Your skin is a living organ that plays a huge role in your overall health. Not only is it the biggest protector of your organs, bones, and all of that other stuff going on unseen on the inside, but it’s also responsible for your immunity and regulating your body temperature. Pretty important job, right?
That’s why doing everything you can to keep your skin microbiome in tip-top shape is so important. Skin shields your body from the external environment and it helps protect you from unwelcome viruses and bacteria. Healthy skin isn’t just about having clear skin. Your skin health is a reflection of your health as a whole.
HEALTHY SKIN = HEALTHY BODY
A properly functioning microbiome determines your skin health, and skin health is the foundation of good health. Let’s start with immunity. Your immune system is fortified and protected by your skin barrier. Think about what happens when you get an injury, for example. Your skin has a reaction that’s designed to prevent infections from entering your body. This is an example of the bidirectional relationship between your skin and your gut, referred to as the Gut Skin Axis.
Your skin is also responsible for keeping your body temperature stable. If you’re cold, a signal fires from your hippocampus that starts the thermoregulation process. This keeps the body warm and prevents heat from escaping, helping you avoid scenarios like hypothermia. Sweating is also a function of thermoregulation, preventing your body from overheating.
Another important function of the skin is its ability to prevent water loss. If you suffer from dry skin or live in a dry climate, holding on to all of the moisture you can is critical. A lack of water affects how your organs function, especially your kidneys. It can also lead to tiredness, muscle cramping, confusion, and a decrease in urine production. Healthy skin can hold onto higher amounts of water, making sure you’re hydrated and keeping your organ functions in check.
We all know we need Vitamin D for healthy bone-building, but there’s even more happening at the skin level. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it stimulates vitamin D synthesis, which helps us fight infection and reduce inflammation. But, don’t skimp on the sunscreen. Studies show that there’s a low risk that SPF use will decrease your skin's ability to absorb vitamin D.
FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR SKIN HEALTH
Strengthening your microbiome depends on your behaviors just as much as the uncontrollable aspects of your environment. Staying healthy means making sure you’re keeping all of the good bacteria and friendly fungi happy. Since these reside on your skin and in your gut, that means keeping your skin healthy and eating right both play a role.
Understanding how to keep your microbiome balanced from the inside out is the key to staying healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the internal and external factors that influence your overall health:
External Factors:
Internal Factors:
3 TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MICROBIOME
Are you ready to battle the elements for better microbiome health? Here are 3 things you can do starting from the inside out:
If you’ve started to notice your skin looking a little less bright and bouncy and a little more dull and tired lately, then you might be wondering what on earth you’ve done to deserve it. You cleanse, you moisturize, and you do all the things you’ve been told to do. Have the skincare gods forsaken you? Or, is there something you can do to change the trajectory of a deflated complexion?
WHY DOES SKIN LOSE ITS “BOUNCE”?
If your eyes are looking a bit dark, your skin feels dry, and the lines on your face are more noticeable than usual, then obviously you wanna bring back that bounce. First things first: relax. Stressing over it won’t do you any favors. The truth is that your skin can take on a sallow look for a multitude of reasons. Thankfully, there are plenty of hacks you can take advantage of to combat it.
So, why does it happen in the first place? The primary culprit here is usually a lack of hydration, which can be magnified if you’re over 25 due to natural changes related to aging. Over time, our bodies gradually produce less collagen and elastin. By the time women reach menopause, about 30% of collagen supplies are lost. In turn, skin loses the natural moisture that’s usually stored in the fat and muscle tissue, making it look thin.
HOW TO PLUMP UP YOUR SKIN
Tired of deep-set wrinkles, sagging skin, and a sunken appearance? There are ways to bring back some of the lost volume and moisture. Through a combination of lifestyle changes and a little help from science, you can get that bounce back.
SKIN PLUMPING ALLIES
Plump, snap-back skin has everything to do with hydration. Skin that holds onto moisture will show fewer fine lines and wrinkles over time, helping you hold onto a more youthful appearance. Science has a few hacks to help you help your skin preserve that oh-so-plump feeling.
We can’t stop the effects of aging, but we can reap the benefits of science to age more gracefully. A healthy lifestyle that incorporates a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is always the first step, not only for skin health but for your overall microbiome health. Add skin-specific probiotics and clinically-proven hydrating serums to your scientific bag of tricks and you’ll keep your skin feeling plump and looking youthful. Whether you’ve got 22, 52, or 82 years of wisdom on your side, your skin won’t betray you if you treat it right!
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Look, we’re all busy these days. Who’s got time for complicated skincare routines that feel more like part-time side hustles than a simple wash and moisturize before bed? Not us. That’s why Layers products were designed to do more. Our one-stop-shop skincare line is for people who are seeking big beauty benefits with less commitment.
WHAT IS A MULTITASKER?
A multitasking beauty product is one that performs above and beyond its original, intended purpose. A general example of a multitasker would be whitening toothpaste. Not only does it clean your chompers, but it also makes your teeth appear whiter either by dissolving or temporarily masking stains.
In the beauty and skincare universe, multitaskers aren’t new. You’ve definitely come across a tube of lipstick that also contains moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate your lips. How about mascara that lengthens while also promising to promote lash growth? And let’s not forget zit-zapping foundation and tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. All of the above would fit into the category of beauty product multitaskers.
BUT, DO THEY WORK?
So, here’s the thing. Package labels aren’t promises, nor are they exactly legally binding. In contrast to the standards put in place in the European Union, product labels in the US aren’t approved by the FDA. Consumers have to put their trust in the brand, or put time into doing their own research.
At Layers, we put the research front and center. Our probiotic skincare is clinically proven to do what it says on the label. We back up our claims with science because transparency is important, especially in an industry that’s famous for making all kinds of scientifically impossible claims.
MULTITASKERS AND YOUR MICROBIOME
Aside from not wanting to set up camp in the bathroom and spend countless hours applying masks and spot treatments, there’s a reason why multitaskers make good sense. Microbiome skincare is all about taking a more holistic approach to the way you manage your skin health. To put it simply, it’s a less is more approach. It’s about supporting your skin in its efforts to protect you from the elements.
Multitaskers allow you to introduce fewer potential disrupters to your skin. And, rather than deprive you of results, they reinforce your skin flora, allowing nature to take its course. Since your skin doesn’t have to waste energy fighting the unwelcome side effects of using too many products, multitaskers give your skin the space it needs to do its thing.
3 MAGICAL MULTITASKERS
If you’re ready to skinimalize your product collection, here are the 3 multitaskers you need to keep things simple and see real results.
Cleanser + Gentle Exfoliator | Balancing Milky Cleanser
Cleansing is non-negotiable, especially in today’s environment. Smog, sweat, and makeup all need to come off. The problem is sometimes products can be too harsh, robbing your skin of the good bacteria it needs to replenish itself. Milky cleansers are gentle and effective taskmasters for daily cleansing, and they don’t strip away the good guys in the process.
Layers Balancing Milky Cleanser helps keep your skin’s pH levels balanced with a prebiotic and probiotic blend of yogurt powder and lactobacillus ferment. Vitamin B and riboflavin work to keep your skin soft and hydrated. And working its ever-so-gentle background magic, lactic acid delicately sloughs away dead skin cells while simultaneously preserving helpful skin bacteria.
Renewing Serum + Wrinkle Reducer | Renewing Probiotic Serum
An effective concentrated serum is a great tool for keeping skin ultra-hydrated. But some serums can go above and beyond. Layers Renewing Probiotic Serum combines powerful probiotics with skin-renewing plant extracts like Meadowfoam Oil and Orabanche Rapum.
Together with a blend of lactobacillus ferment, these ingredients work in unison to increase the rate of cell turnover, revealing stronger, more luminous skin.
The added bonus is that deeply penetrating ingredients reinforce the building blocks of your skin cells, hydrating and plumping, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. After just 14 and 28 days of consistent use, Layers Probiotic Serum is clinically shown to increase lipid and protein levels in the skin, improving firmness and elasticity.
Moisturizer + Probiotics | Immunity Moisturizer
A rich moisturizer can be a godsend, especially when it’s also helping to restore the balance of your skin microbiome. Those two important jobs rarely come in the same package. But that’s why our Immunity Moisturizer is such a welcome addition… or more like what we’d call a necessity, to any skincare routine.
Lactobacillus ferment and plant botanicals like pomegranate extract, meadowfoam oil, and milk thistle immediately increase your microflora diversity and enhance collagen production. This diversity of bacteria is what makes your skin resilient, keeping it nourished and hydrated despite the harmful elements, like pollution and extreme temperatures, you encounter daily. This is a moisturizer that not only hydrates, but it helps prevent transepidermal water loss, reducing fine lines and wrinkles over the long term.
Multitasking doesn’t mean cutting corners. With these dutiful powerhouses, you’ll not only be helping to keep your microbiome balanced, but you’ll also be saving yourself loads of time. So it’s time to say goodbye to overflowing bathroom countertops. Multitaskers help make your life simpler. Remember, more isn’t always better. It’s sourcing the right stuff that counts!
]]>Experiencing a pandemic no doubt makes you grateful for the existence of all of those pocket-sized squeeze bottles of clear, bacteria-killing gel. It gives you a cool, fresh, ultra-clean confidence when you rub it liberally on your hands. Since 2020, it’s now become routine to help yourself to a pump or two of sanitizer every time you walk into a store. We’re protecting ourselves, right?
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE ANTI-BACTERIAL
Well, yes and no. Depending on the alcohol concentration, you’re likely killing off 60-95% of bacteria. For example, when you go to the doctor’s office to get a shot, they usually swab the injection point with alcohol. This removes almost all of the microbes on your skin, reducing the risk of infection. In that context, it makes sense to get rid of bacteria.
In a regular skincare routine, however, not so much. Antibacterials are kind of a double-edged sword. Sure, they remove all the nasty bacteria, but they also kill the good guys. Murdering all of your bacteria in one fell swoop immediately throws your local microbiome out of balance.
MEET YOUR MICROFLORA
Your skin microflora is mostly made up of probiotics. These are the good guys who keep your microbiome stable, which in turn, keeps your skin barrier functioning effectively. Your microbiome is your protective shield, and it can be negatively affected when you apply harsh chemicals, exfoliators, various trending AHAs and BHAs, and any kind of anti-bacterial skincare.
When your skin flora changes, that could spell disaster. Harmful pathogens can take advantage when your defenses are down, disrupting your microbiome. This can provoke immune reactions that cause inflammation, skin irritation, and breakouts.
WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC SKINCARE?
Antibiotic skincare is a group of skincare products that contain bacteria-killing ingredients. There is a wide range of these available, both chemical and natural. Most are targeted for use in combating specific skin conditions. Benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and rosehip oil are all examples of ingredients with antibacterial properties.
There are reasons to use antibiotic skincare. Your dermatologist, for example, might prescribe you a powerful antibacterial facewash with salicylic acid to help you combat acne or folliculitis, a painful infection of the tiny hair follicles in your skin. In these cases, it makes sense to use antibacterials in the short term.
But long-term use can really throw off your natural microflora, potentially causing further issues. We’re learning a lot about the causes of some of the most common skin conditions, so exploring the potential root issues, especially those related to the gut, is a better long-term approach.
THE POWER OF PROBIOTICS
The key to a healthy microbiome is balance. So if you’re swiping away all of the bad bacteria, you’re also getting rid of the good guys. Without the good bacteria, the bad bacteria have little resistance when they come into contact with your skin. In order to boost your body’s immune response, you have to replenish the good bacteria. That’s where probiotic skincare can come to the rescue.
Several skin conditions have been linked to a low level of microbial diversity on the skin. When you’re prescribed an oral antibiotic, sometimes your health practitioner will also recommend a daily probiotic be taken to help rebalance the bacteria in your gut.
In general, the use of antibiotic-based skincare should be discussed with your dermatologist. Our microbiomes are all different, so speaking to someone who knows how to target your unique skin chemistry is important. If harmful bacteria are colonizing your microbiome, probiotic skincare can help replenish and reinforce the healthy microbes that your skin needs.
]]>Have you ever stood in a long check-out line at the grocery store or waited years at the DMV with nothing better to do than conduct a quick skin survey of your neighbors in the queue?
Come on, we all do it.
Whether it’s the envious admiration of someone who’s effortlessly sporting those curls that take you an hour and a half to achieve every morning or the springy suppleness of that 20-something’s complexion, we’re all guilty. It’s totally normal to appreciate the assets of strangers. But the good news is that science is helping us better understand how these traits can be more achievable for the rest of us.
DRY SKIN VERSUS DEHYDRATED SKIN
First, let’s start by defining what a lack of skin hydration looks and feels like. If your skin is dehydrated, then you’re experiencing a lack of water within the layers of your skin. It sounds pretty logical, right? The important thing is not to confuse dehydration with dry skin, because they’re actually two different conditions that require two different approaches.
Dry skin is a result of a lack of oil, rather than water. If you feel like your skin is patchy and flaky, this dryness can either be genetic, or it can be a side effect of using products that your skin isn’t loving. Exfoliators that are too abrasive are a common culprit, as are products that use harsh chemicals known to dry out the skin.
If you suspect that dry skin is an issue for you, then immediately ditch any exfoliators you’re using and switch to a gentle product containing Lactic Acid. You can read more about the do’s and don’ts of exfoliation here. We’d recommend trying our Balancing Milky Cleanser for a gentle and effective daily dose of Lactic Acid that’ll soothe your dry skin while gently sloughing off any cells that need to go.
