I—like a lot of other people with a uterus, have been on “the pill” for almost ten years. For so long, it was just something I never even thought twice about, I would just wake up, swallow my birth control, and go about my day. That is until I was trying to manage balancing my hormones, my contraceptive options, and the state of my health, which in turn, had a pretty big impact on my skin—something I was not expecting at all. 

Last year, the chaos of the pandemic finally managed to reach every little corner and piece of my life—even my hormonal birth control. On a Sunday morning in March, just like I did every four weeks, I sat at the pharmacy window to pick up my pack of pills for that month. But when I opened up the package, my usual brand of birth control was not inside. Instead, I was given an off-brand generic version of my usual medication. 

My first reaction was to call my doctor, of course. When I spoke to my gynecologist, I was told that this new pill pack was the ‘exact same pill.’ According to my doctor and pharmacist, this new pill had the same dosages of hormones, it was just the generic, non-name brand version of my usual medicine. So naturally, I continued to take the oral contraceptive and go on with my life. Supply chain problems, what can ya do?

Two months later, and two pill packs in of this new medicine, my skin was a disaster. It was the first time in my life I had struggled with acne, and though that in itself may have been a blessing, it was frustrating being a 21 year old with what felt like the skin helplessness of a middle schooler.

It was the first time I recognized the relationship between mental health and acne. I was discouraged, confused, and extremely self conscious. I weighed all of my options for this random acne crisis that was so out of character for my skin—could it be stress? My diet? The products I was using? My mask? I began to trial and error, becoming increasingly frustrated, and hitting dead ends. 

An estimated 14% of those with a uterus aged 15-49 in the USA take birth control. Some take the birth control pill for its intended use, while others take the pill for its long list of unintended side effects, including acne treatment. However, for a portion of people, certain birth control pills can cause acne due to the skin’s reaction to the androgenic effect that some birth controls have. Androgens are characteristically male hormones that contribute to acne, hair loss, and unwanted hair growth.

This hormonal birth control for me was stubborn. It consisted of an extremely rough and bumpy skin texture around my jawline, with tiny whiteheads that just multiplied on the surface of my skin. I was also experiencing acne around my mouth and nose that was deep, under the skin, and painful. 

It wasn’t until my skin continued to worsen for another month, and with another pill pack gone, that I thought about the impact that this different medicine may be having on my skin.

I was so confused, I thought birth control was supposed to help clear skin? In fact, most times, it does. And in my case specifically, it probably was a factor in my clear skin before I had the unwanted pill change, and this new medicine was not reacting to my body in a regular way. 

At this point it was June, I was going through a ton of emotional and physical stress, changes in environment, and my body felt all out of sorts. So, I decided to stop taking the birth control pill altogether. I had no idea if my birth control was what was negatively affecting my skin, but I was at the breaking point of trying everything but this, so why not at least see? Less than a month after stopping, my skin started to clear immediately, and by August and September, it had returned almost completely back to normal. 

In combination with stopping the hormonal pill, I began using a face cleanser meant to target stubborn hormonal acne, PanOxyl. This water-based cleanser has 10% benzoyl peroxide to tackle deep, under-the-skin acne. It was truly the only staple skin care product that I saw results with at the time. The cleanser has strong acne-fighting ingredients, which in turn brought on a bit of dry skin.

I made sure to use a hydrating moisturizing cream to protect and nourish my barrier. One of my favorites is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, formulated with colloidal oatmeal, a skin protectant, and allantoin, a humectant that helps to calm irritated skin. 

During this time, I also used a TON of SPF. Active skin care ingredients are strong and it was the dead of summer. You could find me in SPF 50, a hat and sunglasses, under an umbrella, under an awning. 

The Bottom Line

Birth control has a powerful effect on your hormones, and your hormones have a direct correlation with your skin. If you are struggling with hormonal birth control or stubborn hormonal acne, have a conversation with your doctor about your concerns and needs, and remember that your acne is not your fault!

+Have you had this experience? If so, drop your tips below!

The post How Can Birth Control Impact Your Skin? appeared first on The Klog.

Retinol this, retinol that. There’s plenty to love about retinol, the miracle ingredient that helps to prevent wrinkles, fade scars and improve skin texture. But let’s not forget that the ingredient has its drawbacks: skin irritation, redness and photosensitivity, not to mention that most retinols are either animal-derived or lab-engineered. 

That’s where bakuchiol — the plant-based ingredient that’s being hailed as the natural alternative to retinol — comes in. 

Bakuchiol? What?

