Skin Consultation: How to choose the right cleanser for your skin? Why is a pH-balanced cleanser important? Brightening dark spots

Summarized from a consultation originally recorded on November 15, 2023.

Annmarie Skin Care Skin Consultations are FREE, virtual group sessions, hosted live by our in-house skin experts, to provide personalized recommendations and directly answer any skin care related questions. Learn more about our skin consultations.

Annmarie Skin Care—Our Company, Our Process, and What Sets Us Apart

What is Annmarie Skin Care, and how did it get started?

Annmarie Skin Care was founded by Kevin and Annmarie Gianni, originally healthy living bloggers. In 2008 the couple set out in a vegetable oil powered RV on a journey across North and South America to track down the best natural care products and protocols to share with viewers of their popular YouTube show the Renegade Health Show. Viewers of their show began asking Annmarie what products she was using on her skin, which began their quest for a skin care line they could confidently recommend and eventually led to the creation of Annmarie Skin Care.

What sets Annmarie Skin Care apart from other brands?

Key differentiators include a strong commitment to clean ingredients, full transparency regarding ingredients and sourcing, a focus on sustainability, and a unique 3-step Energized Botanical Infusion Process used for product creation.

What is the Made Safe certification, and why is it important?

Annmarie Skin Care is proud that many of our products are Made Safe certified, reflecting our commitment to clean and safe ingredients. MADE SAFE® is an independent third party verification that screens ingredients against a database of thousands of known harmful chemicals including behavioral toxins, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, etc. 

How is sustainability integrated into Annmarie Skin Care products?

Our products are packaged in a recyclable Miron violet glass. This energizes the organic molecules of the product by filtering in a small percentage of light while protecting it from harmful rays. Our shipments are plastic free—our boxes and labels are made from post-consumer waste and are produced at a wind powered facility. In addition, our Made Safe certified products have been examined and do not contain ingredients that may lead to bioaccumulation, persistence, general and aquatic toxicity.

Can you explain the 3-step Energized Botanical Infusion process?

Our process involves curating organic and wildcrafted ingredients, infusing them into organic aloe vera and skin nutritive oils at a low heat for up to 30 days while energizing the infusions with crystals. We then add high-performance seed oils, antioxidant rich botanicals and plant stem cells that deliver skin supporting nutrients and aromatherapy benefits. This process allows us to create pure, potent skin care products that deliver visible results with no harmful effects. 

Cleansing & Recommended Routines

What is Annmarie Skin Care’s recommended routine?

We recommend a basic 4-step routine that consists of cleansing, toning, applying a serum, and moisturizing. This routine is suitable for both morning and evening.

Can I customize my routine with Annmarie Skin Care products?

Absolutely! We encourage customization based on individual preferences and skin needs. Start with the basics and build your routine according to what works best for you and your lifestyle. Annmarie Skin Care offers a wide variety of products to suit different skin types and address various skin concerns—from anti-aging to brightening, we’ve got something for everyone. 

How do I choose the right cleanser for my skin type?

We offer four cleansers— the Aloe Herb Cleanser, Citrus Mint Cleanser, Restorative Cleansing Oil, and Phytonutrient Cleanser. Choose based on your skin type and preferences.

Aloe Herb Cleanser: A pH-balanced, aloe vera-based cream cleanser. Infused with beautifying herbs and a light blend of natural oils containing essential fatty acids, to keep skin hydrated. Gently removes makeup and impurities without drying or leaving any residue. 

Citrus Mint Cleanser: A pH-balanced, aloe vera-based gel cleanser that gently lifts excess oil and removes makeup and impurities without harsh chemicals or leaving any residue. Witch hazel cleanses while a blend of selected herbs and oils keep pores clear and skin refreshed.

Restorative Cleansing Oil: A lightweight cleansing oil that removes makeup and impurities while strengthening the skin’s barrier. Contains antioxidant-rich manuka oil, organic golden jojoba oil, clarifying tea tree oil, and nourishing castor oil. Excellent for all skin types. Use on its own or as the first step in a double cleanse routine. 

Phytonutrient Cleanser: A rich, active cleanser excellent for nourishing and brightening the look of all skin types. Contains our signature serum blend as well as moisture-binding mango seed butter, antioxidant rich acai oil and vitamin C rich apple extract.

