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Gluten Free Christmas Cookies

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When the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said: “Change is the only constant in life,” maybe he knew that TikTok was coming. After all, in this world of viral trends and beauty blogs, it seems we are always changing things up in our routines — revamping our skin and body care habits, introducing new food recipes and trying out the latest beauty products. While these changes can level things up in our lives, there are situations where that new skin care product, food or routine could be the source of unwanted skin reactions. Let’s examine the range of reactions that can occur with changes in our routines and identify which are typical and harmless and which might be signs of a more significant concern.

Skin Care Products | Dietary Changes | Weather | New Ingredients | Stress

Is My Skin Reacting? 5 Triggers That Cause Reactions

When it comes to reactions that show up on the body, some are instant and obvious and others can take longer to appear. While an immediate reaction can be jarring, it can make for an easier diagnosis. For example, if you try a new food one night and wake up swollen or itchy the next morning, there’s a good chance you can trace the reaction back to that food. Other reactions can be more sneaky, showing up days or even weeks into a new routine. 

Signs can vary but often appear on the skin in the form of a rash or cracked skin, redness, swelling, stinging, burning, raised bumps, flaky skin or breakouts. Sometimes the reaction coincides with pain or itching, but not always. Let’s do a deep dive into the different things that can cause skin to react, how to spot reactions and when to seek help.

1. Reactions To Skin Care Products

With so many skin care and beauty products out there, it’s tempting to switch things up and try whatever is new or viral. After all, if people are talking about it, then it must be good, right? Unfortunately, just because a skin care product becomes popular, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. 

Some of the reactions that are common with new skin care products include redness, irritation, itching and acne breakouts. These can be caused by a number of things including:

If your skin reacts badly to a beauty product, your first instinct is probably to stop using it immediately. However, there are certain products that might cause skin to react temporarily. This is where some sleuthing can come in. Take a peek at the ingredients — maybe you’ve reacted to something in the past and this is a reminder that your body doesn’t agree with that ingredient. Eminence Organic Skin Care products are made without many of the synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation and reactions as we uphold our mission of using the best organic and Biodynamic® ingredients. A reminder to always read the label or ingredients list before trying a new product.  

And be mindful of what the reaction is. If it’s swelling, pain and redness, your best bet is to stop use immediately and consult your dermatologist. If the new product causes your skin to break out, maybe you’re just purging. If there’s mild redness and peeling, same idea (hello, retinol) and your skin may just need a couple of weeks to get used to the new product or ingredient. If the breakout is around your mouth, it could be perioral dermatitis (more on that later) and you may need treatment.

Always do a patch test before trying a new product and definitely err on the side of caution and contact your doctor if you’re unsure. As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all diagnosis. 

2. Reactions to Dietary Changes

Food reactions, which often manifest on the skin, can be uncomfortable and annoying. This happens whether you’re experiencing a negative response to a new food, or gradually realizing that a certain food doesn’t suit your body chemistry.

Tingling or itching in the mouth can be a telltale sign that all is not well, as can a raised, red itchy rash on the body, the face or the scalp, or swelling of the eyes or lips. While food reactions are generally mild and go away when you stop eating the food, any extreme reactions like breathing difficulties, extreme swelling and light-headedness should be treated as emergencies. 

When it comes to these skin reactions, your best bet is to avoid the foods. Some common triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs and soy, and it’s worth getting tested (or doing an elimination diet) to get to the root cause of the issue. 

What you eat can show up on your skin in other ways too. Some foods are inflammatory (sugar, wheat, dairy and salt, among others) and reducing intake can cause a reduction in puffiness and flaky skin. Eating a balanced diet — filled with good fats from salmon, nuts, seeds and avocados, lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins — is the best way to maintain the look of healthy, glowing skin (in other words, your skin is reacting in a good way). And don’t forget to drink enough water. 

3. Reactions To Weather 

If you’ve ever had a sunburn in the summer or dry, itchy skin in the winter, your skin has reacted to weather. While usually these reactions are easy to identify, they can be dangerous and you’re better off avoiding them altogether if possible. 

