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5 Essential Skincare Changes To Make In Winter

5 essential skincare changes to winter-proof your skin. View full article →

The pH Level Of Your Skin And Why It Matters

Your skin's pH level is the difference between a happy, hydrated complexion and skin that’s dry, flaky, breaking out and incredibly sensitive. Let’s take a look at the pH level of your skin and why it matters. View full article →

5 Australian Botanical Skincare Ingredients You Need To Know About

Incredible native plants and superfoods found right here in Australia are shaking up the beauty world thanks to their powerful anti-ageing benefits. Here are 5 Australian botanical skincare ingredients you need in your routine! View full article →

How To Detox Your Beauty Routine in 2019

Move over green juice cleanses and yoga memberships, why not start the new year with a healthy resolution of a different kind?

2019 will be the year I ditch toxic products and switch to clean, green beauty!

Our tips on how to detox your beauty routine will get you started on a path to ditching the toxins.  It’s truly one of the best decisions you can make for your skin and long-term health.

 

Avoid skincare containing the common toxic ingredients

Begin your beauty cabinet detox by clearing out skincare products containing ingredients linked to long-term health issues. Here are a few of the questionable ingredients to look out for that are common in many skincare products.

Parabens

Since the 1950S, parabens have been included in many common beauty products like lotions, shampoos, scrubs, deodorants and cosmetics to act as a preservative. While parabens do a great job preventing bacterial growth, studies have also shown a possible link between parabens, breast cancer and reproductive issues. It’s believed parabens disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen which can trigger an increase in breast cell division and tumour growth.   

Although the true danger of parabens has been contested, why not choose the ‘better safe than sorry’ route and stick with paraben-free products. The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

Phthalates

A family of industrial chemicals, phthalates can be found everywhere. Many personal care products (hair care, body wash, cosmetics), fragrance, household cleaners, and food contain these chemicals.

They’ve been linked to lung, liver and kidney damage and can also affect the reproductive system.

Formaldehyde

 Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that is commonly used in beauty and skincare products to act as a preservative. According to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission:

In excessive amounts, formaldehyde can cause dermatitis, hair loss, permanent skin sensitisation and irritation of the nose and eyes. It can also trigger asthma and breathing difficulties. Formaldehyde is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health

Organisation International Agency for Research on Cancer as a chemical known to cause cancer in humans in circumstances where there is chronic high exposure.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just choose one skincare product to start with. Find a toxic-free alternative that works for you and make the swap one product at a time.

We’ll take this chance to blow our own horn just a little! Every single ingredient we use in Karinda formulations has been thoroughly researched and assessed for safety. You will not find parabens, sulphates, artificial fragrances and colours, petroleum by-products or mineral oil, propylene glycol, EDTA or PEG in any Karinda product. We’re proud to be cruelty-free too!

 

Swap synthetic perfumes for natural fragrance

If you’re using a synthetic perfume, it’s likely to be packed with hormone-disrupting chemicals. The ubiquitous ‘fragrance’ on the ingredients list can hide dozens of toxins. To protect their own secret  formulas, brands are legally allowed to withhold the names of some ingredients on the label, instead just lumping them all together under the title ‘fragrance.’

A much healthier option is choosing a 100%, organic oil based fragrance. Aussie scent creators IME have some beautiful options, all free from artificial and animal fragrances, colours, phthalates, parabens or synthetic ingredients.

 

Choose natural soaps instead of antibacterial hand wash

An artificial antibacterial agent, the chemical triclosan was designed to help kill and hinder the growth of bacteria on the surface of the skin. Triclosan can interrupt with the body's thyroid hormone metabolism, may be a potential endocrine disruptor and there are concerns it can lead to a weakened immune system. Banned from use in household soaps in the US by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016, there is no ban on the chemical in Australia.

Another problem with triclosan is it doesn’t break down easily. This makes products with triclosan vulnerable to adverse chemical reactions when it washes down the drain and ends up in our ocean and waterways. Ultimately it kills off microscopic bacteria in the water environment that the rest of the food chain is dependant on.

