Unwind and Reset from Holiday Stress

Christmas is a great thing, don't you think?

But who does not get the feeling during this contemplative season that you usually need superhuman strength to cope with the extra organization,  without ultimately losing your balance?

Buying gifts, getting supplies, visiting relatives, entertaining friends and being a perfect guest and/or host - understandably we'll end up nerve-wrecked at some point.

Even if we provide the body with enough sleep and good, healthy food, the energy reserves will become increasingly exhausted. Perhaps our pick-me-up and energizer tips will get your tired engine going again:

Let there be light!

The human body needs a lot of fresh air and sunlight, especially in winter, with darkness and dry heated interiors. Especially in the dark season, it is important that we come outside every day and, quite literally, look at the sky.

A cloudy winter day is definitely much better than a brightly lit room, because the illuminance outdoors is many times higher. During your lunch break, just take a walk around the block. If this is not possible, try a daylight lamp and sit in front of it half an hour every day. The morning is ideal for this.

Take a cold shower

Cold temperatures are a great pick-me-up because they boost the circulation. Do you have problems getting fit in the morning? Then persuade yourself to take a cold shower. It sounds hard at first, but it really does work once you have overcome yourself. If the cold shower in the morning is too much of a good thing, we recommend turning it to BLUE at least in the end. Remain steadfast, the rest is a matter of getting used to.

Me time

Do you always focus on the needs of others? Then in hectic periods like during the Holiday rush, you will have even more problems finding the necessary breaks to replenish your energy. To keep your inner balance, you should reserve time for yourself and do something that relaxes you. Be it the walk round the block, the coffee gossip with friends, a good book or a hot bath. Find what is right for you, whatever it may be.

Organization is everything

With good organization you're halfway there, especially in the overly hectic pre-Holiday season. Take the time to organize, because a well thought out to-do list and the fact that you had to put things in your head to do so, can give you more drive. Placing a "done" check mark on your to-do list automatically brings inner satisfaction and raises your mood. Try it out!

Chewing makes you lively

Chewing gum not only freshens your breath, it also makes you livelier. Sounds strange at first, but just give it a try. At least our own attempts were successful. There are even studies that have shown that chewing increases the heartbeat so that more blood flows into the brain.

Chewing gums with an intensified mint flavor performed the best, because peppermint stimulates the nerve fibers. Similar in effect to the cold shower mentioned earlier.

Good iron, all good

In women, iron deficiency can often cause lack of energy. For an extra portion of power, it doesn't hurt to increase the iron supply. With an appropriate composition of the menu, you can easily do without taking iron supplements. In addition to animal foods such as meat (deer meat has more iron than beef and is also low in fat and calories) and chicken egg yolk, beans such as lentils, white beans, peas or soybeans are also valuable iron suppliers. Grains, pumpkin seeds or mushrooms, particularly chanterelles,  are also important sources of iron. Several spices are also real iron bombs. Cardamom comes first with 100 mg iron per 100 g, followed by dried parsley and dried spearmint. Also, spinach, fennel and broccoli are definitely worth a look at.

Last but not least: If you don't get excited and stressed so quickly, you will experience a relaxing holiday. And just think about it now - the holiday rush will return again next year.

Recap of the Fourth Herbacin Challenge in Costa Rica 2019

The fourth Herbacin Challenge led five motivated athletes together with extreme athlete Joey Kelly and his son Luke to Costa Rica to face some sporting challenges: Whether on the trailrun trough the dense jungle of the rainforest, or quad biking in steep, muddy paths or at Standup Paddling into the sunset - at the Herbacin Challenge, the five contestants experienced the adventure of a lifetime.

The team covered almost 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) through the breathtaking landscape of Costa Rica. From the capital San José to the volcano El Arenal, from the rainforest in Monteverde to the white sand beaches in Playa Carillo on the Pacific coast, the participants not only witnessed a wide scenic variety, but also a widely diverse weather. Sultry warm days, when the thermometer climbed well above the 30 degrees mark (86º F), were not uncommon, as well as the daily rain showers in the afternoon, which provided a very welcome and pleasant relief from the humid heat.

But not just the landscape was able to surprise the participants over and over again: Even the two daily sporting challenges were communicated to the tense athletes only at the beginning of each day. However one thing was clear from the first day: The daily adrenalin kick had taken off! 

For Carina Bungard (from Cologne, 31 y.o.), Katrin Schairer (Filderstadt, 34), Tobias Krautmacher (Frankenroda, 28) Matthias Roth (Calw, 34) and Christopher Stelzer (Reichersthofen, 24), no day resembled that of others. Especially the 1½ km (.93 Mile) long zipline will be remembered by all: a zipline in which they were able to soar over the rainforest on a wire rope at high speed in Superman-style, ending with the "Tarzan Swing" with its free fall from 40 meters, pushing the extra amount of epinephrine even farther. Of course, kayaking on the Pacific, where only a few meters away dolphins and whales swam, and climbing down several waterfalls belong to other highlights.