Too much time in the sun with too little sunscreen can result in an almost immediate redness, swelling, followed by blistering of the skin, itch and peeling. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.” And don’t forget, you can also get a sunburn when it’s cloudy out. This is your reminder to wear SPF all year long, even indoors, and cover the skin with protective clothing — especially when spending time outdoors in the hot sun. 

If you’re faced with a sunburn, our Product Support Team has some recommendations for ingredients that can help soothe, calm and treat the skin. Aloe vera, stone crop and botanical hyaluronic acid are soothing and moisturizing for dry, irritated skin. Vitamins C and E are important for sun damaged skin relief and recovery. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage, preventing damage caused by UV rays. Vitamin E visibly diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin texture. Chamomile and echinacea are known to provide relief for sunburned skin, and coconut oil has moisturizing, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

While hot sun can cause your skin to react, the opposite end of the spectrum, cold weather, can do a number on it as well. Cold air can leave skin dry, chapped and even cracked. And indoor heating and hot baths can further strip moisture from the skin. To combat the dryness and other issues that come up during the winter, treat your skin with hydration and exfoliate to get rid of dry, flaky skin. Find a whole winter skin care routine here.

4. Reactions To New Ingredients

Sometimes the smallest tweak to your routine can cause a reaction. Something as simple as a new laundry detergent or toothpaste could send your skin into a tizzy. Certain ingredients just don’t work for some people, so it’s important to consider that if a reaction seems to come out of nowhere. If a reaction happens in a certain area, consider any changes you may have made. A new toothpaste, irritants from shaving cream and even certain types of chewing gum can bring on a condition called perioral dermatitis, a red rash that can appear around the mouth. Often mistaken for acne, this unsightly and often painful condition could be a reaction. If you can trace a breakout to a new product, cease and desist immediately and symptoms should clear up. If not, see your dermatologist to discuss treatments. 

Body washes, lotions and laundry detergents often contain additives and chemicals like preservatives, parabens, colors, emulsifiers and fragrance that can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions that present as itching, hives or rashes. Always read product labels before trying new things and rest assured that Eminence Organics products are free of animal by-products, petroleum, propylene glycol, harmful fragrances and colorants and parabens. Another common ingredient that can cause or exacerbate the condition is SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which is used in many facial cleansers. Eminence products contain no SLS, so making the switch to one of our organic cleansers can be a good first step. 

If your skin is reacting and you’re not sure of the cause, consult with your dermatologist to get to the root cause or if you suspect an allergic reaction. 

5. Reactions To Stress 

Much of what we know about how stress affects the body is via symptoms like elevated heart rate, stiff or tense muscles, low energy and digestive issues. But stress also plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels, whether you experience tension on a chronic level or not. There are a few ways it can show up — from irritation and rashes to eczema, dry skin, acne and dark circles under the eyes. The best way to combat stress in your life is to address it from all angles. Meditation and yoga can help, as can exercise and a healthy diet filled with non-inflammatory foods and lots of water! When stress shows up on skin, it’s important to look into which aspects of your life might be contributing and see what tweaks you can make — after all, health is about the full body, inside and out.

Are you dealing with skin reactions and not sure what is causing them? For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

The ultimate vegan loaded sweet potato – packed with kale, black beans, and topped off with a homemade green goddess dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. 

Why I Love This Recipe

This Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato makes a perfect weeknight meal that is healthy, delicious and so easy to make.

It’s both filling and satisfying, made with black beans for a boost of plant-based protein and varying textures and flavors. The sweetness from the sweet potato is balanced by the savory garlicky kale and the tanginess and creaminess from the Green Goddess Dressing. So good! 

Speaking of, I use my homemade Vegan Green Goddess Dressing that’s filled with fresh herbs and silky avocados.

This dressing is hearty, satiating (meaning it’s going to fill you up thanks to the fiber, healthy fats and plant-based protein!), and is the perfect addition to tie the dish together.

