Category: Latest Articles

Cleansing is an important step in your skin care routine, but it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the right type that will work best for your needs and for your specific skin. To minimize the time spent determining the right choice, we’re sharing the best face cleansers for your skin type. 

Cleansers For Oily Skin | Sensitive Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin | Normal Skin

Why Use A Cleanser?

Cleansers help to remove dirt, oil, sweat and products like makeup and sunscreen from your skin. Your skin is also exposed to bacteria and pollution throughout the day. Cleansing is necessary to remove the buildup of these factors so you don’t develop breakouts. You can learn even more about the purpose of cleansing in this cleansers 101 guide. 

Cleansers For Oily Skin

Do you have oily skin? If your skin is typically greasy, prone to breakouts and has large pores, you may have oily skin. Your goal is to control the buildup of oil or debris and prevent breakouts. If you’re unsure, here are a few signs that you have oily skin. 

Greasy to the touch
Visible, large pores
Prone to breakouts 
Makeup gets soaked up quickly, but it also slides off easily 
Shiny looking

To combat oily skin, Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar as well as our Product Support Representatives recommend the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. The Stone Crop Cleansing Oil gently cleanses and removes impurities. The formula consists of brightening stone crop and supercharged microgreens as well as moisturizing sunflower and jojoba oils. The Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser contains charcoal which draws out dirt and oil to help prevent clogged pores. This cleanser is also formulated with blue matcha which is rich in antioxidants that improve the visible signs of aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). 

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is often genetic, and you’ll know if you have this skin type. Trying new skin care products can be difficult as your skin often becomes irritated, red or itchy. You may react to specific chemicals or ingredients, poor diet or hormonal imbalances.

Sensitive skin can benefit from gentle cleansers including foaming products like our Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. It features micellar technology and actives that help balance the skin microbiome and protect the skin barrier, an essential for sensitive skin. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics improves the skin barrier while kombucha, jasmine, white tea and ginger combine to refresh and balance the microbiome.

Cleansers For Dry Skin

If your skin is rough, flaky or peeling — plus you find yourself constantly applying moisturizer — you probably have dry skin. Both genetics and environmental factors like heating or winter can exacerbate your symptoms.

When your skin is on the dryer side, cream cleansers are a great choice as they help lock in moisture while removing impurities. One of our top picks? The Lemon Grass Cleanser, formulated with a Lactic Acid Complex to remove buildup, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by oily and dry skin in one complexion. Your T-zone and chin feel extra oily while your cheeks or other parts of your face get dry. The goal for combination skin is to treat both oily and dry areas for a clear, balanced complexion. 

We recommend the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser which has a Lactic Acid Complex to remove build-up, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished. Mangosteen, a super fruit, defends your complexion from pollution and other environmental stressors that could dry out the skin.

Cleansers For Normal Skin 

Normal skin types simply need to maintain their balanced and healthy skin. You don’t notice dry or oily patches, nor do you suffer redness or itchiness from trying new products. You might occasionally notice breakouts related to hormones or infrequent cleansing, but your skin is generally balanced. 

Normal skin would benefit from using the Stone Crop Gel Wash. This gel cleanser offers a mild foaming action and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean. The stone crop ingredient hydrates and nourishes while chamomile calms the look of the skin. 

If you don’t gravitate to any of the above suggestions, the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil can be used safely for all skin types including normal skin. This non-greasy cleansing oil cleanses and removes impurities after each use. 

Have you found a cleanser that suits your complexion? To narrow your selection down, you can view the full lineup of Eminence Organics cleansers here.

I’ve been a believer in the benefits of retinol ever since I met Dr. Fitzpatrick over 30 years ago. At the time, he was the Chief of Dermatology at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Fitzpatrick was instrumental in getting tretinoin FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles (prior to that, it was only being used to treat acne). I vividly remember seeing how one of his hands—the hand he applied tretinoin to during demonstrations to his acne patients—was significantly smoother and brighter than the other. Eventually, I used what I had learned about retinoids from Dr. Fitzpatrick to develop my own retinol serum. 

