Five of the Best Ingredients for Youthful Skin

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Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Here at Pure Beauty, we’re well aware of how confusing skincare can feel. There’s a different product for every different skin issue and a wealth of ingredients which vary from things found in your pantry to things found in the deepest oceans or rainforests! Looking at ingredient lists often feels like trying to decipher an unknown language, but there are some key things that you can look for if you’re in the market for anti-ageing products. Here are five of the best ingredients for maintaining a youthful complexion:

Retinol 

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s suitable for the skin. It belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives, known as retinoids. Retinol has multiple uses and can be used to combat conditions like acne and can target areas of pigmentation. It can also reduce signs of ageing and sun damage. Retinoids don’t work equally well on everyone. If you suffer from rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, it’s probably best to avoid retinol since it can be too powerful on skin that needs a gentle touch – it can increase inflammation, dryness and sensitivity in already delicate complexions.

Try Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant — a substance that retains moisture — and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. This substance is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin and eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring. Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are rare, so that means whether you have oily skin, sensitive, dry skin, or combination skin, you have the green light to use hyaluronic acid products.

Try SkinCeuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help keep skin looking plump and firm. This is because it’s highly acidic when applied topically and can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of ageing skin. It also contains a property that inhibits the skin’s melanin production levels, two of the culprits that can lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making it an absolute hero at giving you a glowing, healthy complexion. It’s usually found in oil-based products, so may not be ideal for acne and blemish prone skin, but it’s great for pretty much all other skin types. 

Try REN Clean Skincare Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream

Bakuchiol

If you’re looking for an alternative to retinol that can be used on more sensitive skin, bakuchiol is a good place to start. Bakuchiol is found in the seeds and leaves of the Indian Babchi plant and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. It also has calming anti-inflammatory and healing antibacterial properties and is even safe for use when pregnant and breastfeeding. It’s a potent-yet-kind ingredient which the British Journal of Dermatology found was just as effective as retinol and significantly less irritating, which is great news for anyone looking for an alternative.

Try Medik8 The CSA Bakuchiol Edition Kit

Ceramides

Ceramides are fats or lipids that are found in skin cells and make up 30% to 40% of your outer skin layer, or epidermis. Ceramides are important for retaining your skin’s moisture and preventing the entry of germs into your body. If your skin’s ceramide content decreases, which often happens with age, it can become dehydrated. Skincare products with ceramides will help reinforce your skin’s barrier and increase hydration, giving you plumper, smoother, firmer-feeling skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles, as well as fewer signs of sensitivity.

Try Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Moisture IQ

Balms, what are they good for?

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100% natural ingredients, acai, adore, balm-to-oil cleanser, balms, body, chilled out, cleanse, Decleor Magnolia Youthful Night Balm, Decleor Nourishing Body Balm, delicate eye contour area, Dermalogica Precleanse Balm, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm, eucalyptus, excess oil, face, firmer skin, Frankincense Essential Oil, fresh, healthy, intensely cleansed, lemon, love, luminous glow, luxury formulas, macadamia, make-up, mind, moisturiser, noni, nourished, organic Indian menthol, palm, Patchouli, plumper, powerful vitamin complex, primer, protects, Purple Orchid, radiance booster, relaxation, renewed, rose, salon, samples, senses, Shea butter, skin, soft, stressed out, sunscreen, supple, tone and moisturise, tranquillity, treat, Warming

We know you already cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and night (you do, don’t you?), but you can also add a balm into the mix if you really want to keep your skin soft and supple.

Face and body balms give your skin extra love so why not treat yourself to one of these luxury formulas and see if it works for you.

The Decleor Magnolia Youthful Night Balm is great if you want plumper, firmer skin which has a fresh, luminous glow when you wake in the morning. This slumber specific balm is made from a blend of 100% natural ingredients including Shea Butter, Magnolia Essential Oil and Rose, all of which your skin will love.

