True Radical Honesty From Our Community

It might be thought of as an ‘extra’ step in your skincare routine, but exfoliation can make or break the condition of your skin.

Reckon you’re a dab hand at exfoliating? Got the product, worn the t-shirt and all that? Well, as great as you might be, there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s getting your frequency absolutely correct, knowing when is the best time to exfoliate or learning how to exfoliate your face and neck without damaging your skin there are many ways to do better.

So if you hate resting on your laurels when it comes to the health of your skin, read on for five important exfoliating lessons you need to know…

1. It’s Better To Under-Exfoliate Than To Over-Exfoliate

The first, and undoubtedly the most important rule when it comes to exfoliating your skin is to never, ever, overdo it.

Here’s the thing, exfoliation is your way of stimulating your skin to turn over at a faster rate, removing dead, hardened cells from the skin’s surface while encouraging the fresher, younger ones to reveal themselves. All this helps remove toxins, unclog pores, control breakouts, fade surface level dark spots, smooth lines, balance oil production, allow the rest of your skincare routine to work better and, well, you get the picture.

Of course, your skin has its own pre-programmed way of shedding millions of dead skin cells every day – a process called desquamation – but things like aging and environmental damage slow this process down from around 28 days to as long as 80 days. And this is not good news. Slow, sluggish cell turnover means that instead of naturally sloughing away, dry, old skin cells get stuck at the surface causing your skin to look dull, patchy, congested and dehydrated.

So you get the picture that exfoliation is pretty important. Well, here’s the catch. Exfoliating your skin too hard or with high concentrations of super-potent ingredients will speed up cell turnover way too much. And this can totally upset your skin’s barrier function, stripping away important proteins and oils, leaving it open to irritation, breakouts, redness and stinging.

This is why it’s key to be gentle. If you like to use physical exfoliants like scrubs, cleansing brushes or facial mitts you should only ever use very light pressure, and avoid harsh tools and products that make your skin sting or hurt. On the other hand, if you prefer chemical exfoliants that harness the powers of hydroxy acids such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids, try to avoid super high concentrations and don’t attempt any kind of DIY mixology. Mixing and matching such potent ingredients is best left to the skincare professionals. Otherwise it inevitably does not end well.

2. Yes, You CAN Alternative Between Physical & Chemical Exfoliants

While we’re on the subject of physical and chemical exfoliation, the good news is you don’t have to choose between the two. Of course, you should never scrub your skin and then immediately apply a chemical exfoliant afterwards. Or even on the same day for that matter. This is completely over-egging the pudding, plus you know all that irritation we just spoke of? Well, double exfoliation is opening up the door for sore, sensitive skin.

However, you can certainly alternate between the two if you tread carefully and don’t overdo it. Just remember to stick to two or three times a week with your face scrub, then on alternate days, apply a gentle-on-the-skin chemical exfoliant.

And boy, have we got just the product for that!

Say hello to our new 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant which is formulated with an incredible blend of glycolic acid (an AHA), salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA). Together with vitamin C this fragrance-free, pH-balancing treatment has been specifically formulated to offer an effective way to increase skin turnover, with less of the irritation often associated with acid exfoliants. The key is the 6 percent sweet spot which we believe is just the right amount to care for all skin types – yes, even sensitive.

3. Cleansing Can Be Effective Before OR After Using Face Scrub

Exfoliating your skin with a physical scrub, washcloth or mitt should never replace your cleansing routine. In fact, you should still cleanse your skin whenever you exfoliate.

But should you do it beforehand or after exfoliating? Well, surprisingly you can do either.

Most skincare experts recommend cleansing before exfoliating because this helps remove surface debris like makeup, oils, sunscreen and sweat, allowing your exfoliator to really get to business straight from the off. However, doing the opposite lifts away those dead skin cells first which gives your cleanser a better chance to wash all that debris away.

In short, cleansing first allows for a deeper, more effective exfoliation, while exfoliating first gives you a better cleanse.

Of course, if you prefer chemical exfoliants like our new 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant, this whole point is null and void. You must always apply chemical exfoliants to clean skin for the best results. End of discussion.

4. For Excellent Results, Exfoliate In The Morning

Never quite sure whether to exfoliate before bed or after you wake up? To be honest, any time of the day is good and it really depends on your skin type, needs and routine. However, if you really want to get the most out of your exfoliant, it can be better to use it in the morning.

