Author: Christina Heiser

What Are Clogged Pores? Here's How To Get Rid Of Them For Good

Post author By Christina Heiser
Post date May 31, 2018

If you’ve noticed tiny black specks scattered across your skin or you’ve seen an uptick in white bumps popping up, you’re probably wondering what, exactly, is happening. You could be dealing with clogged pores.
Both blackheads and whiteheads occur when gunk builds up in the itty-bitty openings on the surface of your skin called pores.
If these marks are cramping your style, know that there are quite a few different effective methods of unclogging pores. But it all starts with understanding why clogged pores happen in the first place.

Clogged Pores 101: Understanding Your Pores

“Pores is just a very basic term to describe small openings in the skin,” says Ronnie Klein, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Connecticut Dermatology Group and co-founder of Pure Bioderm. There are two types of pores: oil pores and sweat pores, but they both work the same way. Oil and sweat reach your pores from their respective glands below the skin’s surface and are released onto the skin, explains Klein.
Oil pores (more commonly known as hair follicles) exist all over your skin, except for your palms and the soles of your feet, says Klein. Their size is determined by genetics, says Holly Cutler, medical esthetician at FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness in Michigan—so if you have large pores, thank Mom and Dad for that. Sweat pores also exist all over your skin, but they’re super tiny and not visible to the naked eye the way oil pores are, says Klein.
Both types of pores can become clogged, though. So, what do clogged pores look like? It depends.
When oil pores become clogged, they manifest as either blackheads or whiteheads. “Blackheads and whiteheads are in the same family,” says Klein. A clogged hair follicle (aka, an oil pore) is called a comedone, and when the comedone is open—that is, when the top layer of your skin, your epidermis, is not covering it—it changes color and turns black when it comes into contact with oxygen according to Cutler.
When the comedone is closed, it becomes filled with bacteria and exists beneath your epidermis. “Air isn’t able to enter the follicle,” says Cutler. “The bacteria inside of it doesn’t undergo a chemical reaction, so it stays white in color.” Technically, blackheads and whiteheads are both mild forms of acne.
Meanwhile, when sweat pores become clogged, they appear as tiny white bumps known as milia. These bumps are not the same as whiteheads, however. “Milia looks like a whitehead, but it’s actually more of a cyst,” says Klein, which means they require professional treatment.

What causes clogged pores?

Knowing that your pores can get clogged is one thing, but understanding why is another entirely. Some of the common causes of clogged pores are completely within your control, but others aren’t.

1. You have a predisposition to clogged pores.

Cutler says clogged pores are sometimes the result of genetics. Yep, there are just some people who are likelier to get clogged pores than others. On top of that, Klein says genetics are at work even when it comes to whether you develop blackheads or whiteheads.

2. You have a buildup of dead skin cells.

Your skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells and bringing new ones to the surface, but sometimes the dead cells stick to the skin and pile up. Dead skin cell buildup can also cause clogged pores according to Cutler.

3. You have a surge in hormones.

Excess oil production (and as result, clogged pores) may be due to a surge in hormones, says Cutler. There are certain times—for example, when you go through puberty, when you’re on your period, or when you’re pregnant (let’s call them the three Ps)—during which an uptick in hormones stimulates your sebaceous glands to pump out more oil.
When it comes to your period in particular, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported that monthly hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle are likely to contribute to acne flare-ups, with 85 percent of women saying that their breakouts get worse leading up to their periods. Plus, a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care examined how pregnancy affects skin, and researchers found that increased oil production in the third trimester leads to acne.

4. You don’t cleanse enough.

Cutler says when you don’t wash your face enough, you allow dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and anything else on top of your skin to build up, leading to clogged pores. Klein explains that it’s particularly crucial to rinse off post exercise: “Not showering and washing [after] a workout can cause inflammation and clogged pores,” she says.

5. Or, you cleanse too much.

While washing your face is important, you don’t need to go overboard. “A lot of people with acne-prone skin think they need to scrub skin and never moisturize,” says Klein, “but the drier your skin is, the more oil you will produce.” And you know what happens when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive: clogged pores.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends cleansing twice a day (as well as washing your face after heavy sweating).

6. You wear pore-clogging lotions and makeup.

Some beauty products contain ingredients that can cause clogged pores, says Cutler. She says some of the biggest offenders are coconut oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, lanolin, cetyl alcohol, cetyl acetate, and cocoa butter. If you’re noticing clogged pores, check your products for these ingredients.

7. You touch your face all the time.

Think about all the dirt and germs that are on your hands. When you touch your face, you’re transferring whatever’s on your fingers to your face. That gunk can leave you with clogged pores and make your acne worse according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

What are the best ways to fix clogged pores?

Nixing clogged pores—and preventing new ones from forming in the future—is possible with the right skin care routine.

1. Wash your face twice a day.

Since oil, makeup, and dead skin cells can clog your pores when they’re sitting on top of your skin, get into the habit of cleansing morning and night. If you find yourself with blackheads or whiteheads caused by clogged pores regularly, Klein suggests using a cleanser with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. “A salicylic acid wash is one of the cornerstones of acne treatments,” says Klein. Salicylic acid is a compound found in plants that encourages exfoliation and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties according to the National Institutes of Health.
You can find salicylic acid derived from willow bark extract in Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash. Cutler notes that you can get a deeper clean by pairing a salicylic acid cleanser with a tool, like the Clarisonic Mia 2 ($169), but she also notes that washing your face with a tool like this every day could be overkill.

