T-House

Oil cleansers are one of the most effective ways to cleanse skin. But not all oil cleansers are created equal. Here is everything you need to know about the best oil cleansers for your skin. The idea of massaging a palmful of cleansing oil into skin might not sound logical as a cleansing method—especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. But oil cleansers are one of the most effective, gentle, and thorough formulas to melt away sunscreen, makeup, and sebum. Keep reading for everything you need to know about cleansing oils, how to use them correctly, and the best oil cleanser for your skin type.What Is An Oil Cleanser?An oil cleanser is an oil-based face wash that works by dissolving other oils, including sebum, makeup, and excessive oil, while softening skin at the same time. A cleansing oil is different from a face oil though, as a cleansing oil has a surfactant and/or an emulsifier in the formula too, allowing the cleanser to bind to oil and dirt and then be easily rinsed away with water—while a face oil is designed to soften and shield the skin, not dissolve and wash away.How do these cleansing oils work so well? As you might recall in chemistry class, oil dissolves oil. This means an oil cleanser is the most ideal method for removing dirt, SPF, etc. without stripping or disturbing the skin barrier. In fact, cleansing oils have been scientifically proven to more thoroughly remove waterproof sunscreen while also causing less skin irritation and dryness compared to traditional cleansers.Who Should Use An Oil Cleanser?An oil cleanser is quite literally ideal for all skin types. Is an oil cleanser best for acne-prone skin? Absolutely. Oily skin? It’s particularly wonderful for oily skin. What about dry skin or sensitivity? It’s practically made for those skin types. The reason an oil cleanser is perfect for all skin types is because of its effectiveness. A cleansing oil breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and sebum without disturbing the skin’s surface, and then it just rinses away without leaving an oily residue. It’s one of the most useful methods for cleansing skin, while also being non-irritating and not disruptive to the skin barrier.Ingredients to ConsiderWhile cleansing oils are wonderful, not all cleansing products are created equal. Some oils are naturally more occlusive, meaning they’re likely to leave a film behind. Oils like olive or coconut can be more difficult to remove from the skin, so research and test before purchasing.Oils that are naturally more beneficial to skin include jojoba, rosehip, argan, and camellia. Consider finding cleansing oils that include one of these ingredients.How to Use An Oil CleanserAn oil cleanser is your first step in any evening skincare ritual, here’s the method we at Tatcha enjoy using. Begin with dry (clean!) hands and a dry face. Apply one to two pumps into the palm of your hand and then massage the oil into skin in circular motions. You can then wet hands and continue to massage, allowing the oil to emulsify into a milk to further melt away makeup and impurities. Then simply rinse the cleanser off. You can use a cleansing oil alone or pair it with its bff, a water-soluble cleanser (aka cream, foaming, or exfoliating cleanser). You’ve likely heard of a double cleanse, a ritual that begins with a cleansing oil and is followed directly by a cleanser or exfoliant to more deeply cleanse skin (ideal after a long day of wearing SPF and makeup).The History of Oil Cleansers Japan’s geisha have long prized oil cleansers, usually in the format of camellia oil (also known as Tsubaki in Japan). Utilizing the cleansing oil’s benefits in hair and skincare rituals, the performers massaged the oil onto the face to melt away thick stage makeup and keep the skin soft, too. Today cleansing oils are still an everyday treasure in Japanese skincare, seen as a way to gently and mindfully cleanse the skin.The Best Oil Cleanser At Tatcha, we’re always working tirelessly to innovate. But one of our most prized products is still one of our earliest creations: The Camellia Cleansing Oil. What makes it so extraordinary is the inclusion of Japanese camellia oil or Tsubaki. This featherlight botanical oil has been prized in Asia for centuries for its deeply moisturizing and antioxidant properties, helping to nourish from the inside out.If that wasn’t enough, the cleansing oil also includes Tatcha’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex to help nourish skin. The antioxidant-rich trio of superfoods (rice, green tea, and algae) work to hydrate, resurface, and plump while the cleanser melts away impurities, sunscreen, and waterproof makeup.The Camellia Cleansing Oil thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, leaving skin feeling balanced and nourished. It’s ideal for all skin types, including dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin.

