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As you look into the mirror, you might find yourself wondering about the ingredients that make up the skincare products you use daily. With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out what's best for your skin. That's why we've decided to ask experts in natural skincare for advice and take a closer look at natural skincare ingredients and how they can help to nourish, protect, and transform your skin. From coconut oil's moisturizing properties to aloe vera's soothing effects and rosehip oil's anti-aging secrets, in this article, we explore some of the most powerful natural ingredients that you should consider incorporating into your daily routine. So, join us on this journey as we discover the benefits and potentials of Mother Nature's gifts to skincare.

The Power of Nature: A Guide to Natural Skincare Ingredients

Before we start exploring all the amazing natural skincare ingredients, it's good to remember that skincare is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin. Other factors, such as hydration, diet, and exercise, play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of your skin.

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will help flush out toxins and keep your skin plump and refreshed. And if you want healthy and youthful skin, it helps to stay active and be mindful of your diet on top of that. You might be wondering how exercise can give you better skin. Regular exercise can help increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your skin while also aiding in eliminating toxins.

Additionally, good sleep also plays a significant role in skin health. A lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation, which can result in various skin issues, such as acne, wrinkles, and dull skin. All these, together with a good skincare routine,are the key to healthy and beautiful skin. Now let's find out what magical ingredients Mother Nature has in store for us!

#1 Vitamin C: The Brightening Boost

Out of all vitamins for healthy skin, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an absolute must in your routine. It's a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out skin tone. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage and boost collagen production. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in protecting the skin from UV damage. You can find it in various forms, such as serum, oil, or cream. When looking for products with vitamin C, make sure to choose those that have a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid. This is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C.

#2 Coconut Oil: The Multitasking Moisturizer

Coconut oil is a versatile and nourishing ingredient that can benefit all skin types. It's rich in fatty acids, which help to moisturize deeply and protect the skin. Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for fighting acne, and you can also use it to soothe eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, coconut oil can also be used as a makeup remover and as a hair conditioner. On top of that, it's also one of the most common ingredients in natural sunscreens.

#3 Peptides: The Anti-Aging Solution

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that play a crucial role in the health of our skin. They can help to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides can be found in various forms, such as serums, creams, and masks.

#4 Amino Acids: The Moisturizing Marvel

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and they are essential for maintaining the health of our skin. They can help to retain moisture and improve the skin's texture and elasticity. They can also help to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

#5 Tea Tree Oil: The Acne Fighter

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can help to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective against a wide range of bacteria and other skin irritants. You can use it as a spot treatment or add it to your cleanser or moisturizer for added benefits. Keep in mind that tea tree oil is quite strong. Therefore, you should use it in dilution and always patch test before applying it to the whole face.

#6 Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for hydration. It can help to plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin elasticity. Nowadays, you can find it in the form of serums, creams, and masks.

#7 Silver Carp Collagen: The Collagen Booster

Collagen is a protein that makes up a significant part of our skinand is responsible for keeping it firm and elastic. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Silver carp collagen is a marine collagen that is known for its high bioavailability and efficiency in supporting skin, hair, and nail health. You can use it in the form of a serum or as a part of a different skincare product. Or, you can even take it as a supplement.

#8 Aloe Vera: The Calming Agent

Aloe vera is a well-known ingredient for its soothing and healing properties. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and even improve skin tone. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Aloe vera is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used to treat sunburns and other types of skin irritation.

#9 Rosehip Oil: The Anti-Aging Secret

Rosehip oil is a natural source of antioxidants, which are known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil is light, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It can be used as a standalone oil or added to your existing skincare routine.

What Natural Skincare Ingredients Will You Start Using?

There's no denying the benefits of natural skincare ingredients and their power to improve your skin's overall health and appearance. Lucky for us, nature has provided us with an abundance of ingredients that can effectively nourish, protect and transform our skin. So don't be afraid to explore and experiment with these miracle workers and find what works best for your skin type.

But the real magic happens when you make a choice to go natural. When you start using natural ingredients on your skin, you not only take care of yourself but also take a small step towards preserving the environment. Nature has provided us with everything we need to have healthy, glowing skin, and it's time we start taking advantage of that. So, let's make the conscious choice of going natural, and in doing so, not only will we achieve the skin of our dreams but also play our part in preserving the earth for future generations.

