If you’re over the age of 40, you’ve probably noticed the marked changes taking place in your skin.

From dryness, brown spots, and blotchy patches to fine lines and wrinkles, mature skin is not for sissies. These changes are a result of the physiological and structural shifts that happen to our skin as we age. 

The top layer of our skin gets thinner, thanks to collagen loss from UV exposure and genetics. It loses color because the number of pigment-containing cells or melanocytes, decreases. And we have reduced cell turnover which slows wound healing and skin recovery.

All of this is to say, that mature skin deserves special care. So, what can we do to take care of our changing skin?

Below we’ve compiled a list of 16 ways to support mature skin so it stays healthy and beautiful ...

18 rules for radiant, 40+ skin

1. Keep your skincare simple and avoid overcomplicated routines. Choose fewer higher-quality products that deliver big results. Less is more with mature skin.
2. Invest in a clean, results-driven serum that supports skin barrier function, nourishes depleted skin and helps shield against oxidative damage.
3. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day. Oil cleansers are preferred as they clean without stripping. Avoid anything that leaves skin feeling “squeaky clean” or foaming cleansers, since both strip your skin of precious oils and moisture.
4. Support underlying facial muscles through facial exercises, acupressure and gua sha massage. There are many great videos on how to do facial exercises on YouTube. Look for a facial rejuvenation expert to learn more, here's a favorite of ours @MargaretWebb.
5. Use a silk pillowcase or sleep on your back to avoid getting permanent sleep wrinkles caused by hours spent pressing your face into a pillow.
6. Take a high-quality Omega 3 supplement to improve the fatty acid composition of your skin and balance its inflammatory response. Our favorite is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega however there are great flaxseed options available.
7. Use a retinoid or retinol alternative at night. Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence contains Dew Bean, a botanical retinol alternative that provides many of the same benefits as prescription retinoids without any of the light sensitivity and irritation that comes with it.
8. Wear sunglasses to reduce squinting which can lead to fine lines around the eyes. 
9. Stop using products that sting or burn, this can lead to irritation and sensitive skin, especially in mature skin.
10. If you smoke, stop. Smoking accelerates the signs of aging, especially around the mouth. And your lungs will thank you!
11. Limit alcohol, alcohol dehydrates skin and interferes with the body’s natural detoxification processes leading to a dull, dry complexion.  
12. Upgrade your sunscreen by using a non-nano mineral SPF sunscreen 30+ to protect against age spots and skin cancer. Makeup with SPF will not provide the same level of protection. Avoid toxic chemical sunscreen ingredients.
13. Use warm (not hot) water on your face to avoid stripping precious natural oils and drying out your skin.
14. Exfoliate weekly, maximum every 4 days. Choose a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid for delicate skin or a mechanical exfoliant like our Snow Rose Recovery Mask which can be used as a gentle scrub.
15. Guard your sleep! When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces elevated levels of cortisol, which can lead to increased stress and inflammation in the body, causing unwanted effects on the skin including fine lines and wrinkles.
16. Get your Vitamin D levels checked by your doctor. Vitamin D plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation. In contributes to skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. 
17. Monitor your hormone levels. Midlife is already challenging enough, don't let hormonal changes deplete your energy reserves. See a doctor who specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause.
18. Mind your mindset! Stress can trigger an inflammatory cascade in the body leading to negative physiological and mental outcomes. Pay attention to your thoughts, for inspiration we love Peggy Pepper who champions positivity as a way of life.

By now, we've all heard it a million times, antioxidants are one of those "must have" ingredients we all need to have in our skincare.

But why? What's all this fuss about antioxidants and should you care?

In short, the answer is yes. Antioxidants matter as much in our skincare as they do in our diet. Your mother's advice about eating all your vegetables is sound. Here's how it pertains to skin health.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are active substances that help your skin neutralize the negative effects of free radicals. They also work to prevent oxidation and subsequent oxidative damage of other molecules.

Antioxidants are a key ingredient in helping to prevent premature skin aging. This is an important distinction, antioxidants do not treat existing wrinkles, they work to curb the effects of environmental factors that lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

Because antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, incorporating an antioxidant serum into your skincare routine will help curb the loss of firmness and elasticity and help keep premature wrinkles from forming.

Examples of antioxidants are polyphenols, certain vitamins (Vit E and Vit C), minerals, and others like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Coenzyme Q10.

