Uneven skin tone and dark spots are two of the most common skin concerns among people. With a barrage of skin care products claiming to brighten skin, one effective and powerful ingredient that is often overlooked is alpha arbutin. This skin brightener is specially crafted to combat dark spots and fade discoloration, making it an optimal solution for those battling against age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Alpha arbutin stands out from the rest due to its high effectiveness and safe use on all types of skin tones. It's a naturally occurring ingredient derived from the bearberry plant that acts as both an antioxidant and skin brightener. Alpha arbutin has proven its ability to reduce melanin formation and slow down melanosome maturasms that actively work towards skin brightening.

Compared to hydroquinone – a gold standard in skin lightening – alpha arbutin is a more tolerable alternative. People usually have concerns surrounding the use of hydroquinone, with skin sensitization and melanocytotoxicity from oxidative byproducts being the primary risks. Alpha arbutin, on the other hand, poses minimal irritation and sensitization risk, earning it the name "natural hydroquinone" for its functioning similarly to hydroquinone without the said risks. 
Alpha arbutin's benefits extend beyond its impressive skin brightening capabilities. It minimizes UV-induced pigmentation and free radicals while addressing glycation and sugar-induced skin sallowness. Alpha arbutin also fades discoloration caused by environmental stressors, thereby resulting in a more even and radiant skin tone. 
In summary, alpha arbutin is a powerful and safe ingredient that effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. Its unique molecular structure allows it to target pigmentation in two different ways, making it the ultimate solution for people facing age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Everything You Need to Know About Alpha Arbutin

Before I learned about skincare at all I struggled to find out what products were best for my skin type, when & how to use them to achieve healthy benefits. After 19 years in the beauty industry, and a lot of classes on this subject, I guess you can say I picked up a few things along the way. It can be hard to understand just how to layer your skincare during your routine(s). AM & PM routines call for slightly different ingredients which will have you purchasing some different products. In other words, expect that what your using in your morning (AM) skincare routine will not be the same as the product s your using at nighttime(PM) routine. Please remember, when purchasing any products, especially skincare, you’ve studied ingredients enough to differentiate between good ingredients and bad. If you need help with this, download an app called Healthy living and you can scan the barcodes on the internet product or packaging & it will let you know what ingredients are inside and if they are Fantastic, good, bad, or ugly! This is based on strict EWG guidelines for all products on the market for sale.Doing this with help you tremendously, saving you a ton of stress & money. I found these skincare product charts that guide you on what order you should layer your skincare for both AM & PM! I hope you found this information useful to you & helps you along your skincare journey! XOXO

Guide to Layering Skincare!

If you're unsure about specific ingredients and or ingredient combos if they are safe to use in your skincare routine, here are a few to guide you in the right direction. I hope this helps you out a little bit! I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about skincare products, ingredients and safe ingredient combinations. 

~Xoxo

Ingredients You Can Use Together!

**Fermented rice water** has been used for centuries in Asian cultures as a beauty treatment for hair. While some of its benefits are supported by tradition and anecdotal evidence, scientific research is still limited. Let's explore the potential benefits of using fermented rice water for your hair and scalp:

1. **Hair Growth**: Legend has it that rice water helped women in Japan's Heian period grow floor-length hair. Today, in China, rice water is part of a regimen that earned the town of Huangluo a Guinness Book of World Records designation as the "World's Longest Haired Village." However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking.

2. **Strength and Shine**: Fans of rice water say it can make your hair shinier and stronger. The nutrients in rice water, including vitamins B and E, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, may contribute to healthier hair.

3. **Scalp Health**: Fermented rice water helps balance the pH of the scalp, reducing dandruff and itching. Its antimicrobial properties may also prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria, creating a healthier scalp environment..

4. **Hair Texture and Elasticity**: When you apply fermented rice water to your hair and scalp, it introduces amino acids that can strengthen hair strands, enhance texture, and boost elasticity.

5. **Cuticle Smoothing**: Fermented rice water smoothes the hair's cuticle, making it look shinier and feel softer.

6. **Antioxidants**: Fermented rice water contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, protecting your hair from damage.

**How to Make Rice Water**:
There are three main methods:
1. **Short Soak**: Soak rice in water for 30 minutes to two hours.
2. **Boiling**: Boil the rice-water mixture.
3. **Long Soak (Fermentation)**: Soak rice in water for a day or more to ferment the water. However, the shorter soak is recommended for better results.

Remember that while rice water is generally safe, if you have scalp inflammation, consult a dermatologist before using it to avoid additional irritation. Enjoy experimenting with this ancient beauty secret! 🌾🌟

Fermented Rice Water & Your Hair.

