Archives for January 2024

Skin “resilience” is a scientific term that has to do with the state and “function” of the skin at the epidermis level. Learn why dermatologists are focusing more and more on skin resilience, also known as “epidermal functionality,” as a major indicator of overall skin health. Most importantly, find out what you can do to make your skin as resilient as possible for an age-defying complexion and more! 

What is Skin Resilience?

You may have heard the term “resilience” in reference to someone who is able to “bounce back” after a pitfall or setback.  But resilience has a physically tangible meaning as well. When it comes to the health and condition of your skin, resilience refers to the ability of the skin to recover quickly from damage or injury. How skin recovers from any stressor, such as a wound, a sunburn, or simply the day-to-day exposure to pollutants can tell the tale about our skin’s health in general, especially as one ages. 

According to a recent trend analysis conducted by Happi, the cosmetics industry’s leading trade magazine, “(t)he traditional focus in skin aging has been centered around changes in the dermal skin layer, however, skin resilience is an expansion of skin care to include the significant visible and sensorial benefits that can be achieved with a focus on the skin barrier—the epidermis.” (1) 

Skin Resilience and the Epidermis 

What makes the epidermis so important that an entire industry would now be focusing on it? 

The epidermis is the topmost layer of skin and the only one that is visible to the eye. Its primary function is as a protective barrier and boundary from all those stressors we were talking about above. Its other job is to make sure that the skin does not dry out (i.e., desiccate). 

That is it in a nutshell but, of course, there is so much more to “the story.” In the deepest layer of the epidermis (called the germinative layer), new skin cells are being created in a process called mitosis. Pigment is also produced through a chain reaction between specialized cells called melanocytes, a pigmentation substance called melanin, and environmental factors, namely the sun. 

In a fascinating 24/7 cycle of renewal, new cells are being pushed upwards from the bottom layer of your epidermis and through the various stratums of the middle layer. Once there, they use their pigmented, dying bodies to act as tiny shields for new cells at the lower levels. It is similar to how a pair of sunglasses might protect your eyes; the brighter it is outside, the darker you are going to want your sunglasses to be. Likewise, the more intense the sun, the more melanin goes into the cell and the darker the skin in general becomes. 

Finally, at the very top of the epidermis lies the dead cells (called squamous cells) which are there specifically to provide a powerful front-line protective boundary from the outside world. (2)  

But there is even more! The epidermis is also the home to yet another cycle for skin and whole-body health. This one is specifically designed to hold moisture in the body (and likewise, keep all of your organs and tissues from drying out). The semi-permeable stratum corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, is responsible for keeping bacteria, pollutants, and other harmful pathogens out of the body while it strives to keep moisture in. It does this in large part through the sebaceous glands, which create a waxy “lipid” substance on the surface of the skin called sebum. Sebum is dually designed to protect as well as to keep skin soft, supple, and moist. 

What You Can Do to Keep Your Epidermis Resilient 

No doubt you are beginning to see how super important the epidermis is for everyday function and also to allow the skin to “bounce back” after any stress. Here are three simple ways you can help your skin up its resiliency level:

#1 Encourage new cell growth and collagen production 

The ability to “bounce back” from stressors really relies on your skin’s ability to continuously produce new skin cells. This is foundational and must take place so that all the other functions of the epidermis (mentioned above) can happen. You can help your epidermis with this by first focusing on collagen production. 

Using high quality skincare products that contain naturally occurring vitamin C is a great way to start. C is vital for both the production and the synthesis of collagen in the skin and in the body as a whole. Each one of the products in the CHARLíS Face Collection as well as the CHARLíS Body Collection contain some amount of citrus, whether it is organic sweet orange, grapefruit, mandarin, or bergamot. Citrus in the form of sustainably produced, all-natural essential oil is one of the very best ways to reap the benefits of vitamin C for the face and the whole body. Marigold flower extract has also been shown to help kickstart collagen production as well. For a double dose of collagen support be sure to check out the  CHARLíS Breath of Life Serum, which contains both citrus as well as marigold flower extract. 

#2 Be liberal with antioxidants 

Protection is the name of the game when it comes to the main function of the epidermis. You can help it do its job by stocking up on antioxidants both on the inside and the outside of your body. On the inside, go for the colorful whole foods—the brighter the better! Deep green kale, brilliant red cabbage and, of course, those amazing berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) are a great start. And don’t forget the healthy oils, especially omega 3 fatty acids found in olive oil, salmon, some nuts and some leafy greens like kale. Omegas can help lower inflammation and smooth blemishes and irritations in the skin as well, according to research. (3) 

On the surface, your skin can benefit from the protective power of antioxidants as well. Again, non-GMO, organic vitamin C sources are definitely something to look for, but also little-known herbal antioxidant dynamos like rosemary. Rosemary is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial and is one of the “star ingredients” in the all new CHARLíS Orange Blossom Shower Gel, which is part of the CHARLíS Body Collection. 

#3 Focus on hydration 

The first thing you can do to help your skin retain moisture is to be sure to drink enough fresh, filtered water every single day. This basically means, for most people, ingesting half your weight in ounces daily (although the exact amount may vary from person to person depending on age, climate, and a whole host of other factors). There is no doubt, however, that as a general rule, upping your water intake can take the look and feel of your skin to the next level. In fact, inadequate water intake can be noticeable on the skin fairly quickly in the form of flakiness, dryness, blemishes and “spots,” and wrinkles. (4) 

Of course, on the outside the most important thing you can do is be consistent in using a high quality, all natural moisturizer like the CHARLíS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer. This moisturizer is gentle enough to use throughout the day for dry skin types and its fresh citrus scent is great for both men and women. This unique formula also combines Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes which provide time-released, long-lasting moisture. It also contains organic Argania spinosa seed kernel oil. Argan is rich in vitamin E as well as essential fatty acids that can heal as well as retain moisture. In fact, studies have found that argan oil has the ability to clear up scarring and stretch marks if used regularly. (5) Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuaçu) seed butters and organic perilla ocymiodes seed oil (part of the mint family) are also “star ingredients” of this deeply moisturizing formula. 

