Archives for December 2023

“Made In The USA:” Why It’s Important

December 28, 2023 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

Here at CHARLíS, we are proud to put the words “Made in the USA” on all our products, and there are specific reasons why we decided to do so. Read on to learn what this label really represents and how it can ultimately mean more safety, quality, and peace of mind for you!

What is “Made in the USA?”

In the vast world of skincare products, the discerning and health-conscious consumers like you are increasingly looking to buy locally made products. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, upwards of 78% of all Americans would rather buy products that were truly “Made in the USA” if they could (and most were willing to spend a little more to do so). (1)

But what exactly does this mean? Simply put, the phrase “Made in the USA” (or just “Made in USA”) is a denotation put forth by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to indicate that “all or virtually all” of the “significant parts” of a product are of U.S. origin. (2) According to the FTC’s terminology, companies that use this exact wording have put forth an “unqualified” claim of an American made product and must provide documentation to back it up if asked to do so.

CHARLíS is able to put this label on all of our products because, although we may source some organic, non-GMO, wild-harvested ingredients from regions of origin that are out of the country (such as organic Theobroma Grandiflorum seed butter, which comes from trees found only in untouched regions of the Brazilian Amazon), the vast majority of our ingredients are harvested here in the United States. In addition, all of the physical packaging as well as manufacturing, assembly, advertising, designing, and administrative work that goes into each CHARLíS product occurs right here in the USA– more specifically, in our home state of Tennessee. Most importantly, before each bottle is shipped to you, it is independently lab-tested to be 100% ToxinFree© by the U.S.-based ToxicFree Foundation.

Be Aware of Fraudulent “American Made” Claims

All that seems pretty straightforward, right? Still, massive confusion is the name of the game when it comes to so-called American made products in general. Unfortunately, both unscrupulous foreign and US-based companies take advantage of the worldwide desire for American products by attempting to skirt around official labels.

A small side note here just for clarification: as opposed to unqualified “Made in the USA” FTC-regulated claims (like what you see on CHARLíS labels), qualified FDA-regulated American made claims are for products that are created and/or designed in the USA yet produced in some way in another country. Qualified products must indicate which other countries are involved in the making of the product. A fictitious example would be a piece of technology such as a cellular phone that says “Designed in the USA, Assembled in Korea” on its label. Qualified claims must also be backed up by documentation.

To sum up, there are only two kinds of labels allowed by the FTC for American made products: unqualified “Made in the USA” claims (such as what is on all CHARLíS labels) and qualified ones, which must indicate which countries are involved outside of the USA. That’s it! Any other wording or images which may lead one to believe that a product is American made is more than likely a fraud.

“Made in the USA” Means Transparency and Accountability

Now that we have cleared the air about what it means when a product is truly “Made in the USA” (and when it is not), let’s discuss some reasons why choosing “Made in the USA” products can benefit you and your family.

First of all, there is transparency. Transparency means that a company is above-board in informing their customers about ingredients, manufacturing practices, laboratory testing procedures, and even financial information. Some of this information may exist on the product label itself or on a product insert as well as on the company website. In addition, many US-companies also provide an email address or telephone number that is easily accessible so that consumers can reach out and get a response right away.

In general, American-based companies maintain higher standards of transparency overall. They are in-country, so reaching out to them if you are also in the states is usually a snap. And when you do reach out, you can be assured that the person on the other end of the phone or email conversation knows what they are talking about and sincerely wants to help you.

Transparency creates a higher-quality product and over-the-top accountability. Here at CHARLíS, our customers are family. We are all on this natural health journey together and it is our desire to help you experience natural beauty both inside and out through what we offer. This means that not only are we available for you to reach out with questions, comments, and concerns, we encourage it! Feel free to email us directly at support@charlis.com. We will respond back to you promptly and get the answers you need!

“Made in the USA” Means Higher Quality

Keeping it “Made in the USA” means you are interacting with a US-based company where transparency is a top priority, and this transparency naturally translates into a higher quality product and an overall more positive customer experience.

