BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
The best way to deal with blemished skin
by Jo Boyden
on May 22 2019
Still suffering from blemish-prone skin but feel you’re too old to be getting spots? Unsure how you should best deal with it? We hear you and are here to help!Adult spots (or acne as it’s referred to) can actually affect up to 50% of us, but before tackling your issue, it’s important firstly to understand why and how they are formed.What causes blemishes?Blemished prone skin can be triggered by a number of factors from diet to stress, genetics to hormones, a reaction to topical products or environmental factors, however the spots themselves are the result of an over production of sebum (oil) which can mix with dead skin cells and other grime on the surface of your skin leading to blocked pores.How to best prevent themWhile the dreaded blemishes are unpredictable and sadly part and parcel of everyday life for many, there are a few methods you can adopt to try and prevent them; Stop pores getting clogged by deep cleansing twice daily and using gentle exfoliation. N.B We are talking gentle exfoliation! People often think daily “scrubbing” will prevent blackheads but it can actually increase the shedding of skin cells therefore causing further clogging on the pores! Make sure you use exfoliators that don’t require physical scrubbing. We highly recommend Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. Use non-greasy, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) products or products that do not contain additional ingredients like artificial fragrances and preservatives as these commonly cause skin reactions. Always wash your hands before touching your face, in fact, keep your mitts off your face altogether! Clean your makeup brushes often (we are talking once a week) – makeup brushes naturally accumulate and harbour bacteria and an overload of bacteria can trigger breakouts! Adjust your diet. You want to ensure you include lots of fresh, green leafy vegetables and dramatically reduce the amount of sugar and dairy you may be consuming. Some experts agree in particular that milk may stimulate oil glands thanks to the hormones, creating a breeding ground for blemishes! Eek. Flush toxins by drinking plenty of water Remove makeup before any exercise. We are talking energetic exercise though when you may sweat a little, not walking from your house to the car. How to best treat themWe have all been guilty of over-treating our blemishes! Topical ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if overused can really dry out your skin (yes, we understand you want to dry out the skin and reduce the oil flow) but beware over-dry skin care can actually cause oil production to go into overdrive and in turn produce more clogged pores which equates to more spots! Vicious cycle. Also when used in unison these ingredients can slightly inflame the top layer of skin making it look red and raw! Just what you want, to replace a spot with red, raw skin! No thank you. Instead, opt for professional skincare created specifically to treat blemish prone skin with pure ingredients.A tried and trusted skincare routine will really help with symptoms and keep those pesky pimples under control just be sure to include a face mask into the mix as we promise a good face mask can be a game changer for those with blemish prone skin. We are currently in LOVE with Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask.Just remember to keep pimples at bay, you only need to apply a face mask once or twice a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. Easy.When your skin is acting up, reaching for your concealer and foundation seems like the only answer as there is no way you’re ready to face the world with the Taj Mahal on your chin in all its glory. But choose wisely, as the wrong foundation can exacerbate blemishes! Consider switching to mineral-based cosmetics. They contain ingredients such as silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide that soak up excess oil without clogging pores, allowing skin to actually breathe freely! Make sure you get your hands on the ELES bestselling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it will calm skin with anti-inflammatories, provide natural-looking coverage, and won’t clog pores.You can win the war against pimples, just be sure to follow these simple steps.