We know that finding skin care for oily skin can be confusing, especially when so many products claim to be “good for oily skin” but really aren't. 

So today, we're going to break down exactly what your perfect skin care routine should look like if you have oily skin (including products!).

Cleanse & Exfoliate

The first step in good skin care for oily skin is cleansing and exfoliating your face. You should wash your face twice daily using warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. 

Try to find a cleanser that works well for your specific skin type; this will ensure that it won't dry out your skin or leave behind residue after use. 

Next, make sure to exfoliate twice a week to remove oil and dead skin cells that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Finding a good cleanser and a good exfoliator can be a difficult process. At Aiona Alive, we’ve made this decision easier by creating an award-winning exfoliating cleanser that can be used on any skin type. 

Our E-Citrus Exfoliating Cleanser penetrates deep into your skin to remove blackheads and makeup. The lather easily washes off without residue. Another benefit is this exfoliating cleanser will last you a year if you use it twice a day!

Anti-Oxidant

Having a high sebum output (in other words: having oily skin) can increase lipid peroxidation. This means that more sebum can be turned into free radicals which cause acne and premature aging. 

The good news is that this can be prevented by using an anti-oxidant in the form of a Vitamin C serum. The antioxidants effectively block the effect of lipid peroxidation and prevent wrinkles and acne.

At Aiona Alive, we made Vitamin C even better by combining it with peptides and amino acids into one powerful serum. 

Vitamin C and peptides enhance each other's collagen-producing effects and work together to fight wrinkles. Within a few days, not only will the Vitamin C prevent acne in oily skin, but you’ll also notice a drastic improvement in your skin’s elasticity and texture.

Moisturize

All skin types need to moisturize. However, if you have oily skin, you must be careful about the type of moisturizer you use. Try to find a moisturizer that is

• Oil-free
• Water-based
• Lightweight 

We know it’s hard to find skin care for oily skin with all these criteria, so we created our own moisturizer. Our E-Sensual Moisturizer is a lightweight, all-natural formula that easily absorbs into your skin to create a breathable moisture mask.

To Summarize

If you have oily skin, one of the best things you can do is create a skincare routine that works specifically for your skin type. Good skin care for oily skin can not only reduce visible shine on your face, but it can also minimize breakouts and prevent wrinkles.

If you’re interested in natural skincare products suitable for all skin types, visit our shop. 

We can all agree that the last few years were incredibly stressful. The pandemic made us all anxious and scared. So many things were happening at once it was hard to keep up and cope with everything. Though things have slowed down a bit in the last few months, we are out of lockdown. However, the consequences of that time are still visible. Long periods of stress like that usually leave a mark on both our bodies and our minds. But nowhere is it more visible than on our skin. When a person goes through a challenging stress-filled period, it can lead to skin fatigue. It’s a common occurrence, but not everyone always knows what it is, how to recognize and, even more important, how to combat it. So we decided to shine a little light on this issue that affects many people.

Skin Fatigue – What is it?

First, let us explain what skin fatigue is and how it manifests. Skin fatigue is not a thing that happens overnight. It occurs over a period of time, and the causes are usually stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. There are a few characteristics of an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s typically bad sleep patterns, lack of physical activity, or a bad diet. In addition, smoking or drug abuse are very detrimental to the health of your skin. You may not see it immediately, but these bad habits are wreaking havoc on your body. Specifically, they damage your collagen.

Collagen gives our skin hydration and elasticity, keeping it from sagging and making us look younger. So when we spend a lot of time living unhealthily, collagen can’t do its job properly. In turn, our skin starts looking dull and tired. Dark circles that don’t seem to go away form around our eyes, and our eyes start to look puffy. These are the signs that you are experiencing skin fatigue.

How to prevent it?

Before we get into how to combat skin fatigue, we will start with how to prevent it. Prevention is better than cure, right? Well, prevention is directly tied to the cause of the issue, which is stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. While we can’t always avoid stress because we can’t control what happens to us all the time, we can do something about our lifestyle. To prevent skin fatigue, first, you must make sure you have good sleeping habits.

