Resources
Definitions
skincare = a product used to care for the skin
skin care = an action of caring for the skin
damp skin = moist skin without visible water droplets on its surface
wet skin = moist skin with visible water droplets on its surface
dehydrated skin = water deficient
dry skin = lipid deficient
What is skincare and how does it differ from skin treatments/ medical skincare?
Skincare is for daily hygiene. It works only on the surface of the skin without disrupting the skin’s structure and functions. Its main objective is to maintain the skin’s structure and cleanliness without stripping the skin barrier of its protective proteins and lipids, affecting the skin’s microbiota and pH.
Skin treatments and medical-grade skincare are designed to treat a particular skin condition. They are regulated by the FDA. Formulated to cross the skin barrier and even enter the bloodstream, skin treatments deliver topical medication to cause change either in the skin’s structure, function or both.
What is BUJÓRI skincare?
BUJÓRI skincare is a set of plant-derived formulations intended for daily skin hygiene, to cleanse and to maintain skin barrier integrity.
Skincare Application
Who can use BUJÓRI skincare products?
Anyone of any age can use BUJÓRI skincare products.
Can sopíFielle skin cleanser be used in the morning too? Or just in the evening?
sopíFielle skin cleanser can be used anytime cleansing is truly needed. However, BUJÓRI skincare formulations follow the skin's circadian rhythm for skin health - protection during the day and repair during the night. This is why I recommend skin cleansing only in the evening.
During the night, the skin rebuilds its protective layer which is an integral part of the skin's diurnal defense mechanism. This biofilm prevents dehydration and provides protection against various particles and pathogens that land on your skin during the day. It should never be stripped off in the morning.
Cleansing your skin in the morning interferes with the skin's protective function during the day. The pH of the skin rises after cleansing. Depending on the cleanser and water used to cleanse the skin, it can take up to 8 hours or more for the skin's pH to return to its normal range. A skin pH outside of its normal range hinders the skin barrier because the skin microbiome needs an acidic environment to prevent the overgrowth of pathogens.
Why do I recommend using only water to activate sopíFielle and ecóuFielle?
BUJÓRI cleansers have a certain pH and composition to perform their intended function. They are complete as formulated and require only water to be activated.
How to use the mixing dish and wooden teaspoon that accompany the skin cleansers?
The mixing dish and spoon measure specific ratios of water and cleanser powder to help you obtain various cleanser amounts and consistencies, based on your preference. The wooden teaspoon measures cleansing powder. The glass dish measures water as each of the 3 circles correspond to the following volumes of water:
- The inner circle = 1/4 teaspoon of water.
- The middle circle = 1/2 teaspoon of water.
- The outer circle = 1 teaspoon of water.
Depending on whether you desire a thicker or thiner cleanser consistency, fill the appropriate circle with water and add ½ teaspoon cleanser powder.
Why do I recommend the avoidance of tap water for skin care?
Typical tap water lab analyses show the following: chlorine, hexafluorosilicic acid/ fluorosilicic acid, trihalomethane, salts of arsenic, radium, aluminum, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium and barium, hormones, nitrates, and pesticides. These components are detrimental to your skin health, especially for those with a compromised skin barrier.
I recommend taking a sample of your tap water for lab analysis to determine its composition. Then you can determine if its quality is acceptable for skin health.
Can ámpliFielle and fortíFielle serums be applied under eyes and on the lips?
Yes, ámpliFielle and fortíFielle serums are suitable and beneficial for these applications.
How much serum is needed per application?
Start with 3 drops. One drop for the forehead and the nose surfaces. One drop for each side of the face, with the chin surface included.
Evaluate the skin one minute after serum application and adjust as needed. An adequate application results in a complexion that is moist, soft, and velvety to touch, without excess lipids.
Why do I recommend serum application on damp skin?
Lipid application is easier on damp skin. The lipids from the serum and the moisture from the skin form an emulsion, accelerating the integration of the lipid-based serum into the epidermis.
How to use the dropper to dispense the final milliliters of serum from its bottle?
When the dropper cap is fully closed, the dropper reaches the bottom of the bottle and is capable of extracting all the serum.
Skincare Formulations
Are BUJÓRI skincare products certified organic?
Each BUJÓRI formula starts with raw botanicals that are non-GMO and either certified organic or wildcrafted. All BUJÓRI formulating processes follow strict organic standards to process raw botanicals into ingredients. However, BUJÓRI skincare products themselves have not been certified organic as the fees associated with such certifications are too costly for our small business at this time.
Are BUJÓRI formulations vegan and gluten free?
