FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Firm Skin Acai Facial Treatment At-home Maintenance Kit includes: · Cleansing sponge ·Samples – Firm Skin Cleanser- Antioxidant-rich acai berries are perfect for revitalizing mature skin. This cream cleanser also blends hyaluronic acid and seabuckthorn oil to restore the appearance of elasticity to the skin and present a more youthful look. Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% - Accelerate the exfoliation process with this enzyme peel that removes dead skin cells, reduces the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage. This delicious purée of yam and pumpkin leaves skin looking firm and radiant. Firm Skin Masque - This mask’s unique combination of acai, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry feeds your skin and keeps it looking healthy. Powered by phytonutrients and antioxidants, the Firm Skin Acai Masque plumps and regenerates your skin for an ageless appearance. Firm Skin Moisturizer - Hydrate and nourish aging skin with rich shea butter and skin-plumping botanical hyaluronic acid. Targeted formulas Homeostatine® and Biocomplex boost the appearance of elasticity for younger-looking skin. Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream - The Advanced Instant Lift fX eye treatment rapidly de-puffs tired eyes, smooths wrinkles and minimizes the appearance of dark under-eye circles. The cooling, stainless steel rollerball applicator massages hibiscus and ice wine actives into the areas around the eye, appearing to instantly tighten and lift the skin. ·Firm Skin Acai Booster Serum – Travel size- 15ml - Reduce the signs of aging with this antioxidant-rich extra strength serum and product enhancer infused with acai and naturally derived hyaluronic acid from marshmallow plant.

Wearing an SPF is one of the most effective ways to slow down the visible signs of aging and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

You need daily sun protection to keep your skin healthy and looking youthful. But, which type of sunscreen should you choose? Sun protection generally falls into one of two categories: chemical and mineral (physical). While both provide sun protection, chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens differ in their active ingredients as well as the way they protect against UV exposure. Read on to learn the difference, and discover the benefits of using a mineral sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential to keep skin protected from the dangers of sun exposure, including sunburn, sun damage and melanoma. It’s also beneficial in minimizing the aging effects of UV rays, such as fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin and hyperpigmentation. Chemical sunscreens are often referred to as “absorbers.” Their active ingredients are organic (carbon-based) compounds that absorb UV rays. Through a chemical reaction, these chemical compounds convert UV rays into heat, then release that heat from the skin. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, are “reflectors.” Their active ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers. These minerals form a protective barrier on the skin and reflect harmful UV rays before they make contact with the skin’s surface.

Mineral sunscreens typically employ zinc oxide as a physical sun blocker of UV rays. Yes, the same zinc your parents slathered over your nose and cheeks in the 80s. Zinc oxide has come a long way since and can now be found in lightweight, layerable formulas that provide the same sun protection but with a natural-looking finish. Here’s a look at zinc oxide’s many benefits for the skin. Zinc Oxide Keeps Skin Cool Unlike chemical sunscreens which trap UV rays and convert them to heat, zinc oxide keeps the skin cool and allows it to breathe. It reflects the heat and energy of the sun’s UV rays away from the skin, thereby maintaining the temperature of the skin. For this reason, mineral sunscreen is particularly beneficial in minimizing skin inflammation and redness associated with acne, rosacea and skin sensitivity. Zinc Oxide Provides Physical Sun Protection While zinc itself can be found in nature, zinc oxide is actually created by combining the mineral zinc with oxygen molecules. When these two elements are vaporized and condensed, they form a fine powder that sits on top of the skin and provides a protective barrier against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to being a physical blocker, zinc oxide acts as a mirror to reflect UV rays before they can penetrate the skin’s surface. Supports Collagen Production UV exposure is the leading cause of premature aging. Sun damage exposes the skin to harmful free radicals which break down and destroy collagen, a protein that is essential for keeping skin toned, plump and elastic. Zinc serves as a co-factor in collagen synthesis by activating the protein collagenase. This protein triggers collagen production in order to build and repair connective tissue like your skin. Helps Treat Acne Zinc oxide is also beneficial in treating acne-prone complexions. Studies show that zinc effectively reduces skin inflammation, inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria and regulates sebaceous gland activity. It also has astringent properties which tighten pores and minimize their appearance.

If you aren’t yet convinced by zinc oxide's superpowers, here are a few more reasons to add a mineral sunscreen to your daily skin care routine. Reef-Friendly, Broad Spectrum UV Protection, Suitable For All Skin Types Mineral sunscreens are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. With their anti-inflammatory properties, they are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types. And, they are free of pore-clogging silicones, making them a better option for those prone to blemishes.