Resilience Means Beautiful, Age-Defying Skin! 

Beautiful, healthy skin must occur on all levels- hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The “litmus test” for overall skin resilience, however,  can be found at the epidermal level. Maintaining resilience is especially important as we age. 

With a few key ingredients, the best luxury skincare around (i.e., CHARLíS!), and a few lifestyle hacks, you and your skin will be “bouncing back” to beautiful in no time! 

References: 

(1) Skin Resilience: The Future of Skin Care R&D
(2) Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis
(3) Omega-3 Versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases
(4) Changes in the skin characteristics associated with dehydration and rehydration
(5) The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity 

In this day and age—when 80 is the new 50 and 50 is the new…well, you get the idea—there are actually a lot of advantages to getting older. There is more wisdom and experience, less comparing yourself to the next guy (or gal), and more freedom just to be your beautiful self!

That being said, we all know that there are also some (surprise, surprise) definite downsides to getting older too, not the least of which is what happens to our skin. 

But are wrinkles, blemishes, and sagging just par for the course when it comes to getting older? Or can we really get back that rosy glow we had when we were young? 

The answer, in large part, is YES! While we can’t stop the clock, there is a lot you can do RIGHT NOW to slow the aging process when it comes to your skin. Here are three tips– and a few “Action Steps” to go along with them—that will get you moving in the right direction towards youthful looking skin at any age. 

Tip #1:  If You Smoke, Quit Now

This may go without saying, but if you are still smoking cigarettes, it’s time to stop now for the health of your skin (and health of your whole body). The litany of overall health effects from smoking is too long to go over in this article. When it comes to skin, however, there is no question about it. Smoking is just bad news. 

Collagen synthesis is the process of creating and utilizing collagen, the essential ingredient needed to make all tissues in the body, including muscles, soft tissues, and also skin. According to an investigation at the University of Oulu in Finland, cigarette smoking can absolutely interfere with collagen synthesis in the skin because of its ability to significantly stunt vitamin C absorption. (1) 

Action Steps: Need help quitting? One of the best resources to begin the process is the “Quitline.” The Center for Disease Control provides a listing of both national and state-run Quitlines designed to support those who are wanting to quit and coach them about their options. 

And as you are on your way towards kicking the habit, you can begin to rebuild your vitamin C levels both internally and externally. For external support, a would suggest  CHARLíS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer applied throughout the day. This moisturizer is truly remarkable, since it contains 100% natural, lab tested essential oils of vitamin C-rich grapefruit peel. It also contains both organic Theobroma Grandiflorum seed butter and Perilla Ocymoides seed oil. Both of these little-known, wild harvested plants are powerful antioxidants to add support for your skin as you work on building C absorption on the inside. 

Tip #2:  Cut the Stress 

The next big skin-ager is chronic stress. On this topic, let me just state the obvious. It’s a really stressful world out there these days; more than likely your life reflects this as well. In 2019 (i.e., pre-pandemic), already three-quarters of all Americans claimed that their sleep issues, fatigue, and general health issues like headaches were really symptoms of stress. (2) Stress can affect your skin as well, since chronic stress means systemic inflammation and lower vitamin C absorption as well as lower rates of “collagen synthesis.” Be sure to read my article about the stress-skin connection for more information! 

The number of “stressors” coming at us every day probably isn’t going to change any time soon. What can change, however, is how we perceive those potential mini crises that inevitably will keep on coming.  

Research has found that regularly employing stress-reduction techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing can improve nutrient absorption in the gut, and this can lead directly to restored, healthier skin. (3) 

Action Steps: Get out that calendar and pencil in time to unwind, restore, and just be. Time management experts all agree: if you don’t “schedule it in” there is a good chance that it just won’t get done. If this feels impossible in an already tight schedule, take heart: it doesn’t take much to have a long-lasting effect when it comes to lowering stress. Research has found that just 10-15 minutes a day of stretching, deep breathing, brisk walking, or being in nature can have a profoundly calming effect on the nervous system, especially when you take the time to destress every day. (4) 

Tip #3:  Hydrate!

The hallmark of youthful-looking skin is plumpness and fullness. Maintaining these characteristics as you get older has everything to do with how well your skin is able to hold in moisture. Of course, there is a complicated matrix of just-under-the-surface reactions which all contribute to how well your skin is able to do this. 

None of these mechanisms can work, however, if you don’t first hydrate your body with enough fresh, filtered water every single day. Getting enough is really important, and here’s why. Whenever you drink, your body will first automatically move that water to the internal organs for detoxification and lubrication. Only after these organs have had enough will it then move whatever is left in the direction of the skin. (5) A very recent 2023 study on athletes conducted at Waseda University in Saitama, Japan found that simply observing the look and feel of the skin can give definite clues as to the state of dehydration of the body as a whole. Not getting enough water can be almost immediately noticeable in the form of dryness, flakiness, discoloration, and wrinkles. (6)  

Action Step: Your first goal should be pretty obvious– get just the right amount of fresh, filtered H20 for you every day. However, this is often easier said than done. Luckily, if you need help remembering (and who doesn’t), there are dozens of clever strategies out there that can help. Apps, calendars, timers, specially marked water bottles – there is literally something for everyone. Why not give one or two of these a try? And if you are confused as to just how much you are supposed to consume, here is a simple equation. Take your weight in pounds and divide it in half. This gives you a good starting point as to the amount of water in ounces you should be consuming daily.  

