In the past, toner was deemed unnecessary, too astringent and contain high concentrations of alcohol, and incredibly drying, all of which are definitely not conducive to a radiant and healthy complexion.

The newest generation of toners, however, have more than astringent properties, and many of them are alcohol-free. Currently, there are toners on the market to address almost every skin concern and are no longer limited to treating acne and oily skin.

So, what is toner?

To put it simply, toner looks like water and acts like water. But I swear it's not simply water.

A face toner is a quick, absorbing liquid that helps to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup, correct and balance the pH of your skin, and helps control acne.

In other words, facial toner thoroughly cleans the skin and helps remove built-up surface dead skin cells, it also helps to clean and close pores, which especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Depending on the toner, it also can contain acids, glycerin, astringent, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.

Why should we use it?

On a makeup-related note, toner is like a primer for the rest of your skin-care routine like serums and moisturizer, New York-based dermatologist Arielle Kauvar tells Allure.

"It brings your skin back to its natural acidic state, sweeping impurities away and helping your skin absorb your skincare products. Your skin is like a dried-up sponge. If you put thick cream on a brittle dry sponge, it won't accept it and it isn't 'prepped' for moisture. But if you wet the sponge, the cream will sink in more easily."

What does toner do?

Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen.

• SHRINKS PORES

Large facial pores allow more dirt, oil, and toxins to enter the skin and cause irritation and infections. Facial toners contain astringent can tighten your facial pores, allowing fewer oils and toxins to settle into the skin.

• RESTORES YOUR SKIN'S PH BALANCE

Our skin is naturally acidic, typically with a pH balance of between five and six (on a scale from 0 to 14). But that balance can get out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly.

• Adds A Layer Of Protection

When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.

• ACTS LIKE A MOISTURIZER

Some toners are humectants, which means they help to bind moisture to the skin.

How to choose a toner for your skin type

Rule: First of all, it's important to always use an alcohol-free face toner. The other ingredients should be picked based on your skin type.

• For acne-prone skin, choose an alcohol-free toner with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This will leave your skin clean and glowing without flaking. A gentle tingle for a few seconds will let you know it has just the right amount of pH of a slight acid solution. This form of acid is gentle even for sensitive skin, unlike irritating ingredients like retinoids.

• Salicylic acid is often recommended in a facial toner for acne-prone skin. However, this ingredient can be harsh, especially for sensitive skin.

• Other ingredients for normal to combination skin may include coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C.

• Avoid using toner that contains fragrances and colors, these ingredients may result in skin irritations.

How to Use a Face Toner

-Start by cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin suited for your skin type.

-Toner is best used as your first step after cleansing because it helps cleanse the skin from any residual impurities, leaving the skin refreshed and perfectly prepped for your subsequent skincare routine

-Follow with a moisturizer.

First things first, you need to know that your lashes have three stages of life – how fancy of them. Anagen – the growth phase, Catagen – the transition phase, and Telogen – the resting phase.

Eyelash growth serums – Anagen phase

'During the anagen phase, the lashes are actively growing,' explains Corcoran. 'It lasts between 30 and 45 days. and only about 40 percent of the upper lashes and 15 percent of the lower lashes are growing at any one time. Each lash will grow to a specific length and then stop.' (This explains why we don't have to have regular lash trims.)

Eyelash growth serums – Catagen phase

By this point, the lashes reach the catagen phase and the hair follicle shrinks. 'If an eyelash falls out during this phase, it won't grow back right away because the follicle needs to complete the catagen phase before it can move on to the next one. This phase lasts between two and three weeks.'

Eyelash growth serums – Telogen phase

The final stage is the resting phase, which can last more than 100 days before the lash falls out and a new one begins to grow. Don't panic though, they won't fall out at the same time and leave you with nothing, as Corcoran explains, 'because each individual lash is in its own phase of the growing cycle, it's normal for a few lashes to fall out most days. It typically takes between four and eight weeks to fully replace an eyelash.'

