Epicuren Blog
“Liquid Gold” Metadermabolic Enzyme Complex
Skin aging occurs because skin cells both at the surface and beneath the skin degenerate over time, as the tissues lose the molecular resources and signals to regenerate on a regular basis. This leads to a host of issues we’re all familiar with: wrinkles, uneven texture, pigmentation, and more. Fortunately, research into severe skin damage has revealed a surprising secret to stimulating cell renewal that has long eluded scientists and skincare experts. What Are Enzymes? Enzymes are a broad category of molecules that are built from amino acids. They are proteins with a specific purpose: speed up whatever process they’re involved in. This includes everything from enzymes that speed metabolism, healing, cell growth, and other regular body processes. Enzymes used in skincare products are typically designed to exfoliate skin gently by breaking down the keratin molecules that bind dead skin cells together. These enzymes, called proteolytic enzymes, are often derived from fruit and other natural sources. Benefits of Enzymes in Skincare Products Generally speaking, enzymes help revitalize the appearance of skin by brightening it and clearing pores of any built up dead cells. When used regularly, this has a host of benefits from preventing breakouts to brightening skin. Traditional skincare products with enzymes don’t work by stimulating the cell regrowth process, but simply by being effective, gentle exfoliators. Epicuren Discovery’s Metadermabolic Enzyme Complex, however, is different. Is Epicuren’s Enzyme Complex Different Than Others? Our enzyme formula is the result of decades of research finding the most effective, potent ingredients for people. Our discoveries led to the unique formula we now put into various products today, a trademarked mix of collagen, elastin, niacin, riboflavin, and biotin. Because our enzymes aren’t plant-derived, they incorporate more naturally onto the surface of the skin, as these proteins are found throughout the skin and body already. This highly concentrated liquid serum is rich in vitamins and protein nutrients, designed to improve the overall appearance of the skin leaving it looking radiant. Epicuren’s Enzyme Concentrate Vitamin Protein Complex is perfect for individuals concerned with the aging process. How to Use Metadermabolic Enzyme Complex Products Because our Metadermabolic Enzyme Complex is so potent, most products that contain it shouldn’t be used every day. For best results, we recommend introducing the new product slowly into your skincare routine. Different products will have different individual instructions. For example, our Skin Rejuvenation Therapy Cream can be used both day and night, but our Enzyme Concentrate Complex should only be used once or twice a week. When beginning to use one of our enzyme products, it’s common to experience dryness and tightness, which is an indication that the product is working. This transition period should fade over the course of regular use and may require extra moisturization during this time. Enzyme-Powered Skincare Products Don’t just take our word for it, try our science-backed Metadermabolic Enzyme Complex in a wide variety of products for yourself today! From daily-use toners to age-defying moisturizers, our enzymes work differently than other enzyme skincare products that are focused solely on exfoliation. Browse our catalog or take our Skin Quiz to find enzyme complex products that are tailored to your unique skin type.
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Take Care Of Your Feet By Getting Rid Of Dead Skin
Neglecting a good foot care regimen can cause dead skin to build up, leading to unsightly appearance and issues like peeling skin or cracked, dry-looking heels. So whether it’s because you want to avoid paying and scheduling regular pedicures or simply because you’re interested in learning to take the best care of your feet, there’s no better time to invest in a good at-home foot care routine. What Causes Dead Skin? Dry, untreated skin can lead to layers of dead skin cells that can build up over time, further prevent skin from becoming truly hydrated by blocking foot care products from getting to healthy, living tissues that would benefit from moisture. In addition, frequently exposing your feet to hot water in the shower can dry out the feet, as well as skin conditions some people have, such as eczema and psoriasis. Finally, as people who pay close attention to the condition of their skin could tell you, some seasons simply dry out your skin more than others. Winter chills also bring dry air, meaning, even bundled up in warm socks, your feet can become dehydrated when there’s little moisture in the air. Best Foot Care Routine for Dead Skin To get past the potentially multiple layers of dead skin cells that have built up on your feet, you’ll benefit most from a committed effort over the course of multiple days or weeks to get your feet back to their smooth, soft glory. And while there are a variety of products you can find on the shelf that may help solve your foot skin issues, we recommend using high-quality products backed with scientifically proven ingredients to deeply nourish and hydrate in ways your skin will love. Soak Your Feet Not only can soaking in a tub of lukewarm (not hot!) water help relieve stress from a day spent on your feet, it can also help to begin to penetrate the dead skin cells, providing other skincare products access to healthy skin through the water. Add a few drops of a hydrating essential oil to begin rehydrating dry skin and give your senses a lift with aromatherapeutic benefits. Scrub Away Dead Skin For the toughest dry, rough skin, our Mint Renewal White Sand Body Polish is specially formulated with gentle sugar and salt solutions to slough away dry, rough skin leaving the skin to appear flawlessly smooth. When used on a regular basis, this natural food scrub can revitalize the look and feel of your feet, while making it easier for other treatments to more easily soften your skin. Moisturize The skin on your feet is not as sensitive as your face, which you likely treat with multiple products every day for the best results. This means the rejuvenation process for dry, rough feet is a little simpler in some aspects, requiring only scrubbing and good general moisturization. We recommend our all-purpose After Bath lotions for the feet, like our fragrant French Lavender body lotion. Best used when the feet are slightly wet, our professional-grade moisturizers can be hugely beneficial when used overnight; simply apply a healthy amount of the product to your feet and quickly put socks on to help the lotion really soak into the skin and do what it does best: soften and hydrate. Try A Foot Peel For severely dry, cracked skin, a foot peel may be helpful in soaking down deep and exfoliating skin chemically, rather than physically. Whether used on its own or in addition to regular foot scrubs, a foot peel can be a highly effective way of restoring the skin’s supple feel with time. Get Regular Pedicures We know not everyone has the time or budget for, let’s say, monthly pedicures, but this can be a highly personalized way to achieve healthy, soft feet. A professional pedicure will utilize many of the same steps we’ve mentioned here, with similarly formulated products that will be customized to your skin condition and type. Best Foot Care Products For Soft Feet If you’re tired of having rough or even cracked feet, it’s time to invest in some medical-grade skincare products that can help slough away dead skin cells and revitalize the look and feel of your feet. At Epicuren Discovery, we use our team’s decades of experience with pharmaceutical skincare products to design the best quality formulas you can find without a prescription. Browse our catalog of anti-aging and daily care products or take our Skin Quiz to find out which products are right for your unique skin type and goals!