THE BIOLOGY OF HYDRATION
So, that brings us to hydration. Why does skin lack water in the first place, and what can we do about it? Dehydrated skin appears loose, can be flaky, and it makes wrinkles more noticeable. It’s caused by too much TEWL or transepidermal water loss. Your skin cells release water through daily physical activity like exercise. Environmental pollution also contributes to the problem, as does diet.
Unfortunately, putting on a mermaid suit and living in a bathtub isn’t going to cut it. Neither is showering multiple times per day. And, sorry to poke a hole in your water balloon, but drinking more water hasn’t demonstrated any evidence that it’s going to help your skin, either. In fact, studies have shown that you can actually overhydrate, leading to consequences like Hyponatremia, a kidney condition where your sodium levels have been diluted by too much water.
5 KEYS TO KEEPING YOUR SKIN HYDRATED:
Skin hydration depends on your activity levels, your environment, your diet, and the levels of pollution you’re exposed to daily. But the most important factor is what you’re putting on your skin. So cleaning up your skincare routine and supporting your skin microbiome is your first line of protection from the elements.
Using skincare products that help retain water and prevent evaporation is key. Layers Probiotic Skincare is designed with this in mind. Relying on clean ingredients and the most up-to-date microbiome science, we’re able to deliver a probiotic skincare line that supports you and your skin from the inside out.
]]>You’ve got oily skin, your brother's skin is dry and flaky, and your mom is constantly battling eczema. “How can we possibly be related?”, you wonder to yourself. Well, before you start questioning the authenticity of your birth certificate, let’s talk about how genes work.
WHAT ARE GENES?
You, your siblings, and your parents aren’t exact carbon copies of one another. You see, each of us has up to 25,000 different genes at work throughout our bodies. Your genes are like a mix tape of your DNA chromosomes. You can think of them as the bosses who are telling your DNA what to do. And their very important job in the human body is to produce proteins.
WHY ARE GENES IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO SKIN?
As much as we’d love to identify and crown a “skin gene”, it’s not quite that easy. That’s because your skin is the result of a combination of genes. Made up of 70% water, 25% proteins, 3% fats, and trace amounts of minerals, your own unique hereditary cocktail of genes determines which proteins are produced and at what levels. Those proteins, at the direction of your DNA, work together to create the skin you’re in.
Physical attributes like your skin color and eye color are determined by your DNA. So is your height and body type. In 2018, geneticist, Robert Plomin published a book citing studies showing strong connections between our genes and our personalities. So not only might you have your parents to thank for your near-perfect complexion, but also for behavioral traits like your introverted tendencies or your open-mindedness.
Those same genes can increase or decrease your chances of suffering from common skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. But before you point the finger at your parents for all of your skin woes, (remember they also fed you and cleaned your diapers!) there are also other factors at play when it comes to your complexion.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Your environment has an equal role to play when it comes to skin health. Because the proteins produced by your DNA are a part of your skin, making them exposed to the elements, they are easily affected by environmental damage. Exposure to UV rays, living in a dry or wet climate, and dealing with extreme heat or frigid weather conditions are all factors that affect your complexion.
Aging, the result of skin cell death, is directly affected by your environment, but also by how well your skin is able to defend against the elements. This is determined by genetics. So, whether you develop wrinkles prematurely or you’re susceptible to things like skin cancer is all based on your genetic capacity to manage environmental factors.
Trying to control your environment physically isn’t as doable as we might assume. As Robert Plomin explains in his book, Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are, managing environmental conditions isn’t always within our control.
“We now know that DNA differences are the major systematic source of psychological differences between us. Environmental effects are important but what we have learned in recent years is that they are mostly random – unsystematic and unstable – which means that we cannot do much about them.”
So if you can’t control your genetics and you can’t control your environment, then what can you control?
YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
The good news is that you can control what you’re putting on your skin and into your body. Clean beauty is paving the way toward a more holistic approach to skincare based on microbiome health. By better understanding your genetic strengths and weaknesses, you can boost your skin’s natural defenses, particularly with the help of probiotic skincare.
Think about your parents and grandparents. What skin conditions have they dealt with during their lifetime? They’re basically helping you look into your future. If your mother had a clear complexion until everything went haywire during menopause, then find out what happened and how she managed it. If you notice that your dad suffers from dry, flaky hands, then learn more about what you can do to manage potential eczema flare-ups and better nourish your gut-skin connection.
Whatever your age, it’s never too early or too late to protect your skin. Probiotic skincare that focuses on overall health and managing your skin health from the inside out will go a long way in helping prevent any issues that genetics is so kindly foreshadowing for you. You can help your skin look its best by accepting, rather than trying to overcorrect, what nature has bestowed upon you. Start nurturing your skin and your gut today, and you’re sure to reap the health and skin benefits through every age-defying decade that passes.
]]>We all know that stress = not good. It can make us moody and cause us to snap at loved ones. It can rob us of our ability to focus as our minds race frantically through never-ending thought cycles. It can make us feel crazy.
But, that’s not all.
THE PHYSICAL TOLL OF STRESS
Stress, especially the chronic kind, can have physical side effects. The American Psychological Association has linked stress (the most common culprit being job-related stress) to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and shoulders. This leads to chronic headaches and migraines. More serious, life-threatening conditions like hypertension, heart attack, and stroke can result from long-term stress.
STRESS AND YOUR SKIN
It’s not just your head, heart, and mental health that suffer. Your skin also pays the price. Let’s say you’re cramming for a big exam and feeling totally unprepared, or you’ve got a major presentation coming up at work…well, we all know what a spontaneous breakout can do to your confidence levels, right?
There’s actually a whole field of dermatology dedicated to studying the link between stress and your skin. Around 2010, the term psychodermatology began to gain traction. Here’s what it means, according to a 2011 article published by the Psychiatric Times:
“Psychodermatology is a relatively new discipline in psychosomatic medicine. It is the interaction between mind and skin. The two disciplines are interconnected at the embryonal level through ectoderm. There is a complex interplay between skin and the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Skin responds to both endogenous and exogenous stimuli; it senses and integrates environmental cues and transmits intrinsic conditions to the outside world.”
So, what does this really mean? Let’s unpack the scientific jargon. When your body experiences stress, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones. One of these hormones is cortisol. As adrenaline courses through your body and cortisol levels rise, your skin glands start increasing oil production.
These high levels of hormones pumping through your body can start to cause inflammation. If you’ve been paying attention in class, then you already know that inflammation can lead to some rather unpleasant skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Over time, these conditions lead to a weakened, less resilient skin barrier.
3 WAYS TO DE-STRESS YOUR MIND AND CALM YOUR SKIN
We live in a world that’s busy, loud, and full of distractions, most of which don’t have a positive effect on our physical or mental health. So the best thing to do if you need to find a little bit of peace is to find ways to remove or cut out the sensory overload.
Here are 3, science-backed methods for relieving stress, courtesy of Harvard Health Publishing:
You probably have a lot of morning habits. You get dressed, make coffee or tea, and eat breakfast. What if you woke up 15 minutes earlier and made movement, laughter, or mindfulness a part of your daily routine, too? What if you dedicated the last 10 minutes of your lunch break to whichever of the 3 destressing exercises felt most appropriate at that moment?
These simple exercises deserve some dedicated time, not just for their potential skin benefits, but also because they’ll make you a more relaxed person. A relaxed person is a physically healthy and mentally resilient person. Knowing how to stay calm in an often chaotic world will do wonders for your long-term health. And that glowing skin, well, that’s a pretty nice perk!
]]>It might be hard to think of your skin as an actual organ. We tend to view it as the thing that houses our organs, but in reality, it’s the largest organ of the human body. And it stays busy! Your skin provides a physical barrier to the outside world, fighting off foreign pathogens and protecting you from bacterial, viral, and fungal invasions.
A MICROBIOME REFRESH
We’ve gotten deep into the ins and outs of microbiome science before, but here’s a little refresher if you didn’t catch that article. The microbiome is a vast community of microorganisms that are present everywhere. These tiny living things are found in the ocean, in our soil, on plants and animals, in our food (think about fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi), floating in the atmosphere, and in the human gut. They’re constantly at work on the surface of our skin.
To date, the Skin Microbial Genome Collection, a database of human skin bacteria genomes, has documented 85% of the known microorganisms that are present on healthy human skin. This robust collection tells us that Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Lawsonella, and Candidatus Pellibacterium are the most abundant skin bacteria we harbor.
Your skin microbiome is in constant communication with the outside world, and it plays an integral role in fending off pathogens that cause disease. For this reason, a healthy microbiome boosts your barrier protection and strengthens your immune defenses. This is why an inside-outside approach to microbiome health is key, bolstering your gut health and your skin health at the same time.
WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT
At this point, you might be wondering why we don’t just bottle up those good microbes and slather our skin silly- which as a probiotic skincare company, we do - but of course, it’s never quite that easy. That’s because every human body has its own unique microbiome “fingerprint”. This comes down to genetic, environmental, geographic, diet, and lifestyle differences.
Different skin sites are home to specific communities of microbes. Your hands and feet, for example, are constantly touching things, influencing your bacterial community countless times per day. These interactions affect your skin moisture levels, your temperature, and your skin pH.
THE MICROBIOME AND BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES
Companies like Layers have been pioneers in researching the most beneficial probiotics for skin and gut health and making these clinically-proven products available to savvy beauty connoisseurs. And the science just keeps rolling in. Which is great news for anyone who suffers from some of the most common unwanted skin-related troublemakers.
We know that acne is associated with specific strains of Cutibacterium acnes, and eczema is frequently associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Both of these have historically been treated with antibiotics. The problem is that antibiotics also wipe out beneficial bacteria along with the bad guys. In the future, microbiome-targeted therapy will be able to pick and choose which bacteria to target and which to leave undisturbed. Just imagine puberty without those dreaded inflammatory skin diseases!
The potential beyond the skin toward more critical healthcare is also being realized. For example, a 2021 study showed a higher quantity of Moraxella osloensis in Chinese skin than in Westerners. This particular strain of bacteria lives in the nasal and respiratory tract and is known to cause diseases such as endocarditis and meningitis. Another study, known as the Belly Button Biodiversity Project, pointed to differences in the bacteria of men and women. It found that females tend to have more Staphylococcus epidermidis living on their skin microbiome than men. These harmless bacteria live in sweaty places, and they happen to be the natural enemy of Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful bacteria that, in addition to acne, can cause serious intestinal issues.
Further scientific exploration will teach us how to leverage opposing types of friendly bacteria to defend against negative health outcomes related to these and other harmful strains. Understanding how we can manipulate this balance will become an increasingly important part of managing our healthcare in the future.
THE NEXT FRONTIER OF HUMAN HEALTHCARE
Microbiome science is still emerging, and in many ways, we’re in the infancy of our understanding. Discovering the skin and gut microbiota is an emerging area of study that’s changing rapidly, with new studies broadening our level of familiarity with the intricacies of the human body.
Incorporating good bacteria into your skincare routine and beneficial probiotics for your gut health are just the first frontier. So, as the science continues to roll in, you can smugly tell your friends, “Oh, yea…I know ALL about the microbiome.” Plus, you’ll have the glowing skin to prove it!
]]>-Carl Honoré, In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed
For the modern human, it’s not crazy to imagine having your morning coffee in San Francisco, catching a plane, and landing in New York by lunchtime. We work (at least) 5 days a week, scramble to take care of tasks like cleaning the house and doing laundry, and then do our best to set aside at least one day for rest and relaxation. Whether that’s active rest like going on a walk with a friend or literally sinking into the couch and bingeing on Netflix, the truth is that this modern life keeps us moving at a pace that often feels unsustainable. If only we could take things a little slower…
THE BIRTH OF THE SLOW MOVEMENT
Enter the SLOW movement. More specifically, it burst our thought stream in the mid-1980s as a response to none other than America’s most iconic fast food chain. Here’s how the Slow Movement was first conceived, as explained in an article from The Big Think:
“It all began when McDonald’s misjudged just how seriously the Italians take their food. As unfathomable as it is today, in 1986, McDonald’s hadn’t made its way into much of Europe. Not everyone was in love with the idea.
One protester in 1986 was a man named Carlo Petrini who, with a group of activists, were [sic] inspired by the moment to start the “Slow Food” movement. The movement promised to eat and shop local, to give fair pay to producers, and to encourage high-quality, old-fashioned dining. Slow Food was such a success that it soon sprouted all sorts of subcultures: Slow Fashion (in which you buy fewer, better items and mend clothes rather than throw them away), Slow Gardening (in which you smell, stroke, and are more aware of your plants), and even Slow Parenting (in which you don’t organize activities but just watch your child invent fun).”
Carlo Petrini’s aversion to living in a fast-food nation hit a nerve. Today, the Slow Food Movement boasts millions of members with chapters spanning 160 countries. At its core, it’s an attempt to preserve local food cultures from going extinct as a result of our fast-paced modern lifestyle.
WELCOME TO SLOW BEAUTY
Before there were beauty products lining countless commercial shelves, there were long-practiced rituals. Every culture throughout history has its own unique methods of treating skin conditions and preserving moisture and elasticity. These beauty rituals have largely been lost to the quick-fix, constantly in-motion modern skincare industry.
But a back-to-basics trend has been slowly and steadily taking the lead. During the pandemic when we were all spending most of our time at home, K-Beauty experienced a surge in popularity. The core concept of this Korean-born beauty ritual is all about layering (a rather lengthy) list of products in the correct order for cleansing, absorption, and moisture retention.
These 10-12-step skincare routines are fine when you’re quarantined and have nothing but time on your hands. But, maintaining such a laborious ritual in “normal” life post-pandemic has proven overwhelming for many skincare enthusiasts. And this is where the value of a slower, more intentional routine comes into play.
