True Radical Honesty From Our Community

When something as important as exfoliation comes in two completely different guises, how do you know which is best? Read on for a complete breakdown of the highs and lows of both chemical and physical exfoliation…

Exfoliation is one of the simplest, most effective skincare habits for transforming dull, sad skin into the brightest, healthiest-looking skin of your life. It works hard to smooth out annoyingly bumpy skin texture, reduce the frequency of pesky breakouts, decrease excess oil, and even minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But exfoliation is often plagued by contradictions and it can be hard to navigate the facts. Should you or should you not exfoliate every day? Are scrubs better than exfoliating masks? Or is the opposite correct?

Of course, the truth usually depends on your skin type and its current condition (because, yes these are two very separate things), but one thing’s for sure, exfoliation takes on two very different forms. And it’s important you know what’s what so you can make the right decision about what’s right for you and your skin.

Before we go any further, however, let’s have a quick refresh on the basics. As you know, skin renews itself every day, shedding millions of cells as it produces fresher ones deeper below the surface. This process is called desquamation and it’s a pretty efficient way of keeping your skin fresh, healthy, moisturized and well protected from the slings and arrows of daily life. Like most good things in life, though, this process slows down as you age, allowing dead skin cells to hang around at the surface and encouraging dryness, dehydration, blocked pores and the formation of lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.

The good news is that exfoliation – both physical and chemical – is here to save the day, sloughing off dead skin cells (as well as other nasties like grime, pollution, makeup and excess oil), boosting circulation, accelerating cell turnover and helping to keep your skin’s barrier function ticking along nicely. Technically, both physical and chemical exfoliation do the same thing. But they work in completely different ways.

So first up, let’s take a look at the most ‘classic’ and well-known form of exfoliation: the physical kind.

What Is Physical Exfoliation?

Physical exfoliation is the one you’ll be most used to. Remember those scrubs you made as an enthusiastic teenager that contained all manner of kitchen ingredients like mashed banana, oatmeal and yogurt? Well, thanks to the oatmeal, that’s a physical exfoliant right there.

Physical exfoliants are abrasives and basically include anything that requires some kind of manual force or motion in order to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. Face scrubs, which contain grainy elements like sand, sugar, salt and fruit seeds, are the most obvious choice, but mitts, loofahs and cleansing brushes also fit into the same camp.

Then there are the professional treatments like microdermabrasion and dermaplaning. If you’re not acquainted with these, microdermabrasion works by combining microcrystals with a vacuum suction to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production. Dermaplaning, meanwhile, employs a tiny razor to gently shave the skin’s surface. This helps remove peach fuzz, but is also helps get rid of the upper-most layer of dead skin cells as an extra bonus.

Is Physical Exfoliation For You?

When used carefully, gently and not too often (two or three times a week is usually the sweet spot), physical exfoliation can be a great addition to any skincare routine.

We find they’re particularly great for:

* Improving poor skin texture
* Oily skin
* Boosting circulation
* A truly deep clean
* Instantly brighter skin

In? Then Try: Our brand new Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which we’re super excited about. Abrasive without being too hard on your complexion, this delicious scrub harnesses our favorite type of vitamin C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, alongside antioxidant-rich yuzu lemon (which is also naturally chock-full of vitamin C) to work on dull, lifeless-looking skin fast.

All this combines with the smoothness of Bora Bora white sand which is no ordinary sand. Ultra-fine, it's extremely gentle on the skin to help promote cell turnover and remove rough, dead skin cells without the irritation often experienced with inferior face scrubs. Add in some soothing, hydrating aloe and all this makes for the ideal twice weekly scrub in a nutshell. Although, fyi, no nutshells were used in the making of this scrub. Nutshells do not have a smooth, uniform shape which makes them notorious for creating micro-tears on the surface of your skin. And we do not want that for you.

What Is Chemical Exfoliation?

Instead of using physical movement to boost cellular turnover, chemical exfoliants use topical ingredients (usually acids) to dissolve and break down the bonds between dead skin cells so they slough away more efficiently. Again, there are skincare products you can use at home, but also professional treatments like chemical peels can offer very powerful results.