Makeup Tips For Sensitive Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 10 2019
If you have sensitive skin then you probably know it can be a trial finding products that don’t cause your skin to react. While we are all individual, so what causes sensitivity in one person may not cause it in another, there are some ingredients that are almost guaranteed to be a problem for all!One of the biggest categories to avoid is highly fragranced products which are very likely to cause a negative reaction with sensitive skin.Also avoid, drying alcohols, witch hazel, citrus and products that contain a high % of essential oils. Just like too much fragrance, even natural aromas can cause a problem. And be aware that while it may feel ok the first time you apply it, the effect is accumulative and you may find your skin becomes more reactive over time.Another problem can be preservatives, particularly methylisothiazolinone and methylcholorisothiazoline which are often used to replace parabens, these are known sensitizers when used in leave on products.Now before you take the plunge with any formula for the face, we recommend patch testing on the side of the face to ensure it won’t disturb your skin. Once you’ve found the right products for your skin, it’s time to get gorgeous and here are some tips to help you get the best results; PREP - CLEANSE GENTLY Avoid stimulating cleansers that may dry the skin or over exfoliate such as those with alcohol, AHA’s, BHA’s, citrus, essential oils etc. Instead use gentle formulas such as cleansing oils or lightweight, water soluble emulsions. Be gentle and avoid harsh rubbing with cloths or sponges and pat the skin dry.We love: ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil for easy makeup removal followed by Phytomer - Accept Neutralizing Cleanser. PREP - HYDRATE WELL Dehydrated skin can become easily irritated so protecting with a layer of moisture is key. Before you apply your creams and lotions drench the skin with a hydrating formula. You’ll notice a huge difference in the texture of your skin and this will also help to reduce the redness. Yep, parched skin is red.Try: Phytomer - Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum PREP - REACH FOR A MOISTURISER WITH SPF If your skin is slightly oily or combination then a serum may be enough moisture, but if your skin is dry then treat your skin to the added protection of a care cream. Most of us apply too much cream and overdose our skin with actives which can sensitize the skin. Take only the size of a pea and pat the product into the skin to allow it to absorb slowly and naturally. Use a moisturiser with SPF for a layer of added protection, this will help prevent sun damage and premature skin ageing like fines lines and wrinkles.We recommend: ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50 Time for makeup!MULTI-TASKING IS THE WAY TO GOThe less you apply to your skin the less likely it will react! Reach for multi-tasking products that treat, prime, conceal and even tone in one. A tall ask? We are talking about CC Creams. Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin. This means less coverage is required if any at all. In fact, men can and do use CC Creams to even out their skin tone as it doesn’t look like makeup.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did! CONCEALApply this only where you need it, the secret to successful makeup for sensitive skin is to keep every layer light. Less product to occlude the skin causing heat! Just focus on dark parches, circles or pesky breakouts and leave the rest of your skin alone.We always reach for: ELES Liquid Concealer, the peachy tones are ideal for concealing dark eye circles while the traditional colours are ideal for the face. GO LIGHT ON POWDERTo set your makeup apply a light layer of Mineral Powder Foundation. Focus on the T-Zone and remember a very small amount is all that’s needed to set your base. You can take this with you for touch ups during the day. Or if you prefer not to use powder try setting your base with a damp Pro-Blender Sponge, it effectively “water-proofs” it and leaves your skin looking flawless. This latex-free sponge is also easy to clean and minimizes the amount of bacteria that comes in contact with your skin, making it the perfect beauty tool for sensitive complexions.Find them here: Mineral Powder Foundation and Pro-Blender Sponge COLOUR SELECTIONWhen it comes to choosing colours avoid products that are too yellow. Red skin and yellow makeup = orange complexion. Neutral shades are best for you and will help reduce the redness harmoniously. REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT!Leaving impurities in the skin while you sleep will lead to more sensitivity! Allow your skin to perform its natural repair and regeneration at night by removing all your makeup and the day’s pollutants and you’ll wake up to a much calmer skin. While it may be tempting to coat your skin in rich and protective creams and oils, it’s better to drench it with lightweight moisture that will encourage better cell regeneration and protein rebuilding.We adore: Phytomer - Hydra Original Thirst-Relief Melting Cream
Q & A - How Do I Choose The Perfect Foundation For My Skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
Oily, dry, combination, blemish-prone skin…it’s important when choosing a foundation to select what is right for your individual skin type, but with so many foundations promising to deliver an array of benefits as well as the multitude of formulations from liquid to powder, stick to tinted, it is a wonder how any of us manage to get it right, and that’s before having to wrap our head around selecting the correct shade too!Well you’ve asked us for our guidance and here we are to help! Read on to determine once and for all your perfect foundation match! UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN TYPE This is fundamental when choosing your foundation as the last thing you want to do is invest in a formulation that is only going to exacerbate your dry skin or pesky pimples.Oily skinIf your complexion is prone to that 3pm shine, opt for a matte powder or oil-free liquid foundation and avoid dewy formulas. Mineral foundations work well on oily skin because the dry particles tend to absorb moisture and prevent shine.You can also try prolonging the wear of your foundation with a primer and then setting with a translucent lightweight powder.Try: ELES Mineral Powder FoundationDry SkinIf you tend to have dry skin, choose a hydrating liquid foundation. These have a creamy consistency which delivers moisture to the skin and offer great coverage too.Try: ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 for natural, radiant coverage or ELES Luminous HD Foundation for even more luminosity.Combination SkinAvoid powder formulations since they can make dry patches look even dryer, and treat extra oily spots with a mattifying primer before applying your base.Try: Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationSensitive SkinIf you struggle with blemished or sensitive skin, you really need to navigate the ingredients in a foundation. It’s best to avoid skin irritants like alcohol and fragrance which can be found in many a foundation and opt for a mineral formula every time. These contain no chemical nasties and will allow your skin to breath freely.Try: ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation or ELES Mineral Powder Foundation PREP YOUR SKIN It is important to have clean and well moisturised skin before trialling foundations, this will stand you in good stead for finding your perfect match! KNOW YOUR SKIN’S UNDERTONES You want to choose a foundation shade that has the same undertones as your skin. Either ‘cool’ or ‘warm’. If you have a warm complexion go with a shade that has yellow undertones, if your complexion is on the cool side, a foundation with a pink undertone will be best.To tell which undertones your skin has, look at your veins on the back of your arms. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. If your veins, on the other hand, look a greenish colour, then you have warm undertones. FIND YOUR SHADE MATCH Finding the perfect shade is the single most important part of foundation shopping. The ultimate goal is to find a shade that looks like your own skin but better!Firstly select three shades that you think are a close match to your skin colour. Forget testing them on your arm and test directly on the face instead, swiping all three side-by-side down your cheek towards your jawline. The shade that seemingly disappears is the one you want!Make sure you test in good natural lighting. ADAPT TO THE SEASON In the winter months, our skin tends to be paler so you need to adapt your foundation shade accordingly. We recommend having one key shade for spring/summer and another for autumn/winter.Now go forth and be flawless!