MAKING INTENTIONAL PURCHASES
The concept of Slow Beauty aims to simplify your decision-making process while simultaneously creating space by removing the unnecessary. It’s about using fewer products without sacrificing results. In fact, simplifying your routine can often yield better results because you’re causing less irritation to your skin. Using products that support and strengthen your microbiome actually serves to replenish and rebuild your skin's natural barrier.
Selecting better products rather than more products also helps the environment. You produce less waste and save money in the long run because you’re consuming less. An investment in high-quality, scientifically-backed skincare is a smart choice that aligns with Slow Beauty, environmental awareness, and good economic principles.
Look for companies that don’t skimp on information when it comes to the quality of ingredients and their corresponding efficacy. This is a good indication that time and care went into crafting their product line, which usually translates to better benefits for buyers.
HOW TO EMBRACE SLOW BEAUTY
Slow beauty means mindfully sourcing products that you can trust. In other words, the opposite of cramming countless new and trending items into your beauty cabinet. But it also serves a broader purpose. You know that feeling you get when you walk into a drug store beauty aisle or enter the makeup counter maze in a department store? It can be overwhelming and stressful to find what you need. Slow Beauty gives you a sense of control, helping you feel more confident about the choices you make.
Here’s how you can become a Slow Beauty Pro:
Less is more, so start by going through your beauty product collection and give away anything you haven’t used in the past 3 months. Look at the things you use every day and/or weekly. Those are your core products…and that’s all you need.
Our Skinimalist checklist includes the following for high-performance results:
We know that a stroll through the beauty aisle can sometimes be fun, but it’s a whole lot more enjoyable when you’ve got a solid foundation of the basics already covered. Save those drugstore and department store rendezvous for the simpler things like juicy face masks and daring new lip colors. When it comes to your beauty cabinet staples, stick with the science. If you’re ready to step off of the trend train and have more time to focus on the fun stuff in life, probiotic skincare delivers what you need in simple, sleek, and sexy little packages (if we do say so ourselves).
]]>Winter is a time to bundle up, put on your favorite beanie, and break out the Kleenex. When it’s cold outside, we inevitably spend more time indoors. That means sneaky viruses have more opportunities to mingle and find new, unsuspecting hosts. Cold temperatures and a lack of humidity also decrease mucus production, which studies show negatively impacts our body’s ability to protect us against opportunistic viruses.
So, is it any wonder that you start to see so many ads for immunity-boosting products this time of year? The marketing world is aglow, hawking everything from echinacea to vitamin C to cold-pressed, high-priced elderberry-infused superfood drinks. But do these so-called “immunity boosters” actually work, or are their claims just fruit-infused fluff?
IMMUNITY IS…COMPLICATED
The first thing to understand about immunity is that, well…we don’t entirely understand it yet. That’s because immunity isn’t just one thing, it’s a complex network of interwoven functions of the human body. Each of those individual systems is affected by our own unique health factors and the specific environments in which we live. That means selling a one-size-fits-all approach specific to immunity is just something we’re not at liberty to promise. (Yes, companies do it anyway, but those claims aren’t FDA-supported.)
HERE’S WHAT WE DO KNOW
To function optimally, the body requires balance. Specifically, that means your microbiome should exist in a state of harmony, enabling your organs to perform their roles uninhibited. Which, sounds easy enough- until you remember that most of us live in a fast-paced world full of distractions, our plates piled high with things like work and bills and lists of never-ending responsibilities.
Why do these things matter when it comes to immunity? Because there’s a crazy little thing called the Gut-Brain Axis. All of the stress and anxiety we accumulate from our busy lives actually affects our gut microbiota. And our gut microbiota affects our skin microbiota, which is referred to as, you guessed it, the Gut-Skin Axis. All of the above are affected by the balance of the bacteria and fungus we harbor inside of our bodies and externally on our skin.
So it stands to reason that if we keep our microbiome in good working order, then our immune system becomes fully resourced and can better protect us. That rule of thumb doesn’t just go for our immune system. Every part of your body functions more effectively when the microbiome is balanced.
HOW TO (ACTUALLY) BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY
Strong immunity equals a strong microbiome. In order to help your body ward off and protect against unwelcome viral invaders this winter, you’ll need a two-prong strategy. Robust immunity requires an inside-outside approach.
In simple terms, just do good things for your body and your mind:
Staying healthy, while it sounds simple, really is the best immunity protection you can offer your body. Keep it protected from environmental stressors like too much UV exposure (yep- even in winter!) and protect your skin from the effects of pollution. Bolstered by a healthy diet, exercise, and any sort of mindfulness practice that helps you destress, your body will have all the strength it needs to effectively combat these seasonal illnesses. Best of all, you won’t get bogged down by the stuffy-nosed winter blues. The bottom line: take care of your body and, in turn, it will take care of you.
]]>Clarity will always win over confusion. But product marketing in the beauty industry has long leaned toward the latter. If you’re the kind of person who lingers in the beauty aisle for what feels like half the day reading long ingredient lists before making a purchase, then we feel your pain. Who wants to waste a precious vacation day just to go to the store and buy face cream? And perhaps a better question: who wants to slather all of those hard-to-pronounce, chemical-sounding ingredients all over their working, breathing skin?
Not us.
BECOMING AN INFORMED CONSUMER
The rise of cleaner ingredients and clearer communication within the beauty industry is no coincidence. Consumers in 2022 have become accustomed to asking more questions about everything we buy. We want to know if any bizarre additives have been put into our food, whether or not the Greek yogurt we’re eating for breakfast is hiding added sugars, and naturally, we want to know what exactly is inside that jar of moisturizer.
One barrier to getting answers is the fact that we can’t always trust labels. Terms like “natural”, “clean”, "organic," and "non-toxic” aren’t upheld by any particular standards. So if you aren’t intimately familiar with a brand already, then it’s up to the consumer to do their research.
RESEARCH RESOURCES
You want to know what’s in your beauty products, but you also have a life and a job and responsibilities. It should be easier, right? Thankfully, these days it’s a lot easier to get answers, and quickly. When it’s time to dig deeper into which products you choose, there are some great resources that make the job easier.
Here are some of the most comprehensive sites:
There are also apps for quick scanning when you’re in the beauty aisle:
REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL PEOPLE
Some of the best advice we come across is by word of mouth. Aspirational imagery is nice to look at, but we all know what’s behind it. Professional models with flawless complexions don’t match reality. We want to see what’s real. What do real people who use this product on a daily basis have to say about it?
So, we turn to written reviews. But those can sometimes be tricky to see through. Many companies have been known to pay for positive feedback. That practice can really make it difficult for consumers to separate the truth from the bad business practices. But you know what? The camera doesn’t lie. We’re product proud because we’re not only watching the actual positive reviews roll in, but customers show us their results every day! We love featuring real Layers product users on our Instagram feed so skincare-savvy folks can see for themselves that Layers is the REAL thing.
]]>There’s a whole, hidden world that exists inside of your digestive system. You probably don’t think about it on the regular, that is unless it has something to say. If you feel your stomach reacting to something you’ve eaten that it disagrees with, that can cause discomfort. But it’s not just about what you eat. There are several reasons digestive discomfort could be taking place, so getting to know your unique gut microbiome is the key to finding solutions that work for you.
WHY IS GUT HEALTH SO IMPORTANT?
Your digestive system isn’t just the place where food is processed. It’s actually got a brain of its own. The Gut-Skin Axis is responsible for 70% of your immune function and plays a major role in your body’s ability to fight inflammation. The health of your gut microbiota determines how well your body obtains energy from the food you eat and how you expel toxins.
There are so many things we’re learning about the importance of the Gut-Skin Axis. Science continues to inform us every day about this long under-researched aspect of health. One recent study concluded that supplementing with probiotics could be the key to altering the gut microbiome to reach a healthier state, helping those who suffer from skin conditions like rosacea and psoriasis.
We’re also learning more about how our gut health affects our mood. The American Psychological Association have determined that our gut bacteria are responsible for manufacturing 95 percent of our serotonin, the brain chemical that influences our mood. A wide variety of neurochemicals are also produced in the gut to help us with mental processing like memory and how we learn. The bottom line? Gut health should be taken seriously. Paying attention to when something feels off is so important because it has the potential to affect our overall quality of life.
SYMPTOMS OF A GRUMPY GUT
A gut bacteria imbalance can manifest in several ways. It can feel like you’re bloated all the time or like your body can’t digest certain foods after a meal. Or, it can cause constipation, acid reflux, gas, and cramping. Those are the issues that seem normal to connect to the digestive system. But there are others we might not associate with so easily.
When your gut bacteria are out of balance, skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis can show up. These have all been linked to inflammation in the body, which is regulated by gut bacteria. Whether it be “bad” bacteria, stress, your environment, or food sensitivity, your body’s ability to fight whatever is causing the inflammation depends upon maintaining a state of balance within the gut microbiome.
Here are the symptoms to pay attention to if you think you might have a gut bacteria imbalance:
HOW TO HEAL A GRUMPY GUT
If you suffer from any potential gut-related conditions, then it’s important to consult your doctor. Reaching out to a gastroenterologist, a gastrointestinal health specialist, is a wise place to begin your gut healing journey. There are also everyday lifestyle changes that can go a long way in helping you get your gut microbiome in a better state of balance.
In 2021, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology presented new research highlighting the relationship between the gut-skin axis and a host of inflammatory skin diseases. The first line of defense they recommend to combat inflammatory skin conditions is to adopt a healthier diet. They also suggest incorporating probiotics that introduce good bacteria to help support your gut microbiome.
Waking up in the morning is often the time we find ourselves most critical of our appearance. Of course you have bed head and squinty eyes. We forget that we’ve been horizontal for eight hours. Rather than trying to overcorrect with makeup tricks, remember that your skin needs a little time to come to life, just like your brain does first thing in the morning.
After you’ve had a cup of coffee and checked a few emails, you might wander back to the bathroom mirror to get ready to face the day. You notice a few wrinkles here, some undereye bags there, and the beginnings of crow's feet at the corners of your eyes. But does that mean it’s necessarily time for surgical intervention? That all depends on how far you’re willing to go in the pursuit of beauty.
A GOOD FOUNDATION GOES A LONG WAY
Nobody’s knocking surgical intervention when it’s done the right way and for the right reasons. Celebrities like Dolly Parton and Katy Perry have openly discussed why it was the right choice for them. Only you know what those reasons are. But one thing is certain: the best way to ensure you’re doing right by your skin in the first place is the daily routine you perform to support it.
A good foundation, and we don’t mean the concealer kind, is key. Reinforce the building blocks of good skin with products that were designed to support your microbiome. Taking an inside-outside approach to healthy skin will set the stage for how your skin reacts to the effects of UV exposure, pollution, and aging. Taking oral probiotics and adopting a probiotic skincare routine is one of the best insurance policies you can provide your skin-obsessed future self.
THE MOST COMMON PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE TREATMENTS
These fancy-sounding skincare procedures are making big promises. But are they delivering? And most importantly, are they safe? When you first start your research, you’ll come across several options and it can feel pretty overwhelming at first. Here’s the rundown of what they are, how they work, and whether or not they’re worth their weight.
WORTH IT OR WALK AWAY? It’s only a temporary solution and the results gradually fade after a few months. For at least 6 hours post-procedure, you can’t exercise or lie down. Taking Ibuprofen could increase bruising. Your face will feel a little “frozen” afterwords, which in most cases, is just a temporary side effect. Some studies have shown the side effects to be minimal, while more long-term studies have shown very different results. Botulism can spread to other parts of the body causing paralysis, difficulty swallowing, respiratory problems, and even death. The more adverse side effects tend to be relative to hypersensitive reactions to the injection or an injection that wasn’t administered correctly.
WORTH IT OR WALK AWAY? Injecting dermal fillers can cause swelling or bruising post-procedure that generally subsides after a few days. More serious side effects have been shown to occur as well, including inflammation, the formation of nodules, scarring, and the unintentional migration of the filler. Whatever you do, don’t DIY. There has been a rise in black market do-it-yourself dermal fillers that has caused an online frenzy of “Don’t do what I did!” horror stories. If you choose to do it, go with a professional.
WORTH IT OR WALK AWAY? Studies show it to be effective with the added benefit of less downtime compared to similar treatments. Common side effects include swelling, tightness, redness, dryness, and flaking of the skin. These are normal reactions and will subside after a week or two. Again, this is one best left to the professionals. There’s an emerging trend of home microneedling kits, but the risks are many, including skin tearing, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
If you decide to take your chances on fillers, needles, or injections, just be sure to do your research. Ask around and take your time finding a reputable professional who’s right for you and confident in treating or improving the skin condition you’re wanting to address. In the meantime, focus on adopting a long-term skincare routine that’s scientifically proven to be beneficial to your skin and sustainable as a daily practice. Probiotic skincare fits the bill. And thankfully, it doesn’t require taking sick days from work to recover.
]]>The dream of perfectly hydrated, kissed-by-the-morning-dew skin has long been an ideal in the beauty world. It’s what we see portrayed in images, and it’s what keeps us slathering on all the latest moisturizing creams. But external conditions are always changing (weather, seasons, travel, stress, etc). So, actually possessing that glow that we long for can feel like we’re racing toward a finish line that’s being pushed further away.
Creams and serums can be great allies in the quest for hydrated skin. But they aren’t the only allies you need in the fight. You need a secret weapon, something that works on the inside to keep things balanced on a deeper level. That way, the changing external factors don’t keep throwing your efforts off kilter.
