Author Archives: Kelley Maddison

PRIIA minerale-derm Loose Mineral Foundation: Multi-Tasking Makeup!

loose mineral foundation

Our loose mineral foundation was the first product we ever formulated and it’s still our number one seller after almost 10 years! In 2014, it underwent a re-formulation to not only be 100% acne-safe but also beneficial to acne-prone skin types. We get raves from customers about how this one product has made such a huge difference in the appearance of their skin as well as their confidence in how they look. The best part of PRIIA’s minerale-derm loose mineral foundation is that it’s actually 3 products in one!

It’s a foundation. It’s main purpose is to even out the skin tone and provide coverage for facial imperfections such as blemishes, redness and hyperpigmentation/PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). When applied with our Jumbo Flat Top Brush, you can achieve a beautiful full-coverage look. When applied with our Jumbo Powder Buffer, the coverage is medium but still buildable. Our signature ‘Stamp & Blend’ technique will give you a finish that is flawless. It’s not heavy-feeling and doesn’t look ‘cakey’. Plus our loose mineral foundation contains our DERMA-CBI complex; a proprietary botanical cocktail powerhouse containing green tea, licorice root and olive leaf extracts that are immensely beneficial to acne-prone skin types!
It’s a concealer. Simply by using a small brush, such as our Small All Over brush, you can turn our loose mineral foundation into a concealer. You can use your brush wet or dry depending upon how much concealing you want to achieve. Since you’re using the foundation as a concealer, you also have a perfect foundation/concealer match! After doing a layer of foundation, simply dip your small brush into a few sprinkles of the same loose mineral foundation and begin to spot conceal the areas that need more coverage.
It’s a liquid foundation. Use PRIIA’s Boosted Coverage Technique to turn our loose mineral foundation into a liquid foundation! This technique is for those who want the ultimate coverage without looking like they’re wearing a makeup mask! It’s perfect for stage makeup and for those with severe acne.

Have you tried PRIIA’s minerale-derm loose foundation yet? If not, pick up a sample today. We currently have 33 colors. We’re pretty confident we have your match! If you’re not sure what color you should try, please visit our Foundation Matching Page.

Turn Your Loose Mineral Foundation into a Liquid Foundation

Liquid Foundation. You either love it or hate it. Unfortunately many, if not most, liquid foundations aren’t a good idea for acne-prone skin because of pore-clogging ingredients. At PRIIA we currently don’t offer a liquid foundation (yet). However, we’ve got an easy way for you to take your PRIIA loose mineral foundation and turn it into a full-coverage liquid foundation.

It’s called ‘The Boosted Coverage’ Technique. All you need are 3 items: PRIIA’s Loose mineral foundation, PRIIA’s Hydrating Skin Spritz and PRIIA’s vegan synthetic flat top foundation brush.

Step One: Dispense some loose mineral foundation into the lid of your jar or in your Minerals Mate Mixing Tray.
Step Two: Generously spritz the head of your flat top brush with our Hydrating Skin Spritz. About 4 to 5 spritzes should do it.
Step Three: Dip your dampened brush into your loose mineral foundation. Use a second well in your Minerals Mate Tray or a second jar lid to swirl around your brush head. This will help evenly mix the spritz with the minerals.
Step Four: Apply to clean & moisturized face. Apply as many layers as needed to achieve your desired coverage.

To see ‘The Boosted Coverage’ Technique in action, watch our tutorial here: https://youtu.be/cDI3NfiTTSg

Hydrate Versus Moisturize: What’s The Difference?

When we hear the words ‘hydrate’ and ‘moisturize’ most people tend to think that the two terms are interchangeable. This would be incorrect.

A hydrating product is something that helps to increase the moisture/water content of the skin. Hydrating products tend to be in a water-based formula such as PRIIA’s Hydrating Skin Spritz or a gel-type of product such as Face Reality’s Hydrabalance.

A moisturizer is a product that helps hold moisture/water already in the skin and prevents this moisture from leaving the skin which is called TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Moisturizing products tend to be in a more emollient formula such as Face Reality’s Clearderma moisturizing creme or DermaTruth’s gel/creme antioxidant moisturizer.

Which skin type for which product?

