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Milia, or “those little white bumps that just won’t go away,” may be less obvious than acne and blackheads but can be just as annoying. Appearing as tiny, hard lumps under the skin, milia often mar the complexion under the eyes or on the cheeks and are difficult to remove. But fear not! Eminence Organic Skin Care has you covered with an explanation of the common categories of milia along with the methods and products you can use to smooth out your skin. 

What Are Milia?

Milia are small cysts filled with keratin, a type of protein found in skin tissue, hair and nail cells. When keratin gets trapped under the skin, tiny white bumps develop, often in small clusters. These stubborn flaws don’t become red and inflamed like acne but instead slowly build up under the skin and remain a white color. While a whitehead is also a white bump and a closed comedone (a pore blockage covered by the skin), whiteheads also contain sebum as opposed to the keratin found in milia. 

Milia can appear on people of all ages, is not infectious and has no clear cause, but it can be aggravated by sun damage. Some common categories include:

Neonatal milia (milia on newborns)
Primary milia
Milia en plaque
Secondary milia

Neonatal milia affects around 50% of all newborns. It cannot be treated and will clear quickly on its own. Primary milia is the most common form of milia, found on both children and adults typically around the eyes, cheeks or forehead. Milia en plaque is a less common form of milia and, unlike primary milia, is a collection of multiple milium that occurs as a plaque (a broad raised area of the skin). Secondary milia refers to milia that appears after a trauma to the skin, such as injury, burn or blistering. When dealing with milia, it is important to first have a skin analysis with a professional to determine the best method to treat the condition.

How To Get Rid Of Milia

There are two effective ways of eliminating milia: extractions and exfoliation. While milia will often clear up on its own, if your bumps are sticking around for upwards of six months, extraction may be the only way to fully clear them. Because milia are so small and covered by the skin, they can be difficult to remove. Although it can be tempting to attack milia on your own, we strongly advise against any at-home picking and popping, as it can lead to inflammation, infections and scarring. Instead, visit a dermatologist or licensed esthetician who is equipped to extract milia successfully. Typically they will use a small blade or needle to make a tiny incision to release the blockage. They may then apply additional treatments to ensure the skin is kept moisturized and strong. 

In addition to extraction, exfoliation (both professionally and at home) is essential for treating milia. We recommend starting with an appointment at your closest authorized Eminence Organics Spa Partner. Not only can an esthetician use a higher strength professional treatment to open the pore and smooth away any blockages, but they can also perform a skin analysis and recommend home care products. When choosing products, you will want ingredients that help soften the skin, speeding up the natural process for milia to pop out on their own and prevent further buildup. Your esthetician may recommend a physical or a chemical exfoliant, depending on your skin type and the category of milia you are experiencing. Some exfoliating ingredients you may come across to treat milia include:

Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid
Retinol

What Products Should I Use?

Exfoliation can be incorporated into multiple steps of your homecare routine. In addition to professional treatments, your esthetician may also recommend some of the following cleansers, exfoliants and masks. 

Cleansers

Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is a moisturizing cleanser, ideal for anyone with milia who is also wanting to reduce the look of wrinkles and add some hydration to their routine.

With finely ground olive seed to provide gentle physical exfoliation, this cleanser also contains our Natural Retinol Alternative and Natural AHA Cocktail for additional chemical exfoliation, both key ingredients to battle milia.

If chemical exfoliation is preferred or more suitable for your skin type (which may be the case for sensitive and acne-prone skin), our award-winning Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser harnesses lactic acid to effectively slough off dead skin cells without over drying. Suitable for all skin types, this cleanser also contains red clover extract to help shrink the look of your pores and smooth the look of the skin.

Exfoliants

Harnessing the power of our proprietary Detoxifying Microgreens Complex as well as stone crop and rice flour with adzuki powder, our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant provides the perfect prep for extraction by your esthetician. Additionally, this is a fabulous home care product as it helps unclog pores and buff the skin. 

Eminence Organics Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel is another product that we love to use for exfoliation. Containing milia-busting salicylic acid, this peel will remove dirt from the skin and prevent buildup – an especially great choice for those with an oily skin type.

For those who are less oily, our Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is a chemical exfoliant suitable for all skin types, combining lactic and glycolic acid to improve the look of texture on the skin and to slough off dead skin cells. 

Masks

Masking one to three times a week at home will help take your results to the next level. In the video below, Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends a smoothing and spicy mix: our Raspberry Pore Refining Masque and Lime Stimulating Masque.

As Natalie explains, this fruity mix not only smells incredible but stimulates and smooths the skin to treat milia. To try this mix at home, combine about a teaspoon of the Raspberry Pore Refining Masque with an equal (or less) amount of the Lime Stimulating Masque on the back of your hand. Blend the two masks together, adding a little water if preferred to help emulsify. Once blended, apply to the face (avoiding the eye area) and leave on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse away with lukewarm water and follow with your favorite Eminence Organics toner and moisturizer.

In addition, our Product Support Representatives recommend the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque, a 2-in-1 mask and spot treatment that helps reduce the look of shine and irritation. 