Pronounced ba-koo-chee-ul, it’s an antioxidant sourced from the Babchi plant. The ingredient has its roots in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, where it’s used to treat everything from psoriasis, vitiligo, leukoderma and even osteoporosis. 

That’s why it makes sense that the ingredient has been gaining traction in the skin care community. Some people refer to bakuchiol as nature’s botox, and for good reason— it increases your skin’s cell turnover, thereby helping to diminish signs of aging, even out skin tone, restore firmness and refine pores. 

So what’s the difference between bakuchiol and retinol? 

Molecularly speaking, bakuchiol and retinol are nothing alike. Bakuchiol is always derived from a plant, but retinol can be harvested from a variety of sources, including animal byproducts. Both, however, are known for their ability to increase cell turnover and address signs of aging. One study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that bakuchiol performed just as well as retinol in reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. 

The study also found that retinol users reported more skin irritation and scaling. For many bakuchiol users, its soothing properties  are the main appeal of bakuchiol. It’s a gentler, vegan alternative to retinol. 

Because it’s an antioxidant, bakuchiol is also pregnancy-safe and doesn’t make your skin photosensitive in the same way that retinol does. 

That being said, bakuchiol has only recently entered the cosmetics world, so there isn’t nearly as much research behind the ingredient as there is with retinol. Nevertheless, the general consensus is that bakuchiol is the gentler, pregnancy-safe little sister to retinol. If you’re looking for an ingredient that’s similar to retinol without the harsh side effects, bakuchiol is your match made in heaven. 

How do I incorporate bakuchiol into my routine? 

Bakuchiol is having its breakthrough moment in the skin care industry, which means that your options for incorporating the ingredient into your routine are endless.

For the Korean skin care junkie: Neogen Real Firming Bakuchiol Serum

This Real Firming Bakuchiol Serum from Neogen pairs bakuchiol with powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, squalane and tea tree extract to refresh and recharge your skin. It’ll leave your skin glowy, bouncy, and hydrated without that sticky residue. Yes, please. 

 For the beauty queen that needs an overnight facial: Cocokind Resurfacing Sleep Mask

Who wouldn’t want to wake up with baby-soft skin? Ingredients like bakuchiol, wild indigo extract and beta-glucan work overnight to reduce redness, dryness and sensitivity, all while leaving your skin soft and supple. 

For the indecisive retinol user that just can’t give up retinol: Versed Gentle Retinol Serum

 If you’re in a long term relationship with retinol, but you want to branch out and try bakuchiol the Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum from Versed is the best of both worlds. With a mix of microencapsulated retinol and bakuchiol, this serum was specifically formulated for first-time retinol users in mind. Apply it at night and you’ll wake up with supple skin and unclogged pores. 

For the skin care slacker: Naturium Retinol Complex Cream

We’ve all been there. Sometimes, applying a bunch of serums at the end of a long day is a chore. This Retinol Complex Cream from Naturium does it all for you, blending bakuchiol with retinol, squalane and lipids to tune up your skin without the irritation. 

The bottom line: bakuchiol is a gentler, natural alternative to retinol that offers the same great benefits. 

+What’s your favorite skin care ingredient on the rise?

The post Here’s How to Incorporate Bakuchiol, AKA Nature’s Botox, Into Your Skin Care Routine appeared first on The Klog.

Sometimes, it’s hard to separate the acne we experience from our personal identities. It’s easy to let acne feel like a part of our identity big enough to impact the rest of our lives– and even let it negatively affect our mental health.

But it’s so important to remember, you are not your acne. Your identity is strong and powerful among all things! Here is more information about the relationship between acne and mental health, and tips to keep thinking positively.

Acne and Mental Health

It’s not uncommon to get in your head when you’re experiencing skin struggles.

Along with the self-consciousness that can surround breakouts, anxiety and depression, among other mental health issues, can appear alongside acne. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, in the first year following an acne diagnosis, patients have a 63 percent increased risk of developing depression compared to patients who did not have acne.

Acne has also been said to impact the way we socialize with others. In a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, it was stated that acne and acne scarring impacted the way people present themselves in social situations, as well as even impacting the clothes those with acne chose to wear 

What to Do If You’re Struggling

If you feel like your mental health—whether that is anxiety, depression, or a negative self-image—is impacting the way you live your daily life, it may be worth reaching out to someone to receive help. 

Luckily, therapy is more accessible than it has ever been. Resources like Better Help and Talkspace offer affordable, professional therapy from anywhere.

Surrounding yourself with skin positivity is also a great way to combat the negative associations we’ve been conditioned to think about acne. If you’re on social media, following acne positive accounts, like isofiagrahn’s Sofia Grahn , Evelyn of normalise.acne, and Taylor from taylor_unfiltered, will help you unpack just why we feel so bad about ourselves when we experience breakouts. We are not our skin and there’s nothing inherently bad about acne! 