Vitamin C is one of the most effective skincare ingredients—but there are so many options to choose from. Keep reading, as we simplify the search for the best vitamin C products to add to your skincare routine. Few skincare ingredients have been as scientifically studied as vitamin C. After decades of clinical testing, it’s been proven that vitamin C does a lot for your skin. It can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, positively impact the texture and tone of skin, and even increase skin’s collagen production. The antioxidant is also known for its ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots, notes one clinical trial, as well as minimize the look of acne marks, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Not only that, but vitamin C has shown promising results in reducing acne, thanks to the antioxidant’s natural anti-inflammatory properties.But not all vitamin C products are created equal. The ingredient degrades quickly, making it incredibly challenging to stabilize. It also easily oxidizes in sunlight or when exposed to air, which is why it’s difficult to formulate and package. Plus, other ingredients can destabilize it when used in the same formula if they’re not carefully paired. This is why it can take a tremendous amount of time and care to perfect a vitamin C formula.Best Vitamin C ProductsAfter understanding how vital, yet unstable, vitamin C is, it’s easy to see why purchasing an effective and carefully formulated product is important. At Tatcha, we craft and perfect our formulas at The Tatcha Institute in Tokyo, utilizing a mix of modern wisdom and timeless ingredients. They’re designed to work with the skin, not against it, which is particularly important with vitamin C. We believe we have engineered the best vitamin C skincare products: the bestselling Violet-C Brightening Serum and the innovative Violet-C Radiance Mask.Violet-C Brightening Serum The Violet-C Brightening Serum is designed for effectiveness, yet sensitivity—intended to be used daily to reveal a brighter and more translucent, healthy-looking glow. The game-changing formula contains not just one, but two forms of vitamin C for radiant, more even-toned skin. With consistent usage, the kind-to-skin formula can help shield the skin from further damage from free radicals and improve the appearance of discoloration and fine lines.And if that wasn’t helpful enough, the serum is boosted with the addition of mild fruit alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to resurface dullness and uneven skin, plus Japanese beautyberry, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, to stabilize the vitamin C. The formula also includes Japanese angelica root, prized in herbal medicine for centuries, to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, discoloration, and post-acne scars.Another fantastic reason to invest in the Violet-C Brightening Serum is the thoughtful air-tight and protective packaging, which helps to maintain the formula’s potency until the last drop. Use this serum, one of the best vitamin C products for the face, in your nighttime ritual (before your moisturizer) to help when the skin is naturally in repair mode to reap the most benefits while you sleep. (Talk about beauty sleep!)Violet-C Radiance Mask Working hand-in-hand with the Violet-C Brightening Serum, the Violet-C Radiance Mask gives skin an extra boost of brightness. The creamy, hydrating treatment targets signs of premature aging and helps to improve skin texture, brighten skin tone, and unveil a soft, dewy glow. In addition to the same brightening and resurfacing benefits as our Violet-C Brightening Serum, the mask contains Hadasei-3, our proprietary complex of double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae to help leave skin feeling plump and supple.Apply two to three times a week, leaving the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off to reveal remarkably softer, smoother, and brighter skin. While some vitamin C products aim to brighten with harsh ingredients, Tatcha’s offerings work effectively and nourish the skin. We believe in caring for your skin first and foremost, as well as helping you to reveal brighter and more radiant-looking skin. Deciding to introduce a new treatment into your skincare ritual is a major step, so dive into the most interesting facts about vitamin C here and how to successfully adopt the product into your ritual.

It might be the most important category of anybody’s skincare routine. But the terminology used to describe sun protection is not always so straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about natural sunscreens. By this point in your skincare education, you probably already know well the importance of using sunscreen daily, and reapplying consistently. (If not, here’s a little bit of rapid edification: Direct exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause accelerated skin aging at best, and other complications at worst. Take the advice of doctors, beauty editors, and us: Use it!)Sunscreen is, doctors agree, medically paramount for humans. It’s kind of like a preventative medicine for your skin. But in order to work best, sunscreen has to be made a habit. That’s what makes choosing your sunscreen the most important first step—it has to be something that is easy, even enjoyable to use. Otherwise it may feel, well, like taking medicine. The best sunscreen for you is the one you use every day.If a sunscreen is for sale in the United States, that means it's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for daily sun protection. In other words, it's been well-vetted for safety and efficacy. Other than that important shared characteristic, sunscreen formulas can vary considerably. Some are white and loaded with zinc, while others mimic the flesh tones of makeup products. There are thin, jelly sunscreens and thick, creamy sunscreens. Many also include ancillary benefits, like protection from pollutants, according to what ingredients they use.If you’re someone who is ingredient-conscious, you may be inclined toward formulas that stick to organic (rather than synthetic) ingredients, which brings us to the category of “natural sunscreens.” What does natural mean when it comes to sun protection? How do natural SPFs compare to synthetic SPFs? And what is the best natural sunscreen? Some cooling answers for your burning questions:What is “natural sunscreen”?The term “natural” is wholly unregulated in the cosmetics industry, and indeed most sunscreens are made from organic materials like aloe vera or naturally-occuring substances like hyaluronic acid. When you hear the term “natural sunscreen,” it probably relates to a physical sunscreen.Physical sunscreens make use of finely milled