Sea buckthorn is a super-nutrient oil revered in skincare for its unparalleled ability to enhance skin radiance, boost hydration, and combat premature aging. 

This "liquid gold" is not an oceanic extract but a precious yield from the Sea buckthorn shrub, thriving in the lofty realms of the Himalayas. 

Meticulously extracted via mechanical cold pressing from Sea buckthorn berries ensures a potent blend of omegas essential for skin health.

A jewel in traditional medicine

Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, Sea buckthorn has been a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.), cherished for its holistic health benefits. 

Its Latin name, Hippophae rhamnoides, meaning 'shiny horse,' hints at its historical use for enhancing the vitality and coat health of horses, a testament to its nourishing properties.

Omega-rich rejuvenation

The secret behind Sea buckthorn oil's remarkable skin benefits lies in its comprehensive fatty acid profile, encompassing omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, making it a unique botanical source of all four essential omegas. 

These lipids are pivotal in moderating the skin's inflammatory response, which is crucial since chronic inflammation is a precursor to premature aging and DNA damage. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of Sea buckthorn oil not only soothe the skin but also protect it against the ravages of time, promoting a youthful, vibrant complexion.

Beyond inflammation control, these fatty acids facilitate deep skin penetration, promoting regeneration, collagen production, and renewal. This action is critical for epidermal recovery and helps minimize the look of scars. 

Omega-9, for instance, enhances the skin's absorption of other beneficial compounds, whereas omega-6, converted into prostaglandins, plays a vital role in skin recovery and nutrient transport.

A standout feature of Sea buckthorn oil is its omega-7 content, a rarity in the plant kingdom, known for boosting keratinization, telomerase activity, and collagen formation. 

These processes are essential for slowing aging and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Strengthening the skin barrier

The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental to overall skin health, serving as a defense against microbial invasion and moisture loss. It is also easily compromised as we age, due to a reduction in our skin’s natural oil production.

Sea buckthorn oil's rich phytoceramide and lipid content fortifies this barrier, effectively reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and shielding the skin from inflammation-induced aging and structural damage. 

Its barrier-strengthening properties also offer support for inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and rosacea, comforting sensitive reactive-prone skin.

Antioxidant power for smoother firmer skin

Environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and psychological stress contribute to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, accelerating skin aging through oxidative stress. 

Sea buckthorn oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamins A, E, and C—boasting a vitamin C content 15 times higher than that of oranges!

These antioxidants mitigate ROS damage, support collagen synthesis, and provide regenerative benefits, crucial for preventing premature aging and facilitating skin recovery.

Moreover, the oil's phytonutrients can help curb the activity of sun-induced MMP enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, offering further protection against aging and inflammation.

Enhanced radiance

Sea buckthorn oil may help support skin detoxification and oxygenation, culminating in a more radiant and glowing complexion. 

This improvement boosts skin barrier health and resilience, something that is especially beneficial for those who spend time in extreme climatic conditions, like skiing in Telluride!

Sea buckthorn oil stands out as a multifaceted elixir in skin care, offering a spectrum of benefits from anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening actions to antioxidant protection and radiance enhancement. 

You can find Sea buckthorn in our best-selling Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and Purist Delicate Skin Serum.

Not a fan of needles? Let’s talk about one of our favorite Botox alternatives, the gua sha facial massage.

Gua sha is an ancient beauty ritual used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to promote healthy skin. It’s been called the ‘botox of the Far East’ due to its firming and smoothing benefits. 

Gua means to press and sha refers to the pink color seen on your skin after use.

The 3 main benefits of facial gua sha are: increased circulation, lymph drainage (depuffing), and facial contouring.

When gua sha is enhanced with a nourishing oil serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, it increases both product absorption and efficacy.

Combined, these deliver:

• Reduced puffiness: helps lymphatic fluid to drain and move from stagnant areas
• Contour and sculpt features: gua sha lifts features by helping to realign drooping skin with underlying facial muscles
• Soften fine lines: relaxes overactive muscles that cause wrinkles
• Diminish the look of scars: promotes cell renewal by increasing circulation and cellular health
• A brighter complexion: stimulating blood flow and improve circulation 

We love the benefits of this technique so much that we've added a new limited edition gua sha stone made from a gorgeous white snow crystal to our shop!

To learn how to gua sha your face, read on below for a step-by-step instructional.

How to Gua Sha 

1. Cleanse

Wash your gua sha tool and hands with warm soapy water. Cleanse your skin as normal.

2. Apply Serum

This will help the movement over your skin and prevent irritation. The product will be absorbed into your skin as you’re massaging your face.

