Most of us are well aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and the importance of sun protection as a means of skin cancer prevention. 

But do you know exactly how UV rays damage your skin? 

In this three-part series dedicated to Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we'll first explore the impact of UV rays on skin DNA and structure. In subsequent posts, we’ll highlight some powerful skincare ingredients that offer fortifying and restorative benefits to sun-damaged skin as well as cover other ways in which you can protect your skin from ultraviolet damage.

The following are five ways in which ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, primarily UVA and UVB rays, cause damage to the skin:

1. DNA damage and skin cancer risk 

UVB rays can directly damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage to our skin’s genetic code can lead to mutations that can result in skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. This is in part due to the fact that the DNA damage continues hours after our exposure to the sun has ended.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm)

2. Sunburn and inflammation 

UVB rays are the main culprits of sunburn, an acute response to excessive UV exposure characterized by redness, inflammation, and sometimes blistering. The safest way to prevent sunburn is to cover up, use SPF 50+, and avoid sun exposure when ultraviolet rays are at their strongest, between 10 am-4 pm.

• Apply and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
• Wear sun-protective clothing
• Avoid peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm)

3. Pigmentation changes

UVA and UVB rays stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin, leading to the development of freckles, age spots, and uneven skin tone. An additional unfortunate byproduct of melanin production is DNA derivatives called cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). CPDs are associated with an increased risk of melanoma. UVA rays penetrate the deepest into the skin and can pass through panes of glass (such as car windows) and cloud cover.

• Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days
• Incorporate brightening skincare products to fade pigmentation
• Consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment options

4. Collagen and elastin degradation 

UVA rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This damage results in premature skin aging characterized by wrinkles, and loss of skin structure which leads to sagging skin and overall loss of elasticity.

• Apply sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays
• Include skincare products with antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.
• Consider professional treatments to stimulate collagen production

5. Blood vessel dilation

UVA rays can cause dilation of blood vessels in the skin, contributing to erythema (redness) and inflammation.

• Use a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Choose skincare products with calming ingredients, such as aloe vera like our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.
• Consult a dermatologist for treatments targeting redness and inflammation

While the most foolproof way of protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays is to stay out of the sun, this is not always possible or desirable. 

You can however protect your skin by making a habit of wearing non-toxic mineral sunscreen daily. And you can fortify your skin against the sun by using skin care products that fight oxidative stress and free radical damage.  

With powerful free radical scavenging ingredients like Edelweiss and Bearberry extract, The Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence supports skin health both before and after sun exposure.

UV Rays FAQs

How do UV rays damage the skin?

A: UV rays can damage the skin in various ways, including causing DNA damage, sunburn, pigmentation changes, collagen and elastin degradation, and blood vessel dilation.

What's the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

A: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and DNA damage. Both types can contribute to skin cancer.

How can I protect my skin from UV damage?

A: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm).

Sources cited:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10365447/
2. https://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index1.html
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6836296_Mouret_S_Baudouin_C_Charveron_M_Favier_A_Cadet_J_Douki_TCyclobutane_pyrimidine_dimers_are_predominant_DNA_lesions_in_whole_human_skin_exposed_to_UVA_radiation_Proc_Natl_Acad_Sci_USA_10313765-13770
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19675548/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25653189/

Even dry and mature skin can suffer from breakouts. Why does one mark on an otherwise flawless face grab all the attention? Incorporate these botanical ingredients to maintain clear skin without a second thought.

Actives to look for

The most effective ingredients for maintaining clear skin are those that balance oil production and increase cell turnover. 

BHA'S

Reduce oil production, increase cell turnover, and are antimicrobial and antibacterial. You'll feel the tingle of natural salicylic acid in our Snow Rose Recovery Mask from white willow bark serving up BHA-like benefits. 

Ceramides

Phytoceramides are recognized for reinforcing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss and are believed to help improve epidermal integrity. Even oily skin needs hydration. You'll find phytoceramides in Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Retinoids

Dew Bean is known to boost skin renewal, reduce oil production and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion as a natural, botanical alternative to retinol. Vigna Anticontifolia is our find in Aspen Dew without the irritants found in synthetic retinoids.  