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The Many Benefits of Rose Otto Oil For The Skin
Historically, rose otto oil has primarily been used for its aromatic characteristics, and as an ingredient in perfumes. However, in more recent years, its uses and benefits have diversified, and now many companies rely on rose cultivation to produce organic rose otto for top-of-the-line aromatherapy and skincare products. What is Rose Otto Oil? This essential oil is derived from pink damask rose plants, primarily grown and harvested in Bulgaria and Turkey. The Bulgarian Rose Valley is considered the global center for rose oil production. Sometimes referred to as “liquid gold” for its profitability and also difficulty to make, rose otto oil is distilled out of pink damask rose petals using a special steam distillation process. It takes 3,000 kilograms of rose blossoms to make a single kilogram of rose otto oil. Benefits of Rose Otto Oil Rose otto oil, like many other essential oils, has been known to have many benefits, even from simply smelling the natural fragrance. The skin benefits of rose otto oil come from the specific compounds it contains, as well as the simple hydrating effect of the oil itself. There are three main benefits to using rose otto essential oil: visible hydration, antibacterial properties, and it’s loaded with antioxidants. Rose otto essential oil contains emollients, or compounds that attract water and trap it in place, helping smooth out and soften the appearance of dry, rough areas of skin. Its antibacterial properties have been known to be beneficial for people with blemish-prone or sensitive skin or who have psoriasis concerns Finally, products that incorporate rose otto oil are packed with antioxidants, and antioxidants have been known to help the skin against sun damage and environmental stressors. Components of Rose Oil Scientifically speaking, rose oil’s composition has been studied to help better understand these benefits, as well as rose otto oil’s influence on the skin. This has led to the discovery of key molecules in the oil, which include: Geraniol Alkenes Nerol 2-Phenylethanol These compounds contribute to rose otto oil’s scent as well as its color and viscosity. Although rose water also has these compounds, the essential oil extracted from the petals has the highest quantity of them. Therefore, rose oil is significantly more beneficial for the skin. Rose Otto vs. Rose Absolute A common misconception is that rose otto oil is comparable and even interchangeable with rose absolute oil, but this is not the case. The difference lies in how the two products are created. As mentioned, steam distillation is used to produce rose otto, whereas chemical solvents are used to extract rose absolute oil. This means there could be residual solvent in packaged products, which is not something you want on the skin. How to Use Rose Oil for Your Skin Rose essential oil, like other essential oils, should not be applied directly on your skin. Its high concentration of potent chemical compounds can cause irritation and burning sensations. It should always be mixed into high-quality skincare products, like our Bulgarian Rose Otto moisturizer. In addition with the benefits described earlier, this also gives products like this a luxurious floral scent Rose Otto Oil Skincare Products Epicuren Discovery’s complete line of skin care products frequently has essential oils like Bulgarian rose oil to power our products. Browse our collections moisturizers or anti-aging products or take our Skin Quiz to find out which professional-grade skincare product is right for your unique skin type.