Polyphenols are some of our favorite antioxidants because they occur abundantly in nature and are found in many whole-plant ingredients.  

• Flavonols: Flavonoids (from Aspen Bark)
• Flavones: Apigenin (from Roman Chamomile)
• Flavanals: Catechins (from Green Tea)
• Tannins: Ellagic acid (from Cranberries)
• Phytoalexins: Resveratrol (from Bearberries, Plums, Cranberries and Grapes)
• Hydroxycinnamic Acids: Ferulic acid (from whole grains, grasses, vegetables and fruits)

What are the benefits of antioxidants in skincare?

By interrupting the inflammation cascade triggered by free radicals, also known as the free radical cascade, antioxidants help curb oxidative damage to skin cells.

They do this by binding one of their electrons to free radicals effectively neutralizing it so that they can not oxidize cellular DNA and collagen-producing fibroblasts in the skin’s dermal layer.

Antioxidants also help mitigate the production of certain enzymes such as collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase that degrade collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin.

Are the effects of antioxidants immediately visible?

No. Just like taking a multivitamin, the effects of antioxidants on the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation are visible in skin health over the long term. That’s why having a consistent skincare routine is key.

What should I look for in an antioxidant product?

Antioxidants are reactive and must be appropriately packaged in dark glass containers and stored in a cool, light-free environment when not in use.

A quality antioxidant serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum will contain a synergistic blend of various antioxidants to squelch the effects of the many free radical types that can form from the inflammation cascade.

Elevate any flight with these skin saving tips and get travel-ready skin in no time.

1. Hydrate inside and out

Hydration is key to maintaining skin health in the dry, recirculated air of an airplane cabin.

To ensure your skin stays hydrated and vibrant, start by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption as both are diuretics and will dehydrate you.

Spritz your face with a hydrosol spray throughout your flight to provide an instant boost of hydration and refreshment.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Before boarding, apply a generous pump of The Alpine Phytonutrient or Purist Delicate Skin Serum to your face, neck and decolletage. 

This will help combat the drying effects of cabin pressure and low humidity. Formulated with fortifying oils and antioxidants, our serums are designed to lock in moisture, protect against environmental stressors, and nourish skin at a cellular level. 

If you suffer from dry skin already, consider a skin flooding technique the morning of your trip and again in the evening of your arrival.

3. Go bare, with little or no makeup

On travel days, simplify your makeup routine to let your skin breathe. Heavy makeup can lead to travel induced breakouts so go bare faced or use a CC cream as an alternative to heavy foundation.

And Voila! You will land at your destination dewy-faced and ready for your adventure.

Skin flooding is a skincare layering technique designed to deeply hydrate skin by using a specific application method that drenches dry and dehydrated skin in moisture.

The goal of skin flooding is to quench dry skin so completely that you visibly plump up fine lines for a dewy, smooth complexion. It can also be used as a night-time recovery treatment for parched, dry, chronically dehydrated skin. 

What is skin flooding?

This layering philosophy has its roots in traditional Korean and Japanese skincare rituals which use multiple applications of floral essences and flower waters to hydrate skin.

You flood skin by drenching it in hydration using several humectants like a hydrosol, glycerin-based toner, or floral essence, then locking in that moisture with a nourishing emollient & occlusive such as an oil serum and/or moisturizer.

This extreme quenching technique restores moisture to dry dehydrated skin and promotes cellular turnover by supporting natural exfoliation. With dry skin, dead cells tend to cling to the surface longer, making skin look dull and diminishing luminosity. After a time this can contribute to slower cell turnover as the skin is not getting the environmental signals it needs for cellular regeneration.

How to do skin flooding with TellurideGlow

My personal preference for this is as an evening treatment once or twice a week. 

However, if skin is especially dull and dry like during retinol use, you can add this technique to your daytime routine. 

Skin flooding is especially refreshing after an international flight or a day out in the elements.

Here’s how:

1. Start with a freshly cleansed, still-damp face and neck.
2. Spritz your face lightly (2-3 times) with a floral hydrosol, we love a good single-origin rose hydrosol for the many restorative properties of roses and the exquisite aroma. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Apply 1-2 pumps of Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Pat the essence into your face and neck. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3. You can also use a glycerine-based toner. 
5. Each layer you apply will take a bit longer to sink as your skin becomes more and more saturated with moisture after each application.
6. Lock in all the hydration by pressing 1-2 pumps of Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum to seal it all in. Avoid rubbing your skin to minimize any pilling.