Most at-home chemical exfoliants use AHAs, BHAs or PHAs as a means to get the job done.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble chemical compounds that are usually extracted from fruit or milk sugars. Glycolic acid is probably the most well-known AHA because it has a very low molecular weight which makes it very good at penetrating the skin. Sometimes, too good if your skin errs towards the sensitive side. And this is where lactic acid comes into its own. Lactic acid has a larger molecular size than its glycolic cousin which makes it way gentler and more readily tolerated by sensitive skin.

Unlike their water-soluble AHA cousins, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble substances which means they’re able to cut through the lipid layers between your skin cells to penetrate into your pores and exfoliate your skin on a much deeper level. As well as being darn good at exfoliating your skin, BHAs also target and reduce excess sebum to clear and brighten the skin – that’s a big deal for anyone struggling with oily, inflamed or acne-prone skin, btw. Examples of BHAs? Frankly there’s only one worth mentioning, salicylic acid which has been studied for decades and proven to not only target pores and increase cell turnover, but to offer incredible antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Last, but not least, you have poly hydroxy acids (PHAs). Much newer to the exfoliation scene, PHAs are a new generation of water-soluble AHAs with all the benefits… but with less of the side-effects. The reason for their gentle nature is that they’re formulated with multiple strands, so they have a larger molecular size and are therefore unable to penetrate the deeper layers of your skin. Instead, they work exclusively on the skin’s surface to boost cell renewal without irritating your complexion. They’re basically your go-to if you have super-sensitive skin but are concerned about the visible signs of aging. Main players include gluconolactone (sometimes referred to as gluconic acid) and lactobionic acid which is an oxidized form of lactose and extracted from cow’s milk.

Is Chemical Exfoliation For You?

Just like their abrasive co-workers, chemical exfoliants work for all skin types as long as you patch test them first and use them as often (or as little!) as your skin allows.

They’re specifically good for…

* Sensitive skin
* Targeting dark spots
* Acne-prone skin
* Fine lines and wrinkles
* Enlarged pores

In? Then Try: 6% AHA, BHA + PCA Liquid Exfoliant which, as the name suggests, combines all three chemical exfoliants (and vitamin C, of course!) to gently but powerfully boost cell regeneration and promote brighter, younger-looking skin. Simply apply it to cleansed skin before your serum and moisturizer for a daily glow-getting fix and watch your skin continue to get better and better.

When it comes to looking after mature skin, moisturizer is great. Heck, it’s vital. However, if you really want to amp up your skincare routine, choosing the right facial serum is everything.

Serums can be tricky to get your head around. Some believe they’re nothing more than an ‘extra’ step in your routine – one that’s, frankly, not that important – while others happily include them in their routine, but then think they can do without moisturizer.

Wrong. And wrong.

Facial serums are, in fact, a vital addition to your skincare routine if you want to target specific issues and concerns that go above and beyond what ‘regular’ basics like cleanser and moisturizer can offer. You see, unlike moisturizers they have a very small molecular structure which allows them to penetrate your skin to channel active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides deeper below the surface – which is often where they’re needed the most.

Moisturizers, as great as they are, don’t do that. They are, however, essential for sealing in moisture which serums can’t do. And that’s why they make the perfect skincare team.

Navigating the serum world doesn’t come without its challenges, though. With literally thousands to choose from, how exactly do you make the right decision for your skin? What’s best for dealing with dark spots? Which ingredients should you look out for if you have particularly sensitive skin? And is there something out there that can tackle aging AND oily skin?

Below, we talk you through our top ten facial serums so you can make an informed decision on what’s right for you…

The Sensitive Skin Wrinkle Reducer: Rejuvenating Longevity Serum

As you probably know, retinol is ‘it’ for targeting wrinkles, dull skin and basically making your skin look ten times better. And nobody puts retinol in the corner, us included. But as incredibly effective as retinol is, it also has its downsides. Namely being the frequent cause of dryness, irritation and redness to sensitive skin types. Well this is where bakuchiol shines. Frequently touted as ‘nature’s answer to retinol,’ bakuchiol offers all the benefits of this anti-aging wonder ingredient, but with fewer (if any!) side effect. Our Rejuvenating Longevity Serum harnesses all this, alongside revitalizing snow algae and lingonberry stem cells to offer sensitive skin the healthy aging serum it deserves.

