Know Your Acids for Skincare
Acids in skincare are unsung heroes.
They are the miracle tools used to chemically exfoliate, even skin tone, and fight acne, age spots, wrinkles, and scarring. It can seem overwhelming to know which skincare products containing acids are best, but knowing the specific uses for each can be helpful in choosing products that are best for your unique skin type. Some acids are more well known than others, but they each have an individual purpose depending on your skin’s different issues, and we’ll discover that now.
| Best for… | Acid |
| acne-prone skin | azelaic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid |
| mature skin | glycolic acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid |
| fading pigmentation | kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid |
The Different Types of Acids and Their Uses
The acids listed below are the primary acids skincare specialists work with that have been well researched in skincare. Keep in mind, acids are great for most people, but sensitive skin needs the selective de-squamatization delivered by enzymes, which are much gentler.
Azelaic Acid: Treats acne, papulopustular rosacea, hyperpigmentation/melasma, and aging skin. This is an awesome, multifunctional acid. Usual use: 20% on leave-on products.
Ascorbic Acid: AKA vitamin C. Comes in many forms, some more stable than others. Great for anti-oxidant effects, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. We use primarily MAP (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) vit C due to its stability and gentleness. Use range is typically between 5 and 20% (the work of Sheldon Pinnell, MD, from Duke University) He proposed the use of unstable L-ascorbic acid. We use stable MAP Vit C, instead.
Citric Acid: The baby sister of ascorbic acid. Citric Acid is a wonderful product for treating several skin problems like mild acne, pigmentation, clogged pores, sun tanning, wrinkles, and dark spots. Lemons, oranges, and certain berries contain citric acid in large quantities. You can apply citric acid on the skin, in the form of peels, toners, scrubs, or masks. Use is typically 1-5%.
Ferulic Acid: ferulic acid. A plant-based, phenolic antioxidant that is found in bran, among other plants. Research has shown that it provides antioxidant benefits to the skin while enhancing the stability of topical applications of antioxidant vitamins C and E. It also helps defend skin against environmental assault. Use is typically 1%.
Glycolic Acid: Is the holy grail for exfoliation, effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, revealing brighter, fresher skin. Products that contain Glycolic Acid are used often to treat scarring, skin discoloration, and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Use is typically between 5 and 35%.
Kojic Acid: is sometimes used in health and beauty products to lighten the skin. It may be used to treat skin conditions, such as sun damage, scars, and age spots. The science behind how kojic acid works as a lightening agent involves its effect on melanin production.
Lactic Acid: This is the hydrating acid that has many of the same effects as glycolic acid, but is milder for mature or sensitive skin. All alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate and improve skin texture, but lactic acid has an extra benefit you won’t get from its AHA cousins. Lactic acid helps improve the skin’s natural moisture factor, or the way the skin keeps itself hydrated. Basically, lactic acid helps to keep the skin moisturized and feeling less dry.
Malic Acid: Red wine contains antioxidants as well as malic acid, an alpha hydroxyacid. Both have scientific evidence showing they provide anti-aging and other skincare benefits. An antioxidant in wine, resveratrol, has been shown to be a very powerful antioxidant. It is a skin brightener.
Mandelic Acid: Softens and smoothes fine lines and roughness. It is derived from almonds. It is also an AHA. Mandelic acid is another alpha-hydroxy acid, one that’s derived from bitter almonds. Like glycolic acid, it’s an exfoliating agent that’s useful for preventing acne, treating sun damage, and evening out pigmentation. However, due to its larger molecular structure, it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as glycolic acid, so it’s less irritating to the skin. For this reason, it’s commonly recommended in peels instead of glycolic acid, particularly for ethnic skin which is more prone to rebound pigmentation. Rebound pigmentation occurs when a resistance is built up to a particular substance due to excessive use. This causes the substance to not only be ineffective but often causes it to have the opposite of the intended effect.
