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I was scrolling through TikTok the other night when I stumbled upon a video raving about a certain drugstore acne treatment, the PanOxyl Acne Wash. The affordable formula has gotten a lot of credit from app creators (including estheticians) who claim it provides “tremendous results” on cystic and hormonal acne. 

@jacquelinefransway

Rude

♬ SHAKE IT FOR ME – lux

Despite its potent ingredient list, the acne washis safe enough to use daily to kill off bacteria across the skin that is causing unwanted breakouts. Its inclusion of 4 percent benzoyl peroxide, a topical antiseptic commonly used in acne-related treatments, helps unclog congested pores, treat existing spots and prevent future ones from forming as frequently.

Despite benzoyl peroxides’ drying effects, those with sensitive skin shouldn’t necessarily shy away from using the wash; the potent ingredient is balanced out by emollients that offer a gentle and hydrating cleanse. Plus, the formulacomes dermatologist recommended and is pH balanced, so it won’t throw off your skin’s barrier even further. 

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

The PanOxyl Acne Foaming Washalso comes highly vetted by like minded shoppers who say they “cannot be more grateful” for its benefits—it has nearly 39,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Plenty of users have seen results on areas of the body beyond the face, including the back, scalp and even the armpits as a “B.O hack,” causing them to forgo deodorant altogether.

“I cannot be more grateful really, I was really embarrassed of my face and I had extreme anxiety and face picking, my face skin was a mess,” wrote one reviewer. “I was feeling really bad, and didn’t want anyone to look at me. Thanks to this, I can relax a bit more.”

“If you were hesitant to buy this… don’t be! I suddenly had painful acne all over my back and was so embarrassed until I found this product,” said a second person. “It worked like a charm and in less than three days I saw results! I also read it can be used for stinky underarms and immediately wanted to test it out and I’m amazed! 10/10 product. smell is not great but you can definitely get past that once you see all of the benefits.”

 

It’s no secret that you can supercharge your skin care by combining various high-impact ingredients for maximum results. But unfortunately, not all skin care combinations are meant to be. While some ingredients come together and happily complement each other, others just flat out don’t get along — which can wreak havoc on your skin. With our handy guide, you can minimize the likelihood of skin-damaging product pairings and embrace dream skin care partnerships. Read on to find out more.

FAQ | Conventional Retinol Explained | Mixing Skin Care Ingredients | Tips On Mixing Your Skin Care Products

FAQ: Mixing Skin Care Ingredients

Can You Mix Skin Care Ingredients?

“Mixing some strong topicals, such as conventional retinol, with certain ingredients will increase the potential to irritate the skin,” explain our Product Support Representatives. “This can reveal itself through increased sensitivity in touch, heat, redness, dryness, peeling and itchiness.

We suggest that you exercise strict caution with topicals that can be prescribed, such as conventional retinol. Each individual’s ability to test and try mixologies is entirely dependent on their skin’s current condition. If you have been advised by a medical professional to avoid certain ingredients, please follow your medical professional’s advice.

What Skin Care Ingredients Work Best Together?

The following ingredient combos work beautifully together:

Conventional retinol and hyaluronic acid
Vitamin C and niacinamide
Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid 
Layering (not mixing) Vitamin C and SPF
Surprise, niacinamide mixes with everything!

What Skin Care Should Not Be Mixed Together?

Conventional retinol and AHA and BHA
Vitamin C and conventional retinol
Salicylic acid and conventional retinol
Don’t mix SPF with anything! 

Let’s Talk About Conventional Retinol

While conventional retinol might be the ingredient on everyone’s lips, it poses some issues — even long-term skin care aficionados take some time getting their skin used to it. According to Everyday Health, conventional retinol/retinoids perform their magic by stimulating skin cell turnover which manifests physically as an intense exfoliation to reveal new skin underneath. This can lead to dryness, irritation and even peeling. Although conventional retinol might be strong enough to soften fine lines and wrinkles, it is also strong enough to cause some damage when paired with the wrong product. When in doubt, don’t pair conventional retinols with anything you’re unsure of. You can also reach out to a spa professional for clarity.

