Epicuren Blog
Day And Night 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
The famous 10-step routine is heralded by people with all different skin types as a way of comprehensively resetting and introducing your skin to rich nutrients and multi-step cleansing processes to ensure no pore is missed and no product is too harsh. With our 10-step Korean skincare routine, you can target specific skin concerns and achieve healthy looking skin. Here’s your guide to this trendy skincare regimen for both the morning and evening. Morning Step 1: Oil-Based Cleansers Korean skin care is all about incremental, balanced steps that achieve essentially one benefit at a time without disturbing the skin’s natural balance and protective barrier. The first step in a good K-Beauty skincare routine is with an oil-based cleanser, like our Silk Radiance 3 in 1 Cleanser. This is different from your normal morning cleanser because it uses conditioning oils and a gentle surfactant to cleanse impurities without stripping away natural oils. An oil cleanser emulsifies makeup and excess oils on the skin to be rinsed off without over-drying it. Step 2: Water-Based Cleansers In Korean skincare, the focus is on water-loving ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, and cleansers are no exception. Double cleansing with a water-based cleanser after using an oil cleanser is very common in Korean skincare routines. Water-based cleansers are gentle yet effective cleansers that work to cleanse unwanted dirt and debris from the skin using mild cleansing agents. Herbal Cleanser is the perfect water-based cleanser to fit into your skincare routine. Step 3: Toners A gentle toner has its place in a K-Beauty skincare routine. As well as helping seek out and dissipate the last traces of debris, this is also the beginning of the hydration process, as products like our Colostrum Hydrating Mist prepare the skin to accept the hydrating, nourishing compounds that are coming in the following steps. Step 4: Essences An essence is a highly concentrated liquid that targets specific skincare concerns. We love our Noni Skin Elixir at this point in the morning routine to help visibly tighten skin, giving it a firmer look as we continue building on this foundation with additional serums. Step 5: Serums & Ampoules Serums and ampoules are the next step in this targeted skincare regimen. Dehydration is just one of the three major causes of the signs of aging, with damage to skin from free radicals and UV rays also causing long-term conditions such as wrinkles and volume loss. For plump-looking and moisturized skin, our ORAC Age Protect Serum lays a foundation of antioxidant-rich ingredients that compound the benefits your sunscreen will have for your daily routine. Due to the high effectiveness of this product, you may use it every other day and still see the benefits. Step 6: Sheet Masks When you don’t have the minutes in the morning to apply a long-lasting moisture-drenching sheet mask, turn to our Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Gel serum. This oil-free and lightweight gel absorbs quickly and goes to work immediately to help your skin look even smoother and more hydrated. Step 7: Eye Creams Fight the look of fatigue under and around your eyes with our rich Eye Cream for daily use as part of your Korean skincare routine. Formulated with our MetadermabolicⓇ Protein Enzyme Complex, this moisturizing cream can be used before or after your moisturizer to brighten the look of your eyes and diminish the appearance of fatigue for a lifted look to your eyes. This eye cream is ideal for the sensitive skin around your eyes, helping smooth the appearance of fine lines. Step 8: Moisturizers / Oils Our recommended daily moisturizer seals your skincare products into place for long-lasting benefits while drenching your skin in nourishing compounds. Hydro Plus Moisturizer’s ingredients have a soft yet lightweight feel. If you have dry skin, this step can help you achieve the glowing skin look you desire. Step 9: Exfoliators Although the Korean 10-step skincare routine focuses on gentle, multi-step processes, there is always a need for regular exfoliation to help against a dull appearance and help your favorite products absorb onto your skin. Our physical and chemical exfoliants ensure that no matter your skin type, you can find an exfoliating solution to keep your skin looking bright and smooth. Step 10: SPF As one of the most important steps in protecting your skin from the daily wear and tear of the environment, we recommend our moisturizing X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen to provide SPF 45+ throughout your day. Remember to reapply if you are in direct sunlight during the day. Night Step 1: Oil-Based Cleansers An oil-based cleanser is a perfect end after a long day. Effectively cleansing makeup and other impurities is an essential component to this multi-step approach to skincare. Step 2: Water-Based Cleansers Follow your makeup removal and initial cleansing with your normal face wash for a 10-Step Korean skincare regimen. Our Apricot Cream Cleanser is a rich, non-foaming cleanser with a luxurious scent that will help you wind down without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. Step 3: Toners This comforting Soothe Dermal Repair Mist is great to prepare your skin for the hydrating experience of your overnight sleeping mask and other hydrating products. Step 4: Essences For a pure foundation of hydration and relaxing aroma, use our Aloe Vera Calming Gel made with aloe vera and gentle botanical ingredients. These ingredients help keep the skin feeling soft as we continue leaving room for more nourishing formulas to come. Step 5: Serums & Ampoules Nighttime is a good time to experiment with various serums that can be tailored to address needs, such as the signs of aging or uneven skin tone. Layer each serum and ampoule as directed to boost your Korean beauty skincare routine to new heights. Step 6: Eye Creams A blend of botanical extracts and nourishing moisturizers, our Eye Alive Serum is a perfect complement day or night to our Eye Cream, providing brighter-looking skin whenever you use it, with active ingredients like Vitamin C and licorice root. Step 7: Exfoliators Some exfoliants can leave your skin thirsty for rich hydration, which is why it’s often a better idea to use your weekly or bi-weekly exfoliators at night, before nourishing your skin with a rich sleeping mask. Step 8: Moisturizers / Oils Given its name, our Evening Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer is the perfect choice before settling down to bed in a sleep mask, as it’s enhanced with our MetadermabolicⓇ Protein Enzyme Complex. This nutrient-rich and lightweight formula sinks in quickly to lock in the serums and essences used in previous steps. Step 9: Sleeping Masks The best hydrating overnight mask we offer requires no sheets. Our Hydrating Mineral Mask has been used since its introduction as an overnight packing mask that nourishes skin throughout the night while giving it a rosy glow in the morning. See and feel the difference our professional-quality skincare products can bring to your K-Beauty routine. Step 10: SPF There’s usually no need to reapply sunscreen if you’re heading to bed after your nightly routine, but if you’re headed out for the night, we recommend continuing to use SPF until the sun is totally set. High-Quality Products for Your Korean Skincare Routine The 10-step method for Korean skincare is methodical and well thought-through. Focusing on products rich in hydration helps keep the skin looking smooth, healthy, and radiant, even while making room for necessary cleansing and exfoliating regularly. Try our recommended K-Beauty skincare products or browse our site to find other professional-grade skincare solutions. We also offer a convenient way to find products that are tailored to your skin type and goals with our Skin Quiz.