Why is pH balance important in cleansers?

pH balance is crucial to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils and disrupting its protective barrier. Upsetting the skin’s pH balance can lead to redness, breakouts, and dry skin. A pH level that is too alkaline will disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial and environmental attack, and accelerating the aging process. The skin’s acid mantle naturally has a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5. All Annmarie Skin Care cleansers have a pH between 5.5 and 5.6. Cleansers that are properly formulated to be slightly acidic, like skin’s acid mantle, work with the skin to cleanse without stripping, upsetting, and drying.

What are the key ingredients in the Aloe Herb Cleanser?

The Aloe Herb Cleanser includes coconut oil, aloe vera, lemon essential oil, and calendula to nourish, hydrate and calm skin. It has an uplifting citrus scent profile. Its light blend of natural oils contain essential fatty acids that keep skin moisturized. 

Can you explain the benefits of the Restorative Cleansing Oil?

The Restorative Cleansing Oil is an oil-based cleanser suitable for all skin types, offering nourishment and effective makeup removal. It leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. For oily skin types this cleansing oil can help to soften congestion and reduce clogged pores. 

Why double cleanse with the Restorative Cleansing Oil?

Double cleansing, starting with an oil cleanser, effectively removes makeup and impurities. Following up with a second cleanser ensures a thorough and nourishing clean while addressing your particular skin type or concern. 

Is double cleansing necessary in the morning and evening?

Usually double cleansing is not necessary in the morning. It is ideal in the evening to thoroughly remove makeup and impurities.

How does the Phytonutrient Cleanser address skin concerns?

The Phytonutrient Cleanser is a nourishing cream cleanser with antioxidant-rich ingredients, including acai oil. Mango seed butter contains fatty acids to smooth your complexion while apple extract provides vitamin C and malic acid to promote brightening the look of skin and addressing concerns such as dark spots.

How should I apply the cleansers for optimal results?

Thoroughly massage your cleanser into damp skin, massaging it and letting it sit for at least 30 seconds to allow the active ingredients to take effect. Rinse or remove with a washcloth. Follow with your toning mist. 

Toning with Annmarie Skin Care Toning Mists 

How should I use the toner?

After cleansing, pat your skin dry, then mist your skin with the toning mist before applying your serum. Some prefer applying the serum when the skin is slightly damp, which can help to  increase absorption and make your product go further. 

What’s the benefit of using a mist versus applying toner with a cotton pad?

Both methods can be used. It is really a personal preference. The mist allows for a more direct application without waste (when applying with a cotton pad the pad will absorb a good bit of the product). 

Can I use the toner in my hair?

Yes, the Rosemary Toning Mist can be used in your hair, particularly if it tends to get greasy. Simply spritz focusing on the roots. 

Do you have a toner specifically for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness?

Yes, our recommended toner for sensitive skin is the Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle. It contains a blend of soothing hydrosols including chamomile and rose.

Serums, Elixirs & Facial Oils

Can you recommend a serum for anti-aging purposes?

All of our serums have anti-aging properties. Our best-selling Anti-Aging Serum is ideal for all skin types. It is rich in antioxidants and contains a non-GMO vegetable sourced hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin minimizing the appearance of fine lines.

Are there serums for targeting dark spots or pigmentation?

Yes, our Citrus Stem Cell Serum is designed for brightening the look of skin and includes ingredients like licorice root, uva ursi, and alma berry to improve the appearance of dark spots. 

Our Wild Fruit Serum is also an excellent choice for those concerned with lackluster and/or dull skin. 

Is there a serum suitable for sensitive or imbalanced skin?

The Probiotic Serum is excellent for sensitive or imbalanced skin. It promotes balance with a probiotic ferment and contains soothing ingredients including olive leaf extract. 

Our Activated CBD Serum is also an excellent choice for calming sensitive skin.

Can you explain the benefits of the new Activated Night Serum?

The Activated Night Serum contains our bioactive A complex, which offers all of the anti-aging benefits of a retinol without any of the negative side effects often associated with conventional retinol products—such as redness and hypersensitivity, thinning of the skin, harm to reproductive health, etc. Our bioactive A complex is derived from algae. We’ve paired it with soothing ingredients like lavender and blue chamomile. This serum also deeply hydrates and plumps the skin with a combination of hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom extract and squalene.

Are there specific precautions when using the Activated Night Serum?

The Activated Night Serum should be used in the evening and paired with SPF during the day due to potential sensitivity to sunlight. We also recommend doing a patch test prior to use. 

What are the key ingredients in the Activated CBD Serum, and how does it work?

