial to pick just one concern and choose products accordingly. For example, if you struggle with dry skin, incorporating moisturisers and toners with hyaluronic acid or plant-based oils will be your best bet. Or if you are looking to troubleshoot signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, or sun spots, products that contain a natural retinol like bakuchiol should be one of your essential staples.

Scenturie offers a range of natural skincare sets that address certain skincare concerns. For example, our Ultra-Hydrating Natural Skincare Set consists of five essential skincare products designed to cleanse, tone, nourish and protect dry, ageing, and combination skin types.

Ultra-Hydrating Natural Skincare Set

Last But Not Least…

One last thing to remember when it comes to skincare is that you should always feel empowered to experiment and revise to find what works best for you. Consider decluttering your skincare routine one step at a time. Even the tiniest tweaks can make a difference towards simplifying and reaping the benefits of a minimalist routine. So don’t be afraid to change things up as needed and customise your rituals according to your individual needs.

In summary, the best skincare routine is a simple one. Keep it consistent and always use quality natural products. To find out the best skincare routine for your skin type click HERE.

All Scenturie natural skincare products are made in New Zealand with premium, plant-based ingredients that are nutrient-rich, ethically sourced, and backed by science. We avoid synthetic chemicals, known irritants, and synthetic fragrances, inviting you to enjoy the subtle fragrance of unrefined plant oils and essential oils, the way nature intended them to smell. All our products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Member of Cosmetics New Zealand

www.scenturie.co.nz

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Natural Fragrance – The New Beauty Movement

Skincare / Scenturie

It’s hard to deny that scents can have a powerful impact on our everyday encounters and rituals. From the positive feelings evoked by smelling your favourite food to the memories attached to a fragrance that reminds you of someone you love, scent is an important sensory component of many experiences.

For this reason, cosmetic companies have been infusing beauty products with fragrance for centuries. However, modern science has begun to recognise that not all scented formulas are a good thing. These days more and more brands are taking a more natural approach to fragrance by using natural fragrances or even going fragrance-free, for the health of both consumers and our environment.

Here is what you need to know about this new movement and why it’s important:

Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrance: What is the difference?

In the first place, many people don’t realise that fragrance – particularly as it appears on many ingredient labels – can refer to a wide range of additives in a product that gives it its scent. Naturally scented products will use raw materials and ingredients of natural origin – such as essential oils and botanical extracts – whereas synthetically scented products may be using any one of thousands of lab-created chemicals.

Natural Fragrance

Natural fragrance refers to essential oils and plant extracts that are naturally occurring substances found in different parts of plants – the flower, fruit, leaf, stem, bark, wood or resin. Essential oils are derived from a single natural source and generally they are harvested sustainably. While the scent profile of essential oils can be replicated, the range of physical and mental health benefits cannot. These oils, rich in all sorts of nutrients, can provide medicinal, moisturizing, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, and can be used in aromatherapy. Natural fragrance is difficult to reproduce synthetically, so that’s where synthetic fragrance oils come in.

Synthetic Fragrance

Synthetic fragrance oils are man-made in a laboratory in an attempt to replicate the smell of favourite foods, flowers, fruits, etc. These synthetically-made chemical scent compounds can use more than 200 unlabeled chemicals in a single scent, and they are found everywhere in modern life, such as personal care products, cleaning products, air fresheners, laundry soap, hand sanitisers, baby diapers, food, drinks, confectionery, and so much more. Synthetic fragrances are much cheaper to manufacture than essential oils, they have greater staying power, and there are endless possible scents that can be created, hence the reasons why most companies choose to use them over essential oils.

Alarmingly, more than 95 percent of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals! These chemicals include: benzene derivatives, phthalates, synthetic musks, and parabens. Apart from being toxic to our health, they are catastrophic to our environment!

According to the International Fragrance Association which oversees the fragrance industry, there are more than 3,000 different compounds which may legally be listed as fragrance, meaning if you see the term “fragrance” or “parfum” on your product packaging, it could be referencing any number of synthetic additives or ingredients.

Understanding product labels

Be aware that just because a label states “contains essential oils” it may also contain synthetic fragrance oils.

Cosmetic labeling requires that any added fragrance, whether natural or synthetic, is stated on the ingredient list as “parfum” or “fragrance”. If the fragrance contains any of the 26 current declarable fragrance allergens, these must be labeled when they occur at 0.001 % in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off product.

Here is an example of how you may see essential oils listed on a product label: “parfum (fragrance)*. *From natural essential oils: *linalool, *limonene, *a-pinene (*natural components of essential oils).”

The confusing part is that synthetic fragrances would also be listed in the same way on a product label if the product also contains essential oils. How then do you know if a product contains 100% essential oils and no synthetic fragrances?

To be certain that a product contains no synthetic fragrances it must state on the label and website that it “contains no synthetic fragrances,” and uses only “100% essential oils.”

Better Beauty: A few good reasons why you should avoid synthetic fragrances:

Reason 1: Synthetic fragrances can be harmful to your skin.

If you’ve ever applied a product and experienced an unpleasant outbreak of itching, redness, rash, or stinging sensation, a common conclusion may be that you have an allergy to that product. However, what many people don’t realise is that it may actually be the added fragrance that is causing your reaction. Because many skin types don’t tolerate synthetic additives well, inflammation, and other signs of irritation can be easily triggered by the perfume component of a product.

Reason 2: Synthetic fragrances may be harmful to your health.

Besides the immediate impact of applying synthetic fragrances on your skin, experts are also beginning to attribute certain chemical additives frequently found in perfumed products to some more serious health consequences. Understanding that anything applied topically eventually ends up in the bloodstream, breast milk, and fat stores of the body, it only makes sense that this could be concerning.

According to the Environmental Working Group, about 75% of beauty products containing synthetic fragrances have been found to also contain phthalates which have been linked to disrupting hormone balance, harming the endocrine system, and causing abnormal cell growth. And although we are still learning about the long-term effects of certain chemical ingredients in our products, many researchers say the safest formula is one that omits synthetic fragrance altogether.

Reason 3: Synthetic fragrances are harmful for those with sensitivities.

Recent research out of the U.S. and Australia indicates that at least 30% of people struggle with sensitivity to scent, associating exposure to overpowering fragrance with negative health symptoms ranging from severe migraines to cognitive and neurological problems, gastrointestinal issues, and even seizures in small children.

Due to these types of adverse effects, at least 40% of survey participants say they prefer a fragrance-free environment for their workplace and health care facilities, as well as while travelling and enjoying other public spaces.

Reason 4: Synthetic fragrances are harming our planet.

Just in case skin health and wellness aren’t enough of a significant concern, there’s also a lot to consider in terms of the impact of synthetic fragrance on the environment.