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 from seaweed (vs synthetic) inhibits the transfer of pigment to the skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in Aspen Dew. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from the environment's aggressions. Vitamin C also helps brighten skin and increase hydration. Ours is abundant and naturally occurring in its most bioavailable whole plant form in several ingredients in all our products, such as Swiss Edelweiss in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. 

Vitamin E

You'll often see vitamin E paired with vitamin C for better results and ours is purely whole plant from sunflowers. This vitamin E offers potent antioxidants and has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture. Found in Aspen Dew, the Alpine, and Purist. 

Green tea

Camellia seed oil in the Purist is a rich source of palmitic and Omega-6 linoleic fatty acids, as well as numerous anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants. Fast absorbing, it permeates deep into the lower layers of the skin, encouraging cell turnover and giving the skin support and flexibility.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil in the Alpine is great for oily skin and acne because it is a natural astringent, helping to regulate sebum and remove excess oil.

Jojoba seed oil

Jojoba has superb absorption properties similar to our skin’s own sebum. It helps to both balance and reduce oil production, support cell turnover, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. We believe so strongly in starting with balanced skin that we made cold-pressed, organic Jojoba the first ingredient in both The Alpine and The Purist.

Superoxide dismustase

A powerful antioxidant in Aspen Dew, with enzymes that assist in reducing free radical damage to the skin and subsequent signs of aging.

Rosehip seed oil

Rosehip seed oil's vitamin A and linoleic acid content help regulate sebum production, which can help prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming. It is found in the Alpine and The Purist.

We've been hearing a lot in the news about vitamin C taken internally for its powerfully protective antioxidants, but do you know the amazing topical benefits vitamin C can have for your skin? 

According to board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, Vitamin C is "a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals." and "Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells."

Whether you choose a single-source ingredient vitamin C serum or a synergistic botanical blend rich in naturally occurring vitamin C like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, we believe this vitamin should be a beauty staple in every skincare regime.

Why we prefer natural vitamin C in our serums

Look on any of our ingredient lists and you won't find the words 'Vitamin C." Synthetic and food-derived vitamin C is chemically identical.

However, plants are rich in numerous micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), dietary fiber, and phytochemicals (e.g., bioflavonoids), and the presence of some of these may affect the bioavailability of vitamin C, according to the Natural Institute of Health.

So as in all of our products, we prefer to deliver whole-food vitamin C occurring in its natural state, with minimal processing for maximum results.

And because whole plant antioxidants are less stable than synthetic versions, we package them in dark glass with treatment pumps to safeguard these valuable nutrients.

An abundance of vitamin C in our serums & essence

We believe in simplicity with a two-step daily ritual, so there is no need to buy additional vitamin C products.

Our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and Purist Delicate Skin Serum truly deliver when it comes to natural vitamin C.  Search for oils with the highest levels of vitamin C and Seabuckthorn, Rosehip, and Jojoba will always be at top of the list, and you'll find them in high levels in both serums, plus organic certification to ensure no pesticides.

But we didn't stop there. 

Other organic ingredients include Arctic Cloudberry from Scandinavia, Gogi from Nepal, nutritionally dense Moringa from the Himalayas, exotic Neroli blossoms, Evening Primrose, Canadian Hemp, Pomegranate, cold weather Cranberry and Roman Chamomile--and every single one of them pack a punch of vitamin C.

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence boasts sustainably harvested Edelweiss from the Swiss Alps, with twice the free radical scavenging power of Vitamin C.

Snow Rose Recovery Mask transports its Vitamin C from the second, abundant ingredient on the deck:  Rose Petal powder, which is a natural skin brightener that also soothes irritation. 

Many of these powerful ingredients are from high-altitude survivalist plants known for their extreme nutrients.  We source worldwide to provide the highest ratios and greatest variety of cytoprotective high-altitude botanicals on the market, with 14 of our 50 whole plant botanicals grown at higher elevations.

Read on for 10 reasons you should be incorporating this powerful antioxidant into your skincare regime.

Ten reasons we love Vitamin C serum

1. Anti-aging

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from the environment's aggressions by neutralizing free radicals, like those from damaging UV, blue light, and particulate pollution.

2. Brightening

A natural skin brightener, high-quality vitamin C serum can help significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation to give your natural radiance a boost. 

