Why eye cream is a good investment

KEEP IN MIND THAT UNDER-EYE SKIN:

• has no oil glands to help keep the skin supple
• can be up to 10 times thinner than the rest of our face (it dries out faster than the rest of your face)
• gets thinner as we age
• capillaries in eye area can lead to puffiness if fluid builds up there
• the skin itself is covering the hollow space of the eye socket.
• tissue below the eyes is naturally missing a lot of essential elements that make your skin strong

We blink more than we talk: 10-15 times a minute, each blink lasting for 100-150 milliseconds, and around 5.2 million times a year.

1. General reasons for dark circles and puffiness are lack of sleep, diet and stress. As well as allergies, age, broken blood vessels, anemia, hyperpigmentation, dehydration etc. Dark circles and puffiness could be a sign of toxic overload.
2. Dark circles and puffiness could be a sign of toxic overload.

• blinking + expressing emotions = premature aging 
• UV rays + stress + lifestyle choices = premature aging

Morning: an antioxidant serum + moisturizing eye cream + SPF +sunglasses Evening: restorative serum – rich eye cream 

Ingredients to look into eye cream: 
hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, reship oil, aloe vera = hydration 
ceramics = lock the moisture
retinol = stimulates cell turnover 
antioxidants = elasticity, brightening, prevent free radical damage 

FINE LINES = retinol (prescription-based & over-the-counter options), vitamin A derivate, peptides.
HYPERPIGMINTATION = arbutin, hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, soy, vitamin B-3, azelaic acid.
PUFFINESS = caffeine, green tea and coffee berry polyphenols, willow herb, dipeptide-2
GENERAL = vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, vitamin B-3. 

P.S. The only way to give your skin more collagen is by making your skin create more of its own collagen, which is exactly what the above ingredients do. To repair the eyes, you need to increase your collagen production and, to do that, you need to stimulate the cells.

Fine lines and wrinkles come from both sun damage and your skin making less collagen as you age. Collagen helps maintain skin’s elasticity. Vitamin C, peptides, and retinol boost collagen production.

• An under-eye serum containing retinol will work wonders to help rebuild dermal collagen and support the recovery of skin volume and firmness.
• Invest in a cream eye mask or patches if your skin is particularly thin or dehydrated. 
• Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they contain more oil than a regular facial lotion, and they have a lot of active ingredients aimed at the problems we see around the eyes. 

EYE CARE:
1. Gently remove your eye makeup.
2. Wash you eye area in cold weather.
3. Apply products with pinky finger:softly pat product onto the skin rather than smearing it on.
4. Gently massage under eye area to improve circulation around them & drain excess fluid and reduce puffiness. 
5. Use SPF:
Most sunscreens are safe to use on and around the eyelid region. However, physical sunscreens that block out the sun with minerals like zinc or titanium dioxide won’t usually irritate the eyes.

HABITS WISE:
1. Get enough sleep (for the skin under eyes not to look “unhealthy”, darker and puffier) 
2.Exercise (to improve blood circulation)
3.Try to follow a healthy diet (look for foods high in potassium like bananas).
4. Drink enough water. 
5. Minimise exposure to stress 

FINAL THOUGHTS:
A good eye cream can be pricey, but it should last six to twelve months.
When it comes to your eyes, prevention is better than a cure.
Eye patches are an addition, not replacement for eye cream. 

DIY treatment:
– cold cucumber slices;
– cold tea bags (with caffeine). 

XX,
Gena.

Day trip to Tulum during pandemic

Hey there! I fell like it’s been awhile since I shared any itineraries here. However, even in the middle of pandemic, my husband and I couldn’t stay in one place for long and decided that it was time to do a little trip. Besides, both of us worked from home, so we thought it was a good idea to spend a week or two somewhere else. So, our new adventure began. We spent 10 days in Cancun and it was about time to visit Tulum. To be fair, I have never been to Tulum before. Every time we visit Cancun, we had a whole itinerary planned, so there was no time. However, this time Tulum was on the list.
A few things to consider: we had completely different itinerary planned, but we had to change it. The plan was to visit Cenotes (we only visited Cenotes “Dos Ojos” before, so we were curious about the rest), but when we arrived, we noticed that the people did next to nothing to prevent spread of Covid-19, so we changed our minds. Also, we wanted to have breakfast at “Raw Love Cafe” but the line to enter was way too long. So, it’s a good thing we had plan B.
Tulum and Covid-19: Tulum was full of people, it seemed like there was no pandemic going on in the world. That being said, it was full of tourists that did not wear masks. On the streets, restaurants and even beach, it seemed like Tulum was “mask-free zone”. I feel like it is definitely more regulated in Cancun. So, we decided to do just a few things to go back.