PROBIOTICS TO THE RESCUE
Your digestive system is a complex network of organs, tissues, and living bacteria. Together, they play a huge role in the health of your skin. This relationship is called the Gut-Skin Axis, and it’s responsible for several of the most important functions within the body. It eliminates toxins, it’s responsible for reducing inflammation, and your digestive health determines how well your body absorbs nutrients.
Because these important bodily functions have such a sizeable impact on your well-being, gut health deserves your attention. The skin is an organ like any other, and its health is a direct reflection of what’s going on inside. Tackling skin issues, from acne to eczema to general hydration, starts with the gut.
THE BEST PROBIOTIC STRAINS FOR SKIN HEALTH
The biggest leaps in probiotic skin science have come from a handful of specific strains. These living microorganisms have demonstrated proven results in studies targeting certain skin issues. They’re the best of the best.
Meet the starring line-up of our oral Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements:
In a 2021 study, this probiotic strain was shown to enhance collagen synthesis and improve skin conditions related to hydration, uneven skin tone, and UV damage. A 2015 study also found that it benefits skin elasticity and reduces the depth of wrinkles.
This lactic acid strain has been shown in studies to help with lactose intolerance in the gut and boost the immune system. It’s a strong ally in the fight against inflammation, which is most often the culprit behind temperamental skin conditions and bothersome flare-ups.
If you suffer from adult acne, this probiotic comes as sweet relief. A 2018 study showed that it can help normalize the skin's insulin signaling, thereby improving the conditions that otherwise lay the groundwork for acne.
In an increasingly polluted world, probiotic strains that can help fortify our defense system are important. Supplementing your gut with this probiotic has proven effective in strengthening the skin barrier and inhibiting inflammation.
Better balance in your gut bacteria is crucial, and this strain is here to help. It helps maintain the ratio of bacteria in your gut, and it has been shown to improve intestinal barrier function.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PROBIOTIC SKINCARE
New probiotic skincare products are hitting the market every day, so making sure you know what to look for is key. Ensuring that the strains included in the bottle have been backed by science is step one. Step two is understanding what the label is telling you with all of that fancy terminology.
Here’s what to look for when choosing your probiotic skincare:
CFU Count:
Look for the number of CFUs, or colony-forming units, listed on the packaging. This refers to the quantity of living bacterial strains in the product. Higher CFU counts aren’t necessarily better because the exact quantity depends on the person. But ideally, you want to look for a range between 1 billion and 10 billion.
Manufacturer Transparency:
Listing the CFU count isn’t mandatory, so having it listed on the packaging is a good sign. An even better honesty indicator is when the packaging CFU is listed in addition to the CFU count upon the expiration date. Since it’s living organisms in there, they won’t stay alive forever. The number will decrease over time, so the product life-span potency is an important piece of information to have. Also, be sure to read the storage instructions on the label to ensure efficacy.
Internal Research:
Look for evidence that the company has done research on the actual strains in the container. A trusted manufacturer will not only boast the product efficacy, but they’ll provide the proof. Layers probiotic skincare products have demonstrated efficacy in placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind studies. That’s why we’re comfortable offering a 100% money-back guarantee. We know our products work, and we’re confident you’ll see an improvement in the health of your skin.
The path to understanding how probiotics work and which ones you need doesn’t have to require a degree in advanced chemistry. It’s about knowing which strains have been tried and tested and how they individually and collectively work together to promote your skin health. With beneficial probiotic combinations like the Perfect Pair, you can reap the benefits of what we already know: Probiotics are the future of clean beauty. The Layers Probiotic Skincare community keeps proving it every day.
]]>There’s something innately mysterious about serums. These tiny elegant bottles with petite pumps and eye droppers have gone from an elite beauty secret to a quickly adopted routines of the masses. But before you break out the credit card for one of these sometimes costly concoctions, let’s unpack the mystery and understand if, and how, they benefit your skin.
WHAT ARE SERUMS?
It’s time to talk chemistry. There’s a sentence that needs to come with a warning, right? It’s actually not too complicated, we promise. Every product you apply to your skin has its own molecular weight. Think of this as the size of the molecules that make up each ingredient. Higher molecular weights only pass through certain levels of the epidermis, whereas lower molecular weights are smaller and thus, they can penetrate deeper into the skin.
This is why, when it comes to serums, ingredients matter. If anything is slipping beyond your outer skin layer, you want powerful ingredients that are going to be highly effective. Serums aren’t your average skincare product. They have a specific job to do. You can kind of think of serums as hyper-focused taskmasters.
DO SERUMS WORK?
Due to their lower molecular weight, we know that the ingredients in serums are able to penetrate deeper into the skin. But then what? Well, a 2011 study among women between the ages of 25-55 participated in a 2-week clinical trial. Half of the group added serums before moisturizers, and the other half used moisturizers only. After two weeks, the serum group showed significant improvements in all skin parameters, including a reduction in dryness and increased skin softness.
A similar study focused on the efficacy of serums in addressing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Participants saw significant improvements after 4, 12, and 24 weeks in issues related to photodamage, including overall skin tone, firmness, moisture levels, the appearance of pores, pigmentation, skin radiance, and texture. Most significantly, after only 12 weeks, 71% saw a reduction in inflammation and 94% noticed improved hydration. In a nutshell, serums work.
HOW DO YOU USE A SERUM?
Remember that thing about the molecular weight? That’s important to keep in mind because again, serums can be costly so you want to make sure you’re using them correctly to make that investment count. Everyone’s beauty routine differs slightly, but serums should be applied directly to your skin after cleansing. This allows them to penetrate into your skin without barriers.
After you’ve applied your serum, you want to lock it in with an occlusive moisturizer. The molecular weight of moisturizers, given their thick and creamy nature, is higher, so they contain ingredients that don’t penetrate as deeply as serums. Their job is to create a layer that holds onto those serum benefits securely in the deeper layers of the epidermis.
HOW TO LAYER WITH SERUM
If the idea of adding yet another product to your skincare routine has you rolling your eyes, then fear not. The Layers Probiotic Skincare line is specifically formulated to work together, delivering big results in fewer steps. We’re skinimalists, after all. It’s important to remember that your skin microbiome is well aware of its job requirements, so less is more unless you’re trying to upset the beast (Inflammation? No thank you!).
So for example, your skincare layering process would look like this:
If you chose to jump on the serum train, you can expect results. The beauty of serums is how targeted they are. You can seek out specifics, like serums for acne control or intense hydration, as you need them. If you’re looking for hydration, increased elasticity, and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles, our Renewing Probiotic Serum is clinically proven to do all of the above. Plus, it contains lactobacillus ferment to rebalance your skin flora and lactic acid, our favorite AHA, to gently slough away dead skin cells and promote turnover.
And one final word. While it may be hard to click that purchase button when you see the price of a good quality serum, we’ve got good news. Most serums have a gel-like consistency, meaning a little goes a long way. You’re using about a pea-sized drop once or twice a day. So, a small bottle can last you several months. When you break it down, that’s a lot of bang for your beauty buck!
]]>If you’re a human being on this planet who has gone through puberty, childbirth, menopause, or job, school, or pandemic-related stress, then that makes you, well… human. We have all been there in some way, shape, or form. And our collective wisdom reminds us that it’s not always pretty, nor is it fun. These life events can cause major fluctuations in your hormones, and those fluctuations can have some uncomfortable side effects.
Nothing kills your confidence like a sudden breakout right before a big date or a presentation at work. Or how about that feeling when the one you’ve been crushing on for months gently caresses your back, only to remind you of your embarrassing, unrelenting bacne. Our bodies are famous for flare-ups in all the wrong moments.
WHY HOLISTIC BODY CARE MATTERS
Spot treatments are solutions for problems that already exist. It’s dabbing on a few little pea-sized globs of “overnight” acne treatment which, let’s face it, always turns out to be false advertising. It’s dipping your hands or feet into paraffin wax for a softer feeling in order to counter the dryness of working with your hands on being on your feet all week long.
These are examples of the things we do to course-correct when our microbiome gets a little off balance. But they are all temporary solutions to bigger, microbiome-sized problems. For all-over body care, there are more holistic treatments out there that will give your entire body the attention it deserves.
3 ULTRA-NOURISHING WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR WHOLE BODY
If you’ve been looking for easy ways to treat yourself and your skin, outside of expensive massages or fancy spa packages, then these small rituals might be just the little self-care snacks you’ve been craving.
Remember bath time? Yea, we know we’re all busy adults and we have jobs and deadlines and Netflix subscriptions. But unwinding even once a week for a little “you” time in the tub has lots of body benefits.
A steamy Sunday night bubble bath with a few smelly candles and a calming playlist doesn’t just help you relax. It oxygenates your blood and improves blood flow- the steamier the better. Regular baths can also help your immunity by killing bacteria and helping you kick a stubborn cold.
The best time to moisturize is, you guessed it, right after that hot bath. If you’re not into baths, apply your favorite moisturizer after you shower. The warm water helps open up your pores, allowing for deeper penetration of skincare products. The skin on your face is more delicate, so a face-specific moisturizer like our Immunity Moisturizer is best up top. For the rest of your body, look for products with nourishing ingredients like ceramides and essential fatty acids. These include ingredients like olive oil, avocado, almond oil, and shea butter.
An inside-outside approach is always going to be your best bet for holistic microbiome health, starting from your gut, going all the way up to your supple, glowing skin. A daily oral probiotic is key. First, it addresses any bacterial imbalances throughout your gut microbiome, offering welcome reinforcements to the good guys. Your gut
The beauty, and we mean that literally, of our Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements, is that they also contain ceramides. Yep, the same moisture bombs that show up in a good face and body moisturizer. So, not only are you introducing 5 targeted strains of digestive system and skin-friendly probiotics, but you’re also helping strengthen the resilience of your skin cells.
Now, we’re not saying the occasional massage or periodic pedicure should go out the window…nor would we ever. Those little gifts we offer ourselves are reminders to take time out and pamper our minds and bodies. But for most of us, making time every week for those occasional treats isn’t realistic, in terms of time or money. That’s why creating rituals, like popping a daily probiotic or indulging in a bath and full body moisturizing session, are so great. They’re not only easy, but they are attainable. So the next time you’re thinking “I need a massage like now!” then remind yourself of these 3 total body care tips. You’ll be surprised how quickly the benefits of these small habits add up. For a big shift in how you look and, most importantly, how you feel, these easy changes will do your mind and body wonders.]]>Raise your hand if you live for snacks?
If the countdown to your next meal is what gets you through the day, then you can stop feeling guilty about that starting right now. Food is delicious and eating should be a pleasurable experience. The next time you’re at the local farmers market or grocery store, just take 30 seconds to look at the abundance of produce around you. Bright red tomatoes, big juicy watermelons, crisp green beans, and more varieties of leafy greens than you can count.
Yet, in many circumstances, the modern world would have us believe that loving food is shameful. We idolize a single body type that doesn’t represent most of us. The quest to mimic that one standard can complicate how we feel about our bodies and ourselves. It can challenge our ability to navigate the constant barrage of food imagery and advertising around us.
Coming to terms with the fact that none of us are Iman, Kylie Jenner, or Kate Moss, has a bright side. It means we’re free to follow our own body cues, the ones we were born with. The ones our bodies have been pushing us to identify with all along. We are a part of nature, so while we’re not gonna ban the occasional cheeseburger or pizza night, it’s important to remember where the vitamins our bodies need actually come from.
HOW TO EAT FOR YOUR HEALTH
A body and beauty-friendly diet starts and ends with nature. It comes from the incredible diaspora of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that shoot up from the ground seasonally. And the fresher, the better. If you have access to local produce that hasn’t traveled far, that’s your best opportunity to reap all of the healthy nutritional benefits of what you’re eating.
Studies have shown that micronutrient values decrease starting the moment food is harvested. Vitamin, protein, mineral, and carbohydrate levels decline depending on the amount of time something is stored and how and if it’s processed. The best way to store something and retain the best micronutrient levels is to freeze it, but that’s not always going to get you the best flavor or texture after the fact. No one wants a thawed apple, for example. Frozen blueberries on the other hand? Yes, please!
THE TOP 10 FOODS FOR BETTER MICROBIOME HEALTH
So, it’s not just because we’re obsessed with probiotics that we’re gonna talk about probiotic-rich foods. But, there is a reason we’ve created an entire probiotic skincare line. Whether it’s what you’re putting on your face, what you’re piling on your plate, or how you’re supplementing your gut health, probiotics are the key to microbiome health. The more you get, the better your body is going to feel.
Here are the top 10 foods that will help you increase your gut flora:
The Produce Section: Prebiotics
The Dairy Department:
Fabulous Ferments:
For every new viral proclamation of a skincare “miracle” (we’re talkin’ to you, TikTok), a virtual line starts to form outside The Office of Regrets. If there were such a place, you can bet that it would be jam-packed with well-meaning skincare buffs who put their trust into the wrong beauty-influencer basket. Or two.
The decade of 2020, which totally felt like a decade, is partially to blame. Everyone’s access was abruptly cut off from our routine professional skincare outings. There were suddenly no more Friday facials, we were forced to cancel those fabulously-firming laser treatments and dermabrasion? Forget about it.
Cue the rise of the DIY Divas. Suddenly, everything we were missing about the normal world could be at our fingertips once again! Sure, these crazy-sounding skincare experiments were not exactly “science-backed”, and they often seemed like they might involve a little, or a lot, of risk. But we were quarantined and we were bored. We wanted what we wanted and we wanted it now.
Until we didn’t.