If you’re short on time, a store-bought version of a Green Goddess Dressing would be a great substitute. 

This loaded sweet potato can be made for a table of one or for the entire family. It’s one of my go-to weeknight meals for the fall and winter months when I gravitate towards root vegetables and warm, comforting dishes.

Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and those just looking to include more plant-based meals in their week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

sweet potato: rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, potassium, calcium, and fiber. 

olive oil: used to cook the onion, garlic and kale. It’s also a good source of dietary fat and antioxidants.

onion: adds aromatic flavor to the dish.

garlic: also adds a punch of flavor! 

kale: I like using pre-shredded, pre-washed kale to save some time. 

black beans: adds plant-based protein and an earthy, slightly nutty flavor. If you’re using canned black beans (I do!) be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the sweet potato. Feel free to swap them out for a different bean/legume. 

Green Goddess dressing: provides a tangy, bright, creamy flavor. You can use a store-bought version to save time.

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission)

Baking Sheet

How to Make Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato

Bake sweet potatoes. Season potatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil and salt then poke multiple holes into them using a fork. Place potatoes in oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until tender.
Sauté onions and garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in medium saucepan and cook onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add kale and black beans. First, add kale and toss to coat. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook until kale has wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Cook until kale is desired texture, adding more water as needed and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add beans and stir until warmed through.
Assemble sweet potatoes. Cut roasted potatoes in half lengthwise. Top with sautéed kale and beans.
Serve! Drizzle Green Goddess Dressing on top and enjoy. 

Expert Tips

This recipe has several shortcuts you can take to get dinner on the table quickly: 

Use canned black beans instead of dry beans so all you have to do is drain and rinse.
Buy pre-shredded, pre-washed kale from the grocery store that’s ready to use. 
Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Swap the homemade Green Goddess Dressing for a store-bought version or prep the homemade dressing in advance. Pre-made Vegan Green Goddess Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Recipe FAQs

What are good toppings for sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes serve as a great base for both sweet and savory toppings. Some sweet topping ideas are maple syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Savory toppings could include Greek yogurt or sour cream with green onion or chives, salt, pepper and olive oil, melted cheese, shredded meats, legumes, veggies, etc. 

What pairs well with sweet potato?

Sweet potatoes make a great side to a variety of meals like homemade meatloaf, roasted chicken or fish, and just about any veggie or legume. They are also super versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways. 

Do I need to wrap sweet potatoes before roasting?

Nope! All you need to do is make sure you poke some holes in them, rub them with olive oil and season with salt. Some people wrap their potatoes in aluminum foil before baking but this isn’t totally necessary. 

Storage and Preparation

Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can prepare sweet potatoes and dressing ahead of time (up to 3-4 days in advance) and assemble when you’re ready to eat! 

Recipes That Pair Well

Blackened Scallops

Air Fryer Salmon (Fresh or Frozen)

Crispy Thai Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

For more sweet potato inspiration, check out my other recipes below! 

Spicy Creamy Sweet Potato Hummus Soup

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese With Kale (and sage breadcrumbs)

Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Noodles with Sage Cashew Cream Sauce

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

Don’t ever miss a recipe! Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter with a round-up of recipes from the previous month and get my FREE guide when you sign up: Rediscover the Joy in Eating: 5 Simple Steps to Stop Stressing Over Food + Enjoy Every Bite

This recipe was retested, reshot and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and most beautiful) dish! The original post was published October 2014. 

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Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea (Copycat Recipe To Make At Home)

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Pop quiz: What are the two most common ingredients that make up a good moisturizer? Water and oil. This answer may seem deceptively simple, but let’s explore it a little further.