• Breakfast at Del Cielo where we found the best açaí bowl I have ever tried! Fast service, delicious food and amazing atmosphere! Such a happy place to start the day off right!

• Snorkeling at Yal-Ku Lagoon. We decided to go for one activity that day that turned out to best experiences of our lives! We made sure that Covid-19 precautions were taken before going any further. The Lagoon is accessible to everyone including children, and there are tours as well as life jackets available for rent. I would highly suggest bringing cash because there is almost no signal at Yal-Kul Lagoon for the terminals to work. However, we got lucky and were able to pay with a card. Keep in mind that Lagoon is located next to a popular Akumal beach, so it might be a good idea to visit it as well. Here is a little preview of what you might see while snorkeling:

• Late lunch at Burrito Amor

There is nothing like a fresh delicious and filling food after a day of snorkeling! We absolutely loved this place and everything it has to offer.

• … and we couldn’t leave without visiting Downtown, and saying good bye while watching sunsets and pelicans.
  

XX,
Gena

Everything you need to know about hand care

The hands have fewer sebaceous glands than the face. It makes the skin more prone to dryness. Some of the most visible signs of aging usually occur on your hands. By applying nurturing skincare to your hands, you’re helping them age properly while retaining their natural beauty.

WHAT MAKES OUR HANDS AGE FASTER:

• sun exposure over many years can lead to brown sun spots, irregular pigmentation, thinning of the skin, and wrinkles. 
• constantly washing your hands (essential now)
• excessive air conditioning. 
• bathing or showering in water that is too hot.
• using lotions that contain alcohol
• sitting under direct heat from a heater or fire. 
•  cold temperatures, dry climate, wind, rain. 
• not protecting your hands when cleaning the house, working in the garden, etc. 

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

1. Apply sunscreen year-round, especially between noon and 4 p.m. when the sun is typically brightest. Don’t forget to reapply!
2. Look for a hand cream that contains 
   – ceramides (help form the skin’s barrier and help skin retain moisture);
   – retinol (this vitamin A derivative can help make your skin look and feel smoother).
3. use hand sanitizer with a moisturizing base. 
4. Apply rich moisturizer every time after you wash your hands: it’ll seal in water without making your hands oily (I have them all over the place).
5. For evening, opt for a protein-rich hand cream formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (to help plump up thin skin), Emblica (a natural skin lightener to aid in the correction of age spots), soothing extracts or essential oils.
6. If you’re cleaning, wear latex or cotton-lined gloves.

EXFOLIATION AND MASKING your hands is an essential step in order to have healthier skin:

• Consider using microdermabrasion or chemical peel once a week.
• Moisturizing and protecting your hands at home are key to maintaining youthful-looking hands.

OUR HANDS NEEDS EXFOLIATION

• It leave your skin softer and smoother, remove dead skin cells, as well as improve the absorption of hand cream too.
• When mechanically exfoliating, be gentle on your skin. 
• You can make small, circular motions using your finger to apply a scrub.
• If you use a brush (like Clarisonic Mia I have), make short, light strokes. Exfoliate for about 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• DIY exfoliators like Sugar + Olive Oil (add lemon for brightening effect) are really good. 

MASKING
One of the best remedies for dry hands is to slather them at night with lotion or a petroleum-based moisturizer, such as Vaseline. After, cover your hands with a pair of soft gloves or socks. You can do hand masking while watching TV or choose to do an overnight treatment. 

I usually gently exfoliate my hands, apply my face serum and rich moisturizer or moisturizing mask followed by generous amount of coconut oil to improve skin hydration and increase the number of lipids (fats) on the surface of the skin. I use disposable gloves first and then wear my Colorado winter gloves and watch a movie. This is my mom’s DIY mask and it works every time both for hands and feet. You’ll be surprised what a difference it’ll make for your hands. To be honest, no matter how many hand masks I bought during this pandemic, nothing works as good as my mom’s one. 

Some other popular treatments include:
– Oatmeal Bath ( anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties).
– Honey (moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory).
– Aloe Vera ( aloe vera gel can be used in a place of a mask).

