True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Skin barrier protection is on everyone's lips right now. Why? Because this uppermost layer of your skin is a real workhorse – and it needs looking after if you want it to function properly. Here’s how…

Like many skincare brands, beauty blogs and glossy magazines, we often talk about the skin barrier. It's super important for the health of your skin. Which means it’s also super important for how your skin looks and feels on a daily basis.

But what is this elusive skin barrier? And why does it play such a vital role? Well, your skin’s barrier is basically its uppermost layer – the very top of your epidermis that’s made up of around 20 layers of cells and known in the beauty biz as the stratum corneum. This top brick wall-like layer arguably works harder than the rest of your skin put together because it acts like a security guard to protect your skin and your body from the outside world, preventing moisture from getting out and external irritants from getting in.

Of course, the aging process weakens your skin’s barrier as it naturally loses vital moisture, ceramides and cholesterol over time. Which is a bummer. And if you suffer with sensitive skin? Well, that's got a lot to do with having a thin or compromised barrier that’s unable to effectively keep pesky irritants like pollution, toxins, UV radiation and harsh chemicals at bay. These environmental stressors not only cause things like irritation, dryness, dehydration and redness for your skin, but they simultaneously keep chipping away at your skin’s barrier function, weakening it and making it even more prone to damage.

The basic premise is this: you must keep your skin barrier thick and resilient if you're serious about achieving and maintaining healthy, strong skin. An efficient, hardworking barrier will make your skin look far better than one that's not doing so well – think radiant, smooth, even... you know the drill.

So, want more intel on how to protect your skin’s all-important barrier? Read on for our five golden rules…

Rule #1: Pare Back Your Skincare Routine

Gosh, it’s tempting to lavish your skin with every vitamin, acid and goodness knows what other skin-loving ingredients you can get your hands on. And while complicated skincare routines might sound awesome in theory, too much of a good thing can reap disastrous results – especially where your skin’s barrier is concerned.

The key to a solid barrier-strengthening regimen is to keep it simple, yet effective. Easier said than done? Actually, no. Just avoid overloading your skin with tons of serums, essences, oils and potions containing active ingredients that could work against each other and irritate your skin. It’s as simple as that, really. Stick to a basic cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine, and add in just one treatment product, two at the absolute max – one for use in the morning and one for nighttime.

Our favorite serum for nourishing barrier function is Niacinamide Serum. Niacinamide has been shown to help boost ceramide production and is one of the best antioxidants for sensitive skin. Apply it before moisturizer for fabulous results.

Rule #2: Up Your Moisturizing Game

Moisturizers are key for hydrating the top layers of your skin and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). And as you know, moisturizing is an important step in any skincare routine – whether your skin is oily and prone to breakouts, dry and itchy, or somewhere in between.

When it comes to skin barrier protection, the key is to find an effective moisturizer that’s packed with reparative ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and botanical oils rich in essential fatty acids. We love Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer.

Extreme dryness can seriously damage your skin’s barrier, leaving it vulnerable to external aggressors like pollution, UV radiation and the like, so if your barrier function has gotten out of whack and you’re experiencing a lot of dryness and abnormal sensitivities, moisturizer alone might not be enough. This is where a barrier cream may be needed. Barrier creams not only hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, but they also provide a kind of protective seal over your skin to repair damage, allowing your barrier to heal itself and therefore do its job better.

Rule #3: Press ‘Go’ On The Ultimate Protection Plan

Supercharged moisturizing is all well and good for building up your barrier function and healing your skin, but you also want to prevent further damage, right? Right. Well, on top of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, another great way to do this is to incorporate a topical antioxidant into your daily routine.

Antioxidants are the bee’s knees at neutralizing cellular damage caused by environmentally-induced free radicals. This means they’re a must if you want to look after your valuable collagen and elastin supplies. And, btw, you absolutely do want to look after collagen and elastin because they’re crucial for the integrity of your skin’s barrier – and your skin’s health, in general.