At Pure Beauty we are massive fans of the Dermalogica Precleanse Balm. This is a really special deep-cleansing balm-to-oil cleanser that melts into the skin, and as it does, it gently removes excess oil, sunscreen and make-up. Apricot Oil, which is rich in fatty acids, has been mixed with essential oils which come together and not only ensure skin is salon smooth, but also refreshes the senses and clears the mind.

It’s the powerful vitamin complex in the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, that protects against moisture loss, something we all need from time to time. Purple Orchid, Noni and Acai have been added into the mix and whether you use this as a moisturiser, radiance booster, or primer, we think you will like what you see.

If your body is feeling dry and tight when you come out of the shower, we would suggest letting the Decleor Nourishing Body Balm loose on your limbs. Thanks to Frankincense Essential Oil, Shea Butter, Tamanu and Macadamia Oils, this gorgeous body balm helps soothe dry feeling skin and make it come alive again. Apply once or twice a day by warming the balm in the palm of your hands and your skin will feel nourished in no time.

Whatever skin type you have, we think it will adore the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as much as we do. This gentle but powerful cleansing balm dissolves make-up, dirt and pollutants as your skin is being intensely cleansed, nourished and renewed. When you pat your face dry, all you are left with is a healthy skin and a big smile.

Harmony, tranquillity and relaxation don’t always come easily in modern-day life, but they can if you use the Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm. Packed with a powerful blend of essential oils, just a few drops, massaged into the temples can take you from stressed out, to chilled out, in minutes. Patchouli, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Organic Indian Menthol come together to enhance feelings of positivity, and we think you will be hooked from the word go.

You might not think a balm would work for your eyes, but we are here to tell you that it really can. The popular Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm brightens and refreshes tired eyes. A cooling applicator means that skin soothing Chamomile and Arnica as well as Bird of Paradise Flower and omega-rich Apricot Kernel Oil nourishes the delicate eye contour area and optical blurring powders help reduce the dark circles that can take your confidence away.

For more information, or to try samples, why not get in touch and see how a balm could enhance your beauty routine.

Team Pure Beauty

Be serum say this summer

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100% naturally-derived, added boost, African Birch Bark, all day care, all skin types, anti-oxidant rich, balance facial pigmentation, bathroom cabinet, beauty routine, Borage, Chia Seed Oil, cleanse, clinically proven, Decleor Lavendula Iris Rejuvenating Serum, deliver results, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum, Dhatelo Oil, DMAE, drops, Elemis Hydra-Boost Serum, Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, essential oils, fine lines and wrinkles, firm, fresh and healthy, gently exfoliating, geranium, glow, gluten and paraben free serum, heart, high-performance product, hyaluronic acid, iris, Jan Marini C-ESTA Oil Control Serum, Lactic Acid, lemongrass, Manuka, massage, mature skin, more youthful, morning and night, oil breakthrough, omega-rich Camelina oil, organic Myrtle, parched, perfect, Plum Kernals, plumper, promotes collagen production, quinic acid, Red Seaweed, rose, smile, soften, sophora japonica flower extract, stimulating, sunnier, super hydrated, super thirsty skin, temperatures soar, tone and moisturise, toning, Tri-Peptides, vegan friendly

Cleanse, tone and moisturise are at the heart of any good beauty routine, but if you want to keep you skin seriously hydrated as the temperatures soar this summer, seriously think about adding a serum to your bathroom cabinet.

Serums are generally used before moisturising and give you skin an added boost and at Pure Beauty we offer something for everyone.

We love the Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum because this high-performance product works with the skin to brighten, firm and make your smile just that little but sunnier. This gluten and paraben free serum is vegan friendly and suitable for all skin types. As well as gently exfoliating the skin, it helps balance facial pigmentation as well as ease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C has been blended with Lactic Acid, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract and well as Chia Seed Oil and using just a little, after toning and before moisturising, morning and night, you will soon start to see a change for the better.