Salicylic Acid: This is the only beta hydroxy acid and is used to treat acne and at lower doses, has anti-inflammatory effects. It is milder than AHA’s and helps keep pores clean. At concentrations above the usual 2%, salicylic acid has pronounced exfoliating and keratolytic effects that can soften calloused skin and corns.
Tartaric Acid: is naturally found in grapes and bananas, and when applied topically it can smooth the skin, enhancing your skin’s natural glow. Champagne, which is derived from grapes, is an easily available source of tartaric acid, and this detoxifying treatment is a great choice for a light alpha hydroxy mask.
The Three Main Types of Exfoliation
Many skincare experts recommend exfoliating the skin two to three times a week to tackle deep dirt and oil buildup, reduce dullness, and sweep away dead skin cells. Exfoliation promotes healthy cell turnover as they buff away the dead skin. There are three main types of exfoliation, and each has its benefits.
Mechanical – scrubs anything that is abrasive from mildly to extremely harsh. The mechanical exfoliation uses a product like a scrub to physically remove the skin cells by buffing them away.
Chemical – acids, primarily, which break down the keratin bonds of skin proteins (keratolytic) which reveals fresher, softer skin beneath. This is primarily the AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids).
Remember, all clients who are treated with or use products containing AHA’s must be instructed to use sunscreen, or they will do further damage to their skin with UV exposure, thus defeating the purpose.
Enzymatic – these enzymes are very specific in what they break down, which is only dead skin cells, not live cells, thus making them more gentle and appropriate for those with sensitive skin.
Be Sure to Consult a Skin Care Specialist
When working with skincare acids and exfoliation, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable skincare specialist. They’ve been trained to help assist their clients in achieving their skincare goals in the safest way possible. We love to answer any questions our customers may have, so please feel free to contact us and we’ll be sure to help you with your skincare routine!
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Clean Beauty: What It Is and Why It Matters (A BeeNaturals Guide)
It’s about more than cosmetics
In 2004, a British researcher named Philippa Darbre found traces of parabens in breast cancer tumors. At the time, cosmetics manufacturers used parabens extensively as a preservative. Though the data behind that particular study was not very strong, it was a wake-up call.
Suddenly, more consumers than ever started to engage in a broader conversation about cosmetics. They wanted to know what effect these products have on individuals throughout the world.
At first, the dialogue seemed little more than a fear-based grasping at straws. News outlets would report on scary scientific studies and offer little context. They would leave those without firsthand knowledge with little choice but to either overreact or ignore the studies altogether.
But something positive came out of Darbre’s research. Through it, she sounded an alarm that enabled many of us to ask more insightful questions about our beauty products.
This new conversation is called Clean Beauty.
The term Clean Beauty represents a positive discussion around cosmetics. It’s about the ingredients themselves, as well as how they
are obtained, packaged, and produced. It’s about how cosmetics affect us as individuals and as citizens of the world.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what Clean Beauty is and what it is not. Throughout, we’ll provide you with information on how you can make more positive choices concerning your skincare.
What “Clean Beauty” Is Not
As we enter this discussion, I’d like to make a few things clear.
First, Clean Beauty is not about what brand you choose.
Clean Beauty does not set out to put down other serious cosmetics professionals who are endeavoring to do good work. It’s not a conversation in which we denigrate the brands found in expensive mall shops or the corner drug store.
Many of them do excellent work within specific parameters. Their choices, while not always “clean” in this particular sense, aren’t necessarily dangerous.
Second, Clean Beauty is not merely about what is “toxic” or “non-toxic.”
The reason is simple: toxicity is about dose and exposure.
For example, those who drink eight glasses of water a day tend to have clearer, more supple skin. Their kidneys function more freely, and they often find it easier to lose weight. People who have the correct dose of water even tend to think more clearly.
But people who drink too much water can go into a coma, have seizures, or even die. The dose is what makes the difference.
Here’s another example that’s a little more relevant to cosmetics.
Though we at BeeNaturals don’t use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) for a variety of reasons, many do. In large doses, the stuff is hazardous. But assuming normal use, nearly everyone who applies it to skin or hair is safe from its adverse effects.