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What Is Crepey Skin and How Do You Get Rid of It?
Youthful skin is and looks full, radiant, and thick, and one of the many markers of aging is discovering your skin is thinning and becoming fragile looking. Many people assume crepiness is inevitable with the aging process, but there are both prevention and correction methods you can use with our high-quality skincare products to help your skin look youthful and beautiful for longer. What is Crepey Skin? Crepey skin is a general appearance of thinner, wrinkled, and fragile skin throughout the face, neck, and décolleté. It’s associated with sagging and the formation of wrinkles due to the lack of supportive collagen proteins in the skin and can almost feel like a tissue paper texture to some degree. Crepey skin can appear anywhere on the body, but it’s most common in sun-exposed areas such as the arms, face, and neck. The eyes and eyelids, as delicate areas of skin, are especially vulnerable to crepey skin. Crepey Skin vs. Wrinkles Crepey skin can create wrinkles, but wrinkles are not always caused by crepey skin. The difference is that wrinkles can affect small, specific areas of the face, such as the eyebrows, and crepey skin is a larger-area issue generally. Thinning, lax skin can lead to wrinkles, but wrinkles can also be caused by repeated muscle movements and sun damage that does not lead to crepey skin. How Can You Prevent Crepey Skin? The best cure for crepey skin is, of course, preventing it from appearing in the first place. The main cause of crepey skin is a lack of collagen that occurs naturally with aging. As early as age 20, the skin starts to lose elasticity due to a drop in the production of collagen, which only accelerates as you age. By starting to use professional-quality skincare products from as early an age as possible, you can infuse the skin on a regular basis with supplemental collagen and antioxidants to help the skin appear younger longer. Getting Rid of Crepey Skin If you’re starting to notice the appearance of crepey skin in your face or parts of your body, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate this development. Depending on your current skincare routine and products, here are a few ideas for how to step up your regimen to push back on this aging process. Moisturizing And Firming Ingredients Many anti-aging skincare products promise to be deeply hydrating or lifting, as a key method of reversing aging signs is by providing your skin with the moisture it needs to function well and appear smooth. Trust the potent active ingredients in Epicuren Discovery’s moisturizers like our Moisture Surge hyaluronic acid gel to help deliver hydration to your skin’s thinnest areas. Skincare Acids Not only hydrating but also taking care to exfoliate your skin regularly are essential. The best exfoliants not only cleanse the skin to scrub pores clear of dirt and debris, but also stimulate the skin. When done regularly as directed, exfoliation can help revive crepey skin in conjunction with a robust skincare routine. Hydrating Masks Facial masks aren’t just an excuse to pamper yourself on a weekly basis, they can also be an effective way of deeply nourishing skin or exfoliating it to help rejuvenate thinner looking skin. Detoxify and hydrate your skin with our premium formulas and help your skin look and feel less crepey. Antioxidant Serums Adding a potent serum like the ones made by Epicuren Discovery is an easy way to take your skincare to the next level. For people concerned about crepey skin, a great place to start is with a potent antioxidant serum like our Enzyme Concentrate Vitamin Protein Complex to help your skin against the aging process. Professional-Grade Products by Epicuren Discovery If you’re worried about your thinning or wrinkling skin, the best time to start fighting back is now. With potent natural ingredients and science-backed formulas, our complete collection of anti-aging and other skincare products can help you keep your best-looking skin for longer. Find products that are ideal for your skin type and specific skin concerns by taking our Skin Quiz today!
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Why Is My Skin Dry Even Though I Moisturize?
