ÁMEZING NEWS #4: SKIN STUFF I BROUGHT TO COSTA RICA

Plus breaking down Vitamin C basics!

I hope springtime is treating you well! Fingers crossed, the sunshine is here to stay in LA. I wish you happy walks and hikes as LA BLOOMS! But for all my hikers, please be on the lookout for rattlesnakes!  They are making their presence known on these Californian trails! I wish I could tell you what to do in that situation but I suppose awareness is the first step, oy! 

Also, the Ámez Marketplace is still alive and well! It’s where you can purchase my Anti-Pollutant Masque, a collaboration with Australian-based skincare company Aliangé. There will be a great sale the first week of May, so stay tuned! (Plus, it makes a great Mother’s Day gift!)

ÁMEZING SKIN PACKING LIST: COSTA RICA EDITION

Last week I was in Nosara, Costa Rica with my partner Adam. We tanned, surfed, and did lots of yoga. Beyond needed after my back injury in March! I kept my skincare routine simple for this trip, mostly because I know that my skin loves humid climates. (I wanted the natural elements to do their thing! But this is not the case for everyone as people’s skin and body composition are different.)

Here is a list of the skincare I packed with me. Plus a plane pic of Adam and me!

#1: OSEA Ocean Cleanser

This is one of my go-to cleansers! I brought a travel size because it’s hydrating and contains just a little bit of lactic acid for an all-encompassing cleanse. When I know I’m going to be in the sun a lot, I make sure my cleanser has a nice hydrating base. This one contains ingredients like glycerin and nourishing jojoba and sesame oils. 

#2: Classic Rosewater

A given! I have bottles of rosewater with me just about everywhere – in my car, at my studio, and of course when I travel. Out of all the toners out there, rose water still does it for me! Given Costa Rica’s intense humidity, a spray toner is just the perfect way for an immediate refresh. 

This was my first big sun trip of the year, so I packed a new bottle and used it about three times a day to rehydrate my skin. 

#3: F. Miller Skincare Face Oil 

This is one of my travel-light hacks! When going away, I will often bring oil that works for my face and body. I used this oil on my shoulders and tummy. My skin soaked up all of the nutrients and antioxidants in this oil, which is made from beautiful ingredients including brown seaweed and red raspberry. 

#4, #5: Saie Sunvisor SPF + Coola’s Face Mineral Sunscreen

I used these suncare products as moisturizers and reapplied them throughout the day. 

Given the intense humidity and my skin type, I didn’t need additional moisturizer in the daytime unless I felt my skin really needed it (in which case I’d opt for Purito’s Deep Sea Water Cream. It’s simple and medium-density!). 

For more Ámezing sunscreens, browse my ShopMyShelf here!

#6: Naturopathica Manuka Honey Mask 

I brought a travel-sized version of this mask to use at night for rehydration. Such a treat at the end of my sun-filled days. You can leave it on like a moisturizer overnight – easy, convenient, and replenishing! 

I typically bring a purifying mask when I travel too, in case any unwanted blemishes or breakouts pop up, but I didn’t on this trip because it was pretty short. If you’re looking for a clarifying mask to pop in your next travel bag, I recommend the Caudalie Vinopure Masque Purifiant in the 2.5 fl oz tube. Extremely travel friendly and wonderful for any kind of breakout! 

+ AN ÁMEZING DISCOVERY: Raw Botanicals 

It’s always fun to find new favorites while traveling! The personal care products our hotel provided were really impressive. Absolutely lovely, organic products made in Costa Rica. I loved the mango body moisturizer and mixed it into my F. Miller Oil for ultimate emulsification (as discussed in my last newsletter!)

My favorite is the banana hair conditioner! I could not believe how effective it was in detangling my post-ocean-wave KNOT-filled hair! I would have brought some full-size bottles back, but I’m a carry-on person! Next time! 

Another plus? A lot of their products are refillable! 

ÁMEZING INGREDIENT: VITAMIN C 

Vitamin C is probably the most Googled skin care ingredient there is! It’s not only one of the hottest, trendiest skincare ingredients, it’s also one of the most multifunctional and effective. 

