Let’s talk about plants, specifically alpine plants. From low oxygen levels, limited rainfall, windy peaks, and high elevations, alpine botanicals have had to adapt to extreme environments. They are also exposed to roughly 30% more UV rays than plants at lower elevations. 

These harsh conditions have led alpine botanicals to produce phytochemical defenses to protect themselves from these environmental stressors, including damaging UV rays. 

Powerful botanical constituents like polyphenols, pigment-rich carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytoceramides all work to help alpine extremophiles shield themselves from harmful UV rays.

Unlike alpine botanicals that have evolved to thrive in extreme conditions, too much sun exposure on our skin can cause a host of problems. From oxidative damage to increased inflammation, UV exposure can lead to premature skin aging and collagen breakdown or worse. You can read all about the effects of UV rays in our previous post, “5 Ways UV Rays Damage Your Skin.”

The good news is that the phytonutrients from alpine botanicals have been shown to help revitalize sun-stressed skin. They provide critical micronutrients that improve skin barrier health at the deepest level and help support the skin’s own defense mechanism against environmental assault.

To help fortify and restore your skin from the damaging effects of  UV rays, consider incorporating alpine adaptogens into your skincare routine. 

The following five alpine plants have been specifically selected to support skin barrier health, helping it to bounce back more quickly from environmental stressors like UV exposure.

Fortifying & Restorative Alpine Adptogens

Edelweiss Flower Extract

Edelweiss flower extract (Gnaphalium Leontopodium) is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fortify the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. With 2X the free-radical scavenging power of vitamin C, Edelweiss is an alpine powerhouse that should be in every recovery skincare routine. You can find it in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Bearberry Leaf Extract 

Bearberry leaf extract (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi) contains arbutin, a natural skin-lightening agent that can help reduce the appearance of UV-induced hyperpigmentation, combat photoaging, and age spots. 

Alpine Sea Buckthorn

High-altitude Sea Buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides) contains a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. These nutrients can help promote skin recovery, soothe reddened angry skin, and fight photo-aging. You can find Sea Buckthorne in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

Moringa

Highly nutritive Moringa seed oil (Moringa Oleifera) contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost skin recovery, promote skin renewal, combat premature photoaging, and moisturize skin at the deepest level.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil (Rosa Canina) is non-comedogenic and is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and C, which can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, and promote a healthy skin barrier. An excellent choice for acne sufferers.

Takeaway on alpine adaptogens

Incorporating these powerful alpine ingredients into your daily skincare routine can help fortify your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation and assist in restoring healthy happy skin after you’ve been in the sun. You can find all of the above alpine botanicals in our Vibrant Skin Duo.

Please remember that these botanical actives should be used as a part of a comprehensive skincare routine that includes proper sun protection measures, such as applying a non-toxic mineral-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30+.

Always consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare advice and recommendations tailored to your specific skin concerns and needs.

In the meantime, make sure to spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of sun protection to help others take care of their skin too.

What are your favorite sun protection tips and skincare ingredients? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to spread the word about the importance of sun protection!

Most of us are well aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and the importance of sun protection as a means of skin cancer prevention. 

But do you know exactly how UV rays damage your skin? 

In this three-part series dedicated to Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we'll first explore the impact of UV rays on skin DNA and structure. In subsequent posts, we’ll highlight some powerful skincare ingredients that offer fortifying and restorative benefits to sun-damaged skin as well as cover other ways in which you can protect your skin from ultraviolet damage.

The following are five ways in which ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, primarily UVA and UVB rays, cause damage to the skin:

1. DNA damage and skin cancer risk 

UVB rays can directly damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage to our skin’s genetic code can lead to mutations that can result in skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. This is in part due to the fact that the DNA damage continues hours after our exposure to the sun has ended.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm)

2. Sunburn and inflammation 

UVB rays are the main culprits of sunburn, an acute response to excessive UV exposure characterized by redness, inflammation, and sometimes blistering. The safest way to prevent sunburn is to cover up, use SPF 50+, and avoid sun exposure when ultraviolet rays are at their strongest, between 10 am-4 pm.

• Apply and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
• Wear sun-protective clothing
• Avoid peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm)

3. Pigmentation changes

UVA and UVB rays stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin, leading to the development of freckles, age spots, and uneven skin tone. An additional unfortunate byproduct of melanin production is DNA derivatives called cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). CPDs are associated with an increased risk of melanoma. UVA rays penetrate the deepest into the skin and can pass through panes of glass (such as car windows) and cloud cover.

• Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days
• Incorporate brightening skincare products to fade pigmentation
• Consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment options

4. Collagen and elastin degradation 

UVA rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This damage results in premature skin aging characterized by wrinkles, and loss of skin structure which leads to sagging skin and overall loss of elasticity.

• Apply sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays
• Include skincare products with antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.
• Consider professional treatments to stimulate collagen production

5. Blood vessel dilation

UVA rays can cause dilation of blood vessels in the skin, contributing to erythema (redness) and inflammation.

• Use a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Choose skincare products with calming ingredients, such as aloe vera like our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.
• Consult a dermatologist for treatments targeting redness and inflammation

While the most foolproof way of protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays is to stay out of the sun, this is not always possible or desirable. 

You can however protect your skin by making a habit of wearing non-toxic mineral sunscreen daily. And you can fortify your skin against the sun by using skin care products that fight oxidative stress and free radical damage.  

With powerful free radical scavenging ingredients like Edelweiss and Bearberry extract, The Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence supports skin health both before and after sun exposure.

UV Rays FAQs

How do UV rays damage the skin?

A: UV rays can damage the skin in various ways, including causing DNA damage, sunburn, pigmentation changes, collagen and elastin degradation, and blood vessel dilation.

What's the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

A: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and DNA damage. Both types can contribute to skin cancer.

How can I protect my skin from UV damage?

A: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm).

Sources cited:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10365447/
2. https://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index1.html
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6836296_Mouret_S_Baudouin_C_Charveron_M_Favier_A_Cadet_J_Douki_TCyclobutane_pyrimidine_dimers_are_predominant_DNA_lesions_in_whole_human_skin_exposed_to_UVA_radiation_Proc_Natl_Acad_Sci_USA_10313765-13770
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19675548/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25653189/

Even dry and mature skin can suffer from breakouts. Why does one mark on an otherwise flawless face grab all the attention? Incorporate these botanical ingredients to maintain clear skin without a second thought.

Actives to look for

The most effective ingredients for maintaining clear skin are those that balance oil production and increase cell turnover. 

BHA'S

Reduce oil production, increase cell turnover, and are antimicrobial and antibacterial. You'll feel the tingle of natural salicylic acid in our Snow Rose Recovery Mask from white willow bark serving up BHA-like benefits. 

Ceramides

Phytoceramides are recognized for reinforcing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss and are believed to help improve epidermal integrity. Even oily skin needs hydration. You'll find phytoceramides in Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence.

Retinoids

Dew Bean is known to boost skin renewal, reduce oil production and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion as a natural, botanical alternative to retinol. Vigna Anticontifolia is our find in Aspen Dew without the irritants found in synthetic retinoids.  

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 from seaweed (vs synthetic) inhibits the transfer of pigment to the skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in Aspen Dew. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from the environment's aggressions. Vitamin C also helps brighten skin and increase hydration. Ours is abundant and naturally occurring in its most bioavailable whole plant form in several ingredients in all our products, such as Swiss Edelweiss in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. 

Vitamin E

You'll often see vitamin E paired with vitamin C for better results and ours is purely whole plant from sunflowers. This vitamin E offers potent antioxidants and has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture. Found in Aspen Dew, the Alpine, and Purist. 

Green tea

Camellia seed oil in the Purist is a rich source of palmitic and Omega-6 linoleic fatty acids, as well as numerous anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants. Fast absorbing, it permeates deep into the lower layers of the skin, encouraging cell turnover and giving the skin support and flexibility.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil in the Alpine is great for oily skin and acne because it is a natural astringent, helping to regulate sebum and remove excess oil.

Jojoba seed oil

Jojoba has superb absorption properties similar to our skin’s own sebum. It helps to both balance and reduce oil production, support cell turnover, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. We believe so strongly in starting with balanced skin that we made cold-pressed, organic Jojoba the first ingredient in both The Alpine and The Purist.

Superoxide dismustase

A powerful antioxidant in Aspen Dew, with enzymes that assist in reducing free radical damage to the skin and subsequent signs of aging.

Rosehip seed oil

Rosehip seed oil's vitamin A and linoleic acid content help regulate sebum production, which can help prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming. It is found in the Alpine and The Purist.

We've been hearing a lot in the news about vitamin C taken internally for its powerfully protective antioxidants, but do you know the amazing topical benefits vitamin C can have for your skin? 

According to board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, Vitamin C is "a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals." and "Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells."

Whether you choose a single-source ingredient vitamin C serum or a synergistic botanical blend rich in naturally occurring vitamin C like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, we believe this vitamin should be a beauty staple in every skincare regime.

