Let’s review the Mineral Treatment and with that our first ingredient zinc oxide. Long known for it’s ability to calm and soothe the skin, zinc has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits for your skin such as supporting faster healing, inflammation reduction, increased barrier function repair and broad environmental protection. I would like to explore the activity of zinc and why I added it to the formula and the critical benefits that zinc provides your skin:

ENVIORNMENTAL PROTECTION: Zinc oxide provides broad range sun protection; in fact it has the broadest UV range protection of any single ingredient on the market. Zinc oxide is a physical sun-blocking agent that works primarily by reflecting/scattering ultraviolet light. It’s range of efficacy covers UVB as well as both short (320-340 nm, UVA-2) and long (340-400 nm, UVA-1). It also has been proven to block visible light up to wavelengths 700 nm. Recently there have been multiple studies on the increased protection offered by zinc when combined with anti-oxidants showing very promising results. Let’s compare this with an ingredient that is commonly found in UV protection products as well as MOST mineral products titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide has been used as a sun protection ingredient for many years most recently in many of the Mineral products on the market today. Usually these formulas contain micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide, which has been shown to be a lung irritant (when in powder form) and it has significant photocatalytic activity and may promote formation of free radicals when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, titanium dioxide does not offer the skin calming (anti-irritation) and protection (anti-oxidant) qualities that zinc oxide exhibits.

PROMISING ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY: Topical zinc has been reported to provide antioxidant photo protection for skin. Two antioxidant mechanisms have been proposed for zinc: zinc may replace redox active molecules, such as iron and copper, at critical sites in cell membranes and proteins. On the other hand, zinc may induce the synthesis of proteins that protect against free radicals. Although there are still question as to how it works, topical zinc may provide an important and helpful antioxidant defense for skin.

POTENCY: This is a topic that I do not spend enough time writing about and that is the concentration or percentage of actives contained within the formula. Many formulas that boast the therapeutic or environmental protection qualities of their product due to zinc contain as little as two percent. The Glimpse Mineral Treatment contains over 20% uncoated zinc oxide to provide your skin the maximum benefit from zinc.

I think it is quite clear that zinc is a dynamic ingredient that can benefit the skin in multiple ways. Glimpse Mineral Treatment capitalizes on the therapeutic benefits of zinc oxide in order to optimize your skin’s health.

No brush set would be complete without a concealer brush. The smallest of all of our Glimpse Brushes, this handy little brush is wonderful for spot treating, concealer application, touch-ups and getting into the small crevices of the face. May be used for either wet application or dry application.

Directions:

1. Using your Glimpse Concealer Brush, mix a small amount of Mangosteen Pericarp Oil with your Mineral Treatment in the lid of the jar or the palm of your hand.
2. Gently pat concealer on to desired area, but do not rub in completely.
3. Pat over area until desired coverage is achieved. 4. Apply a layer of dry Mineral Treatment for added coverage and longer wear.

Dry Foundation Brush: This brush may be used for dry application of Glimpse Minerals, especially when a heavier coverage is desired. This brush makes an excellent contouring brush due to its flat, short bristles, which help to easily get into the difficult-to-reach contours of the face. It may also be used as a buffing brush to help buff excess minerals into a natural finish.

Directions: 1. Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment to the lid of the jar. 2. Take your Glimpse Dry Foundation Brush and pick up the powder with the brush. 3. Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion. 4. Apply more powder for desired coverage. *To use as a buffing brush, just go over desired area using a circular motion, working the Minerals into the skin until desired effect is achieved.

Not quite sure what you’re supposed to do with the Glimpse Mineral Treatment brushes? Does the word “application” leave you scratching your head? Not to worry … you’re not alone. Even better, answers are headed your way. We’ll tell you what each brush is used for, what the best application method is for each and we’ll even explain, once and for all, what a Kabuki brush is! Look for a special informative 4-part article, coming soon to the Glimpse Blog.

1-) Kabuki Brush: This brush is most traditionally used when applying mineral powders and recommended when wanting a light-to-medium coverage.  The soft, yet dense, bristles and tapered brush head are ideal for picking up powders easily and create a lovely, flawless finish. We suggest using this brush for your dry application of Glimpse Mineral Treatment or as a setting powder brush.