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The Ultimate Guide for Combination Skin Care
Whether you’re just now discovering your combination skin or you’ve been trying to achieve a balanced complexion for years, it’s okay to be confused, frustrated, or resigned to never knowing how you should care for your face. At Epicuren Discovery, we recognize that not every product out there is tailor-made for your unique skin type, which is why we craft our formulas with proven ingredients for all skin types. Let’s dive into what people with combination skin can benefit from their best skincare routine. What is Combination Skin? People with combination skin have a unique challenge to face: parts of their faces are naturally dry, while others are naturally oily. This typically plays out with the “T-zone” from the forehead down to the nose and chin being the source of most facial oil (sebum) and the cheeks and under-eye areas being bone dry. However, these conditions can be flipped and still be called combination skin. Combination skin can be blemish prone but also sensitive to dry environments at the same time. This makes taking care of it on a daily basis a hassle, often driving people to buy multiple specialty products they apply only to certain regions of the face. When products advertise their benefits for “all skin types” it often doesn’t address the complex needs of people with combination skin, but treating different areas of your face as different types of skin often doesn’t work either. The problem may be in the formulas themselves, rather than how you’re using them. What Causes Combination Skin? There are a wide variety of factors that can contribute to combination skin, the most undeniable one being genetics. Some people are just born with combination skin, although it can definitely be made worse or caused by hormone fluctuations, seasonal changes, stress, medications, and sun damage. Although there may not be a “cure” for your combination skin, no matter how bad it is, you can find the right products and techniques to achieve beautiful clear skin that isn’t dry and irritated. Best and Worst Ingredients for Combination Skin It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that some ingredients in skincare products are more helpful for people trying to manage combination skin than others. When researching new or more potent products, it’s important to familiarize yourself with what will likely help and what will likely hurt your chances of achieving beautiful, healthy combination skin. Ideal Ingredients for Combination Skin There are a few near-universal quality ingredients for those looking for the best skincare routine out there, no matter their skin type. Things like antioxidants and essential oils have benefits for all skin types, including combination skin. Ingredients to look for include: Vitamin C: High-quality skincare products often include this potent antioxidant as a way to protect skin against environmental stressors while also brightening your appearance. Rosehip oil: This naturally derived essential oil has a myriad of benefits from moisturizing to naturally helping balance the production of oil throughout the face. Aloe vera: Best known for its soothing properties, aloe vera is also a gentle moisturizer that the dry parts of your face will love soaking up. Squalane: This ingredient helps balance the oils in your skin, signaling to some parts to produce more and others to calm down. Harmful Ingredients In general, people with combination skin should stay away from harsh ingredients that can irritate and overly dry out any part of their face, as well as from synthetic perfumes. Ingredients people with combination skin should absolutely avoid include: Mineral oil: This substance included in some commercial skincare products will clog your oily pores like nothing else. Synthetic fragrances: There’s no benefit for artificial scents to be used in products that are designed for the delicate skin of the face. Many aromatic compounds used in beauty products can irritate skin or cause other adverse reactions. Parabens: These preservatives are designed not for the skin, but for the shelf. Plastering your skin with parabens means you’re slathering industrial-strength preservatives over your pores, which isn’t exactly the best strategy for helping skin stay healthy. The Best Combination Skincare Routine People with combination skin may have the most complicated skincare routine of all the skin types. The better you know your skin, the more tailored your routine can be. Here’s an outline of how you can structure your morning, evening, and weekly routine to give your skin the best chance of staying bright and clear. Cleanse The foundation of any good skincare routine is a high-quality, gentle cleanser. This prepares the skin and evens out the discrepancies between the oily and dry parts of your face in anticipation of products that will really soak in well. Exfoliate For combination skin, exfoliation is only for the excessively oily parts of the skin. Use our potent products with care, as too much exfoliation can overly dry out the wrong parts of your skin. Tone A toner designed for your specific priority, whether hydration or cleansing, can provide a boost to your skincare routine. Serum Providing additional or complementary benefits to a good toner, serums can help tackle additional concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles and age spots. Hydrate As people with combination skin are well aware, a decent moisturizer is hard to find. Epicuren Discovery’s pharmaceutical-grade moisturizers are designed with all skin types in mind, helping provide balance moisture throughout the face. For those with especially dry skin around the eyes, we also recommend our eye cream for added moisture in this sensitive area. Detoxify Nearly everyone benefits from detoxifying the skin on a regular basis with a purposefully crafted purifying face mask. Protect Perhaps the most important step in anyone’s skincare routine is applying a good, effective SPF product to help protect the skin from the leading cause of skin damage: the sun. Professional Combination Skincare Products If you’re interested in leveling up your skincare routine with products designed by a team with decades of pharmaceutical research experience, you’re in the right place. Explore Epicuren Discovery’s combination skincare collection or take our Skin Quiz to find products that are right for your unique skin type and goals.
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The Skincare Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Like other essential oils, rosehip oil contains numerous benefits when it’s used in skincare products like our Ultra Rose Treat Enzyme moisturizer. Here, we’ll break down its uses and benefits, as well as how to incorporate its products into your skincare routine. What is Rosehip Oil? Rosehip oil, sometimes called rosehip seed oil, is an essential oil derived from the fruit and seeds of the rosa canina bush. This makes it distinct from rose otto oil, which is extracted from the petals of the Damascus rose. It’s a gentle oil packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that provide a myriad of benefits to the skin and body. As a “dry” oil, it can be directly applied to skin for people who are not allergic to it, or mixed into skincare products—either way, its benefits are consistent. 7 Benefits of Rosehip Oil Although it can be used as a “carrier” oil for other essential oils that may be too potent to apply directly to skin, rosehip oil has its own raft of benefits, including these most relevant 7. 1. Moisturize First and foremost, rosehip oil is an excellent moisturizer. It easily absorbs into the skin and has a wealth of fatty acids that nourish and revitalize dehydrated cells, helping keep skin cell walls strong deep into the skin. This moisturization not only improves the appearance and feeling of itchy, dry skin, but also strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss in the long term. 2. Even Skin Tone With high concentrations of compounds like Vitamin C, rosehip oil stimulates cell turnover, enhancing the appearance of skin and helping keep the whole application area the same tone. 3. Anti-Aging Benefits Packed with antioxidants, rosehip oil protects and rejuvenates the skin, helping not only to reverse some signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, but also in preventing environmental damage that could worsen them. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, unstable molecules that bind to skin cells and cause mutations that can affect the appearance of skin. 4. Reduce the Appearance of Pigmentation Rosehip oil encourages cell regeneration, which, for people with pigmented areas of skin due to sun damage, can help restore an even color with regular use. 5. Give Skin a Healthy Glow If you’re looking to boost your skin’s natural glow, rosehip oil can help. With tons of Vitamin C and Vitamin A (retinol), rosehip oil can help reduce dullness over time, brightening skin and giving it youthful radiance. 6. Minimize Redness Again, along with evening pigmentation, rosehip oil is also great at minimizing redness from rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. It has anti-inflammatory agents like Vitamin E that can soothe irritation and reduce the appearance of redness. 7. Reduce Scars and Fine Lines With its anti-aging benefits, rosehip oil can also help reduce the appearance of scars over time, giving the skin nutrients it needs to grow healthy skin and break down scar tissue and fine lines. How to Use Rosehip Oil Rosehip oil is safe to use directly on the skin, and it is also used in our skincare products to provide all the benefits you see here along with the benefits of other natural ingredients. It can even be used as a makeup remover! Depending on the rosehip oil skincare product you have, it can be used at the end of your skincare routine as moisturizer, or as a luxurious Hydrating Mineral Mask to get skin soft and supple wherever you use it. Rosehip Oil in Professional Skincare Products Rosehip oil, like many essential oils, makes the difference between a so-so product and one that’s backed by research and decades worth of experience in pharmaceutical skincare. At Epicuren Discovery, our products are thoroughly researched and have proven benefits that go beyond what you’d find in the beauty aisle. Level up your skincare routine with our rosehip oil products and many other options for top-of-the-line components of your daily skincare routine. Find out which products are perfect for your unique skin type by taking our Skin Quiz today!
