Are you doing too much?
With a new cutting-edge skincare ingredient on the market every day, it’s no wonder many of us find our vanities cluttered with more products than we can use in a lifetime. And what’s worse, some of us are trying to use them all at once.
A dab of this and a bit of that, and before you know it, you’ve got a twelve-step skincare routine! And believe you me, skincare manufacturers would love nothing more than for you to be all-in on this “more is more” approach.
Now, if it's working for you, I won’t tell you to quit. But you should also know that, like a sponge, our skin can only absorb so much stuff. So if you’re going overboard with the product layering, you’re likely just wasting money, time, and effort.
And maybe worse than all that waste is the possibility you’re causing dryness, irritation, breakouts, or exacerbating conditions like rosacea or eczema--despite your best intentions.
Finding balance
You see, no matter how wonderful the latest beauty potion is, healthy skin is all about moderation. There’s a delicate balance required for a beautiful complexion, and there’s absolutely such a thing as “too much of a good thing.”
At the very worst, you’re overdoing it and causing skin issues you wouldn’t otherwise have (redness, dryness, sensitivity, reactivity, inflammation, acne). And if nothing else, you’re flushing money down the toilet on products you don’t need.
This is where the idea of a “skincare detox” or “skin fast” comes from. Depending on who you follow on social media, suggestions for this trend can range from using nothing but water on your skin to paring back to just a couple plain, mild products.
As a skincare professional, I can say there's some real wisdom to this idea of paring back. I see clients all the time who use too many or too harsh of products, and it can absolutely cause many self-inflicted issues.
And often, they just buy more products to try and treat the problems the last products created. When the simplest solution is to call it quits.
Just think about it. You may be trying to fix issues that only exist because of that fancy serum you’ve been slathering on (and shelling out for).
Taking a time out
While I don’t advocate skipping all products, I do advise following the most gentle and basic approach possible for a couple of weeks. Especially if your skin is acting out.
It may feel counterintuitive to do less, but a bare minimum approach will allow the skin to return to baseline, so you can determine what it actually needs to be healthy.
Often my clients find out the simple route is all they need to maintain a happy, healthy, glowy countenance. (But if and when any concerns surface, we can target them appropriately, without worrying we created them in the first place. )
My less is more recommendation
If you suspect your skin might benefit from a reset, I recommend sticking with nothing but a gentle cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer for about two weeks. (Niawen Self Ceremony Starter Kit is the perfect choice for keeping things simple.)
If your skin tends to be on the drier side, you can also layer a skincare oil over your moisturizer in the evening. (Try Niawen Native Serum, for skin-balancing nourishment and barrier protection that's never heavy or greasy.)
If your skin woes seem to improve over the two weeks, it’s safe to say you were using the wrong products for your skin type. Or just too much of what otherwise might be a good thing.
After a skincare reset, you can add new products one at a time, keeping an eye on how your skin reacts. But don’t rule out the possibility that the simplest regimen might be just right for putting your best face forward.
Often less really is more! (And you can save the leftover cash for something else—like a few professional skincare treatments or a vacation!)
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Myth:
You can “shrink” your pores
If you’ve got skin, you’ve got pores. It’s just part of being human.
While you might be able to achieve that perfectly poreless, airbrushed look with your favorite Instagram filter, real life means real skin.
And thus, pores.
The size of your pores is determined by genetics. This means, sadly, you can never make your pores smaller than what your DNA dictates.
That said, excess oil, congestion, and collagen loss over time can cause pores to stretch out. When this happens, we can work to counteract these conditions to restore pores to their former size and condition.
So while “shrinking” pores is but a fairy tale, there are several ways to keep their appearance to a minimum and keep them from stretching out.
Exfoliate
One of the easiest ways to keep congested pores from garnering unwanted attention is with a gentle scrub like Niawen’s The Granules.
Regular exfoliation eliminates excess skin cells for a smoother complexion and gunk-free pores.
