Five Elements Skincare is a standout handcrafted, all-natural line of skin-loving botanical products from New Zealand that powerfully restore and enhance skin’s wellbeing and vitality, all without any questionable ingredients, common irritants, or harmful additives.  When Five Elements founder Karen Mackay reached out to me and offered me the chance to try a few of her botanical treasures, I jumped at the chance.  Be sure to check out my interview with Ms. Macay!  The products themselves are elegant, with clean formulations that rely on time-tested botanicals, rather than faddish ingredients, to deliver a multitude of skin benefits.  After trying a few of the products and being highly impressed at how well they hydrated, soothed and helped to heal my mature skin, it came as little surprise to me to discover that Five Elements Founder and Formulator Ms. Mackay has a postgraduate degree in Botany.

Five Elements Skincare Founder, Karen Mackay

In addition to my fondness for the products, I also love the values and integrity that this line embodies.  Quality is ensured with careful thought and attention at every step of production; they even grow their own botanicals using biodynamic principles on their herb farm in Marlborough, New Zealand.  Additionally, Five Elements Skincare routinely donates 10% of profits to New Zealand Conservation Efforts, and they frequently designate periods of time during which they donate 15% of all profits to conservation charities.  Packaging is PBA,  plastic-free and recyclable.  Their prices are amazingly accessible, and to top it off, they are also offering a special discount to my readers through the end of September (jump to the end if you can’t wait)!

The full Five Elements Skincare line consists of a lovely assortment of facial, body, and hair products.  I have thoroughly enjoyed four of Ms. Mckay’s creations:

• Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm
• Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
• Five Elements Elemental Renewal Serum
• Five Elements Comfrey Balm

From the moment I started using Five Elements Skincare, it was clear that the products had been lovingly and thoughtfully created by someone with a keen and nuanced understanding of the healing powers of plants.  Though each the product in the Five Elements range serves a specific, distinctive purpose, the entire line is infused with impressive anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.  Moreover, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Five Elements Skincare offers some of the best value in all green beauty:  pure ingredients, high-performance formulations, all at refreshingly accessible pricing.

Five Elements Skincare is a line that was born out of pure compassion; as you can read my founder interview below my reviews, Ms. Mackay was inspired to create her initial formulation out of a desire to bring comfort and healing to a student she was teaching who was suffering from painful and debilitating eczema.  She had no intention of launching a business.  However, the culmination of her formulation efforts, a balm that she named Five Elements Skin Tonic in honor of the five healing botanicals it contained, led to such a complete transformation in the student’s condition that others soon clamored for it, continually compelling her to make more to share.  Today, Five Elements Skin Tonic is a beloved hero product to those who have experienced its benefits.  Below, I will tell you about my experience with each Five Elements treasure I have tried, starting with Skin Tonic.

The Irritation Remedy: Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to enjoy Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm, which contains the Five Elements plant extracts—a lovely blend of anti-inflammatory Ginkgo, healing Plantago, antiseptic Rosemary, antioxidant Olive, and brightening Rumex–in cold-pressed, extra virgin Olive Oil with Grape Seed Oil and Beeswax.  (The Liquid version contains the Five Elements extracts in an Olive Oil and Grapeseed Oil base.)  All the botanicals have been locally grown in New Zealand, and both the Balm and Liquid are entirely natural and clean without any harsh or harmful additives.  Personally, I cherish the Balm, especially whenever my skin is dry and irritated, which is a fairly regular occurrence for me both because of my skin’s tendencies and also because I occasionally overdo it with harsher actives.  Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm is a nourishing, hydrating, creamy remedy for inflamed skin.  Those of us with problem skin, particularly due to irritation, redness, or dryness, will rejoice at the immediate comfort and rapid healing Skin Tonic helps to provide.  The Balm is a brilliant moisturizer and soothing treatment in one.  Though it may be a little rich for highly acne-prone skin, those with normal to dry skin will love it.  I reserve it for when my skin is dry and not in particularly acne-prone phase and find it a welcome addition to my arsenal.  Remarkably, this soothing botanical gem, made with home-grown plants and lots of care, can be yours for just $17.73!  I wasn’t kidding when I said this was a fantastic value.  Five Elements Skin Tonic Balm is a mighty, healing formulation, especially wonderful for dry, dehydrated, and/or sensitive skin, and an extraordinary find for less than $20!

