Trading Acne for Allergies

By now, you've heard about our anti-Benzoyl Peroxide campaign, but recent FDA reports back up our claims!

Hiding behind big name anti-acne brands (we're looking at you Proactiv) are two troubling ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid.  Although allergic reactions to these ingredients have not been deadly, they have included some rather unpleasant symptoms: swollen eyes, scratchy throats, and difficulty breathing.

Our solution? You guessed it: avoid BPO and Salicylic Acid-containing products.

Luckily, the GR8SKN line avoids both of these dermatological super-villains; our products use natural active ingredients like Vitamin A and willow bark. 

Life-cycle of a Zit

Coffee: Drug in a Mug?

We're taking a little break from skin-health today to talk about breakfast's favorite side-kick. 

Whatever your preference—Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or Keurig—there is a good chance that coffee plays a major role in your morning routine. If you're anything like me, it goes something like this: roll out of bed, turn on Mr. Coffee, and down at least two cups of caffeinated ecstasy before even thinking about starting the day.

But there is a lot of information out there about coffee—some myth and some fact.

1.) Coffee keeps you awake.

Fact: Caffeine affects the central nervous system and can induce anxiety and restlessness. Of course, effects vary; some people can guzzle a mug at night and be snoozing ten minutes later.

2.) Decaffeinated coffee has no caffeine.

Myth: Decaf coffee usually has around 5mg of caffeine in it. (This is considerably less than the amount in brewed coffee: usually around 180mg.)

3.) Coffee is bad for you.

It's Complicated: Studies show that there are some benefits to regular coffee consumption: it can help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia—not that you're likely worrying about that now. It has also been known to combat depression.

Unfortunately, coffee also exacerbates bone-loss, which is why kids shouldn't drink it. Just wait until those bone plates finish developing!

First Product Review!

A big thanks to Shannon Wilson over at raspberrykiss.co.uk for a lovely (and comprehensive) product review.

Best of all? She is hosting a giveaway of the entire product line. 

Pro-Health, Pro-Skincare, Pro-Biotics

We all know the drill about "good bacteria." They aid in digestion.

But recent studies from the American Academy of Dermatology suggest that probiotics may also be beneficial for the skin when applied topically. The mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but research indicates that the substances produced by these "good bacteria" have anti-microbial properties. They put holes in the "bad bacteria"—just like tiny, biological automatic weapons.  They also minimize inflammation by calming down the skin's natural immune response. Goodbye redness.

Oral probiotics may also be helpful in combating acne. Although your skin and intestines seem unrelated, researchers have identified a "gut-brain-skin axis" by which these organs are connected. When the good-bad bacteria ratio is altered in the gut, toxins are released throughout the blood-stream, and can eventually manifest as skin irritation. Probiotics are all about balance.

We're not suggesting you go smear yogurt all over your face, but don't be surprised if you start seeing probiotics advertised on the labels of future skin products. And remember:

Source

Men’s Skincare: Not a Niche Market Anymore!

Hello all! My name is Larry, I’m in my 20s and I like to take care of my skin. There. That wasn’t so bad. 

But according to recent trends and market research, it appears I am not alone. It’s no secret that men’s skincare does not get nearly as much attention as women’s skincare, as it tends to be much simpler. The women’s skincare market is valued at over 30 times that of the men’s skincare market. Men (typically) do not wear makeup and our routine doesn’t take as much time: there’s no foundation, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, and other cosmetics to apply to our skin, and we don’t have to spend even more time removing these products at the end of the day. (Sorry ladies.) But what’s interesting is that young men are increasingly investing more money in skincare products (including makeup—in countries like South Korea!). In fact, men’s skincare products are actually growing at nearly double the pace as women’s: 9.4% versus 4.8% for women’s skincare products.

At first this statistic puzzled me: living in the United States, I certainly didn’t initially notice an abundance of men’s skincare products on the store shelves. But I have noticed a trend in advertising, more editorial coverage of skincare in men’s magazines, and even in observing my own habits over time. In the past, my own grooming routine consisted of not much more than daily cleaning and shaving. Now I find myself spending MUCH more time and money than I am willing to admit in this blog post on my own skincare and "manscaping" habits. Luckily for me, I discovered I wasn’t alone: this trend has really been taking off and is nothing of a niche market anymore. Asia is completely dominating as the fastest growing market for men’s skincare with Western Europe in second. Of the $3.3 billion spent globally in 2013 on products like men’s lotions and skin creams, $2.1 billion of that was spent in Asia. But it isn’t just in Asia that we’re seeing this trend, and I expect there to be more growth here in the US. So why is men’s skincare a growing global trend?

Because men have become more aware of the perks associated with looking good. They have a heightened awareness that looking good may provide them an advantage in the workplace and in their social/personal lives. It is becoming increasingly acceptable for men to care about their looks, and vanity is no longer exclusive to women. This trend has been reinforced by women’s approval of it. It appears women appreciate a man who puts effort into taking care of himself and his health. Not that this is a huge revelation or anything, but whether it’s taking care of your skin or working out—chicks dig men who care about looking good! 

I am currently using GR8SKN products for my skin, and I highly recommend them to guys and girls alike!

Sweating: Dermatological Danger?

Swimsuit season is here, and you want to carve out a six-pack.

Ok, let's be realistic. You'd be happy to shed that layer of seal-blubber on your stomach—a vestige of your winter carbohydrate hibernation diet.   

Problem: within a week of your newfangled running regimen, your skin rebels! Breakouts crop up along your hairline, on your back, and across your forehead.

Sorry to say it, but you're not allergic to physical exertion. It's more likely that your recent breakouts were caused by a symptom of that exercise: sweat. This, combined with surface dirt, increases the likelihood of blocked pores.

There is, however, a simple solution. Be sure to shower as soon as possible—or at the very least, rinse your face immediately after your workout.

--Or you could stop running, but we don't recommend that option. (Nice Try.)

Tanning-Bed or Early Grave?

Fact: The American Academy of Dermatology released a study showing that tanning bed users face a 59% higher risk of developing melanoma than non-users.

You'd think this would be sufficient to deter anyone one from setting one flip-flopped foot in a tanning salon. Not so! Just look in any suburban strip-mall.

However, the FDA is taking baby-steps in response to this study. First, they have created a rating scale for tanning lamps, categorizing them from low to moderate intensity. Secondly, tanning bed manufacturers are now required to put labels on their products indicating increased risk for users under eighteen.

Ultimately, the danger associated with tanning is one that only you can prevent—by avoiding tanning salons altogether. Not convinced? Maybe this infographic will sway your opinion.