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23 June, 2021

Sharing moments with our little stars

APoEM is born with the will to share a very personal and powerful mindfulness tool to reconnect with your dreams and achieve mind and body wellbeing. We wanted to share this feeling with the whole family, which is why we created our safe line of products for the little ones.

As a mother of three, APoEM’s founder wanted every family to enjoy a gentle and pure experience with their kids while teaching them good skincare habits. As well as taking care of their delicate skin and watching over their natural oils and softness, our Kids products provide the perfect chance to share moments as a family.

Joy from start to finish

When it’s time for a bath, enjoy a relaxing and playful experience with the Happy Lollipop Hair & Body Wash. It cleanses the hair and skin while respecting the hydro-lipid barrier. This 2-in-1 gentle cleanser offers low aromatherapy based on vanilla and almond fragrance, a 100% natural sweet fragrance, free of allergens, and perfect for the most delicate skins.

If you prefer an oil-based bath, go for the Sweet Cleansing Oil. This product shows that bath time can be used to reinforce the natural skin defense, providing nutrition and comfort.

Keep the relaxing time going with a soothing massage. The Candid Face & Body Oil feels like a warm cuddle to your kids, strengthening your connection with skin-to-skin contact and a delightful after-bath experience perfect to get them into a sleepy mood.

Having the safest experience

Deciding which products to use on our kid’s skin is not an easy decision, but we are here to take that weight off your shoulders.

Your baby deserves the best, and that’s what we want to give you. Going natural is not enough, the safest products for kids should not contain hidden chemicals inside their fragrances, no allergens, and no unnecessary ingredients in the formulation. Our products stay clear from all that nasty stuff while using the most natural, 100% approved ingredients to nourish your little star’s skin.

Read more about our Kids line here to learn about the safety measures and considerations we take into account when creating our products.

23 June, 2021

How to make a perfect smoothie

Smoothies are a nice way to start the day creatively and deliciously. As the warmer weather approaches and more fruits start to be in season, we find ourselves craving some natural and refreshing goodness, don’t you agree?

One of the many good things about smoothies is that you can follow your gut and try new combinations every day, to create something as delicious as it is nutritious.

Today we are going to help you find the perfect base formula to get inventive and enjoy a smoothie with your favorite ingredients. Follow these tips to make a great smoothie every time!

Know the formula

Your smoothie will need two main components: liquid and dry. You can make them as nutritious as you like, adding extra veggies, seeds, or dietary supplements.

Start with 1 to 2 cups of liquid, depending on the thickness you crave or the number of dry ingredients you will use. Some examples are milk, yogurt, juice, water, or tea! Our Indulge teas are excellent options.

Then add from ½ to 1 ½ cups of your favorite fruit or vegetable. Banana, berries, green apple, and mango are great choices to add extra sweetness. And if you’re going for a healthy option, try adding cucumber, avocado, spinach, kale, or other leafy vegetables.

Pro tips

Making a smoothie is easy and quick, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some of our top tips to make the best smoothie:

Always add liquids before dry ingredients or fruit so your blender doesn’t suffer. We don’t want ingredients up on your ceiling!
If you want to add use out-of-season ingredients or want your fruits to last longer, freeze them!
Try it as you go. Don’t be scared to mix different fruits or flavors, get creative and enjoy the process.

Are you going to use our formula? Share your smoothie with us on social media by tagging @apoembarcelona

28 August, 2020

All you need to improve acne-prone skin!

Caring for acne-prone skin is more than covering your face with products. Finding the perfect solution for your skin can be hard, but we’ll let you in on what you need to know to kiss those pimples goodbye!

Simple lifestyle changes that make a difference

The skincare products you use have a lot to do with the state of your skin (keep reading to find the perfect skincare routine for acne down below), but your habits and the way you use them, do too.

A basic rule, cleanse twice a day and after sweating. When doing so, use your fingertips to apply your cleanser, be gentle. Afterward, rinse with lukewarm water rather than hot or cold.

All through your day, keep your hands off your face as much as you can. Let your skin heal naturally, avoid picking or popping your zits, as this will only make your face heal slower, and increase the risk of getting scars.