Directions:

• Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment into the lid of your Glimpse Minerals jar.
• Take your Glimpse Kabuki Brush and pick up the powder with the brush.
• Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion.
• Apply more powder for desired coverage.

*Use the same way as directed above for a setting powder, using less of the minerals, and just lightly dusting.

This is Part One: The Kabuki Brush of the Master the Brushes series.

Many of us, myself included, have at one time or another experienced acne. In fact in the United States alone 40 to 50 million people suffer from acne. For some it may be a very temporary condition clearing as quickly as it appears. But for most it becomes a very stubborn skin condition that can be both physically and mentally scarring.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of acne but the key problems that occur in the pilosebaceous unit (the small lipid and hair producing areas and that make up your follicles or pores) are:

• Hyperplasia – excessive lipid (oil) production.
• Hyperkeratinization of the hair follicle – increased production of cells lining the follicle wall. The cells then fail to loosen away from the follicle wall this translates into a clogging of the follicle opening.
• Proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. You can have acne without the presence of P. acnes, however research has shown that it can be a contributing factor and may provoke and immune system response leading to increased inflammation.

As a result of the above listed conditions the follicle can then rupture and the bacteria and other debris that were trapped in the follicle spreads into the dermis causing more inflammation and oxidative stress.

These factors lead to open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). If inflammation is left unchecked, these minor skin eruptions can develop into papules and pustules. Finally, when inflammation occurs in the lower layers of the skin it becomes red and painful nodules. Upon reviewing the stages of acne you can see how critical it is to inhibit the inflammatory process.

The Glimpse regimen modifications listed below are just one way you may adjust your daily regimen to address your current skin condition, keep in mind there are numerous ways in which to customize your regimen to achieve your best skin.

AM Glimpse Regimen for Acne Prone Skin:

1. Cleanse – using Glimpse Gel Cleanser – using a quarter-sized amount of cleanser and tepid water add a bit of water to the cleanser. Work hands together to create a purifying foam and apply to face, neck, and chest. Continue to massage the cleanser over your skin for at least 2 minutes paying particular attention to your forehead, hairline, chin, jaw line and crevices of the nose. Remove cleanser with a clean cotton washcloth then rinse by splashing your face, neck, and chest with tepid water. Use a fresh cotton towel to pat your skin dry.

2. Talk to your physician. – If you are currently using a topical prescription for acne that you apply in the morning do so now following the directions given by your physician, if you are not using a prescription proceed to step 3. Do not immediately discontinue use of acne prescriptions doing so could cause a flare up of the skin condition, that coupled with the introduction of a new product could cause a significant break-out. I do feel confident that with the consistent use of Glimpse morning and night you will be able to reduce if not discontinue the use of your topical prescriptions. However, acne-prone skin is inherently sensitive skin and therefore must be treated as such and we need to acclimate the skin to Glimpse and then ease it off prescription topicals.

3. Treat – In the palm of your hand mix together one spray toner, 3 pumps serum, eight drops of Pericarp Oil smooth mixture over face and neck. For treating your neck and shoulders, which I recommend, you will need more of this mixture.

4. Hydrate – Yes acne prone skin needs hydration! In the palm of your hand mix two pumps serum with 2 drops Pericarp Oil and 1-2 pumps Moisturizing Lotion. During summer months or in humid climates this last step may need to be adjusted but it is important to remember that even if you have lipid rich (oily) skin you still need hydration, you either need to apply a second layer of Serum/Pericarp Oil with the ratio being more Serum to Pericarp Oil rather than the equal parts mixture listed in step 3 or apply the lotion/serum mixture listed above.

5. Repair – Using the Sheer Mineral Treatment mix a generous amount of Minerals in the palm of your hand with Pericarp Oil and one pump Serum, apply to affected areas. If you desire additional coverage apply one to three layers of the Minerals using the “Dry Application” technique (please see Mineral Treatment application techniques under the Mineral Treatment or Video section of this blog) over your Sheer Mineral/Pericarp Oil “primer”.

