Does your skin feel more flaky and sensitive than usual? Has your natural radiance been zapped from your complexion? If this sounds like the state of your skin, it may be dehydrated. Here are the key signs of dehydrated skin and our recommendations for how to fix it.

4 Signs Of Dehydrated Skin | Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin | How To Fix Dehydrated Skin | Winter Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin

Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated

4 Signs Of Dehydrated Skin

Not sure if you’re struggling with dryness or dehydration? Here are four telltale signs that you have dehydrated skin:

1. Itchy Skin

Have you ever returned from a ski vacation or a day at the beach and felt an unrelenting need to scratch? External elements like wind and extreme temperature changes can zap moisture from the outer layer of your skin, causing a tight, itchy sensation. This is often accompanied by flaking, regardless of the amount of oil on your skin’s surface.

2. Increased Sensitivity

One of the biggest consequences of dehydrated skin is an increase in sensitivity. When your skin’s moisture barrier is disrupted, it cannot properly protect itself from external environmental stressors. As a result, irritants like bacteria and pollution can penetrate its outermost layer, worsening symptoms like redness, itchiness and irritation.

3. Dull Skin

Does your skin have an overall dull and tired appearance? Dehydration affects your skin’s ability to perform essential functions like cell turnover. Without adequate hydration, your skin does not shed its most outer layer frequently enough, and dead cells accumulate on its surface. This contributes to clogged pores, congestion and a lackluster complexion.

4. Fine Lines & Wrinkles

“Gently pinch the skin on the cheek. If it looks like you have fine lines, you are dehydrated,” advises skin care expert Joanna Vargas. Dehydrated skin often displays accelerated signs of aging; however, unlike smile lines or crow’s feet, these wrinkles appear as a network of tiny, triangular fine lines.

Dry Vs Dehydrated Skin

Ever feel like you have a terribly dehydrated face or complexion? Dry and dehydrated skin share many of the same signs and symptoms, but they are actually quite distinct. Here is a quick breakdown of how these two skin care problems differ:

Dry Skin

Dry skin is classified as a skin type and is inherited through your genetics. Skin Inc defines a dry skin type as one that is predisposed to inadequate production of the skin’s natural oils. In addition, dry skin can be connected to hormonal imbalances or an underactive thyroid. This can inhibit your skin’s sebum production, contributing to a complexion that is dry and lackluster in appearance. While your dry skin type can’t be changed due to genetics, you can improve its appearance by adding oil-infused products to your skin care routine. 

Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a skin condition. It is caused by external elements (weather and seasonal changes), unhealthy diet (lack of fresh produce) and lifestyle choices (alcohol or caffeine consumption). All of these factors deplete your skin’s water content, resulting in a less supple appearance. A key takeaway is that dehydration is characterized by a lack of water — not oil. Even oily skin types can feel like they have a dehydrated face. Luckily, dehydrated skin is temporary and can be relieved with a combination of topical treatments and lifestyle changes.

How To Fix Dehydrated Skin

Before we outline a skin care routine, let's first explore some other lifestyle tips that might help you. 

1. Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are two of the worst offenders for dehydrated skin. Both substances are diuretics that compromise your skin’s health by depleting its water content. And, alcohol doubles down by hindering the production of the hormone vasopressin which is essential for rehydration. If you can’t imagine getting through the day without your morning latte, fear not: The general consensus is that one to two cups of coffee per day and a glass of alcohol in the evening is a-okay.

2. Best Products For Dehydrated Skin

To fix dehydrated skin, you need to address your skin care routine and your overall health. This means hydrating from the inside out as well as treating dehydration topically.

3. Buy A Humidifier 

You might need to add moisture to the air and turn off the air conditioner. Humidifiers are usually very quiet and work in the background evaporating water using a heating element. They form steam that gets vented into the air, creating humidity and moisture to help those with dehydrated skin. 

4. Skip Harsh Face Scrubs

Exfoliation is a no-fail way to brighten a dull, dehydrated complexion, but for dehydrated skin, we recommend avoiding gritty scrubs that could irritate the skin. Healthy skin takes 25 days to renew itself naturally, and dehydrated skin takes even longer. Proper exfoliation accelerates skin cell turnover by sloughing dead cells from the surface to reveal the new, healthy cells underneath. We’ve recommended a more gentle exfoliating option below in the skin care routine.  

A Dehydrated Skin Care Routine

To fix dehydrated skin, you need to address your skin care routine and your overall health. This means hydrating from the inside out as well as treating dehydration topically.

1. Wash With A Gentle Cleanser & Lukewarm Water

The best way to cleanse dehydrated skin is with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Choose cleansers that are free of harsh chemical additives and artificial fragrances that can strip the skin of beneficial moisture and aggravate sensitivities. At Eminence Organics Skin Care, we choose only the best organic ingredients and keep our skin care free of harmful chemicals like added parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. To cleanse dehydrated skin, we recommend using a product like the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil which gently melts away impurities, hydrates the skin and leaves no residue.

2. Apply An Essence

One skin care you don't want to skip — especially if you have dehydrated skin — is an essence. This K-beauty staple maximizes hydration, replenishes moisture and protects skin against the drying effects of environmental stressors. Facial essences are packed with deeply hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients that work wonders for dehydrated skin. Take our Birch Water Purifying Essence as an example. This lightweight essence contains snow mushroom and reishi mushroom to hydrate and moisturize the skin and neutralize the drying and aging effects of free radicals. 