Third, Clean Beauty is not about being “superior.”
Though I like to point out the benefits of Clean Beauty to people, everyone makes cosmetics purchases based on a variety of factors. These factors include access and affordability. I wouldn’t want these factors to get in the way of a BeeNaturals purchase. However, I would hate it if someone felt embarrassed that their favorite products aren’t technically “clean.”
When it comes to this topic, I also think about the pressures parents face. It’s tough being a mom or dad. I prefer not to make anyone feel guilty about what skincare products they use — or do not use — on their child.
Parents have a hard enough time as it is. Let’s leave the personal judgment out of this particular topic.
Finally, Clean Beauty is not about what’s missing from a product.
Clean formulation isn’t just saying, “We don’t use X product. Therefore, it’s clean!” There’s a lot more to it than that.
Here is what I believe the conversation should be about.
What Is Clean Beauty?
Clean Beauty is mindfully choosing cosmetics based on four main factors:
- Ingredients that positively impact a person’s skin, hair, and well-being
- Hygienic manufacturing practices
- Ethical and transparent production
- Sustainability
That’s a lot to digest, so let’s take them one at a time.
1. Clean Beauty is about positive personal impact
When I was working forty hours a week as a nurse, I washed my hands dozens of times a day. The soap I used was “effective” in the technical sense. I was disinfecting my hands, but they became painfully dry and cracked as a result.
Eventually, I began to mindfully choose (and then make) soaps with ingredients that would not only clean my skin but also nourish it. When I did that, I was embarking on the path we now call Clean Beauty.
As I make soaps, I want to use the best nature has to offer, like avocado oil, coconut oil, and glycerin. But ingredients that are the product of science — if they have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing — can also be “clean.”
As mentioned in a previous article, “soap” in any form cannot be natural. It’s the result of a chemical process called “saponification.” When someone says they want “natural soap,” they’re contradicting themselves!
However, the chemical decyl glucoside (an ingredient in our most gentle soaps) is widely regarded as safe, non-toxic, and non-inflammatory. By any measure, it’s a candidate for “Clean Beauty,” even if scientists formulated it in a laboratory.
Remember, it’s not where the ingredient comes from that makes it “clean.” It’s the effect it has on you as a whole person.
2. Clean Beauty products are produced hygienically
In food production, workers must follow strict guidelines as they handle, store, and wash food. They are required to meet specific standards to protect those of us who eventually eat the food. When manufacturers don’t follow these practices carefully, the results can be disastrous.
The cosmetics industry has similar requirements. However, beauty products are made all over the world. Cosmetics companies may or may not consistently check to make sure their manufacturers are meeting hygiene standards.
For those who care about Clean Beauty, we want our products to be clean literally.
One of the reasons I feel so proud of our BeeNaturals products is that I know how they’re made! As a Missouri company, we produce all of our products in my home state under my supervision. We are very conscious about hygiene.
That’s not to say products produced in other parts of the world are not made hygienically. I just believe cosmetics producers must continually check that their manufacturers are meeting standards.
3. Clean Beauty products are created ethically and transparently
We who are concerned with Clean Beauty aren’t just thinking about the product itself and how it’s made. We want to know that the ingredients are obtained ethically. And we want our cosmetics manufacturers to be able to offer proof when asked.
For example, Squalane oil, an ingredient found in nearly every moisturizer, came from shark liver for many years.
Now, since the same oil can be found in many botanicals (including olives), there’s no reason to continue the unethical practice of over-fishing these endangered species. Yet, despite the positive strides we’ve made all over the world, it continues to occur.
There are other similar practices throughout cosmetics. For those of us concerned about Clean Beauty, we only want to do business with companies who are transparent about where they source their ingredients and how they’re tested.
That’s why BeeNaturals is Leaping Bunny Certified — our products are never tested on animals or come from ingredients that harm animals in any way.