While you are hydrating yourself on the inside, don’t forget to hydrate on the outside too. I recommend CHARLÍS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum to help with deep moisture retention and repair while you sleep. This unique nighttime formula contains aloe vera, designed by nature to soften skin and treat dryness without leaving your skin greasy. It also contains naturally derived sodium hyaluronate, best known for addressing skin concerns that stem from a lack of moisture and less than functional moisture retention mechanisms in the skin. Sodium hyaluronate and its derivatives have been shown in human trials to assist in the repair of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. (7) 

Youthful Skin Starts on the Inside 

I believe that, as we age, we can embrace all the good stuff that comes with getting older – wisdom, experience, freedom– while leaving the bad stuff behind. Living healthy lifestyle can help, and so can 100 % natural, wild-harvested, non-GMO and lab tested CHARLíS products like CHARLíS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizerand CHARLÍS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum. 

You can be the best that you can be, and CHARLíS can help you get there! 

References: 

(1) Smoking decreases the synthesis rates of type I and III collagens in skin in vivo and alters the balance of extracellular matrix turnover in skin
(2) Generation Z Graphs Stress
(3) Healing Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diaphragmatic Breathing
(4) Stress, stress management, and the immune system
(5) Water, Hydration and Health
(6) Changes in the skin characteristics associated with dehydration and rehydration
(7) Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

When you think of beautiful skin, odds are the word “tough” probably does not come to mind. However, in order to experience beautiful skin on the outside, your skin has to be pretty strong on the inside too. 

Your Skin is Tough

Over the years as I was preparing to launch CHARLíS, I spent a lot of time investigating ways to help women look and feel their best on all levels. During that time of intense research, I was obsessed about learning how skin works and how best to heal skin-related issues naturally from the inside out. That meant I read a lot of books, articles and reports about skin basics. 

For example, just how does the body’s largest organ do all the things it does to keep you and me intact and “all together” day after day, often in the face of a harsh environment and an overall stressful life? 

What I learned along the way is that our skin is pretty incredible. Besides keeping all your insides together and protected, skin also: 

• Regulates body temperature
• Stores fat and water
• Produces the hormonal steroid vitamin D
• Is considered a “sensory organ” because of its millions of nerve endings and also its direct connection to the nervous system and the brain
• Is a waterproof barrier against all kinds of threats, including too much sun, airborne and soil based pathogenic microorganisms, bad weather, air pollution, and more

And it does all this while at the same time remaining flexible enough to walk, crawl, jump, kick, shimmy, dance, swim, bicycle, and jump up and down as we do. (1) 

All this also means that your skin has to be TOUGH! But here’s the beauty of it:  your skin doesn’t have to look tough (or rough) to act tough.

What Science Has Discovered about Collagen and Skin Resilience

In different parts of the body, skin takes on a variety of thicknesses as well as textures, colors, and other characteristics. That being said, for decades, researchers have tried to find out what makes our skin so strong and durable overall. 

Along the way, they asked the question: is there a single substance that can help with vital aspects of skin health like moisture retention and clearing up blemishes while at the same time giving “free movement” and protection from falls and other threats?

In 2015, a team from University of California, Berkeley discovered the answer. Want to know the one substance in skin that makes all this happen? In a nutshell, it’s collagen. 

The Berkeley team found that it is just the right amount of skin-fortifying collagen that not only can help your skin maintain its moisture and give a healthy glow, but can also help to absorb shock when faced with a physical stress. 

“[Skin’s] tear resistance is remarkable,” said UC Berkeley professor of engineering Robert Ritchie, co-head of the study, in a recent article for the online journal Inside Science. “What’s happening is the collagen is moving in such a way to absorb energy and carry more load.” (2) 

Ritchie’s team discovered that it was collagen production in the middle layer of the skin, called the “dermis,” that really had the focused job of preparing the body for impact. According to the report published in the journal Nature Communications, the dermis is where the strongest tendrils of collagen exist in just the right structure and distribution to create skin resiliency. (3) 

Not to go into too much detail, but here is a brief synopsis of how this fascinating process works. Whenever there is a pull on the skin (such as an accident that could result in a wound), the twisted collagen fibers that are in the dermis rotate in the direction of the point of stress. As tension increases, the fibers straighten up; think of  how a twisted cord in one of those old- fashioned telephones straightens as it is pulled. If the tension becomes too intense, the large collagen fibers break into tiny strands which then slide apart. The point of this is to disperse the energy of the tension so that it is not concentrated in just one area. This prevents any potential tears in the skin for as long as possible and also prevents any cuts that do happen from spreading. Of course, all of this occurs in a split second and begins the minute the skin feels tension in an area. Wow, our largest organ is pretty amazing!  

How You Can Help Your Skin Stay “Tough” 

Ensuring healthy collagen production as you age is, hands down, the best thing you can do to keep your skin not only looking great, but also to help it protect you when a threat strikes—whether it is a nasty fall, a burn, or simply the need to speed up healing and prevent infection after surgery.  But here is the sad part: experts agree that for most people not focused on living a healthy lifestyle, natural collagen production reduces by 1-2% each year after age 30. (4) 

It doesn’t have to be this way, however. Here are three things you can do NOW to keep collagen levels high as you age: 

#1 Boost your Vitamin C intake. 

Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis specifically in the epidermis and dermis levels of the skin. (5) It is also sun protectant and a proven anti-inflammatory. You can up your intake of C internally by going for more C-rich whole foods like kale, parsley, and peppers. 

You can also reap the benefits of more C by using all-natural, non-GMO luxury skincare products like the  CHARLíS Breath of Life Serum. This amazing face elixir contains wild harvested sources of natural vitamin C in the form of essential oil extracts of Citrus Paradisi (grapefruit) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange).

#2 Don’t overdo sun exposure. 

Getting a little bit of sunlight on your skin is definitely the best way to get in much-needed vitamin D. That being said, it is important to know when enough is enough. According to a Mt. Sinai School of Medicine study, individuals with sun-damaged skin had 20% less collagen content when compared to those who did not have sun damaged skin. (6) 

And if you have to go out in the sun for longer than 20 minutes, be sure to wear a hat as well as  CHARLíS Neutral Tinted Skin Moisturizer with SPF 25 sun protection. This amazing sunscreen contains zinc oxide as well as vitamin C-rich mugwort extract. It also contains allantoin extracted from the comfrey plant. Allantoin is a phytonutrient that provides deeply soothing relief for even the driest skin types. 

