Epicuren Blog
How To Use Body Wash For The Best Results For Every Skin Type
Did you know there are actually right and wrong ways to make the most out of your daily bodily cleansing routine? It turns out that using a body wash regularly can have different effects on your skin, especially when you’re using the wrong type of body wash for your unique skin type. Let’s explore how to use body wash the best way and discover the right body care products for each skin type. Start With a Balanced Formula Skincare experts know that the key to effective skincare products is balance. Body cleansers shouldn’t be so harsh they strip away your skin’s natural oils, which disrupts your skin’s protective barrier, but they also need to use active ingredients that effectively wash away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells for the best-looking skin. Stay away from commercial bar soaps, as these tend to be basic and aggressive products that don’t include necessary moisturizing compounds like our body washes have. We recommend finding a simple, gentle body wash with a scent that you enjoy. Don’t Go Overboard It may surprise you to know that many people use too much body wash. If you’re showering and finding your skin feels greasy or sticky after drying off, it may be because there’s excess product on your skin that wasn’t fully rinsed away. Not only does this feel gross, it’s also not good for your skin, as residual soapy compounds can further dry out and strip skin of its natural oil. For our shower gel, we recommend about a palmful of liquid on either your hand or bath sponge. It’s also a myth that you always need to scrub your entire body, head to toe. In fact, some experts say you only need to use soap in the areas of your underarms and groin on a daily basis, unless you visibly see or feel sweat or dirt in other parts of your body. The Best Body Wash For Each Skin Type The best body wash comes down to how your skin handles daily wear and tear and what it needs from a daily cleanser. As body skin isn’t as delicate as your facial skin, you have more wiggle room for what will work for each skin type and season. Dry Skin During cold, dry months, or for those who have dry skin year-round, the best body wash is a gentle one. This may be obvious, but cleansing too aggressively removes the natural moisture-sealing properties of your skin, leading to increased dryness. Our body cleansers are formulated with natural moisturizers like coconut oil and rosemary oil. Oily Skin For people with naturally oily skin, look for cleansers with less rich moisturizing compounds, ingredients known as humectants. Humectants attract water to the surface of skin, helping to hydrate it without needing oils that can feel heavy and greasy. Sensitive Skin The goal for people with sensitive skin is simply to find a formula for their body wash that doesn’t react with their skin, causing redness, itching, or irritation. Look for simple formulas with natural scents that are sulfate-free and don’t have added perfume or coloring agents. Professional-Grade Body Wash From Epicuren Discovery If you’re looking for a luxurious cleansing experience every time you shower, Epicuren Discovery’s luscious body cleansers are the perfect match for you. Try our Rosemary Lave or Tropical Lave cleansers, formulated with essential oils and natural fragrances to give you a spa-like experience each and every day. And find your perfect pairings with body care products according to your unique skin type by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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What Is Colostrum And Why Should I Use Colostrum Skincare Products?
People who have experienced or who have been close to someone breastfeeding may recognize the term “colostrum” and may be more than a little confused about why we’d be talking about it in a skincare context. For both those who know what this substance is and those who are just now hearing about it, we’re going to explore how colostrum can be used as part of an effective, high-quality skincare routine. What is Colostrum? Colostrum is the earliest breast milk a mammal produces after giving birth. Unlike regular breast milk, colostrum is thicker, has a slightly more yellowish color, and contains a higher concentration of key elements like immune factors and certain fats. Colostrum is relatively packed with antibodies, epithelial growth factor, and white blood cells, as well as the necessary sugars and proteins that babies need to grow healthy and strong. You may be relieved to hear that our colostrum products are not derived from human colostrum, but rather from female cows – bovine colostrum. The substance has similar properties to human colostrum but critically can be harvested in larger amounts and doesn’t lead to huge ethical implications of selling the byproduct of women who have just given birth. Benefits of Colostrum One of the main colostrum benefits for skin health are epithelial growth factors and nutrients packed into this substance. Products with colostrum have been shown to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and help individuals concerned with sensitive or irritated skin. Research has shown that using colostrum to treat sunburns and atopic dermatitis can be beneficial to dermatologic conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Colostrum is also perfect for individuals concerned with skin aging. With regular use, colostrum products may help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Colostrum aids in collagen production and hydrates the skin for anti-aging treatment. Best Skincare Products With Colostrum We at Epicuren Discovery use colostrum in two complementary products for two distinct uses. First, our Colostrum Hydrating Mist is an exhilarating mist mixed in a base of pure glacier water and colostrum is a revitalizing complex perfect for misting over the face, body, and hair. It’s also helpful as a quick pick-me-up when your skin needs refreshment throughout the day. One of our signature formulas is our Colostrum Luminous Glow Cream. Utilizing powerful ingredients, this lightweight cream features all-natural colostrum, aloe, and citrus peel oil promoting the appearance of beautiful skin. Can Anyone Use Colostrum? Everyone can benefit from incorporating colostrum into their daily skincare routine unless you know you have an aversion to skin care products with animal byproducts. Our colostrum is sourced cruelty-free, so you don’t have to worry about any harm being done in the name of skincare. These products can be combined with any other product without needing to worry that colostrum benefits will interfere with how another ingredient works on your skin. When to use Colostrum Skincare Products You can use our colostrum products in both your morning and evening skincare routine, and even throughout the day as desired. Colostrum moisturizers should be applied after toner but before sunscreen, and our colostrum mist can be used after cleansing or really anytime you want a refreshing boost to your complexion. High-Quality Skincare by Epicuren Discovery Discover more high-quality formulas with proven, potent active ingredients like colostrum by browsing our complete line of skincare products. Or, for a more personalized experience, take our Skin Quiz to narrow down the products that are most effective for your unique skin type.