3. Use A Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid is extremely effective in replenishing dehydrated skin. As a humectant, this miracle ingredient helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and pillowy. According to ELLE, hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold up to six liters of water and “works as a magnet for moisture, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated, plump and healthy.” At Eminence Organics, we infuse botanical hyaluronic acid into deeply hydrating serums like our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum and Firm Skin Acai Booster-Serum.

4. Use A Gentle Exfoliant 

As mentioned earlier, avoid harsh scrubs that contain beads or sugar. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliant like our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant which uses rice and chickpea flour to gently buff away flakes and dead skin. Strawberry is a natural cleanser and astringent that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates and removes impurities to brighten skin’s appearance and shrink the look of pores. 

5. Protect Your Skin’s Outer Layer

The jury’s out on whether drinking eight glasses of water a day will drastically improve your skin’s hydration. Dermatologist Joel Schlessinger tells Reader’s Digest: “Sipping on water throughout the day is great for your body, but this hydration doesn’t actually reach your skin unless you’re extremely dehydrated.” The key is preventing water from leaving your skin by keeping its moisture barrier intact and healthy. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment like our Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream. This rich formula contains botanical peptides (from rice protein), meaning it’s plant-based and naturally derived. Jojoba oil locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss, so you can expect to see a change in your skin with a hydrated, firmer-looking appearance. 

A Winter Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin

Perhaps you don't have dehydrated skin, but you're dealing with dry skin symptoms instead such as cracked, flaky or itchy skin. These next three products in our three-step routine will save your skin and keep your skin smooth and supple all winter long.

Prep The Skin With An Essence

Apply the Birch Water Purifying Essence to prep your skin for your skin care routine. Apply a small amount of essence either onto a cotton pad or into your hands. Pat the product on your skin and leave it on. Birch water leaves your skin looking toned and tightened, while snow mushroom hydrates and improves the look of elasticity. Your skin will feel replenished and tighter thanks to botanical collagen which is the ultimate moisturizing ingredient. 

Use A Hydrator

For your second step, apply a layer of the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator over your face, neck and décolleté area and leave it on. This vegan gel hydrator consists of a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex designed to deeply hydrate and keep moisture in the skin. 

Apply An Oil

For your final and third step, apply two to three drops of the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and massage in with circular motions. Leave this on. This formula is designed to leave your skin firmer-looking and more hydrated as a result of rosemary leaf extract, jojoba, rosehip and seabuckthorn oils.

The Bottom Line: How To Fix Dehydrated Skin

Whether your skin is naturally dry or temporarily dehydrated, understanding and addressing your skin's needs is crucial for maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion. Dehydrated skin, while temporary, can lead to discomfort and dullness if not properly managed. Ultimately, a personalized consultation with a skin care professional can provide tailored recommendations to ensure your skin remains vibrant and hydrated no matter the season.

Is your skin dry or dehydrated? Keep your skin looking its best by booking a consultation with a licensed esthetician at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

You’ve seen them everywhere, but have you ever wondered whether massage tools actually provide face-lifting results that last? In particular, jade rollers, gua sha tools, T-bar tools and 3D Face rollers are popular with both professionals and beauty trend followers alike, but the question is: What do these facial tools do, and do they even work? Read on to learn about these skin-enhancing tools, how to use them and the numerous benefits they provide — from facial massage and lifting to lymphatic drainage and skin plumping.

Jade Rollers & Gua Sha | Tutorial: Gua Sha & Jade Roller | 3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools | Tutorial: 3D Face Rollers & T-Bar Tools

What Are Jade Rollers & Gua Sha Tools?

Jade rollers and gua sha are are tools that date back to seventh century China. They have been used for hundreds of years to help ease facial tension, reduce eye puffiness and improve lymphatic flow (aka moving stagnant waste fluids away from a tense or puffy area to be expelled from the body using massage and gentle pressure). These days, gua sha tools are commonly made of jade, as well as other high quality, pure and natural stones like rose quartz, green aventurine and amethyst, as well as other materials that are cooling and smooth against the skin like stainless steel and porcelain. The gua sha tool has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years for the aforementioned therapeutic benefits, as well as more recently for cosmetic benefits such as contouring and lifting the face and plumping the lips.

A jade roller is another face-lifting device that dates back to ancient China. Commonly made of jade — though they can be made from other stones as well — these tools are very accessible and easy to use. Simply move the natural face lift tool to the point on the face or neck you want to massage and roll it along the area. Several passes in one spot (under your eye toward your temple, for example) can help achieve the benefits. In comparison, gua sha requires more technique, so we’ve mapped out the steps below so you can learn which tool is best for you and how to get the most out of it.

Prepare Your Skin To Use A Gua Sha At Home

Before starting, prep the skin by applying a facial oil on the areas you want to massage, like your face and neck. Use a generous amount of oil, warming it up in your palms before pressing it into your skin. The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is a great choice for facial massage — it provides the “glide” you’ll need while also smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with essential fatty acids that improve the look of the skin’s texture. One happy customer, Lali P., reviewed the oil online saying: "Rosehip Firming Oil is one of my favs! Packed with great vitamins, it smooths and repairs the skin, making it look glowing and healthy."

Another luxurious option is our Facial Recovery Oil, which is suitable for all skin types. Often referred to as “liquid gold" by our customers, this formula contains clary sage oil, olive oil and sage leaf extract, which improve the look of the skin while providing deep hydration. For a soft and bright complexion, the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil with pink tourmaline gemstones is another highly moisturizing oil option. Marula oil and hemp seed oil hydrate the skin so that it appears smooth and supple. 

