True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Turning 50 is a pretty big deal for your skin so get ahead of dryness, dehydration, wrinkles and dark spots with these skincare strategies that truly work.

When you combine decades of natural aging with the added stress of sun exposure, hormonal changes, environmental pollution and questionable lifestyle habits it’s no wonder that skin needs help as you reach your 50s and beyond. As natural aging goes, skin undergoes significant changes when you hit 50. Collagen production decreases annually by around 1 percent – and, btw, this may have started as early as age 20! – while menopausal hormones often lead to thinner skin, decreased sebum production and a compromised barrier function. Cue dryness, sagging and sensitivities to name just a few.

Then there’s the rate at which your skin turns over which significantly slows down in your 50s. As a younger adult, the life cycle of your skin usually sits around the 28 day mark, during which time skin cells form, move up to the surface, then die and slough away. In your 50s, however, this 28-day life cycle can extend to more than 45 days which allows dead cells to hang around at the surface for way too long, making your skin look dull, gloomy and feel rough to the touch.

Couple all this with elastin fiber degeneration, an increase in transepidermal water loss and accumulated sun damage and, well, it’s a wonder your skin looks as fabulous as it does. 

On that note, let’s not forget what an absolute privilege it is to have reached the age of 50  – wrinkles and all. So let’s celebrate your mature skin by ensuring you’re following a few important steps to help soften the signs of visible aging. Because, we don’t know about you, but we’re all for that.

1. Focus On Hydration

As you age, skin loses its ability to hold on to moisture. Why does this happen? Well it’s mainly down to the skin’s barrier function whose job it is to repel irritants and allergens while retaining the optimal levels of moisture to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy. The protective barrier is made up of around 20 brick-like layers of cells, all ‘glued’ together by important substances like cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids.

Your barrier function is fantastic at its job… until it’s not. For example, the natural aging process causes it to lose vital ceramides which makes it become thinner, weaker and less able to retain water. This means you have to give it a helping hand to help your skin stay moisturized and hydrated. And the best way to do this? Simple. Invest in products that are rich in humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid and glycerin as these absorb moisture and plump up the skin. A great trick is to apply a hydrating toner like Ocean Minerals Super Toner or a serum like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to damp skin, layering it underneath your moisturizer to lock all that delicious hydration into your skin.

2. Take Extra Care When You Cleanse

Harsh cleansing is a killer on the skin’s barrier function which you have to really, like REALLY look after as you reach age 50 and beyond. Whatever your skin type, choose the gentlest formulation possible and, if nothing else, avoid synthetic fragrances, strong alcohols, dyes and harsh surfactants like SLS and SLES as these can cause irritation and dryness. Skin becomes drier and more fragile as it matures so unnecessary chemicals are a big no-no.

Of course, cleansing is still a crucial part of your daily routine as it helps remove surface debris which reduces your chances of breakouts (because yes, adult acne is a thing). Just don’t go wild with products that strip your skin because these will either cause excess dryness or excess sebum depending on your skin type. Instead, choose a product that cleanses thoroughly, but doesn’t suck all the life from your skin – it just removes the bad stuff. We love Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.

One final word on cleansing: hot water is seriously bad news so stick with lukewarm water as you cleanse to avoid stripping your barrier of important oils.

3. Exfoliate Weekly

Remember the chat about the life cycle of your skin slowing down as you age? That is no joke and leaving dead skin cells to build up at the surface will totally screw up your complexion.

One word: exfoliation.

Exfoliation is non-negotiable for 50+ skin as it removes buildup and accelerates cell turnover, allowing younger, fresher, brighter skin to come to the surface. There’s a definite sweet spot, however because too much of a good thing can upset the delicate balance of your skin, potentially causing micro tears and exacerbating sensitivities.

Our advice is to start slowly, using Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub on a weekly basis. Most skin types should be able to tolerate a weekly exfoliation session if you go carefully and don’t rub at your skin too much. And if you reckon you need more and your skin can take it you can always up the frequency to two or three times a week. Just remember to use a delicate touch and to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm, never hot, water.

