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The Importance of Self-Care
Finding joy in the little things Lockdowns, fear and uncertainty have become the norm as we navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic. Little things can often have the biggest impact when it comes to maintaining good mental, emotional and physical health during such challenging times. Personally, this translates to reducing the amount of news coverage I follow, practising mindfulness, good diet and exercise (I try!) and doing things that genuinely bring me joy. One of my passions is of course skincare which is currently doing a lot more than just hydrating, smoothing and firming! Getting the most from your routine I’ve been practicing Korean skincare for several years.…
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Fragrance In Skincare
why does it matter? Fragrance in skincare can be contributed naturally or synthetically. Natural examples include essential oils and botanical extracts like lavender, mint, citrus and rose. Synthetic are chemically derived in a lab. Fragrance can make a product smell better and more enticing. Regardless of its origin, appeal or concentration, fragrance is a very common sensitising ingredient that can affect all skin types. It’s worth noting that cosmetic companies are not required to disclose the components that make up the ingredient “fragrance” so that opens up any number of potential problems. Fragrance may have a negative effect on the skin either in the short or long term. These impacts…
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The Meejee Method
the Meejee The Meejee is a facial cleansing device with ultra-soft silicone bristles that transfer high frequency vibrations onto your skin and pores. It gently exfoliates, thoroughly cleanses and removes dirt, oil and makeup, effectively keeps pores clean and discourages breakouts. The result, clear, smooth and glowing skin in under a minute. ** Get 20% off your Meejee here ** the mechanics The device comes with a USB cord (5V DC/1A), a full charge taking approximately 2 hours to complete. You generally need to charge it every couple of months (dependent on usage duration and frequency) which is very convenient. If you forget to turn it off, it…
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Essence, Serum and Ampoule
how are they different? As well as being nourishing, brightening and hydrating, the Korean skincare routine is complex! There are so many steps, several of which exhibit lots of similarities. Take essence, serum and ampoule for instance. They all technically do the same thing but at different potencies, textures and positions within the skincare routine. what is an essence? An essence is a lightweight liquid that follows cleansing and toning. Its primary objective is to add hydration to the skin. Essences generally comprise an abundance of plant extracts and antioxidants but may also include an additional focus. For example, they may incorporate a brightening ingredient such as niacinamide…
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Korean Hero Ingredients
uniquely Korean Korean skincare is synonymous with some amazing ingredients such as snail mucin, propolis and ginseng. Many are steeped in medicinal history that dates back to ancient times, their efficacy proven over centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the heroes that are currently trending. propolis Propolis Extract is a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. It’s additionally excellent for the skin, implemented to heal wounds for centuries. Rich in flavonoids, propolis displays powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It works to regenerate and moisturize, achieving smooth, supple and hydrated skin. It also assists to balance…
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Glass Skin
what is “glass skin”? As a Korean skincare enthusiast, you may have recently heard the term “Glass Skin”. The clear, translucent, even and smooth properties of glass are a reflection of skin goals. To achieve glass skin is to achieve a complexion so clear that it resembles a sheet of glass. It is the ideal skin state, one of dewiness, clarity, evenness and youth. how to achieve glass skin A key attribute of glass skin is excellent hydration and moisturisation in order to give skin a plump and dewy glow. The Korean skincare routine utilises multiple layers that contribute such properties including toner, essence, sheet masks and serums. Clarity…
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Acne And How To Treat It
what is acne? Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It presents in different forms including pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne can be inflammatory (papule, pustule) or non-inflammatory (blackhead, whitehead). There are two types of inflammatory acne which result when a blocked hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected by bacteria. A papule develops when whiteheads or blackheads cause so much irritation that they damage some of the surrounding skin. They present as small red tender bumps. A pimple (pustule) is a papule with a centre of pus. Whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones) are non-inflammatory and caused…
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Combating Dry Skin
what does it mean to have dry skin? Skin that is dry is inefficient at producing enough sebum which can lead to dullness, cracking, tightness, itchiness and flaking. Dryness is not equivalent to dehydration. When skin is dehydrated, it lacks water; when skin is dry, it lacks oil. Dehydration is typically the result of environment, causes including inadequate water intake, poor diet, lack of humidity, season, frequent cleansing and improper cleanser choice. Dryness is simply the natural state of skin. To combat dry skin, oil reserves need to be replenished. how to treat dry skin Ideally, skin is plump and radiant, full of moisture and bounce. Although skin type…
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Manuka Honey – Ingredient Focus
the hype Manuka Honey seems to be the golden elixir in skincare these days. It is sourced from the flowering plant species of Leptospermum, native to Australia and New Zealand. The resultant honey is richer than regular honey in every way: the colour is darker; the flavour more distinct; the texture thicker; health benefits significantly magnified and the cost much higher. It is estimated that the Australian and New Zealand manuka honey export market is worth over $300 million. the benefits Much research has gone into proving the health and skin care benefits of Manuka honey. Its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant strengths are beyond question. It is also…
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Toners Explained
the toner types In our teens we started to experiment with skincare. We were advised that toning was the necessary step between cleansing and moisturising. We didn’t quite understand why but it seemed essential, particularly since the routine only included three steps. Nowadays, there are a lot more toners on the market that are designed to achieve different outcomes. We are more educated about their importance and have a greater choice from which to select. But, given this, it can also be confusing. This article explores the differences between traditional western toners, hydrating toners as commonly used in Asia and acid toners. I explain when and how to use…
