Early sunsets and cooler temperatures are the perfect time to indulge in a little extra self-care in preparation for the activities of the holiday season. 

For centuries, the act of bathing has transcended simple cleansing, evolving into a therapeutic ritual that nourishes both body and soul. Ancient Egyptian royals infused their baths with luxurious oils like sesame and moringa, enveloping themselves in fragrant sanctuaries. In medieval Europe, the nobility sought solace in baths enriched with a blend of precious oils and aromatic herbs like chamomile and calendula. Meanwhile, the Japanese marked the winter solstice with the comforting embrace of Yuzu Yu, where the therapeutic essential oils of the Yuzu citrus infused their steaming baths.

Inspired by these age-old traditions, we're delighted to share with you one of our favorite ways to unwind. 

This bathing beauty ritual isn't just about skincare; it's an invitation to history, luxury, and a deep sense of well-being. Dive in and let every sense be pampered.

Bathing Beauty Ritual

Step 1: Draw a bath

Begin by drawing a warm bath infused with Epsom salts, calming essential oils, and the sheer luxury of argan or baobab oils. The gentle embrace of chamomile tea satchels further elevates this tranquil experience.

Draw a warm bath and add 2 cups of Epsom salts.

Add 5-10 drops of soothing essential oil like lavender, neroli, or sweet orange and 1 teaspoon of a luxury oil like argan or baobab.

For extra calming effects, let 2-3 chamomile tea satchels steep in your bathwater (the sturdier nylon pyramid types work best for this). 

Step 2: Cleanse with an oil cleanser

As the scents envelop you, indulge in a purifying oil cleanse that washes away the worries of the day. 

As you soak in the tub, cleanse your face with 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite oil cleanser for 30-60 seconds. Click here for a basic oil cleansing formula.

Place a warm damp wash cloth on your face before wiping away dirt and makeup. Use both sides of the washcloth to get all the oil off. 

Repeat if you are removing makeup.

Step 3: Apply serums 

Following your soothing soak, with skin delicately damp, apply the Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence, followed by our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin serum to lock in moisture and enhance your skin's natural radiance.

Today we are spotlighting one of our inspiring #womenontheglow. Kimberly Marney is a stylist, artist, and long-time Purist Delicate Skin Serum fan!

We've been admirers of Kimberly's paintings for a while now, appreciating her artistic eye and keen sense of color.

When we asked if she'd be up for being interviewed for our newsletter, she responded with the same unrestrained joy that is so tangible in her paintings.

Here's what she had to say...

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"I grew up in rural east central Kansas. The open spaces and nature are essential to my DNA. I always believed I could do anything and go anywhere.

I developed a love of fashion before I could walk and was always doing something creative. I spent 18 years as a personal stylist helping people express their style and beauty.

In mid-life I transitioned my artistic endeavors to embrace being an artist. I now paint abstracts inspired by nature. You will see blue heavily represented in my work because it represents hope and beauty for me."

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

"I find inspiration in many places but I have to say those women who I see making their dreams happen and starting something new later in life really inspire me." 

How do you define beauty?

"Confidence, a welcoming smile, and positivity are beautiful."

What does self-care look like to you?

"Take the time to listen to your body and mind. Hydrating, exercising, trying to get good sleep, absorbing quiet moments in nature, getting a good massage, trying to eat healthy, and taking care of my skin." 

What beauty advice would you give other women over 40?

"Make yourself a priority. It’s more than okay to take time for yourself. In fact, it’s essential. Something I wish I knew when I was younger."

Can you share with us the best compliment you’ve ever been given and who it was from?

"I don’t know if it's my best, but last week a woman was completely shocked we were the same age. She thought I was at least 17 years younger! Who would have guessed that being mistaken for 40 would have me flying high?! Skin care is key!"

What’s one skincare tip you wish all women knew about?

"Consistency. Cleanse, moisturize, repeat morning and night."

What’s your daily skincare routine?

"I always start and end the day with clean skin and moisturize with Aspen Dew and The Purist Delicate Skin Serum. I love using my Gua Sha tool after applying my serum."

What is the best beauty secret you have ever received? 

"My mother was always reminding me to have good posture. Good posture projects confidence!"

To keep up with Kimberly and see the paintings she's currently working on check out her Instagram feed @brandedbystyle.