4. Protect Your Skin Every Day

OK, this is a biggie so listen up. No matter your age, gender, skin color or skin type, you simply have to protect your skin from that devilish ball of fire in the sky called the sun. Every day of the year. We know it can be tedious to apply sunscreen but nothing is more damaging to your skin than exposure to UV radiation.

To make it more bearable we created a lightweight, sun protective SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This means you don’t need to slather on that extra layer of cream at the end of your routine, you simply smooth this beautifully wearable serum over your skin before moisturizing and hey presto, you’ve got immediate SPF 30 coverage thanks to zinc oxide, combined with superpowered antioxidants, emollients, vitamins and botanical extracts.

Prefer to go down the more traditional sunscreen route? No problem: try our award-winning SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which provides everything your skin needs to prevent early wrinkles and dark spots.

Sunscreen isn’t the only way to defend your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, however. Topical antioxidants also provide environmental protection, working hard to neutralize pesky free radicals while hydrating, brightening, firming and all sorts. In our opinion vitamin C is the most superior antioxidant but other goodies include green tea, vitamin E, niacinamide and retinol.

5. Become Well Acquainted With Retinol

There’s no arguing the fact that retinol remains the gold standard in aging skincare. Extensive clinical research prove its efficacy and its visible benefits simply can’t be denied. Both prescription tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol have been shown to penetrate the skin at a deep cellular level, helping to stimulate collagen synthesis, improve turnover and assist with healing. All of which 50+ skin needs in abundance.

If you’re yet to get on board with this powerhouse there’s no time like the present. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t turn back the hands of time, but it will give your skin the best chance to look and feel its absolute best. Ditto bakuchiol which is retinol’s gentler, natural alternative.

A few things to remember when introducing retinol into your routine for the first time…

* Always patch test first to reduce the risk of irritation.

* Don’t overdo it. Take it slow to begin with then increase your usage over time. This’ll help your skin to acclimate.

* Remember, mild side effects like temporary redness and slight tingling are OK; pain or burning are not. If you experience  the latter reduce usage, stop completely or try a bakuchiol serum like Rejuvenating Longevity Serum.

* Daily SPF is EVEN MORE important than ever.

* Patience is key. Retinol and bakuchiol take time to deliver so don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Trust us, you will in a few months.

The debate surrounding natural vs synthetic skincare ingredients can become seriously heated. But we believe the fence is the best place to be on this topic. And here’s why…

It can be a struggle to decide whether you want to stick with holistic skincare ingredients or go down the ‘science is best’ route. On the one hand, a natural skincare program feels like it should be gentler on the skin and kinder to the environment. But on the other hand, don't scientifically formulated ingredients have the edge over their natural counterparts when it comes to benefiting the skin and delivering visible results? After all, most of them have undergone years of clinical research, alongside rigorous testing and quality control to ensure their absolute safety and efficacy.

Yes. And no.

The truth is there are tons of benefits to using both natural and synthetic skincare ingredients. Minerals and plant extracts, for example, can be awesome for the skin and cause little harm to the world we live in. But certain essential oils can irritate sensitive skin so you have to do your homework and choose wisely. Meanwhile, synthetic ingredients aren’t always harmful or ‘toxic’ but can offer incredible rewards for the look and feel of your skin.

We believe that instead of sticking with one skincare philosophy and completely writing off the other, it’s more important to focus on each individual ingredient on its own merit. Natural or synthetic aside, does it truly benefit the health of your skin and, above all, does it suit your own individual needs?

On that note, here are three of our favorite duos from both camps.

The Collagen Boosters: Retinol & Bakuchiol

Collagen means the world to healthy skin. And we mean that literally because its dense, fiber-like structure acts like a kind of glue, helping the skin to remain strong, supple and resilient. The big problem is that as skin ages its collagen content drops by around 1-1.5 percent every year. And since this can start as early as in your 20s that really adds up. It’s basically why your skin starts to thin, wrinkle, sag and show all the other signs of aging you probably don’t love.

The good news is there are many ingredients in skincare whose main purpose in life is to help your skin’s collagen levels stay healthy and plentiful. And two of the big guns are retinol and bakuchiol.