3 SKINCARE TRENDS TO AVOID
A good rule of thumb is to remember that if a trending skincare suggestion seems dangerous, then it probably is. At the very least, food products belong on grocery store shelves, not on your face. If they had any positive benefit, then the beauty industry has already figured that out and they’ve bottled it up in a safer, tested formula. And the beauty of that is the significantly lower risk of irritating, or worse, permanently damaging, your precious complexion.
If you see these trends popping up on your feed, swipe left and keep moving.
A homemade face mask sounds like something really fun to do with your friends during a sleepover. Slathering your face with yogurt for the probiotics or dabbing on a cotton ball with lemon juice for natural exfoliation…it all sounds innocent enough. Those ingredients do have skin benefits, but going the DIY route means you’re skipping that really important part about concentration.
These are lactic acids, so if you’re not using the correct quantities for just the right amount of time, you can end up with burning or irritation. What’s worse is how triggering these at-home treatments can be for acne-prone skin. A better choice is to use a topical probiotic serum that contains lactic acid. A few drops of our Renewing Probiotic Serum will feed your skin healthy probiotics and simultaneously exfoliate with Lactic Acid, a gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Best of all, you get real results instead of surprises.
Another popular choice is the at-home coffee grind exfoliator treatment. Coffee grounds applied to your face are extremely abrasive. They can even break your skin and cause burns. The idea of reusing something you’d normally throw out is great, but save your used coffee grounds for your plants. Don’t put them on your face. JLo even issued her own warning after an over-exfoliation incident sent her to the dermatologist. She recommends using gentle chemical exfoliators like AHAs and BHAs. If Jenny from the Block steers clear of it, we probably should, too.
Once upon a time in 2016, Beyonce’s makeup artist, Sir John, had an idea. Why not let the sun contour your face for you? The idea is that you only use sunscreen in the areas where you don’t want the sun to hit, giving you a little extra “color” along the contours of your face. Soon, Gwyneth Paltrow jumped on the bandwagon, and most recently, model and TikTok influencer Eli Withrow. The trend has gone viral.
But what no one’s talking about are the consequences of those poor patches of skin that aren’t receiving their daily recommended dose of SPF. Even for those who are advocating a lower SPF all over your face and simply contouring with 30+, they’re essentially suggesting to bare your skin to the elements. SPF contouring is just inviting more UV damage. Any well-informed skincare enthusiast knows that’s the kind of damage we’re all trying to avoid.
Microneedling was once something you’d only dare to go a professional for. It’s the process of being pricked by tiny microneedles, causing injury and the corresponding reaction. That natural repair reaction produces a skin-tightening effect and builds collagen. Whether you’re just hearing about micro needling for the first time or you’ve been a fan for years, common sense would dictate that this mini-surgery is probably best left to professionals.
But alas, the “At-Home Microneedling Kit” was born. Look, we know that skincare treatments can be pricey, but that’s no reason to justify putting needles in your own face. First of all, anything piercing your skin's surface needs to be sterilized. If you aren’t trained in this type of thing, you’re putting yourself at risk of infection. Not only that but the needles used are made to tackle specific issues. Using the wrong size can cause irritation, scarring, and serious infection. If this is a procedure that you’re interested in, don’t give any further thought to doing it yourself. Consult a professional.
We all love a good experiment, but our skin isn’t really the best playground. It’s the image we put out into the world, the first part of us people see and learn to identify us with. Wouldn’t you rather that impression be of a glowing, healthy, confident skincare guru rather than a DIY trend follower? Trust science to lead the way. With Layers Probiotic Skincare, you’re the real influencer, and you’ve got the skin to prove it.
]]>Do you feel like the slightest disruption to your routine causes your skin to go into panic mode? Seeing the rest of the world experimenting with all of the latest product trends, rotating regimens as they please… it’s almost as frustrating as your flare-ups.
Highly reactive skin can sometimes be a signal from your body that there’s a more serious underlying problem. Your first steps should be visits to your dermatologist and your doctor if you’re suffering from the most common skin sensitivities, especially if they suddenly appear out of nowhere.
THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF SENSITIVE SKIN
Here are the telltale signs to look out for:
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE SKIN?
Painful, itchy, and flaky skin aren’t simply “things you’re born with”. Yes, maybe they are issues you’ve had since you were born, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to deal with them for the rest of your life. Finding the right solution can be tricky, but if you’re patient through the process, you will eventually be able to single out the culprit.
Possible Causes of Sensitive Skin:
TIPS FOR CALMING SENSITIVE SKIN
Luckily for anyone out there who has sensitive skin, the beauty industry arc is leaning towards more botanical-based skincare ingredients. The 57-ingredient product days do seem to be going out of fashion, and that’s a good thing. The more chemicals, the more opportunities for your skin to throw a tantrum. And your skin is right to reject a lot of these harsh, overproduced, chemical-packed concoctions.
It’s not just our beauty products that hide harsh chemicals. It’s also the air we breathe and the things floating in it that come into direct contact with our bodies. In the same way, pollen can irritate our skin, pollution can cause many people to develop skin sensitivities. The best skincare products are not only going to combine the best of science and botanicals, but they should also help fortify your skin, strengthening the barrier between you and the pollutants you encounter every day.
3 Tips to Soothe your Skin and Defend it from the Elements:
Become an ingredient mastermind
Read labels. It’s that simple. If a product has a laundry list of ingredients that you can identify or pronounce, then it’s best to move on. You can check products instantly with ingredient checkers like INCI Decoder and EWG Skin Deep
Use only anti-inflammatory skincare
Look for products that contain calming ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, green tea extract, pomegranate extract, milk thistle, chamomile, Irish moss, orobanche rapum, and meadowfoam oil. These are botanical ingredients that provide your skin with various benefits without irritating it.
Balance your microbiome
Your microbiome determines how resilient your body is to the elements. It dictates your immunity, influences your mood and energy levels, and even determines how well you sleep. The “brain” of your microbiome is your digestive system, referred to as the gut-brain axis. If your digestion domino falls, then it will affect every aspect of your body, inside and out. Probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. Taking a daily oral probiotic like Layers Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements is a smart defensive measure that will infuse your gut with more good bacteria.
Sensitive skin doesn’t have to feel like a prison sentence. It’s a condition that just needs time and attention to identify the cause and find the best, more effective sources of relief. The Layers Probiotic Skincare line is clean beauty at its best: no parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, silicone, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, triclosan, gluten, or anything else that’s known to cause irritation to sensitive skin. It’s the very best of science-backed ingredients, offering a unique inside-out approach to skincare. Take care of your gut, and your gut will take care of you!]]>Uh oh, not again. It’s the third morning you’ve woken up to this strange, bloated reflection in the mirror. Puffy cheeks, inflated under eyes…what’s the deal? Somehow, in only a matter of days, your face has taken a drastically puffy turn.
WHY DOES MY FACE LOOK PUFFY?
If you’ve been waking up consistently to a puffy-faced reflection, then there are a few different culprits that could be to blame.
Here are the most common reasons your face looks puffy in the morning:
IS A PUFFY FACE SERIOUS?
Before we dive in, a word of caution. Here, we’re talking about that kind of puffiness that you have no reason to be worried might be due to something more serious. More like the kind you see in the mirror after a late night out or a general lack of sleep that seems to go on for days. If puffiness coincides with a new medication, tooth or sinus pain, occurs right after a meal, or after you’ve been stung by an insect, it’s best to seek medical attention, as you may have a more serious issue going on.
HOW TO REDUCE PUFFINESS
If you’re pretty sure your puffy morning face is due to one of the less serious causes mentioned above, then we’ve got some advice to help you out. Here are 3 pro tips that’ll help you un-puff and feel like yourself again.
Pro-Tip #1: Give yourself an Ice Facial
If you think coffee can zap you into the world of the living, then the morning ice facial is about to change your life. Just pop an ice cube from the freezer into a little bowl and get in front of a mirror. After washing your face, gently and swiftly rub the cube over your skin, making sure not to keep it in one place too long. Not only does it feel amazing, but it instantly tightens your skin, quickly calms inflammation, and reduces puffiness.
This quick hit of cold constricts your blood vessels, improving your blood flow as it soothes inflammation. Especially noticeable in the sensitive under-eye area, a speedy hit of ice will instantly reduce puffiness. Dermatologists concur but suggest those with sensitive skin opt for wrapping ice in a cold compress or towel rather than directly applying ice to your skin. Stick to icing just once a day so as not to “burn” your skin.
Pro-Tip #2: Keep Your Microbiome Balanced
If you’re thinking, “Oh, this sounds like one of those ‘eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly’ kinds of tropes wrapped up in fancy-sounding language, you’d be right. Even though it sounds like basic information, we tend to underestimate how much our gut health affects our body overall, and that includes the skin microbiome.
The typical American diet is high in fat, sugar, and salt. Studies have shown that these diets create a breeding ground within the gut for pro-inflamatory bacteria, while diets rich in whole foods demonstrate a low level of dietary and inflammatory-related diseases.
Basically, a balanced microbiome doesn’t allow for a pro-inflammatory environment. Puffiness related to inflammation is a goner. Here’s how you can maintain a happy, healthy, balanced microbiome:
Eat a diverse range of whole foods like vegetables, legumes, and healthy grains. Incorporate foods that naturally contain gut-friendly probiotics. Get 6-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Exercise moderately. Covering the basic needs of your body is the best way to ensure a healthy, normal-functioning microbiome.
Layers one-a-day Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements contain a blend of 5 bacterial strains that target gut-skin health, including inflammation:
Bifidobacterium Longum: an immune-modulating strain that works to temper inflammatory responses on the skin and in the gut. It increases your skin's resistance to temperature fluctuations and potential irritation.Our Immunity Moisturizer contains powerful botanicals like Pomegranate Extract to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and Milk Thistle to aid in calming and preventing common skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Along with Layers Renewing Probiotic Serum and Balancing Milky Cleanser, a full probiotic skincare routine will work to keep things under control outside while oral probiotics keep things calm inside the gut. Promoting a positive gut-skin connection will go a long way in keeping puffiness and inflammation at bay.
Pro-Tip #3: Carry a Water Bottle
If you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day, then your body responds by trying to retain as much water as possible. This is another reason you could be waking up with a puffy, bloated-feeling face. Dehydration causes enlarged blood vessels, and that swelling shows up in the face, among other places. The water that is in your body gets retained by thirsty cells and tissues.
The more water you drink, the more your cells feel comfortable releasing their backup supply, so swelling doesn’t need to take place. The average male needs 125 ounces or 3.7 liters for men, and the average female needs around 91 ounces, or 2.7 liters. An easy way to keep your body and skin hydrated is to get accustomed to carrying around a water bottle and refilling it at every opportunity. The more you have access to it, the more you’ll naturally drink. And, the less puffy you’ll be!
]]>Ever since the concept of K-Beauty hit our clean beauty loving brains, we’ve been on a worldwide mission of discovery. If Korean women have been keeping these fascinating beauty routine secrets for centuries, then it’s only natural to wonder what the rest of the world isn’t telling us. What other skincare secrets are out there to discover?
Take this double cleansing concept, for example. One of the many trends brought to light by our newfound Western fascination with K-Beauty, double cleaning is generally listed as the first and second of anywhere from 7-14 skincare steps. And sitting in position number one is the oil-based cleanser. AKA, cleansing balm.
WHAT IS A CLEANSING BALM?
It’s pretty much all in the name. When you think of a balmy consistency, you imagine something akin to chapstick or lip gloss in a little tin pot. Rather than being water-based, like most cleansers, it’s oil-based. So, you want to apply cleansing balm before you wet your face. Essentially, you’re just rubbing it over the top of your makeup in order to help break up the oily elements of your skincare products.
HOW DOES CLEANSING BALM WORK?
Adopting a “like dissolves like” philosophy, the idea is that the oily consistency of a cleansing balm will dissolve the oily consistency of any skincare products that you’ve been sporting that day. Whether it’s a thick SPF, a creamy concealer, or an oil-based foundation, a cleansing balm is meant to tackle them all.
DO CLEANSING BALMS WORK?
If you’ve come across any social media posts about double cleansing, you’ve probably seen the images of gooey-faced, raccoon-eyed beauty vloggers demonstrating the efficacy of oil-based cleansers. Yes, they can effectively remove makeup. Even heaps of mascara.
They feel soothing while they cleanse without leaving the skin feeling dry or irritated. However…most cleansing balms will expressly be recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin. Using an oily cleanser for oily skin will get you the finger wag from any dermatologist. As will overdoing it. If you have oily skin and you’re considering a complex double cleansing routine, it’s better not to upset an already shaky microbiome with a bunch of unnecessary new products. This leads us to the necessity question…is double cleansing necessary?
DO I NEED TO USE A CLEANSING BALM?
Honestly, not really. Ok, so it is kinda fun to rub it into your skin and it feels oddly soothing. But then, you have to wash it off. The fun can be short-lived if you’re in a hurry or trying to simplify your beauty routine.
Before you commit to double cleansing, know that you’re committing to two steps and two products. If you start with an oil-based cleanser, you’ll want to follow it up with a water-based cleanser. The first removes makeup, the second removes dirt and impurities from your pores. If this sounds like a lot of work for something that’s not really going to offer your skin any real benefits, then you’ll be happy to know that you can get equally clean skin with a good cleanser. A, as in singular, meaning one good cleanser.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CLEANSER
Look for a multi-tasker that gently cleanses but also has hydrating properties. Layers Balancing Milky Cleanser contains a prebiotic + probiotic blend of yogurt powder and lactobacillus ferment, cleansing the skin while simultaneously introducing healthy bacteria. This helps balance your skin microflora every time you use it. It also contains Irish Moss, a seaweed known for its ability to hold moisture and improve skin softness, and lactic acid to gently slough away dead skin cells. So with one cleanser, you’re covering 3 K-Beauty steps (cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing) in one fell swoop!
