ENZYMATIC EXFOLIATORS

I had posted some months ago on my Instagram about the two different types of exfoliation: chemical vs mechanical and which methods are best to combat specific ailments, < Thats a cue to follow me on my skin page Skyn_x_courtnynicole>. Recently, I tried out Skinscrpts ever popular Coconut-Papaya enzyme peel and have decided (in my mind) that ENZYMES are a gentle yet highly effective subset of chemical exfoliators that need to be talked about!

WHAT ARE ENZYMES: By definition, Enzymes are proteins that act as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions. In the case of skincare Enzymes within in peels, and your favorite skin products are usually derived from fruits or vegetables, and help to do the following:

1.)    Break down and dissolve dead skin cells resulting in softer more glowing skin

2.)   Deliver antioxidants to help repair damaged skin cells and stabilize free radicals which cause cell damage.

3.)   Can contain AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which help to soften skin/stimulate cell renewal

4.)   Can target a number of skin issues such as brightening, acne, aging-skin (although it would happen at a much slower pace than more intense chemical peels, but an excellent substitution in a home care regimen.

WHO ARE THEY GOOD FOR: 

All skin types!

(YAAAAY, not unless you would be allergic of course to its source) Enzyme peels and masks are a really effective yet gentle way to exfoliate the skin, basically with little if any down time what so ever. You may have some type of sensitivity or redness of course so always make sure to continue using sunscreen; if using them.

 WHERE CAN I GET THEM:

Enzymes can be incorporated into face masks such as Peter Thomas Roth’s ever popular Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, or by an esthetician in peel form; they can be in exfoliating cleansers and toners as well with the same function as I named in the above sections. The great thing is that they can also be paired with other treatments such as microdermabrasion, derma-plane, micro-needling to deliver there beautiful benefits even deeper (but please leave these to a professional). 

COMMON ENZYMES YOU’LL SEE:

Papain – derived from papaya * Bromelain – pineapple * Lemon – antioxidant enzyme * Blueberry -antioxidant enzyme* Pomegranate- antioxidant enzyme * Pumpkin –contain AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acid ) 

 I guess its even more true what they say: make sure you get your fruits and veggies!

APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES

 I wanted to share a few of my favorite essentials from last month (ahem, excuse my tardiness) , that are somewhat new in my collection, and why I am loving them. I’ve provided links to everything in case you want to check them out too.

CeraVe’Daily Moisturizing Lotion:  I needed a cheaper alternative than my Augustinus Bader “The cream” for when I went to the gym early in the morning. (I’ll be doing my gym routine soon!). It’s light weight and with hyaluronic acid leaves my skin feeling hydrated. This retails at your local CVS for $4.99.

 “And Then I Met You” Living cleansing balm ($38). I love that this changes into a milky cleanser once activated by water. It has all the oily goodness of Persimmon, Seaberry, Grape Seed, and Vitamin E oils to help break down dirt and makeup. I still go in with a second cleanser “Jazzy Esthetics” Cell to Cell cleanser for good measure. 

 Skin Fix Resurface+ Glycolic renewing scrub ($30), this leaves the skin feeling like butter! I usually after using, will moisturize with my sweet almond oil from wholefoods while my skin is still damp; and then pat dry. For an added boost to lock it all on, I’ll put on the Skin Fix resurface+ AHA renewing cream ($45) which has lime and an AHA blend to keep my skin feeling smooth all day. To be completely honest, if deciding between the two, the scrub is the favorite, I think there are better lotion creams on the market.

 Fenty Beauty Ease Drop, Shade 20 ($29.50) is a yessssss! At first, I was lowkey like this is literally just my skin, but I guess that’s the point right. It helps to add a little bit of glow and overall complexion boost. I blend mine in after my sunscreen (Image sun protection) and buff in with an IT cosmetic blending brush (first I spritz a bit of MAC fix+ for added hydration) and it’s a yes! I’ve been wearing it every day. 

Sisley Black Rose Eye Cream ($158), I have never had an eye cream as I haven’t yet struggled in that area (genetics gave me acne), but I thought why not be preemptive (I’m 33).  What I love most about this is the cold ceramic applicator, it nicely fits in the groove of the under eye and it is always cold- no refrigerator required.

 Hudson Naturals Candle in the scent: Cabin became my absolute favorite candle ($18), I love lighting it as I wind down for the evening and write or watch countless videos of YouTube. It smells so sweet and calm.

 That’s all for now, I’ll be back soon. Please let me know any new things your loving this month! 

WHY WEAR A MASK? ....(In your facial routine that is!)

There can be many steps, as we know to our facial routines; but one of those steps that doesn’t necessarily need our daily consistency and in my opinion offer the most fun are, Masks! Masks deliver concentrated ingredients in a shorter amount of time (usually 10-15 minutes) versus any other product.

