Calling all of our Australia and New Zealand fans! We tapped our friend Samira Sultan-Rouse from Loft Beauty Lounge in Christchurch, New Zealand, to run down some of her favorite products for transitioning skincare!

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The change of season is in full force here in New Zealand – Autumn is here! The clocks have gone back, the days are darker and shorter. So what does this mean for our skin?

The thing that is presenting itself daily in my clinic daily is dehydration and a lacklustre appearance to the skin. As the weather is still transitioning and is some what erratic – so is the use of air conditioning and heating in our vehicles at home and the workplace. Artificial heating such as heat pumps are drawing the moisture out of our skin and creating fine dehydration lines and a sallow appearance. Walking in from the cold air to warm inside environment isn’t helping much either. This is why transitioning our skincare and incorporating some lifestyle adjustments to suit the elements and our environment is so important.

AMP UP YOUR ANTIOXIDANTS

Protecting your skin from external aggressors that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and inflammation in the skin is important as the days are getting cooler. Consider incorporating a daily booster such as AFFIRM, PURE C or RADIANCE utilising powerful antioxidants such as:

• L Ascorbic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Resveratrol
• L-Superoxide Dismutase
• Spin trap

PROTECT YOUR BARRIER FUNCTION

When your skins natural barrier is impaired – skin will feel tight and dry, water in the skin will evaporate faster (TEWL), skin can become sensitised with higher colour, textural irregularities appear and fine lines become more visible. Increase/maintain the integrity of your skins natural barrier function by consuming adequate fluids, consuming essential fatty acids in your diet and protecting it topically.

• Essential fatty acids keep our cell membranes in tact, reduce inflammation, help us to produce good quality oil to lubricate the skin and prevent TEWL. Consume oily fish, avocado, raw nuts and flaxseed oil daily
• 2.5 L water per day – includes herbal teas which are easier to consume when its cooling down outside
• Topical moisturisers like HUMIDIFY, RESCUE + and EMULSION containing ingredients such as niacinamide, shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, trehalose and hyaluronic acid will support barrier function

MASK IT UP!

If you’re new to applying masks at home the change of season is great opportunity to experiment and infuse some goodness into your skin. Opt for moisture surging, glow enhancing or dual action masks such as PURE ENZYMES, GLOW or BIOSHAPE to give your skin a weekly boost. If your skin is really feeling the effects of the cooler weather – try leaving a generous application of a hydrating mask like RESTORE or RESCUE + on overnight for an extra burst of moisture.

DON’T SCRIMP ON THE SPF

Yes its cooler and you’re spending more time inside – but the effects of UVA and UVB rays are still in full force (even when the suns hiding!). Consider trying an SPF that has the added benefits of peptides, antioxidants and hydrators built in – and don’t forget to reapply during the day. PEPTIDE RICH DEFENSE and REFLECT are favourites!

 

For further advice on how to support and protect your skin through the change of season, be sure to see your COSMEDIX skin therapist for personalised  home care recommendations and in clinic treatments.

 

Check out Loft Beauty Lounge on Instagram!

Samira Sultan- Rouse: Beauty Therapist (NaSA, ITEC 2003) Dermal Therapist (AACDS, ITEC 2008)

Some people hear the word “peel” and get nervous. Think of Sex in the City, when Samantha got that peel that no one will ever forget! 

The reality is, receiving a peel can help your skincare work even better! We tapped Matthew Miller, of Matthew Miller Skin in NYC, to give us the low down on peels and to answer some common questions.

COSMEDIX: How do I know which peel is safe for my skin tone?

Matthew Miller: A professional aesthetician should provide a thorough assessment of your skin before any peel, treatment or facial begins. One of the assessments is a Fitzpatrick Scale ranking. If your ranking is 4 or higher, your skin may be at risk for hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots) if peels are too aggressive. Ask your aesthetician to help determine which peel is right for you and your skin needs.

C: Are peels safe for deep and dark skin tones?

M: Yes. The problems that people with darker skin tones experience with peels is due to technical error, not the peels themselves. Clients with more pigmentation may react differently and become more sensitive to certain active ingredients than clients with lighter skin tones. It is to seek an experienced aesthetician and peels that are gentle yet effective on highly pigmented skin.

C: What peels are safe for clients with pigmented skin?

