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.

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."

The quest for that perfect skin that stands the test of time goes on. Experts have continued finding solutions that can maintain your skin’s health, treat disorders and giving it the TLC it deserves. These days, Hemp oil is one of the revolutionary skin regimens that experts are looking into. Everywhere from your local farmer's market to your favorite coffee shop is selling products with touting CBD, hemp oil, and hempseed oil. What's the difference between hemp oil, CBD and hemp seed oil?

What’s the Difference Between Hempseed Oil and CBD Oil?

Here’s a cannabis breakdown: Cannabis (often referred to as marijuana) and Hemp are two varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa.

Since they share the same species name, they’re often lumped into one big family and there seems to be a lot of confusion around their differences.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is made by pressing hemp seeds together until the oil within them excretes.

This method of extraction is similar to how olive and coconut oil are obtained. Hemp seeds are considered one of the (if not the) best sources of plant-based protein. Along with the protein benefits, hemp seeds have an abundance of essential amino and fatty acids that the human body requires.

The fatty acids hemp oil contains (omega-3 and omega-6) is one of the most beneficial health factors of it. These acids can help diminish the signs of aging and improve heart health. They are also what makes hemp oil such a great moisturizer since omega-3 and omega-6 act in a similar manner as the skin's natural lipids.

Since only the seeds are being used in this process, Hemp Seed Oil does not contain CBD and/or other cannabinoids. If you are looking to get mind and body relief, you may want to look towards CBD oil.

CBD Hemp Oil

CBD hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant and is full of cannabinoids that are only found in the cannabis plant family. It is the oil that contains a concentration of CBD, or cannabidiol. Coming from the hemp plant, CBD hemp oil is extremely low in THC and extremely high in CBD (the non-intoxicating component of the plant).

CBD hemp oil works with the body through the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The endocannabinoid system is showing promise for keeping the body in a state of balance by regulating the body's functions of sleep, mood, pain, appetite, hormone, and immune response.

CBD helps to stimulate your body's natural cannabinoid production to maintain the efficiency of the receptors and the optimal function of the endocannabinoid system. But CBD does more than just affect cannabinoid receptors. It impacts many other receptors as well, including opioid receptors. It has been shown to affect dopamine and serotonin receptors as well. Dopamine regulates aspects of cognition and behavior, while serotonin receptors deal with mood conditions such as anxiety.

Why this matters in the beauty world

The overall profile of hemp seed oil:

-Comedogenic rating: 0 (here’s a list of best non-comedogenic oils for oily and acne-prone skin)

-Excellent for oily and acne-prone skin since it’s low in oleic acid and rich in linoleic acid

-It contains a GLA, gamma-linolenic acid, which boosts the oils' anti-inflammatory properties. while the level of GLA is quite low, it still makes the oil very beneficial for those suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

-The oil contains phytosterols, which boost collagen production in the skin, restoring and rejuvenating it

-Rich in vitamin E compounds, antioxidants that help to protect the skin from the environmental damage with anti-inflammatory properties and promote healthy skin.

With its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties, hemp seed oil boosts skin health, giving it glow and providing it with moisture.

Loaded with essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, this oil is one of the amazing natural and organic ingredients to use in your homemade skincare routine.

• Anti-aging effects

Hemp seed oil anti-aging properties help minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Hemp seed oil for wrinkles is a popular natural remedy: not only the antioxidants present in the oil fight the free radicals which cause the oxidative stress and damage skin cells, but it also provides minimum protection against sun damage (mind you, very minimal; I've talked about natural sunscreen oils here ).

• Moisturizes and soothes inflammation

One of the omega-6 fatty acids that hemp oil contains is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while simultaneously encouraging skin growth and new cell generation.

This can help to calm inflammation and irritation on the skin, including acne and some conditions like psoriasis, while keeping the skin nourished and moisturized.

• Moderates oil production

Hemp oil is perfect for most skin types as it can moisturize without clogging your pores. It can even help to balance out oily skin, hydrating it and regulating the skin's oil production.

