“Our skin is the main interface between our bodies and pollutants from road traffic, power generation, agricultural/waste incineration and industry. Features of skin aging, such as wrinkles and dark spot formation, are accelerated in heavily polluted environments and the number of those suffering with skin conditions, such as acne, is increased.” - Dr. Kluk, Harper's Baazar

And since the latest figures show that 91% of the world’s population live in places where air quality exceeds the World Health Organization’s guideline limit, and 4.2 million deaths every year occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution, anti-pollution skincare is here to stay.

If sun exposure is our skin’s number one enemy, pollution is the number two.

Obviously it's important to be vigilant about keeping your skin immaculate and removing pollutants as often as you can, and never, ever sleep with the day's grime on your face.

TellurideGlow Skin Recovery is nutritional skincare that supports cleanliness because every ingredient contains one or more antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can reapply the serum during the day by rubbing one drop (not a full pump) between clean hands and pressing over your make-up to refresh.

The Best Anti-Pollution Skincare Ingredients

There are many ingredients commonly used in TellurideGlow products that help fight the toxic effects of pollution.

Antioxidants: Vitamin C, A + E plus Superoxide Dismutase and Edelweiss

Antioxidants like vitamin C are top of the list to repel skin damaging free radicals common in pollution and UV rays and have many benefits for the skin. They increase microcirculation, which helps stimulate the skin's self-cleansing, self-healing and self-regenerating ability. They can also reverse some of pollution's side effects by brightening skin and stimulating collagen to keep skin looking and feeling firmer.

No one encompasses more antioxidants in skin care than TellurideGlow, so there is no need to purchase additional anti-pollution products, especially if you are using the two-step ritual of the Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence plus your choice of one Serum night and day. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, The Purist, The Alpine

Mineral Clays

The mineral-loaded cocktail of New Zealand Glacial Clay and Kaolin in Snow Rose Recovery Mask will help counter the effects of pollution on skin. The magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium found in this product help replenish what pollution depletes and rebalance for proper skin function. It encourages vibrancy, stabilizes hydration levels and helps skin absorb vital trace minerals and nutrients. Where to find these ingredients: Snow Rose Recovery Mask 

Dew bean, Rosehip, Shavegrass, Aspen Bark Extract, White Willow Bark, Camellia, Frankincense

This combination helps to strengthen and balance the skin and work together to nourish, cleanse tissues, assist in the skin purging process and increase skin's ability to bounce back. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, The Purist, The Alpine 

Rose Damascene

Finely powdered rose petals hydrate while helping to draw pollution toxins up and out of the skin then exfoliate them to oblivion. If applied once a week, this ingredient can help reverse the side effects of pollution and leave skin fresh and smooth. Where to find these ingredients: Snow Rose Recovery Mask

Micro-mollecular Hyaluronic Acid, Phytoceramides, Tremella Mushroom, Aloe Vera, Shiitake & Chamomile Hydrosomes

Hydration is key to soothe the skin and maintain suppleness. These ingredients protect your skin against dryness and irritation caused by pollution by reinforcing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss. Where to find these ingredients: Aspen Dew, Snow Rose Mask, The Purist, The Alpine 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an obvious essential. After much trial and error, my favorite is Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 because it has no questionable ingredients and feels like a velvety, clear primer.

Day in, day out exposure to exhaust, smog, smoke, free radicals and even extreme climate can cause many offensive side effects for your skin, like dehydration, wrinkles, fine lines, premature aging, weakened skin, dullness and sensitivity. Incorporating anti-pollution ingredients and diligent sunscreen application is now more necessary than ever.

Sources:

Parrado, C., Mercado-Saenz, S., Perez-Davo, A., Gilaberte, Y., Gonzalez, S., & Juarranz, A. (2019). Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging: Mechanistic Insights. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 759. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00759

Effective recovery skincare starts with premium ingredients that go well beyond average. Our science-backed secret at TellurideGlow is integrating high-performance and high-grade extremophiles, with minimal processing, into every TellurideGlow formula. 

Extreme-O what?!?