Skin 101

The topmost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, needs to be made up of at least 10% water to look and feel healthy — though 20-30% is ideal. But water, as we know, evaporates easily. That’s where other ingredients like emollients, humectants and occlusives come in. Often made from oil, these ingredients act as a barrier or sealant to lock moisture in the cells to stop water from evaporating. And a well-moisturized stratum corneum can soak up to six times its weight in water, nicely plumping the skin. Water also interacts with enzymes to help skin shed dead cells in an orderly way. Without water, dead cells pile up on the skin, making it red, chapped and rough. Skin that’s not properly moisturized can develop cracks and become itchy, scaly and even painful. So, moisturizing is a must after your daily skin cleansing routine, but how do you know which kind best suits your skin type? Let’s break it down into two categories of moisturizers — gels and creams — and weigh their pros and cons.

Gel Moisturizers | Cream Moisturizers | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Sensitive Skin | Normal Skin 

What Are Gel Moisturizers?

Facial gel moisturizers are lightweight and water-based (and sometimes oil-free … more on that later). They make a nice, smooth base for makeup and feel cool and refreshing when applied to the skin. Absorbent with a non-greasy texture, gel moisturizers are perfect for oily or combination complexions that don’t necessarily need any more oil added topically. If your skin is prone to dehydration, the humectant properties of gel moisturizers make them ideal — they draw water from the surrounding air as well as pulling moisture from deeper down in the skin itself, aka the dermis layer. 

What Are Cream Moisturizers?

Thick and oil-based in composition, creams are intensely hydrating and seal in moisture better and with longer-lasting effect than gels. They can leave oil residue, which is not ideal if your skin already skews oily. Creams are often also enhanced with nourishing, emollient ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which soothes and softens rough, dry skin. This can be especially important if you live in a place with long, cold winters.

What’s The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type? 

Dry

If you have parched skin, oil-free facial gels are probably not your best bet. As mentioned above, they don’t form as effective a barrier to moisture loss as creams do. Look instead for nourishing creams with luxurious emollients, like shea butter, that make your skin feel smoother. A good option for daytime is the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40. Formulated with larch tree, a moisturizing ingredient that shields skin from dehydration and antioxidant-rich lilikoi seed oil, this SPF and moisturizer combo protects and improves the appearance of dry skin in one step.

Another great product for dry skin is the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, which uses coconut water, coconut oil and shea butter to add moisture. A customer, Diana, reviewed it on the website saying: “The coconut moisturizer is amazing … my skin looks great and the fine lines are really hard to see. Love, love, love this product line.”

Oily

While cream moisturizers are perfect for dry skin, they aren’t necessarily the best pick for oilier complexions. Light facial gel moisturizers are better options for skin that is on the oily side, and a good all-over choice is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This vegan gel-cream contains Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that intensely hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. This formula is also made with plant sugars that optimize the skin’s moisture reserve. Another gel moisturizer to try is the dewy, lightweight Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer. It melts into your skin, imbuing it with ingredients like mangosteen fruit extract and pore-minimizing red clover flower extract.

Combination

One strategy is to opt for gel moisturizers on the oily parts of the face and cream moisturizers for dry patches. But if spot treating different areas on the face seems a little high-maintenance, the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer is a good choice for combination complexions and aging skin. Besides bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this moisturizer contains niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier, and panthenol, which hydrates and prevents moisture loss. Happy customer, Emily B., says in a review on our website: “I feel hydrated and glowy all day AND the consistency is lovely under makeup … I’ve been getting compliments on my skin all week!” 

Sensitive

Cream moisturizers with gentle formulations and minimal fragrance should be your go-to if you have sensitive skin. The Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream contains apricot, which replenishes the skin’s barrier, while flax seed moisturizes, hydrates and lubricates. Revitalizing Echinacea Recovery Cream is another good option for sensitive skin types. It moisturizes with replenishing yarrow herb and evening primrose oil. Or try Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, which is formulated with calendula oil and grape leaf extract, plus shea butter that improves the skin’s barrier and protective sunflower oil, chamomile and arnica.

Normal

If you don’t have problematic skin, then choose a gel or cream that suits your skin’s other needs. You might want a moisturizer with age-defying ingredients that plump, firm or heal your skin like the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Or, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF like the Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is a good option to consider for daytime, while the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer makes a great nighttime cream. Don’t forget, you can always choose more than one moisturizer, customizing your ritual to your skin’s changing needs moment by moment.