A gentle polishing session a few times a week will discourage the buildup that stretches pores and accentuates the natural texture of your skin.
Use a cleansing oil
Cleansing oil ( try Niawen’s Nurturing version) works on the principle of “like dissolves like.”
The oils in the product bind with the oils in your skin to whisk away any and all gunk that could threaten to clog, stretch, or just accentuate your pores.
And because a cleansing oil won’t strip the skin, your complexion is left clear, balanced, and calm.
Chemical peel
A professional chemical peel removes layers of dead skin and debris that can wreak havoc on pores.
This popular treatment produces dramatic results quickly and improves a bevy of skin imperfections. Just be sure to have a thorough consultation with your skincare professional ahead of time.
You’ll want to be prepared for any downtime involved and have clear instructions on treating your freshly peeled skin with care.
Periodic peels will keep your skin looking smooth and bright (and keep your pores practically out of sight)!
Extractions
Sometimes the only thing standing between you and a seemingly-poreless complexion are a few extractions.
“Extractions” refer to gentle manual manipulation of the skin to remove oil and debris from your pores.
You’ll want a licensed esthetician to do this as part of a pore-cleansing facial.
(Attempting DIY extractions could leave you with skin damage or even scarring, so resist the urge to try your own hand at it.)
Microneedling
Microneedling is a professional treatment that produces tiny micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These precise and controlled mini wounds trigger the body’s healing response.
New collagen is created to rebuild the skin and with repeat treatments, you'll notice a gradual plumping effect. This lessens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and—you guessed it—pores.
Retinol
Retinol is one of the best ingredients out there for combatting the signs of skin aging—and that includes enlarged pores.
Whether you opt for a prescription product or something over-the-counter, consistent use of this miracle ingredient will keep your skin firmer, smoother, and more youthful looking for as long as you use it.
Retinol has an exfoliating effect that encourages the creation of new collagen, but can also lead to irritation when used in excess. So start slowly to find a strength and schedule that’s right for your skin, and you’ll be saying “see you later” to those visible pores in no time.
Pore filling product/primer
In the short term, a makeup primer that fills in pores and/or helps to diffuse light can create the illusion of a more even skin texture.
These products prevent makeup from settling into pores for a smoother appearance immediately.
This is the perfect way to “fake” a smoother complexion while you wait on the gradual improvements you’ll see from the previous suggestions in this list.
Just remember, you can always improve skin’s clarity and texture, but there’s really no such thing as “poreless” skin.
Be patient and have realistic expectations, and you’ll be thrilled with the results you can achieve.
]]>A consistent skincare routine appropriate for your skin type is your first defense against breakouts. But often, what's happening on the inside of our body is just as impactful as what's happening on the outside.
The truth is, the best skincare regimen in the world can only do so much if you don’t keep yourself healthy from the inside out. And often, clients will ask me what foods or supplements I recommend when it comes to managing acne-prone skin.
What follows are my best suggestions for building an internal defense against breakouts–especially if a faithful skincare routine alone isn’t doing the trick.
Probiotics
Probiotics introduce “healthy” bacteria into the gut. They help to balance bad bacteria, reducing inflammation and moving toxins more quickly through the body. This means they’re less likely to show up on your skin, and as a bonus, you’ll feel less bloated and sluggish.
You can take a probiotic supplement or eat foods that contain probiotic strains like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi.
Just be careful with the yogurt, as sometimes dairy can make acne worse.
B Vitamins
B vitamins help the body cope with stress and keep inflammation at bay. Niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3) can even help regulate oil production in the skin, which can mean fewer clogged pores.
Look for a “Vitamin B complex” or load your plate with B-rich foods such as salmon, tuna, poultry, broccoli, bananas, beans, and brown rice.
Zinc is a mineral that helps regulate oil gland activity, reduces inflammation, and mediates the effects of androgen on the skin. It’s probably best known for supporting the immune system–and a strong immune system can better defend against breakouts.