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Sunscreen Vs. Sunblock: Protecting Your Skin In Different Ways
Often used interchangeably, sunscreen and sunblock are technically two distinct ways of protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that the sun constantly emits. We’ll explore how each type works and learn whether one is better than the other for your skin and the world around you. What is Sunblock? Sunblock is the term for physical or mineral sunscreen that physically reflects UV rays away from skin using ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These products are usually opaque and they sit on the surface of skin, which can feel uncomfortable or greasy, but a well-formulated product like the sunblock developed by Epicuren feels lightweight and barely noticeable as it helps to naturally protect your skin against UV-related damage. What is Sunscreen? Unlike sunblock, sunscreen relies on a chemical reaction happening within the uppermost layers of the skin to absorb UV light and convert it into harmless heat energy. The chemical reaction occurs thanks to active ingredients like avobenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and oxybenzone. Some of these chemicals, unfortunately, can cause damage to the environment when they’re washed into lakes and the ocean, but scientists are still looking into the significance of these observations. Which is Better, Sunblock or Sunscreen? It’s important to note that both sunblock and sunscreen are safe and effective ways of protecting your skin from UV rays. However, there are a few things to consider. First, the ingredients in many commercially available sunscreens can cause irritation or other reactions to sensitive skin types. For people with a known allergy to these products, sunblock is usually better tolerated. Second, sunblock is naturally broad-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays, which pose different threats to your skin. Sunscreen must have multiple active ingredients to be broad-spectrum, so for assurance that you’re fully protected in the sun, try a mineral sunblock. What Sun Protection is Recommended by Dermatologists? First and foremost, dermatologists recommend any sunscreen over no sunscreen. Beyond that, many dermatologists recommend finding a formula that is unscented, as ingredients in perfumes and other chemical additives may cause allergic reaction or irritation. They also say to get a broad-spectrum formula, an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, and water-resistance for the best performance. Both sunscreen and sunblock lose effectiveness over time as the active ingredients break down or are wiped away. This means it’s important to reapply your chosen formula at least once every two hours — more if you’re sweating or have been in the water. Professional-Grade Sun Care by Epicuren Discovery Discover the best in sun care protection with Epicuren Discovery’s sunscreens and sunblocks. With the bottom line that both types of protection are an effective option for you, you can choose whichever type of sun protectant your skin finds the most satisfying. There are even blends of both mineral and chemical sunscreen, like our X-Treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen with an SPF of up to 45. We also carry sunscreens like our Defend and Balance tinted sunblock that contains hydrating ingredients and antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract and Kukui Nut Oil. Whatever you choose, you can purchase with pride with Epicuren Discovery’s cruelty-free formulas. Find more professional-grade skincare products by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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Zinc Oxide, An Effective Mineral Sun Tan Lotion
Sunscreen is arguably the most important part of an effective anti-aging skincare routine for a few key reasons. By helping to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation that’s all around you, sunscreen not only helps prevent sunburn but can also help the overall appearance of the skin. But did you know that not all sunscreens are created equal? There are crucial differences in the formulation of many commercially available sunscreens that affect their reliability and even the chemical impact on the environment, so it’s helpful to know how sunscreen works and which ingredients you should prioritize when choosing the best sunscreen for everyday use. How Does Sunscreen Work? All sunscreen must be approved by the FDA to be safe and effective at absorbing or reflecting harmful UV rays that are constantly being emitted by the sun. There are several wavelengths of UV rays that are harmful to skin cells, primarily UV-A and UV-B rays. A good sunscreen protects against both wavelengths, which is commonly referred to as being “broad-spectrum” sunscreen. Different formulas of sunscreen are effective in different ways. Sunscreens with mineral active ingredients reflect UV energy, preventing it from penetrating to skin cells and causing damage. Chemical-based sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing the UV light and converting it to heat energy before it reaches your skin. Chemical Vs. Mineral Sunscreen The two types of sunscreen available to