minerals—hence the name. This layer is sometimes visible on the skin, which is why you see frequent beachgoers like lifeguards or surfers with what looks like a white makeup applied to their cheeks and noses. Instead of reaching the skin, UV rays are reflected away. (This is also why you may be familiar with the term sunblock, which is often used as a synonym for sunscreen. But in 2011, the FDA banned sunscreen companies from using the term, as no sunscreen truly blocks UV light.)Then there are chemical sunscreens, whose active ingredients have names like octinoxate or avobenzone. These filters absorb and neutralize UV rays. As the journalist-turned-skincare entrepreneur Paula Begoun has pointed out, the term “chemical sunscreen” is a misnomer because all cosmetic formulas are chemicals. (All sunscreens are made of chemicals. So is water.) All you need to know is that chemical sunscreens describe formulas with synthetic sun protection filters.Though physical and chemical sunscreens feel and work differently, the end result is the same: Both are widely used and relied upon sun protectors. One does not perform better than the other. Rather, each has qualities that will appeal to different people. The synthetic filters popular in Japanese sunscreen formulas, for one example, are praised for their weightless feel on skin. But those who for whatever reason prefer natural ingredients to synthetic ones should be aware: The only natural active ingredients approved for sun protection are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; both are found in nearly every physical sunscreen formula. Is a “natural” sunscreen the same as an “organic” sunscreen? No. In fact, it’s kind of the opposite. Organic materials, which are derived from living matter, are widely used in cosmetic formulations. It shouldn’t take you a long time to think of a favorite moisturizer or cleanser that boasts plant-powered benefits from this flower or that extract. In chemistry, organic compounds are defined as containing carbon. Even though synthetic filters are made in a lab, what we know of as chemical sunscreens are also called organic sunscreens. Their organic quality is what makes them possible to cook up in the first place.On the other hand, zinc and titanium dioxides don’t contain carbon. So physical sunscreens are also known as inorganic sunscreens. These inorganic sunscreens are technically natural sunscreens, but don’t let the terminology fool you. Every sunscreen formula is as man-made as every other sunscreen formula, but their ingredient sources can, and frequently do, vary to a significant extent. Is natural sunscreen safe to use? Yes, of course. Sunscreen is perhaps the most highly-regulated skincare product anywhere it's sold. If a retailer stocks an SPF on its shelves, you can be assured that it has gone through rigorous efficacy and safety tests to get there.Natural sunscreens in particular have a long history of use—there is evidence of women in India applying zinc to their skin as early as 500 BC. Synthetic filters used in chemical sunscreens are, by contrast, much younger, having been invented in the past century or so. There is less data to show their safety, as well as concern from some consumers that these filters absorb into the skin and bloodstream in a way that physical sunblocks do not. The New York Times surveyed experts and dermatologists on the topic, who assured readers that sunscreens were safe by and large, pointing out that any risks of sunscreen chemicals found in the body are dwarfed by the medical necessity of wearing one. There is also simply not a lot of evidence that chemical filters remain in the body, let alone if they cause harm there.But to those whose concerns persist, the Times recommended natural sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide, which have yet not been known to penetrate farther than skin deep. What is the best natural sunscreen? It’s been established, but it’s also worth repeating: The most effective sunscreen is the one you are likeliest to wear over and over and over again. A recent report in Wired enumerated just how bad people are at applying sunscreen. On average, we wear it half as much as we should, and we tend to rub it in too well, which can decrease the SPF by as much as a fifth. If it doesn’t feel or look good on you, give it to somebody who might need it, or save it for a beach day, and get thee to a sunscreen you’ll want to apply. There’s a reason chemical sunscreens exist even though we’ve used physical sunscreens for so long, and that is because zinc and titanium dioxide don’t always feel great on the skin. Some feel greasy or too slick—others show up with a white cast. (Just think of the lifeguards.) All of this was considered when Tatcha formulated The Silk Sunscreen, which achieves the weightless elegance of Japanese suncare with mineral protection. In addition to 10% zinc oxide, the Silk Sunscreen is made with skin-soothing niacinamide and skin-smoothing silk extract, and blends seamlessly into skin with a universal perfecting tint. On the face, shoulders, wherever the sun touches, it’s a sunscreen you’ll want to wear. And you should, every day. That’s another piece of advice worth repeating—and reapplying.

So many skin types, so many sunscreen formulas. Which one is right for you? There's a sunscreen for every skin type, and then some—the options are nearly endless. That’s a good thing, because sun overexposure is one of the primary causes of skin aging, as well as the primary cause of a host of other issues, up to and including skin cancer. Sunscreen might be the most recommended topical skincare product of all time. It’s made to be worn by every face.Narrowing down the best sunscreen for your skin type simply requires understanding your skin’s goals and selecting the right ingredients and formulas to support them. So for now: A brief skin school. Then later: How to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type. Determining Your Skin TypeThere are three mutually-exclusive skin types—dry, oily, and combination—that are delineated more or less by how much sebum your skin produces on its own. If you see a specialist like a dermatologist or aesthetician frequently, it’s a good idea to ask them for feedback on your skin type, but there are two ways to get a good look at the state of your skin on your own: The Bare-Face Method. Wash your face with a mild cleanser, pat it dry, and wait for 30 minutes. Observe your skin. Then wait another 30 minutes and observe your skin again. If your skin still feels tight, even parched, you probably have dry skin. If your forehead and nose are shiny, you may have combination skin—if the cheeks are shiny too, oily skin is your best bet. The Blotting Paper Method. A good blotting