The Wonders of Rosehip Oil

ImageAre you looking for a natural alternative that can help the appearance of your skin? Rosehip oil is the perfect solution. 

Rosehip oil comes from the “hip” of the rose, which is the seed pod or fruit of the rose that occurs after the rose petals fall. 

A rich source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids include omega-3, 6 and 9 and it is a natural source of retinoic acid, all vital for regenerating skin cells, and repairing skin tissue. Rosehip oil has the unique ability to deeply nourish, rejuvenate and retain moisture to balance all skin types including oily skin and the most sensitive skin.  In other words the whole family from newborn babies to great grandparents can use rosehip oil!

Rosehip oil is like a multivitamin for your skin it has been shown to improve, scarring, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, pigmentation, dermatitis, fine lines and wrinkles, burns, skin elasticity and resilience.

No wonder it is fast becoming a hero ingredient in skincare today.

We love – Kosmea’s Skin Clinic®  100% Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil is guaranteed to contain a minimum of 80% essential fatty acids. Rosehip oil is the key ingredient in all Kosmea skincare products. Kosmea is an Australian family-owned and run company.

Image

Kosmea Rosehip Oil

 

 

Learning your ABCE to Vitamins…

You probably already know to ensure youthful skin: Protect your skin from the sun, have a great skincare regime, and eat a healthy diet.

ImageIn addition, Vitamins A, B, C and E are fantastic for the skin.  But what’s the difference between them?

VITAMIN A – A is for Ageing as it helps with the cell renewal process of the skin.  As we age the cell renewal process starts to slow down, using Vitamin A gives it a kick start to create fresh cells.  The skin will look cleaner and brighter as it lessens the appearance of fine lines, acne, milia spots and minor pigmentation.

Alpha-H Vitamin A is my most favourite serum because of it natural skin renewal properties.

VITAMIN B – B is for Beautiful. Vitamins B-3 (niacinamide) and B-5 (pantothenic acid) have become popular additions to skincare products because of their ability to assist in retaining moisture. B-3 is becoming a very popular ingredient due to the fact that it acts as a moisturiser by reinforcing the natural barrier function of the skin. B-5 is a more common skincare additive, recognised for its moisturising ability, it also aids in tissue repair and promotes wound healing.  ASAP have a fantastic Super B Complex Serum.

VITAMIN C – C is for Clear Skin. A natural skin brightener and great for pigmentation, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been one of skincare’s bright stars as it is a powerful antioxidant designed to fight free radicals. Vitamin C is also essential for the synthesis of collagen.    Alpha-H, ASAP and Skinstitut all have a of Vitamin C serum that deliver results.

VITAMIN E – Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) is another powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin. Vitamin E serums help to reduce moisture water loss, thereby improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, dry, rough or damage skin. Alpha-H has a Vitamin E serum and Vitamin A & E 50/50 serum.

Breaking the Myth of those 8 Glasses of Water a Day…

ImageFor years we have been told your skin benefits from drinking 8 glasses of water per day however your skin still looks dehydrated?  I wish it were that simple to keeping our skin in great condition.

Yes our body does need water/fluids to maintain good hydration for healthy cell functions however the outermost layer of the skin doesn’t absorb water as it consists of dead skin cells.  

The outermost layer of our skin has a natural barrier consisting of oils, fatty acid, hyaluronic acid and amino acids.  Exposure to harsh detergents and external conditions such as hot and cold climate can result in decreased barrier levels, rendering the skin fragile, dry and dehydrated.

To maintain a healthy barrier for beautifully hydrated skin, cleanse morning and night with an appropriate cleanser for your skin type; exfoliate regularly, which will remove dead skin cells. This will prepare the skin for the application of a moisturiser, which should be applied whilst skin is still damp, or use a hydrating mist before application, as this will enhance the absorption of the moisturiser into your skin.    Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.

So drinking lots of water or foods which contain water, is great for your insides but maintaining a good skincare routine will help to keep your skin fabulous all year round.

Our Tips for Radiant Skin

Image

Skincare can be confusing at times mask, cleanse, exfoliant… When? Where? How?

To help you get the most from you skincare routine, we have put together our 6 steps skincare essentials.

1. Be consistent…

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. Start by cleansing in the morning to remove overnight sebum production (to prevent any unwanted breakouts) as well as in the evening to remove everyday grime and make-up. Even if you don’t wear make up, you’ll be amazed at how much dirt can settle onto the skin. Choose the cleanser right for you.