Stay out of the sun, and make sure to wear sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy! Tanning beds aren’t a solution, as they emit UV light and can be just as harmful. For a safe and natural tanning method, you should check out this blog post.

And most importantly, consult a dermatologist. Paying a visit to the dermatologist is the best way to keep your acne under control and finding the best solutions for your skin.

The skincare habits you need

It can be frustrating when you can’t find the products that work for your skin. Everyone is different, and the way our skin reacts to skincare products is unique.

Constancy is essential, don’t give up. When trying new products, use them for at least a month or two, unless they irritate your skin or show adverse reactions.

At APoEM, we highly recommend the Detox line of products for oily and acne-prone skin. Start with the Detox Face Wash, a gentle low-foam cleanser that makes your skin look softer. When necessary, exfoliate with the Detox Face Scrub. Recharge and moisturize with the Detox Serum. Rebalance with the Calm Toner, and for the drier areas of your face, use the Restore Moisturizer.

On top of this, the way you apply these products to your face is also crucial.

First of all, be gentle with your skin. It may seem like the only way to get rid of acne is with abrasive products, but this only damages your skin. Look for alcohol-free formulas and avoid products that irritate your skin.

Use a gentle exfoliator or scrub if necessary. The use you give to it will depend on your skin and its day-to-day state; some people may be able to exfoliate every day while others should limit to doing so monthly, pay attention to your needs.

For any skincare questions, don’t doubt reaching out to us!

14 August, 2020

Oily skin and how to take care of it

Everyone’s skin is different, we all have specific needs and problems to target, but in general, there are three different skin types.

If you notice your face gets “oily” shortly after cleansing, or if you think you have excess sebum, you probably have oily skin. Oily skin is one of the most common but also the most problematic skin types to have, but don’t worry, it can be easy to fix!

Identifying the causes of oily skin

The main thing to focus on when treating oily skin is sebum. Sebum is a substance produced by the sebaceous glands, predominant on your back, chin, and forehead.

Hormones are what influence sebum production the most. An equilibrated sebum level is beneficial for the skin, which is why the target should be to control it, no to eliminate it.

Habits for better skin

When treating sebum, most people would think that strong cleansers and not using a moisturizer are the way to go. However, this is wrong! Let us teach you.

A deep cleanser isn’t always the answer, as oily skin can often be mistreated and therefore turn sensible. Look for skincare with lighter and gentler ingredients, and cleanse day and night. The Detox Face Wash is an excellent option.

Moisturizing is vital for every skin type, even oily ones. Skipping a moisturizer will cause your skin to produce more sebum, trying to hydrate your skin. Choose a light moisturizer or serum that doesn’t clog your pores. The Detox Serum is a great choice!

For a deeper cleanse, exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your needs and the season. Try the Detox Face Scrub for this matter.

Don’t give up after trying products that didn’t work. Everyone’s unique, and every skin has different reactions.

If your skin is oily in some parts and drier in others, you might have combination skin. In this case, treat the oilier parts of your face as instructed before, giving a different approach to the less oily areas.

For a more detailed analysis, visit Sepai’s post here.

9 July, 2020

Protect your skin this summer

Summer is here! The sun is out, the sky is clear, and after isolating, spending time outside is all we truly want.

Soaking up some sun can surely make us happier and help our bodies produce vitamin D. However, sunlight can be harmful to your skin, from accelerating aging signs to causing diseases. Read more about it here.

At APoEM, we care about your skin as much as you do. It’s necessary to stay protected all year long, but even more through summer. Follow these tips to stay safe under the sun!

Cover up

At this point, we think everyone should know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day, but we will remind you once again. Even on cloudy days, apply a good layer of at least SPF 30 sunblock. Remember to re-apply when necessary!

The sun is more intense between 10 and 14hs. If you must be outside at this time, avoid staying under direct sunlight and use protective clothing.

On to that point, certain clothes or materials are more resistant to UVA and UVB rays. Hats are your best friend, even when it’s not a bad hair day! Sunglasses can also protect the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Lifestyle check

Making healthy lifestyle choices is always advisable, not only when staying protected during the summer.

A good habit to adopt is to check your skin regularly. Perform mole checks and look for any changes on freckles or birthmarks.

Avoid using tanning beds. These may seem like a safer option, but they produce UVA rays that are just as harmful.

