Beauty & Wellness Blog

Adult male acne behaves differently than teenage skin. From stubborn jawline blemishes to chest breakouts, discover a gentle, clean approach to balancing your skin barrier and achieving a healthy, shine-free complexion.

Dubois Beauty is based on a holistic, health-focused approach to the skin. Our line is based on four fundamental pillars. Gentle Exfoliation The process of exfoliation involves the gentle removal of dead skin cells. As we age, the cell turnover rate slows down, resulting in a buildup of dull, dry skin. By exfoliating regularly, we can eliminate this layer of dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, more hydrated complexion. Gentle exfoliation helps dissolve the intercellular lipids that bind dead skin cells to the surface, promoting a smoother texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. Find it in our:  AHA Cleansing Milk AHA Cleansing Milk $00.00 $55.00 Get this Product RENEW Buffing Cream Skin Preservation To protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, it is crucial to incorporate antioxidants into our skincare routine. Free radicals, often triggered by external factors, can harm our DNA and accelerate the aging process. By using products rich in antioxidants, we can counteract these damaging effects and maintain healthier, more resilient skin. Find antioxidants in our:  DEFEND Antioxidant Serum CALM Saratoga Mineral Mist DEW DROPS Hydrating Serum PROTECTIVE Day Cream RESTORATIVE Night Cream Skin Stimulation and Repair Restoring the skin's vitality involves stimulating and repairing its cellular functions. Controlled injury techniques, along with the infusion of essential nutrients such as proteins and amino acids, can stimulate the regeneration and renewal of collagen and elastin. By addressing the damage caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors, we can rebuild and strengthen the skin's structure, leading to a healthier skin barrier. Find active ingredients in our:  CLARITY AHA Toner CLEAR Saratoga Mineral Mist  VITAL A Serum VITAL A Serum $00.00 $110.00 Get this Product Hydration and Sun Protection Proper hydration and adequate sun protection are essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. As we age, our skin tends to become drier due to decreased estrogen levels. To counteract this, we should prioritize keeping our skin cells hydrated and plump, preventing dehydration and maintaining a smooth and soft texture. Avoiding harsh cleansers and using moisturizers that are rich in moisture-binding ingredients can help replenish and nourish the skin. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a daytime moisturizer that includes sun protection factors to safeguard against collagen and elastin degradation as well as hyperpigmentation. Find hydration in our:  DEW DROPS Hydrating Serum PROTECTIVE Day Cream RESTORATIVE Night Cream For sun protection, we recommend Coola for safe, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen.

In this new series, we feature the women in our Dubois Beauty community who are wellness leaders. From local practitioners to national influencers, each woman reflects on their personal journey to wellness. Dubois Beauty: Tell us who you are!Lindsay: I'm Lindsay Ferrara, the founder of Pinnacle Nutrition. Pinnacle Nutrition is about helping clients achieve their nutrition goals in a way that is specific to their own body’s needs. Without being overly restrictive, and by cutting through all of the diet and nutrition misinformation that is out there. Just like knowing cholesterol numbers or blood pressure, I give clients real numbers to work with so they can get off the yo-yo dieting hamster wheel. I focus on optimizing metabolism and typically start by testing a client’s metabolic rate with an FDA approved machine called an Indirect Calorimeter. Metabolic testing gives us accurate numbers to work with so we aren’t just guessing at calorie needs. I am now offering body composition testing as well, using a Bioelectrical Impedance machine which allows the tracking of muscle mass and body fat percentage over time. I love applying data and facts to my work and I think that knowing your numbers is crucial to guiding your health journey. I feel strongly that restrictive diets cause more harm than good and want to help people find their healthy balance. Dubois Beauty:  How did you become so passionate about your work?Lindsay: I’ve been a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years with the first 10 being in the hospital setting. My dream of starting my own practice along with being fed up with diet culture plus a love for helping others has led me to where I am today. I want to teach people that gaining strength is better than losing weight, improving nutrition is better than going on another diet, and knowing what our bodies actually need is better than guessing or overly restricting. Dubois Beauty: What one wellness practice have you found has most changed your wellbeing?Lindsay: I’d have to say practicing mindfulness. I completed some mindfulness training in hopes of helping my clients but found it life changing for myself as well. Mindfulness has really helped me tune in to my body….with eating, with exercising, with confidence, with setting boundaries, with finding gratitude in my day to day life. It’s the best form of self care! Dubois Beauty: What would you say is your daily mantra right now?Lindsay: To grow you need to push your limits and break out of your comfort zone.Dubois Beauty: Tell us one fun fact that may surprise people about you.Lindsay: I don’t like fruit very much. 🤷🏼♀️ I will have a banana with peanut butter ever now and again and I’ll eat cut up fruit if it’s being served but I don’t ever go seeking fruit out. Unfortunately, my children got this gene from me 🤦🏼♀️. Dubois Beauty: What are your favorite Dubois Beauty products?Lindsay: I love every Dubois Beauty product I’ve tried; the natural ingredients, how silky smooth they are, and they all smell wonderful (without the use of any fragrance). But my 3 faves that I don’t think I can live without are the Vital A Serum for nighttime, the Defend Antioxidant Serum for daytime and the Bright Eyes Eye Cream day and night! VITAL A Serum $00.00 $110.00 Get this Product BRIGHT EYES Eye Cream $00.00 $78.00 Get this Product