Pro tip: Don't overdo it, some people recommend applying 10+ products to the skin but this is a waste because 2-3 products are all you need. Use higher quality products and fewer of them.

Remember, skin flooding is a treatment technique, you don’t need to do it every night, once a week is plenty for most.

Benefits of skin flooding

• Plumps line lines
• Gives skin a fresh dewy appearance
• Restores luminosity and radiance
• Boosy luminosity and radiance
• Intensely hydrates dehydrated skin
• Improves skin barrier health
• Promotes skin renewal

Key points on skin flooding

As with every skincare routine, less is more. Use high-quality hydrating products that deliver meaningful hydration. Use it as a treatment, not as a substitute for your regular skincare routine. Enjoy!

If you've ever found yourself scrating your head, wondering what exactly a facial essence is, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The terms essence, toner, and serum are often used interchangible creating confusion for consumers.

In this post, we'll demystify facial essences and explain how this watery substance is the key to unlocking the full benefits of all your other skincare products and dramatically increases the results of your skincare routine.

What is a facial essence?

A facial essence is defined as a concentrated plant-based skin treatment designed to hydrate and enhance the absorption of other skincare products. 

It is typically a thin, watery leave-on treatment that serves as a vital step in a skincare routine.

Developed in Japan in the early 1800s as part of Geisha beauty rituals, skin essence was originally called beauty water. It were made by steeping botanical ingredients in water, similar in many ways to how today's hydrosols are made. 

Contemporary essences have come a long way, incorperating many additional ingredients that provide a sophisticated system to deliver moisture to the skin.

How does an essence work?

One of the best analogies used to explain how an essence works comes from gardening. Imagine you are trying to water plants in a garden where the surface of the soil has become hardened and dried out. The water will tend to run off, not reaching the roots of the plants below.

Now imagine you are watering a garden where the soil has been loosened, the water is easily absorbed and flows down into the earth providing moisture and carrying essential nutrients deep below the surface. 

An essence works in much the same way. By moisturizing the skin, it acts as a gentle catalyst, creating a receptive environment and allowing active ingredients to easily flow from the uppermost layers of the epidermis down into the deepest layers of the skin. 

By priming your skin with an essence, you will boost the absorption of all the active ingredients in your skincare routine.

Adding an essence to your skincare routine 

Adding an essence to your skincare routine is one the easiest ways to dramatically increase the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine.

Using a facial essence is especially beneficial for dehydrated, parched skin. It provides intense hydration, restoring the skin's natural moisture balance. 

For those of us with reactive skin, acne, or rosacea, an essence can help visibly calm sensitive skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation.

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence delivers progressive hydration with micro-molecular hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe that pulls moisture deeply into the skin, facilitating the delivery of all other skin nutrients. 

Always apply your facial essence to a freshly cleansed face before any other products. 

How does an essence differ from a toner or serum?

Unlike traditional toners, which were designed to cleanse the skin, and serums, which address specific concerns, essences act as a primer and support the benefits of other skincare products. 

They can also contain a variety of active ingredients.

By optimizing the performance of subsequent skincare steps, an essence ultimately improves the overall efficacy of your skincare routine.

The perfect skincare routine adapts to your skin's needs in the moment. That includes making seasonal adjustments.

Summer months mean more daylight hours and greater sun exposure. But hot weather coupled with sun can result in dark spots, sunburn, and breakouts thanks to clogged pores from sweat and sunscreen. 

An increase in UV exposure (yes, we're talking to you sunbathers!) can elevate free radical activity in the body. This oxidative stress can kick off an inflammatory cycle, triggering rosacea and other skin sensitivities.

To help your skin adjust to warmer weather we've put together a list of five tips for a healthy glow this summer.

Load up on free radical fighters

Antioxidants are the answer to keeping summer skin healthy. This is because antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, and polyphenols help neutralize free radical formation and oxidative stress brought on by sun exposure.

Reach for antioxidant-rich skincare products that absorb quickly so that antioxidants can start fighting free radicals right away. 

Loaded with 2X the antioxidant power of Vit C from regenrative Swiss edelweiss, Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence works to neutralize free radicals and helps fight premature skin aging, loss of firmness, and elasticity.