Sometimes acne is simply a result of a zinc deficiency. Here’s hoping that adding some zinc to your day is the only thing standing between you and clear, calm skin!
If getting zinc through your diet is the goal, go for shellfish, pumpkin seeds, eggs, chicken, beef, and legumes.
Beta-glucan is a type of sugar found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, and oats. They’re used in HIV/AIDs medicine for their ability to strengthen the immune system and in medications that help lower cholesterol.
You may have noticed that most of the supplements mentioned so far have the effect of strengthening the immune system. Since the skin is our primary immunological barrier, fortifying the immune system fortifies the skin itself–making it better able to defend against bacteria and toxins that can cause blemishes.
Beta-glucans can be found in supplement form or by eating foods like oatmeal, seaweed, or mushrooms.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that’s essential for managing inflammation and reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone, and stress is a major culprit in acne.
Magnesium also helps regulate melatonin and serotonin for more restful sleep. More sleep and less stress are reasons enough to get plenty of magnesium, not to mention how good the combo is for your complexion!
A diet that provides plenty of magnesium includes foods like legumes, green vegetables, avocados, and bananas. But there are lots of magnesium supplements on the market too. Most people are magnesium deficient and the benefits go way beyond your skin!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and aids in wound healing. So when breakouts wreak havoc on your complexion, Vitamin C is integral to the healing and repair process.
Getting plenty of C also makes for stronger capillaries, which means you’ll be less likely to end up with redness/broken blood vessels as a result of acne.
And you probably already know that Vitamin C is a must for a strong immune system.
You can get your daily dose by eating any type of citrus fruit or look for a C supplement with “bioflavonoids,” which help boost the effects of Vitamin C.
Elderberry
Loaded with antioxidants, Elderberry fosters a more resilient immune system and fends off free radicals that can cause premature aging of the skin.
For loads of Vitamin A, B, and C, (and the gorgeous skin that comes with it), I suggest taking an elderberry supplement or drinking elderberry tea.
Managing expectations
Acne is a complex process that’s usually related to what’s happening on the inside as much as on the outside. To make matters more complicated, the causes can be different for everyone. Genetics, stress, hormones, and sometimes diet all play a role–and finding what works is often a process of trial and error.
So, while getting the proper nutrients is vital to healthy skin, taking supplements isn't likely to mean you’ll never break out again. It will, however, bolster the health of your skin, making it less reactive and quicker to heal.
If breakouts have got you down, a consistent routine of cleansing and gentle topical treatments is the most effective place to start. It’s also a good idea to consult with a skincare professional to ensure you’re choosing the best products for your skin type.
From there, you can think of supplementation as playing a supporting role in clearing your skin. Tackling blemishes from a few different angles is likely to have the greatest effect.
Finally, I usually recommend adding one supplement at a time so you can gauge the results. (If you just start taking a few at once, you won’t know which is or isn’t working.)
]]>As a rule, skin is either dry or oily. It can’t be both, even though oily skin can experience what might seem like “dryness” from time to time.
And the issue can sometimes get confusing.
Genetics play the biggest role in whether skin is dry or oily, although hormones, lifestyle, environment and the normal aging process can also have an influence.
But the bottom line is that “dry skin” just doesn’t produce as much oil, while “oily skin” has plenty to spare.
Dry skin can be flaky, scaly, and more prone to irritation and redness than oily skin types. Dry skin also tends to be more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
Oily skin is generally more acne prone and will have larger pores—on account of the very active sebaceous glands.
When oily skin seems “dry”
Occasionally though, even the oiliest of skin types can feel dry or tight. In fact, flaking, peeling, and irritation can show up even if your skin seems to make buckets of oil.
The difference is, when you notice these symptoms in oily skin, it’s a sign of too little water content—AKA dehydration.
Dehydration happens when water is lost through the skin’s outermost layers. Skincare professionals call this transepidermal water loss.