As a product tester and beauty review writer with over 20 year's experience, I've worked with some of the most popular brands in the beauty industry. As the beauty industry continues to evolve we can expect new, exciting products to try out. 
   Products with cannabidiol (CBD) are trending everywhere today: oils, gummies, capsules, and just about any kind of skin care product you can imagine.

But what exactly is a cannabis compound doing in our skincare, cleaners and foods? What benefits does it hold for our skin? What makes these products worth such a hefty price tag?

I was able to find out for myself, taking a deep dive into the world of CBD skin care. Here’s what I found behind the marketing claims, plus some of the best reviewed CBD products, so you can decide for yourself if CBD products are worth the hype.
           
                              WHAT IS CBD? 
  CBD is one of more than 100 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Unlike its sister compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. In other words, there’s little chance that your CBD lotion will make you feel high.

  Instead, the buzz around CBD is in its therapeutic benefits. While many of these are related to whole-body symptoms of pain, anxiety, or insomnia, there are a few related to skin care as well.

  Seems the two leading causes of skin aging and common skin issues like acne and hyperpigmentation are fee radical damage, trusted source to the epidermis, Inflammation caused by irregular functions in the endocannabinoid system
 The endocannabinoid system is a complex matrix of cell receptors responsible for balancing many key functions of the skin such as oil production, melanocyte production (also known as pigmentation), and much more. CBD is an incredibly effective ingredient in skin care due to it being a powerful antioxidant and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

While research into CBD is ongoing, what we do know so far seems to back this up. Here’s how the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD affect the body’s largest organ:. Regulates oil production. The overproduction of sebum is thought to be a contributing factor of acne. According to a 2014 studyTrusted Source, CBD may have an anti-inflammatory effect on sebocytes, the skin cells that produce sebum.
Helps reduce inflammation. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD may be able to help reduce swelling, pain, and redness from existing breakouts, or irritation from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Hydrates dry skin. Research from 2009 suggests that CBD may be effective for dry, dehydrated skin. While we’re still scratching the surface of CBD, It really is incredibly fascinating and promising in terms of the many benefits phytocannabinoids provide for the skin, I think we will only see more and more use of these type of phytocannabinoids in skin care and wellness formulations in the years to come. 

                        USING CBD PRODUCTS 
   CBD skin care products are, obviously, applied to the skin. But application depends on the specific product. If you’re using a serum, spray, cleanser, mask, or moisturizer, you’ll use them in the same order as regular skin care. Follow the directions on the label, and you should be all set.
 Too much of anything on your skin can be irritating

         SUGGESTED CBD BRANDS + PRODUCTS 
Prices for CBD products can vary widely. This pricing key here lets you know where these products fall.

$ = under $30
$$ = $30–$60
$$$ = $61–$100
$$$$ = over $100

1.) VERTLY
What to try: Glowing Face Serum, Soothing Floral Face Mist, and Lip Butter.
THE HYPE
The small-batch brand is straight out of California, with the slow-extracted botanicals to prove it. They call it “garden-to-bottle” skin care, which describes the use of powerful herbs to magnify the benefits of CBD. And, get this, their products are made fresh daily, which is probably why the Glowing Face Serum is said to smell so incredible. That’s not easy to do with CBD-infused products, so Vertly is clearly on to something. The mix of infused herbs, flowers, and CBD come together in a luxurious oil that soaks into the skin, and it leaving the skin dewy and glowing. PRICE: $–$$$ 



2.) BEEKMAN 1802 CBD COLLECTION
What to try: Milk Bar + CBD Facial Cleansing Bar, CBD Goat Milk Body Cream, Milk Drops + CBD High & Dry Facial Oil, and CBD Goat Milk Stick of Butter.
THE HYPE
Using one of my favorite Ingredients, goat milk, to make their soaps and body lotions, is sure to have skin feeling soft and baby smooth! Their limited line of products includes a facial cleansing bar, body cream, facial oil, and a solid-to-oil massage stick. The massage stick is ideal for on-the-spot treatment of aching muscles. It's great to use along the shoulders and the sides of the neck. Beekman’s milk bar cleanser, and the addition of CBD is a treat for the skin with an antioxidant-filled bonus. PRICE: $–$$$$

3.)LILY CBD
What to try: Unforgettable CBD Aloe Vera Lotion.
THE HYPE
CBD-infused aloe vera lotion. Lily's version is a throwback to the aloe vera plant they kept at home to hydrate sun-parched skin. The finished product is less of a traditional lotion and more of a thick and airy cream. PRICE: $$

