Exfoliate Your Body in Time for Summer

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absorption, acne, appearance, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush, blackheads, body, cell renewal, cell turnover, chemical exfoliation, congestion, dead skin cells, Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil reduces blemishes, dirt, dry brushing, evenly pigmented, exfoliate, hair follicles, high-end, high-potency, impurities, ingrown hairs, Lycon Ingrown-X-It Foaming Wash, mechanical exfoliation, Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit, moisturise, oil, outermost layer, pimples, plump, radiance, REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum, shave, skin, skincare products, smoother surface, summer, texture, vibrant skin, wax

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

It seems rather ridiculous to talk about bearing our bodies in the summer when it’s almost May and we’re still sitting here wearing jumpers. However, we’ve been assured by the weatherman that warmer days are definitely on their way! That means that we can finally get our summer wardrobes out and wear shorts and dresses once again, but we need to get our skin ready in the meantime. Exfoliating your body before summer can have several benefits for your skin, and we’ve complied a list of five of them:

Removes Dead Skin Cells 

Both mechanical and chemical exfoliation methods work to remove dead skin cells by either physically dislodging them or chemically breaking them down. This process helps improve the texture and appearance of the skin by promoting cell turnover and revealing the healthier, more vibrant skin beneath. Dry brushing is a great way to manage whole-body exfoliation, using an Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush, or if you prefer chemical exfoliation, REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum is the perfect solution for both exfoliating and moisturising your skin, all at once. 

Prevents Ingrown Hairs

Exfoliating can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells and unclogging hair follicles. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, they can block the hair follicles, causing the hair to grow sideways or curl back into the skin, leading to ingrown hairs. This can be particularly important if you plan to shave or wax before summer. Lycon Ingrown-X-It Foaming Wash is highly effective in minimising the appearance of ingrown hairs, while calming and decongesting breakouts for the entire body and face.

Improves Skin Radiance 

Exfoliation can stimulate cell turnover, which is the process by which new skin cells are produced and move to the surface of the skin. By promoting cell renewal, exfoliation encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells. These new cells tend to be more vibrant, plump, and evenly pigmented, contributing to a radiant complexion. Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit is a great selection of products which gives you everything you need to keep your skin smooth and radiant. 

Enhances Absorption of Skincare Products

Exfoliating creates a smoother surface and removes the outermost layer of skin, which can be thicker and more resistant to product absorption. By eliminating this barrier, active ingredients in skincare products can penetrate more deeply into the skin, maximising their effectiveness. This is especially important when using a high-end, high-potency product such as Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil, as you’ll want to ensure you receive the maximum benefit from the formula.  

Reduces Blemishes

As we all know, acne and pimples don’t just occur on our faces – in fact up to ten percent of the world’s population is thought to have suffered with body acne at some point. Exfoliating can help unclog pores by removing dirt, oil, and other impurities that may accumulate on the skin’s surface, making it harder for spots to form. Additionally, when pores are clear, skincare products can reach deeper into the skin and effectively target specific concerns such as acne, blackheads, or congestion.

Allantoin – The Best Soothing Ingredient that Nature Has to Offer?

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acne, acne scars, alcohol, algae extracts, Allantoin, anti-irritant, Arnica, blue Lotus extracts, botanical, botanical extracts, breakouts, chamomile, cleansers, combination skin, Comfrey, cuts, debris, decongest, dirt, dryness, dullness, Europe, exfoliate, face masks, Glycerin, glycolic acid, hands, herb, hydrate, hydrolipid, ingredient, ingrown hairs, irritation, itching, Lactic Acid, lightweight, lotions, Magnolia Essential Oil, moisture, moisture balance, nails, natural sources, normal skin, nourish, oil, oily skin, organic, pore minimising, pores, purify, Salicylic Acid, salicylic acid serum, scrapes, sensitive skin, serums, Shea butter, skin problems, skincare, smooth skin, soothe, sugar beat, tobacco seed, urea, uric acid, Vitamin E, water, wheat sprouts, white meadowfoam oil

Photo by Ron Lach

As you’ll know if you’re a regular visitor to our site, we like to keep our fingers on the pulse when it comes to skincare ingredients and trends. One such ingredient which has been popping up a lot lately is allantoin. It’s something which has been around for some time, but it’s going through something of a renaissance, with many major skincare companies including in their products. Here’s the lowdown on allantoin:

What is allantoin?