  In this new series, we want to feature the women in our Dubois Beauty community who are wellness leaders. From local practitioners to national influencers, each woman reflects on their personal journey to wellness. Dubois Beauty: Tell us who you are? Leah: Hi, I’m Leah! I teach Mindfulness and Movement, mostly to children and moms. Getting to this point in my career was a curious journey, but no matter what role I’ve had, I was one of the first people to volunteer to start a “Wellness Club” or some other initiative to create a culture of wellbeing. The fact that I now have my own business (Brave Lion) where I get to share wellness tools feels like hitting the lottery of life. When I’m not teaching, I love being in nature with my family. I do a version of yoga everyday and usually have about four books started at any given time. And I love music - most all music. Right now I’m on a Cat Stevens jag, but at any moment you check back, I could be rocking to Beastie Boys or Beethoven — who knows! (Here is an eclectic collections of songs, any of which I would love to cruise to, window down on a sweet spring day. My partner and I just celebrated our tenth marriage anniversary. I’m so grateful for the grounding and loving force he is in my life. We have two children, a son who is 7 and a daughter who is 3. They give us an opportunity to see the world through the wonder and awe of childhood, and we dive right in. I grew up right here in Saratoga Springs, the eldest of five kids - - some of you might remember “ Lanci’s” the Italian restaurant my parents owned! Dubois Beauty: How did you become so passionate about your work? Leah: I feel so lucky to have grown up in a mindful home, with parents who encouraged and modeled many of the attributes of mindfulness such as; curiosity, flexibility, patience and acceptance. I’m immensely grateful for that foundation, and the radical presence and unconditional love both my parents offered each of us. But one of the most defining moments in my life was during my freshman year of college, after having to take a year off because I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Being sick was hard, but being home when all my friends were in college was harder. That’s when my mom introduced me to a meditation school and I started exploring my own mindfulness practice. I was able to better manage my thoughts and feelings from a place of cooperation, trust and non judgment. It was so transformative during that time in my life, and every. single. day. after. Over the last 25 years these tools have been my faithful companion in life, and now as I navigate motherhood, I don’t know how I could live without them! When I share these teachings with adults, I feel like I am offering them a true shift in their lives and wellness, like grabbing their hand and guiding them to the surface after being under the waves for a really long time. And with kids, being able to help them nurture a loving self-awareness and offer them tools and strategies to navigate this big, big world, well, that’s the most fun and joyful place to be in the whole world. Dubois Beauty: What’s one wellness practice have you found most changed your wellbeing? Leah: No surprise here, my mindfulness practice! Throughout all the seasons of my life, that practice has looked different and I love that your practice can meet you right where you are. At this stage in my life, mindfulness looks like gently managing my mind and nurturing my brain with so much loving self-awareness and compassion. It’s finding as many moments of stillness I can in my day; whether I’m waiting in line somewhere, or actually doing a formal meditation. Yoga is also a foundational piece of my practice. And within all that, cultivating a playful, curious and child-like approach to life brings me so much wonder and joy - - which radiates into everything I am and do. It’s like the fountain of youth, literally. But of course I must mention, I’m not this twenty-four seven blissed out person, there are days when I can be reactive and my mindfulness tools don’t feel within reach. But on those tough days, any moment I can slow down and pause is still a win. Dubois Beauty: What would you say is your daily mantra right now? Leah: Breathe, smile and go slowly. Dubois Beauty: Tell us one fun fact that may surprise people about you. Leah: I love Star Wars! I was born the summer A New Hope came out. Growing up, kids thought they were teasing me by calling me Princess Leia - but it was hardly a burn to me. What’s cooler than being the leader of the rebellion! Dubois Beauty: What are your favorite skincare products these days? Leah: Dubois is the beautiful intersection of nature and science with a holistic approach! My favorite thing about these products is how much they enhance the skin care routine. There isn’t a detail missed with these products, from packaging, aroma as well as the feel of each products when applied and then throughout the day. I can feel myself truly relaxing into my skincare rhythm more with these products — a truly holistic experience. And a little goes a long way! The serums are so smooth and luxurious, and they smell so great. I love taking a little extra time to massage them into my skin. After using them for just a week, my husband told my makeup looked great….but I wasn’t wearing any! VITAL A Serum $00.00 $110.00 Get this Product I’m completely in love with the Calm Mist; I have one in my bathroom and one in my everyday bag. Throughout my day, I use the mists as an opportunity to have a moment of stillness and relaxation. It’s like a mini meditation in a bottle!