4. Clean Beauty products are good for the environment
Though we can tie this point to #3, this addresses a much broader topic. It asks if the company making the product is doing so in a sustainable way. Clean Beauty products must make the lowest possible environmental impact, reducing pollution at every stage in the product’s lifecycle.
Increasingly, customers want proof their cosmetics are made using sustainable practices. That’s why savvy manufacturers — as well as those with a conscience — are working harder to “go green.”
At BeeNaturals, we value the Green Chemistry philosophy.
For example, our product packages are fully recyclable, and the paper products are 100% compostable. In our stores and manufacturing facility, we produce next to no trash — most of what passes through our doors can be recycled or reused in some way.
Additionally, we don’t use any hazardous chemicals, so our products themselves are safe for the environment.
BeeNaturals: The difference Clean Beauty can make
I founded BeeNaturals because I wanted to combine the very best of science and nature to create products that promote healthy skin for our customer’s overall well-being. That last word, “wellbeing,” is what it’s all about — and that means more than just feeling better when you look in the mirror.
To “be well,” we must consider more factors than whether or not our product works. We want to use products that do not harm our bodies or the environment. We want to use products that promote a better world.
For those of you who have chosen BeeNaturals for your skin, thank you for buying products that are kind to our world.
For those of you who would like to be a part of the Clean Beauty movement, check out our products or schedule a spa treatment.
And my wish for you, in whatever you do, is to be well.
How to Get Nourished, Hydrated Skin with Ceramides
One of the most essential parts of a woman’s skincare routine is to keep skin hydrated. Skin sheds cells that require repair to allow for more youthful skin cells to float to the surface. Three forms of Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid are essential for hydrating the skin to create an effective moisture barrier for all skin types.
Every stage in life is important for proper skin hydration. Younger women typically have healthier skin, making this a crucial time to begin a proper regime for future protection. Middle-aged women are starting to see fine lines and wrinkles and an increase in dryness. Women with mature and aging skin continue to see an increase in dryness, along with flakiness as the sebaceous glands gradually lose their ability to keep skin hydrated.
How can you tell if your skin moisture barrier has been damaged or compromised?
- Redness or rosacea
- Flakiness
- Peeling
- Dryness from a lack of natural oil
- Tightness in the face
- Looks dull and dry
- Dehydration from a lack of moisture
- Irritation
- Sensitivity
- Normal moisturizer just doesn’t seem to work
These are all signs that your moisture barrier is needing some assistance.
Damage to the skin barrier can also happen during season changes, particularly in the fall and winter when humidity tends to drop. Using skin care products that contain harsh ingredients or are abrasive can damage the moisture barrier. Too much exfoliation, using strong acne products, and even cleansing too frequently can damage the moisture barrier.
So how do we maintain hydrated skin? Some of the powerhouses of the ingredients in Restore II Hydrate include three forms of Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid.
Significantly Increase Skin Hydration
Ceramides are waxy molecules that limit moisture loss. Ceramides are also known to be naturally occurring long chains of lipids (fats) found in our skins’ outer layers. Ceramides are necessary for water-retention and protecting the skins’ moisture barrier. Studies show that skin hydration is significantly increased with products that contain ceramides to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing system.
Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced in your body. It helps to retain water, keeping tissues lubricated. This ingredient helps your skin look and feel more supple. As women age, environmental conditions and nature take a toll on this chemical. The inclusion of it into Restore II Hydrate helps minimize damage and exposure.
Panthenol Vitamin B5 helps bind to water, holding it to the skin for moisturizing purposes. This binding and holding of the water help to maintain softness and elasticity in your skin. The dual action of Panthenol Vitamin B5 helps to seal cracks in skin with the moisture that is being attracted and bound to it.
Nourish Your Skin
When skin is nourished with high-quality ingredients, hydration increases and gives skin a healthy, youthful glow. All three forms of Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid are an essential part of your skincare as they work to nourish the skin, protecting the skin from signs of aging, irritation, and dehydration. The result is plumper, smoother, and firmer skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
Create Youthful Skin From Within
The three forms of Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid are natural components that are found within young, healthy skin. Younger women can still benefit from ceramide-containing skincare products as they help create a protective layer that helps prevent loss of moisture. They play an essential role in keeping the skin hydrated and protected and preventing premature signs of aging by improving skin elasticity.