The most important thing is that you moisturize and that you use a product that fits your skin’s profile. Remember this general rule of thumb: light-as-air gel moisturizers for oily complexions and nourishing, hydrating cream moisturizers for dry. Interested in finding out more? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to help choose the best products for your skin.

20 Healthy Dips (Great For Parties And Holidays) – The Real Food Dietitians

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With age comes experience, wisdom and beauty. We’ve entered a new age of skin care that celebrates the aging process, especially focusing on the needs of mature skin. Instead of concentrating on anti-aging, it’s time to emphasize keeping your skin healthy and radiant, no matter your age. Read on for our guide to embracing aging gracefully with skin care for mature skin.

How Skin Ages | Signs Of Aging | How To Age Gracefully

How Skin Ages

Two Aging Processes

As we get older, our bodies naturally start to age, a process called intrinsic aging. This is a continual mechanism by which our cellular and biological functions slow down. With time, the skin’s strong and flexible matrix begins to weaken and hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen naturally deplete. Intrinsic aging accounts for only 10% of skin changes; the remaining 90% is caused by these external influences which accelerate the aging process. Our bodies are also subject to extrinsic aging, caused by exposure to environmental stressors. These include lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise as well as external factors like pollution, blue light radiation and UV rays from the sun.  ​ 

Free Radicals

How does environmental aging happen? Pollution, blue light and UV rays expose skin to free radicals. Heidi Waldorf, MD likens these highly reactive molecules to “anti-oxygen bombs that trigger inflammation and cascades of damage.” Unchecked, free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages the skin, degrades its structural proteins and leads to premature aging. 

Inflammaging

When the skin is repeatedly exposed to free radicals, a process called inflammaging can kick in. According to our Product Support Representatives: “Inflammaging is a term used to describe aging induced by chronic, persistent, underlying inflammation that ultimately exhausts the skin’s defense system. This weakens skin structure, results in the degradation of collagen and elastin and impairs the skin’s barrier function.” 

Signs Of Aging

As we age, it’s normal for our years to begin to show on our faces. Here are a few signs of aging that develop due to the loss of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin over time.

Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin are essential components that maintain the skin’s youthful, bouncy appearance. But over time, the skin loses its ability to return to its original state. Repeated facial expressions, such as frowning and smiling, stretch the skin. Several factors contribute to this loss of resilience:

Decrease in moisture: The skin dries out and becomes less supple, making it prone to showing lines.
Reduction in structural support: As we age, substances such as collagen that give the skin support and firmness gradually diminish.
Loss of elasticity: Elastin is the protein that allows skin to stretch and snap back, and this also decreases as we age.

As a result of these changes, the skin may show permanent creases, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, such as those seen on the forehead from repeated expressions.

Sagging Skin

As the skin loses strength, it also has more difficulty defying gravity’s pull. Our skin starts to slacken and hang more loosely, especially around the lower face and neck. Eminence Organic Skin Care International Educator, Brian Goodwin, explains: “When the foundation slips, we see jowls form, loosening of the tissue around the eyes and an overall drooped appearance for the entire face.”

Hyperpigmentation

Another sign of aging skin is hyperpigmentation in the form of sun and age spots. In aging skin, these dark spots are typically brought on by years of sun exposure. When faced with UV rays, the skin protects itself by triggering the production of a pigment called melanin. As time passes and the skin’s melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) are stimulated over and over, they start to overproduce and cause deposits of pigment on the skin’s surface.

How To Age Gracefully & Maintain Healthy Skin

While you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can make simple changes that ease the aging process. There are several ways to keep aging skin in good shape, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and using results-oriented skin care. 

Healthy Lifestyle

One of the best ways to minimize the visible signs of inflammaging is to cut down on stress. According to the Huffington Post, studies show that people with high levels of stress have shorter telomeres, which are located at the tips of DNA chromosomes, causing cells to die or become damaged more quickly. Adopting healthy habits like regular exercise, meditation and a sleep schedule can help ease stress and, by extension, slow premature aging. 

