From our blog
Help Us Raise $10,000 for Berry Street!
Alpha Keri will be donating $1.00 AUD for every product purchased in Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist stores and online between 9th of February 2023 and 22nd of February 2023 to Berry Street. Berry Street exists to help those experiencing poverty, violence and abuse, and to help families stay together in safe and healthy homes so they can create the future they imagine for themselves. One program, the MI Village, is a residential village for mothers and children who have experienced the trauma of family violence. Alpha Keri provides gentle therapeutic skincare for the whole family so it makes sense we proudly support the MI Village so that more mums and bubs can reach safety and get the therapeutic care they need to thrive. “The Mother Infant Village turned our lives around” - Katrina Mums like Katrina need more than a safe place to stay. They need a village to support and protect them, so they can recover from the trauma of family violence, and then rebuild their lives. Support Alpha Keri and Berry Street to give more mums and babies a safe place to live and grow together. Find out more about Berry Street here Family violence support services Education services Including the Berry Street Education Model and Berry Street School Trauma services Including the Victoria-wide therapeutic service, Take Two Out-of-home care Parenting and family services Shop Alpha Keri in-store at Chemist Warehouse or online via this link or click below and help us reach our fundraising target. Terms and Conditions Apply: Donate now
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Introducing our community partnership with Berry Street
The Alpha Keri brand is built around providing gentle therapeutic skincare for the whole family. We believe that all Australians deserve to have a safe and happy environment to call home, this is why we have partnered with Berry Street. Did you know family violence is the number one cause of homelessness for women and children? ¹ Berry Street has been providing support for families for over 140 years and is one of Australia’s largest independent family service organisations. They believe that children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. We could not agree more with this important purpose. The organisation has a strong focus on reorientating the child and family system, family violence services and education system towards early intervention and prevention. This is realised through the following support programs and services: family violence support services education services, including the Berry Street Education Model and Berry Street School trauma services, including the Victoria-wide therapeutic service, Take Two out-of-home care parenting and family services. Alpha Keri will be supporting Berry Street with product samples, partnership awareness and sales driving initiatives. We’re also conducting grass roots campaigns in our Head Office like bake sales and fun runs. Our team is passionate about this partnership: "Donating to Berry Street helps them to continue their vital work caring for mothers and infants experiencing family violence. I feel privileged to be playing a part in this important work" LYN – PRODUCTION Victoria Police attend a family violence incident every six minutes², that statistic resonates with all of us at Alpha Keri and we’re committed to doing something about it: "The initiatives and values that Berry Street stand for are particularly important to me and my local community as we have been impacted by the ongoing tragedy and grief that is the outcome of domestic violence" MELISSA - WAREHOUSE In 2022 we have the biggest year ever planned for our partnership with an ambitious fundraising goal planned. With that goal comes a year full of fundraising activity including Run Melbourne in July, Ban it for Berry Street in September as well as some very exciting activity we’ll announce soon. If you would like to support our Company’s fundraising goal please click through via this link. Every donation, no matter how big or small is greatly appreciated and will help us support Berry Street and their mission. Please visit our Linked In page for live information on specific Berry Street initiatives and check back in on our Partnership page here on the Alpha Keri Website. We look forward to updating you on our progress. Sources: Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia, AIHW, 2018 Child witness of family violence, Melbourne Crime Statistics Agency, 2020
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Self-Care Tips - 7 Ways To Take Better Care of Yourself
Self care is no longer reserved for Sundays! Making time for yourself is important to both your physical and emotional wellbeing, but can be a challenge to fit into your daily routine. When life gets busy and work and social commitments take over, “me-time” is often the first thing we let go. Something as simple as devoting 10 to 15 minutes of your day to yourself can have amazing flow-on benefits including increased concentration and productivity, a greater sense of calmness, reduced stress and believe it or not, clearer skin.* Prolonged stress has the ability to make your skin act up, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The hormones that your body releases when you feel stressed can lead to physiological changes that can negatively impact your skin. Secondly, feeling stressed can lead to temporary bad habits such as biting your lips, over-touching your face and skipping your daily skincare routine. Below, we’ve listed our favourite self care tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to relieve s tress or just enjoy a little moment to yourself. 