At Layers, it’s about quality over quantity. That’s why we’ve kept our line of probiotic skincare simple:
Far from a 7, 10, or 14 -step K-Beauty routine, we’ve whittled it down to 4 simple steps. And the best part? They’re backed by science and clinically proven to deliver results. Remember, a skincare routine doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be effective.
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At this point, you probably already know what slugging refers to. It’s the outrageously gooey act of slathering a heavy-duty petroleum jelly all over your face before you go to bed every night. You know, like slugs do. Apparently.
The point is to lock in moisture and prevent the previous layers of products from evaporating away when you sleep. Thus, gaining the biggest benefit possible from those pricey nighttime serums and solutions. If you’ve seen an abundance of ultra-glistening faces bombarding your social media feeds, it’s easy to see that everyone is doing it. This begs the question…should you be slugging, too?
Let’s dive into what it is, why people are suddenly all about it, whether or not it actually works, and most importantly, if it’s really a good idea to be rubbing this slippery stuff on your skin every night.
IS SLUGGING REALLY A NEW THING?
No, it’s not. In fact, user-favorite petroleum brands like Vaseline and Aquaphor have been staple products in both the Black and Latinx communities as moisturizers for decades. Dermatologists have long been using it to treat eczema, psoriasis, and other dry skin conditions. The bottom line: it’s not new. It’s just trending.
A lot of people credit its sudden attention to the earlier K-beauty trend that’s been sweeping the beauty world. That’s the famous layering beauty routine from South Korea. According to The Washington Post, the term slugging first surfaced in the United States in a Reddit post back in 2014. But, they dug deeper, discovering that it goes back even further:
“In the 15th century, members of the Native American Seneca tribe, who dug oil pits in northwestern Pennsylvania, used petroleum jelly on human and animal skin to protect wounds, stimulate healing and keep the skin moist. In the late 19th century, American chemist Robert Chesebrough, visiting oil fields in the same area of northwestern Pennsylvania, observed oil workers applying the residue from their oil drills on their wounds. Chesebrough brought a sample back to his Brooklyn lab, purified it, tested it on his self-inflicted wounds, and in 1870 branded his “miracle jelly” as Vaseline.”
DOES IT WORK?
There’s no denying the evidence that it’s an ultra-effective occlusive. Occlusives are oils and waxes that form a physical barrier, protecting your skin from losing moisture and aiding healing. A lot of blogs point to a well-known study showing that applying petroleum reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 99% and another in which it demonstrated anti-microbial properties.
Slugging helps your other skin care products like serums and moisturizers penetrate more deeply, by preventing evaporation. The thick barrier layer keeps dirt and bacteria out, as long as your face is squeaky clean before you apply it.
BUT BEFORE SLUGGING…READ THIS
If you suffer from a skin condition, beware. If you’re prone to oiliness, breakouts, blackheads, milia, blemishes, or have sensitive skin, slugging might not be for you. Petroleum jelly can exacerbate breakouts. Some studies have found that it can also cause epidermal stress, causing skin inflammation and clogged pores. It has also earned a hazard ranking of 4 in the EWG Skin Deep Database, noting a moderate concern over non-reproductive organ system toxicity and a high-level contamination concern.
The primary contaminant concern for petroleum is that it might carry polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), contaminants linked to cancer. The European Union, which is known for having very strict cosmetic safety standards, has restricted the use of petrolatum in cosmetics and set a PAH limit. Petroleum-based products can also contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOHA) and polyaromatics, which studies show may be carcinogenic. Ultimately, it depends on the refinement process of your petroleum of choice, so choose a trusted brand that’s been purified.
The FDA does regard petroleum as safe to use, but “safe” doesn’t necessarily mean that using it every day is a good idea. Compared with more natural, less processed botanicals that also contain antioxidants, you could be getting the same moisturizing benefits with things like ceramides, jojoba oil, and squalane, among others. These types of ingredients will also replenish the skin barrier and give you that locked-in moisture effect without potentially clogging the pores or leaving a greasy residue.
When it comes to pairing petroleum with certain serums, like retinol or vitamin C, you should use extreme caution. This level of occlusive will intensify the side effects, which could irritate your skin.
IS PETROLEUM SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Also known as petrolatum, petroleum is made up of a mixture of complex hydrocarbons that are sourced by dewaxing crude oil. Meaning, it’s a by-product of the fossil fuel industry, so it’s not exactly eco-friendly. With 25% of all U.S. greenhouse gases coming from crude oil drilling, starting a petroleum-based slugging habit now might not be the best thing to do if you’re trying to adhere to a more environmentally conscious beauty routine.
Petroleum also isn’t biodegradable, like its more natural alternatives. When disposed of, it can prohibit soil aeration and prevent the release of carbon, which contributes to global warming. This environmental contamination threatens biodiversity as it pollutes soil, water, and air through stages of the petroleum extraction, purification, and disposal processes.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO PETROLEUM
You don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of an occlusive if you want to be a better friend to the planet. Plant-based ingredients offer a more sustainably sourced slugging option. Derived from renewable sources like bee’s wax, cocoa, olive oil, and shea butter, these materials can minimize the environmental impact of your beauty routine and keep your skin slugged.
If you’re looking for the closest thing to petroleum without the environmental price tag, Waxelene is one of the most popular non-comedogenic alternatives. It’s a combination of soy oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and rosemary oil. When you’re on the hunt for a powerful occlusive, look for products with these ingredients:
TO SLUG OR NOT TO SLUG
If slathering a byproduct of crude oil onto your skin seems like a not-so-good idea, you’d be justified in your skepticism. We’ve already covered the toxicity concerns and the environmental issues surrounding petroleum. But you also have to consider the effects of a heavy occlusive sitting on top of your skin for prolonged periods of time. It prevents moisture evaporation for better or…sometimes for worse. That impenetrable layer won’t allow your skin to draw moisture in, and it can trap sebum and bacteria, preventing the skin from expelling toxins.
Aside from safety and environmental considerations, slugging is a technique best suited to those with dry skin. You’ll just need to be sure to cleanse and remove your occlusive of choice thoroughly as you need some transepidermal water loss for healthy skin.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember that the best skin is achieved through maintaining a balanced microbiome. So an inside-outside approach is key. Eat right and make sure that what you’re locking in under that occlusive is actually going to benefit your skin. Our science-backed probiotic serum infuses your skin with deep hydration and botanicals with powerful antioxidants and our moisturizer helps lock in all of those benefits while balancing your skin flora. So if you’re gonna slug, these are benefits worth slugging for.
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In our increasingly industrialized world, pollution is impossible to avoid. It’s actually been listed as a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization. We’re exposed to environmental pollutants every day, particularly those of us who live in cities or industrial areas.
Whether it’s via contaminants floating in the air particles around us (traffic or industry), or we’re inhaling pollutants voluntarily (cigarette smoking) or involuntarily (second-hand smoke), we are all exposed to pollution on some level. While the downsides of inhaling and absorbing air pollution seem obvious, we’re only recently beginning to understand the long-term effects of this exposure.
HOW DOES POLLUTION AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
Breathing in particles is one way pollution enters the body, but pollutants can also pass through skin cell membranes. From there, they diffuse throughout the body and affect us in different ways. Several studies have linked pollution to skin conditions like acne, eczema, inflammation, oxidative stress (responsible for premature aging), and even hives.
For anyone suffering from chronic inflammatory skin diseases, studies show that high pollution levels are responsible for exacerbating these conditions. If you live in a city and you experience frequent acne, eczema, rosacea, or regular atopic dermatitis flare-ups, then pollution could be the culprit.
Lifestyle stress is another important factor to consider. If you’re a smoker, for example, you’re inhaling polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), substances known to cause premature aging through oxidative stress. Oxidative stress also leads to things like sun spots, wrinkles, and moisture loss in the skin, all things that break down your barrier layer and decrease your skin's natural ability to protect itself.
But one of the more interesting consequences of environmental pollution is just being understood. There is growing evidence demonstrating that our daily exposure to air pollution is starting to affect our gut and lung health.
INTRODUCING… THE GUT-LUNG AXIS
You’ve heard of the Gut-Skin Axis and the Gut-Brain Axis, but you probably haven’t heard about the Gut-Lung Axis. As a probiotic skincare company, we often talk about the connection between your skin microflora and your gut. Now, there’s emerging evidence that what you’re breathing in has a direct effect on your gut health.
Air particles containing pollutants can enter the body via the lungs and end up in your gut. This, in turn, affects your whole microbiota, easily throwing off that all-important microbiome balance that’s needed in order for your body to protect you. So, whatever enters your respiratory tract plays a central role in the strength of your immune system.
Studies are showing links between air pollution exposure and gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease, IBS, and ulcerative colitis. They’re also showing links between air pollution and respiratory diseases like asthma and rhinitis. The evidence for an interconnection between the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract continues to grow as more studies are conducted.
By now, you get the point. Pollution = bad. Bad for your skin, your lungs, and for your gut. But are you just supposed to stand there and take it?
No way, Rosé!
When pollution brings problems, probiotics come packin’ solutions.
HOW DO PROBIOTICS HELP FIGHT THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION?
Ok, time to put on those chemistry goggles. Kidding. But, let’s pretend.
A strong microbiome is all about balance…pH balance. When you’re giving your body what it needs in the form of nutrients and taking into account your overall environment, then friendly microbes can flourish. Prebiotics feed the good probiotics, which creates an equilibrium in your pH levels. These friendly bacteria not only maintain balance but have the ability to restore balance at the skin and gut levels.
Prebiotics and probiotics work as a team to stimulate good gut health. These microorganisms help calm and/or prevent inflammation and oxidative stress caused by air pollution. For example, strains of Lactobacillus Plantarum (a key ingredient in our Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements) have been shown to decrease amounts of cadmium in the body, a heavy metal byproduct of cigarette smoking.
HOW DO I GET MORE PROBIOTICS?
Considering how environmental pollutants affect us at the gut level and how vital our gut microbiota is to our overall health, loading up on probiotic allies is a no-brainer. But how, exactly, do we do that?
Understanding that the microbiome is a whole system is step #1. That means supporting it requires an inside-outside approach.
THE BEST POLLUTION-FIGHTING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS
In addition to probiotics, there are a few more skincare taskmasters that are up to the pollution protection challenge:
Short of running away and setting up house in the middle of a far-away rainforest, there’s little we can do to avoid contact with environmental pollutants. Obviously, we all hope for more sustainable methods of industry to one day prevail so that ultimately, fewer of these unhealthy substances are in the air, to begin with. But in the meantime, the benefits of using probiotics and prebiotics to combat the negative effects of pollution are promising.
Taking an inside-outside approach with a combination of a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and powerful probiotic protection for your gut and your skin can all help mitigate the negative health consequences of pollution exposure. Slathering on a soothing layer of our Immunity Moisturizer with lactobacillus ferment and pomegranate extract and sipping on a blueberry and beet smoothie with probiotic-packed Greek yogurt has never sounded soooo good! ]]>Once you learn that you have a microbiome and how important it is, you’ll wonder why we weren’t learning about it in middle school biology class. Our microbiome plays a huge role in our health and wellbeing. Everything from our mood, anxiety levels, digestion, and of course, our skin health, are all regulated by the overall physical state of the microbiome.
WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
To put it simply, it’s a community of microorganisms that collectively creates a sort of fingerprint. Everyone’s microbiota community is unique. We all are born with a different mix of bacteria the moment we’re born. This bodily shield is made up of between 300-500 various bacteria that harbor about 2 million genes. These are paired with other organisms like fungi and different types of viruses.
A part of your microbiome is based on your mother’s microbiota. Other determining factors include where you live and the amount of pollution you’re exposed to. The microbiota that thrive and are useful in a dry climate are different from those you might possess in a more tropical, humid environment. Diet and lifestyle are significant factors, too. The healthier your diet and the more regular exercise you participate in, the healthier your microbiome will be.
HOW DOES MY MICROBIOME AFFECT ME?
Oh, let us count the ways! The microbiome has a truly unbelievable level of control over your body and your wellbeing. Here are a few of the biggest reasons a balanced microbiome matters.
Digestion:
The microbes living in your gut may very well have the biggest impact on your overall well-being. Your digestion affects everything from your metabolism to your mood to your immune system. Most of these microscopic bacteria live in your intestines and colon, lining your entire digestive system. When they are out of balance, the effects run large and wide. Gut imbalances have been shown to lead to inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, allergies, asthma, and skin conditions like dermatitis.
Disease:
We know that inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, occur in imbalanced gut environments. People suffering from these conditions are believed to have lower levels of the types of gut bacteria that bring anti-inflammatory relief and help prevent inflammation in the first place. So a balanced microbiome is important in these cases.
There’s also a gut connection to diabetes, which studies have shown can be modified by dietary changes. Diabetes is the number one cause of something called gastroparesis, a digestive condition that delays the speed at which your stomach empties the food you’ve consumed. Obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and colon cancer are also believed to have a gut-brain correlation.
Metabolism:
Your gut microbiome also affects your body’s metabolism. It determines things like how many calories you get from food and what kinds of nutrients you draw from it. Too much gut bacteria can cause you to turn fiber into fatty acids, which then deposits fat into your liver. This is called metabolic syndrome and can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Mood:
Your gut is full of nerve endings that communicate back and forth with your brain. Studies show that the microbiota in your gut affects your mood, and your mood affects your microbiota. This system of communication is called the “gut-brain axis.” Gut bacteria are currently being studied in order to identify the specific strains that link your gut microbiome with disorders of the central nervous system. This means that science has shown that depression and anxiety have direct connections to our gut health.