It’s important to note that Eminence Organics’ products do not contain conventional retinol. Conventional retinol is a synthetic chemical derived from Vitamin A which may dry up your skin and cause peeling when overused.

In comparison, Eminence Organics products contain a Natural Retinol Alternative derived from botanical extracts of the tara tree and chicory root. Natural Retinol Alternative mimics the benefits of conventional retinol to give you similar benefits. Mixing products with this ingredient is no issue! Products with Natural Retinol Alternative can be safely used with other skin care products without risking the side effects mentioned above, such as irritation, dryness, purging or peeling. However, if conventional retinol is your ingredient of choice, read the following guide to avoid risky pairings with conventional retinol and other potent ingredients.

Mixing Skin Care Ingredients

Conventional Retinol

Do Mix: Conventional Retinol And Hyaluronic Acid

Unlike conventional retinol, there aren’t many products that don’t agree with hyaluronic acid, which is why we’re so pleased to tell you these two make a lovely team. Hyaluronic acid’s hydration benefits pair wonderfully with the drying nature of conventional retinol. A hyaluronic acid serum or even moisturizer can counteract the drying effects of conventional retinol, working to reduce the effects of any irritation and helping the skin replenish and rehydrate.

Don’t Mix: Conventional Retinol And AHA and BHA

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and conventional retinol all work by stimulating cell turnover through exfoliation. It’s no wonder that using these types of exfoliating ingredients with conventional retinol is a no-no. The combination can lead to serious over-exfoliation, dry, irritated skin and can even damage the skin barrier over time.

However, if you find yourself loyal to these products (don’t we know that feeling), you don’t have to abandon one for the other. Simply avoid using your conventional retinol and BHA or AHA products at the same time. Either alternate your product usage to different days or use your conventional retinol at night and your BHA and AHA throughout the day. It’s worth noting that retinoids have to be used in the evening due to the increased UV sensitivity they cause.

Vitamin C

Do Mix: Vitamin C And Niacinamide 

We love both niacinamide and Vitamin C separately for their general ease of use and many benefits. But together, they’re even better. Some recent skin care myth-busting debunked the once widely held belief that the two should not be used together, an idea that originated from research in the 1960s that is no longer relevant to how we use and store products today. The news is very exciting considering that this powerful duo offers hydration, brightening and skin-smoothing benefits from both ingredients.

Don’t Mix: Vitamin C And Conventional Retinol

Unfortunately, Vitamin C and conventional retinol aren’t friends either. Combining the two can lead to redness, irritation and peeling. Plus, the combination can make skin sensitive to the sun (already an issue posed by using retinol in the AM). There’s also a risk of conventional retinol messing with the pH of the Vitamin C which can destabilize the product, potentially rendering it inactive as a skin care ingredient.

The fix here is easy though. Conventional retinol is best suited to a nighttime routine, away from any UV light and left to soak into the skin through the night. Vitamin C is better for daytime use due to its ability to combat the damage left by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Always layer an SPF over the top to protect from sun damage and make sure to rinse your face in the morning to remove any residual retinol from the night before.

Niacinamide

Do Mix: Surprise, Niacinamide Mixes With Everything!

According to our Product Support Representatives, “You’re welcome to combine niacinamide with almost every skin care ingredient and product. We can suggest using it with retinols, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHAs and Vitamin C.”

Salicylic Acid

Do Mix: Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid 

Salicylic acid pairs well with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and helps the skin retain moisture for a balanced complexion, while salicylic acid exfoliates and reduces inflammation. Combining these ingredients provides you with the benefits of each and results in clearer, smoother and more hydrated skin.

