MONOLAURIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Monolaurin Coconut-derived monolaurin is not on published lists of common allergens. Monolaurin is found in breastmilk (it helps protects infants from infection) and has several benefits for skin. Monolaurin is a very safe yet effective antimicrobial that can help heal wounds and treat various forms of acne and sweat acne (bacterial and fungal). As an […]

SALT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Salt Salt is not on published lists of common allergens. But be wary of salt that has been bleached or processed, or that has additives that may be allergens. Raw, pure, organic rock salt from the ocean can even be a great skin scrub! If you have acne, rashes, darkening, or dryness […]

Get A Patch Test Or Photo-Patch Test

This is one test that can change your life. If you’ve had skin problems for years, a patch test is one of the most powerful tools to help you finally achieve clarity. This painless procedure shows you exactly which ingredients or materials you, in particular, are sensitive or allergic to. A photo-patch test is similar but shows […]

Refrigerate Your Skin Care?

Fan Tip: Chill Your Skin Care!  Razor burn? Puffy eyes? Got a reaction that needs calming? Or a pimple that needs flattening? Want to tighten your pores…or just a fabulously cool feel when applying your skincare? “Throw some of your favorite VMV Hypoallergenics products in the fridge, especially in the summer!” – skinthusiast Earl Chad Palacios Estenor‎ Fellow “skintellectual?” […]

Smooth Operator

The smoothest move you’ll ever make for parched skin.

Skincare Is Healthcare, Not Vanity (But Yeah, That’s A Pretty Great Side Perk)

Arguably the worst thing you can do to your skin is treat it like a fashion accessory… …something that you only care about when you want to look good. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and deserves to be cared for properly. Your skin is crucial to your overall health: it protects you from infection, for […]

Don’t Dismiss Dry Skin…It Could Be A Sign Of Another Problem

Dry skin can be a surprising indicator of other problems. Some people are born with dry skin, and skin becomes drier over time as its barrier layer breaks down with age and naturally loses its oils. To read more about how dry skin happens, check out Dry Skin: Causes Medically Explained Plus What You Can Do. […]

Stubborn Skin Problems? You May Need An Investigative Dermatologist

Your skin may need further investigation. Most dermatologists can handle the majority of skin concerns, and jumping from doctor to doctor isn’t the best idea. Usually, it takes a few visits for a doctor to get a full history and see how you’re responding to certain suggestions, procedures, or treatments. But some specific skin conditions […]

What Was Meant To Help You May Hurt You—Ease Up On The Topical Steroids

It’s a cruel irony: steroids intended to calm extreme itching and inflammation may cause them… …and other, more serious problems. Topical steroids can be necessary and incredibly effective at easing the itch and inflammation of very bad flare-ups or allergic reactions. But use with caution. Some steroids are top allergens (Corticosteroids were the American Contact […]