2. Use a Facial cloth

Using a facial cloth to remove your cleanser is the best way to smooth away dead skin cells and reveal healthy-looking, radiant skin. The Alpha-H multifunction cleansing cloth has been specifically designed for use with your daily cleansers to remove makeup, debris and impurities. This deluxe dual sided cloth has a smooth side for makeup removal and a softly textured side for a deeper cleanse.

3. Indulge in a little ‘me-time’

If you can, take some time out once a week and make your skincare routine last longer. Take a little extra time to massage your cleanser into the face and neck. Try Dermalogica’s Deluxe Exfoliating Facial Brush, it has hygienic, quick-drying nylon bristles which, used in a circular motion upwards and outwards from your nose and down to your neck for a professional cleanse.

 4. Follow with an Exfoliant

ASAP Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub is a gentle scientifically formulated scrub to invisibly remove dead skin cells dramatically improving skin appearance and texture. Smooth and round exfoliating beads assist in stimulating skin renewal without irritating or damaging the skin.

 5. Unmask the perfect complexion….

Ahava Purifying Mud Mask is a beauty mask that performs deep cleansing and a purifying action for renewed freshness and radiance. The mask contains a unique blend of Dead Sea mud and energising minerals for silky smooth skin. It tightens and firms and is an excellent age-defying mask. Smooth a thick layer over your face as a soothing skin treat. Wait 10 minutes and then remove with your facial cloth. Your skin will feel softer, smoother and revitalized. An excellent quick “pick me up” mask.

6. Hydrate the Skin

Dr Hauschka Melissa Day Cream supports the skin in regaining its natural, healthy moisture levels to care for the dry areas and to regulate any oily areas.

Autumn-Proof Your Skin

Autumn-in-the-ParkIt’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over?  So, before there are crispy leaves gracing the pavement and autumn is officially upon us, lets autumn proof your skin.

Like spring, autumn is a good time to clean out your cabinet and re-stock with fresh and new skincare products. Remember that all products have a shelf life, so it’s always worth keeping track when you bought your skincare, tossing out anything that has passed its expiry date.

As the seasons start to change, you may suffer bouts of skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation, but by starting your autumn preparations early you can reduce the chances of this – and if over-exposure to the sun has left it suffering from dehydration, now is the time to nourish from head-to-toe.

To help you replace the old with the new, here are our top ten skincare must haves for the coming season:

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant – This is an award winning, zero-abrasion micro-exfoliating treatment, which effortlessly lifts away dead, dull and tired skin cells to unveil younger looking skin each morning. Full of fruit enzymes derived from Green Papaya and Pineapple will ensure a smooth fresh canvas each and every day. For all skin types, especially sensitive and reddening.

Dermalogica Climate Control Lip TreatmentGreat as the weather starts to change, this gentle and caring lip treatment heals dry, chapped and damaged lips suffering from over exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Did you wear your sunglasses all summer? If not, you may have noticed little creases from squinting are showing up at the corners of your eyes. Treat your eyes to Skinstitut Eye Believe. Also a good pair of sunnies need to be worn all year round.

Ahava Time to Hydrate Essential Reviving Serum - As soon as your heating system kicks in, and the air outside gets colder and drier, skin can start to suffer. This super-saturated hydrating fluid is made for the all skin types. It intensely moisturises thirsty skin as it smooths – and restores the skins natural moisture level.

ASAP Revitalising Bodymoist - Your body may need some TLC too, as winter creeps up. Try this advanced body cream with hydroxy acids and essential plant oils to smooth and condition skin. It also provides gentle exfoliation and hydration to leave skin toned and smooth.

Skinstitut Hydrating Mask - If the cooler temperatures aggravate your skin, this powerful, hydrating treatment mask, enriched with a blend of plant extracts designed to reduce symptoms of irritation, will soothe, purify and nourish stressed dull skin.

Alpha-H Moisture Boosting Facial Mist - A fantastic product throughout the year for an instant pick-me-up revitalises your thirsty skin using hydrating botanicals such as Aloe Vera and Papaya and the calming essential oil of Lavender. Spritz directly onto your face and neck after cleansing.

Just because the summer is officially coming to a close, never neglect your sun defence.  Even if the sun isn’t high, it is still strong enough to do some damage – Kosmea Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+ is a lightweight lotion providing UVA and UVB protection.

Ahava Mineral Makeup Care - try this lightweight, oil-free, liquid make-up for flawless coverage while moisturising and protecting the skin. Enriched with hydrating Dead Sea minerals and Dunaliella seaweed which is loaded with powerful antioxidants.