I’ve been watching my clients get amazing results from retinol for decades. And yet, people are still confused about the proper application techniques. And I get it! Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so how you apply it can affect your skin’s response. In this post, I’ll tackle one of the questions I get asked most often: “How long should I let my retinol soak in before applying moisturizer?” 

The answer is a little more complicated than you might think, but hopefully, the information I’m about to share will shed some light. Let’s dive in!

How Long Should You Let Retinol Soak in Before Applying Moisturizer?

After applying your retinol product, it’s best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.

When you apply a moisturizer directly after a treatment product like retinol, you dilute the active ingredients. The moisturizer essentially “picks up” some of the product underneath and spreads it around. This is why, to get the most bang for your buck, it’s ideal to let your retinol fully soak in and get absorbed for about 10 minutes. It’s a surefire way to prevent dilution and will make the retinol more potent.

With that in mind, some people may have to take a milder approach, and it often depends on which type of retinol you’re using.

The Type of Retinol You Use Can Make a Difference

There are many different types of retinol, but for the sake of this post, I’ll split it into two basic categories. The first is prescription retinoids, and the second is non-prescription retinol products.

Prescription retinoids are an FDA-approved drug, and they’re much stronger than non-prescription retinol. This is because prescription retinoids are pure retinoic acid, meaning your skin doesn’t have to convert them. They can get right to work. Non-prescription retinol products come in a variety of strengths, but they all have to go through a certain number of conversions before becoming retinoic acid.

Prescription Retinoids

Since prescription retinoids are stronger, they’re more likely to cause unwanted side effects such as redness, flaking, dryness, and irritation. This means most people won’t be able to jump right into letting their retinol soak in for 10 minutes before applying moisturizer. Instead, it’s best to work your way up incrementally. Start by using moisturizer immediately after applying your prescription. After a week, wait a minute or two before applying your moisturizer (and so on). 

If you’re really struggling to tolerate your prescription, you can even start by applying a thin layer of moisturizer before you apply the retinoid (and then again after). This creates a buffer or a “moisture sandwich,” and it can really help mitigate those nasty side effects. Many people worry that their retinoid won’t work if they apply moisturizer first, but it will—it will just take longer to see the results. If you’re experiencing serious irritation, though, it’s worth the wait to avoid this. 

While you should always try to avoid serious irritation, keep in mind that it’s normal to experience flaking when you start using a prescription. Technically, this means it’s working. After you apply retinol, it takes about 48 hours to see flaking. So, if you can tolerate it, allow this phase of retinization to run its course. If you want to avoid flaking or have an event coming up, you can continue to buffer with moisturizer. 

Finally, remember that the journey doesn’t have to be linear. You can always make adjustments based on your skin’s needs, taking things like seasonal changes into account. For example, come winter, you might revert to a shorter window between retinol and moisturizer application.

If you’re using a prescription retinoid, here’s how the rest of your skincare routine should change.

Non-Prescription Retinol

Non-prescription retinol products are a little easier since they’re less likely to cause irritation, but they still shouldn’t be underestimated. Always err on the side of caution and slowly work your way up to letting your non-prescription retinol soak in for the full 10 minutes.

You can learn more about how to incorporate retinol into your routine by following this Beginner’s Guide to Retinol and Retinoids. 

Should You Apply Retinol to Dry or Damp Skin?

Applying your retinol to damp skin is best (if you can tolerate it). Per my Golden Minute Rule, I always recommend swiping a toner on right after cleansing to prevent water evaporation. Then, I suggest applying your treatment product (in this case, retinol) while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner as this enhances penetration. This also allows the skin to stay hydrated and helps maintain your moisture barrier.

One caveat is that, since applying a product to damp skin enhances penetration, it could potentially also lead to increased irritation (especially with a prescription retinoid). In this case, apply your toner, then let the skin dry for about one minute. You don’t want to wait much longer than that since this is when water evaporation starts to occur, which could backfire and lead to dehydration. 

Finally, slugging may be a trendy way to improve barrier function, but you should never slug when using active ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids. Since petrolatum is so occlusive, it will force those ingredients deeper into the skin, which can quickly lead to irritation. Here’s everything you need to know about slugging.

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare ExpertAs an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”

by Caitlin H,

Nov 14, 2022

When starting on a weight loss journey, knowing exactly where to begin can be a challenge.

