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4 Skin Care Personalities: Which Are You?

By Canoe Group on September 22, 2023 in quick tip, skin care tools, Uncategorized

4 Skin Care Personalities

Minimalist, Trend-Seeker, Quick Fixer, or Connoisseur?

I’ve been a minimalist since childhood.While my friends were chatty about the last skincare and makeup products, hair wands, and gels, taking a mall trip to visit Sephora and spending their allowance on little vials of this or that, I was happily clueless. Today, as I start to see signs of skin issues in my 30s, I do what I can do to keep my skin healthy, but my ultimate dream is still to live on a deserted island where (in my magical alternate reality) my skin is naturally buoyed and kept supple and glowing by a totally naturalistic lifestyle. *sigh* While that may be far from my reality, the heart of it rings true for me. I don’t want to spend time worrying about my skincare, or money lining my shelves with new products. To put more focus on my skin than I’m comfortable with, I’ve learned would only make me anxious and obsessive about my skincare. For others, it’s a completely different story. My friend LOVES spending a weekend evening trying out new products and reading article after article about their effects. She has beautiful skin because that works for her. A sharper focus on her skin and time spent on skincare is a form of self-love and pampering. For me, a simple facial cleanse, a serum and a quick moisturizer with SPF are all I need for my skin to feel good and keep healthy while keeping stress on the issue at bay. We all have a skincare personality; the trick is to recognize it and learn how to roll with it. Going against the grain of what works for you (and that might change through different seasons of your life), will result in more frustration, stress and oh-just-forget-it outbursts than is good for your skin.

1. The Minimalist

You favor a quick cleanser, and a moisturizer to make your skin feel more comfortable and less tight, but you aren’t over-fussy with brands or expensive products. You want utility and prefer a more natural approach that weaves well with your lifestyle.

Pros: You won’t spend too much time worrying in front of a mirror.
Cons: You might experience some premature aging if you become neglectful of your skin.
If You Do One Thing: Choose a few good products to address skin moisture, skin suppleness, and an exfoliating cleanser.

2. The Trend-Seeker

You expect quick, visible results from your skincare, and always look for a new product that might work better than your last investment. You have several pots of moisturizer, cleanser and masks on the go, ready to use for your skin’s changing needs.

Pros: Open to advice, Enthusiastic, Keeps a consistent routine
Cons: Poor effective may be had on sensitive skin from switching up products and trying new things so often
If you do one thing: play around with non-essential products, but keep a consistent core product base.

3. The Connoisseur

You take skincare seriously, are well versed in the latest products, but unlike the Trend-Seeker, you’re not looking for a quick fix. You don’t mind taking the time to use a multi-step program, or investing in new technology with long-term trial periods.

Pros: You’ll find what works and have fewer negative reactions to products.
Cons: Maintaining this level of commitment can be time-consuming and expensive.
If you do one thing: Don’t forget that diet, exercise and lifestyle have a huge impact on the way your skin looks and behaves. You may find it easier to choose a new do-all cream with multi-benefits to cut out a step or two of your regimen.

4. The Investor

You’ve found a range of products you love and suit your skin. You stockpile when there’s a special offer on and see no reason to look for anything new. You’ve done your research and you’re investing in your long-term skin goals, and aren’t expecting to see any immediate effects on your overall skin health.

Pros: less time spent worrying about skincare
Cons: You could be affected by tachyphylaxis (when a product stops working for you from overuse).
If you do one thing: Take inventory of your skin once a year for any changes due to aging, pregnancy or climate changes. Have a rotating arsenal of multiple products to interchange and avoid tachyphylaxis.

What Color Should My Vitamin C Serum Be?

By Canoe Group on September 22, 2023 in Skin Care Science

Natural color change over time happens, but your Vitamin C should arrive a fresh light hue.

“I’ve bought Vitamin C Serum a few times in the past year and a half. The first time I bought it, I noticed the color was a yellowish brown. The next time I purchased from the same brand, the serum was a very pale yellow, like a light olive oil. And then this last time I purchased it, it was dark, like the color of agave. Why is it always different? Is that normal?”

-Kelsey S.