Yes. I make and bottle all BUJÓRI formulation with ingredients derived from plants.
Do BUJÓRI formulations contain essential oils?
No. BUJÓRI skincare products are not formulated with essential oils.
Does BUJÓRI test on animals?
No. BUJÓRI does not conduct any testing on animals.
What extra steps does BUJÓRI take for skincare quality and eco-consciousness?
The botanicals used in BUJÓRI formulations are harvested during their coresponding harvesting season, transported to avoid exposure to heat, and crafted into ingredients following exclusive extraction methods and formulating processes.
BUJÓRI skincare uses a pull system rather than a push system. That means skincare units are crafted to fit clientele needs and only in accordance with the resources available in a given year. BUJÓRI skincare does not produce in excess to then focus on pushing sales and get rid of the excess.
Are BUJÓRI formulations scented?
BUJÓRI skincare is formulated only with ingredients that fulfill skin care needs. Each formulation has a faint scent inherent in the unadulterated ingredients. They are nearly odourless.
BUJÓRI skincare does not contain any ingredients that were added to mask an odour or to specifically impart a smell, such as fragrance, perfume, essential oils.
Are BUJÓRI skincare formulations anti-aging?
The concept of anti-aging is illogical because everything in nature, including humans, are subjected to the natural life cycle of birth-aging-death. We start aging immediately after birth. We call it growth and maturation, but the biological phenomenon is actually aging. We may be looking simply to maintain skin youthfulness and to avoid premature aging of the skin. This cannot be achieved with skincare products alone, but in combination with nutritional and lifestyle choices conducive to skin health and youthfulness.
Can BUJÓRI skincare formulations contribute to the maintenance of skin youthfulness and the prevention of premature aging? Yes. BUJÓRI skincare has been formulated to harmonize with the skin’s structure and functions to help protect against external factors that contribute to premature aging. BUJÓRI skincare maintains the skin structure contributing to skin barrier integrity.
How do BUJÓRI formulations benefit the skin?
BUJÓRI formulations are synchronous and compatible with the skin's biological rhythms, contributing only essential factors that do not interfere with the skin’s natural functions and processes. Each formulation maintains the integrity of the skin – the lipidome, the acid mantle, and the microbiome.
- fortíFielle morning serum maintains the skin’s natural armor, the biofilm that prevents moisture loss, reinforcing the skin’s protective mechanism during the day.
- sopíFielle skin cleanser maintains the structural integrity of the skin, removing intended and unintended particles that accumulate on the skin throughout the day.
- ecóuFielle skin cleanser maintains the structural integrity of the skin, providing the gentlest cleansing for those who do not wear makeup.
- ámpliFielle evening serum maintains hydration and the elasticity of the epidermis, contributing to barrier formation.
Is sopíFielle skin cleanser only for facial use?
As hinted by its name description - skin cleanser - sopíFielle can be used on all skin surfaces.
Is ecóuFielle skin cleanser only for facial use?
As hinted by its name description - skin cleanser - ecóuFielle can be used on all skin surfaces.
Why are fortíFielle and ámpliFielle labeled serums? Aren't serums water-based?
In skincare, serums are defined as easily absorbed lipid- or water-based fluids. They are concentrated formulations of which only a few drops are needed for the entire face.
fortíFielle and ámpliFielle are lipid-based concentrated fluids that are easily integrated within the epidermis.
Why are ámpliFielle and fortíFielle serums lipid-based?
As with all BUJÓRI skincare formulations, the serums were formulated to be compatible with the skin's structure and functions.
Lipids have an important role in skin barrier formation and maintenance. They create an acidic environment at the surface of the stratum corneum, to aid commensal bacteria to thrive. Lipids are excellent moisturizers and emollients that maintain the skin moist, pliable, and resilient.
The scientific article referenced below explains in greater detail the vital role lipids play in maintaining our skin’s health.
Reference: Epidermal surface lipids, by Apostolos Pappas, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835894/
Why are sopíFielle and ecóuFielle formulations in powder form?
A cleansing formulation in powder-form has many benefits:
- It eliminates the need of antibacterial and preservative agents that disrupt the skin microbiome.
- It is concentrated, reducing packaging, shipping frequency, and cost.
- It has a longer shelf-life without water as an ingredient.
Skin Structure and Functions
If the skin moisturizes itself, do we need to moisturize it?