With regards to both air and water pollution, environmental agencies say synthetic fragrance compounds are problematic because they don’t break down easily and are often undetectable to the filtration systems that would typically prevent them from ending up in our waterways. Similarly, because they are often sprayed as perfume, deodorant, or in diffusers, some studies suggest that chemically-enhanced fragrances could be contributing to toxic levels of airborne pollution.

Further, it’s worth noting that many synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals, via processes that are problematic on many levels. According to experts, pollution from petrochemical production is a major contributor to the climate crisis, affecting not only our air and water, but also our soil, to the detriment of our food supply, our health, our communities, and our ecosystems on a global scale.

A Scent to Remember: Scenturie’s natural fragrance philosophy.

If all of the above information seems discouraging, the good news is that you don’t have to give up fragrance completely. If you are someone who does enjoy a little scent in your products, then natural fragrance is a perfect option because it gives you all of the sensory experience of fragrance, without all of the risks.

Scenturie is a natural beauty brand founded with a mission to respect our planet, its resources and each other. So with this in mind, our approach to scent in our formulas is to never use synthetic chemicals or known irritants, steering clear of any unnatural fragrances.

In our experience, we find that using only premium, plant-based ingredients and a minimal amount of essential oils, results in a perfect combination of pure, subtle, natural fragrance. At Scenturie, we don’t see a need to intervene by adding anything additional. Our products are scented just the way nature intended.

Other things to note:

If you are new to natural fragrance and have skin sensitivities, one more bit of advice is to always patch test products before using them. The best way to do so is by applying a very small amount to a discreet area, such as the inside of the forearm, and then waiting a full day to see if any reaction occurs.

Because some essential oils can still be too much for very sensitive skin, this is a great practice with any new formula that you are introducing, as it will help you troubleshoot any reactivity and find what really works best for you.

Choose products that use natural fragrances.

The use of synthetic fragrance is so entrenched in our modern world, that manufacturers aren’t going to give up synthetics without a fight. To them, the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages: synthetic fragrances last longer and cost less to make, so there’s little motivation for them to be transparent about the chemicals they use right now.

However, as more information about the hazards of synthetic fragrances become known, numerous businesses and consumers are opting for naturally scented products, choosing to support brands that fragrance their products with the health of the customer, the environment, and the planet in mind.

References

Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products by Anne Steinemann. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5122698/

Five ‘Must-Knows’ on the Dangers of Synthetic Fragrance by Maria Rodale for Huffington Post. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/five-mustknows-on-the-dan_b_4737654

Fragrance Sensitivity: When Scents Cause Symptoms by Diana Rodriguez, Medically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH. https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx

8 Things to Know About Petrochemicals by EarthJustice.Org. https://earthjustice.org/features/petrochemicals-explainer?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0umSBhDrARIsAH7FCofHa7e-Dm4ZErNwC5Mp2c7QXEUU4ReKwjG9WFuuJvKi6lu86yCj73MaAlupEALw_wcB

All Scenturie natural skincare products are hand-crafted in small batches using pure, sustainable, plant-derived ingredients, including 100% essential oils. All our products are proudly 100% vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, eco-friendly, and backed by science. We never use synthetic fragrances – our products are scented just the way nature intended.

www.scenturie.co.nz

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Top 10 Skincare Tips for Dry Sensitive Skin

Skincare / Scenturie

If you have dry sensitive skin, we don’t have to tell you that the struggle is real! For those on the dry end of the spectrum, changes in humidity and temperature can play havoc with your complexion, with autumn and winter being the most difficult seasons for dealing with dryness.

That’s the bad news. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t have to be impossible. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of our favourite skincare tips for dry skin to help you troubleshoot and keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all year round.

What is dry sensitive skin and what causes it?

Perhaps the most important thing to realise about dry sensitive skin is that it is a skin type that some people are born with, characterised by a complexion that produces very little in the way of oil or natural moisture and is susceptible to irritation. It is important to note that dry skin is different from dehydrated skin, which is a condition in which the skin lacks water.

Some symptoms of a dry sensitive skin type include feelings of tightness, rough texture, flakiness, itchiness, and redness. It can also appear dull and show more signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. For this reason, proper care is essential to keep your skin healthy and prevent damage caused by excess dryness.

Beyond the basic genetic components of your skin type that cannot be controlled, there are a few things to be aware of that can be addressed or mitigated. Here’s what you need to know:

Our Top 10 Skincare Tips for Dry Sensitive Skin:

1. Cleanse correctly

We all know that washing your face is important, but for dry sensitive skin types, cleansing too often, or with the wrong type of cleanser, can do more harm than good. To get this step to work for you and not against you, you’ll want to choose gentle, creamy, or oil-based cleansers designed for dry sensitive skin that cleanse away dirt, debris, and bacteria without stripping the skin of its protective oils.

Scenturie Product Pick: Natural Creamy Cleanser – Formulated with nourishing botanical oils, including avocado, sweet almond, apricot, coconut, and grape seed oil, our gentle natural cleanser works to infuse your skin with all of the good stuff dry skin needs, and keep moisture levels intact.

Natural Creamy Cleanser

2. Avoid products with drying ingredients

Besides harsh cleansers, certain toners can be problematic for dry skin as they tend to include drying or astringent ingredients, like alcohol. Instead, you will want to opt for alcohol-free formulas that are hydrating. Not only do these types of products help replace lost moisture after cleansing, but they can be used throughout the day to provide the skin with an added boost of H2O, any time you are feeling dry.

Scenturie Product Pick: Replenishing Natural Toner – A soothing and calming blend of aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, orange blossom water, and other plant-based extracts, our hydrating natural toner is the best toner for dry sensitive skin.

Replenishing Natural Toner

3. Exfoliate…but not too much

If you have dry, sensitive skin cellular turnover can sometimes become sluggish, contributing to a buildup of even more dead or dry skin on the surface. Exfoliating can be very beneficial, and will allow for better absorption of hydrating and moisturising products. The trick, however, is to use exfoliation in moderation. About 1-3x per week is ideal, and will help avoid over-drying or aggravating sensitive skin.

Scenturie Product Pick: Espresso Facial Scrub – finely ground coffee beans are suspended in a rich, thickly textured blend of argan, chia, grapeseed, sweet almond, and coconut oils, and New Zealand kanuka extract, to deliver optimal nourishment while deep cleansing your skin.

Espresso Facial Scrub

4. Reach for the right ingredients

As you’ve likely already gathered at this point, the best skincare routine for dry sensitive skin is one that is full of gentle, hydrating, and nourishing ingredients. What does that look like exactly? We’re glad you asked! Some of our favourites to seek out include: hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and plant-based oils including calming ones like aloe vera, green tea leaf, and rose. As much as possible, we incorporate these ingredients into our Scenturie formulas for dry sensitive skin types.

