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Why are facials necessary? Can the treatment be performed at home by anyone? Actually, there are many techniques in an Eminence Organic Skin Care facial that go far beyond simple cleansing. Incorporating massage, specialized treatments and extractions are just some of the benefits of a spa facial. Learn what is a facial, including four reasons why you should book spa treatments regularly.

What Is A Facial? | Steps In A Treatment | Why Do I Need A Spa Facial? | Difference Between Professional & DIY Facial | How Often Should You Get A Facial?

What is a Facial?

Let’s start out with an obvious question: What is a facial anyway? A facial is a multi-step treatment completed by an esthetician that supercharges your skin care. We asked our Product Support Team to define the process:

“A facial can be a number of things. It can be a deep cleansing pore refining treatment, an anti-aging treat or an hour of relaxation to pamper yourself. It can be a customized skin care treatment to address the individual’s skin concerns, and range from a 20-30 minute peel or express facial to a more luxurious 90-minute treatment.”

Our Product Support Representatives also add:

“The facial itself includes several steps to treat the skin. A facial includes a consultation, usually at the beginning, to fill out any necessary forms and to find out a bit more about your skin, health and any medications you might be taking that could affect the skin. Cleansing, toning, exfoliating, masks, moisturizers and serums are a few things you can expect from a basic facial. Eminence facials can incorporate our Hungarian massage techniques, promoting circulation to leave the skin with a clear, glowing complexion.”

Steps In A Facial Treatment

You can expect nine or more steps in a professional facial. Building on this explanation, your facial is likely to include:

Assessment: The esthetician learns about your current skin care routine and any concerns you have.
Cleansing: The esthetician removes any makeup and surface buildup with a cleansing product such as a cleansing gel, oil or water. 
Skin analysis: The esthetician takes a close look at your complexion, often using magnification, to identify your skin’s current state.
Steaming: The esthetician often incorporates steam to soften pore congestion and assist with extractions, should you need them.
Exfoliating: The esthetician applies an exfoliating treatment to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. Typically, this treatment will be of a higher concentration than the exfoliants you use at home.
Extraction: The esthetician performs extractions if needed, clearing away blackheads and whiteheads. Estheticians working at an authorized Eminence Organic Skin Care spa may choose to use the Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Desincrustation Gel. Desincrustation is a deep cleansing treatment that softens and emulsifies sebum and keratin in the follicle. It is an ideal treatment for oily or congested skin requiring extractions.
Facial massage: To relax the facial muscles and assist the skin with absorbing further products, the esthetician massages the face gently but thoroughly.
Masking: One or more face masks are applied, each of which is carefully selected based on your skin assessment and analysis.
Finishing: The esthetician completes the treatment with the appropriate finishing steps including toner, serums, moisturizers, eye care and SPF to condition and protect your skin from environmental stressors.

You will find that the esthetician will adjust these steps depending on your skin type or concerns. For example, should you be a sensitive skin type, they may not use steam. If clogged pores are not an issue, your esthetician may not perform extractions. If you have concerns about any step during a facial, don’t hesitate to ask the esthetician to explain their process.

Why Do I Need A Facial?

A facial is the best way to ensure you see the long-term results you want in your skin. Our Product Support Team says: “Estheticians, also called skin therapists, can teach you how to care for your skin properly. The practice of esthetics covers a variety of different techniques and treatments, one of which includes providing facials and caring for the health of the skin.” To simplify why this all matters, we’ve broken it down into four key benefits.

1. Get A Thorough Cleaning

Dermatologists liken spa facials to visits with your dentist. Sure, you brush and floss daily, but you still get your teeth professionally cleaned. In the same way, regular spa treatments are an essential complement to your daily skin care routine. Professional facials, especially acne facials, take the state of your complexion to the next level. Many skin conditions require continuous care, and the effectiveness of home skin care needs to be boosted with regular spa treatments. Together, at-home and in-spa treatments produce successful results, better and faster. 

2. Hire A Pro Extractor

One of the biggest no-nos for problem skin is picking at your pimples. Every time you squeeze or touch a blemish, you’re at risk for scarring and dark marks. You can cause more harm than good by spreading bacteria across your skin, ultimately leading to more pimples. This isn’t to say that extractions are not effective, but that they can only be safely performed by a professional. A huge benefit to spa facials is that a professional can extract your blackheads and pustules properly, in a sterile environment. As mentioned earlier, if you visit your nearest Eminence Organics spa, an esthetician is likely to use the professional-only Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Desincrustation Gel to decongest clogged pores. This gel is designed to soften and emulsify sebum and keratin in the follicle to provide a deep clean of congested pores and prepare the skin for extractions.

3. Ask For An Expert Opinion

While it isn’t difficult to get a general idea of your skin type, decoding your skin concerns and conditions can make things tricky. With constant changes due to seasons, diet, age and even weather, it’s reassuring to get professional advice regularly. For example, is your skin really dry or is it dehydrated? While dry skin is a type requiring more moisturizing oils to combat, dehydration is a condition requiring more water-based moisturizers to correct. With similar signs and symptoms, it can be tricky to sort out what you are dealing with, but this is exactly what an esthetician is trained to help with. During the consultation, your esthetician will be able to diagnose your skin and develop treatments specifically catered to you.

4. Relax And Unwind

Let’s be honest. One of the best reasons for getting a facial is the soothing spa experience. Facial massages, hot towels and the beautiful aroma of Eminence Organics products? What more can you ask for? And since stress always plays a factor on the condition of your skin, we say: Turn up the dial on your chill-out time. A contributing factor to wrinkles, acne and lack of luminosity, stress can impact your complexion. By creating a relaxing environment for your professional facial, your treatment will leave you glowing from the inside out.

What Is The Difference Between A Professional And A DIY Facial?

We know what you’re thinking — but why can’t I DIY this experience? Light some candles, take extra time applying my favorite Eminence Organics mask, how is it really that different? The difference is twofold and both boil down to safety. One: With a professional facial, you are securing treatments that work deeper and are more potent than what you can use safely at home. Two: Treatments are applied with techniques and practices by a trained professional. There is no way to recreate the results of a professional facial at home because you simply cannot safely perform the exfoliation, massage and extractions that an esthetician can — without running the risk of damaging your skin.