Well, I think both are great for all skin types! Use a hydrating product product FIRST and then seal in that moisture with an actual moisturizer! Just make sure they are acne-safe if you’re an acne-prone individual. (the products mentioned in this post are all acne-safe)

Acne-Safe Tinted Mineral SPF40 is here!!!

We are so excited to announce the launch of our new acne-safe tinted mineral SPF40!

It’s a 100% acne-safe physical sunblock that contains both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which provides broad spectrum coverage from both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

This silky-smooth lightweight tinted SPF40 also doubles as a primer to help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines/wrinkles.

It’s also Water Resistant up to 80 minutes!

This product comes in one universal shade that is appropriate for most skin tones. If desired, you can mix a little of this product with your regular SPF to ‘lighten’ the tint.

Using a separate primer is NOT necessary after using this product since it already has a primer built into it. So, if you have our acne-safe primer, you don’t need to use that on the days you choose to wear the acne-safe tinted mineral SPF40.

This is the PERFECT product to use when you don’t want to be bothered putting on foundation but you still want a “finished” look!

How to use: Dispense a nickle-sized amount of our acne-safe tinted mineral SPF40 into your hands and apply evenly all over the face. Be sure to blend well. You can apply our foundations over top and/or just our HydraPrime or BEHAVE Finishing Powder to complete your look. *Thoroughly wash hands after application as this product may stain some fabrics.

Both full-size ($44) and sample sizes ($3.50) are available. We encourage all customers to purchase sample sizes BEFORE committing to full-size products. Get yours today at PRIIA.com!

Swimming and Acne: What’s the Connection?

I just love a nice dip in the pool. It clears my mind and I feel so refreshed when I’m swimming. Unfortunately, my skin doesn’t like the pool. I breakout. Maybe you do too. Here’s why there’s a direct correlation between swimming and acne breakouts.

Pools have to be disinfected in order to not be a public health hazard. Unfortunately, those disinfectants are made up of chlorine and iodides. Both of these materials are known irritants for acne-prone skin. The same is true for salt water pools- the sodium chloride is an acne-aggravator.

Does this mean you should avoid swimming at all costs if you have acne? No.

This may sound strange but apply a very thin layer of Vaseline to your face (and body if you have body acne) before going into the pool. The thin coating of Vaseline will act as an occlusive barrier to the pool’s chemical disinfectants. Despite what you may have read on the Internet, Vaseline will NOT clog your skin- it is non-comedogenic. The molecule is simply too large to penetrate the pores.

Don’t want to use Vaseline on your face? Consider using PRIIA’s Acne-Safe Lip Treatment Balm. It will do the same thing as Vaseline: it will create an an occlusive barrier protecting your skin from those acne aggravating chemicals PLUS it has some pretty great skin soothing ingredients in it as well.

After swimming, don’t forget to shower immediately! Use our acne-safe makeup remover first to breakdown the Vaseline or balm and then use a skin type appropriate cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the face and body.

Acne Cosmetica: Breakouts From Makeup

If you’re an acne-prone individual, you need to be careful with the cosmetic products you’re using as many contain hidden pore clogging ingredients. When you breakout from makeup, this is a condition known as ACNE COSMETICA.

The most frustrating part about Acne Cosmetica is that you may be using products that say: “won’t clog your pores”, “hypoallergenic” or “oil-free” yet they are actually what’s causing your breakouts or making your existing acne worse.

Another frustration many acne sufferers experience is that the products they’re using may have been orginally safe for acne but now the formula has changed and it’s comedogenic. There is no way to know if a formula has changed unless you check the ingredient decks with every purchase. Let’s be honest- most consumers don’t check ingredient labels with the FIRST purchase nevermind with subsequent purchases. Plus, the large cosmetics manufacturers CONSTANTLY change their formulas. At the end of the day, the acne-prone consumer is left feeling confused, frustrated and defeated when breakouts occur and yet they haven’t changed anything within their routine.

What should you do? BE YOUR OWN ACNE ADVOCATE.

