All About Serums, Moisturizers & Balms - Skin Wellness Product Series - Part 5
All About Serums, Moisturizers & Balms - Skin Wellness Product Series - Part 5
In part 4 of this series, I talked about , facial toners or mists. This this time around, I want to get deep into serums, moisturizers and balms.
Let me re-reiterate something from last week.
On the surface, products have the ability to affect the skin’s barrier function and hydration levels. Hydrating ingredients such as hydrosols, herbal infusions, honey, glycerin and other aqueous ingredients are key in boosting the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF).
However, when a topical skincare regimen consists primarily of water (which is pretty normal), nutrient-lacking synthetic ingredients, and functional ingredients with no therapeutic value (such as fillers, preservatives, penetration enhancers, etc.) … the microbiome nor the upper layers of the skin receive useable nutrients. Further, many of those said ingredients have been linked to inflammation and other negative health outcomes.
Basically, I just want to make it perfectly clear how important learning to read your ingredient labels is! When your serum and/or moisturizer has water as one of the first few ingredients, that is 75-95% of your product. Which means you are basically paying for water.
In my eyes, that's a total rip off!!!
Jerks!!!
Serums, specifically are meant to be a more concentrated ingredient list. Certain manufacturers will put a minuscule amount of a performance or active ingredient into a product just so they can use it on the packaging to grab your attention. They can now use it in their marketing to say that this product has ____ which is great for _____. If you learn to read the label and look at it, most likely there is less than 1% of that said ingredient in that product you just paid loot for.
Furthermore, most likely it's NOT purified or distilled (unless noted), which means, there will be a slew of contaminants in that water that you just paid$$$ for! (A talk for another day;) I may add that Nourished Holistic's Facial Mists are always made with distilled water!
When going to school and getting my certification for learning how to properly make skincare, I learned ALOT about oils.
And on top of that, did you know that you could actually make your own moisturizer right there in your hand?
Seriously!!! In my opinion… there really is no need for a moisturizer.
Back to that in a moment...
What's the difference between a water-based serum vs an oil serum, and a balm vs a moisturizer?
An oil serum is just that. It is made of oils and is anhydrous (meaning it does not contain any water, or water containing ingredients. Hopefully good quality oils and organic;)
A water-based serum made up of humectants (hydrating) ingredients and may simply be water based with some other hydrating ingredients, may or may not contain anti-oxidents or other actives, may or may not include some anhydrous ingredients and may also contain a slew of other fillers, preservatives, penetration enhances, etc.
A balm is anhydrous and is made of oils and waxes and/or butters. It contains zero humectants.
A moisturizer is a combination of humectants and anhydrous ingredients. And sadly, in most cases, a bunch of other sh** that does nothing to feed the skin.
Now I am not saying that there are not some beautiful moisturizers on the market, because that would be a lie. There really are some gorgeous products out there, serums too. BUT, unless you learn to read that label so you know exactly what you are getting and paying for, it's kind of a crap shoot.
In short - do your research before buying!
With that said, the main difference between a balm and a moisturizer is an emulsifier (to keep the water and oils together), sometimes a stabilizer is also needed, and a preservative or multiple preservatives (a must when using any water-based ingredient). And sadly, sometimes there are also occlusives in there too, which create a barrier so nothing is absorbing into the skin. All they do is create a feeling of smoothness or silkiness with ZERO benefit to the skin and, in all honestly detrimental.
Remember when I said that you can make your own moisturizer right in your hand???
Yeah... you can😃
Make sure your face is nice and moist from your toner/mist, put a pump or two of an oil serum in your hand, now spritz that serum with your toner/mist before applying it to your face.
Boom... 👊
Moisturizer.
Wasn't that easy???
Now there is no need for an emulsifier, stabilizer and a preservative, and all that bull****.
Do you see why I love oils so much???
Let me circle back to a prior post and a bit more about oils, butter, and waxes... just to drive my point home😘 Side note... some of this may be a bit repetitive from above;)
Oils are incredibly important to help protect, lubricate, soften, nourish the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum). Plant-based oils can be absorbed via the sebaceous (oil) glands, and still allow the skin to breath and one excellent bonus to using oils, waxes, and butters is that there is no need for a preservative.
Others, however, like mineral oil, petroleum jelly, paraffin waxes, and substances like silicones (in SO MANY products these days!!!) actually suffocate the skin, which is called an occlusive.
Facial oils make a lot of sense for a lot of reasons. For this reason, I chose to create my line based on them;)
First, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids–all nutrients the skin needs for a healthy barrier function and a happy microbiome.
Second, the nutrients in facial oils are more bioavailable than in creams and lotions, or water-based serums. The skin is a semi-permeable barrier. It’s meant to keep certain things out and allow certain things in. The dead cells act like bricks and the lipids are the mortar.