2. Cleanse after working out, too.

Headed to the gym before or after work? You don’t have to rely on whatever generic facial cleanser is in the locker room. Remember: Sweat buildup leads to clogged pores, and Klein says you should always wash your face after you’re done at the gym. An easy way to refresh sweaty skin when you’re on the go is with a micellar water, such as Pacifica Cactus Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic.

3. Try an at-home peel.

One of the best ways to say sayonara to pore-clogging dead skin cell buildup is by exfoliating once or twice a week, says Cutler. At-home peels use acids to chemically break down buildup—no scrubbing necessary. “Glycolic paired with salicylic is really great for clogged pores,” says Cutler. “This combo works very effectively to loosen up blackheads.”
A study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics found that salicylic acid pads effectively reduce acne, while a study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery found that glycolic acid peels also had a positive effect on curbing breakouts. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a once-a-week chemical exfoliator that features a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) and beta hydroxy acid (salicylic) to blast through dead skin cell buildup, leaving you with clearer pores and brighter skin.

4. Exfoliate with a scrub.

Mechanical exfoliation happens when you rub your skin with a scrub, brush, or other exfoliating tool (like the Clarisonic Mia 2) to physically remove the buildup, and it’s a good option if you have clogged pores. Cutler recommends looking for a scrub that also contains an acid for a one-two punch against clogged pores. One option we love: Tata Harper Resurfacing Cleanser, which is formulated with salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate and apricot seed powder to manually bust through the gunk. While this exfoliating cleanser is gentle enough to use every day, keep in mind that over-scrubbing skin is drying according to Klein.

5. Slather on a clay mask.

There’s a good reason why clay masks are super trendy. Clay absorbs oil and impurities in pores, says Cutler. Wildcare Bee Rosy Clay Mask sops up oil and also eases inflammation, making it a win-win for people with acne-prone skin who deal with clogged pores frequently.

6. Whip up a charcoal mask at home.

One of Cutler’s favorite DIY treatments for clogged pores is a charcoal clay mask. “Charcoal is so popular right now,” says Cutler, adding that like clay, charcoal absorbs pore-clogging impurities.
Mix together 1 Tbsp. activated charcoal powder, ½ Tbps. bentonite clay, and ¼ Tbps. water, apply the mask to your face, and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing off. Leaving this mask on for more than five minutes could be drying, says Cutler, so watch the clock.

7. Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide.

Another gold standard in getting rid of clogged pores is benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial ingredient, says Klein. For a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, participants applied a 5.3 percent benzoyl peroxide foam to their faces, chests, upper backs, and shoulders twice a day for a month and experienced significantly clearer skin.
Klein says benzoyl peroxide is drying, so don’t use it every day, don’t use it in conjunction with other strong acne-fighting ingredients, and be vigilant about moisturizing. Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion is formulated with benzoyl peroxide as well as ingredients that prevent excessive dryness.

8. Add a retinoid to your routine.

Retinoid is a derivative of vitamin A, and it has the ability to minimize the size of sebaceous glands and curb the excess oil production that can lead to clogged pores, says Klein. A study published in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta calls retinoids (whether taken orally or applied topically) “the most effective and first choice for acne treatment.”
While retinoids used to be available by prescription only, there is now an OTC version: Differin Gel. Retinoids leave you sensitive to the sun, so only use them at night (and follow up with dedicated SPF in the morning), says Klein. They’re also drying, so start by only using a pea-sized amount of retinoid two or three nights a week and gradually work your way up to nightly use, Klein adds.
One note: The FDA warns that oral retinoids (like Accutane) come with a host of serious side effects, including the risk of birth defects if you’re pregnant. Because of this, any female patient who’s prescribed an oral retinoid by their doctor needs to enroll in iPledge, a mandatory risk management program. While on an oral retinoid, you’ll have to use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

9. Make moisturizing a priority.

You might be sensing a theme here: The majority of remedies for clogged pores are drying. That means moisturizing is a must. But don’t just reach for any lotion. Use one that’s oil-free, says Klein, since this won’t clog your pores further. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer fits the bill, offering physical sun protection with zinc oxide and lightweight hydration with aloe and hyaluronic acid.

10. Switch to non-comedogenic makeup.

Check your makeup labels for the term non-comedogenic, says Klein, because this means they should be free of pore-clogging ingredients. However, Cutler points out that this isn’t a fail-safe remedy for clogged pores. She explains that there’s no agency regulating whether or not products are actually non-comedogenic, so a brand could feasibly say that their products are non-comedogenic without that actually being the case. Unfortunately, the only way to find out if something is truly non-comedogenic is to test it out and see how your skin reacts.