M: Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinol and Jessner’s Peel have proven to be less problematic for African-American skin. If your skin tends to be reactive it is important to work your way up to more aggressive peel treatments to get the results you want and to avoid complications. It is important to disclose as much information about your skin condition and lifestyle to help an aesthetician recommend the right peel for you and your skin goals.

C: How will my skin react to a peel?

M: It depends on the peel. All peels can cause your skin to be sensitive to the sun. Some peels cause redness. Other peels with gentler ingredients will exfoliate your skin and renew your complexion with little to no downtime. Medium to deep peels may cause your skin to peel or shed for days or weeks. Ask your aesthetician about recovery time and typical aftereffects of your peel of choice.

C: How can I find out if I will have an unfavorable reaction to a peel?

M: A good aesthetician will always want the best for your skin. If you are unsure about a treatment, ask your aesthetician to do a spot test on the skin in an inconspicuous place. This will give you an idea of how your skin may react to peel and foreshadow how long your recovery time may be. Give your skin up to 30 days to recover from the spot test to see final results.

About Matthew Miller:

Matthew attended the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill for his Esthetics certification, as well as the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences for Massage Therapy. Matthew brings over six years of experience to his craft. Years invested in retail, management, education, and clinical services have culminated into the experience of the Matthew Miller Skin Suite. Here, you can experience a vast array of Matthew’s specialties, including: sugaring hair removal, skincare treatments, and body treatments.

Follow Matthew on Instagram!

In recent years, the skincare industry has seen an influx of facial cleansers with promises to improve the appearance of the skin, but how does this category fit into overall wellness?

Allure magazine recently published an article detailing the psychosocial impact that cleanliness has on our lives. Nowadays, taking the time to cleanse and treat the skin each day can double as a moment to set your intentions and meditate for overall wellness; and with the right ingredients, your regimen can provide a sensorial experience that you won’t want to skip!

In the article, communications-studies professor, Rachel Anise Wegter, connects the dots by saying, “cleansing enables a sort of physical catharsis…it allows us to wash away the stress, frustration, and literal dirt we’ve encountered throughout the day. And that alone is something to rave about.”

But, with so many products on the market, how does one find the perfect cleanser?

In order to find products that can combat your specific concerns, it’s important to identify what they are and what’s causing them. COSMEDIX recommends frequent visits to a skincare professional to assess your skin’s individual needs and establish a custom regimen. Visit https://www.cosmedix.com/store-locator to find a professional near you.

Luckily, each product in the line is carefully formulated to provide clinical results with clean ingredients that promote overall skin health. Not only are the cleansers effective, but they are formulated with intelligent exfoliation, which helps to boost the effectiveness of every other product. With these components, you will be able to bring the spa experience into the comfort of your own home.

Decompress with COSMEDIX Cleansers

With COSMEDIX, the days of sacrificing wellness for beauty are no longer. Each product is formulated free of any parabens, benzoyl peroxide, artificial dyes, sodium lauryl sulfate, petroleum derivates, artificial fragrances, harsh additives and more. Instead, the cleansers are packed with botanical ingredients, which have sensorial benefits that will free your skin­ (and mind) from daily stressors!

The first step to any regimen is cleanser, so it’s imperative to find the perfect one. Check out the following products to see which one best suits your needs:

Benefit Clean—a light, foaming cleanser that’s gentle enough for all skin types, yet effective enough to remove debris and environmental pollutants from the skin. This cleanser is perfect for everyday use and post-treatment, as the sandalwood works as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial astringent to cool and soothe the skin.

The bonus: This cleanser is formulated with grapefruit oil, which according to Dr. Axe, helps to increase mental focus. Kickstart a productive day with Benefit Clean!

Purity Clean—if you’re on the oily side, deal with pesky blemishes or struggle with uneven texture, this is the cleanser for you! Purity Clean is formulated with exfoliating Lactic Acid, Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil, which helps to exfoliate the skin for a more balanced and healthier-looking complexion. The format of the product differs from other water-based cleanser, as the oil works to dissolve the other dirt and oils on the skin without stripping skin of its natural, protective oil.

The Bonus: The benefits of Peppermint oil don’t stop there! According to Dr.Jockers, peppermint oil helps to increase oxygen capability, which promotes good brain health. Invigorate your mind twice daily with Purity Clean!