Instead of using harsh detergents to do the simple job of washing your hands, opt for a natural bar soap as a safe alternative.

 

Ditch shampoo containing harsh detergents

When it comes to your hair, bubbles are bad news. Synthetic detergents like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), create the frothy foam that makes your hair feel so ‘squeaky clean’ but is doing serious damage in the process. Which isn’t surprising, when you know this detergent is capable of degreasing car engines.

Sodium laureth sulfate strips away your hair’s natural protective barrier of oil, which can cause irritation, dryness and trigger the overproduction of oil, meaning hair becomes ‘dirty’ quickly again. This cycle keeps us buying shampoo, too.

Luckily, there are now plenty of brands offering shampoos without these harsh chemicals, and if you really want to go next level, you could even give shampooless lifestyle a try. It’s not for everyone but some staunch ‘no shampoo’ advocates (usually with curly, wavy hair or thick hair) swear by it.

 

Review your makeup stash

Similar to skincare, chemicals like parabens are added to makeup to keep bacteria and mould from growing posing the health concerns we pointed out earlier. Other problematic ingredients to look out for in your everyday makeup include:

• Carbon Black (Black 2) as it gives mascara and eyeliner a velvety black colour but it’s coal tar. Yes, you read right; coal tar.

• Polyethylene is a plastic, which some studies have shown to be carcinogenic and a skin irritant and used in eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, eyebrow pencils, lipstick, blushers, face powders and foundations.

• Phenylenediamine is a  type of coal tar dye and a respiratory toxicant which can be contaminated with heavy metals. You might see it listed as CL followed by a five-digit number.

While you’re editing your makeup bag, don’t forget to bin any product (synthetic or natural) that has passed the expiry date. If the expiry date isn’t listed on the product  check out this general guide.

Is a beauty detox in the plan for 2019?

Serum vs Face Oil - What's The Difference?

Serum and face oils are both super effective ways to supercharge your skincare routine but there’s often confusion about the different role of each one.

While they may seem similar in their application, they do work differently. Let’s take a look at face oils vs serums and the incredible benefits each one can provide to your skin.

Serums 

Super potent water-based formulations to target specific skin concerns

Essentially, a serum is a water-based formula designed to deliver a super potent combination of ingredients that can deeply penetrate your skin.

Serums are generally formulated with active ingredients like vitamin C, resurfacing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and peptides for collagen production, to treat specific skin concerns.

Whether you’re dealing with acne prone skin, scarring, hyperpigmentation, dryness, wrinkles or mature skin, the addition of serum to treat a specific issue will maximise the results of your standard skincare routine.

The texture of a serum is usually lightweight, being water-based, and is made up of very small molecules. These tiny molecules have the ability to penetrate the skin more easily and deeply than a regular moisturiser. This gives serums a powerful advantage in delivering a potent hit of nutrients and antioxidants directly into the skin.

Although they do deliver hydration to the skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramide, serums aren’t exactly a moisturiser. They work to boost the effectiveness of your usual moisturiser.

When should you apply a serum?

Serum should be the next product you apply after cleansing and toning. When the skin is fresh and free of any dirt or other products, the serum can deeply penetrate the skin and absorption is maximised.

Follow up with a moisturiser which will seal in all the goodness of the serum.

Our Rejuvenating Serum contains Phyto-active Australian Native Extracts:

• Kakadu Plum  - The world’s richest source of natural vitamin C.
• Davidson Plum - Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Promotes collagen production.
• Quandong - Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Enhances vitamin C activity.
• Mountain Pepper Leaf - Anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Face Oil  

Delivers nourishment and increasing hydration. Excellent for dry or oily skin.

Face Oil is a single or blend of botanical / herbal oils, packed with the natural benefits of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The main purpose of face oil is to improve hydration, nurture the skin and provide it with lipids.

Basically, lipids help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier which helps it retain moisture and keep out impurities. Lipids also play an important role in protecting skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage that can lead to premature ageing.  

Face oil boosts hydration levels by sealing in water from your moisturiser, preventing it evaporating off the skin. Your skin cells then drink up the water that’s been trapped in while the oil remains on the outside of the cell keeping it lubricated and protected.