How do eyelash growth serums work?

The ingredients are combined in specific proportions to create a formula that contributes to the improved attractiveness, appearance, and beauty of your natural eyelashes. These ingredients basically work together to condition and strengthen lashes so they are less likely to break or fall out, boost the lashes with vitamins that protect them from external aggressors and condition and add shine.

If Your Lashes Are Damaged, Look for Peptides

Eyelashes, just like hair, are made up of protein. In fact, they're over 90% protein. This is where amino acids come into play. Not only are amino acids the building blocks of protein (and thus your eyelashes), but they also nourish and repair damage. This is why they're the main ingredient in so many lash-enhancement formulas. But keep an eye out: Many brands include amino acids in their formulas that go by a different name: peptides. ( A peptide is simply a chain of amino acids. ) According to Kim, peptides “nourish, condition, and strengthen frail and brittle lashes.”

So, are eyelash growth serums safe?

If you choose to try serums to enhance the look of your lashes, you have to be careful about how you apply them. Most serum instructions say to apply the product close to the root, but you need to be careful since it can be tough to avoid getting products on your skin or in the eye.

“Also, the gland openings on the eyelids that are essential for proper tear function can potentially become clogged, thereby causing discomfort, styes, and infection,” Dr. Lowe says.

The easiest way to apply the serums is to use the included applicator, starting on the inner corner working toward the outside.

And use the hand on the same side as the eye you're working on, so your view isn't obstructed.

With any beauty treatments, it's always best to check with your doctor to find out what's ideal for you. They'll know the best eyelash growth serum that will help you get wink-worthy lashes.

Lash Serum Restores the Moisture Your Mascara Took Away

Moisture is the key to healthy lashes, just like it's the key to healthy skin. Without it, eyelashes are prone to breakage.

Unfortunately, the main culprit of moisture loss could be your own trusty tube of mascara. According to Kim, it can be incredibly drying and weakening. That's why she suggests using serum-infused formulas. The good-for-lash ingredients will counteract and repair the damage done by other formulas.

How often should apply them?

Each serum will have its own directions, but generally, it's once a day – either in the morning or just before bed. After around 12 weeks you should see a marked difference to your lashes.

What happens if you stop using it?

If you run out or just simply keep forgetting to apply your eyelash growth serum, then your lashes will return to normal.

What It is?

COSMOPROF is an annual, flagship event in the beauty industry. The future 2020 edition of the event will be staged between the 12th to 16th of March at Fiera Bologna, Italy along with COSMOPACK – the major cosmetics packaging exhibition . Started back in 1967, the expo is held in other countries as well - Las Vegas, North America, Mumbai, India, Hong Kong, Asia, providing an excellent business-to-business platform to professionals in the industry.

This event will welcome over 250,000 beauty professionals and close to 3,000 exhibitors who will set on display the latest innovations in hair, skin and nail care products.

The complete spectrum of the beauty industry will be showcased. Along with technology developments and techniques in the following focal points:

• Hair & Nails

• Contract Manufacturing, Packaging, Machinery

• Natural Health

• Perfumery and Cosmetics

• Beauty Salon & Spa

Dates and opening times

March 2020, 12 -15

For visitors: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

COSMOPACK (Hall 15, 15A, 18, 19PK, 20)

COSMO PERFUMERY & COSMETICS (Hall 14, 16, 16a, 19, 21, 22, 22a, 22t, 26, 29b)  

ADDRESS AND SUGGESTED ENTRANCES:

The main entrance of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is in Piazza Della Costituzione, 5, 40128 Bologna (Italy).

In order to ease your visit, we kindly suggest the following entrances:

COSMO PERFUMERY&COSMETICS

Costituzione, Calzoni and Nord

Contact us to get a free ticket!

The days are short and the cold temperatures tell you the sun isn't as strong. Do you really need to wear sunscreen in the winter?

And while you might assume that cloud cover or snowfall means fewer rays are getting through, the precipitation common during winter months only makes it more important to wear sunscreen.