As we mentioned above, allantoin is used in many skin care products, including cleansers, lotions, serums, and face masks. Due to its anti-irritant properties, companies tend to add it to products that hydrate and soothe the skin. This ingredient is perfect for sensitive skin and is usually derived from natural sources.

Where is it found? 

In its natural form, allantoin is found in several plants, such as sugar beet, chamomile, tobacco seed, and wheat sprouts. A popular source of allantoin is the extract of comfrey, a species of herb native to Europe. It can also be prepared synthetically for cosmetic use, either by oxidation of uric acid, reaction of dichloroacetic acid and urea, or condensation reaction between glyoxylic acid and urea. (Don’t worry, that’s the last time today that we’ll get so scientific!)

What is it good for?

Allantoin might be your ticket to super smooth skin. It’s one of those amazing ingredients that offers a major bang for your buck and is great if you’re dealing with dryness, dullness, irritation, acne scars and even cuts and scrapes. Allantoin is also known for its ability to add more water to your skin. It can help your skin hang on to moisture longer, and helps fight annoying skin issues like dryness, itching, and irritation, which can ultimately lead to more skin problems, like acne or oily skin. 

Which products contain allantoin?

Decleor White Magnolia Hand and Nail Cream

This light cream is ideal for use throughout the day to leave skin beautifully scented and provide essential care for hands and nails. Key active ingredients include white meadowfoam oil to regenerate the hydrolipid film, shea butter and allantoin to nourish and soothe, plus magnolia essential oil to help protect and reinforce the skin.

Lycon Ingrown X-It Solution

With allantoin, salicylic acid, lactic acid and arnica, Lycon Ingrown X-It Solution is a break through spray formula for the face and body. It mildly exfoliates, decongests and helps minimise the appearance and discomfort of ingrown hairs. 

Medik8 Blemish Control Pads

Pre-soaked in a clarifying maximum strength salicylic acid serum, Medik8 Blemish Control Pads dissolve oil and dirt from deep within the pore to purify problem complexions. Crafted without alcohol and infused with allantoin and glycerin, they protect the skin’s natural moisture balance to ward off dryness, while caring for the most sensitive of skin types.

Murad Clarifying Body Spray

Murad Clarifying Body Spray is a quick-drying formula that helps prevent body breakouts. Salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes as glycolic acid helps clear away pore-clogging debris. Allantoin and blue lotus extract help soothe irritation for healthier-looking skin.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture is a lightweight, pore minimising moisturiser, designed to hydrate and nourish normal, combination and oily skin. It contains an exclusive combination of vitamin E, three nutrient-rich algae extracts, and a blend of seven botanical extracts including allantoin. 

Soothe Your Skin with REN’s Evercalm Range

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active ingredients, almond, antioxidant, balm, beta glucan, blackcurrant seed oil, Borage, burning, central heating, cleanser, cold, complexion, dehydration, dirt, discomfort, elbows, free radical scavengers, gel, glowing, good bacteria, harshness, inflammation, irritate, irritation, jojoba, knees, linseed, lipid, lips, mask, masks, moisture, moisture barrier, moisturiser, nourish, oils, olive, omega-3, omega-7, pollution, potent, pre-biotics, recovery, redness, refreshing, refrigerate, routine, rubbing, seabuckthorn oil, seed oils, sensations, sensitive, sensitivity, serum, skin care, soften, soothe, soothing, strengthen, sunflower, tightness, triglycerides, white mushroom, winter