This is especially true when it comes to customer service, as I already mentioned. But it also means higher standards for safety in both manufacturing and delivery.

Unfortunately, when it comes to global manufacturing practices for the skincare industry in particular, the motto is usually “profits over people.” A recent Notre Dame report found that half of all the cosmetics on U.S. shelves contain highly toxic compounds. Many of these name-brand US products are actually manufactured overseas. What’s more, the toxic substances that can cause the most damage, such as preservatives, binding agents, and plastic containers, are often used at the manufacturing stage.(3)

Ethical U.S.-based companies will naturally extend their high-quality standards to manufacturing as well. Products, skincare or otherwise, will be put together in a clean, sanitary, dedicated facility. If a U.S. company claims to use “natural” ingredients, then this should extend to what they use to prepare, assemble, and package their products as well, plain and simple.

At CHARLíS, we take clean manufacturing to a whole new level. On par with the organic, non-GMO ingredients we use, our signature blends go into beautifully designed Italian glass bottles which were literally made to maintain the integrity and freshness of the ingredients inside of them naturally for months after purchase. What’s more, our products are shipped directly to you from our U.S.-based facility, so there is no need to worry about irradiation, leakage, or spoilage en route.

“Made in the USA” Ensures Fair Labor Practices & Ethical Behavior

Besides the benefits for yourself and your family, buying “Made in the USA” products like those in the CHARLíS Face Collection and the CHARLíS Body Collection helps to ensure fair labor practices. This means treating employees with respect as well as offering fair, livable wages and benefits to full-time employees. It also ensures that no child labor was used in manufacturing the products and that the product was not tested on animals.

It’s no secret that our U.S. government and its various departments are ripe for improvement in 2023. However, when it comes to worker standards for wages and safety, it is safe to say that the United States is amongst the best. The U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act sets standards for wages and overtime pay, and these standards must be adhered to in most private and public employment situations. (4) The Wage and Hour Division sets the laws regarding child labor and states that a person under the age of 16 cannot be employed during school hours or in positions deemed too dangerous. (5)

The federal organization that oversees employee safety is called OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA sets a high standard for worker safety as well, which is enforceable via inspection and investigation. OSHA covers most public and private operations across the country. (6)

These governmental organizations and their regulations set the framework and the federal enforcement for worker safety and fairness. That being said, it is up to ethical and conscientious US companies to see to it that these laws are adhered to– and even gone beyond with their employees. This is what we strive for at CHARLíS. We are a small, family-owned company and we see our employees as part of that family. Even though we are just getting started, we have a loyal crew who are treated with the utmost respect and fairness on all levels.

“Made in the USA” Means Supporting Local Community and American Self-Sufficiency in Tough Economic Times

Purchasing American-made products not only benefits yourself and your family and ensures that labor laws are being adhered to. It also directly contributes to local, regional, and national economies. This is especially important in the wake of economic challenges, both at home and globally.

The relationship between buying “Made in the USA” products and boosting the American economy is just common sense—the more business stays “in country,” the more jobs on all levels are available for Americans by Americans. This is a concept that most people in the US understand and can stand behind. According to the Consumer Reports research report mentioned above, 80 percent of Americans surveyed said that keeping both jobs and manufacturing in the country was the main reason why they would buy “Made in the USA” products.

What you may not know, however, is just how much revenue this represents. Kevin Wabiszewski, writer and founder of the online product database allamericanmade.com, states that “…every $1 invested in American-made goods generates $1.81 in domestic economic activity…” (7) And according to a 2018 Brookings Institute report, keeping manufacturing within the US contributed $2.17 trillion to the US economy, representing about 12 percent of the American GDP. (8) Wow!

On the local level, spending our money at home can make a profound difference as well. Did you know that, according to the Small Business Administration, between March 2020 and March 2021, 8.7 million new jobs were created by American small businesses? (9) On the other hand, about 70 percent of the total American economy is directly driven by consumer spending. In your hometown and across the country, the health of small US-owned businesses keeps jobs in local communities and high-quality products in people’s homes. It is a win-win! (10)

Supporting American Self-Sufficiency

As parents, it just makes sense that we want our children to grow up as strong, clear-headed, and self-sufficient as possible. Why wouldn’t we want to “grow” our communities and our nation to have these same characteristics?