UVB rays are weaker in the winter, so you don't get sunburned as easily, but the UVA rays that cause wrinkles, premature aging and damage are just as strong, year 'round!

Because you aren't getting burned as quickly, and because the warmth feels good on your skin, you aren't seeking shade as often. Depending on your activities, you could actually do more damage in the winter than the summer!

About UVA and UVB, What you need to know

There are two types of UV rays that affect us, one of which is absolutely still very dangerous during winter.

UVA is always present and can penetrate clouds, glass, and deeper into the skin. UVA damages deeper skin layers, resulting in premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer.

UVB rays, on the other hand, vary in intensity and season. UVB rays are greater on sunny days during the summer. They damage the more superficial layers of the skin, resulting in sunburns and skin cancer.

The takeaway: UVA rays are potent year-round, therefore your skin needs year-round protection.

Winter's harsh weather is incredibly drying and taxing on skin. UV rays damage collagen and elastin in your skin, resulting in the acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles.

To combat this, look for sun creams that offer broad-spectrum or full-spectrum protection, which protects you from both. You can adopt other protective habits too to build on your UV protection, such as staying in the shade, avoiding the sun during peak hours and wearing protective clothing!

Vitamin C Sunscreen Lotion SPF30

According to the National Snow & Ice Data Center, snow is able to reflect anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of sunlight back into the atmosphere—and while this is good for keeping the planet cool, it's not ideal for maintaining healthy skin.

Light bounces off of snow and will increase the number of rays hitting your skin, causing even more damage in frigid temperatures.

If you plan on spending time in the mountains skiing, snowboarding, or cabin-dwelling this winter, be sure to always protect yourself with a sport sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.

A sunscreen I would recommend is Neutriherbs Vitamin C Sunscreen Lotion SPF50, which works as not only a strong anti-UVB and UVA blocker but also enriched with multi-protection essence, VITAMIN E and VITAMIN C, which helps anti-oxidant and anti-dullness.

The effects of UV light are cumulative, so we need to limit the exposure to rays as often as possible."

In this blog:

• What is Vitamin C?
• Which is the best way to deliver Vitamin C to my skin?
• How do I use Vitamin C products?
• Vitamin C side effects
• Products and Recommendations

Retinol Cream: The Anti-Aging Product Everyone Swears By

Retinol is the gold standard of anti-aging skin care. Sure there are hundreds of exotic and technologically advanced sounding ingredients hyped by the beauty industry. But retinol is more than hype. It is a legitimate superhero addition to your beauty regimen. It’s backed by decades of research and a myriad of published studies that prove it works.

Why Do You Need To Know About Retinol?

Neutriherbs Miracle Renewal Retinol Cream For Aging & Acne Skin

Neutriherbs®  Retinol cream delivers the highest concentration of retinol (Vitamin A) deep into the skin’s surface quickly and effectively. It helps diminish fine lines, wrinkles and premature aging due to sun exposure. The Neutriherbs Retinol Cream supports natural collagen production and faster cell turnover, makes your skin visibly smoother and younger looking.

Read our ultimate guide to all things retinol to sort the fact from the fiction...

Q. Retinol & Vitamin A are the same thing. 

A. True

Also known as Retinol, Vitamin A can help increase the appearance of firmness, diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, significantly improve uneven skin tone, smooth and finally refine the surface of the skin as well. Retinol is definitely a powerful multi-tasker. 

Q. You should apply retinoids during the day. 

A. False

Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to damage from ultraviolet light, so it’s better to use it at night. If you must use it during the day, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and other sun protection.

Q. Retinoids are for all skin types. 

A. True

While retinol is suitable for everyone, different strengths are appropriate for different skin types.

Q. Retinoids thin the skin. 

A. False

Retinol actually thickens the skin, increasing cell turnover and collagen production for thicker, more youthful skin.