Hold the curved side of your gua sha at a 45-degree angle to your skin. All movements should go out from the midline of your face to the hairline, following lymphatic flow to help depuff and improve circulation.

• Neck - Start along your neck and glide upward toward your jawline to improve definition and de-puff.
• Jawline - From the center of the chin glide along the jawline to the ear to increase definition and tighten skin.
• Cheeks - Follow the contours of your cheek using medium pressure up to your hairline. Repeat on both sides.
• Under eyes - Start at the inner corner of the under-eye area and glide the tool along the underside of the eye, and upwards toward the hairline using gentle pressure in a J-shaped motion.
• Brow - Work on your forehead in three sections and glide the stone from your eyebrows to the top of your forehead.

Massage the remaining serum into your skin. Then complete your regular skincare routine.

You will notice the effects from gua sha long afterward, with an increase in circulation giving your skin a healthy glow and diminished puffiness under the eyes and jawline.

With regular practice, gua sha facial massage is a powerful tool to improve overall skin health, tone, and radiance.

Have you ever hopped on a jet only to disembark at your destination and have your previously glowing complexion look dry, flaky, or just plain out of sorts?

There’s a reason this happens during travel. To understand why we must first take a look at our skin’s natural moisturizing factor, or NMF for short.

Your Skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)

To stay hydrated, your skin produces what’s called a natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It consists of water-attracting compounds, like amino acids, urea, lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, and other small molecules. These substances work together to bind ambient water molecules to the skin, keeping it hydrated and in a state of balance.

The fascinating thing is, your skin naturally adjusts how much NMF it produces. And it does this based on the environment you’re in.

For example, let’s say you live in a dry climate with low humidity levels like Colorado. Your skin will make more NMF than if you lived someplace with higher ambient humidity levels like Texas or Florida.

When you travel, your skin senses the change in environmental humidity, altitude, sun exposure, etc., and works overtime to bring itself back into a state of homeostasis, or balance. 

But this adjustment takes time and it’s one of the big reasons our skin can react negatively, looking dry and dull or on the opposite spectrum, breaking out within days after arriving on vacation.

To help your skin bounce back more quickly while you travel, try these tips and tricks.

Tips for Maintaining Glowing Skin While Traveling

Consider air travel

Any air travel you do will dehydrate your skin as cabin air has very little humidity. Before boarding apply a moisturizing facial serum like the Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and reapply during your flight.

Don’t worry, at one ounce each, TSA will allow you to carry on multiple full-sized TellurideGlow serums. This will help protect your skin from drying out as a result of the constant wicking effects of dry air being circulated in the cabin. Plus the soothing scent of the Alpine will add a little extra relaxation to your trip. 

You can also use a hydrating facial mist and spritz your face periodically during the flight. This will help add moisture back onto the surface of your skin, and since TSA won’t allow you to carry on a personal humidifier, it’s your next best option. 

Bring a lip ointment or dab some Purist Delicate Skin Serum onto your lips to keep them from cracking and chapping.

Pick up a water bottle so you can stay well hydrated while you fly. To that end, avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, both are known diuretics. 

This will help your skin bounce back more quickly and reduce the effects of jetlag if you're traveling overseas. You can always have a Parisien cappuccino or an Aperol Spritz once you land.  

Moisturize

Once you arrive at your destination, restore moisture to dehydrated skin with our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. As a water-based formula, the Aspen Dew will deposit moisture back into your skin while the micro-molecular hyaluronic acid in it will help to continuously pull ambient moisture back into your skin. 

Follow with a skin barrier recovery serum like the Alpine to help balance skin post-travel. The phytoceramides found in both the Alpine and Purist will help protect your skin from additional moisture loss by preventing further trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Cleanse gently

For cleansing while traveling, avoid harsh soaps or foaming products as these will strip your skin barrier of its natural oils. Skip potentially irritating hotel soaps and cleansers. Look for an oil-based or cream cleanser to help deposit lipids back onto your skin. 

And tempting as it might be, try not to over-cleanse while traveling. Over-cleansing can cause an inflammatory reaction in your skin, worsening dryness, hormonal breakouts, and skin conditions like eczema. 

Be mindful of chlorinated water

The water at your destination may have more chlorine, water softeners, or hard minerals than what you’re used to back home. These can worsen dry skin and aggravate reactive skin. 

This rule applies to swimming in chlorinated pools. Always rinse off after you get out to help remove any residual chlorine.

Sunscreen

You have heard it a million times but it bears repeating, always protect your skin from the sun. Especially if you’re traveling to a mountain town like Telluride where intense UV exposure and high altitudes can literally worsen every skin condition under the… ahem, sun. 