Healthy people create healthy communities, which then creates a healthy America, able to stand on its own two feet and contribute as an equal partner with other nations around the world. It takes all of us to make that happen. In particular, it takes each person’s decision to buy “Made in the USA” products, as well as small businesses like CHARLíS which are not afraid to stand up for healthy values.

To paraphrase an old adage, standing alone there really isn’t much we can do to effect change. When we work together, however, we can move mountains!

References:

(1) Knowing Which Products are Truly Made in America
(2) Federal Trade Commission – Made in USA
(3) Fluorinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics
(4) Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act
(5) Wage and Hour Division
(6) Summary of the Major Laws of the Department of Labor
(7) 27 Reasons Why Buying American Made Products Matters (2023)
(8) Global manufacturing scorecard: How the US compares to 18 other nations
(9) Oberlo 10 Small Business Statistics
(10) The Importance of Consumer Spending

Combination Skin: What Is It and How You Can Find Skin Balance Everyday

December 20, 2023 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

If your skin feels like it is just “all over the place” in terms of oiliness and dryness, you could have what experts call “combination skin.”

Believe it or not, there is a “method to the madness” of combo skin. Here’s how it works for many people and, most importantly, how you can find balance for your unique combination skin type.

Combination Skin and the T Zone

Combination skin is defined as skin that is sometimes dry, sometimes oily, and sometimes both at the same time (usually in different parts of the face or different parts of the whole body). (1) For most people, combination skin is most prevalent within the “T Zone” of the face. According to dermatologists, this zone includes the entire forehead and also the area directly down the nose from the forehead and all the way to the chin. In T Zone combo skin, one may experience oiliness in that area and dryness elsewhere, especially on the cheeks.

Even though this is the most common way in which combination skin is expressed, it is definitely not the only way. Combination skin can also happen on other parts of the face as well as on the scalp, hands, and feet.

Combination Skin and the Sebaceous Glands

Combination skin is intricately related to the functioning of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The T Zone tends to have the most sebaceous glands of any part of the body, and that is why combination skin occurs there more than any other place. Sebaceous glands create a waxy substance called sebum which is designed to protect your skin and keep it moisturized and soft.

Some individuals with combination skin genetically have extra sebaceous glands in the T Zone especially. These glands may also be more active, producing more sebum fluid when compared to other individuals.(2) While genetics can absolutely be a factor for combination skin symptoms, it is by no means the only factor, nor is it the most important one. The principles of epigenetics state that it usually takes 3 or more “epigenetic catalysts” for a genetic predisposition to manifest. Epigenetic factors can be internal imbalances not related directly to the specific genetic trait (gut issues, for example) or they can be environmental influences such as harsh chemicals in sundry products or air pollution. Epigenetic factors can also affect the severity of your combination skin.

Reflect: Do you experience extreme combination skin symptoms in the T Zone or other areas of your face or body? If so, what epigenetic factors do you think are contributing to these symptoms?

What Causes Combination Skin Symptoms

Here are just a few situations that can create the “perfect storm” for combination skin symptoms to manifest:

Seasonal Changes. Extreme oiliness and dryness along the T Zone, feet, hands, or elsewhere can occur with the seasons. This may be expressed in that some areas may feel oilier in the summer and drier in the winter (or vice versa). On the other hand, you may have periods of breakouts, rash, flakiness, or acne during certain seasons. For example, a person may experience extra dryness every September and October, as the weather in their region turns from hot to cooler.

Seasonal combo skin may include the T Zone on your face as well as combination characteristics in other parts of your body. For example, your heels may feel extra dry and prone to cracking in the winter and prone to sweating or feeling extra oily in the summer.

Reflect: Do areas of your face or whole body go through skin-related changes with the seasons? How so?