If your skin is feeling parched, you may well need the Elemis Hydra-Boost Serum. This clinically proven hydrating serum provides all day care for super thirsty skin. Quinic Acid, Dhatelo Oil and Hyaluronic Acid have been mixed with anti-oxidant rich, organic Myrtle, and come together to help maintain the skin’s natural defences. Apply a little of the serum to cleansed skin let the goodness of the ingredients get to work.

If you want your skin to look fresh and healthy, we suggest trying out the Jan Marini C-ESTA Oil Control Serum. This powerful antioxidant serum, is packed with skin loving Vitamin C and DMAE and is ideal for helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also reducing oil breakthrough. Continued use, morning and night, will make your skin look more toned as lines are smoothed and you will have a glow that may have been missing until now.

Decleor Lavendula Iris Rejuvenating Serum is 100% naturally derived and the blend of essential oils can help to firm more mature skin. Geranium has been added to help soften the signs of ageing, Lemongrass promotes collagen production and boosts firmness while Manuka relaxes the skin. Stimulating and toning Iris, protecting Rose and comforting Jasmine have been mixed with Borage and Plum Kernals for added hydration and the result is a floral serum that works in harmony with your skin to deliver results and make you smile.

Age catches up with us all, but you can keep the signs at bay with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir. This concentrated anti-ageing super serum significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Tri-Peptides, African Birch Bark, Red Seaweed and Padina Pavonica have been expertly blended with Hyaluronic Acid and omega-rich Camelina Oil, to create a serum that leaves skin visibly smoother, plumper and more youthful. Simply massage one or two drops into your skin morning and night and watch the years slip away.

If you would like more information about these, or any of our products, get in touch and we would love to help find the right choice for you.

Team Pure Beauty

Hair Removal – What Are Your Options?

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age spots, ageing, ALA, alpha lipoic acid, anchovies, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, apricots, arms, berries, bikini line, blackberries, blemishes, blueberries, body hair, Brazillian, broad spectrum, Broccoli, chia seeds, damage, dark spots, decleor, Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel, Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum, dermalogica, Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist, Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum, Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier, Dermalogica Post Shave Balm, Elemis, Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush, Elemis Energising Skin Scrub, Elemis Liquid Layer SPF30, Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, epilate, epilator, epliation, exfoliate, eyebrows, fatty acids, fish, free radicals, fullness, hair, high factor, Hollywood, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hair, laser hair removal, liver spots, mackerel, nuts, oils, oily fish, omega-3, orange, plump, plumper, polyphenols, pomegranate, protection, raspberries, salmon, Shaving, SPF, spinach, spots, strawberries, sun, sunscreen, sweet potato, threading, UVA, UVB, vitamin A, walnuts, waxing, wrinkles

Royalty Free Image (source: https://pixabay.com/en/grimace-funny-expression-mask-388987/)

Hair removal – it’s one of those things that most of us do but few of us ever talk about it, but it’s a fact of life and needn’t be taboo. There are various different methods that you can use for hair removal, some more permanent than others and varying in price and effectiveness. Here’s a rundown of a few of them:

Shaving

Probably the most common type of hair removal on the planet, shaving is also one of the cheapest ways to remove hair, with some disposable razors costing a matter of pennies. It’s not a very long-lasting method because it only trims the part of the hair which sits above the skin, but it’s definitely convenient and can be done on any part of the body that you care to use it. If you plan to shave, use Elemis Energising Skin Scrub beforehand to prevent ingrown hairs and soothe the skin, post-shave, with Dermalogica Post Shave Balm.

Waxing

Waxing lasts longer than shaving and gives a smooth finish, but does have it’s downsides. You need to leave time between waxes to allow the hair to be long enough for the wax to adhere to, and there’s obviously the pain-factor. Also, unless you wax at home, you’ll need regular appointments which can be pricey. If you do wax, treat your skin with Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel to soothe and repair.