But as we mentioned, don’t overcomplicate your routine by bombarding your skin with too many antioxidant treatments. Find one you love for the morning (vitamin C is awesome!) and apply another before bed. Our Retinol Serum is a fantastic overnight treatment boasting antioxidants known to boost cellular turnover for stronger, brighter skin. Retinol can be potent, however, so always patch test it first and introduce it slowly into your routine to make sure you don’t compromise your skin’s protective barrier.

Rule #4: Try Not To Stress The Small Stuff

Stress is an ugly beast when it comes to your skin’s barrier. Not only has it been proven to deplete your skin’s production of healthy oils and valuable moisture, but stress also alters your skin’s pH level, produces unnecessary free radicals and triggers various hormones (hi there, cortisol), which can result in inflammatory reactions and all sorts of consequences like itching, redness and flaking skin. Stress has also been directly linked to chronic skin conditions including rosacea, psoriasis, acne and eczema. All of which are barrier issues. Sigh.

Managing stress isn't simple and unfortunately, there’s no solution that fits all. You could be totally into meditation or you might hate the thought of it. But try to think of something that relaxes you and do this for a good amount of time, every day. Perhaps it's reading a book, deep breathing, or going out for a walk. Even just watching your favorite show. Whatever your jam, find time to regularly do it. Honestly, this is the best place to start. And your skin will thank you for it.

Rule #5: Say A Big NO To Harsh Skincare Ingredients

We believe some ingredients have no place on your skin. Cleansing detergents like sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), for example, alter your skin’s pH and strip your barrier of essential oils. Yes, they’re fabulous at getting rid of built-up dirt and debris, but tbh, they’re almost TOO good, so they end up leaving your skin’s barrier fragile and weak. The good news is we don’t include such nasties in our face washes, so you know you're getting good and clean with Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser or Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser.

While we’re on the subject of too much of a good thing, you might want to avoid synthetic fragrance in your skincare (which can seriously irritate sensitive skin) and try cutting back on physical exfoliation with things like cleansing brushes, mitts and abrasive scrubs. These can also upset your skin’s barrier if not used with care.

Of course, we can’t leave before finally mentioning a few other lifestyle habits that can do a real number on your skin’s barrier. Smoking, cruddy sleep and a poor diet are just a few and we’re sure you can think of many others – one of which starts with an ‘a’ and ends with an ‘l’.

The simple answer to this whole skin barrier protection game? Be nice to both your body and your skin. That is all.

It’s time to take control of your least favorite skin concerns with these simple skincare updates.

Let’s get one thing straight: perfect skin is the stuff of fantasies. What you see on the red carpet, for example, requires hours of preening and painting, not to mention the years’ worth of treatments and tweakments undertaken at the doctor’s office. 

However, in-office treatments aren’t for everyone and constantly striving for perfection can be an exhausting game to play. That's why we prefer to work with what nature gave us by looking after our skin through smart skincare and lifestyle choices. Sure, these kinds of habits will never eradicate wrinkles, plump up thin lips or make sunspots miraculously disappear overnight, but taking positive action will absolutely help your skin in the long-term. At the same time, it does wonders for your mental wellbeing.

Whatever your skin bugbear, our advice is simple. 1. Try not to sweat it too much. It’s really not the big deal you make it out to be, plus other people probably don’t even notice it. And 2. Ensure you’re choosing and applying the right skincare so as not to make matters worse. Because you know what? Great skincare and good lifestyle habits are an awesome way to prevent AND treat your concerns.

Here’s how to tackle some of your most common skin worries…

An Oily T-Zone

Dealing with a greasy nose, chin and forehead is bad enough at high school, but when oily skin continues to irritate the hell out of you in your adult years? Enough already.

First, the good news: overactive sebaceous glands mean your skin is less likely to prematurely wrinkle. So, at least there’s that. However, oily skin is still irritating, especially in the summer months when it gets doubly worse.

What to do, then? Well, don’t think moisturizing is pointless, because if you fail to moisturize your skin after cleansing, it will just produce even more oil to counteract the dryness. Not cool. Choose light, moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin rather than heavy oil-based formulations, and invest in a cleanser that contains activated charcoal to draw out toxins and mop up excess oil. Try Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser.