11. Visit a professional.

If you suspect you have milia, the only way to get rid of this type of clogged pore is with the help of a dermatologist, says Klein. Per a study published in the journal Oncology Letters, milia can be removed with a professional extracting tool.
A professional, whether that’s a derm or esthetician, may have in-office treatment options that can alleviate blackheads and whiteheads, too. Cutler has seen results when using Dermalinfusion on patients. This treatment exfoliates dead skin cells, extracts dirt from pores, and infuses skin with serums all via a handheld tool with an exfoliating diamond tip.
Whatever option you choose to fix your clogged pores, consistency is key according to both experts we spoke to. So, while dealing with clogged pores and the acne they bring isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, it’s important to carve out time to address your clogged pores. Cheers to clearer skin ahead!

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In the Kitchen Nosh

Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas That’ll Make Your Life A Whole Lot Easier

Post author By Christina Heiser
Post date May 22, 2018

Meal prep sounds great in theory—until you realize you didn’t buy everything you needed at the grocery store, you check the clock and realize you’ve spent your entire day in the kitchen, or you microwave the dish you made two days ago and are disappointed with how blah it tastes. When you’re a vegetarian or incorporating veg-only meals into your week, meal prep can cause even more headaches. How are you supposed to keep produce fresh all week long? How come the meatless options at your grocery store are lacking? And why does it seem like plant-based foods are always so pricey?
More and more people are adopting plant-based diets these days, whether they’re vegetarian—opting to eat eggs, cheese, milk, and honey, but no meat, fish, or poultry for example—or vegan—meaning they choose to forgo all animal products according to Michelle Smith, a registered dietitian and integrative health coach who follows a vegan lifestyle.
In fact, Baum+Whiteman, international food and restaurant consultants, predicted plant-based foods would be the top food trend of 2018. The Vegetarian Resource Group estimates that there are about eight million Americans who follow a vegetarian diet. In a Harris Poll the group conducted, 8 percent of participants said they eat one meatless meal a week, while 20 percent said they stick to a vegetarian meal plan about half the time, give or take.
It’s no wonder then that Meatless Mondays are still so popular. The Meatless Monday movement was started in 2003 by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The goal was to help Americans reduce their intake of saturated fat (which we get get almost solely from animal products) by going meatless just once a week. Research from Johns Hopkins found that because Monday is thought of as the beginning of the week, it would be the perfect day to convince people to make healthier choices. And there is a huge supportive community around this campaign—do a search for #MeatlessMondays on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll find plenty of Meatless Monday groups and vegetarian meal inspiration. “Meatless Monday is how I got started,” says Smith. “It’s a really great way to dip your toe into the pond of a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.”
There are a few reasons why so many are turning to vegetarianism and veganism, but one the biggest is the idea that cutting out meat is healthier. And there’s definitely something to that. In 2015, the World Health Organization labeled processed meat and red meat as carcinogens since both types of meat have a strong correlation with certain cancers. Whether you want to incorporate more vegetarian meals into your life or you’re already a vegetarian full time, there are steps you can take to make meal prep easier. Here are vegetarian meal prep ideas to get you started.

10 Easy Vegetarian Meal Prep Tips That’ll Keep You Full All Week

The experts share their best tips so easy vegetarian meal prep can become a reality for you.

1. Formulate your plant-powered plan of attack.

“Personally, I love a great deal,” says Smith, who suggests looking at your local grocery store’s sales flyer and using that to determine what you’ll buy for the week. Once you narrow down your shopping list, find recipes that include these ingredients so that you’re not wandering around the supermarket aimlessly.

2. Cut corners with healthy prepared foods.

“Prepared foods will make your life easier,” says Smith. She recommends stocking your fridge with prepared hummus and salsa to spice up vegetarian meals with minimal effort.

3. Shop strategically.

Fresh produce is delicious, but it can spoil quickly. Plus, all that chopping you’ll have to do eats up time, especially if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. “When you’re just getting started, buy them frozen while you learn the ropes,” says Smith of fruits and veggies. Lauren Lobley, vegetarian chef and author of The Accidental Paleo, suggests looking for pre-cut veggies (such as zoodles) to cut down on your meal prep time.

4. Buy in bulk.

“One of the best cost-effective ingredients [is] canned beans, and you can even find organic ones,” says Melissa Eboli, certified nutritional chef and certified nutrition and wellness counselor. One struggle that vegetarians often face is getting enough protein, says Eboli, and eating beans is an easy way to bump up your intake (a half-cup serving of black beans has six grams of protein). You can even find canned beans in bulk at stores like Costco, says Smith. Eboli says you can throw beans into plenty of high-yielding vegetarian recipes, including salads and chilies.

5. Don’t procrastinate on your prep.

“Clean your produce immediately, chop everything up, and store it properly,” says Smith. “For me, that includes lettuce and cucumbers. That way I have no excuses when it’s time for lunch. My salad is ready to go.”
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6. Toss whatever you have into a bowl.

Lobley says that when she first went vegetarian, she used to throw together salads using anything she had on hand. “My dinner most nights used to be salads full of legumes, quinoa, avocado, olives, and olive oil—basically anything I could find in my fridge,” she says. Have quinoa laying around? It only takes 15 minutes to cook, says Smith, and you can add it to a bowl with black beans, salsa, and a frozen veggie, like broccoli.

7. Store salads properly.

“Keep your dressing on the side and add it to your salad right before you eat it,” says Eboli. “This helps to keep the buoyancy of the veggies.”