Sleeping just two hours a night or sleeping all day isn’t going to cut it. You need to have at least 8 hours of sound sleep per night. Physical activity is a must, not just for skin fatigue but for our general well-being. Your diet needs to be healthy and balanced, which means more vegetables and proteins and cutting back on added sugars. Also, quitting smoking is necessary if you want to protect your skin.

How to combat it?

Now that we covered the basics of skin fatigue, the next important question is, “How to combat it?” And luckily, there are some simple things you can do to make it better. Here are some things to implement in your skincare routine to make your skin glow again.

Get rid of dead skin cells

As we said previously, skin fatigue manifests by making your face dull and tired. One of the reasons for that is a layer of dead skin cells that diminish the natural glow of your face. Luckily you can solve this by using a good exfoliator. The only issue is people don’t always know what makes a good exfoliator.

If you’re a beginner, we strongly recommend starting with chemical exfoliation instead of manual exfoliation. The main reason is that you don’t know how your skin will react at first. Manual exfoliation is harsher on the skin and can do more damage than good.

However, don’t let this scare you into not giving exfoliation a go. It is a perfect way to depuff your face and return its glow. Additionally, it will clear clogged pores and allow your skin to grow in a healthier way. But remember, exfoliating is not something you should do every day, as too much can harm your skin. You should not do it more than two to three times per week.

Moisturize

There is no surprise that the next step is moisturizing. Even if you do everything else on this list but skip moisturizing, you won’t get excellent results. Without good moisturization, your skin will look dull, tired, and dry. Depending on your skin type, dry, oily, or standard, find a deep moisturizer that you will use daily. A good day and night cream go a long way in skincare and combating skin fatigue.

Face mask

Face masks are growing increasingly popular in the skincare world. And there is a good reason for that. They give your face a quick boost whenever you may need it. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to be at an important event and look presentable, but your face looks tired, you can give it a quick boost with a face mask. It will only take about 15 minutes, and you will immediately see the effects. Of course, face masks aren’t a replacement for a good skincare routine, just a great tool when you are in a time pinch.

Be consistent

What makes a skincare routine successful is consistency. If you skip it too many times, you won’t see the results you want. That being said, the key here is planning. For example, long-distance moving to Vancouver and hiring movers can take a long time, and you will probably spend a lot of time traveling. And while experts can make it stress-free, it is up to you to take care of your skin during that time. So if you know you will spend a whole day in the car or a plane while traveling to your new home, prepare an overnight bag with all your skincare products. That way, you will still be able to keep up with your routine. No matter the situation, prepare that bag just in case.

In conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have the answers to the question “Skin fatigue- What is it and how to combat it?” As you can see, it is crucial that you are consistent with your routine and don’t make excuses. Also, combining your skincare routine with a healthy lifestyle would be best. Only then will you have the best possible results.

Let’s face it, we all want glowing skin. 

And if you’ve been keeping up with skincare trends, many people are raving about Vitamin C serum and it’s amazing properties.

From brightening dull skin to protecting against free radical damage, Vitamin C is an all-around great addition to your skin care routine.

But while many of us are aware of these benefits, knowing how to use Vitamin C serum in your routine can be tricky.

To help you out, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to use Vitamin C serum in your skincare routine.

In this blog, we’ll be using the Aiona Alive System. This system incorporates a full skincare routine with natural ingredients that complement and enhance each other’s effects. This maximizes the benefits of each ingredient and produces visible results in your skin. To experience the full benefit of each product, use our carefully curated step-by step system.

A Quick Note About The Order Of Skincare

Before we jump into our step-by-step guide, let’s briefly dicuss the order of applying skincare.

Skincare products should be applied in a specific order so you can experience the maximum benefits of each product. The order makes a difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

To apply skin care products, follow the rule of “thinnest to thickest.” Start with the skin care product with the thinnest consistency and end with the product with the thickest consistency.

The Aiona Alive system is already numbered with the order of each product. If you’re ever confused, check the instructions for the “step number” of that product.

Prepare Your Skin

Before you start adding products to your skin, it's important to make sure your face is clean. 