Dark undereye circles can be incredibly stubborn. For me, they've always been a source of self-consciousness, making me look more exhausted than I actually am. Despite my best efforts with color corrector and concealer (yes, I’ve tried Tarte Shape Tape), these dark circles have a way of peeking through. So, when the Eminence Organics Wild Plum Eye Cream appeared on my desk, my interest was immediately piqued. Gifted to me with high reviews and recommendations, I was intrigued. Could this be the secret weapon I’d been missing in my skin care arsenal? I was about to find out.

Trying The Wild Plum Eye Cream | Before & After: The Results | The Ingredients | Final Verdict

What Causes Dark Circles?

Ever wondered why those dark circles under your eyes seem to be a permanent feature? These circles can be caused by several factors, with aging being one of the primary culprits. As we get older, our skin loses collagen, making these circles more obvious. In addition, our undereye skin is very thin, so when we're running low on sleep or feeling stressed, this delicate area becomes even more translucent, drawing even more attention to those dark blood vessels underneath. Or, if you’re like me and you permanently have dark circles, your genes might be playing a part too. 

Here are some common contributors to dark circles:

• Genetics: Research indicates that dark circles can be hereditary, occurring more frequently in certain families.
• Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can cause the skin under your eyes to appear dull and sunken.
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to the formation of dark circles.
• Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis can inflame the skin and cause blood vessels beneath the skin to widen, making them more visible.
• Rubbing Eyes: Frequent eye rubbing or scratching can cause swelling and even break capillaries under the eyes, leading to a darkened color.
• Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep can make your skin appear paler and more translucent, allowing the dark blood vessels to show through more prominently.
• Hyperpigmentation: Excessive sun exposure can prompt your body to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, which can darken the undereye area.

Now that we know the potential causes of dark undereye circles, I want to take you through my journey of trying to fix them once and for all. 

Trying The Wild Plum Eye Cream

As you’ll notice below in the "Before" photo, you can see the problem I've been talking about: My dark circles stand out, even though I consistently get 6 - 8 hours of sleep. Naturally, I was eager to see what this eye cream could do. The first thing that caught my attention was the packaging of the Wild Plum Eye Cream: it’s encased in a sleek, white bottle dispenser, which means I can be precise with the amount of product I'm using. No wastage! Also there's no fumbling with jars or worrying about contamination from dipping fingers. 

For application, you’re supposed to apply a thin layer of the cream to the entire eye area twice daily, patting gently with fingertips until it’s fully absorbed. I wanted to give this cream a really good go so I applied it twice daily as instructed, for a full month, to see if it made any difference. 

When I pumped the cream into my hand, it felt incredibly soft and velvety to the touch. I was also impressed by the cream's subtle plum fragrance, which just added to the experience. 

The Results

After following my new eye cream routine diligently, I finally decided to evaluate the outcome — and, gazing into the mirror, I was genuinely surprised by the transformation. The area under my eyes, previously shadowed and somewhat hollow, looked noticeably brighter and more hydrated. The darkness had diminished significantly, giving way to a smoother, more even skin tone. It was as if the clock had been turned back; the usual puffiness had vanished, leaving my eyes looking refreshed and well rested. The most striking change, though, was the overall appearance of vitality — it was like I had managed a full night’s sleep every night this week, without any of the usual stress or fatigue. 

Brightening Eye Cream: The Ingredients 

These results made me deep dive into the ingredients that make it work. The Wild Plum Eye Cream is infused with iron-rich plum, an antioxidant that brightens the look of the skin, giving it a more radiant and revitalized appearance. Shea butter and grape oil give the skin a moisturized appearance. Most importantly, you have vitamin K that reduces the look of dark circles and the look of redness, as well as a Biocomplex2™, a super-antioxidant booster that restores the look of radiance, vitality and strength to the skin. 

The Final Verdict

Addressing stubborn dark circles and bestowing a youthful glow — these are just a few of the standout benefits I experienced with the Wild Plum Eye Cream. In just five minutes each morning and night, this product has made a noticeable difference. Alternating between this and my staples, the Facial Recovery Oil and the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, I've seen my skin transform over the past few weeks. My complexion appears more vibrant and any signs of dullness have significantly faded. Overall, my skin feels revitalized, refreshed and my undereyes don’t look as gaunt! This eye cream has earned a permanent spot in my morning routine, proving its worth every day.

Have you tried any products to get rid of undereye circles? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on social media.

It’s no secret that Eminence Organic Skin Care offers results-driven professional treatments. However, to maximize those results, effective home care products are also necessary. When trying to determine the best treatments for your clients, there are some clear home care pairings that complement spa products, as well as some hidden gems. Read on for our suggestions of the best products to combine with professional treatments for a facial or body treatment that lasts longer.

Long-Lasting Facials

Professional facial treatments are a must-have to supercharge progress and reach skin care goals. An at-home skin care routine is important to extend these treatments and is even more essential if spa visits are irregular.

As the ultra-glowy results from a facial only last for about 30 days, a detailed home care routine will keep the progression moving forward instead of falling back, ensuring that clients at an Eminence Organic Spa Partner see results. Other tips that help support a professional treatment include:

1. Increasing water intake: A facial is like a workout for your skin, and just like any workout, hydration is key. Drinking lots of water pre and post-facial is key to a healthy-looking complexion and is especially important if steam or heat is used as part of the treatment.
2. Using SPF: It goes without saying that SPF is needed every day, but it is even more important after a facial. It may seem obvious, but SPF is a crucial part of the aftercare of a facial, as the skin may be more sensitive — especially if the facial includes a chemical peel or strong actives.
3. Skipping immediate exfoliation: Most likely, a facial incorporates some level of exfoliation that is deeper than exfoliating at home. In order to keep the skin healthy, clients shouldn't exfoliate at home two full days before and after a facial.
4. Using gentle products: Not only is it important to skip exfoliation but using strong treatments, masks, cleansers or other actives immediately before or after a facial is not advisable. The day before and after, gentle products should be used to keep the skin balanced and strong.