Purity Solution—cleansing oils have been all the rage lately and Purity Solution is no exception! With a powerful blend of olive, moringa, kukui, safflower, sesame and argan oils, Purity Solution works to gently break down dirt, excess oil and impurities while nourishing the skin with vitamins.

The Bonus: Purity Solution contains Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, which is known for its calming properties. Start—and end—each day with tranquility by adding Purity Solution to your regimen.

 

 

Healthy skin is in! There is nothing better than giving your skin that “glow from within” by starting your beauty routine from the inside out. From top-rated supermodels to our favorite bloggers, we found that healthy, glowing skin is often a result of clean lifestyle habits and effective products. In today’s post, we’re dishing our tips for improving your skin’s appearance this spring!

1. Hydrate: This may come as no surprise, but hydration is a major key to achieving a healthy glow. It’s important to consume an adequate amount of water each day for overall health, so we recommend a gallon a day for good measure. Just like other cells in the body, skin cells rely on hydration for functionality and when we deprive our skin of water, it can begin to show externally. Pro Tip: place a glass of water on your nightstand and start each morning with a burst of hydration! We’ve heard that adding a little lemon to your water in the morning can give you as much energy as coffee! Have you given it a try? 
2. Clean diet: We can assume that everything we place into our bodies has potential to affect our outward appearance. Foods with high sugar can affect hormone balance and inflammation, which can lead to sagging skin, wrinkles and acne. Pro Tip: Try incorporating leafy greens, dairy-substitutes, green tea and vegetables into your diet and watch your skin transform from within. 
3. Prioritize sleep: Stress plays a major role in the overall appearance of our skin, so getting a good night’s rest should be a top priority. Our bodies use sleep to rebalance hydration, reduce stress levels and regulate the immune system. It’s recommended that adults aim for 7-9 hours each night. Pro Tip: Ditch your electronics one hour before bedtime to fall asleep faster. 
4. Get active: Sweating is the body’s natural form of detoxifying. As pores dilate, the skin releases toxins and buildup that could otherwise lead to blemishes. A good sweat session also reduces inflammation in the body, which regulates hormones. Pro Tip: Find a workout buddy and commit to getting active at least three times each week! 
5. Frequent masking: While it’s important to promote skin health from within, there are several topical solutions to stubborn skincare concerns. Applying masks is a great way to supplement a skincare regime by deep cleaning the skin and unclogging pores. COSMEDIX masks are formulated with an intelligent exfoliation that allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin for maximum efficacy. Pro Tip: Try multi-masking to spot treat different facial zones based on your concerns.

 

 Masks We Recommend

 

Glow Bamboo Brightening Mask is formulated with bamboo stem extracts that gently remove the dead surface skin for improved appearance and discoloration of uneven skin tone. The exfoliating properties reveal smoother, brighter and more luminous-looking complexion. We recommend adding this mask to your nighttime routine up to three times per week for maximum benefits.

Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask creates a spa-like experience at home with a nourishing combination of cranberry enzymes and lactic acid. This mask gently polishes away dead surface cells and pore-clogging impurities and in just 3-10 minutes, the Gluconic Acid activates for visibly softer and plumper skin.

 

Complete the Regimen

 

While masks are highly recommended, it’s important that you have an everyday regimen that works with the skin to improve some of the most common concerns. Below are recommended products for a 360 approach to healthy, glowing skin:

• Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser’s award-winning formula exfoliates, decongests and cleanses the skin for visibly-improved texture. This cleanser effectively preps the skin for masks and can be applied both morning and night.
• Protect your skin from free radical damage with the Benefit Balance Antioxidant-Infused Toning Mist. This refreshing toner contains D-guluronic acid and shea butter for lightweight moisturizer that’s suitable for all skin types.
• Environmental stressors can lead to signs of aging with fine lines and wrinkles, so optimize your routine by incorporating the Cell ID Nutritive Defense Serum. This restorative serum is packed with oligopeptide and mitochondrial complex tripeptide to stimulate the skin’s natural rejuvenation process for brighter, healthy-looking skin.
• Emulsion Intense Hydrator is formulated with liquid crystal technology and shea butter for deep, lasting hydration. Avoid the appearance of aging skin by applying this to your face both morning and night.