Why we prefer natural vitamin C in our serums

Look on any of our ingredient lists and you won't find the words 'Vitamin C." Synthetic and food-derived vitamin C is chemically identical.

However, plants are rich in numerous micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), dietary fiber, and phytochemicals (e.g., bioflavonoids), and the presence of some of these may affect the bioavailability of vitamin C, according to the Natural Institute of Health.

So as in all of our products, we prefer to deliver whole-food vitamin C occurring in its natural state, with minimal processing for maximum results.

And because whole plant antioxidants are less stable than synthetic versions, we package them in dark glass with treatment pumps to safeguard these valuable nutrients.

An abundance of vitamin C in our serums & essence

We believe in simplicity with a two-step daily ritual, so there is no need to buy additional vitamin C products.

Our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and Purist Delicate Skin Serum truly deliver when it comes to natural vitamin C.  Search for oils with the highest levels of vitamin C and Seabuckthorn, Rosehip, and Jojoba will always be at top of the list, and you'll find them in high levels in both serums, plus organic certification to ensure no pesticides.

But we didn't stop there. 

Other organic ingredients include Arctic Cloudberry from Scandinavia, Gogi from Nepal, nutritionally dense Moringa from the Himalayas, exotic Neroli blossoms, Evening Primrose, Canadian Hemp, Pomegranate, cold weather Cranberry and Roman Chamomile--and every single one of them pack a punch of vitamin C.

Our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence boasts sustainably harvested Edelweiss from the Swiss Alps, with twice the free radical scavenging power of Vitamin C.

Snow Rose Recovery Mask transports its Vitamin C from the second, abundant ingredient on the deck:  Rose Petal powder, which is a natural skin brightener that also soothes irritation. 

Many of these powerful ingredients are from high-altitude survivalist plants known for their extreme nutrients.  We source worldwide to provide the highest ratios and greatest variety of cytoprotective high-altitude botanicals on the market, with 14 of our 50 whole plant botanicals grown at higher elevations.

Read on for 10 reasons you should be incorporating this powerful antioxidant into your skincare regime.

Ten reasons we love Vitamin C serum

1. Anti-aging

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from the environment's aggressions by neutralizing free radicals, like those from damaging UV, blue light, and particulate pollution.

2. Brightening

A natural skin brightener, high-quality vitamin C serum can help significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation to give your natural radiance a boost. 

3. Firms & tones skin

Vitamin C serum helps keep skin firm and toned while combating crepey skin thanks to its beneficial effects on collagen production.

4. Clarifies & decongest pores

Vitamin C serums help balance sebum production by clarifying oily or acne-prone skin. It also gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and decongesting clogged pores. 

5. Boosts collagen

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the production of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its elasticity and firmness. Using a vitamin C serum can help to boost collagen, leading to more youthful-looking skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Smoothes skin 

Vitamin C helps improve skin texture by assisting in cell turnover, leading to a smoother and even skin tone. This action pairs especially with a natural retinol alternative like dew bean, found in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence. Just one of the many reasons the Aspen Dew is so effective!

7. Hydrating

Vitamin C is a humectant, meaning that it helps skin to retain moisture, which leads to more hydrated and bouncy skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines. 

8. Reduce the look of acne scars

Vitamin C can help to naturally support the recovery of damaged skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars and other marks left by blemishes. This makes vitamin C serum an excellent choice post-medspa.

9. Calms angry skin

Vitamin C has known anti-inflammatory properties and can help to calm down reddened and angry skin. A vitamin C serum helps maintain skin barrier integrity and protect against further damage.

10. Boosts radiance

By brightening, hydrating, and improving the texture of the skin, using a vitamin C serum can help to boost overall skin radiance, resulting in a healthy glowing complexion.

Stay well by incorporating vitamin C not just into your diet, but in your skincare as well!

We've discussed how pollution damages the skin, and now, you can add pollen to the list of environmental skin assaults. That fine powdery substance emitted from flowers during germination causes more problems than sneezing and itchy eyes. 

Data presented by Estee Lauder Companies at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology showed that pollen makes up a significant amount of particulate pollution, and has been demonstrated to be damaging to the skin.

The bad news is that you can't control the levels of pollen pollution in the air. The good news? You can totally safeguard your skin against them, and natural antioxidants and barrier-strengthening ingredients are a great place to start.

Similar to the radiance-sapping, pigment-producing effects of pollution like car emissions, smoke, chemicals, and UV rays, pollen also has the ability to attack skin cells.