The last thing we want is for anyone to inadvertently damage their skin. Even if you avoid the DIY masks and face scrubs known to irritate, it is just as important to avoid certain techniques. This is why we are proud to offer high-quality, concentrated home care products that beautifully complement our more vigorous professional-only treatments. Used together, we promise your Eminence home care routine will extend the life of your professional facial, allowing you to reach your skin care goals. 

How often should you get a spa facial?

The general recommendation for the frequency of a spa facial is around every three or four weeks, or once a month. But this really depends on the skin concern that you’re treating and your age. Your esthetician should be able to provide you with a customized recommendation based on your skin. For example, if you’re in your 20s and have healthy skin, you may only need a facial once a month. But if you’re the same age and you have a large number of clogged pores and blemishes, the esthetician may recommend a facial every two to three weeks.

To book a facial with an Eminence Organics Spa Partner, visit our Spa Locator to find the location nearest you.

This article was originally written in July 2015.

15 St. Patrick’s Day Recipes (Easy, Healthy, Gluten-Free) – The Real Food Dietitians

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If you’re anything like us, your social media feed is showing you a lot of so-called “skin care trends” that claim to help you achieve the best possible complexion. While these DIY tricks may look good on TikTok or Instagram, many of them should be skipped, especially the ones inspired by spa treatments usually performed by trained professionals. Read on to learn about some popular internet skin care trends that should be avoided — and discover some alternative treatments that are much better for your skin!

Avoid: Pore Strips 

Pore strips (also known as blackhead strips) first hit the shelves in the 1970s. They’re back in the spotlight because people online love to share the satisfaction of peeling them off to reveal what looks like buildup, dirt and oil stripped from inside their pores. The strips’ staying power is understandable — who wouldn’t want to “empty” their pores with a simple, inexpensive product that provides such instant gratification?

Unfortunately, pore strips aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. They work by forcefully pulling the oil from sebaceous filaments that line your pores and maintain your skin’s oil balance. Any redness you see post-use isn’t the sign of squeaky clean skin; it’s actually irritation from stripping essential oils away and disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.

According to Very Well Health, the benefits of a pore strip are temporary and not as impressive as the strip’s residue might suggest. Oftentimes, our sebaceous filaments — which actually play a key role in your skin’s hydration and oil regulation — are mistaken for clogged pores. Pore strips target these important sebaceous filaments, along with whatever else they can grab. Plus, when using them for nose blackhead removal, pore strips can only pull out a small section and can’t reach larger, deeper blackheads. This means leaving a large portion behind in your skin. Without addressing the root of the problem, you’ve only partially emptied a tiny crevice that is now ready to collect new dirt and buildup. Yuck. 

Instead of a pore strip, opt for a chemical or finely powdered physical exfoliant. We love the Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to clear clogged pores around the nose. This fine powder works by gently removing grime or gunk without stripping the skin of the oils that work to protect it, giving you a deep clean without any damage. 

Avoid: Using Glue To Remove Blackheads

One of the more surprising trends we’ve seen is using white glue to mimic the effects of a traditional pore strip. According to Healthline, this DIY treatment is a bad idea because “glue is not intended for human skin, and it may cause your pores to become even more clogged.” While we understand the appeal of a budget-friendly hack, we definitely couldn’t recommend this one in good conscience — especially considering the nasty chemicals found in glue. Avoid greater skin issues down the line and keep the glue for your next craft project. 

Instead, incorporate a peel into your weekly routine. This will help keep blackheads, whiteheads and surface-level texture at bay. We love the Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel, a deep-cleansing, clarifying peel solution designed to refine the complexion without irritation while reducing the appearance of problem skin. 

Avoid: Pore Vacuums 

You might have seen a newer tool pop up in your skin care aisle or social media feed: the pore vacuum. Pore vacuums are handheld devices that suction onto the skin, promising to pull out any blackheads, gunk or buildup that’s settled in. But don’t believe the hype.

While pore vacuums look similar to highly effective tools used by spa professionals, they are not the same. The professional tools require specialized training to treat the area without damaging the skin’s layers. According to Healthline, at-home pore vacuums can cause bruising, discoloration and scarring, especially when used by someone not trained in esthetics. Worse, if you’re prone to sensitive skin reactions or rosacea, a pore vacuum can result in broken blood vessels or capillaries. 

Instead, we’d recommend gommage — an exfoliating technique where a physical exfoliant is layered over a gel textured mask or treatment and gently rolled away with damp fingers after a few minutes. Gommage uses physical and chemical exfoliation to softly slough away dead skin cells and remove other debris from the skin’s surface. This technique is safe to try at home with a soft touch and slow movements. Or head to your esthetician to have a professional safely perform extractions along with a gommage treatment.

Keen to try it at home? Our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, recommends a combination of our Stone Crop Masque and Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant for a gentle yet invigorating treatment. 

Product Picks

Try: Charcoal And Black Seed 

Another option to target blackheads and congested skin at home is the combination of charcoal and black seed oil. Charcoal has the capacity to absorb excess oil and prevent pore clogging. It can also manage the overproduction of sebum, which is responsible for enlarging pores. Enlarged pores tend to get clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, potentially leading to uneven skin texture. By drawing out oil and debris, charcoal may reduce the likelihood of pores becoming clogged. 

Black seed oil comes from an annual flowering plant, the fruit of which contains small, black, triangular seeds bursting with powerhouse nutrients. One of which, linoleic acid, is an omega-6 fatty acid that helps with excess sebum. Another, thymoquinone, diminishes the appearance and formation of clogged pores.

Our Charcoal & Black SeedClarifying Oil is a non-greasy formula infused with activated charcoal and black seed oil to visibly reduce the look of uneven skin tone while absorbing excess sebum for a softer-looking complexion. Double down with our Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque designed to draw out impurities, decongest pores and refresh the look of the skin.

If you’re looking for professional help dealing with congested pores, visit a spa for a desincrustation treatment. This is a process that uses a solution to help unclog oily or congested skin, deeply cleansing pores and preparing the skin for extractions. It uses alkaline-based products to soften and break down sebum and keratin inside the skin’s follicles. Often accompanied by a gentle massage, the technique removes built-up sebum, debris and other impurities, keeping pores clear and reducing blemishes. This treatment leaves the skin with improved texture and health, making it an ideal choice for oily or congested skin. Our Charcoal & Black Seed Desincrustation Gel is a professional product and should only be used by a licensed esthetician in a spa.