sheet instantly (and gently) removes excess oil from skin—but it also works as a skin type test in a pinch. Simply pat one sheet over your cheeks, another over your nose and forehead, hold them to the light, and examine the results. If both sheets are translucent, oily; if neither, dry; and if cheeks came back dry but the other is soaked, you could be combo. In addition to being any of the above, your skin can also be sensitive, which is typified by frequent reactions to products and materials. And all skin is aging, and thus all skin eventually becomes described as mature skin, usually in a person’s 40s. These are broad categories for billions of unique individuals, but help describe your skin’s behavior on a basic level. (Here’s a more detailed guide to figuring out your skin type.)Understanding Different Kinds of SunscreenIn the United States, there are two main categories of sunscreens, which are distinguished by their main active ingredients: Physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.Physical sunscreens make use of finely milled minerals, like zinc and titanium dioxides. There are also chemical sunscreens, which utilize filters like octinoxate that absorb UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens are no less chemical than physical ones, or any topical, for that matter—water is, after all, technically a chemical—but are particularly prized for their lightweight feeling on skin.While there are key differences in how physical and chemical sunscreens work and feel on the skin, both are effective protectors, and are totally safe to use. But some skin types have their favorites. Physical sunscreens made with minerals tend to be preferred by sensitive faces as they’re less likely to cause stinging or clog pores. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are sometimes actively avoided by dry skin types—the quick drydown can be great on oily or combination skin, but leaves dry skin feeling tight. It’s up to you, the customer, to parse the ingredient label for yourself. Don’t forget to check with experts like dermatologists and aestheticians or online resources like INCIDecoder for extra information. How to Choose a Sunscreen for Your Skin TypeOf course, many sunscreens—both physical and chemical—augment their active ingredients with other skincare ingredients that can provide extra benefits for common skin issues.For dry skin. It’s not too difficult to spot a good dry-skin moisturizer. Ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that occur naturally in the skin (and help it perform its barrier function) are also commonly found in sunscreens suited for dry skin. A mineral formula with some thickness and hydrating skincare to it might be a good place to start.For oily skin. Some people with oily skin prefer chemical sunscreen for how they sink immediately into skin; others who lean acne-prone like mineral formulas that aren’t as likely to sit in the pores and cause breakouts. There are plenty of sunscreen formulas designed for those with oily skin, both mineral and chemical, that incorporate niacinamide, which has two-fold purifying and protecting power: It can help decongest pores and prevent buildup of oil and dirt.For mature skin. This skin type has an added impetus for sun protection, because the effects of aging are accelerated by sun overexposure. Those with mature skin type should choose a sunscreen made with reparative ingredients, like antioxidants, which can help fight cellular damage, including damage caused by photoaging.For sensitive skin. For sensitive skin SPF, avoid formulas that include added fragrances or dyes, both of which can be potentially irritating. Dry sensitive skin might respond well to hydrating ingredients that have skin soothing benefits. A non-comedogenic (read: won’t clog pores) formula, on the other hand, is great for oily sensitive skin that might be prone to blemishes. The Best Sunscreen for All Skin TypesAccelerations in skincare technology have also made it possible to create sunscreens that work well for all skin types. Often, these products are gentle, and made free of potential aggravators. They also tend to have a “perfecting” effect due to their ability to balance out skin—not too glowy, not too matte. One such formula, Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen, is a hydrating mineral sunscreen that is as light as air. The SPF 50 formula also includes niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, along with just-like-skin silk extract—it blends in sheer, leaving any skin type feeling silky smooth. Another, the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, is an SPF 35 formula that provides a seamless blurring effect—along with antioxidants necessary to protect against cellular damage. It’s a brand best-seller for a reason: It’s beloved by all sorts of skin types, from oily and acne-prone to dry. (One reviewer called it “probably the best sunscreen I’ve ever used.”) Unlike the Silk Sunscreen, this one is mineral and chemical—the best of both worlds. Other Suncare TipsSunscreen is a great way to protect yourself from the sun, but it’s not the only way, and nor should it be. Another word for sunscreen is sunblock, though the word has fallen out of favor since 2011 when the FDA banned its use in product marketing. Topical formulas can’t “block” rays—some absorb them, others reflect them, and all of them require reapplication. Try to outfit your sun protection wardrobe with a few other options for guaranteed protection. Wear clothing with UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. If anyone can make suncare look chic, it’s probably you. Don’t forget accessories. A wide-brimmed hat or gloves—or even a parasol—can take any look to a skin-healthier level. When the sun is high, remain inside. Barring the occasional picnic or beach day, try to stay inside between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV light is harshest. Stay shady. Beneath an umbrella is a great place to be. So is on the shadier side of the street. Sunglasses are essential. Though neither food nor drug, the FDA even recommends sunglasses for sun protection. Sunlight reflected from sand, surf, or snow can do serious harm to your eyes and the skin around them, but sunglasses with UV filters can help keep you safe. Check your windows. Especially if you spend stretches of time in front of them—if your desk is by a window, perhaps—consider adding UV-filtering blinds so your skin doesn’t bake. Good old-fashioned curtains work too. Get your skin checked. It could save your life, but it’s much more likely that it’ll offer you peace of mind. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends getting skin checks from your dermatologist once a year. Is yours scheduled yet?