4.) SEABEDEE
What to try: Green Tea Facial Cleanser, Aloe & Rose Hydrating Mist, Spirulina & Algae Regenerating Mask, and Cucumber & Lilac Moisturizer.
THE HYPE
  A facial cleanser, hydrating mist, mask, and moisturizer round out the set, which is entirely free of sulfates, parabens, dimethicone, and fragrance. And it has a bonus secret weapon — terpeneTrusted Source blends give an extra boost of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
This is skin care simplicity at its best: cleanse, mist, mask, moisturize, and, boom, done. The face mask in particular is a treat. Thick and cool, it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, with no tightness or dry spots. All four products have an earthy CBD aroma, and I like the fact that Seabedee doesn’t add anything non-essential to mask the natural fragrance.
PRICE:$$-$$$

5.)FORIA
What to try: Wellness Bath Salts with CBD & Lavender and Relief Bath Salts with CBD & Kava.
THE HYPE
 The fragrance of the Wellness Bath Salts and Relief Bath Salts alone is deeply relaxing. It’s hard to go wrong with a long soak in warm water that’s been infused with mineral-rich Epsom salts, organically grown kava, lavender, calendula, ginger, and hemp
PRICE:$$

6.)KANA
What to try: Lotus CBD Essence Toner and Active Botanical Essence.
THE HYPE
Korean beauty — also known as K-beauty — launched some of the most popular beauty trends ever, including sheet masks and the now-iconic BB cream. Now, KANA is combining K-beauty, aromatherapy, and CBD in a plant-based line with zero fragrances, dyes, or “dirty” ingredients.
KANA’s Lotus CBD Essence Toner, a beautiful K-beauty essence, which is a skin care step between cleansing and serum. It’s loaded with powerhouse ingredients — CBD, of course, as well as pink lotus — to nourish and prep the skin, so it can effectively absorb the rest of your skin care routine.
PRICE:$$$

            HOW TO SHOP FOR CBD PRODUCTS 
There’s a whole wide world of CBD skin care products out there, and some claims are hard to believe. Still, research and personal experience have me convinced that there are real benefits to CBD as an ingredient in skin care — with the important caveat of shopping wisely. The addition of CBD alone doesn’t mean much if the other ingredients aren’t benefiting your skin.

 I advise people to look beyond the CBD, If a product has a high milligram content [of CBD] but the rest of the ingredients aren’t great, then you aren’t going to have optimal results. So, before you dive in, arm yourself with a few notes.

    *Check the label for true CBD. If the ingredient list simply says ‘hemp seed oil,’ this is not CBD. There is a lot of greenwashing happening in the skin care world and very little regulation, so it will be up to you to ensure you are actually getting what you are paying for. Hemp seed oil provides great moisturizing properties but is not CBD.
    *Check testing results. Most leading CBD skin care companies will provide lab results for their CBD extract to ensure you know exactly what you are putting on your skin, You want to be sure that the hemp plants used to extract the CBD were farmed without pesticides and other harmful properties. [These] would defeat the purpose of using the healing compounds.
     *Check the directions and follow them. Like most topical [treatments], in order for the skin to absorb the product and benefit from It's healing properties, it must stay on the skin for a while. I suggest looking for a CBD-infused product such as a serum, oil, or masks that have time to penetrate the tough outer layers of the epidermis and make changes on a cellular level. 

   I hope this helps those of you curious about CBD and the infuse skincare products that our skin can benefit greatly from. Have you tried CBD products yet? What was your experience with CBD? Have a CBD product favorite? 
                                Comment below!

CBD SKINCARE.

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**What I Dislike:**

There's nothing to dislike about this product. It's a well-formulated, effective, and affordable skincare gem.

 Mixoon Bean Essence: A Nourishing Elixir for Radiant Skin

As a beauty expert with over two decades of experience, I've had the pleasure of testing countless skincare products. I've collaborated with various beauty brands, both big and small, to bring you honest and insightful reviews. Today, I'm excited to share my thoughts on the Mixoon Bean Essence.

**Who is it for?**

The Mixoon Bean Essence is ideal for those with dry, dehydrated, or dull skin. It's a versatile product that can be used by individuals of all ages and skin types.

**Key Ingredients and Benefits:**

* **White Kidney Bean Extract:** This unique ingredient helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
* **Hyaluronic Acid:** A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated.
* **Niacinamide:** Soothes inflammation, improves skin texture, and helps to regulate sebum production.

**How Often to Use:**

The Bean Essence can be used both morning and night. Apply a few drops to the face and neck, gently patting the skin to aid absorption.