But how do you become your own advocate to avoid Acne Cosmetica? Use PRIIA’s PORE CLOGGERS LIST to check your products’ ingredient decks. In all honesty, this is an arduous task and this list is by no means the “be all end all” of pore clogging ingredients but it’s a good start. Your best bet? Switch out your cosmetics to our line, PRIIA minerale-derm. Our formulas are not only 100% acne-safe but they’re also beneficial to acne-prone skin. They are non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic which means they won’t clog your pores OR contribute to acne breakouts. Our products have helped thousands of acne sufferers. Give us try today. It’s a step in the right direction on the path to having clear skin!

#prettyinpriia

Acne Mechanica: Breakouts From Working Out?

Do you play sports? Do you exercise? Are you wearing sports and exercise clothing and equipment? Have you noticed that you’re experiencing breakouts happening where your sports bra or helmet touches? If you answered “yes”, you are experiencing something called ACNE MECHANICA.

When you’re working out or playing sports, pores that are clogged are being subjected to pressure and friction from your clothing and/or workout gear. The debris and bacteria trapped inside the pores will then erupt into a papule or pustule. Sweating during your activities and not washing it off afterwards also aggravates the follicles which can lead to breakouts.

So, what are you supposed to do? Stop working out? Stop playing your favorite sports activities? NO. You need to prevent the pores from being clogged in the first place. First things first: Immediately shower off after your activity using a non-comedogenic cleanser for the face and body such as the Ultra Gentle Cleanser. Then, apply an exfoliant such as Mandelic Serum or Salicylic Serum to keep the dead skin cells from building up. Lastly, use a Benzoyl Peroxide acne medication to kill the bacteria inside the pores so pimples don’t have the opportunity to form. Acne Mechanica is preventable.

PS! Don’t forget to put on some loose fitting clothing after showering- nothing too tight on your body AND becareful- wear white clothing when using Benzoyl Peroxide as it will bleach fabric.

When you know how to properly cleanse pre and post workout/sports, you won’t need to choose between having clear skin or being physically active. You can have the best of both worlds!

Supplements: Good Choices for Acne-Prone Skin

The following supplements have been found to be useful in aiding your recovery from acne; especially inflamed and cystic acne.

Zinc Monomethionine

This form of zinc is the most bio-available form that acts directly as an anti-inflammatory. Many people with acne have low levels of zinc in their body. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to reduce the severity of cysts and inflamed lesions. OptiZinc is the brand we recommend.

Important Information about Zinc: These supplements can upset your stomach. To prevent nausea, always take OptiZinc with food. Zinc is an essential trace element for humans and there is evidence that it is similar to antibiotics in improving the condition of inflamed acne. The effective dosage is not clear. However, most studies indicate 50-100mg (The OptiZinc tablet has 30MG). We advise you to not take any more than 100mg because excessive zinc may lead to deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals. One of the reasons that we like OptiZinc is that it contains copper and copper is one of the minerals that can be depleted by taking zinc supplements. We are also recommending that you discontinue taking the zinc once you are completely clear. We are not recommending this as a preventative.

Omega 3 Fish Oils

Fish oil is a great anti-inflammatory and helps to alter sebum production; HOWEVER, only if it’s molecularly distilled or pharmaceutical grade. Unfortunately, many fish oil supplements are oxidized which actually creates more inflammation.

Instructions for taking fish oil capsules for your acne: Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that many of us who suffer from chronic inflammatory acne may benefit from taking relatively higher doses (1000-1700mg) of purified omega- 3 oils present mostly in wild ocean fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod and herring. Omega-3 oils are anti-inflammatory and the body utilizes them in many ways. Of particular relevance to acne sufferers, they may help regulate hormones and in addition help to shorten the intensity of your breakout.
*Please note: Although there is no known toxicity associated with using fish oils over long term, you should check with your physician particularly if you have a chronic underlying illness or are pregnant. The fish oil capsules we recommend are OmegaVia and are of therapeutic quality and are enteric coated to help assimilate the omega-3‘s in the most efficient way possible. In addition they are formulated not to have a fishy after taste and are guaranteed burp free. Consider taking 1 capsule/2 capsules with the lightest meal of the day.

Probiotics

These are good bacteria that colonize the digestive tract and the skin. They can help people who have been on long-term antibiotics (both oral and topical). These good bacteria compete with the pathogenic bacteria and can help improve the incidence of breakouts. A good over-the-counter brand is Align Probiotics.