Don’t Mix: Salicylic Acid And Conventional Retinol

In theory, using salicylic acid and conventional retinol at the same time makes sense; salicylic acid clears breakout-prone skin while retinol softens fine lines. However, this is not a combination we’d recommend trying. It shouldn’t surprise you to read that using salicylic acid and conventional retinol together does increase the chance of drying out the skin and can lead to irritation. What may be surprising though is that this combination can result in the skin overproducing oil to compensate for this new dryness leading to even more breakouts. A true nightmare! This catch-22 is solved by separating the two products. Use your salicylic acid products to treat breakout-prone skin during the day (it’s perfectly safe) and keep all retinol usage to nighttime.

You can also watch our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, discuss the skin care ingredients you should not mix in further detail in this In The Mix video.

SPF

Do: Layer (Not Mix) SPF With Vitamin C

Fun fact: there’s some research to support that a Vitamin C product sitting under a good sunscreen can add additional protection against the sun. So, don’t forget to apply your Vitamin C serum beforehand to layer — not mix — with your sunscreen.

Don’t Mix: SPF With Anything

Although you can layer SPF over almost any skin care products (and you should, every day!), it shouldn’t be mixed in with any other products before applying. SPF is considered by many to be the most important product in your daily skin care routine and retaining your SPF product’s integrity is paramount for its efficacy as a guard against the sun and UV light. This is one product that can’t be improved by mixing with other skin care products and we’d advise against mixing it in with makeup or moisturizer. We recommend letting your skin care products settle into the skin, then layer the sunscreen on top as the last step in your routine.

Tips On Mixing Your Skin Care Products

It’s crucial to exercise caution while combining skin care products to prevent any negative skin reactions. Follow these tips: 

Firstly, consult our list above to check for ingredients that are not compatible 
Perform a patch test on a tiny area of your skin to check for an allergic reaction or signs of irritation. 
Start with a small amount of each skin care product and gradually increase the amount to avoid overloading your skin. 
To prevent contaminating the entire product, mix the ingredients in the palm of your hand rather than in the product container.

Learn about other powerful skin care ingredient combinations by visiting your nearest Eminence Organics spa.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Asparagus Soup is super easy to make as part of a quick weeknight dinner. Made with fresh asparagus, garlic, onion, lemon and cream (or yogurt), this soup calls for only six ingredients!

Spring is officially here and what better way to celebrate than with this creamy soup.

Asparagus is a seasonal spring vegetable, which means it’s super fresh, tasty, less expensive, and full of nutrients this time of year (especially if you can find it locally grown at your nearest farmer’s market!)

This soup is super easy to make as it only calls for six ingredients! 

Plus all you have to do is throw everything into the Instant Pot, set it, let it pressure cook, then blend, and season!

It’s perfect for lunch or dinner alongside a chunk of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich!

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Notes on Ingredients

butter: for flavor and to help onions sauté, can substitute with olive oil or ghee
onion: use a yellow onion for the best flavor, but white will work as well! 
asparagus: fresh asparagus will lend the best flavor, but frozen could work as well
vegetable stock: for flavor, can substitute for chicken stock or mushroom broth
heavy cream: for creaminess and flavor, can substitute with Greek yogurt 
lemon juice: fresh lemon juice is best, but can use bottled
Salt and pepper: not pictured above but essential for flavor!

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

How to Make Instant Pot Asparagus Soup 

Sauté butter, onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Then add asparagus and sauté for 3 minutes.
Add vegetable broth (having enough liquid is essential for pressure cooking).
Pressure cook. Secure lid onto Instant Pot and pressure cook for five minutes. Quick release pressure.
Transfer soup into a high speed blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. 
Stir in lemon juice and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt). 
Season with salt and pepper and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this recipe in the slow cooker! Just add all ingredients (except heavy cream and lemon juice) to slow cooker and set to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once asparagus is soft, transfer to a blender (or use an immersion blender), add heavy cream and lemon juice and blend. You can get the full recipe for slow cooker asparagus soup here.
If you can’t get fresh asparagus, frozen or canned work as well!
If using Greek yogurt, be sure to use room temperature yogurt (let sit out for at least 1 hour but not more than 2 hours) so it doesn’t curdle. I like using plain, full fat Greek yogurt in this recipe but you can use your preferred Greek yogurt. 