You’ll have heard of retinol. It’s pretty much the gold standard in skincare, improving everything from wrinkles to acne breakouts by communicating with the skin at a cellular level to accelerate turnover and rev up its production of collagen and elastin. Derms love it,  beauty editors love it, celebs love it. Everyone loves it. Actually that’s not strictly true because as fabulous as retinol is, its strength is also its drawback, sometimes causing dryness and irritation to sensitive skin types.

And that’s where it’s natural alternative, bakuchiol, enters the equation. Whereas retinol is a synthetically created form of vitamin A, bakuchiol is extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It’s been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and clinical studies show that it offers similar benefits to retinol but is more stable and well tolerated by almost all skin types.

Try them both, your skin will tell you which it prefers...

The Environmental Protectors: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate & Green Tea

Dull, tired-looking skin is no fun. But it can be inevitable thanks to two words: free radicals. Free radicals form in the skin when it’s exposed to things it doesn’t like. Think UV radiation, pollution etc.

One of the best ways to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals – which can seriously ruin your skin’s strength and structure – is to keep exposed skin protected with topical antioxidants. These help to neutralize free radical damage before it gets a chance to really take hold of all the good stuff in your skin.

As antioxidants go, you have many choices. Some awesome, others not so much. Two you can’t go wrong with, however, are vitamin C, notably sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and green tea.

We never tire of shouting about the benefits of sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It may sound like a scary, lab-created ingredient but it’s simply a derivative of vitamin C that’s stable and kinder to the skin. As well as its free radical-fighting prowess, vitamin C helps your sunscreen work more efficiently AND it helps to minimize dark spots and patchy skin by keeping melanin production on an even keel. It’s a great way to shield your skin from damage while brightening and lifting the complexion.

And then there’s green tea, another big favorite in the antioxidant world. Widely thought of as one of the best natural antioxidants in skincare, green tea contains plant polyphenols like EGCG which protect the skin from UV damage, balance oil production, increase moisture retention, reduce inflammation and minimize the visible signs of aging. It also plays well with other skincare ingredients like caffeine to really supercharge your radiance game.

Sodium ascorbly phosphate? Green tea? You decide.

The Hydrating Heroes: Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera

Achieving the heady heights of super hydrated skin might feel like an impossible task. But add some over-achieving humectants into your skincare routine and you’ll be well on the way.

What are humectants? In skincare, humectants are substances that attract water from their surroundings, drawing moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. They’re like magnets, or bath sponges if you will. Some humectants also promote cell turnover by gently breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Others have antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Yes, they're that good.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is arguably the biggest humectant in skincare, because it claims to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Which is quite a number. HA occurs naturally in the body but because it depletes through age (big surprise there!) it’s produced in a lab through a process called biofermentation. HA works for most skin types and blends well with other active ingredients, but if it’s not your mojo, aloe vera is just as fantastic. Maybe even more so.

Otherwise known as aloe barbadensis, aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that’s just one of 400 species of aloe. It’s cultivated worldwide for its water-rich, medicinal gel which has tons of uses, many which are skin-related. Like HA, it draws in moisture to offer supreme hydration. And, also similar to HA, it has awesome antioxidant properties to help fight free radicals.

Aloe vera also acts as a gentle exfoliant thanks to its salicylic acid content which works to gently remove dead skin cells. Couple that with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and you’ve also got yourself an extremely kind-to-skin acne-fighting ingredient on your hands.

A Few Final Words

Hopefully this has proven to you that there’s a place for both natural and synthetic ingredients in skincare. Rather than view them as opposing forces, therefore, try to embrace the best of both worlds, focussing on quality and formulation, regardless of whether they came from the ground or were created in a laboratory. Choose ingredients that address your specific needs and look for brands (er, hello!) that invest in innovation, research and testing. 

Effective skincare is about choosing products that work harmoniously with your skin’s unique needs and characteristics. And we truly believe that, together, natural skincare ingredients and synthetic skincare ingredients are able to provide this.

Correct skincare application is a great way to amp up your routine with little effort and zero cost. That makes it a no brainer in our eyes, agreed?