Unrefined Ghanian shea butter.

5. Add a targeted treatment serum

Though it’s great to moisturise, the truth is that sometimes your skin can benefit from just a bit more. During dry seasons, or anytime your skin is feeling in need of extra TLC, serums are a perfect solution for delivering more concentrated hydration and active ingredients – like hyaluronic acid – deep into the skin. For best results, try layering your favourite serum with your moisturiser. (You will love the enhanced benefit it provides.)

Scenturie Product Pick: Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum – A natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is a youth-boosting super ingredient that encourages cellular turnover and repair, and does not irritate sensitive skin types. Additionally, we’ve paired it with other skin-loving plant oils to create one deeply nourishing elixir.

Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum

6. Follow a consistent routine

While choosing the right skincare products is fundamental to treating dry, sensitive skin, it’s worth noting that no routine will work unless you actually use the products on a regular basis. Skipping a day, or even a step, can quickly contribute to dryness. So with this in mind, a best practice would be to cleanse 1-2x daily, follow with a hydrating toner, plus daily use of targeted serums, and moisturise both morning and night. This will ensure that your skin consistently receives the care that it needs to stay on track.

Scenturie Product Pick: The Ultra-Hydrating Skincare Set – For eliminating guesswork, we created this special skincare set with absolutely everything you need. This kit contains Natural Creamy Cleanser, Replenishing Natural Toner, Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum, Nourishing Natural Day Cream, and Ultra-rich Natural Night Cream, all of which were designed especially for dry, sensitive skin.

Ultra-Hydrating Skincare Set

7. Steer clear of irritating ingredients

Because dry sensitive skin can be prone to additional issues such as rashes, flaky, itchy, patchy skin, inflammation, and exacerbation of allergic reactions, another way to help prevent these concerns is by avoiding certain chemical ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulphates, and silicones. These types of additives can be troublesome for all skin types, but are particularly irritating to dry sensitive skin. We recommend looking for formulas that omit these ingredients altogether.

8: Strive for balanced intake

Understanding that the state of your skin can be a reflection of your internal health, it is also important for dry sensitive skin types to seek balance when it comes to things like a healthy diet. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and limit diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol – which can lead to dehydration in the body and cause more dryness for your skin.

9. Commit to daily SPF and Sun Protection

A common mistake that many people make during colder months is believing that they don’t need to protect themselves against UV exposure. However, this simply isn’t the case. Even when the weather is cold or cloudy, your skin can still incur damage from the sun and this can be particularly hard on dry skin. Regardless of the weather, you should always wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen in the morning, and reapply throughout the day to stay properly safeguarded.

10. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

One last tip that may seem like a no-brainer: To make up for a lack of natural lipids and oils in the skin, you need to apply a good quality natural moisturiser daily. It’s one of the easiest ways to nurture your skin, and cultivate a radiant complexion. Apply twice daily after cleansing and toning, and follow with a suitable SPF in the morning. For additional hydration add a few drops of your favourite botanical face oil as well, it can be a game-changer!

Scenturie Product Picks: Revitalising Face Oil – featuring a luxe combination jojoba seed, grape seed, rosehip fruit, argan, pomegranate seed, sea buckthorn fruit oil, cacay seed, Cucumber seed, Raspberry seed, and Vitamin E oils, this incredible formula helps to balance, restore, rejuvenate, and improve overall skin health.

Nourishing Natural Day Cream – this super-gentle, ultra-hydrating, fragrance-free moisturiser is made with nutrient-rich premium plant oils and extracts to hydrate, strengthen, and nourish skin all day long, without leaving it feeling oily.

Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream – featuring a luxurious blend of pure botanical plant oils carefully selected for their deeply moisturising, regenerative, and nourishing effect on ageing and dehydrated skin. Packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids this ultra-rich night cream is easily absorbed and works to soothe, repair, and regenerate the skin overnight.

Revitalising Face Oil

Nourishing Natural Day Cream

Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream

By following a daily skincare routine designed to care for dry sensitive skin you should start noticing results almost straight away. Be consistent and you will be rewarded with a smooth, hydrated, healthy complexion.

Click the links below to read more:

Hyaluronic Acid: The Best Kept Secret for Your Skin.

The Best Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type.

Skin Concerns

Sensitive Skin Care Tips

All Scenturie natural skincare products are hand-crafted in small batches using pure, sustainable, plant-derived ingredients. All our products are proudly 100% vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, eco-friendly, and backed by science.

Member of Cosmetics New Zealand

www.scenturie.co.nz

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Men’s Skincare – Tips for a Healthy Complexion

Skincare / Scenturie

Men Need Skincare Too!

Have you noticed in recent years that more men’s skincare products are hitting the shelves? If so, you’re not imagining things. In fact, consumer trend studies report that the options for men’s skincare products are expanding on a global scale faster than just about any other niche. And it’s not just a clever new sales strategy. Word is getting around that men need skincare too!

In truth, up until recently, this has been a largely ignored or neglected sector, but luckily more and more brands are recognizing the demand and taking the lead.

Men’s Skin vs. Women’s: Key Differences and Similarities

What makes men’s skin unique and why does it require a slightly different approach in terms of daily care? The answer to this is that while men and women share many of the same concerns – including wanting to prevent ageing, protect their skin against external stressors, and enjoy an overall healthy looking complexion – men’s skin differs just slightly in terms of composition and condition.

For example, male skin tends to be more resilient, due to the fact that the epidermis is about 25% thicker. It also tends to have more collagen and elastin and to produce more oil overall.

This is all good news in terms of staving off the ageing process, however with these advantages come a few disadvantages, including more likelihood of experiencing rough texture, a more oily appearance, and more frequent acne breakouts. Additionally, taking into account other grooming practices like shaving, it’s also worth noting that men’s skin can be more vulnerable to concerns like irritation, minor abrasions, and ingrown facial hairs.

With this in mind, you can probably see why just a bit of soap and water isn’t going to be enough to address so many unique concerns. While men’s skincare needn’t be complicated, investing in a few good products and targeted formulas that specifically take into account these factors is the most effective way to care for men’s skin, prevent premature ageing, and keep it performing optimally.

So what do you need exactly, to build your perfect routine? Let’s talk specifics:

What to look for:

In general, men’s skincare products should contain simple, natural ingredients to prevent irritation post-shave, or overstressing the skin. They may also be formulated specially to promote balanced oil production, and hydrate the skin without clogging the pores.