There are so many questions to navigate!
 

Which diet is best for me?
What does proper nutrition look like?
How much weight can I lose each week?*
Do I need to exercise, and if so, how much?
How do I create a plan that will work for me?

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure. Thankfully, there are professionals who can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you create an individual weight loss plan that works best for you.

A registered dietitian is a health professional who is an expert in the best ways to utilize nutrition, food, fitness and more to help you reach your health goals. Diet-to-Go knows how essential it is to offer that service to its customers, which is why our in-house dietitian and nutritionist Rebecca Mohning is on standby to help you create a unique weight loss plan that will work for you.

Read on for eight ways you can benefit from working with a dietitian.
 

1) They spend time learning about you.

It’s impossible to create a proper plan without knowing who you are — your lifestyle, what makes you tick, your health goals, you name it. That’s why a good dietitian takes the time to learn all about you, ensuring they understand what needs you have that may differ from someone else.
 

2) They can pinpoint your individual nutrition needs.

No two people are exactly alike. That’s why a dietitian’s insight is an excellent way to ensure you’re getting a balanced diet tailored to you and your body. For example, a keto diet might work well for someone who has too many refined sugars in their diet, but it may not work as well for someone who exercises a lot. A dietitian will know.
 

3) They will help you create or critique your goals.

It’s all well and good to have goals, particularly SMART goals. Still, sometimes we can be unrealistic with what is achievable in a given amount of time. A dietitian will help you create or adjust your goals so you can have realistic expectations about what will work, enjoy the journey while you get there, and celebrate the milestones you achieve along the way!
 

4) They can help keep you on track throughout your journey.

After assisting you with creating a plan, a dietitian can use follow-up visits to keep you on track. These include assessing your progress along the way and making adjustments when necessary.
 

5) They can help you tackle the emotional issues around food.

There are typically deeper mental and emotional issues that may have caused your weight to balloon or your health to get out of hand. Dietitians get to know you to help you identify and understand your own so that you can work on healing. Knowing why you made poor health choices can go a long way toward helping you achieve your goals.
 

6) They can assess your health history and lab work.

You should always consult your doctor about treatment for any health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Nutrition also often plays a vital role in proper treatment plans. Dietitians can help assess how eating healthier may work wonders in treating other health conditions.
 

7) They can offer fitness guidance.

Not everyone can or wants to exercise as part of a weight loss plan. However, a dietitian can help assess how much, if any, fitness you might need to do to not only meet your weight loss goals* but get there faster.
 

8) They provide motivation.

An often overlooked (but essential!) part of every weight loss journey is motivation. You can find inspiration to keep going in many ways — online groups, friends and family, social media, you name it. But there’s something about having your own personal dietitian cheering you and your progress every step of the way. It’s a deep kind of motivation you won’t find anywhere else.

Diet-to-Go’s in-house dietitian, Rebecca Mohning, is ready to help you with your goals. Rebecca has more than 17 years of experience helping people lose weight, exercise, eat right and get healthy. She will help you focus on the big picture and find the plan that will work best for you. Plus, Diet-to-Go customers can take advantage of her services for free! Email us at support@diettogo.com to set up your appointment.
 

————————————————————————————

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.

Diet-to-Go Nutritionist

This vegetarian stuffed acorn squash is perfect for a hearty plant-based meal or side dish. It’s warm and cozy for fall or winter evenings and is especially delicious on Thanksgiving or over the holidays!

I’m obsessed with this dish for vegetarians or those trying to eat more plant-based.

It’s rich, hearty, satisfying, filling, and is packed with whole grains, protein-powered legumes, leafy greens, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and umami-laden cheese!

I used to only promote this as a Thanksgiving side dish because it’s the best vegetarian main or side dish for Thanksgiving and its flavors of thyme, rosemary, and cranberries scream Thanksgiving to me!

And if you’re here for a Thanksgiving recipe for your vegetarian guests or self, hooray! You’ll love it.

But I realized I was selling this recipe short. It’s not just a Thanksgiving recipe!

It’s a delicious vegetarian recipe for any night of the year, but is especially cozy during the fall and winter months.

