What are the actives in our Bio Stellar - C serum: Vitamin C and B & Hyaluronic Acid!

What are their benefits: In short - everything!

How does Vitamin C help the skin?

• promotes collagen production that has potential to diminish fine lines.
• Is an antioxidant which means it protects your skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure.
• Inhibits melanin production which in-turn helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots and help to even tone the skin and enhance radiance.
• Vitamin C helps repair from sun damage by causing healthy cell turnover and regeneration.

How does vitamin B (niacinamide) help the skin?

• Niacinamide helps build keratin a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
• Niacinamide can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can, in turn help retain moisture. This is beneficial for all skin types, especially if you have eczema or mature skin.
• Minimizes redness and blotchiness. Niacinamide reduces inflammation which may help ease redness from eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturised, may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time.
• Regulates oil. The benefits of moisture retention aren’t just for those with dry skin types. Niacinimide can also help regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous oil glands and prevent your glands from going into overdrive.
• Protects against sun damage. Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
• Treats hyperpigmentation.
• Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
• Protects against oxidative stress. Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
• Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne.  Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.

How does Hyaluronic Acid help the skin?

Skin hydration – keeps your skin moisturised, plump and radiant

Anti-wrinkle properties – due to its capacity to retain large amounts of water, skin stays moisturised and helps to prevent the development of wrinkles, and fills in already present wrinkles to reduce their appearance.

Antioxidant – helps to keep skin looking healthy.

How to use it

Apply this serum in the mornings — that is, after cleansing and before applying moisturiser and sunscreen. Apply at night after cleansing and toning and before your moisturiser.

Always apply to a damp skin for deep absorption. We recommend a spray of toner to prep the skin just before application.

• During day time use, sun screen is mandatory with this serum. Application: 3-4 drops at a time to face, neck and décolletage area.

Then, be patient. Most skin care products take time to start working, you won’t notice any significant changes in your skin for 3-4 weeks. If you have sensitive skin, do a skin test first (see our patch test guide in blogs), as the high acidity can be irritating.

What Is Double-Cleansing?

“Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: First, with an oil-based cleanser and again with a water-based cleanser. It can help remove stubborn, pore-clogging and acne-causing impurities that can remain on the skin even after washing your face once. The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne. Doing both steps will assure that any treatment and moisturising is not done in vain.

Why It’s Important to Double-Cleanse According to Your Skin Type

Double cleansing may be a two-step technique that only adds a few minutes to your usual regimen, but as with most things in skin care, it’s not a one-routine-fits-all. Considering every skin type and taking into account your specific skin concerns, choosing the right double-cleansing duo is key in making sure you get the most out of your routine.

Using the best double-cleansing products for your skin type also allows you to avoid over-washing and over-drying your skin. If we strip too much of our natural oils (sulfates are known to do this and this is why it is so important to use sulfate free products), our body can respond by producing more oil that can lead to breakouts and irritation. Moreover, it is important to do double cleansing only at night—when you actually have dirt and makeup to wash off—to make sure you’re not altering the natural balance of oils and microbes on your skin.

At Charm Natural we encourage double cleansing at night and here are some suggestions:

Double Cleansing Step 1: 

Option 1:

Lavender Cleansing Oil – This is most essential as oil cleansing is deep and thorough. It dissolves and removed make up, dirt, sweat, pollution and excess sebum. Oil cleansing also balances the skin over time by allowing oily, combination and dry skins to move towards normal over time. This may take a few months of regular cleansing before the change is noticeable. Can be used by all ages.

Option 2:

Balm-to-Milk Cleanser – Take a dime size amount of cleansing balm and massage onto dry skin. Add a little bit of water and continue massaging as it emulsifies. To remove wet a face sponge and wipe across the face very gently, then rinse with luke warm water.

Double Caleansig Step 2:

Option 1:

Our Aromatherapy Daily Face Wash is a sulphate-free, SLS-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, mineral oil-free, colour-free, cruelty-free and vegan natural face cleanser formulated to optimise your skin care. An extra ordinary formula that deeply cleans your skin without drying it out, and leaves it nourished, balanced and refreshed with refreshing aromatherapy. This is perfect for sensitive skin or skin prone to clogged pores and breakouts. This product is gender neutral and loved by all.