For your daily complexion care, you don’t need a ten-step routine. Instead, we recommend starting with the basics. Firstly, a good facial cleanser is essential for removing buildup of sweat, excess oil, dirt, bacteria, pollution, and other residue that can cling to your skin. You will then want to follow with an appropriate moisturiser for keeping your skin hydrated and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier.

Lastly, be sure to protect your investment in your skin with sun protection. For this step we recommend an SPF of at least 30, which should be applied every morning and re-applied throughout the day for optimal safeguarding.

Once you’ve got the hang of these steps, you can opt to add other enhancements, such as a facial scrub and a treatment serum for specific concerns like hydration, acne management, hyperpigmentation, or ageing.

How often to apply:

For most skin types, once per day is enough to maintain good skin health, however, you can benefit additionally from cleansing and moisturising both in the morning and at night if you use gentle, nourishing formulas like those featured in our Men’s Natural Skincare Range.

If you choose to exfoliate, you won’t need to do so every day. Rather, a good goal would be to do this step a few times per week to polish away any buildup of dead skin or surface debris, and keep your skin super smooth.

Other tips for success

The best skincare routine is one that you implement consistently, so daily application is a must if you want to see real results. If you have trouble remembering, you may find it helpful to keep your products in a handy place such as in your gym bag, on a bathroom shelf that’s within your line of sight, or next to other staples you use daily like your deodorant, your toothbrush, or cologne. You can also try setting a reminder in your phone to jog your memory, if needed.

Our Product Picks

Scenturie Natural Skincare

MEN Collection

Men’s Hydrating Face Cleanser

For a multitasking, gentle product that can be used by all skin types – including sensitive skin – our new Men’s Hydrating Face Cleanser provides the perfect first step. It can be used as both a face wash and a shaving cream and won’t strip the skin. Plus with ultra-hydrating botanical oils like avocado, grapeseed, apricot kernel, and sunflower, it works to infuse the skin with nourishment and promote better moisture retention.

How to use it: For best results, we recommend using our Hydrating Face Cleanser morning and night to cleanse the entire face and neck area. To use as a cleanser, massage it gently into the skin for a few minutes with damp fingertips and then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. To use as a shave cream, apply a thin layer to slightly wet skin, and shave as normal.

Men’s Charcoal Coffee Face Scrub

Designed to provide just the right amount of exfoliation for a man’s skin, our award-winning Men’s Charcoal Coffee Face Scrub is naturally brightening, purifying, and full of antioxidant benefits. For this special formula we use finely ground coffee beans and pure activated charcoal, blended with premium plant oils like argan and chia seed. You will love how soft and smooth your skin feels after each use.

How to use it: One to three times per week, post-cleanse but before shaving, apply a small amount of scrub to your face and massage it gently into your skin using small circular motions. After a minute, simply rinse with warm water and pay dry. You can then follow with your other products.

Men’s Enhancing Facial Moisturiser

Formulated with richly moisturising macadamia, jojoba, hemp seed, argan, and meadowfoam oils, our award-winning Men’s Enhancing Facial Moisturiser has a lightweight texture and a natural subtle scent of NZ Kanuka oil. It’s the perfect finishing touch for calming the skin post-shave and keeping your complexion feeling hydrated and refreshed.

How to use it: When used in the A.M., moisturiser will be your second to last step before applying SPF, and your last evening step following cleansing, and any other treatment products. To apply, simply pat the product all over the face and neck, and massage it in gently until it is fully absorbed.

Men’s Revitalising Skincare Set

Our Men’s Revitalising Skincare Set features three natural skincare products that have been specially formulated to revitalise and restore healthy, glowing skin. With regular use, you will help give your skin what it needs to stay looking its best for years to come. This also makes an ideal Men’s Skincare Gift Set.

Set includes: Men’s Hydrating Face Cleanser, Men’s Enhancing Facial Moisturiser, and Men’s Charcoal Coffee Face Scrub.

Suitable for normal, dry, combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.

References

1.What Is the Difference Between Male and Female Skin? By Dermatology Associates. https://dermatologyassociatesga.com/difference-between-male-and-female skin/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20male%20skin%20is,it%20a%20tighter%2C%20firmer%20appearance.

2. 10 Things Estheticians Need To Know About Men’s Skin Care By Associated Skincare Professionals. https://www.ascpskincare.com/updates/blog-posts/man-10-things-you-need-know-about-mens-skin-care

3. Global Men’s Skincare Products Market to Reach $16.3 Billion by 2026 by Global Industry Analysts Inc. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-mens-skincare-products-market-to-reach-16-3-billion-by-2026–301383000.html

Member of Cosmetics New Zealand

www.scenturie.co.nz

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How To Get Rid Of Acne Naturally

Skincare / Scenturie

Are pesky pimples getting you down? Have you squeezed, picked, popped, dabbed, scrubbed, covered, and sighed with frustration and despair one too many times? Do you hope and dream of being blemish-free again? You’re definitely not alone! Read on to learn all you need to know about how to get rid of acne for good!

Acne has long been considered the most common skin disorder to humans and has been reported to affect over 70% of adolescents. While acne is most common in teenagers, it can affect people of all ages and all races. It usually becomes less of a problem after the age of 25 years, although about 15% of women and 5% of men continue to have acne as adults. It may also start in adult life.

Over-the-counter acne treatments are often sought by desperate acne sufferers, however, they can have undesirable effects on the skin, leaving it dry, irritated, weakened, and prone to further problems.

Acne is more than an inconvenience. It can cause both physical and psychological problems including permanent scarring of the skin, poor self-image and low self-esteem and depression and anxiety.

Learning how to get rid of acne naturally is a valuable step for anyone trying to reduce ongoing breakouts of their skin, and restore skin to a healthy, blemish-free state.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when pores become blocked with sebum, skin cells, and bacteria. It occurs mainly on the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders – the areas of skin with the most oil (sebaceous) glands. The oil glands (which are connected to hair follicles) release oil that travels up the hair shaft to clean and clear away dead skin cells from the pores, keeping skin clear. However, when the skin’s pores become clogged the excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris become trapped and build up inside the pores causing whiteheads and blackheads to appear. Acne-causing bacteria feed on the oil and dead skin cells within the pores and as they grow this contributes further to the increased pressure within the pore.

The build-up of pressure within the hair follicle eventually causes it to rupture leaking bacteria, oil, debris under the skin surface and creating an inflammatory response or breakout.

DON’T SQUEEZE!

If you attempt to squeeze a papule or cyst you risk spreading the pus further under the surface of the skin often resulting in more breakouts or infection.

What causes acne?