Ingredients That Are Amazing for All Skin Types
Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid levels found naturally in the skin start to decline as we get older. These ingredients are known to be anti-aging, “skin-replenishing”, and rejuvenating to aging skin. Since Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid are naturally part of your skin, they are ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, and breakout-prone skin. Ceramides, Panthenol Vitamin B5, and Hyaluronic Acid can even reduce facial skin inflammation, restoring the skin to its natural, healthy state.
Ultimate Protection Of The Skin’s Moisture Barrier
It’s important to protect your skin’s moisture barrier. This is the primary protection of the outer or upper layer of the face. It performs several functions, mainly to maintain moisture within the skin to keep it hydrated and plump. The moisture barrier also keeps dirt, toxins, and bacteria from clogging up pores and damaging your skin.
Clean Formula You Can Trust
Bee Naturals Hydrate II is formulated with the highest quality ingredients to promote healthy skin. Hydrate II has a specific, therapeutic purpose based on clients’ needs for a well-maintained moisture barrier. Purity, safety, and excellence is top priority. Hydrate II provides the best that nature and science have to offer to create cleanly derived products for the face.
Be kind to your skin and pamper it with nourishing ingredients like the ones in our Restore II product or Pore Refining Serum. Your skin will thank you for it!
Understanding the Top 10 Anti-Aging Ingredients
Understanding the Top 10 Anti-Aging Ingredients in Skincare Products, and Why Using Them Will Help Keep Your Skin Healthy, Glowing and Beautiful at Any Age
Imagine if you could jump in a tiny box, click a button, and emerge 10 minutes later looking 10 years younger. Anti-aging ingredients are among the most searched and sought after for this reason alone — no one really wants to have ‘aged-looking skin. And yes, there are some really effective skincare products out there, but keep in mind that nothing can totally turn back the hands of time. The good news? It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin.
If you’re younger, using these ingredients in your 20s, ’30s, and 40s can help prevent premature signs of aging, and have people raving about your beautiful skin when you’re in your 50s, 60s, and 70s! Remember that old saying: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? When it comes to investing in your skin, what you do now will save you a lot of angst and money down the road!
Anti-Aging Ingredients to Look For and Why
#1 Niacinamide aka Vitamin B3
This skin vitamin has been shown to help fight free-radical damage to collagen, brighten dark spots and help manage acne and oily skin, Look for a serum or lotions that contain at least 6% and up to 20% to reap the benefits of this powerhouse that suitable for all skin types. Make sure you don’t mix this with an acidic serum as that can convert the niacinamide to nicotinic acid, which may be irritating to some complexions.
Bee Naturals products that contain niacinamide: Oil-Free Moisturizer, Queen Bee Facial Nectar, Foaming Face Wash, MelaClear Pigment Lightening Creme, Anti Aging Blemish Creme
#2 Retinol
No, we’re not talking about Retin-A and its derivatives. These are prescription strengths, and frankly, often these powerful products prove to be too drying for many complexions. Rather, find a product that contains retinol, which is converted slowly to a usable form. Retinols, in general, is ‘the gold standard’ for overall skin vibrancy and have an abundance of evidence to back their use.
Retinoids, including retinol speed cell turnover, meaning that the skin will shed the upper skin cells more rapidly, thus aiding the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. It is also believed that retinol helps increase collagen production, which aids in helping skin stay firm. Collagen production, unfortunately, decreases as we age.
No matter if you’re using a prescription-strength retinol product or over the counter, retinol products tend to cause some irritation and/or dryness when first used and you may experience some flakiness, stitching, or redness, so start slowly, with less product, then gradually increase, over time and be sure to use a moisturizer over the treated area to help alleviate dryness and absolutely use sunscreen to protect the fresh skin revealed beneath.