#3 Get your beauty sleep! 

Finally, make sure to get plenty of quality sleep each night. Did you know that sleep deprivation can hinder normal skin function, including lowering collagen production? This is because collagen synthesis is part of normal immunity. Yep, that’s right—immune function plummets too with each night you don’t get the amount of deep shut eye that your whole body, including your skin, needs.  (7) 

For the most rejuvenation, be sure to use  CHARLíS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum to nourish your skin while you sleep! 

Achieve Beautiful (and Strong) Skin with CHARLíS!

Hopefully from now on when you think of beautiful, healthy skin, you not only see a face (your face!) that is soft, supple, and full of that “rosy, youthful glow” but you also think of skin that contains enough collagen to be “tough enough” to bounce back after any kind of stressor.

The bottom line: you absolutely can have healthy skin and you can look and feel your best every day with CHARLíS. Be sure to check out our luxury Face Collection and Skin Collection now to learn more. 

References: 

(1)  Anatomy of the Skin
(2)  The Skinny On Skin: What makes skin so tough?
(3)  On the tear resistance of skin
(4)  Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin
(5)  Collagen Synthesis
(6)  Collagen alterations in chronically sun-damaged human skin 
(7)  Can poor sleep affect skin integrity?

Skincare products can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes—and container types. There is a reason why we chose the materials we did for both the CHARLÍS Face Collection and CHARLÍS Body Collection. When it comes to both safety and beauty, we think ingredients matter both inside and out.

The Damage Plastic Packaging Can Cause 

Can you guess what material surrounds the majority of skincare products on the market (and on the pharmacy shelves) today? If you guessed plastic, then you are right. In fact, global sales of squeezable plastic tubes alone surpassed $700 million in 2018. (1) 

“Plastic remains as the most preferred material by the manufacturers in the overall market due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility and wide usage across various beauty applications,” according to a report put out by Grand View Research. 

While plastic may be convenient and cheap for manufacturers to obtain and use, it is sadly by far the unhealthiest option for cosmetic and skincare packaging.  Harmful substances that exist on the “outside” of a liquid, cream, or lotion product can leach into the product itself, especially if the product is exposed to high temperatures (such as sitting inside of a hot car or in your purse on a hot day). 

Amongst the  host of toxic chemicals that go into the creation of plastic containers, however, two rise to the top:  BPA, or Bisphenol A, and PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. 

BPA

BPA is an organic compound that is utilized in the making of plastics as well as epoxy resins. It has been used in the creation of a variety of consumer goods, especially plastic water bottles and containers used for sundry and cosmetics, since the 1960’s. Today, pretty much everyone has some amount of BPA in their system starting at birth. (2)

BPA is also a xenoestrogen, which means it can mimic aggressive forms of estrogen in the body. Exposure has been linked directly to endocrine disturbances (including in growing fetuses and children), as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  (3) Recent evidence has also found that BPA in the system may make some chemotherapy drugs ineffective. (4) 

And a short note about “BPA Free” labels. Some manufacturers who claim to not use BPA may simply be replacing it with other bisphenol substances instead. These may include bisphenol-S (BPS) or bisphenol-F (BPF). (5) Studies are not as comprehensive as to the harm that these BPA cousins can do to human health. However, the evidence is mounting. A recent 2019 study conducted at the University of Seoul in Korea found that BPA as well as other bisphenols other than BPA (such as the ones just mentioned) all have the ability to negatively affect thyroid function in particular through several mechanisms. (6) 

PFAS 

Another no-no for your health that has been in almost all cosmetic packaging for years is PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS is actually a grouping of roughly 14,00 different chemicals that are used specifically to make products water, stain, and heat resistant. PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment naturally. 

You may have heard of PFAS in relation to non-stick pans and other products that have a characteristic slick surface, such as waterproof jackets and tents. But PFAS can also be found in mattresses, sealants and glues, car seats, carpet, and plastic (as well as cardboard) packaging. In fact, PFAS is so prolific that today it is even found in the soil and in most municipal water supplies. (7) 

A 2021 University of Notre Dame study also discovered high levels of PFAS within the contents of many commercial name brand cosmetics. (8) Some manufacturers intentionally put PFAS in their formulas (ingredients that have “fluoro” or fluorine within them are PFAS) because these forever chemicals help to create a stable consistency. PFAS is common in “…lotion, cleanser, foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, water-proof mascara, nail polish and shaving cream[s]” says a 2021 Environmental Working Group report. But the Notre Dame study also found PFAS in products that did not or should not have had PFAS or its derivatives in them. Chemical leaching from plastic containers, which is common for both PFAS and BPA, was amongst the main suspected reasons. (9) In fact, a very recent 2023 study conducted at the University of Toronto on PFAS in processed food packaging found an 85% drop in the toxin specifically within the packaging after researchers left prepared food products in a dark, enclosed area for 2 years. Where did the PFAS go? You guessed it. The only place for it to go would be into those food items. It just makes common sense that the same thing would happen for skincare products left in warehouses, store shelves, and your medicine cabinet as well. (10) 

The “C8 Science Panel” was a massive study on PFAS conducted between 2005 and 2013 that came on the heels of several settlements around PFAS and PFOA toxicity, including the Wilbur Tennant settlement in 2001 and the Leach settlement in 2004. (11) The C8 Panel as well as other studies since have discovered that PFAS can lead to:

• Cancer, especially testicular cancer
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid conditions
• High cholesterol levels
• Liver damage
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Birth defects
• Reproductive issues in both men and women
• Lower immune function, especially Natural Killer cell production
• Higher production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (12) 

Why CHARLIS Packaging is So Different 

By now, you have all the info you need to know why you absolutely must stay away from plastic containers for your personal care, cosmetics, and skincare products (and, in truth, for your food products as well). 

But sans the plastic, what are some options for safe containers? 