You see, healthy skin needs a balance of both oil and water, and the natural oil our skin produces is what keeps the water in our skin from evaporating.
Respect your oil
So now we know that achieving that highly coveted glow starts with striking the ideal balance of water and oil in the skin.
But often people with an oily complexion will use harsh products in hopes of keeping excess sebum at bay.
Things like bar soap, overly foaming scrubs, acne medications, and retinoids can strip too much of the natural oil from the complexion and make it vulnerable to water loss.
For as much as someone with exceptionally oily skin may wish to eradicate every trace of oil, attempting to do so usually backfires.
In the end they’re usually left with dehydration, irritation, possibly worsened acne, and more oil!
Dry skin ( skin that doesn’t produce as much oil) comes with its own set of challenges, of course.
While oily skin types should avoid removing every trace of their natural lubrication, those with dry skin can benefit from adding additional oil to their skin.
Know thy skin type
And this is where knowing your skin type is key. When you know how your skin behaves normally, you’ll recognize when it’s out of balance, and can choose products to restore that balance.
Dehydrated skin needs humectants. These are skincare ingredients that draw water from the environment into your skin.
Aloe, glycerin and hyaluronic acid are popular humectants.
Niawen Wisdom Cream/ Birch Chaga contains the perfect balance of natural humectants and light emollients that lock in hydration without a trace of greasiness.
And if you’re especially dehydrated or dry, you can layer a lightweight oil over a hydrator ( like Wisdom Cream) to really seal the moisture in.
Niawen Native Serum is a fan favorite for that final soothing layer in the evening. It’s a blend of lightweight skin-loving oils that locks in vital moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
It seals in everything your skin needs—and helps keep out what it doesn’t.
Talk about balance!
But because no two faces are alike, it can take some trial and error to find products to keep your skin on an even keel.
The first step is to identify your skin type. This will help you make more educated guesses and save you money and headache in the long run.
And if you could use some guidance discovering your skin type or would like a few more personalized recommendations, contact us today! We’d be happy to put you on the right track!
Fast Fact: Did you know?
Drinking water is one of the least efficient ways to hydrate your skin.
While it’s true that ample hydration is important for the health of your body and skin, the impact of the water you consume on your skin’s hydration levels is rather insignificant.
Contrary to popular belief, if your skin is in need of hydrating, a gentle cleansing routine and topical humectants will go a LOT further than pounding the H2O.
That said, water has countless health benefits, so keep drinking up! (Just don’t expect it to rehydrate your skin much on its own.)
]]>Ingredient Spotlight: Native Serum
Native Serum rebuilds, remodels, and protects precious collagen while replenishing healthy fats found in youthful skin.
This lightweight blend of miracle oils absorbs quickly to moisturize dry skin, balance oily skin, soothe irritation, and bring out your most radiant complexion.
But what’s in this miracle elixir?
Kukui Nut Oil
The state tree of Hawaii, the Kukui Nut Tree has been providing therapeutic benefits to the indigenous people of the island for centuries.
The precious oil expressed from the Kukui Nut has healing and protective properties thanks to its high poly and monounsaturated fat content, linoleic and linolenic acid, and naturally occurring antioxidants including Vitamins C, D, and E.
Kukui Nut oil is soothing but never greasy. It absorbs into the skin effortlessly, protecting it from free radical damage, boosting the production of collagen and even guarding against breakouts thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
Milk Thistle Oil
Milk Thistle is a member of the Asteracea plant family—from whence you’ll find such famous members as the daisy and sunflower.
The lightweight oil derived from milk thistle seeds is prized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, owed to its high content of Vitamin E, plant sterols, and essential fatty acids.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil contains sesamol, a powerful antioxidant that prevents and can even reverse free radical damage. It protects skin from harm caused by UV rays, pollution, and toxins and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for soothing and preventing acne.