Whiteheads and blackheads can be caused by many lifestyle triggers. It’s very common among teenagers due to the hormonal changes linked with puberty that cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Acne also commonly affects adults and can be triggered by factors such as diet, skincare habits, stress or anxiety, certain medications, an oily skin type, and, in our current Covid world, wearing a mask!

Skin experts agree that you should never strip acne-prone skin of its natural oil or moisture, or you will end up encouraging the skin to produce excess oil, which can result in more congestion and breakouts. Using skin care products that are hydrating and moisturising is a crucial part of reducing breakouts and acne.

If in doubt, chatting with your healthcare professional to understand the cause can help you find the best way to get rid of acne naturally.

How to Get Rid of Acne Naturally

When it comes to treating acne, one of the best things you can do is to establish a good skincare routine with products that support healthy skin function. When your skin is strong and healthy it will be in a better position to heal itself.

Studies have shown that good quality skincare is an integral part of treating acne-prone skin, helping to cleanse, hydrate, protect, repair, and strengthen the skin barrier. Using a good quality, gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturiser is a good start.

Many commercial skincare products are riddled with harmful ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can leave the skin feeling dry and irritated. Switching to natural, non-irritating products allows you to side-step these negative effects and get the most out of your skincare routine.

Establishing a Good Natural Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser

Daily cleansers are an essential skincare product for treating acne as they help to wash away excess oil, dirt, bacteria, or make-up on the skin’s surface. This helps to prevent the skin’s pores from clogging and leading to further breakouts. Apply the cleanser morning and night, massaging it gently into damp skin before rinsing thoroughly.

For best results, look for a gentle, natural, hydrating cleanser without harsh surfactants. Harsh surfactants can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate and increasing the chance of more breakouts. Harsh synthetic surfactants to avoid include SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) or SLES (sodium laureth ether sulfate), and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Natural surfactants can also be irritating to some skin types. Some common natural surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, and coco-glucoside. If your skin feels tight and shiny after using a cleanser then it is stripping your skin of its natural moisture and you should discontinue use.

Natural Creamy Cleanser

Scenturie’s super-gentle Natural Creamy Cleanser effectively removes impurities from the skin without stripping away its natural oils and moisture. Skin is left feeling clean, refreshed, hydrated, and glowing with good health. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

2. Toner

When used correctly a suitable toner can significantly improve your skin health and texture, making it a very valuable addition to your skincare regime. Stay away from toners with alcohol in them as they tend to dry out the skin and can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Look instead for alcohol-free formulations with natural ingredients that hydrate, calm, and moisturise the skin such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.⁠ Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in human tissues such as skin, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It acts as a connective tissue ‘organiser’ and helps to hold water. Hyaluronic acid is a valuable hydrating ingredient in skincare formulations helping to balance overactive sebaceous glands from over-producing oil. Aloe Vera Leaf Juice is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes, and it’s anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties allow it to soothe and moisturise the skin.

A toner should be used 1-2 times daily after cleansing, and before moisturising.

Replenishing Natural Toner

Scenturie’s Replenishing Natural Toner is alcohol-free and features aloe vera leaf juice and plant-based hyaluronic acid, to instantly hydrate, balance, and calm skin. Suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin.

3. Moisturiser

Moisturisers are a very important element of our skincare as they help to rehydrate, nourish, and strengthen skin. If your skin is prone to acne, avoid thick, heavy moisturisers as they tend to leave an oily layer on the skin which can clog the pores and increase the risk of breakouts. Instead, try using a thin layer of a lighter, non-comedogenic natural moisturiser.

Nourishing Natural Day Cream

Scenturie’s award-winning Nourishing Natural Day Cream is a super-gentle, non-comedogenic, ultra-hydrating, fragrance-free moisturiser suitable for all skin types.

4. Topical Actives

Retinol & Salicylic Acid

The gold standard of topical acne fighters are retinol and salicylic acid, both found in many over-the-counter creams. Retinol (vitamin A) works to reduce the effects of over-producing oil glands, as well as increasing cell turnover, helping to reduce congestion and oil build-up on the skin’s surface. Retinol also helps improve skin texture by supporting collagen production. However, as great as it all sounds, many people find retinol and salicylic acid too irritating for their skin which can be a big problem if their skin is already irritated from acne.

Bakuchiol

An exciting alternative to retinol is a natural plant-based product called bakuchiol which is showing very promising results in skincare science. Bakuchiol is a natural, less irritating, and vegan alternative to retinol highly valued for its medicinal properties. It has been used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, with positive effects on eczema, rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions. Bakuchiol has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective option for eliminating acne-causing bacteria and reducing swelling in acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol also helps to regulate the skin’s natural oil production, which in turn helps to settle acne.

Bakuchiol works to regulate oil production, reduce pore size, reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and increase skin firmness, resulting in a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

Bakuchiol may be the natural alternative to retinol your skin needs. Read more about bakuchiol HERE.

Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum

Scenturie’s Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum helps to restore optimal skin health, resilience, and a youthful, radiant glow. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

5. Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to getting rid of acne naturally. For the best outcome, you will need to establish a daily skincare routine and stick to it. If you have trouble remembering your skincare routine, try setting a reminder on your phone.

Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle being consistent with your natural skincare routine is one of the easiest ways you can clear your skin of acne.

Despite their best efforts, a small number of people may end up needing professional help with their acne. If your acne does not improve after 2-3 months of following the above suggestions then see your GP or skin specialist for advice and further treatment options.

For more information on how to care for acne-prone skin click HERE.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC399720/

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/21/8/1063/htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/dry-skin-and-acne

www.scenturie.co.nz

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Parabens and Sulfates: Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare Products and What to Shop for Instead

Skincare / Scenturie

Could your favourite beauty products be harmful to your health?

Parabens and sulfates are two common cosmetic components that top the list of toxic ingredients to avoid for various reasons. If you’ve been hearing a lot of talk about clean beauty lately and wondered what you can do to get on board, one of the best places to start is learning about harmful ingredients to watch out for in your cosmetics.

To help you get started, here’s a little breakdown on two harmful ingredients that are still quite common in beauty products today.

Bad news ingredients – why you should avoid parabens and sulfates:

Parabens

Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in many beauty and household products worldwide. They appear on ingredient lists with names such as: isobutylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparabens. Added to many formulas to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, parabens are what help prolong the shelf-life of cosmetics. Parabens have been around since the 1920’s, but unfortunately, in more recent years, science has linked parabens to a host of serious health issues.

Alarmingly, research has shown that parabens can penetrate our skin barrier, enter our blood stream, and cause disruption of our endocrine system by mimicking hormones like oestrogen. This disruption of our body’s natural hormone signals can cause chemical imbalances within our body that can affect fertility leading to reproductive and developmental issues. Studies have also suggested that parabens could play a role in the development of human breast, ovary, and testicular cancer. For these reasons, many countries have banned the use of some parabens in personal care products. Parabens can also cause skin irritation, and there is research to suggest that there is a correlation between parabens in SPF products and damaged coral reefs.