Vitamin C offers a plethora of benefits including the possibility of brightening, hydration, reducing redness, promoting collagen, protecting against sun damage, and healing wounds. But as a popular product, it’s not always distributed with the highest standards. You may have noticed, like Kelsey, that your Vitamin C Serum is a different color from bottle to bottle, or that the Vitamin C you keep on your shelf changes colors over time. And like Kelsey, we know a lot of men and woman have been wondering Why. We’ve got your answers. “The reason Vitamin C serum often comes in a spectrum of hues”, Aaron Kozol, founder of SkinMedix and pharmacist-turned-skincare enthusiast, “is due to oxidation.” The fresher the batch, the lighter color it will be. Vitamin C usually comes in a dark bottle, to protect from UV light and oxidization. The bottles try to keep out as much air and light as possible, but overtime it will naturally age and succumb to the oxidization process as the bottle is opened and the serum periodically exposed. From light to dark amber, your Vitamin C Serum tells you how old it really is.The key is to find a supplier who consistently sells the freshest batches and with good turnover. Serums like the 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum sold by SkinMedix have the highest quality. The shelf life of your Vitamin C Serum will naturally begin the oxidization product, even if you receive the lightest hue. Opening the bottle each time of use allows more and more air in. Fortunately, your serum is safe to use until it turns dark amber.

A Dab, A Dot, or a Dollop?

By Canoe Group on September 15, 2023 in Skin Care Routine, skin science

Believe it when your mother tells you, “Less is more!” Sometimes.If I open my bathroom vanity mirror right now, I can pull at least four products from its shelves with non-specific instructions on how much product to apply.

Apply liberally…Apply a moderate amount…Apply a substantial amount…Apply a small amount…

Helpful. Most directions leave me none the wiser, shaking my head at the bathroom sink and wondering, to echo the late comedian John Pinette: “How small is small?” We already have to deal with non-standardized sizing in restaurants, at clothing stores, and even with babies’ diapers! I draw the line at beauty products. Small, liberal, moderate, and substantial are highly subjective metrics.

Exhibit A:

What is this non-discriminant style of measuring? Are faces such different sizes that we can’t standardize beauty products’ sizing? We’re running out of our products too quickly from applying too much. We’re not seeing the benefits of applying too little! We need answers; we need a formula to follow. How much is enough? A dab? A dot? Or a dollop? Your ultimate guide is below.

Cleanser: Your cleanser serving size (if it’s a good cleanser like Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser) should be no more than a hazelnut. Any more, and it’s just wasteful. Any less, and you might get the deep clean you need.
Moisturizer: Think of two raisins in your palm; that’s all you need for a full application — and to keep your skin from looking like a raisin. When you moisturize, don’t just slap it on, spend a few moments massaging your moisturizer in so it penetrates surface levels of the skin.
Eye Cream: One pine nut size per eye is plenty. Or, TicTacs, if that’s a more helpful visualization. Applying eye cream with upward, gentle massaging motions will get the most out of a little.
Night Cream: A mid-size blueberry is enough to ensure night-long moisturization. Try Revision Firming Night Treatmentfor extra-wrinkle protection while you sleep.
Retinol & Serums: A pea. That’s all. I’ve seen (and have been guilty of in the past) women emptying a dropper-full on their faces. A little goes a long way if applied thoroughly.
Sunscreen: Here’s where the fun begins. One grape-sized serving per body part is sufficient when applying sunscreen. Out of all your products, you’ll want to apply, as your directions likely say, liberally.

Go forth and apply with confidence!

Facial Masks: 5 Reasons to Use Them Regularly

By Canoe Group on August 25, 2023 in cosmetics, Masks

The epitome of sleepovers and slumber parties, but facial masks are more than just a reason to channel Jenna Rink while sliding Cheetos between our lips and binge-watching romantic comedies.

Like anything else when it comes to skincare, a facial mask product can do more harm than good, so discerning consumers beware. Faulty masks can cause breakouts, rashes, and irritated skin. But with the right mask, you won’t want to wait for the next pajama night in. And experts say you shouldn’t!1