Product Picks

Avoid: Face Taping 

A newer trend to hit the internet involves applying sticky tape-style products on the skin before bed to reduce movement and prevent wrinkles through the night. While this might make sense in theory, there are many reasons why this isn’t an effective strategy for smoothing the face. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, any short-term results will quickly disappear as the skin resumes its normal position when you wake up and start your day. And worse, pulling off the tape can remove a layer of skin, prompting irritation, blisters and even allergic reactions to the tape itself.

Instead, encourage lymphatic drainage and soften the look of wrinkles by using a gua sha tool as part of your routine. A regular gua sha practice gently works the muscles, increases glow and reduces puffiness. Discover our favorite gua sha techniques here. 

Avoid: Harsh Scrubs 

Aggressively buffing away at a surface to smooth it out makes sense when painting a wall or priming furniture, but would you use a product akin to sandpaper on your face? We didn’t think so. Harsh scrubbing with products that use nut shells or other ingredients with sharp edges will not give you the clear base you’re looking for. 

Harsh scrubbing with thick, gritty pastes can lead to microtears and irritation, damaging your skin barrier and creating the perfect conditions for future breakouts. Vigorous physical exfoliation can strip the skin, causing it to overproduce lost oil, leading to acne and other issues. Plus, if you have existing breakouts, scrubs can aggravate already inflamed skin, making breakouts worse. 

Instead, gently exfoliating with a fine powder is the way to go. While smoothing skin with a powder scrub, use plenty of water to work the product around the face. A chemical exfoliant will do the same job without any rubbing at all. Remember, skin care is a marathon, not a sprint. Make your exfoliating ritual slow and relaxing. Your skin will love you for it. 

Avoid: Derma Rolling

A derma roller is a handheld device covered with tiny needles that you roll over the surface of your skin. Derma rolling takes inspiration from microneedling, a professional treatment that creates a low level of trauma to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Microneedling can be an effective treatment for firming the skin because a professional can make adjustments depending on how their Clients’ skin reacts. However, the “one size fits all approach” of derma rolling means this treatment isn’t nearly as safe or effective.

According to Healthline, the potential risks include permanent scarring and darkening of the skin. Without proper sterilization, derma rolling also comes with a risk of infection. Some dermatologists express concerns about potential microtears and the risk of cheap rollers leaving tiny needle particles in the skin. Because of the risk of irritation, derma rollers are a no-go for those with eczema and dermatitis. Plus, as the rolling movement can spread bacteria around the face, derma rolling is especially risky for those with acne or cold sores. Don’t try this one at home! Instead, always opt for professional microneedling treatments.

Want to find out more? Watch Natalie Pergar discuss these and other skin care trends that should be avoided. 

 

If you’re looking for better ways to improve your skin, consider reaching out to an Eminence Organics Spa Partner in your area to help you choose the right option.

Is Sourdough Bread Healthy? Nutrition Facts & Benefits – The Real Food Dietitians

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Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (Make-Ahead Breakfast) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Wondering how much skin care product to use for each step? When it comes to your skin care, size matters — and applying a drop versus a dollop can make all the difference in the effectiveness of your routine. Apply too little product and you may miss out on its full benefits; apply too much and you risk irritating and overloading the skin. The trick is to find a happy medium. Read on for our guide to applying your skin care products properly.

Cleanser | Toner | Essence | Exfoliant | Face Masks & Treatments | Serum, Oil Or Concentrate | Moisturizer For Face Vs Body | Eye Cream | SPF | When To Apply Skin Care

How Much Skin Care Product To Use 

One of the most common skin care mistakes is applying too much product. When applying professional skin care products in particular, it’s important to keep in mind that they are highly concentrated. This means that you need to use even less to experience their full benefits. Follow this guide for application quantities that are just right:

Cleanser

Blueberry-sized amount

Over time, using too much cleanser (or washing too frequently) can compromise your skin’s moisture barrier. This jeopardizes its natural ability to keep your skin hydrated and balanced, leaving you with a dry and irritated complexion. On the other hand, using too little face wash can impede a thorough cleanse. When dirt and debris are left behind, pores can become clogged, potentially causing breakouts. 

We recommend using a blueberry-sized amount of your favorite cleanser to clear buildup and keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact. For example, you cleanse using the Stone Crop Gel Wash, which contains botanical extracts to help even the look of your complexion and minimize the appearance of blemishes. Follow our cleansing tips and be gentle with your skin! Use lukewarm water and avoid rubbing your skin too vigorously. 

Toner 

3 spritzes

Toners complete the cleansing process and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. These fast-absorbing mists remove lingering impurities and replenish the skin with essential moisture and hydration. Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar calls toning the “conditioning” step of your skin care routine: It balances your complexion and provides a base layer of hydration. This helps your skin to better absorb the subsequent skin care products in your routine.

Toners should be used morning and night, immediately after cleansing. Apply three spritzes of toner directly onto the skin — or, moisten a cotton pad and gently sweep the toner across your face and neck.

Pro Tip: Apply toner while your skin is still slightly damp — this helps its active ingredients absorb more efficiently.

Essence

A large blueberry-sized amount

You can use an essence after cleansing and toning, and also before your finishing products. Essences help to prime your skin for all of the additional products to follow. Filled with beneficial ingredients, essences are designed to help skin appear more hydrated and smooth. For example, you can apply the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence which is formulated with pre, pro* and postbiotics to enhance the skin’s luminosity. Dispense a large blueberry-sized amount of essence into your hands or on a cotton pad. Apply by pressing it into the skin until fully absorbed and leave it on.

Exfoliant

Raspberry-sized amount

Exfoliating regularly is an essential part of a healthy skin care routine. While your skin turns over naturally, it can get bogged down by a buildup of oil, dead skin and impurities on its surface. Exfoliation helps boost skin cell turnover by sloughing away dead skin and clearing the way for new skin cells to rise to the surface. 

