Glo Skin Beauty Blog

OK, so it might not be the most glamorous product in your skincare lineup, but did you know sunscreen is in fact the most important anti-aging product you can buy? Sun exposure or photo-aging is responsible for around 80-90% of visible signs of aging, but the good news is that this is actually preventable. By using sunscreen on the daily, you can shield your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging and skin damage including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, collagen depletion, loss of elasticity, and rough texture. And, with so many different sunscreens to choose from, finding one that you'll use every day, that meshes well with your skin, and doesn't irritate or cause breakouts is key to ensuring you keep good SPF habits. But before you go down a rabbit hole of sunscreen advice, we'll let you into a big skincare secret, zinc oxide sunscreen is one of our all-time favorites.

When it comes to brightening, hydration, or anti-aging it’s likely your go-tos are vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, maybe even alpha arbutin too if you’re skincare-savvy, but have you heard of niacinamide? Loved by derms and beauty editors, the benefits of niacinamide make for an impressive lineup worthy of a place in your skincare ritual. 

“Niacinamide or vitamin B3 as it’s also known, is a powerhouse skincare ingredient that can help many different concerns,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, Board-Certified Dermatologist. “It calms redness and inflammation on the skin—even with more severe conditions like acne and rosacea. And, because the benefits of niacinamide are so broad, it also has the ability to repair our skin barrier, preventing signs of aging, brightening, and smoothing skin. And, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin too."

What Is Niacinamide + What Does It Do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that’s water-soluble. As it’s not actually stored in our body, this means we have to either ingest it via food (whole grains and certain leafy greens) or supplements and of course, add it into our skincare. 

The seven benefits of niacinamide...

1. Niacinamide Protects 

Niacinamide is a pro in supporting and strengthening the skin’s barrier. This not only helps maintain optimal levels of hydration, it also safeguards skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors, while at the same time repairing any signs of damage too.

2. Niacinamide Brightens

And, that’s where the brightening comes in. By repairing and protecting skin, niacinamide helps reduce dullness, or lackluster skin, restoring skin’s natural radiance. 

3. Niacinamide Hydrates

One of dry skin’s unsung heroes, niacinamide reinforces skin’s barrier, preventing moisture loss and dehydration by supporting skin’s production of natural ceramides. In fact, it’s so good for nourishing flaky, tight, dry patches, it can even be applied topically. Barrier Balm or Healing Gel are great options for this. And, as a bonus, it actually boosts the conditioning abilities of moisturizers, as it preps the skin’s surface to receive and retain that moisture surge more effectively. 

4. Niacinamide Repairs Signs Of Aging

As a result of its reparative, hydrating properties, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are softened, elasticity is improved, and skin appears plumped and supple. Taking a starring role in our Eye Restore and Phyto-Active eye creams, niacinamide is a must for the eye area, helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and improve under-eye circles.

5. Niacinamide Balances + Reduces Pores

Getting to work on the lining inside pores, niacinamide helps prevent pores from getting clogged and therefore becoming more visible due to the debris within them making them noticeable. Niacinamide helps clear pores, tightening them up, and minimizing their appearance. It also helps balance oil production too, reducing breakouts. Try our niacinamide infused salicylic acid and retinol serum—Beta-Clarity BHA Drops for a clarifying, smoothing boost.

6. Niacinamide Improves Uneven Tone

Niacinamide is a go-to ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, preventing new issues from coming up, while also treating existing uneven patches. This is why it’s a key ingredient in our Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops—a potent serum loaded with skin brightening benefits. 

7. Niacinamide Soothes Inflammation 

By this point you might be wondering if there’s anything niacinamide can’t help with, and the answer is, not really. Even redness and inflammation can benefit from the soothing, calming powers of niacinamide, supporting with acne, rosacea, or more general skin sensitivities. For this, our Barrier Balm is particularly nourishing and reparative. 

How To Add Niacinamide To Your Skincare

The great thing about niacinamide is that once you go looking for it, you’ll discover it in an array of products from serums to moisturizers. 

One of our best-selling exfoliating and brightening treatments, Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant is infused with niacinamide to get to work deep into the skin and work its magic, supporting the AHAs with smoothing, brightening, and all that good stuff.

For a niacinamide boost, you’ll find it in serum form via the Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops for brightening and hyperpigmentation issues, and Beta-Clarity BHA Drops—where it works with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid to balance and clarify. And, if you want an active treatment moisturizer enriched with niacinamide, Phyto-Active Face Cream is a must-try.  

If it’s a deeper, lasting dose of niacinamide you’re after, both our Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel and the GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel feature it among other actives, for visible results.  

Short contact niacinamide also imparts plenty of skin-loving benefits too, so we infuse many of our cleansers with it to help really get to work on pores and balance oil. Try our Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub, Purifying Gel Cleanser, and Purifying Mist for this. 

Keep your niacinamide use to low percentages to avoid overdoing it, and add each product in slowly to see its transformative effects. Remember to give it time to work too, don’t give up after a week. It can take anything up to a month to show visible effects.

Welcome to the niacinamide fan club, happy skin guaranteed.

More To Glo

How To Get Glowing Skin

Why At-Home Peels Are The Most Exciting Thing In Skincare Right Now

Personalize Your Skincare With Serums

From mom jeans to platform sneakers, the '90s are back in a big way, and so are peels. Updated for a new generation in elevated, next-level formulations, forget any preconceptions about chemical peels you might have formed from comedy shows or that infamous SATC scene, and think safe, transformative at-home treatments delivering radical radiance to every skin.

Peels have been a quiet staple in the treatment rooms for years, but now with an utterly innovative, new approach, Glo has created the first-ever full-service at-home peel kits, suitable for every skin type and tone. Providing every step from prep to post-care, along with all the accessories and guidance to perform your perfect peel, whether an instant glow or resurfaced radiance, the Peels-In-A-Box collection brings all the benefits of spa-grade treatments, home. 

“Whether brightening, smoothing, or resurfacing, Glo’s at-home peels are truly transformative. I love to recommend them to my clients when they need a treatment boost between in-office visits, particularly if they’re concerned about their skin texture and tone,” shares Dr. Nina Desai, Board-Certified Dermatologist. “Glo is leading the way with their unique peel kits. No one else is doing this. They use the most efficacious, clean, and safe ingredients to ensure you get the best results from each and every treatment.”

Why Do A Peel?

OK, so if you’re peel hesitant, don’t let the name put you off. Peels won’t make you shed your skin like a snake, or burn your face off. “Peels are just an extension of your exfoliation ritual,” explains Dr. Nina. “Exfoliation should be a key part of all skincare. Every skin type and tone can benefit from it. It can be very individualized based on your specific skin’s needs and any issues you want to address,” she adds. 

By exfoliating, you’re not only sloughing away dead skin cells, you’re also promoting cell turnover, improving your skin’s overall texture and appearance for boosted brightness and complexion clarity. “Exfoliation has so many benefits. It's a fundamental technique to improve skin’s overall texture and appearance,” shares Dr. Nina. “It also boosts the efficacy of your other products too.”

And, this is where peels come in. They’re the OG of exfoliation. Peels lift away the accumulated layers of dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities that your daily ritual leaves behind, polishing off anything that could block pores, cause congestion, or give skin that dreaded dull, lackluster appearance. 

Active, transformative treatments you can do bimonthly or every six weeks to supercharge your daily routine, Glo’s peels are powered by exfoliating, brightening AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as lactic and glycolic acid, along with skin-smoothing retinol, amplified antioxidants such as vitamin C, ferulic acid, and calming niacinamide. Unlike single bottle peels or peel pads which don't tend to be as effective or transformative due to their one-and-done, low level formulations, Glo’s complete peel kits offer multi-step active solutions for deeper, more holistic exfoliation with a boost of additional skincare benefits. 

Depending on your skin goals and tolerance, the Peels-In-A-Box collection features three at-home peels, available at level 1 and 2 exfoliation, so you can find a treatment that works for your skin goals. All of our at-home peel kits are meticulously crafted to be gentle enough for home use, but deliver major glow-getting results, and have almost no downtime, so you can pop on your peel in the evening, let it do its magic, and be fresh-faced and ready to rock the next day. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may be thinking peels aren’t for you. Actually, chemical exfoliation at low levels can be less irritating for sensitive skin than physical scrubs which can be super abrasive and can cause redness and stress. Our newest addition to our at-home peels collection, the Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel was created with sensitive skin in mind, featuring gentle exfoliation, paired with nourishing, nurturing ingredients to boost your brightness while feeding your skin. For more severe sensitive skin conditions it’s always best to consult your dermatologist for advice. 

Glo’s At-Home Peels Menu

Discover your perfect peel protocol...

For Brightening: Meet The Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel

The perfect skin pick-me-up for first-time peel users, this sensitive-skin-friendly peel is powered by 10% lactic acid (vegan), ferulic acid, niacinamide plus hyaluronic acid, targeting dullness, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation, for a brighter, replenished glow.

"This new brightening at-home peel from Glo combines brightening ingredients such as vegan lactic acid, with more nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, for a peel that repairs while it refines. It boosts radiance and moisture levels," says Dr. Nina.

For Smoothing: Meet The Retinol + C Smoothing Peel

For experienced retinol fans, amped-up antioxidants and retinol make the dream team in this gentle but effective peel. Exfoliating and evening out tone and texture with a boost of vitamin C and niacinamide, it protects and powers up skin for lasting luminosity. “This peel is ideal to do bimonthly for a boost of smoothing and brightening benefits,” shares Dr. Nina.

For Resurfacing: Meet The GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel 

Level-up your skin-smoothing with the potent actives in this pro peel. “For an elevated, effective at-home peel experience, the GlyPro AHA Peel offers all the level 2 smoothing, strengthening, and brightening benefits,” says Dr. Nina. Powered by 30% glycolic acid, this peel refines and resurfaces skin, addressing pores, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, for reenergized radiance.

Post-Peel Care

All our peels come with clear guidance crafted by our Master Aesthetician. This includes your aftercare too which is just as important as the treatment itself. 

Always use a SPF—you’ll hear us saying this on repeat. Retinol can make your skin more photo-sensitive, but you should be wearing SPF everyday anyway to stay protected against aging sun damage.

We include a little extra with all our peel kits, to ensure you have enough serum to continue use for up to a month following your peel. Continue using this until you run out. And, if you love it, you can always get a full-size version of your serum too. 

Be kind to your skin. Avoid any other exfoliating treatments for the week of the peel, and ease gently back into your exfoliating routine. Avoid retinol use for a few days also.  

Use nourishing serums such as HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops and Anti-Stress CBD Drops, and top up your daily vitamin C with C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops.

If you don’t already own a Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant, this is our best-selling exfoliant and can be used up to three times a week. It’s the perfect all-round exfoliant and treatment booster to use in between peels and will maintain your exfoliation ritual without over-stripping skin. 

If you’re looking to take your peel game even further, Glo has the largest collection of peels of any professional skincare brand ranging from levels 3 to 7. Discover an aesthetician, spa, or salon near you for a professional treatment.

Are you team cream or team powder blush? Or maybe you love to mix and match? Whatever your preferences, blush can actually be a make or break step in many makeup rituals. Designed to make you look gorgeously glowing and lit from within with a healthy flush of cheek-popping color, on the flip side, too much blush, not enough blending, or a formula that doesn’t work with your skin’s needs can lead to many a blush blunder. Whether bright, neutral, or just a hint of hue, wherever you sit on the blush spectrum, this handy guide will help you find your best blush, and learn some new tricks and techniques too.

Whether dryness, redness, reactivity, itching, or just general inflammation, sensitive skin comes in many forms, and can present challenges when it comes to finding a targeted skincare and makeup ritual that’s right for your unique skin. And, while skincare is often the focus in soothing, calming, and repairing irritated, sensitized complexions, your nourishing practice doesn’t end with your skincare ritual, the makeup you choose matters too. 

Sensitive skin can be a vicious cycle. You use makeup to conceal the redness or dryness, yet paradoxically, that makeup could actually be making those things worse. That’s why taking a skin-first approach to your makeup is so important. As with your skincare, the first step in selecting makeup for sensitive skin is to look to the ingredients as your guide, and to target hybrid, skincare-powered makeup that cares while it adds color.

Why Do We Get Sensitive Skin?

Generally speaking, most of us encounter some sort of skin sensitivity at some point in our lives. It can be caused by many different external or internal factors, and tends to be seasonal, temporary, or persistent. “Menopause, pregnancy, over-cleansing, not knowing the ingredients in all of the skincare products you’re intermingling, not washing your face before bed, these are all types of sensitivities I see a lot of,” explains Alayne White, top skincare expert. For more serious, chronic sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for advice and a treatment plan.

Sensitive Skin-Loving Ingredients

It’s impossible to talk about makeup without looking at skincare. The same principles apply to anything you're putting on your skin. Conditioning, nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E, along with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, and protective antioxidants such as vitamin C should be at the top of your makeup’s ingredient list. “For sensitive skin, my go-to ingredients are also chamomile, CBD, and cooling aloe and cucumber,” adds Alayne. These universally skin-positive ingredients will buffer and replenish skin, while letting the pigment power do its thing. 

And, what’s not in a product is as important to know as what is. Talc, parabens, fragrance, and sulfates can all be very irritating, that’s why all our Glo complexion and color products are formulated without them—meaning that all our makeup is suitable for sensitive skin.

“Make mineral makeup your go-to for sensitive skin”, advises Anna De La Cruz, Glo’s Master Aesthetician. “It contains more natural ingredients and less fillers— for instance, our Pressed Base contains over 80% minerals, then the rest is comprised of antioxidants and binders. And, minerals like titanium dioxide provide a natural environmental shield, protecting all skin, especially sensitive, from damage.”

Base + Concealer

If you’re experiencing visible skin sensitivities like dry patches, irritation, or redness, you’ll want a staple, reliable base and concealer in your kit.