Even the musician and extreme athlete Joey Kelly was very enthusiastic about the unique landscape and the diverse disciplines of the Herbacin Challenge . "I have never run through such a dense jungle before. We had to go under Seam trees, jump over roots and always watch out for animals. The trail was at most one meter wide. The trees were towering everywhere. It is unforgettable!"

The unique concept of the Herbacin Challenge, which focuses on team spirit, impresses every year and is already a permanent fixture in several sport circles. We had requested applications already in the spring and received a large number of creative and impressive submissions. Understandably these five athletes were extremely elated when they found out that they were allowed to experience an adventure together with Herbacin and Joey Kelly. One they won't forget so quickly.

Text: Herbacin / Caroline Wetterau 

Photos: Herbacin / Thomas Stachelhaus

Herbacin Challenge 2019 in Costa Rica - Day 5 Recap (Last day)

The fifth participant, Katrin, summarized the 5th day just before leaving Costa Rica. We are all sad that our great time together has come to an end.

Herbacin Challenge 2019 in Costa Rica - Day 4 Recap

Christopher, one fo the 5 contestants of the Herbacin Challenge, gives you a summary of the 4th day.

Herbacin Challenge 2019 in Costa Rica - Day 3 Recap

Just like other participants of the Herbacin Challenge, Matthias had an unforgettable day. Here's his summary of the third day.

Herbacin Challenge 2019 in Costa Rica - Day 2 Recap

6 Ways to Prevent and Repair Nail Damage

You love the look of a fresh manicure, but you don’t love what trips to the salon do to your nails. Brittle, peeling, and breaking nails are a common tale for anyone who loves to get their nails done. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to repair nail damage and prevent it from happening in the first place. Keep reading for our top healthy nail care tips!

1. Take a Break 

If you’re a fan of acrylic or gel manicures but you’re noticing that your nails have become more brittle, it’s time to take a break.

During the acrylic nail application process, your manicurist roughs up the surface of your nails. While this helps the acrylic to stick better, it also leaves your natural nails compromised. Gel manicures don’t require too much buffing, but they can dehydrate your nails, which can also leave them brittle and prone to breaking.

The best thing to do is to avoid these types of manicures until your nails have regained their strength. 

2. Cut Your Nails Short 

If you have brittle nails, then you know how painful it can be when long nails break, especially if they break below the nail bed. Shorter nails are less likely to snag and break, which is why cutting your nails short can help the healing process along.

3. Moisturize Regularly 

Frequently applying a hand cream like Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream will help to rehydrate your cuticles and nails, which will strengthen them over time. If you’re hands and nails are extremely dry, try applying hand cream and then putting on gloves before you go to bed at night. It might sound strange, but you’ll definitely wake up with moisturized nails and soft hands to boot.

4. Wear Gloves 

Speaking of gloves, are you protecting your hands while you clean? Harsh chemicals in cleaning products like dish soap can zap the moisture right out of your hands, leaving your nails dry and brittle. Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves whenever you’re scrubbing.

5. Take a Vitamin

Many nail experts claim that a biotin supplement can help you to grow stronger, longer nails. If you’re not interested in popping vitamins, you can also up your biotin intake by incorporating more biotin-rich foods into your diet. Eggs, almonds, cheese, cauliflower, mushrooms, and spinach are all excellent sources of this nail-strengthening nutrient. As an added benefit, biotin is also thought to help with healthy hair growth.

6. Drink More Water 

Dry nails are damaged nails, so make sure that you’re drinking enough water to stay properly hydrated. While the recommendations vary, most experts suggest drinking at least 2 liters of water daily. Additionally, avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine, which can both have a dehydrating effect.

Hint: don’t expect instant results. While cutting your nails short and moisturizing will certainly make a big difference right away, it takes three months for nails to grow out. But if you stick with these healthy nails habits, you’ll be seeing longer, stronger nails by next season!

Herbacin Challenge 2019 in Costa Rica - Day 1 Recap

It's time to get some shut eye in Costa Rica, but before we do though, Carina, one of our five contestants, gives us a quick recap of Day 1.

How to Use the Herbacin Foot Care Starter Set

Throughout our lives our feet will walk 270 million steps. To put that into perspective, that’s all the way around the globe – four times! Our poor feet take a beating every day. Unfortunately, most people take their feet for granted and don’t care for them the way that they should. Keep reading to learn why it’s so important to take care of your feet, and how the new Herbacin Foot Care Starter Set can help you to develop a healthy foot care routine.

Why It’s So Important to Take Care of Your Feet 

The health of your feet can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life. You use your feet everyday to take care of yourself. So if you develop foot issues, you’ll find it much more difficult to run errands, exercise, and work. Plus, any kind of foot pain can affect your posture and gait, which can have a negative impact on other parts of your body.

So why do our feet need so much extra care? First of all, just walking every day puts hundreds of pounds of stress on our feet. And since the feet are the farthest body part from the heart, they can experience all kinds of issues with circulation, which is especially true for those with diabetes.