people in the U.S. are chemical and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens can be cheaper and easier to obtain, but have downsides as well. Some chemical ingredients, like oxybenzone, can interact with the body and cause side effects like disrupting hormone levels or causing skin irritation. Even worse, these ingredients can wash off the skin and interact with the environment: for ocean-goers, this can lead to environmental damage like coral reef bleaching. Mineral sunscreens utilize physical compounds like titanium oxide and zinc oxide to reflect UV rays rather than absorb and disperse them. They work by sitting on the skin and acting like microscopic mirrors for up to two hours at a time before needing reapplication. The benefits of mineral sunscreens is that they can be longer-lasting and more effective than chemical formulas, when created with high-quality and complementary ingredients like natural plant extracts. What is Zinc Oxide Sunscreen? Zinc oxide sunscreen is the best mineral sunscreen you can buy, as it has multiple advantages over other mineral active ingredients. As previously mentioned, mineral sunscreens are usually the better choice over chemical ones for both physical and environmental reasons. Zinc oxide goes above and beyond by providing protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays, while titanium oxide is only guaranteed to block UV-B rays. This broad-spectrum protection means you are less likely to burn while wearing zinc oxide sunscreen and can be beneficial for individuals concerned with signs of aging like wrinkles and pigmentation. Zinc oxide sunscreen can be used when you know you’re going to be spending time enjoying a sunny day — perhaps while on vacation — as well as for everyday use, as there are UV rays bouncing all around you even on cloudy days. Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 27 from Epicuren Discovery Take advantage of the proven benefits of zinc oxide sunscreen with our Zinc Oxide Perfecting Sunscreen. This lightweight, completely transparent formula goes on smoothly with no greasy residue. Use every day as needed to help protect against sunburn on both your face and body. Find other professional skincare products by browsing our website or taking our Skin Quiz to find personalized recommendations for your unique skin type.
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Toner Vs. Serum: What’s The Difference?
People who want to step up their skincare regimen to achieve the appearance of a more youthful, radiant complexion can benefit from a multitude of concern-specific toners and serums. But how do you know which of these similar-sounding products is right for your specific skin type and skin tone? For example, if you have oily skin, you may be wondering which is better for oily skin types. Toner and serum are both crucial skincare steps that can address many different skin conditions and achieve healthy looking skin. Let’s find out by comparing toner vs serum, the correct order to apply them, and how to best use them in your skincare routine. What is a Face Toner? Toners are skincare products designed to accomplish a variety of tasks depending on the specific formula. Most toners help cleanse pores by exfoliating dead skin cells, ensuring the work started by your cleanser is fully performed. Toners are great to use before applying moisturizer because they help prepare the skin for other products to be applied. Certain types of hydrating toners can also provide deep hydration for dry skin or sensitive skin. You can apply toner both during your morning and nightly routine as well as throughout the day whenever you want a quick refresher for your complexion. Benefits of Face Toners Toners are great at conditioning the skin and establishing a neutral environment for the skin to thrive. They also help create the appearance of a natural and youthful look when used throughout the day. Epicuren Discovery’s toners offer added benefits, such as promoting the appearance of hydration and minimizing the look of irritated skin while leaving the skin feeling refreshed. An alcohol free toner is also a great way to remove excess oil or leftover dirt, preventing clogged pores that can cause breakouts. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid have both a moisturizing and skin-brightening effect on dry skin and dull skin. And ingredients like witch hazel have been known to have anti-inflammatory properties. What is a Face Serum? Face serums are typically water-based formulas packed with a higher concentration of active ingredients to provide various benefits for multiple types of skin problems and skin types. They can be effective ways to boost an anti-aging skincare routine by reducing the appearance of large pores and skin texture - while at the same time, keeping the skin looking radiant and bright. A serum’s ingredients (such as vitamin C for dark spots or acne fighting ingredients to visibly unclog pores) are designed to penetrate on the surface of the skin in a way that toners or heavier products don't. Often, a hydrating serum has the natural benefit of adding hydration in a subtle way without giving the appearance of oily skin. This is especially beneficial for combination skin or