Making sure you’re going for hybrid, skincare-powered makeup formulations infused with SPF will really help protect you against damaging free radicals and shield against any photo-sensitivities like redness and irritation. Our award-winning Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+, is an essential for all skin types—especially sensitive, as it hydrates while offering protection against damaging UV rays, and of course, delivers a delightfully lightweight and dewy tinted glow. Just add concealer, and you're good to go.

For uneven skin texture, adding an additional buffer layer of primer will really help give skin that hydration and moisture it needs, while allowing any foundation or concealer to be applied more evenly and comfortably. All of our primers are suitable for sensitive skin, but one of our most loved is the Tinted Primer SPF 30 as it gives a lightweight tint, vital sun protection, and primes skin so beautifully, creating a clear and comforted skin canvas.

If you’re experiencing active dryness or flaking, you’ll want to avoid cakey, heavier powders that might cling to the dry patches. Instead, try a liquid foundation like the Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18 or HD Mineral Stick. Featuring hyaluronic acid, and an elevated mix of vitamins and antioxidants including green tea, both formulations help moisturize and hydrate skin, while offering light, second-skin radiant coverage. 

And, this same texture principle applies to concealers too. Our Liquid Bright Concealer is just the thing for drier or more irritated complexions. A little goes a long way, so you could use this on its own, teamed with the Moisturizing Tint SPF 30, or foundation, depending on the coverage effect you’re going for. 

Eyes

When talking about sensitive skin makeup, it’s important not to overlook the eyes. The skin around the eyes is thinner and often a little more sensitive. And, then there are the eyes themselves. Many people will experience allergies throughout the year which can make their eyes more sensitive, and prone to redness, watering, or puffiness. Make sure your eye makeup—especially your mascara and liner as these are closest to the eye itself, are allergy-free, ophthalmologist-approved, non-irritating formulations. And, all our eye products are free of mineral oil and fragrance, both of which can be very irritating on the eyes and skin in general. 

Color

With our full lineup of makeup being suitable for sensitive skin, there’s no end to the color play. Again, much like with the base, for drier complexions, opt for richer, creamier color like our Creme Glaze Lip Crayon, Cream Blush, Glow Up Highlighter, and Cream Stay Shadow Sticks, as these all condition while they add color.

Elevate Your Makeup

All our products are expertly crafted to work synergistically together, and that goes for our skincare with our makeup too. You can boost your makeup by blending it with your favorite serum for added skin-nourishing benefits. For more reactive, stressed complexions add 2-3 drops of Anti-Stress CBD Drops to your primer, tinted moisturizer, or foundation for a calming boost, for super dry complexions try adding HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops to hydrate and refresh, and for added conditioning add Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil Drops on the daily.

“Hands down, my favorite combination for very reactive, sensitive skin is adding a few drops of the Anti-Stress CBD Drops to the Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+,” shares Alayne.  

Alayne’s Tips To Avoid Sensitive Skin Flare-Ups

Of course, the best base for your makeup is a happy, comfortable complexion. “If you’re experiencing a flare-up of skin sensitivities, it’s a good idea to stop everything and just keep it simple,” Alayne advises. “Use cool water, opt for a gentle cleanser, and a soothing moisturizer with no acids.”

Make Sure You Wash Your Face Before Bed

“Of all the moving parts of better skincare, this is the easiest one to address. Your skin goes into its repair mode when you are sleeping and as you sleep, you want it to take in all of the goodness you have placed on it. If you don’t wash your face, you let the pollutants of the day soak in and wreak havoc.

“Use a sensitive skin-friendly cleanser that removes makeup, and the dirt and grime from the day. If you wear a lot of makeup, you’ll need a double cleanse or a makeup remover first. For this, I recommend the Essential Cleansing Oil, it’s gentle and effective for all skin types, especially sensitive.”

Hot Water Has No Place Near Your Face

“Don’t let hot water beat on your face in the shower. Sensitive skin should be treated sensitively, so always use water on the cooler or lukewarm side. And, if you’ve done a good job washing your face the night before, then you don’t necessarily need to wash in the morning if you’re a super sensitive person. Sometimes less is more.”

Don’t Over-Exfoliate

“For sensitive complexions, mechanical exfoliation can be very irritating and make redness worse. Avoid scrubs, and opt for gentle chemical exfoliators such as Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant once a week just to help break down the flaky build-up and allow for the moisturizer or serum to do its magic. Start using just a small amount on a cotton pad, and build up your tolerance. Avoid using this on openly inflamed skin, just work your way around it.”

Keep It Simple

“If your skin is screaming, go back to the basics to start, and build it back up slowly. This will help isolate the problem which may be as simple as one product being a little too active for your skin’s tolerance levels. For flare-ups, it’s good to visit your aesthetician or dermatologist."

Redness + Reactivity

“CBD is such an incredible anti-inflammatory for redness, and the Anti-Stress CBD Drops are a game-changer for reactive skin, so is the Soothing Gel Mask. If you’re super red and want to cover up or at least minimize the redness, try the Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+—you get a tint, a sunscreen, and an oil-free moisturizer all in one and it is a great way to feel good, protect, and hydrate with one simple product."

Check Your Diet

"There are many factors that can cause sensitivity, and while it’s easy to blame your skincare, it can often be coming from an internal issue. Watch what you’re eating. Your skin is a mirror to your wellbeing. Pay attention and moderate alcohol, dairy, processed food, sugary drinks. For any continuous issue, visit your dermatologist or a registered dietician."

Serums are the strategists in your skincare ritual. More advanced, concentrated formulas than any other product, they’re designed to solve for specific issues in a super targeted way. Loaded with powerful actives and other uber-effective ingredients, serums are served in fast-absorbing, lightweight formulations, delivering all that good stuff directly to your skin quickly for visible results. 

“Essentially a serum is the vehicle that we’re delivering active ingredients through,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, board-certified dermatologist. “Serums are the perfect way to target a specific concern - directing more of that active ingredient solution to exactly where it needs to go.”

Why Do We Need Serums? 

From anti-aging to acne, brightening to blue light defense, soothing to smoothing, and everything in-between, serums offer truly tailored solutions for just about every skin concern and goal. And, if you’re wondering why you need a serum if you have a perfectly good moisturizer, the fact is that while there are more active-infused treatment moisturizers available, the main function of your face cream is to offer a richer, moisture-boosting layer to keep all that good stuff in. It simply doesn’t pack the same active-laden, skin-solving punch that a serum does. 

But, not all serums are created equal. “Their efficacy is based on what ingredients they contain and at what concentrations,” adds Dr. Nina. “Many of these ingredients such as anti-aging EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) are best served in serum format for that maximum concentrated boost. The perfect way to personalize your skincare approach is to look to the ingredients within the serums and tailor your very own protocol.”

The Solution Serums Set

Depending on what your skin needs, and when it needs it, most likely you won’t be using the same serum combination all the time. You’ll have your daily staples such as hydrating HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops and skin-protecting vitamin C-powered C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops, then from there you’ll mix and match in different serums for specific concerns such as an evening dose of retinol via GlyPro Retinol Drops for reparative smoothing, or soothing Anti-Stress CBD Drops to treat more reactive moments.

To help you plan out your serums strategy, we’ve created our seven hero serums in one supercharged set - perfectly sized for discovery and play. 

Meet The Serums

C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops – The Skin Defender (formerly known as Daily Power C - and now with added blue light protection)

This is an essential daily serum, loaded with 15% vitamin C and glutathione offering antioxidant protection against environmental and blue light damage, for improved clarity and radiance. “This is a really great staple in all routines. It features a high dose of vitamin C - a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals - created by the sun and pollution. Free radicals can damage skin by creating pigmentation issues and atypical cells. Adding this vitamin C serum into your morning routine is the perfect way to protect skin and prevent premature aging,” shares Dr. Nina.

HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops – The Hydration Hit (formerly known as Daily Hydration+)

Another daily essential that plays nicely with vitamin C, is this hyaluronic acid and marine actives infused hydrating serum, perfect for quenching dehydrated, dry skin, boosting moisture levels, plumping and strengthening for a refreshed radiance.

 “I’m a big fan of hyaluronic acid in concentrated serum form. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in our skin. It binds and locks in water to our skin cells and collagen. This helps skin appear more plump and hydrated, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s a great serum for all skin types - especially dry or sensitive, and is also super effective to use paired with a balancing treatment for those with acne-prone skin,” advises Dr. Nina.

GlyPro Retinol Drops – The Smoothing Pro (formerly known as Retinol Smoothing Serum)

This 1.5% retinol and glycolic acid resurfacing serum visibly refines the appearance of fine lines, pores, and surface imperfections, delivering a surge of smoothing benefits. “Retinol is the key ingredient I recommend for anti-aging as it boosts collagen production and cell turnover, for firmer, brighter skin. When you use these drops consistently, skin looks fresher, less dull, with improved tone and texture,” adds Dr. Nina. Use this serum as part of your nighttime routine. 

Bio-Renew EGF Drops – The Anti-Aging Expert

Unsure what EGF actually is and why you need it? EGF is Epidermal Growth Factor, and next to retinol it’s one of the top ingredients for repairing, firming, and anti-aging. “Growth factors are natural substances made by our skin cells to maintain healthy skin. EGF stimulates cells called fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin - the building blocks of our skin. Collagen and elastin thicken and tighten our skin, keeping it looking fresh and youthful,” explains Dr. Nina. “As we age, the amount of EGF we’re born with decreases, so we see a sagging and thinness of skin. Studies have shown EGF is a great anti-aging ingredient to help visibly improve wrinkles, texture, pore size, and pigmentation on the skin. I love integrating EGF into all routines as it’s great for all skin types.” 

This age-defying serum is clinically proven to restore the skin’s protective barrier, increase skin density, and improve texture in just one week - with increased efficacy after one month. 

Anti-Stress CBD Drops – The Complexion Comforter

For all-out skin-zen, this 1000mg full-spectrum CBD and adaptogen calming serum soothes sensitivity, redness, and inflammation. Clinically proven to significantly calm, soften, and improve the appearance of stressed skin after just one week - with increased efficacy after a month, having this in your treatment kit will help settle any reactive moments and de-stress distressed skin. “CBD is a great calming and soothing ingredient. There are studies emerging that it might also be helpful for acne too. It’s great for treating redness, inflammation, and bringing down irritation,” shares Dr. Nina.

Beta-Clarity BHA Drops – The Clarity Controller (formerly known as Renew Serum)

When skin needs a boost of balancing and smoothing power, this salicylic acid and retinol clarifying serum is an essential. It targets pores and breakouts, refining for a clearer complexion. “These drops combine the dream team of salicylic acid with retinol, perfect for clarifying and smoothing, tackling blemishes and breakouts. Salicylic acid is a BHA which not only exfoliates the surface of the skin, but also goes deep into the pores and cleans out any bacterial build-up. Because of its molecular structure, it can get in deep, tackling black and whiteheads, and even preventing spots before they hit the surface. It’s great delivered as a serum as it can really be a targeted, concentrated treatment in balancing and clearing the complexion,” says Dr. Nina.

As these drops contain retinol, use them in the evenings only, and avoid using it at the same time as the GlyPro Retinol Drops – you can alternate between the two.

Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops – The Glow-Getter (formerly known as Brightening Serum)

Alpha arbutin is one of the most buzzed about ingredients right now in safe, botanical brightening, and when paired with lactic acid in this serum, it gets straight to work reviving dull, uneven, lackluster skin, tackling dark spots, delivering a smoothing, radiance boost. “Alpha arbutin inhibits the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which prevents the formation of melanin. It’s super effective in working to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and I love to recommend it to my patients with melasma. It can really help diminish that splotchy, uneven appearance,” she adds.

How To Use Serums

Presented in a smart dropper format to really allow you to get precise when applying your serums, these versatile formulations can be used in multiple ways to help you nail your skin goals.

Use your serum full-strength – 4-6 drops, and apply across the face and decollete for maximum benefits. Add 2-3 drops to specific areas to spot-treat concerns, or add 2-3 drops to supercharge a moisturizer, primer, or foundation. 

These are active serums so it’s all about finding a balance that works best for your skin and drives the results you want to see. Listen to what your skin’s telling you, go slow, and find your perfect combination.

And, no doubt you’ll have your favorites – so each of the serums is available in full-size too.

Serum Strategies:

Personalize your perfect skin solution with these derm-recommended drop combinations...

Daily Essential Duo: 

Layer HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops over C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops for an essential daily boost to restore and protect your glow.

PM Renewal Duo:

Alternate GlyPro Retinol Drops and Bio-Renew EGF Drops in the evenings, to resurface and renew your glow. 

The Balancing Act: 

Spot treat your breakouts with Beta-Clarity BHA Drops, then layer Anti-Stress CBD Drops to calm and soothe redness and inflammation.

Glow On:

Repair cellular damage with Bio-Renew EGF Drops, then add Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops for an instant brightening boost.

Complexion Zen:

De-stress your distressed skin with Anti-Stress CBD Drops, layered with HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops for a hydration quench.

Spot Treatment Solutions:

Target blemishes with 2-3 drops of Beta-Clarity BHA Drops.Target redness with 2-3 drops of Anti-Stress CBD Drops. Target dark spots with 2-3 drops of Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops.

Shop The Solution Serum Set

More Glo:

Everything You Need To Know About Retinol

Meet Alpha Arbutin Your New Favorite Brightener

Guide To EGF – Epidermal Growth Factor

Why You Need CBD In Your Skincare

Hailed as one of skincare’s all-time superheroes with most dermatologists wielding it as their top skincare tool (- along with SPF, of course), retinol is one of the most effective ingredients in the modern skincare kit. It helps accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, diminish hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production, promoting smoother, firmer, brighter skin. In short, it’s one of the best ingredients to use in all anti-aging skincare rituals.