Cleansing removes dirt and impurities from your skin so they don’t get stuck under your skincare products and clog up your pores.

A good cleanser should feel gentle on your skin and be suitable for your skin type. At Aiona Alive, we strongly believe in natural skincare products. Our award-winning E-Citrus Exfoliating Cleanser includes natural ingredients that won’t cause burning or irritation. 

Step 1 - Use Vitamin C Serum

After your face is washed, make sure it’s completely dry before applying Vitamin C serum. This is because Vitamin C absorbs best on clean, dry skin. 

To apply, place a few drops into your palm or directly on your face. Then, gently pat it on your skin.

Let the serum completely absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.

How To Enhance The Effects Of Vitamin C

Pairing Vitamin C with peptides enhances the effects of both products.

But what exactly are peptides and where can you find them? 

Peptides are made up of amino acids. Amino acids stimulate the dermis layer of your skin to make collagen. Collagen improves your skin’s elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. 

When Vitamin C and peptides are used together, they strengthen each other's collagen-producing effects. This amplifies the benefit to your skin and produces visible improvement.

At Aiona Alive, we combined Vitamin C, peptides, and amino acids into an effective Vitamin C serum. In this way, you can experience the amazing combination of peptides and Vitamin C in one powerful product. Within a few days, you’ll notice a visible improvement in your skin’s elasticity, texture, and brightness.

What To Avoid When Using Vitamin C Serum

While Vitamin C serum is pretty adaptable, there are a few ingredients you should avoid when using it:

• Retinoids 
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Hydroxy acids
• Niacinamide

When combined with Vitamin C, these ingredients can lead to skin irritation or cancel out the effects of both products.

When To Use Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum can be incorporated into your morning or evening skincare routine – or even both!

When used in the morning, Vitamin C’s UV-protectant properties help prevent premature aging caused by free radicals.

At night, your skin starts its repair process: blood flow increases to your skin and repairs fine lines, wrinkles, and UV-ray damage. Because of this, using Vitamin C at night has a very effective impact on reducing fine lines and evening out skin tone.

To experience the full benefit of Vitamin C serum, we recommend using it both morning and night.

Step 2 - Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Step 2 in the Aiona Alive system is the Moisture HA Serum.

Mixing Hyaluronic Acid serum and Vitamin C serum in your skincare routine creates powerful results.

Vitamin C improves your skin’s texture, decreases pigmentation, and boosts radiance.

At the same time, Hyaluronic Acid draws in moisture to your skin. This plumps the skin and decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, many people struggle with how to use Vitamin C serum and Hyaluronic Acid in the same routine. This is because both products have a different method of application:

• Vitamin C should be applied on clean, dry skin
• Hyaluronic Acid should be applied on clean, damp skin

So, Which Order Should You Apply These Serums?

Vitamin C should always be applied before Hyaluronic Acid.

This is because Vitamin C is very unstable and loses potency when it comes into contact with air, light, and water. To avoid this, it’s best to apply Vitamin C right away to clean, dry skin.

If you apply Hyaluronic Acid after Vitamin C, your skin does not need to be damp. This is because Hyaluronic Acid can absorb moisture from the environment – you don’t need to provide it yourself.

Step 3- Collagen Serum

We’re almost done!

Step 3 in the Aiona Alive system is the E-ternal Collagen Serum - All Skin.

Collagen works synergestically with Hyaluronic Acid by enhacing the water holding properties of Hyaluronic Acid. Because of this, adding Collagen serum after Hyaluronic Acid ensures your skin experiences the amazing benefits of both.

To apply, pump some collagen serum into the palm of your hand and then gently pat it into your face.

For maximum benefits, wait until the collagen serum is completely absorbed into your skin before continuing to the next step.

To get the most out of this serum, use it both in your morning and evening skincare routine.

Step 4 - Apply Moisturizer

In this last step, lock in all of your skincare by applying a moisturizer.

When choosing a moisturizer, pay attention to its ingredients. Avoid harsh chemicals and too much fragrance because these will irritate the skin.

The Aiona Alive system emphasizes using complementary ingredients together. That’s why we recommend using a moisturizer with amino acids and peptides in this routine. Layering amino acids and peptides leads to effective results on your skin.

