Category: Tips & How Tos

When it comes to exfoliation, less really can be more! Exfoliation—the process of removing dry skin or dead skin—should be part of your skincare routine, but over-exfoliating can cause irritation. No matter your skin care concerns, exfoliating your face, lips, neck, and decolletage just two to three times a week can help skin look brighter, healthier, and more even-toned. But the benefits of exfoliation don’t stop there! Taking a few minutes to massage in a luxe, gentle exfoliant can also help to remove impurities from clogged pores, and help your skin absorb other skin care products more effectively. COSMEDIX has a whole host of supercharged exfoliators for every skin type, so we’re rounding up some of our favorite scrubs, masks, and treatments for you in our blog post this week. Read on for more on the different types of exfoliators and a few recommendations for your specific skin concerns!

Types of Exfoliators

Physical Exfoliators

Physical exfoliators are probably what most people think of when they picture an exfoliant—remember when apricot scrub was ever-present on all our shelves? These exfoliators actually rub and scrub your skin with textured ingredients, help you slough off all that dead skin. At COSMEDIX, the key ingredients in our physical exfoliators are natural ingredients like Poppy, Jojoba, and Date Seeds or Sea Salt. Our gentle, physical exfoliators will help you reveal more rejuvenated, healthy-looking skin.

Enzyme Exfoliators

Physical exfoliators are tried-and-true, but enzymes can help take natural exfoliating ingredients to the next level! Enzymes are a hyper-gentle exfoliating ingredient that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can be removed more easily. Enzyme exfoliators are less likely to irritate skin than harsher exfoliators, and the products that use enzymes as exfoliants likely have a smoother, more lotion-like texture.

Chemical Exfoliators

Ingredients like Salicylic, Alpha Hydroxy, and Chirally Correct L-Lactic Acids as well as products with Retinol can all help exfoliate skin. If these chemical ingredients sound a bit intense, not to worry! At COSMEDIX, our chemical exfoliators also include hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera that help skin maintain moisture levels. Like physical and enzyme exfoliators, chemical exfoliators only need to be added to your skincare routine two to three times a week. However, unlike physical and enzyme exfoliators, chemical exfoliators are only recommended as part of an evening skincare routine.

COSMEDIX Exfoliators by Skincare Concern

For Acne: Purity Detox Scrub Multi-Layer Detoxification System with Salicylic Acid AM/PM

This ultimate exfoliating cocktail combines gentle physical exfoliants like Poppy, Jojoba, and Date Seeds with Salicylic Acid to help polish away the look of skin imperfections and leave you with a clearer-looking, more even complexion. This exfoliator is gentle enough for a morning or evening skincare routine and can be used on the body as well as the face for all over exfoliation.

For Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Defy Triple Hydroxy Acid Age-Defying Treatment PM

This multi-tasking Age-Defying Treatment is formulated with a powerhouse blend of plant based ingredients and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. The key to Defy’s exfoliating power? Chirally Correct L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, and L Tartaric Acid that gently exfoliates to help reduce the appearance of fine lines for a smoother, softer appearance. Defy is also formulated with Aloe Vera and Olive Oil to help hydrate and soothe the complexion.

For Brightening: PHA Hydration Peel AM/PM Refining Exfoliator

Formulated with an age-defying cocktail of gentle skincare superstars like PHA, Lactobioinic Acid and Phytic Acid, this skin-soothing peel treatment helps illuminate the appearance of your complexion. The Lactobionic Acid is a naturally derived polyhydroxy acid from sugar that provides gentle exfoliation while Phytic Acid derived from cereal seeds helps provide support for the skin and increase moisturization. In a 4 week COSMEDIX study, 61% of participants noted that their skin appeared visibly brighter after four treatments with the PHA Hydration Peel.

For Protection Against Environmental Stressors: Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask PM

This gentle enzyme mask boasts an antioxidant-rich formula that helps protect skin from environmental stressors as it helps to boost hydration. A combination of L-Lactic Acid and  Cranberry Enzymes exfoliate away dull, dead skin and pore-clogging impurities for a more radiant-looking complexion. Pure Enzymes is recommended for your nighttime skincare routine—apply it one to two times weekly and leave on for 3-10 minutes. Be sure to follow with your regular serums and moisturizer—exfoliation can help your skin absorb them better!

