Latest news with #amika
Los Angeles Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
While You Were Sleeping: The Best Overnight Products for Hair, Skin, and Stress Recovery
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. In the world of wellness, there's one truth you can bet your silk pillowcase on: nighttime is prime time for repair. While you're dreaming of inbox zero or vacation in Positano, your body is hard at work — repairing cells, balancing hormones, and restoring glow. And with the right products, you can turn your sleep schedule into a secret self-care weapon. This isn't just about indulgence. Studies show your skin's permeability and regeneration peak overnight, making it the ideal time to layer on treatments that go deeper and work harder. Welcome to your new sleep beauty routine — a science-meets-style guide to the best overnight treatments for hair, skin, and stress recovery. Your hair has its own circadian rhythm, and like your skin, it does its best restorative work while you're asleep. As cortisol levels dip and blood flow to the scalp increases, this becomes the ideal window for deep treatment. That's where overnight hair repair steps in: designed to repair, replenish, and future-proof your strands by the time your alarm goes off. Whether your ends are fried from flat irons or frizzed from LA smog, these heavy-hitters are clinically proven to do more than just sit pretty on your nightstand. 'Nighttime is when the body enters repair mode, and that includes your hair,' says Stacey Ciceron, Oribe Ambassador and celebrity stylist. 'While you sleep, your hair and scalp get a break, and your hair has a chance to absorb nutrients without interruption.' This luxe leave-in treatment lives up to the hype. Formulated with biotin, plant collagen, caffeine, and niacinamide, Oribe's Gold Lust Restorative Night Crème rebuilds keratin structure, hydrates parched ends, and stimulates scalp circulation, all while you snooze. Its fast-absorbing, no-rinse formula means zero mess and maximum morning style flexibility. 'Oribe Gold Lust repairs even the most damaged strands while you sleep,' Ciceron adds. 'And because you don't have to rinse it out, you can wake up and style with ease.' Scalp Tip: Massage a small amount directly into the scalp before bed. 'Pair it with a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase,' Ciceron advises, 'to maintain moisture and reduce overnight friction.' New to the sleep-care scene, this buttery, pillow-proof cream is a dream come true for damaged hair. Midnight Mender combines bio-functional peptides, cuticle-strengthening repair technology, and sea buckthorn, one of the richest plant sources of omega fatty acids. It tackles damage from all angles: heat, bleach, styling friction, and UV rays. In one use, it seals split ends, restores lipid layers, and improves softness, elasticity, and shine. In a consumer study, 89% of participants reported less breakage, and nearly all noticed visibly healthier-looking hair by sunrise. 'This isn't just a conditioner,' notes amika's product innovation team. 'It's reparative tech in a cream, powered by nature and backed by peptide science.' Best for: High-porosity, chemically treated, brittle, or breakage-prone hair. Topical magnesium isn't just TikTok trend bait. A randomized controlled trial found that magnesium supplementation improved sleep efficiency and reduced sleep onset latency in older adults with insomnia. Magnesium supports GABA receptor binding, promoting calm without sedation. Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion applies this science topically, bypassing the gut to deliver magnesium chloride transdermally, paired with aloe vera for skin-calming hydration. Skin's cellular turnover kicks into high gear between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. which makes overnight products essential for maximizing hydration, repairing the skin barrier, and encouraging collagen synthesis. This K-beauty essential uses Sleep-Tox™, a patented antioxidant blend shown in Korean clinical studies to calm inflammation and improve clarity overnight. Lightweight and soothing, it hydrates without clogging, making it perfect for sensitive or post-travel skin. Formulated with TFC8® technology (a proprietary blend of amino acids and vitamins developed through stem cell research), this powerhouse cream is known for its transformative results. In an independent 12-week clinical study, 94% of participants reported improved hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health. Layer with a serum featuring polyglutamic acid, ideal for dry, post-winter skin. Combining Italian botanical luxury with biotech innovation, this cream is powered by Myoxinol™, a neuropeptide derived from hibiscus seeds that mimics Botox by gently relaxing facial muscles and smoothing expression lines. Developed by Dr. Francesca Ferri, a leader in dermatological research for over four decades, Myoxinol™ has been clinically shown to reduce wrinkle depth by 22.5% in just three weeks and neutralize oxidative stress through antioxidant action. Skeptical of sleep sprays? Don't be. A 2021 study found that lavender essential oil significantly improved deep sleep stages and reduced nighttime awakenings. Adaptogens like L-theanine and ashwagandha have been shown to regulate cortisol levels, ease anxiety, and support better sleep, according to a 2022 analysis that found that magnesium combined with L-theanine significantly improved sleep onset and maintenance, making this duo a clinically backed go-to for stress relief during sleep. Unlike cotton, silk doesn't absorb your skincare and significantly reduces hair breakage. And studies have proven that silk pillowcases reduce facial skin irritation and can improve hydration retention. From scalp peptides to stress-soothing sprays, products that work while you sleep aren't just about pampering. They're part of a smarter, science-backed approach to nighttime wellness. Click here to learn more about Oribe
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Beauty Doesn't Need to Be Pain - Citizen Scientist, amika, and Airthings Launch #CleanerAirHaircare to Assess Salon Air Quality Throughout New York and New Jersey