8. Prepare breakfast for the week on Sunday night.

“When it comes to preparing things ahead of time, I love overnight oats,” she says. “It takes under five minutes to prep.” All you have to do is combine oats and milk and place the container in your refrigerator before you go to bed.

9. Put your slow cooker to good use.

“One of my best recommendations is investing in a Crock-Pot,” says Smith. Just throw a bunch of ingredients into it in the morning and you’ll have dinner ready when you get home from work. Smith says two vegetarian recipes you should have in your back pocket are chili and curry. Both are customizable (you can add whatever beans, grains, and veggies you like best), can be made in a slow cooker, are super flavorful, and yield a ton of food.

10. Pack your freezer with leftovers.

Lobley suggests portioning out your leftovers into containers and popping them in the freezer so you can enjoy your meal again at a later date.

Your Vegetarian Meal Prep Shopping List

Wondering what to buy this week? Here’s a handy-dandy vegetarian meal prep shopping list.

3 Tasty Vegetarian Recipes That You Can Meal Prep

Now it’s time to get cooking! Here are easy breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes courtesy of Smith that you can make ahead of time and enjoy for multiple days. While the following recipes each yield enough for four servings, you can easily double the amounts to make more!
[sol title=”Breakfast: Overnight Fruity Chia Seed Pudding” subheader=”Yield: 4 Servings”]

Ingredients:

2 cups almond milk
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
6 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup fresh fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, and blueberries)

Method:

Combine everything except the fruit in a large bowl, making sure to mix completely.
Refrigerate for an hour.
Take out of fridge to mix well again, then put it back in.
Store for at least another two hours so the pudding can set.
Top with fresh fruit when you’re ready to eat.

[sol title=”Lunch: Black Bean and Lime Soup” subheader=”Yield: 4 Servings”]

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced peppers
2 small red onions, chopped
3 cups water
¼ cup quinoa, uncooked
2 tsp. chili powder
3 tsp. ground cumin
½ cup corn
Two 15 oz cans of black beans, rinsed
½ cup salsa
¼ tsp. salt
Juice of one lime
3 Tbsp. cilantro

Method:

Heat oil in a medium-sized pot on medium heat.
Add the onion, cooking until it’s transparent.
Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and salsa, cooking for a few minutes, still on medium heat.
Add the beans, carrots, peppers, uncooked quinoa, corn, and water, bringing to a boil.
Reduce the heat once the mixture reaches a boil, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes.
Stir in the lime juice.
For a creamier consistency, let the soup cool, then blend.

[sol title=”Dinner: Chickpea Burgers” subheader=”Yield: 4 Servings”]

Ingredients:

15 oz cooked chickpeas, drained
½ cup brown rice flour
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. ground cumin
3 tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. chili powder
½ Tbsp. parsley
3 Tbsp. minced red onion
1 large tomato, sliced
1 cup greens
4 burger buns
Ketchup to taste

Special Equipment:

Food processor

Method:

Use a food processor to completely mash the chickpeas.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas, spices, and parsley. Mix well.
Add about ¼ cup of the flour to the mixture, working it in well. Then, add the remaining ¼ cup of flour. The mixture should be stiff enough not to spread or fall apart.
If made ahead, store the mixture in the fridge so you can form and cook the patties just before you plan to eat.
Remove the mixture from the fridge and form your patties (you should be able to make four).
Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Once it’s warm, cook your patties for five minutes on each side.
Let the patties cool.
Assemble buns with lettuce, tomato, and ketchup.

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In the Kitchen Nosh

Why CBD-Infused Foods Are So Popular—And How To Make Them Yourself

Post author By Christina Heiser
Post date May 18, 2018

Chances are you’ve heard of cannabidiol (aka CBD). As a quick refresher, this non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis has some cool potential health benefits that don’t involve getting you high. Plus, unlike THC (the high-inducing substance in cannabis), it’s legal across the U.S., so it’s not super surprising that CBD-infused foods are proving to be pretty popular, as adding CBD to meals or snacks is an easy (and tasty!) way to try it.
CBD-infused foods aren’t limited to overly sugary sweets like candy or cookies, though. There are plenty of healthy ways to make CBD edibles right in your kitchen. (CBD-infused avocado toast? Yes, please.)

What are the benefits of CBD?