The skin hydrates and moisturizes itself through the combined actions of corneocytes, the lipidome, and the microbiome. Corneocytes provide hydration with its natural moisturizing factors. The lipidome forms an occlusive layer with sebum and epidermal lipids to maintain skin hydration. It also prevents environmental toxins from penetrating into deeper skin layers. The microbiome maintains the acid mantle and the lipidome.
However, chemical and mechanical actions exerted on the skin surface affect the lipidome, the acid mantle, and the microbiome. Applying lipids after cleansing the skin in the evening is beneficial to reestablish the skin's protective barrier. In addition, lipid application in the morning fortifies the skin's protective barrier to prevent dehydration during the day.
If the skin exfoliates itself, do we need to exfoliate it?
The skin is a living organ system that continuously grows new cells and sloughs off old dead cells. The process of growing new cells is called regeneration. The process of sloughing off old dead cells is called exfoliation. Regeneration and exfoliation are continuous, mutually interdependent processes that occur invisibly and peak during the night. Under normal conditions of skin health, the skin optimally exfoliates itself in harmony with the regeneration process. The skin is perfectly equipped to appropriate the nutrients and hydration needed for repair during its regeneration process. At the same time, the skin’s acid mantle by being an acidic environment provides us with the correct acid and enzymes needed for exfoliation.
Skin exfoliation that is not initiated and coordinated by the skin’s cellular engine can lead to significant skin disorders and premature aging of the skin. It forces the skin into an emergency response to restore itself faster than cellularly programmed. This results in compromised cellular integrity and a disrupted skin barrier, leading to dehydration and an altered lipidome and microbiome.
If the skin cleanses itself, do we need to cleanse it?
The skin's self-cleansing functions occur through the coordinated actions of:
- the microbiome with its commensal bacteria
- the epidermal cells with the help of keratinocytes
- the body's lymphatic flow
- the pore cleansing with the help of sebum and sweat
- the progressive cell regeneration and exfoliation processes.
Although the skin cleanses itself, environmental pollutants, other contaminants, and makeup accumulate on our skin daily. Their presence require additional cleansing efforts to remove these particles.
How can skin dehydration be prevented?
Skin health and hydration are largely determined by hydration at the cellular level and the integrity of the skin barrier to prevent trans epidermal water loss. Our clinical experience shows that in most cases skin dehydration can be prevented with a few basic practices:
- Consume adequate amounts of healthy fats.
- Consume adequate amounts of water.
- Synchronize skin care with the skin’s circadian rhythm - protection during the day, cleansing and replenishing during the night.
- Allow the skin to exfoliate at its own speed.
- Simplify your skin care and use skin compatible skincare.
- Avoid the use of hot and tap water when cleansing. Chlorine contained in tap water is a skin barrier disruptor.
- Apply lipids each evening after cleansing and in the morning before exposure to the elements.
- Avoid skin touching and rubbing throughout the day to maintain its lipidome and microbiome.
Are skincare ingredients absorbed through the skin?
By definition, skincare should neither break the skin barrier nor contain ingredients with molecules capable to enter the bloodstream. Skincare is meant only for the maintenance of the skin surface.
What is the pH value of the natural skin surface and why is it important?
The pH value of healthy skin surfaces averages 4.7. This value helps to maintain the skin's commensal bacteria, the lipidom, and the integrity of the skin barrier.
The article referenced below states that, "Variable skin pH values are being reported in literature, all in the acidic range but with a broad range from pH 4.0 to 7.0. In a multicentre study (N = 330), we have assessed the skin surface pH of the volar forearm before and after refraining from showering and cosmetic product application for 24 h. The average pH dropped from 5.12 +/- 0.56 to 4.93 +/- 0.45. On the basis of this pH drop, it is estimated that the 'natural' skin surface pH is on average 4.7, i.e. below 5. This is in line with existing literature, where a relatively large number of reports (c. 50%) actually describes pH values below 5.0; this is in contrast to the general assumption, that skin surface pH is on average between 5.0 and 6.0. Not only prior use of cosmetic products, especially soaps, have profound influence on skin surface pH, but the use of plain tap water, in Europe with a pH value generally around 8.0, will increase skin pH up to 6 h after application before returning to its 'natural' value of on average below 5.0. It is demonstrated that skin with pH values below 5.0 is in a better condition than skin with pH values above 5.0, as shown by measuring the biophysical parameters of barrier function, moisturization and scaling. The effect of pH on adhesion of resident skin microflora was also assessed; an acid skin pH (4-4.5) keeps the resident bacterial flora attached to the skin, whereas an alkaline pH (8-9) promotes the dispersal from the skin."