And, with all this level of skincare power comes a lot of responsibility. For some of us, retinol can be a harder ingredient to work into our rituals due to its reactivity on our skin. The trick is finding a retinol product and application schedule that truly suits your skin. So whether you’re a retinol devotee looking for a better understanding of this powerhouse ingredient, wanting to start adding retinol regularly to your skincare ritual, or you’ve had a reaction and you’re unsure how to return to retinol, wherever you are in your skincare journey, get a little help from our experts and discover all the ways retinol could be the game-changing boost your skin needs.

“There’s a retinol product for everyone,” says Dr. Nina Desai, board-certified dermatologist. “Anyone who’s looking to start their anti-aging skincare routine needs to incorporate some form of retinol product into their mix. The trick is knowing your skin and what it will tolerate. Understanding what to use and how often is key when working retinol into your routine.”

What Is Retinol?

First up, what actually is retinol? Along with other retinoids, retinol is essentially a derivative of vitamin A - one of the body’s key nutrients for boosting cell turnover. “Retinol is well-studied as a key skincare ingredient for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and to slow the aging process. It works deep within to promote cell turnover, getting rid of dead cells, helping to promote collagen synthesis, so our skin looks tighter, smoother, firmer, and brighter, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced,” explains Dr. Nina. “And, when you use it consistently, skin looks fresher, less dull, with improved tone and texture.”

Functioning much like a high-powered antioxidant to support skin against free radical damage, retinol promotes healing and accelerates cellular repair and renewal at a deeper level than some of its hero counterparts like vitamin C and salicylic acid. This makes it such a great complementary ingredient to work synergistically with them. A true multitasker, retinol boosts collagen, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooths skin’s texture, and reduces pigmentation issues for a more even skin tone. Oh, and if that wasn’t all enough, it also helps combat acne too.

“I use retinol for blemishes and acne as it gets into pores to clean out black and white heads and clear anything that might be brewing - so we aren’t only treating active acne but also getting rid of anything that’s coming up from below. For this, the Beta-Clarity BHA Drops (formerly known as Renew Serum) are very effective as they combine both salicylic acid with retinol for an antibacterial, clarifying approach,” Dr. Nina adds.

How To Use Retinol

You can start using retinol at any age - especially if you’re starting to see early signs of aging such as fine lines, sun spots, pigmentation issues, or even just general dullness. And, ideally, you don’t even need to wait until those signs start to appear, using retinol proactively can actually help prevent and slow them from occurring. The most important thing - especially if your skin is more reactive, is to go slow and build your tolerance. 

As with starting any new active skincare product, it’s all about knowing your skin. “Ways to start using it could be adding a retinol to your nighttime routine twice a week, rather than every night. If you start by applying every night it could be too much too soon. And, you can build from there. If you’re getting reactions, have patience, don’t abandon it, there are ways to build up your skin’s resilience and acclimatize to retinol,” shares Dr. Nina.

“A great way to deliver retinol in an easily controllable way is via a serum like GlyPro Retinol Drops to harness that concentrated form, and get dose precision. You can start with a few drops and see how your skin does, then work your way to 4-6 drops full-strength. One way to buffer it if your skin is reactive is to add a few drops to your moisturizer,” she adds.

And, if you have super sensitive skin but still want to try retinol, short contact therapy is another way to go. “The more of the active ingredient you get on your skin, the more benefit you’ll get, but if your skin really doesn’t tolerate retinol you can try short contact therapy where you apply the product and you then wash it off after about 15 minutes. This will still give you some benefits and help your tolerance over time,” she explains. 

Retinol Strengths

Not all retinol products are created equal. “Retinol can be formulated in many ways into different products in different concentrations,” explains Anna De La Cruz, Glo’s master aesthetician. “While it’s important not to get too hung up on percentages as your guide to choosing a retinol product, it’s helpful to understand that a higher percentage of retinol doesn’t always mean a stronger formulation. It’s actually all about how it’s formulated, such as the product’s pH level, other ingredients in the mix, and also if it’s anhydrous - meaning it’s a waterless formula. Anhydrous formulas actually boost the efficacy of those key ingredients - so even if it’s a lower percentage of retinol, its strength will be higher.”

In order of strength, our Glo retinol serums are as follows; 

Retinol+ Resurfacing Serum 0.5% - it’s anhydrous so it’s actually our strongest retinol serum. It resurfaces and refines for a deeply smoothed, softened, and brightened effect.

Best-selling GlyPro Retinol Drops (formerly known as Retinol Smoothing Serum) at 1.5% - This targeted serum focuses less on breakouts and more on smoothing, fine lines, and brightening your complexion.

Beta-Clarity BHA Drops - combines less than 1% retinol with other acne-fighting ingredients, salicylic acid and glycolic acid, for a clarified, balanced effect.

“If you’re looking for a retinol serum to start with, for really consistent use, Beta-Clarity BHA Drops are the ones to try, especially if you’re prone to breakouts too” shares Anna. “If you know your skin has good toleration of stronger actives, try leveling-up to GlyPro Retinol Drops, or the Retinol+ Resurfacing Serum for the more retinol-bold.”

There are also Glo’s retinol-infused signature peel treatments too. “We’ve created two at-home peel treatments that use retinol to deliver next-level smoothing and resurfacing results,” shares Anna. “Each kit includes everything you need to complete the full peel - with a little leftover for post peel care too.”

Retinol + C Smoothing Peel is a great level 1 peel for peel newbies or for regular bi-monthly maintenance. For the next level, try the GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel for more robust resurfacing and refined radiance. 

When To Apply Retinol

As retinol can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays - which also decrease the effectiveness of retinol, you should only apply it at night, and make sure to apply SPF during the day - all day, every day. 

Balance is everything. Start with a few drops of your retinol product and build from there. “Depending on your skin’s tolerance you can use 2-7 times per week,” adds Anna.

As it has a tendency to be a little more irritating, avoid using it the night before exfoliating to avoid any potential reactiveness or sensitivities. Also if you’re getting any in-office treatments, avoid using retinol around those times to let the skin settle. 

Mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity is normal as the skin adjusts. If you’re experiencing any significant redness, intense peeling, or burning, stop using retinol and let your skin calm down. If you have rosacea or eczema you should err on the side of caution with retinol and speak to a dermatologist. Options if you want to persevere with retinol, would be short contact therapy, or using the sandwiching technique applying moisturizer first as a buffer, then adding a few drops of retinol serum, and another layer of moisturizer for cushioning. 

There are some gentler retinol alternatives such as bakuchiol which is a 100% plant-based ingredient that has similar benefits to retinol but without the irritation. Try adding the bakuchiol-infused Eye Restore eye cream into your daily ritual. There are also bio-retinols which are also plant-derived and deliver similar anti-aging properties with a more gentle, nourishing approach. For this, we love Phyto-Active Light Moisture with its age-defying, moisture-boosting power. 

What Ingredients Go Well With Retinol?

Lactic acid works well with retinol in lower doses as it exfoliates, helping the retinol penetrate deeper. For this, a great treatment pairing could be GlyPro Retinol Drops, followed by Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator for that lactic acid and brightening boost. Other great ingredients to work in with your retinol include the essential HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops - for that hit of hyaluronic acid-fueled hydration, and alternating with another anti-aging favorite Bio-Renew EGF Drops which you could use during the day for a firming, reparative boost. 

“The absolute foundations of every anti-aging skincare ritual will be a vitamin C serum like C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops, a strong SPF such as the Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+, and of course your retinol for night. After these essentials, you can start adding in things like weekly or biweekly exfoliation with AHAs or brightening agents with alpha arbutin,” shares Dr. Nina.

If you’re looking for specific skincare advice, please feel free to speak to one of our expert advisors or consult your dermatologist. 

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How To Protect Skin Against Blue Light Damage

How To Get Glowing Skin

Blue light is a hot topic right now, but it’s not a new issue. It’s actually been around ever since we started engaging with anything that has a light-emitting screen. What is new, however, is the amount of time we’re exposing ourselves to it. According to a recent survey, the average American spends 19 hours per day looking at some sort of digital device. Whether that’s working on your laptop, binge-watching Netflix, or doomscrolling Instagram before bed, all of these activities which are so important to our daily connectivity and sense of community, are unfortunately having detrimental effects on our wellbeing - and that includes our skin. 

But before you slam shut your laptop, there are ways to protect against blue light damage without having to go cold turkey on your digital consumption, and we’ve got all the details…

What Is Blue Light?

Without getting too scientific, blue light is essentially a high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted from both the sun and screen-centric digital devices. It has the potential to penetrate the skin due to its longer wavelength and high energy output. “While the jury is still out on the depth that blue light can reach, it’s known to cause some disruption and premature aging effects. This is due to free radical damage generating oxidative stress on skin cells,” explains Anna De La Cruz, Glo's master aesthetician. Add to this the fact that our devices are generally held close to our faces too, and we are effectively helping that blue light reach our skin in a more concentrated way.

Unlike UVA + UVB rays from the sun, blue light damage to skin currently is not associated with skin burning or cancer. “What it does have in common with both these light-forms however, is accelerated photoaging including fine lines and wrinkles, irritation, redness, and hyperpigmentation,” she adds. 

Free radical damage from blue light can actually stimulate pigment production, which can lead to dark spots. “We’re learning more and more about this, but one thing we know is blue light can actually trigger unwanted pigmentation, and can be particularly bad for melasma sufferers,” shares Dr. Nina Desai, board-certified dermatologist.  

Blue Light And Beauty Sleep

Another side effect of over-exposure to blue light is that it has the ability to disrupt our sleep patterns, affecting our circadian rhythm. If you’re watching TV in bed or going down an Instagram rabbit hole under the covers, chances are you may find it harder to fall asleep. That’s because blue light affects our melatonin levels (sleep hormone), and according to some research, can also throw your skin cells out of sync, making your body believe it’s actually daytime and impacting their nightly renewal and repair processes. 

Protecting Against Blue Light

There are several ways to defend skin against digital damage. First up - and we’ll say this on repeat, investing in a good SPF is critical all year round, even indoors - try Oil Free SPF 40+. This will shield your skin from sun damage, and it works well in tandem with the amplified antioxidants you need to really target that dual-action defense.  

“Antioxidants are a must,” shares Dr. Nina “Vitamin C is essential to all skincare rituals. SPF and vitamin C complement each other perfectly. SPF for UVB + UVA rays, then vitamin C for its antioxidant protection against free radical damage from the sun, blue light, and pollution. It’s all about defending against damage, and preserving the skin in the long term.” 

Adding a daily boost of protection via a vitamin C-loaded serum is a must, promoting skin’s natural radiance while safeguarding it. “Our C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops (- formerly known as Daily Power C), are infused with vitamin C and glutathione - blue light shield technology, to protect against free radical damage,” Anna shares. 

Next up, switch out your eye cream to one with added blue light protection like our Eye Restore. “Because our eyes can strain when looking at monitors and screens, especially over time, this can lead to wear and tear and eventually contribute to a breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Contact lenses and glasses are now incorporating protection to shield the delicate eye area, so why not add an extra boostha to your eye cream too,” she adds.

And, for a final glow-getting hydration hit, our Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator is also infused with blue light protection, along with botanical brighteners and calming conditioners for instant luminosity.

The great news is there’s no need to forgo your favorite Netflix show at night too. You can also get your tech-game strong by adding blue light screen protectors to your devices. Also, adjust your smartphone settings for night use if it doesn’t do this automatically, as this makes the screen easier on your eyes and skin at night. 

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Vitamin C - Environmental Protection For Skin

What To Know About Inflammaging

If you’re looking for a brighter way to diminish skin discoloration such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, or even just to amp up your dull complexion, there’s an under-the-radar hero ingredient that’s about to seriously revolutionize your skincare ritual. Step forward alpha arbutin - nature’s answer to an Instagram filter. This powerhouse ingredient effectively treats pigmentation issues and boosts brightness safely without the unwanted side effects of its former counterpart, hydroquinone. Nature-approved, dermatologist-recommended, alpha arbutin is beauty’s best kept brightening secret and we’re here to spill.

What Is Alpha Arbutin?

“Alpha arbutin is a natural brightening agent found in the bearberry plant,” explains Dr. Nina Desai, Board-Certified Medical and Cosmetic Dermatologist. “It inhibits the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which prevents the formation of melanin. It's known as the natural hydroquinone. Hydroquinone itself is a bleaching agent, but alpha arbutin is a much more gentle and safe alternative. It functions similarly due to its molecular structure, but without that irritation or toxicity. ” she adds.

What Are The Benefits Of Alpha Arbutin?

Most of us will experience dull or lackluster skin at some point—and alpha arbutin provides a radiant boost for that, but it’s so much more than just a quick-fix brightener. For more lasting skin damage such as acne marks, brown or dark spots, and general sun damage, by inhibiting the formation of melanin, alpha arbutin essentially helps fade these marks, and also prevent them too.

“It’s incredibly effective in working to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots,” Dr. Nina shares. “I love to recommend it to my patients with any pigmentation issue, including melasma which can manifest as very splotchy, uneven skin. Alpha arbutin can really help diminish that distinctive pigmentation, and of course, when used in partnership with SPF, help prevent it from recurring.”

How To Use Alpha Arbutin

The great thing about this ingredient is that it’s suitable for all skin types - even sensitive, and it’s a safe brightening option for darker skin too. “It doesn’t negatively interact with other ingredients so it’s well tolerated with various other products in your routine,” shares Dr. Nina.

“One of my favorite products is the Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops. A serum provides the perfect delivery system for this powerhouse ingredient, and these drops really allow for personalization and precision of dosage - from applying full-strength across the complexion, or for spot-treating areas of concern,” she notes. 

Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops are also infused with another brightening hero - azelaic acid to clarify and unclog pores and ensure all that good stuff is delivered deep within, plus nourishing niacinamide. Vegan lactic acid also gives a gentle exfoliating boost, for a complete treatment serum that improves tone, texture, and hits the light-switch on your natural radiance. 

