6 Steps For Your Next At Home Facial Treatment

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While we’re not advocates of cutting your own hair, you CAN give yourself some much-needed skin ‘self-care’ while sheltering in place. There’s no reason your face, skin, and nails can’t be glowing, soft, and beautiful. So, let’s do this!

Revitalize Your Face With a Facial!

You can easily pamper your face at home with your favorite Bee Natural skincare products. But, before you get started, you need to make a plan. Here’s the process we recommend: 

1. First Cleanse

Our pro tip is to do as estheticians do and start with a double-cleanse.  No, we don’t mean wash your face twice, either.  The first cleanse dissolves oil-soluble debris from the skin, without scrubbing.

Use either mild cleansing milk (non-foaming), or cleansing oil. Using the tips of your fingers and circular motions, massage into your entire face, neck, and decolletage. Use a warm, moist face cloth to gently remove the product from your skin.  

2. Second Cleanse

Use your normal foaming skin cleanser to thoroughly cleanse, again. This process removes water-soluble soil from the skin, as well as any residual cleanser from the first cleanse.

3. Exfoliate 

There are three ways you can exfoliate, especially important if your complexion is looking a bit dull.  We recommend fragile and/or sensitive skin to avoid mechanical ‘scrubs’ and rather, use either acid or enzymatic products.  Brighten skin and help your treatments better absorb.

Recommendations:  

  • Bee Naturals Facial Polish (mechanical exfoliator)  mix a small amount with plain yogurt or mashed avocado for a real treat)
  • Bee Naturals Fruit Acid AHA/BHA Exfoliating Creme (acid exfoliator) 
  • Bee Naturals Exfoliating Creme (enzymatic exfoliator)  apply a thin layer, leave on 15 min. Then rinse with cool water, or leave overnight for more enhanced effect)

4. Mask

Unless you have extremely oily, acne-prone skin with whiteheads and/or blackheads, you may not need to use a mask.  Clay masks do vary in their effect, some are more drying than others, so if your skin is dry or delicate, you may want to skip this step. For those who really need that extra deep clean, we recommend Bee Naturals Detox Mask.  Apply a thin layer to slightly damp skin and gently massage over the surface.  Let dry for only about 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Pro-Tip – Always use lukewarm water on your face; never hot or ice-cold, however, you can use an ice cube wrapped in gauze to reduce the inflammation of a major, tender pimple.  Hot water can increase capillary engorgement and/or redness is drying and can be a set-up for reactivity to facial care products.

5. Nourish And Treatments

Face dry, lackluster, and looking undernourished?  Try Bee Naturals Bio-Phyto with retinol and natural beta carotene.  Apply just a couple of this orange elixir to dry skin and massage in, thoroughly.  Then, blot off any excess before bed to avoid orange pillowcases. Want to help reduce signs of aging and bulletproof your skin from hyperpigmentation? Only a few drops of our Bee Naturals Ultra AA Serum with non-irritating MAP Vitamin C. Always apply in the AM, before moisturizer or makeup. Remember to apply to the neck and decolletage, too.

6. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is important to keep it soft and looking fresh! Bee Naturals Facial Nectar is a great lightweight all-purpose moisturizer for many skin types, except acne-prone. Oil and Acne prone skin calls for oil-free moisture from Bee Naturals Oil Free Day & Night Set (containing our Oil Free Moisturizer Facial Serum, Night Repair Creme, and Day Creme).

Pro-Tip – all skin needs a boost in the moisturizer department.  It’s what you use that makes all the difference.  Need help choosing which is best for you?  

Extremely Dry Skin will benefit most from our Queen Bee Facial Serum, Creme Luxe Intense Moisture. Oh, and don’t forget to slather your hands in rich hand cream to counter the drying effects of all this hand washing and hand sanitizer.  

Special Facial Treatment Options

If you deal with sensitive skin or other conditions, check out our tips below for the skin condition you are dealing with. 

Rosacea  

Try Bee Naturals CC Serum with chlorophyll and soothing chamomile extract to soothe, hydrate and calm.

Inflammation

Try Bee Naturals Inflammation Soothing Oil, particularly for those with inflammatory acne.  Yes, it’s an oil and no, it’s not comedogenic. 

Dehydrated skin

Give your face ‘a drink of water’ before applying moisturizer to help it plump and help your moisturizer work better.  Try Bee Naturals Hydrating Facial Freshener or Calming Tonic for Sensitive Skin.

There, now don’t you feel better?!

Call (573) – 242 – 3475 or contact us for a personalized skincare consultation- we want to help!

How to Get Nourished, Hydrated Skin with Ceramides

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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

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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?

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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

  1. Make sure your skin is well cleansed – clean, but not stripped of all healthy oils.  This is accomplished in two ways:
  2. 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.
  3. 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’.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!