Vegetarians deserve filling, satisfying, and delicious food too. This recipe hits the mark for all of the above.

If you love acorn squash and cozy flavors, this recipe is for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

acorn squash: you can cut these in half lengthwise or horizontally, but I like the presentation lengthwise better.

farro: a nutty whole grain, high in fiber, protein, and vitamins like B3, magnesium, and zinc. Use quick-cooking farro as a time saver!

vegetable broth: to cook the farro in to give it more flavor

onion: adds aromatic flavor to the dish

garlic: also adds a punch of flavor!

kale: buy pre-shredded, pre-washed kale as a time-saver!

chickpeas: adds plant-based protein to the dish!

thyme: adds an earthy, minty, lemony flavor

rosemary: adds a piney, peppery flavor

pecans: adds a satisfying crunchy texture and source of protein and fat!

dried cranberries: adds an element of sweetness to contrast the savory farro mixture

parmesan cheese: adds a savory (umami) flavor

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

Baking sheet

How to Make Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash

Bake the squash. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush squash with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake until fork-tender, about 40-50 minutes.
Cook the farro. Bring vegetable broth and farro to a boil then simmer, covered, until farro is chewy, about 30-40 minutes.
Make the savory stuffing. In a large sauté pan, cook onion, garlic, and kale. Stir in farro, chickpeas, and remove from heat. Stir in thyme, rosemary, pecans, and cranberries. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Fill the squash. Fill each squash with about 1/2 cup farro mixture. Top with parmesan cheese.
Bake the squash. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake squash until filling is heated through, about 15 minutes.

Expert Tips

For time-saving, I like to use quick cooking farro, which cooks in just 10 minutes on the stove. It’s partially cooked and dried, which is how it takes significantly less time to cook.
Another time-saving tip is to buy pre-washed, pre-shredded kale.
Roast the squash cut side down so it doesn’t dry out and form string-like strands.
Save any leftover stuffing for a delicious, satisfying topping for salads.

Recipe FAQs

What does acorn squash pair well with?

Acorn squash pairs well with almost everything! Enjoy it as side dish with chicken, salmon, turkey, or beef. It also is delicious on top of pizza or mixed into pasta dishes.

Do you have to remove the the skin from acorn squash before cooking?

You can keep the skin on acorn squash – no need to remove! 

How long does it take to cook acorn squash?

At 375 degrees F, it takes about 40-50 minutes to cook.

Can you eat the skin on acorn squash?

You can! As long as the acorn squash is cooked enough the skin should be soft enough for you to eat, if you choose! It also peels away easily if you don’t want to. Or, you can just scoop the squash and stuffing right out of the skin without eating it.

Should I roast the squash cut side up or down?

I suggest roasting squash cut side down so that it doesn’t dry out, and you don’t end up with stringy squash.

What flavors go well with acorn squash?

Acorn squash pairs well with savory spices like rosemary and thyme and sweeter spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Is acorn squash healthy for me? 

Acorn squash is high in antioxidants and packs in vitamins A and C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast!

Storage and Preparation

Stuffed acorn squash leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze acorn squash raw or cooked and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Recipes That Pair Well

Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Mushroom Stuffing

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Holiday Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

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

Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Curried Lentils

Fall Harvest Salad Stuffed Acorn Squash

Farro Breakfast Bowl 

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!

Ready to enjoy eating foods like this without the guilt? Download my free guide: Rediscover the Joy in Eating: How to Stop Stressing About Food + Enjoy Every Meal. 

This recipe was retested, reshot and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and most beautiful) dish! The original post was published November 2017.

Print

20 Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Healthy, Simple, Gluten Free) – The Real Food Dietitians

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Do you often lose control when you’re around food? Keep reading to learn how you can gain self-control around food today. 

Maybe it’s a specific type of chips, or a brand of crackers, where no matter how much you tell yourself no, you feel like you completely lose control around them. Does this sound like you? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Losing control when you’re around food is one of the most common ailments we see clients with today. People often struggle to control how much they eat or what they eat when certain food items are placed in front of them. 

In order to take back control, we actually have to relinquish a bit of control. Confusing, I know. But I promise it will make sense in a moment. Let’s get into it. 

Is Food Controlling Your Life?