To take skin positivity a step further, separate your acne from your identity. Keep a journal and jot down three things you love or like about yourself everyday. 

Conquer Skin Positivity But Still Ready To Tackle Acne?

When it comes to your acne, it can be hard to know what is causing the breakouts and in turn, difficult to pinpoint a solution. One thing that is important to remember when your skin isn’t being agreeable is that sometimes, less is more. 

First off, if you have access to a dermatologist, visit them! If your acne is persistent, painful, or deep, a derm can provide the help you need.

If you’re looking for additional acne insight, you should keep your skin care routine simple. Don’t over-cleanse or use products with harsh ingredients.

Dermatologists recommend using gentle cleansers with an active acne-fighting ingredient like salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that clears excess oil and dirt, or benzoyl peroxide, which guards against inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria.

It can be tempting to steer away from moisturizers if you have acne-prone skin, but it’s just as important to hydrate skin with acne as skin without it, to maintain balance in the skin barrier. Look for a lightweight moisturizer with an anti-inflammatory agent or extract with antioxidant properties, like this Mugwort Cream by I’m From.

Avoid picking at your acne and skin. An easy way to aid this is utilizing an acne patch, like The Klog’s Soft Shield Pimple Patch. Physical shields helps keep your hands off your acne! 

Bottom Line

If you can’t seem to figure out what products to use and when for your acne, reach out to your dermatologist and have a conversation about the next best steps to take for your skin! And the same goes for your mental health, never hesitate to reach out and ask for help when life feels difficult, no matter the reason. 

Remember, you are not your acne and you are worthy of all the happiness!

The post How to Take Care of Your Mental Health When Struggling With Acne appeared first on The Klog.

There is nothing more irritating than acne that isn’t quite acne. Trust me, we’ve all been there: incessantly picking at those tiny, pesky white bumps on your forehead, hoping and praying that they’ll miraculously vanish. 

Turns out, those pint-sized bumps have a name. Known as one of the milder forms of acne, closed comedones, AKA whiteheads, arise when a skin follicle is clogged by sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, these closed comedones cannot be pushed out — so treating them goes way beyond squeezing them. 

How to Spot Close Comedones AKA Whiteheads 

Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules… does the list ever end? 

A common mistake that’s made when treating acne is not knowing what type of acne you’re dealing with. Similar to whiteheads, fungal acne and milia both appear on your skin as small, raised bumps. So, let’s dive into how they differ from closed comedones! 

Fungal acne — also referred to as Pityrosporum folliculitis — isn’t acne, technically. Caused by a yeast infection, fungal acne can be identified by itchy, small red bumps. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are white, non-itchy bumps. 

Likewise, milia is the result of keratin overgrowth. They appear on your skin as grain-sized, white bumps. However, unlike closed comedones AKA whiteheads, the area around milia is not as inflamed or raised. 

Tips For Treating Closed Comedones

The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to eradicating whiteheads.

1.Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is revered in the K-beauty world, and rightfully so. A double cleansing ritual consists of two parts: first, an oil-based cleanser to take care of makeup and oil buildup, and then a water-based cleanser to deeply remove old skin cells, bacteria, and other water-based impurities. 

By engaging in two rounds of cleansing, you’re helping remove the stubborn gunk 

and leftover makeup in your pores, giving your skin a breath of fresh air. Then I Met You’s award-winning Cleansing Duo combines a double cleansing ritual with nourishing ingredients like rice extract and Vitamin E to cleanse your skin without excessive irritation. 

2. Tea Tree Oil 

TikTokers swear by this at-home remedy for comedonal acne. Tea tree oil is a godsend for killing bacteria and calming inflammation. However, it should be used sparingly as it can cause dryness, blisters or rashes when applied directly to the skin. Instead, incorporating it into your skin care routine with products like Benton’s cult-favorite Tea Tree Serum is the safer route.

For those that suffer from whiteheads on the body, this Tea Tree Care Body Spray from KLAVUU features tea tree oil and salicylic acid to fight breakouts all around your body. 

3. Azelaic acid 

Azelaic acid is a skin care powerhouse: it clears your pores of bacteria while soothing inflammation. Dermatologists rave about azelaic acid for its gentleness on the skin and its versatility. Naturium’s Azelaic Acid Emulsion contains a concentrated blend of azelaic acid, bio-retinol and niacinamide, perfect for zapping away those stubborn whiteheads. 