Do you know how to layer your sunscreen and moisturizer? When building your perfect skin care routine, protection from the sun should be priority number one, although, of course, you can’t forget hydration. If you aren’t sure of the best way to use sunscreen, what to look for in a moisturizer or if you should apply your moisturizer before or after sunscreen. When it comes to layering products, we recommend applying sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine. Applying sunscreen on top of your other products will provide not only a protective SPF barrier but will also seal in moisture, keeping your skin soft, supple and hydrated. This being said, when it comes to your makeup routine, always apply makeup primer after SPF. After completing your skin care regime, allow your SPF to fully absorb for about one to two minutes. Then smooth on your makeup primer and other products. Don’t forget to protect your lips as well. Moisturize and protect dry lips with our Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15. The natural SPF 15 in this hydrating lip balm stick defends lips against harmful UV exposure, while soothing rosehip oil relieves dryness for a perfectly protected pout. Our range of four unique all mineral daily moisturizers with SPF protection are formulated specially for the face and neck. Each formula is free from silicones and brimming with active ingredients to deliver targeted skin benefits and help prevent sunburn.

Sun Defense Mineral Powders SPF 30 (6 shade choices), Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40, Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 40, Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40, Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15, Opulent's Solar Defense Mineral Moisture Creme, Jane Iredale Pressed Minerals SPF 20, Jane Iredale Loose Mineral SPF 20

Premature aging, sun damage and now “Tech neck”! Smartphones & smart devices are everywhere and the widespread use is causing a malady called “tech neck” with alarming changes to our face, body and skin.

ACHES AND PAINS According to Digital Trends, North Americans use their phones for an astounding 4.7 hours a day. When you spend that amount of time each day peering downwards at a screen, don’t be surprised to feel neck and shoulder pain beyond what an average person your age should be feeling. When your spine is in a neutral position, the head usually weighs just 10 pounds. Tilt your head downwards and your spine, muscles and nerves will need to support 60 pounds of weight, causing great strain to several areas of your body. LINES AND WRINKLES With your head tilted downward, the angle of the neck constantly creases the neck. Since the skin in the neck area is already especially thin, the folding action increases the visible signs of aging with "tech neck wrinkles." POOR POSTURE Remember when your mom warned you not to make an ugly face because it'll freeze that way? Unfortunately, she was kind of right about that. The worst thing about tech neck is that it could be permanent. Medical experts find that the posture you adopt when using the smartphone can change your body. The action of looking down for hours can actually cause the neck muscles to shorten and the shoulder muscles to round, leading to a completely changed and aged-looking posture.

LIFT YOUR PHONE Instead of huddling over your screen, make sure that you lift your phone up to your face. The different positioning of the screen will ensure that you’re not bending your neck in a harmful or damaging way. STRETCH IT OUT Stretch your neck daily to tighten weak muscles, stimulate blood circulation and allow greater oxygen flow and nourishment into your skin cells. Try these simple stretches to keep the skin around your neck looking smooth and wrinkle-free: ·Tilt your head back. Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and swallow. Repeat with your head tilted to the right, then with your head tilted to the left ·Place your fingertips at the base of the neck and lightly pull the skin downwards while slowly tilting your head back. Hold for a few seconds, tilt your head back towards your chest and repeat MOISTURIZE We are all guilty of giving our skin care plenty of face time. Not to be ignored, the neck has thinner, more fragile skin than the face, making it especially vulnerable to signs of aging. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to hide and prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging around this delicate area. Hydration is key to preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We suggest using our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck before turning in for the night. After cleansing, apply this luxurious cream to the skin, starting from the collarbone and working your way to the jawline in fluid, upward motions. Enriched with monoi, argan oil and our exclusive Anti-Aging Stem Cell Complex, this deeply hydrating moisturizer nourishes and replenishes the skin overnight, leaving you with skin that appears smoother, softer and more youthful. GIVE YOUR SKIN AN INSTANT LIFT Some days, you need an extra boost. For results you can see instantly, we suggest using our Hibiscus Ultra Lift Neck Cream - apply it under your usual daytime moisturizer to visibly tighten the skin in the neck and décolletage area in minutes. A blend of hibiscus and botanical hyaluronic acid enriches and hydrates the skin, while all-natural active ingredients like paprika and edelweiss revitalize and tighten sagging skin, smoothing away the appearance of wrinkles.

Have you ever wondered what is happening to the skin when you see wrinkles? The skin is made of three layers consisting of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. In the dermis, you will find collagen which is the main structural protein in skin. When we age, we lose collagen, the protein that provides support and elasticity to our skin. Collagen is the “brick and mortar” of our skin, but as we age, we slowly produce less and less of it, causing the skin to thin out and become more delicate. Beyond the natural aging process, a loss of collagen can be caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun damage or a poor diet. So, where do peptides fit in? When collagen breaks down, it forms peptides that signal the skin to produce new collagen. By applying additional signaling peptides through skin care products, we actually trick the skin into making more collagen.

Peptides are a vital active in skin care products, leaving skin looking plump and youthful. When applied to the face, peptides activate the production of protein (such as collagen) in the skin. Collagen is essential when it comes to improving our skin’s appearance. It acts as a building block for skin, bones, joints, teeth, muscles, joints and connective tissues, and gives our skin its firmness and elasticity. Unfortunately, collagen production declines as we age, leaving the skin less youthful-looking. By including peptides in your skin care, you can dramatically improve the appearance of the tone and texture of your skin.

Wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin. It can be worrisome, or even alarming, when you notice changes in your skin, but peptide skin care products might just be the answer. Peptides are more than just a buzzword in skin care — they diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for visibly smoother, plumper and youthful-looking skin. Let’s explore the effects of these ingredients, their benefits, as well as spa treatments with similar collagen-boosting effects.

There are many varieties of peptides (think hundreds), but when it comes to skin care products there are a few key players to reach for. Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar says there are specifically two she considers to be the most effective — signaling peptides and neuropeptides. As we've already learned, signaling peptides trigger the body’s own natural processes to rebuild the longer chain proteins to form collagen for skin care benefits. Neuropeptides, on the other hand, work on the muscular level to block transmission of signals from the nerves to the facial muscles. As Natalie describes: “One important difference between peptides and other beauty ingredients is that peptides work harmoniously with the body’s own natural processes. Other ingredients may work to benefit the skin but cannot trigger a response in the body — for example, Vitamin C will provide antioxidants, but the body is incapable of producing Vitamin C itself”. If you're looking to experience the benefits of peptides, our Marine Flower Peptide Collection uses plant-based peptides as well as marine flower technology. The peptides in this collection are naturally derived and designed to increase the look of firmness and elasticity in our skin.

Now that you’re well-versed in the benefits of peptides and collagen, it’s time to explore skin care products that help your skin look healthy and strong. Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites to enhance and protect your skin. The Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream can be added to any skin care routine to deliver significantly smoother skin that looks truly ageless. This eye cream can be applied morning and night and will not only target the look of fine lines, but dark circles as well. Newcomers to this luxurious collection, the Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate and for the lip area, the Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum, designed to help your lips appear plump and smooth. If you want your skin care working overnight for you, the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream is a velvety formula containing two unique plant peptide technologies. Like overnight magic, this rejuvenating cream locks in moisture and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles for fresh, hydrated, firmer-looking skin. The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System includes three products, all containing our Peptide Illuminating Complex that uses botanical peptides derived from hibiscus seeds. Slough off dead skin cells with our Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant and Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator and lock in moisture with our Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This blend of antioxidants and botanical peptides minimizes the appearance of aging and gives skin a firmer and smoother-looking appearance.

Throughout skin care’s recent history, facial oil has received the short end of the stick in terms of reputation. It’s been difficult to unlearn our impression that applying oil to your face only fuels the acne flame — especially as a slew of beauty brands have capitalized on the misconception in the past and pitched face products as “oil-free.” But it’s high time we understand that oils are crucial to round out a robust skin care routine. While lotions and serums are great for overall hydration, oil can tackle a range of specific issues: scar fading, de-aging, skin smoothing, even sebum balancing. Whether you’re a Vitamin C junkie or prefer a floral-infused formula, there’s a lot to explore when experimenting with beauty’s best-kept secret. After endless time indoors, and the cooler months gaining on us, our skin is crying out for some additional love. While you might be a master of your daily "go-to" routine, and even reach for a weekly mask, there’s a key component that is too often overlooked: Facial Oils.

Hydrate The Skin Oils deeply penetrate the skin’s layers to trap and lock in moisture — ideal for dehydrated skin — while simultaneously building a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that aid in repelling bacteria & pollutants. Add Nutrients Certain Oils derived from particular plants contain various vitamins & nutrients that are beneficial in addressing specific skin struggles, improving its overall appearance dramatically. Target Conditions Contrary to popular belief, various facial oils can also greatly benefit those with acne, particularly oils with antibacterial properties. While we were all once steadfast in the notion that oil products clogged pores and should be avoided, in reality, a lot of acne-sufferers are also navigating extremely dry skin for a variety of reasons, including heavy-duty medications. A lot of topical acne treatments only strip skin of moisture even further, but the right facial oil will reset your oil production and confront pimples head on, all while purifying and soothing.

The nature of a skin care routine is highly personal. Everyone’s skin is different and each individual has certain preferences for its appearance. Nonetheless, a general rule of thumb to garner for most products is to start with the lighter formulas first. Allow them to soak into the skin, then move on up to thicker treatments. While oils definitely have the capacity to penetrate multiple layers of solution, you should reap the full benefits of a high quality, organic oil by ensuring you layer it in to the correct step of your skin care routine. Facial oils can be applied before or after moisturizers, depending on the products you’re using. They can be applied to treat your skin before your moisturizer, or afterwards so they can sink through the moisturizer into your skin. If you’ve heard of oils coming after moisturizers, sometimes the oil in question are mineral oils that are of such high density they won’t allow for the absorption of anything following the oil (for reference, Eminence Organics facial oils do not contain mineral oils). Another option is to mix your oil with your moisturizer. You can simply add a couple of drops to your other products to lock in their benefits. It’s just about identifying what might work best for your skin.