Recipe FAQs

What if I don’t like asparagus?

Unfortunately this is an asparagus soup, but you could sub for green peas, broccoli, bok choy, or zucchini.

Is this soup vegan?

As long as you use olive oil instead of butter and omit the heavy cream (or yogurt), this asparagus soup is vegan! To add some creaminess to the soup’s texture, you can use canned coconut milk, soaked cashews, or potato for thickening.

Is this soup healthy?

This creamy Instant Pot asparagus soup is packed with nutrition. Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K and B vitamins and is a good source of vitamin C. The soup is also naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Why is my asparagus soup stringy?

You may have used too thick / woody pieces of asparagus. Make sure to trim the ends of your asparagus before using. Bend the thick end of the asparagus spear until it snaps – discard, compost, or freeze the woody stems (if you freeze, you can use to make a vegetable stock later on). 

Storage and Preparation

This asparagus soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an air-tight container. You can reheat the soup in your microwave or over low heat on the stove. Heat until just warmed through, and stir well to avoid hot spots.

This creamy Instant Pot soup can also be frozen! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave.

Recipes That Pair Well

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

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!

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Caraway Cookware Review – The Real Food Dietitians

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If you’ve ever wondered what luxury skincare feels like, wait no more. La Mer, a top luxury beauty brand, has attracted the likes of Kim Kardashian West and Chrissy Teigen, and the source of most of this celeb attention is none other than the brand’s coveted Crème De La Mer moisturizer. However, there’s a new sheriff in town, and thanks to Amazon’s post-Cyber Monday deals, her price tag is $365 cheaper. Yes, you read that number correctly, and no, we’re not that bad at math.

Crème De La Mer is a celeb of its own because of its ability to do just about everything good for your skin. It has an ultra-rich formula that deeply moisturizes, heals and protects. It even minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But all of this is no match for Mario Badescu’s way more affordable alternative, the Seaweed Night Cream. It calls on similar ingredients like seaweed extract, glycerin, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to give your skin all the moisture it deserves—but at a fraction of its competitor’s price. 

If you haven’t already, make sure you’re signed up for a Prime membership or free 30-day trial to take advantage of this stellar deal.

If you still can’t believe that a $22 moisturizer could mimic one that’s $380, head over to the reviews section where more shoppers swear it’s as good as La Mer.

“La Mer is my fave cream, but it’s super pricey and I can’t afford it all the time, so I use this instead,” wrote one shopper. “It works; I’m 50 and get mistaken for 30 all the time.”

RELATED: The $10 Oil That ‘Helps With Hair Growth’ & Yields Results In ‘a Couple of Weeks’ Is on Sale

The oil-free formula is suitable for combination, oily, and sensitive skin types, which is a major bonus since you’ll wake up with a more nourished and illuminated complexion. Not only does it hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, but it also gives your skin a plump bounce that you’re definitely going to want this summer and beyond. Collagen and elastin, in particular, are packed with proteins that help smooth lines.

“I use it because it’s a GREAT nighttime moisturizerfor someone with dry skin. That said, this is comparable to the La Mer face cream,” wrote another shopper. “I feel moisturized right after putting it on and when I wake up. I have been using it for over a year now. I had no reactions like pimples or rash irritation like I often get with new products.”

Now that we’ve hopefully convinced you of this moisturizer’s irresistibly good ingredients and unbelievably effective results, it’s time to check out. Soon, you won’t even remember the name La Mer and will instead be basking in the glory of having healthy, glowing skin all thanks to this Mario Badescu moisturizer.

You’ve heard that using a toner is an important skin care step, but what exactly does it do? If you’re perplexed, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down what a toner is, why you need to use one and which toner is right for you.

What Is A Toner? | Pros And Cons Of Toner | Different Types Of Toners | When Should I Use A Toner? | FAQs

What Is A Toner, Anyway?