The Early Aging Treatment: Smoothing Collagen Serum

Collagen is one of the most important components in your skin, keeping it strong, supple and firm. But life’s a b*tch and once you hit your mid-20s your collagen levels start to dwindle by about 1 percent every year. That might not sound like a lot but you’ll sure notice it in ten years when your skin, well, just isn’t what it used to be. If this sounds familiar and you’re already seeing fine lines around your eyes and a little sagging around the jawline, our Smoothing Collagen Serum could be just what you need. It combines collagen peptides (vegan, of course), ceramides and a powerful blend of antioxidant-rich superfruits to kick-start collagen synthesis and help prevent your skin aging up before its time.

The Skin Brightening Superhero: Vitamin C Facial Serum

The OG of TruSkin and still a fan favorite, our Vitamin C Facial Serum is hard to beat if you’re looking for an insanely good facial serum to not only help glow up your skin but to protect it from the onslaught of environmental aggressors (sun, yes, we’re talking about you).

Like retinol, pure vitamin C can be a tad irritating if you’re not careful, but we cut out all of those risks by using a C-derivate called sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP). SAP is a salt form of vitamin C which makes it kinder to the skin and one of the most stable versions available in skincare. It’s a shoo-in for dull, aging skin.

The All-Round Nice Guy: Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum

While some people love to really hone in on the things they don’t love about their skin, others prefer a more rounded approach to skincare. And that’s why we created our Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum. Like an oral muti-vit supplement, but one you apply topically, this lightweight milky facial serum comes brimming with no less than 11 plant-derived vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to offer an all-in-one approach to youthful, healthier-looking skin. It helps improve tone, texture, firmness and hydration without having to rely on 10 other products to do the exact same job. Smart stuff.

The Mature-But-Still-Oily Skin Savior: Tea Tree Super Serum+

We don’t know about you but we specifically remember being told that our greasy, teenage skin a) would not be so oily as we got older and b) would age way better than our friends with drier skin. Lies, all lies. OK, so the oil might have a subsided a little and the wrinkles aren’t so bad, but still miracles definitely did not happen.

Oily, mature skin is not easy to manage. In fact, the words ‘balancing' and 'act’ come to mind. Which is why you should make tea tree oil your BFF. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is fantastic for treating super-oily skin, enlarged pores and breakouts. Our Tea Tree Super Serum+ blends it with hyaluronic acid to deal with dehydration, plus niacinamide and organic aloe. Gorgeous.

The Dehydration Rescue Serum: Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum

Unless you’ve been hiding under a very large rock for the past ten years, hyaluronic acid will be no stranger to you. To refresh, hyaluronic acid, sometimes known as hyaluronan, is a sugar molecule that’s found by the bucketload in your skin where it helps keep it cushioned, lubricated and hydrated by drawing in water like a sponge. Dehydration can be a major issue as you get older because your natural levels of HA disappear and your barrier function becomes weaker.

If dehydration is something you’re concerned with, you can’t go wrong with Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. As the name suggests, it comes packed with oceans of hyaluronic acid alongside vitamins C and E.

The Dark Spot Destroyer: Vitamin C Super Serum+

Wrinkles are one thing but they’re not the only skin gripe we have to deal with as we get older. Dark spots, aka hyperpigmentation, are also a thing and they’re caused by an overproduction of melanin which happens as a result of too much sun, acting-out hormones or some kind of skin trauma like acne or a burn.

Sounds familiar, then add Vitamin C Super Serum+ to cart right this minute! Why? Because vitamin C was born to help fade existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming. This highly powered serum also blends retinol for extra anti-aging prowess, plus niacinamide to soothe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. Word is, it’s so good, you probably only need to apply it a few times a week.

The Overnight Rescue Remedy: Retinol Facial Serum

What kind of skincare company would we be if we didn’t have a retinol serum? Thankfully, we’re not those people. Say hello to Retinol Facial Serum which combines this anti-aging heavy-hitter with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin and aloe to help counteract and balance the strength of retinol. Contrary to popular belief, retinol is perfectly fine to apply morning and night but we prefer to save it for bedtime. How so? Well, retinol is ideal for helping your skin to regenerate as you sleep plus saving it for nighttime means you get to use a completely different serum in the morning, ha!