Look After Your Mental Health

When we manage stress effectively through practices such as mindfulness, meditation or regular physical activity, our cortisol levels balance out, leading to fewer stress-related breakouts and a more vibrant complexion. 

Balanced Diet

Another way to help your skin age gracefully is to adjust your diet. Sugar, salt and alcohol are key culprits of premature aging and can easily be cut down. Swap in antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and leafy greens to assist your body in fighting free radicals. And, (surprise!) drink plenty of H2O to keep your skin (and body) hydrated and healthy.

Use A Nighttime Skin Care Routine

Did you know that your skin undergoes its most intensive repair process at night? Surprisingly, one way to wake up to smooth-looking skin is by establishing a nighttime routine. During sleep, the skin has the chance to counteract the environmental influences from the day. Our bodies are in repair mode while we sleep, so getting a good night’s rest is imperative to achieving skin that looks and feels healthy.

In addition, our skin experiences transepidermal water loss (TEWL) overnight which can weaken its protective hydrolipid barrier. Night treatments offer a chance to apply moisturizing ingredients topically, preventing water loss and effectively delivering product benefits. Treating your skin to nourishing, hydrating products every evening is ideal since nighttime oil production is two times lower than during the day.

Some of our Monoi Age Corrective Collection products feature an exclusive Argan Stem Cell Complex that unites with antioxidant-rich monoi. The ingredients in this collection work to visibly firm, hydrate and nourish all skin types. Brian recommends incorporating the Monoi Age Corrective Collection in your nighttime regimen for any skin type: “The skin is more receptive to absorbing ingredients at night when the epidermis becomes more penetrable. This factor makes it even more paramount to incorporate hydrating ingredients and protective oils into nighttime routines.” 

Choose Specific Skin Care Ingredients

You can also minimize the visible signs of aging by seeking out potent actives in your skin care. Applying products that restore moisture, deliver antioxidant-rich ingredients and promote health are key to keeping skin looking youthful. Here are a few ingredients to look for when you’re selecting products for your skin care routine:

Our Product Support Representatives recommend the following products, which contain many of the ingredients listed above:

Exfoliation is an important skin care step for reducing the signs of aging and this can be achieved by using the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant. This powder exfoliant is formulated with lactic acid and our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant that removes a buildup of dead skin cells while the Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex contains hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root, offering deep hydration. 

Next, the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is formulated with Vitamin C to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimize the appearance of free radical damage. Vitamin C in this serum is stabilized by botanically-derived ferulic acid which provides antioxidants to brighten the look of the complexion.

Finally, you can use anything from the Marine Flower Peptide Collection to combat the signs of aging. For example, the Marine Flower Peptide Serum rejuvenates the complexion thanks to a Smart Collagen+ Complex as well as the use of an algae extract which increases hydration and improves the look of firmness.

Protect With SPF

Sunscreen is a very effective preventative product for maintaining youthful-looking skin and protecting yourself against health risks associated with sun exposure. By blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancers by up to 50% and also helps mitigate premature skin aging. 

You can help protect your skin from fine lines and wrinkles with our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. This SPF combines bakuchiol with niacinamide to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Explore Face Sculpting Tools 

Does face contouring really work on the visible signs of aging? Absolutely, and we have an in-depth tutorial on how to use face sculpting tools that leave the skin looking dazzling and depuffed. 

Watch our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, as she shows you how to contour your face using ice globes, and find out which products you need for the most effective routine. 

Ready to age gracefully? For a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type, book a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

Loaded Cauliflower Soup Recipe

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Pop quiz: What are the two most common ingredients that make up a good moisturizer? Water and oil. This answer may seem deceptively simple, but let’s explore it a little further.