1. Take a bubble bath Relax and unwind with a warm, soothing bubble bath at home. Better yet, nourish your skin at the same time with our Aloe Soothe Wash. The sulphate, soap, and paraben free formula lathers beautifully leaving your skin hydrated and refreshed with the power of organic aloe vera. 2. Go for a walk in the sun Extra points if it's by the ocean, with its calming Walking, like any exercise, produces endorphins which can reduce stress and improve your mood**. Whether you throw on your favourite podcast or just take in the sounds around you, walking is a wonderful way to clear your mind and let all the obligations of the outside world go. 3. 10 minutes of yoga or meditation Almost like pressing the reset button, take 10 minutes to stretch or sit in stillness and let the worries of the day slip away. The internet provides a plethora of resources for at-home yoga and meditation to suit any mood or time constraints you have. As well as mental clarity and relaxation, yoga has been found to improve posture, mobility and improve sleep***. It’s a win, win. 4. Take time for skincare Skincare can be stressful, with so many claims, buzz words and fancy terms out there. It’s hard to know what you should and shouldn’t be using. That’s why we created a simple, fuss-free skincare routine that has been trusted by Australian women for over 50 years. Pampering your skin is a simple way to show yourself a little TLC every day.Our Aloe Soothe Cream is the perfect s kin care indulgence - the luxuriously rich and velvety formula is quickly absorbed, containing super ingredient aloe vera to soothe, replenish, strengthen and protect your skin in one easy application. 5. Have a social media cleanse Take a moment, or even a day, to disconnect from social media. Declutter your mind and detox from all the distractions presented online - you’ll be surprised how refreshed and energised you feel. Plus you can use that extra free time to tick a few more things off this list! 6. Journal Putting pen to paper can have a wonderful calming effect, filing all those thoughts away by writing them down. Journaling in the morning can bring clarity to your priorities and set intentions for your day, while journaling in the afternoon can let you unwind and gives you a space to store all your thoughts from the day just 7. Declutter You might have heard the saying, a messy room equals a messy mind. Our space can impact our mood. If our surroundings stress us out, we can feel the effects. Clutter can annoy us, distract us or take away much-needed energy, contributing to increased stress Whether it’s finally conquering the shed, the pantry or doing a spring clean of your wardrobe, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed a great place to start is the space around you. Self-care is so important. When you’re happy and feeling good, you’ll be kinder to yourself and those around you. When you’re calm and centred you have the ability to think more clearly and make better decisions. We hope these 7 tips inspire you to incorporate a little more self-care into your daily routine! REFERENCES: *1. Journal of Clinical psychology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.20833) **2. Thrive Global (https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-walking-can-boost-your-mood-and-reduce-stress/) *** 3. Science Direct (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859204000610)
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Morning Routine - 3 Steps To Beautiful Skin With The Alpha Keri Range
Did you know sleep is your skin's restorative period? This is when your skin cells recover and reboot. During the day on the other hand, your skin cells are busy working to fight free radical damage and protect your skin against UV rays and other environmental aggressors.* This is why a proper morning routine is essential to preparing your skin for the day ahead. Your morning skincare routine should provide your skin with the nutrients and moisture it needs to create a strong skin barrier and stay protected - no matter what your day holds. Healthy skin means something different to everyone - whether it’s plumpness, hydration or clear and even skin. There is no secret to healthy skin, but a good, consistent routine is essential. Consistency in a skincare routine is an extremely important factor. You brush your teeth every day to maintain your teeth and gum health - you should be treating your skin with the same daily attention. We turn over 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells a day, which means adopting a daily skincare routine is key to supporting healthy, protected skin. The basis of your skincare routine should be centered around these three simple steps - 1. Cleanse When you first wake-up and jump into the shower or bath, splash your skin with some cold water to kickstart your skin’s circulation. The first step in your skincare routine is all about prepping your skin and getting it ready for steps 2 and 3. Cleanse your skin to remove any dirt and oils that are lying on the skin’s surface. A great first step in your skincare routine to achieve hydrated, healthy skin is our Super Hydrating Body Cleanser, a creamy moisturising body wash formulated to create a light lather to gently cleanse your skin. Removing dirt and bacteria without stripping the skin of its natural oils - meaning it’s safe to use as part of your daily routine, and great for people with sensitive or dry skin. It is also fragrance free, soap free, colour free and pH balanced to gently cleanse your skin every morning. 