Purported CBD benefits range from pain relief to lessened anxiety. Anecdotally, Blake Pearson, MD, founder of GreenlyMed.com and practicing medical doctor in Ontario specializing in cannabinoid medicine, has seen patients benefit from the use of CBD.
Here’s how cannabidiol works: THC alters receptors in your brain and throughout your body by binding to them, leading to a high, but that’s not the case for CBD, says Pearson. Instead, CBD has the ability to calm down receptors that send out pain signals. In states where medical marijuana is legal, doctors often pair THC and CBD, since CBD tamps down the effect of THC, and there can be some added benefits when both are taken together. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, says Pearson.
Where does the research stand on CBD’s benefits, though? Pearson says there’s a lack of randomized controlled double blind studies (the gold standard in the medical community) indicating the effects. “However, it’s a pretty benign substance,” says Pearson. “There’s no psycho-activity and it’s non-toxic.” Translation: While science hasn’t concretely proven CBD’s benefits yet, there’s close to no harm in trying it. Pearson just cautions that you should consult with your physician before whipping up any CBD-infused snacks because it can be sedative, and a health care provider will be able to recommend a good starting dose for you.
That being said, there is some research out there, although the sample sizes are all small. For a study published in the European Journal of Pain, 128 participants with allodynia (nerve pain) were given a THC/CBD spray, while 118 were given a placebo in addition to whatever other treatments they were taking. Those who used the spray reported improvements in pain and sleep quality without any side effects.
Meanwhile, for a study published in the journal Neurospychopharmacology, 12 participants with generalized social anxiety disorder were given CBD capsules, while 12 participants were given a placebo. All participants were tasked with undergoing a simulated public speaking test. Those who had taken the CBD capsules had less anxiety, fewer memory issues, and less overall discomfort during the test than those who had taken the placebo.
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at CBD’s effect on Dravet’s syndrome, a rare epileptic disorder that appears during infancy. 120 kids and young adults with Dravet’s syndrome were either given an oral CBD solution or a placebo. Those who took the CBD solution experienced significantly fewer seizures per month than those on the placebo.

Why is the CBD market exploding right now?

From Pearson’s perspective, pain relief is the biggest benefit CBD has to offer. He’s currently treating nursing home residents with conditions like arthritis and chronic pain with CBD, in some cases weaning them off opioids and other medications.
And there’s definitely a need for alternative pain relief remedies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 115 people in the U.S. die from opioid overdoses every day (and more than 350,000 have died from overdoses between 1999 and 2016). Meanwhile, CBD is relatively side effect free, non-addictive, and is not associated with any overdoses or deaths per the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Given its relative safety, it’s no wonder that the CBD industry is growing. In fact, the The Hemp Business Journal reports that in 2016 there were $130 million in hemp-derived CBD products sold. (Hemp is a type if cannabis plant.) By 2020, The Hemp Business Journal estimates that the hemp industry will have grown to $1.8 billion in sales, with hemp-derived CBD products and foods being two of the biggest categories leading growth.
That being said, not all CBD products are the same. While there’s a definite interest in natural and organic products in this country (according to the Organic Trade Association, sale of organic foods hit $43 billion in 2016), you can’t necessarily classify CBD as natural or organic. It depends on the brand, says Rebecca Noren, MS, RDN, so doing your research before purchasing anything with CBD, and looking at where the CBD comes from, where the hemp is grown, and whether the brand sends the CBD to third party labs to test and ensure it’s contaminant-free is important if you’re after an all-natural or organic product.
Some brands are already leading the way in this arena. Noren is a fan of Medterra, whose products are all natural, GMO free, and tested by a third party lab, she says. Some brands are even taking things to the next level with healthier-than-expected CBD edibles containing high-quality hemp-derived CBD. Take Pharma CBD Peanut Butter, for example, which is high in protein, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and Luce Farm Vermont Hemp-Infused Honey, which is made with certified organic coconut oil and raw Vermont honey. CBD-infused drinks, like Cannabinoid Creations Hemp CBD Water ($24 for four), and Elev8 Hemp Artisan Roasted Hemp Coffee ($14.99), exist, too.

How to Create CBD-Infused Foods at Home

Now onto the fun stuff. CBD edibles don’t have to be in the form of brownies or gummies. You can add CBD to just about any meal or snack. Follow these tips to get started on whipping up your own CBD-infused foods.

Pick your CBD wisely.

Dennis Lee, co-founder and executive chef of Namu Gaji in San Francisco and director of edibles manufacturing for Sublime Canna, prefers to use CBD isolate (a crystalline powder) for CBD-infused foods. “It’s something that’s pretty readily available, and it has a very high level of purity, which is the reason why I like to use it,” he says. “That makes it easier to dose out.” CBDistillery offers CBD isolate in a variety of sizes.
CBD oil is another option for CBD-infused foods, but keep in mind that pils can vary a lot from brand to brand according to Noren, and some have an earthy flavor. Noren likes Medterra MedOil CBD Tincture ($49.95 for 500 milligrams) because it’s flavorless. You can also look for a CBD oil that’s made with avocado oil because it’ll also be tasteless and the avocado oil has its own benefits, she says. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, for example, adding avocado oil to salad increased absorption of carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein, which the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association associate with disease prevention.

Find your perfect CBD dosage.

Remember: Always consult with a medical professional before introducing a substance like CBD into your life, says Pearson. He usually starts patients off with a small dose of 2.5 mg and then increases it from there depending on the effects. Noren says that Medterra’s CBD oil has lines on the dropper so that you can mete out your dose accurately when making CBD-infused foods.

Try it for the first time at night.

Never eaten CBD-infused foods before? Pearson notes that CBD can have a sedative effect, so give it a go at night to see how you react if it’s your first time. After all, you probably don’t want to doze off at your desk post snack.

Pair CBD with the right foods.

CBD is fat soluble (i.e. it absorbs in fat), says Lee, so it’s best when paired with healthy fats. Noren suggests adding a dose of CBD to peanut butter or avocado before topping toast. For avocado toast, Lee says he’d infuse olive or coconut oil with CBD isolate, then drizzle it over the toast before eating. Another idea is adding CBD to pesto sauce, says Noren, since it has fats from the olive oil and pine nuts. Finally, consider using CBD in a smoothie, says Noren, because you’re getting loads of nutrients from other ingredients, such as spinach and berries. Noren suggests using Greek yogurt in your smoothie since it has fat, which will promote absorption.