acne-prone skin types. Hydrating serums can also help address dry patches and achieve a more even skin tone. The Difference Between Toner vs Serum Applying toner and serum are both beneficial for a variety of skincare concerns and can be combined together in your skincare routine. Toners are thinner products than serums, which means they can be applied as a mist or spray, rather than a product that you gently massage onto your entire face with your fingers or a cotton pad or cotton ball. They serve similar but distinct functions, with toners refreshing the skin and serums delivering potent active ingredients. There are many varieties of both toners and serums that are designed with active ingredients to be used for specific skin concerns and skin types, even sensitive skin types. How to Use Toner and Serum Order matters when it comes to toner and serum. If you opt to have both a serum and toner in your skincare routine, you should first cleanse your skin, then apply toner, and then apply serum. Finally, you can complete your skincare regimen with moisturizer, face creams, and sunscreen. As a general rule, it's best to apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest, meaning toner comes before face serum. High Quality Face Serums From Epicuren Discovery If you’re concerned about the appearance of your fine lines or wrinkles, both a toner and serum can be great additions to your daily anti-aging skincare routine. Both serums and toners can take a routine that focuses only on cleansing and promoting hydration to the next level. For example, try our Pro Collagen + Serum Amplifier to reap the benefits of active ingredients like peptides and minerals to help fight the signs of aging and improve its overall appearance. Browse our site to find both a serum and toner for your specific skin concern or take our Skin Quiz to get personalized toner and serum recommendations based on your unique skin type.
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What Is Combination Skin, And How Do You Take Care Of It?
There are many naturally occurring skin types that may require different products or skincare routines to properly take care of. You’d never see someone with a naturally oily complexion using the rich, heavy creams someone with dry skin needs to properly hydrate, and vice versa. One of these skin types has an even harder time than most, as they’re not just one type: they have oily skin in some places and dry skin in others. Here’s how people with combination skin types can finally solve the problem of their dual identity skin. What is Combination Skin? By definition, people with combination skin experience oiliness in the “T-zone,” and dryness everywhere else. The T-zone is a roughly T-shaped region of your face that includes that forehead, nose, and sometimes chin. If, throughout the day, this area becomes greasy and shiny, while your cheeks stay the same or even become dry and flaky, you’ve got combination skin. Another longer-term indicator of combination skin is people who frequently find blemishes in the T-zone, while the rest of the face seems relatively acne-free over the course of a month or two. What Causes Combination Skin? In most cases, combination skin is an unavoidable effect of your genetics. In addition, environmental factors like the weather or season can aggravate or emphasize certain aspects of combination skin. During dry months, the non-oily part of skin can be even more flaky or sensitive, and during the summer, it seems like the sweat and oils just never stop flowing. If you have combination skin, it’s important to use the right blend of products, as your skin is, unfortunately, more susceptible to adverse reactions if your products are too harsh or not strong enough. People with severe combination skin may even need to use two sets of products; one for the T-zone and one for everywhere else. Best Products for Combination Skin People with combination skin should play it safe with their skin by only using high-quality products that don’t incorporate harsh ingredients like alcohol or acids. Due to the tendency of dry skin to also be sensitive, stay away from overly perfumed products, where fragrance chemicals can cause breakouts and redness in those areas. Always look for non-comedogenic products, or products that won’t clog pores, especially for those battling acne and blemishes in the T-zone. At Epicuren Discovery, we believe the best products for combination skin are those that are gentle, and contain natural ingredients, so no area gets overly dried out or too thickly moisturized. Professional-Grade Combination Skincare Our carefully formulated and curated collection of combination skincare products include some of the best products that create an appearance of hydration without the pore-clogging ingredients you’d find in lower-quality products. At Epicuren Discovery, we know it can be confusing and challenging to find skincare products with proven ingredients that actually work for people’s specific skin types, which is why we created our Skin Quiz to match people with the best, most potent products for their unique concerns. Check out our other collections of anti-aging and sun care products to see how we can help you get the best skin of your life.