This leads me to what we at CHARLÍS choose to use as housing for all of our high-end luxury face and skincare products. As you probably already know by now, CHARLÍS uses glass containers for all our products, but not just any kind of glass. We spent months investigating packaging options in order to find containers that were both beautiful and 100% pure and safe. Today, our signature formulas are placed in elegantly crafted Italian glass bottles that were specifically made to maintain both freshness and the integrity of our sustainably sourced ingredients naturally. What’s more, these glass bottles keep your CHARLÍS skincare formulas fresh and effective for months after arriving at your doorstep. 

All of this means that, with CHARLÍS, you never have to worry about toxins on the outside or on the inside of any of the non-GMO, wild-harvested, all natural luxury products within the CHARLÍS Face Collection or the CHARLÍS Skincare Collection. 

What’s more, you also do not have to worry about leakage, spoilage, or irradiation en route to you. That is because, even though our bottles are made from Italian sourced glass, each individual product is manufactured and each order is shipped directly from our own facility right here in the USA. 

References: 

(1) Sizing Up the Skincare Market
(2) Bisphenol A (BPA)
(3) Potential Mechanisms of Bisphenol A (BPA) Contributing to Human Disease 
(4) The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) Exerts a Wide Range of Effects in Carcinogenesis and Response to Therapy
(5) Bisphenol S and F: A Systematic Review and Comparison of the Hormonal Activity of Bisphenol A Substitutes
(6) Bisphenols and Thyroid Hormone
(7) How PFAS Can Harm Your Health 
(8) Fluorinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics
(9) Study: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ widespread across many cosmetics categories
(10) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Canadian Fast Food Packaging
(11) The past, present, and future of PFAS litigation in the United States
(12) In vitro characterization of the immunotoxic potential of several perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)

By now, you may have noticed that all CHARLíS products have specific labels on them to indicate their purity, such as gluten free, vegan, and ToxicFree ©. (Be sure to check out my other articles on this website to learn about those labels!)

Two more labels that you will find on every CHARLíS bottle are “Wild Harvested” and “Sustainably Sourced.” Ever wondered what these labels mean? Keep reading to get the 411 and also learn why here at CHARLíS we are so proud to stand by these two concepts for every product we create! 

What Does “Wild Harvested” Mean Exactly? 

Other names for “wild harvesting” are “wild crafting” or even “foraging.” In general, these terms refer to the practice of gathering plants in their natural environment (i.e., in the “wild”). Plants can be wild harvested for food, for medicine, or to be placed in naturally based skin formulas like those at CHARLíS. (1) 

Plants that are wild harvested are uncultivated and are gathered where they are found, which can often be in forested areas, but also in other types of terrain, depending on where the plant is growing naturally, i.e., without the help of agriculture. 

When choosing skincare products, it’s important to look for certifications or labels that indicate wild harvesting as much as possible, like the ones you will find on all CHARLíS products. By choosing products that prioritize ethical practices like wild harvesting (and sustainable sourcing, which I will talk about next), you can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world while also enjoying the benefits of the highest quality.

“Sustainably Sourced” Defined 

Wild harvesting and sustainability often go hand in hand, or at least they should if a company is truly being ethical in their practices. That being said, a particular plant or plant-based substance can technically be “sustainably sourced” and not necessarily be wild harvested. Let me explain. 

The barebones definition of sustainable sourcing is “the inclusion of social, environmental, and economic criteria in the sourcing process.” (2) That being said, there is a lot more that goes into the process of actually implementing sustainable practices at the source.  First of all, the cultivation of a substance cannot deplete the surrounding ecosystem. For example, the ground that a plant is grown on cannot be not tilled and produced to the point where it strips the land overall of nutrients. Nor can it be cultivated using harmful pesticides that would endanger the surrounding plant and animal life or the environment in general (such as polluting nearby waterways that would then affect wildlife and even human beings downstream). 

The same sustainability rubric would apply for  “wild harvested” plants as well. A plant is wild harvested sustainably if measures were taken, for example, to assure that the plant is not gathered to the point that it or another species which relies on it is completely depleted from the area. In addition, gathering and replenishing techniques cannot harm the soil, animals, or plants in the surrounding area, nor can these practices upset the natural balance of an ecosystem.

An example of the devastation that can occur when wild harvesting is not done sustainably can be found by looking at the plant arnica montana. Arnica can be found growing wild around much of Europe and has been used for centuries in pain relieving and anti-inflammatory tonics, lotions, and creams. Demand for Arnica worldwide has significantly increased over the last decade or so, however — so much so that now the supply of wild harvestable arnica montana does not meet the demand. Until recently, arnica was foraged almost to the point of depletion in Europe. Today, there are operations that have begun to cultivate arnica for the natural health market globally. Wild arnica montana was on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as of 2012 while some varieties have sadly disappeared altogether. (3)(4)

“Sustainably Sourced” is for Humans Too 

The term “sustainably sourced” also indicates that human beings are treated with care too when they are on the job, whether it be for gathering wild harvested substances, working a plow in a field, or working in a warehouse with ready-to-be-shipped materials. These employees are given a livable wage and are not subject to unsafe conditions. Sustainability in business also means that no child labor/ slave labor is used in any aspect of the operation. 

As a side note, according to business experts and academics, the human factor is, in large part, what fueled the trend towards sustainable sourcing in the first place. Sustainable sourcing as a modern movement and later as a common practice for forward thinking businesses began in the 1970’s with the concept of “Corporate Social Responsibility.” It flourished again in the 1990’s and 2000’s amidst well-known scandals having to do with child labor in Nike plants and unhealthy chemicals (including lead) in toys made by Mattel. Today, it is common practice for even the largest corporations to have guidelines of sustainability within their mission statements, although whether or not the “big boys” follow through with them is another story. (5) 

Sandalwood Seed Oil: An Example of Sustainable Partnership 

At CHARLíS, we go to the source to gather ingredients that will eventually make their way into our one-of-a-kind formulas. This often means tracking down herbs, roots, and plants here in the U.S. and also abroad and connecting directly with suppliers who practice sustainable sourcing in these regions. These suppliers can include family-run operations, co-ops, regenerative farmers, and companies who make it a big part of their mission to contribute back to their local economy and environment. 