The Skin Harmonizer: Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum

Another one of our winning all-rounders, Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum is the absolute nuts for treating a whole bunch of skin types and concerns. Along with vitamins C and E, niacinamide is an effective antioxidant that works hard to help your skin neutralize damaging free radicals. It’s also fantastic at balancing sebum, calming inflammation and increasing the production of ceramides in the uppermost layers to help maintain a strong, protective barrier and more resilient skin.

The Skin Firming Friend: Peptide Facial Serum

Peptides are often talked about in skincare but they can be hard to get your head around. All you really need to know is that, like proteins, they’re chemical compounds made up of amino acids. Because of their similarity to proteins, studies show that peptides are able to penetrate the skin really well, signaling your cells to produce more collagen – undoubtedly the skin’s most important protein of all.

Proteins are key if you want to maintain firmer, smoother and more lifted skin, so it figures that anything you can do to boost collagen, elastin and keratin (all proteins in their own right) is a major plus for the look and feel of your skin. Peptide Facial Serum is just the job here, not only targeting your skin’s essential proteins but also helping to strengthen, hydrate and tone your complexion.

Free radicals might sound like a good thing. Newsflash, they’re not.

There are tons of ingredients and so much jargon in the skincare world, it’s often hard to keep up. And, do you know what? You really don’t have to be able to reel off every detail about every single alpha hydroxy acid. Similarly, we’ll never test you on the spelling of methylsulfonylmethane. Because even we have to constantly look that one up… and it's basically why we call it MSM ;)

However, in order to make informed decisions about what you do and do not put on your skin, there are certain skincare words, ingredients and terms that are important to know about.

And free radicals make that list.

So, What Are Free Radicals?

Do you want the long or the short answer to that question? Well, the short answer is that they’re extremely bad news when it comes to the health of the skin because they’re nasty components that break down collagen, elastin and even your DNA.

The (slightly) longer answer is that they’re highly reactive, unstable atoms that form in your skin when it’s been exposed to things it doesn’t like. Think UV radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, a sugar-rich diet and you’ll be on the right page.

Atoms have electrons orbiting them which usually come in pairs so they can work together to stabilize and balance themselves. When they’re exposed to internal or external aggressors, however, these atoms split and get left with unpaired electrons which makes them lose their stability. And this is when they become free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable and they don't like that about themselves, so they go on a scavenger hunt, stealing electrons from wherever they can find them – often from healthy cells in your skin (and body). This leads to oxidative stress and no end of damage.

How Do Free Radicals Affect The Skin?

Not in a good way, that’s for sure. You’ve seen what happens to an apple when you take a bite out of it and leave it unfinished? It turns brown, right? Well this is caused by free radicals and is also a result of oxidation.

Of course, your skin doesn’t feel the damage quite so quickly as a poor old apple, but it’s the same process. Cell membranes, proteins and DNA all start to wither as they become starved of valuable electrons; ones they really can’t afford to lose. The result is that collagen and elastin production becomes compromised and your natural moisturization levels dwindle. Continue to allow this to happen and your skin will prematurely age as a result. Fine lines and wrinkles will appear quicker than expected, your skin may start to sag before its time and your complexion will generally look sad and dull.

The word is, free radicals are bad news and you really don’t want them to get the better of you.

The Best Way To Win The War Against Free Radicals

One word: antioxidants. Antioxidants are to free radicals what Batman is to the Joker. They’re the good guys that stop free radicals causing damage to your precious skin and, like most skincare companies, we talk about antioxidants A LOT. It's because they work.

Unlike other molecules which become damaged and turn into free radicals themselves when an electron is snatched away, antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals by donating electrons without losing stability. They’re uber cool and totally stop the skin-damaging chain reaction that free radicals so desperately want to achieve. Take that, free rads!

So where do antioxidants come from? Well, your body has a natural antioxidant defense system that works hard to keep you healthy, and, er, free radical-free, but this weakens as you get older which is why it requires help from external sources. Including plenty of antioxidant-rich fruit and veggies in your diet is a great start, but topical antioxidants are the best way to really target your skin and help keep your complexion strong, supple, radiant and youthful-looking.

Topical antioxidants can be found in all manner of skincare products but we believe, to really maximize their powers, you have to include an antioxidant serum in your routine. Serums have a small molecular structure than other products (this is why they’re deliciously thin and silky to apply). This allows them to really penetrate the skin and deliver powerful, active ingredients deep beneath the surface. Exactly where those free radicals are trying to do their worst.