Switch to a non-irritating botanical retinoid

Retinoids can sensitize skin to sun exposure and can incease your chances of getting a sunburn.

Consider reducing the frequency of retinoid use during summer months or better still, switch to a non-irritating botanical retinoid alternative like dew bean, found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

As always, if you use a retinoid of any kind, like tretinoin, always apply sunscreen!

Use a fast-absorbing serum 

Reach for fast-absorbing serums, like our Purist Delicate Skin Serum for moisture that doesn't leave skin feeling heavy or sticky.

Pomegranate seed oil is coveted for antioxidant and skin hydration, penetrating easily and deeply to create lasting, non-greasy moisture.

Decongest pores

Pores are more prone to get clogged in the summer thanks to our skin's increased sweat and oil production.

Look for non-comedogenic formulas to help balance skin and avoid breakouts. Chamomile helps to decongest pores and is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants.

Guard against photo-aging

Aside from using your favorite SPF (50+ for your face), alpine botanicals liks pomegranate, arctic cranberry, camellia, and Nepalese goji, which can be found in The Purist, provide heightened defense against the visible signs of photo-aging. 

Boost skin recovery

Soothing lavender has been used for centuries for skin recovery, and for good reason. If you are in the sun for extended periods this summer, consider post-sun exposure recovery. You can find a calming high-altitude lavender in The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

Pro Tips:

We recommend using The Purist or The Alpine during the day, and The Alpine after sun to get the best effect. 

On especially hot summer day you can chill your Aspen Dew in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before applying for an extra cooling soothing skin treat. 

For long-lasting featherlight hydration, Aspen Dew can also be enjoyed as a sole source moisturizer on extra humid summer days.

Whatever changes you make to your summer skincare routine, always listen to your skin and make adjustments accordingly. 

As a skincare brand with a focus on skin health and recovery, we’re frequently asked by our clients for sunscreen recommendations.

What’s hard about answering this question is that like skincare, we each have our own individual texture, spreadability, SPF, and scent preferences.

But choosing the right sunscreen is essential for both our skin health and environmental safety. 

And while we can’t suggest which exact sunscreen brandnames to use, we can share a list of ingredients you’ll want to avoid in your sunscreen plus those you will want and why.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreens

Safe mineral sunscreens are made with non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They offer excellent protection against the sun without any harmful side effects to your health or the environment.

Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral options sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays without absorbing into the bloodstream. This makes them safer for both sensitive skin and long-term health.

Remember, not all mineral sunscreens are created equal. Be sure to choose a non-nano mineral sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens on the other hand, often contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone. These chemicals can penetrate the skin, enter our bloodstream, and act as endocrine disruptors, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. 

In addition, ingredients like butyloctyl salicylate and octocrylene degrade into harmful substances that can damage aquatic life. Preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea and quaternion-15 release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

To make sure your sunscreen is effective and safe, look for formulas with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 

We’ve put together an ingredient cheat sheet for you to screenshot next time you go sunscreen shopping, which we hope is soon given that suncare is always in season!

Here’s what you DO WANT in your suncreen:

• Non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide mineral sunblock.
• Botanicals like Edelweiss, carrot seed oil, and raspberry seed oil have all shown natural UV protective properties. 
• Supplements like astaxanthin may help to fortify skin from UV exposure from the inside out.
• A big fashionable hat & long sleeves! 

Here’s what you DON’T WANT in your suncreen:

• Benzophenone-3, aka Oxybenzone: Absorbs into the bloodstream and pulls other toxic chemicals into the body.
• Avobenzone: Skin allergen and irritant, degrades into free radicals which can damage skin health.
• Butyloctyl Salicylate: Class 4 chronic aquatic toxin.
• Cylcopentasiloxane / Cyclomethicone: Suspected reproductive toxins and endocrine disruptors.
• Diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, and Hydroxymethylglycinate: Release Formaldehyde which is toxic.
• Homosalate: Endocrine disruptors.
• Methylisothiazolinone: Studies suggest this is a neurotoxin.
• Nanoparticles: Ecotoxin, if you are using a mineral sunscreen, zinc, or titanium, make sure it is non-nano grade.
• Octocrylene: Quickly degrades into carcinogen and endocrine disruptor benzophenone
• Octinoxate / Octyl methoxycinnamate: Absorbs into the bloodstream, is an endocrine disruptor.
• Parabens like Propylparaben, benzylparaben, methylparaben, and butylparaben: Mimic hormone estrogen.
• Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors, that can cause reproductive issues in males
• Quaternium-15: Suspected to release formaldehyde.
• Retinyl Palmitate: When exposed to UV light breaks down into free radicals that damage skin.
• Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate (SLS/SLES): Toxic to humans and aquatic life
• Clear Zinc Oxide: Highly toxic to aquatic life.