Skin:
The condition of our skin is also determined by our microbiome. And the wild truth is that we’re not the only species that knows it. In a study that took place from 2009 to 2022, scientists observed dolphins routinely nourishing their skin. Bottle-nosed dolphins in Egypt’s Northern Red Sea were seen regularly brushing their bodies against a specific type of sea coral. Lab tests revealed that the coral had antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antibiotic properties. Additionally, it contained a type of estrogen that helped soften skin. Similar behaviors have also been observed with killer whales and beluga whales.
Thankfully for humans, we don’t have to go deep-sea diving in order to get these healing, moisturizing, and microbiome balancing benefits. Probiotics have made it easy to incorporate scientifically proven microbiome skincare into your daily routine. You can learn more about how it works in our blog post, Microbiome Skincare 101, and check out our probiotic skincare line here.
HOW TO GET AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY MICROBIOME
A healthy microbiome is a diverse community of microorganisms. And food is the fastest (and most fun!) way to introduce more probiotic diversity. So your diet is a great place to start if you suspect your microbiome could use a little more support.
In Foods to eat (and avoid) for Glowing Skin, we’ve compiled a list to help you identify what’s helping and potentially harming your gut. A diet rich in fermented foods will make a huge difference in your gut bacteria diversity. In this blog post, we share 5 recipes for fermented foods with simple ingredients that you can make at home.
Cutting out or limiting sugary foods is also important because bad bacteria feed on sugar. So cut back where you can (but please do indulge in your birthday cake…none of us are saints!) Oral probiotics are another good way to make sure you’re getting the “good bugs” into your belly. Our Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements are one-a-day capsules that are scientifically proven to aid digestion, as well as increase skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness.
Another important element to keep your microbiome in check is to move your body. Exercise in any way, shape, or form helps your body and your gut. Studies show that exercise increases microbiota diversity and offers protective effects that can reduce the risk of colon cancer, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The importance of the microbiome comes only when we understand the monumental role it plays in the state of our overall health. It’s not just about our skin and our digestion; it’s also about mental health. It offers us opportunities for understanding disease management and prevention. And thankfully, the science only continues to grow as we’re recognizing the importance of our very own, highly personalized, invisible protector.
]]>You’ve spent a good 40 minutes on your hair and skincare routine, dabbed on a bit of tinted moisturizer or makeup, lined your lips, made those lashes pop, and now it’s time to head out the door. But the moment you open the door to your car and discover you’re about to enter a sauna, or saddle up on your bicycle and feel the hot nylon seat against your thighs, you quickly wonder if your efforts were all in vain.
We all love the summertime, but it doesn’t always love us back. It flattens or frizzes out our hair (and whichever it is, it’s the opposite of what you want it to be doing), it melts our makeup leaving unsightly streaks, and worst of all, for some of us, it wreaks havoc on our complexion.
WHY DO YOU BREAK OUT IN THE SUMMER?
The weather conditions in the summer months are not exactly ideal skin habitats. This obviously depends on where you live, but just like the depth of winter, the height of summer brings with it seasonal extremes. Whether it’s the dry air of the southwest or the high humidity of the pacific northwest, our skin tends to freak out a little when weather changes hit.
To add to the wabbly weather, we’re slathering on SPF under our usual makeup and moisturizers. The moment you exert any type of physical effort, little beads of sweat make their daily debut. Your skin tries to compensate. And inevitably, with all of those products intermingling with drips and dribbles of sweaty saltwater, skin gets confused and overworked.
And then…we make it worse. Yes, we are all partially to blame for further irritation because we just can’t seem to keep our hands off of our faces, especially when we’re in a fight with a blemish. All of that fussing over our unsightly spots makes them worse because we’re poking and prodding them with our dirty little fingers. The dirt and oil and debris that our fingers encounter only add to our complexion problems.
For those of us prone to acne flare-ups, that’s when the dreaded demons start to rear their little heads. In these uncomfortable conditions, what’s a microbiome to do? Well, we’ve got some solutions. Besides not touching your face (especially mid-flare up), we’re going to tell you how to calm down that inflammation by sharing 3 tips that’ll help you avoid summer breakouts altogether.
HOW TO PREVENT BREAKOUTS IN THE SUMMER
To know how to prevent breakouts, we first need to understand why they happen, particularly those that show up in the summer. The real culprit when it comes to these seasonal breakouts is inflammation. Inflammation is the irritation that results from your microbiome trying to keep up with the unique blend of conditions that your lifestyle and environment present.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Before we get to the tips section, it’s important to talk about consistency. Consistency gives your skin a chance to normalize conditions. In short, don’t keep swapping your products out every couple of weeks. Most dermatologists agree that a new routine should be followed for between 1-3 months (28-days is a full skin renewal cycle) for you to gauge whether or not it’s working. Only then will you have a good idea of how your microbiome is responding.
Once you’ve committed to giving your skin a consistent care regimen, then it’s time to put some thought into what that entails. You have to think about the type of products that help keep skin calm during the hotter months, which differ somewhat from those you might rely on to keep inflammation cool and under control in the winter.
3 TIPS FOR STOPPING SUMMER BREAKOUTS
The summer sun and SPF are like avocado and toast. They should always go together. When your skin is exposed to too much sunlight, it becomes inflamed. So the last thing you want is to add oil to the mix. Sunscreens containing oil will easily clog your pores, leading to further inflammation and ultimately, breakouts. Opt for oil-free versions of sun protection to keep your pores clear and you can cross one inflammation culprit off the list!
Slather more of the good stuff on your face in the form of prebiotics and probiotics. The state of your skin lies in the balance of bacteria being tipped in the favor of the good guys. The more good guys, the fewer bad guys that can cause irritation and inflammation. A probiotic skincare routine is a good idea any time of year and will help get you through the summer season comfortably.
Here are a few to look for:
A double-duty cleanser performs two important roles. The first is obvious; it cleanses your skin so that any buildup from makeup, sunscreen, and sweat is washed away. Secondly, you want to rely on a cleanser that gently but effectively increases epidermal turnover. It’s important to slough away dead skin on the regular so that unnecessary skin cell build-up doesn’t clog pores. A daily probiotic cleanser with Lactic Acid is key to a good skin cell slough sesh that doesn’t cause irritation.
Summer should be the season to let go, hang out, and not worry about annoying breakouts. Struggling with skincare stress doesn’t have to be the norm. The good news is that there are ways to keep your skin calm and reduce the burden of breakout-prone skin. Let these tips be your roadmap to a brighter, healthier summer complexion!
]]>If you’ve been waiting with bated breath for the hottest skin trends of 2022, you’ve likely been bombarded with listicles proclaiming the latest and greatest. But we’ve got something better for you. We’ve perused the top 10s and 20s and whittled them down to their roots. And what we’ve uncovered are 3 trends that are undoubtedly all you’ll be hearing about this beauty season.
THE TOP 3 SKINCARE TRENDS OF 2022
We’re used to spot treating our skin woes, but ultimately, it’s the day-to-day products that have the most impactful long-term capabilities to heal and maintain. So, rather than buying 20 different bottles of gels, creams, and quick-fixers, we should be paying attention to our everyday cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. They can be a lot more effective at helping us manage skin inflammation and disorders.
To understand inflammation, we first have to know what message it’s trying to send us. If you have inflamed skin, the causes can be attributed to 5 potential issues:
These root causes of inflammation trigger problems with our overall health and cause skin dysfunctions. For people with these issues, trends like Retin-A and acid peels have never been ideal solutions. In 2022, the consumers and the beauty industry as a whole are moving away from these types of treatments and opting for skin-strengthening ingredients.
That means treating the skin like it’s an organ (because it is). By strengthening the skin barrier function, you make your microbiome more resilient. You strengthen your microbiome by disrupting it less. So check your ingredients and try to avoid products with added fragrance or perfumes. Look for non-foaming cleansers and clean moisturizers with calming ingredients like aloe, chamomile, milk thistle, and Irish moss. Anti-inflammatory cleansers with pre and probiotics are especially effective at soothing irritated skin. Avoid harsh scrubs and peel off masks and opt instead for serums containing alpha hydroxy acids for gentler exfoliation. Vitamin C and ceramides are excellent sources of nourishment and repair for stressed skin.
Not only is this skincare trend better for your microbiome, but it’s a huge timesaver! Skinimalism is basically a less is more approach to skin health. It’s a commitment to focus on skin quality, tone, and texture over the temporary benefits that concealers and foundations can provide. It’s a nod towards balance and simplicity in your skincare routine.
So, how do we achieve it? For starters, it’s about wearing less makeup and paying closer attention to the underlying condition of our skin. Once you’ve sussed out your skin health, then you can develop a routine that focuses on caring and repairing rather than covering up. The goal is to feel more comfortable in your skin, opting for lighter coverage to honor and celebrate your complexion.
If you’ve got a list of clean beauty ingredients that you love, don’t fret…skinimalism isn’t forcing out any of your faves. It’s an invitation to embrace multi-taskers to help your skin and save you time. Look for products that double and triple up on their duties. Moisturizers that also help fortify your skin barrier, hydrating cleansers that balance your pH, and probiotic serums that lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles…let these be your beauty BFFs for 2022.
With a trending emphasis on skin health, it’s no wonder that we keep hearing about an inside-outside approach. What does it mean? Science has shown that our skin is a trustworthy barometer of our internal health. If your skin is clear and radiant, it’s an indication that your body is in a healthy state of wellbeing.
An inside-outside approach focuses on barrier repair and supporting the skin’s microbiome. That requires a balancing of the skin’s bacterial microbiota rather than a stripping away of it with harsh ingredients. This has led to people leaning into the power of science, and science-driven skincare brands. The transparency from studies showing product efficacy is empowering consumers and helping them feel more confident. It’s demonstrating a clear preference for holistic skincare programs as people move toward full product lines that are designed to work in unison.
Studies have shown the efficacy of oral probiotics in calming irritated skin and maintaining a healthy microbiome. This helps consumers understand the link between gut health and skin health, and the impact they have on one another. Products that work in tandem like oral probiotics and topical probiotic serums are a great example. One provides the building blocks your skin needs to repair and restore connective tissue, while the other offers beneficial bacteria to your gut. Oral probiotics with ceramides and essential fatty acids are especially effective thanks to their collagen-boosting amino acids.
The good news about 2022’s beauty trends is that they’re actually embracing a minimalist approach that doesn’t sacrifice efficacy. They focus on who you are, encouraging you to flaunt your unique skin from the inside out. It’s an invitation to put your best skin self out there and into the world, and to feed your microbiome more of what it wants so that inflammation stays at bay. This is the year to embrace your skin holistically with an inside-outside approach. And that might be the best and only beauty advice you’ll ever need!
]]>When it comes to great skin, strong protection is key. UV radiation is one of the most prominent stressors of our skin microbiome, so doing what we can to strengthen and protect it is the most important aspect of skincare. We’ve put together 3 pro-tips for summer skin protection that will help you and your microbiome weather the season better and brighter, from the inside out.
Summer Skincare Tip #1: Use a good Quality Sunscreen Everyday
Not all sunscreens are created equal, so knowing what to look for is the only path to true protection. So, let’s get to know our rays and then understand how to protect our skin in their presence.
There are UVA rays and UVB rays, and overexposure to both can lead to cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the differences between the two are as follows:
The AAD also advises you to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. This is recommended because exposure to sun breaks down the SPF, reducing the UV barrier on your skin. This means that protection doesn’t decrease according to time, but according to sun exposure. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that applying sunscreen 15-30 minutes pre-exposure and again at 15-30 minutes after the first exposure yielded the best protection.
Which SPF is best to use?
Dermatologists recommend sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. An SPF 30 will block 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs can make for a stronger skin fortress, but they protect you for the same amount of time- so you still need to reapply. Skincare products can reasonably tout a 50 SPF, but there is currently no evidence that SPFs higher than 50 protect your skin to a higher degree. No sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun's UVB rays, so if you’re outside, no matter the weather, you’re exposed.
While regular reapplication is the best practice, it may not always be realistic. So if you can’t reapply every half hour, then reapply especially after strenuous activity that may have caused your sunscreen to sweat away or be wiped off. After a swim, a run, or playing sports, it’s a good idea to give yourself a fresh layer of protection. You can also find setting sprays that contain SPF and spritz your face over your makeup throughout the day.
Another way to add a level of protection is to accessorize! Big, statement-making sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are not only fun fashion accessories, but they are also offering your skin some shade. So slather on that SPF and go find yourself a new summer hat!
Summer Skincare Tip #2: Strengthen Your Microbiome
A healthy microbiome helps strengthen your skin barrier and protect you from UV rays. In fact, up to 80% of the most visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and dryness, are linked to sun exposure. But your microbiome is here to help!
Studies have shown that the microbiome doesn’t only boost your protection, but it can actually even help mitigate the negative effects of sun exposure, possibly even suppressing the growth of tumors. The prebiotic inulin, which you can find in our Balancing Milky Cleanser, induces Bifidobacterium, which has been shown in studies to inhibit the growth of melanoma.
Using daily oral and topical probiotics can help replenish your gut and skin microflora, adding beneficial bacteria that will help your microbiome thrive. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus Plantarum has been shown in studies to reverse the signs of photoaging, and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus was shown to reduce the number of UV-induced skin tumors in laboratory studies. Both are primary ingredients in our Daily Glow Probiotic Supplements.