Make a single serving.

Think about it: If you were to make a large batch of something, it’d be pretty difficult to figure out how much CBD was in one serving, says Pearson. That’s why it’s better to focus on single serving CBD-infused foods (hence why avocado toast and smoothies are great ideas).

Don’t heat it up.

It’s best to integrate CBD into the final product rather than literally “cooking” with it, says Lee. When you heat CBD, it starts to degrade, losing its potency, he explains. You don’t want to go above 350 degrees, says Lee. Let’s say you’re preparing something like scrambled eggs and want to add CBD to your breakfast. Instead of throwing CBD into a hot pan, Lee recommends preparing CBD-infused butter and folding it into your scrambled eggs at the very end, when they’re done being cooked.

A Quick and Easy CBD-Infused Smoothie

Ready to play chef and prepare some CBD-infused foods yourself? Give Noren’s CBD-infused smoothie recipe a whirl. It can be customized with different fruits depending on your taste, or eaten as a bowl with extra fruit arranged on top or folded in.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
⅔ cup Greek yogurt (opt for yogurt with a fat content—no non-fat for this recipe!)
½ cup packed spinach
2 to 3 Tbsp. milk (whatever kind you prefer)
Desired CBD dose (2.5 mg is a good starting point for beginners)

Special Equipment:

Blender

Method:

Place all ingredients into the blender and mix until well combined.
Pour into a mug or bowl.
Enjoy your delicious CBD-infused smoothie.

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Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

How To Build A Skincare Routine You'll Actually Stick To

Post author By Christina Heiser
Post date May 15, 2018

Putting together a skincare routine seems like it should be a pretty simple task, but when you actually get down to it, it can get kind of overwhelming: Does serum go on before or after moisturizer? What the heck is an essence? And should you exfoliate every day?
Don’t worry, every skincare newbie has been there. While you likely know that cleanser goes before moisturizer, adding in anything new may be a mystery to you. And it’s important to learn the right order for putting on products. Using them out of order can negate the effects of your products, but doing it correctly can help you experience max benefits and avoid potential irritation.
Still not sure where to start or when to use what? Keep reading for all the answers to your skincare routine questions.

Your Morning Skincare Routine: Stick to the basics.

You don’t have to commit to a 10-step Korean skincare routine when you wake up to keep your complexion in tip-top shape, says Steven Wang, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare. You can start small with your skincare routine, but before you apply makeup, you should definitely hit the basics: cleanse, moisturize, and add sunscreen. Ready? Let’s go.

Step 1: Cleanse.

Start with a clean slate so that the rest of your products are able to do their jobs. Some experts, like Wang and Elle Feldman, esthetician and co-owner of Good Skin Day, suggest using lukewarm water and your hands to apply a very gentle cleanser in the morning, regardless of skin type, since there shouldn’t be too much gunk remaining on your skin if you cleansed the night before.
Board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, says cream cleansers are great for dry and sensitive skin because they feature nourishing ingredients (like oils). Cleansing milks are another good option for dry skin, says Pamela Maes, certified esthetician and spa director at Mirbeau Inn and Spa, because they’re light and gentle.
Refreshing gel cleansers are good options for oily and acne-prone skin as they offer a deeper clean, says Green. You can also look for a cleanser that’s labeled as matte with detoxifying ingredients like charcoal if you’re oily, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the University of Southern California.
Finally, consider a cleanser with salicylic acid if you regularly break out, says Wang. This tried-and-true pimple-fighter exfoliates your skin to unclog pores and reduce oil production.

Step 2 (optional): Tone.

“Toner preps your skin for the rest of your skincare products by opening your pores,” says Feldman. Some toners are made with alcohol, which is drying, so invest in one without it. “Look for micellar waters or alcohol-free toners with active ingredients like rosewater, chamomile, or green tea,” says Shainhouse. All three ingredients have soothing properties. “If you are acne prone, you may consider a salicylic acid–based toner,” says Shainhouse.
Apply toner immediately after cleansing when skin is damp to lock in moisture. Feldman says that because toners help balance your skin’s pH levels, protecting it from environmental aggressors, you really only need to use one in the morning.

Step 3 (optional): Apply serum.

“A serum is the power tool in a person’s skincare routine,” says Maes. Serums are lightweight, almost watery products that absorb quickly to offer potent anti-aging benefits. Because serums are so powerful, you want to apply them directly to your skin so that the ingredients will penetrate deeply, says Shainhouse.
When it comes to ingredients, look for Vitamin C, which fights free radical damage and is a dermatologist- and esthetician-approved antioxidant found in serums. Shainhouse also likes green tea and resveratrol, two other antioxidants, while Feldman is a fan of Swiss apple extract, which has been shown to reduce wrinkles.

Step 4: Moisturize.