Toners are typically associated with drying, alcohol-based formulas that remove grease from your skin — along with every last bit of moisture. Luckily, toners have come a long way. In addition to astringent properties, the newest generation of toners and facial mists provide hydration, balance skin and treat a wide range of skin concerns and conditions. Dermatologist and MD Rebecca Kazin tells Women’s Health: “Historically toners were used as a way to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap product for cleansing.” But today, since our cleansers tend to be more pH balanced and less harsh, toners have evolved to not only balance the natural pH of the skin but also infuse it with natural vitamins and minerals.

The Pros And Cons Of Toner: What Does It Do?

The Pros

Balances pH Levels

Toner is often applied after the cleansing step to ensure that the skin’s pH levels are balanced. As Healthline states: “ … some soaps and cleansers are alkaline in nature. Using a product with a very different pH level to your skin can disrupt its usual functions, potentially leading to dryness, oiliness, or irritation.” Alternatively, if your skin is too acidic you may break out. That’s where a toner comes in as it serves to balance out your pH levels and provide equilibrium to your skin. 

Provides An Extra Thorough Cleanse

Even after using a cleanser, you might still need to remove any remaining sebum, makeup or dirt, and a toner can help with that. Toners complete the cleansing process by lifting away any last traces of makeup your cleanser failed to remove. These fast-absorbing liquids remove lingering impurities and replenish the skin with the necessary moisture. 

Helps Absorb Products To Come

By balancing your skin, removing remaining impurities and replenishing the complexion, the toner step preps your skin to absorb the products you apply afterwards. Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar refers to toning as the “conditioning” step of your skin care routine. The right toner balances your complexion and provides a base layer of hydrating foundation to prep your skin for the steps that follow. 

Treats Concerns

With ingredients like chamomile, lavender and comfrey root, toners with natural formulations can also provide nutrients as an additional benefit. For example, our collection of toners and mists are blended with fresh juices and extracts that treat concerns from uneven skin tone to dryness, leaving the skin feeling revitalized.

The Cons

Accidentally Picking The “Wrong” Toner

You may have a fear of picking the “wrong” toner based on the history of toners. The first toners to hit the beauty world in the 90s to late 00s were known for being too harsh on the skin due to their extremely high alcohol content. However, toners have since evolved from their drying predecessors to well-formulated tonics. Eminence Organic toners only contain beneficial antioxidants, soothing agents and hydrating ingredients. These components serve to enhance the skin’s surface, helping it look fresher, smoother, and more hydrated. Toners are a necessary step to balance your skin after a cleanse and prep your skin for the products that follow.

You Want A Simplified Routine

Toning may feel like yet another added step to your routine, but it plays a crucial role in a complete skin care regimen. We recommend that you include a toner in your usual routine, but you can definitely adapt to a simplified routine during busy periods. You may not be able to use a toner for every skin care session when you’re taking a pared-back approach, and that’s fine. Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar shares a stripped-down routine for those busy days — watch and find out more.

You’re Concerned With Sensitive Skin 

Trying out new products is always a concern for sensitive skin types. Nevertheless, a wide variety of toners (and even exfoliating toners) exist with gentle ingredients that are kind to sensitive or reactive skins. As with any skin care product, it is always best to patch test before using a new product and to consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns about using toners. 

The Different Types of Toners

There are hundreds of toners on the market and it can be intimidating to determine the right one for you. Toners serve different purposes, which can be categorized as hydrating, exfoliating, or astringent. It’s worth noting that different toners are suited to different skin types and concerns, so their classifications should be a consideration when you’re deciding which toner to use. 

Hydrating

It’s no surprise that hydrating toners contain humectant (water-attracting) ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Humectant ingredients are effective at holding onto water and make it harder for moisture to evaporate. You might typically find this type of toner in the form of a refreshing mist or spray. 

Exfoliating

Exfoliating toners contain a small percentage of AHA, BHA or PHA ingredients to brighten the complexion and improve a dull skin tone. Typically these toners help to clear away dead cells from the skin’s surface, which leaves the skin’s appearance softer and smoother. 