Sunburns happen, but they are preventable with a handful of diligent tips. Here is everything you need to know about how to prevent a sunburn, from every sunscreen tip to the time of day to avoid direct sun. Read this article so you can be protected all year round. While mindfully soaking up the sun’s rays on a warm day is a delight, any sun exposure can be dangerous, particularly for extended amounts of time. Just one mild sunburn can damage skin cells, leading to accelerated aging and the potential risk of skin cancer, notes the CDC. But rather than hiding inside all year round, utilizing a handful of sunburn-prevention tips can help make protecting yourself from the sun manageable. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to prevent a sunburn.Sunburn 101A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. And there are two forms of UV rays — UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, sun spots, and loss of elasticity, notes John Hopkins Hospital. UVB rays cause a much greater risk of skin cancer (but UVA also increases the damaging effects of UVB), adds John Hopkins.While it’s tempting to think of exposure to these intense UV rays as just a summer occurrence, UVA and UVB ray damage can happen year-round, even on cloudy and cool days, adds the CDC. The Skin Cancer Foundation adds that up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate through clouds (meaning a cloudy day isn’t an excuse to not practice sunburn safety). This is important to remember because most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light, notes the CDC.A good reason to stay vigilant about skin protection is that a sunburn hurts in more ways than one, says the Skin Cancer Foundation—first the short-term pain, redness, and discomfort, but also after the burn fades, potential lasting skin damage remains. “Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” notes the Skin Cancer Foundation.How to Prevent a SunburnWhile a sunburn is harmful—it’s preventable. And the best time to start is today. Here is everything you need to know about preventing a sunburn.Time of Day The best way to protect yourself against the damaging effects of the sun is to limit exposure and protect your skin. That’s especially helpful when the sun is at its most potent. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., says the CDC. It’s a good idea to seek shade and be extra cautious during these peak sun hours, adds John Hopkins. And remember that reflective surfaces, like water and snow, can increase the damaging rays’ potency.Check the UV IndexThe US National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed the UV Index, which explains how strong the UV light is in your area on any given day, on a scale from 1 to 11+. A higher number means a greater risk of exposure to UV rays and a higher chance of sunburn and skin damage.Sunscreen!When it comes to sun protection, nothing is more important than consistent sunscreen usage—but ensure you’re applying it correctly, storing it properly, and using enough.SPF NumberA broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher is recommended by the Cleveland Clinic.TypeThe most important type of sunscreen is the formula you enjoy wearing—whether that be mineral, chemical, or a hybrid. But, the sunscreen must specify that it is broad spectrum, meaning it filters both UVA and UVB rays, notes the CDC.Amount One ounce is needed to cover the entire body, says the Clinic. Don’t forget frequently forgotten spots, says the FDA, like ears, back of the neck, hands, top of feet, and the hairline. Additionally, don’t forget to protect the lips, the delicate skin can easily burn and is often overlooked. There are SPF lip balms that make application easy.FrequencyThe Clinic adds that sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours afterward. Additionally, apply more after swimming or sweating.ExpirationMost sunscreens should come with an expiration date (many are listed on the bottom of the packaging). Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, notes the CDC. And a sunscreen’s shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.To make sure that your sunscreen is providing the sun protection promised in its labeling, the FDA strongly recommends that you do not use sunscreen products past their expiration date (if there is one), or that have no expiration date and were not purchased within the last three years. Expired sunscreens should be discarded because there is no assurance that they remain fully effective. StorageTo keep your sunscreen in good condition, the FDA recommends that sunscreen containers should not be exposed to direct sun. While outside on a hot day, protect sunscreen by wrapping it in towels or keeping them in the shade. Sunscreen can also be kept in coolers (how refreshing when re-applying, too!) while outside in the heat for long periods.Other Protective Options Sunscreen is a daily must—but it works even better when combined with other protective options, like a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, UV-protected sunglasses, and sun protection parasols or umbrellas.Get Skin Checks Examine your skin regularly, suggests John Hopkins. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a healthcare provider immediately.Best Sunscreens to Prevent a Sunburn At Tatcha, we take the task of protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays very seriously. We’ve diligently tested and perfected our broad-spectrum SPFs to ensure they not only protect but also feel great on the skin. Choose between two SPF options.Best Mineral Sunscreen Looking for a silky, lightweight, invisible sunscreen with 50+ mineral coverage? Grab The Silk Sunscreen, a broad-spectrum formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays with 10 percent zinc oxide for a mineral, reef-safe filter. Not only does the Silk Sunscreen feel impossibly light, but the invisible protection also impressively minimizes pollutant and allergen disruption. And as the name suggests, the formula features silk proteins, which allows the silky liquid to provide a protective veil of hydration without weighing skin down. In addition to silk extracts, niacinamide visibly evens skin tone, reduces redness, and visibly firms the look of pores and hyaluronic acid helps to immediately boost skin’s natural moisture levels, softness, and skin tone. Best Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen If you prefer a creamy sunscreen with both mineral and chemical protection, our bestselling Silken Pore Perfecting SPF 35 Sunscreen is a superb option. The non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help tighten the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm visible irritation. The Silken Pore SPF also features our beloved silk extract for a silky feel, allowing the sunscreen to apply flawlessly. Also, the formula doubles as a primer for makeup, letting you save time and effort.