Sagging Jowls

Aging skin isn’t solely about wrinkles. A lack of firmness (thanks to the natural loss of collagen) can be another frustrating bugbear that causes your skin to seriously slacken and head south, especially around the jaw area.

Facial exercises are a good way to strengthen the muscles in your face and neck to help keep jowls under control. One of our favorites is called "Kiss the Ceiling". To try this one, tilt your head back, pucker up your lips and really push them forward as if you’re trying to kiss someone extremely tall. Hold for 10 seconds, then repeat five times every day.

You should also include a hardworking antioxidant serum in your daily routine to help stay on top of free radical damage – one of the biggest offenders for collagen breakdown and skin aging. Vitamin C Super Serum+ is a great choice for lax skin, as it contains MSM, retinol, botanical hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to build strength and firmness. A no-brainer, if you will.

Stubborn Blackheads

Blackheads strike when overactive sebaceous glands block up your pores with sebum. This sebum then combines with dead skin cells, breaks through the pore and oxidizes (turns black) as it hits the air. They most commonly strike on and around your nose but can appear anywhere, especially if you have naturally oily skin.

Just like a shiny T-zone, blackheads are best kept in check through sebum control, so ensure you cleanse thoroughly (but gently) morning and night, and always after exercising. Never squeeze blackheads, as it can cause inflammation and/or scarring. Instead, embrace skincare that contains salicylic acid, which not only cuts through excess oil but also dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, encouraging them to slough away more efficiently.

Our Tea Tree Super Serum+ works as a fabulous spot treatment for stubborn blackheads. Simply apply it 2-3 times a week to targeted areas or all over.

Puffy Eyes & Dark Circles

The skin around your eyes is super fragile and also lacks fat and muscle support. This is why it’s often one of the first places to scream ‘aging’!

Unfortunately, aging concerns around the eyes are often hereditary and if you have pale skin, you’re more likely to notice dark under eye circles than if you have darker skin. Sun damage is also a major player here, so always wear UV protective sunglasses when you’re outside, sleep with your head elevated to reduce water retention under the eyes and apply a daily eye treatment containing antioxidants to further fight the damaging effects of the sun.

We love Peptide Eye Gel as it contains peptides (obvs!), plant stem cells, botanical hyaluronic acid, licorice extract and a bunch of other ingredients that have a rep for gradually improving the look of fine lines, dryness, morning puffiness and dark circles.

Red Cheeks

Facial redness can be caused by many things. It arises when your blood vessels become dilated, accelerating blood flow to the surface of your skin. The big question, however, is why your blood vessels dilate more than others. And the answer? Well, how long have you got? Genetics is a major factor in things like eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis, all of which result in facial redness. But then there are other issues like over-exfoliation, allergies, hormonal fluctuations and stress.

The best ways to deal with facial redness is to check in with a skincare expert so you can diagnose the issue, understand what’s causing it and then treat it. Of course, a gentle skincare routine is also key to reducing redness and irritation, so go steady with potent ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid, and make sure you moisturize your skin twice daily.

Niacinamide Facial Serum could be a good option for you because it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. But always check with your dermatologist and do a patch test first.

Hormonal Breakouts

Hormonal acne, which makes you break out during your periods or menopause, affects around 25 percent of women in their forties and a whopping 50 percent of women in their twenties. That’s a lot of women having to put up with zits and pimples at a time when there’s so much else to deal with. Sigh.

Menopausal acne is believed to arise because estrogen levels drop as your periods slow down and eventually stop. At the same time, androgen hormones like testosterone increase – cue breakouts.

There are many options for dealing with hormonal acne, including prescription meds, but retinol is a great shout if you’re looking for an effective way to up your skincare game. Retinol activates certain genes underneath the surface of your skin to boost cellular turnover and stop dead skin cells from lurking around way past their sell-by-date. The result? Clearer pores and fewer breakouts. It’s a very powerful ingredient, however, so slowly introduce Retinol Facial Serum into your routine after patch testing first.
 
 
 
 

Retinol can make or break your skincare game. Which is why you need to seriously know your way around this active and very potent ingredient. BTW, we’re here to help with that…

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that when it comes to kicking serious ass in the battle against skin aging, retinol is everything. OK, OK, we hear you, vitamin C, glycolic acid and friends, it’s not everything, but it’s definitely one of the most talked-about and recommended of all anti-aging ingredients. No question.