Hormonal Changes. The condition of the skin can also change with changing hormones. This is especially true for women. Hormonally influenced combination skin can look like oiliness along the T Zone that occurs only during the menstrual cycle if you are of childbearing age. If you are older, breakouts can happen during or after menopause or flakiness can occur along the T Zone or elsewhere shortly after “vasomotor symptoms (VMS)” or “hot flashes.”

A 2005 study sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine found that low estrogen levels, especially prevalent during menopause, can cause excessive skin dryness. In addition, scientists have long known of the connection between adrenal hormones and sebaceous gland function. (3) A 2016 report published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that the activation of adrenal androgens could be linked to “early sebaceous gland maturations in late childhood” and acne development. (4)

Reflect: Do you experience changes in your skin during times of hormonal change, such as during your menstrual period or, if you are older, during menopause or when you have a hot flash?

Emotional Stress. Random dryness, oiliness, and breakouts can also happen because of too much cortisol and adrenaline in the body caused by emotional stress. A 2008 German meta-analysis found an interesting connection between the function of the sebaceous glands in the skin and the health of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal-like axis in the endocrine system. (5) In addition, a 2003 Stanford University study found a concrete link between heightened periods of stress and acne outbreaks. A link between the two is the fact that cells which produce sebum also have cellular receptors for stress hormones. (6)

Reflect: Can you recall a stressful time when the characteristics of your combination skin were heightened or when you broke out in acne?

What You Can Do

It may seem like the extreme imbalances that occur in your combination skin have no rhyme or reason. However, the reality is that there is a pattern to what is going on. Once you understand and discover this pattern, you can begin to focus on helping your skin and your whole body regain balance and resilience. Here are just a few tips to help do just that:

#1 Practice Stress-Lowering Techniques

Practicing stress-lowering tools such as light exercise, deep breathing, and meditation/prayer every day (even when you are not stressed) can help you react with more calm when stressful events do occur and prevent reactions on your skin, such as acne breakouts, as well. According to recent research, these kinds of techniques can directly affect cortisol levels. This, in turn, can lower inflammation, promote quality sleep, improve gut and brain health, and drastically improve the look, feel, and functionality of your skin. (7)

#2 Focus on Rebalancing Hormones

Taking measures to balance hormones every day can help during those times, such as during menstruation or menopause, when hormonal levels commonly become out of balance. To know where you stand with your hormones, first consider getting some key tests done, such as an E3 test (which will check the three main types of estrogen, not just estradiol), a hormonal precursors test, an iodine loading test, a CRP-1 test, and a vitamin D test.

Also, remove toxins from your diet and immediate environment. These could include heavy metals found in tap water, dental fillings, and some food packaging, xenoestrogens found in plastics, sundry products, and chemical cleaners, and halides like bromide, chlorine, and fluoride found in water, new products, and many common commercial foods such as bread.

#3 Use Plants and Herbs to Naturally Soothe and Rebalance

While there is so much you can do to help your skin from the inside, what you put on its surface can make a huge difference as well! Stay away from all those harsh chemicals that can be found in commercial skin cleansers, toners, and astringents. Instead, help your skin to heal on its own terms through the use of gentle yet powerful organic, non-GMO, plant-based products. This is where CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and the new CHARLíS Body Collection can really help!

The best overall T Zone rebalancer is the CHARLíS Daily Facial Cleanser. This amazing product contains both aloe vera and oat beta glucan to soothe and seal in moisture for dry areas. It also contains organic grapefruit peel oil, which is a natural astringent and skin tightener, and Canadian Willowherb, a gentle yet powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties known for helping with acne.

For full-body cleansing, don’t forget about the new CHARLíS Body Collection. One of this line’s signature products is the CHARLíS Orange Blossom Shower Gel. This all-over cleanser is unique because it contains the vitamin C-rich properties of Kakadu plum. Kakadu plum is native to Australia and contains 4% ascorbic acid, which makes it the richest source of vitamin C in the world. The CHARLíS Orange Blossom Shower Gel also contains hydrating sunflower oil as well as antibacterial rosemary extract and the invigorating essence of 100% organic citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil.

