The Basics

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basics, costmetics, Hair health, haircare, personal care, skincare

Say Hello To Multi-Tasking. The Future of Self-care.

May 11, 2023

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When it comes to the world of wellness, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of products available in the market. Which is the right one for you? How many do you need? Will they even work? How long will it take?

Take skincare. You’ve got toners, serums, and masks. Cleansers, scrubs, washes and exfoliators. Lotions, balms, gels and creams. Oh, don’t forget gel-creams. It's no wonder that a typical skincare routine can involve as many as 10 products and multiple steps.

And what about hair care? Do you choose the shampoo for volume, the one to prevent dandruff or the one to repair damaged hair? Should you need to buy them all? The answer is no. Just the one can be enough, when it’s the one that does it all.

If that means we sell less products - so be it. We’d rather give you one that works and be confident in the fact you’ll probably come back. It’s a risk we’re willing to take.

Our products are designed to do a little bit of everything. They combine the benefits of multiple steps and ingredients into a single formula, eliminating the need for multiple. For instance, Formula 01: The Face Lotion combines the benefits of a toner, serum, and moisturizer focused on everything from barrier repair to hyperpigmentation, wrinkle reduction, oil control and breakout prevention. It’s a game-changing little piece of science that we’re immensely proud of.

Benefits of Multi-Tasking Products:

They save you time! Obviously. It’s about efficiency - the productivity of those very products. With multi-tasking products, you can simplify your routine the amount of time you’re spending on it. You don't need to spend hours applying multiple products and waiting for them to work in any particular order.

They save you money! By reducing the number of products you use, you can save money! Brilliant. Who doesn’t like that? Multi-tasking products may cost more upfront, but in the long run? You’re laughing.

They reduce waste! Single products mean just a single package, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated. Moreover, you'll be using fewer products, which means less waste overall. It’s less energy used in everything from production to transportation to disposal. It’s just… less!

They’re more convenient! Multi-tasking products are easy to use and carry, making them perfect for travel or being on-the-go.

If you haven’t figured it out already - this is the future of self-care. A convenient, customizable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional routines. By simplifying your regimen with our multi-tasking products, you can save time, money, and reduce waste while still getting each and every benefit you’re looking for.

So, say goodbye to complex, multi-product routines with our all-in-one, powerhouse formulas that do a little bit of everything so you don’t have to.

Written by Andrew Lucas

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basics, combination skin, costmetics, dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, personal care, sensitive skin, skin health, skin types, skincare

What are "skin types"?

May 29, 2022

Written by Andrew Lucas

While “skin types” are largely a marketing term, understanding what the market is referring to certainly helps when identifying the right products for you. There are four types of skin: dry, normal, oily and combination. As you can see, “perfect” isn’t one of them. Your skin type is determined by genetics. So blame your parents for that pimple in your grad photo.

Skin Types Explained

Dry Skin

Skin that doesn’t produce enough oil. This does not have to do with hydration - water retention. That’s dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is not a skin type, it’s a condition. But, it’s that oil production that helps prevent water loss. So underproducing it leaves you more dehydrated. Tricky, but you’re smart enough to take your skin health seriously, so we’re confident you figured that out too.

So, we know that the oil helps your skin retain water. But how does it lose it? Sweat. Obviously. The active water loss from increased body temperature. Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL for the kewl kids). This is just the passive, natural way your body perspires. Think of it like evaporation.

What causes dry skin? A lack of Natural Moisturizing Factors. These are amino acids, derivatives of those amino acids, salts, sugars, lactic acid and urea - the end product of all broken down proteins. A lack of Epidermal Lipids. These are ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. All crucial to proper skin function.

Dry skin can feel tight, look brittle, and feel a little rough to touch. It lacks elasticity and is prone to cracking.

"Normal" Skin

Skin that produces a balanced amount of oil (sebum). It has fine pores, good circulation, a soft and smooth texture, virtually no blemishes and is not particularly prone to sensitivity. Normal skin is obviously the best case scenario, but the lucky winners aren’t out of the woods just yet. Normal skin tends to turn into dry skin as we age. All skin changes with time, with the weather, and with the environment. All skin requires keeping healthy.

Oily Skin

You guessed it, skin that overproduces oil. Imagine that. Oily skin has larger, more visible pores. Oily skin looks oily - it’s got a nice shine to it. Oily skin is generally thicker as well. Unfortunately, it’s more prone to oil related reactions - breakouts. Blackheads, whiteheads, all that fun stuff. We’ll get into those a bit more later. Remember, genetics. Not much you can do about it. Other causes? Stress, hormones, medications, skincare products. You know what doesn’t cause oily skin? Greasy foods. Old wives tale.