As always, maintain a complete skincare routine that adapts to your needs. Keep in mind that your skin’s necessities change with the weather. During summer, it is best to use a mild cleanser and daily moisturizer.

When taking care of your family, protect children according to their age. Kids under six months shouldn’t wear sunscreen, cover them with shade and clothing.

Let’s all stay protected and enjoy this summer outdoors, without any worries!

16 June, 2020

Proust Effect: Going back in time with a scent

Have your memories ever taken you back to a happy place after smelling something familiar? This feeling is known as the Proust Effect, in which a scent or flavor can make you remember your past.

The power of scents

Scents can take you back to a different time in your life, reminding you of the feelings experienced in that particular moment (1). This is because the sense of smell is the only one that is connected to the neuronal structures that support emotions and memories (2).

At APoEM, we take advantage of this marvelous effect and use the technique of aromatherapy in our products. Our familiar and cozy scents are reminiscent of happy times, bringing up pleasant sensations with every use. Even if they don’t take you back memory lane, they sure will make your skincare routine a comfortable and memorable experience.

The meaning behind the Proust Effect

This dream-like experience takes its name from writer Marcel Proust and his monumental novel In Search of Lost Time.

The author writes in detail about his experience of remembrance when eating and smelling a cupcake dipped in tea. Decades later, scientific studies proved that scents can bring back memories more than any other stimuli (1).

Aromatherapy and its links to the Proust Effect

As proved before, scents can have a strong impact on our mood and our thoughts. Aromatherapy is a pleasant way to make our minds and bodies feel different sensations, from relaxation to an energy boost.

Most of our products include natural ingredients that not only benefit your skin but also your mood with their delightful scents. We use the Proust Effect to make your mind connect your skincare ritual to happy memories and comfortable experiences.

1- Chu, S., & Downes, J.J. (2000). Long live Proust: the odour-cued autobiographical memory bump.
Larsson, M., & Willander, J. (2009). Autobiographical Odor Memory.
2- Larsson, M. (2006). Smell Your Way Back to Childhood: Autobiographical Odor Memory.

31 May, 2020

Our sustainable principles

Under sustainable principles, APoEM was founded to offer a cosmetic brand for all the families that treated the skin and the environment with respect.

In APoEM we are aware of how our decisions impact the planet, and with a transparency principle towards you, we want to tell you about our eco-responsible ideas for cosmetics.

1. SUSTAINABLE FORMULATION

All our ingredients are from sustainable sources. Those who do not comply with this, are harmful to sustainability or attempt against social sustainability are immediately discarded. Thus, we consider one of the following two options:

Ingredients obtained through natural biotechnology – fermentation, cell culture, among other processes … -, and species are grown in the laboratory that lower water and energy consumption, thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Organic ingredients found in their “second-life” stage, meaning they are not exclusively cultivated for skincare but are a by-product of the food industry.

2. COLD PRODUCTION

We make efficient use of energy in the production of our products through a cold manufacturing process, avoiding heating processes as much as possible. For those products that require a heat process, we group them together to heat the reactor as little as possible.

3. SAVING WATER

We reduce the use of water for refrigeration systems as much as possible, and when viable, recirculation water systems are used.

4. CONSCIOUS MATERIAL SELECTION

For packaging, we choose the best materials for the environment:

Glass as much as possible – with at least 35% of recycled glass –
Plastic only if certain pieces do not exist in other materials
Aluminum only with BPA-free coating

For external packaging, at APoEM we only work with companies that ensure a sustainable supply of paper and use bio-ink, from renewable raw materials and free of heavy metals.

5. XL SIZES

The sizes of our products, especially those for the face, are larger than normal, seeking savings in packaging, transportation, and reduction of the carbon footprint.

2 May, 2020

Yoga that can change your skin

If you’re one of those people who have always wanted to practice yoga but never seem to get around doing it, we believe this post will take you the extra mile.

Even if it sounds strange, practizing yoga can help you avoid breakouts, reduce wrinkles, and let out a natural glow.

A challenging yoga session will free your skin of toxins, opening your pores and detoxifying your skin. When calming down, your blood flow will improve, nourishing your organs, including the skin.