Ingredients: Elemental Phytoextracts (Ginkgo, Rosemary, Rumex, Plantago, and Extra Virgin Olive oil) in cold-pressed Extra-Virgin Olive Olil and Grape Seed Oil with Beeswax.

The Cleanest Natural SPF I’ve Encountered: Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

As someone with photosensitive lupus, I am understandably picky about my sunscreen, and Five Elements Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is an absolute winner.  I love this blend for so many reasons.  First, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 contains my favorite ingredient for balanced UVB/UVA protection, zinc oxide, and the formula is one of few that includes as generous an amount of zinc oxide (20%) as I like to see to ensure excellent protection.  Despite the high percentage of zinc oxide, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 does not leave a white caste and blends like a dream!  The blendability is incredible, as is its creaminess.  The formulation is ultra-pure, with just five natural ingredients (e.g., zinc oxide, shea butter in cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive and grapeseed oil base with a touch of beeswax).  Simple ingredients give way to a surprisingly elegant formulation; as someone who has tested a lot of mineral sunscreens, it’s quite impressive to experience one that is so hydrating and blendable, all without skimping on the protection.

Five Elements Natural Sunscreen is truly nourishing with an amazing texture that is luxurious and hydrating while being ultra-smooth and blendable.   In short, this is a true winner!  You get a lovely helping of protective zinc oxide in an elegant formula with a lovely creamy consistency, excellent dispersion of zinc, all with no white cast.  Plus, Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 can easily double as a lovely moisturizer, as it delivers excellent nourishment and hydration with the purest of ingredients.  This is a very complete, high-performance product despite a minimal-ingredient formula.  I love applying and wearing it and am confident in the SPF protection.  If you want to experience a feat of formulation, look no further!  Plus, the price is incredibly accessible at just $17.52.  Amazing!

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide in cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Grape Seed Oil with Beeswax.

The Antioxidant Nourisher with Striking Anti-Aging Benefits: Five Elements Elemental Renewal Serum

Elemental Renewal Serum features Five Elements’ signature, biodynamically-grown five-plant healing Elemental Phytoextracts, included in the formula at a whopping 50%.  This formula is one of few oil serums I have tried that visibly improves the look of skin, no doubt it owes much to the generous proportion of carefully-chosen Elemental Phytoextracts with microcirculation-boosting and collagen-enhancing Ginkgo, soothing and toning Plantago, antimicrobial and oil-balancing Rosemary, nourishing and anti-inflammatory Olive, and tyrosinase-inhibiting Rumex.  The Five Elements are very well-rounded and complementary, and when you enjoy them at such high potency, skin reaps the rewards.  The base oils are nourishing, skin-loving Organic Rosehip, Avocado, and Jojoba Oils, so there is much here to admire.  Delivering vital minerals and vitamins A, D, and E as well as the special Five Elements healing phytoextracts, Elemental Renewal helps minimize scars, pigmentation, and acne, and it also nourishes and plumps skin while stimulating collagen production for healthy, vibrant skin.  It’s easily absorbed and makes a beautiful daily serum to leave skin soft and renewed.  I also enjoy incorporating a few drops of it into my dry masks to elevate their formulas and boost the healing and hydration.  Either way, Elemental Renewal Serum is a treasure, and it gets even better when you realize you can purchase this botanical beauty for just $26.61.

Ingredients: Contains 50% Elemental Phytoextracts (Ginkgo, Rosemary, Rumex, Plantago, and Extra Virgin Olive oil), Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Avocado Oil.  Organic Frankincense, Geranium, and Palmarosa essential oils.

