A Guide to Lactic Acid in Skin Care
Lactic acid - don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds! In fact, it can have some pretty powerful skin benefits like clear, glowy skin, and isn’t that what we all want, right? So, if you want to know more about lactic acid for skin, you’ve come to the right place. 🩵 What is lactic acid? You might have heard us talking about alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Well, lactic acid is a type of AHA, but not as strong as others like glycolic acid. As the name suggests, it comes from fermented lactose - yes, like the lactose found in milk, but don’t worry, you’re not going to smell like sour milk all day. Like all AHAs, lactic acid skincare is a chemical exfoliant that removes dead cells sitting on top of the skin. It is a magic ingredient that will give you skin smoother than a baby’s bottom. If you’ve heard of people taking milk baths (count Cleopatra as a fan), it is basically the same concept. 🩵 Benefits of lactic acid for skin Lactic acid, like other AHAs, is a powerful exfoliant. It works to dissolve the bonds of old skin cells on the top layer of the skin to reveal newer, smoother skin. Lactic acid increases cell turnover to give you that ‘Instagram IRL’ glow. Lactic acid can also treat a range of skin concerns like acne, congestion, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. You see, by sloughing away the top layer of dead skin, pores are decongested, minimising the risk of acne. If you’ve found yourself with acne scars (as if the pimples weren’t bad enough), lactic acid is going to help to brighten any pigmentation by letting new skin shine through. What you might not expect, is that lactic acid can lead to thicker, firmer skin as it promotes the production of collagen - the good stuff that keeps your skin plump and elastic. It also allows products to better penetrate the skin, leading to increased hydration. More collagen and hydration means fewer fine lines and wrinkles. 🩵 How to use lactic acid in skincare Being a chemical exfoliant, lactic acid comes with a few guidelines in order to safely get the most out of it. While lactic can be safer for sensitive skin than most AHAs, it still pays to tread carefully. If you notice any skin irritation like redness, burning or itchiness, step away from what you’re using. Very mild symptoms may appear the first time you use lactic acid, but if they continue, time to try a lower percentage or avoid it altogether. We recommend starting your lactic acid journey by dabbling just a couple of times a week, then work your way up to 3-4 times a week, just so your skin has time to adjust. Using AHAs can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage, which is why we always recommend using lactic acid products at night and never, ever skipping your Skin Shield Sunscreen in the morning. On a more positive note, lactic acid plays nicely with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so don’t forget to grab your Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum for radiance like no other. 🩵 Lactic acid skin products If you love a facial (um, who doesn’t?), you have likely heard of a lactic acid peel. To safely get the best results from a lactic acid peel, your best bet is to leave it to the professionals. They are able to use a higher concentration of the acid to give you a serious glow and minimise any side effects. If, on the other hand, you want to safely get those incredible lactic acid results at home, we’ve got just the thing. The Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum contains a mix of glycolic and lactic acids to speed up the cell renewal process, helping maintain a soft and smooth youthful-looking complexion. The charcoal also draws out toxins and impurities, giving you the clear, smooth skin of your dreams. Yes, it really is that good. Don’t be sleeping on lactic acid skin care, this glow-boosting AHA can help clear acne, hyperpigmentation and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Trust us, you’re going to be attached at the hip to your lactic acid products. Still not sure if lactic acid is right for you? Chat to our skin consultants today!
Ditch Dehydrated Skin For Dreamy & Dewy
We’re so excited you’ve brought plumping and rehydrating products that will quench your dehydrated skin! Stick your new dehydration skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss thirsty skin goodbye! But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be dehydrated and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What Does Dehydrated Skin Look Like? Unlike dry skin, dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that may be triggered by diet (think salty foods and alcohol), not wearing moisturiser daily or your body losing more water than you’re drinking. Your skin might feel tight and uncomfortable while dark circles under your eyes and fine lines are more noticeable. Along with dullness, your skin may be more vulnerable to cracking which is an easy entry point for environmental stressors. You might also be experiencing an oily complexion and breakouts due to excess oil production over compromising for low water content, we know, confusing right? Can Your Skin Type Change Depending On The Season? When we think about skin types and the seasons, they’re usually impacted by temperature and humidity changes. Winter can be known to cause your skin to dry out while the cold air tightens pores, minimises circulation and reduces sebum production. If you add hot showers and heaters to the mix, it’s no wonder it’s as dry as those dehydrated citrus slices we add to cocktails! The good thing is that the balmy spring and summer seasons bring their own natural humidifier which gives your thirsty skin an extra boost of water. How Do You Hydrate Dehydrated Skin? Right now, your skin is basically thirsty for a big drink so you need water-rich products that replenish your skin's water content and prevents excess moisture from evaporating. Having rehydrated skin helps protect your overall skin barrier health, improves skin texture and leaves you with a radiant base for makeup. Let’s start with how you’re caring for your body because we’ve got shifty eyes as we deliver this bad news. Our skin specialists recommend skipping those scolding hot showers, ouch! We know they feel like you’re escaping after a long day but they actually encourage water to flow out of your skin and evaporate which leads to dehydration. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly. Secondly, you should be staying away from harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and oils. Ditch any products that contain chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid or salicylic and reach for a gentle cleanser, like The Uncomplicated Cleanser. This creamy product carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities while calming and protecting skin with aloe vera and Camilla leaf extract. Try to avoid over-cleansing your face as this will strip the skin of its natural microbiome, follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry so it’s still dewy when you apply water-based serums and moisturisers. You should think of your face like a spongy beauty blender so it’s not soaking wet but freshly misted. Apply your hydrating products within a few minutes of cleansing, this helps them pull the water in so your skin can drink it! Can Drinking Water Fix Dehydrated Skin? We know it’s an easy assumption that drinking water will keep your skin hydrated but just drinking water won’t cut it. Your skin's dehydration is impacted by your diet, lifestyle, environment and skincare routine. We always recommended drinking eight glasses of water daily but you’ll need to also up your hydration and moisturisation game for supple skin. How Do I Hydrate Skin From The Inside? Replenishing your internal hydration is the first major step so start by adding water-rich and antioxidant-filled fruits and vegetables to your diet. Think crunchy celery, juicy watermelon and refreshing cucumber! Along with hydrating moisturisers and serums, these types of foods will increase the total water content of your body. You might not realise it but our skin is actually an organ so nourishing omega-3 fatty acids will help your skin function properly while acting as a barrier from the outside environment, these can be found in salmon, nuts, seeds and olive oil. Try to avoid dehydrating food and drinks such as alcohol, excessive coffee and anything high in sugar and sodium as these can lead to an unwanted dull or sallow complexion. The Best Ingredients For Dehydrated Skin At esmi, we believe the best hydrating skincare products are those that refresh and revitalise tired and lacklustre skin. That starts with learning how to nourish dehydrated skin with a combination of skincare products that contain naturally replenishing ingredients. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s able to act as a natural barrier to any external or harsh elements while drawing water in and amplifying the effect of hydration. Look out for products with humectant ingredients that attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin barrier hydrated. Products like our Hylauronic Hydrating Serum relieve dehydrated skin, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Check hydrating products for occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Using hydrating serums and oils that support and protect your skin’s barrier is crucial for dehydrated skin. These will physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. What Products Are Best For Dehydrated Skin? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally hydrating products for a radiant and dewy complexion! Make SPF Your BFF It’s no secret that too much direct sunlight can cause dehydration while free radicals from UV rays can damage your skin’s barrier. Applying an enriching sunscreen helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup, with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract which is rich in vitamin c to deliver an antioxidant boost. Buff The Bad Exfoliate weekly with humectant ingredients, like glycolic or lactic acid, that reduce the loss of moisture to remove dead skin cells that may build up on the surface of your face. Choose our lightweight Volcanic Sand Hydrating & Ageless Gentle Foliant with soothing vitamin e that repairs and softens skin. With a combination of sodium hyaluronate and ageless Icelandic volcanic sand, deep layers of your skin will be hydrated and awakened. It’s important to also make sure you have rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! Snack Like It’s Late Night Rehydrate and refresh your skin throughout the day with our Skin Snack Facial Mist. It’s perfect for when you’re exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather. Follow after your daily makeup application to feed dehydrated skin with raspberry extract to protect cells from water loss and green tea extract to target signs of aging. Be Just Like Bruno Mars If you’re feeling dry, why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? It’s 24K magic, just like Bruno Mars said! Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss and addresses dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so you’re left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. It’s best to finish your routine with to lock in, seal and create a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, why not quench dehydrated skin cells with our Hydration Skin Solution Bundle?
The Gentle Refining Toner: Your Secret to Glowing Skin
Do you ever feel like your skincare routine is missing something? Maybe your cleanser and moisturiser are working well, but you're still not seeing the results you want. That's where toner comes in! Unfortunately, many toners on the market contain harsh ingredients that can strip your skin's natural barrier and unbalance its delicate pH. But fear not! At esmi, we believe in being kind to your skin, which is why we've created a toner that's gentle yet effective. Introducing, our Gentle Refine Cleansing Toner Our Gentle Refine Cleansing Toner is formulated with a combination of AHAs, BHAs, and fruit enzymes, all at a low dose to avoid irritating your skin. These ingredients work together to exfoliate and refine textured skin, leaving you with a smooth, glowing complexion. But that's not all! Our toner also contains Rose Water, known for its soothing properties, and Finger Lime Extract, a native Australian ingredient that boosts your skin's hydration levels. This means you can say goodbye to dry, dull skin and hello to a luminous finish. Using a toner after your cleanser has many benefits. Not only does it help remove any last traces of dirt, grime, and makeup, but it also allows for better product penetration of active ingredients in your other skincare products. Plus, it's the perfect way to prep your skin for makeup application! So, if you're looking for a gentle yet effective toner that will leave your skin looking and feeling its best, look no further than esmi's Toner. Your skin will thank you!