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Lotion Vs. Cream: A Difference Your Skin Needs To Know About
Everyone wants the best value and quality out of their skincare products, and none may be as essential as a moisturizer. With all the fancy names, marketing schemes, and purported benefits of your moisturizer options, how are you supposed to know what’s best for your unique skin type? And is there even a difference between a lotion and a cream? Let’s find out together. What is a Lotion? There aren’t a lot of guidelines that define what is and isn’t a lotion. However, a good place to start is to acknowledge that lotion generally doesn’t have a lot of oil in its formula, it’s mostly water. This allows lotions to be absorbed into the skin quickly, making it feel lighter and perhaps requiring more of it to properly hydrate some skin types. What is a Cream? Creams are typically made with an equal amount of water and oil; a 50/50 balance. This means they have much thicker viscosities and are heavier-feeling on the skin. Creams are often advertised for specific body areas, such as the face or feet, depending on the care needed, such as rough foot skin or delicate, dry facial skin. Differences and Similarities Between Lotions and Creams The obvious and most simple thing lotions and creams have in common is that they help hydrate your skin from excessive moisture loss with the oils they include. Some products, both lotions and creams, are specifically formulated for the face, whereas others can be used on both the face and body. Creams are typically recommended for people with deeper hydration needs, as the greater oil content contributes to a stronger skin barrier, helping keep more water within the skin, not lost to the environment. Lotions are generally recommended for most skin types, as creams can be pore-clogging due to their high oil content. Which is Better For Each Skin Type Whether a lotion or cream is the best for you comes down largely to your skin type; how much oil you produce on a daily basis. In either case, it’s important to find a lotion or cream with high-quality ingredients that doesn’t irritate your skin and is easily applied. For Acne or Blemish-Prone Skin Oily skin tends to be the most blemish-prone, as excess oil can trap dirt, dead skin cells, and other compounds in your pores, providing the perfect environment for the acne-causing bacteria to move in. So although it’s tempting to simply skip using moisturizer and focus instead on drying it out, you’re better off giving your skin a slight nudge toward moisture so it doesn’t get overly dry and ramp up oil production even more. Because of this, the best moisturizer for oily skin is a light, gentle moisturizer. We recommend our Acidophilus Probiotic Facial Cream. Enriched with Lactobacilli Acidophilus and Micronized Silver to maintain a fresh and flawless looking complexion. For Dry Skin People with dry skin are perhaps the most aware of the need for a good moisturizer to keep them feeling hydrated and smooth. But at the same time, going too rich with a cream can leave many people’s skin feeling greasy. That’s why we developed our popular Hydro Plus Moisturizer for people with dry and/or aging skin. Its rich formula strikes the perfect balance between feeling lightweight and absorbing quickly while providing lasting moisture for a soft complexion. For Normal or Combination Skin If you have a normal experience with your skincare, you likely don’t need to worry too much about creams, as a little moisture in the morning and evening are all you need after cleansing your face. You can, however, try products that do more than just moisturize, like our Facial Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer, which is formulated with Epicuren’s Metadermabolic protein enzyme complex. Or try our Nourish Daily Antioxidant Moisturizer for a daily dose of skin-protecting antioxidants. Professional Formulas From Epicuren Discovery Whatever your skin type and preference for moisturizer, Epicuren Discovery has the daily care and specialty products that can help you take your skincare routine to the next level. Browse our moisturizers or take our Skin Quiz to discover all the products we recommend for your unique skin type and skincare goals.