Topical vitamin C products are used to keep our skin firmer, brighter, and healthier looking while promoting the production of collagen. Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C works beautifully to create a protective veil on the skin against environmental stressors and free radicals. (Think of the cut apple analogy getting progressively browner as it is exposed to oxygen and the environment). Vitamin C also evens out pigmentation. The most common form of Vitamin C is called L-ascorbic acid, but there are a few other types too.

Let’s review some more Vitamin C basics. 

Does it come from fruit? 

No. Of course, it’s found in oranges and other citrus, but the Vitamin C in our skincare is lab-formulated and lab-derived. 

Is Vitamin C considered active? Is it best to use day or night? 

Vitamin C comes in both active and inactive forms. Totally ok for daytime use! In fact, most Vitamin C serums are encouraged to be used both day and night. 

In the past, I leaned on the conservative side and would prefer to use it at night (but never with retinoids at night, just FYI! Don’t do it). I did this to be extra safe, but it’s actually best to use Vitamin C during the day. It works wonderfully with your sunscreen and adds an extra layer of protection to your skin, warding off oxidative stress. 

That said, it is absolutely crucial to wear SPF during the day when using Vitamin C. An ABSOLUTE MUST PERIOD! I’m sure most of you wear SPF every day anyway, but just know not to miss an application when using Vitamin C stuff too. 

What Vitamin C products do you use in your own routine? 

I’ve been impressed with the Allies of Skin as a line in general, but especially their 20% Allies of Skin Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum. The formula itself is truly unique and the ingredients are just so impressive. They are using a newer form of L-ascorbic acid that is said to be a more stable molecule. Of course, every company wants to claim that their products are more stable than their competitors, it’s part of the beauty marketing vernacular, but this one does feel special. 

I started using it recently because it’s a waterless serum, which means potency and efficacy at its best! That’s what encouraged me to make the switch and I’m glad I did. This serum is a great fit for anyone whose been using Vitamin-C products in their routine for the last three months or more…not the best for someone just introducing it into their routine. 

Why is Vitamin C’s stability such a big deal? 

Unfortunately, Vitamin C is quite unstable. This just means it can easily oxidize, which renders your products absolutely useless. What causes Vitamin C to oxidize? Every time you open the product and it’s exposed to oxygen, the product is subject to oxidation. This is why many Vitamin C serums come in a sealed pump. 

Try to store your products at a moderate temperature, because high temps and high PH can also cause oxidization. Wondering if your Vitamin C products have already oxidized? Check out their color. Usually, oxidized products will shift to a much darker shade.

Are certain formulations of Vitamin C better for certain skin types? 

Vitamin C is a complex ingredient! If you are new to using Vitamin C, I suggest starting with a low-percentage Vitamin C serum as a way to introduce the skin to it. Choose a Vitamin C product with 5-10% L-ascorbic acid instead of products with 20+ percent.

Higher percentages can cause itchiness, redness, or flakiness. This is why you shouldn’t start with something too powerful. Begin on the milder side and work your way up to a higher potency over time. But for those with very sensitive skin, consider sticking to a 10% potency or less Vitamin C product for the long haul!

People with sensitive or acne-prone skin can also seek out products with sodium ascorbyl phosphate, an inactive form of Vitamin C that is more stable than the more common L-ascorbic acid. The one product I know with this form of Vitamin C is U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound.

On my ShopMyShelf, I have selected an array of Vitamin C products. There’s a wide range of formulations, starting with the mildest at 10% (Beauty Counter) and the highest at 35% (Allies of Skin Vitamin C + Brighten and Firm Serum). 

I encourage you to look at these options and of course, choose accordingly! 

Have fun! Remember, it is totally ok if these products are simply not a good fit for you. There are other ways to protect and repair your skin! If you have other Vitamin C questions, leave them for me below!

ÁMEZING FRIENDS

I had fun shooting with Yelena Yemchuk for Rachel Comey!

Thank you for your continued eyes on ÁMEZING NEWS! It’s so lovely to grow my relationship with my clients and create our digital community. Thank you for the energy and momentum. Leave your comments and questions below!

Andrea