How to Take Care of Your Feet 

Keep your feet clean and dry and check your feet regularly for swelling, redness, cuts, sores, and bruising. Wear comfortable footwear that’s appropriate for whatever you’re activity you’re performing. If you plan to be on your feet for long periods of time, skip the strappy sandals in favor of something more comfortable.

Foot care experts also recommend keeping your feet and legs moisturized using lotions designed for these sensitive areas, like those in our foot care program. Our comprehensive Herbacin Foot Care program features perfectly coordinated natural products with advanced formulations to care for and pamper your feet and legs every day. They contain no parabens, animal ingredients, or mineral oils and are never tested on animals.

If you’re new to Herbacin, we’ve put together this starter set to give you the opportunity to test out our foot care line for yourself and see why customers and podiatrists alike swear by our products. 

What’s in the Herbacin Foot Care Starter Set: 

Herbacin Foot Care Leg Lotion 

• Offers instant stress relief and relaxation for tired legs 
• Hydrates, soothes, and nourishes with natural avocado and almond oils plus camomile blossom extract 
• Red vine leaves and horse chestnut strengthen the veins and enhance blood flow to your legs, improving circulation 
• Carnosine and vitamin E help bind free radicals to reinforce the cell membrane 
• Carnosine reduces glycation to improve skin elasticity and delay its aging 

Herbacin Foot Care Cream 

• Prevents cornea, calluses, and cracks from forming to keep feet looking and feeling their best 
• Leaves skin pleasantly refreshed and moisturized 
• Provides ultimate moisturizing for sensitive and highly stressed feet with camomile and urea 
• Natural oils, camomile extract, allantoin, and panthenol soothe and regenerate the skin 
• Carnosine and vitamin E bind free radicals to strengthen the cell membrane 
• Improves skin elasticity and delays signs of aging 

Herbacin Foot Care Cooling Gel 

• Cools down hot feet and tired, heavy legs with a cool care complex of menthol, menthyl lactate ,and camphor 
• Ensures long-lasting, delightfully invigorating freshness 
• Active ingredients of red vine leaves and horse chestnuts simultaneously strengthen and tone veins, enhancing blood flow in your legs 
• Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky film on the skin 
• Leaves your feet and legs feeling refreshed and revived  

Herbacin Foot Care Warming Balm 

• Treats cold feet to a comfortable, long-lasting sensation of warmth 
• Avocado oil, almond oil, and natural camomile extract gently soothe and hydrate the sensitive skin of your feet 
• Antioxidants carnosine and vitamin E strengthen the skin’s protective moisture barrier 
• Carnosine reduces the reaction between sugar molecules, collagen and elastin fibers helping to counteract skin aging while enhancing elasticity 

How to Use the Herbacin Foot Care Starter Set 

1. Massage Herbacin Foot Care Cream daily onto clean, dry feet. 
2.  Follow with Herbacin Foot Care Leg Lotion, gently massaging from foot to upper thigh. Do not massage varicose veins. 
3. To relieve hot feet, apply Herbacin Foot Care Cooling Gel to clean skin, distributing evenly. 
4. To invigorate tired, heavy legs, gently massage Herbacin Foot Care Cooling Gel from foot to knee. Do not massage varicose veins. 
5. For cold feet, apply Herbacin Foot Care Warming Balm to clean skin, massaging gently. 

How do you care for your feet?

5 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Dark circles under your eyes don’t just make you look tired. They actually make you look older than you really are! Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce under eye circles and puffiness for a more youthful, wide-awake appearance. Keep reading to learn more!

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes? 

Most people associate dark circles with a lack of sleep, but under eye circles are actually caused more by genetics and skin tone. Dark circles under the eyes are very common in people with fair skin tones. The skin under our eyes is very thin, and if you have fair skin, the veins underneath your eyes may actually be visible.

Those veins show up as blue, purple, or green underneath the eyes. People with darker skin tones may produce more pigment around their eyes, which can also create the appearance of dark circles. 

How to Brighten Under Eye Circles  

1. Get Plenty of Sleep 

Dark circles are genetic in origin, but lack of sleep makes them worse. Sleep deprivation makes skin more pale, which can make dark blood vessels appear more pronounced. Plus, when we’re exhausted, fluids build up underneath the eyes and darken those under eye circles.

Aim to get at least 7 hours of rest each night. If you have a hard time remembering to go to bed, try setting an alarm 8 hours before you need to wake up in the morning. This will give you time to wind down and fall asleep.

2. Drink Plenty of Water 

Dehydration makes your eyes appear sunken and dull, so drinking at least 2 liters of water each day is key to looking wide awake.

Struggling to drink enough water? Try making your own flavored water. Add cut fruits (watermelon, berries, lemons, limes), vegetables (like cucumber) and herbs (like mint or basil) to your water to give it a little extra flavor.

3. Lay Off the Sodium 

Have you ever eaten dinner at a restaurant, only to wake up the next day with tired, puffy eyes? That’s from sodium! Sodium creates unwanted puffiness, worsening shadows under the eyes.

Most restaurants use a lot of salt in their cooking, so try eating at home more often and using salt-free seasonings.