An extremophile is an organism that thrives in physically or geochemically extreme conditions that are detrimental to most life on Earth. Extremophiles hail from the harshest environments on the planet, including mountainous regions. In the plant kingdom, botanical extremophiles are also known as  extremophytes.

Not all antioxidants are alike. It is the very nature of extremophiles to thrive where other organisms cannot, doing so by producing potent secondary metabolites that manufacture an abundance of phytonutrients, the real workhorses of antioxidants that encourage regeneration, discourage inflammation and defend against aggression.

Palpable botanical benefits are the phytoceramides, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals in abundance that help keep both plants and skin healthy and vitalized.

Think of extremophiles as the Olympic athletes of plants. They continually train harder and perform better than the average plant, and the results are more profound.

How it all started

Our founder, Mary Alice, had a mission to not let the unforgiving climate of Telluride, Colorado win the battle over healthy skin. Depleted skin became the norm from living about 9,000 feet above sea level with low oxygen and humidity, intense UV radiation, and extreme wind, snowfall, and temperatures. Nothing worked, at any price. 

Her research led right outside of her window in the 13,000 to 14,000 majestic peaks surrounding Telluride. The most brutal growing conditions in the world also produce the most powerful, high-performance plants in the world, and those plants became integral to TellurideGlow’s Recovery Skincare.

TellurideGlow delivers results with some of the industry’s highest concentrations of powerful nutrients from 13 fortifying alpine survivalist plants to transport the energy of nature right to your skin.

We harness the power of over 50 of the highest-grade botanical ingredients for complete skin-beautifying nutrition. Every product is 100% natural with actives that help to accelerate regeneration, way beyond average.

Alpine plant power is at the heart of every TellurideGlow creation, formulated with the highest ratios and the greatest variety of cytoprotective alpine botanicals on the market for unsurpassed skin revival.

 “I love this oil! It's the best moisturizer for this dry, rotten climate I live in!” ~Cynthia 

Hardworking alpine recovery botanicals restore skin health 

We step beyond the boundaries of Telluride to find extremophile plants with the most active, skin-boosting whole-plant ingredients that can only be found in exotic higher elevations, and make them the foundation for elevated recovery skincare.

Antioxidant-rich Cloudberries withstanding temperatures of 40 below zero in Arctic Scandinavia

Rare and protected Edelweiss from the Swiss Alps with more free radical fighting ability than vitamin C

Himalayan Sea Buckthorn Berries with over 190 micronutrients that feed your skin

Rare, mineral-rich Glacial Clay from the Southern Alps of New Zealand

Skin-smoothing Aspen Bark plus mountain meadow Arnica to boost circulation

Actives from these survivalist plants keep your skin feeling so nourished that you can walk out of the house without giving it a second thought.

“You have a beautiful product! Yesterday I went to physical therapy, so no makeup. Everyone kept telling me how beautiful my skin is!!” ~G. Johnson

Vibrant skin to withstand urban agression

Harsh weather. Pollutants. Stress. Aging. Sensitivities. Outdoor lifestyles. They all contribute to skin aging faster than normal. And while we know we can’t stop aging, we know we can slow down its effects. 

 “Harsh weather conditions disrupt the skin surface barrier affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.” ~ Dr. Hextall, dermatologist, The Harley Medical Group    

Thanks to Mother Nature and her extremophiles, your skin can reclaim strength and resiliency, withstanding any modern-day stresses, anywhere. 

Goji berries embody much more than just a tasty addition to your breakfast bowl. These nutrient-rich super-berries, also known as “wolfberries”, serve as a potent source of nutrients for your skin.

Originating from the lush landscapes of Asia, goji berries ( Lycium barbarum) have been revered in traditional medicine for centuries.

Lauded for their disease-preventing and immune-boosting properties, goji berries contain a dense concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients.

Antioxidants galore 

The secret behind goji berries' efficacy in promoting skin health lies in their exceptional antioxidant capacity. These antioxidants shield the skin from oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to premature aging. 

By neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells—goji berries help maintain the skin's collagen and elastin integrity, ensuring its texture remains firm and youthful.