Applying your skincare products correctly might not seem as important as the ingredients they contain, but your technique can actually make them work harder and more efficiently. Of course, if you slap your moisturizer on like you’ve not a care in the world, it’s not going to harm your skin, per se, but wouldn’t you rather know how to get the best from each and every product in your regime? Getting more bang for your buck in the process and helping your skin be the best version of itself?

We know where we stand on that one.

So on that note, here’s a quick guide on how to correctly apply the most important products in your skincare routine.

How Best To Apply: Cleanser

Washing your face feels like a pretty elementary step in your routine but, trust us, a few tweaks to your cleansing technique are guaranteed to make a huge difference. Of course this depends on the formulation, but the general rule is that gels and foams are best applied to damp skin because water helps them emulsify so they’re able to cut through oils and surface debris. Cleansing oils, creams, lotions and milks, on the other hand, work more efficiently when they’re undiluted, so you’re better off applying these to dry skin.

Whatever formulation you choose, try to spend two or three minutes massaging the cleanser into your skin to get the best results. Use circular motions all over your face and neck, and concentrate on areas like the side of your nose where sebum can become trapped.

Once you’ve massaged it all over for a few minutes, a great trick is to leave the cleanser on your skin for an extra minute before rinsing. This helps to really soak up any extra debris that might be lurking around. Then rinse thoroughly with warm – NEVER HOT – water and pat dry with a clean, cotton face towel.

How Best To Apply: Toner

After cleansing, comes toner which is great step for topping off your cleansing routine and treating the skin while gently preparing it for the rest of your skincare regime.

Again, depending on the formula, most toners are applied using a cotton pad but try to stick with reusable options which can be thrown in the laundry after each use. Regular cotton wool pads may seem ‘natural’ but they’re not compostable and require tons of water and energy to produce.

As your application technique goes, this one is pretty straightforward. Simply soak your cotton pad then lightly sweep it over your skin without using too much force – you don’t want to drag the skin as this can cause surface damage.

We like to start at the center of the face, swiping upward and out to help lift the skin. And remember to use both sides of the pad to ensure a thorough tone.

How Best To Apply: Face Serums

Hard-working and extremely beneficial to your skin, facial serums should always come after toning (or cleansing if toning isn’t your jam) and before moisturizing. This is because they’re thinner, more lightweight and have a smaller molecular structure than moisturizers, enabling them to penetrate the skin deeper and more efficiently. If you apply moisturizer first this will leave a barrier on the surface of your skin, stopping your serum from getting its job done.

Because of their concentrated nature, only a small amount of serum is ever needed – one or two drops is often the sweet spot. Use your dropper to apply your serum to the palm of your hand, then work it between your hands to help you distribute it more evenly. To apply, gently press and tap it into all areas of the face and neck, using upward movements but with very little massaging motion. Instead, allow the serum to absorb naturally into the skin.

How Best To Apply: Eye Treatments

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face so when it comes to applying eye creams and gels it’s imperative you go gently. Like, super gently.

Go for a small amount of product (a pea-sized amount is usually enough for both eyes) and use your ring fingers rather than your forefingers to apply it. This ensures you apply less pressure to this fragile area – smart huh? Some people like to smooth their eye treatment around the eyes but we prefer to tap the product around the entire orbital bone area as this not only helps to stimulate circulation but also reduces drag and potential damage.

Important note to remember: always allow your eye treatment a minute or two to sink in and settle before moving on to moisturizer and/or makeup.

How Best To Apply: Moisturizer

You might be tempted to rub in your moisturizer with a strong, firm hand but, as with most of your skincare regime, a lighter touch is always best. Saying that, however, giving your skin a little workout while your moisturize is never a bad idea!

How much moisturizer do you need? Roughly a quarter-sized amount should be more than enough for your entire face and neck, but always read the label on your product – it’s not just there to look pretty, you know.

Warm your product for a few seconds between your hands (as long as they’re clean, of course!), then use your hands and pads of your fingers to work it all over the face in circular motions, working up and out towards your hairline. This light, massage approach will improve blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage to pep up dull, tired skin and really get your glow on.