Masks are powerfully concentrated and able to contain high levels of key ingredients because chemists need not concern themselves with the homogenization of a product that’s going to be rinsed off after a few minutes — or thrown away if you use a sheet mask. Sheet masks, like SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, are single-use masks individually sealed. These masks have extra potency and punch because they’re sealed and protected from the air, which can oxidize and weaken key ingredients. A great option for sensitive skin, SK-II masks are 100% cotton soaked in a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids. Use semi-daily for ultimate comfort and intense hydration that will make you forget it’s a weekday! Masks can also enhance the products in your existing regimen. In fact, you can actually achieve quicker and even better results if you choose a mask with treatment ingredients that work together with the products you already use. If you treat your acne with a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide at night let’s say, adding a sulfur-based mask will get you clearer skin quicker. Each ingredient tackles acne in a unique way. Combined, they work magic! Talk to a trusted dermatologist to find the right combination of masks and products for your goals. Masks help your skincare products absorb better. Using a mask that exfoliates and moisturizes will help keep your skin at peak hydration. This allows for anti-aging superstars like acids and retinoids to absorb better. Better yet, you’ll be able to use these ingredients more regularly because your skin will be able to tolerate them with less irritation. We recommend Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask.Masks can be problem solvers, and bring balance back to your skin. We all experience those occasional periods when our skin goes haywire, especially during seasonal changes. Masks can be like a reset button for your skin. If your oil glands suddenly kick up production, a calming clay mask, like SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, will dry out excess oil and give any breakouts a chance to heal. Revive dry, tired skin with a hydrating and nourishing mask, like Neova Pure Copper Mask. Quickly calm red, irritated skin with a cooling gel mask, like Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask. Masks can help you to relax, destress and recover. And isn’t thiswhat we love about them most? Relaxing with a mask for just ten minutes can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. Include some deep breathing to increase relaxation and trigger the release of healing and anti-aging beta endorphins. Recover with Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque.

But whether we take time to relax, or slap on a face mask for ten minutes while doing laundry, it’s all gravy. You will feel the benefits either way when you include masks in your regular regimen. Just make sure you give your household a fair warning before you get all Friday the 13th Jason on them.

Sources:

1Nilforoushzadeh, M. A., Amirkhani, M. A., Zarrintaj, P., Salehi Moghaddam, A., Mehrabi, T., Alavi, S., & Mollapour Sisakht, M. (2018). Skin care and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 17(5), 693–702. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12730

Do You Exfoliate? Best Exfoliators For YOUR Skin Type

By Canoe Group on August 11, 2023 in cosmetics, skin care tools, skin science

There’s a fine line between smooth and rubbed raw. Millions get it wrong every day. Never fear, we’ve got your guidelines here.

Close up portrait of a merry young woman performing an exfoliation procedure with a facial sponge

We have exfoliating gloves, cleansers, and scrubs…but are they all created equal? Experts say, No. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, a natural build-up that occurs as our skin tries to make way for new cells. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, if you’re not sure about how to best exfoliate your skin, you could end up doing more harm than good. I developed my exfoliating habit in my late twenties, but I wish I’d known the right way to exfoliate my skin sooner. On and off attempts at exfoliating with everything from course sugar granules to lightly granulated glycolic acid acne cleansers left my skin drier, redder, and more sensitive than it already was. I would regularly wake up in the morning with mild burns, particularly around my t-zone and my eyes. Exfoliating can be a great defense against acne, as clearing away dead skin helps to keep pores clean. In my case, I irritated my skin so badly, my breakouts grew even worse. I rubbed my skin raw. For several years after that, I gave up on exfoliating altogether, opting for softer cloths to wash my face with non-abrasive cleansers. This helped to keep my skin from getting irritated but also left my skin feeling irregularly textured instead of smooth. The natural build-up of dead skin became frustrating especially when applying makeup. I like the hydrated dewy look, but my makeup looked crusty. Now, I opt for a gentle exfoliating cleanser with a soft exfoliating glove, but it took some trial and error, as well as a good chat with a skin specialist to find the right combo for me.Here are some tips we’ve put together at SkinMedix for you to choose the best exfoliator for your skin type.

Normal SkinGlycolic acid is one of the most effective exfoliators and is great for normal skin types. It can also be slightly irritating, so moisturize after to prevent inflammation. Look for moisturizers for sensitive skin with ceramides or green tea. Start off with a cleanser likeNeostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash and follow up with a soothing moisturizer, likeSkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream.Oily or Combination SkinA scrub with microbeads or sugar once a week and a salicylic acid-infused cleanser every day sounds like sloughing overload, but scrubs, like SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub sweeps away dead cells so the salicylic acid can penetrate and clean clogged pores. For your “everyday cleanser”, we recommend Obagi CLENZIderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser. Or, for occasional use, you can get the benefits of both in a single product with antioxidant-richiS Clinical Tri-Active Exfoliating Masque.Dry, Sensitive, or Very Fair SkinTry products that contain lactic acid, like Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanserand PCA Skin Body Therapy. Lactic acid is a relatively large molecule that can’t penetrate the skin as deeply as the other alpha hydroxy acids, which means it’s not as abrasive. Unfortunately, anything else may make your skin drier, redder, and more sensitive.If you aren’t sure which skin type you have or have any questions about exfoliating, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Never been? Find a board-certified dermatologist near you through the WebMD Care Portal.