4. Hands Off! 

The golden rule in skin care is that picking at your pimples is never a good thing. In the case of whiteheads, this still holds true. As satisfying as it is to pop your pimples, popping whiteheads may contribute to more sebum and bacteria buildup in your pores, in addition to infecting or scarring your skin. As someone who is frequently resisting the urge to pop my pimples, I like to apply pimple patches to bigger whiteheads to avoid the temptation. 

5. Retinol 

Retinol is frequently referred to as a miracle ingredient for anti-aging, but it also does wonders for pore clearing, too. By increasing your cell turnover, retinol not only keeps your skin glowing, but it also makes sure that your pores aren’t blocked. Depending on your skin preferences, prescription retinoids or over-the-counter retinol, like Versed’s Press Restart Serum, are both effective options.

+Do you have closed comedones? How do you tackle them?

The post Here’s How to Zap Away Those Annoying Forehead Bumps appeared first on The Klog.

As a child, the refrain of “finish all your vegetables” probably haunted most of your mealtimes. However, as an adult, you’ve most likely found that veggies have infiltrated your overpriced green juices, NutriBullet smoothies, homemade meals, and, unknowingly, your skin care. 

Before you let out an audible gasp, let us provide some historical context. Apart from their many internal health benefits via consumption, vegetables, herbs, and roots, like wild yam root, have been utilized for centuries in Eastern Asian holistic health practices for their benefits, so their current incorporation into skin care isn’t surprising, especially during a rise in natural and hanbang ingredients.

Although wild yam root extract (dioscorea villosa) sounds like it should be on your dinner plate, the beneficial root is currently finding itself on faces across South Korea due to its likeness to K-Beauty staple snail mucin. We’re currently in love with this trending ingredient and want to let you in on all of its plant-based hydrating goodness. 

Ready to explore wild yam root extract AKA phyto mucin? 

Wild Yam Extract (Phyto Mucin) in Skin Care

Wild yam root isn’t actually all that new to skin care! For years, skin care professionals, cosmetic chemists, and dermatologists have incorporated the plant-based phyto mucin into anti-aging skin care because the extract contains a unique compound called diosgenin.

According to Hindawi, a scientific journal, diosgenin helps delay the skin from chronological aging and contributes to reverse photoaging skin damage. Some studies have also shown that the diosgenin content from wild yam extract can also act as an effective inhibitor of hyperpigmentation, making it a suitable ingredient for folks trying to fade acne scars or skin discoloration. 

Wild Yam Extract (Phyto Mucin) As A Plant Based Alternative to Snail Mucin

Unless you’ve been MIA from the skin care side of social media or the internet, then you probably have seen influencers and netizens sing praises of one peculiar K-Beauty ingredient produced from our friendly gastropods: snail mucin. 

The skin care community loves snail mucin due its truly astonishing multitasking abilities. Snail mucin, AKA snail secretion filtrate, does everything from plump and hydrate to regenerate and battle hyperpigmentation.

In Korea, wild yam extract is being explored as a phyto mucin, or a plant-based alternative to snail mucin due to its similarity in texture and its skin care benefits, including its antibacterial, antioxidant, brightening, and skin healing effects on the skin. 

So, if you’re looking for an alternative to Korean skin care’s favorite ingredient, snail mucin, we recommend finding products that contain a high-level concentration of wild yam extract, a phyto mucin, which delivers similar results. 

Wild Yam Extract Recommendation: So, are you ready for our product recommendations? 

If you’re looking for a product that combines both of our favorite mucins, snail mucin and wild yam extract (phyto mucin), we highly recommend adding the newly launched Klog Snail Mucin Energy Essence into your skin regimen. This fast-absorbing gel-to-liquid essence is formulated with 90% snail mucin and wild yam extract (phyto mucin) to deeply hydrate all skin types while improving skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. 

If you’re looking for a solely vegan solution to irritated skin that incorporates wild yam extract, we recommend the Leaders All Filter Mask Zone Mist. Due to the new normalities created by the most recent pandemic, wearing a face mask has become a daily ritual that we have all inherited. However, due to the hot, moist environment created by wearing a face mask, our skin can become easily irritable, eventually leading to breakouts making us dread wearing a face mask. But with Leaders latest skin care innovation, the All Filter Mask Zone Mist calms irritated skin, using cica and phyto mucin to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier while fighting external aggressors. 

Final Thoughts: 

Not only is wild yam extract great for your health, but studies and scientific research has also shown it to be a game-changing skin care ingredient that you’ll probably want to incorporate into your 2022 skin care regimen. Watch as phyto mucin quickly becomes your new strengthening, hydrating, and regenerating BFF.