APPLY MOISTURIZER

1. While your hands are slightly damp, apply your hand cream or ointment all over the skin, being sure not to skip the fingers.
2. When massaging your hands with the cream, paying special attention to any dry areas. This process warms up the skin, opening up the pores and allowing more of the cream to penetrate and nourish than if simply rubbing it in.

Other things to consider:
1. Drink enough water and have enough sleep. 
2. Exercise to improve blood circulation.

XX,
Gena.

The “WHY” and “HOW” of Face Serum

Hello there! Today’s post will allow you to understand the science behind skin serums. If you’re wondering what skin serum is, why you should use it and what is the best way to do so, keep reading.

FACE SERUM SIMPLIFIED

• made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply and faster into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients.
• are a high concentration of active ingredients.
• penetrate deeper into the skin to target cells that aren’t yet at the top surface level.
• keep water from evaporating.
• the costliest product in many skincare lines because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners.
• are usually applied in small amounts not to cause irritation. 

MORNING OR NIGHT?

1. Skin concerns that require a corrective approach are best addressed in the evenings because when we sleep our cells divide and multiply = skin cell renewal.
2. Serums feed, strengthen, and fortify fresh cells while you sleep. (again, timing is everything here).
   
   MORNING = prevention = antioxidants (like vitamin C: stimulates collagen production + helps to fade the pigment of dark spots )
   NIGHT = retinol-based serums = cellular turnover + fade dark spots.

WHY ARE SERUMS SO EXPENSIVE?

Serums made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. Those active ingredients are quite expensive, which results in the price of your serum. Serums are the most expensive skincare product in many brands. It takes $$ to even extract the high amount of active ingredients and combine them in such a powerful product.

WATER-BASED VS OIL-BASED SERUMS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Water-based serums go under the cream and they are so important. They nourish the inner layer of the skin because the molecule is very small so it penetrates.
The oil-based serums go on top of the moisturizer because they have a bigger molecule. They’re supposed to keep the cream and whatever you put underneath moist during the entire day. 

• Acne-prone = Vitamin C, retinol, zinc, salicylic acid.
• Dry Skin = Vitamin E, niacinamide, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid.
• Feeling Dull = antioxidants (green tea extract, resveratrol, ferulic acid).
  P.S. Powerful ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Always patch-test accordingly.

SERUM VS CREAMS

Creams are formulated to lock moisture in. They contain thicker, heavier ingredients to form barrier on your skin. 
Serums penetrate deeper into your skin to unleash the full potential of the cream. Serums are the commanders of your skincare.
Still, serums aren’t for everyone. Liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can be a poor match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea: it will penetrate too quickly causing irritation. 

WHAT’S THE PROPER WAY TO USE SERUM?

• apply serum on clean damp skin;
• apply 2-3 drops on your hands; run your hands together and gently pad/press them against your skin;
• wait one minute to apply moisturizer.

DON’T FORGET
!!! Your serum will always come with a manual. Do not throw it away. It has all the extra information specifically for your serum application.
!!! You can’t get away with using just serums. Their main purpose is not to provide moisture but LOCK it (along with other 1000 benefits).

XX,
Gena.

Pollution VS my skin: can I win the battle?

Hello there? Today’s post is dedicated to life our skin has to face every single day. We life fast, and often forget that there is more to skincare than our habits. Every day our skin has to be prepared to face the speed of life we’re used to in the cities, where pollution is often higher than expected. So, let’s talk about Skin VS Pollution and what can be done for us to win this battle.

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER:
Pollution particles, sometimes twenty times smaller than pores, can infiltrate deeper layers of the epidermis, causing not only inflammation and dehydration but also a cellular-level reaction that leads to loss of elasticity. 10,000 is an estimate number of attacks DAILY to each of your body’s 70 billion cells.

AS A RESULT OF POLLUTION ALONG:

• skin ages prematurely.
• skin becomes dehydrated;
• it loses its radiance;
• sensitive, redness-prone skin;
• enlarged and clogged pores;
• brown spots/discoloration. 

HOW CAN I HELP MY SKIN?

       – double cleanse;

1. Hydration: drinking enough water and using excellent noncomedogenic skin products.
2. Antioxidants: both topical and oral forms.
3. Balanced diet: fruits, vegetables, spices and supplements like Vitamin B3.
4. Anti-pollution sprays to create an invisible shield to protect your skin from oxidative stress that weakens the skin barrier.
   