If you’d like to see even more tips from Natalie, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss an In The Mix video! With the tips and product recommendations above, your skin will be feeling smoother and softer than ever before.

Serum

Our Product Support Representatives also recommend the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum to nourish the delicate skin around your eyes — an area where milia frequently pops up. This serum smooths the appearance of the skin as well as reduces the visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine liens. 

Is milia your biggest skin concern? Any additional treatment tips? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch with us on social media.

Summer Detox: 5 Natural and Effective Methods

by Caitlin H,

Jul 22, 2024

For several years, Detox has been a buzzword in the weight loss world.

That’s because it is an excellent way to kickstart new lifestyle choices that lead to lasting changes. A detox is also a powerful first step to helping you achieve your long-term goals. You don’t need any special products or magic ingredients to detox. Your body will naturally clear itself of toxins, and you can help the process by adopting some healthy lifestyle habits.

And if ever there’s a season for detoxing, it’s summertime. So why not start your new healthy habits today?

How to Combine Ozempic or Wegovy with a Healthy Lifestyle for Lasting Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jul 8, 2024

You’ve probably heard of weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic, which are popular with celebrities like Oprah. Manufacturers tout their effectiveness in helping people who have struggled to lose weight shed unwanted pounds.

If you decide to try them, how can you improve the chance these drugs will help your weight loss journey in the long run?

Diet-to-Go is the Catalyst For Improved Diabetes and Wellness

by Caitlin H,

Jun 24, 2024

When Richard’s two children sat down with him on New Year’s Day to outline several life changes he needed to make to start caring for himself better, he took it to heart.

Two days later, Richard signed up for Diet-to-Go. Within five weeks, he lost 15 pounds and saw a rapid stabilization in his blood sugar levels.

And when he shared Diet-to-Go with a friend, who then went on to lose 80 lbs, he realized how powerful food choices can be.

10 Keto-Friendly Desserts You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less

by Caitlin H,

Jun 17, 2024

You might think you can no longer have many of your favorite treats on a low-carb diet.

These heavenly, delish desserts prove that’s simply not true! All you need to do is swap familiar ingredients with keto-friendly replacements — and voila! You’ll have every confection you desire without going outside the keto diet line.

5 Ways to Work Out with Your Furry Friend

by Caitlin H,

Jun 10, 2024

Dog owners will be the first to tell you that their beloved furball is more than just a pet to them — in many ways, it’s like a child. There’s a good reason for this. Dogs have their own unique personalities, traits, and quirks. They thrive under routines. And they are capable of loyalty and love beyond most people’s expectations.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that dogs are good for your health, and there are several fun ways to work out with them.

Man Uses Diet-to-Go to Shed 100+ Pounds Ahead of Hip Surgery

by Caitlin H,

Jun 3, 2024

For many people, a medical scare is the catalyst for making a big life change. That was certainly the case for 73-year-old Rodney Arnold, a retired Sacramento code enforcement officer from Hawaii who has shed more than 100 pounds with Diet-to-Go.

“I found out I had to have hip surgery,” Rodney said, remembering a doctor’s visit in late 2022. “They wouldn’t touch me unless I lost a lot of weight and my BMI was 30.”

A Dive Deep into 5 Fish We Love

by Caitlin H,

May 27, 2024

Fish is a delicious and nutritious protein that often finds its way into healthy diets—and for good reason. It’s a filling main dish packed with a wide range of nutrients. It’s also extremely versatile, affording home cooks and chefs the ability to create unique and tasty dishes that millions of people enjoy daily.

Let’s dive deeper into the health benefits of five of the most popular kinds of fish and our delicious meals that feature them!

A Look at the Most Popular Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

by Caitlin H,

May 20, 2024

GLP-1 agonist weight loss drugs (think Ozempic and Wegovy) are all the rage right now, available at clinics and spas nationwide. They promise users a quick way to shed pounds, and many studies show they are quite effective in doing just that.

But do they work long-term? What are the downsides? And are they right for you? Here’s a deeper look at these weight loss drugs, including pros and cons and how to use them most effectively paired with your Diet-to-Go meals.

Food Cravings? Manage Them With an Intuitive Approach

by Caitlin H,

May 13, 2024

Food cravings are a part of life.

Whether you find your mind wandering to how nice it would be to enjoy a favorite baked good or feel an insatiable need for a childhood staple, cravings are real.

For some people, they’re harmless. But for others, they can quickly get out of hand, leading to overeating and excess calories that derail weight loss plans and make achieving goals pretty darn impossible.

How good are you at managing your cravings?

10 Delicious, Creative Twists to Elevate Your Oatmeal

by Caitlin H,

May 6, 2024

Eating a healthy, balanced breakfast is one of the best things you can do to improve your chances of reaching your weight loss goals.

Experts say people who eat breakfast start their day off right by giving them fuel to get through the morning without succumbing to temptations like office snacks or fast food at lunch.

And one of the best go-to morning meals — we’re talking easy and delicious — is oatmeal.

But how do you keep what could be a pretty bland dish from getting boring?