Want in? Then say hello to three of the best antioxidant serums for neutralizing free radicals...

1. Vitamin C Facial Serum

This baby has clocked up over 140,000 reviews on Amazon and, in our opinion, can do no wrong. The ultimate facial serum for brightening your skin, it harnesses the clinically-proven prowess of vitamin C to fight free radicals and keep your skin looking its absolute best. And if you’re a little scared of the strength of pure vitamin C, the good news is we use sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP). SAP is a much gentler version and offers all the same benefits, but with fewer side effects. This award-winning serum also contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soothe your skin. A legit favorite.

2. Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum

Niacinamide might not be as well-known as vitamin C, but it should never be dismissed because, boy, is it good. A great treatment for most skin types, niacinamide is known as the soothing, calming antioxidant because it’s extremely well tolerated by the skin. That makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. It also improves the natural production of ceramides in your skin to fortify the surface and strengthen your barrier function. Like our Vitamin C Facial Serum, this incredible serum is also powered by vitamin E and HA to deliver everything your skin needs in just one application.

3. Retinol Facial Serum

Retinol is commonly known for rebuilding the skin by improving cellular turnover and accelerating quality collagen production. But it’s also a darn fine antioxidant which makes it an great all-rounder for halting the visible signs of aging and nixing those pesky free radicals before they get a chance to do some serious damage. It’s hard to resist the all-round geniusness of retinol but remember, it’s pretty potent stuff so needs to be treated with respect. Click here for the lowdown on how best to make retinol a successful part of your skincare regime.

Want to better the texture of your skin and help transform the rough into the smooth? Done.

Skin concerns can vary greatly. Whether it’s hormonal breakouts that just won’t let up, puffy morning eyes after too much of a good time, or pesky dark spots that crop up on your cheeks every year – no matter how prudent you are with the sunscreen – there’s always something.

Take rough, uneven skin, for example. Poor texture might not be life threatening or even that noticeable to the untrained eye. But we get it, touching your skin and feeling bumps, flakes and rough patches instead of baby-smooth skin is as frustrating as hell. 

So, why is uneven skin texture such a royal pain in the butt? Well, bumpy skin can be super persistent for starters. It's also impossible to cover up with makeup. In fact, makeup often makes it look ten times worse. And then there are the gazillion reasons why it’s there in the first place. OK, maybe there aren’t that many, but you get the picture.

If you’re fed up with bumpy skin simply not letting up, read on for some important intel that might just help you say ciao to the rough stuff…

First Up, What’s Causing Your Uneven Skin Texture?

Oh, if only we had a straight answer to this question. But alas, when it comes to the health of your skin, things are never quite that black and white.

Poor skin texture can be caused by any number of things which is pretty unhelpful, we know. Thankfully they can, at the very least, be put into four main camps: chronic skin disorders; sluggish cell turnover; an overly complicated skincare routine and surprise, surprise, the sun.

First up we have skin disorders like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and acne. All of these can make your skin feel bumpy and rough to the touch – especially during flare-ups. And if you’re not careful, scarring from severe acne can also leave you with textural issues in the long-term. So, if you think you might be dealing with some kind of chronic skin complaint like the aforementioned, the only real way to get a handle on what’s going on is to get a professional diagnosis from a dermatologist. Trying to solve these on your own (particularly when you don’t know what you’re dealing with) can be a long, hard struggle and even then you might never achieve the best results.

Other textural issues are most commonly caused by sluggish cell turnover which allows dead skin cells to persistently stick around at the surface of your skin. This results in dullness, dehydration and rough, clogged pores. And then there’s an overly complicated skincare routine that’s packed to the brim with active ingredients. Active ingredients are great in moderation, but too much of a good thing can totally over-stimulate your skin, leaving it feeling bumpy and irritated.

Finally, the sun. This is the one thing you can blame for almost all of your skin woes. And it’s valid. UV radiation disrupts your collagen supplies and causes your cells to prematurely break down and die, leaving you with seriously uneven skin texture (and tone, for that matter!).