Sunflower Seed Oil has a similar profile to sesame oil, containing sesamol, oleic and linoleic acid, and vitamin E to keep skin calm, clear, and protected.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Red Raspberry seed oil is loaded with polyphenols, Vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s non-greasy, strongly anti-inflammatory, and its high Vitamin A content makes it especially effective against acne, enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Olive Squalane Oil
Olive Squalane oil is very similar in molecular structure to the oil our skin creates naturally. This makes it easily absorbed and assimilated at the cellular level where it soothes inflammation and protects against environmental damage.
Another lightweight wonder oil, Squalane balances sebum production within the skin, so it never leaves you looking or feeling oily. It’s also been shown to boost circulation for firmer, plumper skin that glows.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-clogging) oil that’s rich in iodine, making it perfect to treat and prevent acne breakouts.
Studies also show that jojoba oil can accelerate the wound healing process by stimulating collagen synthesis. And since collagen synthesis helps keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay, consistent use will keep skin smoother and tighter over time.
Organic Tamanu Oil
The Tamanu Nut Tree is native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia where Tamanu oil has been used to treat acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and keloids for centuries.
Its effectiveness is due in part to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and a high fatty acid content that helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
Studies show Tamanu oil also promotes skin regeneration by boosting the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan. This means accelerated wound healing and less susceptibility to fine lines and wrinkles with consistent use.
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract
Lupinus Albus seed extract is a plant-derived peptide that’s also known as Collaganeer in the skincare trade. It earned this name after research revealed it can increase the synthesis of type I collagen to improve the firmness and elasticity of skin.
This powerful extract is blended into each batch of Native Serum—making it your secret weapon against a sagging, sallow, worn out-looking complexion.
To get glowing with this synergistic blend of sublime skin oils, click here!
]]>Check out our New Three Sister's Makeup tutorial video.
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Get glowing, Niawen Beauty!
]]>Puffiness, considered a temporary condition...Shows it's puffy self within 2-4 hrs after waking! Brought on by things like allergies, crying, yawning(who knew🤷🏽♀️) salty foods and good'ol sleep.
Sleep Habits:
1. Keep your Head Elevated while Sleeping
Try sleeping on two pillows at night to help encourage proper fluid drainage to reduce unnecessary fluid build up come morning.
2. Sleep Well and No Yawning
Try to sleep 7-8 hours each night. I know to some that's a dream but seriously sleep is so important for whole body health. YAWNING 😲 I know weird right but...it can cause under-eye puffiness. Yawning make the eye tear up and swell up, this excess fluid weakens elasticity under the eye..eye puffiness. So make sure you get a good nights rest.
3. Avoid Salty Foods at Night
Salty Foods! Sodium dense foods encorage water retention under the eyes. Drink lots of water to help flush your system.
Morning Routine:
1. Shower in the Morning🌞
While showering, Heat from the water dialates lympatic vessels which helps drain fluids, waste, and toxin that build up within the vessels. So by simply showering in am helps reduce puffiness.
2. Frozen Pea's!
Or any frozen/cold compress. Gently apply cold compress to under eyes to constricts blood vessels, preventing the flow of fluid into the skin tissue. Other popular tools include, ice rollers, cryo tools and cooled gel mask.
3. Your Daily Eye Treatment.
Use a lightweight eye treatment areound eyes. Because applying thick eye treatments can actually cause puffy eyes. Why? The delicate skin around the eye doesn't absorb the eye cream all the way, because it's to thick, then travels directly into the eyes... puffiness happends. I personally use and recommend Good Earth Eye Balm.
Allergies🤧
One of the biggest contribitors to under-eye puffiness (and eye bags) is allergy congestion. This congestion can also cause dark circles. The best thing to do is find the best way to control your allergies.
P.s A gentle eye massage can help as well. Move the tip of your ring finger in circular motion (like when applying your eye treatment). This also helps with dark circles. Remember GENTLE, no hard tugging.
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