Q. Start using retinol in your 20’s. 

A. True

While there is no set time to use retinol, most dermatologists advise introducing the product in your mid-twenties, particularly if you suffer from breakouts or pigmentation. It is suggested that one uses retinol for 3 months, then takes a three-month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after 3 months of retinol usage.

The beard has made a major come back in recent years and with its renewed rise in popularity comes to a whole range of new products to keep your beard looking better than ever.

With almost 50% of men in the world sporting some type of a beard, facial hair is now becoming just as important to keep groomed as the hair on our heads. Unfortunately growing and maintaining a beard can also cause many challenges for men such as dry, flaky skin, constant itching and beard dandruff (or ‘Beardruff’), to name a few.

Introducing Beard Oil! Beard Oil is a must-have product for anyone sporting any kind of facial hair from slight stubble to a full-blown beard. Enriched with non-greasy and nourishing oils, Beard Oil helps to condition the hair, strengthen and improve growth, reduce itching, moisturize the skin underneath and tame flyaway strands.

LET'S TAKE A DETAILED LOOK AT THE TOP 6 AMAZING BENEFITS OF BEARD OIL:

1. BEARD OIL FOR DRY SKIN AND ITCHING

Once your facial hair hits a certain length, you’ll probably experience itching if you don’t use a beard oil. As your skin’s natural sebum production remains constant, it won’t produce more to compensate for the extra hair. In turn, this causes your skin to become itchy as it struggles to stay hydrated. Applying beard oil will help to soothe and calm everything down.

2.BEARD OIL FOR BEARDRUFF

Yep, just like it sounds. Beardruff is dandruff that can form on your beard just like dandruff forms on your head – with the same off-putting results. If you don’t keep the skin beneath your beard supplied with nutrients, it will eventually dry up and produce flakes. And no one wants that.

Keeping your beard moisturized with a high-quality beard oil will keep the skin below it happy and ensure you steer clear from beardruff.

3.BEARD OIL FOR STYLING

Beard oil is a much better alternative to styling gels and sprays and a much healthier way to easily groom and style your beard, and also make it smell great.

At Neutriherbs our proprietary beard oil comes cold-pressed, raw and unfiltered, contains no additives, and is specially formulated to make you look, smell and feel your best!

4.BEARD OIL FOR ACNE

Beard hairs take up all of the natural sebum or oil that your skin produces leaving your skin dry. This means that if you are not using a beard oil, your skin will get too dry and unhealthy.

It will also leave it susceptible to germs. So, what a beard oil does is to replenish the oil lost through its application and oiling the beard and the skin underneath. But some people seem to think that using beard oil increases their susceptibility to having pimples or acne.

 5.BEARD OIL FOR ATTRACTING WOMEN

Don't let bad grooming get in the way of finding the girl of your dreams - get yourself a bottle of beard oil. Beard oil is mandatory to soften rough hair, reduce beard dandruff, eliminate flakes, and give your beard that soft, plush feel. Plus it will make your beard smell warm, wonderful and inviting - especially when you get up close and personal.

6.SAVING TIME AND MONEY

According to an article published in the 1972 Spartanburg Herald, Dr. Herbert Mescon, former chairman and professor of the Department of Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine stated that in his approximately 55 years of shaving, "the average man will spend roughly 3,350 hours, or 139 days" shaving. That's almost one-third of an entire year that could have gone towards learning a new hobby, working out, reading and more! Not to mention how much money could have been saved over the years buying razor blades, that could possibly turn out to be quite expensive, depending on the brand of blades bought.

A beard, on the other hand, requires minimal maintenance and does not need monthly replacement kits. Initially, you might need to invest in a beard trimmer and need to shave your neck and cheeks occasionally, but that's nothing compared to the cost in time and money demanded by regular, everyday shaving.

 Neutriherbs Beard Oil

Using only the highest-quality, plant-based ingredients that promise to revitalize and strengthen your beard. The trick is in providing your follicles with the proper nourishment. Maintaining a healthy balance of oils, not only helps maintain natural luster and shine, they help you wield control over your beard and greatly reduce itchiness and irritation.