Astringent

If you have oily skin, astringent toners can help get rid of excess oil. Astringent toners with botanicals can include natural ingredients like citrus fruits oils or juices to remove oil and help reduce the appearance of pores. For normal to oily skin types, spritzing on an astringent toner balances the skin and readies it for the day.

When Should I Use A Toner?

In addition to using toners as part of your daily and nightly skin care routine, Eminence Organics International Trainer Jude Herrera says toners can also be refresh the skin or set your makeup.

If you’re wondering when to apply a toner during your skin care routine, it should be applied immediately after cleansing your skin, morning and night. In terms of application, typically, toner is applied by sweeping it on with a cotton pad. You can also apply toner with clean hands and swipe it on. Applying a toner when your skin is still slightly damp allows for its active ingredients to absorb more efficiently. This should help prep your skin for the rest of your products.

Face Toner FAQ

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Toner?

Toners are essential for revealing fresh, revitalized-looking skin all year long. After cleansing, they balance the pH level of the skin and target a variety of skin care concerns.

What Does A Balancing Toner Do For Your Face?

Toners improve the skin after your cleansing step by balancing the skin’s pH. Balanced skin allows for better absorption of enriching ingredients from subsequent products that you use, such as serums and moisturizers.

Is It Okay To Use A Toner Every Day?

Yes, you can use a toner every day. Both hydrating and refreshing, face toners are the perfect complexion pick-me-up for everyday use.

Should You Moisturize After A Toner? 

After toning, it’s important to include a moisturizing step at some point in your skin care routine to lock in moisture and minimize dryness.

Use our Spa Locator to find your nearest Eminence Organics spa and find the best toner for you. And, let us know in the comments below, or on social media, which product you find works best for your skin type. 

This post was originally written in June 2019.

I’ve been working on something really special for the past three years, and today, I’m so excited to finally unveil it to the world! Meet Better Than Balm—our first-ever, oil-based cleanser. 

I knew that if I created a cleansing balm, it needed to be different. What makes Better Than Balm unique is its dual-phase technology, which allows it to transform from an oil into a milky gel. This cleanser’s power truly lies in its transformation, and it’s that same transformation that gives you a proper double cleanse with just one product (yes, you read that right!).

I worked hard to make a product that I felt was effective and also a joy to use, and since creating this balm, it’s quickly become my favorite way to remove makeup at night. Since it took so long to get here, I thought I’d share the journey behind this special product and break down what makes it different—and why it’s truly better than balm.

The Inspiration—Why “Better Than Balm?”

Cleansing balms have definitely become a mainstay in the skincare world. You know the type—it’s thick, maybe a little waxy, and when you flip the jar upside down, it doesn’t budge. And listen, I fully understand why people like using these! They feel rich and moisturizing, and they do a great job of removing makeup. But, this can come at a cost. Ultimately, my inspiration for Better Than Balm came from consistently watching people use traditional cleansing balms incorrectly, to the detriment of their skin. 

The Problem With Traditional Cleansing Balms

Many people like using cleansing balms because it makes their skin feel moisturized. But have you ever stopped to think about why your skin feels so moisturized after? It’s because these balms are made of heavy oils or waxes that are really difficult to rinse off. The result is that many cleansing balms end up leaving an oily film behind on your skin. This might leave you feeling soft and moisturized, but it also means the rest of your skincare products aren’t going to work as effectively. Oils are made up of large molecules, and products like serums are made with tiny molecules that are designed to go deep into the skin. If you put a small molecule on top of a large one, it won’t be able to penetrate through. (This is why I was never a fan of double cleansing with a balm in the past.) 

While it’s important to choose a cleanser without harsh ingredients that will strip your skin, the main function of a cleanser is to, well, cleanse. You shouldn’t be relying on it for moisture—that’s where the rest of your skincare comes in. In fact, if your cleanser is leaving an oily film behind, it can actually dehydrate your skin over time. You see, all skin types need a combination of oil and water to be healthy. Water-based products tend to be made up of—you guessed it—smaller molecules. So, a layer of oil would actually prevent hydration from getting into your skin.