3. Firms & tones skin

Vitamin C serum helps keep skin firm and toned while combating crepey skin thanks to its beneficial effects on collagen production.

4. Clarifies & decongest pores

Vitamin C serums help balance sebum production by clarifying oily or acne-prone skin. It also gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and decongesting clogged pores. 

5. Boosts collagen

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the production of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its elasticity and firmness. Using a vitamin C serum can help to boost collagen, leading to more youthful-looking skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Smoothes skin 

Vitamin C helps improve skin texture by assisting in cell turnover, leading to a smoother and even skin tone. This action pairs especially with a natural retinol alternative like dew bean, found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Just one of the many reasons the Aspen Dew is so effective!

7. Hydrating

Vitamin C is a humectant, meaning that it helps skin to retain moisture, which leads to more hydrated and bouncy skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines. 

8. Reduce the look of acne scars

Vitamin C can help to naturally support the recovery of damaged skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars and other marks left by blemishes. This makes vitamin C serum an excellent choice post-medspa.

9. Calms angry skin

Vitamin C has known anti-inflammatory properties and can help to calm down reddened and angry skin. A vitamin C serum helps maintain skin barrier integrity and protect against further damage.

10. Boosts radiance

By brightening, hydrating, and improving the texture of the skin, using a vitamin C serum can help to boost overall skin radiance, resulting in a healthy glowing complexion.

Stay well by incorporating vitamin C not just into your diet, but in your skincare as well!

We've discussed how pollution damages the skin, and now, you can add pollen to the list of environmental skin assaults. That fine powdery substance emitted from flowers during germination causes more problems than sneezing and itchy eyes. 

Data presented by Estee Lauder Companies at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology showed that pollen makes up a significant amount of particulate pollution, and has been demonstrated to be damaging to the skin.

The bad news is that you can't control the levels of pollen pollution in the air. The good news? You can totally safeguard your skin against them, and natural antioxidants and barrier-strengthening ingredients are a great place to start.

Similar to the radiance-sapping, pigment-producing effects of pollution like car emissions, smoke, chemicals, and UV rays, pollen also has the ability to attack skin cells.

How does pollen damage the skin?

1. Pollen inhibits collagen production

"Pollen can enter the skin itself through hair follicles" explains Dr. Charlene DeHaven, M.D. Clinical Director at iS Clinical.

One of the major ways it affects the skin is by restricting collagen production, the protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity, and without it, skin tends to look slack, deflated, and peppered with fine lines and wrinkles.

What can you do?

Antioxidants, like vitamin C, are effective in shielding against the skin-ravaging effects of pollen. And according to dermatologists, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. The Edelweiss in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence has twice the free radical scavenging power of brightening Vitamin C!

2. Pollen can make your skin itch

This is beauce pollen can lead to an inflammatory response on the skin. Inflammation can present itself as a rash, itchy areas, and redness and is also a result of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.  

"People with sensitive or sensitized skin are most vulnerable to pollen irritation, however, anyone with oily or acne-prone skin isn’t necessarily immune. The enlarged pores and inflammation associated with oilier skin types allow the pollen proteins to penetrate into the skin through follicles and open sebaceous glands," explains Dr. Meder. 

How to stop it: Meder advises that "irrespective of your skin type or shade, the best advice is to treat skin gently," using products like The Purist Delicate Skin Serum that will protect the skin from the direct effects of pollen. 

3. Pollen may damage the skin barrier

If the skin's barrier function is weakened, the skin tends to become dry, itchy, and irritated. 

To counteract the damage, it pays to look out for ingredients that are going to rebuild the skin's barrier.

The ones that derms rave about? Ceramides, like the vegetable ceramides in our Aspen Dew Essence. Our skin produces ceramides naturally, but thanks to an onslaught of things like pollution and pollen, the levels take a bit of a dip and therefore need replenishing.

Go for organic moisturizers with a shielding effect, and avoid dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and other occlusive silicones. Instead, look for natural oil products with saturated fatty acids, such as Jojoba oil, Evening Primrose, and Argan oils found in The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

One of the most noticeable changes in mature skin is in the way the skin feels.