How Best To Apply: Sunscreen

Finally, one of the most important steps: sunscreen. Unless you’re doubling up with a super-smart SPF serum (which we can help you out with, right here!), sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine. Also, unlike the rest of your formulations, it’s the one you can slather on to your heart’s content. In fact, on this occasion, more is definitely more.

Most experts agree that about ½ teaspoon or a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen lotion ensures adequate protection for your face and neck. Squeeze it into your hand then smooth a good layer all over your skin. Oh and if you’re going to be spending lots of time outside, reapply frequently. No arguments.

If you’re a fan of a downward-facing dog you might also be intrigued by face yoga. Read on for everything we know about exercising and stretching your face in the bid for glowing skin.

Face yoga has become a real thing in the last ten years or so. Thanks to social media and a whole host of A-list celebrities touting their love of facial exercising, it’s now commonplace to spend 20 minutes each day stretching the skin around your eyebrows and making lion faces in the mirror.

But does this natural approach to youthful-looking skin really work or are there better ways to spend 20 minutes on your skin? Let’s do a little face yoga digging…

What Exactly Is Face Yoga?

If you know anything about yoga, you’ll understand that this ancient Indian practice is all about combining physical postures, stretches and breathing techniques to help build strength and flexibility while boosting your mental wellbeing. Face yoga follows a similar philosophy but instead of concentrating on the whole body, it targets the muscles of the face and neck.

The practice involves performing repetitive movements, exercises and exaggerated stretches to strengthen, tone and relax the facial muscles. What’s the point, you may wonder? Well, the point is to improve the overall health of your skin to help boost radiance, enhance skin tone, refine skin texture and reduce the appearance fine lines and wrinkles.

What Are The Key Benefits Of Face Yoga?

Your face contains more than 50 different muscles which, as you age, naturally lose mass, strength and volume. Face yoga aims to build these muscles back up again to help them function more efficiently and therefore enhance skin health. It’s like bodybuilding. Or facebuilding, if you will. 

Specifically, face yoga is said to benefit the skin in five primary ways:

1. Muscle Strength. By building muscle back into the underlaying areas of your skin, face yoga is said to help fill in the contours of the face and tighten, sculpt and firm the skin.

2. Better Blood Flow. Exercising and stretching the face and neck increases circulation which brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, aiding healing and improving radiance.

3. Stress Reduction. Just like traditional yoga practices, face yoga is said to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system which helps reduce emotional stress. And as you know, stress can be a killer on the look and feel of your skin.

4. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage. Certain massaging techniques are believed to stimulate the lymphatic system which can help reduce puffiness, sluggish skin and bags under the eyes.

5. Efficient Cell Turnover. Regular massage may help accelerate cell turnover which naturally slows down as the skin ages. This helps minimize things like dullness, blocked pores and rough texture.

Is There Any Proof That Face Yoga Actually Works?

There’s not a huge amount of research to back up the efficacy of facial yoga but it’s so closely related to regular yoga that we believe there’s probably something in it. One of the few trials we could find studied a bunch of 40-65 year olds who partook in 30 minutes of daily face yoga for eight weeks, then continued practicing every other day for a total of 20 weeks. Unfortunately, this study included just 16 participants but, still, results showed modest improvements in their facial appearance, specifically in the cheek area. Experts also agreed that it seemed to shave an average of three years off the look of their skin.

Not bad, right?

Is Face Yoga For You?

Face yoga is safe for most people. However, experts recommend erring on the side of caution if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin as the extra strain on your skin can cause irritation. Also, if you have dermal fillers, regular facial exercises may compromise their longevity, so check with your dermatologist before starting any kind of face yoga routine.

One of the best things about face yoga is that it requires no needles… and it’s free! Of course, it’ll never give you the same results as Botox or fillers, but if you have realistic expectations and are looking to boost your skincare routine with a natural alternative it’s definitely worth a go. Just remember, you will need to be willing to set aside 20-30 minutes at least three or four times a week.

3 Popular Face Yoga Exercises To Try At Home

There are plenty of YouTube video and apps available to help guide you through your face yoga journey, but here are a few basic moves you can easily do at home. Some of them require a hands-on approach so ensure you cleanse your hands and face first. You can also apply moisturizer for a little extra slip. 