Reference: Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. H Lambers1, S Piessens, A Bloem, H Pronk, P Finkel, Int J Cosmet Sci.2006 Oct;28(5):359-70.doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. While many factors have been associated with the evolution of wrinkles, some of the more common factors are listed below:
- Aging
- Excessive environmental exposures to extremes of pollutants, sun, temperature, and wind
- Acute and chronic skin dehydration
- Decreased production of epidermal lipids and sebum
- Improper skin care
- Use of poorly formulated skincare
- Habitual facial expressions.
What clogs pores?
Common causes known to lead to clog pores include the following:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Acute and chronic skin dehydration
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Excessive vitamin B12 supplement intake
- Topical products that cause dehydration and excessive sebum production
- Improper skin hygiene (e.g., cleaning excessively or not enough).
Packaging
Why are BUJÓRI products packaged in glass containers?
Glass is the optimal material for our products for the following reasons:
- It is inert and neither releases particles into nor absorbs particles from the product it stores
- It is not toxic to the environment
- It can be easily etched to eliminate the use of extensive labeling resources
- It can be easily sanitized
- It can be recycled and reused indefinitely.
Why are ámpliFielle and fortíFielle serums packaged in bottles with glass pipette?
BUJÓRI serums are packaged in glass bottles with a glass pipette to make sure that no plastic components sit inside the serums. Pipettes also allow for a precise dispensing amount, ranging from a single drop to 0.7 ml, easily accommodating various needs.
Are BUJÓRI skincare formulations packaged in black glass or Miron glass?
BUJÓRI skincare formulations are packaged in Miron glass. The glass appears black on the exterior, but its actual color is violet. The true violet color can be seen when placing an empty Miron glass bottle or jar toward a bright light. It is easiest to see when looking through a single-wall part of the bottle or jar, such as the bottom of it.
Is MIRON Violet glass better than other types of glass?
Miron Violet glass is a patented glass, manufactured in the Netherlands, made out of a special blend of minerals with two distinct benefits: durability against breakage and protection against molecular degradation for the product it stores. It is the only type of glass that acts as a filter to block the full spectrum of light, allowing only violet light and UV-A / InfraRed to penetrate the glass.
Why are BUJÓRI product labels etched on the bottles?
I was inspired by the ancient wisdom and practices of my ancestors of carving in stone and wood. Etching eliminates the extra resources needed to create labels, such as paper or plastic, glue, and ink. This method of labeling makes it easier to reuse and recycle the bottles. as there are not multiple types of materials to separate.
Why can etched labels lose clarity over time? How can they be restored?
Etched labels can lose clarity if repeatedly handling the bottles with greasy or dirty hands. Label clarity can easily be restore through washing the surface with soap and water, rinsing, and air-drying.
- Make sure the bottle is tightly closed.
- Use a clean sponge to wash the surface of the bottle.
- Do not submerge the bottle in water.
- Do not allow water to flow over the bottle's closure.
- Keep the bottle upright on a towel to air-dry.
Does BUJÓRI clean and disinfect its packaging before bottling formulations?
Yes. Our process is as follows:
- wash
- rinse with purified water
- rinse with distilled water
- disinfect with certified organic, Non-GMO, 190 proof, neutral cane alcohol
- dry
- maintain sealed bottles in a controlled environment until bottling.
Can clients reuse the bottles after BUJÓRI skincare formulations have been used?
The bottles could be reused only if they have been properly sanitized. ecóuFielle and sopíFielle bottles are easy to sanitize because they hosted cleansing powders. ámpliFielle and fortíFielle bottles should not be reused. The plant-derived complex lipids of the serums contain wax-like compounds that require special cleansing to remove. If not properly sanitized, the bottles will be unsanitary to reuse. If you choose to reuse any of the BUJÓRI skincare bottles, you must properly sanitize the bottle(s) for its next intended use.
How should BUJÓRI packaging be recycled?
- The shipping box and packing materials should be recycled with paper.
- The glass components – bottles, apothecary jars, pipette tubes – should be recycled with glass.
- The bottle caps (amino plastic), pipette caps (polypropylene) and pipette bulbs (thermoplastic elastomer) should be recycled with plastic.
Collaborations
I’m an influencer. May I endorse BUJÓRI skincare?
Thank you for your interest in our skincare. However, BUJÓRI skincare does not engage in influencer collaborations at this time.
I love BUJÓRI skincare. Where can I post a review?
Thank you! We are happy to have you as our client. BUJÓRI website is not yet configured to host customer reviews. However, please email us your love notes to skincare@bujori.com and it will be added to our 'Love Notes' page.