Skin 101

The topmost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, needs to be made up of at least 10% water to look and feel healthy — though 20-30% is ideal. But water, as we know, evaporates easily. That’s where other ingredients like emollients, humectants and occlusives come in. Often made from oil, these ingredients act as a barrier or sealant to lock moisture in the cells to stop water from evaporating. And a well-moisturized stratum corneum can soak up to six times its weight in water, nicely plumping the skin. Water also interacts with enzymes to help skin shed dead cells in an orderly way. Without water, dead cells pile up on the skin, making it red, chapped and rough. Skin that’s not properly moisturized can develop cracks and become itchy, scaly and even painful. So, moisturizing is a must after your daily skin cleansing routine, but how do you know which kind best suits your skin type? Let’s break it down into two categories of moisturizers — gels and creams — and weigh their pros and cons.

Gel Moisturizers | Cream Moisturizers | Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Sensitive Skin | Normal Skin 

What Are Gel Moisturizers?

Facial gel moisturizers are lightweight and water-based (and sometimes oil-free … more on that later). They make a nice, smooth base for makeup and feel cool and refreshing when applied to the skin. Absorbent with a non-greasy texture, gel moisturizers are perfect for oily or combination complexions that don’t necessarily need any more oil added topically. If your skin is prone to dehydration, the humectant properties of gel moisturizers make them ideal — they draw water from the surrounding air as well as pulling moisture from deeper down in the skin itself, aka the dermis layer. 

What Are Cream Moisturizers?

Thick and oil-based in composition, creams are intensely hydrating and seal in moisture better and with longer-lasting effect than gels. They can leave oil residue, which is not ideal if your skin already skews oily. Creams are often also enhanced with nourishing, emollient ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which soothes and softens rough, dry skin. This can be especially important if you live in a place with long, cold winters.

What’s The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type? 

Dry

If you have parched skin, oil-free facial gels are probably not your best bet. As mentioned above, they don’t form as effective a barrier to moisture loss as creams do. Look instead for nourishing creams with luxurious emollients, like shea butter, that make your skin feel smoother. A good option for daytime is the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40. Formulated with larch tree, a moisturizing ingredient that shields skin from dehydration and antioxidant-rich lilikoi seed oil, this SPF and moisturizer combo protects and improves the appearance of dry skin in one step.

Another great product for dry skin is the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, which uses coconut water, coconut oil and shea butter to add moisture. A customer, Diana, reviewed it on the website saying: “The coconut moisturizer is amazing … my skin looks great and the fine lines are really hard to see. Love, love, love this product line.”

Oily

While cream moisturizers are perfect for dry skin, they aren’t necessarily the best pick for oilier complexions. Light facial gel moisturizers are better options for skin that is on the oily side, and a good all-over choice is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator. This vegan gel-cream contains Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a blend of hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root that intensely hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin. This formula is also made with plant sugars that optimize the skin’s moisture reserve. Another gel moisturizer to try is the dewy, lightweight Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer. It melts into your skin, imbuing it with ingredients like mangosteen fruit extract and pore-minimizing red clover flower extract.

Combination

One strategy is to opt for gel moisturizers on the oily parts of the face and cream moisturizers for dry patches. But if spot treating different areas on the face seems a little high-maintenance, the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer is a good choice for combination complexions and aging skin. Besides bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this moisturizer contains niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier, and panthenol, which hydrates and prevents moisture loss. Happy customer, Emily B., says in a review on our website: “I feel hydrated and glowy all day AND the consistency is lovely under makeup … I’ve been getting compliments on my skin all week!” 

Sensitive

Cream moisturizers with gentle formulations and minimal fragrance should be your go-to if you have sensitive skin. The Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream contains apricot, which replenishes the skin’s barrier, while flax seed moisturizes, hydrates and lubricates. Revitalizing Echinacea Recovery Cream is another good option for sensitive skin types. It moisturizes with replenishing yarrow herb and evening primrose oil. Or try Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, which is formulated with calendula oil and grape leaf extract, plus shea butter that improves the skin’s barrier and protective sunflower oil, chamomile and arnica.