4. Address Your Allergies 

Seasonal allergies may also be the cause of dark circles under the eyes. Fall is a big time for outdoor allergies, so the remedy for your dark circles may be as simple as taking an antihistamine!

5. Try Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our skin. When we’re young, our skin has plenty of hyaluronic acid, which gives youthful skin that healthy, plumped look. But as we age, we start to lose that hyaluronic acid. Wrinkles begin to form, and our skin looks tired.

Luckily, topical use of hyaluronic acid can plump up skin again, making it appear younger. Herbacin Eye Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump up the delicate skin of the under eye area, disguising under eye circles and diminishing wrinkles. For best results, apply a small amount of eye cream around the eyes in the AM and PM.


Do you have any secrets for diminishing under eye circles? Let us know in the comments!

What’s Next in Beauty: Trends to Look for This Fall

Fall 2019 is just around the corner, and along with cooling temps and the reemergence of pumpkin spice everything, this new season promises to deliver a whole new slew of beauty products and trends to keep on your radar. Want to know more? Keep reading to find out about next season’s top incoming trends!

1. The Barely-There Look 

If you’ve been keeping up with the beauty sphere, you’ll know that the I-woke-up-like-this look has been quickly gaining popularity online. To achieve this look and let your natural beauty shine, skip the foundation altogether and spot-conceal, or use a tinted moisturizer for a dewy finish. For extra glowy skin, use cream products instead of powder, and set the final look with a few spritzes of finishing mist. Violà!

2. Multitasking Skincare 

Fall’s a busy season, and with everyone on the run, who’s got time to stick to a 10-step skincare routine? Thankfully, brands are catching on. Expect to see more minimalist-inspired hybrid products that opt for a two-(or even three)-in-one approach.

3. Pollution Protection 

In addition to multitasking skincare products, we’re predicting a bigger focus on natural barrier boosting formulas. With pollution and air-quality concerns on the rise in urban areas, it’s becoming more and more important to incorporate microbiota-balancing ingredients into your everyday routine, especially if you live in a big city!

4. Hand Treatments 

With the cooler months naturally come drier weather, which can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not well-prepared. This year, expect to see more products devoted to an often overlooked area of skincare – your hands. To keep your hands soft and supple long after the heat of summer is gone, try our Kamille Hand & Nail Balm which is formulated with rich jojoba oil, shea butter, and other skin and nail-nurturing ingredients.

5. Glossy Lids 

Along with the barely-there makeup look, this fall is all about glossy eyelids. A trend that first made its debut a few years prior, this unique eye look is being made all the easier this season with new layerable eye glosses that allow you to wear whatever eyeshadow color you want underneath. Wear this trend bold or keep it subtle - this trend’s versatility means it’s all up to you to unleash your creativity.

6. A Focus on Sustainability 

One trend we particularly hope sticks around long-term is the beauty industry’s growing focus on creating sustainable and all-natural products. With campaigns like #PassionPlastic, we’re seeing more brands ditch unnecessary packaging, while coming up with creative new ways to reduce water-usage and create more environmentally-friendly launches!

7. Facial Mists 

Who doesn’t love the feeling of a good face mist? As a makeup finisher and another layer of protection against fall dryness, we’re excited to see more face mist options coming out in the upcoming months. Our tip for an even more luxurious experience? Pop your mist in the fridge overnight for a refreshingly cool application in the a.m!

What trends are you excited to try this fall? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!

What Are Antioxidants?

“Antioxidant” is a big buzz word in the health and beauty industry. But what exactly are antioxidants, and what do they do for your skin? Keep reading to find out!

What Are Antioxidants? 

Before we get into antioxidants, let’s talk about free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that can damage our body’s cells, leading to premature aging and even cancer.

Some free radicals come from outside sources like UV rays, smoking, or pollution. But some free radicals occur naturally in our bodies, as a defense against viruses and harmful bacteria. However, this can be a case of “too much of a good thing”, and any extra free radicals can bind to and damage the cells in your body.

While we can reduce our exposure to excess free radicals by following healthy habits, we can’t avoid them entirely. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate plenty of antioxidants into your lifestyle.

Antioxidants are compounds that stop or delay damage to cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E are found in many foods, especially plant-based foods. Thus, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can increase your antioxidant intake and reduce free radical damage to your cells.

Benefits of Antioxidants for Skin 

Free radicals can also cause damage that leads to premature aging and even skin cancer. Luckily, there are some ways to lower the amount of free radicals that interact with your skin, like:

• Wearing sunscreen daily, even if the weather is cloudy 
• Not smoking cigarettes and avoiding secondhand smoke 
• Limiting your alcohol intake 
• Washing your face after spending extended periods outdoors if you live in an area with a lot of air pollution 

Of course, your daily habits can only do so much to diminish your free radical exposure. Free radicals are everywhere! Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can definitely help to neutralize free radicals, thus fighting inflammation and visible signs of aging. But using skincare products formulated with antioxidants can also effectively delay skin aging.

How to Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Skincare Routine 

When shopping for skincare products with antioxidants, look for the below ingredients. Since oftentimes the antioxidants are contained in a botanical ingredient, we’ve also added the names of plant-based ingredients to search for.