8 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy the Healing Power of Nature

by Caitlin H,

Apr 30, 2024

Fresh air. Warm sunshine. Green leaves. Birds chirping happily. The sound of dirt crunching beneath your feet. There’s something uniquely restorative about spending time in nature.

Being outdoors has been shown to have a number of benefits for your mental and emotional health, like reducing stress and increasing your quality of sleep. Activities in nature are also a boon for your physical health, typically requiring movement and exercise, which can improve your cardiovascular and muscular health.

Need a suggestion to help motivate you to move outdoors? Whether you’re a fitness expert or are just looking to relax and collect some vitamin D, we have some ideas for you!

This Carbohydrate is a Boon for Reducing Belly Fat

by Caitlin H,

Apr 22, 2024

One of the biggest struggle areas many of us have is undoubtedly around our bellies. Belly fat often seems to be the quickest to burgeon and slowest to go away.

Unfortunately, studies show belly fat increases the risk of things like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also can be uncomfortable and make finding clothes that fit challenging.

Thankfully, there is good news for those of us who want to target this problematic area — and the solution may lie in boosting this carbohydrate. 

7 Heart-Pumping YouTube Dance Workouts

by Caitlin H,

Apr 15, 2024

If you’re looking for a fun fitness form that engages your entire body — and your mind! — look no further than dancing.

Dancing is one of the best heart-pumping ways to torch calories while simultaneously improving muscle tone, strength, balance, core strength, and joint health. Plus, your mind stays engaged and sharp as it learns choreography and keeps pace with the steps.

What’s more: This well-rounded, full-body workout is actually fun! Time flies as you whirl around and step to the beats, ensuring you’re not staring at the clock and watching the minutes tick by until the workout ends.

Ready to give it a shot?

Diet Derailed? Bounce Back With These Effective Strategies

by Caitlin H,

Apr 8, 2024

Many of us set out on a weight loss journey with all the passion, commitment, and dedication we need to succeed.

But then a day comes where we inevitably fall off the wagon and relapse into old poor eating habits, forgo our fitness classes, and just, kind of, give up.

What can you do to make it easier to jump back up on the wagon?

Our 8 Favorite Spring Side Dishes

by Caitlin H,

Apr 1, 2024

There’s something special about enjoying brightly colored food that looks just as pretty as the flowers, fruits, and veggies that sprout in spring.

Take advantage of this bountiful season by creating one of our 8 favorite spring side dishes — delicious items like roasted carrots, avocado deviled eggs, pasta salad, and more — all of which you can bring to any upcoming event to leave your guests feeling satisfied and asking for more.

Healthy Meal Delivery Works Best for These Types of People

by Caitlin H,

Mar 25, 2024

The healthy prepared meal delivery market has exploded in recent years. This market consists of companies that send customers fresh or frozen prepared meals that are individually portioned and aim to support a healthy diet. Most providers offer a range of meal plans for unique diets, such as vegetarian, low-carb, calorie-controlled, Mediterranean, and more. Convenience and the time-saving aspect of the meals are likely significant factors pushing the industry’s growth.

So, what types of people can potentially gain the most from freshly prepared, healthy meals delivered right to their door?

How to Enjoy Restaurants and Parties While Losing Weight

by Caitlin H,

Mar 18, 2024

Undertaking a weight loss journey means adjusting your diet and focusing on eating healthy meals. It also may mean incorporating regular fitness routines into your daily schedule. And it always means dedication and a commitment to a better lifestyle.

While there will be challenges along the way, one of the most significant you’ll likely face is navigating familiar social situations that typically involve eating out and diet-derailing food. The people who successfully lose weight learn how to navigate these social situations in a classy way that keeps them on track. And we can all learn something from how they do it.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake with These Tips

by Caitlin H,

Mar 11, 2024

Sugary foods are prevalent in our world. A staggering number of the packaged foods and beverages purchased by U.S. households contained added sugars. In addition, a large percentage of U.S. food supply products contain either caloric or low-calorie sweeteners.

With sugar being so prevalent in regularly purchased products, it may seem impossible to escape consuming high-sugar foods regularly, which can be problematic for your health. Experts say that eating foods with too much sugar can cause a host of issues.

So how can you reduce the amount of sugar you’re eating?

Feeling Down? Remedies to Improve Your Mood

by Caitlin H,

Mar 4, 2024

This is often the time of year when many of us are counting down the days until daylight saving brings us longer days and spring brings warmer weather. Sometimes, the wait also brings with it feeling incredibly down, sad, and perhaps even depressed. And that’s more than understandable.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to improve your mood and combat depression. Here are seven effective mood remedies backed by science.

What Happens to Your Body When You Lose 10 Pounds?

by Caitlin H,

Feb 26, 2024

When it comes to losing weight, there’s a certain exhilaration that hits you when you get on the scale and see that your first 10 pounds are gone.*

For people trying to lose 50 pounds or more, that first 10 pounds is a significant milestone. You’ll probably feel excited, flushed, and — hopefully — proud of your success. It’s confirmation that you can — and will — reach your goals.