For certain skin types and certain seasons, your normal skincare routine may not measure up to keeping it nice and moisturized all day. This can be frustrating but is also a normal experience, pointing to the need to make a change in your products or process, especially when adding more moisturizer throughout the day still doesn’t help. If you have dry skin even though you moisturize, here’s a checklist for what to consider to help your skin feel better. SWITCH TO A GENTLER CLEANSER Many people think there’s nothing wrong with using a harsh cleanser if you moisturize soon after using it. In fact, for people wanting to ensure their pores aren’t clogged and acne-ridden, a strong cleanser may be their ideal for a good skincare routine. However, the skin environment is more complex than you may realize, which, depending on your skin, may make the strongest cleansers counterintuitively worse for your skin. Ingredients like alcohol and benzoyl peroxide strip away the skin’s natural moisture barrier and can even irritate the skin to invoke an inflammatory or other response. This leads to dry or dehydrated skin. When this happens, no matter how great your moisturizer is, the skin may overproduce its own oil to protect itself. Switching to a more gentle formula that helps to visibly hydrate sensitive skin while it cleanses dirt and debris can make your moisturizer more effective and provide you with the hydration you need. MAKE SURE TO MOISTURIZE SHORTLY AFTER WASHING No matter how many products you use, you should still use your moisturizer at the end of your routine before your SPF. Many cleansers, toners, and serums are partially hydrating with active ingredients like natural oils and other moisturizing compounds, but they aren’t primarily designed for protecting the surface of skin from dehydration due to air exposure. Another thing to keep in mind is that dehydrated skin occurs fast. As soon as you experience dry skin conditions from your cleanser, it’s dehydrated, leaving a feeling of skin dryness that may not be solved with moisturizer long after the cleansing. This also applies to steamy environments that can strip away skin oils, such as a hot bath or shower. SWITCH MOISTURIZERS In many cases, the reason your skin feels dry even though you used a moisturizer is simply that you need a, more hydrating moisturizer. This may even come down to the time of year, with winter typically being the more dry and dehydrating months where you might need a more potent product to get the hydration you need for day-long comfort and skin hydration. EXFOLIATE AWAY DEAD SKIN CELLS A leading cause of dry-feeling skin is the lack of moisturizers’ ability to reach the layer of skin where they are most effective. This is commonly due to the buildup of dead skin cells throughout the face or in specific flaky skin patches. To give your skin the best care, exfoliate it with a scrub or chemical exfoliant that can get rid of this buildup – just make sure to moisturize after that exfoliation too! It is important to exfoliate gently in order to avoid red and irritated skin. GET ENOUGH WATER Your skin receives the bulk of its hydration, that is, water, from within your body. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to stay physically hydrated each day, so your skin has the moisture it needs to function well and feel great. The rule of thumb is to drink 8 ounces of water 8 times a day. THE BEST MOISTURIZING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR SKIN Beyond simply switching out your moisturizer for a more potent one, there are ways to enhance your skin’s ability to retain moisture and look smooth and full by augmenting your skincare routine with novel, professional-grade products. Check out these high-quality products by Epicuren Discovery and consider putting them into your daily routine. After-Bath Moisturizer: Your skin needs nourishment almost immediately after taking care of cleansing your body. All our after-bath moisturizers are formulated to go a long way while providing a rich, luxurious aroma. Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Serum: When you feel the tight, dry sensation, start by adding this potent moisturizing serum to your routine. Hyaluronic acid is the essential component of your skin that draws water into it, and some days you just need a little boost. Colostrum Hydrating Mist: This refreshing toner can be used anytime you feel the moisture leeching out of your skin for a quick, satisfying way to get some midday moisture. Hydro Plus Moisturizer: Finally, for the dry months, switch to this highly potent moisturizer that can even help the skin look smoother and younger with its moisture-infused formula. HIGH-QUALITY SKINCARE PRODUCTS BY EPICUREN DISCOVERY Find your new favorite product that can help you get the visibly smooth, soft, supple skin of your dreams by browsing our complete collection of skincare products, ranging from the elevated daily use formulas to the most cutting-edge anti-aging products. Take our Skin Quiz to find products tailored to your unique skin type and skin concerns today.
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What Does Toner Do for The Skin?
There are many ways you can step up your skincare routine by taking full advantage of a complete regimen with the best products used at the right time. One of these ways is by picking a face toner that works to amplify your other products. We’ll learn all about toners and how they’re designed to help your skin get the nourishment or cleansing it needs. WHAT IS FACE TONER? Toners are a group of skincare products that are designed to be used after cleansing but before the rest of your routine. They are thin formulas, usually water-based, that are packed with potent ingredients to help your skin get ready for what’s coming next with your serums and moisturizers. Some come in spray form and others are liquid. WHAT DOES TONER DO? There are many different things facial toners can do for your skin. Some are formulated to further cleanse your face after you wash it with your initial cleanser. They have compounds that help clean the skin to make sure you get rid of all the built-up dirt, oils, and makeup at the end of the day. Other toners can soften the appearance of your skin, especially helpful for those with sensitive and dry skin types. In any case, the point of facial toner for your skin is to enhance your skin care routine. It can prepare the skin with added hydrating ingredients and help by providing nutrients, antioxidants, or exfoliants to the skin. Toners can remove dead skin cells and restore the skin's natural ph balance. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, normal skin, or mature skin there is a toner for you. TYPES OF FACE TONER Many types of face toners exist to fine-tune your daily skincare routine for the best results toward your ideal skin tone and healthy-looking skin. ASTRINGENTS Astringents are known to rid the skin of oils and compounds, like dead skin cells and dirt. Well-formulated astringents help skin appear less oily, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. They also contain active ingredients, such as witch hazel water, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, or alcohol. These ingredients ease visible redness, exfoliate the skin, or act as a solvent for other active ingredients. They are helpful products for people with acne-prone skin and who struggle with excess oil production. Use should be limited to oily and acne-prone skin, so choose these formulas based on skin texture and type. MOISTURIZING TONERS Many toners are aimed at improving hydration, whether to aid in an anti-aging skincare routine or to help naturally dry skin appear moisturized for longer. Toners like our Colostrum Hydrating Mist can be used throughout the day whenever you feel like you need a pick-me-up of hydration. HOW TO USE TONER BASED ON SKIN TYPE The deciding factor in what will be the best toner for you is your skin type. Sensitive skin and dry skin types should avoid astringents and stick to hydrating mists, like our Soothe Dermal Repair Mist. Conversely, people with blemish-prone skin or combination skin should look for a formula like Epicuren Discovery’s Brazilian Propolis Mist before applying moisturizer, makeup, or other skin treatments. This toner contains antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients to help support the appearance of a healthy skin barrier. HIGH-QUALITY TONERS FROM EPICUREN DISCOVERY If you’re looking for the best skincare ingredients, you’ll find them in our complete line of high-quality skincare products. Using cruelty free and natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, bearberry extract, lactic acid and salicylic acid allows us to create conflict free products that will elevate your skincare routine. Browse our wide collection of toners and discover products tailored to your specific skin type and skin concern by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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The Best Way to Take Care of Textured Skin
Ideally, skin should look and feel smooth, not too slick, and well-hydrated. However, many factors play into how your skin looks and its overall health that can be hard to balance and manage without a robust, high-quality skincare regimen backed by proven formulas and potent active ingredients. For the best chance at relieving textured skin due to dehydration, excess oil, or a mottled complexion, here’s what you should look out for. What is Textured Skin? Skin texture is simply the way your skin looks and feels. There are many types of textured skin caused by many different things, even coming down to the weather. The most common skin texture concerns or issues are dry skin, oily and shiny skin, and uneven skin texture. Different skincare routines can help or hurt different skin types, so knowing how your skin reacts to certain ingredients, products, or changes in your environment is key to keeping your skin smooth and healthy-looking. Dry or Dehydrated Skin Dry skin usually tends to appear rough, flaky, and with fine lines that aren’t necessarily caused by aging skin. It’s caused by a lack of moisture in the skin that is affected by both a person’s skin type and their environment; drier, colder seasons can make otherwise normal skin dry, and make dry skin worse. The remedy for dry skin texture is with a powerful moisturizer and careful attention to your skin. If you see or feel your skin, anywhere on your body, becoming cracked, tight, itchy, and dry, reach for your moisturizer. For those concerned about the delicate skin of the face, hyaluronic acid moisturizers are highly efficient at restoring water and therefore hydration to your skin. it’s also important to stay hydrated in general, drinking plenty of water especially in drier conditions. Oily Skin Texture While some people deal with a lack of moisture, others deal with way too much moisture-locking skin oil. Counterintuitively, this can sometimes result from a lack of moisture, where the skin produces more oil than necessary in an attempt to seal in the little hydration it has. However, many times oily skin is a natural skin type that simply needs a high-quality skincare routine to manage. Using gentle but effective cleansers paired with deep-cleaning toners can help reset your oily skin texture each morning and night for a smoother, less blemish-prone complexion. Uneven Skin Texture Uneven skin can refer to both the physical feel of the skin as well as uneven pigmentation that may or may not be helped with better skincare products. This is not the same as combination skin, which is a skin type that produces too much oil in some locations of the face and not enough in others. Frequently, uneven skin texture is due to the buildup of dead skin cells in certain areas of the face, contributing to dull texture in some spots, making the skin appear unevenly well-taken care of. To help solve uneven skin texture, exfoliation is often a great place to start. With the right exfoliant for the face or body, you scrub away dead skin cells that can clog pores and look flaky to reveal fresh skin underneath. Best Products for Textured Skin Depending on the type of textured skin you’re experiencing, Epicuren Discovery has professional-grade formulas backed by science that can help. Moisturizers When your skin feels or looks dry, turn to powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid for a Moisture Surge that can deliver moisture to your face and neck and help maintain a youthful appearance with smooth, plump-looking skin. Use your moisturizer after cleansing your skin thoroughly for the best uptake of its nourishing formula. Cleansers and Toners Cleansing is essential for all skin types and especially for oily skin. If your skin texture is slick and too shiny, simply cleansing may not be enough. To truly eliminate excess oil from your pores, adding a clarifying and revitalizing toner like our Protein Mist Enzyme Toner can prepare your skin to receive the proper moisture it needs while helping keep pores from clogging and breaking out. Exfoliants Skin texture issues are commonly caused by the uneven buildup of dead skin cells and other skincare products that you may not be completely removing each time you cleanse. To go deep and really experience a true cleansing, exfoliating your skin on a regular basis, both face and body, can help revitalize your skin texture and give you smoother, softer skin. For facial exfoliation we recommend our Micro-Derm Ultra Refining Scrub or our Clarify Polishing Mask for those with more oily skin. For body exfoliation, try our tropical or indulgent Body Polishes. Find More Professional Skincare Products For concerns about skin texture, there are as many options as there are causes of poor skin texture. Fortunately at Epicuren Discovery, we have a complete line of professional-grade formulas developed with decades of pharmaceutical skincare research to help your skin thrive. Discover products formulated specifically for your skin type and concern by browsing our catalog or taking our Skin Quiz today.