We’ve already looked at the positive effects of using peptides with Vitamin C, but what about with Hyaluronic Acid?

The peptides work with Hyaluronic Acid to retain moisture in the skin – resulting in increased hydration and plumping effects.

You can find all these ingredients in our Moisturizing Night Crème. This cream contains 5 different types of peptides that work together to create smooth, supple skin.

To Summarize 

Vitamin C serums are becoming increasingly popular among skincare enthusiasts for their numerous benefits such as improved complexion and brightened skin.  

To experience its benefits, knowing how to use Vitamin C serum correctly in your skincare is important. If you’re ever confused about the order, just remember the rule of “thinnest to thickest.”

Lastly, remember that everyone’s skin is different. So what works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. This is why it’s important to listen to your skin and respond accordingly by modifying your routine or adding new products.

If you’re interested in natural skincare products suitable for all skin types, visit our shop. 

Happy Glowing!

Whiteheads,the bane of our existence.

They might pop up when you're about to go on a date or before an important meeting at work. 

But what are whiteheads? Is there a way to get rid of them? Does everyone get them? We'll answer all these questions and more in this article.

What Are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are a type of acne that is typically caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria in one of your pores. Whiteheads are characterized by a small, white bump on the skin that is filled with pus and other matter. They can be located indifferent areas of the face, including the nose, chin and cheeks.

Whiteheads are not painful and do not cause any pain or irritation. However, they can be annoying to deal with!

What Causes Whiteheads?

Now that we’ve answered “what are whiteheads,” let’s discuss what exactly causes them.

Whiteheads are caused by clogged pores and there are many reasons pores can become blocked. The most common reason for a blocked pore is excess sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. 

Excess sebum can be influenced by hormone changes during:

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation 
• Certain birth control pills

Whiteheads can also can be caused by exposure to dirt and by dead skin cells. These culprits block your pores and cause a whitehead to form.

How To Treat Whiteheads

Some of you may have skipped the “what are whiteheads” section and jumped straight to this section. If you did – we understand!

However, after this section we recommend going back and reading about the causes of whiteheads and exactly how they form. We’ll be referencing the material we discussed in this section.

Now, let’s dive into whitehead treatments. 

Hyaluronic Acid

As we discussed in “what are whiteheads” (we told you that section will come up!), whiteheads can occur due to overproduction of sebum that can clog pores. 

Hyaluronic acid not only helps increase moisture in your skin, but it also controls excess sebum production. This makes hyaluronic acid a great ingredient for whitehead prevention and treatment.

At Aiona Alive Skin Care, we offer hyaluronic acid serum with handpicked ingredients that are specially designed to absorb fast without clogging pores.

Exfoliate

If you have white heads,  no matter how small or large, you need to exfoliate. 

Exfoliation is the key to getting rid of whiteheads because it removes dead skin cells that clog your pores and cause acne.

At Aiona Alive, our award winning E-citrus Exfoliating Cleanser penetrates deep into your pores to remove oil and dirt build-up. It also exfoliates with decyl glucoside – a natural surfactant made from raw materials.

We’re Here To Help

At Aiona Alive, we’re here for any questions you may have. You can also shop our natural skin care collection on our site. 

So whether you’re still wondering “what are whiteheads” or have any other questions, please contact us!

 In recent years, ACV has been gaining popularity with skincare enthusiasts for its all-natural skin benefits and is often hailed as a wonder product. What’s all the hype about?

 What is ACV?

 ACV is a common abbreviation for apple cider vinegar, a common liquid household ingredient that’s been used in cooking and cleaning for centuries. It’s often incorporated into things like salad dressings, sparkling drinks, marinades, homemade disinfectants and cleaning solutions, but this everyday ingredient has several little-known alternative uses in the realm of natural skincare.

 Apple cider vinegar is typically made with three incredibly rudimentary, all-natural ingredients: apples, yeast, and water. To make it, apples are chopped and combined with yeast and then covered with water to ferment. The fermentation process is where the magic happens—the yeast breaks down the natural sugars found in the apples to create ethanol, and then bacteria converts the ethanol into an acidic solution.