Here’s the thing. Retinoids (the group of topical vitamin A ingredients in which retinol, along with its prescription-only cousin, tretinoin, belongs) have been studied for decades. And the results are always the same: they work. By communicating with your skin at a cellular level, retinoids have been proven to boost healing and rev up the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn accelerates cell turnover and helps strengthen your skin, increase elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pimples and dark spots.

If this all sounds too good to be true, you're right, it’s not all moonlight and roses. While retinoids are awesome, they require thought, patience and careful planning to make them work for your routine. And you know what? Sometimes they might not work out at all if your skin's super sensitive to such active ingredients. And that’s OK — skincare's got something for everyone.

However, we like to believe there’s a retinoid out there for almost anyone. For starters, retinol and its derivatives are way kinder to your skin than full-throttle tretinoin, so it's a good place to begin if you err on the side of sensitive skin. And second, if you’re clued-up on how and when to use a retinol serum or cream, you’re already halfway there.

Not feeling particularly clued-up just yet? Then give us five minutes to change that with our list of useful dos and don'ts...

DO Patch Test Your Retinol Treatment

Patch testing skincare is super important, especially when it comes to potent ingredients like retinol. Why? Because there’s always the possibility that your skin might react negatively, causing irritation, stinging or itching.

Skin can take up to 48 hours to react to something it doesn’t like, so apply a small amount of retinol to a discreet patch of skin (such as behind your ears or on the side of your neck), then monitor it for a couple of days before incorporating it into your routine. Mild reactions like slight redness or tingling are OK, but anything that feels super uncomfortable, burning or painful is a definite red flag and means you should not continue use. And if the feeling gets worse? Seek advice from a board-certified skincare expert, pronto.

DON’T Overdo It

One of the biggest mistakes people make when using a retinol serum or moisturizer for the first time is to apply it every day – or worse yet, twice a day. Bombarding your skin with such a powerful ingredient on the reg is simply asking for trouble (aka irritation).

Instead, take it steady. When you first start to use retinol, apply your treatment to clean, dry skin just once or twice a week so your skin has time to acclimate. Then, after a few weeks, you can – and should – slowly increase to daily use, as long as your skin can tolerate it, of course. This may take up to two or three months, but going slow will totally be worth it for the state of your skin and your sanity.

Also, with most retinol treatments, the smallest amount will go a long way, so always read and follow the instructions before use. They’ve been included for a reason.

DON’T Be Put Off By Mild Side Effects

Despite patch testing (nice job!) and introducing retinol slowly into your regimen, you could still experience some short-term side effects like mild redness, dryness and peeling. Sure, we know this is a real Debbie Downer, but don’t be put off, because slight irritation (with an emphasis on the word 'slight') is actually a good thing – so much so that the whole process has been given a name. Hear us out for a minute...

When you start using retinol, your skin goes through a kind of ‘learning’ period in which the cells adjust to turning over at a much more efficient rate. Retinization is its name and skin purging is its game. During this time, your skin may look and feel worse than it did pre-retinol. Think zits, patches of red skin and dry areas. Don’t worry, though, all this should get better in a few weeks. The rule here is not to give up too soon.

DO Regularly Moisturize

Due to the drying effects of some retinol treatments, it’s super important to keep your skin thoroughly moisturized, day and night. If you’re using a retinol serum, allow it to settle for a minute, then apply moisturizer over the top – just make sure it’s not packed with loads of other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid as this could cause major upset to your skin’s barrier function. Keep it simple, OK?

You could also incorporate a retinol moisturizer into your routine instead of the obvious retinol serum. Due to their larger molecular structure, moisturizers don’t penetrate the skin quite as much as serums, which means a retinol-based moisturizer will be much gentler on your skin in both the short and long-term.

Our Retinol Moisturizer is perfect here and contains aloe, glycerin and botanical hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as shea butter and jojoba oil to seal in moisture. Did you catch that, sensitive skin types?