How does pollen damage the skin?

1. Pollen inhibits collagen production

"Pollen can enter the skin itself through hair follicles" explains Dr. Charlene DeHaven, M.D. Clinical Director at iS Clinical.

One of the major ways it affects the skin is by restricting collagen production, the protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity, and without it, skin tends to look slack, deflated, and peppered with fine lines and wrinkles.

What can you do?

Antioxidants, like vitamin C, are effective in shielding against the skin-ravaging effects of pollen. And according to dermatologists, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. The Edelweiss in our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence has twice the free radical scavenging power of brightening Vitamin C!

2. Pollen can make your skin itch

This is beauce pollen can lead to an inflammatory response on the skin. Inflammation can present itself as a rash, itchy areas, and redness and is also a result of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.  

"People with sensitive or sensitized skin are most vulnerable to pollen irritation, however, anyone with oily or acne-prone skin isn’t necessarily immune. The enlarged pores and inflammation associated with oilier skin types allow the pollen proteins to penetrate into the skin through follicles and open sebaceous glands," explains Dr. Meder. 

How to stop it: Meder advises that "irrespective of your skin type or shade, the best advice is to treat skin gently," using products like The Purist Delicate Skin Serum that will protect the skin from the direct effects of pollen. 

3. Pollen may damage the skin barrier

If the skin's barrier function is weakened, the skin tends to become dry, itchy, and irritated. 

To counteract the damage, it pays to look out for ingredients that are going to rebuild the skin's barrier.

The ones that derms rave about? Ceramides, like the vegetable ceramides in our Aspen Dew Essence. Our skin produces ceramides naturally, but thanks to an onslaught of things like pollution and pollen, the levels take a bit of a dip and therefore need replenishing.

Go for organic moisturizers with a shielding effect, and avoid dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and other occlusive silicones. Instead, look for natural oil products with saturated fatty acids, such as Jojoba oil, Evening Primrose, and Argan oils found in The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum.

One of the most noticeable changes in mature skin is in the way the skin feels.

A slower cell turnover and reduction in lipid production on the skin's surface means roughness and dryness are more likely. As this particular layer of the skin ages, it becomes more sensitive to UV light.

Over-cleansing, over-stripping, and over-drying your skin can compromise the moisture barrier and microbiomes (skin flora), which are really important for skin protection.

A less-is-more approach is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from potential irritation, allergic reactions, and blemishes from congestion.

Because the skin’s lipid barrier replaces itself less frequently as we get older, it can become irritated more easily and cause increased sensitivity over time.

A less-is-more approach is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from potential irritation, allergic reactions, and blemishes from congestion.

One way to address these issues is to streamline your skincare routine and focused on pure ingredients with no irritants.

Not only is using fewer products immensely liberating, but it’s also better for your skin health!

Read on for our streamlined skin ritual with our Vibrant Skin Duo…..

Streamline your skincare with our vibrant skin duo

Step 1: Apply Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence

The “Dew” as many fans call it, is an active product that has everything you need for healthy skin.

Moisturizing: Quad humectants for deep, progressive hydration including micro-molecular hyaluronic acid, phytocerimides, and Niacinamide (B3).

Brightening: Bearberry extract for brightening skin and the appearance of spots.

Rejuvenating: Swiss Edelweiss flowers protect from environmental stressors and helps revitalizes tired skin.

Smoothing: Aspen Bark smooths and conditions skin.

Botanical retinol alternative: Dew Bean helps reveal a fresh and radiant complexion without the associated irritation from traditional retinol.

Step 2: Apply Alpine Phytonutrient Serum

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum delivers serious skin recovery. You get gorgeous moisture while fortifying your skin barrier, and hydrating depleted skin.

This hard-working serum absorbs instantly, leaving skin smooth, radiant, and supple. Free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, alcohol, artificial colors, or fragrances.

Defend against photo-aging: Alpine adaptogens help guard skin against the effects of premature photo-aging. 

Nourishing: High-performance alpine Sea Buckthorn Berry, arctic Cloudberry, and Rosehip provide skin-beautifying nutrients for an instantly luminous complexion. 

Plumping: Uniquely encapsulated phospholipids from Nepalese Gogi berry and acai promote hydrophilic plumping of the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Revitalizing: Superstar moringa, known as the "tree of life" instantly restores tired skin.

Calming: Arnica Montana flower targets puffiness and soothes reddened skin.

Scaling back on complicated skincare routines, and replacing them with fewer but higher quality products, is often an easy way to help resolve skin problems.

Whatever routine your choose, trust that your skin knows best!