For Multi-tasking: Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser AM/PM

Formulated with natural botanicals like Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Essential Oil, this combination cleanser and gentle exfoliate helps to balance, clarify, and refresh the look of skin for a softer, more radiant-looking complexion. Without stripping the skin of essential moisture, the Chirally Correct L-Lactic Acid exfoliates dead skin cells for a rejuvenating pick-me-up in your morning or nighttime skincare routine.

We’re likely all familiar with the very fine line between the skin’s natural moisture levels and oil production, especially when it comes to moisturizing. For some of us, it can seem like our skin is constantly bouncing back and forth between being too oily or too dry. Skin is always interacting with and reacting to its environment, which can change the skincare products that are best for your skin—whether it’s by season or even the time of the day. It’s time to end the skincare tennis match. Today, we’re talking about spot treating—with moisturizer.

While spot treatment is typically associated with trying to soothe and reduce the appearance of blemishes, there’s a whole world of moisturizer spot treating just waiting to be discovered. The idea is simple. Use two moisturizers! Apply a lightweight moisturizer to the oily parts of your face, then massage a thicker hydrating cream into dull patches, or wherever you’re feeling dry. This skincare technique can also be used to address certain skin concerns, like fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some of our favorite COSMEDIX Moisturizer Spot Treatment combinations:

1. Shineless | Oil-Free Moisturizer & Humidify | Deep Moisture Cream

Specifically formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin, Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer will give your oily zone areas a boost of hydration without feeling greasy. This lightweight hydrator also helps to control and balance excess oil, thanks to skin care superstars like Lilac Stem Cells and Niacinamide that help firm, smooth and brighten the appearance of skin without the added shine.

A little goes a long way with Humidify, an ultra-thick Deep Moisture Cream. Infused with hydrating Shea Butter, moisture-locking Trehalose, conditioning Colloidal Oatmeal and barrier-boosting Niacinamide, Humidify helps deliver and seal in vital hydration to the skin. Apply to dry areas daily for a softer, smoother-looking complexion.

2. Skin Thirst | Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Cream & Resync | Revitalizing Night Cream

Quench the oilier parts of your complexion with Skin Thirst, an oil-free Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Cream that acts like a tiny sponge to lock hydration into the skin. In addition to moisture-boosting Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Thirst is also infused with Witch Hazel to help condition skin and balance oil production. This lightweight moisturizer goes great under makeup or as part of your evening skincare routine.

For the dryer areas of skin that need long-lasting overnight hydration, Resync Revitalizing Night Cream is just the night crème for you. This nighttime moisturizer indulges skin with deep moisturization, helping to restore radiance and revitalize the look of skin—all while you sleep. This antioxidant-rich formula features powerhouse ingredients like Snow Mushroom Extract and Kakadu Plum to help rejuvenate skin after being exposed to environmental stressors and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an age-defying complexion.

3. Mystic | Hydrating Treatment & Emulsion | Intense Hydrator

Provide refreshing, lightweight moisture to oily areas with Mystic Hydrating Treatment. This best selling Hydrating Treatment is an on-the-go moisturizing spray that provides daily, lightweight hydration to oily, sensitive and blemish-prone skin types. Formulated with soothing Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel, this oil-free moisturizer helps condition the skin by preventing moisture loss, while plant-based ingredients aid in environmental protection and help naturally soothe the complexion. Simply spray into hands or onto a cotton pad, then pat into skin wherever desired.

To spot-treat dry areas that need deep hydration, we love Emulsion, an Intense Hydrator that utilizes a rich blend of ingredients that deeply moisturize the complexion. A vibrant mauve, Emulsion helps skin retain moisture and renew the look and feel of the skin. Conditioning Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil help restore balance to dry skin, while moisture-locking Liquid Crystal Technology helps protect skin from environmental stressors.

Late nights, indulgent drinks and eye-catching makeup are all hallmarks of the holiday season—rites of passage, some might say—but can leave skin looking (and feeling) more than a little tired in the morning. COSMEDIX is here with 5 of our tried-and-true skincare tips that will help your skin look glowing for every “descending the staircase” moment this holiday season.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate.