Dryness can also cause your skin to overproduce oil, which in turn, can stimulate acne. Hemp oil can prevent dry skin without clogging pores. This helps reduce acne that's caused by excess oil.

What are the side effects and risks?

-Hempseed oil is safe for most people to use and usually doesn’t contain any THC or psychoactive properties, although this has been widely disputed.

-Using it topically, some people may experience mild irritation, so apply it to a small test patch of skin first (whether you’re using pure hemp oil or hemp oil diluted with essential oils).

When you add hemp seed oil to your food, the most common side effect is loosened stools or digestive upset, which can occur as a result of the oily, fatty nature of the oil.

To prevent this, start by taking a small amount of hemp oil daily and working your way up.

Hemp seeds can interact with blood thinners by potentially inhibiting platelets, so before taking hempseed oil regularly, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

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.

THE DERMAROLLER: A BEAUTY TREND THAT IS HERE TO STAY

Perhaps this year's biggest beauty trend, derma roller, also known as micro-needling, are celebrated for good reason! and increased scientific evidence that it really works, it has become apparent that the much-loved derma roller is a beauty trend that is here to stay. 

But to ensure the very best results following every treatment, it is important to use only the best skin care products with your selected derma rolling device.  We explore the ins and outs of the best serums to use with your derma roller for optimal glowing effects.

WHY A DERMA ROLLER?

Microneedling both as a medical therapy and at-home treatments are known for their skincare benefits. Microneedling is the process of creating tiny micro wounds that trigger the body to fill them with collagen while leaving the epidermis intact.

And, derma rollers help to increase the absorption of skincare products, as the microneedles create microchannels which allow active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. It is for this reason that you must choose the most effective and safest products available. Here are our favorites: 

THINK SERUMS

Using a serum is an important part of derma rolling, as the small injuries you’ve made to the skin allow for deeper and more effective absorption of your product of choice. Thus, it’s an excellent way to ensure key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants reach the innermost layers of your skin. 

VITAMIN BOOSTS - VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and maintenance. It is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, shielding skin from the visible impact of pollution.
Find our selection of Vitamin C Serum.

RETINOL

Derived from vitamin A, retinol has the ability to boost both the turnover of skin cells and collagen production.
As such it can have a visible impact on the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage, and can even 'out the texture of the skin.

Find our selection of Retinol Serum.

LOOK FOR HYALURONIC ACID 

By providing an intense hydration to the skin, hyaluronic acid effectively restores elasticity and promotes cellular regeneration. When paired with a derma roller, the skin is densified and softened. 
A form of hyaluronic acid that has a low molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate the epidermis layer more efficiently, stimulating the production of collagen and keeping the skin hydrated, firm and elastic.

Find our selection of Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Did you watch BBC's The Truth About Looking Good? In the BBC show The Truth About Looking Good, presenter Cherry Healey was told that an SPF and retinol are the only things that will truly fight the signs of skin aging.

She was stunned to discover that sun damage was responsible for a staggering 75 percent of the signs of aging in skin, with the remainder down to external factors like pollution and smoking, and only a small percentage attributed to the physical process of growing older. 

Skin expert Professor Chris Griffiths from the University of Manchester said that most visible changes to the skin, such as wrinkles and fine lines, are caused by exposure to the sun.

But once you have wrinkled, there are only a handful of things that will help get rid of fine lines, including resorting to procedures like Botox.     

 However, if you don't fancy the needle, some creams do work, the experts said, but only as long as they contain the ingredient retinol.  

Neutriherbs® Youth Renewal Retinol Cream   

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, supports natural collagen production and faster cell turnover, for visibly smoother and younger-looking skin in just 4 weeks. 

Retinol cream benefits

Reduce fine line & protect skin from free radical damage
Anti-aging & anti wrinkle
Accelerate the cell turnover
Anti-acne and prevent the future breakout