While limited quantities of parabens are considered harmless and are not regulated by the FDA, the problem lies in repeated exposure with daily use of certain formulas. In fact, one 2018 study found teenage girls who regularly wore makeup tested positive for 20x the normal amount of propylparaben compared to those who did not or rarely wore makeup.

You may ask: “Why do companies continue to use parabens if they are so bad for us and the environment?”. One major reason is because they are cheap to manufacture, which ultimately means bigger profits!

Given the damage that can be caused to the endocrine system, reproductive system, and the environment, long-chain parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, butyl-, isopropyl- and propylparaben) should not be used in personal care or cosmetic products.

Always check ingredient lists and know what you are putting onto and into your body!

Sulfates

Sulfates (also known as sulphates) are used as cleansing and foaming agents appearing in everyday health, beauty, and skincare products like body washes, detergents, shampoos, toothpaste, and many other household and personal care products. They are synthetic chemicals derived from fatty alcohols, made from palm kernel oil or petroleum oil sources.

Sulfates belong to a class of cleansers called anionic surfactants, with the most common sulfate compounds known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates are hugely problematic both for the skin and the planet.

In beauty products, sulfates are used to help with foaming, lathering and cleansing, however, they are commonly reported as skin irritants, stripping away the skins natural oils and leaving it feeling dry, irritated and inflamed. Studies have shown that sulfates can penetrate the skins barrier, cause damage to cellular membranes, and cause reactions in sensitive skin types leading to itchiness, watery eyes, and even dermatitis. Research has also shown that using shampoos with sulfates can cause scalp irritation, excessive drying of hair and skin, and even hair loss. Perhaps what is even more concerning is the negative impact sulfates have on our environment. Sulfates are mainly petroleum-derived, but they can also be manufactured from coconut or palm oil. Petroleum products and palm oil are controversial due to their association with natural habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gases.

The interesting thing is that sulfates are not actually necessary! The lather, froth and foam we have become conditioned to expect when using sulfate-containing products is NOT NEEDED, and it is NOT what does the cleaning. You do not need a lather, froth, or foam to effectively clean your skin or hair.

What to shop for instead

If all of the above sounds like bad news, the good news is that parabens and sulfates are completely unnecessary for formulating products. As more and more consumers demand cleaner cosmetics, your options for shopping paraben- and sulfate-free are expanding. By simply checking ingredients and making empowered choices, you will be able to easily make the switch to clean beauty in no time. We recommend always looking for simple formulas with plant-based ingredients that you recognize (and can pronounce.)

At Scenturie, we are committed to creating skincare products that are better for your skin, your body and the planet as well. We use only pure, plant-based, sustainable ingredients, and promise never to use toxic additives including parabens, sulfates, glycols, silicones, mineral oils, phenoxyethanol, and phthalates. We also avoid synthetic fragrances and use only botanical essential oils to bring you clean, holistic, beauty and skincare, just the way nature intended.

Visit our website to learn more: www.scenturie.co.nz

Natural Skincare

References

Parabens in Cosmetics By The Food & Drug Administration

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics

What Are Parabens? By Tasha Stoiber, PhD, for The Environmental Working Group https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens

Should People Be Concerned About Parabens? By Scientific American

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-people-be-concerned-about-parabens-in-beauty-products/

Should You Be Going Sulfate Free? By Daniela Ginta, Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D.

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates

Why Are Sulfates Bad for You? By Shaziya Allarakha, MD, Medically reviewed by Pallavi Suyog Uttekar, MD

https://www.medicinenet.com/why_are_sulfates_bad_for_you/article.htm

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The best skincare routine for your skin type

Hyaluronic acid: The best kept secret for your skin!

Skincare / Scenturie

In the world of beauty and skincare, there is always some new ingredient that generates a lot of buzz. Although it has been on the market for some time, the buzz about this ingredient does not seem to be dying down anytime soon. Hyaluronic acid is commonly featured in many skincare products such as serums, moisturisers, toners, supplements (and even injectables), and can prove to be a worthwhile addition to your daily skin-care regimen. The staying power of this naturally occurring molecule is due to its ability to combine with water to plump your skin and impart a soft, youthful texture. Glowing skin can be yours. Let us take a closer look at this in-demand ingredient…

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that naturally occurs in the skin and connective tissues of the human body. 50% of the total hyaluronic acid present in the body is found in the skin. This power-packed polysaccharide provides cushioning and lubrication of our skin, joints, hair, nerves, and eyes. Its ability to attract, bind to, and retain water makes it very useful in the war on dry skin, and it is a valuable addition to skincare regimes.

As a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid can draw and retain moisture, preventing it from evaporating into the air. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water giving it super hydrating qualities that provide a deep moisturising effect to skin.

Hyaluronic acid and skin ageing

Skin aging is a multifactorial process comprising two distinct and independent mechanisms: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Youthful skin retains its smooth texture, elasticity, and resilience due to its high-water content. Daily stressors, in conjunction with the normal aging process, causes loss of moisture to the skin. The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid, with its unique ability to retain water.

Like collagen and elastin, naturally occurring hyaluronic acid decreases as we age. Studies have shown a marked disappearance of hyaluronic acid in the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) while still present in the dermis (layer beneath the epidermis). The epidermis loses the principal molecule responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, resulting in loss of skin moisture. This contributes to the apparent dehydration, atrophy and loss of elasticity that characterises aging skin.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare products?

The ability to retain moisture and provide lasting hydration is a major reason why hyaluronic acid continues to be popular in the beauty and skincare industry. The benefits of this moisture retaining property in skincare products is discussed below:

1) Promotes moisture retention.

Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable moisture. Most importantly it helps skin cells retain that precious moisture, leaving skin looking and feeling hydrated all day long.

2) Acts as a humectant.

A humectant is a water-loving substance that attracts, retains, and preserves moisture. The humectant properties of hyaluronic acids allow it to infuse the epidermis with moisture and then continue drawing moisture from the surrounding environment providing long lasting hydration to skin.

3) Helps prevent premature aging of skin.

It is common knowledge that the loss of moisture in the skin is capable of aging skin prematurely. The ability of hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture in the skin means that if we apply it as part of our beauty regime it helps to promote a hydrated, youthful, healthy complexion.

4) It is rapidly absorbed.

Unlike some of its counterparts in the beauty industry, hyaluronic acid is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin making it a highly efficient ingredient.

5) It is non-irritating to skin.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies and is generally safe for all skin types.