For this reason, face oil is best used in conjunction with your daily moisturiser, not as a replacement for it.

Although the main mission of face oil is to hydrate and nourish, many blends include essential oils to treat specific skin issues too, like lavender to heal, rose oil for anti-ageing, avocado oil to brighten skin and tea tree oil for breakouts.

The molecules of face oils are larger than serums so they can’t penetrate quite as deep however, the right face oil can make a huge difference for dry, dehydrated skin. Face oils are especially beneficial if your skin becomes extremely dry due to seasonal changes like cold or drier weather.

As strange as it may sound, using face oil is also a remedy for combating oily skin. Skin goes into overdrive producing sebum when the skin is dry and stripped on its natural oils. By applying a face oil, your skin gets the message that it has sufficient oil, thus will produce less sebum and skin will naturally balance out.

When should you apply a face oil?

Face oil should be after your moisturiser to maximise the benefits of your moisturiser and seal in the hydration.

Boost the effects of face oil by applying as part of your evening routine while your skin goes into repair mode during the night.

Our Sacred Youth Oil contains Phyto-active Australian Native Extracts

• Kakadu Plum - The world’s richest source of natural vitamin C.
• Native Australian Sandalwood - Reduces fine lines, improve skin tone and hydration and increase derma strength

Hopefully, we’ve helped clear up any confusion around the different uses and benefits of face oil and serum. They’ll both make incredibly beneficial additions to your skincare routine.

How To Apply Skincare Products In The Right Order

The way you apply your skincare matters. Do it wrong and you’ll miss out on maximising the benefits of each individual product. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide on how to apply basic skincare products in the right order.

One thing to remember, even if you don’t have every product in this list, or you have more, the general rule is to apply products from the lightest to heaviest.

Step 1 - Cleansing

Even if you cleansed the night before and your morning face is bare and makeup-free, you still need to wash it. Your skin secretes oil during sleep and there may be residue from the nighttime products you applied. You need to start with a beautifully clean slate so other products will be absorbed properly and their results maximised. 

We recommend using a gentle, low foaming cleanser free from sulfates. Sulfates are chemicals found in many synthetic cleansers, they’ll leave your skin feeling dry and tight and you definitely want to avoid this.

Planning a mask treatment? Apply this after cleansing.

We recommend:  Karinda Purifying Cleanser

A milky low foaming cleanser that gently removes makeup, dead skin and surface impurities leaving the skin feeling fresh and revitalised.  Contains a detoxifying sea salt extract to help stimulate the excretion of pollutants from skin cells. An excellent preparation for the skin before the application of serums and moisturisers.  

Step 2 - An alcohol-free toner

Once you’ve cleansed, move quickly onto the toning step. When your skin is still damp from the cleanse it will absorb the toner more readily, maximising its benefits. 

Toner is a bit of a misunderstood skincare product, often skipped or seen as not important. The truth is, if you’re ditching the toner, you’re missing out on some serious benefits it delivers.

A quality toner will balance the skin’s pH level, support the skin’s natural defence barrier and help the products that follow to absorb properly.

It also acts a second cleanser, removing any impurities and dirt the cleanser may have left deeper in the pore. Apply the toner all over your face and move on to the next step before it dries.

Step 3 - Serum  

What does a serum do for your skin? The role of a serum is to deliver a concentrated hit of active ingredients to target specific conditions. The potency of a serum’s ingredients is higher than a moisturising cream and with smaller molecules, it can penetrate deeply into the skin.

Serum also offers additional protection from UV light, debris in the environment and pollution.

Apply the serum all over while your skin is still moist from the toner. If you’re using a spot treatment, this is also the time to apply it.

We recommend: Karinda Rejuvenating Serum

A super concentrated serum fortified with powerful bioactive ingredients to help improve the skin's tone, firmness and elasticity. Use in conjunction with Karinda's Nourishing Moisturiser and Purifying Cleanser for maximum benefit.