1. The Lion’s Pose

This is a fabulous face stretch which helps tone the skin around your eyes and jawline. It’s also super easy. From a seated position, make yourself as small as possible, scrunching up your entire being from head to toe. Then breathe out, open your arms wide, stretch your legs, stick out your tongue and widen your eyes. Basically make yourself as big as possible, then relax and repeat 5-10 times.

2. The Cheek Workout

A great one for toning and firming the cheek area. Start by smiling as wide as you can, making sure you lift the cheeks as you do so. Then simply close your eyes and hold this position for 15 seconds. Relax and repeat 15 times.

3. The Forehead Smoother

Place both hands flat on your forehead, spreading your fingers wide so they span your entire forehead from brows to hairline. Apply light pressure, then sweep your fingers outwards to the sides of your head. Hold for a few seconds then relax and repeat 10 times.

Our Take On Face Yoga

When it comes to deciding on the best route to take for healthier skin, we firmly believe that you should always do you. Whether you choose to stick with a consistent skincare routine, incorporate facial yoga into your daily regime or explore other cosmetic procedures, the key is to find whatever supports your lifestyle, budget and skin health goals.

Face yoga is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on your skin (although some experts believe that if you perform repeated exercises incorrectly, they may have the potential to make fine lines more noticeable – eek!), so if you want to try it, go nuts. Just remember, evidence-based skincare ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides alongside a consistent routine form the true foundation of healthy skin.

When battling breakouts, what you put on your skin can make or break your complexion. So which ingredients can truly help acne-prone skin and which make matters worse? Let’s find out…

When it comes to the ingredients in your skincare routine it’s important to know if what you’re putting on your skin is doing any good. And if you suffer with oily, acne-prone skin, this is absolutely crucial. Because some ingredients can be a total dream for dry skin... but they're the absolute enemy of pimples and blackheads. They can block your pores, over-stimulate your sebaceous glands and cause all sorts of unwanted side-effects like redness and inflammation.

If you’re stuck in a bit of a breakout zone right now and are suspicious of your skincare routine, here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite breakout-busting skincare heroes… plus a list of some potential villains you'd be wise to avoid.  

5 Of The Best Skincare Ingredients For Acne

Acne occurs when an excess of sebum becomes stuck at the surface of the skin where it chokes up your pores and combines with other debris and bacteria. It makes sense, therefore, that your skincare ingredient BFFs include those that balance sebum, increase cellular turnover and reduce inflammation.

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is up there as one of, if not the best ingredients for reducing the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is what’s known as a chemical exfoliant which means it works to break down the bonds between dead skin cells so they’re able to shed more efficiently.

But it doesn’t stop there. BHAs also have another string to their bow because unlike water-soluble AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids, they’re oil-soluble which enables them to help balance your sebaceous glands to reduce excess oil and minimize breakouts. Add to that the fact that salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and there’s very little that can beat it.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Nature also offers some incredible benefits for acne-prone skin, not least of which comes from tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective oils for reducing acne breakouts because it kills certain acne-causing bacteria that sit on the surface of the skin. When that kind of bacterium gets left to its own devices, it blends with excess sebum, congests your pores and the inevitable happens lightning fast. 

By treating your skin with a thoughtfully crafted tea tree oil formula (applying it neat is not advised) it will also work to calm inflammation and minimize the other visible effects of acne, namely redness and irritation. It’s kind of like the natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide – with fewer side effects.

3. Retinol

Retinol is usually thought of as the queen of aging treatments. But it’s also fabulous for fighting acne. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol helps boost collagen and increase skin turnover. It has a similar end result to exfoliation but instead of removing dead skin cells at the surface it activates specific genes at a deep cellular level, encouraging the cells to turnover quicker and more efficiently.

Cell turnover often goes awry in acne-prone skin so retinol keeps things ticking over nicely, helping to prevent blocked pores and thus reduce breakouts and minimize scarring.