Bee Naturals Products that contain Retinol: Bio Phyto Nutrient Oil, Queen Bee Facial Nectar, Queen Bee Facial Serum
#3 Vitamin C and its trifecta companions, ferulic acid and vitamin E
Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, et. al., discovered the antioxidant power of Vitamin C on the skin and that the positive effects are potentiated by the addition of ferulic acid and Vitamin E. This original cocktail is known for its skin lightening/brightening powers, ameliorating oxidative damage, and also has a protective effect from cumulative UV radiation effects. It’s best to use a more stable form of Vitamin C known as either sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which are more stable against light and oxygen degradation and are more pH friendly to facial tissues.
Bee Naturals products that contain Vitamin C: Ultra AA Serum, Vitamin C Creme, Queen Bee Facial Serum
Anti-Aging and Acids
Acids!!? On my face? Yes, these ingredients are the rock stars of facial ‘resurfacing’ or refinement. Some use mechanical exfoliation, such as microdermabrasion or dermaplaning but these should generally be done by a professional and can be too irritating for fragile, sensitive skin. Rather, consider these ingredients that you can control.
#4 Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the gold standard exfoliant and overall brightener in professional circles. It is one of the two major alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and can be found in many different products such as chemical peels, toners, creams, etc. Its exfoliant actions dissolve the old skin cells away from the new, revealing fresh, bright, skin, minus, fine lines, dark spots, and blemish scars.
It’s available in various strengths and products, usually not stronger than 10% in over-the-counter products, which can be used several times a week but may go up to 70% in professional-grade peels used by physicians and estheticians. These products are used under supervision and much less frequently. There is ‘downtime’ associated with the use of these stronger peel-type products. It is imperative to wear sunscreen when using this product.
Bee Natural products that contain Glycolic Acid: Clarifying Face Wash, Glycolic Renewal Creme, Fruit Acid AHA/BHA Exfoliating Creme, AHA Rejuvenate 15
#5 Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the sole BHA, or beta hydroxy acid that is gentler than glycolic acid, and more specifically used in the treatment of acne. It too has exfoliating effects that are always helpful in softening the signs of fine lines and wrinkles and, since it is an oil-soluble ingredient, it’s especially helpful in keeping oil-filled pores clean – good especially if you’re prone to blackheads. Ditto on the sunscreen.
Bee Natural products that contain Salicylic Acid: Clarifying Face Wash, Acne Clarifying Oil, Fruit Acid AHA/BHA Exfoliating Creme, Blemish RX Drying Lotion
#6 Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is another alpha hydroxy acid that can be combined with glycolic, or used alone. It has all the same characteristics as glycolic acid, but is generally a bit more gentle, and has ‘hydrating’ properties, making it a good choice for skin that is dull AND dry. Again, as with all AHA’s and BHA’s new skin revealed when using these products is more susceptible to the sun, so be sure to wear at least SPF 25.
Bee Natural products that contain Lactic: Glycolic Renewal Creme, AHA Rejuvenate 15, Reconstructor Rx
#7 Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid has become almost a household word these days, but it is a terrific humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it look more plump, moist, and youthful. Hyaluronic acid along with glycerin is very common in skincare products and they typically are well tolerated in most skin types since they are hydrators, not exfoliators. If your skin tends to be chronically dehydrated, this is an ingredient to look for in products.
Bee Naturals Products that contain Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Serum, Hydrating Facial Freshener Hand & Body Nectar, Ultra AA Serum, CC Serum, Oil-Free Moisturizer, Rose Geranium Moisture Veil, Oil-Free Night Repair Creme, Queen Bee Ultimate Eye Serum, Restore I Cleanse with Beta Glucan, MelaClear Pigment Lightening Creme,
#8 Ceramides
Ceramides are one of several lipids or fatty acids that help hold your skin together- sort of like flexible mortar. Skin that is chronically dry and/or mature will benefit from using products that contain these ingredients. They restore skin moisture by locking it into the skin, they protect the skin, help reduce inflammation and soften dry, dull skin.