After a sunburn comes the healing process, which can be uncomfortable, as red, irritated skin begins to flake and peel off. Here’s how to see yourself back to healthy-looking skin with a little product assistance. Do: Understand sunburns & peeling. Sunburns are a largely inevitable, and often painful, part of being human. When we expose our skin to the sun without adequate protection, we often develop patches of rough, red, warm-to-the-touch skin to show for it. Sunburns are the result of ultraviolet radiation causing an inflammatory reaction in the outer layers of the skin. Serious exposure can cause serious damage, ranging from scarring to premature aging to the development of skin cancers. But sun overexposure is also pretty common. The National Cancer Institute once estimated that about a third of adults receive at least one sunburn a year, with higher figures for kids—more than half. Most sunburns heal on their own, thanks to our body’s natural regenerative abilities. The process is also partly visible: A few days after skin is singed, you’ll notice patches of dead skin in the affected areas flaking off and giving way to fresh skin underneath. It’s amazing. It’s also, frankly, uncomfortable. Peeling skin can be itchy and tender, and just because the skin is gone doesn’t mean the sunburn has completely healed. It may still look red and feel raw well into the healing process. If you’ve arrived to the peeling stage, the good news is: It’s almost over. You may just need a little help getting through it. There are plenty of ways to support your skin’s healing with skincare products, but this guide focuses particularly on peeling, and how to minimize it. Here’s what to do—and what not to do—when you’re trying to prevent peeling from a sunburn. Don’t: Forget SPF. When should you apply sunscreen? According to The Skin Cancer Foundation: Every day. (And not just once—you should reapply every two hours that you spend in the sun.) If you’ve sustained a sunburn, applying sunscreen is even more important. Allowing your skin to heal means preventing it from taking on any additional damage. Exposing an unprotected sunburn to the sun is akin to pausing skin damage and then resuming it. Choose your favorite sunscreen formula, and don’t forget to reapply it every day, especially when you’re healing from a sunburn. But be forewarned… Do: Stay out of the sun. …just because you have the right protection on hand doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to hit the beach while your burn is still healing. Give your skin some time to heal by taking it easy in the shade, and don’t forget to layer with protective clothing—be it long sleeves or a wide-brimmed hat—when you absolutely have to go out. Experts say a sunburn’s healing process can range from anywhere between three and 10 days (the latter in more severe cases). Rest assured, you’ll be back at the beach in no time. Don’t: Let your skin dry out. In addition to redness and sensitivity, sunburns also often have a dry, flaky texture that is usually evident of dehydration. One of the ways the sun’s rays can damage the skin is by depleting its water content, according to dermatologists. It’s imperative to make sure your skin is getting more than enough water to counteract this process, which may also help minimize peeling time. This is why the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends cool baths and showers, which can have calming effects on uncomfortable sunburns. They also recommend allowing water to sit on your skin post-bathing. This can help ease some of the symptoms of dryness, and it’ll also help with the next step in the process of preventing peeling from a sunburn: Moisturizing. Do: Moisturize with calming skincare. Another way you can make sure your skin stays hydrated after a sunburn is to use a topical product that can help it seal and retain moisture. In other words: Use a moisturizer. If you’ve ever gotten a sunburn and used an aloe vera-based product to help soothe it, you know the power of a good moisturizer. Aloe vera is one of many natural botanical ingredients that bind water to the skin, which is why it's often recommended as an after-sun lotion. Different ingredients can have different palliative effects on sunburn. It’s a good idea to look into products that not only effectively moisturize the skin but also impart skin-soothing benefits. Tatcha’s Indigo Soothing Body Butter is one such skincare formula. Centuries ago, during Japan’s Edo period, it’s said that samurais wore a layer of indigo-dyed cotton beneath their armor to help heal injuries—a testament to its healing legacy. Infused into a rich lotion with other skin-savers like squalene and colloidal oatmeal, the Soothing Body Butter offers impressive relief anywhere its applied. And here’s a pro tip, care of Real Simple: Your moisturizer is likely to work better if you apply it on wet skin. Don’t: Pick with your fingers. If a sunburn is peeling, and the peeling skin is already dead, surely you’re helping the process along by picking off the dead skin yourself… right? Dermatologists say: Wrong. In fact, picking at a sunburn with your fingers can do much more harm than good, and could result in scarring or blistering. Skin will flake off when it’s ready to do so, and not a moment before. You can risk damaging the new, healthy skin growing beneath the burn, as well as the healthy skin surrounding the sunburn. It’s a golden rule not to pick at your skin in general, but the rule takes on new urgency when it comes to peeling from sun damage. Do: Gently exfoliate. Overall, the most important thing to do for a sunburn is actually something you shouldn’t do; Further irritate the skin. Those who deal with sensitivity know that certain ingredients or products can cause their skin more harm than good. Think of sunburned skin as some of the most sensitive skin of all: Skin that is actively in the process of healing itself. It’s important to let that process happen at its own pace. But just like sensitive skin types seek out certain products that can improve their skin quality, certain products, like moisturizers, can help keep things calm without interrupting the process. Towards the end of the sunburn healing process, as skin begins to peel off, it may even be beneficial to use a gentle exfoliant that can safely remove dead, flaky skin. It’s wise to avoid strong chemical exfoliants or harsh scrubs. Look for something like Tatcha’s Calming Rice Polish, which employs non-abrasive ingredients like finely-milled rice bran to softly resurface even irritated skin. It also employs enzymes that help to erode the bonds between dead skin cells and healthy ones—as well as soothing indigo extract. It’s formulated for sensitive skin and easy exfoliation. Perhaps the most important ingredient in healing a sunburn and preventing peeling is patience. Time heals all burns. But when the symptoms of sun are causing you discomfort, a little extra care can go a long way.

