Did you hear the news? Papaya is finally getting the love it deserves in the skincare world. We knew there was something special about it when we created the Enzyme Cleansing Powder 5 years ago – packed with papaya. Let’s take a walk down memory lane on the benefits of papaya, starting with these FAQs:

More than just a tasty fruit.

Papayas are naturally potent in vitamins A, B, and C. These vitamins all work together to be a powerful antioxidant-rich and antibacterial treatment great for the skin. The 3 main components of papaya that can be used in skincare are papaya enzymes, papaya seed oil, and papaya extract. All 3 forms differ in concentrations but all smooth, brighten, moisturize, and soothe. 

Is papaya safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin?

Papaya enzymes are great for acne-prone skin. The gentle exfoliation of the top layer of skin can help prevent clogged pores that can lead to future breakouts. Our Enzyme cleansing powder was formulated to be a daily cleanser for both day and night that transforms into a luxurious lather. Perfectly safe to use on sensitive skin every day. 

Is papaya a non-comedogenic ingredient?

Although papaya enzymes are great to get rid of dead skin cells, some products on the market contain heavy oils or other harsh additives. Our ECP is in powder form and doesn’t contain any oils or acne-causing ingredients making it skin-loving and non-comedogenic.

Can papaya enzymes help with skin texture?

The enzymes papain and chymopapain can decrease inflammation. Both enzymes are also known to remove damaged keratin (skin cells)  that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. 

Is it vegan?

Yes! The Enzyme Cleansing Powder is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes. It is vegan and most definitely cruelty-free.

Where is the Enzyme Cleansing Powder made?

Our cleanser is formulated and made by one of the most credible skincare labs in South Korea.

With everything that our essential workers go through on a daily basis, picking up a simple skincare routine is more pertinent now than ever.
 
While we encourage lengthy and intentional self-care moments, we also understand that not everyone has the luxury of stepping into a 9-step regimen. Skinesque was created for this reason: To make Korean skincare approachable without the time-consuming, anxiety-inducing amount of instructions.
 
This is why essential workers like Henry Ra, an anesthesiologist from Southern California incorporates The Man Bundle into his daily regimen. It’s a no fuss two-step routine designed to cater to busy schedules.
 
Wash off the day’s dirt and stress with our Enzyme Cleansing Powder and retain your skin’s moisture barrier with the Moisture-Lock Cream (essential if you want healthy hydrated skin!) Say bye to that greasy feeling at the end of the day as well – especially if you're wearing a mask all day long.
 
Below is an interview with Henry Ra, a loyal Skinesque user for over 5 years.
 
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Husband and proud father of two wonderful children. I am a Southern California native who loves everything LA - the Rams, Dodgers, its beaches and mountains, and the melting pot of different cultures that make up our wonderful city. We love to travel as a family and experience the diversity of different people and places.

What do you do?: I'm an anesthesiologist. I practice in a regional medical center and care for patients of all ages, from young children to those in their late 90s. I enjoy the breadth of medicine my specialty provides and appreciate the trust patients place in me during what’s often a critical and anxiety-provoking time in their lives. 
 
What is your mission in life?: To be a loving and supportive father, with the hopes my children grow up to be responsible and caring members of society who will one day make a positive impact in our community. 
 
Walk us through your skincare routine: I use all things Skinesque! I wash my face with the enzyme cleansing powder, followed by the moisture lock cream, and every evening, use the deep sleep overnight mask. The routine is simple and easy to follow, and keeps my face clean and well taken care of without any harsh or abrasive chemicals or burdensome routine.
 
A Skinesque product you can't live without: I love the Moisture Lock Cream! It noticeably keeps my skin moisturized and hydrated without feeling “heavy” or greasy on my face and hands. Prior to the Moisture Lock Cream, I’ve always had a hard time finding a daily moisturizer, as I didn’t like the residual thick, layered feeling that other creams left.
 
#SkinesqueMen

Shop The Man Bundle here.

At Skinesque, we believe that skincare has no limits. Our founder, Susie, grew up watching her mother and grandmother diligently practice skincare. Now, she is passing on the importance of skincare to her kids, Juliet and Ethan.

Juliet and Ethan are still young, so skincare right now really just means making funny faces with sheet masks on; but still, protecting the largest organism on your body and making sure it is healthy is an important message for everyone.

While most skincare products were conventionally advertised to or made for young women and teenagers, we wanted to normalize the importance of skincare for men.

The Man Bundle was created to highlight the two most essential products that are easy to incorporate into any routine. Inside you will find the Enzyme Cleansing Powder, our hero product, and the beloved Moisture-Lock Cream.  Healthy-looking skin had never been easier to achieve with the help of our no-stress skincare.

In this interview with Eddie Park, the founder and creative director of Orangewood, a kick-ass guitar brand, we talk about his skincare regimen. We definitely got pizza delivered after this call.

Eddie has been a Skinesque customer for over 3 years. His interview is below.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

"I was born in South Korea but moved to Orange County when I was 14. Growing up in Southern California, not yet knowing English, I connected with new friends through music and naturally became very passionate about playing guitar and piano. Now, I live in Los Angeles with my wife who can tolerate my loud guitar playing for hours. I have a pretty obsessive personality, and it's safe to say that I am obsessed with ramen or pizza - especially after midnight."

What do you do for work?

"I am the Founder & Creative Director of Orangewood, a direct-to-consumer guitar brand."

Something you're passionate about?

"To continue to share the gift of music to empower the next generation of artists. I truly believe that music is a universal language that can inspire and bring people together."

Walk us through your skincare routine?