A great example of how CHARLíS obtains both wild harvested and sustainably sourced ingredients amongst an increasingly precarious global economy can be found in one of our star ingredients – sandalwood seed oil.  

Sandalwood seed oil is a beautifully light substance. Best of all, it is great for sensitive skin and helps to moisturize as well as restore the skin’s natural moisture barriers– and it does all this without feeling oily at all. It also contains high levels of Omega-9 Oleic acid, a fatty acid also found in olive oil that contains amazing regenerative properties. (6) 

All this is exactly why we chose sandalwood seed oil as a “superstar substance” in the CHARLíS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer, which is part of the CHARLíS Face Collection. 

Sandalwood oil comes from trees and shrubs that are part of the Santalum genus. The dozens of varieties of Santalum grow naturally (and, at one time, prolifically) in many parts of Asia and India as well as Hawaii, Chile and Australia.  Similar to arnica in Europe, because of  high demand and over-harvesting in the wild, sandalwood trees are now a disappearing commodity in many parts of the world. As you may have discovered for yourself if you have attempted to buy sandalwood essential oil as of late, prices for sandalwood in any form currently reflect its disappearing status. 

To overcome these hurdles and continue to be in alignment with our commitment to sustainable wild harvesting for all of our 100% natural formulas, we obtain our sandalwood from Australia in the form of Western Australian Sandalwood seed oil. Western Australian sandalwood is amongst the most sustainable in the world, with operations both small and large maintaining a commitment to sustainable sourcing that began in the 1920’s. Today, the regeneration of native Western Australian Sandalwood trees is a collaborative effort involving the Australian government, regional academic institutions such as Murdoch University, aboriginal businesses, and projects such as the Regeneration Program for Wild Western Australian Sandalwood and Operation Woylie (a woylie is a native Australian gerbil-like mammal whose endangered status and restoration is connected to that of sandalwood). (7) 

In total, over 5 million sandalwood seeds are planted each year, which can ensure that available trees and tree parts for both human use and environmental stability will grow exponentially as the years go by. And because of the impressive commitment for restoration on all fronts in Australia, sandalwood resources in that country are still wild harvested from both “green wood” (i.e., living wood) and deadwood (debris and fallen trees that occur naturally) within the roughly 1 million square miles that sandalwood grows. 

How Does All This Affect the Quality of My Skincare?

That all sounds great, you may say, but how does that translate into a product that can help me?  I am so glad you asked that! 

At CHARLíS, we stand strong in the belief that a business must practice ethically across the board, not just in one area. This means it is our responsibility to also make sure that all of our wild harvesting sourcing partners practice sustainability in all ways. How this commitment on both sides is passed on to you through CHARLíS is in a luxury skincare product whose quality is simply like no other. Not only can you have peace of mind and a sense of trust in a company that stands for health both personally and for the planet, but you can also feel the difference every time you use our products. 

My aim from the beginning – and still to this day! – is to create luxury skincare for real women (and men too!). Because YOU are so worth it!

References: 

(1) Learn How to Forage: A Beginner’s Guide
(2) THINKING DIFFERENTLY ABOUT PURCHASING PORTFOLIOS: AN ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
(3) Conservation of Eastern European Medicinal Plants Arnica Montana in Romania Case Study Garda de Sus
(4) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
(5) A literature review of the history and evolution of corporate social responsibility
(6) Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing: A new approach for skin repair
(7) Western Australian sandalwood 

Here at CHARLÍS, all of our products are lab-tested to be 100% gluten free. That is why we have a definitive “no gluten”  label on all our formulas. Why is this important? There are some specific reasons, and not just for those who have a diagnosed gluten-related condition such as Celiac Disease. 

Read on to learn why everyone can benefit from 100% gluten free luxury skincare with CHARLÍS! 

Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity 

Celiac disease is the most well-known gluten-related disease today. It is a “serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine,” as defined by the Celiac Disease Foundation. (1) Celiac Disease affects one in 100 people worldwide, with 30% of adults and up to 80% of all children not diagnosed and potentially not even aware that they may have it. (2)  For individuals with Celiac, it is of absolute importance that they do not come into contact with gluten in any form, including in skincare products. 

But those with Celiac are not the only ones who can benefit from 100% gluten free skincare products like those at CHARLÍS. On the other end of the spectrum, there are millions who suffer from moderate to mild gluten sensitivity yet do not have Celiac. 

Could this be you? There is a good chance that you may be suffering from gluten sensitivity (i.e., gluten intolerance) if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating/gas
• Smelly feces
• Sleep issues 
• Fatigue 
• Chronic pain (especially in the joints) 
• Depression/anxiety
• Weight changes
• Anemia-like symptoms 
• Autoimmune conditions 
• Skin issues such as chronic acne or skin sensitivities

With non-Celiac gluten intolerance, there are quite a few lifestyle-related factors that can directly contribute to the severity of the condition. Poor gut health, gut microbiome imbalance, gut permeability, chronic stress, poor eating habits, sleep issues, chronic dehydration, sedentariness, and exposure to toxins (including toxic substances like bromide used to make gluten-based products)—these are just a few factors that can lead to gluten sensitivity.  

According to Dr. David Perlmutter, author of the best-selling book Grain Brain, as many as 30% of Americans have severe gluten reactions. Other research has found that, in fact, all humans living in the modern world may have “some degree of gluten intolerance.” (3) In addition, a study done at Columbia University Medical Center found that those with high levels of certain pro-inflammatory substances in their system experienced non-Celiac gluten sensitivity which improved when gluten was eliminated from their diet. The Columbia researchers also found that these substances can lead to epithelial cell damage, which occurs in the intestinal lining. 