During the night, your skin repairs and renews itself from the daily grind, leaving you with more dead skin cells to slough away come the morning. Also, most people apply their retinol treatment at night so over-stimulating your skin before using such a powerful product can increase the potential for irritation.

All this combines to, in our opinion, give morning exfoliation the win. And when you add in the fact that our 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant contains skin brightening, free radical-fighting vitamin C to shield your skin from daily damage, it really is a no brainer.

5. Treat Your Exfoliant Like A Retinol Treatment

As previously mentioned, exfoliation isn't like cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen, which should all be carried out on a strict, daily basis. In fact, one of the worst things you can do is to dive in head first, going from no exfoliation at all, to a vigorous scrub every morning.

As with retinol, proceed your exfoliation routine with caution. Start with a gentle product just once or twice a week (having patch tested any new product first, of course), then slowly build up to more frequent use as your skin acclimates. Depending on your skin type, you may be able to work up to daily exfoliation, alternating between scrubs and acids, or you may find your skin prefers a less frequent approach. Everyone’s skin is different so you’ll need to be the judge of that. Just remember, exfoliating shouldn’t sting, cause peeling, or make your skin look red.

And this applies to your body, just as much as your face and neck.

Want to feel more confident to go makeup-free? Then here’s what you need to know…

We love makeup as much as the next person. Red lipstick and winged eyeliner for a Saturday night out with your besties? Count us in. However, there’s a lot to be said for minimizing the amount of makeup you wear on a daily basis. And there’s even more to be said for feeling comfortable enough in your skin to go bare-faced and makeup-free.

Of course, we’re not saying that makeup is bad for your skin. Sure, there are certain formulations that can overwhelm your skin with pore-blocking oils or irritate it with synthetic fragrances and weird preservatives. But if you choose wisely there are plenty of incredible makeup products out there that help protect your skin from damaging UV radiation, boost your fill of antioxidants or even hydrate your complexion at a surface level.

The point we’re trying to make, though, is that you shouldn’t have to wear makeup everyday just to feel confident. Your skin might not be perfect and you might have certain areas that drive you nuts, but if you take care of what you’ve got with great skincare habits and a consistent routine, you’ll be well on the way to feeling brave enough to show the world your makeup-free skin.

Here are a few important beauty habits to ensure you’re starting off right…

Look Out For Number One: Your Skin’s Barrier Function

When it comes to healthy, comfortable skin that’s hydrated, moisturized, supple and strong, your barrier function is everything. The barrier function is basically your skin’s security blanket, holding onto vital moisture, stopping potential irritants from passing through and providing protection for everything that lies within. When this protective layer gets compromised or damaged, your skin can become dehydrated, weak and easily irritated. And it won’t look good either – furnishing you with all manner of issues from redness and flaky skin through to breakouts and dullness.

The good news is that, while your barrier function naturally weakens with age, there are plenty of ways to keep it as strong and healthy as possible. First up, you must avoid overdoing ingredients that can unbalance your skin’s pH. This includes harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (a big no-no from us!) and strong exfoliating acids. Of course, exfoliation is great – just don’t overdo it. Remember, gentle skincare is key.

Sun protection is also paramount. UV radiation is a killer on your barrier function, not to mention all those damaging free radicals the sun produces deeper down in your skin’s dermis. Get ahead of the game by applying SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C to your face and neck every day without fail. Because damage limitation and all that.

Be More Hands On

Bright, radiant skin – minus the help of illuminating primers or dewy foundation – is no mean feat. But it’s not impossible. And one of our favorite ways to get more glowy is to embrace a bit of facial massage. Whether you use your hands or a facial tool like a jade roller, a few minutes of gentle kneading is a great way to boost blood flow to the surface of the skin, simultaneously bringing essential nutrients to the table while draining away toxins and excess fluids.

We like to massage our skin first thing, during our morning cleansing routine, but if mornings are a bit of a rush for you, you can also practice it in the evenings, after applying facial oil or your favorite serum (we’re all over Peptide Facial Serum right now). Just remember to use upward motions to help lift your skin, working from the center of your face out towards the hairline. It may sound simple, but it’s amazing what this small and relatively quick habit can do for the brightness of your skin.