Want to be featured in our #womenontheglow community?

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and because breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns for women worldwide, we wanted to take a moment to dive into some of the specific chemicals in skincare products that have been linked to breast cancer.

Research increasingly points to the potential role of endocrine disruptors—chemicals that can interfere with our hormone systems—as contributors to breast cancer risk. While these chemicals are pervasive in our environment, their presence in skincare and cosmetic products is of particular concern due to our direct and frequent exposure to them. 

What are endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen and can interfere with the normal function of other hormones in the body. This estrogenic activity may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, as it can promote the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells and disrupt immune system function.

By being aware of potential endocrine disruptors and educating ourselves about these chemicals we can make safer choices for our health.

Below is a list of endocrine disruptors most commonly found in skincare products and their potential effects on the endocrine system. Print it out and take it with you next time you go shopping for beauty products so you know what ingredients to avoid.

6 Endocrine Disruptors to Avoid

1. Parabens

Parabens are known to mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells (1.). This activity can potentially contribute to the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast tumors.

Ingredient Names: Butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben.

Found in: Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, face cleansers.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates have been shown to interfere with the hormone system and are linked to reproductive abnormalities (2.).

Ingredient Names: DEHP, DBP, DEP (among others); however, they can sometimes simply be listed as "fragrance,” these are synthetic fragrances.

Found in: Perfumes, moisturizers, eye shadows, nail polishes, shampoos, conditioners.

3. Synthetic Colors

Some synthetic colors are derived from coal tar, which may contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation (3.). While direct links between synthetic colors and breast cancer aren't fully established, any toxin that affects the skin and potentially the endocrine system deserves scrutiny.

Ingredient Names: Listed as "FD&C" or "D&C" followed by a color and a number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 6).

Found in: Hair dyes, eye shadows, eyeliners, lipsticks.

4. Synthetic Fragrances

Many chemicals that make up synthetic fragrances come from petrochemicals, which can interfere with the body's endocrine system (4.) and possibly contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Ingredient Names: Often vaguely labeled as "fragrance" or "parfum".

Found in: Nearly all cosmetic and beauty products, from deodorants to lotions.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also called SLS, has potential endocrine-disrupting effects, with some studies pointing to its ability to mimic hormones(5.).

Ingredient Names: Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Found in:  Shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, toothpaste.

6. Benzophenone

Benzophenones can mimic the hormone estrogen and may interfere with the function of other hormones, potentially promoting the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells (6).

Ingredient Names: Benzophenone, Benzophenone-1 (BP-1), Benzophenone-2 (BP-2), Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone), Benzophenone-4 (BP-4), Sulisobenzone.

Found in: Sunscreens, nail polishes, lip balms, hair sprays, shampoos, fragrances, and lotions.

The Path Forward

Awareness is the first step to prevention. By understanding the potential risks associated with these common ingredients, we can make informed decisions about the products we use daily. Opting for alternatives labeled as "free from" these chemicals or choosing organic, natural products can be safer routes to follow.

The Purist Delicate Skin Serum is our #1 choice for restoring health and promoting calm to a compromised skin barrier. Lightweight and free of fragrance allergens, essential oils, gluten, alcohol, and nuts, this velvety serum is the ultimate beauty potion to restore balance to irritated skin while fighting environmental aggression.

100% of the ingredients are from organic farming, wild-harvested, and/or natural sources, and free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, or fragrances.

Remember that the duration and frequency of exposure, along with individual susceptibilities, play a significant role in determining potential outcomes. It's essential to balance concern with pragmatism and do your best choose products you are educated about.