Cleanser, Toner…Then What? How to Layer Your Skincare Products

By Canoe Group on August 4, 2023 in Uncategorized

When it comes to layering your skincare products, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s your comprehensive guide, based on our trial and error.

Woman caring of her beautiful skin on the face standing near mirror in the bathroom. Young mexican woman applying moisturizer on her face at home. Smiling multiethnic girl holding little green jar of bio skin cream and applying lotion on cheek.

Maybe it’s just us, but it seems like most women struggle with figuring out how to layer their 3 or 5 or 10-step skincare routines. Standing at their bathroom sink morning and night they try a different sequence hoping that this one might be the magical mingling that gives me baby-soft skin. There is a right order and a wrong order. But don’t fret. We’ve got a simple formula into which you can fit all your skincare products.

For the Morning: You’re rushing to get your day started. The last thing you want to worry about is the order your skin care products get applied. You need a straightforward regimen to smooth sail you through the morning.

You’ll want to begin with a cleanser, like the Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser.
If you aren’t using a toner, it’s time to incorporate one into your routine. Their light, quick-drying composition means you’ll want to apply immediately after washing your face. We recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm Toner.
As a general rule, apply your lightest product next. Serums, ranging from liquid to gels, are applied first for optimal absorption because they have the highest concentration of active ingredients. SkinMedix recommends choosing two or three serums that treat your concerns. For wrinkles, we love formulas with added peptides, likePCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum. If you’re an oily skin type, look for serums containing salicylic acid, like. Salicylic acid will help to clear out excess oils and reduce sebum levels, which can lead to acne.
Apply spot treatments next. Target specific problem areas, like a pesky persistent blemish (PCA Skin Acne Gel will tackle those spots while helping to reduce oil production to prevent further breakout) or crows feet.
Then, apply full-face treatments, like an antioxidant treatment or acne treatment (one that does not require another cleansing) for the entire face.
Moisturize to seal in your other products. Facial oils, likeEminence Facial Recovery Oil can be applied to any dry spots you find after you apply your moisturizer. But if you’re using two or more serums under your moisturizer, it’s a good idea to skip any facial oils to avoid becoming too greasy. Aaron, founder of SkinMedix emphasizes, “Facial oils can penetrate moisturizers but not vice versa. Always apply your moisturizer before a facial oil.” If you’re choosing a moisturizer with an SPF, opt for one with UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection with a minimum SPF of 30. We recommend a lightweight, oil-free moisturizing SPF.
SPF. We know. You’ve heard it a million times, but we’ll say it a million-and-one (and then again and again). Never leave home without an SPF on your face. We’ll leave it at that.

For the Evening:

After your cleanser and toner, apply retinol products directly to the skin for the highest efficiency. But for those of us with sensitive skin waking up the next morning red and irritated from an evening retinol application, we’ve got a trick for you. Applying a serum or even moisturizer beforehand will create a buffer for your skin and protect it from irritation. Remember: Retinol is applied in the evening due to its sensitivity to the sun.
After your first layer absorbs, apply any targeted treatments, like a rich eye cream (we recommend Neocutis Lumiere Firm Riche). If you have any other spot-specific treatments like Murad Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum for dark spots and discoloration, now would be the time to apply.
Finish with a moisturizer. You’ll want to apply a heavier cream at night if you have a normal-to-dry skin type, especially if you toss and turn in your sleep, are a side sleeper, or a stomach sleeper. You need a hefty cream that will give you deep moisture and won’t be wiped off by your pillow and sheets (we know from experience). Obagi Hydrate Luxe is a great option. If you have oily skin, opt for a lotion instead of a cream as they are less hydrating and often specifically made for problem or acne-prone skin.

It all boils down to this. Go from the lightest to the heaviest product. Keep retinol for the evenings and always apply facial sunscreen in the mornings. Apply your products with confidence for the best results!

Why Does My Acne Clear Up In The Ocean?