Don't Underestimate The Power Of Vitamin C

While we’re on the subject of skin brightening, let’s talk about vitamin C. One of the most powerful ingredients for improving radiance, vitamin C is an absolute must for anyone wanting to enhance their skin and prepare it for a makeup-free future.

Topical vitamin C is a clinically-proven ingredient that works hard to protect, brighten, strengthen and rejuvenate dull skin. It sometimes gets bad press by skincare cynics because pure vitamin C can be irritating, is highly acidic and easily breaks down on contact with your skin. So hold on, why’s it so great, then? Well, there are many different variations of vitamin C and some derivatives hold all the power. Our favorite is sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) which, in our humble opinion, is far superior to the pure stuff (l-ascorbic acid). 

SAP is a salt version of pure vitamin C and, although it’s more gentle, is no less effective when you used consistently and with a little patience. It’s also more stable when it comes into contact with light, air and water which means it maintains its potency for way longer. Win-win.

Not only does vitamin C rev up your glow and inhibit melanin production, but it’s also a potent antioxidant, fighting off free radical damage and minimizing the visible signs of premature aging such as dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Try our fan-favorite Vitamin C Facial Serum coupled with Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser for a boost of vitamin C your skin will love.

Make Cooler Temperatures Your Friend

One thing skin hates (pesky sun aside), is hot water. Cleansing your skin with scorching water can irritate your barrier function, damage keratin and strip the surface of valuable oils and moisture, causing dryness and dehydration. At best, it’ll make your skin temporarily flushed. At worst, it'll feel super itchy, downright inflamed and could even cause tiny blood capillaries to burst leaving you with red spots under the surface of your skin.

Word is, never cleanse your skin in water that’s anything hotter than room temperature. Similarly, don’t stick your head under the shower if you like your showers on the side of boiling, either. Not sure what ‘room temperature’ really feels like? No problem, just run your water over the back of your hand and apply the Goldilocks principle – aiming for water that’s neither too hot nor too cold.

Colder temperatures can also be your skin’s best friend if you suffer with blotchy skin or bags under your eyes that you’re always trying to cover up with makeup. A couple of teaspoons kept in the fridge, for example, are genius for placing over tired eyes to help depuff and brighten. You could also keep your eye cream, face masks and jade roller in the fridge to help constrict the blood capillaries and calm redness on application.

Get Breakouts Under Control

Covering pimples and blackheads with makeup can often make things worse – especially if your foundation and concealer contain pore-clogging oils.

Instead of trying to solve acne with makeup, tackle them at their source by cleansing twice daily (as well as after exercising) with a gentle, balancing cleanser that clarifies your pores without stripping your skin of essential sebum. We love Tea Tree Super Cleanser+. After cleansing, apply a pore-refreshing toner that also helps exfoliate and regulate your skin (oh hi there Ocean Mineral Super Toner), then follow with Tea Tree Super Serum+ two or three times a week. Trust us, you’ll soon notice a big difference in the frequency and severity of your breakouts.

Now, just think how much money you're going to save on makeup going forward. Not to mention the extra time in bed you'll get back every morning...

You can have all the will (and fancy products!) in the world, but without a consistent skincare routine, you might as well kiss healthy skin goodbye.

‘Routine.’ Granted, it’s not the most glamorous word in the world, but it’s probably one of the most important ones when it comes to the health of your skin. It’s all well and good arming yourself with bazillions of skincare products and all the beauty knowhow you can lay your hands on, but if you’re not consistently nailing the important basics through a carefully thought-out daily routine, then the rest is basically pointless.

Great skin is something we all dream of. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but if we can help it to be, look and feel its absolute best then we’re happy. Great skin doesn’t just happen, however. It requires work and care. It needs to be protected from the grinds of everyday life (yes, we’re talking to you sunshine, pollution, stress and so on), and it needs to be kept clean, hydrated, balanced and moisturized. After all, if you neglect your skin and the damage is already done, it’s almost impossible to reverse it.

According to the Oxford English dictionary, the definition of routine is ‘a sequence of actions regularly followed.’ Sound pretty simple, right? Then let’s have a look at how to build an awesome skincare routine that a) you can stick to and b) is effective…  

The Importance Of WHAT You Put On Your Skin… And HOW!