Experience the Beauty and Balancing You are Looking For!

If you have combination skin, then its tendency for diversity is not necessarily a bad thing. When this tendency gets out of hand, however, is when you can help your skin and your whole body return to balance again. Lowering stress, rebalancing hormones, being kind to your skin during harsh weather, and living a healthy lifestyle are all must-do’s.

In addition, using the skin-nourishing, organic, lab-tested products in the CHARLíS Luxury Skincare line and the new CHARLíS Body Collection line can take your skin health to the next level. Move out of chaos and into beautifully clear, healthy skin with CHARLíS!

References:

(1) Understanding and Treating Various Skin Types: The Baumann Skin Type Indicator
(2) The Genetics of Human Skin Disease
(3) Estrogen and skin: The effects of estrogen, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy on the skin
(4) Endocrinologic Control to the Development and Activity of the Human Sebaceous Gland
(5) Frontiers in sebaceous gland biology and pathology
(6) The Response of Skin Disease to Stress Changes in the Severity of Acne Vulgaris as Affected by Examination Stress
(7) Influence of Mindfulness Practice on Cortisol and Sleep in Long-Term and Short-Term Meditators

Understanding Sensitive Skin And What You Can Do About It

December 14, 2023 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

Do you break out in rashes, have persistent acne, or get itchy skin and other reactions under certain conditions or after using certain products?

If so, you may have “overactive” skin, sometimes called “sensitive” or “hyperactive” skin. What exactly is this and, more importantly, what can you do about it if it is happening to you?

Sensitive Skin 101

The terms “overactive skin,” “sensitive skin,” and “hyperactive skin” are very general. They all describe basically the same thing: a chronic situation where something (or a few somethings) is causing stress and inflammation in the skin organ. Eventually, this may manifest on the surface of the skin as:

Lumps
Bumps
Rashes
Skin tags
Dry skin patches
Blisters
Discoloration
Scabbing
Acne
Other out of the ordinary blemishes or markings

Sometimes reactions can turn into skin-related conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, ichthyosis, panniculitis or any one of the dozens of other conditions affecting the skin. (1)

Many people with sensitive skin simply shrug their shoulders in defeat then trudge out to their closest pharmacy in search of the perfect product for their “skin type.” Words like “hypoallergenic,” “for sensitive skin types,” and “100% natural” may come on picture perfect, wholesome-looking packages, yet most of them will provide little relief, and some can even be harmful (for more information on how you can tell pure, ToxicFree © products from fakes, be sure to check out this article).

What Is Your Skin Trying to Tell You?

There is a lot more to the story when it comes to overactive skin. That is why we suggest that you hold off just a little while before rushing out to buy the latest lotion or cream. The reality is that sensitive skin is not a skin type at all. For most people, it is an indication of something else that may be going on.

Don’t you owe it to yourself and to your good health to find out what that may be?

Our bodies are amazing, self-healing works of art, designed by God to return to a balanced state whenever a stressor throws us off. Even our incredible bodies, however, have their limits. There sometimes comes a point when its systems for defense and detoxification cannot keep up with the stressors coming at it. Some underlying situations that can give way to “sensitive skin” symptoms include:

Toxic overload
Emotional stress
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid issues
Immune system conditions
Circulation issue
Liver issues
Lack of sleep
Histamine imbalance
Food allergies and intolerances
Common chronic conditions like diabetes
Getting older

Problem #1: Toxic Overload.

Toxins that can create an overload in your body and spill out in the form of skin reactions can come from anywhere – food, water, air, and commercial sundry products. If you are still in doubt that our bodies need our help in this toxic world, consider this. Out of the thousands of chemicals used in skin care products and cosmetics today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned less than a dozen. In fact, the majority of chemicals used in this industry have never been properly tested for health and safety. (2)

Solution: Kick Toxins Out & Support Your Organs of Detoxification

First of all, remove as many toxins as you can from the food you eat by choosing organic and non-GMO. Also remove airborne threats by using air purifiers, staying away from SMART meters, and turning off Wi-Fi at night. Protect your water too by installing quality water purifiers that can remove sneaky toxins like fluoride as well as other pathogens. Next, investigate strategies for deep detoxification of your liver, kidneys, GI system, and lymph nodes especially. Finally, choose 100% ToxicFree© beauty products that put your safety and your health first. Of course, we are talking about CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and Body Care. There really is nothing else like it!