DO Be Patient

For the best results, retinol requires consistency and dedication. This means that whatever your frequency jam is, stick with it until your skin allows you to increase usage. Stop using it and you’ll sacrifice all the time and benefits you previously put in. 

Another thing: you probably won’t see visible improvements in the texture and tone of your skin for, gulp, a good three months of continued use. Sure, your pores may start to look a little more refined before that and breakouts might improve a tad, but an overnight miracle-worker, retinol is not. Time and patience are key.

DON’T Stop At Your Face

A retinol cream will reap just as awesome rewards for your neck and décolletage as it will for your face, so when you apply your treatment, don’t finish at your jawline. Smooth it down your neck and over your chest area – always applying it to clean, dry skin, of course.

And if you find your décolletage is a little too sensitive for your regular retinol cream? Reduce your frequency or try applying some basic moisturizer first. Yes, you read that correctly, by applying moisturizer before a retinol treatment, you help reduce its potency and therefore minimize irritation.

DO Apply Sunscreen Every Morning

Finally, one of the most important rules with retinol: ALWAYS apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine.

Skin often becomes more sun sensitive as it adapts to retinol and the surface layer of dead cells becomes thinner. But here’s the kicker, contrary to popular belief, retinol does NOT increase sun damage. It can also absolutely be applied in the morning. The reason retinol is typically used as an overnight treatment isn't because it makes skin more sensitive to UV destruction, but because sunlight deactivates retinol and makes it less effective. So now you know.

Having said that, you must apply a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen containing FDA-approved sun protective ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every morning. Even if you only apply retinol before bed, you have to protect your skin each day from the damaging effects of the sun. No arguments.

Because caring for dry skin requires so much more than moisturizer alone…

From knowing what kind of showers can damage dry skin to understanding the rules when it comes to barrier-bothering skincare ingredients, here are 10 tried-and-trusted ways to win the dry skin war.

1. Use Hydrating AND Moisturizing Skincare

Moisturizing dry skin is a given, but did you know the type of moisturizer you choose can make a huge difference? And we’re not simply talking about going for rich creams over lightweight gels (again, a given) because it's more than this – it's what’s inside that counts.

The best moisturizers for dry skin should include a combination of hydrating ingredients (aka humectants), as well as moisturizing ingredients (aka emollients and occlusives) which help lock water into the skin. Our favorite humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which draw water to the skin’s surface. Meanwhile, some of the best moisturizing ingredients include jojoba oil, shea butter and squalane. The good news is our Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer contains the best of both worlds, making it an awesome choice for dry skin.

2. Protect Your Skin From The Wind

Windy conditions are terribly drying on your skin, so if you’re outside on a blustery day, make sure you cover up any and all areas of exposed skin. Wear gloves in winter and wrap a large scarf around your face to protect your cheeks.

3. Rethink Your Laundry Routine

Dry skin on your body is often caused by irritating laundry detergents, so if this sounds familiar, maybe it’s time to reassess the products you use to wash your clothes and bed linen. First up, choose fragrance-free formulations and avoid common preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and benzisothiazolinone. Mouthfuls much?

Also steer clear of fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and stick with liquid rather than powder formulations. Why so? Because liquids leave less soap residue on your clothing. To be doubly sure, rinse your laundry twice after washing.

4. Don’t Over-Dry Your Skin

After cleansing, never scrub away with a towel in an attempt to dry your skin to within an inch of its life. Not only can vigorous towel-drying potentially damage your skin’s super important barrier function, but it will also remove every last drop of water your skin actually wants to keep. Instead, gently pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel, then immediately apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. Even better, apply Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum first for an extra boost of hydration, then lock it all in with your face cream.

5. Avoid Open Fires

This may sound like parental advice given to a small child, but sitting too close to a fire or, in fact, any kind of heat source will suck all the moisture from your skin, making it feel even more dry and dehydrated than normal.

If you’re feeling the cold, stay warm by wrapping up with extra clothing, but try to sit a few extra feet away from direct heat.