Citizen Scientist, amika, and Airthings are collaborating on the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative to evaluate indoor air quality and resulting potential health risks in salons across the amika network. The initiative will start with air quality testing in five salons throughout New York and New Jersey, focusing on VOCs, CO2, and particulate matter, and raising awareness about occupational health risks in the beauty industry. The #CleanerAirHaircare initiative aims to: Educate salon professionals and consumers about health risks associated with frequent exposure to chemicals in haircare products. Provide actionable solutions to minimize these risks, promoting safer work environments. Set a precedent for improved safety standards across the beauty industry. As of May 2023, there are 294,840 hairdressers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists in the United States (BLS) regularly exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), high CO2 levels, and particulate matter (PM2.5). New York and New Jersey rank #3 and #6 respectively for states with the most hair professionals. This study highlights often-overlooked aspects of occupational health in the beauty industry, including: VOCs from hairsprays, dyes, and chemical treatments, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other long-term health effects such as reproductive issues. High CO2 levels from poor ventilation and crowded spaces, leading to drowsiness, decreased cognitive function, and poor air quality. Particulate matter from hair clippings, styling products, and dust, which can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, potentially aggravating conditions like asthma. Salons participating in the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative—by monitoring and improving air quality—will be featured on a searchable list of clean air providers through amika. This will encourage more salons to address this critical issue and empower consumers to make informed choices. Jamie Richards, Head of ESG at amika, emphasizes: 'At amika, our commitment to being the healthiest and most sustainable option drives us to address these hidden risks. By partnering with Citizen Scientist and Airthings, we're taking proactive steps to ensure a safer environment for everyone in the salon industry.' 'Seeing CO2, PM2.5, and other levels rise on the monitor will inspire providers to explore new ways of enhancing air quality in their daily work,' says Julianne Hogan-Smith, Co-founder & Executive Director of Citizen Scientist. 'For consumers, choosing a Cleaner Air Haircare salon will encourage them to prioritize healthier environments in all areas of life. That is the power of citizen science.' JJ Baird, VP North America at Airthings, adds: 'We're thrilled to be part of this journey to create healthier salon environments. With amika's leadership and commitment to safer beauty standards, we believe that combining our Airthings devices with the efforts of Citizen Scientist will help educate and empower both salon professionals and customers to prioritize cleaner air and healthier experiences.'
The Guardian
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The death of capital letters: why gen Z loves lowercase
When Maelle Kouman, 24, turned off auto-capitalisation on her phone as a teenager, she didn't realise it would become a lifelong habit. 'Lowercase feels like an ongoing conversational tone without a start or end,' she says. 'It removes the serious tone certain texts can exude, even without trying.' Ruweyda Hilowle, 24, has also turned her back on capitals. 'I text in lowercase because it feels more relaxed,' she says. 'When I start using proper capitalisation, it feels as if I'm trying to make a point stronger than it needs to be.' Kouman and Hilowle are not alone. For many members of gen Z, lowercase writing is not just a style preference but a cultural marker, reflecting their values and attitudes to tradition. Influential artists such as Billie Eilish, 23, have reinforced this aesthetic, using lowercase in song or album titles such as don't smile at me or my future. Brands are taking notice. Spotify's curated playlists, such as chill vibes and teen beats, embrace lowercase to signal informality, while haircare company amika, which has a millennial and gen Z following, has done the same with its packaging to create a soft, approachable image. 'Capital letters can feel stern or abrupt,' says Caitlin Jardine, a social media manager at marketing agency Ellis Digital. A 'calm, friendly' tone resonates more with gen Z's values. This, after all, is a generation that grew up online, where the line between formal and informal communication is often blurred. 'Lowercase writing is a way to reject the authority and rigidity associated with traditional grammar,' says Jardine. 'It fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and emotional connection.' Karim Salama, founder of the digital marketing firm e-innovate, believes it's a reflection of gen Z's need for self-expression. 'Language is constantly evolving, especially with new technology. First we saw this with the rise of emojis, which expressed feelings effectively for this generation. Using lowercase is straightforward and free from the constraints of past generations.' It's not an entirely new phenomenon, however. There was a similar, if smaller-scale rejection of capital letters in the 20th century, most notably in the poems of EE Cummings. Later, the feminist writer and activist bell hooks made the decision to lowercase her own name. This was not simply about aesthetics – it was a political statement, challenging hierarchies and rejecting formality, while also attempting to shift attention from hooks the person on to her ideas. As she put it in 2013, on a visit to Rollins College in Florida, she wanted people to focus on her books, and not on 'who I am'. For some gen Zers, however, lowercase is also a question of style. 'There's something about how the letters line up – it just looks better to me,' Hilowle says. The minimalism suits gen Z's broader love of simplicity and imperfection. Even for those who aren't consciously aware of its visual appeal, lowercase writing often feels instinctively right. 'I think I've kept using lowercase out of habit,' says Kouman. 'But when I look back, it started because everyone in my school group chat did it, and I guess after a while it felt normal.' Many young people, however, switch back to uppercase in professional or academic settings, where formality still holds weight. 'I actively choose to text using capital letters when I know I'm speaking to work colleagues,' says Nardos Petros, 23. 'It's about presenting myself in a certain way.' Some have even adopted capitalisation as a humorous marker of adulthood. Kouman points to a trend on TikTok where young adults announce they've turned their auto-capitalisation back on as a sign of maturity. It's too early to tell if lowercase is here to stay, or whether later generations will rediscover a taste for capital letters. For Kouman, at least, lowercase is a small but meaningful choice. 'Lowercase is more than just a style,' she says. 'It's a way to communicate in a way that feels like me.' Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