The rich nutrient profile of goji berries, including carotenoids, vitamin C, oleic acid, and polysaccharides, plays a crucial role in enhancing skin color, texture, and overall resilience.

Let’s take a look at each one of these constituents in detail.

Carotenoids, nature’s answer to the sun's rays

Carotenoids, responsible for goji berries' vibrant red color, are formidable allies against environmental aggressors.

Zeaxanthin and lutein, two prominent carotenoids found in goji berries, help guard against UV-induced damage and pollution, safeguarding the skin's structural components and mitigating inflammation.

Skin vitality trio: beta carotene, vitamin C, and zinc

This powerful trio works synergistically to support skin health.

Beta carotene, a vitamin A precursor, excels in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, helping to preserve the skin's elasticity and promoting collagen synthesis.

Vitamin C, known for its brightening effects, contributes to an even skin tone and smoother texture. Zinc enhances these benefits by supporting fibroblast function, essential for maintaining the skin's strength and resilience.

Anti-inflammatory heroes: polysaccharides and betaine

Goji berries are rich in polysaccharides, which not only hydrate and plump the skin but also soothe it, offering protection against harmful biochemical processes. 

Betaine, another key compound, combats inflammation and helps to preserve collagen and elastin from degradation, particularly from sun exposure, thereby preventing premature aging.

Moisture-locking oleic acid

Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in goji berries, reinforces the skin's barrier function, minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and ensuring lasting hydration.

Its anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with its antioxidant benefits, provide comprehensive protection against environmental damage and aging.

Why we use Nepalese goji berries

Nepalse goji berries are particularly beneficial for skin health.

This is because the high altitude, clean air and strong sunlight of the Himalayas contribute to a denser nutrient profile that other goji berry varieties.

The glacial deposits over centuries have enriched the Himalayan soil with minerals, ensuring that the goji berries grown here are packed with a higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for skin vitality. Nepalese goji include significant levels of antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and polysaccharides.

You can find goji berry oil inclueded in our best-selling Alpine Phytonutient Serum.

Goji berries for skin health

The integration of goji berries into skincare formulations and dietary habits stands as a testament to their multifaceted benefits for skin health. By offering protection against oxidative damage, enhancing collagen production, and maintaining hydration, goji berries present a holistic approach to achieving radiant, healthy skin.

Incorporating goji berries into both your skincare routine and diet helps nurture and preserve the skin's natural vitality and beauty. 

Goji berries are a clear favorite for anyone seeking to bolster their skin health through nutrient-rich, natural ingredients.

Lavender, known by it's Latin name as Lavandula, has captivated our senses for millennia, not just with its delightful aroma but also with its extensive medicinal and therapeutic properties.

High-altitude lavender, with its unique adaptogenic properties and rich phytochemical content, stands out for its enhanced phytochemical richness which play a pivotal role in enhancing skin health and emotional well-being.

History and traditional uses of lavendar

The story of lavender is woven deeply into the fabric of history, dating back to ancient civilizations.

In Ancient Egypt, lavender played a crucial role in the mummification process and perfumery.

It is famously associated with Cleopatra's seduction of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Its protective qualities were revered, believed to ward off evil spirits and diseases such as the plague and cholera in medieval Europe.

In Roman times, lavedar was a symbol of cleanliness and purity. Fun fact,  its name is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash," indicative of its use in Roman bathing rituals.

Lavender's healing properties were also recognized in early medicine by Greek physician Dioscorides and further celebrated by herbalist John Parkinson and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its cooling and soothing effects.

The 20th century saw the pioneering work of French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who, after experiencing lavender's healing effects first hand. After sustaining a burn on his hand he famously plunged it into a vat of lavender oil and was reportedly astonished at the speed with which his hand healed.

Gattefosse's study of lavendar contributed significantly to the foundation of modern aromatherapy, highlighting its antimicrobial and skin regeneration benefits.

The unique benefits of high-altitude lavender

Enhanced relaxation and improved sleep

The sedative properties of high-altitude lavender essential oil have been well-documented, showing significant improvement in sleep quality and stress reduction. Its intense aroma, rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, contributes to its calming effects on the nervous system.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Research highlights lavender oil's ability to mitigate inflammatory responses and soothe skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for reducing redness and discomfort on reactive skin.