Vitamin C - Boosts collagen production and fades dark spots. Vitamin C may also appear as ascorbic acid. Melon fruit extract is an example of a botanical ingredient that is rich in vitamin C.  

Vitamin A - Boosts cell renewal and repair. Sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and melon fruit extract are all excellent sources of vitamin A. 

Vitamin E - Promotes skin healing. Look for vitamin E in the form of plant oils like avocado oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil.  

Coenzyme Q10 - Stimulates collagen production.  

Niacinamide - Improves skin texture and tone.  

Polyphenols - Prevent UV-induced skin damage. Some examples of plant-based ingredients that include polyphenols include aloe, Lupinus albus (white lupin) seed extract, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, and Vitis vinifera (grape) leaf extract.  

Carnosine - Prevents glycation, one of the top causes of premature aging. 

Flavonoids - Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. To add more flavonoids into your skincare routine, look for ingredients like Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Nelumbium speciosum (lotus) flower extract, and Vitis vinifera (grape) leaf extract. 

Our goal is to keep your skin healthy, which is why Herbacin skincare products are formulated with plenty of plant-based antioxidants.

How do you incorporate more antioxidants into your lifestyle? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comment section below.

The 10 Best Essential Oils for Skin (and Which Ones to Avoid)

You’ve probably heard about the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils, but can they help your skin? Essentials oils, which are extracted from various parts of plants, contain some skin-loving compounds. But even though they might be completely natural, some essential oils can actually harm your skin. So how do you determine which essential oils can help your skin, and which cause irritation? Keep reading to learn which essential oils to use for skin, and which to avoid.

The Best Essential Oils for Skin 

1. Helichrysum Essential Oil 

Helichrysum has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent choice for treating acne. Plus, its healing properties can help to diminish the appearance of acne scarring.

2. Lemongrass Essential Oil 

Lemongrass essential oil acts as an astringent, balancing sebum production and shrinking enlarged pores. Dilute 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil into 2 ounces of a carrier oil and distilled water to make a refreshing face mist.

3. German Chamomile Essential Oil 

German chamomile essential oil is extra gentle, which makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. German chamomile is calming, and soothes irritation from skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Plus, since it promotes moisture retention, it can also be used to hydrate dry skin.

4. Clary Sage Essential Oil

If you wake up with puffy skin, try clary sage. This essential oil has the ability to reduces facial puffiness. Plus, it helps to fight signs of aging.

5. Rose Otto Essential Oil 

Rose otto oil is an excellent choice for dry skin because of its impressive moisturizing abilities. Rose otto is also rich in antioxidants, which helps to protect skin from aging free radical damage.

6. Tea Tree Essential Oil 

Tea tree’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make this essential oil and excellent choice for acne-prone skin. Tea tree can also be used to treat bug bites.

7. Geranium Essential Oil 

Geranium oil has the ability to balance oil production, which means that it’s beneficial for both dry and oily skin types. Geranium oil can also act as an astringent to reduce the appearance of fine lines by temporarily tightening the skin.

8. Cypress Essential Oil 

Cypress essential oil can reduce facial redness by shrinking swollen blood vessels and repairing capillary damage.

9. Lavender Essential Oil 

Lavender’s soothing and moisturizing properties make this essential oil a great choice for dry or irritated skin. Plus, lavender oil can be used for cleansing cuts and scrapes.

10. Frankincense Essential Oil 

Frankincense can fight one of the biggest signs of aging: hyperpigmentation. This essential oil evens the skin tone by fading age spots and scars. Frankincense also strengthens the skin, which can protect against sagging.

Which Essential Oils to Avoid 

Not all essential oils have benefits for the skin. Avoid using these essential oils on the skin:

• Peppermint 
• Wintergreen 
• Lemon 
• Tangerine 
• Grapefruit 
• Mandarin 
• Eucalyptus 

Tips for Using Essential Oils Safely 

• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. 
• Do a patch test before trying a new essential oil on your skin. 
• Do not apply essential oils near the eyes or mouth. 
• If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.

Double Cleansing: What It Is & Why It’s So Important for Your Skin

Double cleansing is more than just a buzzy phrase circling the beauty blogosphere. In fact, double cleansing is a small change you can make to your skincare routine that can have big results. But this South Korean beauty practice isn’t just washing your face twice! Keep reading to learn more about double cleansing, and how to incorporate double cleansing into your daily skin regimen.

What is Double Cleansing? 

Double cleansing uses oil-based and water-based cleansers to thoroughly cleanse the face. Why? As you may recall from chemistry class, like dissolves like. Sebum, an oily substance produced by our skin, clings to dead skin cells and holds them in our pores. An oil cleanser gently dissolves excess sebum and any impurities caught in that sebum. Oil cleansers are also effective at dissolving oil-based products like makeup and sunscreen. Once this layer of grime has been cleared away, you can use a water-based cleanser to wash away water-based impurities like pollution and sweat.