6) It combines well with other ingredients.

Hyaluronic acid can be paired with many other ingredients in skincare including retinol, bakuchiol, vitamins, peels, and other acids. The only exception to this is acids with low pH levels, such as glycolic acid, which can degrade hyaluronic acid and reduce its effectiveness.

Outside of beauty and skincare, hyaluronic acid can speed up wound healing by regulating inflammation within the body, can treat dry eyes, and hyaluronic supplements can treat joint problems.

Award-winning skincare products with hyaluronic acid

Scenturie’s Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream and Replenishing Natural Toner are award-winning skincare products with hyaluronic acid. Packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids Ultra-Rich Natural Night Cream is easily absorbed and works to soothe, repair, and regenerate the skin overnight. Replenishing Natural Toner hydrates, balances, and calms the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and re-energised.

What does the research show?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2014 looked at the efficacy of low molecular weight topical hyaluronic acid preparations in the treatment of wrinkles, skin hydration, and skin elasticity in humans. Thirty-three (33) women were monitored for eight (8) weeks to test the anti-wrinkle properties. The results concluded that there was a statistically significant moisturising effect from products (whether lotions, serums, or creams) at each treatment interval. The depth of wrinkles was reduced by 40%, skin hydration increased by 96% and elasticity increased by up to 55% at the end of the eight (8) week period.

What role does diet play?

When considering your diet, there are a variety of nutrients that play a role in supporting the production of hyaluronic acid and in preventing its deterioration. Magnesium supports the body’s production of hyaluronic acid, the flavonoid naringenin inhibits its breakdown, and phytoestrogens work to increase its presence in the skin. Read more about the best hyaluronic foods for your skin here. A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, including fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, will ensure you get enough nutrients to support the body’s production and maintenance of hyaluronic acid, and ultimately healthy skin.

Who can use hyaluronic acid?

Generally, hyaluronic acid is safe for use on all skin types. Hyaluronic acid is non-irritating and has not been found as a trigger for acne, rosacea, or any skin allergies. People who suffer from dry skin, or those of us with more mature skin, will gain the most benefit from products with hyaluronic acid because natural production of it by our bodies declines as we get older.

Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to skin ageing

Prevention is the best and most effective way to help work against extrinsic skin aging effects. The best prevention strategy to work against the harmful action of free radicals is a lifestyle with a balanced nutritional diet, good quality sleep, great self-care, regular physical exercise, and good stress management. Alongside this, a morning and night skincare routine using the best quality skincare products you can afford, will give your skin all it needs to glow.

The Final Word

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It deserves great care and attention as we will wear it every day for the rest of our lives. The ability of hyaluronic acid to restore moisture to the skin, improve skins texture and elasticity, decrease the appearance of wrinkles, strengthen the protective barrier, and protect against environmental assault, makes it a very valuable addition to any skincare regime. With so many benefits, what could be preventing you from giving it a try? We encourage you to let this power-packed polysaccharide become part of your skin routine, and let your skin radiate with happiness and good health!

Hyaluronic acid: The best kept secret for your skin! Read More »

Why Natural Skincare is Best

Skincare / Scenturie

Natural Skincare & Clean Beauty

The beauty and skincare industry has seen its fair share of trends over the years. While you may have been happy to see some of those trends go, others have been beneficial. ‘Clean beauty’ is one such trend. ‘Clean beauty’ refers to the fact that many consumers (as much as 50% of women according to a 2017 survey) preferentially seek out facial and skincare products that have all-natural or organic ingredients. These products tend to be free of chemicals such as parabens and sulfates which have long been staples within the beauty and skincare industry. You may recognize them as the products with a plant on the label or packaging in muted, earthy tones, with words such as “natural”, “non-toxic”, and “cruelty-free” on its labels.

This shift away from traditional beauty and skincare ingredients has had its benefits. Based on a study conducted by the Environmental Working group, on average, it is estimated that women can put on one hundred and sixty-eight (168) chemicals on their body via their daily skincare regimen. That is a lot of chemicals! What is even more alarming is that not all these chemicals are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so unfortunately you may not be aware of exactly what you are exposing yourself to. Is it safe or not? Is the benefit worth the potential risk for other problems? These are questions that we should all ask ourselves. We have listed below the reasons why natural skincare is best.

1. Better for your skin and better for your health

We know that the skin is the body’s first line of defence, and so it stands to reason that we would do all we can to preserve it and maintain it in optimal health. Why then would we expose it to harmful chemicals and toxins that can break down this protective barrier? What is even more concerning is that it has been shown that many of these chemicals and toxins can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream where they can affect the nervous system, immune system, and reproductive system.

It is also noteworthy to mention that many of these products also have synthetic fragrances that (although they smell pleasant) are used to cover up chemicals. Most of these fragrances are also unregulated by the FDA and they may contain toxic chemicals. Many studies have reported that synthetic fragrances have the potential to cause “possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects.” Synthetic fragrances have also been found to contain hormone disruptors which have been linked abnormal cell reproduction.

By making the switch to using natural skincare products, you can put your mind at ease. These products tend to be void of many of the added chemicals that are unsafe. Natural products tend to be less irritating and once you choose the right products for your skin, you should be well on your way to natural, glowing skin. By removing those unnecessary chemicals, and using gentler products on your skin, you can avoid those pesky breakouts.

2. Better for the environment

Natural skincare is not only better for your body, but it is also better for the environment. When you use commercial beauty products and the chemicals are washed down the drain, they can be harmful to the local waterways. Ingredients within these products may also require mining which negatively affects that environment in so many ways.

Along with health concerns over the long list of hard-to-pronounce chemicals that are often found in conventional beauty and skincare products, there is also the fact that these often create a large carbon footprint. Ingredients commonly found in conventional beauty products such as petroleum and silicone are not only bad for our health but very harmful for the environment. The way in which traditional ingredients are extracted or manufactured often significantly impacts the environment, even if they occur naturally. For example, palm oil is a naturally occurring substance but for it to be harvested land must be stripped, leaving destruction in its wake. Most of the world’s palm oil is produced unsustainably with ancient native forests being replaced with palm plantations at frightening rates. This is leading to unprecedented levels of deforestation, fires, and habitat loss, which is threatening the survival of species such as the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, and the Sumatran rhino. The Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has been working towards controlling the damaging aspects of palm oil production, but there still is much work to be done to close loopholes and ensure palm oil is in fact truly sustainable.

The packaging of products is also very problematic as plastics from packaging contribute to overflowing landfills and pollution of our oceans. Many natural brands try to find sustainable alternatives to packaging such as reusable glass containers or recycled materials.