Cleansers strip your skin of lipids (fatty acids), says Wang, so pat on a moisturizer after washing your face to replenish what you’ve lost. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, grab a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, says Green, since this won’t clog pores. Maes adds that gel formulas are ideal for oily skin because they’re so light.
Maes says that you’ll benefit from a richer, thicker cream if you have dry skin. “Using something that has more hydrating benefits can aid in protecting dry skin,” says Maes. One ingredient to look for: hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture.

Step 5: Protect.

SPF is a non-negotiable part of your morning skincare routine. Using a dedicated sunscreen (as opposed to the SPF in foundation, for instance) is key for shielding your skin from UV rays, which can lead to burning, wrinkles, and skin cancer. For everyday use, choose an SPF of 15 or 30, and apply about nickel-sized amount all over your face, says Wang. Make sure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, says Wang, because that means it protects against UVA and UVB rays, both of which are damaging.

Seriously on the go?

“You can combine the last two steps in your morning skincare routine by using a moisturizer that contains sunscreen in it,” says Wang. Don’t forget to throw on a hat for protection, too, he adds. To ensure proper sun protection, sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine, says Shainhouse.

Your Nighttime Skincare Routine: Maximize your beauty sleep.

You likely have a little bit more time to spend on your skincare routine at night, so this is when you can consider adding in a few extra steps, says Wang.

Step 1: Take it all off.

We’ve all had those nights where we get in late, way too tired to even think about washing our faces. “But you want to cleanse that environment very well,” says Wang, since the mix of makeup, dirt, oils, and pollution that have settled onto your skin during the day can clog pores. Allowing these things to stay on your skin overnight may even lead to oxidative (aka skin-aging) damage, says Shainhouse.
“Traditional cleansers might not be effective at removing foundation,” says Wang, “so a lot of times women have to use wipes [first]—and those can be harsh on the skin.”
Micellar water and cleansing oil are two makeup-removing alternatives that are much gentler on skin—and they work, says Wang.

Step 2: Cleanse again.

If you have the time, experts say there is benefit to a double cleanse in your nighttime skincare routine. If you use a micellar water or cleansing oil to initially remove makeup and other buildup, you then have to rid those ingredients from your skin.
A second cleanse (you can use the cleanser from your morning skincare routine, says Wang) will take everything else off, leaving your complexion ready for the rest of the products in your skincare routine to get to work.

Step 3 (optional): Treat acne or signs of aging.

Post-cleanse, target any pimples you have with a spot treatment. “Products with active ingredients that are meant to improve skin quality or a specific skin condition should be applied directly to the skin,” says Shainhouse. Two proven acne-fighting ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Applying an anti-aging treatment, like a prescription retinoid or OTC retinol, should also be done after cleansing to ensure efficacy, says Shainhouse. (Note that you shouldn’t use acne and anti-aging treatments together since that can aggravate your skin or render the products ineffective.)
“[Retinol] can help encourage new cells to reach the skin surface and encourage the skin to make new collagen,” says Shainhouse. “This can help thicken skin over time and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.” Just avoid applying it too close to your eyes and mouth to prevent irritation, she says. Since retinol is often drying, start out using it once a week and work your way up to a few times a week once you develop a tolerance, says Feldman.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, topical acne and anti-aging treatments may increase sun sensitivity, so only use these in your nighttime skincare routine (and be diligent about SPF in the morning).

Step 4 (optional): Layer on serum.

While not completely necessary at night, using the antioxidant serum from your morning skincare routine is a nice addition. “It will help undo the oxidative DNA damage from the day,” says Shainhouse. Wang says some people can get away with using serum as their moisturizer, especially if they’re oilier.

Step 5 (optional): Apply eye cream.

Eye cream will protect and nourish the delicate skin around your eyes, says Shainhouse. The best formula for you depends on your skin type, says Feldman. Someone with oily skin might benefit from a lightweight gel eye cream, while someone with dry skin might benefit from an ultra-luxurious balm.
One ingredient worth checking the label for is caffeine, which has antioxidant properties to ward off aging. It also temporarily shrinks under-eye bags. Wang likes hyaluronic acid because it increases skin’s ability to hold onto water. He advises steering clear of eye creams with fragrance, though, because this can cause irritation.

Step 6: Moisturize.

Think about it: Not only can cleansing be drying, but so can acne and wrinkle treatments. Your daytime moisturizer should suffice before bed, says Feldman. However, if treatments or winter weather are drying you out, then use a richer cream pre-bedtime, says Feldman.
Our Senior Lifestyle Editor, Maggie, weighs in on her favorite nighttime skincare products for every skin type.

Go above and beyond with these daily additions to your skincare routine:

So now you have your morning and nighttime skincare routines down pat, but there are a few additional steps you could take any time of day to amp your skincare game up even more.

If you’re interested in essences…

Essences are similar to serums in that they target specific skin issues, but they tend to have lighter consistencies. “In a Korean skincare routine, you’d use an essence after cleansing and toning,” says Maes. “They rehydrate skin and infuse it with antioxidants. Some of the active ingredients may brighten, shrink pores, or have anti-aging benefits.” Use your essence after your toner but before your serum.

If you want to spritz with face mist…

Like toner, a face mist opens pores after cleansing to prep it for serums, treatments, and moisturizers, says Feldman. She likes face mists that are labeled as hydrosols. A hydrosol is the water that is left over when a plant is distilled into an essential oil. “Hydrosols are an amazing way to get vitamins and minerals into your skin,” says Feldman.

