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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.