A slower cell turnover and reduction in lipid production on the skin's surface means roughness and dryness are more likely. As this particular layer of the skin ages, it becomes more sensitive to UV light.

Over-cleansing, over-stripping, and over-drying your skin can compromise the moisture barrier and microbiomes (skin flora), which are really important for skin protection.

A less-is-more approach is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from potential irritation, allergic reactions, and blemishes from congestion.

Because the skin’s lipid barrier replaces itself less frequently as we get older, it can become irritated more easily and cause increased sensitivity over time.

A less-is-more approach is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from potential irritation, allergic reactions, and blemishes from congestion.

One way to address these issues is to streamline your skincare routine and focused on pure ingredients with no irritants.

Not only is using fewer products immensely liberating, but it’s also better for your skin health!

Read on for our streamlined skin ritual with our Vibrant Skin Duo…..

Streamline your skincare with our vibrant skin duo

Step 1: Apply Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence

The “Dew” as many fans call it, is an active product that has everything you need for healthy skin.

Moisturizing: Quad humectants for deep, progressive hydration including micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, phytocerimides, and Niacinamide (B3).

Brightening: Bearberry extract for brightening skin and the appearance of spots.

Rejuvenating: Swiss Edelweiss flowers protect from environmental stressors and helps revitalizes tired skin.

Smoothing: Aspen Bark smooths and conditions skin.

Botanical retinol alternative: Dew Bean helps reveal a fresh and radiant complexion without the associated irritation from traditional retinol.

Step 2: Apply Alpine Phytonutrient Serum

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum delivers serious skin recovery. You get gorgeous moisture while fortifying your skin barrier, and hydrating depleted skin.

This hard-working serum absorbs instantly, leaving skin smooth, radiant, and supple. Free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, alcohol, artificial colors, or fragrances.

Defend against photo-aging: Alpine adaptogens help guard skin against the effects of premature photo-aging. 

Nourishing: High-performance alpine Sea Buckthorn Berry, arctic Cloudberry, and Rosehip provide skin-beautifying nutrients for an instantly luminous complexion. 

Plumping: Uniquely encapsulated phospholipids from Nepalese Gogi berry and acai promote hydrophilic plumping of the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Revitalizing: Superstar moringa, known as the "tree of life" instantly restores tired skin.

Calming: Arnica Montana flower targets puffiness and soothes reddened skin.

Scaling back on complicated skincare routines, and replacing them with fewer but higher quality products, is often an easy way to help resolve skin problems.

Whatever routine your choose, trust that your skin knows best! 

You may not notice the damage until you are off the slopes, but multiple elements victimize your complexion while you are enjoying alpine recreation. Wind, sun, cold, heat, and dryness at high altitudes create the perfect situation for chapped, depleted skin.  

A 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association study found that sun intensity increases about 6% to 9% for every 1,000 feet of elevation, and sun reflection off the snow increases your UV exposure.

And while sunscreen is essential, you need more for ultimate skin protection. In Telluride, Colorado, people get out and go!

Downhill, Nordic and heli-skiing, ice climbing, winter fly fishing, snowshoeing, or snowmobile cruising are part of the day.

Shield & recover

TellurideGlow recovery skincare was formulated precisely for the harsh mountain climate at 9,000ft above sea level. We gratefully embrace resort recreation but the downside is living with ongoing skin challenges. So we take extra care to replenish, nourish, and avoid accelerated aging from skin damage.

Before you hit the slopes

Start with a cleansing balm or oil-based face wash to avoid stripping the skin and to leave behind a hydrating film instead. We prefer 100% botanical formulas. Organic ingredients are less important in cleansers because they are not leave-on products.

Then apply two essential layers to lubricate your skin with as much moisture as you can to prevent dryness and irritation later.

First, pat on a quenching serum—Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence is loaded with moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and phytoceramides.

Top it off with a nourishing organic facial oil with barrier-strengthening plant lipids: The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or The Purist Delicate Skin Serum both absorb like a dream, are equally high moisture performers, and the 100% whole plant, cold pressed botanicals to deliver better skin nutrition with unprocessed, soothing antioxidants that fight photo-aging all day long.

Both are formulated for the harsh alpine climate in Telluride, so they've been put to the test.