**Layering and Compatibility:**

The Bean Essence can be layered with other skincare products, such as serums, moisturizers, and facial oils. It pairs well with a hydrating toner and a rich moisturizer for optimal results.

**What I Like:**

* **Hydrating:** The essence provides intense hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
* **Brightening:** The white kidney bean extract helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
* **Versatile:** It can be used alone or layered with other products.
* **Gentle:** The formula is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

**Recommendation:**

I highly recommend the Mixoon Bean Essence to anyone seeking a hydrating and brightening skincare product. It's a fantastic addition to any skincare routine and delivers on its promises.

As a berified beauty expert with 21yrs experience in the beauty industry I was so excited about collaborating with Vacation Inc. and getting to try this product. I absolutely LOVE this sunscreen and the fact its a facial spritz is even bettet! Its got the same great scent as does most of the Vacation Inc products do. Its a clean beauty product which is something I look for as a consumer of clean skincare products, I was very impressed with the ingredients list this product has.

Not only is it SPF 50 combatting skin cancer, sun damage, and sun burns, but it has amazing ingredients inside for tue health of your skin. 
Key Ingredients: Bisabolol, Aloe & Cucumber - A blend of naturally-occurring antioxidants to keep your skin soothed & calm

Caffeine - A hardworking de-puffing agent to reinvigorate your skin

Banana & Coconut - A tropical duo of nourishment and hydration to combat the drying effects of sun exposure

Shea & Maracuja Oils - Lightweight plant based oils to boost hydration & to enhance skin barrier functions

Green Tea, Vitamin E, Algae & Ferulic Acid - A refreshing antioxidant cocktail to help skin bombarded by blue light, pollution and other environmental stressors.
 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Avobenzone (2.9%), Octisalate (4.9%), Octocrylene (9.5%)
I highly recommend everyone to try this with your other sunscreen products! Vacation has other amazing sunscreen which I combined this with and it works amazing! Its great for those with dryer skin types like i have. Keeps the skin moisturized and doesnt get dried out. 

Nothing bad about it! Great product with great price!

A drink of water for thristy skin! 
As a beauty professional with 20 years in the beauty industry. Ive been able to try all kinds of diffrent moisturizers especially the water ones. This one is by far the best in beauty!

I have naturally dry skin with mild derm. conditions such as eczema and slight facial rosaeca. It’s important that I find moitureizers than can deliever the lasting hydration benefits that my unruly skin needs so badly.

My experience with this H20+ Moisturizer has been steller! Aesthetically, its beautiful blue color &amp; frosted jar was most pleasing to the eye! Very relaxing to look at as well to put onto the skin. The texture is a gel like consistancy thats very fast absorbing into the skin, never leaving the skin feeling wet or skicky afterwards. My skin feels ultra hydrated and supple after application. I use this after cleansing and before serums both morning and night. I wake up feeling refreshed, with fully hydrated skin! 

This product is for all skin types but highly recommended for dry &amp; extra dry skin types, as well as those with mild skin derm. Like psoriasis, eczema, and rosaeca. This helps relief of dry flaky patches that result in itchy or painful inflamation &amp; irritation.

I hightly enjoy this product, I wouldnt change anything about this cleanset or my experiance with it.

Perricone MD’s CBD cleanser for sensitive skin is formulated with 99% pure Cannabidiol (CBD). This gentle, low-foaming cleanser is designed to effectively remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin of essential moisture. This was my experience with this beautifully gentle CBD cleanser! 
 This product left my skin looking and feeling thoroughly cleansed and moisturized without drying or irritating the skin. I used only Perricone MD Gentle CBD cleanser for sensitive skin for 3 full weeks so that I could give an accurate review of my experience with these benefits. 

What It Did for Me:

*Gentle cleanse, left my skin well hydrated &amp; moisturised without feeling dry or dehydrated later in the day. 
* This product is Ideal for dry &amp; sensitive skin types.
*Refreshes, smooths and comforts the skin.
*Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested

All the Feels:
  
* lightweight with a thicker, gel-like consistancy.
*Ideal for sensitive skin types.
*Fragrance Free.

As a beauty professional active in the beauty industry testing and writing reviews for over 20 year's, I've come across a lot of moisturizers and body butters. I absolutely love this product! Not only is it moisturizing but it also helps soothe eczema and psoriasis! With it's Ingredients you can only get from Israel, sulphur.

This product also contains the very expensive Ingredient pomagranite oil. This absorbes easily into the skin, not making it greasy or anything. Soaks in very fast for soft skin that stays moisturised all day.

I highly recommend ns to anyone with dry, extra dry skin with eczema or psoriasis. 

Lexigray