Exfoliate Your Body in Time for Summer

Tags

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.

Treat Your Skin to a Cleansing Balm

Tags

almond oil, apricot powder, balm, baobab oil, blackcurrant seed, blue tansy, clean, cleanse, cleanser, cleansing, cleansing balm, creamy, cruelty free, elasticity, excess oil, exfoliate, eyebrows, eyelashes, face, fragrance free, gentle, hydrate, lecithin, limited edition, liquid lipsticks, makeup, nourishing, oil, pollutants, regenerating, Sea buckthorn oil, skin, skin cells, soothing, soybeans, sunscreen, texture, upcycle, vegan-friendly, water, Waterproof mascara

Photo by August de Richelieu

Cleaning balms, which typically have a creamier texture and are often oil-based, are a great alternative to conventional cleansers. They can thoroughly clean your pores while still retaining enough moisture to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Most cleansing balms are suitable for all skin types, however, those with dry or sensitive skin will particularly benefit from them. They are also perfect for problem skin due to their capacity to enter the pores and extract sebum. Here are five of our favourite cleansing balms for your consideration:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm from Elemis is a limited-edition, fragrance-free version of their bestselling cleansing balm that melts away makeup and impurities for a glowing complexion. The mineral oil-free product moisturises like a cleansing milk, dissolves makeup with ease like a cleansing oil, and nourishes the skin like a balm. Without hurting the eyes or dehydrating the face, it effectively removes waterproof mascara and liquid lipsticks and helps to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a glowing and youthful-looking complexion.

Dermalogica Precleanse Balm

Dermalogica Precleanse Balm is a deep-cleansing balm-to-oil cleanser that melts into the skin and gently removes excess oil, sunscreen, makeup and pollutants from the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this balm focuses on stripping away cosmetics, dirt and other build-up without damaging the skin’s natural barrier. It contains an invigorating combination of essential oils that refreshes the senses and helps deliver the state of cleanliness that is traditionally experienced in the professional treatment room.

REN Clean Skincare Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm

This rose-infused cleansing balm from REN Clean Skincare is gentle yet powerful, helping to melt away the toughest of make-up and daily grime, while almond oil cleanses, nourishes and moisturises the skin. The deeply hydrating formula leaves skin feeling cleansed, refreshed and nourished and even contains lecithin from soybeans, which nourishes and conditions the eyelashes and brows.

UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Apricot Powder

UpCircle Cleansing Face Balm with Apricot Powder is a daily cleansing balm that will melt away makeup, pollution and impurities. It’s gentle enough to be used every day, unlike some exfoliating cleansers, as well as being cruelty free, vegan-friendly and free from palm oil. This award winning cleanser also contains skin calming ingredients blackcurrant seed, blue tansy and sea buckthorn oils.

Evolve Organic Beauty Gentle Cleansing Melt

This opulent cleansing balm from Evolve Organic Beauty contains organic baobab oil, which is hydrating and soothing. Natural sugar extracts are blended with water to create a creamy milk that rinses clean and leaves skin feeling nourished, soothed, and clean. Baobab Oil also contains high levels of protein and Vitamin A, nourishes, improves skin elasticity, and helps to regenerate new skin cells and promote healing.

Treat Yourself for Under £10

Tags

100% natural, £10, breakouts, budget, carbon footprint, circulation, cleanse, comb, cotton, cotton pads, damage, dead skin, deodoriser, detangling, disposable, eco-friendly, exfoliate, firm, gentle, good quality, healthy, heated tools, hemp, hydrate, impurities, irritation, keratin, luxurious, make up pads, massage batter, moisture barrier, moisturising, money, mud mask, Niacinamide, non-recyclable waste, nutrients, parents, pedicure, professional quality, reusable, sea salt soak, sheet mask, skinq, soothe, St Ives, sugar scrub, summer holidays, Sustainable, texture, toxins, treats, vegan friendly, vegetable soap, watermelon, wet hair, white tooth

Photo by cottonbro

This time of year can be expensive for parents, when you’ve got kids to entertain for six week during the summer. That means that finding time for yourself, and more importantly, money for treats, isn’t always easy. Here at Pure Beauty, we know that we all sometimes need a pick-me-up, even when the budget isn’t huge. So, we’ve put together a list of five treats which cost less than a tenner, allowing you to treat yourself without feeling guilty!

Maskology Niacinamide Professional Sheet Mask – £5.95

Using a sheet mask can feel like a luxurious treat, even if it doesn’t cost a lot. This sheet mask from Maskology is infused with niacinamide for a professional-quality treatment that balances the skin, improves texture and prevents breakouts. It will also help the skin to build up keratin, ensuring it stays healthy and firm. It helps to rebuild the skin’s moisture barrier which encourages the cells to function at a higher capacity, therefore making it easier to circulate nutrients and flush out toxins.