And, if you’re truly dedicated to that all-around lit-from-within luminosity, these drops work beautifully with skin that’s prepped by the Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant. This exfoliating elixir effectively passes that glow-giving baton onto perfectly primed skin. Then, complete your brighten and glow ritual with our Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator - a next-generation moisturizer that really pops that brightness button, while getting to work deep within.

Our seven solution serums - including Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops, are crafted to play well together too. A power-pairing for brightness and antioxidant protection would be with our vitamin C-infused C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops. 

“As always, make sure you’re wearing a daily SPF - such as Oil Free SPF 40+, to really avoid any further sun damage, and to keep your skin protected all year round,” adds Dr. Nina. 

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What To Know About Inflammaging

The Next-Generation Moisturizers You Need

First of all, what actually is inflammaging? Inflammaging or inflamm-aging is a beauty buzzword to describe the combination of two of our least favorite things, inflammation and aging. Inflammaging is the perfect storm of inflammatory factors converging, leading to accelerated signs of aging and generally an unhappy, uncomfortable complexion. 

This very specific form of complexion chaos can start to kick off during times when you might be stressed, eating badly, or feeling the effects of cold weather. You might start to notice your complexion becoming more red, rough, irritated, or even more acne-prone, and these signs mean you’re experiencing an excess of inflammation - your body’s immune response to external aggressors. When your body is in a state of inflammation, this then can hit fast-forward on signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as the internal inflammatory response reduces collagen production and cell turnover and renewal, manifesting as issues on the skin’s surface. The trick to tackling inflammaging is not only in the management of it once it’s triggered, but also if you’re more prone to this reaction, being mindful to maintain a calming and soothing daily ritual to keep it consistently at bay. 

What Causes Inflammaging? 

“Chronic inflammation is when the skin barrier is damaged, leaving it vulnerable to infection from microorganisms, pollution, toxins, UVA/UVB rays, increased cortisol levels, and more,” explains Dr. Dendy Engleman, Board Certified Dermatologist. “Basically, your skin is working harder to defend against stressors. Over time, inflammation leads to sensitivity, irritation, redness, rosacea, acne, and rapid aging - fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture.”  

There are a few familiar factors that can trip that inflammatory response, namely stress - raised cortisol levels are no fun for the skin, consistent lack of sleep, pollution, UV exposure, and poor diet. As we get older our systems slow down, making it harder for us to maintain balance, then add to that any or all of the above factors, and our skin can go into overdrive. 

“This is a real issue that affects many people,” adds Dr. Nina Desai. “What we put into our body, the products we use, as well as our lifestyle are all factors that can make this chronic inflammation worse.” 

How Can We Calm Inflammaging? 

As with all things skin-related, what’s going on inside is as important as what’s happening on the outside on the surface. If chronic roughness, redness, sensitivities, or more serious issues such as rosacea and acne are starting to be an issue for you, a place to start is making improvements and adjustments in your diet in collaboration with your skincare. Ensuring you’re eating a diet that’s rich in antioxidants and good fats, and lower in sugars, bad fats, and processed foods, can help to manage that inflammatory response. Adding a well-sourced Omega 3 supplement to your daily routine is a great way to support your system as it reduces inflammation and improves the skin barrier function, helping to seal in moisture and shield against irritants.

And, With Our Skincare?

Upgrade your skincare to really meet inflammaging head-on with targeted treatments. “Enter CBD,” advises Dr. Dendy. “There’s lots of confusion about this ingredient so let me clarify. First, this ingredient still needs further testing, but what we know so far is that CBD helps with inflammation. As an adaptogen, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors within our skin layers to decrease the effects of hormones, cortisol, kinase, and other compounds released during times of stress. Therefore, topical application of full-spectrum CBD can powerfully reduce inflammation.”

Step forward our Anti-Stress CBD Drops. Powered by a calming mix of CBD and adaptogens, this skin-zen serum settles redness, soothes sensitivities, repairing and restoring your complexion chill. These de-stressing drops are so comforting, in our clinical trials, 90% of participants said their skin was calmer after just one week of use, making it a key tool in your anti-inflammaging kit for both spot-treating inflammation moments as they start to arise, or better still, using it daily to prevent inflammation from ever rearing its head. 

Next up in the tool kit are amplified antioxidants. Just as vital in your skincare as they are in your diet, antioxidants provide skin-shielding protection against pollution, blue light, and any other environmental stressors. C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops are a must for this, loaded with 15% vitamin C, they defend skin against those external inflammatory elements, while also boosting brightness.  

And, you may have heard us say this on repeat, but don’t forget the SPF - every day, even in winter, and even indoors. Sun damage not only triggers inflammation, it’s also super aging for a myriad of reasons, so there’s every reason to get in good SPF habits for life, not just the beach. “The sun is the most damaging and aging factor for all skin. UV damage is the number one cause of premature aging. Having a good sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection is vital.” If the heavy texture of traditional SPF is a turn-off for you, go for a lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF in it like Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+.

As with redness-prone or irritated skin, using physical exfoliants such as scrubs or hot cloths can make inflammation or reactive skin worse. Swap these out for gentle chemical exfoliators such as vegan lactic acid in the Hydrating Gel Cleanser or a cleansing oil such as the nourishing jojoba and safflower oil mix in the Essential Cleansing Oil.

If you still have redness and inflammaging concerns; “Or you’re just unhappy with the way your skin is looking and behaving, it’s a good idea to visit your dermatologist who can help you with a treatment plan,” adds Dr. Nina.

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How To Get Glowing Skin

Next-Generation Moisturizers You Need To Know About

How To Fight Dry Winter Skin

Dreaming of fresh, glowing, dewy, lit-from-within skin? Let’s face it, this is our collective complexion goal. For some of us, there may be a few more obstacles (aka dead skin cells) in our path towards achieving that brightness, that luminosity we all crave. The good news is there are some likely culprits contributing to your dimming complexion wattage, and some easy ways to course correct. And, in the meantime, you can always faux your glow with foundations and highlighters, but getting that natural radiance IRL all starts with your skincare approach.

We spoke to top dermatologist Dr. Nina Desai for her take on how to get glowing skin and boost that brightness.

Dull, Lackluster Skin

The Concern: Dead skin cells are one of the main contributors to lackluster, tired-looking skin. Given that we shed millions of skin cells a day, if you’re not exfoliating, the cells that don’t fall off naturally will build up and form a dull layer on the skin’s surface, creating an ashy tone to your complexion.

The Solution: To promote brightness and clarity, it’s all about cell turnover. By exfoliating, you’re not only sloughing away dead skin cells, you’re also promoting turnover, improving your skin’s overall texture and appearance.

Exfoliation should be a big part of all skin rituals. There isn’t a skin type that can’t benefit from it, but it’s also a very individual process, so it’s about finding the right product and frequency that’s best for your skin. Less is always more to start. Building up gently is the best approach, to help your skin adjust. For more sensitive skin, chemical exfoliants are preferable to physical - scrubs, as there’s less friction with the skin.

Recommendation: Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant. This is truly a transformative product. What I love about it is that it’s suitable for all skin types. It has a unique combination of five alpha hydroxy acids including glycolic and lactic, also mandelic which is great for brightening, and poly hydroxy acid gluconic for additional hydration while it exfoliates. It brightens as it smooths, and it helps boost the efficacy of your other products too.

Hyperpigmentation + Dark Spots

The Concern: Pigmentation issues can arise from several key factors including sun damage, environmental pollution causing free radicals to build up on the skin, or can also be hormonal such as melasma, or age-related.

The Solution: Look to natural brighteners to target and treat hyperpigmentation issues. Alpha Arbutin is one of my go-to ingredients as it inhibits the function of the enzyme tyrosinase, which prevents the formation of melanin, so it’s super effective in working to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

Recommendation: For this, I love the Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops - you can use full-strength all over the complexion or spot-treat areas and really start to diminish any splotchy, uneven appearances, and tackle any dullness too.

Pollution + Sun Damage

The Concern: More often than not people don’t realize what the sun and pollution can do to their skin, or what the signs of damage are. Both cause free radicals to build up on the skin, which damages collagen production, disrupts the skin’s barrier, and stimulates pigmentation issues. This then affects the appearance and brightness of the complexion, not only creating uneven pigmentation and dullness, but also a roughness or build-up of dead skin cells - atypical cells that contribute to that overall general lackluster appearance.

The Solution: First up, it’s vital to make sure you’re thoroughly cleansing your face at night. Using the Hydrating Gel Cleanser or a more potent Glycolic Resurfacing Cleanser for a little more exfoliation power is key to ensuring you’re removing any dirt and impurities that have built up during the day and can cause damage and disrupt the skin barrier while you sleep. Choose a cleanser that replenishes as well as cleanses.

Recommendation: Also equally important is wearing SPF every day - even in winter and even indoors, to ensure skin is protected. Try Oil Free SPF 40 or Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ depending on your texture preference. Also, adding in a vitamin C antioxidant serum with blue light protection like the C-Shield Anti-Pollution Serum will also give a boost of skin-shielding benefits and neutralize free radical damage.

Dry Skin

The Concern: Another big factor playing against your glow is dry skin. If you have a dry complexion or aren’t appropriately hydrating your skin, that will create dullness due to the build-up of dead skin cells. In short, a damaged, under-nourished skin barrier can contribute to that lack of radiance, that lack of freshness, and can also contribute to skin looking aged, with fine lines and wrinkles appearing more pronounced due to dehydration.

The Solution: Staying hydrated by drinking water is a must, but you can also look to skin treatments too to help rehydrate skin’s moisture barrier. I’m a huge fan of hyaluronic acid in serum form for treating dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in skin. It’s a humectant, so it helps bind and trap water to our skin cells and collagen. This helps skin appear more plump and hydrated, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too.

Recommendation: You can’t go wrong adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your ritual - the HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops are perfect for this. It’s also just as important to make sure you’re using a deeply nourishing, conditioning face cream too like the Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator. It's a next- generation moisturizer, infused with amplified antioxidants that get to work under the surface to brighten and smooth, while the mineral luminosity complex delivers instant radiance. 

Using products that are formulated to work synergistically together, to target specific goals like brightening, will really help boost their efficacy and help you get your best glow ever.

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Do I Need To Wear Sunscreen Inside?

How To Hydrate Your Skin 

As we move into multitasking times, we’re looking for more from our moisturizers. Rather than slathering on layer after layer of product to repair and protect our moisture barrier or target our key concerns, we’re taking a less is more approach, opting in on high-powered formulations that offer a boost of benefits in one go. And, what better place to solve for an array of complexion goals and conditioning needs than via an elevated, next-generation moisturizer. These treatment moisturizers offer all the usual good stuff but now are infused with amplified actives for all the skin-love. 

Still performing the all-important job of conditioning, strengthening, and hydrating our skin with the essential nutrients our complexions crave - think hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamins, these next-generation moisturizers are packed with the latest botanical technology, innovative actives, and a splash of skincare alchemy, to deliver all kinds of nourishment for specific needs. And, the best bit? Using fewer but more targeted treatments in your skincare ritual is not only super wallet-friendly and more sustainable, it also means that the actives in the products you do use can get to work straight away, delivering all their benefits with less comedogenic issues too. It’s a skin-win situation.

Meet The Next-Generation Moisturizers...

Easy Glowing

For brightening, hydration, and smoothing, Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator delivers a dual-action boost. It’s infused with vitamin C to restore radiance and shield from the damaging effects of blue light and pollution, while a mineral luminosity complex imparts instant glass-skin radiance. And, to earn its next-generation moisturizer status, it's also powered by 1% vegan lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and smoothing, all while it conditions with velvety squalane, supporting skin’s suppleness and elasticity. 

And, as with any brightening routine, due to cell turnover, the Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator’s brightening and smoothing effects can take up to 45 days to be visible, so while the actives get to work under the surface, the mineral luminosity complex gives you that instant lit-from-within look. 

Cool And Calm

Calming and soothing, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and providing antioxidant protection, this restorative Balancing Moisture Remedy moisturizer features an elevated blend of botanicals for a comforted, de-stressed complexion. Loaded with anti-inflammatory aloe vera, it cools while it calms, packing some serious healing power thanks to peony and goldenrod extracts which inhibit pigment production, for a more even tone and texture.

Shine Off

Not all oil-free moisturizers are created equal. This Oil Control Emulsion features microsponge technology for mattifying and shine-reducing benefits, while it balances, purifies, and strengthens skin’s natural barrier with a natural reparative prebiotic. And, to ensure skin stays hydrated and comfortable - especially if we’re using more clarifying or spot-treatment products alongside this, it delivers a big boost of hyaluronic acid to refresh and revitalize complexions. 

Firm Friend

Protecting, firming, and boosting brightness, the Phyto-Active Light Moisture is fuelled by plant stem cell technology and botanical actives to strengthen and nourish skin. Featuring a potent next-level anti-aging blend, it gives a smoothing, toning, collagen-promoting boost, while plant stem cell provides amplified antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. And, skin’s moisture levels are given a major hydration quench thanks to small molecule hyaluronic acid which dives deep into the skin, locking in the moisture, for a plumped, renewed effect.

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Skin Detox: Set Your Skin Up For Success

How To Treat Maskne

If 2020 was all about the discovery that skincare is vital to our self-care, then for 2021, skincare trends pick up pace with an array of innovations, ingredients, and intelligent formulations. Stacking our shelfies full of cute-but-ineffective products is firmly out, replaced instead by our new work-smarter-not-harder, skinimalism mood. Think personalized protocols, multi-tasking formulas, authentic clean and clinical skincare, and impactful, performance-packed products.

And, with maskne, inflammaging, and new skin sensitivities driving the skincare conversation in recent times, solution-driven skincare has never been more relevant. Solving for an array of issues, targeted and tailored treatments are key to helping our skin and self-care thrive in this new normal. 