6. Turn Down Your Heating

Speaking of warmth, make sure your house isn’t too hot. Forced air heat reduces the levels of moisture in the air, which adds an extra level of stress to your skin, decreasing moisture and essential lipids, and potentially leading to sensitivities and peeling.

Keep your thermostat at a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and turn it off, or at least down to 57, at night. This is especially important if you suffer with eczema, which is susceptible to temperature changes and a reduction in humidity. 

7. Exfoliate, For Real

Dry skin types often avoid exfoliation, thinking it will cause further dryness and redness. But it’s actually an important step in any skincare routine. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, whatever your skin type, and if you already have dryness, this can make flaking and dullness even worse.

The answer isn't to scrub your skin daily, but to gently encourage exfoliation with a treatment serum or toner that contains exfoliating acids like lactic or glycolic acid. These acids work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells so they’re able to shed more easily.

After cleansing, try our Ocean Minerals Super Toner, which contains glycolic acid to encourage cell turnover, plus hydrating aloe vera and botanical oils for extra moisturization.

8. Take Shorter, Cooler Showers

Hot showers and long soaks in the bath might feel fabulous, but they’re bad news for dry skin. Hot water melts away your skin’s essential lipids, impairing your barrier function and resulting in dry, dehydrated skin. And when you add bubble bath or highly fragranced cleansers into the mix? Disaster.

Stick with lukewarm showers and baths, and keep them short so you minimize your exposure to water. Oh, and you know that hot tub you love? One word: chlorine. Don’t even go there.

9. Check Your Skincare Ingredients

For all the good ingredients to look out for in your skincare products, there are also plenty to avoid. Synthetic fragrances and dyes, for a start, are major no-nos, as are sulfates, parabens, soy and gluten, which are all common allergens that can cause dryness and sensitivities.

Alcohol is also extremely drying on your skin. But, and it’s a big but, not all alcohols are created equal. Cetyl and stearyl alcohols, for example, are very skin-friendly and unlike the big bad alcohol denat (which you should DEFINITELY avoid), cetyl and stearyl alcohols help keep your skin moisturized by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Our Retinol Moisturizer avoids all the bad stuff but is packed with humectants and emollients, as well as a touch of cetyl alcohol, making it a great choice for anyone with dry skin who wants to dip their toes into the awesome powers of retinol…

10. Invest In A Humidifier

Forced air heat and air conditioning both create a serious lack of moisture in the air, which actively sucks water out of your skin. But this is easily rectified by buying a plug-in humidifier for your home. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a humidifier is one of the best ways to level-up your skincare routine and create extra moisture for skin to lap up.

Of course, buying one for every room in your house is a little excessive, but do get one for your bedroom, as this is the room you spend most of your time in. Set it to somewhere between 40 and 60 percent for the perfect humidity sweet spot. Trust us, your skin will love this extra moisture in the air while it repairs and rejuvenates itself overnight.

Of course, if your skin is in seriously dry shape, seek help from a skincare professional. But in the meantime, hopefully some or all of these tips will help you create a little bit of harmony for your skin.

Little known fact: what you eat can seriously impact your skin.

There will always be a place for chocolate lava cake and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in our lives, but if you’re worried that your sweet tooth/savory snack addiction is ruining your skin, it might be time to make some changes to your diet. And the best way to get the job done without feeling like you’re completely torturing your tastebuds? Simply employ a few smart food swaps. And luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work right here…

Smart Swap #1: Sugar For Agave

As a nation, we consume about 17 teaspoons of sugar every day which is about five more than the maximum recommended amount. And sugar doesn’t just pile on the pounds. Studies show that a sugar-heavy diet produces what are known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the skin. This happens through a process called glycation, which occurs when excessive amounts of sugar become too much for your natural insulin levels to handle. These sugars then end up attacking your vulnerable skin cells, latching onto collagen and elastin and causing them to become stiff and weak. The result? Harmful compounds called AGEs that cause dryness, exacerbate fine lines, deepen wrinkles and age you up lightning fast – as the name suggests!

Instead of using sugar to sweeten your food and drinks, try agave or monk fruit sweetener which both have lower glycemic index values, so they get absorbed more slowly into your bloodstream, causing less damage as they go. And don’t forget those devilish sodas, also. Soda is packed with sugar, often more than the entire daily recommendation, so switch them out for water wherever possible.