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Secrets For Brighter Skin
Sometimes your skin just lacks the luster you want out of a high-quality skincare routine. When it feels like your skin texture is dull, rougher than you want, or overall more healthy-looking, we’ve got the tips and products to help you love the way your skin looks every day. Don’t Drink as Much Alcohol Alcohol is a diuretic, which is a type of substance that signals for your body to expel moisture as a waste product. Alcohol also causes your skin to appear more red due to its effect on the blood vessels throughout the body, encouraging more blood flow to the surface of skin that can even become permanent in some people. If you’re out for a night and still want to enjoy alcoholic beverages, make sure to drink adequate amounts of water to offset the hydration you’re losing due to its effects. Eat a Balanced Diet Not just for your overall health but also for radiant, brighter-looking skin, your diet is very important. The foods you eat allow your skin to have the nutrients and energy it needs to regenerate fresh skin cells and produce skin-tightening proteins like collagen. Diets rich in fatty acids (including from fish, walnuts, and flaxseed) offer skin the most benefits when it comes to seeing more resilient, radiant skin. Ensure you’re also consuming enough variety that you’re getting all your essential vitamins and minerals. Food is a primary source of antioxidants, which helps skin protect itself from environmental damage in the form of free radicals. Protect Your Skin from The Sun The leading cause of many common signs of aging, including pigmented lesions that can create a less-than-ideal complexion, is the sun. Even if you aren’t going to be out in the sun for very long, help your skin stay smooth, radiant, and bright by applying a high-quality sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 for brief sun exposure. Exfoliate Regularly It’s no secret that your skin regularly turns over new cells, meaning old, dead skin can literally pile up on the surface of your skin all over your body. By exfoliating on a regular basis, you brush or dissolve away these dull factors, helping your healthy, fresh skin thrive and brighten your look. Introduce Skincare with Vitamin C You probably get enough Vitamin C in a normal, nutritious diet for inside-out protection, but applying it topically with a high-quality formula is a way to go one step further for brighter skin. Vitamin C has been shown to visibly brighten skin over time and solidifies the antioxidants to the skin. Vitamin C is perfect for individuals wanting to help prevent early signs of aging. Get Plenty of Sleep Your skin, as a major organ of your body, thrives when your whole person thrives. This applies to getting good sleep every night too. Much of the cell regeneration process happens during sleep, when the body has more resources to dedicate to splitting cells and signaling old ones to die off. When you’re physically fatigued, there’s a good chance your skin will be tired too. Investing in good sleep hygiene can work wonders for a brighter appearance. Use a Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Hyaluronic Acid, the key component that keeps your skin looking voluminous, smooth, and hydrated, is a vital ingredient in your moisturizer. Keeping your skin hydrated can actually help it look brighter, too, with no dry dull patches distracting from and otherwise excellent skincare routine. Professional Skincare from Epicuren Discovery It’s possible to get brighter looking skin with the best ingredients in professional-grade products. At Epicuren Discovery, we utilize decades of pharmaceutical skincare research to produce potent formulas that get real results. Learn more about our business or find products matched perfectly to your skin type and aesthetic goals by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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A Vegan Skincare Routine That Really Works
If you care about your lifestyle and all its impacts on the world, you know that a vegan diet is less wasteful, less expensive, and much more environmentally friendly way to eat than the alternatives. And the benefits of going vegan apply to more than just your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, since so many skincare products utilize animals and animal byproducts in their production methods. At Epicuren Discovery, we make it a point to source organic, cruelty-free, and vegan ingredients when possible, so you feel good about what you use on a daily basis. Here’s what we know makes a vegan-friendly skincare routine effective and guilt-free. Benefits of a Vegan Skincare Routine Good vegan skin care products can be just as effective as products with ingredients sourced from animals, which means you don’t have to settle for weak, non-effective vegan beauty products. At Epicuren Discovery, we make a point to source as many potent and proven active ingredients from vegan sources as possible. The benefits of a vegan skincare regimen extend beyond your skin and into the world at large, reducing the demand for animal products and byproducts in the cosmetic industry. Avoid Toxic Ingredients Similar to a vegan diet, artificial or untested compounds do not power our vegan-certified products. This helps keep your body and your skin clear of unnatural, toxic, and unclean ingredients that may or may not contribute to an unsatisfying lifestyle. Improve Skin Quality Over Time Vegan skincare products are powered by years of scientific research to formulate products with intention, using only the best ingredients such as peptides, minerals, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that help the skin to appear nourished skin gently and provide compounding effects over time. Vegan products can be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or dry skin, as animal-derived ingredients often have inflammatory properties or can cause irritation that makes it more difficult to enjoy healthy-looking skin. Vegan Skincare Products for Your Daily Routine Cleansing The necessary first step in any good skincare routine is a gentle, vegan cleanser. Our recommended formula for vegan customers is our Citrus Herbal Cleanser, made with potent and aromatic essential oils. This is a revitalizing experience that foams gently to dissolve excess oil, grime, and makeup residue. Toner Especially for people concerned about blemishes, a high-quality toner is highly effective at cleaning your pores during your daily routine while also refreshing your appearance throughout the day. We’re proud to offer Rebalance and Rewind Vegan Collagen Toner powered by scientifically proven ingredients, that nourish the appearance of your skin with potent antioxidants, natural fruit acids, and plant-derived collagen. Serum For people interested in high-quality skincare, you know the power a good vegan serum can have on your daily routine. Take your skincare to the next level with our Strengthen and Rebuild Vegan Serum Concentrate to help visibly soften fine lines, moisturize your skin, and give your skin a supple, youthful appearance on a daily basis. Moisturizer One of our most popular moisturizers, our Hydro Plus Moisturizer, is more than just luxurious, it’s also vegan. Experience the professional difference with this rich, creamy moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid that reduces your dependence on animal byproducts for moisturizing. Sunscreen The best vegan skincare routine acknowledges that the number one cause of premature aging is sun exposure over time. Fight back with a potent antioxidant sunscreen like our vegan Defend and Balance Tinted Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen for daily use or whenever you plan on spending a few hours outdoors. Professional-Grade Vegan Skincare Products If you’re passionate about your vegan lifestyle, you don’t have to compromise when it comes to taking care of your skin concerns. Our professional-grade formulas are derived from decades of pharmaceutical research that isn’t limited to traditional techniques and active ingredients. Discover more vegan products on our site by taking our Skin Quiz today to be matched with your skin type and specific concern. Discover more products that don't use animal testing by browsing our vegan products or taking our Skin Quiz today!