So how do you know if you’re really losing control around food? There are a few tell-tale signs we can use. 

You often find yourself mindlessly eating without intention
You’re overcome with guilt, stress, and overwhelm after eating “bad” foods 
Certain foods aren’t allowed to be kept in your house 
When you eat certain foods you eat much more than you had intended
You sometimes feel sick because you’ve eaten so much of something without intention

If you see yourself in some of these signs, then chances are your relationship with food is causing you to feel out of control around food. Now let’s chat through how you can take control back. 

5 Steps To Gain Self-Control Around food 

In order to gain self-control around food, we need to create a sustainable, positive relationship with food. That even includes the food items you’ve told yourself you shouldn’t have! The loss of control you’re experiencing is a direct result of the restrictions, rules, and morality that you’ve put into place. 

Take the following 5 steps to take back control and create a sustainable relationship with food that puts you back in the driver’s seat. 

Stop Thinking About Food as Good or Bad

Thinking about food as good or bad creates those feelings of, “I should eat this.”, or, “I’m not supposed to eat that.”. Which doesn’t seem very harmful, right?

Unfortunately, it can be. 

When we try and force ourselves to eat something we really don’t want to eat, we’re inherently unhappy about it. The same goes for restrictions. When we don’t allow ourselves to eat something that we truly want and enjoy, we’re undoubtedly going to rebel. This is where the loss of control comes in. 

Eventually, you break the rules. You don’t do what you, “should” do and instead do what you want to do. The result? You’re completely out of control around food and left feeling guilty and ashamed. The root cause of the scenario is the assigning of morality to food. If we can simply look at food as food, we’re then able to make decisions based on our wants, needs, likes, and dislikes. You have self-control around food. 

Ditch The Eating Schedule 

Your body doesn’t function on a strict schedule. Instead, it has hunger and satiety cues that tell you when you’re hungry and when you’re full. When you ignore these cues and try to abide by a schedule instead, chances are you’ll eventually hit your breaking point. 

Before you know it, it’ll be 6:00 pm and you can’t help but eat everything in sight in the kitchen while you’re preparing dinner. It feels like you’ve completely lost control! When in reality, your body simply hasn’t had enough to eat all day, so your hunger cues are shooting through the roof.

Ditch the eating schedules to gain back self-control around food. 

Stop Following Diet Trends 

Whenever you try to follow the newest diet or trend, you’re often completely ignoring your personal preferences and needs in order to do so. As a result, you’ll probably have to cut out some of your favorite foods or heavily restrict them. 

In reality, does that mean you’re never going to eat those foods again? No, of course, it doesn’t. Eventually, the diet ends. Then what? You decide to have the food item again, and you feel like you’ve completely lost control. At this moment, it’s so easy to blame the food item. As if it’s the food item’s fault or it’s the food item causing the reaction. Yet instead, this extreme loss of control is a result of restriction. 

By no longer following diets, detoxes, or food trends, you can stick to your inherent wants and needs and gain self-control around food. 

Build Balanced Meals

Balanced meals allow you to feel satiated, energized, and satisfied. They don’t leave you feeling lethargic, hungry, and ridden with cravings. 

In order to gain back self-control around food, start paying attention to the components you’re including in your meals. Aim to get a source of protein, fat, a starchy and/or sugary carbohydrate, a non-starchy carbohydrate, and a flavor factor. This is what we call the Foundational Five! 

Remove The Food Rules 

Lastly, after ditching the diets and removing morality, we need to also leave the food rules behind. Food rules are just as wrapped up in restrictions as the previous topics we’ve discussed.

They’re often implemented with great intentions! Maybe you’d like to eat more nourishing meals to increase energy or lower your weight for health purposes, so you create a few food rules. Unfortunately, they almost always come back to bite us. Instead of abiding by food rules, utilize the Foundational Five and a mindset of balance to sustain healthy habits for life. 

The Takeaway

The more control we try to exert over food, the less control we feel like we have. Take your time to mend your relationship with food and make peace with it. This will allow you to feel in control around food and stress about it so much less. 

Do You Want to Experience More Balance with your Food Choices?