References:

1. Darbre, P. D., & Harvey, P. W. (2008). Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. Journal of applied toxicology, 28(5), 561-578.
2. Serrano, S. E., Braun, J., Trasande, L., Dills, R., & Sathyanarayana, S. (2014). Phthalates and diet: a review of the food monitoring and epidemiology data. Environmental health, 13(1), 43.
3. Scott, R. R., & Gutowski, S. M. (2014). Current concepts about chromogens, dye lasers, and pigmented lesions. Clinical dermatology, 32(4), 529-537.
4. Steinemann, A. (2015). Volatile emissions from common consumer products. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 8(3), 273-281.
5. Schwartz, J. R., & Marsh, R. G. (1988). Sodium lauryl sulfate and triclosan: in vitro cytotoxicity studies with gingival cells. Toxicology letters, 41(3), 313-325.
6. Kunz, P. Y., & Fent, K. (2006). Multiple hormonal activities of UV filters and comparison of in vivo and in vitro estrogenic activity of ethyl-4-aminobenzoate in fish. Aquatic Toxicology, 79(4), 305-324. ↩

As the golden hues of aspen leaves signal the transition from summer's warmth to cooler days ahead, our skin, too, undergoes a transformation. Exposed to environmental factors, it reacts sensitively to seasonal shifts, requiring a recalibrated approach to skin care. 

Understanding Seasonal Skin Changes

Changes in atmospheric dynamics, particularly temperature and humidity, impact our skin's health and appearance. Let’s unpack each one.

Why Fall Affects Our Skin

Ambient humidity: The air's moisture content plays a crucial role in determining our skin's hydration levels. Higher humidity levels in summer can help keep skin supple, but the drier autumn air wicks moisture from our skin leading to dehydration, and enhancing fine lines and wrinkles

Summertime aftereffects: While summer offers skin health benefits like increased circulation from outdoor activities, the negative impacts like sun damage and the residual effects of chlorine or salt from pool swims can linger into the fall.

Fluctuating fall weather: The inconsistencies in fall weather patterns, characterized by varying temperatures and increased wind, demand a dynamic response from our skin. When our skin is overly challenged by these fluctuations, it can start to feel tight, itchy or develop seasonal sensitivities.

Read on for 9 tips on how to easily adapt your skin care routine to maintain healthy glowing skin this fall…

Recalibrating Your Fall Skin Care Routine

1. Rethink Your Cleanser

If you’ve been using a clarifying cleanser all summer, now is the time to switch to gentler non-stripping or oil cleanser. The goal is a cleanser that doesn't leave your skin feeling tight post-wash. You can find a simple at-home oil cleansing recipe that is non-drying and noncomedogenic, here.

2. Update Your Toner

Transition from refreshing summer toners to ones that offer an extra hydration boost. Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence containsboth tonifying Aspen Bark extract that helps firm skin without drying and micro-mollecular hyaluronic acid that provides continuous hydration throught the day.  Avoid toners with alcohol, as they can further dry out skin.

3. Opt for Richer Moisturizers

Fall's cooler days require deeper hydration. Lighter moisturizers might suffice in the summer, but as fall progresses, consider using a restorative serum that offers a stronger moisture barrier, especially before bed. Our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is a great choice for nighttime care as its nourishing whole-plant actives work to tirelessly restore skin while you sleep. 

4. Address Lips & Under Eye Areas

Carry a lipid rich lip balm in your purse and reapply often. Lips are especially sensitive to changes in temperature and can easily dry out. Try dabbing a small amount of the Purist Delicate Skin Serum to your lips just before applying lipstick for an extra boost of hydration and a little added sheen. You can also dab a little Purist under your eyes as a light eye serum to help combat fine lines caused by dehydration.

5. Regular, Gentle Exfoliation

To counteract any leftover summer sun effects, add weekly exfoliation to your beauty ritual. Our Snow Rose Recovery Mask can be used as a petal soft polish to gentlly exfoliate dead skin cells. However, avoid over-exfoliating, which can irritate skin, especially in drier climates.

6. Focus on Pores

Post-summer, pores can appear enlarged due to increased sweating during warmer months. Keep them clean and refined with a purifying clay mask. 

7. Embrace Hydrating Masks

Beyond your regular moisturizer, a hydrating mask can offer additional fortification against drier fall air. To enhance hydration, add a pump of our Purist Delicate Skin Serum or Alpine Phytonutrient Serum to your weekly Snow Rose Mask. 

8. Prioritize Hydration

Drinking water is essential, but for an external hydration boost, consider deeply nourishing serum. Serums offer additional restorative benefits and can help your skin barrier to cope with the changing seasons.

9. Add a Humidifier

Switch on your humidifier to restore moisture to the air in your home. This will help counteract the drying effects on the skin from indoor heaters and furnaces.