What all this means is that it really is to the benefit of all of us to take a good look at how gluten may be affecting our health and, if necessary, take measures to reduce it or even eliminate it completely from our lives. (4) 

Our Body “Eats” Through the Skin

But, you may ask, this only pertains to foods, right? After all, how can using a skin product cause a gluten reaction? 

The answer to this question may surprise you. The fact is, there are many different ways we “consume” both nutrients and toxins. Besides orally through food and drink, the biggest way comes through the skin. 

Did you know that the skin acts like a sponge and literally “consumes” every lotion, cream, soap, and oil that you lather use on its surface? This is a scary fact, especially when you consider that out of the over 10,000 toxic substances used in commercial cosmetics, skincare, and other personal care products, only about 13% have actually been tested for safety. (5) 

Gluten in Commercial Skincare Product

It is fairly easy most of the time (yet not all the time) to recognize gluten-based ingredients in processed food. This is because manufacturers are required to display them and most of them do in the form of  “Wheat flour/bread flour/bleached flour, Bulgur, Malt, Couscous, Farina, Pasta, Seitan, Wheat or barley grass,  …Wheat germ oil or extract” or monosodium glutamate. Other manufacturers may display direct warnings regarding ingredients as well as the manufacturing facilities they use that may have regular gluten exposure. (6) 

Determining if gluten is within commercial or even organic skincare products is quite a bit trickier, however. Emulsifiers, stabilizers, texture and consistency enhancers, and other substances used especially in the manufacturing stage may potentially contain gluten which then goes into the bottle that is sold to you. Here is a partial list of cosmetic and skincare ingredients that are gluten-based: 

• Triticum lipids and vulgare
• AMP-isostearoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein
• Wheat bran and wheat germ extract
• Wheat germ glyceride
• Hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP)
• Hydrolyzed wheat gluten
• Barley extract
• Hordeum vulgare extract
• Malt extract
• Vitamin E (often derived from wheat germ)

If you have concerns about gluten in a skincare product, be sure to check the product’s ingredient list or, better yet, contact the manufacturer directly just to be sure. 

Three Reasons CHARLÍS is Gluten Free! 

Many skincare products have at least some amount of gluten in them. That is why, here at CHARLÍS, we have made the commitment to offer only 100% gluten free products for your good health, safety, and vibrant looking skin. Here are 3 specific reasons why we do it: 

#1 Avoiding Skin Based Reactions. 

Those with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can have mild to severe skin-based reactions to skincare products that contain gluten. (7) Some of these reactions include redness, itching, rashes, hives, dryness, acne breakouts, Dermatitis Herpetiformis (a skin condition connected to Celiac disease), and more extreme skin sensitivity. Even if you do not know if you have gluten intolerance, why take the risk? Simply go gluten free and keep your face and overall skin blemish-free and healthy!  

#2 Preventing Accidental Ingestion. 

When you use skin care products containing gluten, there’s a risk of accidental ingestion through the mouth as well as when you engage in activities like eating, drinking, or touching your face. This can be very problematic for those with gluten sensitivity. And even small amounts of gluten ingestion can trigger symptoms in individuals with celiac disease.

#3 Preventing Cross-Contamination. 

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing skin care products are used by someone in the same household. Gluten particles can linger on surfaces and be transferred to the hands or other objects, increasing the risk of ingestion through the skin or mouth for those who are sensitive. If you go gluten free, make it a point to eventually go all the way. Make sure that all of the products in your medicine cabinet are gluten free and encourage others in your household to do the same.

100% Gluten Free Means Peace of Mind

There is one more major reason why we make the gluten free commitment with all of our products. For people with celiac or gluten sensitivity, going gluten-free skin just provides profound peace of mind. 

When you use any CHARLÍS products in our Luxury Face Collection and Body collection, you don’t have to worry about whether your skin care routine may be contributing to gut, skin or other gluten-related symptoms. And because all CHARLÍS products are lab tested for gluten and chemical toxins to be ToxicFree ©, there will be no doubt that your daily CHARLÍS products are only contributing to the health, vitality, and beauty of your skin! 

References: 

(1)  What is Celiac Disease?
(2) Diagnosis of celiac disease is being missed in over 80% of children particularly in those from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds
(3) Gluten Sensitivity – Challenged by a New Study?
(4) No Effects of Gluten in Patients with Self-Reported Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity After Dietary Reduction of Fermentable, Poorly Absorbed, Short-Chain Carbohydrates
(5) Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Prohibited Ingredients
(6) How to Identify Gluten on Food Labels
(7) Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Are you stressed? If so, it can show up on your skin. 

There is an intricate relationship between stress and the health of your skin. Keep reading to learn more and, more importantly, how you can go from stressed out to calm for radiant, beautiful-looking skin!

The Stress-Skin Connection

Stress is more than just a feeling; it’s a physiological response triggered by the body’s release of stress hormones, in particular cortisol and adrenaline. There is no doubt that these hormones, when chronically elevated, can wreak havoc on your body internally. What you may not know, however, is that they can also have a huge impact on the outside too, i.e., on the health of your skin.  

Basically, stress kicks in higher cortisol levels which leads to higher inflammation; this can throw everything off, including in your skin. For example, essential substances for skin renewal, healing, and protection, such as vitamin C, are not able to be absorbed as effectively when we are in “fight or flight” mode. As a result, collagen synthesis (one of the main mechanisms for creating new skin cells) can be drastically reduced as a result. (1) 

There is also a connection between the nervous system, where stress responses originate, the endocrine system, and the skin. One of the primary mechanisms of the endocrine system is the HPA axis, also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The HPA axis acts as the intermediary between the central nervous system and the endocrine system. It helps with the balance of hormones in general, especially during a stress response. 