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The Benefits of Probiotics in Skincare Products
Both inside and outside your body are billions of bacteria that live off different environments, such as your gut or your skin, many of which are not only helpful but necessary for our health. One such bacterium, lactobacillus acidophilus, or simply acidophilus, is a key player in your gut health and also contains skin benefits when applied topically as part of a normal skin care routine. Here’s what’s great about this lesser-known skincare ingredient. What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that are naturally found in the body and can be sourced from fermented foods. These are good bacteria that can help improve your skin's natural immunity. Probiotic lysate extracts used in skincare can help the skin microbiome and encourage healthier looking skin. Your Skin's Microbiome There are over a trillion bacteria living in and on your skin that help with everything from fighting infections, protecting from environmental stressors and toxins, and regulating pH levels. As a potent probiotic, acidophilus has many potential benefits for the skin. Acidophilus plays a key role in balancing pH levels specifically, which helps maintain a strong and healthy looking skin barrier. Benefits of Probiotic Skin Care Lactobacillus ferment and other types of topical probiotics have proven many benefits for maintaining the appearance of healthy, youthful skin, including: Anti-Inflammatory Properties One of the most well-known uses for probiotic skincare products is in reducing visible signs of redness and inflammation. Clinical trials have shown that sensitive skin and acne-prone skin can also benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of topical probiotics. Anti-Aging Effects The aging process is complex, but can be attributed to various forms of inflammation internally and externally. Probiotics have been known to help with the signs of aging by visibly reducing inflammation. Probiotics are perfect for individuals concerned with skin elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles. Hydrate and Brighten Dull Skin A healthy skin barrier reduces moisture loss on the surface of the skin creating the appearance of plump, youthful looking skin. Some fermented probiotics have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Applying products like Microbiome Restorative All-In-One Serum to your skin provides mild exfoliation which can help visibly brighten the appearance of dull skin. How to Get Acidophilus in Your Routine Acidophilus is beneficial when it’s ingested in the form of supplements or as part of a healthy diet. L. Acidophilus can be found in most fermented foods, including kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Using products like our Acidophilus Probiotic Facial Cream enriched with L. acidophilus derived lactobacillus ferment and micronized silver provides for day-long moisture and a radiant looking appearance. High Quality Skincare Products Take your skincare to the next level with our high-quality skincare products and kits with novel active ingredients like acidophilus. Nourish your skin with our luxurious formulas, and treat yourself to our self-care exfoliating masks and potent products for individuals concerned with aging. Find out which products are right for you by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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Cleanser or Face Wash: The Difference and How to Use Each One
In the world of cosmetics and beauty products, the sheer number of options you have has led to some serious complications in the way we define the products. Without thinking, people will refer to “face cleanser” and “face wash” as essentially the same product, when in reality, there are enough distinctions between the two that they’re no longer interchangeable. Here’s the difference between cleanser and face wash and which one you should be using according to your skin type. What is Face Wash? Face washes tend to be water-based formulas that suds up into a foam as you massage it into your skin. This foaming action helps force the formula deep into the pores, resulting in a deeper clean that can be too much for some skin types. Think of a face wash as focusing on getting the job done, whereas a cleanser may be more soothing and luxurious, like something offered during a spa treatment. What is Face Cleanser? Cleansers, unlike face washes, are richer in their formulas, and can include oil-based cleansers. The ingredients chosen for a face cleanser are more aimed at keeping skin’s moisture balance even while still cleansing gently. Face cleansers typically have a thicker formula compared to face washes, but can have a range of textures from thick to thin. Which is Better for My Skin Type? Face cleansers are typically recommended for any skin type, as they’re formulated to cleanse without stripping away too many vital nutrients and oils. However, for people who struggle with very oily skin or who frequently get breakouts, a face wash can help get in deep and clean out clogged pores efficiently. The catch is that if your skin ever feels tight or irritated after using a face wash, it’s probably too intense a formula for your skin. At this point, you can try a different face wash formula or switch to a face cleanser to ensure it’s not getting rid of too many oils. How to Use Face Washes and Cleansers Whether you’re using a wash or a cleanser, you should be washing your face twice a day: once in the morning to scrub away oil that built up while you were sleeping and once in the evening to clear away the day’s debris and makeup. Most cleansers and washes are simply applied using your fingers, then massaged into your face and neck, whereas others are applied with cotton balls or pads. Many products will specify whether they should be rinsed with warm or lukewarm water, as well as whether you should leave it on for a specified period of time. Our Recommended Face Washes and Cleansers At Epicuren Discovery, we’re proud to carry a complete line of professional skincare products and formulas, including both face washes and cleansers. For those needing a deeper clean, our Silk Radiance 3-in-1 Cleansing Oil offers a rich blend of essential oils with transformative gel-to-oil action. And for those who need a better balanced clean, our Apricot Cream Cleanser effortlessly cleanses skin and removes makeup while simultaneously leaving the skin to appear hydrated. To find more products that are ideal for your skin type and concern, don’t hesitate to take our Skin Quiz today.
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Body Wash vs. Bar Soap, Is One Better For Your Skin?