While we believe the best daily routine includes cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen, ultimately, there are only three steps your skin genuinely ‘needs.’ One is cleanser; two is moisturizer and three is sun protection. Of course, the old skool routine was to cleanse, tone and moisturize but we’ve since realized that skin can probably survive without toner… but it’s much more damaging to go without sunscreen.

Don’t get us wrong, we would never dismiss all those other products that work super hard to amp up your routine and target specific concerns like dark spots, fine lines and dark under eye circles. However, when it comes down to the fundamental basics, cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are everything.

1. Cleanser

Cleansing is the start of your routine, and choosing the right formulation is worth its weight in gold. Dermatologists recommend cleansing your skin twice daily (plus after exercising), using gentle formulations that are free of harsh, potent chemicals that can upset your barrier function. Certain alcohols like alcohol denat are best avoided as are sulfates and parabens that can irritate your skin and suck all the important oils from the surface. Instead, stick with gentle, non-abrasive products for daily use – whatever your skin type.

When you cleanse, take a few minutes to massage the product into your skin with your hands. This will help blood flow and lymphatic drainage to really up your glow factor. Oh, and don’t forget that hot water is the enemy. Use lukewarm water only, rinsing well and then gently patting with a clean, cotton towel.

2. Moisturizer

No matter what comes between your cleanser and moisturizer, this important step can make or break your routine. And consequently the state of your skin. Go too bold with thick, heavy ingredients that are too rich and you could break out lightning fast. Similarly, if your moisturizer is too light your skin can end up feeling super dry and dehydrated.

The key is to find a moisturizer that works in complete harmony with your skin type. Moisturizers need to have two main components: humectants which draw in water to hydrate the skin, and emollients or occlusives that lock in hydration and leave a certain smoothness to the skin. Oily or combination skin types should avoid occlusives like cocoa butter and coconut oil as these create a protective layer on the skin’s surface which blocks the pores. But other than that, it’s fair game. Humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin? Incredible… and very important for all skin types. Emollients like jojoba oil and vitamin E? Ditto.

To get the most from your moisturizer, smooth it all over your skin in upwards strokes to lift and firm your complexion. You could also apply it when your skin is still a little damp to lock in hydration.

3. Sunscreen

We get bored of hearing ourselves bang on about sunscreen, but until it becomes the norm for everyone to apply it on the reg, we will continue. Why is sunscreen so important? Because it not only protects your skin from the perils of premature aging, but it also reduces your chances of developing skin cancer.

The sun is present all year long, and its harmful UV rays are also around every day, doing the best they can to damage your collagen, ruin your elastin and screw up your DNA. This is why sunscreen is mega important every day (not just on the beach!), and on every area of exposed skin. To ensure you get good protection from both UVA and UVB radiation, look for broad-spectrum formulations that have an SPF of at least 30 – that’s the sweet spot most derms recommend. Apply around a nickel-sized amount to ensure you get the right amount of protection.

The Importance Of WHEN You Apply Your Skincare

A good skincare routine isn’t just about knowing which products to use, you also need to know how and when to apply them.

Sunscreen obviously isn’t required before bed. Because that would be pointless. And certain retinol products, strong actives or exfoliants might only be necessary a couple of times a week. But the rest of your routine should be carried out morning and night, unless otherwise stated on the label.

Then, it’s all about getting your order right. Obviously you should cleanse first, before toning, but then what? Well, if you’re using some kind of treatment serum for acne or pigmentation this should follow your toner. Next, would be an antioxidant serum like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, followed by your eye cream, moisturizer and face oil.

Sunscreen is vital every morning and, without question, always comes last because most formulations (and especially mineral sunscreens) are designed to sit on the surface of your skin. If you apply sunscreen before your serum, for example, it’ll block all those delicious ingredients from penetrating your skin and doing their job. Money. Down. The. Drain.

If this skincare layering order doesn’t stick in your head just remember that your thinnest product should be applied first, with the thickest, most dense product going last.

Finally, The Importance Of Being Patient… & Consistent

Expecting miracles from your skincare routine right from the off is setting yourself up for failure. Most products take time before they’re able to offer you the positive results you’re after. Retinol, for example, can take weeks, if not months before you really start to see the benefits, so be patient and stick with it.