Pomegranate: The Benefits for Skin
It’s no secret that when it comes to skincare, we love to go mostly au naturale. Quite often, the foods we eat are packed with vitamins and minerals that work wonders on our skin. Take pomegranate for instance; not only is it super delicious, but it has been used in the skincare world for hundreds of years! More recently, pomegranate skin care has become even more popular, thanks to its skin-loving properties. Hey, it is the symbol of prosperity after all! So, let’s dive into why we’re a little bit obsessed with this superfood. Pomegranate Benefits for Skin To understand why we love pomegranates in skin care so much, we have to dig a little deeper. It is not so much the pomegranate itself, but rather what is inside it. Ever heard of polyphenols? Yeah, we don’t blame you. They are powerful antioxidants and rich in vitamin C - think of them like the fairy dust in pomegranate that is going to give you some incredible results. Pomegranate’s skin care benefits are far and wide, from its antioxidant properties and anti-ageing capabilities, to its brightening and anti-inflammation powers. Plus, let’s not forget its ability to protect us from those nasty UV rays. Antioxidants and Anti-Ageing The primary benefit of pomegranate for skin lies in its antioxidant powers. This fruit is packed with vitamin C and other winning antioxidants, giving you unparalleled protection against free radicals. If you’re new here, free radicals are unstable molecules that latch onto the skin cells and cause damage. These little suckers can even break down collagen, granting you a one way ticket to dull and sunken skin. Speaking of collagen, the vitamin C in pomegranate is key in the collagen production process. So, loading the skin up with it is going to rewind the ageing process, tell fine lines and wrinkles where to go, and give you that ‘glazed donut’ radiance every day. Brightens Pigmentation That vitamin C in pomegranate we love so much? It also helps to brighten any hyperpigmentation you might be experiencing. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin in the skin, helping fade any sun or age spots overtime. Honestly, is there anything vitamin C can’t do?! Calms Inflammation Pomegranate contains a little something called ellagitannin (don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz at the end), which calms inflammation. Pomegranate benefits skin that has redness from dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and acne. Protects the Skin from UV Rays There is evidence to suggest that pomegranate can protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Remember those antioxidants we mentioned earlier? Yeah, basically they fight off the free radical damage, helping provide some natural protection. But let’s get one thing straight - this is not your cue to skimp on the daily sunscreen. Layer your pomegranate skincare under your sunscreen for the ultimate sun protection and the kind of anti-ageing magic Jennifer Lopez seems to have access to (seriously, how does she do it?). Who is Pomegranate Skincare Best For? Want to hear the good news? All skin types will reap those sweet sweet pomegranate skin care benefits. Having said that, it is a super brightening ingredient, so if you experience hyperpigmentation from a range of factors like hormonal changes, sun exposure or ageing, pomegranate is going to become your new best friend. And if acne has taken up residence on your skin, pomegranate’s anti-inflammatory powers will soothe that redness right down. It also doesn’t clog pores which is just the icing on the cake! Skincare with Pomegranate Now that you’re a total pomegranate convert, you may be wondering, “do I need to rub a pomegranate all over my face to see these benefits?” While we would love to see that, there’s an easier, less messy way. Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum is, as the name suggests, packed with pomegranate (shocker!). It is a potent brightening, anti-pigmentation serum with powerful melanin inhibitors, skin lightening ingredients and powerful antioxidants. It will lift any pigmentation and brighten sallow skin. To really level up its vitamin C game, this serum also contains Kakadu Plum which has the world’s highest levels of vitamin C. Can you tell we’re big vitamin C fans yet? Reach out to skin service team, as this is an active skin treat and we want to ensure your skin is ready to introduce this into your routine! As a little bonus, our Rose and Bamboo Gentle-Foliant also features the magic powers of pomegranate to exfoliate and brighten the skin for a stunning glow! Use it to buff away dead skin after cleansing - you can thank us later. The pomegranate benefits for skin are just about endless! Not only can it brighten the skin and fight free radicals, it can also slow signs of ageing, reduce inflammation and protect the skin from dreaded UV rays. If you’re not sure whether pomegranate is right for you, or you’re just not sure how to incorporate it in your skincare routine, our friendly skincare consultants are here to help!
A Guide to Acne Pigmentation
Just when you thought you’d conquered your breakout, BAM, you’re left with blemishes as a not so subtle reminder of your acne struggles. Sure, they might not be pimples as such, but acne pigmentation can still be just as frustrating. Plus, they can sometimes hang around for far longer than that pimple ever did. So, today we’re discussing how to fade acne pigmentation for a clear and bright complexion. Sign us up, please! What is acne pigmentation? Let’s take things back a step. Hyperpigmentation is a discolouration of the skin and can be categorised into three main types: melasma, sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s that last one that we’re most interested in today. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is usually flat and white, pink, red or brown in colour. Hyperpigmentation can happen to anyone, but is more common in those with medium to darker skin tones. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears after a wound (acne) has healed. In the healing process, the body triggers an excess of melanin production, hence the discolouration. Contrary to popular belief, pigmentation from acne is not the same as scarring. Although it might leave a mark, it doesn't damage the follicle; if it did, that would result in a raised scar. So, what you might initially think is acne scarring, might actually be post-acne pigmentation. How long does acne pigmentation last? Well, the bad news is that without active treatment, it can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. The good news is there are a few acne pigmentation treatments that can speed up this healing process. Difference between post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation & post-inflammatory erythema Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) are two distinct skin conditions that occur as a response to inflammation or trauma. PIH Characterised by the darkening of the skin in affected areas, resulting from an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This excess melanin production occurs following inflammation or injury and leads to the formation of flat, darkened patches or spots on the skin, varying in color from light brown to deep brown or black. PIE Manifests as red or pinkish discoloration on the skin, caused by the dilation of blood vessels during the inflammatory process. Unlike PIH, PIE does not involve increased melanin production, and the affected areas remain red or pinkish rather than darkening. Both conditions commonly arise from skin injuries, acne, burns, cuts, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions. Although PIH and PIE may gradually fade over time, they require different approaches for management and treatment due to their distinct underlying mechanisms. How to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Speaking of speeding up that healing process, there are a few key ingredients and products you should be on the lookout for. Specifically, niacinamide, vitamin C and A, and retinoids. Really, anything that boosts collagen production to plump the skin and promote new skin growth and repair is going to be your best friend. The Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is a beautifully hydrating serum that boosts radiance and, thanks to niacinamide, brightens the skin and lifts hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide boosts collagen production to help heal the skin, and regulates oil production to limit the amount of acne appearing in the future. After all, prevention is always better than a cure. Another treatment for acne pigmentation is the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie. This anti-redness serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. This makes it ideal for when acne is active, as well as after it clears and you’re left with pigmentation. That’s all thanks to arnica, a healing herb, and our favourite, niacinamide. The Pomegranate Brightening Serum is a star when it comes to lifting acne pigmentation and brightening the skin (clue’s in the name). That’s all down to how rich it is in vitamin C. In the wonderful world of brightening ingredients, vitamin C is a clear favourite. The reason for that is three fold; it can help to inhibit melanin production (remember, the thing that causes pigmentation in the first place), it is an antioxidant (meaning it fights free radicals which damage skin cells and break down collagen), and it is a key component of collagen production. Retinol is a secret weapon for battling discolouration, and as far as acne pigmentation treatments go, it’s pretty hard to beat. Retinol (derived from vitamin A) speeds up the skin cell turnover rate to reveal new skin and subside pigmentation faster. Our Encapsulated Retinol range effectively exfoliates the skin and stimulates collagen production. Start with Level 1 and use a pea-sized amount every second night. Once you have finished your bottle of the lowest concentration and you no longer notice any redness, you can move onto the next level. If you’re playing the esmi drinking game at home, you can take a shot because we’re about to talk about the importance of sunscreen again. Hey, it’s really, really crucial! When it comes to pigmentation from acne, exposure to the sun can make discolouration appear darker and slow down the fading process. Make sure you start each day with a layer (or two) of the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen, to avoid undoing all of the great work you’ve done with your other skincare products. Fading acne pigmentation can be easy with the right products. Luckily, our skincare experts know just the ones, so chat to them if you need an extra helping hand clearing up your complexion. Otherwise, shop our range of brightening products here.
The Secrets To Preventing Fine Lines & Wrinkles
We’re so excited you’ve brought plumping products that will take your skin from lined to luminous. Stick your new fine lines and wrinkles skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be creased and what smoothing products could complement your skincare ritual. What Fine Lines & Wrinkles Mean As you gracefully age you might start to notice fine lines and wrinkles forming creases in your skin. Over time, your skin loses flexibility and is no longer able to spring back into place meaning grooves from facial movements and expressions can become permanent features. These typically form around your eyes, mouth and neck thanks to the raising of your eyebrows leading to forehead furrows and frown lines from frustration or concentration. It’s harder for your skin to hold onto moisture as you age so as naturally occurring hyaluronic acid declines, your skin can be left feeling dehydrated and rough. Hyperpigmentation is also part of the natural ageing process so darkening of the skin under the eye is common. You can give a shout-out to the loss of collagen and thinning skin around the eye area meaning blood vessels beneath the eyes also become more visible. Fine Lines Vs Wrinkles Collagen and elastin form the support structure for skin, giving it that supple shape and firmness we all long for. Fine lines and wrinkles are then caused when those collagen and elastin fibres break down and the skin begins to lose its elasticity and strength, talk about dramatic. There are three types of lines you’ll find as you age: Superficial lines are very fine and can be easily improved with the right anti-aging skincare products. Dynamic wrinkles are from repeated facial movements and aren’t as obvious when your face is relaxed, we like to think of them as laugh lines. Static wrinkles are a true loss of gravity and elasticity meaning they’re deep set in the dermal layer of your skin and visible even when your face is relaxed. Can Fine Lines & Wrinkles Be Prevented? Intrinsic ageing means your skin becomes less elastic and more fragile while the decreased production of natural oils leaves your skin feeling dry and creased. Without supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Hormone levels, cells and proteins also play a part alongside genetics in determining your skin structure and texture. The first visible signs of skin ageing start to appear when you’re around 25 years old so the bottom line is that we’re all eventually going to get a few. Fine lines can be just as beautiful as youthful round cheeks, don’t you think there’s just something sweet about laugh lines? Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors like lifestyle and environmental pollution from smoking, pollutants and sun exposure. UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue so to pause and protect against premature ageing, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. Moisturising is an important step in your skincare ritual as it helps trap water in the skin so you look and feel younger! If you’re feeling extra dry, why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss while addressing dryness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so you’re left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. It’s best to finish your routine with to lock in a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. The Best Ingredients For Fine Lines & Wrinkles To combat fine lines and wrinkles, you need strengthening and vitamin-rich ingredients that keep your complexion hydrated and bouncy so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Products with humectant ingredients attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin’s barrier hydrated. Replenishing products should also contain occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Occlusives will also physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which you also know as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid or beta-carotene. Hailed for its anti-aging benefits, Vitamin A stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity and help new blood vessels form for firmer and brighten skin. If that isn’t the ultimate anti-wrinkle treatment then we don’t know what is! You might get your 5+ a day in but is it going straight to your skin? Adding products with all-star anti-ageing Vitamin C to your skincare ritual means you’ll have free-radical protection for an even skin tone that’s brighter and smoother. It also reduces the appearance of under-eye circles, provides hydration and promotes collagen production for a natural glow. Hyaluronic acid is incredible for drawing water into flat cells and holding onto it for rapid hydration benefits. It can hold 1000x its weight in water to internally boost water content that deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimising fine lines. Use our best-selling skin treat, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration shot of up to 25% within just two hours, talk about a thirst quencher! The Best Products To Reduce Wrinkles Anti-ageing skincare should target wrinkles and fine lines while addressing other signs of ageing including dullness, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual with these naturally plumping products for a radiant and youthful complexion. The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing works gently but deeply to lift away impurities and pollutants while balancing, smoothing and enhancing skin softness and moisture. Creamy anti-ageing peptides plump and hydrate while aloe vera calms and heals inflammation. Your skin will also be left protected with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract! Anti-Aging Eye Serum The skin under your eyes is the thinnest on your entire face so you can look instantly refreshed and youthful with our Anti-Aging Eye Serum. The gel serum includes octapeptide SNAP-8 which has been hailed as a topical alternative to cosmetic injectables, reducing wrinkles by up to 63%. You’ll look instantly refreshed as it lifts and tightens to reduce wrinkle depth while fighting crow's feet and puffiness. Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask Combat the signs of ageing and fatigue with our 24K gold-infused Anti-Ageing Gel Repair Mask. It contains anti-aging peptides that reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions, being a topical alternative to injections. Beautiful antioxidants soften fine lines, boost skin elasticity to restore youthful suppleness to the skin and defend against free radical damage so you can take a moment to yourself. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Firming Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
How to Get Glazed Donut Skin IRL
You may have heard the term ‘glazed donut’ skin floating around the beauty sphere. Hailey Bieber (aka the queen of trendsetting) coined glazed donut skin as she shows her natural beauty through a strategic hydrating skincare regime. The esmi team loves a good trend, and glazed donut skin is no exception. And, we know you don’t need to jump on every trend you see. However, if you’re wanting glowing, glassy, glistening skin from the moment you wake up in the morning, the glazed donut trend is for you! What is Glazed Donut Skin? The phenomenon of glazed donut skin involves actively nourishing and moisturising the skin before bed, so when you wake up your face is as glistening as, well, a glazed donut! As the trend name suggests, the ‘glaze’ part of this routine is to hydrate and protect your natural skin barrier, ensuring that you can emerge from a deep sleep with your skin looking its best. How To Get Glazed Donut Skin: Our Top 3 Tips But, how do you get glazed donut skin? Well, any skincare junky will most likely have the products already present in their skincare collection — it’s just a matter of knowing when and how to apply. Here are our 3 top tips for ensuring you can get glazed donut skin every night to live your Hailey Bieber dreams! Begin with a Calm Cleanse A good cleanse is the first step in your glazed donut skin routine. Double cleansing might also be useful to draw out any makeup, sunscreen or sweat that is still on your face. The trick is to use a gentle cleanser that is specific to your skin type and not to rub your skin too harshly — this will help avoid unbalancing the skin barrier. esmi’s cleansers are all formulated with balanced and calming properties to ensure the healthiest skin possible when single or double cleansing. This is the perfect way to begin your glazed donut skincare routine. If you need to go deeper an exfoliant might also help, but only if you have inflamed skin that is prone to breakouts. Using an exfoliant will help to clear dead skin cells, making way for the hydration products to work their magic on your natural skin barrier. Our Gentle-Foliants have no harsh or stripping ingredients, so if you need an extra layer of cleansing to obtain glazed donut skin, these will be your best friend. Prioritise Active Hydration Serums and oils — any of these products can be used on their own and as a hydrating power to ensure once your skin is cleansed (and cleansed well) the skin barrier will be hydrated to the max! To ensure you get that dewy, glazed donut skin look use a hydrating serum or oil on damp skin that’s not fully dry. This allows the hydrating product to get into the pores of your skin and lock in that moisture. What products are best to use for this step? At esmi we have a few that are guaranteed to get that glazed look. They include: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum which will increase hydration by 25% in 2 hours Probiotic Skin Mylck Plus Hydration — perfect for those with sensitive skin 24K Gold Nourishing Oil for extra moisture and nourishment with antioxidant properties to smooth fine lines and wrinkles Lock in Moisture For Your Skin & Lips Now, this is when the glazed donut look starts to get glowing! Once you have cleansed and added active moisture to your skin barrier the next step is to lock it all in. Choosing a moisturiser specifically for your skin type will not only nourish and hydrate but ensure your skin concerns are being treated at the same time. Our Hydra-Fluid Moisturisers are perfect for this step — especially if you have oily skin! This weightless formula easily absorbs into the skin barrier and calms skin which is perfect when going to bed. Or, if your skin is looking a little dry, look no further than our Nourishing Moisturisers! Available for sensitive skin, brightening, firming and nourishing to aid in helping a multituse of skin concerns. For a full-face glazed look, we recommend this step for your lips also! And, we hate to say it but the chapstick you’ve been carrying around for 2 years won’t do the trick. esmi’s Hydrating Lip Balm is exactly what it sounds like! Packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that will create a natural lip shine (hello donut glaze). If that’s not already enough and you want to up your glazed donut skin game and spritz of our Skin Snack Face Mist will be your final step. Not only is this mist hydrating, but it also refreshes your skin, ensuring you feel clean and comfortable before a good night’s rest. Jumping on the Glazed Donut Skin Trend It’s fair to say that the glazed donut skin trend isn’t going anywhere — especially when hydration is key to a successful skincare routine. Hailey Bieber was onto something when she unveiled her glowing, natural skin to the world and boy does the esmi team like it! Want to know more about how to get glazed donut skin? Speak to our skin specialists for extra product recommendations and tips.
The Secrets To Keep Sensitive Skin Smiling
We’re so excited you’ve brought calming and replenishing products that will take your skin from sensitive to smooth! Stick your new sensitive skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be sensitive and what soothing products could complement your skincare ritual. What Sensitive Skin Looks Like Sensitive skin can sometimes mean different things to different people but it typically points to having a thin or weakened epidermis so the skin’s protective barrier isn’t as strong as it could be. This makes it easier for irritants and bacteria to penetrate the skin causing inflammation, redness and dryness. In other skin types, a functional lipid barrier is able to hold water while keeping environmental toxins like UV rays, heat and harsh chemicals out. Your sensitive skin might look fragile with broken capillaries while feeling itchy with a dry and patchy texture that’s easily irritated. Delicate complexions may burn quickly in the sun and feature high colour which means flare-ups like rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are quite common. It’s also possible for sensitive skin to be dry, oily and acne-prone all at the same time, sigh. What Causes Sensitive Skin? As sensitive skin is less resilient, it can be triggered by any number of things such as medications or health conditions like eczema. You may also have Mum and Dad to thank for naturally sensitive skin as genetic differences in the normal protective skin barrier are especially common in people with fair skin or red hair. We see you, Isla Fisher! If your skin is reactive it may be easily irritated by fragrances, not being handled delicately or the use of certain ingredients that damage the skin’s protective outer layer. Although sensitive skin is most common on the face, it can appear anywhere on the body as allergic or immune reactions can be because of chemicals, soaps, hand sanitisers and even laundry detergents. You might also be environmentally sensitive when it comes to seasonal pollen levels, temperature changes and humidity. Hormonal fluctuations like puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also affect the skin’s sebum secretion, leading to a weakened barrier function. You might also notice flushing and redness which are influenced by the skin’s network of blood vessels. Ageing skin also plays a part here, as the lipid barrier breaks down and replaces itself less frequently you’ll see more sensitivity and dryness over time, talk about dramatic. Sensitive Skin VS Sensitised Skin Both sensitive and sensitised skin share redness, irritation and dryness so can often look and feel similar, much like Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch. So, how can you tell the difference? Sensitive is actually a skin type, like oily or combination, this means it rules when it comes to what ingredients and products are featured in your skincare ritual. Sensitised skin is often temporary, caused by coming into contact with something externally irritating. This includes harsh skin-stripping products and scrubs, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and pollution. It’s best to simplify your skincare routine and steer clear of triggering cosmetic alcohols, active ingredients, fragrances and artificial colouring. Sensitive Skin Do’s & Don’ts If you’re cautious when it comes to trying new skin products, our skin specialists recommend testing a patch on your skin first. Use a small amount on your inner arm the first day and see what happens, if you don’t spot any irritation after a week then try it on the side of your face or neck. Be thoughtful when it comes to your skin and avoid trying multiple new products at once, that way you’ll know exactly what the culprit is if you do notice sensitivity or a breakout. Let’s start by talking about how hot your showers are, we know they can have you feeling like you’re escaping after a long day but they actually strip your protective lipid layer and encourage water to flow out of your skin. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly. Less is often more when it comes to sensitive skin so as a general rule, the fewer ingredients the more suitable a product may be. It’s best to start with a simple routine before slowly adding more products as the skin adjusts and builds up a tolerance. By taking it slow, you also minimise the risk of overstimulating the skin. It’s important to make sure you’re having rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! Try to avoid over-cleansing your face as this will strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and oils, follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. Washing too often will irritate sensitive skin and cause excessive dryness so ditch any products that contain chemical exfoliants and reach for a gentle cleanser, like our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser. Formulated with Australian Made probiotic Lysates, the creamy cleanser gently lifts away impurities for clear, softer skin. The addition of soothing aloe vera and camellia leaf (green tea) also heals inflammation while promoting healthy moisture levels and targeting signs of ageing. Keep sensitive skin smiling by avoiding rough cleansing cloths, reach for a soft Microfibre Face Cleansing Mitt that removes 80% more dirt and makeup instead. No more cotton pads or single-use face wipes also means there’s zero bathroom waste, double win! Simply pop your mitt in a delicates bag before adding it to your laundry. Make sure to protect your sensitive skin by gently patting your face dry instead of harshly rubbing as this can irritate delicate skin. The Best Ingredients For Dry Skin Types Having a thin lipid barrier means your skin deeply absorbs products which can lead to reactive inflammation as your immune system goes into overdrive. Look for strengthening ingredients that keep your complexion calm, clear and balanced so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Products with humectant ingredients attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin’s barrier hydrated. Replenishing products should also contain occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. Occlusives will also physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. Acai oil contains omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 so is rich in nourishing essential fatty acids that soothe, restore and strengthen skin. Thanks to its emollient properties, it helps manage inflammation and has moisturising benefits. Vitamin E is brimming with anti-inflammatory properties that hydrate and calm even the most sensitive complexions. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and non-allergenic properties that are recommended for restoring sensitive and reactive skin. It acts similarly to our natural oils so helps balance and brighten your complexion without clogging pores, what a winner. Can Sensitive Skin Use Hyaluronic Acid? Dryness and sensitivity often go hand in hand because having a thin lipid barrier means it’s easier for moisture to escape. This makes hyaluronic acid perfect for deeply hydrating sensitive skin while minimising fine lines. Use our best-selling skin treat, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration boost of up to 25% within just two hours! The hydrating water magnet plumps and hydrates skin by acting as a sponge to attract water from the atmosphere. Talk about a thirst quencher! What Should Sensitive Skin Avoid? It’s best to avoid serums with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin, this means there might be some trial and error involved before finding the perfect products. Our skin specialists recommend skipping anything with synthetic acids, fragrances and colourants, fillers and preservatives. Put away anything that also contains sulphates, retinoids, glycolic and salicylic acids, abrasive scrubs and mechanical exfoliants like microbeads and walnut shell powders. We recommend booking a consultation or starting a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. How To Treat Sensitive Skin On Your Face Like a Taurus, sensitive skin loves routine so frequently changing products can cause more irritation. Once you find a sensitive skincare product that works, stick with it! The best skincare for sensitive skin works to strengthen and nourish the skin barrier with formulas that are gentle, fragrance-free and have a simple ingredient list. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual with these naturally soothing products for a radiant and clear complexion. Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin To pause premature aging and protect again UV rays, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Isopropyl alcohol and chemical sunscreens are common irritants so reach for mineral sun protection that’s less reactive for sensitive skin types. Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. How To Exfoliate Sensitive Skin Less is more when it comes to exfoliating sensitive skin, gently sloughing with humectant ingredients means you can stimulate cell turnover, clear dead skin cells and reduce the loss of moisture. Choose our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to stay fresh and boost hydration, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft, luminous and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. Snack Like It’s Late Night Rehydrate and refresh your skin throughout the day with our Skin Snack Facial Mist. It’s perfect for when you’re exposed to air conditioning, UV light, wind and weather. Follow after your daily makeup application to feed delicate skin with raspberry extract to protect cells from water loss and green tea extract to target signs of aging. Talk About Mood Booster Ideal for dry skin types that need nourishment, our creamy Nourishing Booster Mask reduces inflammation and uneven skin tone while healing damaged skin. The rejuvenating party of evening primrose, moisturising coconut and nourishing almond oil address roughness, irritation and dryness. Enriched with Vitamins E and F, highly emollient shea butter heals peeling and cracked skin impacted by dermatitis and psoriasis. Be patient with your new ritual as your skin’s barrier is going to need time to heal. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Sensitive Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
How To Break Free From Breakouts
We’re so excited you’ve brought soothing and clearing products that will have you breaking free from breakouts! Stick your new acne-clearing skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss blemishes goodbye! But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be acne-prone and what products could complement your skincare ritual. How Does Acne Form? Don’t let acne ruin your day, it’s completely natural and almost everyone experiences it even if it feels like it comes at the worst time, hello first date! Acne can develop at any age and regularly appears on the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest. It’s more common during teenage years but we can also thank lifestyle choices and hormonal changes like pregnancy and menstruation. Your pores connect the surface of your skin to the sebaceous gland which produces an oily substance called sebum, released continually into your hair follicles and skin. However, if the gland produces too much sebum, the pore can become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. This can lead to infection and inflammation around the clogged pore which is where a pimple forms - cue the Kim K crying face. Types Of Pimples On The Face There are three main types of acne which are non-inflammatory, inflammatory and severely inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads, a clogged pore that has been exposed to air, and whiteheads, pores that are blocked but remain closed. Inflammatory acne includes mild to moderate papules and pustules. These are inflamed blemishes that look like a red bump or small yellow spots on the skin, they contain pus and are often painful to touch. Severely inflammatory acne are cysts and nodules that are strongly linked to hormones and genetics. They are highly inflammatory and rooted deep beneath the skin so have a high chance of scarring. Is It Better To Pop Or Leave Your Pimples? It’s important to be picky with your skin care but not your skin! It can be tempting to squeeze and dig at inflamed pores but our skin specialists advise that it’ll just make things worse. In the short term, you’ll simply make the pimple more inflamed and noticeable while delaying the natural healing process. Looking longer term, you may cause infection as you allow more bacteria into the pore while risking scarring. Non-inflammatory acne, such as blackheads or whiteheads, is the only type of pimple that you should consider popping. These blemishes are often close to the surface so don’t require much intervention, some whiteheads may even look as though they’re ready to burst on their own. Before touching your acne make sure you wash your hands thoroughly then cleanse and exfoliate your face. How Can You Clear Up Your Acne? Change your skincare routine by cleansing once in the morning and twice at night, we know it sounds like a lot but hear us out. The first cleanse is to remove makeup and SPF while the second is to get deep into the pores to remove the day’s debris and built-up oil. Stay away from harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural moisturising qualities and reach for a gentle cleanser, like The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness. This creamy product carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities while reducing redness and cooling the skin with Tasmanian Mountain Pepper and aloe vera. Make sure to protect your sensitive skin by gently patting your face dry instead of harshly rubbing as this can irritate acne-prone skin. It can seem like oiliness means hydration but these are actually two different things. It can be tempting to miss moisturiser because it feels like your skin is already oily but drying out your skin can actually make acne worse. Your skin will try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil so celebrate a hydrated and bouncy complexion by picking the right moisturiser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Check out our Probiotic Skin Mylck to heal and strengthen hyper-sensitive skin. Are you seeing acne on your cheeks? You might have your phone to thank for that, yes alongside blue light and midnight scrolling. You’ve likely always got your phone on you so it picks up a lot of bacteria which can be transferred to your face when you make a call. Give your screen a once over with antibacterial wipes to get rid of germs and think about switching to using speaker or earbuds. Oh and the same goes with touching your face, you’re constantly touching things like EFTPOS machines on a day of shopping so putting your hands on your face transfers that bacteria right onto your skin. Not that we want to add more to your laundry list but not changing your pillowcase and bedding can cause your skin to break out even if you’re double cleansing every night. Your pillowcase carries dirt, sweat and built-up products from your hair and hands so we recommend changing it every few days. How Do I Get Rid Of Acne Scars? If you need help improving the appearance of dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and marks caused by pimples then check out our Acne Scarring Solution Bundle. It focuses on healing, strengthening, stimulating collagen production, increasing cell turnover and minimising discolouration for a beautiful complexion! The Best Anti-Bacterial Ingredients For Acne The best acne treatment for your skin depends on the kind of breakouts you’re dealing with. We believe caring for your skin with soothing antibacterial ingredients is the best way to prevent acne and clear active breakouts. Glycolic Acid For Acne Derived from sugarcane, Glycolic Acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that boosts moisture retention, reduces the appearance of scars, treats hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. It’s a potent exfoliator that removes dead cells from the topmost layers of the skin, preventing the overproduction of oil that leads to breakouts. It also stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen which leaves your skin feeling plumper with fewer fine lines. Activated Charcoal For Acne We know you can find activated charcoal in lattes, smoothies and toothpaste but what about your skincare? It’s basically wood burnt down to an absorbent powder, composed of carbon and ash that makes for a gentle exfoliant. Activated charcoal works like a vacuum for your pores with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that minimises the nutrients that acne feeds on, leaving you with a full face glow. Bentonite VS Kaolin Clay Any skincare products that use clay naturally purify, cleanse and detoxify your skin with absorbent properties that draw toxins and oil. Bentonite draws heavy metals, impurities and chemicals from the skin to leave you with a clear and balanced complexion. Coming from volcanic ash, it has slightly more powerful oil absorption properties than kaolin clay which makes it perfect for extremely oily skin. Kaolin Clay is the best option for sensitive or acne-prone skin that’s typically normal to dry. With gentle absorption properties, the mild white clay evens out skin tone and reduces redness while absorbing oil without affecting your skin's natural oil level. Retinoids (Vitamin A) For Acne Naturally occurring forms of vitamin a are some of the most effective treatments for acne and also happen to be a highly effective anti-aging ingredient. Its clearing capabilities allow the skin to unclog pores and reduce oiliness to stop breakouts before they begin developing. What Products Work Best For Acne? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally calming products for a radiant and soothed complexion! Green Smoothie, But For Your Face Our Anti-Redness Green Smoothie serum is the best product to treat skin redness, reduce puffiness and calm damaged skin. You’ll find it packed full of Tasmania lanceolate extract, a powerful antioxidant that speeds up healing along with anti-inflammatory arnica. It’s suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. Buff The Bad For a clearer and smoother complexion, our lightweight Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum detoxifies the skin by drawing out underlying congestion and buffing away dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also loosens and breaks apart the bonds of skin cells to encourage softer skin. Simply drop it onto a charcoal brush or your fingers and massage it into freshly cleansed skin! Don’t be alarmed if your skin purges afterwards, just keep using it after your impurities have said hello to help the healing process. It’s important to also make sure you have rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! Don’t Be Wild, Stay Mild Stay cool with our Anti-Inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask that shuts down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This lightweight gel will comfort red and irritated skin. Beautiful broccoli sprout rescues skin from inflammation and is a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce redness while wild mint is a rich antiseptic that prevents skin from developing spots and rashes. It takes time for skin-clearing ingredients to kick in so be consistent with your treatments and give clearing acne treatments at least four weeks to do their thing. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, why not soothe unbalanced skin cells with our Oily & Breakout Skin Solution Bundle?