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5 Benefits of Aloe Vera Face Products
The aloe vera plant has been used for centuries for medicinal and skincare benefits. The aloe vera plant is comprised mainly of water but contains concentrated amounts of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and is known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Benefits of Aloe Vera You may be familiar with cutting a piece of aloe from an aloe vera plant and putting it on a cut or burn. While this natural plant has many anecdotal benefits, we are going to explore the ways aloe vera is incorporated into modern skincare and the reasons we love it! Known for its Gentle Feel on the Skin Aloe vera is perhaps best known as a skin-comforting ingredient. This is because aloe vera’s main component, water, hydrates sensitive, dry, and visibly irritated skin. When applied to skin made sensitive by sunburn, windburn, or injury, the water in aloe vera gel provides an instant cooling sensation while the antioxidants, nutrients, and other compounds are good for skin as it heals naturally. Known for its Moisturizing Effects Along with the high water content, which helps hydrate skin, aloe vera contains polysaccharides and amino acids that nourish the skin, allowing it to hold onto more water and stay visibly hydrated longer. Hydration is key to healthy-looking, resilient skin, especially when irritated by the sun or other conditions. Supports the Skin's Natural Moisture Balance Dermatologists recognize that skin dryness is often due to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), when water in the body evaporates through the skin, leaving the surface dehydrated. Aloe vera has been known to help reduce water loss by forming a protective barrier on top of the skin where it’s applied. Helps Against Visible Breakouts Well-hydrated skin helps the skin’s natural barrier. A compromised barrier is known to be one of the key issues in skin conditions like acne or sunburned skin. With its moisturizing and barrier-supporting benefits, aloe vera is a great choice for an oil-free moisturizer or to supplement your other moisturizers with added water and antioxidant properties. Known to Visibly Reduce Inflammation Another dimension to aloe vera is its ability to reduce the appearance of inflammation. Not only does it accomplish this with its natural cooling effect, but also with the compounds contained in it. How to Use Aloe Vera If you have never used aloe vera, make sure you do a patch test to check for sensitivity or allergy to it. Apply some aloe to the desired area and massage it onto the skin. If you are trying to cool down the area, a cold compress can be applied on top of the gel for added cooling. If using on the face, apply a small amount and massage in, or mix a small amount into your facial moisturizer and apply to skin. Allow the moisturizer to dry down for a few minutes before applying makeup. You can also use aloe vera gel after shaving or waxing for a cooling effect and to moisturize and create a thin barrier on the skin. High Quality Aloe Vera Skincare Products With its hydrating benefits helping with the appearance of everything from sunburns to thin skin, aloe vera is a potent natural ingredient used in many Epicuren Discovery products, including our Aloe Vera Calming Gel and Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Gel. Our pharmaceutical research has shown that aloe vera is the perfect ingredient when looking for hydration benefits. Take Our Skin Quiz Learn more about our complete line of natural, high-quality skincare products by browsing our site or by taking our Skin Quiz to find personalized recommendations for your unique skin type. -- Sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763764/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/aloe-vera-for-sunburn https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267
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Exfoliate Your Legs The Right Way
For people who want smooth, soft looking skin on their legs, there’s more to it than simply shaving on a regular basis. Exfoliation is a key part of a good skincare routine because it helps slough off dead skin cells that can be contributing to a dull appearance, as well as help expose skin to better absorb skincare products like moisturizer. However, before simply diving in and buying the first exfoliator you find, it helps to know the best way to exfoliate the legs—both how and how often—according to your specific skin type. What is Exfoliation? In general, exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Every month or so, your body produces a brand-new layer of healthy skin, and while it is usually able to flake off old, damaged, dead skin cells, sometimes they can become trapped in pores, leading to blemishes or ingrown hairs. Shaving is a type of exfoliation, although it can also irritate the skin and lead to dreaded razor burn. That’s why exfoliating with a professional-grade exfoliant for the legs is a more reliable way to clean and maintain the appearance of a healthy glow. There are two ways for how to exfoliate your legs: chemically, with specific skin-safe acids, or physically with gentle scrubbing compounds. Chemical Exfoliant for Legs Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the very outer layer of skin cells to reveal bright, fresh skin underneath. The three most common active ingredients that achieve this safely are alpha and beta hydroxy acids and certain plant-derived enzymes. Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliators are usually glycolic or lactic acid-based and the most common beta hydroxy acid is salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliants aren’t right for everyone, as they can cause irritation and redness for sensitive skin, however enzyme-based exfoliants can be a good solution for sensitive skin exfoliation, because they don’t work as quickly as acid-based ones. Physical Exfoliators for Legs Physical exfoliants use abrasion from fine or coarse materials like salt, sugar, or walnut shell powder to slough away dead skin cells and clean pores thoroughly. The more oily your skin naturally is, the more aggressive you should go with an exfoliant. However, keep in mind that to avoid skin irritation, it’s important not to press too hard on your skin when exfoliating, as this can scratch the skin and cause redness and increased oil production. Each of Epicuren’s body polishes uses a different exfoliant, some of which may work better for your specific skin type, so be sure to try different formulas if you’re unsatisfied with your first result. In addition to getting the job done, our professional-grade exfoliants, like our Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Polish, are naturally scented to give you a luxurious experience in the comfort of your own home. How to Exfoliate The Legs Correctly Exfoliating the wrong way, or over-exfoliating, can damage your skin and weaken its natural protective barrier, leading to more chronic inflammation and redness, as well as making it more sensitive. It’s best to follow the directions of your specific product, and monitor your skin condition to see if any changes occur that aren’t