Talking skincare: Why basics are better
Sometimes coming across a skincare line can sort of feel like walking into the vitamin aisle. There is so much in front of you and you don’t even know where to start. You ask yourself, “What does this one do? Do I need antioxidants or probiotics, and what the hell is elderberry?” I get it. It can be overwhelming and confusing. I’m usually the person standing in the middle of everyone frantically scanning blog posts and google outcomes to see what’s right for me.
Luckily, when it comes to skincare, it doesn’t have to be that scary. Understanding the importance of basic ingredients might make you feel a little better and allow you to fill in some missing gaps in your routine. Bear with me, while I break it down.
At Lark, we believe that less is more. All of our products are made of simple and organic ingredients. And we know that the fewer ingredients on the label, the better.
Like our Balm.
This our best-seller, and for good reason.
What is Neroli?
Neroli is an oil that is derived from the orange flower. Neroli is known for it’s calming benefits and the ability to lower stress. Neroli is used for many things including for labor, inflammation and has even been known to help with seizures.
“Along with its regenerative qualities, neroli oil is also antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. This makes it useful to treat pimples and acne and reduce the redness associated with breakouts. Solidifying neroli as a skincare savior, it can also be used to treat oily skin, reduce fine lines and hydrate all skin types.” To read more click here.
Lavender for the skin
We all know what lavender is, the magical flower that is known to de-stress. We drink it, buy the essential oils, and even put it on our body. But why in your skincare routine? Let me tell you
Benefits of lavender
- Acne fighting properties
Lavender is naturally antibacterial (can I get a heck yes)
- Soothes the skin
Just as lavender is soothing for your mind and de-stresses the body, it essentially does the same thing for any redness + inflammation you may be experiencing.
- Healing properties
Lavender has natural healing properties and has been used for years to treat wounds and heal burns.
- Anti-aging benefits
Lavender is a very high source of antioxidants. “Antioxidants fight free radical damage, which is caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.” To read more, click here.
Just as Aloe soothes sunburns and inflammation on the skin, it is soothing for harsh breakouts and eliminates redness. Paired with lime, which brightens and helps lighten scarring and dark spots making it a great combination for normal to oily, acne-prone skin.
Tulsi s a detoxifying agent that is used to purify and cleanse. It soothes inflammation and is known to fight bacteria and has even been used to strengthen your immunity. To read more, click here.
Rose has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin’s redness and puffiness making it suitable for normal to dry acne-prone skin.
Why Oils?
Now you may be asking, “What’s so special about oils and why are they such a hype right now in the skincare community?” Or, “what the heck do I use to moisturize my skin, there are so many products to choose from!”
Oils fight oil! -That's right. A lot of people, especially those with oily skin are horrified by the idea of putting more oil on their faces. Typically, your skin is so oily because it's overproducing for what it's not receiving. Using a cream moisturizer or store shelf product is fine, but know your skin is not receiving the same nourishment that it could with a basic oil mixture!
And I get it. There are a lot of oils and it can be overwhelming especially when you don’t know if your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in-between.
That’s why we created a Custom Oil Blend to hydrate the skin without harming your natural PH balance.
Acne-Prone Skin
Breakouts- we all have them and that’s normal. These oils are going to calm the skin, even out your skin tone and fight inflammation caused by pimples.
Oils you want in your routine: Rosehip Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Seabuckthorn Oil, Tamanu Oil
Hormonal Acne-Prone Skin
This typically looks like breakouts specifically on the jaw-line, neck, and lower face. We recommend oils that are really going to balance the skin and help fight those breakouts.
Oils you want in your routine: Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Seabuckthorn Oil, Tamanu Oil
Dry or Patchy Skin
This is me in the winter, anyone else? Sometimes my skin even feels tight- and that is a no. We want radiance and glow, my friend. These are oils that are going to hydrate the skin past the surface, and calm any redness you have from the dryness.
Oils you want in your routine: Argan Oil, Maracuja Oil, Baobob Oil, Cucumber Oil
Uneven Skin Tone
This is for anyone that doesn’t really have breakouts but someone that also feels like their skin is red in some places and just all together another tone in other places. This can be due to sun damage or scarring, and that’s okay. We are all human. These oils are going to even out your skin tone, fight hyperpigmentation while also keeping you hydrated and glowing.
Oils you want in your routine: Rosehip Oil, Cacay Oil, Baobob, Marula Oil
That’s why we pack our Hydrating Products with simple ingredients like Rosehip, Seabuckthorn, and Orange that may be known as basic oils but essentially they are the oils that are going to make a naturally long-lasting impact.
Bottom line: basic ingredients are better for your skincare routine, hormones, and overall health. You don’t need to use 10 products to achieve healthy skin. You just need to use products with the right ingredients.
Okay, I know that was a lot of information but it’s okay. We are here to help and willing to answer any of the confusing stuff.
Let’s start a conversation!
Leave us a comment below with any questions, or with the basics that you can’t live without!