Summer Skincare Tip #3: Eat Breakfast Foods that Protect
If you’re a foodie, we’ve got good news. Skinfood is a real thing. Incorporating a few specific plant-based foods can offer a tasty form of skin protection. Why breakfast? Because it turns out that our bodies have a “skin clock”. Studies have shown that what we eat for breakfast sets the tone for our enzyme production, which counts on a regular cycle of replenishment to be the most effective. According to Healthline, you can add these to your morning routine for better protection:
We all love the feeling of sun-kissed skin, but it’s important to always remember that there invisible rays that can cause long-term damage. Starting with the basic building blocks of a good diet and a powerful probiotic skincare routine go a long way towards protecting you from damaging UV rays. Packing in antioxidant-rich, skin-protective foods and taking a once-a-day probiotic supplement is a great way to start the day. And remember to keep up your sunscreen habit throughout the year, not just during the summer months. Twenty years from now, you’ll be glad you did!
]]>Praised in poetry and myth for centuries, the mighty pomegranate is dripping in symbolism. Greek myth names it as the fruit that Hades used to tempt Persephone, luring her down into the underworld for 4 months every year, thus giving birth to the seasons. Helen of Troy supposedly drank the juice from the seeds and used the bright red color to add a pink flush to her lips and cheeks. She launched 1,000 ships with that rosy complexion, and even today popular shades of lipstick and blush are named for the fruit.
But its flavor and clever application techniques are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to these tiny, juice-filled jewels. In the world of skincare, these seeds are popping up everywhere from sheet masks to moisturizers, and from face oils to serums. So, what’s this pomegranate hype all about?
WHAT ARE POMEGRANATE SEEDS?
You’ve probably seen these in the grab & go section of your local grocery store. They are the scooped-out insides of the pomegranate fruit, technically called arils. If you’ve ever experienced the juicy bloodbath of opening one yourself, you can probably understand the popularity of the pre-plucked versions.
Along with the avocado and our sudden cultish affinity for kale, pomegranate seeds began gracing restaurant and smoothie menus over the last decade. They’re fun to pop in your mouth and that sweet juice you get in return is pretty satisfying. Popular salad toppings, these brightly colored accouterments can also be found gracing the tops of hummus and smokey babaganoush.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE SEEDS?
For over 8,000 years, people have found a plethora of uses for these little seeds. In addition to food, they’ve been used in spiritual practices, traditional medicine, and cosmetics, thanks in part to Miss Helen of Troy. They’ve been used to lower fever, treat diabetes, and even heal ulcers.
Here are a few of the beneficial vitamins and minerals pomegranates contain:
HOW DO POMEGRANATE SEEDS BENEFIT SKIN?
There are three primary ways that pomegranates help our skin function:
These three building blocks translate into several long-term benefits when incorporated into your regular skincare routine.
Antiaging
Studies show that pomegranate seeds help promote smooth, plump-looking skin by boosting collagen and elastin production. More collagen and elastin production helps soften skin, resulting in a more youthful glow. Punicic acid hydrates and prevents moisture loss and oxidant ellagic acid helps repair free-radical damage. These forces work together to help protect skin from the signs of premature aging.
Must-Try: Layers Immunity Moisturizer with Pomegranate Extract
UV Protection
Blocking free-radical damage is the best way to preserve youthful skin. Pomegranate seeds contain 48% of your daily recommended vitamin C. Along with other antioxidants like ellagic acid, tannins, and anthocyanins, you’re able to pack in a lot of skin protection in one go. Studies have also shown that ellagic acid can inhibit the growth of skin tumors.
Acne Treatment
If you’ve been looking for a pore-plumbing pal, look no further than pomegranate. The oil from these seeds has the ability to penetrate deep into your pores, unclogging them of excess sebum. A winning combo of vitamin E plus stearic and palmitic acids are responsible for clearing out clogged pores while simultaneously calming inflammation.
Skin Regeneration
By increasing blood circulation, pomegranate seeds help promote cell turnover. As your skin cells regenerate skin tissue repairs quicker, helping wounds heal faster. This also helps fade age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Improves Digestion
Since we’re all about the inside-outside approach to skincare, then you know by now that at Layers, it all circles back to the gut. Since pomegranate seeds are so high in vitamin C, that natural infusion will help balance your pH levels. A glass a day of the red stuff (we’re talking about pomegranate juice, folks…not grape juice in fancy bottles) will help increase your blood flow, improve your digestion, and give your skin a natural, radiant glow.
This antioxidant force is beyond compare. With its unique combination of phytonutrients, high levels of vitamin C, essential minerals, plus fatty acids to help neutralize free radicals, it doesn’t get any better than pomegranate. Try our pomegranate-packed Immunity Moisturizer if you’re ready to plump and protect your skin, promote cellular turnover, and boost that beneficial collagen production. Trust us, that glow is gonna look great on you!
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We all know what it’s like to be hangry, right? You’re busy at work or running errands and all you’ve had to eat is a banana for breakfast but that was 6 hours ago. Your stomach is letting you know loud and clear that it’s time for food, which just stresses you out more because you barely have time to take a break, let alone sit down and eat!
Ok…breathe.
What’s really going on? Those extended breaks between meals cause the glucose levels in our blood to decrease, triggering stress hormones. Cortisol and adrenaline flood our bloodstream in an effort to rebalance our blood sugar. Inflamed skin is like a hungry belly that knows it isn’t getting what it wants. The manifestations of their irritations are biological overreactions to external factors, and the consequences are no fun.
Inflamed skin has a lot in common with the frustration of hunger pangs. When the pH of your microbiome is out of whack, your skin vents in the form of dryness, excessive sebum production, redness, or breakouts.
Inflammation is your body's response to any form of disruption to its natural state. Whether that’s due to climate, injury, pollution, skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, or coming into contact with irritants, if your skin is upset, you’ll notice when it reacts.
Products that are made to work with your skin’s natural biology are considered to be anti-inflammatory. Calming ingredients prevent reactionary effects from the types of enzymes that lead to swelling and inflammation on the skin’s surface. If your skin is able to maintain a state of prolonged calm, not only does that make things more manageable on the outside, but it helps prevent extended states of irritation, which are the roots of chronic and acute skin conditions.
Here’s a shortlist of ingredients known to help calm cranky skin:
These are fatty lipids found tucked in between your skin cells. You can think of them like the glue that holds your skin together. If your skin doesn’t produce enough of these lipids, it can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, itchiness, and even cracking. In skincare, added ceramides enhance your skins ability to maintain that structure.
Known as Vitamin B3, this is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s particularly good for dry skin. Studies show that it helps prevent transepidermal water loss and increases skin hydration. It’s also valued for its ability to brighten skin, reverse hyperpigmentation, and reduces redness.
Rich in essential amino acids and fatty acids, aloe vera is a natural soothing powerhouse. If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know how soothing this cool gel can be. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, E, and B-12, which work together to form a protective barrier. It allows your skin to lock in crucial moisture without making your skin oily. It also contains a chemical called magnesium lactate that calms painful itching and irritation.
Chocked full of antioxidants, green tea can be ultra-soothing for stressed-out skin. It boasts an abundance of anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce redness, irritation, and puffiness. It also contains free radicals that help fight UV damage.
Using chamomile topically helps soothe inflammation and redness. Studies have found that the flavonoids and essential oils in chamomile are able to penetrate deep into the skin, infusing it with calming compounds and antioxidants. It’s a common skincare ingredient in products for treating eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Not only do these bright little seeds taste great on a salad, but they’re superheroes when it comes to anti-inflammatory skincare. Pomegranates contain a substance called ellagic acid which has been shown to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines when applied topically. For this reason, it’s a key ingredient of our Immunity Moisturizer.
This prickly thistle hides a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called Silibinin. A major polyphenol, silibinin has been shown to help calm and prevent common skin diseases like ezcema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Along with pomegranate, we count milk thistle as another powerhouse ingredient of our Immunity Moisturizer.
Last but not least, practicing good probiotics is the key to maintaining worry-free skin. Probiotics are known to calm inflammation both internally and externally. Oral probiotics have been shown to heal acne, atopic dermatitis, photoaging, psoriasis, and wounds. Multiple studies on topical probiotics have demonstrated promising results for the same conditions.
Probiotic skincare is an approach to overall health, not just skin health. Science has long been aware of the gut-skin connection, and studies in this area are increasing at a dramatic rate. Our gut is the internal regulator of our microbiome. That means whatever is going on inside affects what we see on the outside.
With probiotics, we can improve our overall health and reap the good skin benefits that come with it. Working probiotics into your daily routine is easier than you might think. With Layers, it’s a simple 2 step process. We’ve dedicated our skincare line to the most effective probiotics in formulas your microbiome craves.
The Inside + Outside Approach to Skincare with Probiotics
Take a daily probiotic supplement.A daily dose of oral probiotics is the key to gut health. In our one-a-day Daily Glow Supplements, we offer a proprietary blend of 5 potent strains that promote skin health:
Lactobacillus Plantarum: improves skin hydration and elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Bifidobacterium Lactis: improves digestion and enhances immune system functions. Also aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the gut.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: the number one clinically studied strain to aid with digestive health. It nurtures the gut-skin axis and improves your skin barrier function by suppressing inflammatory agents.
Lactobacillus Paracasei: improves skin barrier function recovery and reduces local skin inflammation reactions. Helps calm skin sensitivity and smooth rough skin texture.
Bifidobacterium Longum: an immune-modulating strain that works to temper inflammatory responses on the skin and in the gut. It increases your skin's resistance to temperature fluctuations and potential irritation.
Use topical probiotics.Using topical probiotics can help maintain the pH balance of your microbiome. Our topical products, including our Balancing Milky Cleanser, Immunity Moisturizer, and Renewing Probiotic Serum, contain Lactobacillus Ferment. These live probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties, help fight transepidermal water loss, and promote bacterial diversity that protects your skin from the elements.
Glowing skin doesn’t have to be hard. But it starts with what’s on the inside, and that means eating a diverse diet that includes lots of healthy fruits and vegetables. Adding a daily probiotic to the mix ensures that your gut has what it needs to function optimally. When the gut is happy, the skin will glow. An inside-outside approach might just help you say sayonara to inflammation for good!
]]>Millions of microbes live on the surface of your skin. This neighborhood of living things is referred to as your microbiome, and it’s home to an incredibly diverse range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But before you run to the shower to exfoliate in a fit of terror, hear us out. They are (mostly) your friends! So, put down that loofah, grab a cup of tea, and learn how you can help them help you get balanced beautiful skin.
Yogurt contains powerful natural prebiotics that satisfy your gut microflora. When used topically, it helps your microbiome play defense against the elements. In order to create an effective topical format for applying these friendly bacteria, yogurt is dried and turned into a powder.
Inulin is a naturally occurring prebiotic sugar present in a lot of foods. You can find high amounts of inulin in wheat, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, red onions, and shallots. Both Yogurt Powder and Inulin are key ingredients of our Balancing Milky Cleanser. Before we get to the benefits, let’s talk about why your microbiome needs more of these healthy microbes, and how your body utilizes them.
You know how sometimes your skin feels dry and flaky, and others it feels like you’re on the verge of a breakout, and then other times it feels just fine? Well, guess who’s responsible for all of that? Yep. It’s all of those teeny-tiny microbes. If we keep them happy, then there are a lot of benefits in store. Keeping your microbiome healthy is the clearest and cleanest path to good skin.
Microbes come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, and they have various functions. The good ones help our gut break down food that we consume, allowing our bodies to absorb and utilize vitamins and minerals from what we eat. If you get food poisoning, for example, it’s the good microbes in your gut that help fight off the ones that are making you feel ill. Externally, they coat our skin with a shield to the elements, helping fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
In the world of bacteria, there are prebiotics and probiotics. Probiotics do the hard work, but they need to eat. And they need to eat well. This is where prebiotics enter the microbiotic scene, and quality matters. Good feeding for probiotics usually features prebiotics that have a lot of natural fiber. Rather than containing living bacteria like probiotics, prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that exist within fruits and vegetables.
When hungry probiotics feed on healthy, fiber-rich prebiotics, they can promote overall microbiome health. One of the ways they do this is through microbial diversity, and the more diverse and flourishing your microbiome is, the healthier it becomes.
Yogurt powder has both moisturizing and prebiotic properties contained within it. When you cleanse your skin, the water-binding proteins in Yogurt Powder help stimulate the growth good bacteria while simultaneously decreasing harmful bacteria. It also contains vitamins A and B to help firm and condition your skin. All you need is a once-over with yogurt powder to achieve these results, meaning it’s effective as a wash-away cleanser.
Inulin is a prebiotic extracted from chicory root, a vegetable sugar polysaccharide. In addition to hydrating your skin (it’s known to outperform hyaluronic acid in water retention) it also has a superior ability to help fight free-radicals. Inulin is a naturally derived, raw, and non-irritating product so it’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.
Our Balancing Milky Cleanser contains a unique formula of Yogurt Powder and Inulin, along with prebiotic Irish Moss and probiotic Lactobacillus Ferment. Irish Moss helps hold onto moisture from the water when washing your face, and Lactobacillus Ferment helps fortify your skin barrier, repair damaged skin, rebalance your skin flora, and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.
Together, these ingredients shape up into a hydration powerhouse that cleanses while helping to increase the moisture content of your skin and encourage moisture retention throughout the day. You’ll love applying the milky, soothing formula to your skin and the noticeable infusion of hydration after you rinse it away. Say goodbye to that dry, unpleasant feeling you get after cleansing. There’s a newer, creamier, more hydrating cleanser in town!
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