4. Bakuchiol

Say hello to bakuchiol, another effective skincare ingredient from nature. Often referred to as the natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant and has been proven to offer almost like-for-like benefits as its vitamin A counterpart.

Is it as kick-ass as retinol? Yes and no. It’s a much milder alternative, for sure, so it definitely takes a little longer to reap the same benefits as you’d get from a similar retinol-based treatment. However, its mildness means it’s much better tolerated by sensitive skin which means it's more likely to be applied consistently.

Both are fantastic in their own special ways, so our advice? Try them both (although not at the same time!) to help you decide which is best for you.

5. Niacinamide

Active ingredients can often irritate sensitive skin so it’s important to go carefully with what you put on your skin, especially during periods of breakouts when your skin is delicate and potentially inflamed.

If your skin falls into that sensitive camp, we recommend niacinamide.

A gentle giant among the skincare greats, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is extremely effective for sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts. Not only does it help strengthen the barrier function and regulate sebum production but it also works hard to reduce inflammation and redness while aiding repair and reducing the appearance of existing scars and discolorations. Another thing: niacinamide plays well with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid making it a great way to tackle things head on without causing your skin to freak out.

3 Of The Worst Skincare Ingredients For Acne

Your biggest enemies? Harsh ingredients that dry out the skin and over-stimulate the sebaceous glands. Oh, and anything that ranks high on the comedogenicity scale. More on that to follow…

1. ‘Bad’ Alcohols

Certain alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohols have a rightful place in the skincare world. But many of them don’t. Low molecular alcohols like denatured alcohol (aka alcohol denat), ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, for example, are really no good – for any skin type. They can be super irritating and extremely drying on the skin which has the reverse effect on oily skin types, making the sebaceous glands produce even more oil to overcompensate for that which has been lost. When your skin produces too much sebum it clogs up your pores… and the rest is history.

2. Heavy Occlusives Like Cocoa Butter

While excellent at moisturizing, occlusives are ingredients that form a protective barrier over the surface of the skin, trapping in water and keeping dry skin moisturized. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, however, occlusives are the absolute enemy because their thick, waxy composition makes them comedogenic. This means they have the potential to plug the pores and encourage pimples as quick as a flash. Other occlusives include mineral oil, coconut oil, beeswax and lanolin. Don’t go there.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Have you ever been so good at something that it's seen as a disadvantage? No? Well, that’s exactly what SLS – and its buddy SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) – is. As two of the most powerful cleansers around, these sulfates clean so well that they often strip all the goodness from your skin which disrupts the skin’s protective barrier. This can leave your skin feeling squeaky clean, for sure, but also completely parched. Even irritated and inflamed. We do not advise them for skin that breaks out. The good news is, our cleansers contain neither. 

Rich, heavy moisturizers not your jam? Us neither. But skin often requires more than what your lightweight lotion can offer. And that’s when other moisturizing tactics are called for…

It’s that age-old beauty conundrum: your skin needs extra hydration and moisturization, yet heavy moisturizers are too much, making your skin feel like its suffocating and look like it’s been dipped in a bowl of olive oil.

We’ve all been there. Maybe a big night out has given your skin a major hangover, making it feel parched and in desperate need of moisture. Or perhaps a week in the Caribbean has dried out your skin more than you intended. But reaching for thick moisturizer that relies on heavy occlusives to restore moisture to your skin isn’t always the answer.

Don’t get us wrong, occlusive moisturizers that contain heavy oils and butters are excellent for the right skin types. In fact, they’re extremely effective at trapping moisture into the skin, forming a physical barrier over the surface so that water literally cannot escape. And this can be an extremely useful tool if you have extreme dryness or sensitivities.

However, occlusives are not for everyone as they can also clog up your pores, triggering breakouts and leaving you with super greasy skin.

Thankfully, occlusive moisturizers aren’t the only solution to thirsty skin. On the contrary, there’s a whole world of lightweight hydrating options out there, as well as some moisture-boosting lifestyle habits you can get on board with.

Read on for some tried and tested ways to deliver moisture to your skin without having to call in the heavies.

