Skin Consultation: What’s the best exfoliant for oily & textured skin? Recommendations for look of dark spots and wrinkles? How to address enlarged pores on nose area?

Summarized from a consultation originally recorded on January 24, 2024.

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.

Skin concerns and product recommendations

What recommendations do you have to address the appearance of enlarged pores on the nose area?

If the appearance of enlarged pores are a concern it is especially important to incorporate some type of exfoliation into your routine to remove buildup and keep pores clear. We have 3 exfoliants to choose from in our line. An exfoliant and/or a mask that contains clay (such as our Kaolin Micro Exfoliant and Purifying Mud Mask) can be helpful. The Rosemary Toning Mist can be beneficial for minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores as well. 

I’m dealing with dark spots and some wrinkles. What products do you recommend?

I would recommend incorporating a combination of products and activated ingredients focused on both brightening and anti-aging. The Phytonutrient Cleanser, Citrus Stem Cell Serum, Concentrated Boosting Elixirs, Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant, and Illuminating Pearl Mask would all be excellent products to incorporate into your routine. 

What’s the best exfoliant for oily & textured skin?

It can depend on an individual’s specific skin condition, but the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant with honey-derived lactic acid is often a good choice. It is great for smoothing and clarifying the look of skin on a deeper level, especially if textural areas are slightly sensitive or experiencing temporary redness since this type of alpha hydroxy acid is the most hydrating and non-irritating.

Tell me more about the Illuminating Pearl Mask for brightening? How often should I use it?

The Illuminating Pearl Mask is a hydrating, brightening treatment mask that can be used by all skin types. It can be used regularly, even daily. It contains mountain wildflower honey that acts as a humectant, binding moisture to the skin as well as licorice root, uva ursi, and crushed pearl powder to brighten and increase overall luminosity and radiance. 

Can I use pure jojoba oil instead of your facial oils?

While pure jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oil, our facial oils contain a blend of specific ingredients for added benefits. Jojoba oil can be a good choice but may not offer the same comprehensive skincare properties as our facial oils.

Company Overview

How did Annmarie Skin Care get started?

In 2008, Kevin and Annmarie Gianni, healthy living bloggers, embarked on a journey across North and South America in a vegetable oil powered RV to track down the best natural care products and protocols to share with viewers of their popular YouTube videocast Renegade Health. While on this journey they found that their viewers began asking what products Annmarie was using on her skin. After taking a look at what she was using they found that nothing she was using met their own high standards. Eventually they teamed up with herbalist and chemist Bunnie to create their skin care line made with natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients. 

What sets Annmarie Skin Care apart from other companies?

A few things set Annmarie Skin Care apart. First is our commitment to full transparency. We strongly believe that everyone has the right to know exactly what they are putting on their skin as this is something that directly affects overall health. This is why you will always find every ingredient in our products listed on our packaging as well as our website. You can also find information about our sourcing and where we get our ingredients on our site. 

Next is our commitment to creating truly clean products that are good for your health as well as the environment. We are proud that most of our product line is MADE SAFE certified. MADE SAFE is an independent third party verification that screens products for toxic chemicals known to harm our health and the health of the planet. 

Lastly, is our unique 3-step Proprietary Energized Botanical Infusion Process. With this process we first curate organic and wildcrafted herbs and ingredients. We then infuse these ingredients into organic aloe vera and skin nutritive oils at a low heat (never above 95 degrees) for up to 30 days. We energize these 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. 

Skin Care Routine & Cleansing

What is the recommended basic skin care routine?

We recommend a 4-step routine both morning and evening that consists of cleansing, toning, using a serum, and a facial oil. However, customization based on individual needs and lifestyles is encouraged. Pay attention to ingredients to be sure that you are choosing high quality, clean and effective products. 

Can you briefly discuss the cleansers in your product line?

We have four cleansers that include the Aloe Herb Cleanser and Citrus Mint Cleanser in the Signature Collection, and Restorative Cleansing Oil and Phytonutrient Cleanser in the Wild Alchemy Collection.

What are the key features of the Aloe Herb Cleanser?

The Aloe Herb Cleanser is a pH balanced aloe vera based cream cleanser that is ideal for all skin types. It contains coconut oil to fight dehydration and environmental stressors, lemon essential oil to purify and brighten skin, and calendula to soothe and calm. 