 

Step 4 - Moisturiser

Next stop is hydration, hydration, hydration. The most basic role of your moisturiser is to hydrate and soften skin. This, in turn, plumps out skin and minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturisers hold water in the outermost layer of skin and also act as a temporary defence against environmental stressors and free radical damage.

Every skin type, even the oiliest ones, need a quality moisturiser. Healthy skin is hydrated skin.

We recommend: Karinda Nourishing Moisturiser  

A luxurious lightweight lotion providing nourishing nutrients to the skin. Helps to maintain the skin's hydration without feeling oily or heavy. Formulated with a biologically active peptide to stimulate the skin’s own defence mechanisms against UV and pollution damage.

Step 5 (morning) - SPF protection

If your moisturiser doesn’t include SPF, now is the time to apply it. We doubt there’s a skin expert out there who wouldn’t agree that applying sunscreen is hands down the most effective preventative method for the visible signs of ageing. Even more importantly, it can prevent certain types of cancers forming.

We recommend applying a broad spectrum, physical (mineral) sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and many contain ingredients including oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can interfere with usual hormone function.

Physical sunscreens provide protection by sitting on top of the skin to prevent UV rays entering the body. The main active ingredients in physical sunscreen - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - are safe to use on skin.

Step 5 (Night)  - Face oil

Swap the sunscreen step for a rich face oil at night. At night, Your skin’s detox enzymes get to work and DNA repair is active. A nourishing face oil will boost the skin’s nighttime restorative process and provide a protective seal, preventing moisture evaporation at night.

During the day, you can also apply face oil over sunscreen, before makeup application.

We recommend: Karinda Sacred Youth Oil:

An exquisite blend of healing, nutrient-rich botanical oils to indulge and beautify your skin. Featuring Native Australian Sandalwood Seed Oil, rich in Ximenynic acid, a rare fatty acid known to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone and hydration and increase derma strength.

Have you been applying products in the correct order? Get the basics right and you’ll maximise the benefits of each product in your routine.

The Quandong - Australia’s Most Potent Natural Skincare Ingredient?

Have you heard of one of Australia’s most potent anti-ageing skin superfoods, the Quandong?

This desert fruit has been used for centuries by Australia’s Aboriginal people for healing purposes and is incredibly beneficial in skin care.

At Karinda, we’re committed to using Australia’s botanical gems in our range and we absolutely love the Quandong; read on to find out why!

What exactly is Quandong?

The Quandong is truly a unique native Aussie fruit found throughout central deserts and southern areas of Australia. Also called Wild Peach, Desert Peach or Native Peach, if you haven’t used Quandong in skincare, you may have eaten it instead! It’s a popular fruit for jam, with a taste similar to peach or apricot mixed with rhubarb.

This potent superfood is used by Australia's Aboriginal people, both as a food and for a variety of medicinal purposes; its kernels are 25% protein and 70% complex oils.

It’s full of antioxidants

The Quandong fruit is an antioxidant powerhouse.

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, the negatively charged particles that enter the skin, causing it to age prematurely.

Any fruit or ingredient packed with antioxidants is a skin win in our book! The Quandong actually has the second highest amount of antioxidants among all fruits measured, even beating blueberries which are widely known for their high level of antioxidants.

Vitamin C

With twice the vitamin C of an orange, the Quandong fruit delivers big time on this crucial vitamin for skin health.

Getting quality doses of vitamin C helps boost collagen production, keeping skin plump and wrinkles at bay. It also helps protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun's UVB and UVA rays.

We don’t need to tell you how important daily sunscreen is, but you can also bump up your protection by making sure vitamin C is included in your skincare.

Anti-inflammatory superpower

Rutin is a bioflavonoid, or plant pigment, found in certain vegetables and fruits including Quandong. It’s the strong anti-inflammatory properties of rutin that makes it especially beneficial for skin.

When inflammation is triggered in the body, it can show up in your skin in the form of acne breakouts, redness or flakiness skin. If these sort of inflammatory responses go unchecked, they can produce hormones and free radicals that can damage skin tissue.