Five Products We’re Obsessed With For Redness
We’re so excited you’ve brought calming and replenishing products that will take your skin from raw and rosy to beautifully balanced! Stick your new redness skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss your face flushing goodbye! But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be prone to blushing and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What Is Facial Redness? Facial redness is anything from flushing flare-ups to persistent, blotchy redness on your cheeks, nose and forehead. Having persistently high colour means you might naturally have red undertones or inflammation from rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis or itchy eczema. Dealing with chronic redness is a form of inflammation that causes small blood vessels to expand and push against the skin. When blood flow increases, the enlarged blood vessels try to fight off irritants and encourage healing which leads to a flushed complexion and a feeling of warmth. Add to this a weakened and damaged skin barrier; broken capillaries become more noticeable under skin that may appear thin and almost translucent. What Causes Redness Of The Skin? As sensitive red skin is less resilient, it can be triggered by any number of things such as allergic reactions to irritants like fragrances and alcohol in skincare. Redness can be genetic so it doesn’t take long for hormones to flare existing conditions like rosacea, definitely not as rosy as it sounds. If your skin is prone to breakouts, the redness might also be inflammation in your skin from acne flare-ups. Lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol, smoking, excessive exercising and eating spicy foods may also dilate blood vessels due to their heat-generating abilities which increases the flow of blood to the face. That means skipping the chilli margaritas, sigh. Along with stress and extreme temperatures, sun exposure is one of the most common causes of skin redness. Without your SPF BFF, UV rays can cause sunburn that sends more blood to the exposed skin to repair the damage meaning, you guessed it, more red skin. To pause premature aging and protect against red rays, you should be applying SPF every day, rain or shine! Isopropyl alcohol and chemical sunscreens are common irritants so reach for mineral sun protection that’s less reactive for sensitive skin types. Applying an enriching sunscreen also helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract. How Can You Reduce Redness On Your Face? Let’s start by talking about how hot your showers are, we know they can have you feeling like you’re escaping after a long day but they actually strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier. It also causes blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate, which can leave your skin red and flushed, especially if you’ve got rosacea. Why not bathe in lukewarm water instead, your beautiful skin will thank you for it and you might not run out of hot water so quickly. Less is often more when it comes to sensitive and inflamed skin so as a general rule, the fewer ingredients the more suitable a product may be. It’s best to start with a simple routine before slowly adding more products as the skin adjusts and builds up a tolerance. By taking it slow, you also minimise the risk of overstimulating the skin. It’s important to make sure you’re having rest nights during the week to let your skin recover and reset, which means not using retinol or exfoliating! If you’re cautious when it comes to trying new skin products, our skin specialists recommend testing a patch on your skin first. Use a small amount on your inner arm the first day and see what happens, if you don’t spot any irritation after a week then try it on the side of your face or neck. Be thoughtful when it comes to your skin and avoid trying multiple new products at once, that way you’ll know exactly what the culprit is if you do notice sensitivity or irritation. Skip any harsh cleansers and scrubs that leave your skin feeling tight, shiny, or dried out. To avoid irritation, choose a gentle cleanser like our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser. It strengthens hyper-sensitive skin by replenishing your skin’s moisture with the Australian Made probiotic Lysates, scientifically proven to create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive while supporting its natural defences. Follow your new weekly skincare routine and stick to once in the morning and double cleansing at night. The Best Soothing Ingredients For Redness Dealing with damaged and inflamed red skin on the face is an uncomfortable experience but with the right skincare and lifestyle changes, it’s very treatable. Look for strengthening ingredients that keep your complexion calm and balanced so your skin can naturally retain oils and moisture. Any emollient ingredients increase hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss which causes dryness, irritation, and redness. They will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. The Benefits Of Peppermint Oil For Skin With superior purifying antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil naturally soothes redness and unclogs pores. The cooling and calming effects of peppermint relieve burns, skin rashes and dry skin while promoting circulation and stimulating the skin for that youthful glow you’ve always wanted. The Benefits Of Arnica For Skin Arnica's anti-inflammatory powers increase white blood cell activity to help combat irritation while calming the redness and inflammation that comes with rosacea. It’s also perfect for decreasing puffiness around the face so you’re left with a refreshed and moisturised complexion. The Benefits Of Allantoin For Skin Non-irritating allantoin acts as an emollient to soothe and protect your skin, keeping you moisturised and putting the stop sign on dryness and irritation. It also can help heal and stimulate the growth of new tissues while being as calming as your Sunday morning yoga class. What Products To Avoid With Redness? It’s best to avoid serums with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin, this means there might be some trial and error involved before finding the perfect products. Our skin specialists recommend skipping anything with synthetic acids, fragrances and colourants, fillers and preservatives. Put away products that also contain sulphates, glycolic and salicylic acids, beta-hydroxy acids, abrasive scrubs and mechanical exfoliants like microbeads and walnut shell powders until the redness is well controlled. Alcohol is used in a lot of skincare products, even though it dries out the skin and can damage its protective barrier, look for irritating denatured alcohol or alcohol denat before applying a new product. If alcohol is found towards the end of an ingredients list, there might not be enough of it in the product to bother your skin. We recommend booking a consultation or starting a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. What Skin Products Reduce Redness? This is where we come in, say hello to your new anti-inflammatory esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally caring products for a cool and calm complexion! Minty & Mild Mask Our Anti-Inflammation Mint Gel Mask instantly cools the discomfort of red, irritated skin while shutting down inflammation and breakouts with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains aloe vera extract to reduce itchiness and promote the regeneration of new skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. This makes it the perfect soothing formula for post-laser, IPL or diathermy treatment to provide immediate cooling relief for visibly red skin. Buff The Bad For a brighter complexion, our gentle Fresh Sea & Salty Sand Gentle Exfoliant with exotic Polynesian sand removes pore-clogging debris and fights congestion to keep oily skin clear and fresh. Tropical papaya enzymes have antibacterial properties that promote a smooth complexion while luxurious 24K gold flakes boost skin elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and improve blood circulation. Refreshing & Resurfacing Retinol We know retinol might sound scary but our milky Encapsulated Retinol 0.25% Level 1 is perfect if you’re new to it or just have sensitive skin. This product is formulated with 100% encapsulated retinol to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis for a fresher, firmer complexion. Encapsulated retinol has enhanced bioavailability and stability which means the retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules which allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin layer before being activated. Packed full of carrot seed oil, sunflower oil and tomato extract this is our idea of keeping calm and carrying on! Be patient with your new ritual as your skin’s barrier is going to need time to heal. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up with our Sensitive Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
Five Products To Lighten & Brighten Pigmentation
We’re so excited you’ve brought balancing and brightening products that will have you turning your back on pigmentation! Stick your new pigmentation skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for beautifully radiant skin in no time. But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be pigmented and what lightning products could complement your skincare ritual. What Is Pigmentation Caused By? Pigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin its colour. Too much melanin can cause dark spots or patches on your skin that vary in size and develop anywhere on the body. After repeated sun exposure, sun and age spots appear on your hands and face. While freckles seem cute on the Jenner sisters, they’re actually small spots of concentrated melanin that form when our skin is exposed to UVB radiation. This is because UV rays trigger melanin production to defend your skin from damage, which is what gives you a tan. Pigmentation can also be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy, sigh. This is known as melasma which is the formation of dark and discoloured patches that commonly appears on the stomach and face. It’s all thanks to melanocyte cells being stimulated by oestrogen and progesterone which encourages the skin to produce excess melanin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur when there’s been trauma to the skin, like acne or eczema, that disrupts the epidermis. This causes melanocytes to produce melanin that can leak down and become trapped in the deeper layers of your skin. The result is pigmentation that is deeper and more resistant to treatment, leaving behind dark spots after the skin has healed. How To Reduce Pigmentation To reduce pigmentation, you need to add antioxidants and natural skin lighteners like rich Vitamin C to your beauty routine. It’s one of the best treatments for pigmentation on your face with its ability to help lighten existing colour and scarring. Because we can’t produce Vitamin C on our own, adding it to your beauty routine helps with the growth and repair of tissues without leaving your skin’s barrier compromised. With radiance-boosting properties, you’ll be following Rihanna and shining bright like a diamond in no time. Another secret to boosting cell turnover and restoring your skin’s lipid barrier is to moisturise, sounds simple right? It is when you choose emsi’s Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Brightening to illuminate sensitive and troubled skin. This lightweight moisturising lotion is made with the probiotic Lysates which helps create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive when compromised by outside elements and bad bacteria. Added Kakadu plum extract also lends its natural skin-brightening powers to target dull skin and hyperpigmentation while ethyl ascorbic acid, a non-irritating Vitamin C derivative, brightens and boosts collagen synthesis. Skip baking on the beach this summer because we’ve got news, heat and sun exposure will actually darken pigmentation! It’s also no secret that using brightening actives can make your skin more sun sensitive while free radicals from UV rays can damage your skin’s barrier. Our skin often makes excess pigment faster than we can remove it, so we’ve got to protect our skin to prevent it from returning so quickly. Applying an enriching sunscreen helps lock in moisture by creating a physical barrier on top of the skin. Our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen is perfect for layering under makeup with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract which is rich in vitamin c to deliver an antioxidant boost. Let’s look on the bright side here, some dark areas may even fade on their own with good sun protection so hit buy on that cute beach umbrella you’ve been eyeing up! Is Pigmentation Permanent? Pigmentation can be quite a personal concern to treat so results will vary depending on the type of pigmentation and severity. They say good things take time so have some patience as the right skincare routine can strengthen your skin while diminishing the appearance of pigmentation and scarring for a clearer complexion. The Best Ingredients For Pigmentation To combat pigmentation, you need strengthening and vitamin-rich ingredients that keep your complexion bright and balanced so your skin can naturally lighten while retaining oils and moisture. Niacinamide (B3) For Pigmentation Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is an important antioxidant for cell repair and guarding against moisture loss and dehydration. It reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blotchiness and redness with anti-inflammatory properties that benefit acne or rosacea. It can also protect your skin from infrared and UV light by removing all the damaging free radical molecules created by the environment, excuse us while we apply this B3 beauty before going outside! Kakadu Plum For Pigmentation Kakadu plum is believed to be the world’s most potent source of natural vitamin c, move over oranges! This makes it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots, improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This beautifully natural ingredient also contains other beneficial vitamins such as zinc and vitamin e which work together with vitamin c to lighten skin, even out skin tone and renew the complexion. Liquorice For Pigmentation Okay we know liquorice is delicious, especially the strawberry kind, but it’s also great for brightening post-inflammatory pigmentation from breakouts! While the sugary kind you eat won’t help your skin, natural extracts have powerful antioxidants and high anti-pigmentation properties that interfere with your skin's production of melanin. By supporting your skin’s resistance to harmful UV rays, it effectively prevents any further brown pigment from forming. What Is The Best Treatment For Pigmentation? This is where we come in, a great pigmentation treatment at home helps minimise dark patches and promotes an even skin tone. Whether you’re treating discolouration or trying to prevent new pigmentation from appearing, start your daily ritual with these naturally brightening products for a radiant and clear complexion. Pomegranate Brightening Serum Looking for a product with a Kakadu plum pick-me-up? Our Pomegranate Brightening Serum is a potent brightening, anti-pigmentation gel with powerful melanin inhibitors and skin-lightening ingredients. Infused with antioxidant Q10 spheres to energise and feed skin cells, it also contains liquorice for anti-inflammatory activity that’ll leave you with a fresh and youthful complexion! It’s ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's clarity. Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant Using an exfoliator on pigmented skin increases the rate of skin renewal, encouraging the hyperpigmented skin to be replaced by new skin cells. Stimulate cell turnover, boost hydration and clear dead skin cells by exfoliating with our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. It’s an added bonus that when the surface of your skin is smooth, the light effortlessly reflects off it so your skin tone appears more even. Encapsulated Retinol We know retinol might sound scary but our milky Encapsulated Retinol 0.25% Level 1 is perfect if you’re new to it or just have sensitive skin. This product is formulated with 100% encapsulated retinol to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen synthesis for a fresher, firmer complexion. Encapsulated retinol has enhanced bioavailability and stability which means the retinol is enclosed in tiny capsules, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers before being activated. Being derived from vitamin a with proven anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-dark mark properties, using topical retinoids helps lighten dark spots on your skin and regulate cell function. Avoid using retinol products in the morning as UV rays destabilise skincare ingredients and can increase your risk of sun sensitivity. Be patient with your beautiful skin as it adjusts to any new product, hyperpigmentation miracles don’t happen overnight. There’s no one size fits all solution for flawless skin but if you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, then brighten up with our Brighter Skin Solution Bundle.