While we agree that exfoliation plays a major role in skin health, it can be easy to overdo it. Exfoliating too often — or with abrasive products — can cause more harm than good. To gently and effectively exfoliate your skin, we recommend the following:

Powder Exfoliant: For a powder exfoliant like our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, dispense three shakes into the palm of your hand for a raspberry-sized amount. Add a few drops of water and gently massage the paste into your skin. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating Peel: Dispense a raspberry-sized amount (or one to two pumps) of exfoliating solution onto a cotton round. Apply in circular motions covering the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on. 

Face Masks & Treatments

Cherry-sized amount for the face and neck

Masking is one of the best ways to give your skin an immediate boost. Face masks contain concentrated amounts of vitamins and nutrient-rich ingredients that are delivered under occlusion which helps them to absorb more efficiently. There is a mask for every skin type and skin concern. All skin types benefit from hydration and the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque does just that. It contains a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that is deeply hydrating and smoothes and plumps skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When it comes to applying a face mask, less is more. Natalie recommends applying a pantyhose-thin layer over the entire face or neck. Simply emulsify a cherry-sized amount of mask in your hand with a few drops of water. Apply evenly and allow it to dry for five to ten minutes. Gently remove with lukewarm water. Natalie’s top mask recommendation is the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque, a refreshing mask that contains a blend of citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Serum, Oil Or Concentrate

Pea-sized amount or about 2-3 drops

When it comes to oils, serums and concentrates, a little goes a long way. These potent formulas contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients that boost the skin’s overall health and target specific skin concerns and conditions. They can be used separately, or layered to enhance their benefits and tackle multiple problems at once. 

Because they are so highly concentrated, you only need a small amount of oil, serum or concentrate to experience its full benefits. For a serum or oil, we recommend pressing three drops into clean skin. One powerful hydrator for your skin is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, or apply to the areas you wish to target one to three times per day for a youthful-looking glow. 

For concentrates like our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate or Bamboo Firming Fluid (which have a lotion-like texture), even less is more. Apply just one to two pumps for optimal results.

Moisturizer For Face Vs Body

Blueberry-sized for the faceCherry-sized amount for the body

We’re all guilty of being a bit heavy-handed when it comes to applying moisturizers, but more isn’t necessarily better. Applying too much moisturizer can actually limit the skin’s ability to properly absorb its beneficial ingredients and cause product to accumulate on its surface. The result: Congested pores and lackluster skin. 

For your face skin care routine, get the most out of your moisturizer by applying a blueberry-sized amount to your face, neck and décolletage. Use gentle, upward-sweeping motions, starting from your chest and moving towards your hairline. This action stimulates circulation and gives your skin a healthy-looking glow. You may enjoy the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator, a lightweight vegan gel-cream that transforms the look of a dull complexion into a youthful-looking glow. Natalie recommends the Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer with botanical hyaluronic acid to plump and nourish the look of your skin.

When it comes to body care, you can apply a cherry-sized amount of moisturizer to improve dryness anywhere on your body. Slather it on your legs, arms, hands, neck, elbows, stomach — you get the idea! The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion is a delicious choice and infuses the skin with immediate head-to-toe hydration thanks to aloe, panthenol and a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that hydrates and preserves moisture in the skin.

Eye Cream

Grain of rice amount for each eye

The eye area is the thinnest and most fragile part of your face. For this reason, it can quickly display dryness, dark circles, puffiness and the visible signs of aging. Packed with vitamins and nutrient-rich ingredients, eye creams moisturize and soothe dry skin as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles under eyes. 

This delicate area needs to be treated with care. When applying eye creams, a pea-sized amount is plenty for the entire eye area. We recommend dispensing one pump of your favorite eye cream and gently patting it into the skin around both eyes, taking care to avoid pulling and stretching. 

Watch this video from Natalie to learn the proper technique:

SPF

Pea-sized amount1/4 to 1/2 tsp of the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid

Applying sunscreen is non-negotiable: Sufficient sun protection is key to protecting your skin from irreversible sun damage. Whether you choose a physical (mineral) or chemical sunscreen, this is an essential skin care step that shields skin from the drying and aging effects of UV exposure. But how much sun protection is enough? A pea-sized amount of our all-mineral SPF moisturizers covers both the face and neck. When it comes to our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid, we recommend using 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. For more information, you can watch Natalie as she demonstrates the right amount of product to use in your daily routine.

When To Apply Skin Care

When you apply your skin care is just as important as the amount of product you use. While most skin care products should be applied both morning and night, there are weekly and monthly treatments that you can add to enhance your daily skin care routine. Here’s our guide for what to apply when:  

Daily (Morning And Night)

Cleanser
Toner
Serum/Oil/Concentrate
Moisturizer
Eye Cream
SPF
Weekly (1-2 Times)
Exfoliate (after toning)
Mask (after toning and/or exfoliating)

Monthly/Seasonally

Find the right products for your skin care routine at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner — Use our Spa Locator to find a spa near you.

*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.

This article was originally written in October 2016.

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.

Tailoring Your Fitness to Your Age

by Caitlin H,

Feb 19, 2024

You know that exercise is essential, with countless studies showcasing how it can improve everything from heart health to immunity, skin vitality, and more. But if you’re getting on in life, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed any movement becomes a bit more difficult the older you get — whether you’ve ever been an avid exerciser or not.

The reality is that while you should always strive to make exercise an integral part of your life, it’s going to look different at various stages in your life — and that’s more than okay.

We’re here to help you figure out what type of exercise might be appropriate for you to try!

7 Lifestyle Tips to Lower Bad Cholesterol

by Caitlin H,

Feb 12, 2024

Cholesterol plays a vital role in your body, ensuring your body’s blood cells can replicate and you get essential vitamins.

But high cholesterol levels can have the opposite effect, increasing your risk of serious diseases that lead to strokes, heart attacks, and even death.

Wouldn’t you like to have a few easy lifestyle tips you can implement immediately to lower cholesterol levels and possibly add years to your life?

Satisfy Your Valentine’s Sweet Tooth with These Sweet Recipes

by Caitlin H,

Feb 5, 2024

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you plan on busting out the cooking skills for a quiet night in with your sweetheart, adding a delicious, light dessert at the end of the meal will show them you’re next-level. Or, perhaps you want your kiddos to take the dessert of the year to their Valentine’s Day class party.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with our list of eight healthier Valentine’s Day dessert recipes to satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth.