Photo by Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho on Unsplash 

Anyone with even vaguely sensitive skin will know that there are a certain number of things which are almost guaranteed to cause redness and irritation. Unfortunately January is one of those times of the year where you are surrounded by these Things on an almost daily basis. Simply stepping out into the cold can be enough to cause a reaction, while being inside a centrally heated house can also dry your skin out and irritate your complexion. Fortunately, REN Clean Skincare have created their Evercalm range, which is specifically designed to fight the causes and appearance of irritation and sensitivity. Here are some of our favourites from the range:

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel

Every good skincare routine starts with a cleanser and this one is no exception. Gel products are particularly good for sensitive skin because they are refreshing and soothing to a complexion which is dealing with irritation. This cleansing gel contains pre-biotics which support the good bacteria in your skin and clean your face without stripping away any of the moisture. It removes dirt and pollution effectively without any harshness and the active ingredients help to reveal skin which is glowing in a good way.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

Using a day cream if you have sensitive skin is pretty much essential. This Global Protection Day Cream from the Evercalm range has been around for two decades and is one of Ren‘s best selling moisturisers. It contains antioxidant and free radical scavengers, as well as soothing seed oils to protect the skin against dehydration and fights against the signs of ageing. It also contains blackcurrant seed oil which is rich in omega-3 and seabuckthorn oil which is rich in omega-7. both of which nourish, soothe and soften the skin.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm

“Night time is the right time” as the old Ray Charles lyrics go and this is especially true for anyone with sensitive skin who wants to use something potent. The Overnight Recovery Balm from the Evercalm range is a rich balm made from olive, almond, borage and linseed oils, which are easily absorbed and will intensely nourish and moisturise your skin. Jojoba and sunflower oils support the skin’s natural lipid balance while beta glucan soothes any signs of irritation from dryness. It can also be used on dry lips and any other rough patches on your body such as on the knees and elbows.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask

Masks are a fantastic product for people with sensitive skin as they are left on the skin for a much longer time allowing for maximum results. This Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask will calm, soothe and moisturise your skin and will instantly relieve the key signs of sensitive skin such as redness and tightness. Extended use will strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, making it more able to cope with stressors in the long run.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum

Serums are another hero product for those of us with sensitive skin as they are generally the most potent products within a range. The Redness Relief Serum in the REN Clean Skincare range contains white mushroom, triglycerides and other seed oils and extracts which reduce redness in just 30 minutes. After seven days dryness, itching, discomfort, flakiness, tightness or burning sensations will all be dramatically reduced and the serum works even better at cooling your complexion if you store it in the fridge. It’s recommended that you gently press the formula into your skin rather than rubbing as this will help reduce friction and cut down on the risk of irritation and inflammation.

Quit smoking for good in 2020

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Like so many vices, people know that smoking is bad for them, but giving up can be hard.

There is no getting away from the addictive nature of cigarettes, but stopping is the best you can do for your health, and it won’t hurt your pocket either.

Let’s have a look at how you can get away from the smoke, nicotine, smell and toxicity of one of the worst habits in the world.

Make a list
Having all the reasons you are quitting, written down in black and white can be a great way to kick things off. Whether it is to smarten up your teeth, keep cancer at bay, save money, smell better or just be healthier, write down your reasons. Next, stick them on the fridge door, kitchen cupboards, bathroom mirror and add to your phone so you are reminded all the time – and when you are feeling like cracking and lighting up, those words will help see you through.

Have a clear out
The dirt and smell of smoking is pretty gross, so having a clean-up can help get you in the right headspace to quit for good. Get rid of all the ashtrays, put lighters and matches in the bin, chuck out any old packs, find stubs in the garden and bin them. Then, open the windows in the house, and your car, and have a really good clear up. Wash your bedding, put throws and cushions through the machine, and a valet is good if you smoked when you drove.

Talk about it
Family and friends will be used to seeing you smoke, so let them know you are stopping. Some might join you, but at least if they know you are quitting then they shouldn’t offer you one when they see you, you don’t need temptation to be placed in your path.

Think about what you eat
A lot of people find that they put on weight when they quit smoking, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Eating a balanced diet and not adding in lots of sugary snacks and takeaways is the key to maintaining your weight. Drink plenty of water, stock up on fruit and veggies, and don’t up your alcohol intake as a substitute for smoking.