We hope this helps you choose the prefect sunscreen and that you feel better equiped to navigate the sea of choices on the market.

To you health! 

Recently a friend asked to explain the difference between a face oil, and an oil serum. “Aren’t they the same?” she asked.

The answer is, no. 

The word ‘serum’ is widely used in skincare and means different things to different people. The confusion arises because serums can be gel based, water based, oil based, or an emulsion of both oil & water. 

For our purposes, we will focus on oil-based serums vs face oils as these are the two that are most commonly mixed up.

So what’s the difference? Let’s clarify the confusion.

Understanding face oils and oil serums

Both face oils and oil based serums are prevalent in today’s skincare. This is because botanical oils quickly and easily penetrate into the top layer of the dermis and help strengthen skin barrier function providing instant moisturization and comfort to skin.

But there is one key difference between the two, and that difference lies ultimately in visible results you get from using one versus the other. Let's dive in.

Face oils

Face oils are made of general purpose carrier oils that moisturize the skin by reinforcing its barrier. This makes them ideal for basic, daily hydration. Many face oils are single ingredient oils, like apricot kernel or jojoba oil, with no additional ingredients. While a few may include a modest percentage of high-performance oils, they generally lack the targeted botanical actives found in a facial serum. 

In a nutshell, face oils are:

• Made predominantly with carrier oils like almond, apricot, jojoba, or macerated oils (carrot, marigold, comfrey).
• Include few, if any, aromaceutical ingredients like essential oils.
• Contain no biologically active compounds aside from tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant.
• Provide basic daily skin moisturizing. 

Serums

Oil serums, on the other hand, are used as concentrated restorative and revitalizing treatments that deliver visible results. 

They contain high-performance biologically active compounds, precious oils, antioxidants, and aromaceuticals. These specialized ingredients not only moisturize and support skin barrier health, they also include restorative essential fatty acids and other phytonutrients that can be metabolized by the skin. 

High performance seed oils like sea buckthorn oil, rosehip seed oil, moringa, camellia seed oil, and dry oils like meadowfoam are prevalent in serums for their deep-penetrating and fast-absorbing qualities.

Unlike face oils, facial serums target specific concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or enlarged pores by using active ingredients that offer visible benefits beyond hydration.

In summary, facial serums:

• Target specific concerns like; spots, fine lines, reactive skin, acne-prone skin, flaky skin, and more.
• Have marked effects on improving the appearance of skin.
• Absorb quickly and penetrate deeply into the skin.
• Are made with high performance botanical oils like sea buckthorn oil, rosehip seed oil, moringa oil, camellia seed oil, and dry oils like meadowfoam.
• Contain concentrated amounts of antioxidants (polyphenols) like flavanals, flavones, and resveratrol, to name a few.
• Contain biologically active compounds.
• Are rich in essential fatty acids, Omegas 3,6,7, and 9.
• Some even Iinclude mood-boosting aromaceuticals like precious essential oils from rose, neroli, and other rare flower essences.

Anatomy of an oil serum

A facial serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is crafted to smooth fine lines, restoring vibrancy and radiance to depleted skin. It also contains aromatic compounds that uplift mood and boost relaxation. Results are immediately visibible and long lasting.

Key ingredients and their benefits

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is a testament to the efficacy of meticulously selected ingredients. 

This serum features:

• Arnica Montana: Known These blooms target puffiness and dark spots.
• High Altitude Sea Buckthorn and Rosehip: These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help restore skin luminosity and tone.
• Nepalese Goji and Acai: promote hydrophilic skin plumping and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

How to use an oil serum

To integrate oil serums into your skincare regime, start with a clean base. For serums like The Alpine, apply one pump or 2-3 drops directly to the face and neck, massaging gently until absorbed. 

Serums can be layered under a moisturizer or sunscreen for daytime use or under a richer cream at night for enhanced benefits.

Why choose TellurideGlow serums?