Option 2:

Our Lemongrass Foaming Face Wash is a sulphate-free, SLS-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, mineral oil-free, colour-free, cruelty-free and vegan natural face cleanser formulated to optimise your skin care. This gently foaming formula is perfect for sensitive skin or skin prone to clogged pores and breakouts. Can be used by all ages.

Option 2:

Bio-Peel is a water based formula, this is an anti-aging product with moisturising and exfoliating properties. It includes AHAs and BHA and Hyaluronic Acid. It will gently exfoliate and hydrate the top layer of your skin to reveal fresh skin and a beautiful, youthful glow. Hyaluronic Acid in this product helps to boost collagen production. Suitable after 21 years of age. Sensitive skins are recommended a patch test.

Patch Testing Guide:

Patch tests are an easy way to help predict if you will have a negative initial reaction to a new product. It is recommended to perform a patch test before incorporating a new product into your routine. We have outlined a general method for conducting your own patch test based on the type of product.

 Why is it Important?

You should patch test a product before you use it to avoid the potential severity of an allergic reaction. Allergies can cause anything from minor redness to painful swelling or worse. Patch testing is important because it will help you to be sure that you can safely use a new skincare product.

How to Patch-Test a Product

Patch testing is simple. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to set a day aside if you want to do your patch test properly. Follow the steps below.

1.      Use a Clear Patch of Skin

Choose an accessible and clear patch of skin to test whatever the product is. It should be somewhere that you can comfortably leave alone for up to 24 hours. The skin around the crook of your elbow is a good example of the kind of area you can use.

2.      Wash the Area First

Wash and clean the patch of skin you’re going to use first. If there is a reaction, you will want to be sure that it’s the new product you applied for and not something else. So make sure to clean the area before you begin.

3.      Apply a Small Amount to the Skin

Apply a small amount of the product to the patch of skin you’ve chosen, and cover the area with a Band-Aid.

4.      Wait 24 Hours

Now it’s time to wait. You should ideally allow about 24 hours before removing the Band-Aid. However, if you experience any pain, burning, or itching, you should remove the Band-Aid and wash the affected area right away.

• CHARM NATURAL SERUMS:

Patch testing before use is advised: Apply the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product. If you develop severe irritation, hives, swelling of eyes and mouth, blistering, or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use and consult a physician right away.

• CHARM NATURAL LEAVE-ON PRODUCT :

Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.

Keep the area dry.

After 24 hours rinse the area.

If any redness, burning, itching, blistering, or irritation is observed at any time throughout the test, do not use the product.

• CHARM NATURAL RINSE-OFF PRODUCTS:

Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.

Keep the area dry.

After 24 hours rinse the area.

If any redness, burning, itching, blistering, or irritation is observed at any time throughout the test, do not use the product. 

• CHARM NATURAL FULLER’S EARTH MASK AND SOAP-LESS FACE WASH

Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.

Leave-on for the specified length of time stated in the directions of use of the product.

Rinse off when the specified time has passed.

If any redness, burning, itching, blistering, or irritation is observed within 24 hours of the patch test, do not use the product.

What You’re Looking For

If you’re allergic to the product it will be pretty easy to tell. When you first remove the Band-Aid, you may notice some pink or red color from the Band-Aid itself, but this should fade after a short while. If the redness does not fade, then you may have a mild allergy. If the skin is red, raised, itchy, or covered with a rash, then it is likely you have a severe allergy to the product. If you’re not sure, or you’ve had severe reactions to skincare products in the past, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist.

A natural skincare, hair care and body care brand. Made by hand in small batches, with love and care. What inspired me into this field was just how rampant cancer and other deadly diseases have become because of all that we eat, drink, and apply. When disease hit close to home it made me stop and examine all that I am consuming in every way - from food to the cooking utensils, to the polluted air we breathe to all that we use on our bodies. Skin, being the largest organ absorbs whatever we put on it and takes it into the bloodstream. This made me want to get rid of all those commercial products that were actually just poisoning me. I started  looking for alternatives for almost everything!

This search motivated me to experiment with products for my own use and I at once noticed the difference between the pure and natural ones I was making and the chemical-laden ones I had been using all my life. A simple chapstick left my lips moisturised for an entire day whereas I would be reapplying the regular ones every
hour. Then I worked on a recipe for deodorant - which is applied very close to the lymph node area, and then body moisturisers as they cover the entire body. Of course, once the ball got rolling, I discovered my passion for this and kept adding to the product list all that people asked me for and all that I wanted to use in my skincare
regimen.