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Face Oil Vs. Serums
There are skincare products of all types, consistencies, and purposes out there to help you create the appearance of a healthy, radiant glow we all strive for. Two potent and highly effective types of products are serums and specially formulated facial oils. Serums and facial oils have similarities that can confuse people, so we’re going to run through the differences and best uses so you can make the right decisions about choosing face oil vs serum. WHAT IS SERUM? Serums are concentrated liquids that have a thin, typically water-based solution and contain potent but lightweight ingredients. These thinner formulas allow serums to quickly penetrate onto the surface of the skin, delivering their active ingredients efficiently, especially when applied to clean skin and clear pores. One of the most popular serums at Epicuren Discovery is our Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Gel. Hyaluronic acid is ideal when your specific skin concerns are focused on anti-aging and increasing the look of volume by helping your skin look and feel hydrated. WHAT IS FACE OIL? Facial oils also have thin consistencies but have a key difference compared to serums in that they are oil-based. These non-comedogenic blends of natural oils and essential oils can richly moisturize the skin and target concerns like dehydration and dryness. When looking into face oils, it’s important to know your skin type before choosing a specific product, as anyone can derive benefits, but not everyone should use a specific product. With face oils a little goes a long way. A few drops can be added directly to your face or combined with a moisturizer. HOW TO USE FACE OIL AND SERUMS Both serums and oils can be a helpful part of your everyday skincare routine, and you don’t have to choose only one. When using both a serum and an oil together, it’s recommended to apply the oil after the serum, as it can interfere with the absorption of that thinner formula. Generally speaking, apply your lightest products first after cleansing and using toner, starting with serums, then applying a face oil, moisturizer (if needed), and sunscreen, waiting for each product to fully absorb before moving on to the next. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FACE OIL AND SERUM Different skin types benefit from different types of products and specific formulas. You also should take into account your skincare goals, whether it’s anti-aging, brightening your skin, helping your skin barrier, evening your skin tone, combating acne-prone skin, or other goals you may have when selecting high-quality products for your daily routine. SENSITIVE OR ACNE-PRONE Anyone with sensitive skin can tell you that potent ingredients are not always the best thing when it comes to their main skin concern. Interestingly, both sensitive and blemish-prone, oily skin can benefit from face oils with moisturizing essential oils. This is because face oils are designed to support your skin’s natural oil production. Sensitive and acne-prone skin can also benefit from serums with powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C. DRY SKIN Dry skin is perhaps the most obvious candidate for a facial oil, which helps double-layer your skin with moisturizing ingredients and potent oil blends. Bulgarian Rose Otto is the perfect choice for dry dehydrated skin concerns and is full of hydrating oils that help with visible redness - like Meadowfoam Seed Oil. This oil absorbs onto the surface of the skin quickly and helps lock in moisture. UNEVEN SKIN Any factors, including sun damage, age, or buildup of dull, dead skin cells in a particular area, can contribute to an uneven complexion. This is where a potent serum helps the skin for the best results. With a brightening facial oil like our Defy Age Corrective Facial Oil, you can enjoy many benefits while also helping your skin with the appearance of imperfections, perfect for individuals with aging concerns. PROFESSIONAL-GRADE SKINCARE BY EPICUREN DISCOVERY If you want to level up your skin care regimen, Epicuren Discovery’s complete collection of science-backed, high-quality formulas is a perfect place to start. Discover more products like facial oils and serums by browsing our website, or get tailored recommendations based on your skin type and goals by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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What’s The Difference Between Face Wash and Face Scrub?