How To Boss Smoother Skin

As mentioned, for slightly complicated issues like rosacea and eczema, get thee to a derm. However, if you think your textural issues are more a case of poor cellular turnover, cruddy skincare and/or too much time in the sun, here are five fantastic ways to help smooth things over…

1. Exfoliate On The Reg

The best way to accelerate cell turnover and reduce build-up on the surface of your skin is to exfoliate more often. Don’t get us wrong, most people don’t need to exfoliate daily – that can exacerbate the problem – but two or three times a week with a physical scrub, or three to four times a week with a chemical exfoliant can do wonders for bumpy skin.

Our awesome NEW 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant is a great choice for textural issues because it’s formulated with a sweet blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid and glucolactone which provide the ideal amount of deep exfoliation and oil control, without upsetting the balance of your skin.

2. Don’t Skip Your SPF

UV radiation is a devil on the skin, screwing up your pores and totally messing with collagen production. Both of which are bad news if you want to get anywhere near the heady heights of smooth skin.

Protect your skin every day with a mineral sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 30 and is also broad-spectrum. The latter is super important because it means it protects your skin not only from UVB radiation (which is what the SPF denotes) but UVA radiation as well. And that’s the stuff that gets right through those clouds on cold, wintry days, damaging your skin, rain or shine. Try our fabulous SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C as the last step in your morning routine.

3. Make Retinol A Bedtime Favorite

Of course, one of the best ingredients for uneven skin texture is retinol. As per! Although totally different to exfoliants, retinol also has a clever way of boosting turnover and accelerating collagen production to help improve texture, tone, acne, the works. Retinol is not always advisable for rosacea or eczema-prone skin because it’s a potent little beast, but as long as you introduce it slowly and carefully into your routine, it can have skin-transforming results for most skin types.

Give our Retinol Facial Serum a go in the evenings, two or three times a week, after cleansing and before moisturizing.

4. Dose Up On Vitamin C

When it comes to waging war on skin-roughening free radicals, vitamin C gets our vote every time. A major player in the world of antioxidants, vitamin C helps neutralize the many free radicals caused by sun damage, environmental pollution and the like. But that’s not enough for our vitamin C because it also works like a dog to inhibit melanin production, therefore keeping a beady eye on your skin tone as well as its texture.

Like retinol, however, vitamin C can be a pretty powerful addition to your skincare routine so we believe sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) should be your ultimate go-to. SAP is a salt form of pure vitamin C which makes it a) more stable and b) less irritating. It’s the only kind we use across all of our vitamin C products.

5. Never Underestimate The Power Of A Good Moisturizer

Dry and/or dehydrated skin is seriously bad news for the smoothness of your skin so moisturizing is totally non-negotiable. You should moisturize your skin after every cleanse, ideally following a treatment serum that addresses any other concerns you may have.

Look out for moisturizers that contain a good blend of humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe (these draw water to the surface of your skin) as well as ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil or cocoa butter that help lock all that moisture in. And for an extra boost of free moisture? Apply your product while your skin is still slightly damp. Our current fave is our new Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream but we have a whole bunch of moisturizing whizz kids right here.

Say hello to better skin… minus the hard work.

Hands up if you want to be furnished with 10 tips for better skin. Goes without saying, right? And what about if we tell you that every single one of the following skincare tips requires almost no effort on your behalf? Then we’ll just stop talking and get on with it, shall we?

1. Listen To Your Skin

Paying attention to your skin is super important. Sure, you might have oily skin, but as you age, sebum production slows down so the products you used five years ago won’t be the best idea for your current needs. Similarly, things like dehydration, dark spots, fine lines and hormonal breakouts can become more of a thing during certain times of the month or as your skin matures. Watch out for signs that your skin is asking for help. It’s much easier – and way more effective – to act sooner rather than later.

2. Use Fewer Products

This might sound kinda weird coming from a skincare company, but don’t buy every single product you can get your hands on and throw them at your skin all at once. Your skin does not need five treatment serums. It just doesn’t. Overloading your skin with tons of active ingredients is too much for most skin types and can make it irritated, red and downright sad. Instead, stick with a simple routine that includes the most important stuff  – aka cleanser, toner (optional), an eye treatment, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Also, if you're looking for a genius-like serum that feeds your skin with 11 plant-derived vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and almost everything else your skin needs, look no further than our new Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum.

3. Always Patch Test New Skincare

Buying a new product and diving in head first without a second thought for potential skin repercussions is never a good idea. In fact it’s a bad one. You should always patch test new formulations because you never know if there’s an ingredient in there that might react with your skin. This is especially important for products that contain potent, active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids. Never has the phrase ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’ rung more true. And dealing with skin reactions after the event will cause you much more heartache in the long-term.