At this point in your life, you’ve probably developed a pretty set-in routine for your daily skincare regimen, for both face and body washing. In particular, you may have a strong opinion on how you wash your body in the shower, whether with a liquid gel or with a hard bar of soap. But is there a significant difference in these two methods? Should you be using a different product? Let’s find out together. Bar Soap Benefits Proponents of bar soap cleansing mainly offer two key benefits: affordability and sustainability. Most high-quality bar soaps are cheap to make and buy, meaning you can either save money or get even more advanced soap formulas and scents for the same price as your body wash. Plus, since there’s no pumps or packaging, there’s no residual soap left in hard-to-reach places that leads to waste. Bar soap, like body washes, can be formulated with all kinds of different skin type-specific ingredients designed for oily skin, sensitive skin, and more, meaning nearly anyone can use it if they’re interested. Body Wash Benefits Some active ingredients like ceramides, are better incorporated into body washes than bars of soap. For this reason, body washes can have more potent or targeted formulas than a generic bar of soap, although both get the job done at the end of the day. Because body wash isn’t sitting out in the shower all day, some consider it a more hygienic way to store body cleansers. Bacteria can still build up on accessories like washcloths and loofas, so make sure to wash or replace them regularly if you’re using an applicator other than your hands. The Difference Between Bar Soap and Body Wash Besides the obvious form factor, people often wonder what the real difference is between hard soaps and liquid or foaming soaps. Is there a proven benefit of one over the other? Both forms of cleanser achieve the same thing: cleansing your body of oils, dirt, debris, and bacteria. However, bar soap tends to be more aggressive than body washes. This means that, while it is highly efficient at stripping excess oil away, it can also take off essential proteins that lead to skin feeling tight and dry when you rinse it away. For some, this is a benefit, like for people with significantly oily skin. For most people, it’s a little too much. If you absolutely love your bar soap cleanser, just make sure to use a high-quality moisturizer. Body wash is beloved for the way it quickly works into a rich lather, and many of the best body washes you’ll find online have hydrating properties as well as cleansing ones. This could be bad news for those with already oily skin, who need a way to get rid of excess oiliness each day. For most other people, though, a well-formulated hydrating body wash is the perfect way to start or end the day. Professional-Grade Body Washes From Epicuren Discovery If you’re looking for a way to take your daily routine to the next level, Epicuren Discovery’s body cleansers are the perfect solution. Try our Tropical Lave and Rosemary Lave body cleansers today to experience a luxurious tropical or herbal scent while cleansing your body from head to toe. Take our Skin Quiz today to find out which other body care products may be right for you.
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Astringent Vs. Toner: Why It Matters For Your Skin Type
Astringent and toner are often terms that are confused for each other. When people use them interchangeably, it may seem like they’re essentially the same thing and either one will work for your cleansing needs. However, there are key differences between these two types of skincare formulas, which has a real impact for people of certain skin types. Let’s find out why. What is Toner? Toners are generally used right after cleansing to ensure there’s no makeup or cleanser residue remaining before applying essential skincare products like serums and moisturizers. They are water-based formulas that often contain humectants like glycerin to help your skin feel soft and smooth. Good-quality toners also come with specialized active ingredients, like antioxidants and anti-aging compounds for a dual benefit with a single product. What is an Astringent? Astringents are essentially stronger forms of toner. Their ingredients tend to be harsher, with the goal not just to cleanse, but to help remove the appearance of excess oil as well. Astringents are also water based, and sometimes contain alcohol to truly wash away all the oil on the skin. Modern formulations of astringent also carry additional active ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids for exfoliating benefits. How to Use Toners and Astringents You would use a toner or astringent at the same step in your skincare routine: right after cleansing, before moisturizing or specialty products. Toners often come in spray bottles, which allows you to simply spritz your face and move on. Otherwise, you apply astringents and toners with a cotton ball or pad, taking care not to get it in your eyes. Depending on which products you use after toning, you may want to apply them right away while the skin is damp, or wait a moment until it dries before moving on. Both toners and astringents are leave-on products. Toners, Astringents, and Pores Using a toner or astringent each morning can help pores look smaller by clearing out clogs that stretch out pores and temporarily tightening the skin. Not only does this have the benefit of reducing the likelihood of breakouts, but also improving the appearance of your skin so you feel great starting the day looking your best. How to Choose the Right Product for Your Skin Type Epicuren Discovery offers many types of toners and astringents for people of all skin types and concerns, with many of them including high-quality active ingredients for dual benefits for individuals concerned with anti-aging, skin brightening, and protection against environmental toxins. Dry Skin People with naturally dry skin should avoid the strongest formulas, which can overly dry out their skin and cause irritation and redness. We recommend our Colostrum Hydrating Mist for a refreshing clean with natural hydrating compounds like aloe leaf extract. Oily Skin For those with naturally oily skin, you’ll want a potent but gentle toner that truly wicks away excess oil and nourishes your skin with a rich blend of natural ingredients. Refresh and quench your skin with our Clarify Exfoliating Astringent that contains high concentrations of amino acids and essential vitamins. Sensitive Skin Like dry skin, people with sensitive skin should exercise a little caution when looking for a gentle way to tone their skin. Our Soothe Dermal Repair Mist is perfect for sensitive skin, with rosewood, peach, and jasmine extracts for a gentle, ultralight formula. Acne or Blemish-Prone Skin If you’re really in need of a pore-clearing formula, there’s no better product than our Brazilian Propolis Mist that helps creates an ideal environment for skin to flourish. Clear away the appearance of blockages and excess oil to give your skin the foundation it needs. Normal Skin For those who got lucky enough to not fall into any other category, you can still benefit from a refreshing, protein-packed enzyme toner. Our Protein Mist Enzyme Toner leaves skin looking and feeling refreshed while activating the other enzyme complexes. Find the Products that are Perfect For You With all the options for toners and astringents out there, it can be confusing to pick the ones that will work best for you. That’s why we created our Skin Quiz — to help people find products that are perfectly matched to your skin type and specific concern. Take it today and see how you can take your skincare to the next level.