Different products for face cleansers have different textures and ingredients that may be better or worse for your unique skin type based on your goals and ideal skincare routine. Face wash and face scrubs are two broad categories of skincare products that can help exfoliate, cleanse, and nourish skin with essential ingredients. Let’s find out how these products can become an integral part of your skincare routine and who can benefit from one over the other. What is a Face Wash? Face washes are also called face cleansers by certain brands and manufacturers. These formulas are designed to gently lift away oil, makeup, and environmental debris from your skin to help clean your pores while not aggravating the skin's surface. These formulas tend to have a smooth, sometimes foamy consistency, and are usually gentle enough to use at least once a day. Face washes often contain antibacterial compounds to promote healthy skin and help control acne, for example, as well as other formulas with more potent ingredients like salicylic acid to help flush trapped dirt from pores. What is a Face Scrub? Face scrubs tend to be more exfoliating than cleansing. This means their formulas often have physical scrubbing components like polished walnut shell fragments, salt crystals, or other granules that scrub away dead skin cells and dirt. This usually serves to brighten, stimulate, and refresh the skin and prepare it for absorbing other skincare products more efficiently, like moisturizers, by opening up pores and softening skin. The Difference Between Face Scrub and Face Wash The key difference between a scrub and a cleanser is that facial scrubs are usually intended to remove dead skin cells through abrasion or chemical dissolution. Not only does this limit how often people with certain skin types should use scrubs, but it also means that washes are useful in different circumstances. Since the skin is constantly regenerating its own cells, dead skin cells can pile up and clog pores, dull the complexion, and contribute to a flaky appearance to the skin. This is why regular exfoliation is helpful, but it has its drawbacks. Facial cleansers or face washes, on the other hand, are less aggressive forms of cleansing that are recommended to remove the daily buildup of oil and debris and prime the skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Exfoliants are also essential parts of a skincare routine, but probably should not be used every day due to their intensity. Who Should Use a Face Scrub vs. Face Wash The simple point is that anyone can benefit from either a face scrub or a facial cleanser. Face scrubs are good at refreshing the skin of your face once or twice a week, whereas cleansers are a daily necessity. When you choose a scrub and cleanser that are specifically formulated for your skin type, with potent ingredients like Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, you ensure that you receive the most nourishing benefits from either a scrub or a face wash. Epicuren Discovery uses clean, high-performing ingredients like vitamins and salicylic acid in our facial cleansers and scrubs, with options for skin types from oily and blemish-prone to dry or sensitive skin. How to Use Face Scrubs and Washes Cleansing is the first step in any high-quality skincare routine. Even when exfoliating on top of cleansing, use your facial cleanser first before your face scrub. For the best chance of having clear, glowing skin, use a cleanser both in the morning and at night. Use exfoliants as directed; over-use of these potent scrubs can result in stripping the skin of its good oils and resulting in the over-production of oil or irritation. High-Quality Skincare Ingredients from Epicuren Discovery If you’re ready to experience the best face wash, you’re in the right place. Epicuren Discovery provides luxurious cleansing formulas and deeply exfoliating face scrubs so you can enjoy smooth, soft, and clear skin that looks great. Browse our cleansers or exfoliants or take our Skin Quiz to find formulas suited to your skin type and skincare goals.
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Glam Prep Duo for Freshly Firm Skin
Lights, Camera…Epicuren. Need to step up your social media selfie game? Wanting to look perfectly polished for date nite? Don’t worry, Epicuren has you covered with our Glam Prep Duo. Who has time to wait for freshly firm skin? Get instant gratification with our Instalift Tightening Serum. Start skin off with a refreshing gel serum that erases the look of wrinkles; immediately lifting and tightening facial contours. Fortified with Oat and Seaweed Extracts, make this serum a breakthrough wonder. Next, apply Defend & Balance Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. This power-packed multitasker is the ultimate skin finisher. A mineral-based, tinted SPF moisturizer, that provides a self-adjusting subtle tint. Our unique CC cream feeds your skin with Vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract, and Kukui Nut Oil. Gently massage into your skin for a silky, life-like radiance. Come on, name a more iconic duo…we’ll wait.
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What Causes Clogged Pores & What do They Look Like?
Clogged pores can be difficult to treat since they are often confused with acne. Although acne can be caused by clogged pores, these are two different things, so it is important to know the signs of your clogged pores to effectively help them and prevent future skin problems. What are Pores? Pores are tiny indentations in the skin that allow liquids and gases, to flow in and out of the surface. For example, skincare products are absorbed onto the skin through your pores and sweat is released from them. What are Clogged Pores? Clogged pores are pores that have been blocked by oily liquids called sebum and substances like dead skin, bacteria, makeup residue, and dirt. When your pores are blocked up, they can appear larger or look like small black dots on your face. Although clogged pores lead to acne, these black dots are not the same thing as blackheads. What Causes Clogged Pores? Inside your pores are hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. If those glands are producing too much sebum or if you have accumulated dead skin cells or other debris like makeup in your pores, this blocks up your pores. How to Unclog Pores Although there are many home remedies and videos on social media showing the newest home remedies, not all of these are recommended by a dermatologist. One of the worst things to do is squeeze your pores or acne built up around them. Instead, try these techniques to both improve clogged pores and maintain the health of your skin. Invest in the Right Facial Cleanser You want to find a quality facial cleanser made for your skin type and skin concerns. To clear your clogged pores, look for products with ingredients like retinoids, glycerin, aloe vera, and zinc. Stay away from products with sulfate since these can irritate and inflame the skin. One great product to try is the Clarify Starter Kit which contains a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer. Use a Weekly Facial Cleanser Using a weekly facial mask gives your skin a thorough clean and not only dissolves the oil and product clogging your pores, but also helps prevent blemishes from forming. Try the Clarify Polishing Mask; this is a great product that is suitable for almost any skin type. Exfoliate Regularly Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid help dissolve the excess oil and dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Exfoliate your face with gentle