Undertone: Understanding your True Skin Colour
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 15 2018
This word is frequently mentioned in the beauty industry but if we were to ask what your UNDERTONE is, would you know what to say? In this blog entry, ELES gives you tips on how to determine your undertone.From the word itself, it is the colour underneath the surface of the skin. Knowing your undertone is the key to getting makeup products (and clothes) that look great on you.There are three main types of undertones:Cool (pink, red or bluish undertones)Warm (yellow, peachy, golden undertones)Neutral (a combination of warm and cool undertones)Makeup artists can spot your undertone effortlessly but in the absence of a glam squad, these tips will help you determine your true colour! If you’re an aspiring makeup artist, knowing how to determine an undertone will help you create a great makeup base for your cilents as well. Here are our tips: A white cloth can tell you what your undertone is!This technique is very similar to what videographers call a white balance. After washing your face, go near the window where you can have natural light and place a white cloth or white paper beside your face. Ask someone to check out the contrast of your skin. If the skin appears: golden or yellow = WARM pinkish or flushed = COOL can't tell? = NEUTRAL Gold or Silver?Try wearing your gold and silver necklace or bracelet and ask someone which one looks great on you. If you look radiant and glowing in: Gold jewelry = WARM Silver and platinum jewelry = COOL What clothes look great on you?When picking clothes, it’s easy to know what shades are warm and cool. For cool colours, think of water, sea, and sky. For warm coloured clothes, think of the sun, Autumn leaves, and earth colours. If you look good in clothes that are colour: Orange, Yellow, Dark Green = WARM White, black, blue, and gray = COOL All colours. If you look fab like a supermodel in everything that you wear, you are blessed! = NEUTRAL ;) The Sun will also tell you your undertone! Your skin turns golden brown when you lounge under the sun = WARM Your skin burns when exposed under the sun = COOL Eye ColourThis is not always accurate but it will help. blue, gray, or green eyes = COOL brown, amber, or hazel eyes = WARM Check your Veins! Blue veins = COOL Green veins = WARM in between = NEUTRAL Our recommendations:Using a foundation that matches your undertone is the true secret to naturally flawless looking skin. It won't look cakey or fake and it will blend well as you fade your foundation down your neck. Below is a list of ELES foundations you can choose from:ELES HD Luminous FoundationCOOL - Ivory, Honey BeigeNEUTRAL - Buff, Almond, TanWARM - Linen, Cream Beige, SandELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationCOOL - Linen, Vanilla Cream, Sandy Beige, Natural Beige, EspressoNEUTRAL - Tender Beige, Porcelain, Cameo Beige, Almond,WARM - Cream Beige, Pale Beige, FawnELES Mineral Powder FoundationCOOL - Nude, ChestnutNEUTRAL - Shell, Tender, Sunlit, MochaWARM - Blonde, Cream, Sand, Toast
8 beauty tips to banish rosacea
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 01 2017
Rosacea. I’m sure you’ve heard the name but I bet you didn’t know that it’s so common (think 45 million people) that the month of April has been designated GLOBALLY as Rosacea Awareness Month! What exactly is rosacea though I hear you asking… In layman’s terms rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition which often presents with facial redness. However many tend to mistake the redness (or bumps that can come with it), for acne. Other tell-tale signs include; dilated capillaries, congestion and pustules.
Although there’s no cure for rosacea, the great news is by following these essential tips you could avoid flair ups have your skin red-free in next to no time!