Sunscreen

Finish with sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier and should be applied last. Our favorites include sunscreens without the controversial ingredient Oxybenzone, which is currently under consideration for removal by the FDA.

Try a moisturizing sunscreen like Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen broad spectrum, 40 SPF that is water and sweat resistant and includes blue light protection. It's a favorite because there is no tint and the velvety consistency doubles as a primer.

Carry a portable stick with sunscreen for touch-ups on lips and nose, like mineral TIZO Tinted Lip Protection with SPF 45 and no Oxybenzone. Whichever sunscreen you shooce, be your own expert. And, did you know that chapstick with sunscreen has an expiration date? It's usually at the bottom of the tube. It may be time for some lip balm purging. 

Apres skiing

Refresh. Not much time between apres ski and dinner? Rub one drop of either Serum between the palms and press into the face. 100% of the ingredients have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, and more so your skin microbes will flourish, even over makeup. Best of all, you'll see immediate plumpness and a dewy glow like you've been reading by the fire all day.

Spritz yourself like a house plant as often as possible. Look for hydrosols that are pure flower distillates like Bulgarian Rose Water. It is anti-inflammatory, balancing, and one more moisture boost. Make sure it's the real deal - steam distilled from fresh rose petal and not fragranced or perfumed water. Always note the expiration date with a hydrosol.

Recoup & relax

You may not want to hear this, but it is best to avoid chlorine-filled, skin-drying hot tubs. We swear by Epsom-salt baths, a private slice of heaven that works miracles to soothe tired muscles and prevent soreness the next day.

As tempting as it may sound, don't get the water too hot, as that alone may be drying. Work up to 2 cups of Epson per bath and soak for 20-40 minutes. Sound like a lot? Amazon's 4 lbs of unscented magnesium sulfate salts can be delivered to your door for less than $5.

Choose unscented Epsom salt because added 'fragrance' or 'perfume' can mean over 200 undisclosed scent chemicals, which may be irritating to your skin.

Reactions to Epsom salt baths may be from the fragrance chemicals, not the salt! You can always add a few drops of essential oil, or for that price, you can indulge with a pump of The Alpine into your bath for an aromatic botanical getaway with skin benefits.

Replenish with a face mask

TellurideGlow's ten-minute Snow Rose Recovery Mask with hydrating botanicals includes rose petals and Tremella (snow) mushroom to reveal luminous, soft, dewy, and polished skin. Your other products will work better on purified, exfoliated skin.

For extra nourishment, add a pump of either serum and follow with the essence and serum. Result? Skin perfection like you've stayed in for a day of pampering.

Note: Avoid the combo of Epsom salt with mask actives. But if you are not using bath salts, a mask in the tub is the perfect way to relax and remove the mask by exfoliating with wet hands. 

Don't have ten minutes? Mix mask powder with water for a quick facial scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells. Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and breakouts.

Skincare before bed

Use the same two TellurideGlow steps (Essence and one Serum) as the morning ritual, so no need to pack extra products. Just two products, morning and night for everything your complexion needs to defend, recover and radiate.

Return home from your skiing vacation like you've come from a spa retreat. If you are new to TellurideGlow, you can try our beautiful luxe minis for the full spa experience, or pack a couple in your carry on for travel.

Have you ever finished your skincare routine and then start applying foundation and it balls up on your skin?

This is so annoying!

It usually comes down to ingredients. Silicones, particularly Dimethicone, are fillers that can cause products to pill. They are even found in 'clean' skincare because they are not necessarily toxic. This is in part because silicone molecules are inert and are too large to be absorbed into the skin.

The upside to silicones is that they help fill in pores and create a smooth canvas. They are typically found in moisturizers, primers, foundation, and sunscreen.

Check your ingredients

You may not recognize the ingredient because it won't necessarily say silicone. You’ll know there’s a potential pill-causer in your product if you see ingredients ending in -icone, -conol, or -xane.

Other ingredients that may cause pilling are talc, iron oxide, mica, and fluorphlogopite but silicones are the main culprits. 

Silicone foundations usually have Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone listed on the ingredient list.