I am happy to share these products with the public and spread awareness of a healthier lifestyle.
 
The ingredients I use for these products are pure and natural ones like carrier oils of coconut, olive, jojoba, almond, grapeseed, avocado, apricot, etc; beeswax, shea butter, and cocoa butter. For fragrance, I only use essential oils for all their aromatherapy benefits. However, when I came to making water-based products like the shampoo I realised that within one-week bacterial activity starts in the liquid. At this point, I felt it was better to make products with a safe-to-use  preservative than to leave it all-natural with bacterial activity. Where it was absolutely unavoidable we have used a safe-to-use preservative (paraben-free).

We are a Pakistani artisan brand of natural body, hair, and skincare products.

If you want a DIY Facial at home then here are 7 easy steps you need to follow girlfriend!

Lavender Cleansing Oil – you can do a double cleanse if you are wearing makeup. This is so relaxing it will literally take the day off of your face.

Soapless Face Wash with Fuller’s Earth and Rose – This beauty is a cleanser and exfoliant, use it by mixing into a thickish paste and gently rubbing on your face in circular motions for a couple of minutes. Rinse off.

Vitamin C and Fuller’s Earth Face Mask – Make a paste with water to activate and apply to your skin for that gorgeous glow! Leave on for 10-15 minutes or until dry. Rinse off.

Geranium Toner. A lavish spritz of this ever so refreshing treat…this spritz will help your product reach into the deeper layers of your skin.

Anti-aging Eye Serum – We must never neglect the delicate around the eye area, just a gentle dab with 1 drop between your ring fingers is all you need of this potent serum.

Elixir Anti-aging Serum or better yet, our 24 Karat Gold Serum – A few drops is all you need – let it absorb in the skin and then spritz the toner to prepare the skin for the next product

.
Radiance Anti-aging Cream – all you need is a pea sized amount, rub gently between your hands and press your hands on your face to apply. A little will go a long way with this cream and you will feel the difference very soon.

And your Charm Natural Home Facial is done!

Hyaluronic Acid is actually a gel-like substance that has the unique ability to retain moisture. In fact, our bodies produce it naturally to help us retain moisture in our skin. Hyaluronic Acid as we age and our skin becomes dryer and less elastic as a result, which causes us to develop deep-set wrinkles. This is why it works wonderfully as an anti-aging component in skincare as the Hyaluronic Acid can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water.

1. - Skin hydration - keeps your skin moisturised, plump and radiant
2. - Anti-wrinkle properties - due to its capacity to retain large amounts of water, skin stays moisturised and helps to prevent the development of wrinkles, and fills in already present wrinkles to reduce their appearance.
3. - Antioxidant - helps to keep skin looking healthy.
4. - Must be used in conjunction with a moisturiser. In the case of our Bio-Epitome, it is made in the form of a moisturiser so adding on another moisturiser is optional.
5. When using hyaluronic acid, the results are almost instant and you will see them in a few days.

Hyaluronic Acid can be used day and night.

Products containing Hyaluronic Acid should always be applied damp skin for deep absorption. We recommend a spray of toner to prep the skin just before application.

Application: Face, neck and décolletage area. If you have sensitive skin, do a skin test first (see our patch test guide in blogs).

I believe there is an aspect of skincare that is often underestimated. Skincare is not only meant to give results that are either immediate or achieved in the span of a few weeks…it’s also created for prevention purposes.

One might think, I have beautiful, normal skin, why would I use skincare if I already have a good thing going?

The thing is, skincare also makes sure you keep that good thing going 10 or 20 or 30 (you get the idea) years down the road. Sunscreen and vitamin C help prevent wrinkles; you can clearly see the difference when you meet someone who has used these products for years from someone who didn’t.

Salicylic acid helps with blackheads. Moisturisers and hydrating products help keep your skin barrier healthy (the skin barrier protects your skin from harmful microorganisms and regulates inflammation). AHAs and BHAs prevent skin cells buildup which can lead to dryness, rough texture and breakouts.

I am aware that many people don’t like skincare and will never ever use a skincare product. It’s perfectly fine for me. What I want to say with this answer is that there are things that can be done now so that our skin will look its best in the future, and it would be a shame to feel regret about it years from now.

Many men and women who never applied sunscreen the proper way when exposing themselves to the sun do express regret for it now, it’s not uncommon.