And while the mental and emotional benefits are worth paying attention to, the physical benefits of losing 10 pounds are also quite impressive.

We broke down seven things that happen to your body immediately after losing 10 pounds — changes to keep top of mind along with the well-earned exhilaration to keep you motivated and going strong.

Diet and weight talk is all around us! While we can do our best to change the subject or leave the room, it can also help to build resilience to that rhetoric. Sharing three tips on the blog today to become more resilient to diet talk!

Diet culture is the sea we are swimming in. And like a fish who doesn’t recognize it’s in the water because that’s all it knows, we too can become unaware of the reality surrounding us.

Once folks learn about diet culture and develop an understanding of it, many people share a common experience of seeing and hearing it everywhere. It can often feel kinda overwhelming and hard to manage.

There are tangible ways to handle this like changing the subject, leaving the room, or setting a boundary, which I talk about in my post on 3 ways to navigate diet talk, but what about the inner work?

How do we develop a greater capacity for tolerating the discomfort that comes along with hearing this? How do we stay sturdy within ourselves so we don’t internalize what’s coming into our sphere?

The answer lies in building resilience.

What is resilience anyway?

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resilience as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Some folks may be more apt to being resilient than others based on their ability to cope, resources in place, and how they view the world. But it’s not that you’re either born resilient or not.

According to the APA, research shows us that resilience can be practiced and cultivated with various resources and skills.

So yes, with time and practice and intentionality, you can strengthen your resilience muscle!

3 tips for building resilience to diet talk

1. Build or lean on your non-diet community.

Connection is key for building resilience. It’s hard to do radical, counter-cultural work on your own – it can feel super lonely and isolating. It can make you question whether or not you’re on the right path.

Connect with people who are understanding and empathetic to how challenging it is to choose to heal your relationship with food in a culture that praises weight loss and prioritizes dieting. Having a few trustworthy friends who can validate your feelings around frustration or grief that your officemates were talking about their weight loss challenge at the lunch table again can help you build resilience.

If you don’t have anyone in your life who’s on this path, you’re not alone! Many people who find their way to intuitive eating don’t know anyone else who is choosing a different path. You could try searching for a support group that might meet your needs. There are non-diet, intuitive eating support groups, there are support groups for folks in larger bodies navigating living in an anti-fat culture. There are hiking groups for fat folks.

If you’re working 1:1 with a clinician who specializes in a weight-inclusive, non-diet or intuitive eating approach, they will likely have recommendations for local support groups for you.

2. Get clear on your values.

Values are like an internal compass that help give your life direction and meaning. They can help pull you toward a more rich and meaningful life.

Having a clear set of values can also help you stay rooted and grounded when diet and weight loss talk is all around you.

You can say to yourself something like “that path doesn’t align with my values of compassion, authenticity, trust, and acceptance.”

Then you can take action from a place of your values rather than letting someone else’s actions persuade you.

Have you ever done a values exercise? It’s one of my favorite activities to do with clients.

To discover your own values, consider buying a values card deck or for an easier and more cost-effective route, google “values list” and print one out! Not every set of values will look the same and they never will be exhaustive so feel free to add your own if you feel like something is missing.

Once you have your values list, try to narrow down your personal values to a top 10 list. And then a top 5 list! Maybe even a top 3 list.

Maybe you ask yourself:

Is this diet and weight loss rhetoric moving me in the direction of my values or away from my values?

How do these top values relate to my desired relationship with food and body?

3. Take action toward your goals.

Making progress toward your goals, however big or small, can feel empowering and can help cultivate feelings of resilience.

This also helps orient you toward your purpose or set of values. Maybe self-care is a value and so one of your goals is eating regularly throughout the day.

Taking action toward that goal could look like:

setting reminders on your phone every few hours to eat

writing out a grocery list to go shopping

Getting foods in the house that are easily accessible / don’t require much effort to make

When you hear someone talking about how they lost 5 pounds, rather than internalizing that and wondering if you should be working on that too, ask yourself what are the goals I’m working on right now, and can I take one small step toward that goal today?

Remember, developing resilience is a practice that takes time, effort, and intention. Be patient with yourself if diet and weight loss talk still triggers you. Take care of yourself in the ways that you need to in the meantime, meaning feel free to step away from the conversation or set a boundary.

And of course, our team would love to further support you on your journey. Click here to book a nutrition assessment today.

Tell me in the comments below, how do you develop resilience to diet and weight loss comments?

For more on a non-diet approach, check out my posts below:

3 Tips to Improve Body Image

5 Tips to Break the Binge-Restrict Cycle

What is the Hunger Fullness Scale?

The Science on Dieting and Weight Loss

Asian Chicken Salad (High in Protein And Fiber)

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Roll cameras and action! Eminence Organic Skin Care is thrilled to hear about the latest blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman as well as Eminence Organics fan Morena Baccarin. Our products have been the go-to for many superhero actors and even worked their movie magic in the makeup trailers of film sets like X-Men: Apocalypse and Captain America: Civil War. Find out which stars have enjoyed our products both on and off the silver screen.