The Sea Shed Coastal Path Soap – £5.50

We’ve all washed our hands more in the last couple of years than ever before, and as a result have realised the value of using a good quality soap. This moisturising, triple milled vegetable soap from The Sea Shed is enriched with shea butter and is made in St. Ives using a vegan friendly, sustainable formula. It makes your skin feel great, rather than drying it out like other soaps. 

GHD Detangling Comb – £8.95

Taking care of wet hair requires specific tools as hair is more breakable when it’s wet. GHD Detangling Comb is a gentle way to detangle damp hair. The wide-toothed design allows for delicate detangling on damp hair, which is fragile and more prone to damage. The professional-quality comb is heat-proof and can be used to style your hair in conjunction with other GHD heated tools. 

UpCircle Hemp and Cotton Makeup Pads – £8.99

Here at Pure Beauty, we’re huge advocates for anything which is sustainable and allows us to reduce our carbon footprint, as well as non recyclable waste, which is why we love these hemp and cotton make up pads from UpCircle. Made from 100% natural materials these triple layer pads are perfect for gently removing makeup without irritation. These reusable pads are the eco-friendly alternative to disposable cotton pads or wipes.

Voesh 4 Step Deluxe Pedi in a Box Watermelon Burst – £9.99

One of our favourite ways to pamper ourselves is with a pedicure and this kit from Voesh gives you everything you need. Enriched with key ingredients to give your feet the nutrition it needs, each product is individually packed with the right amount for a single pedicure. Each kit contains a Sea Salt Soak to detox and deodorise the feet, Sugar Scrub to gently exfoliate dead skin, a Mud Masque to deep cleanse impurities an

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

Tags

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. 

The Best Sustainable Products from Pure Beauty

Tags

Bamboo, bath, beauty products, biodegradable, brighten, cleansing, cotton buds, damage, damaging, dead skin cells, delicate, eco-friendly, ethos, exfoliate, ingredient, invigorate, machine washable, massages, micro plastics, microfibre pads, natural, oceans, packaging, pesticides, plastic free, plastic waste, plastics, recyclable, scientific, shower, soap bag, Sustainable, Terry cotton, velour cotton, waste

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash 

Aside from our love of beauty products which contain both highly scientific and natural ingredients, here at Pure Beauty, we also have a love for companies which have a sustainable ethos. Over the past couple of years we have added more and more products to our shelves which are from sustainable sources and can be reused as well as being free from damaging plastics. Today we are sharing with you five such products which we think should feature in every bathroom and make up bag. They also make fabulous gifts for encouraging your friends and family towards a more eco-friendly beauty routine.

The Sea Shed Exfoliating Soap Bag

This soap bag may offer a handy hanging solution for storing your soap in your shower or bath, but it actually does so much more than this. When used in conjunction with your favourite soap, it gently exfoliates and massages your skin to get rid of dead skin cells, invigorate and brighten your skin, as well as improving circulation. It’s made from certified sustainable ingredients, is vegan friendly, made in the UK and comes in recyclable plastic free packaging, meaning that it ticks all the boxes!

UpCircle Bamboo Cotton Buds

In the UK alone it is estimated that we use 1.8 billion cotton buds every year, most of which are made from single use plastic. Of this 1.8 billion cotton buds, around 10% of them end up being flushed down the toilet and therefore out into the sea, and during a 2018 study, 22 cotton buds were found for every 100m of UK beach. With this in mind, we added UpCircle’s bamboo cotton buds, which are biodegradable and plastic free, to our shelves. They are made from sustainable bamboo and make a perfect alternative to damaging plastic.

JoJo Glow Baby Microfibre Pads

Many people don’t realise that single use wipes actually contain plastic and are another significant factor in polluting the world’s oceans. Aside from this, many of them actually damage the skin on a microscopic level, so there are many reasons for switching to these Baby Microfibre Pads from JoJo Glow. They are reusable, recyclable and will protect your child’s delicate skin. They’re also super easy to use and simply need warm water to get the most out of them.

UpCircle Hemp and Cotton Makeup Pads

Another alternative to single use wipes, these hemp and cotton make-up pads are the perfect sustainable way to remove make up and keep your skin clean. The triple layer pads are made from 100% natural materials and can be used again and again for an eco-friendly cleansing method. There are seven pads in this pack, as well as a netting bag which can be chucked into the washing machine and washed on the low temperature to get them looking spic and span once again.

Zero Waste Organic Cotton Make Up Remover Pads and Wash Bag

Never ones to be left out when it comes to eco-friendly beauty, these cotton make-up remover pads from Zero Waste Organic offer different textures for different types of cleansing. As well as the cotton wash bag you will get four pads made from organic terry cotton to give a rough for more exfoliating finish and 12 soft pads made from organic velour cotton for use around the eyes and more delicate areas. They are machine washable and are made from cotton which has not been sprayed with pesticides.