5 Congestion Clearing Products We Swear By
We’re so excited you’ve brought balancing products that will take you from congested to clear! Stick your new congestion-fighting skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday to kiss blocked pores goodbye! But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be congested and what products could complement your skincare ritual. What Is Congested Skin? Congested skin is as common as low-rise jeans were in the early 2000s, we’re looking at you Britney Spears. If you have congested skin your pores are clogged with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, sweat and dirt. As this debris builds up, it’s unable to escape so becomes trapped which leads to blackheads, uneven skin texture and a dull appearance on your T-zone. What Causes Congested Skin? Our bodies produce natural oils through the sebaceous glands to nourish and moisturise our skin however, overactive oil glands can cause a build-up on the skin. This can be triggered by monthly menstrual cycles as hormones increase the production of sebum. Gut health and a poor diet also elevate blood sugar levels which can increase acne-causing hormones, excess oil and increased cell production. Take it easy on processed foods and limit refined sugar by prioristing a healthy lifestyle as part of your self-care habits. It can be tempting to touch your face but you’re also constantly touching things like your phone or EFTPOS machines so you’re transferring that bacteria right onto your skin. Add minimal or no skincare routine to this and you could be damaging your skin without even knowing it! Change your skincare routine by cleansing once in the morning and twice at night, we know it sounds like a lot but hear us out. The first cleanse is to remove makeup and SPF while the second is to get deep into the pores to remove the day’s debris and built-up oil. Congestion VS Acne They both seem to sound the same with pimples and blocked pores, right? Well, not quite so listen up! Congestion is just that, topical and irregular blockages that are likely brought on by poor skin health and lifestyle choices. Acne is a consistent skin condition that occurs in all skin types, even dry. It’s a form of inflammation and irritation that affects the deep layers of the skin with red and irritated breakouts. This is all thanks to oil glands becoming infected as they continue to excrete into clogged pores, creating a full pustule where bacteria can’t escape or be flushed out naturally. Can Sweat Cause Acne? We’re busting the myth wide open on sweat and pimples! Sweat doesn’t cause acne, it’s actually your best friend when it comes to flushing toxins from your body as long as you have clean skin before that sweat session. The only problem you might see here is if you bask in your sweat and don’t cleanse your face, this can attract dust and dirt that settles on the skin which can lead to sweat pimples. How Can I Decongest My Face? You might reach for a harsh scrub but steer clear of anything that strips the skin of its natural moisturising qualities. Choose The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal for a gentle cleanser that carefully removes all traces of makeup and impurities. It’s packed full of detoxifying charcoal to draw out toxins from deep within pores while aloe vera calms and heals inflammation. This creamy product is ideal for skin types that are prone to congestion, breakouts and large pores. Dehydrated skin can lead to problems that result in skin congestion as your skin will try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil, taking you right back to where you started. Seal in moisture to congested skin that’s been cleansed and exfoliated with esmi’s Detox Hydra-Fluid Moisturise to restore balance to oil-prone areas. The right moisturiser won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy so choose this weightless gel to protect against environmental stressors and pollutants. It’s also formulated with lactic acid to increase cellular turnover for smooth skin and carrot root extract to promote cell regeneration. Not that we want to add more to your laundry list but not changing your pillowcase and bedding can cause your skin to break out even if you’re double cleansing every night. Your pillowcase carries dirt, sweat and built-up products from your hair and hands so we recommend changing it every few days. While you’re at it, why not give your makeup brushes a wash so they aren’t clogged with dead skin cells, dried makeup and dirt? Putting time and energy into a skincare routine just to top it off with dirty makeup brushes is totally counterproductive! Make this part of your weekly beauty routine so you’re on your way to glowing skin again. What Ingredients Are Best For Congested Skin? The best treatment for your skin is using naturally antibacterial ingredients that deeply clean pores and clear congestion without being abrasive to the skin’s surface. Glycolic Acid For Acne Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that boosts moisture retention, reduces the appearance of scars, treats hyperpigmentation and brightens skin. It’s a potent exfoliator that removes dead cells from the topmost layers of the skin, preventing the overproduction of oil that leads to breakouts. It also stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen which leaves your skin feeling plumper with fewer fine lines. Activated Charcoal For Acne We know you can find activated charcoal in lattes, smoothies and toothpaste but what about your skincare? It’s basically wood burnt down to an absorbent powder, composed of carbon and ash that makes for a gentle exfoliant. Activated charcoal works like a vacuum for your pores with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that minimises the nutrients that congestion feeds on, leaving you with a full face glow. Bentonite VS Kaolin Clay Any skincare products that use clay naturally purify, cleanse and detoxify your skin with absorbent properties that draw toxins and oil. Bentonite draws heavy metals, impurities and chemicals from the skin to leave you with a clear and balanced complexion. Coming from volcanic ash, it has slightly more powerful oil absorption properties than kaolin clay which makes it perfect for extremely oily skin. Kaolin Clay is the best option for sensitive skin that’s typically normal to dry. With gentle absorption properties, the mild white clay evens out skin tone and reduces redness while absorbing oil without affecting your skin's natural oil level. What To Avoid When You Have Congested Skin It’s best to avoid products with ingredients that are known to irritate your skin and potentially cause breakouts. Our skin specialists recommend skipping comedogenic makeup and skin products while avoiding mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, lanolin, alcohol and artificial colours. If you’re still not sure, book a consultation or start a live chat with our qualified skin consultants to receive a personalised routine or product recommendation. What Products Are Good For Congested Skin? This is where we come in, say hello to your new esmi skin treats and start your daily ritual off with these naturally clearing products that will keep your pores clean and refined. Green Smoothie, But For Your Face Our Anti-Redness Green Smoothie serum is the best product to treat skin redness, reduce puffiness and calm damaged skin. You’ll find it packed full of Tasmania lanceolate extract, a powerful antioxidant that speeds up healing along with anti-inflammatory arnica. It’s suitable for all skin types, although can be especially healing for acne-inflamed or damaged skin. Buff The Bad Excess dead skin cells are to blame for congestion so for a clearer complexion, our lightweight Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum draws out underlying congestion while buffing away dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also loosens and breaks apart the bonds of skin cells to encourage your softer side. Simply drop it onto a charcoal brush or your fingers and massage it into freshly cleansed skin! Don’t be alarmed if your skin purges afterwards, just keep using it after your impurities have said hello to help the healing process. It’s important to note that over-exfoliation will cause your skin to fight back, leaving you with more breakouts and redness so stick to once a week and have rest nights to let your skin recover and reset. Say Hey To Clay If you feel the need to squeeze any blemishes, use our Charcoal Clay Booster Mask instead! We love it because charcoal acts like a sponge to draw out impurities from deep within, soft kaolin clay regulates oil production and creamy bentonite clay neutralises harmful bacteria to buff away dead skin. The powerful combination of charcoal and clay refines and purifies for soft skin so apply a generous amount across the whole face or to just a few pimples. It takes time for skin-clearing ingredients to kick in so be consistent with your treatments and give congestion treatments at least four weeks to do their thing. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, why not refresh and refine unbalanced skin cells with our Congested Skin Solution Bundle?
How To Kiss Bye Bye To Dry
We’re so excited you’ve brought plumping and rehydrating products that will take your skin from dry to glowing! Stick your new dry skincare routine on your bathroom mirror and follow along daily from Monday through Sunday for skin as smooth as glass. But first, let’s take a deep dive into why your skin might be dry and what products could complement your skincare ritual. Dry Skin VS Dehydrated Skin Dry and dehydrated skin can often be confused as the same thing but one is actually a skin type and one is a temporary condition. Dryness is a skin type where you may produce less sebum than normal skin types. This means your skin’s barrier is naturally lacking oil and may struggle to keep moisture locked into the cells, making it more susceptible to damage. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that may be triggered by diet (think salty foods and alcohol), not wearing moisturiser daily or your body losing more water than you’re drinking. Your skin might feel tight and uncomfortable while dark circles under your eyes and fine lines are more noticeable. You might also be experiencing an oily complexion and breakouts due to excess oil production over compromising for low water content, we know, confusing right? What Does Dry Skin Look Like? Your skin is easily compromised and more susceptible to free radical damage, premature ageing, dehydration and flare-ups of inflammation. It’ll often feel tight and uncomfortable while looking dull and irritated with fine lines and cracks. You might notice dry flaky patches around your nose and mouth and may feel some itchiness. Can Drinking Water Fix Dry Skin? We know it’s an easy assumption that drinking water will keep your skin hydrated but just drinking water won’t address a dry skin type. We always recommend drinking eight glasses of water daily but dry skin relates to a lack of oil so you’ll also need to keep your skin moisturised. What Causes Dry Skin On The Face? Basically, the root cause of dry skin is a lack of protective oils on the outer layer which allows your skin to lose its capacity to lock in moisture. A healthy skin barrier is typically made up of dead cells and enough naturally protective oils to keep skin soft and smooth. A dry skin type can be caused by genetics, hormonal phases, stress and some medications. Seasonal changes can also impact dryness so take extra care during winter months by adding richer moisturising formulas and oils that contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help seal in moisture. Your skin can also gradually lose moisture and essential oils when you spend too long in the sun without protection so never skip the SPF in summer! Apply an enriching sunscreen that helps create a physical barrier on top of the skin with our silky Skin Shield SPF 30 Sunscreen. It’s perfect for layering under makeup, with a non-greasy formula that includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and cooling cucumber extract. We’re sorry to say that as you age, sebaceous glands produce less oil making it harder to keep the skin moist. The amount of hyaluronic acid present in our bodies also declines, resulting in drying, more wrinkles and a rougher appearance. Can Dry Skin Cause Acne? Dry skin can actually make acne worse as your skin will try to compensate by overproducing oil. Celebrate a hydrated and bouncy complexion by picking the right moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling healthy and balanced. Our Probiotic Skin Mylck strengthens hyper-sensitive skin by replenishing skin moisture with Australian Made probiotic Lysates. This has been scientifically proven to create an ideal environment for your skin to thrive while supporting its natural defences. The Best Ingredients For Dry Skin Types The best hydrating skincare products are those that restore dull and lacklustre skin. That starts with learning how to nourish dry skin with products that contain naturally replenishing ingredients so your skin can retain its natural oils and moisture. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s able to act as a natural barrier to any external or harsh elements while drawing water in and amplifying the effect of hydration. Look out for products with humectant ingredients that attract moisture from the air and the deep levels of your skin to the surface layer, keeping your skin barrier hydrated. You’ll also want to check hydrating products for occlusives as these moisturising ingredients form a protective barrier around the surface of your skin to minimise moisture evaporating. These will physically block transepidermal water loss which is the process where water evaporates from the skin, pretty cool right? Any emollients in skin care products will also help with skin barrier function, leading to an overall improvement in skin texture and appearance so you can actually say you woke up like this. A few natural ingredients we love at esmi are: Hyaluronic acid for keeping skin plump and minimising fine lines while deeply hydrating. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for restoring your skin’s barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration. Shea butter, naturally packed with Vitamin E, for increasing your skin’s hydration and preventing moisture loss. Rose essential oil for its emollient, antiseptic and astringent properties that help treat redness and inflammation. What Products Are Best For Dry Skin? Caring for dry skin means focusing on products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the skin’s surface. Having rehydrated skin helps protect your overall skin barrier health, improves skin texture and leaves you with a radiant base for makeup. This is where we come in, start your daily ritual off with these naturally hydrating products for a radiant and dewy complexion! Skin Saviour Use our best-selling skin treat, Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, to give your beautiful skin that extra bounce from the inside out. We like to think of this serum as a tall drink of water for your skin that can give a hydration boost of up to 25% within just two hours! The hydrating water magnet plumps and hydrates skin by acting as a sponge to attract water from the atmosphere. Talk about a thirst quencher! Buff The Bad Exfoliate weekly with humectant ingredients, like glycolic or lactic acid, that reduce the loss of moisture, stimulate cell turnover and clear dead skin cells. Choose our lightweight Rose & Bamboo Gentle-Foliant to stay fresh and boost hydration, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. The renewing power of bamboo extract is an ancient beauty treatment that leaves skin soft, luminous and purified while enriching rose oil aids in calming and moisturising. Don’t Hesitate, Hydrate Our super hydrating yet lightweight Hydrating Eye Serum is a potent formulation of marine extracts, antioxidants and a moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. It nourishes skin while restoring and plumping the undereye area for a fresh and youthful complexion! Always Go For Gold Oil-based skin care is a great choice for dry skin types so why not substitute your PM moisturiser for our 24K Gold Nourishing Oil? Formulated for dry skin types, it prevents moisture loss while addresses dryness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. With jojoba seed oil to regulate oil flow, it absorbs quickly into the skin so you’re left feeling moisturised, plump and glowing. It’s best to finish your routine with to lock in a protective barrier on the skin for maximum hydrating effects. Using hydrating serums and oils that target moisture retention and protect your skin’s barrier is crucial for dehydrated skin. If you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, glow up your ritual with our Nourishing Dry Skin Solution Bundle to restore your skin health and inner confidence.