Tell us about the Citrus Mint Cleanser and its benefits.

The Citrus Mint Cleanser is a purifying gel cleanser is ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin. Made with witch hazel, rosemary, neem, and lemon balm, it helps tone, balance, and soothe the skin.

What makes the Restorative Cleansing Oil unique?

Suitable for all skin types, the Restorative Cleansing Oil is an oil cleanser, with ingredients like jojoba oil, castor oil, tea tree oil, and manuka oil, provides a deep cleanse and is effective for both moisturizing dry skin and refining the look of oily skin types. Apply this cleanser to dry skin, massage, and rinse or remove with a warm cloth. It can be used on its own or as the first step in a double cleanse routine. 

Could you elaborate on the Phytonutrient Cleanser?

A part of our Wild Alchemy Collection, the Phytonutrient Cleanser offers higher levels of activated ingredients and exotic components, providing a luxurious experience. It caters to various skin needs.

Can you describe the texture and ingredients of the Phytonutrient Cleanser?

The coconut oil and mango seed butter in the Phytonutrient Cleanser give it a rich, creamy texture. Along with these ingredients it also contains apple extract, rich in vitamin C and malic acid to help brighten skin. Acai oil provides antioxidants and our signature serum blend deeply nourishes skin.

How do you recommend applying and rinsing the Phytonutrient Cleanser?

Apply the cleanser to damp skin. Take your time to thoroughly massage the cleanser and allow the product to be on the skin for at least a  minute or so before rinsing to fully take advantage of this cleanser’s combination of activated ingredients. 

Which cleanser is recommended for dry skin?

The Aloe Herb Cleanser and the Phytonutrient Cleanser are both suitable for dry skin. The Phytonutrient Cleanser is a bit richer texture than the Aloe Herb making it especially moisturizing. The Restorative Cleansing Oil is also excellent for dry skin types. 

Toning Mists & Serums

Moving on to toning, could you explain the purpose of toning mists in a skin care routine?

Traditionally toning mists in the skin care routine were designed to rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing, but in our line, the cleansers are already pH balanced. The toning mists here serve as a vehicle for serums and oils assisting with optimal absorption. They also complete the cleansing process as well as offer a dose of hydration and skin supporting nutrients. 

What are the three toning mists available, and who are they suitable for?

The three toning mists are the Neroli Toning Mist, Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle, and the Rosemary Toning Mist. The Neroli Toning Mist  is suitable for all skin types, especially normal to dry skin. The Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle is excellent for dry and sensitive skin while the Rosemary Toning Mist is best for normal, combination and oily skin types. 

Can the Rosemary Toning Mist be used in the hair as well?

Yes, the Rosemary Toning Mist can be used on the face, body, and hair. It can be spritzed at the roots to help revive and refresh hair. 

Moving to serums, what are the three serums in the Signature Collection?

The three serums in the Signature Collection are the Anti-Aging Serum, Citrus Stem Cell Serum, and Probiotic Serum With Tremella.

Which skin types are suitable for the Anti-Aging Serum?

The Anti-Aging serum is suitable for all skin types. It is rich in antioxidants and is deeply hydrating, with hyaluronic acid. Our hyaluronic acid comes from a non-gmo vegetable source and holds 1,000 times its weight in water making it a “super-hydrator”. This deep hydration has a plumping effect on the skin.

What is the primary purpose of the Citrus Stem Cell Serum?

The Citrus Stem Cell serum is especially good for resilient and thicker-textured skin, offering brightening properties with its combination of licorice root, uva ursi, and vitamin C rich amla berry. Citrus derived stem cells provide skin with proteins, peptides, and amino acids.

How about the Probiotic Serum With Tremella? Which skin types is it recommended for?

The Probiotic Serum With Tremella is suitable for all skin types, with a focus on sensitive or imbalanced skin. It contains tremella mushroom extract to hydrate, astaxanthin a potent antioxidant, and a probiotic ferment which can help to eliminate impurities on the surface of the skin and promote healthy pH levels.

What is the Wild Fruit Serum, and what makes it unique?

The Wild Fruit Serum is an all-encompassing serum suitable for hydrating, brightening, and anti-aging. It contains Madonna Lily plant cells, brightening apple extract, resveratrol rich knotweed and kakadu plum—a source of phenolic acid.