beneficial. Step 1: Steam and Clean A steamy shower helps open up the skin’s pores, allowing the products and exfoliators to better perform. Wash your body with a gentle, moisturizing cleanser to get most of the dirt, oil, and residual products (like sunscreen) off the legs prior to exfoliating. This allows the exfoliation to work properly on a smooth, clean surface. Step 2: Exfoliate Paying close attention to your specific exfoliator’s instructions, start at your feet, spending more time on rough, thick skin like your heel and ankles, which can easily build up callouses that exfoliation helps prevent. As you move up to the calves, spend extra time on the knees, where skin is also thick. Finally, pay attention to the inner thighs, which can chafe and rub, causing extra dead skin cells that need exfoliation. Once you’ve exfoliated all of your legs, rinse the product off thoroughly before moving on with the rest of your routine, including shaving. Step 3: Moisturize The key after exfoliation is to hydrate the skin so that it doesn’t dry out. Your specific skin type will determine how strong a product you’ll need, from our popular after-bath moisturizers to a richer hydrating luxurious body oil. Best Exfoliation for Legs Exfoliating on a regular basis is totally worth it in the long run. This step in a comprehensive skin care routine ensures your skin is taking full advantage of the high-quality ingredients in Epicuren’s products. Our exfoliators are formulated to be safe and effective on all skin types, with natural ingredients like sugar, salt, and Bora Bora sand in our Mint Renewal White Sand Body Polish. Browse our collection of exfoliators or take our Skin Quiz to discover products that can help you take your skin care to the next level.
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The Many Benefits of Colostrum
Skin is the first line of defense against pathogens that can harm the body, which makes it a vital part of the immune system that helps keep us healthy. There are many factors that can impair the skin’s ability to protect itself and make it more susceptible to external and internal stressors. That’s why it’s so important to keep skin well-moisturized and know what can put the skin at risk. Here, we explore the way colostrum can benefit the skin so it looks and feels its best! What is Colostrum? Colostrum is a nutrient-rich breast milk produced by mammals late in pregnancy, usually right before giving birth, and lasts a few days into nursing. This first milk is different from later-produced or "mature" milk because it contains many immune-boosting nutrients and antibodies designed to provide maximum health benefits for vulnerable newborn babies. Colostrum helps the baby's immune system, gut health, and more. These health benefits carry on through adulthood. Colostrum supplements have recently rivaled collagen supplements in popularity due to their supposed health benefits, but did you know that colostrum can also be applied topically to the skin to help boost luminosity and is full of skin-loving nutrients? How to Ethically Source Colostrum Our skincare products are made with colostrum sourced from pasture-fed Nebraska cows' milk. The cows are pesticide, hormone, and antibiotic-free to guarantee that the bovine milk supply meets our high-quality and purity standards. From source to final product, our ethos to be a cruelty-free brand remains a top priority. After using an ethical and humane method of extracting and filtering bovine colostrum, it is turned into a dehydrated colostrum powder that can be added to formulations. Colostrum Benefits Colostrum's milk composition contains immune factors (white blood cells) and growth factors that closely resemble those found in humans, making it effective for use in skincare products. Studies have shown that the growth factors and cytokines found in bovine colostrum may contribute to a refreshed and nourished-looking complexion over time. Colostrum can also moisturize the skin, helping reduce the appearance of future damage from environmental factors. With regular use in topical formulations, colostrum may play a role in enhancing the appearance of skin radiance, making it a sought-after ingredient for those looking to elevate their skincare routine. Colostrum is composed of hyaluronic acid, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, growth factors, and telomerase enzymes. The combination of which is a multifunctional skin supportive ingredient that is known for its nutritive and hydrating properties. It is perfect for those individuals who are concerned with the signs of aging, dehydrated-looking skin, and even those who are experiencing breakouts. Colostrum in Professional Skin Care Products At Epicuren Discovery, colostrum skincare products are not just a trend; we have been incorporating bovine colostrum into our products for the last 30 years. Colostrum is a potent ingredient in two highly popular products: Epicuren Discovery’s Colostrum Luminous Glow Cream and Colostrum Hydrating Mist. Both help to quench the skin with a luxurious feel and are recommended to be used twice a day during your normal skincare routine or as needed for a mid-day pick-me-up. Find these products and many more by taking our Skin Quiz to discover which skincare products are right for your unique skin type. Frequently Asked Questions About Colostrum What are the benefits of colostrum? Colostrum has many benefits and may be beneficial for individuals who are just starting to experience visible signs of aging. With regular use, colostrum products may offer various benefits for an elevated skin appearance. What does colostrum do for adults? Adults may benefit from colostrum in their skincare routine to help provide their skin with a beautiful, radiant appearance. Can you take colostrum every day? Depending on the product and its other ingredients, you can use colostrum skincare products in the morning and at night as desired. Always follow the manufacturer's directions. How long does colostrum take to work? You may notice immediate benefits of colostrum applied to the skin; however, applying it regularly for up to several weeks is the best way to see results. Is colostrum good for skin? Yes, ethically sourced bovine colostrum benefits the skin in ways few other ingredients can. What is better, collagen or colostrum? Collagen and colostrum have their own unique benefits in your skincare routine. Some people prefer to use both, as they offer different but complementary benefits. Does bovine colostrum help with wrinkles? Colostrum is not a skin-tightening treatment, although it can help provide nutrients for the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles from forming due to dehydration and lack of skin structure. Does colostrum help acne? Colostrum is known for its antibacterial properties and may be helpful for minimizing the appearance of severe acne breakouts. -- Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/colostrum#:~:text=Colostrum%20is%20collected%20by%20specialty,in%20excess%20of%20USD1%20billion https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33938706/
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What Is An At-Home Facial And How Often Should You Do It?