This barrier is hydrophobic–which means it repels water, but lipophilic (oil-loving), which means it will attract other lipids. Therefore, lipids and oil-soluble nutrients are more likely to be absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, where they can nourish and protect the delicate cells below the surface. And it does this so easily, in a super-concentrated dose!
With that said, let me introduce Nourished Holistic's Oils Serums and Balm.
But first let me tell you the story behind these serums.
The Story
When I was younger, I couldn't get enough products. I had to try everything. I was what I call a product junkie. Learning more about how the skin actually works and how products are formulated, over the years, I have really become more of a minimalist in regards to my skin care regimen.
I designed this serum for that specific purpose.
For someone who wants a very simple, but still very effective regimen, NH's Minimalist Line is for you!
The Cleansing Oil to get the skin nice and clean and balanced. The Mist to help hydrate and get those water-loving nutrients into the skin. THIS SERUM to help seal in those water loving ingredients so they don’t escape!!!
What's great about this serum is that if you add some Facial Mist to it, it's just like using a moisturizer without the need for an emulsifier. And also, because I formulated this serum without essential oils, it can be safely used around the eye area.
So these 3 products (Oil Cleanser, Facial Mist & Oil Serum = NH’s Minimalist Line. A full, complete regimen for someone who prefers a more minimalist approach. These 3 products are like 6 products in the traditional sense! You got the Oil Cleanser (1) (also can be used as a makeup remover (2)). Facial Mist (3). Oil Serum (4) (add the mist to become moisturizer (5), also used as an eye serum (6). Even better add the Balm for a little extra lovin’ if needed❣
Added benefit???
It doesn't break the bank!!!
Extra Bonus???
Clean. Simple. Effective. Ingredients. With full transparency.
Nourishing Oil Serum
2 oz. Dry - Normal
Excellent for sensitive skins.
“Before I started using the product, my skin felt a little dry and looked tired. But after I began using it, my skin felt bright, moisturized, and youthful. I love how the serum sinks into my skin, feels
super nourishing and doesn’t leave an oily film
on my face.” -Talia
BENEFITS
▴ Highly concentrated on targeting specific conditions and/or purposes
▴ A little bit goes a long way
▴ Provides extra nourishment to the skin
▴ Intended to absorb easily into the skin
STAR INGREDIENTS
. Pomegranate Oil – This thick and rich seed oil is incredibly protective and nourishing. It visibly moisturizes and plumps immediately, while its vast and unique essential fatty acid profile and antioxidants get to work to deeply restore skin health.
. Marula Oil - Lightweight and silky, it hydrates the skin and promotes elasticity and an even, balanced complexion, for a radiant tone and a soft, healthy glow.
. Maracuja Oil - Relaxing and calming, it is a rich source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, and it is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid with soothing, moisturizing and nourishing properties.
. Moringa Oil - Outstanding source of vitamins and minerals, including Trace Minerals and Phytonutrients that work wonders in reducing lines and wrinkles and restoring moisture and elasticity, as well as for helping to heal acne and irritated skin.
HOW TO USE
Apply 1-2 pumps after using the Mist. For extra hydration, spritz 1-2 sprays of Mist into serum before mixing and applying. Can be used around the eyes :)
“The Nourishing Serum is amazing, super absorbent and makes my skin feel healthy. I noticed a difference right away!” – Lonnie
INGREDIENTS
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Seed Oil**^, Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) Oil**, Maracuja (Passiflora Edulis) Seed Oil**, Moringa oleifera oil**, Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Fruit Extract“’
Certified Organic** ECOCERT/COSMOS“’ Certified Organic + Kosher Certified**^
Balancing Oil Serum
2 oz. Normal - Oily
Also good for sensitive skins.
Caution: Persons with a nut allergy should not use this oil, due to Tamanu Oil.
BENEFITS
▴ Highly concentrated on targeting specific conditions and/or purposes
▴ A little bit goes a long way
▴ Provides extra nourishment to the skin
▴ Intended to absorb easily into the skin
STAR INGREDIENTS
. Camellia Seed Oil - Able to rejuvenate and maintain moisture in the skin, its protective polyphenols, high in antioxidants and squalene to nourish and protect the skin.
. Camelina Oil Organic – Contains high levels of vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acid and contains polyphenol antioxidants that help create a wonderful protective barrier in addition to being anti-inflammatory and nourishing to the skin.
. Maracuja Oil - Relaxing and calming, it is a rich source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, and it is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid with soothing, moisturizing and nourishing properties.
. Tamanu Oil - It is composed of phospholipids and glycolipids, which are known to help protect the skin’s moisture barrier and are natural constituents of healthy-looking skin. It is a powerful and soothing oil that revitalizes and improves the texture of skin, giving it a fresh look.