How do you recommend applying serums in the skin care routine?

After misting with your toning mist, apply the serum while the skin is still slightly damp for better absorption. Serums are deeply hydrating and contain high levels of activated ingredients to address specific skin concerns.

Tell me more about the Activated Night Serum. How does it differ from traditional retinol products?

The Activated Night Serum is a treatment designed to be used in the evening. It features our bioactive A-complex, a safe retinol alternative derived from algae. Unlike traditional retinol, it will not thin the skin or cause hypersensitivity. It is also a MADE SAFE approved ingredient, so you don’t have to worry that it may harm your reproductive health etc. This product is excellent for resurfacing and rejuvenating skin. We’ve paired the bioactive A-complex in this serum with soothing ingredients like lavender and blue chamomile. 

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

The Activated CBD Serum is excellent for nourishing and soothing the skin. This serum features both a water and a fat soluble CBD by Ojai Energetics. This is unique as it provides both an instant as well as a cumulative effect. In addition to the CBD this serum features ingredients like astaxanthin, mangosteen oil, and tremella mushroom extract. Its texture is a bit thicker and richer than our other serums. 

Concentrated Boosting Elixirs 

Can the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs be applied directly to the skin?

The Concentrated Boosting Elixirs should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, mix one to three drops with a serum or facial oil for optimal results. The Revitalize Elixir is to be used in the evening and with an SPF like our Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen during the daytime.

How can I incorporate the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs into my skin care routine?

The Concentrated Boosting Elixirs are designed to allow you to customize your skin care routine as well as boost the level of activated ingredients in your routine. Pump your serum or facial oil into your palm and add one to three drops of your preferred elixir(s) before applying to skin. 

Is it advisable to mix elixirs with products from other brands?

While you can mix the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs with other brands’ products, it’s recommended to stick with products within the Annmarie Skin Care line for optimal compatibility. The elixirs have unique formulas, and using them with other brands may affect their efficacy.

Can the elixirs be used both in the morning and at night?

Yes, you can use the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs both in the morning and at night. We do recommend using the Revitalize Elixir only at night (though not a traditional retinol it can still increase photosensitivity). We also do not recommend using the Brighten and Revitalize elixirs at the same time. 

Can the Concentrated Boosting Elixirs be mixed with other oils, such as coconut oil?

The Concentrated Boosting Elixirs are typically recommended to be mixed with a serum. This allows the activated ingredients in the elixirs to penetrate deeply due to the smaller molecular size of the serum vs an oil. If you typically use coconut oil as your facial moisturizer you could experiment with mixing the elixirs with it and see how your skin reacts. 

Moisturizers & Facial Oils 

What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer? 

In general serums are excellent hydrators, so they treat dehydration in the skin (lack of water). They are also made up of smaller molecules than a facial oil or moisturizer allowing them to penetrate deeply. Usually they contain high levels of activated ingredients to target and treat specific skin concerns. Facial oils provide lipids to moisturize dry skin (skin that is lacking oil). They lock in hydration and protect skin. 

What facial oils does Annmarie Skin Care offer?

We have several different facial oils to suit various skin types. They include our Herbal Facial Oils which are named for the skin type that they are best suited for. They include the Herbal Facial Oil for Normal and Combination Skin, Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin, and the Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin. They are all a grapeseed oil base, which is a light textured skin-balancing oil rich in omega 6 and vitamin E. The herb infusion in each is then tailored to either soothe, balance, or purify. 

The Anti-Aging Facial Oil is our best-selling facial moisturizer. It is ideal for nourishing dry and mature skin—keeping it looking supple and dewy.  It contains several different antioxidant-rich seed oils as well as goji berries, plantago, and calendula.

The Rejuvenating Facial Oil is our most potent, most active facial oil. It contains fewer herbs and CO2 extracts, but at higher percentages. It is suitable for all skin types and includes exotic oils such as mongongo to soften skin and baobab to brighten.  

What is unique about the Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin?

The Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin is formulated with no added essential oils, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin prone to irritation. 

I’m using the Anti-Aging Facial Oil, but it feels a bit too moisturizing. What should I consider?

The Anti-Aging Facial Oil is richer and might be too much for normal or combination skin. If you find it too oily, the Herbal Facial Oil for Normal and Combination skin, with a lighter composition, might be a better fit for you.

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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