⭐ Free Luxe Mini + Free Shipping on Orders $100+ ⭐ Free Luxe Mini + Free Shipping on Orders $100+

Skincare Journal

3 Tips for a Travel-Ready Appearance

3 Tips for a Travel-Ready Appearance

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.

Continue reading

Skin Flooding: Extreme Hydration Benefits & How to Do It

Skin Flooding: Extreme Hydration Benefits & How to Do It

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!

Continue reading

What is an Essence?

What is an Essence?

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.

Continue reading

Summer Skin SOS: Skincare Tips For a Healthy Glow

Summer Skin SOS: Skincare Tips For a Healthy Glow

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. 

Continue reading

Chemical Suncreen Ingredients You'll Want to Avoid & Safe Alternatives

Chemical Suncreen Ingredients You'll Want to Avoid & Safe Alternatives

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! 

 

Continue reading

Face Oil vs. Oil Serum: What's the Difference?

Face Oil vs. Oil Serum: What's the Difference?

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.

Continue reading

What Is a Humectant?

What Is a Humectant?

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.

Continue reading

Your Skin's Microscopic Allies: The Importance of a Healthy Microbiome

Your Skin's Microscopic Allies: The Importance of a Healthy Microbiome

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.

Continue reading

Swiss Edelweiss Flowers: The Skin Benefits of this Alpine "Queen of the Mountain"

Swiss Edelweiss Flowers: The Skin Benefits of this Alpine "Queen of the Mountain"

Loving the outdoors and being active doesn’t have to take a toll on your skin. The winter wind, the effects of sun exposure, pollution, the lack of moisture in the air is no match for nutrient-packed Edelweiss, our superstar ingredient hand-harvested from the Swiss Alps twice a year.

Edelweiss flowers (Gnaphalium Leontopodium) are a rare, strictly protected mountain herbaceous plant. Collection in the wild is prohibited in most countries to avoid endangerment. Edelweiss is of Asian origin that settled in the mountains of Europe and arctic regions of the world during glacial periods of the planet. It is found predominantly in the highest mountain areas of Europe and Asia. 

Known for its high-elevation survival, this rare, short-lived mountain flower is closest to the sunflower family and symbolizes alpinism, rugged beauty, and purity of the Alps. It is often called 'Noble White', 'Snow Flower' and ‘The Queen of the Mountain’. 

But the power of this beauty goes deeper than just pretty blooms.

Edelweiss flowers thrive in rocky limestone habitats above 5,900 feet in elevation. As for Telluride, if you are lucky, there have been rare sightings of this remarkable plant above 13,000 feet!

Living at such high altitudes means these plants receive some major sun, wind, cold, and general severe weather exposure all of which has contributed to their ability to repair and fight free radicals. 

Adapting to high elevations includes protecting itself from ultraviolet exposure at the highest peaks of Europe by producing significant antioxidants that thwart oxidation caused by UV rays.

A true extremophile botanical, Edelweiss has the ability to fortify, renew and nurture the skin. It has been shown in studies to target skin RNA helping to improve their response to environmental stressors.

You won’t find Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) in all mountain regions, and you won’t see it as a common skincare ingredient but you can find sustainably harvested and protected Edelweiss flowers in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

So, what can Edelweiss do for your skin?

Rejuvenating

By supporting skin regeneration processes, Edelweiss helps contribute to a healthy and rejuvenated complexion. Rich in antioxidants leontopodic acid and isochlorogenic acid, Edelweiss can help fortify skin against environmental stressors, like UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals. Twice the free radical scavenging properties of vitamin C, Edelweiss helps shield skin from oxidative stress and slow premature aging. 

Calming

Edelweiss contains phenylpropanoids, a compound that posses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These phytoactives can help  calm angry or reddened skin. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Hydrating

Edelweiss helps hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss by restoring hydration and supporting healthy skin barrier function to those suffering from dry or dehydrated skin.

Firming 

Edelweiss can help to support collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, our collagen production declines, which can lead to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Edelweiss contains phytonutrients that may help to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote more youthful-looking skin.

Smoothing 

Edelweiss can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin by helping promote cell renewal and regeneration. Natural phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin, bisabolane derivatives, and beta Sitosterol, subsequently assist in improving the appearance of wrinkles and aged and/or irritated skin.This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, and promote a more radiant complexion.

Brightening

Certain compounds found in Edelweiss extract are associated with skin brightening effects which help to reduce hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and reveal a more even and radiant skin tone. In addition, Edelweiss can help fortify your skin against sun-induced aging.

These botanical powerhouse components help provide antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory defenses for the skin. 

Edelweiss flower extract is truly an alpine treasure, bringing a myriad of health benefits to your skin. From its concentration of free radical scavenging antioxidants to its hydrating and soothing properties, this alpine wonder can transform your skin's look, feel, and health.