Our Activated CBD Serum contains both a water-soluble and fat-soluble CBD for instant and cumulative effects. It is excellent for deeply hydrating and soothing all skin types. Enhanced with Antioxidant-rich superoxide dismutase (SOD) and astaxanthin it helps to protect skin against environmental stressors.

How do I incorporate multiple serums into my routine?

You can alternate between serums based on your skincare goals. For example, use the Activated CBD Serum at night and the Probiotic Serum in the morning for sensitive skin or the Citrus Stem Cell Serum in the morning and the Anti-Aging Serum in the evening for a combination of brightening and anti-aging benefits. 

Are the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs meant to be used directly on the skin?

No, our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs (Hydrate, Brighten, Revitalize) are not to be applied directly to the skin. They are meant to be mixed with your serum or facial oil. To use, pump your serum or facial oil into the palm of your hand, add 1-3 drops of the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, mix and then apply after misting your toning mist. 

How can I customize my skin care routine with elixirs?

You can mix and match the elixirs to customize your skin care routine. For example, use the Hydrate Concentrated Boosting Elixir in the morning and the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir in the evening. 

You can also customize by the amount used. For example, someone with very sensitive skin who would still like to incorporate a retinol-like product into their routine could add just one drop of the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir to the Probiotic Serum With Tremella. Channel your inner alchemist and experiment to find what works best for your skin. 

What’s the difference between facial oils for different skin types?

We have facial oils tailored for various skin types – normal, oily, sensitive, dry, and mature. Each contains specific ingredients to address the unique needs of those skin types.

Herbal Facial Oil for Normal & Combination Skin: A lightweight, fast absorbing skin balancing oil for normal and combination skin types.  

Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin: A purifying facial moisturizer infused with cleansing botanicals.  

Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin: A calming and soothing facial moisturizer made with no added essential oils. 

Anti-Aging Facial Oil: A deeply moisturizing oil ideal dry and mature skin. Made with a combination of several different antioxidant rich seed oils to soften and condition.   

Can facial oils be mixed for a customized experience?

Yes, you can mix facial oils to customize your skin care routine. For instance, if you find one oil too potent, you can dilute it with another that suits your skin. The Rejuvenating Facial Oil pairs beautifully with the Anti-Aging Facial Oil. 

How does the Rejuvenating Facial Oil differ from others?

The Rejuvenating Facial Oil is our most potent and luxurious facial oil, crafted by adding active ingredients back into the formula after straining. It’s great for all skin types but may be mixed for those with sensitive skin. Mongongo oil softens, baobab oil brightens and butterfly pea flowers provide a potent dose of antioxidants. 

How do I use the facial serum, elixirs & oils together?

Pump 1-2 pumps of your serum into the palm of your hand, add 1-3 drops of your preferred Concentrated Boosting Elixir, mix and apply to damp skin. Follow with the facial oil that best suits your skin type to lock in hydration and provide skin with lipids to moisturize. 

Eye Care

Tell me about eye care products. What are the options?

We have two eye care products. The Anti-Aging Eye Cream and Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum. 

What’s the difference between the eye cream & the eye serum?

The Anti-Aging Eye Cream is creamy and moisturizing. It is excellent for those that tend to have a very dry eye area and also if puffiness is a concern as it contains cooling cucumber extract. 

The Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum is a serum texture (a bit more aqueous than the eye cream) with brightening properties provided by sake peptides. Making it an excellent choice if dark circles are a main concern. 

How should I apply eye care products?

If using both products together, layer the Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum underneath the Anti-Aging Eye Cream. Use a very small amount of the serum, as it is highly concentrated. It can also be beneficial to apply the eye serum while skin is slightly damp to ensure smooth application and full absorption. 

Can I apply eye products on my eyelids?

It’s recommended to apply our eye products just around the orbital bone, but some users do apply to the lids. We just recommend being cautious if you have sensitive skin in that area.

Exfoliation & Masking 

Tell me about exfoliation. How often should I exfoliate?

Exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin as it removes buildup and impurities from the skin’s surface. As we age our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down making incorporating an exfoliant into your skin care routine even more important. We have 3 different exfoliant options including the Ayurvedic Facial Scrub, Kaolin Micro Exfoliant, and Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant. 

What are the benefits of each exfoliant?