Choose a non-toxic sunscreen with a pleasing texture that you will enjoy using and apply it every few hours when out of doors.

Wishing you happy travels and glowing skin this summer!

One of Scandinavia's best kept beauty secrets is cloudberry seed oil, also called "arctic gold." 

This rare arctic berry only grows in the wild, typically in hard-to-reach terrain and in extreme conditions with temperatures reaching well below -40 degrees during winter months.

Locals who know where to find this highly prized fruit guard its location very closely.

In fact, there's a folk tale of a woman who broke her leg while picking cloudberries. In her injured state, she dragged herself home in an effort to keep the whereabouts of the berries a secret!

Cloudberries, or Rubus chamaemorus, contain many skin-loving phytonutrients such as ellagitannins, phtyoceramides, essential fatty acids, and intense concentrations of vitamin C.

The seeds yield an amber-colored oil that is deeply nourishing and helps prevent accelerated skin aging.

This Arctic gold is found in both our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and The Purist Delicate Skin Serum and contains unique adaptogenic compounds highly beneficial to skin health.

Benefits of Cloudberries

Sunshine lifts our spirits, brightens our days, and provides essential Vitamin D.

But if you're a skincare aficionado, you're well aware of the sun's darker side. Ultraviolet rays can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and, at worst, skin cancer. 

You likely already know the importance of slathering on sunscreen, donning wide-brimmed hats, and staying in the shade during peak UV hours. 

But, did you know that certain skincare ingredients can actually increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun?

From powerful skin lighteners to popular skin exfoliators, there's a laundry list of ingredients in skincare products that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to quicker sunburns, pigment changes, and a potentially increased risk of skin cancer. 

In this post, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of photosensitivity, highlighting those innocent-looking bottles on your bathroom counter that could secretly be turning your skin into a UV magnet. 

Ingredients That Can Cause Photosensitivity

Let's explore seven of the most common skincare ingredients that can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs)

AHAs and BHAs are prominent players in the skincare world for their role in exfoliation. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are among the most common. 

By promoting the shedding of dead skin cells, these ingredients can leave newer, more vulnerable skin exposed, making your skin more susceptible to sun damage. 

Hydroxy acids can also break down your skin’s acid mantle and disrupt skin barrier function. This can lead to an imbalance in skin PH and make it vulnerable to additional environmental irritants. Using a nutrient-rich recovery serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient or Purist Delicate Skin Serum can help skin bounce back more quickly and support skin barrier health. 

If hydroxy acids are a standard ingredient in your skincare routine, take extra care to protect your skin from sun exposure.

Chemical Sunscreens

It might sound paradoxical, but certain chemical sunscreens can sometimes provoke a photosensitive reaction. 

Ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate absorb UV radiation, transform it into heat, and release it from the skin.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that some people can have allergic reactions to these chemical absorbers, which can manifest as photosensitivity.

In addition, several of these chemical sunscreen ingredients, like octocrylene, degrade during sun exposure becoming benzophenone, a compound suspected of being carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting. 

Traditional Retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and are lauded for their anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. Unfortunately, they can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. 

This sensitivity is due to the thinning of the stratum corneum, the skin's outermost layer. A study in the Archives of Dermatology confirmed that the use of topical tretinoin resulted in increased sun sensitivity. 

Botanical retinoid alternatives, like Dew Bean, found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, are a gentler alternative to traditional retinoids and do not cause photosensitivity. 

Certain Citrus Essential Oils

Specific citrus essential oils, such as Bergamot, Lemon, and Lime, can induce a phototoxic reaction when applied to the skin, followed by exposure to the sun.

The compounds responsible for this effect are called furanocoumarins. Never apply these essential oils directly onto your skin and avoid using skincare products with these ingredients prior to sun exposure. 

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works to prevent breakouts by delivering oxygen to skin pores, killing the anaerobic (unable to live in oxygen) P. acnes bacteria responsible for acne formation. It also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. The mechanism by which it causes photosensitivity isn't yet completely understood, but it is believed that it increases the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation by inducing oxidative stress.

The mild irritation and redness that accompany benzoyl peroxide use can be exacerbated by sun exposure. 

Hydroquinone

Like many other skin-lightening agents, hydroquinone can cause photosensitivity. This is because it disrupts the production and distribution of melanin, which naturally helps protect skin from harmful UV radiation. Using hydroquinone can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage.

While effective, hydroquinone is best used with caution. Not only can hydroquinone cause photosensitivity, but it also increased the risk of developing a condition called ochronosis, a rare but potentially permanent skin discoloration.