When I was creating this product, I was determined to make something with all the benefits of a traditional cleansing balm, and none of the drawbacks.   

The Formula

From a formula standpoint, there are two things that make Better Than Balm stand out. First, the oil we use is a lot more lightweight than most oils. Second, this cleanser contains a higher amount of surfactants than traditional cleansing balms. Getting the correct ratio of oil to surfactants was definitely the trickiest part of the formulation process, and it sent me back to the drawing board more than once. We ended up with a winning combination that allowed Better Than Balm to work in two phases.

Phase 1: Oil Phase

Phase one of Better Than Balm is a luxurious yet lightweight oil. Oil works so well to dissolve makeup because it’s lipophilic, meaning it’s attracted to other oils. Or, put more simply, “like dissolves like.” 

The oil component of Better Than Balm is caprylic/capric triglyceride. It’s made by purifying small, fatty molecules from coconut oil into a liquid, emollient form. The defining property of caprylic/capric triglyceride is that it has a low molecular weight. Most oils have a very high molecular weight, meaning the particles are large and end up just sitting on your skin. Since caprylic/capric triglyceride is so lightweight, it’s also more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types, like Skin Types 1-4.

Another drawback of heavy oils is that they have a high melting point, meaning it’s really easy for them to re-solidify or harden on your skin. Caprylic/capric triglyceride has a lower melting point, which allows it to provide continuous slip instead of hardening. It glides seamlessly, making this cleanser the perfect companion for gua sha or lymphatic drainage massage. 

You can watch this fun little experiment I did to demonstrate how lightweight the oil molecules in Better Than Balm are compared to traditional balms. No greasy mess here!



by Caitlin H,

Feb 6, 2023

You did it. You committed to your health and fitness and signed up for a gym membership. And now, it’s time to step into that world of weights and cardio machines for the first time. It can feel pretty darn intimidating. That’s more than okay. It’s a brand new situation, and doing anything for the first time can be nerve-wracking.

Thankfully, the gym is actually a place you can have fun and spend time — you just have to set yourself up for success before showing up for the first time.

We rounded up seven ways to make the most of your first gym day, from planning your routine to starting small — and everything in between.
 

1) Write out your planned routine before going.

Like anything worth succeeding at, planning is essential. Do some research about workouts ahead of when you go. Then, write out the exact routine you will do, including what machines you need and the duration, ahead of time. Keep it simple and include a good mix of cardio and strength training. You can use your phone’s list or notes app, so you’re not walking around with a notebook or piece of paper. Creating your routine ahead of time also helps ensure you complete a full workout.
 

2) Jam out to some awesome tunes.

Studies show that music with a high tempo can boost endurance and intensity. Before you go to the gym, create a playlist or two of your favorite tunes. Purchase some exercise-friendly earbuds to ensure they’re not slipping out while exercising. Listening to fun, high-tempo music is sure to make the workout even more enjoyable.
 

3) Chat with the staff.

A friendly face is nice no matter where you go — and that’s especially true when you walk into the gym! Getting familiar with the gym staff is an excellent way to find extra motivation when you walk in the door and receive a warm greeting. Even more importantly, staff members are the most knowledgeable about the equipment. You can use them to ask questions about gym etiquette or how a machine works and get help when something is broken or missing.
 

4) Begin every workout with a 5-minute warmup.

No matter what routine you planned for yourself, taking the time to warm up your muscles and body will go a long way toward making the workout a success. Walk around the gym briskly or hop on a treadmill. After you’re finished warming up, be sure to stretch, too. Warming up and stretching properly is vital to a good workout.
 

5) Build on your routine.