If you want the best skin for long-lasting youthful radiance, you likely have had a facial at some point in the past to help deep clean and treat your skin with luxurious, professional-grade products. But if you’ve gone to a spa for your facials in the past, you may be unaware that you can achieve the same rejuvenation and refreshment in the comfort of your own home. Let’s look at what an at-home facial looks like and how it can help you get radiant, clear skin. What is a Facial? A facial is a broad term that refers to a series of steps designed to gently cleanse skin deeply, treating it with specialty products to nourish and hydrate it from within. Different spas perform facials different ways, and if you have different aestheticians performing it each time, the results can vary from visit to visit. Generally, a facial includes cleansing, exfoliating, treating with specialty products, and moisturization. Sometimes a facial massage or mask will be applied, but again, this varies by spa. A facial can also be performed at home with the right products used in the right way. This allows people to customize their facial regimen with products specifically tailored to their skin type and goals from treatment. Steps of an At-Home Facial An at-home facial doesn’t involve aestheticians putting products you may have never heard of on your skin. Instead, you control the process from start to finish, ensuring you get the luxurious experience you want and the healthy, beautiful skin you deserve. Epicuren Discovery takes the guesswork out of an at-home facial with our spa-quality at-home Facial To Go kit. This 6-step kit is designed for skin of all ages, especially those with a more oily complexion. It perfect for individuals concerned with congestion, pigmentation, texture, and fine lines. Cleanse As any daily skincare routine starts with a gentle cleanse, so does our at-home facial. This prepares the skin for additional products while clearing away daily oil build-up without overly drying out skin. Exfoliate Exfoliating with our Micro-Derm Ultra-Refining Scrub should not be done on a daily basis. This potent formula with jojoba seed oil and bamboo microcrystals cleanses and effectively exfoliate skin, helping the skin to appear smoother and more refined. For dry and normal skin types, you can further benefit by adding our Glycolic Lotion (5%), helping skin to appear more youthful. Tone A high-quality toner can mean the difference between a fine facial and a great one. The best part about this step in the process is that there are toners available for nearly any facial need you have. For sensitive skin types, soothing mists can help reduce irritation. Other toners help further cleanse and prepare skin for receiving a moisturizer. There are toners with proven anti-aging compounds and active enzymes that instantly refresh skin and keep it soft. Whatever your desires, Epicuren Discovery’s toners can help you reach your skincare goals. Moisturize Finally, moisturize to rehydrate your skin. Our Daily Antioxidant Moisturizer helps protect skin from harmful elements in the environment while providing a silky smooth appearance to skin that has been well-primed to receive its nourishing natural. Mask Once per week, or whenever you schedule your at-home facial, you can benefit from our natural Chai Soy Mud Mask included in the Facial To Go kit. Formulated with bentonite clay, this mask is designed to reduce the appearance of clogged pores and excess oil for a smooth, refined appearance. Benefits of At-Home Facials The first obvious benefit of an at-home facial kit is that you can get spa-like results without traveling to or paying for regular spa appointments. As mentioned, a do-it-yourself facial also allows you to fully customize the treatment for your unique skin type. One product not working for you? Feel free to swap it out for something else. Finally, since costs are reduce, you can enjoy the benefits of a facial more frequently, so if you were only going once a quarter, now you can enjoy a facial once per month for consistently beautiful skin. How Often Should You Get a Facial? Facials can be intense because they involve using professional-grade products, so it’s not recommended to do them more than once a month in most cases. People with sensitive skin may not benefit from the more potent products as they could cause a reaction. In general, you can get an at-home facial about once per month if desired. Skin cells typically regenerate every month, which means if you time it well, you can reveal the freshest new layer of skin precisely when it’s at the surface. Do-It-Yourself Facial Products Epicuren Discovery’s comprehensive line of professional skincare products make a great addition to a DIY facial. Level up your facial routine with our science-backed natural formulas to reveal the youthful glow you thought would never return. Get started by browsing our catalog online or take our Skin Quiz to be directed to products tailored to your skin type and goals.