There’s nothing quite like a face mask to step up your skin care routine. The right mask is not just an indulgent treat — it can also tackle key skin concerns and conditions, from dryness and dehydration to large pores and acne. Depending on your age, some masks will be more beneficial than others. Read on to learn about the types of face masks, how to apply it and how to choose the right one for your age range and unique complexion. 

Benefits Of Masking | Types Of Face Masks | Face Mask For Your Skin Type | Face Mask For Your Age | How Often Should You Use A Face Mask? 

Benefits Of Masking: What You Didn’t Know About Masks

Just like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a skin care vehicle. It delivers highly concentrated actives, vitamins and nutrients to the skin to improve its overall health. The difference? Face masks are occlusive — they create a physical barrier that locks in beneficial ingredients, allowing the skin to absorb more efficiently.  

Face masks are designed to be used intermittently to give your skin an instant boost. Depending on what your skin needs, there is a mask that can do one (or a combination) of the following:

Hydrates and moisturizes dry skin
Refines large pores
Improves skin texture
Absorbs excess oil and dirt
Decongests clogged pores
Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Enhances elasticity
Improves the look of breakouts
Brightens dark spots

To help you find your “mask match,” here’s a quick cheat sheet about the different types of face masks on the market.

Types Of Face Masks Available

With so many options out there, how do you choose the right face mask for you? Here’s what you need to know about each type of mask texture. 

Cream 

Think of the texture of a rich moisturizer — that’s the best way to describe the feel of a cream-based mask. These face masks do wonders for adding moisture and nutrients back into the skin, helping maintain a plump and young-looking appearance. Eminence Organics International Educator Brian Goodwin lets us in on a skin care secret: “An insider tip is that most of our cream-based masks can be used as a leave-on treatment.”

One option is our cream-based Bamboo Age Corrective Masque that smooths the appearance of dry, dehydrated or aging skin overnight. Our Coconut Cream Masque works best with dry, dehydrated or aging skin while our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque suits acne-prone and oily skin types. Our Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse probiotic skin care formula that suits all skin types. It is designed to support the skin’s natural recovery process and maintain the a healthy skin moisture barrier. This rich, slow-absorbing mask provides soothing hydration and comfort to dry, dull skin. 

Gel 

Gel masks, on the other hand, have the consistency of a jam or jelly. With their lightweight texture, they are an excellent choice for oily to normal skin types. Many gel masks include astringent ingredients like raspberries and blackberries which minimize oil and tighten the appearance of pores. Others are formulated with hydrating ingredients like stone crop and honey which replenish the look of dry and dehydrated skin. 

Our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is suited for those looking for a firmer-looking complexion. It contains a cocktail of rhubarb extract, avocado oil, leafy greens and citrus. Whichever mask you choose, you can amplify your results with this skin care tip from Brian: Apply your favorite gel-based mask before hopping in the shower to make it an active in-shower treatment. 

Clay 

With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay treats ongoing skin conditions related to acne such as excess oil and inflammation. Pro skin care tip: Did you know a clay mask can double as a spot treatment? Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends using the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque to treat bumpy and congested skin: “It’s nice and creamy in texture, and you literally need a little bit … Just hit those little areas and let it dry.”

Exfoliating

Exfoliating masks are formulated to remove dead skin cells and enhance your skin’s natural turnover process. This type of face mask may take the form of a chemical peel which employs alpha or beta hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells and clear them from the skin’s surface. The hypoallergenic Radish Seed Refining Peel reduces the appearance of problem skin and the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For pore-clearing exfoliating benefits, our Product Support Representatives recommend pairing it with either the Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque or the Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque. Use the Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque if you have combination skin. For drier skin types, we recommend the Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque. 

Warming

Warming masks contain active spices like paprika and cinnamon that make the skin feel warm. They intentionally cause a tingling sensation, and in some cases, the skin may turn bright red. The immediate effects last from 20 – 60 minutes before revealing a healthy, glowy complexion. In the same way that increased energy is a benefit of exercise, invigorating your complexion and increasing your blood flow provides a great workout for your skin. 

However, these masks aren’t for everyone: If you have sensitive skin, you’re better off choosing a cream or gel-based mask that won’t exacerbate your symptoms. 