+Have you tried wild yam root extract? Let us know if you like it below!

The post Ingredient Spotlight: Is Wild Yam Root Extract (Phyto Mucin) The Newest Alternative to Snail Mucin? appeared first on The Klog.

Have you ever spent 30 minutes pampering your skin with an arsenal of products at night only to wake up with a splotchy complexion in the morning? Or maybe you’ve left the house with flawless skin only to be greeted by red patches in the office bathroom mirror?

There are a lot of reasons why, despite your best efforts, your skin could be flaring up. We asked two dermatologists to share their tips on getting to the bottom of the issue and because you can’t always control redness, the best remedies for calming down your complexion fast.

What’s going on?

Stress, spicy foods, alcohol, product sensitivity, exercise and even the temperature outside can all cause facial redness.

To help pinpoint your triggers – the first step in managing the issue – note if the redness developed after experiencing any of the factors listed above.

A red complexion could also be a sign that you’re not taking care of your body. “A few lifestyle habits that can help reduce facial redness include adequate intake of water, getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, consuming a balanced diet with good portions of fruits and vegetables and taking probiotics,” says Steve Wang, a New Jersey-based dermatologist and co-founder of Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare.

Or, your flushed cheeks could be the result of a common skin condition like rosacea, but more on that later.

How to Treat It

Incorporating calming products with anti-inflammatory ingredients into your routine may not erase redness completely, but can help prevent flare-ups and tone them down.

According to  Wang, one of these ingredients is licorice root, which can be found in the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum, a lightweight formula that smoothes and soothes.

Another is chamomile, a star ingredient in  RE:P’s Bio Fresh Mask With Real Calming Herb.

For redness related to dry skin, New York City cosmetic dermatologist Sejal Shah recommends nourishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide.

The SKINRx MadeCera Face Cream contains the latter and plumps, hydrates and brightens the complexion.
Shah will sometimes advise her patients to whip up a calming mask at home (always consult with your dermatologist before trying any DIY treatment). Her personal recipe contains oatmeal, honey, turmeric, chamomile and plain yogurt, which all have soothing effects. She’ll also apply a cool green or chamomile tea bag over an inflamed area. “It works wonders,” she says.

When to See An Expert

If the redness persists for one to two weeks, is concentrated around the cheeks and nose and includes other symptoms like broken capillaries and acne-like bumps, you may have rosacea, and Shah recommends visiting your dermatologist.

While not curable, Dr. Shah says that treatments, like topical medication and laser therapy, can be more effective if you catch it early.

Bottom Line:

You can finally start to get yourself on the path to stop asking yourself, “Why is my face red all the time?” Simply start making some lifestyle changes and start using the recommended products above. If the redness persists, it’s time to see a derm.

+ What are your best tips for combatting redness? Share them below!

The post The Reason Why You Can’t Seem to Get Rid of Your Facial Redness appeared first on The Klog.

Dull skin’s a drag. We’re all aware of this, especially during this time of the year when it seems every environmental factor is out there trying to dim our glow.

In an effort to liven and brighten up our skin, a few of us (we won’t name names) reach for illuminating primers and shiny highlighters. Of course, these products will momentarily hide the skin’s dullness, but at the end of the night when you double cleanse, the dullness will once again rear its head as your shimmer and glow make their way down the drain.

K-Beauty brand Acwell knows many of us, especially during the colder seasons, struggle with dryness, dullness, and a lackluster skin tone. But, they also know trying to cover these skin concerns with glowy makeup products is definitely not the way to deal with them.

Instead, the brand seeks to treat them at their sources with brightening and hydrating ingredients that promote a glow and balance our compromised and deprived skin barriers. 

Lucky for us, Acwell’s helping us to brighten our skin from start to finish with their Licorice Trial Kit featuring 3 travel-sized award winners, their Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum, Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream, and Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner for an instant hydrating and brightening boost.

Ready to dive into how the balancing and brightening Acwell line eradicates unwanted dullness? Let’s go! 

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Advance Serum

Acwell’s kit is all about balancing and brightening the skin, so it’s a no-brainer that it contains a travel size of their 2021 Best of K-Beauty® award winner. 

Much like it’s Licorice pH Balancing line siblings, the lightweight fast-absorbing serum is formulated with brightening licorice root extract and licorice root water. However, this serum departs from its family due to the inclusion of Pycnogenol, AKA pine bark extract, in its formula.

It might sound odd to use tree bark in skin care, but its high antioxidant content makes it a soon-to-be staple ingredient in the beauty world. Together, Pycnogenol and licorice work to moisturize, even, and fight off free radical damage for a refined, bright complexion. 