Our serums are a blend of nature’s best ingredients tailored to nurture and revitalize your skin. They stand out due to their:

• High Concentration of Active Ingredients: Delivering targeted solutions to enhance your skin’s health.
• Rapid Absorption: Ensuring that potent ingredients penetrate deeply without leaving a greasy residue.
• Versatility: Suitable for use in any skincare routine, whether morning or night.

Choosing between a face oil and a serum doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Depending on your skin’s needs, incorporating both into your skincare routine can provide comprehensive benefits. 

With TellurideGlow’s carefully formulated products, empower your skincare routine with the best of nature and science.

If you’re like most, you’ve probably heard the word humectant from your dermatologist or read it in a skincare product description touting its moisturizing benefits.

But what exactly is a humectant and how exactly does it work?

This is probably not a question you’ve thought about, but you have likely considered the moisturizing properties of your skincare products. The ability of those products to moisturize your skin comes from humectants.

In this article, we will explain humectants – what they are, where you can find them, how they can benefit you, and whether they are safe. We will also tell a bit about some botanical sources of humectants.

What is a humectant?

A humectant is a substance that retains hydration. It works by pulling water from its environment and drawing it to the surface of the object on which it is placed.

In skincare terms, a humectant acts like a moisture magnet! It attracts water from the air or deeper layers of your skin and pulls it towards the surface. This helps keep your skin hydrated, plump, and supple.

Humectants are commonly found in moisturizing products such as lotions, shampoos, and skincare as well as in some foods, pesticides, and medications.

How do humectants help your skin?

Since humectants draw in moisture, they are often applied to the skin in the form of moisturizers, creams, or lotions. The humectant will draw moisture to the skin's surface from the air as well as from deeper in the skin. This helps the surface of the skin retain hydration and dry more slowly.

It’s important to note that humectants work best in humid environments. In dry climates, they can actually pull moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, potentially causing dryness.

If you live in a dry climate, look for a skincare routine that contain humectants in addition to occlusives. Occlusives form a barrier on the skin's surface, trapping moisture in and preventing humectants from drawing it out. 

Products that contain humectants

A wide range of products contain humectants. They can be found in almost any product that serves to moisturize, including: 

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap
• Lotion
• Body butter
• Eye cream
• Lip balm
• Skin cream
• Facial cleanser and moisturizer
• Face masks
• Cosmetics
• Additionally, some foods contain humectants, including cheese, marshmallows, and coconuts.

Types of botanical humectants

Several humectants come from plants. They include:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally within the human body, particularly in the eyes, skin, connective tissue, and joints. It retains moisture to keep your body tissues hydrated, your eyes and joints lubricated, and your skin supple.

There are several different types of hyaluronic acid available in skincare products. These are typically characterized by weight, high, medium, and low-weight hyaluronic acids as well as hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. The key difference lies in their molecular size, which affects how deeply each type penetrates the skin and how they perform. 

Micromollecular hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. It dives deep into the skin's layers, delivering intense hydration directly where it's needed. This can help plump skin, smooth wrinkles, boost collagen production, and leave your skin looking refreshed and luminous.

Lower, aka smaller, molecular weight hyaluronic acid works best for mature skin.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera pulls moisture from the environment. At the same time, it creates a barrier preventing loss of moisture. Aloe vera can be used on skin or hair and is similar in chemical composition to the keratin in your hair.

Aloe vera is the first ingrient in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Most hydrating formulas have water listed as their first ingreient, and while effective, aloe vera is significantly better at providing humectant benefits to skin.

Unlike most hydrating skin essences and mists that rely on water as their first ingredient, Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence starts with the power of aloe vera. This is because aloe vera boasts superior humectant properties, drawing and retaining moisture in your skin far more effectively than water. The result? Deep hydration that leaves your skin looking radiant and feeling healthy.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Alpha hydroxy acids can be either naturally occurring or synthetic. They are found naturally in several foods, including citrus fruits, apples, grapes, milk, sugar cane, and tomato juice.

Different food sources produce different AHAs, but the most commonly known type is citric acid, which comes from citrus fruits. AHAs gently exfoliate the skin. Combined with its humectant properties, this can give skin a plumper look.

It's important to patch test any product containing AHAs before using it all over your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Apple pectin

Apple pectin is a compound found in apples. It is rich in carbohydrates, which bind with water. It also acts as a gelling agent, and because of that, it is commonly used in cosmetics, particularly in facial toners. It can also help keep the shape of pressed cosmetics, such as eyeshadow and powder.