Also trending for 2021 is the new generation of intelligent makeup. Less about single-purpose products and all about multi-tasking, this next-level makeup not only works across multiple features, but also brings all the skincare benefits too. And, when it comes to color, 2021 sees a renewed focus on individuality - doing our makeup our way, for our own creativity and confidence. Expect color palettes popping with playfulness, served in tactile textures and versatile, customizable effects.

2021 Skincare Trends

Less Is More

Not exactly a new concept but one that’s reemerged recently in reaction to the popularity of 12+ step routines and other complex skincare systems, the skincare trends pendulum swings firmly back into the quality over quantity zone. Underpinned by our increasing sense of responsibility to not over-consume resources, 2021 is focused on smart, multi-tasking skincare that’s agile and results-driven. Think solutions-centric serum drops, a new wave of next-generation moisturizers, along with at-home pro-level treatments to help boost skin and support other products’ efficacy. 

Your Skin But Better

Natural, glowing skin has been in for many seasons now, but for 2021 it takes on new strides, with skincare-infused-makeup to help replenish radiance while harnessing that glow-giving pigment power too. Starting with a highly active skincare system that gets to work repairing and restoring your natural brightness, moisture levels, and protecting against aging elements, just add lightweight foundation oils, sticks, and highlighters to the mix for an elevated take on your own complexion. You can even add a few drops of your favorite serum into your liquid foundation to level-up your glow. 

Personalized Skincare

With skin that’s as individual as we are, that one-size-fits-all approach to skincare just doesn’t cut it. While those universally loved products will always feature in the mix, now there’s the opportunity to tailor your routine depending on what your skin needs and when it needs it. Step forward a more customizable take on skincare via serum drops. Acne or blemish control? Clear and balance skin with a salicylic acid-infused serum or treatment, then add a CBD serum to calm any inflammation. Need blue light protection and a brightness boost? Look to vitamin C for that skin-shielding defense, then add hyaluronic acid for a hydration hit. Looking for firming and smoothing? Amp up your nighttime treatments by alternating a retinol serum with an EGF serum. Mix and match, add to your daily face creams and foundations too and build your bespoke skincare wardrobe.

Cleanical Skincare

With the clean beauty movement to thank for our increasingly ingredient-savvy mindsets, right now, many of us are equally as interested in what’s not in the jar, as what actually is. Step forward cleanical skincare.  A clean and clinical hybrid approach, cleanical skincare mixes non-toxic, ethical formulations with safety and science, for clinically-proven results. Something Glo has always stood for with trustworthy and transformative products, look to vegan formulations free-from parabens, phthalates, harsh sulfates, talc, and more, transparency on sourced ingredients, not to mention cruelty-free, scientific tried-and-tested results.

2021 Makeup Trends

Photo Credits: Ceciliarentea + Cyndlekomarovski

The New Smokey Eye Liner

With mask-wearing still a key part of 2021, for our makeup, the emphasis stays firmly on the eyes but in impactful new attitudes. Taking the principles of that all-time classic smokey eye and updating it for modern moods, this look combines that crisp graphic liner with smudgy, smoked shadow hues for an elevated effect. And, as with its smokey eye foundations, it allows for as little or as much intensity as you like, easily buildable to create a look that works for your aesthetic.

Graphic Liner

Continuing that eye-focus story, while classic ink lined eyes have never truly gone out of style, for 2021, expect it to throw new shapes and textures into the mix. Skipping the shadow and focusing on the interplay of those bold graphic lines, whether the floating crease, diffused lines, parallel graphic lines, or top and bottom lid liner, this season’s graphics can be any color, in liquid or pencil textures. 

Bold Color Play

Optimism is back and playing out in bold new hues. Make your eyes your playground and try a fun blend of color-popping shades. Mix and match to accentuate your eye color, and try experimenting with texture from matte through to high-shine, glossed effects.

Natural Brows

Making the most of what we’ve got was the mantra of 2020’s brows, and this continues into 2021 with a distinctly natural focus and low-maintenance mood. If our brows are naturally thin - thanks to the ‘90s revival, we’re embracing them, just adding a little fluffing to bring them more into modern times. For brows that need a little freshening up in spots, we’re using a spoolie brush to neaten, then filling in any gaps with high-precision brow liner. And, for the more statement side of 2021 brows, opt-in on sky-high fluffy brows to frame the face and accentuate your eyes.

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Skin Detox: Set Your Skin Up For Success

Everything You Need To Know About EGF

Find Your Shine: How To Highlight

Cleanses, intermittent fasting, green juices - we’re all familiar with those kinds of detoxes, but sometimes our skin needs a little extra targeted TLC too. Celebrations, stress, dropping temperatures - can all take their toll on our skin. And, as our largest and most visible organ, our skin can often be the first signal that something is out of balance. Step forward the skin detox. Taking that cleansing mindset to both body and beauty can go a long way to improve your skin’s overall health and vitality.

When issues manifest on our skin, most often it’s coming from within. This could be hormonal, stress (aka raised cortisol levels), dehydration, overproduction of oil, an unbalanced microbiome, poor diet - too much fat, salt, sugar, or alcohol - you get the idea. Add to that environmental factors such as pollution and blue light, along with daily dirt and makeup build-up, and, long story short, our skin is dealing with a lot. 

While one-off treatments can offer some immediate relief, to make your skin detox both holistic and effective long term, make this a weekly or monthly part of your routine. Respond to and assess what your skin is showing you, then make the appropriate adjustments in both your lifestyle and your skincare treatments. 

Reading The Signs

Detoxing the skin primarily tackles what’s manifesting at the surface, rather than dealing with internal issues. Your complexion gives you clues as to what your skin needs. Tired, dull, and lackluster complexions sit on one side of the detox spectrum, while inflammation, redness, blemishes, and congestion are on the other end.

Looking at these skin symptoms can help you understand what your body may need too, which in turn will help boost your skin from within. For example, unusually puffy eyes are often a sign of too much salt or alcohol the night before, requiring extra water intake throughout the day to soothe and reduce that puffiness, paired with adding an antioxidant eye cream or jade roller to treat topically. Dry, tight, or dull skin are tell-tale signs of dehydration, so again drinking more water, as well as adding a hyaluronic acid-infused product to your routine will be key. For breakouts and congestion, opting for salicylic acid products and oil-free formulations can help detox, while being mindful not to dehydrate skin and replenishing moisturization throughout is key.

And, remember, a detox is not just about cleansing and purifying, it’s about replenishing and restoring skin’s balance and moisture-levels too. 

Skin Detox Ingredients

As with our diets, in skincare, there are hero ingredients that offer detoxifying properties to really boost any targeted treatments you’re using.

Charcoal

A go-to for skin detoxes, charcoal binds to micro-particles trapped in the skin such as bacteria, dirt, dust, chemicals, and toxins, drawing them out and making them easier to rinse away. Our Charcoal Detox Mask infused with kaolin and bentonite clays, offers a dual-action treatment, purifying while also offering gentle exfoliation. 

CBD

A powerhouse at fighting inflammation and calming skin, CBD is essential for soothing and repairing tired, stressed skin. The ultimate daily treatment, with 1000mg of full-spectrum CBD, our Anti-Stress CBD Drops also feature adaptogens, and are clinically proven to reduce redness, while soothing, and softening skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Cold weather, drinking alcohol, not drinking enough water, there are many reasons your skin gets dehydrated. Making sure you restore and replenish skin’s moisture levels as part of your skin detox is key. Hyaluronic acid - akin to a drink of water for the skin, is an essential for this, with the micro and macro molecules in our HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops replenishing both on the surface and deeper within, for a plumper, restored, quenched boost. 

Niacinamide

Ultra soothing and hydrating, niacinamide reduces water loss through the skin and improves the barrier function, smoothing and refining skin’s texture. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs such as mandelic, lactic, malic, and tartaric offer gentle exfoliation, stimulating cell turnover, and helping elevate the efficacy of serums and moisturizers. Our Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant contains these AHAs plus a poly hydroxy acid too for an added hydration boost. It’s the perfect weekly treatment to detox and prep skin.

Vitamin C

A boost of brightening for skin, as well as offering protective properties against pollution and blue light, vitamin C is a nourishing ingredient to add to your detox regimen. We love it in the C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops as part of your daily skincare system, but for a more concentrated smoothing and strengthening treatment, try the Retinol + C Smoothing Peel. Exfoliating, refining, and balancing the complexion, it conditions and renews your natural radiance. Ideal as a bi-monthly treatment. 

Green Tea

As well as drinking it for all its internal benefits, green tea is a hero antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, perfect for depuffing, detoxing, and soothing tired eyes. For a relaxing home-remedy detox treatment, try moistening two green tea bags with warm (not hot!) water and placing them on your closed eyes for a few minutes at a time. Follow up with a cooling eye treatment cream such as Eye Restore.

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For all the magic and sparkle of the season, winter also brings with it some less glamorous side effects for our skin. The drop in humidity, prolonged exposure to indoor heat, and freezing outdoor temperatures all combine to make this the season that’s hardest on our skin. Think parched, itchy, flaky, dry skin that settles in for the long haul. And, while our instincts are to just double-down on heavy-duty formulas and oils, there’s actually much more to winter skincare than that. Reassessing our routines, switching up our solutions, and changing our habits can go a long way to keeping skin soothed and complexions comfortable this frosty season. 

Prep your skin with these winter skincare pro tips...

Drying Agents

Although it’s always tempting to crank up the water temperature in winter, hot showers and baths can be super drying. Try to dial down the heat so you’re less prone to damaging your skin. Avoid washing your face with the same temperature water as your shower - make sure to lower it to lukewarm/cold for your cleanse, so as not to cause redness or irritation. This applies all year round too, not just winter. 

And, while we all crave a long soak in the tub come the chilly season, make sure to boost the hydration potential, by adding a few drops of nourishing oils such as almond, avocado, or coconut. Relax and chill out your complexion with the skin-zen vibes of Anti-Stress CBD Drops - a soothing, reparative treatment for redness and stressed skin. If your skin is super dry or you’re prone to eczema, you might like to try adding oatmeal to a soak (yes, really). Oats are naturally colloidal, meaning they have excellent anti-inflammatory, rehydrating properties, making them a perfect addition to your winter skincare routine.

Layering

Bundling up on heavier clothing layers can cause less moisture from the air to reach your skin, teamed with gentle rubbing on the upper layers from the garments, causing dryness, and the potential for flakey skin. Dry skin-brushing, plus a weekly exfoliating body scrub, can help, followed by a rich soothing body cream or even simple coconut oil.  

Exfoliation Is Key

Opting for targeted serums such as Daily Hydration+ and can go a long way to supporting dry winter skin, but to boost their efficacy, regular gentle surface-buffing is needed. Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant and Daily Polishing Cleanser are the ideal winter skincare treatments, setting your skincare system up for success. And, for a more targeted boost once every few months, Retinol + C Smoothing Peel is a pro-level treatment to replenish, restore, and re-energize dull, tired skin. Improving skin’s receptiveness to subsequent products, whether targeted serums such as Bio-Renew EGF Drops or Anti-Stress CBD Drops, by exfoliating and buffing away the dead cells and surface impurities, your skin can draw in all the good stuff from these treatments, for a comforted, clearer complexion. 

Step Up Your Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in all skincare routines, but often the one we pay the least attention to. For super dry or sensitive skin, you may wish to avoid full-face washing, and instead, opt for a gentler micellar water and soft face towel to remove skin impurities. For other skin types, switching from a gel to a cream or milk cleanser such as Phyto-Active Cream Cleanser is key, offering a softer, more nourishing approach to cleansing. While not all complexions crave a heavier texture - you may find that your skin feels great with additional serum boosts, many of us prefer a richer moisturizer come the winter months. Restorative Cream and Vita E Essential are the perfect switches to make, particularly if you err on the dry or sensitive side. You could also add in a mask treatment too such as Restorative Mask, once a week for additional support.

Hook Up The Humidifier

Dry, hot air from indoor heating can also cause dull, dehydrated skin. Forced air heating can be particularly drying and intense on skin. By increasing the moisture content in the air around you with a humidifier placed in the most used room in your house, you can help your skin’s barrier stay hydrated. It also keeps your indoor plants happy too. Try keeping a humidifier on during the night too as you sleep to avoid waking up with parched, dehydrated, tight skin. For regular hydration top-ups throughout the day try Phyto-Active Toning Mist and Barrier Balm.

Don’t Forget The SPF

We need sun protection all year round - even in cold or cloudy weather. While UV rays are less direct in winter they are still at a level that can be harmful and aging. The ideal is to go for a formulation you can add to your daily skincare routine with ease. For combination or oily complexions, Oil Free SPF 40+ is formulated to avoid clogging pores, and it’s packed with antioxidants too. If you’re looking for more of a color-boost SPF hybrid, the Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ should be your go-to, while for drier skin needing a hydration hit, Daily Mineral Defense is a must.

Blue Light Defense

As we spend increasingly longer times in front of screens - be it laptops, computers, smartphones, or TVs, there’s even more potential for overexposure to the blue light emitted from these devices. Blue light can cause disruption to your skin’s balance, generating more free radicals, which cause oxidative damage within the skin. The antidote to this is antioxidants - which C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops with its potent vitamin C-loaded formula has plenty of. Protecting and leveling-up your brightness at the same time vitamin C is a powerful shield against longer-term, aging damage caused by blue light transmission. What’s not to love?

Thirst Trap

Even though we feel up to 40% less thirsty in winter, it’s important to stay hydrated, even when cold water doesn’t feel appealing. Try starting the day with warm water with lemon, and if you really can’t make your regular 11 cups of water per day, add in zero-sugar flavored waters too. 

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How To Treat Maskne

Hyaluronic Acid - What Is It + Why Do You Need It?

Glowing skin is always in. And, while we try to make the best of our natural radiance with elevated skincare, most of us need a little something extra to hit those high points and give our complexions that oh-so coveted lit-from-within effect. Faking it ’til we make it, highlighters have been an absolute essential in most beauty kits for some time now, served up in an array of deliciously different finishes and luminosities. 