Ayurvedic Facial Scrub: This is a dry herbal exfoliant that is very gentle. It can be used on all skin types, including sensitive and is gentle enough to even be used daily if desired. To use, simply mix with water, a toning mist, or your preferred cleanser to create a paste, massage into damp skin and rinse clean. 

Kaolin Micro Exfoliant: A cream exfoliant made with purifying and mineral rich kaolin clay, crushed bamboo powder and calming lavender essential oil. Ideal for most skin types excluding those that are extremely sensitive. Use 2 or 3 times a week to polish skin. 

Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant: Contains a honey-derived lactic acid to resurface and renew the look of skin. Begin by leaving on the skin for just 2-3 minutes working your way up to 10 minutes depending on your level of sensitivity. Excellent for brightening lackluster skin and minimizing the appearance of the signs of aging. This exfoliant is to be used only in the evening and with an SPF during the day. 

Can I use masks? What are the options?

Yes, masks provide a variety of skin benefits. They allow you to further customize your routine based on your skin concerns and can be a luxurious part of any skin care ritual. Options include our Illuminating Pearl Mask, Coconut Honey Mask, Purifying Mud Mask, and Charcoal Cacao Mask.

Illuminating Pearl Mask: Always a favorite, this mask hydrates and brightens the look of skin with a combination of mountain wildflower honey, licorice root, uva ursi and crushed pearl powder. It feels soothing and cooling on the skin making it an excellent choice for use in the morning when skin might be tired or puffy. For ultimate luminosity try exfoliating with the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant and follow with this mask. 

Coconut Honey Mask: A beautifully simple formula that deeply nourishes and moisturizes dry and sensitive skin. Its rich balmy texture makes it a favorite during the cold, dry winter months. 

Purifying Mud Mask: A dry powder formula that can be customized by mixing with water, a toning mist, yogurt, or honey. Remineralizes skin while deeply purifying pores without drying.

Charcoal Cacao Mask: Activated coconut charcoal draws out deep impurities while cacao and turmeric calm skin and provide a potent dose of antioxidants. Excellent for all skin types. Be sure to remove with a dark cloth as this product may stain lighter colored linens. 

Sun Protection & Makeup 

Where does sunscreen fit into my routine?

Sunscreen, like our Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 20 should be applied at the end of your skin care routine for daily wear. Sun Love can be worn overtop of your favorite facial oil or on its own depending on your skin type and preference. Reapply if sweating, swimming, or exposed to the sun for extended periods.

What ingredients are in the Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen and how does it benefit the skin?

The Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide along with ingredients like buriti fruit oil and pumpkin seed oil to protect from UV damage while providing nourishment to the skin. 

Can I use Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen if I have oily skin?

Yes, the product is suitable for all skin types. For those with oily skin, it is recommended to use on its own as your daytime moisturizer as using it on top of facial oil may feel too rich.

Do you sell your own makeup, and if not, what makeup options do you offer?

We no longer sell our own makeup, but we feature the Au Naturale Powder Foundation in our Favorite Brands Marketplace. This semi-matte powder foundation is a pure powder that delivers creaseless coverage and a flawless finish.

General Product Questions

How do I interpret the expiration date on skin care products?

Each of our products has an expiration date printed on the bottom of the bottle/jar. Generally they are safe to use after expiration if stored properly. Efficacy might decrease, but it shouldn’t harm your skin. Monitor for any adverse reactions.

What happens if my package/products are exposed to freezing temperatures?

Our products are formulated to withstand various temperatures. For specific products like the Coconut Body Oil, recommendations are provided in case of solidification i.e. run the bottle under hot water​​ to liquify, then shake well​​. Or store the product in the shower.

Want to join us for our next skin consultation? (It’s totally free!)

Our team of experts has been on a mission to inspire beauty, health, and wellbeing, and we believe there’s no better way to do this than through directly sharing our knowledge and passion for natural skin care. 

Join us for a live session with one of our licensed estheticians where we’ll explore the power of organic, bioactive ingredients, how they interact with your unique skin type, and how to incorporate them into your routine for optimal benefits. You’ll walk away from this consultation feeling empowered to make informed decisions for your skin’s health. Our in-house skin experts are eager to answer your questions, dispel myths, and share tailored advice for each participant.

By signing up for our live consultation, you’ll not only gain access to the latest insights in organic skin care, but also receive exclusive skin care deals only available to those who attend! We can’t wait for you to join our community as we share our love for organic skin care with you!

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1. Simply, click the button below to sign up for the day that works best for you and your skin type.

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