Notably, our Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot has been recognized as a 2020 Allure Best Of Beauty Award winner within the “Clean Beauty” category. Blended from whole plants, seeds and spices, this formula invigorates and rejuvenates the appearance of the skin. 

Watch our In The Mix video below to find out more about our warming face masks: :

Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment is also designed to awaken dull, tired skin. Formulated with turmeric as well as citrine gemstones and zeolite, this mask only needs water to activate a fluffy mousse bursting with energy. 

The Best Face Mask For Your Skin Type

If you prefer to use one mask at a time, it’s important to choose the right face mask for your skin type and skin concerns. To get your wheels turning, here are our suggestions for each skin type:

Dry Skin

Dry skin often means dealing with flaky patches, a scaly skin texture or cracked, itchy skin. Boasting shea butter and grape seed oil, the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque provides important fatty acids to help with the appearance of skin softness and dryness. 

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum in the skin. Often this excess oil may interact with bacteria and dead skin cells resulting in breakouts. Try the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque for this skin type as it contains the Vitamins C+E to improve the appearance of skin health. 

Combination Skin

It can be frustrating to develop oily patches on your chin and forehead but dryness elsewhere such as on your cheeks. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque helps to balance the look of the skin by firming its appearance and revealing a smooth radiance. 

Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should carefully read labels and conduct patch tests for any new product before applying it all over the face. If you do have a reaction, you can apply the Calm Skin Arnica Masque to improve the look of redness and irritation. 

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, then your goal is to maintain your skin’s health. The Stone Crop Masque contains stone crop, lemon and other ingredients that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin. 

And, for particular skin concerns and conditions:

The Best Type Of Face Mask For Your Age

Now that you know what product suits you by skin type, you can also filter based on ingredients suited to your age bracket. According to our Product Support Team, here are their suggestions based on different age ranges:

How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?

Now that you’ve learned the basics, how often should you use a face mask? We recommend adding a face mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week. Masking should follow cleansing, toning and applying a facial essence. These steps clear impurities and excess oil, provide a base layer of hydration and prep your skin to better absorb the benefits of your face mask.

Once you’re ready, follow these skin care tips to apply a face mask properly:

1. Apply Mask Evenly

It may be tempting to slather on an inch-thick layer of product, but more isn’t necessarily better. A cherry-sized amount is plenty to achieve the right results. Natalie advises evenly applying this amount in a “pantyhose-thin” layer over the entire face. Pro tip: Use facial massage techniques to amp up the benefits of this part of your routine!

Remember, Eminence Organics face masks contain concentrated amounts of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. We recommend adding two to three drops of water to your product and warming it between your hands before massaging it into your face –— especially if the product is gel-based. This will allow for more slip, easier application and (bonus!) less product waste.

2. Remember To Include Your Neck & Décolleté

That cherry-sized amount is just enough to also include your neck and décolletage. These areas take on the visible signs of age much earlier than the face due to their exposure to environmental stress — and they’re easily forgotten in a skin care routine. Pay these areas a bit of extra attention by including them in your face mask application.

3. Leave On For 5 – 10 Minutes

Most masks can be kept on for five to 15 minutes, but the duration can vary from mask to mask. Some face masks act quickly and can be removed after a short period of time; others can be left on as an overnight treatment to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep. We always advise reviewing the label directions to apply your particular product so you know just the right time to remove it.

4. Remove Gently With A Damp Cloth

Don’t undo the benefits of your face mask by aggressively scrubbing it off. Instead, be delicate with your complexion. Use lukewarm water to gently remove the mask from your face. If you choose to use a washcloth, ensure it’s clean and has soft fibers that won’t irritate your skin.

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to apply a face mask:

Do you have any favorite masks? We’d love to hear about them! Share them with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written in September 2019.

These days, exfoliating acids are front and center in many skincare routines. They can be found in many types of products, from at-home peels and serums to toners and cleansers. The benefits of exfoliating acids are broad—they can improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores, and breakouts. They can even stimulate collagen production.

Exfoliating acids have come a long way since I first started in the business. Formulas have become gentler yet more sophisticated, and we’re starting to see brands expand beyond just the classic acids such as lactic, glycolic, and salicylic.