Interestingly, as part of the “brain-skin connection,” the skin also has its own “mini” HPA axis (known as the peripheral HPA axis). According to a 2014 report published in the journal Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, the skin-based HPA is “fully functional” and contains all the substances and cellular receptor sites that the main HPA axis has – only it is located within skin cells! Scientists are discovering such a connection between emotional states and the state of our skin that they even have a new field of dermatology centered around it. “Psychodermatology” is the study of the link between stress-related conditions like PTSD and skin diseases. (2) 

How Stress Affects Skin Health Specifically

Staying in an ongoing state of stress can do damage to your skin health on several fronts, including:

Impaired Barrier Function: Chronic stress can weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental irritants and allergens. (3) 

Poor Blood Circulation: Stress can constrict blood vessels, especially in women, according to the American Heart Association. (4) This can reduce blood flow to the skin and result in a dull complexion and slow wound healing. 

Accelerated Aging: Chronic stress can speed up the aging process on all levels. This can lead to the breaking down collagen and elastin, with wrinkles and sagging skin as the result. (5) 

What Does Too Much Stress Look Like on the Skin?

If you have been under a lot of stress lately, or if you suffer from chronic stress or other stress-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), here are some ways this may show up on your skin: 

• rash
• hives
• increased dryness
• scaliness 
• blistering 
• blotches
• bloating
• itchiness
• excess wrinkling
• saggy looking skin
• sensitive skin 
• tired looking skin
• discoloration (such as redness or paleness) 
• more extreme manifestations of combination skin
• puffiness or bags under the eyes (this can also be an indication of sleep issues related to stress)
• skin-related disease, including eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, and more.(6)(7) 

5 Ways to Lower Stress & Experience Vibrant Skin

The good news is that managing stress can lead to healthier, happier skin! Here are just a few actions you can take now: 

#1 Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Engaging in relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing, visualization, or prayer can reduce stress hormones, improve nutrient absorption, and restore skin healing.(8) It also may be necessary to go deeper to really affect change. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD or have had significant trauma in your life (especially in childhood), this can contribute to chronic stress. It’s okay to seek help from a therapist, faith-based counselor, or other qualified professional. Millions of people have experienced profound healing through modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, faith-based trauma healing, or EVOX (a type of biofeedback). All of these modalities help to change belief systems and stress responses at the subconscious level.(9) 

#2 Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced, organic, whole foods diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other healing substances can support your skin’s health and resilience. One of the best substances for both skin and brain health is omega 3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, olive oil, and other whole foods. Recent research has found that getting adequate amounts of omega 3s can also significantly help with mood disorders, including both anxiety and depression. (10)  

Also, remember that part of a healthy diet is proper hydration. After all, moisture is what gives skin that plump, soft, smooth look and feel, and the first step in getting there is to drink more water. A good rule of thumb for most people is to drink at least half your weight in ounces of fresh, filtered water every day.   

#3 Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise just plain works for lowering stress and maintaining a vibrant life. Specifically, physical activity can improve circulation, promoting a healthy complexion. When you have increased blood flow, you have oxygen—the lifeblood of not only your internal environment, but also healthy skin too. 

#4 Get Quality Sleep: Stress often leads to issues with sleep such as insomnia, restless sleep, or poor quality sleep. One way this can show up on your skin is under the eyes. Yes, you can cover up those “bags” with makeup, but the best way to get rid of them for good is to prioritize healthy sleep. Make it a point to turn off cell phones and other electronic devices at least an hour before bed and tune down the caffeine and sugar consumption too, especially during the second half of the day. 

All the other tips mentioned in this section will also contribute to you getting a good night’s sleep, which is absolutely essential if you want to rebalance your body and boost your health on all levels. (11) 

#5 Establish a Skincare Routine: As you work on lowering stress on the inside, don’t forget the healing that can take place on the surface of the skin as well. Gentle, skin-friendly products that use only organic substances can deeply clean and replenish without the threat of harmful toxins. Be consistent with your natural skincare routine and you will begin to see the result on the outside too! 

How CHARLIS (& the Power of Citrus) Can Help 

When you are stressed, you need topical relief that can soothe your skin while at the same time help to calm and rebalance your nervous system. Is such a skin product even possible? You bet. In fact, combining these two effects was the very reason why I decided to launch the CHARLÍS Body Collection this last spring (2023).

Each of the formulas that make up the products in both our Body Collection and our Face Collection have “star substances” which make them unique. At the same time, almost all of our formulas have one substance in common: they all contain the calming yet energizing presence of citrus. Dozens of studies have found that citrus can not only lower inflammation and boost immunity, but citrus fragrance in particular has been shown to significantly boost and rebalance mood as well. Japanese researchers, writing for the journal Neuroimmunomodulation, even found that citrus essential oil was “more effective than antidepressants” in boosting mood. (12) At the same time, citrus is naturally high in vitamin C, and ascorbic acid is a must-have for skin cell repair, replenishing, and protection. 

The citrus oils we use in products such as the CHARLÍS Sweet Orange Body Butter, the CHARLÍS Sweet Orange Body Lotion (found in the CHARLÍS Body Collection) and the refreshing CHARLÍS Daily Moisturizer (found in our Face Collection) are all 100% organic. What’s more, the rebalancing fragrance of citrus can be used for both men and women. 

And don’t forget our Orange Blossom Eau de Parfum, which can be found in the Body Collection and contains triple the citrus power with sweet orange, grapefruit and bergamot! 

Calm Your Mind and Your Skin Will Follow! 

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to take a toll on your skin. By understanding the connection between stress and the skin, you can take proactive steps to manage stress. Then you can enjoy radiant, healthy skin, and CHARLÍS can be there to help you every step of the way! 

References: 

1. Even low-grade inflammation impacts on small intestinal function
2. Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging  
3. Psychological stress perturbs epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis: implications for the pathogenesis of stress-associated skin disorders
4. Mental stress-induced constricted blood vessels more likely in women
5. The Link between Chronic Stress and Accelerated Aging
6. Stress-related skin disorders
7. The Response of Skin Disease to Stress  Changes in the Severity of Acne Vulgaris as Affected by Examination Stress
8. Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress
9. ZYTO EVOX 
10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders 
11. Influence of Mindfulness Practice on Cortisol and Sleep in Long-Term and Short-Term Meditators
12. Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states