exfoliators like the Micro-Derm Ultra-Refining Scrub to improve the appearance of your texture and tone of your skin. Professional Facial Cleansers from Epicuren Discovery If you want to learn more about your skin and how to keep it looking radiant, Epicuren Discovery has all the answers. Take our Skin Quiz and let us help guide you to the right products that will help your skin type and specific skin concerns. Frequently Asked Questions How do you know if you have clogged pores? If your skin appears dull or congested, this could be a sign that you have clogged pores. Acne is also a common sign of clogged pores. Should you squeeze clogged pores? Do not squeeze your clogged pores. This puts more stress on the skin and can make your pores even bigger over time. How do you unclog your pores? Use a chemical exfoliants to dissolve the built up gunk in your pores. Use gentle exfoliators like salicylic acid instead of harsh products that burn the skin. What gets rid of clogged pores? Exfoliators, face masks, and night creams with products like retinol can help get rid of clogged pores. How do clogged pores form on the nose and chin? Your nose and chin are the oilier places on your face so dirt and other debris is more likely to get trapped in those areas. Why does the same pore keep getting clogged? Heavy foundation or makeup formulas and application of Vaseline can keep your clogged pores coming back. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your face and avoid Vaseline, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
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How To Help Reduce The Appearance Of Peeling Skin Quickly
If you’ve ever had a moderate to severe sunburn, you know the feeling of having dry, flaky, peeling skin as it heals from over-exposure to UV rays. However, there are many reasons why your skin may be peeling besides sun exposure, and if it’s happening without any apparent cause, it can be annoying and upsetting. Here’s what you need to know to help your sunburned skin stop peeling as quickly as possible. WHY DOES SKIN PEEL? Skin typically peels as part of the healing process when it has been damaged or reacts against a topical substance. Sometimes, it’s an outward sign of an underlying condition, which is why if your skin peeling doesn’t resolve on its own or your skin irritation presents itself with other changes to your health such as fever, vomiting, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, it may be best to get medical attention. The leading causes of skin peeling include: Sunburns Irritation, chafing, or rubbing Chemical or thermal burns Strong acne treatments Chemical peels Eczema Contact dermatitis Viral infections (mono, measles) Peeling skin can appear on its own or with other skin changes such as redness, pain, and inflammation. HOW TO HELP REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF PEELING SKIN Can you stop peeling skin? Depending on the underlying health condition that’s causing your peeling skin, you can try adjusting your skincare routine to help moisturize your skin to help reduce the appearance of peeling skin. However, when it’s caused by a health issue like those mentioned above, you should see a doctor to treat those causes medically before moving on to the symptom of peeling skin. Here are steps you can take that may help with skin discomfort after it starts peeling. PAT SKIN DRY AFTER BATHING Rubbing irritated skin vigorously may be your unconscious habit when drying off after a shower or bath, but this could cause unnecessary abrasion and irritation to your skin, causing it to peel. Damp skin followed by an application of moisturizer can help skin look and feel more hydrated, especially areas that are peeling. STAY HYDRATED The moisture in your skin doesn’t come out of thin air – it’s taken from your body, which is mostly water itself. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water each day is good for both your skin and overall health. By keeping your skin hydrated, you can prevent it from drying out, cracking, and peeling. APPLY MOISTURIZER The most general solution to dry skin is to moisturize it with a quality, non-comedogenic moisturizer. People with sensitive skin can benefit even more with a high-quality moisturizer like our Soothe Dermal Repair Balm. USE A GENTLE EXFOLIANT OCCASIONALLY When your skin is flaking and peeling, it can help to speed the process along with a gentle exfoliant if the flaking skin is not also tender and irritated, like after a sunburn. However, take care to exfoliate the peeling area as gently as possible, and don’t exfoliate every day since this could cause dead skin cells to flake off before they are ready. Usually, a weekly exfoliation is all you need to regain your smooth texture as quickly as possible. ADD A HUMIDIFIER Some areas of the country and certain homes are drier than others, which can cause your healthy skin to dehydrate and peel by default. Introduce moisture into your living spaces with a humidifier if you suspect the dry air is to blame for your peeling skin. PROTECT SKIN FROM THE SUN Important for not only reducing premature skin aging, sun exposure is the cause of many skin conditions, including peeling skin. The best practice for people looking to get sun protection and get smooth, beautiful skin is always to wear sunscreen when venturing outside, as regular unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays damages your skin cells whether you notice it in the moment or not. THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR DIFFERENT AREAS Skin peeling can occur on any area of the body. Using the right product will help your skin recover faster and maintain a vibrant-looking complexion. Consider the following products for the face and body: FEET To smooth peeling skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet, try our Mint Renewal White Sand Body Polish. The enriched blend of sugar and salt helps to slough away rough skin on the tough soles of your feet to improve painful cracking and peeling skin concerns. HANDS Our Papaya Pineapple Bamboo Body Polish is perfect for individuals concerned with peeling skin in the fingers and around the fingernails. This creamy exfoliant will help keep your skin visibly moisturized and smooth to minimize peeling and dryness. BODY Different areas of the body undergo different levels of wear and tear, which is why it’s necessary to choose the right product. Arms: After Bath Body Moisturizer Chest: Coconut Hydrating Milk Buttocks: Papaya Pineapple Bamboo Body Polish and Espresso Limon Slimming Oil Abdomen: Espresso Limon Slimming Oil Skin around tattoos: Soothe Dermal Repair Balm FACE The delicate skin on the face must be carefully treated with gentle products and ingredients. We recommend the following products for different areas of the face. Lips: Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Polish Ears: Soothe Dermal Repair Balm Around the mouth: Apricot Facial Scrub Nose: Micro-derm Ultra Refining Face Scrub Eyelids: Eye Cream HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BEST SKIN EVER Dealing with persistent or embarrassing skin conditions requires the best formulas from professionals who have the experience to choose quality ingredients. If you want to take your skincare to the next level and help with peeling skin or other skin conditions, Epicuren Discovery is a great place to start. Browse our complete collection of potent skincare products or take our Skin Quiz to be matched with products that are right for your specific skin type and concerns.
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