#2 The Problem: Emotional Stress

Did you know that heightened levels of emotional stress can bring on hives, rashes, discoloration, increased dryness, and even full-blown skin-related conditions like eczema? In fact, scientists are discovering such a correlation between emotional and skin health that it has led to a whole new branch of psychology called “psychodermatology.” Researchers in this field acknowledge that the link between stress and skin-related conditions can be a double-edged sword. While conditions like PTSD and chronic stress can raise the risk of skin-related conditions, having visible rashes, blisters, acne, or blotches can create low self-esteem and social anxiety. (3)

“The skin is the most noticeable part of our body that could be impacted by psychological factors…” said Kristina G. Gorbatenko-Roth, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, in a recent interview for the American Psychology Association. Gorbatenko-Roth began studying psychodermatology when she developed alopecia areata (a hair loss condition). She discovered that this and many other skin-related conditions are often strongly linked to depression and anxiety. (4)

The Solution: Make Lowering Stress a Priority Every Day!

A 2013 meta-analysis published in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that “proven interventions” for chronic stress such as guided imagery, meditation, and biofeedback can also ease skin-related conditions. (5)

One proven modality for reducing stress is essential oils. According to a clinical trial conducted by Mie University School of Medicine in Japan, citrus fragrance can help normalize neuroendocrine levels in depressive individuals. (6) The incredible, evidence-based, mood-lifting power of citrus is exactly why we chose to use wild-harvested, non-GMO, organic essential oils of grapefruit, sweet orange, and bergamot in almost every one of our products. It is also why we decided to offer our unique essential oil-based Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum as part of the new CHARLíS Body Care Line.

#4 The “Problem:” Getting Older

We put the word “problem” in quotation marks here because we really don’t believe that getting older is a problem at all! In fact, we know that life can be just as active and vibrant in our 60’s as it was in our 20’s. With the right lifestyle, foods, mindset, and skin products, you can experience beauty on the inside and on the outside, no matter what your age!

Of course, that doesn’t mean we can’t help our bodies along just a little. According to the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology, skin can become more sensitive as we get older. In part, this is because collagen production has been shown to decrease by up to 1-2% per year after age 30. (7) At the same time, our skin’s ability to both protect from environmental toxins and hydrate itself tends to decrease as we age as well, making us more sensitive to toxins and our skin more prone to dryness (link to dryness article), blotchiness, and infection.

The Solution: Be Your Healthiest, Most Beautiful Self as You Age!

In particular, “eating for beauty” can significantly help to increase collagen levels naturally and restore all layers of your skin. This means eating foods rich in skin-revitalizing vitamins and minerals including C, D, E, and beta carotene (as a natural source of vitamin A) as well as zinc and iron. Organic lean meats as well as bone broths are the best food-based sources of collagen by far. Fresh fish like salmon and sardines are natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids as is olive oil. Eggs and sunflower seeds are both solid sources of zinc. Certain plants and herbs like turmeric, carrots, red bell peppers, and leafy greens as well as nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax, and even cacao are all staples that you should be consuming regularly for the benefit of your skin. (8)(9)(10)

And, of course, what you apply on the surface can really make a huge difference too. For age-related skin sensitivity, especially stay away from any product that may contain harsh chemicals. Go organic, non-GMO, and plant based if possible. This is exactly why we created our Anti-Aging Toner with aging skin in mind. The CHARLíS Anti-Aging Toner contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a super-absorbable, super-antioxidant form of vitamin C. It also provides soothing, cell rejuvenating aloe vera and skin protecting alpine rose. Studies have found that alpine rose stem cells can prevent the formation of carbonylated proteins, which are major markers for skin aging. Alpine rose has also been found to have an antiviral effect for the skin. (11)

You CAN Find Balance, Healing, and Strength for Sensitive Skin!