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The Ultimate Guide For Oily Skin
Having oily or blemish-prone skin can be a source of daily frustration as the zit you finally see fading is replaced by one or more breakouts. If you feel like there’s just nothing out there that is formulated for your unique oily skin, we’re here to help. The best place to start is in the same place we start all our professional-grade formulas: at the skin. What Causes Oily Skin? Most of the blame for oily skin comes down to genetics, but other factors can influence how much oil you produce, such as elevated stress levels, changes in hormones, and environmental stressors. Oily skin types produce too much sebum, which can mix with debris, bacteria, and dead skin cells and get trapped in pores, leading to breakouts. Sebum is produced by everyone to different degrees and it’s purpose is to hydrate and protect your skin. Unfortunately, too much sebum has exactly the opposite effect, leading to acne and blemishes. Proven Ingredients for Oily Skin The tough part of having oily skin is needing a balanced approach to skincare: both remove the oil and hydrate the skin. That’s why not every chemical or ingredient in certain facial skincare products are truly helpful. Here’s a few ingredients that are. Hyaluronic Acid – this substance is found naturally in the skin, keeping it moist and youthfully plump by attracting and bonding with water molecules. Aloe Vera – Soothing aloe vera is a rich moisturizer that tells the skin it doesn’t need more sebum to stay hydrated. Rose Oil – This essential oil cleanses skin and helps reduce the size of pores. Retinol (Vitamin A) – Retinol is a proven cleanser that can also help with protecting skin from damaging environmental toxins. Tea Tree Oil – Another common essential oil in potent skincare products, tea tree oil is a powerful cleanser that also soothes irritated skin. In the same way, there are also ingredients proven NOT to be helpful for oily skin. These include ingredients found in rich moisturizers that are most often meant for people with dry skin in need of hydration. Oily skin types should avoid ingredients like: Coconut Oil – Great for dry skin types, coconut oil will increase the likelihood your pores will become clogged. Beeswax – Waxes like beeswax form a protective barrier on the skin, which can help keep dry skin moisturized, but can be harmful for blemish-prone skin as it clogs pores. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – A common ingredient in widely available cleansers, this chemical can overly dry out skin, leading to an increase in oil production, which you don’t need with oily skin. Products to Use for an Oily Skin Routine Although every person’s skin is different, we’re confident in Epicuren Discovery’s medical-grade products that help many people find the perfect match for their oily skin so they can look refreshed and luminous all day long. Cleanser Twice a day, it’s important to get rid of your excess oil with a high-quality cleanser to give your skin a reset. Exfoliator Not something to be done every day, exfoliation is a great way to really get down deep into pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Follow the directions carefully, as over-exfoliating can dry out the skin and ramp up oil production. Toner Balance the skin’s pH and prep your skin for the next steps with a great toner for oily skin. Epicuren Discovery never adds alcohol to these formulas, as it is a harsh drying ingredient that’s counterproductive for oily skin. Serum You can use many kinds of serums depending on your additional skincare needs and goals, but always make sure they’re made with quality ingredients like tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid. Moisturizer Even oily skin needs a good moisturizer to balance it out. Stay away from rich, thick formulas and opt for water-based formulas that won’t get too greasy on your skin. Sun Care Daily sun care is essential for keeping skin youthful and healthy in the long term. A good, light sunscreen that you can apply when needed to help prevent the sun from drying out skin and causing it damaged. Professional Skincare Products for Oily Skin At Epicuren, we take dozens of years of pharmaceutical skincare experience and transform it into products backed by science and made with care. Our cutting-edge ingredients and cruelty-free sourcing ensures you feel good about your purchase inside and out. Browse our online store or take our Skin Quiz to find more amazing skincare products that will take your routine to the next level.
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Best Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Anyone with naturally dry skin can tell you it’s uncomfortable and annoying, and can be difficult to find high-quality products to help keep skin hydrated all day long. While some people only struggle with dry skin in certain environments or at certain times in their lives, dry skin can affect anyone, regardless of where they live or what their skin condition is. If dry skin is disrupting your everyday life, whether by making your skin sensitive or flaky, or by interfering with the type of makeup you where, you’ve come to the right place. Causes of Dry Skin About 60% of the body is composed of water, and your skin is the largest organ that interacts directly with air that can dry it out. That’s why your body produces a natural oil called sebum to prevent water from escaping from the skin into the air, which people with dry skin often don’t produce enough of. However, that’s not the only cause of dry skin. Other factors that cause dry or sensitive skin include: Drinking plenty of water Weather changes (cold and/or dry air) Using too-harsh products Dry vs. Dehydrated Skin It’s important to delineate between naturally dry skin and the symptoms that people experience when they have dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is simply skin that doesn’t have enough moisture, which can happen to people even without naturally dry skin. It’s a temporary condition that can be cured by correcting the cause, some of which are listed above. Dehydrated skin can bring many symptoms, including: A “tight” feeling Flaking Itching Redness Sensitivity Evidence of dry skin tends to occur around the corners of the mouth, the sides of the nose, and in the eyebrows. If you notice tiny flakes that resemble dandruff in these areas, you likely have dry skin, and may need to change up your skincare routine. Best Product Ingredients for Dry Skin When browsing for high-quality skincare products for dry skin, keep these natural, gentle, and hydrating compounds in mind: Hyaluronic acid (HA): This compound is found naturally in your skin and binds to water molecules to help keep skin hydrated, plump, and healthy. Glycerin: A hydrating chemical that helps