We are living in the best era when it comes to skincare. We have affordable products that are effective, safe and wearable. Skincare is also an enjoyable form of self care…I encourage you to try it if you have been curious about it but didn’t make the step of looking for something yet.

Hope this helps!
https://www.quora.com/

YOUR NIGHT TIME SKIN REGIMEN

As your skin naturally repairs itself at night, your night time routine should be all about giving your skin what it needs. If your skin is looking dull, exfoliate. If it is irritated, hydrate and protect. Here’s the best order of skin care products to make sure you get the most out of them:

STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSING

To get rid of the day’s grime, dirt, oil and makeup, our expert recommends removing your makeup first with the oil cleansing method using our Lavender Cleansing Oil, or the Balm-to-Milk Cleanser. Best to try double cleansing, which involves using an oil based cleanser first to dissolve your makeup and then a water based cleanser. Try washing your face with our gentle and pH balanced Aromatherapy Daily Face Wash, the Lemongrass Foaming Face Wash or alternatively you can try our Bio-Peel.

The first step is to take off your makeup. This is the step where you would use our Lavender Cleansing Oil. The second step is to use a face wash to remove all the excess sebum, dirt and makeup you loosened up on the first step. This leaves your skin fresh and perfectly prepped to absorb your skin regimen. If you choose to use the Bio-Peel, it works by gently exfoliation the skin using AHAs, BHA, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and a gentle surfactant.

STEP 2: TONER/ ESSENCE

If you use a toner, apply it as you would in the morning.

At night, some people also like to layer various types of skin care boosters, which you’ll see as either mists, essences, beauty waters, hydrosols or hydrating (hyaluronic acid) serums. These are infused with different active ingredients, but for the most part, the purpose is mainly to hydrate and nourish skin.

You can use our Geranium Toner or our Bio-H2O Hydrating Face Drink.

STEP 3: EYE SERUM

Aside from addressing crow’s feet and dark circles, our anti-aging eye serum can also serve to protect your delicate eye area from your other skin care products.

Generally, you’d want to apply your eye serum before your treatments to protect your eye area against potent ingredients, which could potentially cause irritation. You can try our Anti-aging Eye Serum for this.

STEP 4: TREATMENTS, SERUMS

Like the rest of the body, skin does the bulk of its repairing, restoring and regenerating as we sleep. This is why most targeted skin care treatments—like prescription meds, retinol creams, exfoliating treatments and anti-aging serums are better used at night. However, instead of layering up all your treatment serums and creams, we suggest choosing your evening treatment depending on your skin’s of-the-moment needs. Our Bio-Epitome Moisturiser is an antiaging one with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Vitamin E and 1% Vitamin B5, use just one pump on cleansed and damp skin, apply to face, neck and decolletage area. Follow with your night cream / face oil. Our Bio Stellar - C is another great product for glow, even tone and brightness.

STEP 5: MOISTURISER OR NIGHT CREAM

Some people use the same moisturiser for day and night. Our Bio-Epitome is one such anti-aging one that can easily be used daytime and at night under a heavier night moisturiser. However, night moisturisers or night creams are generally thicker and heavier and designed to be absorbed over the course of several hours. Our night time recommendations are Radiance Cream and our Bio-Nude Antiaging Face Oil with CoQ10 and Retinol.

Moisturiser, particularly the heavier ones used at night, create a protective coating on the skin to prevent water evaporation while you sleep. Maintaining a high water content in the skin is key for healing and maintaining healthy skin. If you are using the right moisturiser, it should be your last step because nothing is going to get through it. If your skin is on the dry side, you may want to add a face oil like our Elixer or 24Karat Gold Serum before applying your Radiance Cream or Bio-Nude.

Exfoliative treatments: Use these sparingly, one to three times a week.

STEP 6: LIP TREATMENT

We almost always tend to ignore the skin on our lips. It is very important to look after them and to keep them from feeling chapped and dry. Every night before going to bed we must use a lip balm to help soothe the lips, condition the skin and rev up the blood flow. Like the rest of your skin, your lips also renew and repair overnight and applying one of our lip balm will aid the process. You can choose from our range of 3 lip balms (Lavender & Mint, Grapefruit, Orange & Cinnamon) to suit your mood.