 You will often notice the “mother”, a byproduct of fermentation, hanging out near the bottom of a container of apple cider vinegar. This is completely natural and doesn’t need to be discarded, as it’s part of the live culture of your vinegar. However, if it does bother you, you can strain it out with a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter.

 You can easily find ACV in its simplest form in your local grocery store, and it’s often kept near the salad dressings with other vinegars and oils. Many natural skincare brands also use it as an ingredient in cleansers, toners, masks, and other products.

 Is ACV Good For Skin?

 Natural skincare junkies, holistic estheticians and dermatologists alike will attest that yes, ACV is good for your skin — in the right amounts and used at the right frequency. Just like many other skincare ingredients, there are appropriate times to use ACV and it’s possible to overuse the ingredient in your routine. As long as you watch for reactions and monitor your skin for unwanted results, ACV is perfectly safe to use on almost all skin types, oily and acne-prone skin included!

 Apple cider vinegar offers a range of skin benefits, is fairly inexpensive and easy to source, and can be incorporated into your skincare routine in a whole host of ways. Plus, the vinegar in its simplest form is 100% natural and contains no fillers or preservatives, so you don’t have to worry about questionable extras sneaking their way onto your skin.

 Benefits of ACV

 Apple cider vinegar offers a range of benefits and can be an asset to almost every skin type. When used correctly, ACV can fight acne-causing bacteria, balance the skin’s surface PH levels, prevent skin infections and other conditions, and exfoliate the skin to reveal a smooth, bright, even complexion free of blemishes.

 PH Balancing

 Balancing your skin’s PH is crucial to maintaining proper skin functions like regulating oil production and promoting a healthy microbiome. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and when diluted can help balance the surface PH of your skin.

 Prevents Infections

 A natural byproduct of the fermentation process is the acetic acid found in ACV, which gives the vinegar antibacterial properties and can help prevent infections and treat certain skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Because it helps to clear bacteria from the skin, it can also help with acne.

 Natural Exfoliant

 Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (also known as an AHA) that gently dissolves dead skin and debris when applied topically. Using ACV as an exfoliant 2-3 times a week can help even skin pigmentation, unclog pores, and brighten your overall complexion.

 Combats Acne

 The combination of the vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties, exfoliating properties, and PH balancing effects work together to unclog pores and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The result? Dissolved blackheads, potentially reduced pore size, regulated oil production, and fewer breakouts.

 How to Use ACV for Your Skin

 Apple cider vinegar is unbelievably easy to incorporate into your skincare routine in a number of ways, but there are a few things to keep in mind no matter which route you take.

 First, know your skin type and any special skin conditions you have that may be irritated by vinegar. If you have especially sensitive skin, very dry skin or skin that is easily irritated, consult your dermatologist before using ACV to ensure it doesn’t make your condition worse or cause a reaction.

 Secondly, no matter what type of skin you have, you should always do a patch test to make sure you don’t react poorly before diving into regular use. Apply diluted ACV to an inconspicuous area and wait an hour to monitor your skin for signs of irritation.

 Lastly, always, always, always dilute your ACV! Apple cider vinegar is very acidic when fully concentrated, so follow the specific instructions for whatever application you are using it for and dilute accordingly with water, cleanser, oil, etc. It’s safe to use 2-4 times per week, but you may have to adjust accordingly to your skin’s needs.

 Here are 5 different ideas on how to use ACV in your skincare routine:

 Swipe on diluted ACV with a cotton pad as a toner after cleansing.

1. Add 1-2 cups to a bath and soak for softer skin.
2. Use diluted ACV as a mixing medium for clay masks or other powdered treatments and apply to your whole face (avoiding your eyes and mouth as you usually would when masking) or stick to problem areas for a spot treatment.
3. Clean your makeup brushes! Add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to one cup of warm water and let brushes soak bristle-side down for a few minutes before gently scrubbing to remove build up and debris.
4. Use diluted apple cider vinegar post-shave to soften skin and prevent ingrown hairs!

 ACV is also beneficial for your health! When ingested, ACV has been shown in studies to be effective in helping manage blood sugar, assisting in weight loss, and can also help improve cardiovascular health. Consult your physician to discuss managing your health with apple cider vinegar.