Glycerin

Glycerin most commonly comes from vegetable oils, and like other humectants, it draws in moisture when applied to the skin. Glycerin also forms a barrier on the skin to keep moisture from evaporating as quickly. Glycerin is also compatible with other ingredients and can help them disperse through the different layers of the skin.

Urea

Urea is naturally found on your skin, though the urea in skincare products is sometimes a synthetic lab-made substance. It has exfoliating properties and reduces the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin by breaking down the keratin. Urea can also enhance the effects of other ingredients it is combined with by increasing the rate your skin absorbs them.

Coconut water

Coconut water comes from inside the coconut, either from the liquid inside or pressed from the fruit. It is very refreshing and nourishing to the skin. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and also contains some antioxidants.

Honey

Honey is mostly glucose and fructose. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and proteins. Honey’s benefits beyond just being a humectant are numerous. It has demonstrated antimicrobial properties and is soothing and conditioning. It also balances the skin's pH.

Pro tip:  If you live in a dry climate, get the most out of your humectant by layering it with an occlusive product like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or a facial oil to help seal in moisture.

Are humectants safe?

Humectants in personal care, cosmetics, and foods have been studied extensively. They are generally considered safe for everyday use or consumption.

Consumers should be aware of the source of the humectant. In general, naturally derived substances are safer than lab-created ones. It is also crucial to know of any allergies to these ingredients.

For best results, apply humectant products to slightly damp skin. This allows them to draw in moisture from the environment more effectively.

You can learn more about the safety of cosmetic ingredients at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website.

Key points on humectants

Humectants are a safe and effective way to increase your skin's hydration. They are generally made from plants and are often found in various skincare products.

To learn more about skincare products containing natural humectants, visit our website.

Your skin acts as a barrier, protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and pollutants. But you're not alone in this fight!  Microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi, and mites live on your skin's surface, forming a protective layer called the microbiome.

This microbiome is a living ecosystem that works in harmony with your immune system. The good bacteria in your microbiome fight off bad bacteria, ward off invaders, and help keep your skin healthy. It's like a tiny army at the frontlines of your skin's natural defenses.

Why a balanced microbiome matters

Having a healthy balance of good bacteria in your microbiome is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to problems like:

Leaky skin: This occurs when the skin barrier weakens, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter. This can cause dehydration, inflammation, and conditions like acne, eczema, and accelerated aging.

Sensitive skin: Many people experience sensitive skin, which can be caused by a weakened microbiome. This is especially common as we age, due to a natural decrease in the skin's moisturizing factors.

Our commitment to microbiome health

At Telluride Glow, we understand the importance of a healthy microbiome. That's why nearly 100% of our ingredients have properties that support your skin's natural defenses.

These ingredients are:

Antimicrobial: Fight harmful bacteria

Antiseptic: Repell germs and bacteria

Anti-inflammatory: Fight inflammation

Anti-fungal: Ward off fungal invaders

Antiviral: Fight viruses

Antibacterial: Deter bad bacteria

Antioxidants: Shield skin from free-radical damage

We are proud to offer products formulated to support and nourish your skin's microbiome, promoting overall skin health.

Science backs our approach

A Wall Street Journal article highlights the importance of microbiome health in skincare. They explain that a healthy microbiome is essential for a strong skin barrier, which helps retain moisture, fight infection, and reduce inflammation.

How?

"When the microbiome is lacking in good bacteria, the skin’s barrier function is compromised. Leaky skin becomes dehydrated, and all those irritants and allergens and pollutants and pathogens are able to penetrate and trigger inflammation. Inflammation can manifest in various ways, showing up as acne, eczema, or accelerated aging." Wall Street Journal

"Leaky skin,"a term similar to "leaky gut" which describes increased intestinal permeability in the digestive system, allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, causing a variety of skin problems.

Telluride Glow: supporting your skin's natural defenses

Our products, like The Purist Delicate Skin Serum, are designed to address the needs of reactive, sensitive skin and skin that has a compromised microbiome.

Telluride Glow products go beyond just helping your skin recover. They provide natural, plant-based ingredients that actively support your skin's microbiome, the foundation of healthy skin.

By using Telluride Glow products daily, you can feel confident that you're not just getting a beautiful complexion, but also helping your skin stay healthy in the long run.