Highlighting is all about mimicking the way natural light catches and reflects off our bone structure, effectively popping those points and accentuating our features with a brightening boost. And, as with all key trends, it encompasses a spectrum of styles, from those notice-me holographic hues or chromatic strobing all the way through to the dewy, glass skin effect that’s oh-so on point right now. Your skin, but better; current times call for skincare-makeup hybrids that enhance and elevate our natural beauty, delivering glossy, hydrated skin, with that post-facial luminosity that shines out. 

For Glass Skin Effects

Refreshing and revitalizing the complexion, the Glow Up Highlighter does all this and more. Hitting that sweet spot of all-out translucency with zero-pigmentation while delivering an effortless yet quietly impactful glassy sheen, it’s universally flattering for all skin tones and types. Hydrating as it highlights, it’s loaded with skin-loving ingredients from hyaluronic acid to protective antioxidants and conditioning shea butter, melting into the skin and nourishing from within. 

Versatile and tactile, this enriched silky balm means you can play with different applications to curate your perfect look. “For a more high-shine effect, swatch directly onto the skin, then blend with fingers,” advises Janeena Billera Global Education Ambassador + Artistry Lead at Glo Skin Beauty. “If you’re looking for more of a subtle sheen, apply with your favorite brush or fingers and gently pat or dab onto skin. Add on top of cheek color, eye color, and lip color for a natural light-catching sheen.”

Designed to be worn any way you like; “It works best when swatched onto fingers first to warm it up and for more precise application, then patted gently on top of those areas,” she adds. So whether cheekbones, brow bones, across eyelids, over eyeshadow, directly on lips, or over lipstick, this multi-tasking balm stick offers all the options to help you create your perfect effect.

For Statement Shimmer

Shimmer Brick is another strong contender when it comes to more statement, high-shine highlighting. Microfine particles create a soft-focus effect on skin for a luminescence and light that’s photo-perfect. This illuminating, buildable powder comes in a cocktail of enticing rich-pigment hues, allowing you to layer-up and mix different shades for different effects for your perfect pop. “Use individual shades on their own or mix all four to create soft, shimmering effects,” suggests Janeena. “Using a brush, sweep this fine powder onto high points for subtle illumination, or add as a topper to blush.”

Whatever your mood, whether for day or night, work or play, mix and match these highlighters to find your perfect look.

While many ingredients and products recommended to address skin concerns are for the most part, the same for all skin tones, there are some conditions that can be problematic for people with more richly-melanated skin, and these may need a slightly different approach.

With darker tones comes more melanin in the skin, and this can make us more susceptible to inflammation which can then trigger unwanted complications such as redness, hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation and even scarring. Treatments should always be gentle and careful not to inflame or irritate any issues. 

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

As a dermatologist, the most common issue I come across with darker skin tones is hyperpigmentation. This can be from trauma or inflammation of the skin, or from melasma- a hormonally mediated pigmentary condition. When treating excess pigment in darker skin complexions, it’s vital to be cautious as overly aggressive treatments can lead to more pigment - or, in extreme cases, even a loss of pigment - hypopigmentation. If you’re at all concerned about hyperpigmentation, the best thing to do is to speak with a dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin of color, so you can work together to tailor your routine.  

Which Ingredients Can Help?

When treating hyperpigmentation in all skin tones, I love working with products with powerful, yet safe brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, alpha arbutin, kojic acid and retinol. I recommend starting with one active ingredient at a time, at lower percentages, then working your way up, assessing how your skin is feeling and looking as you go. Try C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops as a boost of nourishing protection or Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops. Take it slow, and do it in stages. This is particularly important for retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin/retin A as these vitamin A derivatives can cause redness, dryness, peeling and inflammation on the skin if they’re too strong. And, for darker skin tones they can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Once you’re ready opt for Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant featuring a mix of five alpha and poly hydroxy acids to decongest, smooth, and brighten.

If starting a retinol or a prescription-strength tretinoin in skin of color, I recommend starting at a low percentage 0.5% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin.  Start two times a week and then slowly increase to every other night. Always remember to combat the dryness with a good moisturizer. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try the noncomedogenic Oil Free Moisturizer. If you have dry skin to begin with, you will want to pick a thicker more occlusive cream to lock in moisture. This will minimize any post-inflammatory complications or irritation.

For any concerns about these ingredients and your specific skin needs, make sure to check-in with your dermatologist.

What About Peels?

One of the most common misconceptions is that those with skin of color can’t use strong active ingredients and can’t have chemical peels. These are myths. It’s possible to use effective, active ingredients and make meaningful improvements in the skin tone and texture of those with darker skin, however, we must be patient in order to achieve the best results. 

Much like topicals, peels and exfoliation are an important tool in your treatment kit, as we want to slough off the dead or discolored skin cells to reveal clearer, more even skin. When choosing a peel for darker skin, I opt for the milder, yet highly effective acids such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acid. These peels create less inflammation on the skin. They may require more treatments, but will safely treat hyperpigmentation in darker skin types. The trick is working slowly and conservatively.

Again, it’s best to start with the lowest percentage active peel and see how your skin feels. Gentle solutions are often the best solutions in skincare, so it’s fine to stay on lower percentage peels if you feel they’re giving you a good level of resurfacing and helping your natural glow. I love the Retinol + C Smoothing Peel (as seen in Vogue) — it’s the perfect entry-level peel, offering gentle smoothing and brightening. If you feel your skin is ready to level up, speak with your dermatologist or aesthetician to make sure you’re picking the right peel for you.

SPF Is A Must

In addition to active brightening ingredients, a good SPF is vital for protecting darker skin - not only to prevent photo-aging, but the sun will exacerbate any pigmentary issues and can make melasma worse. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, applied to your face, neck, chest, and hands every morning should be a vital part of your morning routine. It’s also super important to remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. 

To avoid any grayish overcast that some sunscreens can leave behind on darker skin, I opt for a lightweight texture instead like the Oil Free SPF 40+, to really help maintain a dewier, glowy finish. 

Experiencing maskne issues? Discover how to support irritated skin...

Move over retinols, there’s a new It ingredient rising up the skincare ranks and it’s called Epidermal Growth Factor - or EGF for short. The go-to for dermatologists thanks to its collagen-stimulating, dark spot brightening, under-eye depuffing, and wrinkle-combatting properties, EGF skincare has now become a firm favorite with celebrities, influencers, and beauty editors as an integral step in their daily routines.

What Is Epidermal Growth Factor? 

EGF was the first growth factor to be studied. The scientists who discovered it only 30 years ago, won a Nobel Prize for their work, making it one of the most innovative ingredients in the skincare world right now.

Growth factors are immensely important for the regulation of cell processes in the human body. And, as its name suggests, epidermal growth factor relates to the epidermis - the top layer of skin. EGF stimulates cells in the skin called fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin to clarify, thicken and tighten skin. As you age, your EGF decreases and so too does skin’s elasticity, leading to signs of aging such as dullness, wrinkles, lines, and general skin-sagging. 

A solution to tackling these factors? Step forward the EGF serum. While many EGF products contain epidermal growth factor derived from human cells, our Bio-Renew EGF Drops are formulated using 100% vegan epidermal growth factor combined with plant stem cells, to work in synergy with your skin, activating natural EGF receptors and accelerating epidermal regeneration. Offering a quenching boost to add to your moisturizer or wear as a straight-up serum, the bio-active peptide recovery complex fortifies the skin’s barrier and draws in moisture, for glowing, revitalized complexions in just a few, easy-to-tailor drops. 

The Ultimate Anti-Aging Serum

Combating aging and strengthening your skin without stripping its moisture Bio-Renew EGF Drops combine three powerhouse ingredients, for the ultimate skin-nourishing cocktail. 

100% Vegan Epidermal Growth Factor: Accelerates collagen and elastin production. Stimulating the growth of new skin cells, EGF also protects your skin by allowing moisture to absorb faster and deeper, which ultimately makes your skin smoother and softer. Vegan EGF also inhibits melanin production, so it improves acne marks and other forms of hyperpigmentation.Multipeptide Complex: These bio-active peptides reinforce your skin’s barrier to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles while firming and stimulating repair. Peptides help achieve wrinkle reduction by inhibiting muscle contraction and signaling collagen synthesis, which, unlike botox injections or other invasive treatments, is a convenient and natural option.Hyaluronic Acid: If you don’t already know how effective hyaluronic acid is for the skin, here’s a refresher. It holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluronic acid - much like collagen, gradually decreases as we age with exposure to UV rays and environmental aggressors like pollution. Combining hyaluronic acid with EGF creates the ultimate serum that replenishes moisture while helping you achieve the ultimate glow. 

If you’re not convinced yet, here are our top reviews from customers like you:

“I’ve been lacking my usual facials in quarantine so when I say these drops have been a lifesaver, I’m talking about results outside of my normally high maintenance routine. I use these nightly full strength and mixed with an antioxidant serum during the day and the glow and evenness is unreal. Even my dermatologist commented on my skin’s healthy radiance and even tone without makeup after 4 months between visits. These are a must.”

- 5 Stars, Brett — Verified Buyer

“It's Love! - I already see less fine lines ❤️”

- 5 Stars, Brett — Verified Buyer

All you need to know is that EGF is the key to younger-looking skin. We take pride in creating the most innovative formulas and we believe Bio-Renew EGF Drops will be your new BFF. We like to say — if you’re looking to maximize your skincare routine, EGF is the icing on the cake. You’re welcome. 

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When developing a skincare routine, it is important to know your skin type and to pick products that are right for your skin. This will ensure that your products are working for you, and will not make any of your concerns worse. Whether your skin is oily, normal or dry you want to ensure that you have the perfect nighttime skincare routine. 

When you sleep your skin regenerates and repairs itself, so this is the best time to give your skin a little more TLC and apply your key ingredients. Keep reading for 7 Dermatologist Tips to craft your ideal nighttime skincare routine. 

Tip 1: Double Cleansing is Key

Cleansing is a very important part of the nighttime routine. I am a big fan of the double cleanse at night to prepare your skin to soak in the powerful active ingredients you apply before sleep. 

If you are oily, combination or you wear makeup during the day I would recommend starting with a Micellar Cleansing Water on a soft cotton round to remove makeup. I recommend following this up with an AHA cleanser, such as Glycolic Resurfacing Cleanser for a deeper clean. If oil, dirt, bacteria and makeup are left behind on the skin at night, your skin will be more prone to becoming congested and you may wake up with a new breakout. 

Those of us with very sensitive skin or very dry skin may not be able to tolerate a glycolic acid cleanser every night, so I often recommend alternating nights with Hydrating Gel Cleanser. For those with sensitive skin or dry skin, Phyto-Active Cream Cleanser would be less drying to skin. When you wash your face you always want to be careful to not tug or pull at your skin and do not rub dry with a towel. Be very gentle and always pat dry, making sure not to irritate your skin.

Tip 2: Toners + Exfoliants Are a Must

Next, toners have become a great additive to one’s skincare routine. Traditionally, toners were products used to restore the skin’s pH after cleansing the face with an alkaline soap, and they also helped prep your skin for serums and moisturizers and get rid of excess oil or dirt that your cleanser might have missed. But today, the best toners do so much more. They can actually provide similar benefits as a serum or treatment product. That’s because they are infused with ingredients like AHAs, hyaluronic acid and vitamins that can exfoliate, brighten, soothe, hydrate and more. An amazing product like Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant (containing 5 different acids) would be perfect to tone all skin types. 

Tip 3: Don’t Skip Your Retinoids

Next you would apply your retinoids. Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, are so important for promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production, which overtime is going to leave our skin smoother, tighter and with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. When starting out with a retinoid, no matter what your skin type is, you want to start at a low strength and work your way up. Starting with Renew Serum (1% retinol) or Retinol Smoothing Serum (1.5% retinol) would be perfect. By slowly building a tolerance you will minimize any redness, dryness, or peeling that may occur. Retinol itself is light-sensitive, so your skin not only becomes more vulnerable to the sun and ultimately becomes more susceptible to sun damage but the retinol will lose potency, this is one of the main reasons retinoids are best to use at night.  

Tip 4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize 

Next you must moisturize. This is where knowing your skin type is important. If you are oily or acne-prone you will want to use Oil Free Moisturizer or Oil Control Emulsion, which uses ultra light hydration with microsponge technology to reduce shine. If you have dry skin you will want to pick a thicker, richer moisturizer to hydrate the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles such a Vita E Essential Cream and Restorative Cream. For even more hydration, try adding a hydrating serum to maintain your skin barrier and lock in moisture, without adding more oil back to the skin. 

Tip 5: Your Delicate Skin Needs Extra Love

I like to give my under eyes and lips a little extra TLC before bed. The skin around the eyes is thin and super delicate and more susceptible to the breakdown of collagen and the development of fine lines and wrinkles, so protecting these areas is very important to prevent the appearance of aging. For my eyes, I love Eye Restore. The specialized blend of antioxidants and peptides in this product gently but effectively boost collagen and elastin production, which will improve crow’s feet, crepey texture and under-eye discoloration so this is a must and can actually be used morning and night. For my lips I love an occlusive balm to lock in moisture, I use Barrier Balm which hydrates and conditions the lips making them healthier and fuller.

Tip 6: Use Serums for Targeted Transformation

While retinoids, antioxidants and SPF are the staples of any good skincare routine, targeted serums and products should also be worked into your routine based on your individual skin needs. If you are dealing with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or melasma key ingredients are brightening agents such as Arbutin and AHAs like Glycolic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Lactic Acid - so a perfect product to target those concerns is Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops. If you suffer from acne or have oily skin, you will also want to give your face some extra defense from oil and bacteria that will contribute to acne, so Renew Serum would be a great choice for you. And when you have an annoying active acne lesion, Clear Skin Spot Treatment should be used as a spot treatment until the area is clear. 