HOW TO USE IT
Apply 1-2 pumps after using the Mist. For hydration, spritz 1-2 sprays of Mist into serum before mixing and applying. Can be used around the eyes :)
INGREDIENTS
Camellia oleifera Oil**^, Camelina sativa Oil**^, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Infused Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Seed Oil*, Maracuja (Passiflora Edulis) Seed Oil**, Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil**^, Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Fruit Extract“’
Certified Organic** ECOCERT/COSMOS“’ Certified Organic + Kosher Certified**^
ANGIE'S PRO TIP
Over the years, even though I take great care of myself and my skin, I have noticed small changes, especially in my neck and décolleté skin. I love to use all of my skin regimen steps on my face as well as my neck and décolleté, especially a Facial Mist and a Serum!!! It has definitely made an improvement on the health of my skin and helps to protect and keep my neck and décolleté more youthful.
I always tone (Balancing or Nourishing Mist), and make sure my skin is nice and hydrated before applying my Serum…which I also add a spritz or two of my Mist too, in my hand before applying to my face, neck and décolleté.
I have had trouble finding an SPF that agrees with my skin, I tend to use a loose powder foundations and mix it into my serum or you could use a moisturizer.
This is a great way to get a bit of SPF and controlled foundation coverage, if I want light I only add a little, if I need a bit more coverage, I just add more. It's kind of like my own personally customized tinted SPF! Though if I am going to be out in the sun for an extended time, I do have an SPF that is not tinted that I will use for a bit more coverage than my loose powder.
Calm Balm
1 oz. Most skin types.
Excellent for sensitive skins.
“Literally my favorite product! Looooooove how it helped my stress eczema! Also, the intense moisturizing has legit been a game-changer! My skin actually stays super moisturized with this on at night over the oil serum!” -Sarah
BENEFITS
▴ Calming for the skin and the mind
▴ Powerful, long-lasting moisture creates a barrier ▴ A little goes a long way
STAR INGREDIENTS
. Maracuja Oil - Relaxing and calming, it is a rich source of calcium, iron, and phosphorus, and it is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid with soothing, moisturizing and nourishing properties.
. Avocado Oil - Impressive nutritional profile supports the health of the skin. Absorbs deeply bringing luster to tired, dull skin. Vitamins A and E work synergistically to improve skin texture. High in plant sterols, which help calm inflammation and relieve itching.
. Rose EO - Wonderful for mature or dry skin in need of deep moisturization - soothes, softens and leaves skin radiant. Regenerates the skin and promotes a good tone.
. Frankincense EO – This beautiful resin has been used for centuries to revitalize and strengthen the skin. This astringent oil is toning, purifying and most renowned for its rejuvenating properties.
. Helichrysum EO - Immortelle - Highly regarded for skin tissue regeneration. It strengthens tissues and supports cellular activity, reduces the appearance of scars and broken capillaries. This plant is a true healer and a powerful anti-inflammatory.
. Chamomile EO - Potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is calming for sensitive, reddened or irritated skin.
HOW TO USE IT
Apply clean, toned skin. Use alone as a moisturizer or on top of the serum. It can be used morning or night, but be sure to use sunscreen on top of moisturizer during the day. Avoid the eye area - too heavy.
INGREDIENTS
Kokum (Garcinia indica) Butter, Camellia oleifera Oil**^, Maracuja (Passiflora Edulis) Seed Oil**, Avocado (Persea americana) Oil**^, Rose (Rosa damascena) CO2 Extract, Frankinsence (Boswellia carterii, sacra, papyrifera, and frereana) Essential Oil, Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil, Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) Essential Oil, Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Fruit Extract“’
Certified Organic** ECOCERT/COSMOS“’ Certified Organic + Kosher Certified**^
ANGIE'S PRO TIP
To be honest, I typically use only the 3 skin wellness steps of the oil cleanser, facial mist and an oil serum. My skin is pretty balanced most days and this is all my skin requires. That said, I love adding this balm when my skin feels like it needs a little extra TLC. And some clients just need that little bit of extra lovin’ all the time❣
But for myself, sometimes, my skin just feels like it's needing extra nourishment and emolliency, and sometimes it is asking for a little help from being sensitized by external factors.
Either way, the soothing nature of the ingredients calm the skin and the aromatics are calming too, for the nervous system. I love taking a few deep breaths after I apply it and my skin feels so good. I like the added benefit of protection too, for those times that I know I will need it.
Well that ends today’s lesson;) I hope you were able to learn something. I will leave you with this.
Sometime less is more, ya know!?!
In this case that statement couldn’t ring more true.
Did this article open your eyes to anything???
I would love to know your thoughts! comment below and let me know🖤