2. Oil The second step in your morning skincare routine is our Super Hydrating Shower & Bath Oil. An advanced, multipurpose 3 in 1 daily cleansing treatment. This oil provides an additional layer of cleansing, unclogging your pores for a deeper clean as well as some serious hydration. The fast absorbing oil hydrates the whole body and relieves skin tightness so you can jump straight into your day knowing your skin is nourished and protected. Our daily cleansing treatment oil also re-balances moisture levels, providing continuous hydration throughout the day to support your skin’s health and natural defences. Helping to relieve skin irritations, protect and repair your skin so you can start the day with instantly soft, smooth and supple skin. Even better, our Super Hydrating Shower & Bath Oil can be used wet or dry for maximum convenience. 3. Moisturise Moisturising is the key to keeping your skin feeling soft as well as helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and creating a smoother skin texture. For the third step in our morning skincare routine, we recommend our Super Hydrating Intensive Cream for those areas in need of a little extra TLC. This rich, protective body cream provides intense 24 hour hydration to dry skin, including extra dry and cracked skin on areas like heels, elbows and knees, creating a protective barrier to lock moisture in. Finally, make sure you apply SPF as part of your daily routine to prevent damage from the harsh Australian sun! We love Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF30. There you go, you’re ready to kick start your day with healthy, happy skin. Explore our Alpha Keri range at your local Chemist Warehouse. Our products are also conveniently available in 1litre bottles, which means less trips to the shops and more time to focus on the good stuff. REFERENCES: *1. International Journal of Molecular sciences (UV Radiation on Skin): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/ ** Jama Dermatology (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/529429
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5 summer skincare tips to follow if you have sensitive skin
Let’s face it: Australia’s long, warm summer days are impossible to resist. Nothing beats an afternoon lazing at the beach or socialising with mates at a backyard barbecue. But your skin tends to be at its most vulnerable during the summer months because you spend so much of your time outdoors, where you’re at risk of UV damage from the powerful Australian sun. Your skin can be easily damaged if you don’t take care of it, especially if you have a sensitive skin type that is prone to sunburn, dryness or allergies. So how can you keep your skin healthy and hydrated all summer long? Just follow these simple skincare tips. 1. Shower with a hydrating body wash A lot of things can dry out sensitive skin during summer, from the baking hot sun to your air-conditioner or chlorine from the pool. That’s why it’s vital that you shower with a body wash that gently hydrates your skin. We recommend our Aloe Soothe Wash because it’s free of parabens and sulphates, which are known to strip the skin of its natural oils, and full of aloe vera that helps the skin absorb moisture. While it can be tempting to cool off in the shower for a while after a hot night, try not to spend more than five minutes under the water if you can help it. Over-showering can dry out your skin, undoing the aloe vera’s good work! 2. Moisturise with a fragrance-free cream Moisturise immediately after your bath or shower to lock the hydration into your skin. Our Aloe Soothe Cream is one of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin because it’s free of the synthetic ingredients that add fragrance, which can be especially irritating for those prone to breakouts or allergies. In addition to organic aloe vera, it also contains another plant-derived anti-inflammatory ingredient called glycine soja (soybean) oil, which stimulates collagen. Apply it before sunscreen to keep your skin feeling dewy and nourished. 3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day Did you know adults lose about three litres of water every day? And when you sweat in the heat, you lose even more. You should increase your water intake during summer to protect yourself from dehydration, headaches and low energy. While experts can’t prove there’s a link between drinking lots of water and healthier skin, dermatologists believe hydration helps your skin repair and make new collagen. It’s recommended you drink two-and-a-half litres of water a day during summer (but not sugary soda, juice or caffeine) to keep your body in tip-top shape. You can also replenish your fluids by eating hydrating foods like cucumber, zucchini and watermelon. 