For a natural alternative, our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence contains Aspen Bark which brightens skin without the photosensitizing side effects.

Always use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using hydroquinone. It should not be used for long periods without a break and always under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Accutane

Accutane, now called Isotretinoin, is a highly potent drug that can lead to serious side effects, the least of which is increased sun sensitivity and burning. Always wear SPF 50+ if you are using Accutane as part of your skincare routine and never use it without medical supervision.

So now you're probably thinking, "Great, I can't use anything anymore!" Hold your horses! There's no need to throw out half your beauty cabinet. 

How to minimize photosensitivity

Understanding how your beauty routine might be making you photosensitive is half the battle. Here’s what you can do about it.

Know Your Ingredients: Get in the habit of reading product labels. Understand what's in your beauty products and how they may impact your skin. 

Apply Sunscreen Religiously: Non-toxic mineral sunscreen is your best friend, rain or shine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and don't skimp on it!

Avoid Direct Sunlight: The sun's rays are the most harmful between 10 AM and 4 PM, so try to stay in the shade during these hours.

Wear Protective Clothing: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing can provide additional protection.

Just like Sid the Seagull reminds us in one of the most successful health campaigns in Australia's history, “Slip! Slop! Slap!”

Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat before you go out in the sun! If you haven’t seen it yet it’s worth Googling. 

And always check with your healthcare provider or dermatologist about the potential photosensitivity effects of both your skincare products and medications.

Sources:

J. Kim, K. J. Park, H. J. Park, E. Kim, Y. H. Kim, J. M. Park, and Y. I. Park. “Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Aging: The Role of DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress in Epidermal Stem Cell Damage Mediated Skin Aging.” Stem Cells International, vol. 2016, Article ID 7370642, 14 pages, 2016. 

Ditre, CM et al. “Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology vol. 34,2 Pt 1 (1996): 187-95. 

Nash, JF and Tanner, PR. “Relevance of UV filter/sunscreen product photostability to human safety.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, vol. 30,2-3 (2014): 88-95. 

Mukherjee, S et al. “Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, vol.1,4 (2006): 327-348. 

Kligman, LH. “Effects of all-trans-retinoic acid on the dermis of hairless mice.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol.15,4 Pt 2 (1986): 779-85, 866-7. 

Moore, DE. “Drug-induced cutaneous photosensitivity: incidence, mechanism, prevention and management.” Drug Safety, vol.25,5 (2002): 345-72. 

Lim, HW et al. “American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Conference on UVA protection of sunscreens: summary and recommendations. American Academy of Dermatology.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 44,6 (2001): 505-8. 

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/

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.

Restorative

Moringa seed oil has been shown in studies to help accelerate recovery 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.

It's an ah-ha moment

Someone recently told me she just tried an oil serum for the first time and thought, "Why haven't I done this before?"

It's pretty eye opening because you see immediate visible results, plus long term results if you have chosen a quality product. As with everything, there are many choices in price and quality.

“I looked for a product for my face for years, trying absolutely everything. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to your products.”  ~ Chris Char

Ways to use oil serums

● Use alone on clean skin for a light, natural glow.
● If you choose to use a skin cream (it may not be necessary), press into skin on top of the cream to seal in nutrients and moisture. Or blend 2 drops right into the cream.
● If you use our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, apply after the Essence. Or mix one pump Aspen Dew and one pump oil serum for a faster application.
● Refresh during the day by pressing a drop over makeup to create subtle highlights.
● Blend one pump into your Snow Rose Recovery Mask when mixing.

How to apply oil serums 

If you are new to oil serums, it is easy to assume you use the same amount as a cream, and therefore use too much. You conclude the product is just 'too greasy.'

But a good oil serum is waterless, making it very concentrated, and it shouldn't have fillers that take up space. Every ingredient should have a job to improve your skin health for improved skin tone and texture.

If the product imparts a greasy feel instead of a velvety feel, you may be 1. using more than necessary or 2. may need a different combination of ingredients. Our pump is calibrated to give most people what they need in one pump, so there is no guessing and no waste. Plus no spills from messy droppers.

Pump once onto the back of your hand, then dot it on the most needy parts of your face, neck and décolletage.

Press and massage in with upward strokes until you get a replenished, nourished, and silky feel.

If you just need a drop or two as mentioned above, barely press the pump and you'll get just the right amount.

If your skin is sensitive or reactive as mine is, The Purist may be the one for you. It's equally as potent as The Alpine with absolutely no irritants. I love it around the eyes to diminish the appearance of fine lines and provide ongoing nourishment and anti-aging benefits.