maintain the outer layers of skin’s moisture levels. Aloe Vera: This plant is well-known for its soothing ability, but is also rich in vitamins and minerals to nourish skin. Green tea: Both drinking and applying green tea is effective in nourishing skin with antioxidants and moisture-retaining compounds. Squalane: Squalane very closely resembles the sebum our bodies make naturally, making it a great ingredient for natural moisturizers for dry skin. Product Ingredients to Avoid with Dry Skin Just as there are some ingredients better for those with dry skin, there are others that spell disaster for it. They include: Astringents: Although both are water-based, astringents are not the same as toners. These are better used on oily skin types to really get down deep into pores. Alcohols: Be wary of products with alcohols, although not all are bad for dry skin. Definitely avoid benzyl, ethyl, and isopropyl alcohol. “Added fragrance”: When companies include non-natural fragrance compounds, it’s a shot in the dark at what chemicals you’ll be putting on your face. Many of these synthetic substances are harsh on dry skin. Retinoids: While retinol can be great at helping with anti-aging concerns, it’s not recommended for people with dry or sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide: This potent chemical can cause excessive dryness and peeling. The Best Dry Skin Routine For naturally dry skin of all degrees, the key is keeping it moisturized. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can just skip the cleansing and just keep reapplying moisturizer, though, as all skin needs to be cleaned to keep pores clear and debris off the face. Step 1: Cleanse Gently The goal with cleansing dry skin is to do so as gently as possible so as not to irritate the skin with harsh astringents. Step 2: Apply a Hydrating Toner Now that your skin is cleansed, it’s time to start the multi-layered hydrating process. There are several Epicuren toners that promote hydration leaving the skin feeling refreshed. Step 3: Use a High-Quality Serum Another way to hydrate before using moisturizer is with a nutrient-rich serum like: Step 4: Protect Your Eyes The skin around your eyes is about the most delicate skin on the already delicate face. Around the eyes, there are far fewer oil glands, which means this area is especially prone to dryness. Step 5: Apply Facial Oil (Optional) For people with truly, frustratingly dry skin, one product that can really make a difference is supplementing your natural oil with Epicuren Discovery’s Step 6: Moisturize Finally, the all-important step of moisturizing. Our Hydro Plus Moisturizer is perfect for thirsty skin. It’s a rich crème that will set in moisture while staying light on your skin. No oily or dewy feeling. This hydrating blend helps soften the skin and brings your complexion closer to a healthier glow. Step 7: Protect Skin with Sunscreen (Mornings) No matter what your skin type, if you plan on being outside at all during the day, it’s critical to protect your skin with sunscreen. This is important not only to prevent skin cancer, but also to protect skin against the signs of aging. Step 8: Exfoliate Gently Certainly not every day, but once a week or so, it’s helpful to treat yourself to a gentle exfoliating mask to get rid of any seen or unseen flaky, dead skin cells. Professional Products for Dry Skin Types Whether you’re dealing with dry skin on a daily basis or know that when the cold, dry air of winter hits, you’ll be feeling it too, Epicuren Discovery is here to help keep your skin hydrated with science-backed products. Browse our collections or take our skin quiz to find out what products are right for your unique skin condition.
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Kukui Nut Oil: The Secret For Beautiful Skin
Native Hawaiians have used Kukui nut oil for centuries as a highly versatile resource. Extracted from the nuts of the candlenut tree, this oil was traditionally used for lighting, fishing, medicine, and even as a culinary seasoning known as ‘inamona’. Beyond its practical uses, Kukui nut oil held a place in religious rituals and cultural practices, reflecting its deep significance in Hawaiian life. The oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, and the Hawaiians believed it was a powerful natural ingredient for promoting skin health and overall wellness. Applied topically, it absorbs easily onto the skin and hair. Today, it is often found in products such as massage oils and advanced skincare. At Epicuren, Kukui nut oil is a key ingredient in many of our formulations, offering a natural way to assist in the appearance of beautiful skin while honoring a tradition that stretches back over 2,500 years. Benefits of Kukui Nut Oil Kukui nut oil has been cherished for centuries and remains a valuable ingredient for both skin and hair. Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, this natural oil supports overall skin appearance, making it a versatile addition to modern skincare and haircare routines. Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles Many skincare products incorporate ingredients like Kukui nut oil for its rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that have been known to help protect the skin against free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive atoms that can damage cells’ DNA, causing them not to work properly and leading to visible imperfections, including wrinkles. As the first and most exposed area to these environmental stressors, your skin is most vulnerable to damage. Antioxidants help to maintain the skin’s appearance in the long term. Reduces the Appearance of Inflammation Indigenous Hawaiians have used Kukui nut oil for centuries for its many benefits, including reducing the appearance of inflammation. The unique blend of fatty lipids is easily absorbed onto the skin and is known to help with joints, visibly irritated skin, and other ailments. Visibly Moisturizes Skin Finally, the most basic use for Kukui nut oil is when it’s massaged onto skin, giving it a lightweight, balanced feel. Our recommended Kukui Nut Coconut Massage Body Oil is great for thirsty skin, helping your skin to glow from head to toe. Kukui Nut Oil Skincare Products If you’re convinced that Kukui nut oil is a must-have ingredient in your skincare routine, you’re in the right place. Browse our catalog or search for Kukui nut oil to find all Epicuren Discovery’s products that contain this proven ingredient to take your skincare to the next level. One of our favorites is the Kukui Coconut After Bath Moisturizer. Learn More Today Ready to feel more confident in your skin? At Epicuren Discover, we carry an array of products that contain Kukui nut oil. To learn more about your skin type, check out our skin quiz today!
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