Tip 7: The Way You Sleep Can Matter

Some other steps we can do to keep our skin healthy is to wash our pillowcases once a week. Oil and bacteria build up on our pillowcases and can contribute to acne. Additionally we should also do our best to sleep on our back and not on our face or side to avoid the unnecessary breakdown of collagen while we sleep. Lastly, for a more potent dose of hydration, I sometimes recommend an overnight face mask 1-2 times a week for those who need it. 

Ready to find your perfect skincare routine? Take our skin quiz today »

CBD is the current “it” buzzword of the beauty world. You may be familiar with the myriad of benefits it offers within the wellness industry, but did you know about the incredible powers of CBD when it comes to topical use? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about CBD in your skincare routine, including all the juicy info that no one else will. 

But first, we have an announcement. We’re giving CBD a glo-up with our new Anti-Stress CBD Drops! Let Alayne White, Licensed Esthetician, tell you why our serum is the only CBD product you need. 

“Glo’s topical CBD product is not just another CBD product, we surely don’t need one of those, but this product is here to deal with extreme sensitivity, rosacea and is a new addition that skin practitioners need to address the never ending stream of inflammation in our client’s skin.”

Okay, now let’s dive in. Why are our Anti-Stress CBD Drops superior to other CBD serums? Well, we have science on our side. We work with the best labs and dermatologists to bring you the highest quality of CBD and the perfect blend of ingredients to enhance your skincare routine. Our therapeutic adaptogen complex is packed with a proprietary blend of full-spectrum 1000mg cannabidiol, ashwagandha and reishi mushroom. Wait, what does full-spectrum 1000mg cannabidiol mean? Will this product make me high? Is it ingestible? Don’t worry, we have all the answers, keep reading.

CBD 101

Let’s back up; What is CBD? 

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds found in cannabis plants. There are three types of CBD products derived from cannabis plants: isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Isolate contains only one cannabinoid, CBD, which has been chemically “isolated” from the cannabis extract. Broad-spectrum contains CBD and many other natural cannabinoids (such as CBG, CBD, CBC, etc) but no THC. Full-spectrum contains all of the cannabinoids (over 100 different types have been identified) that are naturally occurring in a cannabis plant including THC.

Anti-Stress CBD Drops is a full-spectrum topical serum with a high concentration of CBD, and less than 0.2% THC. The percentage of THC improves the efficacy rate and quality of the product. No, you will not get high with this product (sorry!). We chose to utilize full-spectrum CBD because it takes advantage of the entourage effect. The entourage effect enhances the therapeutic benefits of the individual cannabinoid components as they work together—meaning you receive greater benefits. Hemp and marijuana both belong to the cannabis plant family, and while they have their differences (more on that later!), CBD can be derived from either.

What’s the difference between CBD and Hemp?

CBD is used in skincare to directly soothe distressed skin cells and restore them to their natural bliss. Although you can find products with either CBD (which is extracted from the flower of the cannabis/hemp plant) or hemp seed oil (which is pressed from the seeds of the cannabis/hemp plant), there’s a huge difference. Hemp seed oil only contains negligible amounts of cannabinoids, often hemp seed oil may not have any CBD in it at all. Many beauty brands market their hemp seed oil product to make you think CBD is in it. This practice is referred to as “weed-washing,” or making it seem as if there’s CBD in a product, when really, it's just hemp seed oil. Topical products formulated with CBD, rather than hemp seed oil, have more significant regenerative, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. This is exactly why experts suggest choosing “full-spectrum CBD” over “broad-spectrum CBD” because without 1000 mg of canibidoil you most likely won’t receive the results you’re looking for. 

How does CBD work and why does it help skin?

Surprisingly, our body produces its own cannabinoid called anandamide, which is located throughout our endocannabinoid organ system (ECS). The ECS system’s purpose is to keep our skin happy, healthy, and in a balanced state. When this system is out of whack, well, enter blemishes, irritation, oily, dry and even itchy skin. CBD naturally elevates levels of anandamide. Higher levels of anandamide supports your body's own natural process to reduce inflammation. Inflammation can cause redness, irritation, rashes and even breakouts. Full-spectrum CBD gives you smoother, calmer and more radiant skin. This is the key reason why CBD is worth the hype.

Enter Glo Skin Beauty’s Anti-Stress CBD Drops

And finally, what you’ve all been waiting for. INTRODUCING your new favorite CBD skincare serum. 1000mg full-spectrum cannabidiol and professional calming benefits in just one drop: Anti-Stress CBD Drops — you’re welcome. 

Let’s get into why our proprietary blend is unique and powerful. This high-quality CBD serum targets sunburns, mask irritation (maskne) and seasonal sensitivity. Ok, if you’ve made it this far you know that our product contains full-spectrum cannabidiol, but did you know that this serum is also a therapeutic adaptogenic complex? Meaning, it contains ashwagandha (hot topic) and reishi mushroom. 

Adaptogens are mushrooms, herbs, or plants. When added to your skincare routine, these powerhouse ingredients protect your skin and complexion by fighting stress and allowing your body to adapt to a changing or stressful environment (which we all need right now). Research shows that ashwagandha is an extremely effective antioxidant and increases collagen production in the body. It’s high levels of antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, promoting vibrant skin. All in all, this is a complex and effective ingredient to help treat signs of aging, sun damage, blemishes, acne scarring, and fine lines. 

Reishi mushroom is also a star ingredient because it’s deeply hydrating and detoxifying. It contains beta glucans, a chain of antioxidant glucose molecules that are responsible for attracting water from the environment to your skin. Let’s get some ashwagandha and reishi in our skincare routine asap, because who doesn’t want more hydrated and clear skin? 

As you can see, we’re so excited for you to try Anti-Stress CBD Drops; the perfect CBD serum for skin inflammation, anti-aging, acne from inflammation and the ultimate soothing elixir.

Shop Now »

References for this information:

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2017

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, June 2017

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, September 2011

It’s summertime, and we’re making skincare routines easy!

When seasons change, our wardrobe isn’t the only thing we switch up. We love adjusting our skincare regimens depending on the weather outside, the amount of time we spend outdoors and levels of humidity. Check out the summertime skincare routines below recommended by our Aesthetics Lead, Stephanie Scalet for top skin goals.

For Brighter Skin

Hydrating Gel Cleanser (AM/PM): Mix in Daily Polishing Cleanser into Hydrating Gel Cleanser for additional brightening and gentle exfoliation.

Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant (AM): Apply with a woven gauze or exfoliating face round for amped up exfoliation.

C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops (AM): Press and massage Daily Power C into skin for deeper penetration.

Hydra-Bright Alpha Arbutin Drops (AM/PM): Uses natural brighteners alpha arbutin and azelaic acid for glowy skin.

Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator (AM/PM): Apply to full face, THEN apply your SPF. After SPF, you can apply Hydra Radiance Moisturizer on high points of face for natural opalescent highlighter.

Oil Free SPF 40+ (AM): Don’t forget protection—every single day, inside and out!

For Clearer Skin

Purifying Gel Cleanser (AM/PM): Use as a one-step double cleanse

Clear Complexion Pads (AM or PM): Also can be used pre/post summer workouts to keep breakouts away! 

Renew Serum (PM only): Allow to penetrate for 30 full minutes before you apply any other products on top to ensure maximum effectiveness. 

Oil Free Moisturizer (AM/PM) At night, use 30 minutes after Renew Serum.

Oil Free SPF 40+ (AM)

Charcoal Detox Mask (as needed): Let this mask fully dry on skin and then wet fingertips to exfoliate the jojoba beads into skin for an immediate renewed complexion.

For Firmer Skin

Phyto-Active Cream Cleanser (AM/PM): Rich, foaming cleanser for a fresh start. 

Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil (AM/PM): Mixed into your favorite moisturizer in the morning, and straight onto skin at night. 

Phyto-Active Light Moisture (AM/PM): Lightweight, yet powerfully hydrating

Phyto-Active Eye Serum (AM): Use this serum in the morning for an immediate firming effect to the eyes. 

Phyto-Active Eye Cream (PM): Layer Phyto-Active Eye Cream over Phyto-Active Eye Serum for the ultimate firming eye treatment.

Retinol Smoothing Serum (PM): Retinol is essential in an anti-aging routine but can be a tad drying if you have never used it (or if you use too much, too fast!). Start slow and work your way into using retinol multiple times per week. Product junkies like us want to start using every product every day which can lead to overusing. Be sure to check the recommended use on the bottle, and don’t forget to listen to your skin. 

Solar Shade SPF 50 (AM): Make sure to wear your SPF every single—and ESPECIALLY when using retinol at night!

No matter what your skin type or concern, Glo Skin Beauty has all the right products to tailor your skincare game for any season. And for easy 5 minute makeup routines to finish off your look, check out our recommendations here. 

Get your summer on, and let your summertime skin shine!

Keys? Check. Phone? Check. Wallet? Face mask? Double check.

Wearing a mask when we leave the house has become a normal part of our everyday routine. Protecting ourselves and those around us is critical, and we don’t know about you, but we’re stocking up on cute styles for every day of the week. As important as it is to wear a mask, an unwanted side effect many people are experiencing has become known as “maskne.” 

Maskne can be caused by a couple of things happening at once: the fabric is causing friction against the skin (which can lead to irritation and inflammation, and eventually, acne), AND we’re keeping sweat, dirt, and oil under a moist environment, thanks to our breath and the fabric trapping it close against our skin.

Forbes, InStyle, Yahoo and HuffPost have all featured Glo Skin Beauty products in articles about treating maskne. Check out our own tips and solutions below!

Wash your face before and after wearing a mask

Cleansing your face twice a day is one of the best ways to prevent maskne. Starting your day with clean skin under your mask means there’s less residual sweat or dirt that ends up sitting there trapped underneath the fabric. Cleansing after you remove it for the day helps remove built-up bacteria, perspiration and dirt that may have collected during the day. 

Purifying Gel Cleanser is a purifying and balancing gel cleanser that rinses away surface debris and impurities, deeply cleansing pores without over drying or stripping oil.

Use an occlusive to lock in moisture and protect 

Putting an occlusive (which works as a physical barrier) between your skin and your mask can help protect against any chafing and also prevent the spread of bacteria across your face. 

Barrier Balm hydrates and soothes with vitamin E and rosehip seed oil while it protects: apply to areas of the face where your mask meets your skin (like the nose, cheeks, and chin).

Detox and deep clean with exfoliation

After wearing a mask day after day, irritation can lead to clogged follicles. Charcoal Detox Mask can help draw out impurities from the skin with kaolin and bentonite clays, and is gentle enough that it won’t further irritate your skin. 

Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant is a gentle poly and alpha hydroxy-based liquid exfoliant that helps reveal clearer, brighter skin, crucial for congestion or breakouts that might be building up as a result of wearing a mask.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Irritated, inflamed skin not only needs moisture in order to heal, but needs to be soothed as well. 

Balancing Moisture Remedy is a fragrance-free moisturizer that calms and hydrates skin, helping to restore damaged moisture barriers that can sometimes occur as a result of wearing a face mask.  

Protect sensitive skin

Even though part of your face will be covered by the nature of wearing a mask, that doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen. Solar Shade SPF 50 is formulated for sensitive skin, so it’s the perfect solution to double up on your protection without risking any irritation if your face is in a delicate state.  

Maskne may be the new acne, but at Glo Skin Beauty we offer solutions to help combat this issue. Remember: stay safe, wear a mask and keep up with your skincare routine with the products featured above!

Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’ve been fine-tuning your regimen for years or are just beginning your foray into the vast world of products and ingredients, keep reading for our top picks to help you get your most beautiful, youthful skin—at ANY age!

20s - 30s: Prevention + Targeted Treatment

In our 20’s and 30’s, we may still be dealing with acne issues (unfortunately, breakouts aren’t just for teens) or starting to think about how to develop healthy skincare habits. This is usually when signs of aging start to reveal themselves. Whether it’s apparent dullness or the first signs of fine lines around the eyes or lips, this is the time to start using active ingredients to help prevent and address these skin concerns. 

Starting with retinol early can help you get a jump start on prevention since it helps the appearance of aging by generating cell turnover (in addition to alleviating breakout concerns), while hydroxy acids help clarify, refine and smooth skin. 

If you’re not using sunscreen on a daily basis yet, start NOW. This habit is the best way to keep skin looking youthful and should continue for the rest of your life.

Using Renew Serum is an effective way to help both breakout issues and initial signs of aging with retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. 

Oil Free SPF 40+ is an oil free formula that goes on beautifully underneath makeup and provides broad spectrum UV protection.

After retinol and sunscreen, one of the next gold star ingredients dermatologists recommend is vitamin C. Environmental aggressors like the sun and pollution create damage in the skin that can last for decades, so using a vitamin C serum like C-Shield Anti-Pollution Drops provides antioxidant protection to help combat these assailants, as well as brighten and even skin tone.

40s - 50s: Repair + Renew

Once we get to our 40’s and 50’s, our levels of collagen and elastin in the skin begin to naturally decline more rapidly, which can lead to deeper lines and potentially sagging of the skin. 

Hormonal changes also tend to happen as well, which can impact the structure of the skin and levels of moisture.  

The key to helping maintain or achieve your best glow during these ages is to incorporate stronger actives to help skin turnover (which slows as we age) and brightening ingredients to combat any damage that’s developed over the years, like skin spots or melasma.

Glycolic Resurfacing Cleanser contains 10% glycolic acid which helps with skin cell turnover, revealing fresh, young-looking skin. 

HA-Revive Hyaluronic Acid helps quench dehydration in the skin, which can be a major factor in causing visible aging issues. Follow with a moisturizer for maximum hydration. 

Retinol Smoothing Serum is a retinol serum that helps even skin and refine texture, and also includes natural brighteners.