We know you hear this all the time, but it’s for a good thousand reasons. A combination of cold, dry outside air and indoor dry heat can really accelerate moisture loss within the skin. Here’s how we recommend hydrating your skin during the winter for holiday party prep:

• Thick Moisturizer: In more ways than one, consistency is key. Following a consistent skincare routine is truly the best way to prepare for holiday festivities. Add a thicker moisturizer/night cream like Emulsion Intense Hydrator or Resync Revitalizing Night Cream to your evening skincare routine. For pre-party makeup application, we recommend Skin Thirst Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Cream—a lightweight, velvety formula that helps create a blurred skin look while also promoting longer makeup wear.
• Hydrating Mask: Age-defying moisture masks like Bio-Shape Firming Face Mask and Restore Moisture-Rich Mask are formulated with powerhouse ingredients to help hydrate, smooth and lift the look of skin.

2. Find a Lip Mask You Love.

Rough, chapped or cracked lips are often a result of having dry lips this time of year. To intensely hydrate lips and help protect/alleviate chapping and dry lips, try Enhance Lip-Plumping Mask. This serum-like mask treatment is formulated with a unique blend of high-performance oils and natural emollients that not only help improve the appearance of lips, but also help create a fuller-looking pout. Use as an overnight treatment or a few minutes before lip product application for best results.

3. Double-Cleanse.

Everyone’s least favorite party guest: the pimple. They’re *never* invited, but pre-party stress and increased heavy makeup usage can leave the door open for breakouts at the most inopportune times. While it’s so tempting to just give it a squeeze, it’s not worth the potential redness, inflammation or discoloration that may come as a result.

To help your skin stay as clean as possible (without drying it out), double cleanse with Purity Solution Nourishing Deep Cleansing Oil and Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser to wash away daily pore-clogging impurities for a smoother-looking complexion. If you’re in need of spot treatment, apply Correct Rapid Relief Acne Treatment for a diminished appearance of blemishes thanks to Salicylic Acid and Aloe Vera.

4. Consider Your Neckline.

We recommend giving your chest the same skin-loving care you give your face… especially during party season! Apply Illuminate and Lift Neck & Décolleté Treatment with upward strokes from the décolleté to the jawline for a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a firmer look and feel of skin.

5. Don’t forget your present!

Why not give a gift that your host will use all year-round? Enter: COSMEDIX Holiday Kits.

• The COSMEDIX Edit: This curated, limited-edition Best Selling Skincare Vault features five holy grail COSMEDIX skin care staples highly loved by the press, clients and celebs alike, all housed in one ultimate skin-loving skincare kit.

(Includes Purity Solution Nourishing Deep Cleansing Oil, Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser, Serum 16 Rapid Renewal Serum, award-winning Opti Crystal Liquid Crystal Eye Serum and best selling Lumi Crystal Liquid Crystal Lip Hydrator)

• Hydrating Mist Kit: Give the gift of on-the-go, “whenever, wherever” hydration with this Moisture-Locking Apple & Cranberry Facial Mist Duo. Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, each daily facial mist essence helps moisturize skin throughout the day as needed to help condition, balance and firm the appearance of the complexion.
• Salted Peppermint: The ultimate “pamper-me” gift, this 2-in-1 Peppermint Sea Salt Scrub can be used as a body or scalp scrub to exfoliate away dull skin and help reveal a brighter-looking complexion. This spa-like skincare treatment conditions the skin with a burst of hydration for a pillowy-soft finish.

If you’re in the market for the “glowing, dewy looking” skin that’s all the rage (for good reason), now is the perfect time to start implementing exfoliation into your skincare routine to help your skin look radiant all throughout the year. Today, COSMEDIX is here to shed light on two of our gentle exfoliating skincare products formulated with powerhouse ingredients that promote a healthier-looking complexion: Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask and PHA Hydration Peel Refining Exfoliator!

Why Exfoliate?

Even if dirt, oil and impurities aren’t visible to the naked eye, the skin undergoes a lot beneath the surface. Washing your face sometimes isn’t enough if you’re hoping not only to wash off the day, but also to make strides in improving the look of uneven texture and other skin concerns. Exfoliating your complexion 2-3 times a week is the perfect extra step to help:

• Draw out pore-clogging impurities
• Shed dead skin and encourage healthy skin renewal
• Even the appearance of skin tone and texture
• Boost product absorption

Now that we know why we should exfoliate, let’s get into the products!

What is Pure Enzymes?

Pure Enzymes is a luxe Cranberry Exfoliating Mask that gently polishes away dead, dull surface skin to help reveal a softer, more radiant-looking complexion.