PM Glimpse Regimen for Acne Prone Skin:

1. Double Cleanse – using Glimpse Creamy Cleanser followed by Glimpse Gel Cleanser or using the Glimpse Gel Cleanser for both cleanses. Follow the cleansing instructions for the AM Cleanse and repeat for the second cleanse, remember be gentle. Do not aggressively scrub at your face it will aggravate the condition. Your skin needs TLC in order to start healing. If you choose to use the Glimpse Creamy Cleanser for your first cleanse use a quarter sized amount (you may need a bit more) work between your hands and smooth onto your skin. Massage the cleanser over your skin for at least 2 minutes paying particular attention to the congested areas of your face and neck. Remove cleanser with a clean cotton washcloth and follow immediately with a second cleanse using the Glimpse Gel Cleanser.

2. Talk to your physician. If you are currently using a topical prescription for acne that you apply in the evening do so now following the directions given by your physician, if you are not using a topical prescription proceed to step 3.

3. Treat – In the palm of your hand mix together 3 pumps serum and 10 drops Pericarp oil, smooth over face and neck using a drop of Pericarp oil and any inflamed lesions you may have.

4. Hydrate – Repeat step 4 from your AM Regimen.

5. Repair – Repeat the Sheer Mineral Treatment/Pericarp Oil/Serum combination from your AM Regimen, do not apply additional layers of the Mineral Treatment using the “Dry” Method.

Please remember, your skin is a very dynamic organ and what it needs varies from day to day. When you have become familiar with the formulas you will naturally start adjusting your mixtures, customizing them to deliver to your skin what it needs at that moment.

Dry Application

• Sprinkle a small amount of Mineral Treatment to the lid of the jar.
• Take your Glimpse brush (Kabuki brush or Dry foundation brush) and pick up the powder with the brush.
• Tap off excess powder from the brush and apply to face in circular motion.
• Apply more powder for desired coverage.

With Glimpse™ Mineral Treatment you will experience topical skin nutrition and flawless coverage with our triple milled blend of pure minerals. Applied wet or dry, our extraordinary Mineral Treatment instantly infuses your skin with energy, increasing clarity and luminosity. BioActive™ X3 Complex, in harmony with zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex, work together to naturally enhance your skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. Protect your skin, guard your health and benefit our planet with our perfect blend of nature.

Wet Application

• Mix a small amount of Mangosteen Pericarp Oil or Glimpse Moisturizer with your Mineral Treatment to create a hydrating creamy foundation.
• 2. Apply with Glimpse wet foundation brush.
• 3. Apply more powder for desired coverage.

With Glimpse™ Mineral Treatment you will experience topical skin nutrition and flawless coverage with our triple milled blend of pure minerals. Applied wet or dry, our extraordinary Mineral Treatment instantly infuses your skin with energy, increasing clarity and luminosity. BioActive™ X3 Complex, in harmony with zinc oxide, oat protein powder, silk powder, bio-chelated minerals and our Energizing Gemstone Complex, work together to naturally enhance your skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. Protect your skin, guard your health and benefit our planet with our perfect blend of nature.

First, what is SPF? Sun Protection Factor is simply a laboratory measure of the ability of a product to protect the skin when exposed to UVB radiation. UVB rays cause sunburn and are able to directly damage the DNA of your skin cells. The SPF of a product is not relevant to that product’s ability to protect the skin against UVA damage, which causes free radical formation and in-direct DNA damage.

Does Glimpse have an SPF rating, No. Is there a Glimpse product that contains a sun-blocking ingredient? Yes. Glimpse Mineral Treatment contains Zinc Oxide, which is known to have the broadest UV protection of any single ingredient. In addition Zinc Oxide has been shown to exhibit anti-oxidant activity and the ability to calm and soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

However, blocking the sun’s rays is only partially effective at best. I personally believe that the importance of topical supplementation with antioxidants is essential in maintaining the health of your skin. Each Glimpse formula (including The Mineral Treatment) contains BioActive X3, the antioxidant activity of which outperformed Resveratrol, CoQ10, and Ascorbic Acid*.

In conclusion, Glimpse does not have an SPF rating. However, it does contain concentrated levels of active ingredients proven to boost your skin’s natural immunity against environmental aggressors. Additionally we do have a proven effective sun-blocking agent in the Glimpse Mineral Treatment.

*through third party testing.