"I am a lowkey germaphobe and enjoy the feeling of being clean. When it comes to grooming, I keep things easy and simple - sticking to the basics. I wash my face with Skinesque's cleansing powder and put on the Kiehl's facial fuel moisturizer."

What's your essential Skinesque product?

"Enzyme Cleansing Powder. LOVE taking it everywhere - it's incredibly travel-friendly since it's a non-liquid product. I've been using it for years since the launch of the brand. Big fan. Really appreciate how clean the product is."

#SkinesqueMen

Right now, we have so much more time in the mornings as we no longer have to rush out of our home by 7:30 am to drop off the kiddos at school and head into our office. It's been nice to enjoy my mornings with the family - morning stretches with my daughter and an actual sit down breakfast.

-Susie, Founder

 

My AM Routine

First, I cleanse the skin using my Enzyme Cleaning Powder, then apply WUMU for 5 minutes and head downstairs and take my vitamins: Ritual Multivitamins, Sakara Probiotics & Liposomal Vitamin C.

  

My Makeup Routine

After applying our Moisture-Lock Cream, I slather on sunscreen without fail. I've pretty much stopped wearing all face makeup, but for Zoom calls, I put on Tower 28 creme blush on lids and cheeks and lips, in the color Magic Hour.

 

Ever heard or seen the ingredient cica on your skincare products before? Cica is a nickname derived from the ingredient Centella Asiatica. It was first discovered for its healing properties when wounded tigers would roll around in this clover-shaped flower. Whether you are dealing with dryness or irritated skin, cica can help soothe and resolve those concerns.

How is it good for you?

Unlike a lot of skincare trends and fads, cica is scientifically proven to promote your cell's turnover rate. Vitamins C, A, B1, and B2 all provide anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as stimulate collagen production. Vitamin C works to brightening your skin while vitamin A is best for anti-aging. Vitamin B1 helps combat stress-induced breakouts and B2 speeds wound healing - perfect for those with acne scarring. Cica is also full of antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals. Free radicals, such as air pollution and the a/c in your car, can weaken your skin's elasticity.

We developed our Moisture-Lock Cream to be used as a moisturizer both day and night. This allows maximum protection for your skin from damaging particles in the air. Pair the moisturizer with our Deep Sleep Overnight Mask for the ultimate skin regeneration and protection. 

At the end of the day, we all want beautiful, clear, and radiant skin– and we want it fast. Instead of using a million different products, we created one super-mask that serves as your toner, essence, serum, and makeup primer. A minimum of 3 minutes each morning is all you need to thoroughly take care of your skin. The Wakeup & Makeup Sheet Mask is quick, effective, and environmentally friendly.

The Wake Up & Makeup Sheet Mask, a.k.a. our WUMU helps with the morning rush. Everyone, ranging from students, busy moms, to skincare fanatics, loves the effortlessly easy application. In the time it takes you to brew some coffee, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that makes makeup application simple and flawless.

A Little Love To The Planet

The WUMU comes with 30 sheet masks individually folded and immersed in our special skincare formulation along with a mini tweezer. It is packed with niacinamide and peach flower extract to brighten and balance your skin, while gently exfoliating your skin of any dirt and oil from last night's sleep. We also included a very special ingredient called Camellia japonica, which boosts hydration to your skin throughout the busy day. The WUMU is formulated without parabens and is cruelty-free, suitable for all skin types.

We recommend cleansing your skin with our Enzyme Cleansing Powder, then following up with our Wake Up Makeup Sheet Mask. Safe to use every day.

Shop the WUMU here.

 

Moisture Lock Cream

You've probably noticed the word ceramide as one of the major ingredients in Our Moisture-Lock Cream. We're here to give you the breakdown on what it is and why we packed our Moisture-Lock Cream full of skin-loving ceramides that give your skin some much needed TLC.

First: What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are naturally found in the outermost layer of your skin and make up over 50% of its oil composition. They are highly concentrated fatty lipids that are essential for having a smooth and healthy complexion. Think of ceramides as your skin's natural moisturizer.

The Benefits of Ceramides

Ceramides create a protective layer on your skin to lock in moisture (Moisture-Lock, get it?), and to protect your skin from environmental damages. Everyday exposure to sunlight, pollution, and the natural aging process reduces your own body's production of ceramides over time. This results in skin that is dehydrated and vulnerable to further concerns.

Safe for ALL Skin Types

Ceramides are safe for ALL skin types and are a natural component to your skin's barrier. With continuous use of products containing ceramides, it is able to plump the epidermal cells to create a more youthful, smoother, and healthier appearance. 

Simple Directions (Because We Like Simple) 

Apply the Moisture-Lock Cream a.m. and p.m. onto your face and neck after cleansing to prepare, protect, and restore your skin.

Hi Skinesque Family,

Through these uncertain times, our thoughts are with you and your families. Our goal has always been to promote self-care whenever and wherever, and we are so grateful that we can continue that conversation through our digital channels.

At Skinesque, we have each other’s backs, and we want you to feel the same. Our team is still meeting virtually and has instilled practical steps on how we can be the safest and most practical for each other and for you –– our Skinesque family.

Our online store will continue to remain open, and we’re processing and shipping your orders as efficiently as we can. If at any time you have any questions or need clarification, we are here for you.

In the meantime, we hope you and your families take care and stay healthy. We’ll get through this, but only if we do it together.

Thank you, always,

Team Skinesque

Julia Vaughn gives us a breakdown of how she uses our Moisture-Lock Cream. Watch until the end to get her special discount code.

Her full regimen for flawless, glowing skin can be found on her Instagram/IGTV here.