Recipe Roundup: 8 Scrumptious Salads for Every Season

by Caitlin H,

Jan 29, 2024

It’s a combination that goes back over a century: salads and healthy eating. Most healthy diets incorporate salads regularly, and most salads are part of a healthy diet.

And in case you’re among the many people who make the mistake of thinking salads get boring, think again. Salads are delicious year-round, as long as you are open to trying a bit of creativity!

Morning Exercise Provides a Host of Benefits

by Caitlin H,

Jan 22, 2024

Exercising at any time of day can go a long way toward boosting your physical and mental health. However, a recent study found that people who worked out in the morning, specifically between 7 and 9 a.m. tended to be thinner than those who exercised later in the day.

Could the time of day you fit in your fitness really make a difference?

Being Fit Earlier in Life Means Reduced Cancer Risk Later

by Caitlin H,

Jan 15, 2024

Life gets complicated as we age. Our time becomes more limited as the responsibilities pile up, we have kids, we focus on building our careers, you name it.

The more complicated it becomes, the more challenging it can be to fit in exercise and focus on taking care of our physical health. You may have prioritized fitness, working out at least four or five days a week in your younger years, only to have it fall by the wayside as you age. You know that science says fitness can prevent cancer and other diseases, but it feels nearly impossible to do it consistently.

If that rings true to you, there may be some good news.

The Science on Mindfulness and Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jan 8, 2024

You’re starting a weight loss journey. You’ve probably researched and read up on how to do it successfully. You’ve thought about the essential things you need to do to meet your goals.

One thing you may not have even considered is the importance of mindfulness. 

This journey is about more than just what you eat and how you exercise. Incorporating mindfulness can play a vital role in ensuring your success lasts for life

10 Weight Loss Affirmations to Keep You Going Strong

by Caitlin H,

Dec 18, 2023

When you start out on a journey to lose weight, it can feel daunting. You have to change your eating and drinking habits, get educated, set a timeline, and measure your success along the way. You may even incorporate fitness into the mix, which brings a whole new level of complication. But no matter how difficult the journey seems, it’s always worth it in the end.

Getting there is challenging, but one very effective way to keep going when the going gets tough is through positive affirmations.

Need a mantra to keep your mind motivated? Don’t worry, we have some ideas for you! 

Tips to Stay on Track While You Travel

by Caitlin H,

Dec 11, 2023

The busy holiday traveling season is right around the corner.

And, if you’re like the millions of Americans who plan on hopping on a plane and heading home for the holidays or on a vacation, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your weight loss goals.

It’s not impossible to stay committed to your healthy eating and fitness routine event when your bags are packed and you’re ready to go.

7 Realistic, Can-Do Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

by Caitlin H,

Dec 4, 2023

A quick Google search will yield all sorts of articles sharing all the ways you can stay healthy and keep your diet going strong during the holidays.

But how realistic are they?

The truth: not very — at least not if you want to enjoy your time with friends and family without severely restricting yourself (and possibly driving yourself mad).

With that in mind, we put together a list of seven realistic, can-do tips to enjoy the holiday season with as much healthfulness as possible — but not too much to make it miserable!

Top 2 Ways To Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

by Caitlin H,

Nov 27, 2023

If you are living with Type 2 diabetes, there’s a good chance you know how critical a healthy lifestyle is to manage the condition.

We’d like to talk about two highly effective methods of managing your Type 2 diabetes, and to share information on our award winning Balance Diabetes meal plan.

We’re here to help!

New Research Indicates How Cholesterol Types Impact Heart Disease Risk

by Caitlin H,

Nov 20, 2023

Cholesterol is one of the primary factors analyzed when researching heart disease — HDL (healthy) cholesterol to indicate protection, and LDL (lousy) cholesterol to indicate a higher risk. A recent review of previous studies shows that it’s actually more complex than knowing your numbers.

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. By learning your cholesterol details, you can work with your doctor to create a plan to lower your chances of getting the disease.

But what else can you do to mitigate your risk of getting heart disease?

How “Skinny Dave” Lost 45 lbs with Diet-to-Go

by Caitlin H,

Nov 13, 2023

When 56-year-old healthcare administrator David Rockwell went to see his doctor for an annual checkup in May, he knew walking in that he might not get good news. Sure enough, his bloodwork showed he faced many health issues, including high cholesterol and blood sugar. His doctor immediately talked about prescribing him several medications.

David decided before he settled for a regiment of medications he told his doctor he was going to make a concerted effort to make a major lifestyle change.

Find out how Diet-to-Go helped him to shed those pounds and improve his quality of life.

Treadmill Fails That Are As Hilarious As They Are Alarming

by Caitlin H,

Nov 6, 2023

Ah, the treadmill — this stationary piece of equipment gives fitness enthusiasts the ability to walk or run anytime — rain, snow, or shine.

But let’s face it. The treadmill can be pretty damn boring. Add in that its functionality clearly baffles some people, and you have a recipe for some hilarious blunders.

You know you want to see our top 10 Treadmill Fails…

10 October Fruits & Veggies with Recipes to Match!

by Caitlin H,

Oct 30, 2023

People embrace October for all sorts of reasons — cooler temperatures, the stunning golden, brown, and red fall colors, the comfort of returning to a steady routine after the hustle and bustle of summer, and, of course, the seasonal produce!

Fall is the peak season for a wide range of fruits and vegetables — affording plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp deliciousness raw or as the star in healthy, scrumptious recipes for all meals.

We thought we would highlight 10 of our favorite fall fruits and veggies (5 fruits and 5 veggies) and throw in a few recipes for each one! Which one will you try to add to your shopping list this week?

5 Practical Steps to Keep Loneliness at Bay

by Caitlin H,

Oct 23, 2023

If you’ve ever felt lonely, you know how challenging navigating it can be. Many things cause loneliness, including some that you may not even realize are to blame. Reasons could include anything from life events to social media, your personality type to mental health challenges. And it’s important to note that it’s possible to feel lonely not only when you’re along, but when you’re surrounded by family and friends.

Loneliness is a very powerful emotion that can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health, including your weight loss journey.

So what exactly can you do to combat loneliness?

Size 10 Again: Retired Teacher Drops Over 40 Pounds

by Caitlin H,

Oct 16, 2023

When Lara took her retirement trip to Kauai she loved it, but at 200 pounds she felt uncomfortable and was self-conscious.