Recommendations For Each Skin Type

Now, let’s talk product pairings. While a full facial treatment will typically comprise of several professional-use products, the recommendations below match one pro product ideal for each skin type, along with retail products that perfectly support the treatment.

Sensitive Skin

Since those with sensitive skin types are often hesitant to try a peel, a chemical exfoliant is often more gentle and suitable than a physical exfoliant. We suggest using the Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% at the spa. This self-neutralizing peel is completely non-irritating and will leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

For home care, our Calm Skin Collection is brilliant for comforting red, dry skin and keeping the skin looking balanced. Specifically, the Eminence Organics Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser, Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel and Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer are must-haves to get clients through until their next facial. In addition to soothing dry skin, the Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel will continue to slough off dead skin cells, prolonging the feeling of a smooth complexion gained from the Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%.

Dry Skin

Not only great for dry skin types, this combo will also work wonders for those with dehydrated or fatigued skin. Starting with a classic, we suggest our AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment containing lactic acid to gently exfoliate while also moisturizing the skin with BioComplex.

For daily use at home, our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream will both deliver thorough hydration for a smoother-looking complexion. Additionally, applying our decadent-smelling Strawberry Rhubarb Masque once or twice a week will leave the skin feeling firm and looking radiant.

Normal Skin

Those with a normal skin type may feel they have too many options to choose from. For a noticeable glow and smaller pores, the Eminence Organics Mangosteen Collection is a sure thing. The Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10% will leave a youthful glow with no downtime. At home, daily cleansing and treatment with our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser and Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate perfectly complement the professional treatment, continuing to deliver our proprietary Lactic Acid Complex between spa visits.

Combination Or Oily Skin

Anyone with a combination or oily skin type looking to reduce sebum while keeping the skin hydrated will fall in love with the Menthol Rosehip Treatment. This professional treatment tones the skin and contains moisturizing honey and cooling menthol.

If you're dealing with breakouts and blemishes, you may wish to receive an extraction at your nearest authorized Eminence Organics spa. If so, your esthetician is likely to use the Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Desincrustation Gel, which is a deep-cleansing treatment designed to soften the skin and prepare it for extractions. Desincrustation is a deep cleansing treatment that both softens and emulsifies sebum and keratin in the follicle. 

To further keep the skin looking even and healthy, we recommend our Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer and award-winning Facial Recovery Oil. While the use of oil may alarm those with an oily skin type, this product is suitable for all skin types and contains clary sage, which is ideal for balancing oil.

Spa facials have major benefits for your skin’s health. They remove impurities, promote new cell turnover and support your skin’s moisture barrier. Plus, facials leave you with a seriously covetable glow. The question is: How do you keep that glow going? And what should you do or avoid doing before a facial? We've got you covered. Follow these dos and don’ts to prolong the life of your next facial treatment.

Before A Facial | After A Facial

Dos and Don’ts Before a Facial

Preparing for a facial is crucial to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your treatment. Facials can revitalize your skin, but they require a little groundwork to enhance their effects. Here are some essential guidelines to get your skin ready for this rejuvenating experience:

Do:

Avoid Sun Exposure

Minimize your sun exposure for a few days prior to your treatment. Sunburned skin can be overly sensitive and may need to forego certain products or manipulations typically used during a facial.

Cleanse Gently & Avoid Scrubs

During your skin care routine, stick to gentle cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants or abrasive scrubs at least 48 hours before your appointment. This way you prevent any micro-abrasions or irritation that could be exacerbated during the facial.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your facial helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. Hydrated skin is more supple and responsive to skin care treatments, making the effects of the facial more pronounced.

Don’t:

Use Retinol Products

Retinol and other potent ingredients should be avoided a few days before your facial. These substances can sensitize the skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation from the facial treatments.

Wax or Shave

Try not to wax or shave your face at least 24 - 48 hours before your facial. These hair removal methods can leave your skin vulnerable to irritation when certain facial treatments are applied.

Schedule Other Skin Treatments

It's best to avoid scheduling other aggressive skin care treatments — like chemical peels or laser therapy — close to your facial appointment. These can overly sensitize your skin, making a facial too harsh for your freshly treated skin.

Turn Up With Heavy Makeup

Going makeup-free on the day of your facial is ideal. It reduces the time your esthetician needs to clean your skin and allows for immediate start on more therapeutic or moisturizing steps, enhancing your overall facial experience. 

Following these simple dos and don’ts will help you make the most out of your facial appointment, ensuring your skin is primed and ready to receive all the pampering and benefits of professional skin care treatments. Now, here's what to do after your facial to extend your results. 

What To Do After A Facial

The immediate effects of a facial typically last between five and seven days. During this time, skin looks and feels plump, hydrated and radiant. To extend your results, keep these aftercare steps in mind:

Keep Skin Hydrated

Proper hydration is key to maximizing the benefits of your facial. Our Product Support Representatives advise: “Be sure to drink lots of water afterward. Staying hydrated will flush out toxins and leave you with a healthy, glowing complexion.”

When you are sufficiently hydrated, your skin cells function more effectively and are better able to eliminate impurities, absorb nutrients and help you retain your post-facial radiance. In addition to drinking plenty of water, increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and apply a daily moisturizer to maintain your glow.