Tailoring Your Routine

The core tenets for fall skin care are observation and adaptation. As you recalibrate your skincare routine pay special attention to:

• Monitor your skin's response.
• Tweak your routine based on how your skin both feels and looks.
• Introduce changes gradually for optimal adaptation.

Adapting your skin care routine for fall is essential in ensuring your skin remains resilient and radiant. Not only that, your skin is the immune system’s first line of defense so keeping a healthy skin barrier is vital to your over-all wellbeing.

With attention to detail and the right products, you can confidently embrace the season's beauty while ensuring your skin stays at its best.

It’s true, we all want a healthy glowing complexion. But maintaining skin health may be much more important to our overall well-being than we previously thought.

In a recent article published by the BBC entitled The Curious Ways Skin Shapes Your Health, researchers discuss the ways in which our skin health is actually a predictor of our internal health. This is a novel perspective since most of us have been taught that skin merely reflects our health and lifestyle. But the latest research is showing that skin actively contributes to our physical well-being. Surprisingly, the condition of our skin may dictate how we age rather than merely reflecting it.

How? Let’s start with a little historical perspective. Back in 1958, The Baltimore Longitudinal Study revolutionized our understanding of aging. Tracking thousands of participants over several decades, findings revealed a significant connection between youthful appearance and inner health. Notably, those who looked older than their age were more likely to face health complications and even premature death.

To date, researchers have used two main ways to measure age: chronological (based on birth date) and biological (reflecting our physical aging). Over time, environmental factors, primarily UV radiation, can significantly damage skin, accounting for over 80% of visible skin changes.

What’s more is that as we age, our body’s inflammatory response, meant to protect us, can overact, leading to what some researchers call “inflammaging” - a chronic type of inflammation associated with the aging process. Damaged skin adds to this inflammatory cycle by releasing a cascade of chemicals that further instigate inflammation, potentially affecting the health of other organs.

The BBC article explains how “The chemicals released by diseased and dysfunctional skin soon enter the bloodstream, where they wash around, damaging other tissues. Amid the ensuing systemic inflammation, chemicals from the skin can reach and harm organs that seem entirely unrelated, including your heart and brain. The result is accelerated aging, and a higher risk of developing the majority of – or possibly even all – related disorders. So far, aged or diseased skin has been linked to the onset of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.”

Inflammaging from UV exposure

Since UV radiation is the number one cause of inflammaging, the importance of sun protection can not be overstated. UVA rays in particular, penetrate deep below the surface of our skin, disrupting collagen synthesis and stimulating melanin production. The result is photoaged skin, evident through irregular pigmentation and wrinkles, irrespective of skin tone.

Protecting our skin with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade at peak UV hours is imperative to maintaining our skin health.

But sun protection isn’t the only way to maintain healthy skin, keeping skin moisturized is a close second.

Inflammaging from dry skin

As we get older, our skin’s natural moisturizing factors, lipids, filaggrin, glycol, and sebum start to decline. Unfortunately, dry skin is significantly less effective at providing a barrier against infection, environmental toxins and allergens. But moisturizing can be a game-changer. Studies show that consistent moisturization not only helps to reduce skin inflammation by improving skin barrier health but might also stave off cognitive decline!

Whole-plant skin nutritives like phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can be beneficial to supporting optimal skin barrier function and preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). 

A nutrient-rich serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum can go a long way to replenish skin health by providing it with the nutrients it needs to function beautifully and ward off environmental aggressors.

Our skin is so much more than just a protective barrier between ourselves and the environment. It's a vast and active organ that plays a pivotal role in our overall health.

If your skin is looking slack and feeling like it's missing its usual bounce, it may be time to help boost collagen production.

Praised for its restorative benefits, horsetail is a ‘living fossil’ that has graced our planet with its fern-like fronds for hundreds of millions of years.

A perennial native to the Northern Hemisphere and European countries, horsetail (Equisetum arvense) also goes by the names shave grass, scouring rush, and bottlebrush.

It was used extensively by ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties being first recorded in medical texts by the Greek physician Claudius Galenus during the 17th century.

Containing some of the highest levels of bioavailable silicon in the form of silica and silica acids in the plant world, horsetail helps encourage collagen synthesis boosting skin resiliency and turgor. (Not to be confused with silicone, which is a man-made chemical commonly used in industrial applications.)