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream

Nothing says dull, tired skin like dark, dry under eyes.

Packed with licorice, peptides, squalane, and caffeine, the two travel sized Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Creams hydrate and depuff tired eyes for a refreshed look. 

Unlike other depuffing eye creams, this creamy moisturizing favorite also works to dispel under eye hyperpigmentation thanks to licorice root’s ability to block melanin producing enzymes.

Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner

Old school powerful astringent toners often leave the skin a bit tight or squeaky clean. But, Acwell knows this is definitely not how it should be. 

This powerful cleansing toner is perfect for all skin types due to its pH of 5.5, and moisturizes as it cleans, meaning there’s no stripped feeling after usage. Kick dullness and pigmentation to the curb with potent levels of green tea, peony extract, and of course, licorice. 

We love this toner’s ability to create a moisturizing layer on the skin while it cleanses and prepares the skin for the rest of our skin care routine. 

+Are you ready to conquer winter dullness with licorice root? Tell us how you plan on achieving a seasonal glow below!

The post Balance Your Barrier With Acwell’s Unbeatable Soothing and Brightening Skin Care Kit appeared first on The Klog.

Many of us believe that seasonal skin dehydration and dryness are the two worst skin concerns that pop up during the winter. 

It’s hard to imagine anything worse than dry, irritated skin and a compromised barrier during biting cold temperatures and dry spells. But, if you’ve ever been skiing, tubing, or even been out for a bit while wintry blustery weather wreaks havoc, you know there’s a winter skin concern worse than dryness: windburn.

Many who hit the slopes will tell you windburn, characterized by redness reminiscent of a sunburn, can be unbearable, leaving the face overly sensitive and tender to the touch. In order for you to fully enjoy your winter activities, we’re breaking down how to identify windburn, what it does to the skin, and, of course, how to treat and prevent windburn itself!

What Is Windburn and How Do You Get It?

It’s not unusual to wonder how your skin can acquire a burn during the colder seasons. The day is a lot shorter, meaning there’s less exposure to harmful UV rays. It’s also great to note you’re covered up in layers and layers of clothing most of the time. So, that leaves the question: how can you still get a burn during biting temperatures?

Well, experts aren’t entirely sure. Windburn’s a bit of a divisive topic for dermatologists and scientists, who are separated into two direct camps. The first, believes windburn is a condition that exists on its own. 

These experts believe that the cold winter winds can act as an exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and stripping your skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin barrier and causing dryness and sensitivity. Windburned skin is red, often feels burnt, and is incredibly sensitive. Often, it peels and is tender to the touch! 

Other experts argue that windburn is just sunburn and often use the terms interchangeably. The combination of underapplying SPF during the winter months and the way snow and ice reflect UV rays make the perfect sunburn storm, resulting in red, damaged skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation combines the two above theories, believing it’s a bit of both. They think the cold, bitter wind sloughs off the top layer of skin, exposing new, tender skin to UV rays, resulting in damaged, burnt skin. Ouch!

How to Treat and Combat Windburn

Combating and preventing windburn requires a similar approach to the one many of us take towards sunburn.

Building up the skin barrier with a heavier, hydrating moisturizer and preventing any possible free radical damage to the skin with a sunscreen is your best bet to combat and treat windburn. 

We recommend finding a moisturizer that contains both soothing and hydrating ingredients that can help calm redness while simultaneously restoring the skin barrier. 

That’s why we recommend I’m From’s Mugwort Cream, which uses mugwort, an adored ingredient in traditional Korean medicine, that calms redness nourished irritated skin. This makes it a great way to fortify the barrier and battle the sensitivity that cold winter winds and strong rays can bring about. 

Mugwort, for so long, has also been a go-to ingredient to treat common skin problems like rosacea, eczema, and even flare-ups from psoriasis. The extract also helps soothe and nourish the skin with antioxidants that fight environmental aggressors while repairing your damaged skin barrier. 

Before slathering your skin in I’m From Mugwort Cream goodness, take a crack at their hydrating and soothing Mugwort Essence.This refreshing formula adheres to and absorbs into the skin to soothe and recharge moisture from within. It also prepares the skin to soak up all of the products that you apply after!

After applying the Mugwort Cream, we recommend following up with a sunscreen with at least SPF 50. Remember, especially if you’re hitting the slopes or outside during a blustery day, that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours! 

Windburn, whether it be a singular phenomenon, or a combination of wind and sunburn, is a painful concern that results in a compromised barrier. Get ahead of it this winter with a solid soothing moisturizer and sunscreen! 