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Can I Tighten Skin On My Neck At Home?
With age comes inevitable wrinkling and sagging neck skin that leads to a more square appearance and conditions like turkey neck and double chin. For anyone looking to be proactive in their anti-aging skincare routine, Epicuren Discovery’s products are here to help. Let’s find out what the best products are to help you tighten the appearance of an aging neck and target those unwanted wrinkles. Why Skin Sags Your skin is a complicated and delicate organ that is your body’s first line of defense against environmental stressors, toxins, and pathogens, which means it requires lots of resources and nutrients to perform its job well. Some of these resources are proteins, called collagen and elastin, that support the structure of the skin and give it its elasticity. The problem is, the body naturally slows collagen and elastin production as early as in your 20s, with each year seeing less and less of the supportive compound. As collagen levels fall, so too does the skin, causing loss of skin elasticity and sagging skin throughout the body. The neck muscles also weaken with age, making vertical necklines and sagging skin more prominent. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, frequent sun exposure, and extreme weight loss, can compound the aging effect on the skin. The neck is constantly exposed to the sun and free radicals in the environment, which is why loose neck skin is often a common sign of early aging. Reduce the Appearance of Sagging Skin we like to focus on products that can help minimize or delay loose skin from appearing under the neck. There are a few key ways to visibly tighten neck skin and create a more youthful appearance. Adapt Your Lifestyle As mentioned earlier, certain habits and lifestyle choices can affect the quality of your skin. Simply changing these disruptive behaviors or mitigating their effect can help you keep your youthful smooth neck skin for longer. Key things to consider include quitting smoking, avoiding harmful UV radiation from tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure, and eating fresher, less processed foods. Products that Contain Collagen Although you can’t stop the skin’s natural decline in collagen, you can use high-quality skincare products that use active ingredients like retinol or peptides. These potent ingredients can help encourage the skin’s natural collagen production and help with the overall appearance of firmer looking skin. Protect From Sun Damage The leading cause of early signs of aging is frequent unprotected sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation damages skin cell DNA, causing side effects like age spots and pigmentation, as well as a decline in its ability to regenerate, leading to thin skin and wrinkles. By using a high-quality, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, you can protect your skin’s DNA and lengthen the youthfulness of your skin. Stay Hydrated One simple factor that can affect long-term skin health is getting enough water throughout the day. Your skin is full of water molecules that are used to hydrate skin cells and provide youthful volume throughout the face and neck. When you don’t get enough water, the cells can shrink and be put under stress, leading to negative side effects down the road. Hyaluronic acid naturally draws water molecules to the skin. Using hydrating products like hyaluronic acid have been known to help combat visible signs of aging. At-Home Neck Tightening Cream If you’re just now starting to notice the telltale signs of early skin aging, it’s not too late to start a professional-grade skincare routine designed to help minimize those signs from progressing quickly. Start with our Tighten Up Neck Firming Cream, formulated with proven peptides, moisturizing natural butter, and Vitamin E to help the skin appear more soft and smooth. To find other products for individuals concerned with anti-aging skincare products, don’t hesitate to take our Skin Quiz to find personalized products for your unique skin type and concern.
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