Normal

If you don’t have problematic skin, then choose a gel or cream that suits your skin’s other needs. You might want a moisturizer with age-defying ingredients that plump, firm or heal your skin like the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Or, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF like the Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is a good option to consider for daytime, while the Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer makes a great nighttime cream. Don’t forget, you can always choose more than one moisturizer, customizing your ritual to your skin’s changing needs moment by moment.

The most important thing is that you moisturize and that you use a product that fits your skin’s profile. Remember this general rule of thumb: light-as-air gel moisturizers for oily complexions and nourishing, hydrating cream moisturizers for dry. Interested in finding out more? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to help choose the best products for your skin.

by Caitlin H,

Nov 20, 2023

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults, and doctors for nearly 100 years have studied risk factors to try and mitigate their patients’ risk. One of the primary factors they analyze is cholesterol — HDL, or “healthy,” cholesterol to indicate protection, and LDL, or “lousy” cholesterol to indicate a higher risk.

However, a recent review of previous studies shows that it’s actually more complex than that. The analysis, published in April’s edition of the European Heart Journal, found that cholesterol gathers together in “balls,” which are unique combinations of small and large particle HDLs and LDLs.

“Having lots of Small Particle LDL increases risk for heart attacks, and Large Particle LDL may not be a major risk factor,” said Dr. Gabe Mirkin in a recent post. “Having lots of Large Particle HDL helps to prevent heart attacks and lots of Small Particle HDL may not help to prevent heart attacks.”

Mirkin, a fitness guru, longtime radio host, and sports medicine doctor with more than 50 years of practice, added that people who may be at risk for heart disease should ask their doctors for a blood test measuring for LDL and HDL cholesterol, non–HDL-cholesterol and cholesterol particle size.

“Both a high (>90) and low HDL (<35) cholesterol are associated with increased risk,” Mirkin said.

By learning your cholesterol details, you can work with your doctor to create a plan to lower your chances of getting the disease. In addition to measuring LDLs and HDLs, you can do several other things to mitigate your risk of getting heart disease.
 

1. Create a weight loss plan if needed.

If you have a high BMI, losing weight is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk of getting heart disease. Your weight relative to your height determines your BMI, also called body mass index. BMI is helpful because it shows whether you’re underweight, at a normal weight, overweight, or obese. You can also use our Free Diet Analysis to learn your BMI and get meal plan recommendations from our team of nutritionists.
 

2. Enjoy healthy, wholesome foods regularly.

Consistently eating nutritious meals is vital to living longer. Your meals should contain a balanced portion of protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. If you need help figuring out where to start, Diet-to-Go can help! We offer four menus crafted by chefs and designed by nutritionists. Our Mediterranean menu, particularly, provides a diet high in healthy fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Studies have found that a Mediterranean diet can lead to weight loss, as well as combat heart disease and stroke, and avoid Type 2 diabetes and premature death.
 

3) Quit nicotine.

Nicotine is the addictive substance found in cigarettes, vape devices, snuff, some gums, and more. Scientists say nicotine increases your heart rate and blood pressure and may also harden your arterial walls. Quitting nicotine is essential to heart health.
 

4) Exercise at least five days a week.

Whether you go out for a 20-minute walk, sign up for a fitness class, head to the gym, play a sport, or just do something light like cleaning or gardening, regular exercise can help keep your resting heart lower during the day, which, in turn, can decrease your heart disease risk.
 

5) Don’t drink alcohol every day.

Drinking alcohol excessively can potentially increase your blood pressure and cause weight gain. While the occasional beer, glass of wine, or cocktail is fine, try not to drink every night.
 

Bottom Line

Knowing your specific type of cholesterol, whether HDL or LDL, and its particle size is an excellent first step to determining your heart disease risk factor. Talk to your doctor about your options and what tests are available to you.

In the meantime, try putting the tips above into regular practice so they become a part of your daily life. Doing so will go a long way toward ensuring your heart stays healthy and strong for years to come!
 

 

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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.