It’s time to take the mystery out of sensitive skin and step back into balance. Include independent lab-tested CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and Body Care in your healthy lifestyle routine and watch your skin rebalance, heal and regain its beauty like never before!

Reference:

(1) Merck Manual: Overview of Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders
(2) FDA: Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics
(3) The link between skin and psychology
(4) Beyond health-related quality of life: initial psychometric validation of a new scale for addressing the gap in assessing the full range of alopecia areata psychosocial burden
(5) Nonpharmacologic management of psychodermatologic conditions
(6) Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states
(7) Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin
(8) Folate content and composition of vegetables commonly consumed in China
(9) Cocoa BioactiveCompounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health
(10) Essential fatty acids as functional components of foods- a review
(11) ECOCERT CERTIFIED ALPINE ROSE ACTIVE PROTECTS SKIN PROTEINS

Dry Skin Fix 101: Here’s What You Need to Know

December 9, 2023 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

As those sun-bleached summer days turn to wind-swept fall ones, you may be feeling like you need relief now more than ever from dry, flaky skin. Here’s what you need to know to “dump the dryness” and experience smooth, supple skin this season and all year long!

The Source of Dry Skin

First let’s take a look at what happens when the skin is dry. Our skin is made of many different layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis. And the outermost part of that layer is called the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum is made up, for the most part, of oils and dead skin cells. The oil cements the dead skin cells together to create a strong film of protection for the living cells that exist just underneath the surface. This helps the whole skin organ hold in moisture and is also a protective sheath against environmental assaults.

When a person has soft, supple, smooth skin, this is an indication that the stratum corneum is fully intact and doing its job. However, if there are any stressors or imbalances, then this is going to jeopardize the integrity of this important layer of the epidermis in particular.

Want Chronically Dry Skin? Start Smoking!

So, what are some common reasons why you may have dry skin?

Let’s start with the obvious. If you are a smoker, regardless of your age, there is a good chance that you are going to experience poor collagen production and synthesis, as well as chemical overload system-wide, including in the skin. This is going to translate into all kinds of skin-related conditions and one of the most common is dry, flaky skin. A study conducted at the University of Oulu in Finland discovered a direct link between cigarette smoking and lower collagen synthesis. (1)

In addition, specific chemicals within cigarettes can interfere with vitamin C absorption and utilization. The stratum corneum relies on the production of new skin cells so that old ones can be consistently pushed to the surface. Guess what vitamin is the most important for the production and synthesis of healthy skin? You guessed it— vitamin C! (2)

Dry Skin Relief – Diet Plays a Huge Role

One of the most important dietary recommendations natural health experts offer is to drink enough fresh, filtered water every day. When you are chronically dehydrated, it will be your skin that will show it first. This is because the body sends the water that we intake to the vital internal organs first. Whatever is left then goes to other parts of the body, including the skin. (3)

Water intake is just one dietary factor that can either cause or help to alleviate dry skin. Another one is healthy fat intake. There was a time when fat-free products reigned. Now, we are a lot wiser as to the very real benefits of healthy fats. Nowhere is this more relevant than in your skin.

Did you know that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), by age 60 most of us will have already developed some form of dry skin condition? Two things commonly happen as we get older to make this happen. First, the epidermis layer of the skin gets thinner, causing less water retention. Secondly, our skin gradually loses its lipid regeneration ability. Remember the stratum corneum? It is the presence of oils (i.e., lipids) in addition to dead skin cells that keeps skin both protected and able to retain water on the very surface too. (4)

You can do your skin a world of good as you age by making sure that you are getting enough healthy fats in your diet. Any food source that contains omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and olive oil, are especially crucial for skin health. (5)

