Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a herbaceous plant with a long history of medicinal use. A tenacious biennial indigenous to Europe, Asia and Africa, mullein is named after its soft wooly leaves (Mollis - means soft in Latin).

Praised for its restorative properties, folk medicine practitioners in India and Spain traditionally used mullein to treat aches, pains, migraines, digestive and respiratory illnesses. Brewing its bright yellow blooms into a soothing, sedative tea, mullein was used as an antiviral, analgesic, and nervine tonic. Mullein poltices were also used in indigenous medicine to help calm skin lesions and insect bites to help promote a swifter recovery. 

Rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids and Vitamin C, Mulleins’s powerful phytonutrients provide the skin and body with multiple health benefits. 

Read on to learn more about this nutrient-rich herb and why it's constituents make it a key player in skin recovery of all kinds.

Hesperidin

The bioflavonoid hesperidin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It may suppress melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase for a brighter, more radiant complexion. In addition, it acts as a potent free radical scavenger, protecting the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that offers protection from environmental agressors like pollution and pollen. It, therefore, acts as a skin soother due to its ability to combat inflammation and erythema. In addition, quercetin helps restores the skin barrier function, reducing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and increasing overall skin hydration.

Luteolin

Commonly found in many vegetables and fruits, like leafy greens and bell peppers, luteolin has many health-giving benefits. In fact, some studies have shown that luteolin may even have properties that help to prevent damage to skin structures and cellular DNA. 

Vitamin C 

A well known free radical scavenger, vitamin C helps combat oxidative stress, a key culprit in collagen and elastin degradation. It’s is also one of the main vitamins that is essential for collagen synthesis and therefore vital for firm, bouncy skin.  

Vitamin C may also help defend against sun-induced matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs, a class of enzymes responsible for triggering inflammation that can lead to accelerated aging.

By helping to modulate the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, vitamin C can help calm angry skin  Last but not least, some studies have shown that vitamin C also has photoprotective qualities, helping to brighten dull skin and lighten sun spots.

What do you think of this powerful herb? We believe it has the potential to elevate skincare to the next level. So much so, we've included it in our Snow Rose Recovery Mask!

Arnica Montana is a potent herb and popular botanical used in both skincare, herbal medicines, and homeopathic formulations.

Arnica thrives in alpine meadows and creates an impressive sea of golden blooms in late spring and early summer. In Telluride's Imogene basin you can find arnica growing in the wild. 

Boasting over 150 active compounds, arnica contains a myriad of phytonutrients including sesquiterpene lactones which offer antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In North American, indigenous peoples have used it for centuries as an analgesic, to treat bruising and muscle soreness.

The first recorded use by Europeans of this herbaceous plant dates back to the 16th-century when arnica was brewed into a medicinal tea in Germany.

You can find this skin nutrient powerhouse in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

Read on to learn how this alpine flower can revitalize your complexion....

Skin Benefits of Arnica Montana

Recovery

Deeply restorative, arnica extract may help reduce collagen and elastin destruction caused by UVB exposure and protect the skin from damaging oxidative stress. 

Helenalin, a compound found in arnica, may inhibit inflammation in the skin.

Revitalizing

Arnica may stimulate matrix formation, especially fibronectin, in the skin. Fibronectin helps maintain and regulate healthy cellular activity in the skin, it is essential for healing and repair. 

Rejuvenating

Arnica shows potent elemental defense through free radical scavenging in the form of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These powerful antioxidants may help shield the skin from harmful oxidative damage and help to prevent accelerated skin aging.  

Brightening

Arnica visibly brightens skin and reduces discoloration for a more luminous complexion. It may reduce the appearance of sun spots by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for melanin formation.

Calming

Wonderful for treating a puffy swollen complexion, arnica also helps reduces the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation.

With its many skin-nurturing properties, arnica is the perfect way to amplify your skincare.

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

Let’s talk about plants, specifically alpine plants. From low oxygen levels, limited rainfall, windy peaks, and high elevations, alpine botanicals have had to adapt to extreme environments. They are also exposed to roughly 30% more UV rays than plants at lower elevations. 

These harsh conditions have led alpine botanicals to produce phytochemical defenses to protect themselves from these environmental stressors, including damaging UV rays. 

Powerful botanical constituents like polyphenols, pigment-rich carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytoceramides all work to help alpine extremophiles shield themselves from harmful UV rays.

Unlike alpine botanicals that have evolved to thrive in extreme conditions, too much sun exposure on our skin can cause a host of problems. From oxidative damage to increased inflammation, UV exposure can lead to premature skin aging and collagen breakdown or worse. You can read all about the effects of UV rays in our previous post, “5 Ways UV Rays Damage Your Skin.”

The good news is that the phytonutrients from alpine botanicals have been shown to help revitalize sun-stressed skin. They provide critical micronutrients that improve skin barrier health at the deepest level and help support the skin’s own defense mechanism against environmental assault.