Up-And-Coming Beauty Trends in 2023
2023 is here (where did that time go) and we’re super excited about what’s to come in the beauty and makeup trends space for the new year. But what will the top beauty trends of 2023 look like? Will a skincare-first approach take the beauty community by storm or is it all about creating a makeup look with bolder colours at the forefront? Whatever your favourite beauty routines and products are, there is a range of trends to jump on and explore in the new year. So, let’s get trendy! Protecting the Skin Barrier Taking care of your skin through quality skincare is nothing new but what about targeting your skin barrier specifically? What is the skin barrier you may ask? The purpose of your skin barrier is to protect your skin from harsh environments which often cause damaged skin — think humid or dry environments, sun and harsh chemical exposure, and even over-exfoliation can cause damage to the skin barrier. This is why gentle, non-toxic skincare will be a staple in your product cabinet in 2023! Get ahead of the trend and try our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum! Containing Vitamin B3 and allantoin for skin repair as well as hyaluronic acid (of course) to hydrate the skin throughout the day both with and without makeup, to ensure your skin barrier is protected to the fullest. Sunscreen is Queen SPF has proven to be the most effective preventative skincare measure in 2022 and will continue to be a staple in 2023 (and hopefully beyond!). Not only does adding SPF into your morning routine protect your skin from the harsh sun rays, but it also prevents ageing and the appearance of skin impurities. Many sunscreen brands, including esmi, are adding extra elements to their sunscreen formula like carrot root oil and hyaluronic acid for added hydration and plumping fine lines. It’s no doubt that using a facial sunscreen that works for you and your skin on a deeper level will be the next big thing in sunscreen development! Skin Minimalism The no makeup, makeup look has been around long before 2023. But, it used to be the case that many products would be used to create this ‘no makeup look’ — not anymore! In 2023 we are levelling up and choosing select products based on quality that will become staples in our day-to-day. The term skin minimalism means focusing on products that benefit the skin to ensure you don’t have to wear as much makeup. This is a great trend to jump on for those on the go or people who want a less intensive makeup routine in 2023. Get involved in this trend through our Liquid Mineral Foundation which promotes coverage as well as powerful vitamins and antioxidants for skin health! Brushed-Up Brows Gone are the days of one-dimensional brows — enter brushed-up brows! For those who don’t know, brushed-up brows is a technique that allows your eyebrow to stand straight and gives a feathered look. This natural brow look is perfect for those who want to make their brows stand out without going crazy with the product. As with skin minimalism, this brushed-up brow 2023 trend will be a staple in everyone's daily makeup routine. To get this brow look try our Zebra Clear Brow Gel for long-wearing brushed-up brows! Statement Lip Colours The nude lip and minimal makeup has its moment, but 2023 is here and it’s time to add some colour! Statement lips colours are set to be all the rage in 2023 and not just for nights out. Rocking a bold lip in the office, at a casual lunch or when shopping with friends will be common, making your bold makeup look even bolder! Will wearing a statement lip be your go-to makeup trend in 2023? If so check out our Lipstick range over at Lip Heroes! Eyes that Pop! No doubt the Gen Z’s of the world have been killing it lately with their creative and colourful eye looks that pop! We’re talking eyeliner designs that break the rules and the use of super bright colours to match every single detail of their outfit. This makeup trend is set to continue in 2023 and with the help of some killer eye products you can make the most of it! Scalp-Centered Hair Care Ensuring your hair remains healthy from the scalp is set to be the most popular hair beauty trend of 2023. Not only does scalp health help with hair growth and strength from the get-go, it also regulates oil production and removes dead skin cells (goodbye dandruff), leaving the scalp balanced and healthy for the long term! Scalp treatments can be bought separately but why not have them included in your shampoo and conditioner? esmi Hair Care is the best way to jump on this trend early and incorporate it into your hair-washing cycle. It’s a yes from us for scalp care in 2023! Which beauty and makeup trends will you try in 2023? The esmi team are ready for what the beauty and makeup industry has in store for us in 2023. Whether you want to simplify your makeup routine or take your skincare to the next level, 2023 is the year for it!
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Your Face
It’s no surprise that the esmi team is obsessed with SPF! It decreases your rate of ageing, is a preventative measure for sun spots and, when worn daily, can actively decrease your risk of skin cancer — there’s nothing it cannot do. So, when we get asked ‘what is the best sunscreen for my face?’ our hearts sing. Facial SPF is the most important aspect of a morning skincare routine, especially if you live in sunny Australia. And, to ensure our esmi community can choose the right sunscreen for their skin type we’ve developed a guide to help you identify the best ingredients to look for in SPF for your face. Let’s dive in, shall we. SPF For Your Face: Why it Matters! You might think SPF for your face can be skipped over. This might be because you don’t have a family history of skin cancer, or you don’t live somewhere that’s particularly sunny in the daytime. Well, the esmi team has some news for you! Wearing sunscreen on your face is crucial any time of year as it actively protects your skin from harmful UV rays. This UV light doesn’t just travel when it’s sunshine and rainbows, 80% of UV light can travel through clouds no matter what the weather is. Therefore, it’s important to always wear daily SPF if you are going outside for the day. SPF also matters for your skin as it can help protect against visible signs of ageing, keep complexion even and ensure your skin is healthier overall. Overexposure to UV light is not ideal for both health and your skin's appearance so why not incorporate SPF for your face into a daily skincare routine? How to Choose The Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type The fact is most people don’t know what sunscreen is right for their skin type, end up choosing the wrong product and then end up with a skin base that doesn’t feel or look right for their skin. We want to end this and allow our community to make an educated decision on a sunscreen that is perfect for dry, sensitive or oily skin. Sunscreen for Dry Skin For those who have dry skin and don’t know where to start with facial SPF, always check for hydrating ingredients. Any skincare product that will add additional moisture to your skin is beneficial, especially as sun damage can be extra harsh on dry skin, causing a flaky and cracked appearance that we’re sure no one wants to experience. Ingredients to look out for in your daily sunscreen include hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. It is also ideal to choose an SPF product that has a creamy texture which will feel comforting on dry skin, in the summer and winter months. Our Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30 contains hydrating ingredients including aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration throughout the day — a perfect facial SPF option for those with dry skin. Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin When choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin it’s important to look for sunscreens that are suitable for all skin types or especially for sensitive skin. The esmi Skin Shield can be used by all skin types and is highly rated by people with sensitive skin due to the active ingredient of zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a great addition to sunscreen as it is anti-inflammatory and gentle on all skin types. If your skin is prone to acne, eczema and ulcers this sunscreen ingredient is essential for your chosen facial SPF. Sunscreen for Oily Skin Speaking of Zinc, this active ingredient is also recommended for those with oily skin who want a sunscreen that offers a smooth, matte finish. This ingredient deflects rays away from the skin as it is mineral based and sits on top of the skin instead of absorbing into the face causing extra redness and irritation. As Skin Shield has zinc oxide as the main active ingredient we also recommend this product for individuals who have oily skin. We never want someone with oily skin to not wear SPF due to extra shine, so we have made sure Skin Shield is non-greasy and can be worn under makeup. The Best Sunscreen for Your Face As you may have guessed our esmi Skin Shield Sunscreen SPF 30 is your go-to no matter what your skin type. It’s a best-seller for a reason and is our number-one recommendation when you are looking to add extra protection to your skincare routine. But, psst — we have a little secret! Coming soon to The Makeup Cartel brands is Sun Skills. A new sunscreen focussed brand that will elevate the way you SPF. Stay tuned for more!