What is responsible for giving our skin colour and how do we prevent skin pigmentation?

So lets start with a quick skin biology lesson?

The colour of your skin is determined by the melanin or pigment in the skin, be it yellow, dark brown or black. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Melanin production increases with exposure to the sun, as a natural protection to the skin to fight against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Causes of skin pigmentation can range from auto immune conditions to drug reactions, hormonal changes or genetic inheritance. However sun damage is probably the leading cause of skin pigmentation.

Skin pigmentation disorders occur as a result of the body producing either too much or too little melanin. Skin pigmentation creates a darker or lighter skin tone that may be blotchy and uneven.  Almost all problems associated with hyper pigmentation (dark skin patches) can be traced to over-exposure to the sun.

The first step in treating or preventing any type of skin discoloration is to make sure that you are taking good care of your skin to begin with. An important part of that is protection from the sun and its UV rays. Make sure to always wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays (look for the words “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum” on the bottle).

The second step in treatment is to gently exfoliate.  Removing dead skin helps to remove impurities from the skin and allows newer skin cells to surface, which is crucial for treating any externally, caused pigmentation. Products with active ingredients (AHA’s and BHA’s) tend to produce the best results.

Adding a serum or vitamin serum to your skin care regime can help target your pigmentation problem. Serums are designed to penetrate skin and deliver concentrated product to gain fast, effective and intense results.  Serums with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are proven to help even out skin tone and promote healthy skin.

At AbsoluteSkin we recommend the following Skin Care Brands to help treat and prevent further pigmentation.  Alpha-H, Skinstitut, and Dermalogica Chromawhite TRX.

Beautiful Glowing Skin For Valentine’s Day!

With Valentine’s Day less than a fortnight away, start preparing your skin now so you look fresh, beautiful and utterly loveable come February 14th

These essential beauty tips – and fantastic products – will help you on your way…

Sparkling Skin

A good cleanser is one of life’s little essentials and is part of your daily skin care routine. We love Ahava All in One Toning Cleanser it is great for those who are time poor or traveling as it is a 3-in-1, eye makeup remover, cleanser and toner. Enriched with botanicals it leaves your skin feeling toned and soft.

Smooth Out

Nothing is quite as gorgeous as smooth, even, blemish-free skin.  Our favourite is Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel. It provides instant exfoliation and leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Suitable for all skin types especially the most sensitive skins such as roaccutane users, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.  It is so gentle it can be used as often as needed.

Masque Magic

When you’re preparing for a big date, nothing feels quite as luxurious or helpful, as relaxing with a good face masque. Victoria Beckham’s favourite is Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque.  This is a powerful masque containing antioxidants and vitamins to help promote healthy radiant skin.

Quench Thirsty Skin

For plump, fresh, glowing skin, moisturise morning and night after cleansing. ASAP Advance Hydrating Moisturiser contains powerful antioxidants to repair and rehydrate the skin. Regular use helps to reduce the appearance of aging and sun damage skin.

Wake up feeling good as new

Imagine going to bed at night, knowing that your skin imperfections and inflammations are being repaired as you snooze. Alpha-H Liquid Gold is the ideal treatment to use in the run-up to Valentine’s Day to brighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin, and radically improve the appearance of your complexion.

A Prime Start

If you want picture perfect make up on Valentine’s Day, after moisturising use  Dermalogica Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 to help reduce the look of large pores and to minimise fine lines and wrinkles.  The benefit of a primer is to help your make up look beautiful all evening.

Lovely Finish

For the perfect finish, enjoy your date with the ultimate make up confidence.  Ahava Rich Mineral Foundation is a creamy fluid texture providing full coverage so you can hide all the imperfections, redness and uneven skin tone. With the added benefit of Shea Butter and Macadamia Nut Oil it will leave your skin feeling soft and supple.

The Perfect Valentine Tan

Start by exfoliating your body to remove dead skin, this will give you an all over even tan.   Summer Tan Pre-Tan Body Polish with essential oils and walnut shell exfoliates dead skin cells ready for tan application and it also has a beautiful lemon lime fragrance.

Follow with the award winning St Tropez Bronzing Mousse a super-lightweight, easy-to-apply, velvety mousse delivers an ultra-even all-over tan. Infused with conditioning Aloe Vera, it dries in 60 seconds and develops into a natural looking tan.

Image

Happy Valentines!