Go to bed ten minutes earlier to give yourself the time to cleanse, treat and moisturize your skin before you turn in. Similarly, set your morning alarm five minutes earlier to ensure you have enough time (and therefore no excuses not!) to apply sunscreen. 

Ensuring your routine becomes a habit is such an easy thing to do. And it's so worth it in the end.

Fall might not feel like a drastic change in the weather but to maintain glowing skin all year round, it’s wise to adapt with the seasons. Here’s how to get on that.

As you know, maintaining a consistent skincare regime is something we feel very strongly about here at TruSkin. Crushing a twice daily cleanse? Vital. Moisturizing your skin after every cleanse? Ditto. And protecting it daily from the damaging rays of the sun? Well, you know what our feelings are on that one. However, as the seasons switch it’s always wise to take a long, hard look at what you put on your skin to see if it’s in sync with the changes in the weather.

Right now, we’re talking fall – the season of pumpkins, pie, knitwear and new coats. And it’s official: fall is the best time of year. Well, try arguing that with the 41 percent of adults who cite fall as their favorite season, anyway.

Where your skin is concerned, fall is the perfect time to repair summertime damage while preparing your skin for what winter will inevitably bring – which is mainly dryness and dehydration. It’s also a great time to start out with a new retinol or antioxidant regime.

Keep scrolling for 10 ways to tweak your skincare regime so that it a) doesn’t interrupt your bang-on regime too much, but b) keeps you on top of the seasonal changes…

1. Tackle Post-Summer Dark Spots

After a summer of intense UV radiation it’s a smart move to scrutinize your skin for any patchy areas, dark spots or changes in your moles. Feel like the latter might be a concern? Then book yourself in for a check immediately, just to be sure. For any other discoloration issues, we recommend vitamin C which is a whizz at maintaining better control over melanin production, thus helping to brighten and even out your skin tone. Fan-favorite Vitamin C Facial Serum is a shoo-in. Obvs.

2. Treat Yourself To A Humidifier

Wasting money on pointless gadgets is so not our thing. But things that actually benefit the skin? Those we can get on board with. And one we’re massively into is the humidifier. Fall and winter are notoriously ‘dry’ months in which the air contains less moisture than during spring and summer. That’s bad news for skin hydration. Humidifiers, however, add moisture back into the air which means more for your skin to soak up. Get one for your bedroom, specifically, so your skin can relish in all that extra moisture as you sleep.

3. Layer Up With Hydration

Along with a humidifier, you should also add extra hydration into your daily skincare routine. And what better way than by layering up with a serum that contains one or more humectants? Humectants like glycerin, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid work like magnets to draw water into the top layers of your skin. They’re super smart. And super important, especially during fall and winter. Try Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, layered underneath your moisturizer.

4. Keep On Top Of Your Sunscreen

Before we go any further, let’s address the elephant in the room: sunscreen. Everyone’s favorite love-to-hate product, sunscreen plays an important role in skincare – come summer or fall.

Here’s the thing: the sun is present EVERY DAY, even when it’s cruddy outside, because sunshine is about light, not just heat. Sure, you might not feel the sun on your skin on cold, cloudy days, but it’s still there. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays penetrate right through clouds. UVA rays in particular are constant all year round. And they’re the ones most responsible for deep skin aging. So don’t file away your sunscreen just because September is over. You need SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen every day. Lecture over.

5. Go All Over With Moisture

Moisturizing is your skin’s best friend, so as colder months approach it’s important not to begin and end with your face. A lack of humidity in the air can seriously contribute to dry, itchy skin on your arms, back, legs and your entire body, so get your barrier function back in order, up hydration and load up on head-to-toe moisture.

6. Be Kinder As You Cleanse

Turning up the water temperature is extremely tempting as the months turn chilly, but hot water is a bad idea for your skin as it sucks away moisture and strips away vital oils. Keep it lukewarm and use a skin-forgiving cleanser to retain hydration and replenish your barrier function. We love Soothing Cleansing Milk for the ultimate in gentle cleansing.

7. Give Your Skin A Break

If you have sensitive skin or suffer with conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, seasonal changes can be a real trigger for flare-ups and irritation. So lay off the active ingredients for a while and put a pin in exfoliation for a week or so. Instead, go back to basics by nourishing your skin with gentle ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter.