Powered by L-Lactic Acid and Cranberry Enzymes, this indulgent mask treatment focuses on lifting away dull skin to help brighten and even the look of skin tone. It also helps protect skin from environmental stressors and boosts hydration!

What is PHA Hydration Peel?

PHA Hydration Peel is a spa-like at-home peel treatment that gently exfoliates away dull, dead skin to help illuminate the appearance of your complexion.

A multi-acid Level 1 exfoliant that’s gentle enough for all skin types, this Refining Exfoliator helps soften, smooth and brighten the appearance of skin for a more even-looking complexion. It’s formulated with über-gentle yet exfoliating skincare ingredients like Polyhydroxy Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Acids v. Enzymes

Enzymes, often derived from fruits, help break down keratin—i.e. the protein of dead skin cells. They help shed off dead skin and help create a smoother-looking skin surface.

Acids go deeper beneath the surface of the skin, helping to improve the look of your complexion from the inside out.

While enzymes are generally touted as the gentler option, both Pure Enzymes and the PHA Hydration Peel can be used on even the most sensitive of skin.

Use Our Skin-loving Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask to:

• Gently exfoliate away and shed off dead skin from the skin’s surface to help create a smoother-looking complexion
• Indulge in exfoliation multiple times per week. We recommend using Pure Enzymes up to two times per week for 3-10 minutes
• Provide a boost of radiance to your skin

As written in InStyle: “Expect to feel a slight tingle” while the mask rests, “but after rinsing it off, you’ll be left with a clear, dewy glow.”

Use PHA Hydration Peel to:

• Gently exfoliate underneath the surface of skin for a brighter-looking complexion
• Follow a simple, once-a-week exfoliation routine that helps improve the look of skin with just 10 minutes
• Supplement trips to the spa with an aesthetician-grade at-home peel treatment

Owner and founder of luxe L.A. based spa, Glow Skincare—as well as 2018 COSMEDIX Aesthetician of the Year—Kasey Boone says, “There’s typically little to no downtime! This peel is going to lightly exfoliate and give deep hydration to the skin.”

If there’s one thing we know about skin care, it’s that the perfect skincare routine looks different for everyone. Each of us has our own unique canvas, and while this can make it a tad difficult to know where to start, we’re here to help guide you. COSMEDIX is here to share our clean and clinical skincare expertise that will help you put your best face forward.

SKINCARE STAPLES

As you first begin your skincare routine, keep it simple! These are the basic skincare steps we recommend in a beginners level skincare routine.

1) Cleanse

Rinsing your face is an ultra-refreshing way to wake up or wind down, and washing off daily impurities, excess oil, makeup and dead skin from your face is one of the best ways you can care for your skin.

We recommend cleansing twice a day, as part of your AM/PM skincare routine. The type of cleanser best fit for your skin depends on your skin type and skin concerns, though you should be on the lookout for a cleanser that gently removes daily impurities without stripping the skin of essential oils. While we want skin to be as clean as possible, we don’t want that to come at the expense of possibly dehydrating skin.

TRY: Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser

This gentle gel-based cleanser helps gently lift off dirt, oil and makeup while also penetrating deep into the skin to aid in drawing out pore-clogging impurities. Lightweight and non-foaming, this gentle cleanser is ideal for even the most sensitive of skin, as it leaves the complexion feeling soft and hydrated.

2) Moisturize

The second step we recommend in a beginner’s skincare routine is using a moisturizer that indulges skin with much-needed hydration. Because there are so many moisturizer products out there, it’s important to find one specifically tailored to your skin type and concerns, as moisturizer can vary in moisture level, skincare ingredients and SPF.

For Oily Skin: Shineless Oil-Free Moisturizer

For Dry Skin: Emulsion Intense Hydrator

For Normal/Combination Skin: Skin Thirst Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Cream

For Mature Skin: Humidify Deep Moisture Cream

For Sun Protection: Peptide Rich Defense Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

3) SPF

At COSMEDIX, we’re passionate about wearing SPF all year-round—not just in the summer—because even on cloudy days, as much as 80% of the sun’s broad spectrum UV rays can make it through to your skin. Applying an SPF with broad spectrum protection as the final layer of defense in your AM skincare routine will help prevent sunburn and future skin damage as well as help protect your complexion from environmental stressors.