Exfoliate Weekly

While we advise against exfoliating immediately after your facial (ouch!), we do recommend adding this step to your weekly skin care routine. Continuing to exfoliate at home will keep your skin soft and smooth as well as prevent oil and dead skin from building up and dulling your complexion. Be delicate with your freshly buffed skin: Wait two to three days before exfoliating and choose a gentle scrub like Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant™ or VitaSkin™ Exfoliating Peels.

What is this skin gritting method you’ve seen all over your For You feed and is it legit? Never one to shy away from a skin care trend, I decided to give it a try in hopes of ridding my face of the tiny black dots on my nose and chin once and for all.

What is Skin Gritting? 

Skin gritting is a new skin care trend that has gained a lot of traction on social media recently. Also known as “oil gritting,” it is the act of massaging oil into the T-zone for several minutes with the goal of shrinking your pores by coaxing the gunk out of them. Many report seeing and feeling small black fragments (“grits”) on their fingertips after several minutes of rubbing. The practice is often combined with a detoxifying mask, applied and removed between two oil massage sessions. According to Popsugar, “Users on TikTok are saying [sebaceous] filaments will come off into your hands as you're massaging your face with oil, leading to super-smooth and super-clear skin.” 

Blackheads Vs. Sebaceous Filaments

First things first, let’s talk about these black spots, also known as sebaceous filaments. Often confused with blackheads (and vice versa), sebaceous filaments are microscopic “tubes” that allow sebum (the oil produced by the body) to run from the sebaceous glands — where oil is made — to the surface of the skin. This keeps skin hydrated and moisturized and helps give it a smooth, healthy glow. In other words, sebaceous glands are a good thing. But that doesn’t mean you have to like the look of them. Age, skin care habits and the thickness of hair follicles can all contribute to how noticeable they are. 

According to US Dermatology Partners: “Blackheads are a type of acne. They’re open bumps on the surface of the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. In a blackhead, a plug of sebum is at the surface of your skin. The plug prevents oil from traveling through the pore.” Sebaceous filaments, on the other hand, aren’t a type of acne. They don’t have plugs, so oil travels freely to the surface of your skin. Again, a good thing! Sebaceous filaments look like dark spots, but they are generally smaller and they’re flat on the skin and lighter in color than blackheads — more like gray or light brown.

Since I’m coming clean about my own struggle with these annoying dots, I’ll admit that I thought my sebaceous filaments were blackheads for most of my life. Maybe that explains why all my attempts to "get rid of blackheads” did little to fix the problem.

Oil Gritting Routine

Ok, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s deep dive into this new trend. It can be done in a few ways, but one of the most popular seems to be the “oil, clay, oil method.” Here’s how it goes:

Step 1: Apply a facial oil or an oil cleanser to the T-zone and rub it in with your fingers for 5 – 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Apply a mask — usually charcoal and clay-based — to the area and allow it to dry for about 10 minutes. 

Step 3: Gently remove the mask with a warm, moist cloth and then apply facial oil for a second time to the same area.

Step 4: Massage the oil in for another 5 – 15 minutes.

At some point during step 4, according to the #SkinTok brigade, you’ll see and/or feel the tiny black grits coming off onto your fingers. The theory is that these are blackheads or sebaceous filaments being ejected by the pores. Sounds almost too good to be true. 

Of course, I had to give it a go. The act of simply sandwiching a mask between two sessions of massaging my skin with oil-based products to help bring impurities to the surface sounded easy enough compared to some of the things I’d tried (including metal blackhead removers, pore strips, glue and harsh peels). I’ve been on a decades-long quest to rid my nose and chin of those tiny black dots and have spent more time than I care to admit trying to make them disappear. While I’ve found some temporary fixes in my 20+ years as a beauty junkie (detoxifying masks, physical exfoliants, BHAs and an unforgettable spa facial on vacation), I have yet to find a permanent way to make them less noticeable. 

I’m an oil cleanser girlie. When I realized in my late teens that oil-based cleansers can be used on oily skin (oil attracts oil), there was no turning back. I like my skin to feel clean but not stripped. I also like my cleanser to remove my makeup in one step. One of my longest relationships has been with oil cleanser. Sure, I’ve dabbled in other textures here and there (it’s my job to test drive the newest skin care formulas), but I always find my way back to my old faithful. Lately, the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil. But more on that later.

Speaking of an old faithful, I’ve been a loyal fan of charcoal in skin care for decades. A natural detoxifier, this ingredient is very effective in reducing excess oil and impurities from skin, which helps to eliminate buildup and tackle pore congestion — like blackheads. “[Charcoal] may help to unclog pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin,” says Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified dermatologic and skin cancer surgeon in New York City. “Activated charcoal has been used for centuries as a toxin-absorbing agent, likely due to its high mass-to-surface-area ratio. In essence, it binds to toxins and prevents them from entering the body.” When used in skin care, charcoal is also thought to have the ability to help draw out impurities. 

My Skin Gritting Journey: Step-By-Step

Choose Products 

It was time to give it a shot. As an employee of Eminence Organic Skin Care, I’m lucky enough to have access to so many amazing products. Since the goal was to eliminate the look of sebaceous filaments on my nose, I decided to double down on the charcoal by using the Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil for steps one and three, and the Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque (which contains mineral-rich illite clay) for step two. Both products also contain black seed, which is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to fight acne and reduce the look of clogged pores. 