They are treatment products. Which means, they are used for the treatment of an issue or skin concern.

Doing one 1-2 times a week is suggested, so no need to overindulge. Masks should be done on clean skin as we want to make sure we can deliver as much of the good stuff through our pores; however, they should go before serums/ moisturizers. Be especially careful when using masks where potent treatment ingredients (especially ones for exfoliating and acne) are used as we do not want to over sensitize the skin barrier.

I will say , a hydration mask does wonders, and are suitable for all skin types.

Here are a few of my tips with using them:

1.) Look for verbiage on what you are trying to treat! It usually is within the title, and you will get the most out of it.

2.) You can also multi- mask, to treat different concerns, our skin isn’t the same all over! (please however follow all guidelines on the package for each individual mask).

3.) Pro Tip: If you want your makeup foundation banging for say that special event, try a hydrating mask before hand. Once its done give a few minutes to sink in or blot off excess and seal all that in with your moisturizer. Then apply foundation…thank me later! 

My favorite this week is : Dr. Jart Vital Hydra Solution sheet mask

Check my instagram every Monday for the mask of the week! Feel free to leave any comments on your favorite masks or any questions!

THE BASICS OF A GREAT SKINCARE ROUTINE

"Do you have one?… A basic routine?" *take a minute to look at yours*

 So there are a few steps that are essential before we add all the good stuff like our serums, antioxidants, retinols, and "ingredients that sound amazing." They are as follows:

CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/ SUNSCREEN. 

 CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/SUNSCREEN.

 *one more time*

 CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURIZE/SUNSCREEN 

 Having a sturdy routine helps you with a few things: 

 1.) It protects and repairs the Skin's barrier or acid mantle 

2.) Figuring out which products (as you add or subtract) are helping or hindering you the most 

3.) When your skin goes out of alignment (i.e. random crazy breakouts, strange dry patches, etc.) you can always come back to your basics or starting point and “begin” again.

 Cleansers: This is your first step! 

My personal philosophy is a cleanser has one job: ridding the face of dirt/ pollutants. A cleanser sets your skin up for the following steps in your routine and gives it a good basis to go off of. I personally, like gentle cleansers with no  "treating" ingredients (which would be cleansers with  that "treat some type of issue”), as my skin can get too dry, making the other active products that I use in my routine more intense or abrasive. However, I am not against them, consider your lifestyle, if you know you can't commit to many steps then you may want to combine your cleanser with treatment or exfoliating ingredients. I feel gel cleansers are a good middle of the road as far as texture for most skin types, but consider, your own skin type. For example, if you are more prone to dryness, you may do well going a little heavier with a cream cleanser.

 What I'm using: https://imageskincare.com/products/ormedic-balancing-facial-cleanser

 Toning : Now this is completely up to you!

Toners have a few jobs: “removing excess cleanser, helping to adjust the PH balance, and can provide a tightening effect on the pores”. Now as skincare has evolved, we have moved away from harsh alcohol based formulas, they are much more gentle. PSA: Oily and combination types we do not need to dry out our skin to heal it, stay away from formulas with alcohol. I typically use a toner to help remove excess cleanser especially on days I wear makeup and need a more thorough cleaning and I almost always use it as a hydrator before applying my moisturizer, somewhat allowing my moisturizer to "trap" the hydration. 

My rule of thumb is we don’t want our toners (especially on an everyday basis) to dry out our skin, it is completely unnecessary. Do be cautious, of witch hazel tonics, and or astringents (which are usually alcohol based). 

 What I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Store-Rosewater-Glycerin-Ounce/dp/B001U2BUJW

 Moisturize/ Sunscreen :

You can combine these as plenty of moisturizers do have sunscreen in them, I have both separately. On its most basic level moisturizers are to help protect the skin and MOISTURIZE, they are “usually easily penetrated into the skin and leave it ready for sunscreen or makeup application”. There are many subcategories, such as night/day creams but  I will not bore you with the details here. At its most basic level, moisturization is key. Based on how your skin behaves through out the day will determine the texture, lightness or heaviness you may lean towards. 

 What I'm using: https://www.sephora.com/product/barrier-lipid-boost-jelly-P442837

Sunscreen : We need protection, the SUN and its UVA/UVB rays are the number one reason of early aging. Its power although divine is quite destructive to our skin. I recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. It is imperative that you wear it, and even on cloudy days. And no, you do not need a sunscreen at night!

What I'm using: https://eltamd.com/product/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/

*I have linked all products of what I am using so that you may research. I also posted a video on my instagram and YouTube, showing my quick routine and the products I’m using.

Much love, 

Courtney