8. Start Right With Retinol

Thinking of adding retinol to your skincare routine? Well, now’s a great time to do so as you’re less exposed to strong sunlight in the fall and winter months. UV radiation can break down the efficacy of retinol which is why it’s often advised to apply it at night time only. Start now, however, and you’ll minimize these effects even more.

We love Retinol Facial Moisturizer which contains plenty of delicious moisturizing ingredients to counteract any further dryness or irritation. It’s a retinol miracle!

9. Love Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thin and extremely fragile so it can be greatly affected by transitions in the weather. Dryness, itching, redness and puffiness? A real thing if you don't treat this area with the love and respect it deserves. And we can help with that with our new Depuffing Longevity Eye Cream which contains bakuchiol to help strengthen the skin, as well as glycerin and aloe to hydrate, plus coffeeberry extract to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.

10. Cut Back On Exfoliation

Exfoliating regularly in the summer months is fine because all that extra humidity helps your skin remain sturd, giving it the strength to deal. However, as the air dries up your barrier function can become dehydrated and therefore less able to hold its own against all that buffing and scrubbing. The solution? Either cut down your exfoliation routine to once a week, or go for a gentler product that contains non-abrasive exfoliants like lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid. Try Ocean Minerals Super Toner which offers gentle exfoliation after cleansing to revitalize your skin without irritation.

Prepping your skin for an awesome night’s sleep is super important – and good news, you don’t need to sweat over it…

Quality skin isn’t solely about what you do in the morning and consequently what you see throughout the day. Of course, an effective morning routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, treating and protecting your skin is essential and, without it, your complexion would be a far cry from what it is today.

However, what your skin gets up to overnight, and what you do to help or hinder this, is just as important. Maybe even more so. 

While you sleep, your skin kickstarts a whole plethora of damage limitation processes. Not only does blood flow increase to nourish and revitalize the skin, but collagen and elastin production accelerates to boost cell renewal and help keep your skin strong, supple and firm. Your body’s natural antioxidant system also revs up to counteract damage from the slings and arrows of everyday life. Think pollution, UV radiation, sweating, irritants – all of which hit your skin hard while you’re awake. This means your poor, delicate skin needs a serious amount of recovery time if it’s going to look, feel and perform at the top of its game.

Enter the power of a good night’s sleep.

Research shows that people who get regular, quality sleep (around eight hours is the sweet spot) have much better skin than those who sleep less, like five hours. This is because short-sleepers miss out on precious time to allow their skin’s overnight restoration activities to do their magic.

Don’t be like those people. Get. Your. Sleep.

In order to get the most out of your invaluable hours of sleep, it’s vital to start your skin off right. And how do you go about that? Well, you must cleanse away the sins of the day for starters, then it's important to amp up hydration; boost those antioxidants, and protect and nourish your barrier function. Sounds complicated? Ha, that’s where you’re wrong. In fact, the simplest night time skincare routine is often the most effective. Read on for five easy steps for nailing your skin's best beauty sleep ever…

1. The Non-Negotiable Cleanse

Newsflash: cleansing before bed is way more important than a morning cleanse. Think about it, by the end of the day you’ve been awake for a good 16 hours and in this time your skin has been subjected to all manner of aggressors including dirt, pollution, sweat and makeup. Do you really want to leave all that grime on your skin overnight? No way! Not only does this stop your skin from functioning properly, but it’ll also reduce the efficacy of any other skincare product you might apply afterwards.

Whatever your skin type and product preference, the golden rule is to cleanse your skin thoroughly but gently, using a mild formulation and avoiding harsh cleansing agents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Use warm, not hot water to help protect your barrier function; massage your cleanser all over your face and neck for at least a minute, and remember to rinse thoroughly then gently pat dry with a clean towel. Our current go-to is our new Tea Tree Super Cleanser+ but we have three incredible cleansers to choose from right here.

2. The Speedy Spritz That Speaks Volumes

Toner doesn’t have it easy. Some people hate it, others just can’t be bothered. But the thing is, toner is an extremely simple step that can really turn up your bedtime skincare routine an extra notch. Take our Ocean Minerals Super Toner, for example. Not only does it require zero effort (remove lid, spritz on skin, done) but it’s packed with minerals, vitamins, peptides and nourishing ingredients that finish off your cleanse to the nth degree and prepare your skin for the next steps in your routine. Fancy boosting cell turnover, hydration and strengthening your skin in, literally, seconds? It’s a no brainer, right?