 Possible Side Effects

 Just like with other skin care ingredients, no matter how natural they are, it’s possible your skin could disagree with using apple cider vinegar in your routine. Be vigilant for redness, irritation, dryness, flaking, or other signs that your skin is reacting poorly to the acidic properties of ACV. You may try diluting it further to lessen harsh effects or discontinue use altogether to give your skin some time to recuperate.

Dermatologists don't — and can't — argue there. In my opinion, [retinoids'] benefits are more about the skin's appearance," says Dr. Katta. "The compounds in retinoids can help boost collagen, but they're not necessary for healthy skin. The most important factor in maintaining healthy skin is about protection and promotion." Research shows that although retinoids thicken the skin overall, they thin the skin barrier, the built-in protective layer that guards against invading pathogens and environmental aggressors and locks in moisture.

How Does Retinyl Palmitate Form Vitamin A?

The different retinoids have slightly different functions and benefits.  All the retinoids are converted into retinoic acid in the body. Retinoic acid is the main ingredient that has a direct biological effect on the skin. Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A and is responsible for most of the benefits to the body and skin. 

Retinoic acid is available as a prescription treatment known as tretinoin or Retin – A. Tretinoin can cause skin irritation including excessive peeling, redness, and photosensitivity which limits its use.

EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, which rates ingredients based on toxicity. Retinol can rank anywhere from six to nine out of 10, making it a "high concern" ingredient. For reference, lead and formaldehyde — two undisputed toxicants — earn 10s.

The overall product or ingredient score in Skin Deep is calculated from information drawn from the nearly 60 integrated toxicity, regulatory and study availability databases," Leiba explains. "Retinols get a high score in Skin Deep because government testing has shown that, on sun-exposed skin, these chemicals can increase the risk of skin lesions and other skin damage."

Again, there is no definitive evidence that topical retinoids lead to cancer or reproductive toxicity, but the evidence we do have is pretty much on par with that of  parabens. (Read: Not agreed upon by professionals, requires more research.) So what's the difference between potentially-toxic parabens — largely shunned by both indie brands and drugstore giants as a precaution — and potentially-toxic retinoids?

The Best Alternatives to Retinol for Your Skin

-Bakuchiol

-Niacinamide

-Vitamin C

-Peptides.

Sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, the claims made from some of these natural ingredients are proved to not be as effective as we thought.

UVA and UVB Rays

UVA and UVB are the two types of ultraviolet radiation that come from the sun. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage such as wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays affect the surface of the skin, causing short-term damage such as sunburns. Both types of rays can lead to skin cancer.

The efficacy of natural ingredients- Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is one of the most common ingredients used in sunscreens. Even though zinc oxide is a chemical, sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are often referred to as natural, or physical. This means that the ingredient does not penetrate the skin but rather block the sun by sitting on top of skin.

Surprisingly, not all sunscreen ingredients protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, however, does. “It’s a photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen, so it has one of the broadest UVA coverages of all the sunscreen ingredients.

“Zinc oxide can be ‘micronized,’ meaning it’s processed into very small particles, so small that the preparation appears clear when applied on the skin.” Non-micronized formulations, she explains, are often less cosmetically elegant and are more opaque or white. So, if you’ve ever applied a sunscreen that left a white, powdery cast on your body, it most likely contained zinc oxide as a key ingredient.

Carrot seed oil

Carrot seed oil does have health benefits, but protection from the sun is not one of them. Carrot seed oil has an SPF of 38 but it does block the harmful UVA and UVB rays, and should not be used on it's own as a sunscreen.

Red raspberry seed oil

Red raspberry seed oil is a natural sunscreen with an SPF of around 28 to 50. However, it has not been proven to be effective against UVA rays. Because raspberry seed oil doesn’t offer UVA protection — which is responsible for 95 percent of UV rays — raspberry seed oil alone isn’t recommended as a sunscreen. Given its other beneficial characteristics, however, it can be used as a healing agent for other skin conditions.