Here are a few examples:

• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation 
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation 
• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation 
• DIOR Forever Undercover Foundation 

Secondly, watch the amount and layers of products applied to your skin, as ingredients can mess with product layering.   

Uneven or rough skin

Another reason products can pill is because of uneven or rough skin, which can decrease the ability for your products to absorb into the skin effectively.

We’ve gone over exfoliation several times in our Telluride Glow newsletters, and the most important reason why we gently exfoliate is to slough off dead skin cells.

If we don’t regularly exfoliate, skin care products aren’t able to penetrate the skin. This can lead to the products sitting on top of the skin, and therefore cause pilling when you try to apply anything over them.

If you are using silicone products, they are also harder to wash off. Silicones are hydrophobic-they repel water. So a deep clean once a week is critical to purified, glowing skin.

Telluride Glow's Snow Rose Recovery Mask not only purifies with New Zealand glacial clay, white willow bark and aspen bark, it also gently exfoliates with rose petal powder. I fear that many skip the exfoliation step and just wash it off, but to get the most out of the mask it is beneficial to exfoliate off with wet hands for about 30 seconds before rinsing. You only leave the mask on for 10 minutes so there is no excuse to skip masking!

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is known as the "Miracle Tree."

This tenacious plant, a native to the foothills of the Himalayas, can withstand severe climatic conditions, including severe drought and frost. These extreme conditions may increase moringa’s adaptogenic potential making it the perfect skin superfood.

One study shows moringa seed oil may facilitate healing acute physiological and chronic wounds, accelerating the healing process, acting positively on collagen content and myofibroblasts.*. 

Morning seed oil is found in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and is a skin nutrient powerhouse.

Benefits of Moringa Seed Oil

Recovery

Moringa seeds are rich in oleic acid (omega 9) and behenic acid which support skin barrier function. These fatty acids may reduce epidermal inflammation and protect the skin from cellular damage.

Healing

Moringa seed oil has been shown in studies to accelerate rates of wound healing, reduce inflammation, and increase collagen content in the skin. It has high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, and manganese.

Moisturizing

Morning seed oil is a natural phytoceramide that has been shown in studies to effectively boost skin recovery and protect against trans epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Anti-aging

Containing both phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, these phytonutrients provide powerful anti-oxidant protection from lifestyle-induced free radicals. Moringa seed oil may prevent premature aging caused by UV exposure and pollutants.  

Soothing

Glucosinolates offer microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. This phytonutrient calms and soothes the skin and protects it from inflammatory processes that may lead to accelerated skin aging.

Tiny powerhouses. Little superfoods. Small yet mighty.

Seeds are crops at their very beginning stage of life. Because they contain all the nutrients essential for growing a healthy and resilient plant, they offer our skin a wealth of benefits.

Some of nature's most powerful seed sources like our Arctic Cloudberry, Moringa, and Dew Bean are packed with antioxidant protection. Antioxidants work to keep free radicals at bay which can help restore and repair skin damage for brighter, healthy-looking skin.

Nuts & seeds

The Purist Delicate Skin Serum is 100% seed oils (no nuts) to accommodate those with sensitivities. 

“The Purist has been wonderful to me. It’s very soothing. I like it so much better than what the dermatologist gave me. Thx so much for developing such a great product.” - Cindy (Mason)

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum contains Argan nut oil and 20 other premium botanicals. 

"I LOVE your product!!! I’m in Aspen as I write this and my VERY dry skin is drinking up your magic potion like a parched desert! It leaves my face feeling moisturized and plump again. 😊 Thank you! I’m a devoted and grateful fan!” - Laura Hannon

Our glorious seed oils

Since our early beginnings, Telluride Glow's vision was to develop a range that truly delivers the power of nature -- certified organic, unique, innovative, and eco-sustainable.

Seed oils are integral to our formulations; seeds are the essence of plant life. It's no wonder they are packed with life-supporting nutrients that are incredibly nourishing for the skin. 

Here is a list of some of our most beloved seed oils we use in formulation.

Cloudberry

Cloudberry seed oil contains the protective phenol antioxidant ellagic acid and also omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve stressed skin, retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and possesses clear antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dew Bean

Known to boost renewal and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion, this botanical is reknown as a non-irrtitating and safe natural alternative to retinol.