Try to avoid alcohol Think beauty products containing alcohol as well as alcoholic drinks we are all a little partial too from time to time! Sadly a glass of wine for instance can worsen the redness caused by rosacea. Noooo!
Watch what you eat Certain foods can cause your skin to flush (or otherwise heat up!) try to avoid or at least reduce eating foods including; oranges, strawberries, peanuts, cashews and caffeine. Hot and spicy curries are also a no no!
Eat a diet rich in multi vitamins and essential fatty Acids Vitamin A & C foods such as broccoli, sweet potato, carrots and leafy greens help strengthen the skin while foods such as salmon, almonds and eggs rich in fatty acids help produce the skin's natural oil barrier, critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking while protecting it from environmental irritants.
Avoid strenuous exercise. Oh ok then you’ve twisted by arm!
Always use sun protection. The sun unfortunately is a trigger for rosacea.
Avoid extreme temperatures. So no soaking in a HOT bath (ahhhh), relaxing in a sauna or slaving over a very hot stove!
Do not slather on your makeup. Yes we all want to conceal our blemishes but layering makeup may only inflame your symptoms more! You want to select multi-tasking products, colour correctors and breathable foundations and powders so skin if covered but calm without being clogged! Give mineral makeup a go. You won’t regret it.
The right skincare will be your best friend. With the constant use of effective skincare rosacea can be reduced and in some cases totally controlled! Pevonia's RS2 range, created by world renowned dermatologist, biochemist and a pioneer in advanced organic skincare, Dr. Sylvie Hennessy, was designed to specifically treat rosacea. Formulated with the most purest, natural, nurturing ingredients including Green Tea, Chamomile, Liquorice, Allantoin, Vitamin E and Rose Essential Oil the range strengthens capillaries, desensitizes, decongests, soothes, and hydrates while rendering skin evenly toned and visibly calmed.
But don’t let us tell you how amazing this range is! Here is what some of our customers have had to say;
“My rosacea has been in remission ever since I started using the RS2 range. I wouldn't use anything else on my face!” R. Morgan
"I’ve finally found a range that is good for my very sensitive, rosacea skin. It cools and calms my skin, my pores have shrunk and my skin is less blotchy after only 2 weeks of using all the products. Highly recommend the line.” Diana R
“I have been using the Pevonia RS2 Line for 5 years now to care for my Rosacea skin condition. Every one compliments me on my beautiful skin now! No more capillary issues, reduced redness. Couldn't live without it!” Debbie W
“I love the RS2 Cleanser. Very gentle and keeps my rosacea very controlled.” Sarah M
“I love the RS2 Lotion. It is so soothing. My rosacea looks so much better since using this. Highly recommended.” Miranda G
"I have been using the RS2 Lotion for one year now and can say that my rosacea is in remission, it’s better than ever before." Sarah G
“The RS2 Concentrate is the only product I have found that calms my skin and has made a real difference.” Laurie B
“Rosacea runs in my family and the RS2 Concentrate is the only one I have found that actually soothes and calms my skin. After using it regularly I also noticed that it improved the texture of my skin.” Rebecca B
“I can honestly say that the RS2 Care Cream is the only rosacea product I love and trust. It comforts and soothes my skin, reducing redness.” Michelle W
“After spending a lot of money on different products which didn't work, I found the RS2 Care Cream to be the best that I have tried for my sensitive, rosacea skin. It's gentle, and soothing while still moisturising my mature skin.” Johanna R
Say goodbye to rosacea today!