4. Stick to the shade Too much direct sunlight will dry out sensitive skin and make your sebaceous glands overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This can lead to unwelcome irritations, like acne breakouts. So protect your skin whenever you can by wearing a hat, slapping on the SPF30 and sticking to the shade. Your future self will thank you! 5. Choose the right sunscreen for sensitive skin Those with sensitive skin know that the wrong sunscreen can cause irritations or clog your pores, so let’s quickly run-through what you should be looking for when choosing your sunscreen. First of all, in the harsh Australian sun, it’s vital that you wear sunscreen that is SPF30 or above, which will block 97% of rays. Anything less than that won’t provide adequate protection. It’s also best to buy a locally made sunscreen, because SPF ratings in Australia differ to SPF ratings overseas and internationally produced sunscreen can be weaker than the products we’re used to. Finally, look for a sunscreen that says it will protect you against both UVA (which is linked to skin ageing) and UVB (which is linked to skin burning). We think Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF30 is one of the best sunscreens for those with sensitive skin because it’s produced with natural ingredients like rosehip oil and has a lightweight finish. By following these five easy skincare tips every day, you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful weather and less time worrying about what it might be doing to your skin. Just drop into your local Chemist Warehouse store to find these products and more for sensitive skin types! REFERENCES: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/aloe-vera-for-facehttps://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19900889/drinking-water-for-better-skin/https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient
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Christmas gifts for mum: ideas to show her how much you care
Christmas shopping for your mum can be surprisingly hard. After all, she's going to insist that she loves whatever you buy her because that's what mums are programmed to do. But given those of us in Australia get to spend this Christmas together and not apart like many others across the world, we think 2020 is the perfect year to surprise your mum with something extra special. Show her how much she means to you with one of these thoughtful gift ideas. For mums who love to read… THE BEST NEW RELEASES Help her cook up a storm with a copy of Ottolenghi Flavour by world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Trust us – it’s the cookbook of the year. Inside she’ll find 100 new veggie-based recipes full of the chef's signature spices. Just make sure you’re conveniently around when she decides to test out each dish. If you think she would prefer a beach read, you can’t go wrong with The Dressmaker and its just-released sequel The Dressmaker's Secret by Rosalie Ham. This thrilling, romantic series set in 1950s Australia will put her straight into relaxation mode. For mums who love to be pampered… A BEAUTY GIFT PACK Nothing says indulgence more than a gift pack full of relaxing skincare products, and Alpha Keri’s Super Hydrating range is perfect for every skin type. A triple-threat pack featuring our Super Hydrating Gentle Wash, Super Hydrating Shower & Bath Oil and Super Hydrating Intensive Cream will give your mum everything she needs to enjoy a spa day at home. Better still, you can find all three products at your local Chemist Warehouse. For mums who love food… A HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS HAMPER Remember when you were in primary school and money was still a foreign concept, so you’d spend hours drawing your mum the perfect Christmas card? Remember the look on her face when you gave it to her? The way she teared up? Recapture that feeling in a more adult fashion with the ultimate homemade Christmas gift – a hamper of foodie treats (may we suggest shortbread cookies, white chocolate truffles and gingerbread pear loaf). Your mum will be blown away by the time and effort you put in to make her feel special. For mums who love gardening… A PLANT DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION Did you know that being surrounded by greenery reduces feelings of tension and anxiety? Make your mum smile with a collection of calming, energy-boosting indoor plants. Look for low maintenance plants like sansevieria (a succulent with thick, waxy leaves) and devil's ivy, or a pet-friendly species like chlorophytum comosum if there’s a curious pooch in the mix. You could even surprise her with a plant delivery service like Plants in a Box, which will deliver beautifully packaged houseplants at various times throughout the year. For mums who love vino… A FANCY WINE BOX If you want to curate a posh box of wine but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. There have been some fab new releases this year. We love the Tread Softly Pinot Noir, which is a light, summery red wine from Woods Crampton in the Barossa Valley that can be served chilled. Nocturne Wines in Margaret River released a crisp Sangiovese Nebbiolo Rosé, which was voted best rosé of the year by preeminent wine critic James Halliday, so you know it’s top-notch. And of course, if you’re looking for a high-quality bubbly, try Chandon's Limited Edition Summer Sparkling Brut. It’s an insanely affordable sparkling from one of the Yarra Valley’s best wineries. Now be warned: you’ll probably outshine your siblings with these amazing gift ideas (but then you’re used to that, right?). Just smile and nod when your mum says she loves her Christmas presents equally, because we know she’ll love yours best of all. REFERENCES: https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/more-than-just-decoration-the-many-health-benefits-of-house-plants-20200708-p55a97.html
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Easy skincare hacks for problematic skin