Bee Naturals Products that contain Ceramides. Pore Refining Serum, Restore I Cleanse with Beta Glucan, Tinted Facial Primer 25% Zinc Oxide
#9 Panthenol
Panthenol is vitamin B5 and like glycerin, honey, and hyaluronic acid, it has both humectant and moisturizing properties making it a great addition to skincare products for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin. Panthenol also has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in wound healing. Oh, and it’s good in hair care products, too.
Bee Naturals Products that contain Panthenol. Restore I Cleanse with Beta Glucan, Anti Aging Blemish Creme, Oil Free Night Repair Creme Oil Free, MelaClear Pigment Lightening Creme,
#10 Sunscreen
Yes, we know you’re probably tired of hearing this, but you can’t worship the sun and have youthful, healthy skin. Now, what you choose to use is another story altogether. The debate rages about the relative benefits and potential hazards of chemical sunscreens too lengthy to go into here, but whatever you choose, use it or you’ll be inviting all those lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation right back to your face and breakdown of collagen.
We prefer using products with zinc oxide in a finely milled form to provide non-toxic UVA and UVB sun protection. We do not sell an SPF rated sunscreen (due to the high cost of lab testing to verify the rating claims), however, a good, non-chemical start for sun protection is our non-nano particle Tinted Facial Primer 25% Zinc Oxide. It can be used over your chosen sunscreen, or alone.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to stay educated. Have an understanding of what you’re putting on your face as well as why you’re doing it. Remember, too, that it’s never too late to start treating your skin well.
Serums vs Moisturizers – What’s the Difference?
Serums and Moisturizers Explained
Serums are typically thinner and lighter than moisturizers and have a wide variety of functions. They usually don’t contain oils. Typically, serums have active ingredients in them that penetrate deeply into your skin.
Moisturizers are thicker and creamier than serums. Serums are usually liquid or semi-liquid products, whereas moisturizers are usually in either a lotion or cream form. These are emulsions (a mix of water and oils).
Serums can be water-based and can also be oil-based. Water-based serums should be applied directly to clean, slightly moist skin for the most effective delivery penetration of active ingredients and hydrating ingredients.
Bee Naturals Ultra AA Serum is a product that delivers water-soluble Vitamin C and other antioxidants deep within the skin. It also hydrates. Think of hydrating products as those that give your skin a drink of water.
Queen Bee Facial Serum is an oil-based serum that also delivers oil-soluble antioxidants to the skin but is oil-based and very moisturizing and lubricating. This type of serum should be used after water-based serums are applied.
If water-based serums are applied after an oil-based serum or moisturizer, the water hydrating compounds and active ingredients can’t penetrate through the oil layer on the skin, because it creates a ‘barrier’ that water can’t penetrate.
How do I know which is which?
Look at the label!
If the product contains water in the list of ingredients, it is a water-soluble product and should be used before any oil-containing products.
If it primarily contains oils, it is an oil-based product and should be applied after water-based serums.
So, in general, the hydrating water-based serum delivers moisture and active ingredients to your skin. Moisturizers, though they may be hydrating provide a lubricating, protective layer that prevents the evaporation of water (moisture) from your skin.
So then, now that we know some skincare basics, how do we best optimize the effects of our skincare products?
How to Best Use Skincare Products
- Make sure your skin is well cleansed – clean, but not stripped of all healthy oils. This is accomplished in two ways:
- Use a gentle low foaming cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup and debris, but not so much as to ‘strip’ the skin to the point of squeaky clean. Gentle, gentle! Bee Naturals Queen Bee Cleansing Milk or Rose Geranium Foaming Facial Cleanser are good choices, or for very dry or nutrient-deprived skin, consider Restore I Cleans with Beta Glucan.