TRY: Protect UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizing Spray

This gentle, multipurpose Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizing Spray provides daily, head-to-toe UV protection and hydration with an undetectable sheer finish. Plus, the silky smooth, oil-free formula won’t clog pores!

SKINCARE UPGRADES

Now that you’ve got your basic skincare routine down pat, here are some ways you can expand your routine to even better address your skin care concerns.

1) Double Cleanse

Double cleansing, or beginning your PM skincare routine by rinsing skin with two cleansers of different base types (i.e. oil-based cleanser & water-based cleanser), helps to remove makeup, dirt and excess oil with the first cleanser, while also drawing out pore-clogging impurities with the second cleanser.

TRY: Clean & Condition 2-Step Double Cleanse Duo

Featuring best selling Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser and hydrating Purity Solution Nourishing Deep Cleansing Oil, this 2-Step Double Cleanse Duo washes away daily impurities while helping skin retain hydration for a softer, radiant-looking complexion.

2) Exfoliate

~Exfoliate~ is quite the buzz word within skin care these days, but we chalk that up to the skin-loving benefits and visible results of weekly exfoliation. By exfoliating a few times a week, you’ll see an improved look of skin tone and texture for a softer, smoother-looking complexion.

For Total Body Exfoliation: Salted Peppermint 2-in-1 Peppermint Sea Salt Scrub

For Gentle Exfoliation: Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser

For Mature Skin: Defy Triply Hydroxy Acid Age-Defying Treatment

3) Night Cream

Usually heavier in moisture and skin care ingredients, a night cream helps deeply hydrate and revitalize skin overnight. Often, a night cream will include Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, to help firm and smooth the look of skin. While we recommend Retinol for mature skin and those who hope to address fine lines & wrinkles, Retinol may be a bit much for sensitive skin. In its place, we recommend Bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based Retinol alternative. No matter your skin type, it’s important to supplement your evening Retinol with an AM SPF, as it may increase sun sensitivity.

With Retinol: Define Age-Defying Treatment with Hydroxy Acids & Retinol

For Deep Hydration: Resync Revitalizing Night Cream

TARGETED TREATMENT

Now that you’ve got the hang of things, it’s time to have fun! Experiment with a different serum, mask and eye cream for a range of targeted skin care benefits that will help address your skin concerns.

1) Serum

A serum is typically a highly concentrated delivery system of antioxidants and skincare ingredients that’s designed to help address specific skin concerns—whether hydration, signs of aging, dark spots or brightening. Applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing, you can keep it simple with one serum or you can try your hand at serum cocktailing, which involves mixing and matching one or more serum products for maximum skincare benefits.

For Brightening: BrillianCy Vitamin C Brightening Face Oil AM/PM

For Firming: Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum

For Deep Hydration: Surge Hyaluronic Acid Booster

2) Eye Cream

Address the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness with a skin-indulging eye cream. Intensely hydrating and formulated with potent skincare ingredients like skin-loving peptides, eye cream can help soothe tired-looking eyes for a more rested appearance.

TRY: Opti Crystal Liquid Crystal Eye Serum

Opti Crystal is our #1 bestselling, luxurious Liquid Crystal Eye Serum that is specially formulated with powerhouse ingredients to radically reduce the look of dark circles and improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging around the eyes. Its results, along with the rainbow iridescent color, have led to the beloved nickname “Unicorn Tears.”

3) Skincare Face Mask

Whether charcoal or clay, serum or botanical hydration, a face mask is the perfect way to pamper your skin with a concentrated, more intense dose of skincare ingredients for a more radiant-looking complexion. Plus, face masks allow ingredients to better penetrate into your skin in a shorter amount of time.

For Brightening: Glow Bamboo Brightening Mask

For Firming: Bio-Shape Firming Face Mask

For Purifying: Detox Activated Charcoal Mask

COSMEDIX Skincare Starter Kits

Take the guesswork out of skincare with these expertly curated skincare starter kits designed with the beginner (whether to skincare or COSMEDIX) in mind. Choose a kit based on your skin type (i.e. combination, sensitive, normal) or skin concern (i.e. age-defiance, clarifying, brightening) for luxurious, specialized care.

Try Your Starter Kit Today:

• Normal Skin Starter Kit
• Combination Skin Starter Kit
• Sensitive Skin Starter Kit
• Age-Defying Starter Kit
• Clarifying & Cleansing Starter Kit
• Even Skin Tone Starter Kit