Now for a mind-blowing, universe altering tidbit of info: oily skin can be dry. Sorry, dehydrated. Yeah. You’ll recall that dry skin, the type, actually has nothing to do with hydration. It’s all about oil production - or a lack thereof - and the water loss associated with it. So, just as dry skin is dehydrated, so too can be oily skin. In fact, it often is. And that’s why your skin overcompensates for its lack of hydration by producing extra oil. It needs something to keep it elastic, stop it from losing even more water, and help maintain its function as a protective barrier. Oil to the rescue.

Combination Skin

You’re never going to believe this, but combination skin is skin that is both oily and dry. But not oily-dehydrated like the above scenario. Still with us? Great. This one has more to do with the different parts of your face. It’ll be oily in one place, and dry in the other. Simple. Usually, people with combination skin experience the oily part on their forehead and nose, while their cheeks are dry. We call that part the “T” zone. Mind. Blown.

A note on "sensitive" skin.

Sensitive skin is technically not a skin type. It’s simply an underlying condition related to one of the 4 types above. For example, if you have dry skin and use an especially drying cleanser - your skin will react poorly. Similarly, if you have oily skin and slather it with oil, the results won’t be good. Sensitive skin is more of a common issue across skin types rather than being a category in itself. And it’s by no means a medical diagnosis.

It’s just skin that is more prone to adverse reaction. Inflammation, redness, breakouts, rashes and the like are far more common for people with sensitive skin. These are usually caused by chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that the skin comes in contact with. Irritation can also be caused by clothing and friction.

How to determine your skin type.

The Full Day Test. One you’ll ace with ease. All you have to do is shower and wash your face in the morning, and look at it again at night. No further action required. Is it shiny? Oily skin for you. Is it tight? Flaky? Maybe even a bit itchy? Must be dry. Virtually no oil, no flakes, no tightness, no redness? Normal! Forehead and nose (T-Zone) shiny? Combination.

Sources

The No BS Guide To Discovering Your Skin Type. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-type-test

Skin Types. Overview and More. https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-types-5088964

Guide To Different Skin Types And How To Determine Yours. https://thedermreview.com/guide-to-the-different-skin-types-and-how-to-determine-yours/

How To Care For Your Skin. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-types-care

Written by Andrew Lucas

Filed under

basics, costmetics, Lipid barrier, personal care, Skin barrier, skin health, skincare, stratum corneum

Skin Basics: Unlock the Secrets of Your Skin: Your Ultimate Shield

May 29, 2022

Written by Andrew Lucas

Skin Basics: Unlock the Secrets of Your Skin: Your Ultimate Shield

Ever wonder about the champion defender of your body's universe? Yes, we're talking about your skin. It's not just any organ; it's the largest, heaviest, and most visible one you've got. Imagine it as the guardian of your castle, protecting the treasure that is you.

Understanding the Game: What Your Skin Does

At its core, your skin's mission is simple yet vital: safeguarding your insides from the outside world. This marvel covers over 20 square feet and constitutes about 1/7 of your body weight, wrapping you in a protective embrace that supports life's every moment.

Why Your Skin Deserves VIP Treatment

Its job list is extensive: regulating your inner thermostat, shielding you from unwelcome invaders, managing moisture, and connecting you to the sensory experiences of life. It's a complex player, but don't worry, we'll keep the science light and engaging.

The Layers That Make You, You

Epidermis: Your skin's frontline warrior. It battles UV rays, bacteria, and other would-be invaders while keeping you waterproof. This layer is a regenerative powerhouse, constantly refreshing itself with new cells in a four-week cycle. For the trivia buffs, it's made of five sub-layers, each as formidable as a gladiator in the arena.
Dermis: The strategic middle layer, where the magic of oil and sweat production happens. It's where your skin feels, regulates temperature, and nourishes itself with blood flow. It's also where your hair begins its journey, playing a key role in protection and temperature management.
Subcutaneous Tissue: The unsung hero, providing a cushy connection between skin and the muscles and bones beneath. It's the ultimate insulator and protector, ensuring you stay warm and cushioned.

Your Skin, Your Story

Your skin does so much, tirelessly working behind the scenes. Isn't it time we give it the care and recognition it deserves? Join us on a journey to nurture and celebrate this remarkable organ. Because when your skin thrives, you do too.