- Ensure that your skin is adequately exfoliated, meaning that surface dead skin cells are removed. Typically, use products that contain gentle acids such as those with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or gentle enzymes to remove surface dullness. Bee Naturals Enzyme Exfoliating Creme or AHA Rejuvenate 15 Creme is used several times weekly to help with cell turn-over and allow vital ingredients to better penetrate the skin, where they’re needed. We recommend using a soft terry face cloth. Unless the skin is very soiled, we advise against the use of mechanical exfoliants (scrubs) If you are plagued with numerous blackheads, try using Bee Naturals Facial Polish periodically to help soften and remove excess debris. It’s customizable and less likely to cause abrasions than some ‘scrubs’.
- Hydrate after cleansing with either Bee Naturals Hydrating Facial Freshener or Calming Tonic prior to applying moisturizer, especially if you live in an arid or dry climate.
- If your skin is oily and/or acne-prone, the use of a hydrating, serum-weight moisturizer may be perfect for you. For example, Bee Naturals Oil-Free Moisturizer (a serum) may be all you need, or you can add our Oil Free Day Creme or Oil Free Night Repair Creme.
- If your skin is normal/combination, use a slightly heavier moisturizer, such as Queen Bee Facial Nectar or Rose Geranium Moisture Veil. Both deliver nutrients, moisture, and lubrication to your skin.
- If your skin is dry, you may consider using Bee Naturals Creme Luxe Intense Moisture Creme or Queen Bee Facial Serum.
Special Concerns about excessively oily skin/acne:
Often those with excessively oily skin and/or acne believe that super-scrubbed skin is the only way to deal with these issues. While it is an understandable conclusion, it is also absolutely the incorrect approach. We often see clients that have oily skin and/or acne, but the surface of their skin is dehydrated and dry-looking in appearance. If overly aggressive treatment is given to this skin type, the skin becomes so dry on the surface that the natural, necessary lubricating oils can’t make it to the surface where they are needed. Because of the surface dryness, this treatment further aggravates acne and oiliness and often contributes to whiteheads, blackheads, and additional acne. Often the skin will actually get oilier in response to this aggressive approach making matters worse for this skin situation. Moist Skin does not equate to Oily Skin.
With these basic skincare steps in mind, consider incorporating one of our many specialty cremes into your regimen if you have particular skin issues.
CC Serum for those with redness or rosacea.
Vitamin C Creme for mature, sun-damaged skin that is aged and dry or may be showing signs of sun damage.
Anti-Aging Blemish Cream for those that still suffer from occasional acne, but are also concerned with signs of aging.
Glycolic Renewal is a gentle, but effective exfoliating creme that helps brighten the complexion and helps your products absorb better.
Fruit Acid AHA/BHA Exfoliating Creme for those who need a bit more powerful exfoliating and brightening power or have occasional acne. Gentle salicylic acid helps here in addition to mixed AHA fruit acids.
Hyaluronic Serum for those who need extra hydration, prior to applying moisturizer.
Pore Refining Serum for those who have enlarged pores due to aging and loss of collagen… It’s hydrating, too!
Answers to Questions About Hand Sanitizer
In Response to Questions About Hand Sanitizer
Our hand sanitizer is made with a minimum of 65% alcohol, as required for effectiveness.
Hand sanitizer does not expire. Yes, really.
To those of you who have recently ordered hand sanitizer from us or those who plan to, please be advised that due to the unavailability of our usual gelling ingredient, carbomer, we were forced to convert to xanthan gum as a thicker. Xanthan gum does not create a thick, crystal clear sanitizer that you may be accustomed to using, but the upside is that you can put it into a spray container, as well, which in some circumstances may be more convenient to use.
Though perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing, it is made to specifications required for sanitizing hands with an alcohol content of at least 65%, hydrating glycerin, and soothing essential oils of sweet orange and lavender, which now, considering the shortage, is a good thing. We wanted to be able to continue to do our part to help those at risk to have this product available at a cost after free shipping, which leaves us little or no profit.
As soon as carbomer becomes available again, we will resume using it in our hand sanitizer.
As stated in our return policy, we are not able to accept returns on hand sanitizer.