Two of our most beloved formulas—the Indigo Calming Cream and the Indigo Overnight Repair—are often compared interchangeably. But they differ in a few, notable ways. Read on to discover which formula is right for your skin. In Japan, skin is considered a conduit to the world: It perceives temperature, touch, light, and even time. It then sends those messages to the brain to distinguish how we feel and think. Our brain and skin work in tandem, which helps to synchronize our intelligent facial skin. But, this symbiotic relationship can often lead to trouble when chemical and hormonal interactions come to play, like adrenaline, inflammation, and cortisol. Pair that with external stressors like pollution, sun radiation, and poor nutrition and you might have a damaged skin barrier.The skin barrier’s primary job is to keep moisture in and harmful substances out (including allergens, irritants, and pathogens). When it’s damaged, skin is out of sync, showing signs of dryness, redness, sensitivity, itchiness, flakiness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. This is where Tatcha comes into play. The Tatcha Institute has been studying and perfecting skin barrier repair for nearly a decade. Keep reading to see two products (and what makes them different) that calm and visibly relieve damaged skin.Stressed Skin SolutionsIrritated and stressed skin can occur frustratingly easily. Thankfully there are a handful of Tatcha products that are designed to strengthen skin just as quickly. Two of our most beloved products for this very task are the Indigo Calming Cream and the Indigo Overnight Repair, but which is right for you? Read on as we uncover Tatcha Indigo Cream vs. Overnight Repair.Indigo Calming CreamTransform stressed skin to strengthened skin with the newly updated Indigo Calming Cream. Our beloved fragrance-free cream has been proven to calm visible irritation and relieve itchy skin, thanks to Japanese indigo and colloidal oatmeal (an FDA-designated skin protectant). What sets this innovative cream apart from others (and even the Indigo Overnight Repair) is the addition of colloidal oatmeal, which has helped earn it the coveted National Eczema Association seal of approval for its ability to soothe irritated, eczema-prone skin on the face and beyond. Whether as a face cream or spot treatment, The Indigo Calming Cream offers a luxurious way to heal visibly stressed or eczema-prone skin for a calmer, stronger skin barrier.100 percent of panelists in a clinical study saw an improvement in softness and suppleness immediately, an improvement in the appearance of the skin barrier after one week, and an improvement in visible redness and evenness of skin tone after four weeks. The emotional benefits of using the new Indigo Calming Cream are worth noting, too. In a clinical study self-assessment questionnaire, 86 percent of panelists noted that the product left them feeling like their skin was healthier after just one week.Benefits: Soothes dry and irritated skin Relieves redness and itchiness Long-lasting hydration Texture: Velvety rich creamUse: Morning and nightIngredients: Japanese indigo Colloidal oatmeal Hadasei-3 Indigo Overnight RepairTatcha’s award-winning Indigo Overnight Repair is a fragrance-free, soothing serum-in-moisturizer treatment. The formula, which includes Japanese indigo, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, provides an immediate improvement in moisture, smoothness, and radiance. What truly sets the Overnight Repair apart from other treatments is the formula’s ability to balance the microbiome, helping to cultivate good bacteria so skin performs at its optimal, symbiotic level. The cushiony treatment is ideal for evening use, where the luxurious application can be used as an act of mindfulness and sensorial skincare moment, helping to bring comfort and peace of mind while unwinding at the end of the day. In clinical studies, 100 percent of users saw an improvement in their skin barrier strength within four weeks.Benefits: Visibly calms irritation and redness Strengthens skin barrier Balances skin’s microbiome Texture: A cushiony creamUse:Night onlyIngredients: Japanese indigo Ceramides Hyaluronic acid Mondo grass root Suggested Skin-Soothing RitualWhile it’s tempting to pit Tatcha Indigo Cream vs. Overnight Repair—the two products truly work best together. Here’s our suggested daily ritual that’s proven to soothe, calm, and visibly repair skin.Morning Ritual Purify with The Indigo Cleansing Balm Polish with The Rice Polish Plump with The Essence Nourish with The Indigo Calming Cream Evening Ritual Purify with The Indigo Cleansing Balm Polish with The Rice Polish Plump with The Essence Nourish with The Indigo Overnight Repair

What are essential oils? Is fragrance bad for our skin? And what is the best fragrance-free skincare? When it comes to scents, a little skin-sensibility goes a long way. Fragrance is easily one of the beauty industry’s greatest pleasures—but is also a topic of some debate. On one hand, you have perfumes that artfully assemble different notes into symphonies of scent that evoke far flung beaches or time periods in the distant past; you have shampoos and conditioners practically bursting with the aroma of fresh fruit.Skincare and makeup products are also commonly made with added fragrance—and the sensory experience they offer are often a reason why a customer will choose one product over another—but their use in these formulas can spell trouble for some, especially those with sensitive skin. At one point in recent history, the American Academy of Dermatology declared fragrance allergy to be the leading cause of contact dermatitis in the US from product exposure. Overall, fragrance ranks in the top 5 causes of contact dermatitis, a list that includes known skin irritants like poison ivy.That doesn’t mean your skin will automatically go red and bumpy if you apply a fragranced product to it—many people use fragranced products multiple times daily without incident. But if your skin is reactive, and you find yourself often battling breakouts, a little caution and ingredient know-how can help