Antimicrobial activity

Lavender oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties are effective against skin pathogens, supporting its traditional use in cleansing wounds and preventing infections.

Promotes skin recovery and collagen synthesis

Studies have shown that lavender essential oil may help speed skin recovery by enhancing fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis. This property is crucial for improving skin health and integrity.

Guards against premature aging

The polyphenols in high-altitude lavender offer significant antioxidant protection, safeguarding the skin from environmental stressors, UV damage, and preventing signs of premature aging.

Lavender in skincare & wellness

The historical and scientific narratives of lavender converge to underscore its timeless appeal and enduring value in skincare and wellness.

High-altitude lavender, with its unique adaptogenic properties, represents the pinnacle of this botanical's potential, offering a holistic approach to nurturing the skin and calming the mind.

Incorporating high-altitude lavender into your daily routine can help to enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, promote skin health and protect against premature aging.

Lavender oil is a true testament to the power of nature in supporting our overall well-being.

Lavender's journey from ancient rituals and royal endorsements to modern-day aromatherapy and skincare formulations encapsulates its multifaceted role as a botanical treasure.

As we continue to explore and appreciate lavender's many benefits, we honor a tradition that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary science, ensuring that lavender remains a cherished ingredient in our pursuit of natural health and beauty.

Article References

1. Lytle, J., et al. (2014). "Study on the Effect of Inhalation of Lavender Essential Oil on Patients with Insomnia." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
2. Donelli, D., et al. (2019). "Effects of Lavender on Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Phytomedicine.
3. Sánchez-Vidaña, D. I., et al. (2017). "The Effectiveness of Lavender Essential Oil on Inflammatory Responses and Skin Conditions." International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
4. Zu, Y., et al. (2010). "Antimicrobial Activity of Lavender Oil Against Common Skin Pathogens." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
5. Mori, H. M., et al. (2016). "Accelerated Wound Healing by Lavender Essential Oil in Mice." BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
6. Pandey, K. B., & Rizvi, S. I. (2009). "Plant Polyphenols as Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease." Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

Hemp seed oil is currently basking in well-deserved acclaim. Extracted through the cold pressing of Cannabis sativa seeds, this oil is distinct from the hemp oil derived from the plant’s leaves and flowers and contains no psychoactive constituents. 

Let’s explore the multifaceted benefits hemp seed oil offers to your skin, enriched with a deeper educational insight.

Regulates oil production

The magic of hemp seed oil lies in its ability to regulate oil production. While the exact mechanisms remain a topic of ongoing research, evidence suggests hemp seed oil can modulate sebum production. 

This makes hemp seed oil a boon for both oily and acne-prone skin types. Its unique composition of lipids and antioxidants helps manage and soothe acne outbreaks. The presence of anti-lipogenic properties in hemp seed oil plays a crucial role in controlling sebaceous gland activities and helps maintain skin balance and clarity.

Anti-inflammatory powerhouse

The essential fatty acids (EFAs) in hemp seed oil, including omega-3 and omega-6, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

These EFAs interfere with inflammatory pathways and help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, offering relief from redness and irritation. 

The tocopherols, or vitamin E compounds found in hemp seed oil, further enhance its anti-inflammatory capabilities, targeting oxidative stress and inflammation at the molecular level.

Enhances skin barrier function

Hemp seed oil is not just revitalizing but also strengthening. 

It is particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis, where compromised skin barrier function is a key concern. The EFAs enrich the skin’s lipid layer, improving the cohesion between epidermal cells and fortifying the skin barrier. 

This enhanced barrier function is crucial in preventing environmental aggressors and pathogens from causing further damage, thereby helping to reduce the incidence and severity of skin disorders.

Promotes hydration and luminosity

The hydration benefits of hemp seed oil stem from its balanced composition of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, along with gamma-linolenic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. 

This trifecta effectively forms a protective layer on the skin, minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and locking in moisture. 