Most of us will deal with problematic skin at one point or another, but the important thing is not to panic – there is an answer. While issues like skin allergies, dryness, oiliness, acne and rosacea are sometimes caused by things beyond our control like genetics and hormones, they are also often caused by things we can control, like our health, skincare products and stress levels. For some people, it can be as simple as changing up a few things in your self-care routine. With that in mind, let’s consider a few of the solutions you can try to revitalise your complexion. 1. Wash your face twice a day While those with oily skin might be tempted to wash their face more than twice a day, resist that urge! This can actually dry out your skin, making it produce even more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture. Dermatologists suggest that you wash your face twice a day – once in the morning to clear your pores, and once before you go to bed at night to get rid of the oil and grit that has built up over the course of the day – no matter your skin type. If you wear makeup, then it’s important to do a more thorough cleanse at night to remove all traces of product from your pores. 2. Use skincare products with anti-inflammatory ingredients The skincare products that you use have a huge influence on the health of your skin, especially if you have a problematic skin type. Our Aloe Soothe range is perfect for extra dry skin because it contains aloe vera, a natural, skin conditioning ingredient that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, dryness and other irritants. Cleanse your face with our Aloe Soothe Wash and moisturise with Aloe Soothe Cream to soothe and relieve your skin. 3. Always wear sunscreen Make wearing sunscreen an automatic part of your daily skincare routine. While it might not seem necessary to wear sunscreen on an overcast day, it’s important to remember that UV rays in Australia can be even more intense on gloomy days because they reflect off the clouds! Not only is sunscreen vital to protect your skin against skin cancer, but it’s also important for protecting your face against UV rays that can trigger skin inflammations and worsen dark spots, wrinkles and scarring. Go with a lightweight sunscreen like Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF30 that won’t clog your pores but provides UVA and UVB protection. 4. Wash your pillowcases and sheets frequently Bed linen is a hotbed (pun intended) for things like dust mites, body oils and dead skin cells. Yuck, right? That’s why experts recommend changing your sheets at least once a week, and your pillowcases once every two to three days if you can manage it, to help protect your skin. Your choice of detergent can also play a role in your skin’s health – gentle, organic detergents that aren’t excessively perfumed are best because they contain fewer irritants, and fabric softener is a big no-no. 5. Get a good night’s sleep It turns out “getting your beauty sleep” is more than just an expression – it's a scientifically proven fact! When you sleep, your skin rebuilds its collagen and repairs things like sun damage, wrinkles and age spots. Not getting your recommended seven to nine hours can trigger breakouts and make your skin age faster. But let's face it – this year has thrown our normal routines out of whack and a lot of us need to reset our sleep schedules. If you're having trouble regulating your sleep, try minimising your screen time an hour before bed to avoid overstimulating your brain, or use a blue light filter to help your circadian rhythm adjust. It’s also a good idea to avoid caffeine or alcohol in the evenings because both can disrupt your sleep cycle. 6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet While experts have different opinions about how food influences problematic skin, eating a healthy, balanced diet certainly can’t have a negative impact on your health. It's believed foods rich in vitamins A and D improve your skin's hydration (so things like fish, eggs, cheese and leafy greens), while vitamin E (which is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds and veggies) reduces inflammation. To find out if you’re eating a balanced diet, take the Healthy Eating Quiz, which is an initiative of the University of Newcastle. You’ll quickly find out if there are any gaps in your diet. If your problematic skin isn’t clearing up with these suggestions, try visiting your GP or getting a referral to a dermatologist. While following all these steps will do your health a world of good, other elements can play a role in more serious skin conditions, and a dermatologist will be able to prescribe the right medication to help clear up your skin. REFERENCES: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-wash-your-face#for-dry-or-sensitive-skinhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/https://www.wellandgood.com/face-breaking-out-laundry-detergent/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/
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The best moisturisers for mature skin