10 essential makeup tips to conceal rosacea
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 01 2017
Suffering from facial redness? Flushing? Visible blood vessels? Pustules? Chances are you have rosacea and so do over 45 million other people around the world!Believe it or not rosacea is actually one of the most common skin conditions and with the right treatment can be kept at bay. However we all know, no matter what our skin type that some days our skin just doesn’t look its best and needs a little bit of makeup loving to conceal those flaws and make way for what appears to be the perfect complexion!Follow these nine makeup tips and have your flushed skin looking nothing short of flawless in a matter of minutes. First steps Make sure you cleanse and moisturise your face with soothing and calming skincare. This will hopefully reduce any inflammation and prepare your skin for makeup application. Keep things simple Less is more when it comes to concealing rosacea. Think less products, less likely to aggravate your skin. Opting for multi-tasking products is also a great solution! Mineral makeup is best Make sure you select a range of breathable products that are only going to enhance your complexion not clog up your pores and irritate skin even more. Opt for mineral makeup products. Prime your skin Using a primer will create a smooth foundation for your makeup while ensuring it stays in place all day. It’ll also create a barrier between your skin and your makeup preventing any further irritation. Try ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer. This deeply soothing liquid-cream made with Aloe Vera leaf extract, Roman Chamomile, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Mallow Flower and Centaurea Cyanus Flower extract, leaves skin with the smoothest sensation. It soothes, hydrates, retexturizes and refines, so foundation applies effortlessly and endures impeccably for hours longer. Colour correction Rather than covering up your redness with a thick layer of concealer and foundation, opt for a colour corrector which will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone. Using one with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate rosacea. Try ELES Luminous CC Cream 20. This lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection, multi-tasks like no other! Set your makeup with an oil-free foundation powder A mineral powder is the best choice as its ingredients are usually non-irritating. Apply with a brush rather than a sponge, which can harbour bacteria. Try ELES Mineral Foundation Powder. Highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, this lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections. Don’t forget to blush You might think blush would be the last thing you should apply after concealing any facial redness but by using the right shade it’ll actually distract the eye from problem areas and enhance your complexion for the better. Select peach tones rather than pink or reds though and try a mineral makeup blush – ELES Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe. Choose extra-gentle eye makeup Eyes can be sensitive so it’s important to treat them as you would your face – gently. Again think mineral makeup shadows – ELES Mineral Matte Shadow (neutral shades can be less irritating since they have less pigment) and hypoallergenic, sensitivity-tested, fragrance-free mascaras. Use ELES Sensitive Mascara. Choose for a neutral lip colour Choosing red shades may exacerbate the look of any redness in your skin. Try ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick. This innovative, instantly nourishing lipstick formula provides long-lasting wear and a burst of hydration in one smooth application.For long term treatment of rosacea, use these makeup tips in conjunction with an effective skincare program specially designed to control rosacea. Check out our blog on a great skincare treatment option for those looking for outstanding results. Say goodbye to rosacea once and for all!*****Check out PEVONIA AUSTRALIA ORGANIC SKINCARE on Facebook and Instagram to see the mechanics of our competition this APRIL and get a chance to win 1 of 5 BLEMISH-B-GONE PACKS!
Ask a Dermatologist - What is Rosacea?
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 18 2016
Red in the face lately? If it’s more than just a rosy complexion or a slight flush, you might have rosacea, a chronic skin disorder resulting in distinct and constant redness. Since rosacea has no known cure, we wanted to find the best way to prevent flare-ups and treat the symptoms.Dr. Christian Jurist, a certified dermatologist and medical director of global education for Pevonia, recently took time to answer all of our most pressing rosacea questions so you can calm to redness.What is rosacea?Rosacea is a chronic and progressive, micro-circulation disorder visibly resulting in persistent redness, dilated capillaries, congestion, and last but not least, papules and pustules (breakouts!).How do I know if I have rosacea?Affected individuals will usually suffer from spells of flushing and blushing presenting skin redness and sometimes a burning sensation. Dilated capillaries under the skin are common as well.What triggers rosacea?Usually rosacea is triggered by extreme temperature changes, sun exposure, emotions and stress, hormonal changes, certain cosmetic products, spicy foods, ingestion of alcoholic beverages like wine, and also hot beverages such as coffee.What should I avoid if you have rosacea?Primarily, the triggers mentioned above should be avoided. Then, a proper, gentle and dedicated skin care regimen to control and treat the sensitivity of rosacea skin should be followed. It is recommended to visit a dermatologist as well for a professional point of view.What treatments can be used for rosacea?Gentle products intended to soothe, cool and calm sensitized skin are the main focus. Doctors mostly rely on antibiotics to control a certain population of micro-organisms that can worsen the condition. In addition, doctors will recommend sunscreen to reduce skin damage. Last but not least, concealing mineral makeup is recommended to cover and/or cancel out redness. Pevonia® offers the RS2 Rosacea range for home use and a Professional Treatment Mask administered at a qualified salon or spa.Do treatments differ between mild and severe rosacea?As Rosacea advances, the treatment must be adapted to address the current condition of the skin and affected areas. If Rosacea is not managed properly and is not under control or worsens, targeted medical treatment is required to control further damage beyond the skin. Rosacea products for home use can be used at any stages, but it is recommended to have periodic examination by a skin professional to learn if a modification of the recommended routine is necessary.What ingredients should I look for in products to help remedy rosacea?Green tea, licorice extract, chamomile extract, and French rose extract are very effective ingredients to control rosacea symptoms when used on a regular basis. In general, any ingredients that can reduce skin irritation and calm the skin are ideal.For further information on Pevonia and to find your closest salon or spa visit www.pevonia.com.au
Australia's leading distributor of professional skincare and makeup.
3/14 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah, NSW 2093 Australia
Phone +61 2 9948 1667
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