Sore-Muscle Soothing: Five Elements Comfrey Balm

This blend is another winner: ultra-soothing and truly effective at relieving my muscle pain and occasional joint pain.  Better yet, Five Elements Comfrey Balm is highly effective without the overwhelming stinging, freezing, or burning of so many topical pain relief products!  It provides relief without that discomfort.  The key ingredients include the Five Elements Organic Elemental Phytoextracts plus Organic Comfrey, Therapeutic-Grade Cumin, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus in a creamy and nourishing organic base.  This is a lovely, clean formula that beautifully showcases the magic of botanicals for pain relief.  This pain relief is available for just $16.12.

Ingredients: Organic Comfrey, Organic Elemental Phyto-extracts, Therapeutic Grade Cumin, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil and Organic Grapeseed Oil, Organic Beeswax.

Special Offer, Courtesy of Five Elements Skincare:  Go to their site and use the code SEPTEMBER18 at checkout for FREE Shipping (yes, internationally) for any order over $100NZ (equivalent to around $65US).

Offer expires September 30, 2018.

I’m always eager to expand my horizons! Have you tried this or any other New Zealand skin care brands?  What’s on your global skincare wishlist?

The post Five Elements Skincare: New Zealand-Grown, Botanist-Created Beauty appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

CyberDERM, also known as the Sunscreen Company, was founded by two Canadian physicians who happen to be married to each other: Dr. Denis Dudley, a retired obstetrician and reproductive endocrinologist, and Dr. Sharyn Laughlin, a renowned dermatologist. The Sunscreen Company makes two incredible sun protection products (with more formulations to come):  Every Morning Sun Whip SPF 25, which contains 15% zinc oxide and 7.5% encapsulated octinoxate (the encapsulated part is important, as you will read in my interview with Dr. Dudley) for light, matte daily protection, as well as Simply Zinc Sun Whip SPF 30,which contains an impressive 22% zinc oxide in a formula designed for even stronger protection.

As someone with photosensitive lupus, zinc oxide has long been on my radar of excellent sunscreen ingredients, but I do not believe I had ever seen it in such a high percentage (a whopping 22%) in another product. As someone who knows how valuable zinc oxide is as an ingredient, I was immediately intrigued and eager to try CyberDERM’s products.  My one concern?  Zinc oxide has never been known for its aesthetics.  With this much zinc oxide, will I ever be able to blend it?  Will I be covered in chalky whiteness?  Here is what’s amazing, CyberDERM Simply Zinc does not leave a white cast, nor does it have a stubborn consistency. Rub it once, and it disappears!  It’s blendability is far superior to other zinc oxide sunscreens I have tried (and believe me, I have tried all the InvisibleZinc, etc. out there).  One illustrative example: Cerave Face SPF 50 has only 4.7% zinc oxide in the form of “InvisibleZinc” no less, and it leaves me looking like a ghost no matter how long I spend trying to blend it; in contrast, CyberDERM’s Simply Zinc gives blends in effortlessly while providing nearly five times the amount of zinc oxide protection!

Simply Zinc Sun Whip is serious about delivering the ultimate protection:  balanced UVA/UVB protection, which is rare in North America).  Zinc oxide is the best full-spectrum ingredient we have in North America, and other company does zinc oxide like CyberDERM does. Prior to CyberDERM, it was unheard of this level of zinc oxide protection in a formulation that easily blends to a transparent finish.  Simply Zinc does not cake, crumble or leave me looking greasy.  It’s great alone or under makeup.  This is a uniquely elegant formulation, but that is not all.  The whole reason we wear sunscreen is for protection, and if you want the right balance of UVA/UVB protection you truly cannot beat Simply Zinc.   As someone who a) has photosensitive lupus, b) has nearly translucent skin, and c) lives at high altitude in the desert, I put sunscreens to a tough test.  Simply Zinc has provided me lasting, strong protection, and it has achieved the rare feat of preventing me from freckling (a very tall order).