By Canoe Group on January 12, 2023 in Did you know?, Skin Care Science

And how to get the benefits of seawater all year long.My skin always feels good when I’m going to the beach 1-2 times per week, even if only for an hour at a time. Using good sunscreen, I notice that my blemishes clear up, and my skin feels alive. I’ve always wondered why. Now, I know. Turns out, it’s the ocean water. Simply put salt from the sea helps dry out pimples and cleans out pores. Pretty incredible. And to think of all the times we tried to avoid getting our faces wet! This is a beauty hack, old as time. Yup, even the ancient Egyptians recognized the healing properties of saltwater. Today, science has gone even deeper — literally — to find that the beneficial properties of ocean water go beyond what was originally thought. A 2016 study1 looked beneath the surface of the ocean to discover a concentration of nutrients Jack Lalane would be jealous of. Deep enough where the sun cannot penetrate, the minerals of the sea are kept in their purest form. Undisturbed by plant plankton, scientists found that the water found at depths of over 200m is where it’s at. The purest forms of:

magnesium
calcium
potassium
chromium
selenium
zinc
vanadium

You don’t have to scuba down to the depth to get your mineral fill. While the minerals 200m can be pumped up to the surface and used for a host of skin and health benefits, a quick dip at your local sure is nothing to sneeze at. For year-round ocean water benefits, when you can’t get to the beach easily, try Dead Sea Mud Mask from Pure Body Naturals. Packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals, mud from the Dead Sea has been referred to as the Fountain of Youth. This mask will improve your skin’s elasticity and minimize the appearance of pores for a youthful and flawless glow. Next time you snorkel, swim, or take a walk along the beach, welcome the splashes and enjoy the microbial effects on your skin, but know the benefits of seawater can easily be found in your medicine cabinet as well.

Sources:

1. Samihah Zura Mohd Nani, F. A. A. Majid, A. B. Jaafar, A. Mahdzir, M. N. Musa, “Potential Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water: A Review”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2016, Article ID 6520475, 18 pages, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6520475

Are Eye Creams a Waste of Money?

By Canoe Group on November 17, 2022 in Creams & Moisturizers, Skin Care Routine, Skin Care Science

With evidence revealing that many eye creams have the same characteristics as basic moisturizers, their high-ticket price gets called into question. Know the difference and get the most for your money. I started trying to cover up my dark circles in middle school, surreptitiously blending nude-colored eye shadow (from my “play” make-up; I wasn’t allowed to wear real make-up just yet) under my eyes. It didn’t work. No surprise there. By the end of eighth grade, I was deemed eligible to wear real makeup and given a lesson by my aunt on how to tastefully apply, particularly around the eyes. Thankfully, my mother understood the importance of applying good products around sensitive areas such as the eyes and bought me an eye cream. A good name brand and it wasn’t cheap. But it took me over six years to admit that my nicely packaged expensive eye cream made no difference. My eye issues have always been dryness, dark circles, and puffiness. Don’t all eye creams do the same thing? Are they really any different than a run-of-the-mill facial moisturizer? And if not, why on earth am I paying all this money?! I contemplated morning and night.Eye creams are touted to be specifically formulated for skin wellness measures like moisture, protection against and reparation of wrinkles, the reduction of dark circles, and de-puffing. But though their teeny tiny portions ask for beaucoup bucks, some may do little more than what your facial cream does. How can we spot the difference? Trial and error is one way, but ain’t nobody got time or money for that. There’s a better way. In a New York Times article, dermatologist Dr. Perkins, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine, and Dr. Zakia Rahman, a clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford University both agree that “there is evidence that eye creams — and even regular facial moisturizers — can help prevent and repair wrinkles. But there’s one big caveat: They must contain some key active ingredients: retinols (or prescription retinoids) or vitamin C.”1 In other words, know the ingredients in your eye cream. Looking back at the cream I used to carefully dab under my eyes each morning and evening, it was really just a basic moisturizer — none of the key ingredients I should’ve been looking for included! Our eyes deserve special attention and care specifically formulated to our needs. For wrinkle prevention and repair, vitamin C or retinoids are necessary. If we’re talking hydration, an eye cream with hyaluronic acid will help to keep the eye area, a delicate area with thinner skin more prone to drying out, moisturized. De-puffing will require (in conjunction with a healthy diet, always) antioxidant ingredients like vitamin E or ferulic acid, among others, to help prevent environmental damage and decrease unwanted swelling. Here are our eye cream recommendations based on target issues.For firming, hydration, and a good depuff: Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye ComplexFor an increase in nutrients and maintenance of cellular hydration, and wrinkle prevention: Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for EyesFor the reparation of wrinkles and cell damage: SkinCeuticals Eye Balm