If you’d like to try an oil…

Face oils can make a great alternative (or addition to, if used sparingly) moisturizer. Facial oils are particularly useful if you have super-dry skin caused by weather or aging, says Wang. Feldman’s favorite oil is squalane, which comes from olives and is antibacterial, won’t clog pores, and is safe for use on sensitive skin.

Your Weekly Skincare Routine: Pamper yourself (and be gentle!).

The top layer of your skin serves as a barrier, and removing dead skin cells from it via exfoliation will boost your glow. It’s like wiping down the smudges on a mirror so that you can see your reflection better, says Wang. “You want to help those dead skin cells slough off easier so that light reflects and gives you that natural glow,” he says, “but if you do it too frequently, you break down your skin barrier and are left with inflammation.”
Shainhouse agrees: “Exfoliating too frequently and harshly can be irritating and can actually damage the skin.” She advises limiting yourself to twice a week tops.
Apply the same thought process to face masks. “Especially with detoxifying masks, you have to take a step back,” says Wang, “and use them once a week.”

The Right Way to Exfoliate

You can manually exfoliate with a scrub or facial brush or chemically exfoliate with an acid in the form of an at-home peel.
Green doesn’t typically recommend scrubs because they’re often abrasive. And Feldman says, “The problem with scrubs is that people become obsessive and want their skin to feel as dry and squeaky as possible.” If you like the feeling of a scrub, however, Shainhouse suggests using a sugar-based one because the particles dissolve in water and won’t be harsh on your skin.
If you’re going to incorporate a facial brush into your skincare routine, use a brush head designed for sensitive skin in order to avoid irritation, says Shainhouse.
Chemical exfoliation involves the use of acids or enzymes to break down dead skin cells. “Chemical exfoliators can be really safe and beautifully effective products on even sensitive skin,” says Feldman. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two very effective alpha hydroxy acids that aid in smoothing rough skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. If you have acne, exfoliating up to three times a week with a salicylic acid pad could help keep breakouts in check, says Green.
Use a chemical exfoliator at night after cleansing, says Shainhouse, since acids increase skin’s sun sensitivity. Note that you shouldn’t mix retinol with an acid because doing so could cause further irritation. Plus, retinol and salicylic acid will actually cancel out each other’s effects, says Shainhouse, so don’t use products with these two ingredients in tandem.

The Right Way to Use a Face Mask

If you have sensitive skin, try masking once a week; other skin types may be able to handle masking two or three times a week, says Maes. “Post-exfoliating is a great opportunity to follow up with a mask, Maes says. “You’ll get more benefits because your pores are more open and can better absorb the ingredients.”
Feldman says charcoal masks are fabulous for people with oily skin, congested pores, and acne because they draw out grime stuck in your pores. On the other hand, if you have dry or irritated skin, you could take 100 percent aloe vera, put it all over your face, and leave it on for a few minutes as a face mask to soothe, says Feldman.
Sheet masks are another expert favorite. They’re infused with serums to target specific skin issues, says Maes. Sheet masks deliver a lot of hydration and drive whatever serum it’s packed with into your skin, says Wang. At night, apply one after cleansing, leave it on for the allotted time, then remove the mask and top everything off with moisturizer to seal the serum in, says Maes. Sheet masks are much gentler than wash-off masks, so if you love the feeling of wearing one, it’s hard to go overboard; some Korean beauty bloggers mask every day!

Your Monthly Skincare Routine: Hit your derm’s office (or the spa).

Beyond what you do at home, there are professional treatments you can add to your monthly skincare routine if you have the time and money.

Facials

“Facials are amazing for treating things topically, reversing the effects of aging, and stimulating cell turnover,” says Feldman, who generally recommends getting one from a licensed esthetician every four to eight weeks. Facials feature multiple steps with some combination of cleansing, exfoliating, masking, and hydrating.
If you can’t swing facials once a month or every other month, getting one seasonally or four to five days before a big event is another option. “Brushing your teeth is home care, and then you go to the dentist for a nice deep clean twice a year,” says Maes. “That’s how I like to think of facials. When you want that deep level of [skin] cleaning, a facial is going to provide that for you.”

Chemical Peels

The chemical peels you get at your derm’s office or from an esthetician are a lot more powerful than any exfoliating peel you can do at home, says Green. “You can get a chemical peel once a month or every few months,” says Green. “They help get rid of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.”

Tips to Make Your Skincare Routine More Effective

Besides picking out the right products for your skincare routine and applying them in the right order, there are other tips that’ll make your skincare routine more effective.

Remember your neck.

“Don’t forget to extend moisturization and sun protection all the way to your neck area,” says Wang. Do the same for your hands, too, he says. “The two areas where you can tell someone’s age are the hands and neck,” says Wang.

Add one new product in at a time.

“A really aggressive skincare routine could have a negative impact,” says Maes. “If you start to switch a lot at once, you’ll have a hard time figuring out what works and what doesn’t work.”

Give your skincare routine time to work.

“Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results in 48 hours,” says Maes. “Most products are tested to work in 60 days. Most of the time you will see positive changes to skin sooner than that, though.” Patience is a virtue—and it will pay off!
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