*The above article is intended for information purposes only and should not be construed as or substituted for medical advice. Always check with your physician before taking any supplements.

*information source: Face Reality

Wash Your Face Pre and Post Workout!

Getting in daily exercise is important for overall health and well-being. An important skin care tip to remember is to wash your face both pre and post workout.

If you’re someone who works out in the morning, you definitely want to wash your face BEFORE exercising. I know you’re probably thinking, “What’s the point? I’m going to have to wash my face again as soon as I’m done.” Yes, you are correct about washing your face after you exercise but allow me to explain why you should also cleanse your skin BEFORE you work out…

If you’ve used any type of ‘active’ products on your skin the night before such as retinoids (Vitamin A), alpha hydroxy/ beta hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, salicylic, mandelic serums), prescription skin care or acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide, then they need to be rinsed off of your skin prior to working out. Why? When you sweat, it will mix with these products which can cause redness, irritation and dryness which leads to inflammation. Sweat can also mix with sebum (facial oil) which leads to clogged pores. It takes just a minute or two to wash up before working out. Do it.

After your workout, you need to wash your face to cleanse away sweat and bacteria to prevent your pores from getting clogged. Do this within 15 minutes or so of completing your workout. Leaving sweat on your face after exercising can cause irritation and dehydration because sweat contains salt. If you’re short on time, you can use a baby wipe to quickly remove sweat and then rinse your face with some tepid water. But, make sure you do a proper face cleanse as soon possible. Baby wipes are only to be used in a pinch and make sure they are acne-safe and fragrance free! The one I recommend is Kirkland brand which is available at Costco.

Last but certainly not least, after washing your face remember to use your toner and moisturizer as well as SPF (if during the day).

Coming soon to PRIIA is Face Reality Skin Care! You’ll be able to pack acne-safe skin care products in your gym bag to keep your skin clear and healthy!

Acne Safe Foods

In our last post, we discussed the top foods that aggravate acne and those are: iodides and foods containing high amounts of androgens, such as peanut butter. In today’s article, we will discuss which foods are acne safe and better choices for overall health.

It’s understandable that you may feel a bit frustrated after looking over the list of foods that should be eliminated or reduced if you have acne. Don’t despair! There are some really wonderful substitutes for you to begin enjoying right now.

Instead of using iodized salt, use Sea Salt, Uniodized salt or Celtic Salt. My favorite salt brand is Redmond’s Real Sea Salt. Substitute cow’s milk with unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or rice milk. *Be aware that some Almond Milk brands contain Carrageenan ( a seaweed derivitive used as a thicknener) which is a NO NO. Always read the ingredient labels carefully! My favorite safe choice is Silk’s Unsweetened Vanilla Cashew milk.

If you enjoy fish, opt for fresh water varieties such as bass, trout and catfish. If you like cheese, try a nut cheese instead. For protein shakes, avoid whey and instead opt for pea protein, egg white powder and hemp. Still check the ingredient labels though because sometimes manufacturers will add iodides and biotin. A safe choice for protein shakes is: Vega Sport Performance and also Perfect Fit.

Stay away from the peanut butter and choose acne-safe nut butters such as Almond, Cashew, etc. My favorite non-gritty creamy smooth Almond butter is called ‘Barney Butter’. It’s delicious!

For cooking & salad oils, swap out the peanut, canola and corn oil for extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter (Kerry Gold brand), coconut oil and avocado oil. The best olive oil is California Olive Ranch brand. It’s 100% real extra virgin olive oil. Most olive oils on the market are actually cut with canola oil, soybean oil and rapeseed oil- all of which are high in Omega 6’s and are very inflammatory!

It’s a really good idea to look at your diet and cut way down on wheat and processed foods in general. These types of foods cause a lot of inflammation in the body and negatively affect good gut bacteria. Instead, enjoy more fresh veggies and some fruits. Fruits are high in natural sugars, so you’ll want to consume fruit in moderation so you don’t raise your blood sugar levels too high.

In general, a low-glycemic diet with fresh organic vegetables, organic/grass fed meats & butter (or other safe protein choices if you’re Vegan) along with reducing (or eliminating acne trigger foods) is always a safe bet for better skin health and overall well-being.

*the information contained in this article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician before starting any new diet/food plan.