   HERE you can find MY FAVORITE ANTI-POLLUTION SPRAY THAT HAS CHANGED LIFE OF MY SKIN BY:
   Blocking pollutants, protecting skin by creating an invisiable shield, helped to reinforce skin’s natural barrier and adapt to agressors + added a layer of antioxodants to my skin.

XX,
Gena.

Why sunscreen is a crucial step of skincare?

Hello there! Thank you for stopping by my blog. Today I would love to share with you a few things that might help you choose the right sunscreen for you, ad improve the overall health and happiness of your skin. So, let’s begin!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DON’T WEAR SPF?

• Exposure to UV light accounts for around 90% of all symptoms of skin injury.
• When the skin is exposed to excessive sunlight, certain chemicals are released that actively suppress these cells, weakening the overall immune response.
• Sun can damage the retina of our eyes. UV light is also a factor in the development of cataracts.
• UV radiation is also one of the major creators of free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) that break collagen.
• When UV light enters skin cells, it can harm the genetic material (called DNA) within. DNA damage can cause changes to cells that make them rapidly grow and divide. This growth can lead to clumps of extra cells called a tumor, or lesion. 

UV RADIATION CATEGORIES:

1. UVA: MAJOR contributor to skin damage. It penetrates deeper into the skin.UVA rays damage your skin before it even turns red or burn, which is why you have to reapply sunscreen several times throughout the day. 
2. UVB: attacks epidermis and is the primary cause of sunburn.
3. UVC: is almost completely absorbed by ozone layer.

As a result:
Freckles – age spots – white spots on legs&hands – skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma. 
As you get older, it becomes harder for skin to repair itself. Over time, UV damage can take a toll on your skin and its underlying connective tissue. That being said, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines.

SUNSCREEN MATTERS!

There are two main types of active sunscreen ingredients: chemical and physical.

• Chemical ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone, work by absorbing UV, reducing its penetration into the skin.
• Physical ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide stay on top of the skin and deflect UV rays.
  P.S. Many sunscreens available today combine chemical and physical ingredients.

When you try to decide what sunscreen to purchase, always remember that:
SPF 30: can filter out 97% of the sun’s UV rays
SPF 50: can filter out 98% of the sun’s UV rays

GENERAL RULE FOR HAPPY HEALTHY SKIN:

• Sunscreen must be applied 20 minutes before going out in the sun and it must be reapplied throughout the day.
• Sunscreen is the last, and one of the key steps of skincare routine and it must be used every day.
• Apply lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of at least 30 to yout lips.
• Always check sunscreen’s expiration date.
• Make sure the sunscreen you apply on your face& neck is noncomedogenic.
• Even if your make up has SPF, it’s still important to apply sunscreen prior to makeup applicatin.
• Don’t forget apply a serum or moisturizer with antioxidants prior to suncreen.

HERE ARE TWO SUNSCREENS I SWEAR BY:
1. For face, neck and decollette I use this Sunscree. (It is also perfect for outdoor workout + as a makeup primer).
2. For days on the beach, pool and working out this sunscreen does great job!

XX,
Gena.

10 skincare steps for better skin

Hello there! Last time we talked about the factors that might weaken your skin during lockdown, and mistakes we can avoid. Today I would like to offer you 10 steps that changed my skin. These simple habits in your life will allow your skin glow all year round.

1. Proper cleansing (gentle pH balanced cleanser in the morning and double cleanser in the evening). 
2. Use a serum before moisturizer so it will allow the latte to penetrate deeper into the skin. 
3. Never skip a moisturizer (followed by SPF in the morning). P.S. Morning and night moisturizers are not created equally.  
4. FACE gestures: applying skincare followed by gentle massage gestures makes a difference and helps your moisturizer.  
5. GENTLY exfoliate your face 1-2 times per week (it should never hurt/burn): physical exfoliant like a scrub or cleansing device or active AHA/BHA concentration every other night (after cleansing) will help the skin with healthy cellular turnover.” 
6. Don’t forget about face mists and sprays that will protect your skin from pollution (including the dust at home – you can clean your place daily, there is still some dust that will get into your skin + don’t let A/C dehydrate your skin even more). 
7. This is also a perfect time to mask it up; clay and gentle exfoliating formulas are your friends. 
8. When applying hydrating mask overnight, use a serum applying it (it works like an eye patch) 
9. Don’t forget to change your pillowcases at least every 3 days.  
10. Invest in a good silk pillowcase (beneficial for skin + hair: It’s hypoallergenic, unlike all other fabric, silk won’t absorb all the pressures skincare products you applied before going to bed + can help reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles).