Blog

It sounds intimidating and honestly, almost sounds like it shouldn’t be applied on your face but trust me…it’s actually the opposite of harsh - it’s your face’s drink of choice! 

What it is:

Hyaluronic Acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally produced in our skin’s cells, specifically in our connective tissue, eyes and joints. But the production of Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies declines as we age, so applying skincare products that have hyaluronic acid becomes more important as we get older.

What it does: 

1. Helps with signs of aging - Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating component, it attracts water and this helps our skin look fresh, glowy and youthful. Hydrating the outer layers of our skin, minimizing signs of aging.
    
2. Helps with moisture - because Hyaluronic Acid acts as a humectant, it traps water against our skin surface giving it a plump, supple look.
   
   
3. Helps with elasticity  - Hyaluronic Acid promotes firmness, making your skin look tighter and toned! Over time, the more you apply Hyaluronic Acid the more your skin will retain its youthful look and reduce signs of skin stretching.
   
   
4. Helps with inflammation scars - if you’ve experienced irritation, injuries and patchiness, applying Hyaluronic Acid will help soothe your skin, repairing those damages.
   
   
5. Helps with complexion - Hyaluronic acids help your skin look vibrant. This fights through dull complexion, combating the negative effects of pollutants, dirt, free radicals and sun damage. 

How to apply:

After cleansing, leave your face damp when applying Hyaluronic Acid. Follow with your treatment serums and moisturizer. 

Although it is an acid, don’t be intimidated. This ingredient is well tolerated by all skin types and rarely causes any adverse effects. Happy Hydrating!

Serum this, serum that – it gets confusing, I know. With skincare popping onto the scene and different serums, oils, and creams being thrown at you it’s hard to know what’s what. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Let’s start with Retinol.

Retinol brings countless benefits to your skin, which is why you’ll find retinoids on the ingredients list of some of the biggest products. So why are people hyping up this acid so much?

Retinol Can Clear Acne and Scarring

I know, this incredible feat sounds like a superpower to some, but it’s true! Retinol can unclog those pesky pores, getting deep into the skin which can prevent future breakouts. Retinol works as a chemical exfoliant, getting rid of old and dead skin cells from the surface. When this occurs, fresher, more youthful skin is left exposed, leaving you with a face smoother than a baby’s bottom.

Retinol Can Fight Signs of Aging

On top of acting as an exfoliant, retinol also aids in increasing your skins collagen levels. Now I know what you’re thinking – what on earth is collagen?? Collagen is the main protein found in your skin as well as other tissues. It’s responsible for your skin’s structure, texture, and elasticity to name a few. When we use retinol to increase collagen levels, our skin is able to “bounce back” and absorb moisture more efficiently. Those wrinkles along your forehead will say sayonara in no time.

How do I use it?

With these benefits and more, you might be thinking retinol is the “golden” ingredient in your journey to skin health. While this can be true, there are risks involved.

To start off, you should only use retinol products at night. Because retinol brings fresh skin cells to the party, your skin becomes extra sensitive to light after use. In order to avoid unwanted sun and light damage, it’s best to apply these products once the sun has set for the day.

Additionally, as with any new product, always do a patch test and ease your skin into it. Don’t go from 0-100 with retinol treatments in hopes of fresh, clear skin. Retinol is an acid at its core, which can lead to visible signs of irritation. Instead, begin using retinol 1-2 times a week while your skin adjusts. Eventually, you’ll be able to increase this frequency to as much as 3-4 times a week.

Stress is mentally tiring and of course, physically too. Stress makes us tired, groggy, grumpy, and even anxious. Stress affects us in so many ways and it can also show up on our face.

Actually, for people of colour, it can show easily.

Let’s get to know what pores are. They are the small openings that surround our skin, it acts as a tunnel for releasing oils and sweat. So, when excess oil and sweat are produced, they come through your pores and onto your skin. 

Why do pores get clogged?

Are you a Person of Colour (POC)? Those of us who have higher levels of melanin are lucky, why? Well, because you and I don’t have to worry about getting sunburns easily, but that doesn’t mean we can’t.

It is recommended that everyone - black, white, brown, purple green, rainbow - wear sunscreen. It will protect us from sun damage and not to mention, premature aging. No thanks, wrinkles. 

You’re intrigued, I know. You see your girl’s routine and her skin looks great. But the bathroom sink looks like an apothecary. It’s intimidating.

I got you. 

I’m gonna give you a simple skincare routine, key word: SIMPLE. And soon your girls gonna ask you what you’re using, so read on, Brotha...