you make the best choices for your skin when it comes to fragrance. Know Your FragrancesThere are a few different types of fragrance that you are likely to encounter in product formulations. They all perform the same function—imparting a bit of scent to a moisturizer, or foundation, or blush—but they are far from the same. They can largely be defined in three categories: Essential oils, natural fragrance, and synthetic fragrance.Essential oils. You’re likely familiar with essential oils, “complex mixtures of terpenes and other aromatic or aliphatic compounds” that are created by aromatic plants as by-products of other metabolic processes, according to a 2021 report defining their use in cosmetics. And there are about 300 essential oils, derived from 3000 plant species, on the current fragrance market. Essential oils are the most concentrated forms of natural fragrance.Natural fragrances. Natural fragrance is derived from plants, and may include essential oils, but probably include a bunch of other things, too. The International Fragrance Association has strict guidelines for fragrances that are marketed as natural. They have to be composed of ingredients recognized by the IFA’s own standardization, and these ingredients must be “physically obtained from plants using distillation, expression and extraction.” A natural fragrance might include a little essential oil along with isolates and resins from other natural sources, but rest assured that it’s all plant-derived.Synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances might have both the simplest and most complex definition of all three categories. A synthetic fragrance utilizes one or more ingredients made in a lab. It could be composed mostly of plant derivatives, but if at least one synthetic compound or ingredient is present, it’s a synthetic fragrance. These fragrances are popular for their customizability as well as for their ease of manufacturing and wide availability. Fragrance-Free, Not Unscented The terms “fragrance-free” and “unscented” seem like they’d mean the same thing. But each term is related to a specific formulation—and one that doesn’t always indicate a lack of added perfume.Fragrance-free products do not include fragrance of any kind. Because some consumers cannot or prefer not to use fragrance, fragrance-free formulas offer an alternative.By contrast, unscented products do not have a discernible scent, but may use fragrance ingredients to mask an existing scent. These kinds of formulations can be indistinguishable from fragrance-free products at first sniff, but their ingredient lists tell different stories.It’s important to label the difference, so the Environmental Protection Agency offers certification for products that are fragrance-free. If you’re someone who has reactive, sensitive skin, it could be a good idea to seek out fragrance-free formulas that are less prone to irritate skin. Is Fragrance Really That Bad?It’s worth saying over and over again: Fragrance is not bad for you. Just because fragrance can cause contact dermatitis doesn’t mean you should avoid it completely in every area of your life. But it’s important to be cautious when you see fragrance on a skincare ingredient label. Unlike other ingredients, the Food and Drug Administration allows for companies to simply list “Fragrance” or “Parfum” instead of enumerating the specific ingredient contents of their fragrances. This is ostensibly to protect companies from having to spill their precious perfume recipes, which are regarded as trade secrets. But it can make it difficult to know what exactly is in that product you’re using.If you have sensitive skin, it’s wise to be wary of the products you choose, and double check with your dermatologist if you’re unsure. If a favorite product has an opaque “Fragrance” on its ingredient label, it might be worth your time to send a note to their customer service and see if they’ll disclose the ingredients, or even part of them, so you can shop smarter.The Best Fragrance-Free Skincare ProductsAs fragrance-free skincare has gained in popularity, there are many options on the market for products without added fragrance. A wonder wash. What could be better than a two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that is made from superplants and is supremely gentle on skin? One that does all of that, with no added fragrance. Such is Tatcha’s The Rice Polish, a best-seller with a cult following. It resurfaces skin with rice bran and papaya enzymes while also shoring up the skin’s natural barrier with moisture and radiance. If skin tends toward dryness or sensitivity, a balm like the Indigo Cleansing Balm can melt away makeup and cleanse the skin beneath in a single step.An excellent essence. Essences can be hugely beneficial for skin. They’re applied after cleansing, but before moisturizing, with the aim of hydrating skin. Tatcha’s Essence is made without fragrance, sulfate detergents, and other common irritants; instead, it features Hadasei-3, Tatcha’s proprietary blend of Japanese botanicals that work in tandem to moisturize skin against water loss. Skin is primed, plumped, petal-soft, and ready for the next step in your routine.A dream cream. Even the most sensitive skinned among us will love the Indigo Calming Cream, a richly textured cream shown to soothe skin. It’s made with anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal as well as Japanese indigo extract with tryptanthrin and indirubin, plant compounds proven to demonstrate skin-calming properties. And, of course: It’s totally fragrance-free.A super sunscreen. The Silk Sunscreen is beloved for many reasons—it’s a powerful SPF 50 that feels weightless on skin, and it also primes skin beautifully for makeup—but chief among them might be its total lack of fragrance, which makes it a great alternative to other Japanese sunscreens, many of which contain a hint of scent. It’s not always easy to sleuth out which products contain fragrance and which don’t, especially when “unscented” formulas are thrown into the mix. But if you do your homework, it’ll pay off, with reliably healthy-looking skin.