Morena Baccarin

Deadpool & Wolverine star Morena Baccarin shines in the latest Marvel installment alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. This action-packed film was primarily shot in Vancouver, coincidentally in the same city as the Eminence Organics Central Office.

Morena spoke to The New York Post about her essential beauty products for her time on the road. With her busy schedule promoting the record-breaking Marvel movie, she shared that the Eminence Organics Facial Recovery Oil is a must-have in her beauty routine: “It is an amazing toning and hydrating oil. And for every product you buy [Eminence Organics] plant a tree!”

Hugh Jackman and Michael Fassbender

We were thrilled to see A-list actor and long-time Eminence Organics fan Hugh Jackman also featured in the latest Deadpool & Wolverine movie. We have had the pleasure of meeting Hugh and Michael Fassbender on the set of X-Men and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

The Wolverine and Magneto actors loved our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist and the Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%. For the filming of X-Men: Apocalypse, Michael added more from the Stone Crop line, including our Stone Crop Gel Wash and Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer. 

We wish Hugh Jackman the best of luck with his new movie and are delighted that his skin looks better than ever.

Rose Byrne

The elegant Rose Byrne was another star from the X-Men series, with the role of CIA agent Moira MacTaggart in X-Men: Apocalypse. A big fan of our skin care, including our Calm Skin Arnica Booster-Serum, Rose wrote to us, saying, “Thank you so much for my incredible facial and all your beautiful products. They are just so beautiful! Thank you!!” 

Evan Peters 

As speedy superhero Quicksilver, Evan Peters (American Horror Story: Hotel) became a fan favorite in the X-Men series. Evan used our products on the set of X-Men: Apocalypse and personally appreciated our organic, earth-friendly policies. He told us: “ Thanks for making wonderful products and for making the world a better place.” Evan swears by our Clear Skin line, using our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer, Clear Skin Probiotic Masque and also our Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum.

Jeremy Renner

Straight shooter Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner made a guest appearance in the Captain America movie, Civil War. No spoilers on which side won him over in this Marvel universe flick but, when it comes to skin care, we do know he’s had the pleasure of trying our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser.

Do you share a product favorite with one of these A-list stars? Let us know in the comments below. 

by Caitlin H,

May 13, 2024

Food cravings are a part of life.

Whether you find your mind wandering to how nice it would be to enjoy a favorite baked good or feel an insatiable need for a childhood staple, cravings are real.

For some people, they’re harmless. But for others, they can quickly get out of hand, leading to overeating and excess calories that derail weight loss plans and make achieving goals pretty darn impossible.

Let’s dive deeper into food cravings — their causes, how analyzing them may help us explore ourselves on a deeper level, and how to manage them.
 

What Causes Food Cravings?

Food cravings are caused by various factors — sometimes physical, and sometimes mental. They can even signal an underlying medical condition, so it’s best not to ignore them.
 

Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep can disrupt your hormone balance, making it more challenging to regulate hunger and fullness.

Lack of Nutrients: If you’re not getting filling nutrients like protein and fiber, you may experience cravings even if you’re taking in recommended daily calories.

Hunger and Fullness Hormone Disruption: Certain people may have an imbalance of leptin and ghrelin, causing them to experience food cravings more often than others.

Lack of Hydration: Drinking enough water and other healthy fluids is essential to staving off cravings.

Pregnancy: Pregnant women often experience hormonal changes that influence taste and smell, causing more intense cravings.

Exercise: Believe it or not, increasing your level of exercise may help reduce food cravings. On the flip side, not exercising may cause a spike in cravings.
 

Stress and Anxiety: Constant worrying and feeling stretched thin tends to cause stress levels to spike, which in turn increases your cortisol production. Studies have linked higher levels of cortisol to binge-eating behaviors.

Your State of Mind: For some, feeling down or sad can trigger cravings. For others, feeling happy and exuberant can do the same.

Mental Context: Your mind may associate certain foods with specific situations, such as a corn dog at a fair. The next time the situation arises, you may find yourself craving the food you’ve already associated with it.

Personality: Some studies have linked food addiction and cravings to certain personality types, such as those who are more impulsive or those who have traits associated with addictive personalities.
 

An Intuitive Approach

It can feel tempting to take a restrictive approach to managing cravings, but that’s unlikely to work in the long run. Instead, taking an intuitive approach by analyzing what’s behind your cravings can ultimately lead to long-term successful outcomes, rather than trying to restrict yourself constantly.

Here are some concrete steps you can take to do just that.
 

Whenever a craving arises, pause and sit with the sensation, trying to understand what’s going on in your day that led to it. Focus on the five senses:
 

Where is the feeling in your body?
What sensations, memories, or mental images are you experiencing?
Where is the craving coming from?

Taking time to explore your triggers is the best first step to deciding whether you need this food or can go without it.
 

Next, ask yourself if you can take another approach to deal with the craving rather than giving in to it. Examples include:
 

Drinking water
Going for a walk
Calling a family member or friend
Napping
Taking a bath
Reading a book

Replacing the thought of food with an experience may make the craving less intense.
 