1. Choose Gentle Cleansers

Our number one cleansing rule – whatever your skin type – is to choose the gentlest cleanser you possibly can. And this is especially crucial when your skin is feeling dry and dehydrated.

To ensure you’re treating your skin with cleansing kindness, avoid formulas that contain SLS or SLES. These are the harsh sulfates you often hear about. And don’t get us wrong, they’re amazing at deep cleansing the skin down to its last drop of oil. But… well, you can probably guess where we’re going here. Sulfates that are too good are actually no good for the skin because they strip it dry, compromising the skin’s protective barrier and causing unwanted irritation. 

Instead, start your routine off on the right foot by searching out cleansers that contain ingredients that help draw water to the skin’s surface. These are called humectants and include the likes of aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Try Soothing Cleansing Milk, a rice and oat milk-based cleanser that leaves your skin feeling soft and healthy from the get go.

2. Buy A Humidifier

Sebum production generally slows down overnight which can make your skin feel drier and more dehydrated as moisture escapes more readily from its surface. Of course, you can counteract this by applying a fabulous night cream before bed. But to amp it up even further, treat yourself to a humidifier.

As well as helping you to sleep better, humidifiers provide extra moisture for your skin to lap up, making them fantastic at hydrating your skin without you lifting a finger.

Invest in one for your bedroom and dial it up to somewhere between the expert recommended sweet spot of 40 and 50 percent.

3. Apply Serum Under Moisturizer 

One of our favorite ways to really amp up moisture in your skin is to apply it in lightweight, hydrating layers. This doesn’t mean piling on lots of heavy moisturizers, however. It’s all about the mighty facial serum.

Serums are concentrated little gems of skin-loving goodness. Because they’re made of smaller molecules than creams and lotions they’re able to penetrate the skin more effectively, delivering effective, active ingredients exactly where you need them, whilst leaving your skin feeling as if you’ve not applied anything at all. Sure, call it skincare sorcery if you like.

Facial serums come in many different guises but if moisture is your goal try Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum or Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum which is chock full of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to deeply hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture.

4. Moisturize Immediately After Cleansing

Whatever product you apply after cleansing, do it with speed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) this helps to seal in any droplets of water that may be left on the surface of your skin after washing your face. It’s free moisture; use it!

5. Drink Your Fluids… Just Don’t Rely On Them

Full disclosure, drinking water and eating water-rich foods isn’t the most effective way to keep the surface of your skin hydrated and young-looking. Gasp. The truth is that most of the water you consume goes straight to other essential organs to help them function and, well, keep you alive. Very little, if any, reaches the surface of your skin.

That being said, the deeper layers of your skin will certainly feel the benefits of proper internal hydration because water balances your body’s essential fluids and helps to eliminate toxins. This works hard to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin, for sure… it just won’t moisturize the surface of your skin, get rid of your wrinkles or make you look ten years younger. That's what skincare is for.

6. Get Rid Of Moisture-Repelling Dead Skin

It may feel all sorts of wrong to exfoliate your skin when it’s crying out for moisture, but hear us out.

Exfoliation helps to slough away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin right? Then it makes sense that if you leave these dead skin cells to outstay their welcome, they will form a physical barrier that the rest of your skincare routine will find difficult to penetrate. Moisturizer basically stands no chance.

The key to exfoliating correctly and effectively is not to overdo it, or you’ll upset your barrier function and end up with even drier, more dehydrated skin than you started with. Go super gentle and stick with once or twice a week depending on the tolerance of your skin. We love our Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which really does live up to its gentle name. If you’re not a scrub kinda person, however, try 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant which uses gentle exfoliating acids to remove dead skin cells and give your skin the best chance to readily accept moisture. 

7. Limit Hot Showers

Hot water can strip away important lipids from your skin, depleting moisture from the skin’s barrier function and leaving it open to all sorts of dehydrating trouble. But more than that, scorching water can also cause inflammation and flare-ups in existing skin conditions. Which is uncool to say the least.

The ideal temperature, according to dermatologists, is somewhere between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But hey, who takes a thermometer into the shower with them? Answer: nobody. So our advice? Just make sure your water doesn’t feel hot. Tepid, or lukewarm is the best way to go.