Laser

Laser is probably the most expensive way to remove hair but it’s also the only way to remove hair permanently. Most people require between 6 and 10 sessions for complete removal and occasional touch-ups if you get a rogue hair or two growing back, but most people have great levels of success with it. Your skin will feel sensitive after a laser session, so treat your skin to some Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum.

Threading

Threading is an ancient form of hair removal from Asia which involves using pieces of twisted thread to pull the hairs out. Many Asian women use threading to remove facial hair and arm hairs and the method is actually incredibly accurate, allowing you to get a really nice shape when threading eyebrows. There are many tutorials online to allow you to learn how to thread yourself, but we’d recommend going to a professional at least for a while!

Epilating

Epilating is the Marmite of hair removal – most people either love it or really hate it! It’s usually done with a handheld machine which pulls the roots out and it actually lasts quite a long time – if you can deal with the pain! Ingrown hairs are a real issue with epilation, so regularly scrubbing the areas you epilate with Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush will help minimise this.

Eat for the skin you are in

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a nutritional powerhouse, acne, age, almonds, antioxidant, Brazil nuts, candida, day, dry skin, eggs, firmer, flawless, formation of collagen, fresh fruit and vegetables, ginger, good fats, green tea, gut, healthy life cycle, lycopene, mackerel, menu, mushrooms, oats, olive oil, plumper, porride, production of hyaluronic acid, Relax, salmon, sardines, seafood, skin, soothes, sunflower seeds, UV damage, Vitamin E, wholegrains, youthful complexion

Just as there are certain beauty products that work best for different skin types, there are also foods that feed your complexion depending on what it needs.

The basis of a healthy diet is a balance of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, good fats and plenty of water are is good for us, you can then add certain foods to correct and enhance your skin depending on your specific needs.

If you have acne or blemish prone skin, zinc is your food friend as it helps reduce the production of oil and influence hormones. Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of zinc as are Brazil nuts, eggs, oats, mushrooms, ginger and seafood all of which are available in supermarkets and easy to add meals and snacks.

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help control inflammation so eating oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel as well as flaxseed and walnuts can calm acne.

Acne is associated with candida. Eating raw garlic, which contains the anti-fungal natural medicine, allicin, alongside salads, steamed vegetables and eggs can help clear the gut ease the candida and in turn calm your skin.

A vitamin D deficiency can also lead to skin problems, therefore consuming beta-carotenoid foods like sweet potatoes, squashes and carrots can give you the A boost you need.

You can suffer from dry skin at any time of your life but adjusting your diet can help you get your glow back. A great place to start is with oily fish, like mackerel, which contain the fatty acids that nourish the skin and help lock in moisture. If you have dry skin and really want to benefit from your diet, also up you intake of magnesium as this fantastic mineral helps the body make the most of those essential oils.

Avocadoes not only taste great but they are packed with Vitamin E, a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to dry skin. Vitamin E can also be found in almonds, olive oil, sunflower seeds and peaches so it is pretty each to get it into your daily diet.

Green leafy veg are rich in Vitamin C and magnesium help with the formation of collagen and production of hyaluronic acid – both of which are vital when it comes to nourishing your skin.

As we age it shows on our face faster than anywhere else, but food can be the key to a youthful complexion. Let’s start with the simple tomatoe. Not only are they packed with the collagen building Vitamin C that makes your skin look firmer and plumper, they also contain lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays and damage. Oats are great for your skin as the contain a natural plant chemical that helps prevent damage to skin cells and soothes irritation, so start your day with a bowl of porridge and beauty boosting blueberries and anti-ageing almonds.

Sipping green tea isn’t only a good way to relax for ten minutes, but it is full of the antioxidants that assist with a healthy skin life cycle. Not many people know this but you can dab cold green tea on your skin and use it as a fantastic antioxidant moisturiser.

We have mentioned, avocadoes, fish and nuts already but if you are looking at flawless skin at any age, put these on the menu and you won’t regret it.

Team Pure-Beauty