3. The Restoration Project

Remember that whole rejuvenation process we spoke of earlier? Well, if you want to give your skin a little nudge in the right direction, you have to get on board with a treatment serum. The exact formulation you choose will obviously depend on your skin type and needs (vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration etc.) but if you want to stick with the number one ingredient for overnight skin restoration, look no further than retinol.

Retinol’s secret is its ability to ‘communicate’ with your skin at a cellular level, accelerating the production of collagen and elastin, improving cell turnover and being an overall demon at strengthening your skin while increasing elasticity and refining everything from lines and wrinkles to dark spots and acne breakouts.

Retinol is often advised for night time use only as it's pretty potent stuff. It also reacts to sunlight, becoming less effective unless you protect your skin extremely well. So bed time is the best time, people!

Try our Retinol Facial Serum for a fabulous overnight skin revamp, but remember to go slow, applying it just two or three times a week to begin with.

4. The Treatment For Your Eyes

If you’ve ever had a rough night’s sleep you’ll know that the skin around your eyes is the first area to give the game away. How so? Because it’s thinner, more delicate and contains fewer sebaceous glands than the rest of your face so it becomes dry and shows up fine lines and wrinkles lightning fast.

A lack of sleep also causes the blood vessels under the skin to dilate which increases blood retention and creates dark circles. And we're not done yet. An abundance of cortisol in your system (the stress hormone that goes awry if you don’t get enough sleep) also changes the balance of salts in your body which makes it retain water and can result in swelling under your eyes. Hello puffy eye bags!

The moral of this story? Get your zzzs and help the skin around your eyes look after itself by applying a targeted treatment before bed. We love Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream which blends HA with vitamin C to hydrate and brighten dark circles, plus vitamin B5 to strengthen and moisturize.

5. The Moisture Lock-In

Sure, your regular moisturizer will do a decent job of locking in hydration and keeping your barrier function ticking along nicely as you sleep. But is ‘decent’ good enough? We don’t think so. Instead, do the best for your skin by applying a targeted night cream that boasts all the ingredients your skin could possibly need to replenish moisture and support its overnight renewal system.

Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream is an awesome way to end your night time routine and will have your skin looking incredible the next morning. Chock full of supportive ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin B5, MSM and aloe it’s the ideal formulation for the night shift. Plus it seals moisture into your skin to help replace that which is lost as you sleep (which is way more than in the daytime, btw!). Oh, and it feels amazing to apply. Yeah yeah, we know that’s not the most important thing in a skincare product, but it’s important to us.

And we know it’s just as important to you!

Always figured that dry skin and dehydrated skin were one and the same? Easy mistake. But one that can totally ruin your skin’s mojo…

Skin types, nuances, niggles and concerns are easy to get in a jumble. Because we’re all human, after all. But the problem is if you don’t understand the skin type or condition you’re dealing with, how are you supposed to, well, deal with it?

Dry and dehydrated skin are classic cases in point. If you look at the words ‘dry’ and ‘dehydrated’ it’s easy to see why they appear to be the same things. But on the contrary: dry and dehydrated skin are their own individual beasts and they sometimes need to be dealt with quite differently.

Here’s what we know…

What Is Dry Skin?

Just like oily, normal or combination skin, dry skin is the type you were born with. Sure, it can change slightly over the years as your skin ages and matures, but your skin type is your skin type. End of story.

Skin types are all based on one thing: sebum. Sebum is a complex mix of oils and lipids that’s produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands. Still with us? Good because sebum is super important for the health of your skin. It not only locks in moisture to keep your complexion soft and supple, but it also helps protects your skin from external aggressors like pollution, UV radiation and toxins. As we said, super important.

Everybody’s skin is different and produces sebum at its own individual rate. And this is all determined by your genes. If your skin is fairly balanced then you have that elusive normal skin. Jealous, much? If your sebaceous glands are crazy-active and produce more sebum than your skin needs, you have oily skin. Maybe yours produces more in certain areas (the infamous t-zone) than others? Then it’s known as combination skin.

And, then there’s dry skin which is lacking in sebum thanks to having fewer sebaceous glands and therefore less available sebum to nourish, moisturize and protect your skin.