Edelweiss survives and thrives

Look closer and you’ll see that the beautiful Edelweiss grows dense hair over its leaves and flower, like a little fuzzy snow hood, to help protect itself against the harsh environment where it thrives so beautifully. So clever!

Adapting to survive, extremophile plants like Edelweiss, produce secondary metabolites that provide cytoprotective properties that also feed your skin with vitamins necessary for vibrant aging. These phytonutrients withstand brutal winter climates then repel pests, fungi, and intense UV radiation in the summer growing season.

Aspen Dew’s custom formulation delivers the benefits of these plants’ powerful response to stress right to your cells to help protect them from the stress from your own environment.

Uniquely protected and sustainably sourced

Sustainable sourcing is an important topic in today’s botanical skincare and an important part of the Telluride GLOWPromise.

Edelweiss is cultivated in high alpine areas in the French speaking part of Switzerland, and the flower is cut only partially while the stems and roots of the plant are left untouched until a second cut later in the year. After the snowy winter the cycle is repeated to ensure the vitality of the plant remains intact, as is the ground it grows from.

Together with perfect ratios of other skin perfecting actives, Aspen Dew with Edelweiss visibly firms and assists in brightening, plus incredible moisture balance while keeping skin-damaging free radicals at bay.

See what this highly adaptive flower can do to illuminate your skin with our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Inspired by the shimmering aspens surrounding Telluride, Colorado, this is a luxurious hybrid between a micro-serum and a skin conditioner, delivering quadruple humectants for a dewy glow. Niacinamide (B3), Phytoceramides, Aloe Vera and micro-molecular Hyaluronic acid meld with Edelweiss and other regenerating alpine plant actives in a weightless veil for deep, progressive hydration and defense against premature signs of aging.It stands alone beautifully, or pair with The Alpine or Purist serums for amplified skin recovery.

Sources:

Cho, Won Kyong, et al. "Anti-Aging Effects of Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) Callus Culture Extract through Transcriptome Profiling." Genes, vol. 11, no. 2, 2020, p. 230, doi:10.3390/genes11020230.

Continue reading

What Does 'Aging Gracefully' Mean To You?

What Does 'Aging Gracefully' Mean To You?

A letter from our founder Mary Alice...

Aging gracefully or gratefully?

There's no denying being a senior when your Medicare card arrives in the mail. How did that make me feel? Grateful, but not old.

To me, aging gracefully doesn't mean throwing in the towel and accepting what aging does to you.

We need to shed the notion that it is self-centered and vain to take care of yourself and want to look and feel your best. After all, feeling more engaged can contribute to a longer and fuller life.

There is no obligation to demurely step back to let others step in, unless you want to. This is a time to do more of what you want after a life of doing what 'needs' to be done and doing for others.

Simplify

Most people I know are busier than ever, so a simplified skincare routine was mandatory in creating TellurideGlow. I worked closely with an award-winning micro-formulation chemist to create the most effective formulas with the best botanical ingredients in the purest formulas. No synthetics, no fillers.

What does this mean? Fewer products and less time so you can spend more time on your interests than in front of the mirror.

So Easy

TellurideGlow is just two steps, morning and night, plus our Snow Rose Recovery Mask weekly. The natural scents in our products are heavenly because I believe your streamlined routine should be something to look forward to.

Simply apply the Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence in a soothing Aloe Vera base as the first step.

  • It delivers dozens of water-soluble nutrients
  • Deep, multi-level hydration
  • Brightens and evens out skin tone
  • Smooths and helps prevent fine lines
  • Protects and strengthens the skin
  • Promotes skin firming collagen production

Aspen Dew can stand alone, but the magic happens when followed with one of our anhydrous serums: The Alpine Phytonutrient or The Purist Delicate Skin if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Pick one serum, not both. Or choose based on your scent presence, because both deliver immediate brightness, smoothing, radiance and plumping.

  • Delivers dozens of oil-soluble nutrients
  • Nourishing, multi-active moisture
  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Evens out skin tone and redness
  • Promotes healthy cell renewal
  • Calming and protective antioxidants

Adding a moisturizer is not necessary; for most people that may be just a habit, as well as special creams for the eyes, neck, day, night, etc. But sunscreen, preferably without Oxybenzone, is a good practice.

The investment is in quality and the result is healthier, more youthful and radiant skin with antioxidant defenses against environmental aggression.

Because while there's nothing wrong with aging, there is no reason to age faster than we have to.

I’ve experienced such freedom and such great results that I created TellurideGlow recovery skincare to share that joy with you.

I hope you let me know what you think.

As always, I'm grateful for you.

Mary Alice 

Continue reading
Back to top