If you’re battling dark circles and puffiness under your eyes, rutin can help too. It strengthens capillaries, reducing the amount of blood that pools under the delicate skin below your eyes. This is what causes those tired looking circles!

Opting for botanical ingredients, like Quandong, is an effective and natural anti-inflammatory solution for stressed out skin. Quandong is also an ideal ingredient for sensitive skin types.

Vitamin E

Along with vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant on the front line when it comes to defending your skin from aggravators like pollution, stress, smoke and less-than-healthy foods.

Found in Quandong, this skin-saving vitamin forms a barrier around cells to keep them hydrated and healthy. Like rutin, vitamin E is also highly anti-inflammatory and relieve itchy, dry, red skin.

Phenolic Acids

Phenolic acids work in a similar way to alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), gently exfoliating the uppermost layers of skin. Phenolic acids reveal fresher, refined skin that appears brighter and over time, becomes firmer. The Quandong is also high in wrinkle-busting essential fatty acids for a smoother, plumper complexion.

Have we convinced you that the Quandong is an incredible ingredient for skincare? 

We definitely think so; that’s why we’ve included it in the Karinda range. Our award-winning Rejuvenating Serum is a super concentrated serum fortified with powerful bioactive ingredients, including Quandong fruit extract to help improve the skin's tone, firmness and elasticity.

These 4 lifestyle choices are making you look older, quicker

Unhealthy food choices, stress, poor sleep and too much sun are seriously ageing your skin.

It’s not only a daily swag of skincare products that keep your complexion fresh. Lifestyle has a big impact on how quickly your skin ages and if you want to look younger for longer (who doesn’t?) steer clear of these habits.

Indulging in too many sugary treats and high GI foods

Raiding the cookie jar for an afternoon sugar hit might be tasty but it’s not doing your face any favours.

Foods like white bread, cookies, pastries, anything packed with processed sugar and even some fruits rate high on the glycemic index (GI).

The body turns high GI foods into glucose super quickly, which leads to a speedy spike in insulin levels. This spike creates a surge of inflammation in the body, which isn’t good news for your skin. It stimulates enzymes that play a role in breaking down collagen and can also worsen skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

Opting for healthy low GI foods - which release insulin more slowly and steadily - is a skin saving way to fill up at meal times. In general, a diet including a range of healthy fats (olive oil, avocado), lean proteins (salmon), fibre (broccoli and cauliflower), antioxidants (berries) can reduce inflammation in the body.

Skimping on sleep

Consistently missing out of quality shut-eye puts you on a fast track to looking years older.  

Sleep is a time for the body to heal, renew and flush toxins from the skin.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re preventing your body carrying out these crucial functions at its most optimal level.

Dark undereye circles are the most obvious tell-tale sign you’re not getting sufficient ZZZZzz; lack of sleep causes the blood vessels to dilate and show through the delicate skin under the eye. Poor sleep also affects skin elasticity; leading to a sagging complexion with lines and wrinkles becoming more pronounced.

Breakouts can also increase. Our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol when we don’t get enough sleep; leading to fresh breakouts and making existing acne worse.

The quality of sleep is also key. Maybe you’re sleeping 8 hours a night but if it’s restless, broken sleep your skin still won’t have the chance to heal itself like it would with 8 quality hours.

Not being a stickler for sun protection

Of the environmental factors that lead to premature skin ageing the sun takes first prize as most damaging. We’re all for heading outdoors and getting active but don’t skip the sunscreen.

Spending too long in the sun without quality sun protection leads to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, sun spots and a change in skin texture.

The UV light from the sun responsible for causing most of the visible signs is UVA. UVA rays seriously damage collagen structure because they penetrate more deeply into the layers of skin than UVB rays.

UVB rays, however, are responsible for the more immediate result of too much time in the sun, sunburn, leading to dry, tight and sore skin. Overexposure to UVB can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen; it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Including sun protection in your daily routine, no matter the weather or season, is a non-negotiable if you’re truly committed slowing down the signs of ageing.

Sky high stress levels...all the time

If you’re constantly stressed, anxious and tense, it’s guaranteed to show up on your face.

