Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are cleansing ingredients (aka: 'surfactants' or 'detergents') that are found in a number of personal care products, including facial cleansers, body washes and shampoos. As detergents, t…
Many consumers are concerned about whether or not algae is sustainable. Here are the facts: Harvesting of seaweed is regulated by the EU and Canada. As in fishing, there are seasons when and how you can harvest seaweed. In fact, the harvest seasons…
Almost 70 percent of rosacea episodes are triggered by flushing and blushing caused by drugs and cosmetic ingredients, according to the National Rosacea Society. Any ingredient or product that causes stinging, itching, burning, warming, reddening or…
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that infrared light 'curdles' collagen. One savvy listener called me out on it. So here's a little more info about the ray of light we love or hate, depending on your POV: First, a little background to my statement: man…
We're celebrating National Rosacea Awareness Month in a big way this April! Every episode will offer valuable insights, from how to identify the signs (there's more than just redness) to how to avoid triggers that can set off flushing and blushing. …
Earlier this year I mentioned something called the 'washout effect'. One of our listeners asked what that means, so here goes: This phrase describes what can happen when emulsifiers penetrate into fatty lipids between cells in the skin's barrier (s…
In early December, Sephora was named in a class action lawsuit that could change the future of Clean Beauty. Come back to this space to find out what our team at Facial Conscious has learned about who's behind the lawsuit and why their case is weak …
This week's podcast guest is Dr. Mark Lees, an icon in the global professional esthetics community who is a reknowned expert in successfully treating acneic skin. While the following article was published several years ago (a tip-off might be Dr. Ma…
As we move from summer to Fall, it’s essential to take stock of your skincare and diet routine to help yourself age your healthiest best. When it comes to the skin, there are no shortcuts: beautiful skin means healthy skin, and that also usual…
Comedogenicity, or pore-clogging, occurs when a plug of cells, sebum, and air-sensitive cosmetic ingredients oxidize and harden in a pore. The top of the plug darkens forming what we call a ‘black head’ or open comedone. Usually associat…