Our eyes are one of the most important features on our faces. They can tell a lot about our mood, health, and age. Therefore, taking good care of them should be a priority in any skincare routine. One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating an eye cream into your evening ritual. In this post, we'll discuss the benefits of eye creams, how to apply them, and how to create your perfect evening ritual. The Benefits of Eye Creams Eye creams are specially formulated to target the delicate skin around the eyes. This skin is thinner than the rest of our face, making it more susceptible to damage from environmental stressors, such as sun exposure and pollution. Eye creams are packed with ingredients that hydrate, brighten, and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. They also protect the skin from further damage and premature aging. BRIGHT EYES Eye Cream $00.00 $78.00 Get this Product How to Apply Eye Creams When applying eye cream, it's important to be gentle and use your ring finger, as it applies the least amount of pressure. Start by cleansing your face and removing any makeup. Then, take a small amount of eye cream (about the size of a grain of rice) and dot it under your eye, from the inner corner to the outer corner. Gently pat the cream into the skin using a tapping motion, avoiding any pulling or rubbing. Repeat on the other eye, and then apply any remaining cream on your brow bone. How to Create Your Perfect Evening Ritual Creating a relaxing evening ritual can be just as beneficial for your mental health as it is for your skin. Here are some tips to help you create your perfect evening ritual: Choose a time that works for you: Whether it's right before bed or after dinner, choose a time that you can consistently dedicate to your skincare routine. Turn off your devices: Avoid using your phone or computer before bed, as the blue light can disrupt your sleep and cause eye strain. Create a soothing atmosphere: Dim the lights, light a candle, and play some calming music to help you unwind. Cleanse your face: Before applying eye cream, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Apply eye cream: Follow the steps outlined above to apply eye cream to the delicate skin around your eyes. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate. In conclusion, incorporating an eye cream into your evening ritual can do wonders for the delicate skin around your eyes. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a relaxing and effective routine that benefits both your skin and your overall wellbeing. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so stick to your routine and enjoy the benefits of a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.

In our increasingly digital world, where texting has virtually eliminated the need for conversation, companies can be run over email, and more and more websites and applications keep our eyeballs glued to devices, it's easy to de-prioritize our human relationships. However, disconnecting from people can be bad for your health. Having a strong, nurturing support system has been shown to reduce stress and improve physical and emotional health. And while sleep, diet, exercise habits, and other lifestyle choices are all essential to your well-being, creating strong connections has equally powerful health implications.  Disconnect from Stress If you’re going through a particularly stressful period, consider leaning on a loved one to help ease your nerves. A 2010 study from the University of Chicago found that people in committed relationships produced less cortisol (the stress hormone) after answering a series of stress-inducing questions. Meaning it’s easier to bounce back from stress when you have a partner.  It makes sense. Overcoming challenges is always more difficult if you’re shouldering the burden alone. On the other hand, a supportive partner can talk through your frustrations with you, and, when necessary, provide a welcome distraction from the stressors. And if you aren’t in a committed romantic partnership, relationships can help support stress relief in other ways. Even a simple hug releases oxytocin, a hormone that can help release stress. So don’t be afraid to reach out—it could give you an instant mood lift.   Making Love Moves Spending time with the people we love has the power to remind us of who we are. A sensation that can improve our sense of self-worth, which, in turn, makes us want to take better care of ourselves. And if you generally spend time with a group of friends that values health, there’s a good chance you’ll adopt similar habits. A Hearty Dose of Love Being in a loving relationship doesn’t just make your heart flutter and skip a beat. Those in healthy long-term relationships have exhibited lower heart rates and blood pressure than single people. So, don’t be afraid of that heart-racing feeling of being around the one you love—it’s good for you!  Quality, Not Quantity  Studies have shown that those in healthy long-term relationships live longer; however, those in less positive long-term relationships can experience the opposite effect. Be thoughtful about who you include in your network. Make sure your loved ones make you feel good net positive, and if some members of your inner circle are consistently doing things that make you feel bad or hurt, it might be time to reevaluate their place in your life.  So, keep your loved ones close. Call that old friend you've been meaning to catch up with, sit down for a family dinner, or plan a date night and stick with it. Nurturing your connections has the potential to be life-changing. 