Smart Swap #2: Red Meat For Fish

Most red meats are high in saturated fats and cholesterol which can lead to inflammation in your body. And you all know what inflammation does to your skin. Cue irritation, redness, acne flare-ups and damage to your valuable collagen levels which can lead to premature aging in the form of lines, wrinkles, dark spots and dull skin.

Rather than pack your diet with red meat, choose wild fish like salmon which is low in cholesterol but high in good fats – namely omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are great for the complexion as they help regulate sebum production, soothe irritation, improve healing and increase hydration. A major plus for your skin.

Smart Swap #3: Chips For Nuts

Anything fried is bad for your skin, and there’s a very simple reason for that. Just like sugar, fried food increases free radicals and AGEs in your skin. Fried potato chips, for example contain almost 900 AGEs per serving compared to baked chips which only contain around 150. Now, correct us if we’re wrong, but that feels like a pretty major difference to us. Frying foods also kills essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients which your skin need to remain healthy, glowing and youthful-looking.

Regular, store-bought chips are not only fried, but they’re covered in salt which is vital for your health, but when consumed in large amounts, is a devil on your skin’s barrier function, sucking all the moisture out of it and making your skin feel dry, dehydrated and sensitized. Salt also causes inflammation, weakens your collagen and exacerbates conditions like eczema and acne.

Word to the wise? Ditch the bumper bags of Kettle Chips and Nacho Cheese Doritos in favor of unsalted nuts like walnuts, almonds and cashews. These are not only salt-free but packed with antioxidants. Win-win.

Smart Swap #4: Refined Carbs For Low GI Carbs

Thought you were done with AGEs? Think again. Refined carbs like white bread, pasta and rice are high-glycemic foods which means that, just like sugar, they get turned into glucose by your body, causing a spike in your blood sugar levels and a serious amount of skin-wrecking AGEs. Dang.

Breads and grains are also high in gluten which can aggravate your skin and cause inflammation and breakouts if you have a gluten intolerance. So, there’s that.

Ditching bread and pizzas may sound like absolute hell but try to at least cut down on the white ones if you can bear it. Friendlier alternatives are wholemeal breads, brown rice and when it comes to pasta, try zoodles (zucchini noodles), spiralized carrots or eggplant lasagne. Delicious and way better for your skin.

Smart Swap #5: Cow’s Milk for Nut Milks

Dairy products are essential for the health of your entire body, but for lactose intolerant people, it can wreak skin havoc. When your body can’t digest a certain food group, you see, it starts to ferment and breed bacteria – terrible for your gut, just as bad for your skin. Dairy cows are also frequently treated with hormones which can throw yours off balance and trigger acne breakouts.

If you’re lactose intolerant and are having trouble with dairy, replace cow’s milk with organic milks made from nuts or seeds such as coconut, flaxseed, hazelnut or cashew.
 

Red, bumpy skin? Itchy cheeks? Chances are you could be suffering with rosacea. Bummer, sure, but good news: great skincare and a few lifestyle switches can make a truly positive difference. 

Rosacea: if only the reality was as nice as the word sounds. But the harsh truth is, rosacea sucks. Not only that, but after decades of research, its causes are still not entirely understood. Dang. 

Reckon you might have a case of rosacea? Then let’s have a look at what it’s all about so you can try to understand why it might be occurring and how to manage it.

What Is Rosacea?

According to the National Rosacea Society, around 16 million Americans suffer from rosacea and that number continues to rise. Rosacea can rear its head at any time but it often starts in your 20s or 30s when symptoms seemingly start to come and go at random. Sigh. Common signs are excessive redness and flushing – particularly on your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead; crusty bumps; burning; swelling; itching; thickening of the skin and even dry eyes and blurred vision. Also, great news to all you middle-aged, pale-skinned women out there – you’re the most likely to suffer. Sorry about that.

What Causes Rosacea?

If only we knew. The real cause of rosacea is yet to be identified which is why it’s a tricky one to prevent, manage and treat. Rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne, but acne is all about overactive sebaceous glands whereas rosacea is thought to be linked to your vascular system.