“I was mad at myself for being so big during this special thing.”

That was one catalyst that pushed Lara to make a change. She had tried dieting in the past, but ultimately decided to try Diet-to-Go. And when 55-year-old Lara recently fit comfortably into a pair of size 10 pants she’d held onto for years, it was a powerful moment for her.

Examining the Link Between Stress and Weight Gain

by Caitlin H,

Oct 9, 2023

Traffic. Work. Groceries. Bills. Stress is a part of life — and most of us face it daily. Thankfully, we tend to be proficient in managing all those common day-to-day stressors.

But when stress gets overwhelming, it can make maintaining a healthy weight very challenging.

What exactly is the link between stress and weight gain?

Ready in just 35 minutes, this vegan asparagus soup is rich and creamy without any dairy! Made with fresh asparagus, potatoes, lemon and dill, this soup is packed with bright flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

Spring is right around the corner and this creamy soup is the perfect meal to transition into the new season. 

It’s refreshing, bright, and blended to creamy perfection with no added dairy.

Want to know the secret to getting that creamy, smooth texture without heavy cream? Potatoes! Foods that are higher in starch, like potatoes, act as a natural thickening agent when broken down.

Speaking of veggies, asparagus is seasonal during the spring months, meaning you’re likely purchasing it around the time that it was harvested. In other words, it’s fresh, more flavorful, loaded with nutrients, and often less expensive than other veggies that aren’t in season. Winning all around!

I love how easily this soup comes together too – a quick prep of the veggies, a quick sauté, a quick simmer, a quick blend, and voila you’ve got a delicious soup in about 35 minutes. 

When the temps are just slowly starting to warm up and you aren’t totally ready to give up soup season, asparagus soup has your back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

asparagus: excellent source of fiber and several vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, K, and folate. I always use fresh asparagus in this recipe since they lend the best flavor, but frozen could also work. 

olive oil: used to sauté the onion and garlic.

onion: I like to use a yellow onion, but white also works. 

garlic: versatile aromatic that packs in the flavor. 

Yukon Gold potatoes: have a natural buttery flavor and contribute to the soup’s light, creamy consistency. Russet potatoes, with a little less moisture and more starch than Yukon Gold, would also make a great potato choice.

salt and pepper: essential for flavor.

vegetable broth: can substitute for mushroom broth or chicken broth. Chicken broth would no longer make the recipe vegan and vegetarian though.

lemon juice and zest: provide a pop of acidity, making the soup refreshing and bright. 

dijon mustard: adds a tangy, sharp flavor with a bit of spice and pairs well with the lemon juice.

fresh dill: has a tangy, fresh flavor.

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

Dutch oven

Blender

How to Make Vegan Asparagus Soup

Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil over medium heat then add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 
Add veggies and season. Add asparagus, potatoes, salt and pepper. 
Simmer. Add broth and bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes. 
Add remaining ingredients. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, lemon zest, dijon mustard, and dill.
Blend. Using an immersion blender or high-speed blender, blend until pureed and desired consistency is reached.
Serve. Serve hot with additional dill or parsley as a garnish and more salt or pepper, to taste. I also love to serve this soup alongside a piece of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Expert Tips

For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth used to 3 – 3 1/2 cups. 
If you like your soup with a bit more texture, you can take some of the asparagus out before blending. After blending, chop them up, add them back in and stir. 
Dill can easily by substituted for a number of fresh herbs like basil, parsley or mint.

Storage and Preparation

Asparagus Soup leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat on the stovetop, use a small saucepan and heat over medium-low until reaches desired temperature.

To reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the microwave. 

Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipes That Pair Well

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Grilled Cauliflower Hummus Sandwich

Blackened Scallops

Chicken Pesto Flatbread

For more asparagus inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

Charred Asparagus Salad with Egg

Asparagus Mushroom Galette 

Asparagus Leek Quiche

Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato

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

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Are we entering the ice age in skin care? If TikTok trends are any indication, it’s getting cold in here. And while cold therapy isn’t a new practice, we seem to be warming up to the idea of putting our wellness routines on ice. Read on to explore this cool skin care concept and decide whether it’s right for you. 

What Is Cold Therapy? | Cold Therapy Benefits For Beauty | How To Ice Your Skin | Is Cold Therapy Safe For Everyone?

What Is Cold Therapy?

Cold therapy is the use of cold water or ice for therapeutic purposes. If you’ve ever placed a bag of frozen peas on a sprained ankle or soothed a headache or sunburn with a damp, cool washcloth, you’ve tried a version of cold therapy. The practice is probably most commonly used to manage pain and swelling, but there are many other health and beauty benefits associated with subjecting your body to this type of climate control.

Frosty temperatures have physiological effects on the body that can be very helpful in managing everything from pain to puffy eyes. On a very basic level, applying cold to the body lowers skin temperature, eases pain by dulling nerve activity and reduces swelling by limiting blood flow, all contributing to less inflammation and muscle soreness. If you’ve ever seen an athlete hop into an ice bath or cryotherapy chamber, it was probably with the goal of speeding up muscle recovery. According to Dr. Dominic King, a sports medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic: “When you submerge your body in cold water, the result is a constriction of your blood vessels, mainly those blood vessels in your legs and your arms and away from your core where most of your heat is held. When blood vessels are constricted, blood doesn’t flow as quickly to those areas and, in turn, may reduce inflammation temporarily.” 

Cold therapy brings a range of health benefits such as increased metabolism, enhanced immune response, better sleep quality, higher energy levels, improved focus and endorphin release. With hundreds of years and lots of science to back up the benefits of ice baths, maybe plunging your body into frigid water isn’t as crazy as it sounds.