It's a truth universally acknowledged that our skin changes as we get older because of things like sun exposure, sugar consumption and age. If you’ve ever wondered what causes those gradual changes in your complexion, it comes down to a few different things. When you're young, your skin cells renew themselves every month in a sort of natural exfoliation process. But as your skin matures, this process slows down, leading to a build-up of old skin cells that can dull your complexion. Your skin also stops producing as much sebum, which prevents dryness, and collagen, which is responsible for keeping those fine lines at bay. Fortunately, a good skincare routine anchored by the right moisturiser will keep your skin radiant and supple long into your twilight years. Here are our favourite Alpha Keri options for hydrating mature skin. 1. Aloe Soothe Cream This replenishing cream is one of the best moisturisers for older women. It’s designed to repair dry skin thanks to its key ingredient – aloe vera. As a medicinal plant that’s full of vitamin A, C and E, aloe vera stimulates collagen production, which improves the skin's texture and minimises the appearance of wrinkles. In a 2009 study, thirty women over forty-five who took aloe vera gel supplements for ninety days saw their wrinkles improve significantly by the end of the trial, proving there's a strong link between aloe vera and skin elasticity. Just apply a thin layer to your face after applying your cleanser and oils every day. Aloe Soothe Cream can be used as part of your morning and evening routines. 2. Aloe Soothe Lotion This product pairs perfectly with Aloe Soothe Cream and should be used as a body lotion after a bath or shower to lock in moisture. It’s even proven to triple your skin’s hydration after the first application*! *Average 10 subjects with excessively dry, itchy skin 3. Super Hydrating Intensive Cream Abrupt weather changes, friction from your clothes and the hormonal changes that come with age can all contribute to dry skin around your elbows, knees and heels. This rich and nourishing cream is specially formulated to target these problem areas, where the skin is thicker and there aren’t as many oil-secreting glands. It also provides 24-hour protection, so you can apply it at the start of the day and focus on more important things. 4. Super Hydrating Moisturising Lotion If you find that your skin is particularly dry and you'd like an extra-nourishing body lotion, then we suggest our Super Hydrating Moisturising Lotion. It contains lanolin oil, a natural ingredient that is derived from sheep's wool, which is famous among dermatologists for its ability to trap moisture and rejuvenate damaged skin. Everyone can keep their skin soft, smooth and healthy with the right products. It’s all about establishing a regular routine and sticking with it, because consistency is the secret weapon that will make your skin more resilient. Find these Alpha Keri products (and even more!) at your nearest Chemist Warehouse store. REFERENCES: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/aloe-vera-for-wrinkles#how-to-usehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372/https://www.byrdie.com/lanolin-use
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Nighttime routines to live by for beautiful skin
Sleeping is an opportunity for your skin to rest and regenerate. That’s why a nighttime skincare routine is SO important. During the day, our skin cells are actively working to protect us from UV exposure and free radical damage[1]. While we sleep, our body temperature drops, blood flow to the skin's surface increases and a daily renewal routine takes place. In essence, waking hours are the skin's defensive period, whereas sleep time is an important regenerative phase[2]. With this in mind, how can we help our skin perform at its best? Cleanse To make way for the skin's restorative nighttime routine, removing makeup, dirt and oils from the skin’s surface is key. An evening cleansing routine assists to wash away these irritants from the skin’s surface and reduce clogged pores. There are a number of types of cleansers that you’re able to use depending on your skin type. For example, a cream cleanser may be best for dry skin as it's gentle and moisturising. Or, if you’ve worn heavier make-up throughout the day and are prone to an increased blockage of your skin’s pores congestion, an oil-based cleanser will deeply penetrate and clean. Moisturise Moisturising is key to keeping your skin feeling soft, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and creating a smoother appearance. To maximise absorption and keep your skin soft and smooth, use a moisturiser on damp skin and at least 15 minutes before going to bed for best results[3], as the moisturiser will take this time to penetrate the skin (and you don’t want to lose any on your pillow!). In addition to ensuring that you cleanse and moisturise, there are some additional steps that you can take to ensure your skin is feelings it’s best: Ensure that all of your skincare products are dermatologically tested. Get a good nights sleep! It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as poor sleep quality will reduce moisture in your skin and cause dullness.[4] Regularly wash your pillowcase and sheets, as the dirt and bacteria from your bed is exposed to your skin for long periods of time. When you first wake-up, splash your face with some water to kickstart your skin’s circulation. For dermatologically tested skincare products suitable for the whole family, why not click here to explore the Alpha Keri range. References: 1. International Journal of Molecular sciences (UV Radiation on Skin): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/ 2. International Journal of Molecular sciences (Biological rhythms of Skin)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926335/ 3. Book: ‘Cosmetic Formulation- Principles & Practice’- Digital access: shorturl.at/fR057 4. Science Daily (Sleep deprivation linked to aging skin): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130723155002.htm
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