Going into the gym on day one and running 5 miles on the treadmill or lifting a heavy dumbbell may be ambitious. Instead, start small and work on building momentum with each visit. This is critical for preventing injury and avoiding muscle fatigue. Overly sore muscles or injuries quickly disrupt your consistency and make it too challenging to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. The most significant reason to build on your routine rather than going all out from the start is the psychological element. Working your way up to longer mileage, time or heavier weights gives you small wins along the way — and the pride that goes along with them.
 

6) Get in tune with your body.

Working out should be enjoyable. It does not mean pushing through pain or continuing to do something that feels excruciatingly challenging to the point you’re miserable. If you feel pain anywhere in your body, or if it feels like way too much, don’t be ashamed to back off the pace or lower the weight.
 

7) Avoid anxious thoughts about what other people think about you.

As a gym beginner, it’s easy to feel like everyone else is watching and judging you. In reality, most people there are focused on themselves and their routines. Don’t worry about what anyone else is thinking. Remember, you’re there to improve your own fitness. That’s something to be proud of.

Ultimately, your first day at the gym (and every day after) should be fun. Following these tips will ensure you set yourself up for success, consistency, and some incredible results!

 

 
 

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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.

 

Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken (Full Of Veggies, Lower In Sugar) – The Real Food Dietitians

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This amazing Herb Tahini Dressing will add so much flavor to your next salad or grain bowl.

Our core belief here is that balanced eating should be both nutrient-dense and delicious-dense!

One of the unique elements in our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals is the Flavor Factor, which is all about adding ingredients that help make your meal taste delicious and even more nutritious, including sauces, dressings, spices, and herbs.

Made with tahini, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, chives, and dill, this Herb Tahini Dressing will turn into a staple dressing for all of your spring and summer salads.

Make this Flavor Factor recipe on your batch cooking day and you’ll be able to enjoy it in a variety of ways throughout the week! 

What Is The Foundational Five Flavor Factor? 

In case you’re new to the NS Community and the Mindful Nutrition Method, the Foundational Five system is part of how we teach you to build balanced meals. It makes it easy for you to give your body the nourishment you need while having the flexibility to enjoy the foods you love without stressing about food.

The Foundational Five is made up of five elements of nutrition including Protein, Fat, Non-starchy Carbohydrates, starchy & Sugary Carbohydrates, and the Flavor Factor (which brings vibrancy, deliciousness, and enjoyment to your meals). 

You can download our free guide that walks you through our Foundational Five system for creating balanced meals that you can use to meal prep or cook fresh this week!

Tahini Nutrition Benefits

Packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats 
Rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants 
Disease fighting as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties

Ingredients Needed To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing

Tahini
Lemon juice
Cilantro
Parsley
Chives
Dill
Garlic 
Olive oil
Water
Sea salt
Pepper
Lemon zest

How To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing

First, simply gather your ingredients. Next, add them to a food processor or blender and blend until you’ve reached your desired, creamy texture! 

Tips for Making This Herb Tahini Dressing

Here are a couple of tips you should keep in mind that will help you easily store and make the most out of this Herb Tahini Dressing. 

Store in Air-tight Glass Swing Bottles 

Utilizing air-tight glass swing bottles for storage will keep your dressing tasting fresh and delicious for up to a week. Plus, their pour-friendly tops make it easy to mix into any salad, grain bowl, or stir fry!  

Double or Triple the Recipe!

Want this dressing to last you all week long for many delicious salads and balanced meals? Then just double or triple the recipe amount to fill up a glass jar to coast you through many balanced salads.

What To Serve With This Herb Tahini Dressing To Make It Balanced

This dressing is a great source of flavor factors and fat, meaning it will add a boost of enjoyment and satiety to any meal!

To help round it out and make a Foundational Five meal, be sure to add it to a bowl, dish, or plate that has your other Foundational Five components (protein, starchy or sugary carbohydrates, and non-starchy carbohydrate). 

Salads and grain bowls are particularly easy ways to incorporate all of these ingredients! 

FAQ About How To Make This Herb Tahini Dressing:

How long will this recipe last?

When stored in an air-tight glass container, you can use this dressing for up to two weeks.