Under stress, our bodies produce the stress hormone cortisol, just like it does when we’re not sleeping enough.  If you’re living in a chronic state of stress, cortisol is constantly surging through your body.

This triggers an elevation in blood sugar, which damages the skin’s collagen and elastin. Cortisol can also lead to thinning of the skin, slow wound healing and make the skin more susceptible to infection.

High levels of anxiety can also suppress your skin’s hyaluronic acid production which can result in dryness, making wrinkles and worry lines appear deeper.  

Opt for an extra nourishing moisturiser during stressful periods to give your skin extra support and stay hydrated with plenty of water. Be kind to skin that’s already under stress - skip toxin-filled products and make plant-basedd skincare choices instead.

4 great reasons to start using face oils

 

Face oils. There's so much to love about them.

Oils can unclog pores, plump out lines, level up your moisturising efforts and protect skin from free radicals.

There can be confusion around oils though; how do they work with moisturisers?  Why would you apply oil to oily skin? We’ve got answers; here's the lowdown on what face oils can do for your complexion.

Boost your moisturiser results with face oil

Helloooo hydration. The best way to maximise the supple skin effects of a face oil is to apply it after you moisturise with a cream or lotion.

Face oils will seal in water from the moisturiser, preventing it evaporating off the skin. Your skin cells then drink up the water that’s been trapped in while the oil remains on the outside of the cell keeping it lubricated and protected.

Applying face oil before bed gives your skin a chance to soak up the goodness overnight; also a smart idea for thicker oils that may be a little too shiny for daytime!

Face oils protect from free radical damage

Face oil not only helps seal in moisture, it also keeps the bad stuff out.

Your skin is constantly under attack by free radicals; in fact, the air around you might actually be one of your skin’s biggest enemies! Free radicals are the damaging molecules that come from UV light, pollution, cigarette smoke and any chemicals in the air. Free radicals are responsible for damaging the skin’s DNA and breaking down collagen which speeds up the ageing process.

Face oils work by forming a protective barrier on the skin, minimising free radical penetration of the epidermis and fighting off the damage they cause.

Face oils reduce the look of wrinkles

A few oils, in particular, have earned themselves an A++ when it comes to plumping out wrinkles and lines. Native Australian Sandalwood Seed Oil is rich in Ximenynic acid, a rare fatty acid known to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone and increase hydration and derma strength.  

Rosehip oil is also a superstar anti-ageing oil; it powers up healthy skin cell production and stimulates fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for creating collagen and increasing the firmness of skin, keeping wrinkles at bay.

Face oil can help clear up an oily complexion (weird but true)

It may seem a little crazy to use oil on top of skin that’s already oily but hear us out.

Excess production of oil occurs when the oil-water content of skin is out of whack. Using products that strip your skin of oil in an effort to banish shiny complexion syndrome makes the problem worse. Skin produces more oil in an effort to overcompensate for the oil that’s been stripped away. It’s one vicious, oily cycle.

By using a face oil, you’re not stripping the skin so the sebaceous glands won’t go crazy making extra oil and your complexion will stay balanced.

Not all oils are created equal though. The best ones for oily skin are those that are anti-bacterial and super soothing like chamomile or jojoba.

Pro tip: These two oils also tighten pores and help them appear smaller; making them a great primer for makeup.

 Ready to try the beauty-boosting benefits of face oil for yourself? Our Sacred Youth Face Oil is an exquisite blend of healing, nutrient-rich botanical oils; including Kakadu Plum and Native Australian Sandalwood, to indulge and beautify your skin.

Sacred Youth Oil - The ultimate facial oil for youthful radiant skin!

 

I am so excited to announce the release of our new Sacred Youth Oil. This beautiful and unique blend of nutrient rich plant oils is a must have for your skincare collection. Featuring Native Australian Sandalwood Seed Oil, rich in the rare Ximenymic Acid known for its powerful anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone and hydration and increase derma strength. You don't need to worry about greasiness with this oil. It is fast absorbing without leaving a greasy residue. Say hello to beautiful, healthy and youthful skin! :)

Tricia
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