OK, so why does rosacea affect some people and not others? Well, many experts believe your genes are the main culprit at play here, but factors that seem to exacerbate symptoms include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, stress, physical exercise and extremes of temperature.

Another cause could be right there in your microbiome. The skin’s microbiome is a tiny ecosystem of harmless bacteria, viruses, fungi and mites which live on your skin and, when balanced, create the perfect environment to keep unwanted pathogens at bay. The key, however, is balance, and studies have shown that people with rosacea have an overabundance of microscopic Demodex mites in their microbiome – sometimes up to four times as many as those without rosacea. Further research is required to confirm the direct link but in the meantime, erm, yikes.

What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Control Rosacea?

Unfortunately, you can’t cure rosacea but understanding your triggers and managing your symptoms are great ways to help keep it under control. Here’s how to do just that…

1. Diarize Your Symptoms To Help Identify Triggers

Knowing your triggers will help you understand the things you should avoid – without doubt, one of the most important ways to keep rosacea under control. And the best way to do this? By keeping a diary. Make a note of when you go to the gym or feel particularly stressed, and try building a food, drink and maybe even a skincare diary to see if anything you consume or apply coincides with your flare-ups.

2. Avoid Super Potent Ingredients Like Tretinoin

If you have rosacea, your skin can be extremely sensitive to highly active ingredients like tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone and even essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, menthol and eucalyptus. All of these can cause tingling, redness and be potentially irritating to your skin’s delicate barrier and that’s not something you’re going to want to climb on board with. You've been warned.

The good news is you may be able to tolerate antioxidants like vitamins C, E and niacinamide but you should still err on the side of caution and ALWAYS patch test new products before using them for the first time. To test any new product, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends dabbing a small amount near, but not on, the area where you’re most prone to flare-ups. Then, wait 72 hours and if it stings, burns or causes any kind of discomfort during that time, don’t use it.

3. Rethink Alcohol, Spicy Food and Hot Drinks

Studies show that alcohol (especially red wine), spicy food and hot drinks cause many people’s rosacea to go crazy. Sounds familiar? Then try to avoid them as much as possible. Go easy on the spices; allow hot drinks to cool down before drinking them; switch to white, instead of red wine, and make sure you counteract the effects of alcohol by supping a large glass of cold water after each glass of vino.

Still suffering? Then you might need to give up spicy foods, booze or hot drinks altogether. But let's hope it doesn't come to that.

4. Nail A Gentle Skincare Routine

Harsh cleansers, astringent toners and abrasive scrubs are seriously bad news for rosacea-prone skin, upsetting the balance of your skin’s microbiome and compromising your protective barrier function. In other words, they’re a one-way ticket to redness, irritation, inflammation and worse-than-normal flare-ups.

Avoid chemical-laden products, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate, and look for non-drying products that care for your skin without stripping away essential oils and nutrients. While not specifically formulated for rosacea-prone skin, many people find our Rose Water Refreshing Facial Toner ideal for calming redness and soothing irritation.

When cleansing , avoid hot water like your life depended on it (because your skin really does). Stick with lukewarm water alongside a kind, gentle cleanser and never forget to moisturize.

5. Protect Your Skin From The Elements

Wind is a major trigger for rosacea flare-ups – especially in the winter when it’s cold as well as blustery. Limit time spent outside and when you do venture out, protect your skin by wrapping a scarf around your face. Scratchy wool is not advisable but soft fabrics like silk, cotton or acrylic will take care of business nicely.

The sun can also aggravate rosacea. In fact, it’s one of the most common causes, so don’t forget to apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning – whether it’s rainy, sunny, cloudy or even snowing. Look for sunscreens containing mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as these are best for sensitive skin.

Finally, How Can You Actually Tell If You Have Rosacea?

If you think you might have recently developed rosacea, visiting a skincare professional for a proper diagnosis is the only way to go. As we mentioned before, it can be hard to distinguish between acne and rosacea, and treating each condition is very different, so if you self-diagnose and get things wrong, you could make matters way worse. Lecture over.