Cold Therapy Benefits For Beauty 

The tradition of cold therapy, tracing back to 3500 BC, involved more than just physical health for Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. These civilizations used cold baths not only for their therapeutic effects but also as a vital part of their social and communal life. In Egypt, Greece and Rome, public bathhouses were hubs for social interaction and community bonding, in addition to being places for health and hygiene​.  With centuries of evidence about the perks of cold therapy, it was only a matter of time before social media discovered the beauty benefits of plunging your body into sub-zero temperatures. From calming irritated skin to tightening the look of pores, this cool “new” beauty craze seems to be the next big wellness trend. Let’s plunge a little deeper into some of these benefits:

Helps Reduce Puffiness

In the same way applying cold compresses to injuries lessens inflammation and swelling, applying ice under your eyes can banish those bags. Puffiness happens when the blood vessels under your skin dilate, or when your lymphatic system isn’t draining on its own. The cold from the ice cube (or ice roller, frozen cucumber slices or cold spoons) reduces blood flow to the area, which can decrease the puffiness. Cold can also reduce swelling by “constriction of superficial blood vessels and encouraging lymphatic drainage,” according to Brendan Camp, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist.

Helps Reduce Inflammation 

Ice can help calm skin that’s red, irritated, sensitive or itchy from skin conditions like rosacea, sunburn, bug bites and allergies. In the same way it helps with puffiness — by constricting blood vessels — the cold compress can soothe the pain or discomfort that accompanies these skin irritations. This also explains why doctors often recommend keeping ointments and creams in the refrigerator to achieve double duty from a remedy. Aloe vera right out of the fridge has been long known to help soothe the pain and heal the dry, irritated skin caused by a sunburn.

Helps Calm Acne Breakouts

Acne is a form of inflammation, so it’s no surprise that using ice can help with breakouts. Healthline notes that those who recommend skin icing for acne believe it can lessen inflammation and minimize pores, thereby decreasing the production of excess oil​. Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, ice is most effective at helping calm inflammatory acne such as cysts, pustules, papules and nodules. 

Many also believe that ice can close pores. But despite what you’ve probably heard, pores can’t open and close. In fact, they’re always open — and that’s a good thing. Pores play an important role in skin health, helping your skin stay moisturized. Without them, your skin would completely dry out. That said, pores can shrink and enlarge. As Christopher W. Robb, MD tells Reader’s Digest, “They dilate like a camera lens and can go from narrow to wide or wide to narrow.” In other words, though ice won’t close your pores, it could help dilate them, making them appear smaller and tighter and possibly staving off future oil clogging.

Creates A Healthy Glow

Remember the Cold Girl Makeup trend? A quick refresher: Using makeup to emulate the flushed, wind-chilled cheeks you get from a brisk walk in the cold or a day on the ski slopes (without ever leaving your warm apartment). Rosy cheeks are a result of your body rushing blood to your face (when you’re out in the cold) to help regulate your temperature. This healthy-looking, rosy flush is easily created with ice (no makeup required). The red can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, giving your skin a boost that looks fresh and glowy.

Reduces The Look Of Fine Line And Wrinkles

The jury is still out on this one but it’s safe to say that the temporary boost you get to your complexion can minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles temporarily. The improved blood circulation to the area creates a short-term plumping to the skin that can help blur their appearance.

Improves Skin Health

Unlike hot water, cool water doesn’t dry out the sebum layer of your skin. Since the sebum layer provides protection for your skin, using cold water to wash your face could potentially improve the health of the epidermis if done consistently.

How To Ice Your Skin 

The best way to use cold therapy depends on what benefits you’re trying to achieve. Ice baths and cold showers are great options for the overall physiological results like improved mood, metabolism, energy levels and sleep quality. 

When it comes to icing the skin to achieve some of the beauty benefits, there are several approaches. A good old-fashioned ice cube can work wonders, as can frozen vegetables like cucumber slices under the eyes. There are ice rollers filled with water or gel available online, as well as silicone gadgets that look like popsicle molds, gel-filled masks and traditional ice packs. One warning about putting ice or frozen metal directly on your skin is that it could stick to the skin and cause damage. Wrapping the ice in a paper towel or a thin cloth is recommended. Another option is to apply a moisturizing barrier cream to your face before icing the skin. Try the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream or Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream. And make sure you read the instructions if you’re using a gadget — some recommend leaving them at room temperature for a few minutes before applying them to your skin. 

Another option that is becoming popular is making ice out of other liquids for added benefits. By freezing milk into cubes, you can provide a gentle exfoliation to the skin thanks to the lactic acid found in milk. Frozen coffee is both a natural exfoliator and packed with antioxidants. Green tea and black tea are also rich in skin-nourishing compounds like caffeine which is often used in skin care to help reduce the look of puffiness under the eyes. 

An ice bath can be carried out in a number of different ways. From filling up your bathtub with cold water and adding a few bags of ice to taking a cold shower, setting up a metal trough or barrel in your backyard in the winter and even spending thousands of dollars on special equipment. As long as your body is being exposed to cold enough temperatures for the right amount of time, benefits can be achieved. 

After a cold plunge is a great time to replenish the skin on the body with a cream or lotion. The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion delivers intense hydration deep into the skin and helps to support the moisture barrier. If you’re cold plunging before bed, the Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream will provide hydration while plumping and smoothing the look of skin while you sleep. 

Is Cold Therapy Safe For Everyone?

A blast of cold water in the shower or icing the skin for the recommended 5–10 minutes is a fairly simple (and free!) way to get the benefits of cold therapy, but there are a few scenarios that could pose some potential hazards. Those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea should consult their dermatologist before giving the trend a try. If you have open sores or wounds on the face, steer clear of adding ice and potentially causing irritation or introducing bacteria. 

We don’t recommend cold plunges for anyone with heart or blood pressure conditions, diabetes and other health issues, as the temperature shock can cause dangerous side effects, including heart failure. Please consult your health care provider before engaging in any cold therapy activities, especially if you have any of the following: 

High blood pressure 
Heart disease
Lung conditions
Peripheral vascular disease
Diabetes 
Raynaud’s or any vascular issues associated with diabetes

Some other negative side effects that could occur from ice baths include hypothermia, hyperventilation, cardiac arrhythmias and potential drowning. Cold plunging alone is also not advised.

Are you interested in trying cold therapy? Many spas and wellness centers offer the treatment. Visit your nearest Eminence Organic Skin Care Spa Partner to find out more about cold therapy for the skin and body. 

We’ve all been there—you buy a new skincare product only to use it a handful of times before the novelty wears off. It gets shuffled to the back of your cabinet or to the bottom of your drawer, where it collects dust. One day, as you’re sorting through your things, you rediscover it. That’s when the inevitable questions arise. Does skincare expire? Is it still safe to use?