60’s and Beyond: Hydrate + Replenish

Hormonal changes and further decline of collagen can lead to intense dryness as we reach our 60’s and beyond. Hydration is key at this age, as well as continued targeted treatment with strong actives to firm skin and fight against dark spots.

Bio-Renew EGF Drops are a next level anti-aging, firming serum that uses the power of vegan Epidermal Growth Factor to boost collagen and smooth skin’s texture. 

Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil is a deeply nourishing face oil jam-packed with plant stem cells and a blend of squalane, jojoba and argan oils that helps hydrate and soften the appearance of fine lines. 

Phyto-Active Face Cream is a super rich, luxurious face cream that powerfully hydrates and regenerates skin, which is key for your 60s and beyond. 

No matter your age, it’s NEVER too late to take steps to improve your skincare game. Achieving (and maintaining) youthful, firm, glowing skin is possible with Glo Skin Beauty. Get your glo on, at any age!

Looking to banish your bumps? Most of us are. In fact, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. From your teenage years to middle age and beyond, breakouts can affect all of us. Check out the 4 helpful steps below and get ready for clear skin ahead!

Step 1: Choose the right cleanser

Using a cleanser twice a day is the first step to clear skin.

If you have oily skin and are looking for a clear skin face wash for stubborn acne, try Clear Skin Cleanser. Salicylic acid helps treat and prevent breakouts, while eco-friendly jojoba beads gently exfoliate.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, use Hydrating Gel Cleanser. It has a small amount of lactic acid to help you start with a clean canvas. This allows other products used afterward to effectively penetrate the skin.

Step 2:  Incorporate acne-fighting ingredients

There are many ways to help clear your skin. We’re big fans of both spot treating to get clear skin fast, as well as using a serum to help improve skin clarity over time. 

Clear Skin Spot Treatment contains a powerful dose of benzoyl peroxide that addresses breakouts at the root. It helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria and prevents future flare-ups. Use on targeted areas of concern until blemishes begin to improve.

For ongoing maintenance, check out Renew Serum. It has a powerful ingredient trio of retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to help increase cell turnover. This can help improve congestion and the appearance of breakouts when used 2-7 times per week.

Step 3: Moisturize + protect

While it might seem counterintuitive to use a moisturizer on breakout-prone skin, acne can often be caused by skin dehydration that leads to irritation (and eventually breakouts). 

Use a lightweight moisturizer like Oil Control Emulsion to hydrate skin with a mattifying effect.

Sun exposure causes irritation and damage that can lead to breakouts. Use Oil Free SPF 40+ to protect against UV and environmental aggressors, especially since the use of acne-fighting ingredients could make skin temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

Step 4: Mineral makeup

Incorporating mineral makeup into your clear skin routine is the best way to even out your skin tone without irritating skin with heavy formulas.

Pressed Base is a triple-milled, talc-free foundation that provides buildable coverage without clogging pores.

Shop Clear Skin Now »

Ah, pores. To some of us, they might be the bane of our existence, but for all of us, they’re actually one of the most important (yet underappreciated) functions of skin health. Keep reading to find out 5 things you probably didn’t know about pores and exfoliation!

1. What you think are pores aren’t actually pores at all….

What most of us refer to as “pores” are actually hair follicles that contain oil and sweat glands. While this may sound like it could cause excess oiliness, EVERYBODY benefits from this natural function since oil excretion is our body’s way of lubricating and protecting skin. Inflammation and irritation to these glands can be one of the main causes of acne, since it essentially causes a blockage of these important passageways by swelling up and trapping in dead skin cells and oil.

2. You can’t change the size of your pores.

A major skin myth is that you can minimize the size of your pores with the use of certain products. While it unfortunately isn’t actually possible to reduce the physical size of pores since they’re determined by hormones and genetics, there are definitely ways to help reduce their appearance. What we perceive as larger, gaping pores can more often be caused by debris filling or clogging pores and making them appear larger than they are. Use a treatment toner like Glycolic Resurfacing Toner to help flush this debris out of our pores and make them appear less noticeable.

3. Pores can’t be opened or closed.

Just like we can’t change the size of our pores, neither can we open and shut them at will with steam or products. Remember what we said about pores actually being hair follicles? These hairs are sometimes very small, which is why you don’t always see it outside the opening, and the walls of the follicle can become swollen, leading to clogged pores. Using steam or a hot compress on the face can help loosen debris clogging up the hair follicle channel, and help usher it out to the surface, leading to smoother, clearer skin.

4. There’s more than one way to fight clogged or large pores

Clogged pores can be caused by a variety of factors, including the buildup of oil and dead skin cells, sweat or bacteria due to not having a proper skincare routine and even hormones or genetics. There are a few key ways to help fight back against clogged or large-appearing pores, some of which you may have never thought of or tried. 

Double cleanse: Oil-based products help attract oil within the skin. Starting with an oil-based cleanser and following up with a foaming cleanser can help draw out any excess oil that might be causing problems with your pores. Pair Essential Cleansing Oil with any of our cleansers, or use Hydrating Gel Cleanser by itself for an all-in-one double cleanse.

Don’t forget to exfoliate: Use alpha + poly hydroxy acid-based Hydra-Bright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant to help flush out and unclog your pores, salicylic acid to help fight overproduction of oil or a vitamin A product like Retinol Smoothing Serum to help encourage cell turnover to help clear out follicles. Sunscreen is key: Sun damage can cause a variety of skin issues, one being the breakdown of collagen and elastin that can lead to the appearance of stretched out or large pores. Using a broad spectrum product like Oil Free SPF 40+ or Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ is an ideal way to help keep skin protected against damage.

5. Skin technically doesn’t “breathe” through pores or hair follicles

A common myth in skincare is that certain products (or not wearing makeup at all) helps the skin to “breathe.” Physiologically, our bodies do not get oxygen topically through the skin, rather through the circulation of it through our blood internally from our lungs. Taking care of our bodies by eating healthy, staying hydrated (both with drinking enough water and using the right moisturizer for your skin type) and using a proper skincare routine (including SPF protection) are all effective ways to achieve our best skin ever.

Remember, pores (or hair follicles) are an incredibly vital part of our skin function and health. Without them, our skin wouldn’t be able to secrete natural oils and sweat, which help us detoxify skin and regulate temperature. While there are definitely measures you can take to help reduce their appearance and keep them clear of debris, try to remember to appreciate them for how important they are...to all of us!

Staying in? Us too! Even though we’re spending more time indoors and close to home, we’re not ditching our makeup routines completely. Rather, we’re paring things down to be more minimal, yet more customized. Keep reading for 5-minutes-or-less no-makeup makeup looks for whatever activities you have scheduled on your calendar (or for spur of the moment activities)!

Google Hangouts Work Meeting

Stuck in back-to-back video conferences? Try this fresh, pulled-together look that won’t require touch-ups throughout the day. 

Use fingers or a brush to apply HD Mineral Foundation Stick (shade: mesa 7W) as foundation, or use only in targeted areas for concealing. Lightly fill in brows with Precise Micro Browliner (shade: dark brown) for subtle definition.Use a brush to sweep Blush (shade: sweet) onto apples of the cheeks (and even on eyes) for a flush of color.Apply a coat of Volumizing Mascara to upper and lower lashes to open up the eyes. Swipe on Lipstick (shade: french nude): Pick a neutral like French Nude for your-lips-but-better, or a bright shade like Bullseye for a bold statement.

Zoom Wine + Cheese Nights

Girl’s night out? More like girl’s night in: Go natural, or go bold for virtual video get-togethers with friends or family (and furry friends too).

Use fingers or a brush to even skin with a light layer of Tinted Primer SPF 30 (shade: medium). Take advantage of the versatility of our 4-in-1 Brow Quad: (brown) Use the Dual Brow/Liner brush to create a customized brow color using the 2 shades, tame brows into place with Brow Wax and strategically place the cream highlighter on lids or anywhere on the face in need of a subtle highlight.Pick a Cream Stay Shadow Stick (Bonbon + Beam) or two: Use a earth toned matte like Bonbon or Latte to contour the face, naturally line eyes and add subtle depth to lids or a lighter shade like Beam, Shell or Halo on the inner corners of eyes and high points of the face to brighten, lift and highlight.  Apply a coat (or two!) of Lash Lengthening Mascara for fluttery, long lashes. Use Suede Matte Crayon (port) on the cheeks for a hint of color and on the lips. Go bold with shades like Port or Bombshell, or subtle with Monogram or Demure.

Summer Friday Picnics

Close your computer for the day and pack up a picnic for sunny, Summer Fridays! Throw on this quick no-makeup makeup look and don’t forget a hat for extra protection.

Use fingers or brush to apply Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ (medium) to face for an even complexion and UV protection.Swipe Liquid Bright Concealer (brighten) to quickly and easily conceal any area that needs extra coverage, or brighten and highlight on high points of the face. Lightly tap Cream Blush (fig) on cheeks and lips for a natural, sun-kissed look. Dust on Protecting Powder SPF 20 (bronze) to help combat any unwanted shine and to reapply sun protection throughout the day. Spray Hydration Mist to help lock makeup in, and toss into your bag for a refreshing spritz throughout the day to help keep you cool. 

Outdoor Weekend Workouts

Even when we’re getting our sweat on, we still like to look put together. Whether you’re hiking through a nature trail or doing a high-intensity workout in the park, focus on protection over color when it comes to exercising outdoors.

Apply Oil Free SPF 40+ to face and body for protection against UV rays. Swipe on Brow Gel for definition that will stay put through as many squats and jumping jacks as you can do. Apply Mint Balm SPF 15 to protect the delicate lip area from sun exposure. Throw Calming Flower Mist in your workout bag and spritz on to cool down when you start working up a sweat.

As you can see, staying in doesn’t have to mean abandoning your beloved beauty products altogether. Whether you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look or testing out a new dramatic beat, try out these easy 5-minute makeup routines for your lowkey days and nights to add a natural glow or a dash of color.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the tried and true skincare ingredients that you’ve probably seen EVERYWHERE over the last few years. We’ve all heard information about the incredible benefits of Hyaluronic acid and how it’s one of the most hydrating ingredients in skincare, but let’s dive into why you should be incorporating this powerhouse hydrator into your skincare regimen. Keep reading to find out!

What is hyaluronic acid and What Does It Do?

While the word acid might bring exfoliants to mind, it’s actually a naturally-occuring sugar that we’re all born with in our body. Typically classified as “sodium hyaluronate” in ingredient listings, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it holds onto water and helps regulate the moisture content within skin cells (science!). 

The amount of hyaluronic acid in our body gradually decreases as we age and with exposure to UV rays and environmental aggressors like pollution. Ever notice how hydrated and soft babies’ skin is? This is due to the high amounts of hyaluronic acid, and is why when we age, skin naturally starts to lose its elasticity and is more susceptible to dryness. 

There’s the often-touted claim that hyaluronic acid “holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water,” but what does that actually mean?

Imagine a skin cell as a dry sponge: it’s a distinct size and weight.

Now imagine that sponge soaking up enough water (aka hyaluronic acid) to increase it by a THOUSAND times the size it was without any water in it. That’s exactly what hyaluronic acid does to the skin! It helps increase the amount of water in each skin cell and helps maintain hydration, which leads to firmer, plumper, more glowing skin.

The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin and keeps it there. Who doesn’t love hydrated, supple, firm skin?! As we know, hydrated skin is glowy skin, so using hyaluronic acid and moisturizer helps maintain that radiance both if you have a dry skin type or are experiencing dehydration.

Wait, What’s The Difference Between Dryness And Dehydration?

In order to maintain hydration, our skin needs both water AND oil. There’s an important distinction between d ry skin, which is a skin type, and dehydration, which is a skin condition. Dry skin and dehydrated skin each lack one of these key components. 

Why does this matter?

Those with a dry skin type naturally produce less oil in the skin. If you have dry skin, your face may feel and appear, well, dry! You may also experience flakiness even if you’re consistently using moisturizer. Using emollients (think botanical ingredients like shea butter, and lipids + oils) helps add this missing oil back in, and when used along with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, helps give the humectants moisture to draw in deeper to the skin. 

For those experiencing dehydration, this occurs when there’s a lack of water in the skin. This can be seen by all skin types (even oily!) when the right type of hydration isn’t being properly utilized. Dehydrated skin can feel tight or rough, looks dull or red and may have unexplainable congestion issues that breakout-fighting products seem to have no impact on. Using a humectant like hyaluronic acid along with a lightweight moisturizer can help alleviate these concerns by drawing much-needed water into the skin. 

How To Use Hyaluronic Acid

At Glo Skin Beauty, we believe in a multifaceted approach when it comes to incorporating hyaluronic acid into our products. 

Serums that feature hyaluronic acid as the hero ingredient are intended to be used after cleansing and toning, and before other serums and moisturizer. When using a high concentration hyaluronic acid serum, it’s important to use a moisturizer immediately afterwards to help seal in the hydration.

Daily Hydration: The perfect basic hyaluronic acid suitable for beginners or experts alikeDaily Hydration+: Our best option for those with extremely dry skin or those concerned with aging issues

We’ve added hyaluronic acid to a number of our moisturizers to give you a one-two punch of hydration by combining humectants and emollients to lock in your moisturizing benefits. 

Oil Free Moisturizer: Oil-free hydration for all skin typesBalancing Moisture Remedy: Perfect for sensitive skin in need of moisturePhyto-Active Light Moisture: Powerful, lightweight hydration for dry or aging skin

We also have hyaluronic acid in some of our SPF products to help moisturize while protecting against the sun. 

Oil Free SPF 40+: Lightweight, oil free protectionSolar Shade SPF 50: Nourishes and protects, ideal for sensitive skin

And let’s not forget about beauty! 

HD Mineral Foundation Stick: this fan-favorite comes in 12 shades and contains hyaluronic acid to add a boost of moisture while providing natural, skin-finish coverage

Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that’s totally worth the hype. Give your skin a talllllll drink of water with this hydrating humectant no matter what your skin type or concern.