There was a time when your body naturally told you when you were full, and you stopped eating. As we grow up, some of us lose that ability and instead allow our food addiction to take the steering wheel.

Instead, focus on your belly’s sensations: Is it full? Empty? Does it feel warm? Cold? Think about it and anything that comes to mind — there are no wrong answers here.

As you focus on it, take some deep breaths for a few minutes and feel whether you want to eat the food you’re craving. Whether you do or don’t, it’s fine.

These steps help you listen to your body and trust it’s working for you.
 

The more you practice the two steps above each time you get a craving, the better you’ll be able to recognize your body’s natural cues.

Recognizing your body’s natural cues allows you to block out the constant clutter and messaging society throws out, instead getting in touch with your unique triggers and desires.
 

Cravings are natural for everyone, but if you’ve associated them with unhealthy eating habits or feeling sick in the past, it can lead to being afraid you’ll lose control whenever they arrive.

Instead, embrace them. Recognize they will be a part of your life and may indicate a need or allow you to learn about yourself.
 

Taking all the steps above can set you up for success in seeing if there’s something else you can try to mitigate the craving instead.

This is extremely personal for everyone and can be any number of things, such as love, acceptance, friendship, rest, intimacy, and more.
 

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, taking the time to ask what’s going on and slowing down to explore the cravings on a deeper level is a powerful way to learn about yourself and take the steps necessary to manage those cravings for life.
 

 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

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Being passionate about skin care means my quest for the perfect daily SPF is practically never-ending. While many sunscreens are effective, finding one that includes everything I’m looking for isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. For me, a tinted formula that offers broad-spectrum protection is a non-negotiable. As the Digital Content Writer at Eminence Organic Skin Care, I have the opportunity to try a wide range of skin care products. When I was gifted the Daily Defense Tinted SPF, I was excited to explore its potential benefits and see how it would fit into my skin care routine. Here’s how it went.

A Quick Reminder That SPF Is Essential

Let’s talk about why SPF should be your skin care BFF. Defending your skin against sun damage is one of the most effective ways to slow down the visible signs of aging and keep your skin firm and healthy. By now, we (probably) all know the drill about SPF, but misconceptions about sunscreens being thick and greasy can scare many people away from using them regularly. Here are a few reasons why incorporating sunscreens into your daily routine is a game-changer:

Prevents Premature Aging: Think of SPF as your shield against premature wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. Regular use helps keep your skin firm and youthful by protecting it from harmful UV rays that break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining a firm-looking complexion.
Lowers Skin Cancer Risk: Consistent use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These lesions are often caused by sun exposure, so layering on the sunscreen is a simple step with big benefits.
Protects Against Sunburn: One of the immediate benefits of using SPF is its ability to prevent sunburn. Sunburn not only causes immediate pain and discomfort but also increases the risk of skin cancer and contributes to long-term skin damage, such as saggy or wrinkled skin. 

With these reasons in mind, I decided to try the Daily Defense Tinted SPF to see how it fits into my routine and to experience it firsthand.

Applying the Daily Defense Tinted SPF

I started incorporating the Daily Defense Tinted SPF as the finishing step in my morning skin care routine. One of the features that immediately caught my attention was its SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection that provides a reliable shielding effect from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This tinted SPF also contains a unique blend of mineral-derived compounds designed to add a subtle, even-toned glow to the complexion so I was curious to see if it worked well for me.

Following the instructions on the packaging, I shook the bottle before applying 1/4 tablespoon of this SPF evenly across my face and neck. The lightweight formula pleasantly surprised me, and I found it blending seamlessly into my skin without a greasy residue. The subtle tint also helped to even out minor imperfections, making my skin look fresh and healthy. 

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours is essential for continuous protection. But on those days when my skin is exposed to pollutants, sweat or debris, the Eminence Organics Product Support Team reminded me to cleanse and refresh my skin before reapplying. This quick three to four-step routine ensures the SPF stays effective without trapping any impurities underneath, which may result in clogged pores. Please note that when I say a “quick three to four-step routine,” I mean a simplified skin care routine to keep your skin refreshed before reapplying SPF. This might include:

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to wash away dirt and impurities.
Tone: Apply a refreshing toner to balance your skin’s pH.
Moisturize: Use a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Reapply SPF: Finally, reapply 1/4 tablespoon of your Daily Defense Tinted SPF to your face and neck to maintain protection.

A routine similar to this helps the skin to remain clean and fresh, preventing any trapped impurities beneath the SPF layer while maintaining effective sun protection. 

Testing The Daily Tinted SFP: The Results

Since I was heading to the lake for the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to give the Daily Defense Tinted SPF a longer test run. On a scorching 86-degree day (30-degree Celsius), I spent my time swimming, paddleboarding and lounging on the sand. I made sure to reapply every two hours, or immediately after each dip in the water. The sunscreen provided excellent protection without feeling heavy or greasy. The tint gave my skin an even, natural glow, keeping my complexion radiant throughout the day. This was especially appreciated on lake days when I didn’t feel like applying makeup to have it washed away immediately. I felt confident and protected, knowing my skin was well-shielded from the sun’s harmful rays, allowing me to enjoy my weekend worry-free.