Other skin-healthy diet behaviors include:

cutting excessive alcohol and caffeine.
laying low on super-sweet, processed foods, especially if they contained refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. (6)
Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals (especially D, B folate, healthy forms of A, zinc, and iron). These may include bright warm-colored veggies such as carrots and red bell peppers as well as dark leafy greens, spices like turmeric, and protein sources such as eggs and fish. (7)
Add probiotics to your diet. A Canadian study recently discovered that there is a link between gut imbalance and skin-related disorders. (8)

Other Causes of Dry Skin

There are literally dozens of other reasons why you may be experiencing dry, flaky, blotchy, dehydrated skin. Some are:

Weather exposure, especially excessive hot and dry or cold and dry,
Chronic stress (9)
Not getting enough sleep (10)
Using certain medications, such chemo drugs for cancer and statin heart medications,
Having skin-related and non-skin related disease conditions. Some include psoriasis and dermatitis, but also kidney disease, diabetes, HIV, anorexia, and thyroid-related conditions. (11)
Using certain commercial skin and face products, which may contain harsh, drying ingredients

What You Can Do About Dry Skin (and How CHARLíS Can Help)

Thank goodness there is a solution!

First of all, take a really good look at the list above. If any of the scenarios or situations listed above applies to you, then it may be time to make some changes. In addition, be kind to your skin by utilizing the gifts of nature’s plants and herbs to soothe, moisturize, and heal rough, dry, flaky skin now.

Amazing moisturizing ingredients can be found in every product in the CHARLIS Luxury Skincare Line. However, our signature CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum is a step above the rest when it comes to its moisture-locking and hydrating properties.

First there is squalene. This is an oily compound found naturally in animals (including humans) as well as plants. It has been proven to be a strong antioxidant and can not only moisturize the skin but also aid in cellular respiration and oxygenation within the microcirculatory system. (12) The microcirculatory system is an intricate network of microscopic pathways– including venules, capillaries, shunt, and arterioles– through which blood can flow. It is especially important for maintaining blood flow and oxygenation through the tissues and is vital for wound healing and skin rejuvenation. (13)

Another amazing plant-based substance found in the CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum is called calendula, i.e. marigold. If you think that this colorful flower is just for prettying up your garden, think again! Calendula Officinalis flower extract has been used for generations for its phytonutrient properties. It can deeply hydrate the skin as well as prevent signs of aging. Studies have shown that calendula also has the ability to reduce dryness and other symptoms connected to common skin-related conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. According to a 2012 Brazilian study as well as many others, this is due in large part to marigold’s ability to lower inflammation. (14)

Soothe and replenish with CHARLíS Skincare & Body Care Products

Of course, squalene and calendula are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the skin-revitalizing, organic, wild-harvested, and non-GMO plant-based substances that are in the CHARLíS Luxury Skincare line products. Other hydrating ingredients include:

Aloe vera. Aloe Barbadensis leaf has been used for centuries for everything from sunburns to rashes. It’s versatility for helping with dry, irritated skin is why it is found in almost all of the CHARLíS Skincare products. (15)
Pea Extract, or Pisum sativum extract. Pea extract contains certain peptides that have the ability to stimulate both elastin and collagen production. This increases hydration and heightens moisture retention which also improves firmness and elasticity (and makes you look great!). Pisum sativum is a superstar ingredient in the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.
Allantoin, derived from the comfrey plant, is designed to sooth even the roughest skin. It can even be a healing balm for itchy skin and minor irritations. Allantoin is found in the CHARLíS Neutral Tinted Face Moisturizer with SPF25, which is part of the exciting new CHARLíS Body Collection!

Take care of your body to heal dry skin. Create ways of reminding yourself to drink water throughout the day (p.s. they actually have phone apps for this now). Make gradual yet significant changes to your diet so that it is more skin-friendly. And if you have an underlying health condition like cancer or diabetes, make creating internal health your top priority. If you do, it will show on the surface through beautiful, supple-looking skin.

And at the same time that you are healing on the inside, you can also help your skin now by taking advantage of the miraculous moisturizing power of nature’s amazing plants and herbs found in all CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and CHARLíS Body Collection products!