So why should you double cleanse? Here’s a few reasons:

• Double cleansing makes your other skincare products more effective. By completely cleansing the face of excess oil, dead skin, and other impurities, you’re creating a completely blank canvas. This allows your other skincare products to better penetrate into the skin and work their magic. 
• It may sound counterintuitive, but double cleansing is actually a great way to help treat acne. Acne skin types produce more oil. Many people use harsh astringents and acids to remove this excess sebum. However, this can cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate. On the other hand, oil cleansing gently removes that excess sebum without drying out the skin. Thus, double cleansing can help to balance oil production and reduce breakouts in acne skin types. 

How to Double Cleanse 

Many bloggers tout coconut, argan, or olive oil as oil cleansers. However, pure oils can actually clog pores when used for double cleansing. A true oil cleanser must include a surfactant, which traps makeup and other impurities on the skin and washes it away. Otherwise, the impurities will stay on the surface of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Instead, use a cleanser that’s infused with oils like Herbacin 2-Phase Makeup Remover. 2-Phase Makeup Remover uses sweet almond oil to gently cleanse the skin, leaving it velvety soft.

Next, follow with a gentle, water-based cleanser to rinse away water-based impurities, as well as residue from the oil cleanser. Then follow the rest of your skincare routine as normal.

You should double cleanse twice per day, both in the morning and in the evening. And yes, you should double cleanse, even if you don’t wear makeup! Makeup is just one type of oil-based impurity. Double cleansing balances excess oil production and also rinses away SPF (which you should always be wearing). The oil cleansing step is essential for rinsing away non-makeup impurities and balancing oil production for all skin types.

Have you tried double cleansing yet? Let us know in the comments!

Wedding Countdown: 6 Ways to Prep Your Skin for the Big Day

If you’re a bride-to-be, you know there’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding. And developing a pre-wedding beauty routine is just another part of the planning! After all, your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and you want your skin to look its absolute best. If you plan ahead, you can definitely have the gorgeous, glowing skin every bride dreams of on your big day. Keep reading for our guide to prepping skin for your wedding.

1. See a Dermatologist 

If you have any skin concerns (i.e. hyperpigmentation, scarring, acne, etc.), you’ll want to see a dermatologist as soon as possible, ideally one year before the wedding. Why so early? Because some skin issues take at least six months to treat. You want to get a head start!

2. Create a Skincare Routine 

If you don’t already have a solid skincare routine, now is the time to start one. Talk to your dermatologist about what kinds of products will work best for your skin type and concerns. Then stick to it! Consistency makes all the difference when it comes to great skin.

3. Exfoliate! 

Exfoliating removes dull, dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. As a result, your skin will look gorgeous and radiant. Make sure your pre-wedding skincare regimen includes exfoliating two or three times per week.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re exfoliating your entire body, especially if your dress shows off your skin. If your dress is backless, purchase a dry brush with a long handle. This will help you to exfoliate those hard-to-reach areas. After exfoliating, make sure to moisturize! Herbacin Kamille Body Lotion with Argan Oil nourishes skin with vitamin A and E, so your skin will be extra soft on the big day.

4. Start Getting Facials 

If you’ve never had a facial before, now is the time to start! An aesthetician can help you get your skin into shape before your wedding. Just make sure you don’t get a facial too close to your wedding, since your skin needs time to heal. Let your aesthetician know your wedding date so they can help you schedule that last pre-wedding facial.

5. Change Your Diet 

Make sure you’re incorporating plenty of skin-loving foods into your diet in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Think lots of leafy greens, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocado. You may also want to take a supplement like a multivitamin to make sure your skin is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs for a healthy glow.

6. Manage Stress 

Stress can worsen skin conditions like eczema and acne. To keep your symptoms under control, try to reduce your stress levels in the months and weeks leading up to your wedding. Easier said than done, right? Start an exercise routine, learn how to meditate, start journaling, or engage in another activity that helps you to blow off some steam. Your skin will thank you!

Are you a bride-to-be? How are you prepping your skin for your wedding? Let us know in the comments!

Facial Massage: Its Benefits & How to Do It at Home

Just like the rest of your body, your facial muscles require exercise to keep them strong and youthful. So how do you exercise your facial muscles? Facial massage!

Facial massage has long been a staple of professional spa treatments, but you don’t have to leave this youth-giving practice to the pros. You can actually incorporate facial massage into your everyday beauty routine! Not only is it relaxing, but it also helps to improve the condition of your skin.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of facial massage, and how to do it at home.

The Benefits of Facial Massage 

1. Prevents Wrinkles 

Tense facial muscles can lead to the formation of a certain type of wrinkle called stress lines. Massage can help to relieve tension in the facial muscles, thus preventing wrinkles.

2. Increases Circulation 

Facial massage increases blood flow to your facial tissues. This helps to bring more oxygen to the area, which in turn can help improve collagen production. Collagen is an important protein which gives skin a youthful, smooth texture. However, our skin’s collagen production declines as we age. Since facial massage stimulates the production of this youth-giving molecule, it can actually slow the aging process.