While some charcoal masks can be drying, the velvety Eminence Organics Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque hydrates as it balances, absorbs excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores. Since a blackhead is a blockage or plug at the top of a pore (on the surface or raised slightly above the surface of the skin) and a sebaceous filament is a tiny collection of sebum and dead skin cells around a hair follicle, the charcoal in the mask is a great option for minimizing the appearance of pores.

What is this skin gritting method you’ve seen all over your For You feed and is it legit? Never one to shy away from a skin care trend, I decided to give it a try in hopes of ridding my face of the tiny black dots on my nose and chin once and for all.

What is Skin Gritting? 

Skin gritting is a new skin care trend that has gained a lot of traction on social media recently. Also known as “oil gritting,” it is the act of massaging oil into the T-zone for several minutes with the goal of shrinking your pores by coaxing the gunk out of them. Many report seeing and feeling small black fragments (“grits”) on their fingertips after several minutes of rubbing. The practice is often combined with a detoxifying mask, applied and removed between two oil massage sessions. According to Popsugar, “Users on TikTok are saying [sebaceous] filaments will come off into your hands as you're massaging your face with oil, leading to super-smooth and super-clear skin.” 

Blackheads Vs. Sebaceous Filaments

First things first, let’s talk about these black spots, also known as sebaceous filaments. Often confused with blackheads (and vice versa), sebaceous filaments are microscopic “tubes” that allow sebum (the oil produced by the body) to run from the sebaceous glands — where oil is made — to the surface of the skin. This keeps skin hydrated and moisturized and helps give it a smooth, healthy glow. In other words, sebaceous glands are a good thing. But that doesn’t mean you have to like the look of them. Age, skin care habits and the thickness of hair follicles can all contribute to how noticeable they are. 

According to US Dermatology Partners: “Blackheads are a type of acne. They’re open bumps on the surface of the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. In a blackhead, a plug of sebum is at the surface of your skin. The plug prevents oil from traveling through the pore.” Sebaceous filaments, on the other hand, aren’t a type of acne. They don’t have plugs, so oil travels freely to the surface of your skin. Again, a good thing! Sebaceous filaments look like dark spots, but they are generally smaller and they’re flat on the skin and lighter in color than blackheads — more like gray or light brown.

Since I’m coming clean about my own struggle with these annoying dots, I’ll admit that I thought my sebaceous filaments were blackheads for most of my life. Maybe that explains why all my attempts to "get rid of blackheads” did little to fix the problem.

Oil Gritting Routine

Ok, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s deep dive into this new trend. It can be done in a few ways, but one of the most popular seems to be the “oil, clay, oil method.” Here’s how it goes:

Step 1: Apply a facial oil or an oil cleanser to the T-zone and rub it in with your fingers for 5 – 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Apply a mask — usually charcoal and clay-based — to the area and allow it to dry for about 10 minutes. 

Step 3: Gently remove the mask with a warm, moist cloth and then apply facial oil for a second time to the same area.

Step 4: Massage the oil in for another 5 – 15 minutes.

At some point during step 4, according to the #SkinTok brigade, you’ll see and/or feel the tiny black grits coming off onto your fingers. The theory is that these are blackheads or sebaceous filaments being ejected by the pores. Sounds almost too good to be true. 

Of course, I had to give it a go. The act of simply sandwiching a mask between two sessions of massaging my skin with oil-based products to help bring impurities to the surface sounded easy enough compared to some of the things I’d tried (including metal blackhead removers, pore strips, glue and harsh peels). I’ve been on a decades-long quest to rid my nose and chin of those tiny black dots and have spent more time than I care to admit trying to make them disappear. While I’ve found some temporary fixes in my 20+ years as a beauty junkie (detoxifying masks, physical exfoliants, BHAs and an unforgettable spa facial on vacation), I have yet to find a permanent way to make them less noticeable. 

I’m an oil cleanser girlie. When I realized in my late teens that oil-based cleansers can be used on oily skin (oil attracts oil), there was no turning back. I like my skin to feel clean but not stripped. I also like my cleanser to remove my makeup in one step. One of my longest relationships has been with oil cleanser. Sure, I’ve dabbled in other textures here and there (it’s my job to test drive the newest skin care formulas), but I always find my way back to my old faithful. Lately, the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil. But more on that later.

Speaking of an old faithful, I’ve been a loyal fan of charcoal in skin care for decades. A natural detoxifier, this ingredient is very effective in reducing excess oil and impurities from skin, which helps to eliminate buildup and tackle pore congestion — like blackheads. “[Charcoal] may help to unclog pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin,” says Dr. Hooman Khorasani, a quadruple board-certified dermatologic and skin cancer surgeon in New York City. “Activated charcoal has been used for centuries as a toxin-absorbing agent, likely due to its high mass-to-surface-area ratio. In essence, it binds to toxins and prevents them from entering the body.” When used in skin care, charcoal is also thought to have the ability to help draw out impurities. 

My Skin Gritting Journey: Step-By-Step

Choose Products 

It was time to give it a shot. As an employee of Eminence Organic Skin Care, I’m lucky enough to have access to so many amazing products. Since the goal was to eliminate the look of sebaceous filaments on my nose, I decided to double down on the charcoal by using the Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil for steps one and three, and the Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque (which contains mineral-rich illite clay) for step two. Both products also contain black seed, which is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to fight acne and reduce the look of clogged pores. 

While some charcoal masks can be drying, the velvety Eminence Organics Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque hydrates as it balances, absorbs excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores. Since a blackhead is a blockage or plug at the top of a pore (on the surface or raised slightly above the surface of the skin) and a sebaceous filament is a tiny collection of sebum and dead skin cells around a hair follicle, the charcoal in the mask is a great option for minimizing the appearance of pores.