+Have you had windburn? How did you get it? Let us know below!

The post Our Guide to Recognizing, Preventing, and Treating Windburn, Winter’s Hidden Skin Concern appeared first on The Klog.

There are many reasons to take your skin care seriously.  Perhaps you want a clear, glowing complexion for the confidence boost it gives you, or maybe you slather on the SPF to decrease your risk of skin cancer. But chances are, one of the main reasons you’ve adopted a K-Beauty skin care routine is because you want your skin to look as youthful as possible.

Dewy, bright skin, and an even-tone are all markers of young-looking skin, but the most obvious marker of youth is a complexion free of fine lines and wrinkles. These little lines can appear on our foreheads, at the corners of our eyes and around our mouths for many reasons, but no matter their cause, the right skin care can help delay the appearance of these lines and soften ones that have already shown up.

Before using skin care to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, it’s important to understand why they show up in the first place. Different areas of our face can show signs of age for different reasons, so read on to understand how these lines are formed (and how to keep them at bay!)

Crow’s feet & fine lines around the eyes

Crow’s feet are the V-shaped lines that show up at the outer corners of our eyes. They tend to be most pronounced when we’re smiling or squinting, as they are “dynamic” wrinkles—made more noticeable with frequent movement and expression in the eye area.

Crow’s feet can also be made worse by sun damage, which is why applying your SPF to the orbital area is so important. However, SPF alone is not enough when it comes to keeping the skin around your eyes looking healthy and smooth. Since squinting from either poor vision or exposure to bright light can cause these lines to deepen, it’s important to care for the health of your eyes themselves. This means regular check-ups with the optician if you have eyesight that’s anything other than perfect 20/20, wearing contacts and prescription glasses as needed, and finding sunglasses with UV 400 protection (which blocks both wrinkle-causing UVA and cancer-causing UVB rays).

If your vision is clear and protected, you are less likely to spend time squinting to see properly, and these lines will have less of a chance to make a deep impression.

If you’ve had a particularly rough day in terms of eye exposure—maybe you’ve been staring at a computer screen too long, or forgot your sunglasses on a trip to the beach—try treating tired eyes with a hydrating eye patch, like the Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch. These patches not only sooth and depuff with seaweed extract, but the snail mucin in the formula helps infuse moisture back into the skin, helping to fill out and fine lines that may have formed in this tender area of the face.

Forehead lines

If you’re an overly expressive person, chances are you’ve noticed your forehead tends to wrinkle up—especially when you’re feeling surprised, stressed, or confused. These wrinkles start out as faint lines across the forehead, but can deepen into something permanent without preventative measures. Exfoliation with AHAs, like glycolic acid, is a great way to soften these lines and give skin a smoother appearance. Then I Met You’s Birch Milk Refining Toner is packed with glycolic and lactic acids to smooth fine lines and tackle acne.

Of course, the best way to prevent these lines is to ensure you’re wearing SPF everyday. Exposure to UVA rays is the fastest way to cause permanent aesthetic damage to the skin, and an unprotected forehead is likely to wrinkle faster. Pair your favorite daily SPF with regular use of antioxidant-infused products, like vitamin A and vitamin C, which will help your skin protect itself against free-radicals: those annoying aging atoms that skin is exposed to through air pollution and UV rays.

If you notice fine lines on the forehead beginning to appear, try the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine. This is a star product for smoothing these lines, as it combines the power of AHA exfoliation with the antioxidant properties of resveratrol, an ingredient naturally found in wine that helps fight free radicals in the skin.

Smile lines and lines around the mouth

Our mouths move a lot throughout the day: from talking, eating, smiling and frowning, this is a very expressive area of the face and naturally, the skin around our lips is prone to show lines fast if it is not properly cared for. Staying hydrated is an important first step to keeping these lines minimal, so try to include drinking plenty of water in your daily routine, and try to ingest hydration-boosting foods like lettuce, watermelon, cucumber, broccoli, and pineapple.

Additionally, you may notice fine lines form faster if you have skin that’s on the drier side, since lines are more noticeable on the tight and flaky surface of dry skin. It’s important to exfoliate gently on a regular basis if you have a dry complexion, and to ensure that moisture in the skin is regularly replenished. The Son & Park Beauty Water contains willow bark and papaya extracts to gently sweep away dead skin cells, leaving skin prepped to better absorb hydrating treatments afterwards.

After exfoliating, try following up with a collagen-boosting serum or ampoule. Over time, our skin naturally loses collagen—the protein that keeps skin firm and plump—but certain ingredients can help stimulate collagen growth. Look our for products with retinoids, rose hip oil, or collagen-boosting vitamin C, found in the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop. This brightening and plumping ampoule also contains niacinamide, another fine line fighter!