Get started with facial yoga

If you want to experience the magic in real life, here’s a lifting facial yoga routine for you.

Start by making an O shape with your mouth, where both your lips cover your teeth.

Then, raise the corners of your mouth and smile using your cheek muscles. After this, close your eyes and roll them up to the ceiling.

With your eyes still pointing up, create a small O shape with your mouth, and smile.

Slowly tilt your head back as you tighten your body and lift your chest. With long, deep breaths, raise your hands up and over your head. Imagine all your facial muscles aiming for the ceiling.

Once you’ve reached this position, hold tight for thirty seconds. Lower your hands and head with an exhale. Do this twice a day to relax and help your skin.

Yoga for the body

If you want to go further and exercise your whole body, here are some yoga asanas you should try: Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Halasana (Plow Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), and Shavasana (Corpse Pose). Research the correct way to do them and practice safe and healthy exercise.

Yoga can be beneficial for both your skin and your muscles. It reduces cortisol levels, increases flexibility, and helps reduce wrinkles. You have nothing to lose with this relaxing exercise, also suitable for all levels!

2 May, 2020

Detox your skin now with this routine

Ever so often, both our body and soul need to detox. Detoxifying your face and body is a great way to help your products go deeper into your skin, cleansing and starting with a fresh canvas.

Whether you’re practizing a seasonal cleanse or preparing for a special event, a detox routine can help your skin be balanced, protected, and ready to show its natural beauty.

First things first, cleanse

Everyday your skin is exposed to toxins and pollutants that clog your pores. Cleansing is a fundamental step in every skincare routine, but even more when detoxifying.

Start with a gentle cleanser that fits your skin type. The top option on our list is the Detox Face Wash, able to remove all pollution, makeup, and excess oil. The aromatherapeutic oils included in the formula will also cleanse your soul.

Go deeper, exfoliate

The best way to remove build-up dead skin and toxins is to exfoliate. Every skin type can benefit from an eventual exfoliation, but it’ll vary how often you should be doing it. Listen to your skin and be gentle with it.

Exfoliating not only will unclog your pores and avoid breakouts, but it’ll also allow other products to go easier into the skin. If you have dry skin, exfoliate weekly. In the case of oily skin, you can feel free to do it more often, paying attention to your skin’s needs.

The Detox Face Scrub is a rebalancing, mild peel that uses natural extracts to restore and rebalance the skin while providing moisture.

Stay hydrated

No matter your skin type or usual routine, moisturizing is a must. A moisturizer will help keep your skin balanced and protected.

Detoxify your skin from inner and outdoor pollutants with the Detox Serum. This unique elixir will recharge and deeply moisturize the skin.

Shop the full Detox line here, and purify your skin now! Find if your body really needs a detox reading here.

25 April, 2020

Clean beauty: the secrets you need to know

When talking about clean beauty, most people think of something different. Safety within cosmetics is a variable subject, and sometimes even labels aren’t to trust.

To us, clean beauty is about crafting the safest formulas with the purest ingredients, in an efficient but safe quantity.

Natural ingredients are each time more popular, but they are still mixed with toxic agents or grey substances. At APoEM, our products are 100% natural and vegan, free of silicones, sulfates, parabens, and many more harmful components.

How to stay safe

When labels can be misleading, and the ingredient list is hard to read, the best way to stay on the safe side of beauty is to stick to the brands you trust.

The fastest way to enjoy clean beauty is to go natural. Nowadays, many plant-derived ingredients achieve the same efficient results as old-time chemicals.

Do some research on the brands you like and find out about their blacklist (the ingredients they’ll never use) and their principles.

What to look out for

Even when the research on harmful ingredients is far from over, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Many substances like parabens and sulfates have tested positive to influencing your hormones, proteins, and cells, irritating your skin and taking away natural oils.

The current safety laws often overlook these harmful substances. It is even possible to hide the components on the ingredient list by using other names, like in the case of fragrances.

Additionally, these chemicals can also be harmful to the environment, as they don’t biodegrade and pollute. At APoEM, we are sustainable and do everything we can to help the world, from ingredients and production processes to the packaging and shipments.

Stay curious and look into everything you or your family might use. We know how important it is to give your loved ones only the best, that is why APoEM was created with the love of a mother for all families out there.