Get fit
Just as eating well, you might also want to consider doing some more exercise, or taking it up for the first time again. Maybe join a gym, go to a new dance class with a friend or join a local netball team who are looking for new players. Yes, you might find that smoking has had an impact on your fitness levels, but keep at it and in time you’ll get fitter, be able to keep up with others, but more importantly you will become a better, healthier you.

Keep your cash
There is no escaping the fact that cigarettes are expensive and a total waste of money. Whether you were on three a day or thirty a day, get a jar or money box and put the money you were spending on your habit, in it. At the end of the year, treat yourself to something you really want – we think you will be surprised at just how much you’ll save.

Ask the professionals
Before you do give up, maybe speak to your GP or pharmacist and make sure you have the support you need. Yes, you can go cold turkey and place your bets on willpower, but with gum, lozenges and groups out there to help you quit, you don’t have to go it alone.

Good luck and well done for taking the first step towards being a better you.

Team Pure Beauty

Reboot Your Routine for 2020

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anti ageing, broad spectrum, cleanse, compleion, complimentary, daily, dirt, double cleanse, excess, grime, lightweight, make-up, oil, production, products, protection, reboot, routine, sebum, skin, skin kit, SPF, sun

Photo by Kim Carpenter on Unsplash

When it comes to a beauty routine, it’s really easy to get stuck in a rut. You’ve invested in products and you want to make the most of them so you stick with them steadfastly, even if they’re not the best thing for your skin. Rebooting your beauty routine means taking a look at what your skin needs in the here and now, rather than what it needed when you bought the product that you’re currently using, and gives you a chance to assess what would be best for your complexion. Here are five ways in which you can can you reboot your routine and give your skin a much-needed boost.

Keep it Simple

Something we see quite often is people building a beauty routine and adding in more products as they go along, so that by the time they decide to reboot they’re using far more products than they really need to. Stripping back your routine and looking at the basics of what your skin really needs will help you to form a baseline which you can add to if you really need to to or just stick to a cleanse, tone and moisturise routine if that’s what’s working for you.

Think About the Here and Now

As we said in our introduction, rebooting your routine is very much about what your skin needs right now. Skincare needs change throughout the year; you may have invested in your current routine at a time where your skin was super dry whereas now you’re dealing with excess sebum production or a time when breakout to a problem when now anti-ageing properties are more of a concern. Keeping your skin care air current is one of the most important things that you can do for your skin.

SPF is Non-Negotiable

If you asked us what the single most important product in a daily skin routine is, you may be surprised to hear the answer always will be SPF. Even with our relatively weak English sun, protecting your skin from its harmful rays is the most important thing you can do on a daily basis, even above and beyond the cleanse, tone and moisturise routine. Invest in a sun cream which is both lightweight and broad spectrum, and make sure you use it every single day even when it’s grey and rainy outside.

Use Complimentary Products

While we would never suggest that skincare only works if you use every product from the same range, you do often find that products from the same range are formulated to work well together. If you find the product which works well for your skin and there are other product which compliment it, there’s a good chance that these will work well for your skin too. Pure Beauty offers several different skin kits which contain miniatures of full-sized products, which allow you to try a range of of beauty treatments before you invest in the larger version.

Ditch the Wipes

We know how simple it is to reach for a packet of face wipes, at the end of a long day, especially when the last thing you want to do is take your makeup off instead of sinking into bed a couple of minutes earlier. However, aside from the fact that face wipes are doing horrendous amounts of damage to the planet, they’re also not that great for your skin either. Using a face wipe basically allows you to transfer the makeup and grime around your face, and doesn’t really cleanse your complexion very well at all. Instead we would suggest opting for the double cleanse, using an oil or balm to melt away makeup and grime, followed by a gel mousse or cream for a deep cleanse. This is especially important if you wear heavy makeup up and a daily SPF as it will help to lessen the risk of breakouts.