Another piece of advice? Listen to your skin. Remember that you are unique and that nobody else has your skin. No matter what experts say, it’s important to find what works for you and to always be kind to your skin.

DAY TIME REGIMEN

The morning routine is all about protection from the sun, pollution and the elements.

STEP 1: CLEANSER

In the morning, start by splashing your face with warm water or, if you must, you can use:

our gentle Soapless Face Wash with Fuller’s earth and Rose,

Daily Aromatherapy Face Wash,

Lemongrass Foaming Face Wash,

or our Bio-Peel.

STEP 2: TONER

Most people choose to skip toners, partly because there’s a lingering assumption that most toners are harsh and irritate the skin. Fortunately, that’s not the case with our Geranium Toner or our Bio-H2O Hydrating Face Drink. While it doesn’t physically “shrink” pores, these toners, essences can serve multiple purposes, like act as a delivery system for antioxidants and vitamins etc.

STEP 3: SERUMS / ESSENCES

are super-concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns, so it’s better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. There are various serums available all of which have anti-aging properties and are very good for your skin. We recommend to keep changing them in your routine. You can choose from our Bio-H2O Hydrating Face Drink or our Bio Stellae - C Serum. Both will need to be used before moisturising. If using the Bio Stellar - C Serum, make sure to use a sun screen as well.

STEP 4: EYE SERUM

It’s vital to apply an eye serum at least every night—if not twice a day—starting in your 20s. It’s about maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. Improving the skin quality in this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its smooth appearance later on.

For best results, consistency is key. Regular use of eye serum over time will keep the eyelid skin elastic and can improve or prevent against some fine lines or collagen loss. Remember: Nothing is magic. Results don’t occur overnight. You can further protect the delicate skin around your eyes by applying sunscreen every day. Wearing sunglasses when outside to protect against UV-light damage and lines that can creep up around the corners of your eyes from squinting.

STEP 5: MOISTURISER

Yes, everyone needs a moisturiser, even if you have oily skin. Even though your body has its own natural lubricating system consisting of glands that secrete oil (or sebum) to maintain a protective coating against harsh outside conditions and infections, most of us do need extra hydration after the havoc that sun, weather and harsh chemicals wreak on our skin.

Most experts recommend that the best time to apply a moisturiser is while the skin is still damp, so the sooner you go through applying your serum and treatment, the sooner you’re able to lock in much-needed hydration with your moisturiser. Our Bio-Epitome Antiaging Moisturiser is a great choice, as is our Elixer Antiaging Serum (face oil) and Radiance Cream (suitable for dry skin).

STEP 6: SUN SCREEN

Sunscreen should be the last step in your daytime skin care routine if you’re using a physical or mineral sunscreen, which works by physically blocking UV rays. This step becomes tricky when you’re using a chemical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens have to be absorbed into the skin to be effective, so applying after your moisturiser will delay and hinder that. However, if you apply your chemical sunscreen before your moisturiser, your moisturiser will not work as well either because the skin is coated with chemical sunscreen.

To get around this, use our physical sunscreen with zinc and apply it after your moisturiser. Zinc is safe, effective and provides a broad protection against UVA and UVB rays.

STEP 7: LIP TREATMENT

Use our lavender and mint lip balm to prepare your lips for the day by deeply moisturising them, specially before using a matte lipstick.

Hyperpigmentation is temporary skin darkening due to sun, inflammation (post-breakout) and injury, limited in size and extent.

While you can wait for it to go away naturally, you would get rid of it much faster using sunscreen daily and applying brightening skincare products such as a vitamin C serum. For optimal protection sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or less.

Other ingredients that help fade hyperpigmentation are Niacinamide, hydroquinone - which is banned in Europe, UK and Australia- arbutin, azelaic acid and liquorice extracts. Using chemical exfoliants regularly also helps.

It’s important to distinguish ordinary hyperpigmentation from melasma. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation triggered by hormonal fluctuations, medications, sun, and genetics. It shows as large patches of darkened skin.

It’s a chronic condition, difficult to eradicate solely with skincare products. Treatment includes year round sun protection, laser, chemical peels, hydroquinone, tretinoin. If you have melasma I would definitely recommend you seek the help of a dermatologist.

Recommended Charm Natural Products:

1-Bio Stellar - C Serum

2-Bio-H2O Face Drink

3-Bio-Nude Face Oil

4-Fuller's Earth and Vitamin C Face Mask