4. Layer Your Skincare Correctly

While we don’t recommend layering hundreds of products on top of each other (see #2, above!), the few you do use should always be applied in the correct order.

Of course, cleanser goes first, followed by toner but what’s next? We get that it can seem confusing, but the main rule is that your thinnest, more liquid-like products should always be applied first, before the more heavy-hitters. Otherwise, the thicker, heavier products will get in the way. This means that after toning comes serum, your eye treatment, moisturizer and then sunscreen. No matter how lightweight your sunscreen is, this always comes last.

5. Wear Sunscreen Inside, Outside & All Year Long

We say this a lot. And we will continue to do so. Because it’s the single, most important product you can use to protect your skin from the sun’s nasty UV rays.

The fact is simple: UV radiation is a beast and it causes premature aging, sunburn, and worst of all, skin cancer. It’s also present all year long, and can penetrate through clouds, windows, the lot. So while sunscreen might seem like an ‘extra’ step in your skincare routine, it’s not. It’s basic and it’s needed.

Get into the habit of making SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C the final step in your morning regime and sooner or later it will become the norm. And your skin will thank you for it. Majorly.

6. Find What Works… & Stick With It

Consistency is one of the most important words when it comes to your skincare routine. Of course, adapting the products you use to suit the seasons and your skin’s needs is essential, but once you find a regime that’s effective, try to stick to it. This not only helps prevent potential irritation but also allows your products to do the best job they can. Retinol, for example, is a very complex ingredient that needs to be applied regularly for a good few months before you’ll start to see results. Be patient, persistent and it’ll be well worth it.

7. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

Touching your face is something we all do without really thinking about it. And this subconscious act might seem completely harmless but, no matter how often you wash your hands, there’ll always be bacteria, oils and other debris lurking on them. Now ask us this: do you really want to transfer all that nasty stuff to the delicate skin on your face? Especially knowing that it can trigger breakouts?

Thought not.

8. Go To Bed Earlier

It’s called beauty sleep for a reason: getting your zzzs every night is up there with sun protection and good cleansing as one of the most important ways to boost the health of your skin.

When you’re asleep blood flow to the skin increases which nourishes it with valuable nutrients; cell turnover accelerates to bring fresh, healthy skin cells to the surface, and collagen production revs up big time. All good stuff, we think you’ll agree. Not only that but when you DON’T get enough sleep, stress hormones kick in which wreck the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate. Disaster.

Try to go to bed at a decent hour every night to get your eight hours in and ensure you start the night off right by cleansing and treating your skin before turning in. We love Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

9. Moisturize While Your Skin Is Damp

We know you'll have heard this one before. But do you actually put it into practice?… Probably not. Well, let’s start from hereon in shall we? After all, dampness on the surface of your skin is free moisture – and your skin can never have enough of that.

After cleansing, showering or bathing, pat your skin with a towel until it’s ‘almost’ dry then slather moisturizer all over to lock in any water that’s left over. Instant hydration right there.

10. Clean Your Makeup Brushes More Often

Just a couple of minutes is all it takes to gently shampoo your makeup brushes. But this swift habit can be vital for reducing breakouts as it keeps bacteria, sweat, oil and ‘old’ makeup out of your pores.

Really can’t be bothered to clean your entire brush collection every week? Fair enough, then at least do your foundation, blusher, bronzer or concealer brushes as they're the ones that are most likely to touch your skin.

Deal? Deal.

Because one thing’s for sure, your skin will never triumphantly sing ‘Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.’

Whether you’re the type of person who hibernates as soon as a mere flutter of snow hits the skies, or you’re that girl who can’t wait to get outside to ski, snowboard, hike or enjoy a good old-fashioned snowball fight, there’s no denying that snow days can have major effects on your skin. Even if you’re not willing to step a foot outside, cranking up the heating is enough to send your skin all over the place. Couple with this with a few extra glasses of cab to warm your boots and, well, dehydrated skin is never more than a few snowflakes away.

Below, we impart some of our finest snow day skincare advice – because it’s nearly the holidays and we can’t have you walking around with sad skin now, can we?