Keep reading to learn all about skincare expiration, including how to read dates and symbols, how to tell if a product is past its prime, and how to extend the life of your favorite formulas.

How to Read Expiration Dates on Skincare Products

The first thing you need to know is that skincare products are classified as cosmetics by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)— not drugs. This means that companies in the U.S. (and Canada) aren’t required by law to display expiration dates on their products.

However, there are a couple of exceptions to that rule, and one is sunscreen, which is considered a drug since it serves a medical purpose. According to the FDA, sunscreen must list an expiration date on the packaging—unless it’s been proven to stay stable for up to three years. Because sunscreen is critical to preserving skin health, it’s important to follow the expiration dates on sunscreen closely. If your sunscreen doesn’t come with an expiration date, use it up or throw it out after three years.

For brands that do indicate a shelf life on a skincare product, you can find a symbol on the packaging. There are two main symbols used to indicate how long a skincare product will last. Both symbols are required in the European Union (EU), but some companies in the U.S. choose to include them on their packaging too, especially if they sell their products in Europe.

Period After Opening (PAO): This symbol tells you how long a product will stay good after it’s been opened. It looks like a little open jar with a number followed either by the word ‘months’ or the letter ‘M.’ For example, ’18M’ indicates the product will stay good for a year and a half once it’s been opened.Best Before End Of (BBE): This symbol tells you the date by which a product should be used, just like expiration dates on our food. It looks like a little hourglass followed by a date. It’s a calculated date conducted through stability testing that mimics all of the conditions a product may go through in its aging process. 

The challenge with vague expiration symbols like the PAO symbol (and the reason I’m not always a fan) is that there’s no way for them to be 100% accurate. For example, storage conditions play a big role. Did you leave the lid off? Was it exposed to direct sunlight? Did you keep it in your car? All of these things could potentially cause a product to expire faster than the PAO symbol initially indicated. 

Or maybe you left it unopened, stored it in a dark, cool place, and never got around to using it in your skincare routine. In this case, it could (potentially) still be good.

Because of variables like this, you can’t totally rely on these symbols. To tell if a product has gone bad, I prefer using common sense and personal judgment, inspecting a product for any visible or olfactory changes.

How to Tell If a Skincare Product Has Expired

Regardless of whether it has an expiration date or symbol on the packaging, it’s important to know that they don’t last forever. Most skincare products guarantee safety and freshness for two years, although some can last up to three years and others can last less (especially if they’re organic). With all this variation, how can you tell if a skincare product has really expired? Here are the steps you can take to find out.

Check for an Expiration Date: The first and most obvious step is to check for an expiration date or symbol, although, as I already mentioned, not all containers will have one, nor can you safely rely on them. If a product does have one, however, it can give you a clue as to its current state. Regardless, move on to step two.Change in Consistency: It’s time to take note of the consistency. Is it thinner than it was when you originally opened it? Are the ingredients separating? Is there mold growing on it? Yikes. If that’s the case, toss it.Change in Color: After checking the consistency of the product, check its color. Has the color changed, such as from white to yellow or light brown? This is especially common with L-ascorbic acid, a notoriously unstable form of vitamin C. If so, get rid of it.Change in Scent: The final checkpoint is the scent. Does the product smell differently than it did when you purchased it? Does it smell rancid or just, well, not pleasant? If so, it’s time to trash it.

What Happens If You Use Expired Skincare?

Luckily, most reputable skincare products use a robust preservative system to ensure they won’t become dangerous to use, even if you’re using them past their expiration date or standard two-year window. 

“Natural” or “organic” products that contain natural ingredients and don’t use preservatives are the exception. These can potentially grow mold or bacteria, which you definitely don’t want to introduce to your skin. 

Generally speaking, the biggest issue you’ll face when using expired skincare products is the loss of efficacy. The extent to which this happens depends on the product. I’ll use unstable forms of vitamin C for example. These unstable forms, such as pure ascorbic or L-ascorbic acids, can oxidize fairly quickly after being exposed to air. Once this happens, they no longer deliver the same antioxidant activity, which means your skin receives far fewer benefits. The same thing goes for products that contain enzymes. Over time, they can become inactive or degrade.

Aside from risking the loss of efficacy, you could also be risking free radical exposure when you use rancid products. When oils and active ingredients oxidize, they generate free radicals, so they could actually be doing more harm than good!

Well-formulated products also use pH adjusters to keep them stable, but these can wear off after a while, resulting in changes to pH levels. This can increase the risk of irritation or simply may make it less effective. 

All things considered, I recommend using a product within 12 to 18 months of opening it for maximum results (and to get the most bang for your buck).

How to Get the Longest Life Out of Your Skincare Products

That serum in the back corner of your cabinet may not last forever, but I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks for making it last as long as possible. Here they are, from me to you!

Write the Purchase Date on the Bottom of the Product

Whether or not the packaging includes a PAO symbol, the difficulty is remembering when you opened it. What good is it knowing something will last 18 months after opening if you’re not sure when you opened it? Writing the date on the bottom is a foolproof way to remember and keep tabs on a product’s efficacy.

Keep Them Away from Light

This definitely helps preserve your products longer, since many active ingredients can become compromised by direct light exposure. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep them in a drawer or cabinet.

Wash Your Hands Before Dipping Your Fingers Into a Jar

Most skincare products should be formulated with a strong preservative system, so you shouldn’t worry about using your fingers to pick a cream or mask out of a jar (there’s really no need for those skincare spatulas that have become so popular). That said, it’s always a good idea to make sure your hands are clean first, so take the time to wash them.

Keep Caps Tightly Closed 

It’s a fact that air can break down active ingredients more rapidly, so make sure the caps remain tightly closed.

Optional: Refrigerate Your Skincare Products

If you aren’t using something on a regular basis, but you still want it to last, you can always store it in the refrigerator. This may help maintain its freshness. Learn more about which products are best to keep refrigerated.

Remember, it’s best to use a product within 12 to 18 months of opening it because this ensures it is still safe and effective. If you haven’t been using a product and are wondering if it’s expired, I urge you to consider WHY you haven’t been using it. If it’s not the right fit for your skin type, don’t force it! Give it to a friend or family member or donate it.