Are turmeric face masks worth the hype? While many of us know turmeric as a staple spice in the kitchen, it may also hold promise as a skin care ingredient. With its vibrant yellow hue, turmeric has gained a glowing reputation in the beauty world, and you've likely seen recommendations for turmeric face masks popping up on your social media feeds. But are they worth trying?

If you’ve only ever imagined reaching for this spice for your culinary escapades, think again. From brightening dark undereye circles to creating an invigorated, glowing complexion, you may be surprised at how a turmeric face mask benefits your skin. 

Turmeric Face Mask Benefits | DIY Turmeric Face Masks | How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment | Video: How To Apply The Turmeric Energizing Treatment | Turmeric Face Mask FAQs | The Bottom Line

 

Turmeric Face Mask Benefits

What are the Benefits of Turmeric?

Turmeric owes its anti-inflammatory and pigment-inhibiting properties to its active compounds, collectively referred to as curcuminoids. Among these, curcumin stands out as the most important, providing potent anti-inflammatory effects and effectively inhibiting tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for activating pigment production. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-everything properties, turmeric skin care is the way to go if you want to achieve head-to-toe radiance.

Here are some turmeric fast facts around its benefits for the skin.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, significantly lowers levels of inflammatory markers in the body. “Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial — these properties help tighten pores and improve skin tone and pH balance,” says Dr. Taz Bhatia MD, Integrative Health Expert, and Founder and Medical Director of CentrespringMD. 

2. Helps To Treat Acne

This spice’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties can improve scarring and dark spots left behind by acne, while decreasing redness and soothing irritated skin. As Dr. Bhatia explains, “In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was also mixed with yogurt to lessen acne.”

Additionally, turmeric’s antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent clogged pores and breakouts or reduce existing ones.

3. Brightens Undereyes

If you’re concerned with dark eye circles, turmeric’s properties help to brighten dark undereye circles and bring out your natural glow. Turmeric also works well to reduce any puffiness in your eye area.

4. Reduces Signs Of Aging

This golden root helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles, keeps skin supple and improves skin’s elasticity. You might be thinking that turmeric seems like a magical ingredient! We certainly think so. So, how exactly should you be using turmeric in your skin care routine? Turmeric face masks are extremely popular, but there is a difference between a DIY turmeric face mask and a professional treatment. 

DIY Turmeric Face Masks

We know what you’re thinking — can’t I just create a DIY turmeric face mask at home by mixing turmeric and apple cider vinegar together? The idea of mixing a mask up in the kitchen is very appealing and is frequently touted as a great solution on social media. However, a professional skin care product will provide you with safety and real results that you can’t achieve with a DIY mask. 

You've probably come across the most common turmeric DIY face mask recipe combining yogurt, honey, turmeric powder and apple cider vinegar. This DIY concoction found across many beauty blogs and social media platforms is attractive because of its "ease" of preparation and the natural properties of its ingredients — turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits, honey's antibacterial qualities and yogurt's soothing effects — but it may not be as effective or safe as many hope. Despite its popularity, making a DIY mask is messy, time-consuming and, without proper formulation, the mask may lead to skin irritation or not work at all. 

It comes down to the formula, concentration level and ingredients that you’ll find in professional skin care companies’ products. Formulas made by beauty chemists eliminate this issue. 

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Product Picks

Turmeric Energizing Treatment

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Our Turmeric Mask Energizing Treatment blends turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, designed to exfoliate and enliven your skin. Kaolin clay cleanses deeply and brings out impurities in the skin without stripping moisture. Paprika is included in the mix, resulting in a vibrant, glowing complexion. Zeolite works to exfoliate, smooth and tighten the skin, while the treatment's unique powder-to-mousse texture creates a stimulating and refreshing experience. This multi-functional mask serves as a 3-in-1 treatment, acting as a stimulant, exfoliant and mask to awaken the skin and eliminate impurities. As the mask dries, the kaolin clay purifies the skin for a truly invigorating treatment.

As our Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, explains: “This treatment is fantastic for dull or congested skin, and it can also add positivity into your routine thanks to the powerful effects of citrine gemstones.” 

How To Use The Turmeric Energizing Treatment 

 

Are you ready to enliven your complexion with the Turmeric Energizing Treatment? All you have to do is dispense one small scoop of powder (about 1 teaspoon) into the outer cap. Gradually stir in a few drops of water until the texture looks like mousse. The recommended ratio is 4 parts powder to 3 parts water. Next, apply a thin layer to the entire face, extending to the neck and décolleté.

You can let it dry for 10 - 30 minutes. Rinse with tepid water, massaging gently to exfoliate. Don't be alarmed, as a hot tingling sensation can last for a few minutes and is an intended effect of this product. For a milder effect, dilute with more water.

To learn more about this turmeric face mask and how best to apply it, watch Natalie in this In The Mix video.

Turmeric Face Mask FAQs

Is Turmeric Good For A Face Mask?

Yes, turmeric is a good ingredient in a face mask as it exfoliates and awakens the skin so that it looks reinvigorated and clear. 

Will A Turmeric Face Mask Stain My Skin?

While turmeric on its own may leave a yellow stain on the skin, this is not an issue when it is professionally formulated into skin care products. We recommend avoiding DIY turmeric face masks and instead recommend using our own expertly formulated skin care products.

What Does Turmeric Do For Your Face?