Almond oil

Almond oil does have SPF, but it’s not very high. The SPF of almond oil is only 2 to 6. This means that you would need to apply a lot of almond oil to your skin to get the desired level of protection. Almond oil is also not water-resistant, so it’s not a good choice for activities like swimming or sweating.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has an SPF of around 4 to 6. The Mayo Clinic also mentions that coconut oil only blocks 20 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays compared to sunscreen’s 97 percent.

It’s imperative that a sunscreen provides either UV-absorbing or UV-blocking protection to be effective. There is not one scientific study proving coconut oil, or any other natural oil for that matter, provided any adequate UV-absorbing or UV-blocking protection. But as far as zinc oxide (the main ingredient for sun protection in these DIY recipes), mixing active cosmetics isn’t as simple as adding the recommended amount.

Shea butter

Shea butter has an SPF of around 6, also not enough protection against harmful UVA rays. However, shea butter is known for its high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Bottom Line

There are many natural ingredients that can be effective for sunscreen. Some of the most popular include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone. Each of these ingredients has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. Zinc oxide is a physical barrier against the sun's rays, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. It is also effective at blocking both UVA and UVB radiation. Titanium dioxide is another physical blocker that is less likely to cause irritation. It is not as effective as zinc oxide at blocking UVA radiation, but it is better at blocking UVB radiation. Avobenzone is a chemical blocker that protects against UVA and UVB radiation. However, it can be unstable in sunlight and can cause skin irritation. Ultimately, the best natural sunscreen ingredient will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

The best plant extracts for anti-aging can be found in nature. These extracts have been shown to have powerful effects on the skin, helping to reduce the signs of aging. Some of the most effective extracts include: 

Aloe vera, Green tea, Yellowdock Root, Seabuckthorn oil, Bladderwrack, Oregon Grape Root Extract, Borage Oil, Shitake Extract, just to name a few. 

Each of these plant extracts has been shown to have powerful effects on the skin, helping to reduce the signs of aging. Using a combination of these extracts can provide thee best results for anti-aging.

As we age, our skin begins to show the effects of time and exposure to the elements. wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots can all make us look older than we are. While there are many products on the market that claim to reduce the signs of aging, not all of them are effective. In fact, many of them contain harsh chemicals that can damage the skin.

Thankfully, there are plant extracts that have been shown to be effective in reducing the signs of aging. Each of these extracts has its own unique properties that help to improve the look and feel of the skin. By using a combination of these extracts, you can achieve the best results for anti-aging. Some of the benefits of using plant extracts include:

-reduced wrinkles and fine lines

-improved skin elasticity

-reduced age spots and other signs of sun damage

-improved complexion

-reduced inflammation

-hydrated skin

Some of the most effective plant extracts for anti-aging include:

Aloe Vera- is a succulent plant that has long been used for its healing properties. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage.

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radicals. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the signs of aging.

Yellowdock Root is a plant that is rich in antioxidants and minerals, including zinc. Yellowdock Root can help to improve the appearance of skin blemishes and reduce the signs of aging.

Rosehip oil is a natural oil that is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Rosehip oil can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and can also help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.

Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that is rich in nutrients, including antioxidants and minerals. Bladderwrack can help to improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Seabuckthorn oil is a natural oil that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Seabuckthorn oil can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and scars.

Oregon Grape Root Extract is a plant extract that is rich in antioxidants and minerals, including zinc. Oregon Grape Root Extract can help to improve the appearance of skin blemishes and reduce the signs of aging.

Borage oil is a natural oil that is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Borage oil can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and can also help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.

Shitake Extract is a plant extract that is rich in antioxidants. Shitake Extract can help to reduce the signs of aging, as well as to improve the complexion.

To use plant extracts for anti-aging, you should select a few that have the properties that you are looking for. For example, if you are looking to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, then you should choose an extract that is high in anti-oxidants. If you are looking to improve skin elasticity, then you should choose an extract that is high in Omega fatty acids.

The benefits of plant extracts for anti-aging are clear. By using a combination of extracts, you can achieve the best results for your skin. Plant extracts are natural, effective, and safe. They are a great way to reduce the signs of aging without using harsh chemicals. They are a great addition to other anti-aging ingredients, such as peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins. So, if you are looking to reduce the signs of aging, consider using plant extracts. Your skin will thank you for it!