Plum

Plum kernel oil helps reinforce the skin’s natural defenses and restore suppleness. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic constituents.

Hemp

A dry oil, hemp seed oil is light and thin and a powerhouse of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) that help to strengthen and maintain the protective myelin sheath so your skin cells stay healthy.

Moringa

Also called the "tree of life," moringa shows antimicrobial activity and produces a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil abundant in retinoid acid that smooths skin to a porcelain-like texture.

Jojoba

With both antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties this super seed offers superb absorption similar to our skin’s own sebum that helps to balance oil production.

Goji berry

Goji is high in vitamin C which helps with firming and tightening the skin, and its antioxidant benefits help in rejuvenating the skin and mitigating the aging process with antimicrobial and  anti-inflammatory activity. 

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose touts high concentrations of gamma Linolenic acid, essential for collagen production. Balances the skin between oily and dry and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. 

Arctic Cranberry

Not your Thanksgiving cranberry, this fruit seed is an excellent antioxidant lubricant and conditioner for the skin and a substantive contributor to moisture retention.

Pomegranate

Coveted for its antioxidant protection and skin hydration, pomagranate penetrating easily and deeply to create lasting, non-greasy moisture.

Camellia

Rich source of Palmitic and Omega-6 Linoleic fatty acids, as well as numerous anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants. Fast absorbing, it permeates deep into the lower layers of the skin, encouraging cell growth and giving the skin support and flexibility.

Rosehip

This "Queen of face oils" rosehip is packed with antioxidants, linolenic acid, and vitamin A (as beta carotene) to attack oxidative damage and leave the complexion rejuvenated and brighter.

Sunflower 

Sunflower offers antimicrobial activity plus potent antioxidants and has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture.

What to look for in seed oils

When it comes to plant oils in skincare, look for whole plant botanicals that are raw, cold-pressed, organic, and unrefined where the precious nutrients remain undisturbed.

Because extraction and cold-pressing processes are so labor-intensive, many skincare companies sell versions that have been subjected to heat, chemicals such as hexane, and bleach. Even expeller-pressed oils encounter heat from machinery.

Add cold formulation after cold pressing the ingredients and you have another safeguard to keep nutrients intact. 

The label doesn't always tell you the extraction process, so knowing your brand integrity is helpful in making choices. If you are using botanical oils, make sure they are the most effective you can find.

The primary function of vitamin D is to maintain healthy bones, but it also plays a  vital role in skin protection and rejuvenation.

Vitamin D supports cellular renewal and repair while helping to regulate skin metabolism. It can help prevent premature skin aging and lessen conditions like dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Lack of vitamin D can lead to a dull complexion and red, dry, or itchy skin. 

The good news is you can apply vitamin D topically! 

Our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum contains moringa, sea buckthorn, and argan oil which are botanical powerhouses rich in vitamin D. If you’re 50+, consider getting your vitamin D levels checked by your doctor. As we age our skin becomes less able to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight, which means we are at greater risk of developing a deficiency. 

3 ways to boost vitamin D naturally

Here are three ways to get an extra boost of vitamin D and take advantage of the suns rays in a safe and healthy way. 

Safe sun exposure 

Spending short periods of time in the sun (15-30 minutes) in the morning or evening is more effective for improving vitamin D levels than prolonged exposure. Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially at midday. Post-sun skin care is also important, try our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum to help revitalize your skin. 

Eat a diet rich in vitamin D 

Another natural way to meet your vitamin D needs is to eat foods that are rich in it. Some of the foods that contain vitamin D include: fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, salmon, and mackerel organ meats, like beef and chicken liver free-range, organic egg yolks mushrooms, like shiitake, oyster, morel, maitake vitamin D fortified milk, cereals, and yogurt 

Consider a vitamin D supplement 

Sometimes the number of vitamins found in food isn't enough to meet your daily requirements. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600 IU (International Units) for people under 70 and 800 IU for people aged 70 and older. Consult your doctor and get your levels checked. 

Please note:  Too much vitamin D can cause more harm than good. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can cause calcium to accumulate in your body, which may damage your heart and kidneys. It’s very important to stay within the limits of recommended daily amounts. If you’re unsure, please ask your doctor for advice.