Turmeric supports skin health to reduce breakouts and contains anti-inflammatory properties to improve skin tone. It also improves acne scarring and brightens dark undereye circles.

Does A Turmeric Mask Reduce The Signs Of Aging?

Turmeric can minimize the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin supple and improving the skin’s elasticity.

Does Turmeric Make Your Skin Clear?

Yes, turmeric can make the skin appear clearer and smooth due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It calms the look of inflamed skin and is known to minimize scarring. 

The Bottom Line

While turmeric is a celebrated ingredient in the kitchen, its prowess clearly extends beautifully into skin care. It’s a go-to for face masks thanks to its anti-inflammatory and energizing properties which help enliven a dull complexion. But the real effectiveness comes from how turmeric is formulated. While DIY turmeric masks are popular, they often lack the proper formulation to be truly effective and can even lead to skin irritation. In contrast, professionally formulated turmeric treatments, like our Turmeric Energizing Treatment, are designed to deliver maximum benefits safely and effectively. 

Connect with your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to learn more about the benefits of turmeric and our Turmeric Energizing Treatment with citrine gemstones.

This article was first written in October 2020.

At Eminence Organic Skin Care, we truly believe that every day is Earth Day. As we celebrate the greenest month of the year, we’re also celebrating 25 million trees planted to date through our Forests for the Future™ initiative. In addition to planting a tree for every product sold, we also honor our commitment to finding earth-friendly solutions in every aspect of our business. From our green office space in Vancouver, Canada to our sustainable farming practices in Hungary, being green is at the heart of what we do. 

If you've ever wondered how our company stays environmentally conscious and embraces eco-friendly practices, here’s an overview of what we do to make every day Earth Day.

Eminence Organics Eco-Friendly Initiatives

1. We Plant A Tree For Every Product Sold!

Eminence Organics, in partnership with Trees For The Future, plants a tree for every retail skin care product sold, allowing us to support communities in developing countries. The Forests for the Future™ initiative helps train farmers to build productive and sustainable crops and farms. This helps local communities grow their own food and build sustainable incomes for their families. Our program has resulted in the planting of trees in more than 22 countries around the world as well as the support of countless communities and families.

Astonishingly, a single tree can produce approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. Trees help lower air temperature to combat climate change while stabilizing the soil by preventing erosion through their roots. They also contribute to the fertility of land through nitrogen fixation and increasing water penetration.

2. The Green Spa Program

Our Green Spa Program rewards businesses that actively support the green movement and inspires others to do more in their spas and salons. Spa businesses must meet 60% of our green requirements in order to be recognized as an Eminence Organics Green Spa. Some of the requirements include choosing reusable or biodegradable options whenever possible, using power strips in treatment rooms and office areas and turning them off when equipment is not in use. Spas must also establish an in-spa recycling awareness program and use natural, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies instead of chemical-based products.

To find out more about what we ask from our Green Spas, you can read through our Green Spa Requirements. You can also find a certified Eminence Green Spa near you by using our Spa Locator and filtering our Green Spas only.  

3. Proud To Be A Certified B Corporation®

As the first Canadian professional skin care company certified as a B Corporation®, we have met the highest standards for overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Certified B Corporations are businesses that work toward corporate responsibility that balances profit and purpose. This certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance with the B Impact Assessment evaluating how a company’s operations and business model effects its workers, community, environment and customers.

 

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Retail Boxes

Our retail boxes are printed with eco-friendly inks and made from recyclable material while the majority of our marketing materials are made with FSC certified materials. FSC identifies products which are made of 100% virgin material from FSC-certified forests. These labels provide you with an assurance that the product you are buying is made from responsible sources and have been verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards. 

5. Green Company, Green Building

As a growing company, we upsized to a bigger central office to enhance our award-winning service to our Spa Partners. When we expanded our eco-friendly office, we never lost sight of our commitment as a green company. Instead of constructing a new building, we expanded into the existing building next door, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. Looking at our office today, the space makes use of natural light with large windows and multiple skylights for greater energy efficiency. Our floors are covered with carpet tiles made from 60% recycled materials and our office walls redecorated with non-toxic paint with low VOC chemicals. We use energy-efficient appliances, including fridges, dishwashers, microwaves and eight LED TVs. Other solutions include LED bulbs run on eco-friendly timers and motion sensors as well as a sortable waste disposal, including a section for compostable materials. 

6. Sustainable Shipping Materials & Sugar Sheet Paper 

When it comes to our shipping materials, and even the paper we use in our office, we turn to natural plant sources first. We use a combination of biodegradable packing popcorn and unbleached kraft paper when shipping our products. Our packing popcorn is made of biodegradable potato or corn starch that dissolves into water as non-toxic and non-hazardous waste. In the office, we use sugar sheets in the printers. These edible sheets are made from 100% natural sugar cane fiber residue which helps to preserve forests and reduce greenhouse gas.

7. Eminence Organics Paper Bag 

We’re thrilled to let you know about our redesigned Eminence Organics paper bag. In line with our dedication to environmental responsibility, the bag’s handles are crafted from woven paper, ensuring the entire bag is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Additionally, the bag’s non-tapered design offers greater ease and convenience for you when carrying your products. Traditionally, carrier bags with rope handles utilize cotton or polyester, which hinders recycling efforts due to potential contamination in the recycling chain. 

As a company, we’re inspired daily by the creative ways that others take proactive action to make our planet a happier and healthier place. We’re also extremely proud to say that our business partners, loyal Spa Partners and Eminence Organics fans are all doing their part for the green movement.

In what ways do you keep our planet green, healthy and happy? Tell us in the comments below.