The result is a visible improvement in skin texture and luminosity, with a plumped, hydrated appearance that radiates health.

Fights damage from free radicals

Hemp seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, primarily vitamin E in the forms of y-tocopherols, alpha-tocopherols, and tocotrienols. 

These potent antioxidants provide critical defense against free radical damage, which can lead to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage within skin cells. 

By protecting the skin from environmental pollutants, hemp seed oil plays a significant role in 

Hemp seed oil is truly a skin champion with its ability to balance, soothe, strengthen, and hydrate.  Its rich nutrient profile makes it an indispensable ingredient for anyone looking to enhance their skin health. 

As research continues to unveil its myriad benefits, hemp seed oil stands out as a testament to the power of nature in nurturing and revitalizing our skin. You can enjoy all the radiance boosting benefits of this botanical in our Purist Delicate Skin Serum. 

Sea buckthorn is a super-nutrient oil revered in skincare for its unparalleled ability to enhance skin radiance, boost hydration, and combat premature aging. 

This "liquid gold" is not an oceanic extract but a precious yield from the Sea buckthorn shrub, thriving in the lofty realms of the Himalayas. 

Meticulously extracted via mechanical cold pressing from Sea buckthorn berries ensures a potent blend of omegas essential for skin health.

A jewel in traditional medicine

Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, Sea buckthorn has been a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.), cherished for its holistic health benefits. 

Its Latin name, Hippophae rhamnoides, meaning 'shiny horse,' hints at its historical use for enhancing the vitality and coat health of horses, a testament to its nourishing properties.

Omega-rich rejuvenation

The secret behind Sea buckthorn oil's remarkable skin benefits lies in its comprehensive fatty acid profile, encompassing omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, making it a unique botanical source of all four essential omegas. 

These lipids are pivotal in moderating the skin's inflammatory response, which is crucial since chronic inflammation is a precursor to premature aging and DNA damage. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of Sea buckthorn oil not only soothe the skin but also protect it against the ravages of time, promoting a youthful, vibrant complexion.

Beyond inflammation control, these fatty acids facilitate deep skin penetration, promoting regeneration, collagen production, and renewal. This action is critical for epidermal recovery and helps minimize the look of scars. 

Omega-9, for instance, enhances the skin's absorption of other beneficial compounds, whereas omega-6, converted into prostaglandins, plays a vital role in skin recovery and nutrient transport.

A standout feature of Sea buckthorn oil is its omega-7 content, a rarity in the plant kingdom, known for boosting keratinization, telomerase activity, and collagen formation. 

These processes are essential for slowing aging and reducing hyperpigmentation.

Strengthening the skin barrier

The integrity of the skin barrier is fundamental to overall skin health, serving as a defense against microbial invasion and moisture loss. It is also easily compromised as we age, due to a reduction in our skin’s natural oil production.

Sea buckthorn oil's rich phytoceramide and lipid content fortifies this barrier, effectively reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and shielding the skin from inflammation-induced aging and structural damage. 

Its barrier-strengthening properties also offer support for inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and rosacea, comforting sensitive reactive-prone skin.

Antioxidant power for smoother firmer skin

Environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and psychological stress contribute to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, accelerating skin aging through oxidative stress. 

Sea buckthorn oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamins A, E, and C—boasting a vitamin C content 15 times higher than that of oranges!

These antioxidants mitigate ROS damage, support collagen synthesis, and provide regenerative benefits, crucial for preventing premature aging and facilitating skin recovery.

Moreover, the oil's phytonutrients can help curb the activity of sun-induced MMP enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, offering further protection against aging and inflammation.

Enhanced radiance

Sea buckthorn oil may help support skin detoxification and oxygenation, culminating in a more radiant and glowing complexion. 

This improvement boosts skin barrier health and resilience, something that is especially beneficial for those who spend time in extreme climatic conditions, like skiing in Telluride!

Sea buckthorn oil stands out as a multifaceted elixir in skin care, offering a spectrum of benefits from anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening actions to antioxidant protection and radiance enhancement. 

You can find Sea buckthorn in our best-selling Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and Purist Delicate Skin Serum.