3. Reduces Puffiness 

Do you ever wake up with a swollen, puffy face? Since facial massage stimulates circulation, it can also help to drain some of that excess fluid from your face. As a result, your skin looks more radiant and wide-awake.

4. Promotes Relaxation 

If the benefits for your personal appearance weren’t enough, facial massage just feels nice! Performing a facial massage in the evening is a good way to unwind after a stressful day at work, and can even help you to fall asleep.

How to Do a Facial Massage at Home 

Follow these simple steps to perform a facial massage:

1. Cover your fingers and face with a small amount of non-comedogenic oil to lubricate your skin, preventing wrinkle-causing tugging and pulling. We like coconut oil, argan oil, or rosehip oil. You could also use our 2-Phase Makeup Remover, which will allow you to cleanse your face while you massage. 
2. Starting at the center of your face, gently sweep your fingers across your skin from your nose to your hairline, following the contours of your cheeks in an upward motion. 
3. Knead out worry lines by repeating the same sweeping motion on your forehead, from the center of your forehead to your hairline. 
4. Use only your ring fingers to massage your eye area, since this area is more delicate and requires less pressure. 
5. And don’t forget your neck! Use light, upward strokes from the neck to the jawline to lift and firm. 
6. Rinse your face with cold water, then continue on with your regular skincare routine. 

You can also experiment by using facial massage tools. Jade or quartz rollers are an easy, inexpensive way to get started. But if you’re looking for something more high end, you can also buy a facial massage device that does the work for you.

Do you massage your face daily? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!

Eczema: What It Is and How to Treat It

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes periodic flare-ups of itchy, red, and dry patches of skin. Eczema is most common in children, with around 60 percent of cases clearing up on their own by the age of six.

But there’s good news for those of us who continue to suffer from eczema well into adulthood: eczema flare-ups can be prevented with certain lifestyle changes. We hope this brief guide to eczema will help to bring you some relief.

What is Eczema? 

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition characterized by the following symptoms:

• Dry skin 
• Itchiness 
• Red patches or bumps 
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin 

Scientists have yet to identify the cause of this itchy skin condition. It’s thought that people with eczema don’t have a strong protective skin barrier, which makes it easier for their skin to be irritated by environmental factors. Eczema is genetic in origin, so if one or both of your parents had eczema, you’re more likely to have it as well.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for eczema. However, these lifestyle tweaks may prevent flare-ups and relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms:

1. Moisturize Frequently 

Using moisturizing lotions or creams can help protect the skin by reinforcing its protective layer. Herbacin Kamille Intensive Moisture protects skin as it hydrates, preventing moisture loss and locking out irritants.
You may need to apply lotion several times per day in order to keep skin adequately moisturized. 

2. Avoid Triggers 

Oftentimes, allergies can encourage flare-ups of eczema. Common eczema-causing allergies include laundry detergent, soap, pet dander, pollen, and food allergies. Keeping a diary can help you to identify your triggers, and avoid them accordingly.

3. Change Your Shower Habits 

Bathing in hot water dries out your skin, which makes it more prone to an eczema flare-up. Shorten your shower time and use lukewarm water rather than scalding hot. Pat skin to dry, then apply a hydrating lotion to damp skin immediately after showering.

4. Use Gentle Soaps 

Some soaps can zap the moisture right out of your skin, so it’s important to always choose gentle cleansing options. Look for soaps that contain zero dyes or perfumes, which are common eczema irritants.

5. Try a Humidifier 

Dry, indoor air can also trigger an eczema flare-up. A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home, which can help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Try using one in your bedroom while you sleep.

6. Avoid Wearing Wool 

Wool has corkscrew-shaped fibers, which can irritate sensitive skin. Thus, you should avoid wearing wool whenever possible. But if you do choose to wear wool, try layering a cotton shirt underneath to protect your skin.

7. Focus on Treating Eczema 

First Products that are formulated to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging can actually worsen eczema. During eczema flare-ups, drop products from your routine that contain harsh ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid. One your eczema clears up, you can start to slowly add these products back into your regular skincare regimen.

8. Visit Your Doctor 

If simple lifestyle changes don’t clear up your eczema, you can also visit your doctor for a prescription-strength cream. Your doctor may also be able to diagnose certain allergies or irritants that are triggering your eczema.

Do you have eczema? What do you do to prevent flare-ups, and how do you treat the itchiness? Share your experience with other readers in the comment section below.

Gym Bag Beauty: 7 Ways to Streamline Your Post-Workout Beauty Routine

Do your New Year’s resolutions include exercising more? That’s great! Regular exercise boosts both your physical and mental health. However, it can be tough to fit trips to the gym into an already jam-packed schedule.

While we can’t make recommendations on how to trim down your workout routine, we can help you with what comes after. Follow these tips to streamline your post-workout beauty routine so you’ll have no excuses not to hit the gym!

1. Remove All Makeup 

Taking off all of your makeup before working out will help prevent breakouts (and keep mascara from running down your face while you exercise). Swipe face with 2-Phase Makeup Remover pre-workout, and again post-workout to remove sweat and dirt.