Neck lines

Checking your phone too frequently could be the sneaky cause for lines along the neck. “Tech neck” is the name given to deep lines across the neck region that occur due to staring down at our phones too much, or slumped posture in general.

Minimizing screen time and working to correct your posture will help maintain the appearance of a smooth and elongated neck, but lines can still occur since the neck is so frequently left out of our skin care regimens!

Giving attention to the neck and extending your K-beauty routine beyond the face, including SPF application, can help keep your neck youthful looking and smooth. Try the Cocokind Daily SPF, a gentle hydrating sunscreen that will protect your neck area without leaving a greasy residue.

Additionally, try a gentle exfoliating treatment on the décolletage and neck once a week, and follow up with a hydrating serum applied in gentle, fluttering upward strokes.

The bottom line:

Overall, daily sun protection and antioxidant-packed skin care products are your best friends in the fight against all kinds of lines. Exfoliation can also help improve the overall smooth appearance, particularly in drier complexions prone to flaky, tight skin. Look out for products that encourage collagen production, and keep an eye out for free radical fighters like vitamin C and vitamin E.

+ What sneaky reasons have you found for why wrinkles form? Which products do you love for smoothing fine lines? Do you have any secrets for keeping wrinkles away? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Reason Why Different Types Of Wrinkles Form (And How To Prevent Them) appeared first on The Klog.

Come winter, it’s time to trade in your sleeveless tanks for cozy cable knit sweaters and your poolside lounging for time in front of the fireplace. One thing you should never lay to rest during the chilly months, though, is sunscreen. In fact, every skin care pro will tell you that it’s important to wear your sunscreen rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, summer and winter! 

We argue that one of the best skin care combinations during winter is a luxurious moisturizer and an SPF. Today we’re explaining why and showcasing our current top picks in each category. 

Why You Need a Quality Moisturizer in Winter 

Cold and dry winter air is notoriously brutal on your skin. Add the fact that drying indoor heaters are constantly running and you’ve got a recipe for skin that looks and feels dry, rough, and lackluster. 

Using a high-quality moisturizer will help your skin stay more hydrated, which translates to a glowing, healthy complexion. Here are some additional ways you can tweak your winter skin care regimen:

• Wash your face with a hydrating cleanser.
• Apply a moisturizing toner to damp skin (this helps lock in moisture).
• Layer a moisturizing serum on top and then follow up with that moisturizing cream!
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night and/or use one at your desk.
• Avoid taking really hot showers, which can further dry out your skin. 

The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen All Year Long 

Though we often equate sunscreen with summertime, your skin is susceptible to UV damage throughout the year. In the winter, you should apply an SPF of 30+/PA+++ in the morning to any exposed skin (including your neck, chest, and hands), then re-apply approximately every four hours.  

The sun’s UV rays are no joke and consistent exposure can result in skin cancer and premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, sunspots, and laxity. Protecting yourself is as simple as apply a layer of lightweight sunscreen, so why wouldn’t you want to take this step?

Our Favorite Winter Moisturizer + Sunscreen 

Seeking the perfect winter moisturizer and sunscreen duo? We’re excited to showcase two of Soko Glam’s recent Best of K-Beauty® winners! 

Moisturizer: Rovectin Lotus Water Cream (Best Vegan Beauty)

Your skin will thank you for applying this delightful drink of lotus water! Not only does this award-winning cream deeply hydrate your skin, but it also works overtime to bolster your skin’s barrier. As a result, your skin’s able to lock in moisture more efficiently, and it helps keep damaging toxins and pollutants from wreaking havoc.  

Lotus flower extract is the hero here, which absorbs impurities for a clearer-looking complexion. It’s also formulated with natural flavonoids to prevent signs of aging, as well as Aquaxyl, a patented hydrating ingredient that seriously boosts moisture for a glowing, plump, radiant complexion.

Sunscreen: Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen (The New Classic)

Sunscreen should be applied to your skin after your moisturizer and before any makeup. This sophisticated formulation from Neogen is so airy and light that you won’t even notice it’s there. 

It also absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind that tell-tale white cast, making it a perfect sun protector for all complexions. Your skin will also love that it’s infused with 20 botanical extracts, including soothing aloe vera, hydrating avocado, antioxidant rich acai, and calming hibiscus.

+What shifts do you make to your skin care routine in the winter? Let’s swap tips in the comments below.

The post We’re Letting You In On the Winter Combo Your Skin Needs: Moisturizer + SPF appeared first on The Klog.