The initial apprehension about it being thick and oily was completely dispelled. I was also worried about how the product would blend in with my skin. Instead, I found the tinted formula provided natural-looking coverage that evened out my skin tone and blurred out some of the dry patches on my skin. 

Ingredients That Make a Difference

Curious about what makes the Daily Defense Tinted SPF so effective, I took a closer look at its key ingredients. One major asset? It’s an all-mineral sunscreen, meaning that the sun-blocking minerals sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, which reduces the likelihood of clogged pores or skin irritation. Unlike chemical sunscreens that get absorbed, the minerals in this formula provide a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.

Zinc Oxide: A natural mineral that blocks UVA and UVB rays, providing broad-spectrum protection.
Rosemary Extract: Rich in antioxidants, this extract helps protect the skin from drying environmental stressors.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil: A botanical emollient that maintains hydration, supports the skin’s moisture barrier and visibly minimizes the look of dark spots.
Jojoba Seed Oil: An emollient and source of vitamin E, known for nourishing the skin.
Aloe Leaf Juice: Derived from the leaves of the aloe plant, it hydrates and softens the look of the skin.
Rice Bran Extract: A powerful antioxidant that brightens and improves the overall appearance of the skin.

Final Verdict

The Daily Defense Tinted SPF provides excellent sun protection, but it also enhances my skin’s appearance with its lightweight, tinted formula. It has debunked the myths I was holding onto that say SPF products are thick and oily, proving that a good sunscreen can be a seamless part of your daily regimen. This product has earned a permanent spot in my morning skin care routine, ensuring my skin stays protected and radiant every day.

Have you tried the Daily Defense Tinted SPF? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on social media.

For those of you who have dry skin, using a heavy, rich, and thick moisturizer seems like the obvious choice to provide much-needed moisture. But what if you are using what feels like a good moisturizer, yet your skin is still dry, flaky, or even itchy? The reason for this may be that you are using a poorly formulated moisturizer.

Finding the right moisturizer to hydrate dry skin lies in the ingredients used in the formula – ones that actually repair what causes dry skin. There have been many breakthroughs in the science of moisture retention and it all comes down to choosing the right ingredients.

Let’s take a look at what causes dry skin, the ingredients to look for, which ones to avoid, and how to choose the best moisturizer for dry skin.

What Causes Dry Skin and How Does a Good Moisturizer Help?

The first thing you should know is that dry skin is different than dehydrated skin in that it lacks oil—not water. Since the skin relies on oil to retain moisture, lacking it means you have a compromised skin barrier. Translation? Your skin starts to exhibit all the negative characteristics of dry skin you’re already familiar with, including texture issues and advanced signs of aging. Dry skin can also act more sensitive due to the disruption in your skin barrier. When healthy, this barrier acts as a shield to keep irritants out.

It’s fairly easy to tell if you have dry skin based on how it looks and feels. Generally speaking, dry skin will have a rough texture, minimal breakout activity, small-to-medium pore size, and increased sensitivity and redness. Often, people who have dry skin struggle with a dull complexion, which is why I recommend using energizing products to boost circulation (such as the Energy Boosting Toner). 

By finding a good moisturizer, you can not only nourish the skin, but also form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and external irritants from penetrating. They can also help soothe irritation and itchiness associated with tight, dry skin.

If you’re still unsure of whether or not you have dry skin, I encourage you to take the Skin Type Quiz. It’s the easiest way to learn about your skin type. Just answer a few simple questions, and it will give you an accurate result, along with personalized product recommendations.

What is a damaged lipid barrier?

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keep moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation).

To repair dry, flaky skin, look for the following soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients when choosing a moisturizer.

Best Skincare Ingredients that Help Repair Dry Skin

Plant Oils

Remember how I said dry skin lacks oil? An easy way to give it what it needs is to use skincare products that contain certain plant oils. Personally, I love jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, and borage seed oil. They’re full of fatty acids that can help support and repair the lipids in the moisture barrier. Other great options include:

Bois De Rose OilCarrot OilEvening Primrose OilCranberry OilSunflower OilSoybean OilSafflower OilSweet Almond OilCanola OilSesame Seed Oil 

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that play a large role in supporting the moisture barrier. They act as a skin protectant and moisturizer, which is why you’ll often find them in restorative products formulated for sensitive skin types.

You can find ceramides in the Pure Radiance Creme Masque. I formulated this mask with a combination of moisturizing plant oils to leave dry skin smooth, supple, and comfortable.

Linoleic/Linolenic Acids

These essential fatty acids are key components of the skin’s natural barrier, helping to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, improve hydration, reduce inflammation, and make skin softer and smoother overall. 

Squalane

This ingredient is fantastic for keeping skin moisturized, as it not only mimics the natural oils that our skin produces, but also is a lightweight way to boost hydration. It absorbs quickly, is non-comedogenic, and provides additional antioxidant properties as well.