How To Tell If You Have Dry Skin

Dry skin can occur anywhere on your face and body, and it often feels tight, itchy and uncomfortable. It may also be prone to flaking or cracking and feels kind of rough when you run your fingers over the surface. More fun news: dry skin often gets worse thanks to things like extreme weather conditions, emotional stress, certains meds, poor skincare choices and, surprise, surprise, the aging process.

3 Tips For Dry Skin

You can’t change the skin you were born with, but you can offer dry skin help when help is definitely needed. Here’s how…

1. Make Moisturizer The Biggest Deal Ever

Moisturizers that are rich in occlusive ingredients are the best bet for dry skin. Occlusives and emollients help seal cracks on the skin's surface, and they add a protective layer over your barrier function, making up for the lack of sebum your skin naturally produces.

Look out for rich creams that contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil. And moisturize after EVERY cleanse. No arguments. A great choice for you? Our Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream which is packed with botanical oils and cocoa butter.

2. Avoid Alcohol

In your skincare that is, not in your glass.

Cetyl and stearyl alcohols are totally fine, but certain alcohols like isopropyl alcohol and alcohol denat are extremely drying on your skin, stripping away sebum (which you don’t have enough of in the first place!) and seriously upsetting your barrier function. Cleansers, in particular often contain nasty alcohols but avoid them at all costs. Choose our NEW Soothing Cleansing Milk instead. No regrets.

3. Be Gentle With Actives

Vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are all great but if you have seriously dry skin, you need to be careful not to overload your skin with powerful ingredients that have the potential to strip away what oils your skin does – or in your case, does not – have.

Niacinamide is a great alternative antioxidant for dry, sensitive skin. You could also try our Vitamin C Facial Serum (after patch testing first, of course). This awesome serum contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a much gentler form of vitamin C.

What Is Dehydrated Skin?

In the opposite corner, we have dehydrated skin which first up, is NOT a skin type, but a condition – normally a temporary one. Small mercies, right?

Dehydrated skin has nothing to do with your skin’s level of sebum, but is all about its water content. Healthy skin should contain around 64 percent water to maintain optimum elasticity, strength, volume and moisturization. And your skin has a very smart protective layer called its barrier function, which helps keep all this moisture in. When your barrier function becomes compromised, however, thanks to harsh cleansing, over-exfoliation, poor sleep, a cruddy diet or a lack of moisturization, moisture starts to escape more than it should. And therein lies the perfect recipe for dehydrated skin.

How To Tell If You Have Dehydrated Skin

No matter if your skin is oily, combination, dry or normal, it can still be dehydrated. Dehydration may feel tight like dry skin, but if it feels both oily and dry at the same time, chances are it’s actually dehydrated, rather than dry.

Dehydration will make your skin look duller than normal and any fine lines or wrinkles will appear more prominent thanks to the lack of water keeping your skin full and healthy-looking. You may also notice dark circles around your eyes or more frequent breakouts. Joy.

3 Tips For Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin still requires gentle moisturization to help seal in water but there are a few extra things to also bear in mind…

1. Go Big On Humectants

Humectants are to dehydrated skin what jelly is to PB – priceless. Humectants are skincare ingredients that work like water magnets, luring it to your skin’s surface to seriously increase your skin’s moisture content.

Hyaluronic acid is the obvious show-stopper, but glycerin and aloe vera are also seriously good. Try our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum before moisturizing day and night and take it one step further with Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream to help deal with dehydration around the eye area at the same time.

2. Exfoliate, But Be Kind

Dehydration and dull skin often go hand-in-hand so make sure your skin is turning over efficiently – because it’s super important. Gently exfoliate with a facial scrub once or twice a week, or try Ocean Minerals Super Toner daily. This toning treatment contains glycolic acid, an effective alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves the ‘glue’ which binds dead skin cells together at the skin’s surface. By doing so, this helps your skin renew and revitalize itself quicker and, well, much better.

3. Avoid Hot Showers

Long, scorching showers are very dehydrating for your poor skin. Hot water breaks down your barrier function, stripping away essential moisture AND sebum which can encourage dryness as well as dehydration. Very uncool. Ha, literally.

Stick to lukewarm showers and always moisturize after getting your skin wet – preferably while your skin is still damp to seal in as much moisture as possible.