Snow Day Skin Tip #1: Never Go To Bed Without Cleansing

Do we bang on about cleansing too much? Sorry, not sorry. Cleansing your skin twice daily is super important every day of the year, for obvious reasons. But in the winter, ridding your skin of surface debris such as oil, makeup, pollution and dirt isn’t the only reason cleansing is so vital. Cold, dry weather (as well as cranked up indoor heating) can be extremely drying on your skin which means your moisturizer needs to work doubly-hard. And how can it do that if you’ve not cleansed your skin thoroughly – especially at night after your skin’s been subject to a whole day of environmental onslaughts? Answer: it can’t.

Always cleanse thoroughly before bed with a gentle, but effective cleanser like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser or Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser. Use lukewarm water so as not to upset your skin’s barrier function and pat dry (don’t scrub) with a clean towel. Then and only then can your serums and moisturizers really do their jobs properly. And, while we’re on that subject, may we suggest our super hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to give your skin extra hydration before bed, followed by Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream? Thanks.

Snow Day Skin Tip #2: Drink A Ton Of Water

There’s little research to prove that drinking water directly hydrates your skin. However, dehydration can certainly have an effect on your skin so it’s important to note – especially on super cold days when it’s likely you drink less water due to feeling less thirsty. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, cramps, headaches and a lack of concentration, as well as less radiant skin, tired eyes and dry lips.

Word to the wise? Make sure you stay hydrated – and if it’s way too chilly for cold water, try hot water or caffeine-free herbal teas or coffee. A healthy hydrated body will always be reflected in the state of your skin.

Snow Day Skin Tip #3: Invest In A Humidifier

Not only do wind, frost and snow cause the air to be extremely dry outside, but cranking up the heating indoors does the exact same thing – zapping moisture from the air, stripping your skin of natural oils and causing it to be vulnerable to dryness and dehydration. Try to keep your heating at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, 58 at night, and invest in a humidifier for your bedroom to add moisture into the air while you sleep.

Humidifiers are awesome for balancing your skin’s natural moisture barrier and counteracting all the other winter stuff that can drip your skin dry. This not only stops your skin from becoming dry and dehydrated, but it also balances sebum production so your face doesn’t become super oily as a result. And double bonus, a humidifier will also help you sleep better.

Experts agree that somewhere around 40 or 50 percent humidity for your home is best.

Snow Day Skin Tip #4: Don’t Forget To Moisturize Your Lips

Dryness doesn’t begin and end with your face. In fact, your lips are often the first to feel dry, flaky and chapped. This is because the skin on your lips is extremely thin, fragile and contains no sebaceous glands to keep itself moisturized.

The best way to look after your lips on super cold, snowy days – and in fact, all winter long, is firstly to stop licking them. Saliva contains digestive enzymes which skin can irritate your skin. So, there’s that. Also, slather your lips in balm every night before bed and make sure you apply it just over your lip line as this is the area that’s often the driest. If your lips are flaky and peeling, you could also try exfoliating them gently with a damp face cloth a few times a week. Just remember to go gently so you don’t irritate your skin.

Snow Day Skin Tip #5: Up Your Sun Protection

The sun can be extremely powerful on bluebird days, reflecting right off that delicious white snow and straight on to your poor, unsuspecting skin. So, never forget to apply broad-spectrum SPF to all areas of exposed skin when you’re out in the winter sun. In fact, you’d be wise to up your SPF on sunny snow days because it can cause no end of damage. You have been warned.

But that’s not all. Even on dull, gray snow days, the sun is still there going about its skin-damaging business. It might not be hot or look ‘sunny’ per se, but the sun’s not gone anywhere and its damaging UVA rays (they’re the ones that ruin your precious collagen and age you up faster than you can say ‘hot cider, anyone?’) can penetrate right through those clouds. Mic. Drop.

So you know that sunscreen you packed away in September? Get it back out because it should be a staple in your skincare routine all year long. Rain, shine, cloud, snow, the whole darn lot.

For even better sun damage control, apply an antioxidant serum underneath your moisturizer every morning. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, niacinamide and ferulic acid are the cat’s whiskers at nuking sun-induced free radicals before they get a chance to do a number on your skin.

Try Vitamin C Super Serum+ which contains a curated blend of effective antioxidants, plus nourishing essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang and pink grapefruit to help seal in vital moisture.