3. Free from harmful chemicals

Many often find that by switching to natural skincare they find better products. Natural skincare companies invest time and money into ensuring that their products are safe for all skin types and do not have any deleterious side effects on you or your body. Unlike conventional products, there are no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, glycols, silicones, or phenoxyethanol.

But what is so bad about these chemicals? Let’s talk now about the common chemicals found in skincare products and why you should avoid them.

Chemicals you should avoid in your skincare products and why:

Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products since the 1920s. Scientific studies suggest that parabens can penetrate the skin barrier, enter our bodies, and cause disruption of our endocrine system. This can interfere with our hormonal production by mimicking estrogen, potentially leading to reproductive and developmental issues. It has also been suggested in studies that parabens could play a role in the development of human breast, ovary, and testicular cancer. For these reasons, many countries have banned the use of some parabens in personal care products. Parabens can also cause skin irritation and there is research to suggest that there is a correlation between parabens in SPF products and damaged coral reefs.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that are used in a variety of household items, including personal-care products. One called diethylphthalate (DEP) is commonly used in fragrance ingredients. Like parabens, scientific studies have also shown that phthalates can be harmful to our bodies. A 2020 scientific review on the long-term consequences of phthalate exposure concluded that, based on several in vitro and in vivo studies, phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors and cause moderate reproductive and developmental toxicities. Furthermore, phthalates can pass through the placental barrier and affect the developing foetus. The potential adverse health effects in humans make it a ‘no-brainer’ to avoid these chemicals wherever possible. Phthalates usually appear on a label as DHEP or DiBP.

Sulphates

Sulfates are skin irritants that can strip skin of its natural oils causing dryness and irritation. Since it can penetrate the skin’s barrier, the continued use of sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can cause a reaction that makes the skin more susceptible to the absorption of other irritants. Sulfates are mainly derived from petroleum but can be derived from plants, such as coconut or palm oil. Petroleum products are controversial due to their association with climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gases. Palm oil is controversial due to habitat destruction, amongst many other things.

A natural skincare alternative to sulfates includes gentle foaming agents like sugar or coconut. The best way to safeguard against the use of sulphates is to carefully read the ingredient list on product labels.

Glycols

Propylene glycol is derived from petroleum. It is a humectant, which means that it increases moisture retention in skin and hair. Typically, it is well tolerated by the skin and does not cause any redness or irritation, however, the problem with propylene glycol lies within the fact that it is a penetration-enhancing humectant. This means that it could possibly allow harmful toxins to be absorbed by the skin, where under normal circumstances this would not happen. This can include skin toxins such as pollutants and harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reaction.

Silicones

Silicones are commonly found in skin and beauty products where they confer a silky, luxurious texture. They can make skin appear and feel visibly smoother even though the effect is oftentimes temporary. Silicones are also water-resistant and so they can create a seal over skin that provides “hydration” benefits. However, silicones are not always beneficial to the skin. Since silicone is known to ‘seal things in’, this means that it can also trap dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dead cells. When these are trapped for long periods of time, it can cause breakouts on the skin, especially for people who are prone to acne. Its semi-occlusive properties can also prevent additional moisture from being absorbed by your skin, leaving it looking dull and dry. The truth is that silicones offer virtually no benefit to your skin and any benefit they do offer is very short-lived and they often leave behind a heavy coating. From an environmental perspective, most silicones are not biodegradable. They wash down into our drains and into the environment, where they accumulate and can cause toxicity to wildlife.

As consumers trying to use high-quality ingredients that are better for our skin and the environment, the solution is to go natural with things like aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba oil.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is commonly used in many cosmetics and personal care products. It is an ether alcohol that is colorless and has a rose-like aroma and it is present in so many daily use products that you are likely to have a cupboard full of it at home. Phenoxyethanol is a popular ingredient as it inhibits microbial growth, stabilizes products, and enhances shelf-life. It can be listed on a label under several names, including 2-phenoxyethanol, phenoxytol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, and 1-hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%. Adverse systemic effects have been observed in toxicological studies on animals and plants but supposedly only when the levels of exposure were much higher than those to which consumers are exposed when using phenoxyethanol-containing cosmetic products. Interestingly, phenoxyethanol is classified as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs, and as a result Japan and the EU have restricted its use. The question we all need to ask ourselves is “What happens when many other phenoxyethanol containing products are applied to our skin daily?”. Products such as: liquid hand soap, body wash, cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, make-up, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair products, aftershave, dishwashing liquid, clothes washing liquid, bench spray, the list goes on. Phenoxyethanol is rapidly absorbed into the body once it makes skin contact. Although the single product you are using may only have 1% concentration of phenoxyethanol, what happens when you use many other products containing phenoxyethanol during the day, as we all do? That is a lot of phenoxyethanol being absorbed into your body, and/or being washed down the drain into the waterways.

Preservation of skincare and personal care products is crucial to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus, and microbes, however there are effective, approved, natural alternatives to phenoxyethanol which many natural skincare companies are now using.

There are other chemicals commonly found in beauty and skincare products that have also been found to be harmful. For example, aluminum is a toxic metal commonly found in products that can mimic estrogen and disrupt the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. Many products also contain synthetic fragrances, that are derived from petrochemicals, and contain thousands of different ingredients that are not listed on the label. Consequently, there is no way of knowing what you are being exposed to.

What can you do?

Most people are exposed worldwide to a variety of potentially harmful substances every single day. Although the amounts may be small, and the effects sometimes poorly understood, continuous exposure to a mix of these chemicals over long periods could have consequences for the health and well-being of people and society.

With the new wave of natural beauty companies pledging to abstain from using these chemicals, avoiding harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, has become easier.

As a consumer the single most important thing you can do for yourself is read and understand cosmetic labels! Become familiar with the chemicals in skincare products and decide what is important to you. Are you happy to be putting that paraben-containing product on your skin knowing that it could cause you adverse health problems down the track? Are you happy to buy that product that uses palm oil knowing that widespread devastation has occurred to make it? Are you happy to buy products packaged in plastic knowing the disastrous consequences of plastic pollution to our planet? Empower yourself and become an informed, conscious consumer. Buy natural products that list their ingredients on their labels and website. Choose products that are free from the chemicals listed above. Support companies that do not package their products in plastic. Buy products from companies that care about the things you care about and don’t just ‘talk the talk’.

Natural Skincare is best!

In conclusion, ‘clean beauty’ brands have been investing in our health and the wellbeing of our planet. It is important to support brands that not only use natural ingredients but that also align with your beliefs whether it is natural, vegan, organic, or cruelty-free. Guilt-free skincare is in! Skip the cocktail of chemicals – and embrace natural skincare! Your skin, your health, and the environment will certainly be glad you did!

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