Despite all this, it’s still not uncommon for me to get questions from people wondering why they’re breaking out after starting an exfoliating skincare product. In this post, I’ll explain whether or not this is normal, when you can expect it to happen, and what you can do about it. Let’s dive in!

How Do Exfoliating Acids Work?

As a quick refresher, exfoliating acids work by dissolving the bonds that hold skin cells together. This loosens dead cells so they can easily be sloughed off. Regular exfoliation also prompts quicker skin cell turnover. The cell turnover process might be naturally sluggish in those who experience a lot of clogged pores, and it tends to slow down as we age. This is why exfoliation is great for addressing breakouts, dullness, and other signs of aging. 

Why Do Exfoliating Acids Make You Break Out?

If you’re new to using exfoliating acids (or just started using a new exfoliating product), it can be normal to experience some breakouts initially. 

Basically, there are two reasons this could be happening. The first is that you have clogged pores, and by increasing the rate of cell turnover, the acids are bringing these to the surface to “purge.” The second is that the product doesn’t agree with your skin and is causing some type of irritation or reaction. 

1. Purging From Exfoliating Acids

You’re far more likely to break out from exfoliating acids if you’re someone with clogged pores. Clogged pores are small, closed bumps that may be white or flesh-colored. They can be the result of a previous large, pustular blemish where the infection did come to the surface, but some residual oil and bacteria stayed behind within the pore. They can also be the result of dead skin cells falling into the pore lining and getting trapped instead of being sloughed off. This creates a buildup within the pore and can eventually also lead to a red, infected blemish. 

Clogged pores are non-infected bumps, so they just hang around and don’t really resolve or come to the surface. But, by increasing the rate of cell turnover, exfoliating acids encourage these clogged pores to come out. This is what can cause that initial purge. Typically, this will result in a whitehead that can easily be squeezed out. Alternatively, there can be some redness surrounding the whitehead. This signals an infection and means you’ve got a pustule on your hands.

If you’re experiencing purging, breakouts should typically be minor and should subside within 2-4 weeks. If you’re someone with a lot of clogged pores, it can take a little longer (closer to 6 weeks) and you may require additional treatments, such as a retinoid. Also, keep in mind that purging typically occurs in areas of the face where you’re already prone to breakouts. If you start getting inflamed breakouts in new areas, it could be irritation instead.

Read: Renée’s Complete Guide to Clogged Pores

What To Do

If you suspect your exfoliating acid products are causing you to purge, keep going! While it’s not the most pleasant process, it means clearer, smoother skin is awaiting you on the other side. To deal with blemishes as they crop up, turn to spot treatments (just make sure you’re spot-treating the right way). This will allow you to tackle individual blemishes without drying out the rest of your skin.

If you’re experiencing a significant amount of breakouts, you may want to cut back on how often you use your exfoliating acid product. This will make the purge last longer, but it will also slow it down to make it more manageable. 

2. Irritation From Exfoliation Acids

If you’re getting lots of red, angry breakouts (especially in areas where you don’t normally break out), it’s likely the exfoliating acid product you’re using is irritating your skin. Additionally, if your “purge” lasts more than six weeks, either the acid product you’re using isn’t agreeing with you or it isn’t improving your skin. 

Irritation from acids can be a result of either the formula or user error. The product you chose might be too strong and aggressive for your skin, in which case you can look for a gentler type of acid or opt for a product with a lower concentration of acids. Otherwise, the product may be a good fit, but you could be overusing it. I typically recommend that people exfoliate 2-4 times a week, and it really depends on your skin so some trial and error is necessary. 

In addition to breakouts, be on the lookout for symptoms such as redness, itching, burning, or tightness. These can be tell-tale signs that a product is irritating your skin. 

What To Do

If you start to suspect irritation, stop using the product immediately. If your breakouts improve, this is a great indication that it wasn’t a great fit for you. If you’re new to exfoliation and not sure where to start, check out my beginner’s guide to exfoliation. If you still need additional guidance, you can always book a virtual consultation with one of our in-house estheticians to get personalized product recommendations for your skin type.

Finally, exfoliating acids aren’t the only products that can make you break out. Learn which other ingredients can cause purging.

Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare ExpertAs an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”