There’s already a laundry list of reasons to send stress packing, but did you know that it’s toxic effects also take a toll on your skin? Skin is a perfect reflection of what is going on inside your body, so when you’re stressed it shows on your face. In today’s climate, it’s hard to imagine living a stress-free life, but it’s also easier than ever to try out activities like meditation to keep yourself—and your skin—calm. 

Exercise has many benefits for your skin. In addition to the short-term benefits of giving you an “instant glow,” increased blood flow and the stress-relieving qualities of exercise can also prevent acne and slow the skin aging process.

The Beauty of Relaxing and Unwinding Who is Stressed? In a time of financial insecurity, job stress, divisive politics, and technology overload, more and more people - especially young people - define themselves as stressed. A recent special report from Everyday Health called the United States of Stress https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/united-states-of-stress shows that: Almost one-third of those surveyed say they visited a doctor about something stress-related. 57 percent of the survey respondents say they are paralyzed by stress; 43 percent say they are invigorated by stress. Just over a third of all respondents say their job or career is a regular source of stress. Among millennials and Gen Zers, the chronically work-stressed rises to 44 percent. 47 percent of all respondents — with women and men almost evenly matched — say that their response to stress is to take it out on themselves. Stress You Can See Stress has health impacts that can be seen on your skin. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, writes, “Stress slows down digestion, which creates a shift in bacteria that can compromise the integrity of your gut lining. This can cause inflammation throughout the body and lead to acne flare-ups as well as premature aging.” https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/a21270470/how-stress-affects-skin/ The stress hormone cortisol also breaks down collagen, making skill less resilient against fine lines and breakouts. There are other visible signs of stress - puffy eyes and dark circles from eye strain and lack of sleep. Redness and irritation that can come from eating inflammatory or unhealthy food. Depleted and dry skin can come from dehydration.  Stress can trigger outbreaks of acne, dryness, psoriasis, and eczema.  Best Ways to Destress The key to reversing or preventing many physical and visible effects of stress is relaxation achieved through daily self-care rituals - like meditation, screen-less time, and exercise as well as regular holistic care at spas and natural healers. Massage therapy, for example, releases cortisol, as well as lactic acid that gets trapped in the tender knots of taut, stressed muscles.  Improved circulation and pain relief may in turn help alleviate stress-related conditions like indigestion, chronic headache, and TMJ also known as lockjaw.    Relaxation is key to helping reduce the effects of stress. While the human body is designed to manage both positive and negative stress, continual stress without a break to restore makes the human body think it’s under constant attack - triggering “flight or fight” mode. Conscious relaxation creates breaks in the stress, allowing your body and mind to find equilibrium and balance. 5 Quick Ways to Destress Yourself A meditation app like Calm for morning, mid-day, and bedtime meditations A five-minute, phone-free walk during lunchtime to clear your mind Desk stretches https://www.bevi.co/blog/10-easy-desk-stretches-de-stress-at-work/ A calming Mist to spritz on the skin in the mornings, and throughout the day A soothing facial mask that restores and rebalances your skin. Lying down with cucumber slices a plus!

10 Summer Foods to Enhance Your Nutrition - Our skin changes as seasons change and so should the foods we eat. Supplement your diet with seasonal foods to enhance your overall nutrition and improve the health of your skin. Get ready for summer by incorporating these 10 summer foods into your meals.

Many Americans have sensitive skin - irritated, inflamed, red, itching, flaking, stinging, or breaking out skin. There are a number of ways to address, help, and reduce the discomfort of sensitive skin. We recommend avoiding harmful or irritating skincare ingredients and making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and inflammation.

Taking a break and getting a big breath of fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin can have so many health benefits.  In fact, there’s a name for it, It’s known as Shinrin-yoku.   Developed in the early 1980s by Japanese researchers, Shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere” and it has become a fundamental part of healing many conditions, as well as preventive medicine.