This restorative botanical is found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence and helps promote collagen synthesis for a smooth, firm complexion.

Read on to learn how your skin can benefit from this delicate fern…

Restorative Benefits of Horsetail

Firm skin

Containing the highest levels of bioavailable silicon in the form of silica and silica acids in the plant world, this trace mineral is vital for taut skin, strong bones, and lustrous hair and nails. Silica is a vital building block of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. It is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, which help to improve skin strength and elasticity.

Revitalizing

Packed with a flavonoid called isoquercitrin, horsetail extract is touted to speed up cellular regeneration. It may also help support the skin’s wound-healing processes and fight the effects of premature photo-aging.

Calming

Horsetail may help to interrupt the body’s inflammatory response. This action may decrease potential damage to skin structures, premature skin aging, and help to calm reddened skin.

Antioxidant-rich

Elevated free radicals from stress, environmental pollutants, UV rays, and radiation from smartphones and laptops may negatively impact skin health. These unstable molecules can lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation, which may damage cellular DNA and vital skin proteins.

Loaded with natural flavonoids and other antioxidants, horsetail helps curb effects from free radicals and accelerated skin aging.

Nourishing

Horsetail is a natural source of phytonutrients and minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. This makes it a potent nutritive tonic when incorporated into a daily skincare regimen.

Moisturizing

By helping to improve skin texture and providing a rich source of phytonutrients, horsetail improves skin barrier health and moisture retention.

Horsetail has many skin benefits which is why we've included it in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Containing both silica and silica acids in a readily absorbable format, horsetail is an obvious choice for boosting collagen and improving skin health.

Sources:

Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy* Lidiane Advincula de Araújo,1 Flavia Addor,2 and Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos1

Isolated isoquercitrin from Green ball apple peel inhibits photoaging in CCD-986Sk fibroblasts cells via modulation of the MMPs signaling. Eun-Ho Lee 1, Hye-Jin Park 1, Han-Hyuk Kim 2, Hee-Young Jung 3, In-Kyu Kang 4, Young-Je Cho 1

As we age, our skin's texture and ability to retain moisture start to change. This is because the amount of natural oils your skin produces declines dramatically after the age of 40. Some might go so far as to say that their oil glands have gone on strike!

But it’s not just that our skin produces less natural oils. The structure of our skin also changes, becoming thinner and less dense, a change that can further contribute to trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and impaired barrier function.

Both thinner and drier skin can greatly diminish optimal skin barrier function. One of the best things you can do for mature skin is to make sure your skin barrier remains intact and healthy by providing it with the vitamins, nutrients, and moisture that it needs.

Specifically, phytoceramides, precious oils and hyaluronic acid, which act synergistically toghether to mimic the composition of the skin’s natural barrier. Both our serums and our Aspen Dew Essence are designed to provide these key actives and help to promote optimal skin barrier health so you can keep your glow going.

For more on how to naturally boost your skin health and improve barrier function, check out our tips below...

How you can boost skin barrier health

Use a serum daily 

Invest in a clean, results-driven serum, like The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum, that fortifies and nourishes depleted skin with vitamin renewal while shielding against oxidative damage that leads to premature aging.

Use a gentle cleanser twice a day

Oil cleansers are preferred as they clean without stripping. Avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky clean” as this is a sure sign your skin is being stripped of its natural oils and moisture.

Get your Omega 3s

Take a high-quality fish oil or flaxseed Omega 3 supplement, to improve the fatty acid composition of your skin and balance its inflammatory response. Our favorite is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega.

Avoid hot water

Use warm (not hot!) water on your face so you are not stripping your skin of its natural oils and limit over-bathing.

Use SPF

Upgrade your sunscreen game, use a non-nano SPF sunscreen to protect against age spots and skin cancer. Makeup with SPF does not provide the same level of protection. While using SPF may feel over-stated, it remains one of the single most powerful ways to help prevent premature photo-aging. For more on this topic, check out our post on the myriad ways UV rays damage skin.

However you choose to support your skin barrier health, remember, caring for your skin is always an act of self-care. 

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

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

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

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

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

Combined, these deliver:

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

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

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

How to Gua Sha 

1. Cleanse

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

2. Apply Serum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.