New Year, New You: Detox and Renew Your Skincare Routine
It’s coming into the new year and we know new years resolutions and goals are going to be made. As they should... Who wouldn’t want to go into 2023 with a new lease on life?! But, why don’t we have the same outlook when it comes to skincare? Detoxing and renewing your skincare routine might just be what the doctor ordered in 2023. If your routine has been the same since 2020 (oh gosh let's not think about it) or you’re finding that your products just aren’t working as well as they used to that’s okay (and normal). The next step is to figure out which products are going to be beneficial for you and your overall skin health in the new year. Some trial and error may come into play here, but the esmi team has collated some handy tips on which products to try for a total skincare detox. What Does Skincare Renewal Actually Mean? Skincare renewal means assessing your skincare routine and seeing if it properly serves your current skin concerns and goals. With skincare renewal you can completely overhaul your skincare routine, or do a skincare detox by swapping out a few products. At esmi, we prefer the latter. It's also important to remember that skincare renewal is all about you! A skin detox might also enhance your self-care routine and mood which can contribute to overall well-being, rather than focusing specifically on results. Whatever your skin goals are for 2023 let's delve deep into how skincare detox and renewal can help you achieve them! How to Start Your Skincare Detox Start your skincare detox by laying out all your current skincare products — yes even the ones that are your holy grail and you can’t bear to part with. Then, pick up the ones you have had forever (and probably repurchased multiple times) and see if the ingredients still align with your skin goals. If your skin is oily, but now there are a few fine lines you want to minimise, maybe you need to reconsider your product choice. Or, if you have moved somewhere new where there is a totally different climate, a change in which products you use most might be needed. Once you have aligned your current products to your skin goals (this might require some ingredient research), start to think about which new products you might want to add to create the best skincare routine for you. Adding in facial sunscreen when your other new year's goal is to go for daily walks could be an option. Alternatively, if your skin has begun to look pigmented, a brightening serum might be the way to go. Knowing how your skin is changing and developing over time is key when adding in new products and finding that true skin renewal. The Best Products To Change Up for a New Skincare Routine But, which products are best to change up? If you want to do a full skincare detox, it might be wise to focus on a few products at a time — this ensures your skin doesn’t get overwhelmed with new products. We’ve picked out our recommendations on which products are best to change up for a strategic skin detox. New Year, New Cleanser As far as cleansers go, our Cleanser range is by far the best cleanser for your face when you want to target a specific skin concern. If you are currently using our original Uncomplicated Cleanser and want to align it with a new skin goal, we have options for detoxifying, anti-redness, brightening and anti-ageing that can work for many different skin types. Your skin may have also become more sensitive over 2022 so you need a cleanser that can keep your skin in check. In 2023, why not try our Probiotic Skin Mylck Cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin? Ensuring your cleanser (the base of your new skincare routine) is working for your skin in 2023 is the goal — and with our range of cleansers, esmi can get you there. Serums & Oils Following up your cleanser with a serum or oil (or both!) can make all the difference with a skincare detox. Introducing new active ingredients to your skin can aid results and speed up the process when detoxifying your skin. Adding one of our Skin Treats to your new skincare routine that aligns with your new 2023 skin goals is a great way to incorporate a new product without changing your routine too rapidly. Our favourite esmi Skin Treats include: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum for added hydration 24K Gold Nourishing Oil with anti-ageing properties Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie for acne-prone skin Probiotic Skin Mylck for sensitive skin Exfoliants & Face Masks Want to create new skincare rituals but don’t want to change your daily routine too much? Adding in a targeted Gentle-Foliant or Booster Mask 2 to 3 times per week could be the key to a successful skincare revamp for 2023. Our Gentle-Foliants (our name for exfoliant) is a new kind of exfoliant product as it treats the skin with kindness and doesn’t strip the face. This creates balanced skin that won’t be harmed because of a harsh texture. Similar to this is our Booster Masks which target key concern areas to brighten, smooth, calm and hydrate skin. Best of all both our Gentle-Foliants and Booster Masks are all targeted to one concern so you can add the perfect on for you to your revamped skin routine! Creating a New Skincare Routine with Us! The esmi could write all day about how your 2023 skincare renewal could happen. However, it’s not up to us — it's up to you! Knowing what your skin goals are and what skin concerns you want to address most will allow you to properly do a skincare detox. Choosing the best products for your skin goals is a must and if you need a little extra guidance speak to our skin specialist team on live chat! They are happy to help with any product questions or create a whole new skincare routine. You can also always go to our skincare quiz for extra information if chatting to someone isn’t your jam. Happy New Skincare Routine — let’s make this skin year the best yet!
Why is My Skin Peeling?
Our ideal spa day would not be complete without a peel, but the kind of skin peeling we’re talking about today is just about the last thing anyone wants! It can be a real pain (in the literal sense) and unlike a spot here or there, dry, flaky skin on the face can be difficult to cover with makeup. Plus, it can feel irritating and downright uncomfortable. That’s why nipping it in the bud is so crucial. Before you know it, you’ll have skin like a baby’s bottom! What is Peeling Skin? Believe it or not, skin peeling on the face isn’t always a bad thing. When the outer layer of skin (the epidermis for skincare nerds like us) sheds, it is a sign that your skin is healing from damage and is being replaced by healthier, new skin. Majority of the time, peeling occurs after sunburn (as if you needed another reason to religiously apply sunscreen), when you have dry skin and when you suffer from eczema. The area affected might feel dry, itchy, painful and be a little red. Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how to get rid of flaky skin. Causes and How to Soothe Peeling Skin Sunburn Even though you apply sunscreen everyday, and reapply with prolonged sun exposure (Right? Right??), the fact is that sometimes sunburns are unavoidable. As most of us would know, after the burn comes the incredibly annoying peeling. Painful, itchy and not so cute - a total pain in the butt. When the top layer of the skin becomes damaged, collagen breaks down and causes the skin to pull apart, prompting this super not fun process. Now let’s start with the obvious: avoid scaly skin caused by sun exposure by lathering on a thick layer of the Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen. If you’ve crossed over into flaky territory, calm the skin with the Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask. It will soothe irritated and peeling skin on the face. Then, top it off with the Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration to restore the damaged skin barrier and increase hydration. Dry Skin If you’ve got skin on the dryer side, you’re going to be more susceptible to cracking and peeling (We feel for you!). Dry skin has a skin barrier that is compromised, meaning it can't retain moisture and oils so well. In other words, all of the good stuff that keeps your skin plump is exiting stage right. To avoid making the situation worse, avoid harsh products and boiling hot showers - they are only going to strip even more moisture out of your skin and make the flaking problem worse. When it comes to your skincare routine, go for the most luxe, moisturising products around. Luckily, we know just the products! Our Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask is packed with moisturising ingredients like shea butter and coconut and almond oils. Your thirsty skin is going to love them and start to heal any skin peeling on the face. Then dab on a few drops of the Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo for peak moisture. The wonder ingredient is provitamin B5, which is a natural skin healer and protector - say “see ya” to dry, flaky skin! Eczema and Contact Dermatitis Eczema is a term for a bunch of skin conditions that cause red, dry skin and, in many cases, that damn flaking. While there’s no cure (cue eye roll), there are things you can do to help heal irritated and peeling skin from these conditions. Contact dermatitis, in particular, occurs when the skin comes into contact with chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. If you know you’re prone to reactions, always (always!) patch test products before lathering them all over your face. Another hot tip? Stick with natural and gentle products that aren’t going to exacerbate the situation. Speaking of, our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum plumps the skin, and the niacinamide (Vitamin B3) works to restore damaged and peeling skin on the face, making it perfect for giving flaky skin the flick. For a super boost of nourishment, use a few drops of the 24K Gold Nourishing Oil. The trio of coconut, jojoba and avocado oils are excellent moisturisers and this skin treat is rich in skin-saving fatty acids. To find out more about the cause of skin peeling and what products are going to send it packing, book a free skincare consultation with one of our experts!
Get the Most Out of Your Skin Consultation
Did you know we have a team of skin care experts standing by to help you navigate the tricky world of skincare with a virtual skin care consultation? It’s true! Our skin care consultants are qualified beauty therapists so you know they know all things skin. We also believe that expert skin care advice should be accessible to everyone, that’s why our consultations are completely free! On board yet? Thought so. No matter what you are looking to get out of your session, here are some tips on how to make the most out of your online skin care consultation. How to Prepare The best thing to do before your online skin care consultation is to take a minute to figure out your skin goals. Whether it is clearing up acne, plumping fine lines, kicking dryness to the curb or finding your glow, it is entirely up to you. Your skin care consultant is here to make your skin dreams come true, kind of like a fairy godmother with hyaluronic acid! Before your online skin care consultation, take some photos of your skin in bright, natural light, without makeup. That is the best way for our skin consultants to see where your skin is at and how they can help you. The more recent the photos, the better. If you have a record of any products or ingredients that have or haven’t worked for you in the past, even better. This is especially important if you have experienced any reactions or irritations because of course, we’re going to avoid those nasties. As with most things in life, honesty is the best policy (except maybe when your PT asks how many doughnuts you’ve eaten this week). Whether you have a 10-step skincare routine or simply use soap, being transparent when sharing your current routine with us during your skin care consultation is going to help us guide you. It will ensure we know whether to set you up with the basics, or just add the icing on the cake to your routine. This also means being honest with us about your lifestyle, because that can absolutely affect our recommendations. That includes your diet, stress levels, sleep, your physical environment and whether you’re pregnant. We’re totally not here to judge, knowing these things just gives us a clearer picture of your skin health. Other Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Skin Care Consultation Another one of those life virtues that applies here is patience. It is our mission to deliver some incredible results, but in most cases, it will take time. It can sometimes take a couple of months of consistent product use to see results. After all, Rome (or stunning skin) wasn’t built in a day. Our skin consultants are trained beauty therapists and won’t lead you astray. So unless you are having an adverse reaction to a product (in which case, put it down ASAP), we ask that you trust us, and stick with it. You can come to us for a virtual skin care consultation at any point during your skincare journey. If you are a complete newbie (hey, welcome!), if you count yourself as a bit of a skincare pro but just need some pointers, or if your skin has recently changed (new mums, you get it), you’re more than welcome! We are going to treat your skin with kindness no matter where you’re up to. The most important thing to remember is that we’re here to help so don’t be afraid! We know it can seem a little intimidating and hey, skin is a pretty personal thing, but we have truly seen it all. Imparting our knowledge and giving you the gift of the best skin of your life is why we do what we do. The excited messages from people who have transformed their skin bring the biggest smiles to our faces. Ready to reach your skin goals? Head online to start your online skin care consultation today!
What Order Should I Use My Skin Treats In?
Our collection of Skin Treats are team players, allowing you to mix and match and build a customised skincare routine. With an extensive list of face serums, facial oils and duo skin treatments, it can get confusing about which order is best to layer your Skin Treats. What order do I layer my Skin Treats? Great question. The short answer is to start (after cleansing) with the water-based Serums, follow with Skin Mylcks and finish with Oils. Download our Skin Treat Guide here. Keep it on your phone or in your bathroom!