Flushed skin requires gentle products, and with an ingredient list that includes sweet almond oil and aloe vera, 2-Phase Makeup Remover is about as gentle as it gets. Plus, this product doesn’t require rinsing, which will further cut down on your grooming time.

2. Condition While You Sweat 

If you’re planning on washing your hair after working out, spritz your hair pre-workout with a leave-in conditioner. The heat from exercising will open up your hair’s cuticles, allowing the product to penetrate the hair shaft better and moisturize.

After your workout is over, wash hair with shampoo, then use a couple sprays of leave-in conditioner to help detangle hair.

3. Get Clean 

Leaving sweat on your skin can lead to acne on both your face and body. So if you have time, take a quick shower to rinse away sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Choose a gentle body wash with an energizing scent like citrus or eucalyptus for a little post-workout boost.

4. Wipe Down 

Don’t have time for a full shower? No worries. Settle for cleaning up with baby wipes instead. Pay special attention to areas that tend to sweat more, then apply a deodorant to fight off odors.

5. Rehydrate Skin 

Sweating zaps the moisture right out of your skin, so replenish your skin’s hydration levels with nourishing moisturizers. Use Day Cream to moisturize your face and Kamille Body Lotion with Argan Oil everywhere else.

6. Dry Shampoo 

If you don’t have time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo to soak up excess oils and odors. Just spritz roots with dry shampoo, rub in with your fingertips, and blast with a blow dryer to finish. It may not be a professional blowout, but it will certainly help!

As an added bonus, you can also use dry shampoo to deodorize your gym shoes post-workout. 

7. Simplify Your Makeup Routine 

Chances are, you don’t have time to apply a full face of makeup post-workout. Try this pared down makeup routine instead:

1. Apply tinted moisturizer (make your own by mixing equal parts foundation and Day Cream) to neutralize redness. 
2. Apply concealer to disguise under eye circles and blemishes. 
3. Apply waterproof mascara, which is less likely to smear on warm skin. 
4. Use a tinted lip balm to hydrate lips. 

What are your gym bag beauty tips? Let us know in the comments!

How to Detox Your Skin in 5 Days

Is your skin suffering from dullness, breakouts, or overall sallowness? It might be time for a skin detox. Overindulging during the holidays or while on vacation can lead to a less-than-glowing complexion when it’s all said and done.

That’s why we put together this easy skin detox! Follow these tips for five days to cleanse your pores of impurities, remove dead skin, and revitalize your complexion.

Why a Skin Detox? 

Your skin is your largest organ, and through perspiration, it’s also one of the major ways your body rids itself of toxins and impurities. Poor skincare habits, like not drinking enough water or sleeping in makeup, can lead to a backup in this system.

A skin detox aims to help your skin get back on track by kickstarting the removal of toxins through the skin.

6 Ways to Detox Your Skin 

1. Begin with a Facial 

Start your your skin detox by treating yourself with a visit to your local spa. A professional facial’s combination of pore extraction, nourishing ingredients, and gentle massage is a great way to regain your glow.

Or, you can DIY a facial at home by following these simple steps:

1. Remove all makeup using 2-Phase Makeup Remover. 
2. Cleanse skin with gentle soap and water. 
3. Gently exfoliate skin using a scrub. 
4. Tone skin with an alcohol-free toner. 
5. Steam skin by placing a towel over your head and hovering your face over a steaming bowl of water for ten minutes. 
6. Apply a face mask. 
7. Rinse off face mask with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. 
8. Apply Night Cream to hydrate and restore skin. 

2. Draw Out Toxins with Clay 

Face masks made with mud or clay draw impurities out of the skin, helping to unclog congested pores and clear up breakouts. Apply a clay mask onto your skin in a thin layer, and allow to sit until the clay has become soft (not dry and cracked). Then gently remove with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.

3. Cut Out the Junk

The foods we eat have a big impact on our outer later. Indulging in junk foods is fine in moderation, but they can still wreak havoc on your skin.

During your skin detox, avoid sweets, white bread, fried foods, dairy, and salty snacks. Instead, choose skin-loving, antioxidant-rich superfoods like berries, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fish. The antioxidants in these foods will help soothe inflammation brought on by poor diet choices.

Focus on Hydration Drinking water keeps skin hydrated while flushing out waste and toxins from the body. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, women should aim to drink 2.7 liters of water daily, while men should drink 3.7 liters.

Sip on filtered water with lemon throughout the day. Avoid caffeine, sugary juices, and alcohol, as these have a dehydrating effect on the skin that makes fine lines more pronounced.

4. Break a Sweat 

Exercise boosts circulation and gets you sweating, which also helps to remove toxins from the body. Any exercise you enjoy that allows you to boost your heart rate and break a sweat will work for this skin detox. For increased detoxification, try hot yoga or visit a sauna.

5. Draw a Bath 

A nice hot bath not only feels amazing, but it can also be a great way to detox your skin. Draw a bath, then add a cup of Epsom salts, a cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of lavender oil. These will draw out dirt and impurities from your pores all over your body.

Would you ever try a skin detox? Let us know in the comments!