To help fortify and restore your skin from the damaging effects of  UV rays, consider incorporating alpine adaptogens into your skincare routine. 

The following five alpine plants have been specifically selected to support skin barrier health, helping it to bounce back more quickly from environmental stressors like UV exposure.

Fortifying & Restorative Alpine Adptogens

Edelweiss Flower Extract

Edelweiss flower extract (Gnaphalium Leontopodium) is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fortify the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. With 2X the free-radical scavenging power of vitamin C, Edelweiss is an alpine powerhouse that should be in every recovery skincare routine. You can find it in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Bearberry Leaf Extract 

Bearberry leaf extract (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi) contains arbutin, a natural skin-lightening agent that can help reduce the appearance of UV-induced hyperpigmentation, combat photoaging, and age spots. 

Alpine Sea Buckthorn

High-altitude Sea Buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) contains a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. These nutrients can help promote skin recovery, soothe reddened angry skin, and fight photo-aging. You can find Sea Buckthorne in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

Moringa

Highly nutritive Moringa seed oil (Moringa Oleifera) contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost skin recovery, promote skin renewal, combat premature photoaging, and moisturize skin at the deepest level.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil (Rosa Canina) is non-comedogenic and is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and C, which can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, and promote a healthy skin barrier. An excellent choice for acne sufferers.

Takeaway on alpine adaptogens

Incorporating these powerful alpine ingredients into your daily skincare routine can help fortify your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation and assist in restoring healthy happy skin after you’ve been in the sun. You can find all of the above alpine botanicals in our Vibrant Skin Duo.

Please remember that these botanical actives should be used as a part of a comprehensive skincare routine that includes proper sun protection measures, such as applying a non-toxic mineral-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30+.

Always consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare advice and recommendations tailored to your specific skin concerns and needs.

In the meantime, make sure to spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of sun protection to help others take care of their skin too.

What are your favorite sun protection tips and skincare ingredients? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to spread the word about the importance of sun protection!

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.

What do bears and beautiful skin have in common? 

Bearberry!

Also called mountain cranberry or mountain grape, bearberry is actually the fruit of the uva ursi plant. A favorite food of bears, bearberry is a natural skin lightener with botanical active, arbutin, an impressive glycoside extracted from bearberry leaves.

A distant cousin to hydroquinone, arbutin works by making the enzyme responsible for melanin production (tyrosinase) inactive.

UV exposure, stress, and hormonal changes can contribute to uneven melanin production leaving skin patchy and uneven.

Arbutin helps to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation like age spots, freckles, melasma, and acne scars. The result is a more uniform illuminated complexion. 

In fact, bearberry extract is the reason for the 'BRIGHTEN' claim on the front of  our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence box.

Skin Benefits of Bearberry Extract

Anti-aging actives

Rich in powerful flavonoids, bearberry extract contains sun protection filters that can help slow the signs of photo aging and reduce the effects of sun exposure.

Skin brightening

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is the #1 allergen in skincare. It is a leading cause of contact dermatitis ranking up there with poison ivy.

Let's dive into this wily little ingredient that continues to pop up in skincare products.

What does fragrance mean?

Fragrance is defined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as “any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product.” (link)

The FDA exempts the term fragrance (sometimes listed as perfum, perfume) from having to be more specific. This is because of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act passed in 1966. An act intended to protect the trade secrets and proprietary perfumes of companies like Coty & Chanel No.5.

Why are fragrances a problem?

Unfortunately for consumers, this regulation allows companies to hide ingredients that might contain synthetics, preservatives, or allergens under the catch-all term of fragrance.

"Synthetic fragrances are especially prone to wreak havoc on the skin."

This can be a big problem for people with sensitive or reactive skin. Synthetic fragrances in particular are especially prone to wreak havoc on the skin.

This can lead to a range of problems from dermatitis to disruption of skin barrier function, and exacerbate conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Yikes!

So what can you do?

Look for products that clearly disclose their ingredients and if there is a scent, plainly state what that is by listing the name of the ingredient as it appears in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients  (INCI). 

This makes weeding out synthetic fragrances much easier. If you have sensitive skin avoid anything that contains ingredients like perfume, parfum, and fragrance.

You will also want to avoid certain essential oils like lemon which can cause photo sensitivity and irritation in certain people.

Our formulations do not include any synthetic fragrances.

At TellurideGlow we pride ourselves on creating formulas that are free of any synthetics and safe for your skin, it's in our GLOWPromise™. We take it a step further and ban (from our formulas) over 2,000 chemicals that are often found in skincare and cosmetic products.

For those with sensitive skin, our Purist Delicate Skin Serum is specifically formulated to be free from any fragrance allergens. Including naturally occuring scents from essential oils.

And if you love your skincare to have a scent but want to avoid synthetic fragrances, The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is imbued with skin-fortifying essential oils like alpine lavender, Roman chamomile, and Frankincense.