How good is the UVA protection in Simply Zinc?  Look below at a BASF Sunscreen Simulator Graph below, which compares the SPF of different sunscreen formulations at various UVA wavelengths.  The flatter, higher curve you see for Simply Zinc (SZ in the graph) means better and more stable protection at different UVA wavelengths, clearly outperforming Brand E and Brand C, two of the markets leading formulations with (lesser amounts of) zinc oxide. Coming in second best in terms of UVA protection (and also above the leading brands C and E) is CyberDERM’s Every Morning Sun Whip.  The data don’t lie.  For me, the choice is clear.  Given the aesthetic elegance and superior UVA protection, I am sticking with Simply Zinc Sun Whip.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thebeautylibrarian.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Safe-Sunscreen-Comparison-Brand-C-E-and-CyberDERM-Samples-1-1.pdf” title=”Safe Sunscreen Comparison Brand C, E and CyberDERM Samples (1)”]

In addition to the data above, I put Simply Zinc to the test in the blazing New Mexican sun. To put this in context, I a) have medical photosensitivity due to lupus, b) have nearly translucent skin that, left unprotected, burns in a few minutes and freckles in mere seconds, plus c) I live at high altitude, nearly a mile above sea level, under the blazing New Mexican sun. More than just an aesthetic issue, I require the utmost in UV protection for the sake of my overall health. Those of us with lupus demand and deserve a truly high-performance sunscreen, and since we have to wear it religiously, it ought to be pleasant to use.   CyberDERM Simply Zinc Sun whip has achieved the rare feat of preventing me from freckling–making it the one and only North American sunscreen I have tried that keeps me from freckling.  This is a good thing because although freckles are cute, they indicate a degree of sun damage. With all this in mind, Simply Zinc has exceeded my hopes and expectations. It provides powerful, lasting and balanced UVA/UVB protection I trust, combined with an unexpected, but delightful blendability and aesthetic elegance.  In my vast sunscreen experience to date, Simply Zinc is unparalleled.  With this Sun Whip, I have finally found my Holy Grail sunscreen.

CONCLUSION: I give CyberDERM Simply Zinc Sun Whip my highest recommendation as a sunscreen and as an anti-aging product.  This is what I use now–exclusively.  I will be using CyberDERM products on my young daughters from now on as well, to protect their delicate skin with efficacy and purity I trust. Simply Zinc Sun Whip is a joy to use.  In addition to being a favorite of this author, it was named the sunscreen of the year in 2015 by The Beauty Editor and was also selected by ELLE and Canadian Living Magazine as a favorite product.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

What is your Holy Grail sunscreen and why?

The post CyberDERM Simply Zinc Sun Whip: A Natural and Highly Blendable Sunscreen with 22% Zinc Oxide? appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Having tried a number of “SPF moisturizers,” generally either the sun protection, the moisturization, or more commonly both fall short, leaving a person better off applying two separate products (if not more for those invested in anti-aging effects). Despite many disappointments, I continue to look into these products to see if there is one that seems like it can pass muster.  TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer ($48) first piqued my interest with its name, as I was looking for a solid sunscreen with benefits.  When I saw that TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer offers SPF 40, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, and PA+++ (important for anyone who wants to minimize photoaging), I wanted to see if it could live up to its claims. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to try it and share my thoughts.

As someone with fair skin living at high altitude with photosensitive lupus, I’m a tough judge of sunscreens, and this has given me excellent protection.  Not only has it protected me from burning, I have also not freckled at all with TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer, which is one of my “hurdles” for any sun protection I use regularly.   In terms of the moisturizing, I have parched skin, and the moisturization here is hydrating enough to keep my face supple all day, but would be great for other (less dry) skin types as well, as it’s quite light and completely non-greasy.  TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer does not leave white streaks across the face; even when I use it over other products, it blends easily to a satiny matte finish and leaves my skin silky.

Last but not least, TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer nourishes skin and actually seems to tame inflammation and minimize wrinkles. My skin feels and looks better since I started using this.  Just examining some of the ingredients (e.g., malus domestica fruit cell extract, phytostem Edelweiss, peptides, stable vitaimin C, shea butter, hydrolyzed rice protein, white tea leaf extract, willowbark extract, centella Asiatica extract),  it quickly becomes obvious that this is a multitasking product that means business about improving skin.  This really is an elegant and effective all-in-one product.

TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance and paraben free–suitable for the most sensitive skin (like mine).  After using this a week (long enough to decided I really like it), I  had to double check the price to be sure it did not cost three times what it actually does. The $48 price point is quite reasonable for all this delivers. Not surprisingly, I’m not the first to be impressed; Twin Luxe Anti-aging SPF Moisturizer has several awards, available to see at their website.  My only wish is that they would make a mineral version with the same moisturizing power and anti-aging ingredients; if they did, this could be my ultimate sunscreen.

CONCLUSION: Based on my experience, I highly recommend TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer. Suitable for practically any skin type (including sensitive skin), it blends seamlessly, offers serious sun protection, delivers effective hydration in an ultra-light formula, and leaves skin looking better. This is an elegant and effective all-in-one product, reasonably priced. TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer is a find. What would take it over the top (in a good way) is if they would make a mineral sunscreen version.

The post TwinLuxe Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer Review: Fabulous Moisture with Broad Spectrum and PA+++ Protection appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

I am someone who likes clinically-validated products, so I was immediately drawn to iS CLINICAL, a brand that holds itself to this standard for every single  one of its products. Sean Francis, Public Relations and Events Manager at iS CLINICAL, was kind enough to give me the opportunity to feature the brand, and he went above and beyond by thoughtfully selecting two products–Extreme Protect SPF 30 and Pro-Heal Serum Advance–best suited to address the dual concerns of photosensitivity and inflammation, major issues for most of us with lupus as well as nearly anyone with sensitive skin or photosensitivity.

Extreme Protect SPF 30 impressed me right off the bat, because in addition to providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (featuring zinc oxide at 4.12%, always a favorite to see, along with oxtinoxate at 5.5%), the formula also includes Extremozymes (a combination of  enzymes proven to protect and repair DNA), Vitamin E, extracts of Centella Asiastica  to stimulate collagen synthesis and promote wound healing, as well as aloe and olive leaf extract. Just looking at the ingredients, this is an appealing product.  

My own version of the “inflammation test” was simply to see if my skin could handle the retinol in Pro-Heal Serum Advance without turning into a beet red flaking mess (the typical outcome of retinol).  Much to my excitement, my skin tolerates twice daily use of this serum without any of the usual retinol side effects.  This is remarkable given my reactive skin, and it proves to me that this is a very special serum. I never would have expected that a serum with retinol and vitamin C would help calm inflammation and even my skin tone, but this does! That was proof enough for me. I put my skepticism aside. Pro-Heal Serum Advance quickly exceeded my expectations; it reduced inflammation and left my skin with a better texture–and did so quickly, within just a few days.  In addition to taming inflammation, Pro-Heal Serum Advance has been shown to far outperform four comparable products in its ability to absorb free radicals. This means applying Pro-Heal Serum Advance before Extreme Protect 30 will boost photoprotection even more!

Based on many skin care trials, I can tell you that Pro-Heal Serum Advance is a one of a kind product in its effectiveness in healing and protecting irritation-prone skin, toning down redness and irritation, and improving skin texture.  For anyone concerned about inflamm-aging and/or looking for the ultimate antioxidant serum that boosts UV protection, this is a great choice and one that is wonderfully suited to sensitive, reactive skin. 

Conclusion: iS CLINICAL clinically validates all of its products, and my personal experience echos the empirical findings for both Extreme Protect SPF 30 and Pro-Heal Serum Advance.  Both products are excellent for health-challenged skin. Extreme Protect SPF 30 is an advanced formula with skin-beneficial ingredients, as well as data that suggests that skin protected by the product may receive less damage in direct sunlight than untreated skin in pure darkness.  My only wish is that they would make the product even stronger by offering a version that is SPF 50. Pro-Heal Serum Advance provides strong antioxidant benefits, boosts photoprotection, tames inflammation and redness, and improves skin texture–all in a single remarkable product.  This is a very unique formulation with a number of benefits: highly recommended.

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