Linoleic Acid

This omega-6 fatty acid acts as a building block for the lipids that form the skin’s protective layer, preventing moisture loss and protecting from irritants.

Tocopheryl Linoleate

A form of vitamin E, this is particularly helpful not only in providing a boost of hydration, but also protecting the skin from environmental aggressors and soothing dry, irritated skin.

Phytosterols

Essentially, these help restore and maintain the skin’s barrier by mimicking the skin’s natural lipids, locking in hydration, and reducing inflammation, keeping skin balanced.

Shea Butter

This ingredient is a botanical extract that acts as an emollient, meaning it softens the skin and seals in moisture. It’s barrier-repairing and skin-protecting, and it’s considered safe for sensitive skin types since it’s known to soothe irritation.

You can find shea butter in multiple Renée Rouleau moisturizers.

These ingredients will correct both the lack of oil and lack of hydration deep within your skin and actually repair the skin’s lipid moisture barrier to make your skin moist, supple, and smooth. It’s a fact that hydrated skin is healthy skin, so start looking at your ingredient labels to find the perfect moisturizer for your dry, flaky skin.

Other Ingredients that Repair Your Skin Barrier

There are many more barrier-repair ingredients, but the ones listed above are some of the more common moisturizing agents and the ones I like to use in the Renée Rouleau product line. 

Best Overall Moisturizer for Dry, Flaky Skin

When it comes to dry skin, there are two superstar moisturizers that come to mind.

For dull skin in need of a boost, there’s nothing better than Glow Enhancing Creme. This luxurious cream formulation delivers vital lipid rich oils to repair the skin’s damaged moisture barrier. This cream will hydrate and plump skin.

If your dryness stems from retinol or retinoid-use, over-exfoliation, laser treatments, chemical peels, accutane, eczema, or rosacea, then I highly recommend Phytolipid Comfort Creme. This is the perfect way to restore and calm the skin. Using an age-defying formula with advanced moisturizing lipids and calming plant extract, this effectively makes skin less dry and sensitive over time.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

For those of you with sensitive, breakout-prone skin, it’s best to seek out lightweight, oil-free moisturizers, like Skin Recovery Lotion. This moisturizer uses water-binding hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to address all symptoms of a compromised barrier, including dehydration, flaking, and redness caused by harsh acne treatments.

If you only experience the occasional breakout but are looking for hydration and anti-aging results, Sheer Moisture Lotion is the perfect choice. Using time-released antioxidants and niacinamide, this high-performance lotion offers brightening benefits, exceptional hydration, and leaves skin feeling plump, without clogging pores.

Using a Skin Oil for Dry Skin

If you prefer using a skin oil for your dry, flaky skin, that is totally fine. As the Head of New Product Development at Renée Rouleau Skin Care, I am happy to share that we have something special in the works… Stay tuned!

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid if Your Skin is Dry

It’s just as important to know which ingredients to avoid when caring for dry skin. Here are a few I suggest staying away from…

Drying Alcohols

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I dislike drying alcohol ingredients, like SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, and Isopropyl Alcohol. These are found in many skincare products, but I can’t stand to see them in toners. That’s because toners are meant to hydrate the skin, and these ingredients can strip moisture and cause excess dryness. It doesn’t make much sense, does it? That’s why all Renée Rouleau toners are alcohol-free!

The only exception to this rule is acne spot treatments. Sometimes, these drying ingredients can be beneficial for drying out blemish-causing bacteria. Since dry skin types have minimal breakout activity in the first place, I’d recommend avoiding them.

Sulfates

Sulfates are used as cleansing agents, which is why they’re commonly found in cleansers. Like the aforementioned alcohols, sulfates can strip too much moisture from the skin, causing dryness. That’s why I recommend avoiding skincare products that list ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate on their labels.

Be sure to avoid any product that leaves your skin feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredients Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, as these only further damage the skin’s barrier. If you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping moisture out of the skin, which is the worst thing you can do for dry skin.

All Renée Rouleau cleansers are sulfate-free so you can rest assured they won’t strip moisture from your skin!

Moisturizers Don’t Have To Be Greasy!

Surprisingly, a moisturizer for dry skin doesn’t need to be greasy, oily or even thick. If you have used any of the Renée Rouleau moisturizers, you may notice that the ones for dry skin aren’t really that heavy.

Many of my clients think they need something with a greasier texture, but this is simply not the solution. What is important is that it is loaded with a blend of barrier-repairing ingredients that, with continued use, will help the skin retain its moisture. This will alleviate any tightness and flakiness due to dryness, instead leaving skin moist, supple, and perfectly hydrated.

Also, note that humectant ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, sorbitol, urea, and sodium PCA all help to attract water from the dermis into the epidermis, which is a good thing, but these alone will not solve dry skin.

Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

When it comes to dry, flaky skin, exfoliation is very important and is a part of a skin care routine that shouldn’t be overlooked. Dry skin often accumulates dead skin cells, causing that flaky texture that so many of us experience. Removing this buildup will leave your skin visibly brighter and smoother, allowing hydrating serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.