Skincare Essentials

Skincare essentials

There are three most important aspects of daily skincare, UV protection, skin hydration, and skin cleansing. If you do not have any skin conditions, a simple yet effective skincare routine will keep your skin smooth and healthy.

UV Protection

Skin Hydration

Skin Cleansing

Sunscreen

Excessive UV exposure may lead to skin cancer. Wear protective gear and sunscreen when you are doing any outdoor activities. SPF values is an indicator of UVB protection. At a value of SPF 30, it provides over 96% UVB protection. Therefore, SPF 100 may sound that it offers much more protection than SPF 30, it simply is not the case. A good sunscreen also need to provide broad-spectrum protection. Natural mineral (ZnO is a better choice) based sunscreens will achieve this. More scientific studies have shown that wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation are directly connected with UV ray damages. Wearing sunscreen should be an essential part of daily skin care routine.

All skin types, not just dry skin need skin hydration. An effective moisturizer should hydrate skin by replenishing water to the skin. There are moisturizers that appear to be "thick creams", but this term does not imply they are effective. A thick cream might be greasy and clog your pores. Thick creams with petrolatum may be contaminated with health concerning petro-chemicals.

A petrolatum-free, non greasy moisturizer would be ideal. A simple test would be to apply a thin layer of moisturizer on a small area of face, if in an hour or so, you feel that there is nothing there, it's probably not a good moisturizer!

LEMYKA therapy moisturizers such as our healing lotion, hydrating cream and calming cream keep skin hydrated for a long time based on our advanced formula.

A cleanser should remove dirt, extra grease, bacteria, dead skin cells, but not an excessive amount of natural lipids that are crucial part of the skin barrier. A harsh cleanser may lead to dry, dull looking skin, and worse, it may even cause flaking, itching, and irritation. So go with a hypoallergenic cleanser for the best results.

Besides the three key factors mentioned above, certain nutrients add benefits to keep skin healthy. For example, vitamin C, E, B complex, A & K, minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, and potent anti-oxidants from plants may help further in combating UV damages, maintain skin moisture.

Moisturizer

Wash/cleanser

Science

Benefits of Zinc Oxide Sunscreen (non-whitening)

Why is sunscreen important?

Believe it or not, sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine. Our skin works to protect us from the outside environment. Because of the sun’s harmful UV rays, it can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, inflammation, and in worst cases, skin cancer. Sunscreen is needed every day, even on the cloudiest of days. Protect and maintain healthy skin in the long run to prevent these issues.

Chemical vs. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen:

The main sunscreens on the market include chemical and physical sunscreens that are both highly effective in limiting the sun’s rays on your skin. However, the type of sunscreen best fit for your individual skin varies. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate to absorb sun rays to where it never touches the skin. This leaves the product sheer to where your skin will have no white-cast or residue and can be easy to apply and absorb. Those with more normal skin can safely use these sunscreens. Physical (or mineral) sunscreens act more of a barrier that reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing. Ingredients in these sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are ideal for more sensitive and acne-prone skin; they also use other more natural ingredients. For infants and toddlers, try a sunscreen that is:

SPF 30 or higher for a high level of sun protection
Fragrance-free to avoid irritation
Non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores and acne

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is an all-natural sunscreen agent that is FDA-approved. It occurs as a mineral zincite that can be produced synthetically or through chemical processing. This ingredient protects against both UVA and UVB rays due to its broad coverage. It also works right away; just apply and go. Best of all, zinc oxide sunscreens are suitable for all ages and all skin types; it will rarely cause irritation on the skin due to being non-comedogenic.

The ingredient can be ‘micronized’, which means processed into tiny particles so that they appear clear on the skin. People tend to stray away from white-cast, but that’s how you know sunscreen works! LEMYKA’s sun care products include zinc oxide safe for babies to use along with no white-cast. Sunscreens like zinc oxide sunscreens are non-whitening, non-greasy, and baby safe, perfect for babies and kids.

In rare cases, zinc oxide can produce an allergic reaction to some. If that happens, consult with your child’s dermatologist for different alternatives.

Check out our blog to learn more about effective, non-whitening sun care and our recommended products to treat your child’s condition.

Benefits of a Gentle Wash for Eczema

The Importance of Cleansing

Cleansing the skin is a crucial part of any skincare routine as it removes dirt, oil, and debris after a long day. It is highly recommended to cleanse twice a day in the morning and night for. Cleansing at night allows for washing off any make-up or dirt throughout the day. In the morning, cleansing removes any dead skin cells and oils the skin secreted. So, why is cleansing so important?

Removal of Dirt and Other Surface Build up

The skin is surrounded with bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and dead skin cells. Washing off the skin will provide a clean surface for the rest of your skincare routine. It is the best way to prepare your skin for the other benefits from your other skincare products. Cleansing daily and twice a day will ensure all beneficial ingredients will make it to the deeper layers of your skin.

More Hydration

Maintain pH levels of the skin when you cleanse.

Cleansing Steps:

Following the steps of your specific cleanser is best as each company knows what's best, but as some general steps:

Pump 1-2 times on the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way!
Gently apply the cleanser around your face for at least 1 minute in circular motions. Be careful not to get any product in your eyes.
Rinse off with lukewarm or cold water. Hot water may strip essentials oils from the skin.

Common Irritants in Cleansers:

Many who suffer from sensitive skin or a type of eczema need to take time and care more for their skin. What people may not realize is the skincare products you are using are actually more harmful and making your skin worse. Common ingredients in skincare products and cleansers include:

Fragrance
Sulfates
Petroleum
Parabens
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Alcohol

Remember this rule of thumb: always test/sample a new product for any allergic reactions! Apply a sample behind the ear or on the wrist; notice if you feel any itching or burning after a few minutes. Especially for sensitive skin, find products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Ingredients that HELP the skin:

Especially for sensitive skin, it's important to find ingredients that are gentle. Glycerin is one of the best ingredients as it is gentle and calms inflammation and redness. Other natural ingredients include:

Aloe vera for its cooling properties to soothe infections and rash
Calendula for anti-inflammatory properties and preventing acne
Argan oil known to soothe eczema and acne
Chamomile to bring antioxidants and lighten the skin
Algae extract for anti-inflammatory properties and to treat dermatitis and eczema

These natural ingredients are all hugely beneficial for you or your child's eczema prone or sensitive skin.

Check out our blog to learn more about how to care for your skin and our recommended products to treat your child’s condition.