True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Because you're important and you deserve a break.

Knowing how to switch off after a hectic day of office work, Zoom calls, housework, children juggling, personal admin and general ‘life’ is not something that comes easy for all. Sure, there are those lucky few who find unwinding as easy as riding a bike (who even are those people?!), but for most of us, chilling the heck out is tricky business.

In this crazy digital world we live in, it’s easy to spend your evenings watching countless episodes of the latest must-see show on Netflix while constantly diverting your attention to your smartphone. In fact, studies show that the average American checks their phone 58 times per day. Once more, 50 percent of these check-ins start within just three minutes of the previous one. So, why is this so terrible? Well, it’s not the end of the world, but if you have trouble with stress it’s not the best use of your me-time. After all, can you honestly switch off when you’re constantly idling through TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram? Probably not.

We wouldn’t dream of telling you to throw away your digital devices for good just so you can relax a bit more. Because, quite honestly, social media isn’t to blame for everything. However, try putting your phone aside for an hour every evening to concentrate on the now. Trust us, it’s weirdly lethargic!

Once you’ve got this important habit nailed, try these other proven tricks for helping you to be more relaxed.

Stretch

Of course, stretching is important for your physical health, but did you know it’s also an awesome way to improve your mental well being? Stretching relaxes your muscles, reduces tension and increases serotonin which is the hormone responsible for boosting your mood and regulating your sleep. Basically, it feels damn good – both physically and emotionally – and is the ideal way to shake off negative thoughts and help you relax.

Yoga and pilates are great workouts for stretching your full body but if that’s not your jam, there are plenty of simple stretches you can do at home to relieve tension. A simple one you can do every morning is to lie on your back with your arms above your head. Then stretch your toes and fingers in the opposite direction, hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat a few times. Other easy stretches you can do every morning include the classic child’s pose and downward dog.

Connect To The Outside World

Nature is a powerful thing so, if you can, step outside and take a few minutes to breathe in some fresh air and cherish the great outdoors. Even better, go for a short walk (minus your smartphone!) and take in your surroundings – it’s an extremely therapeutic way to clear your head. Short bursts of vitamin D (because, contrary to what we usually tell you, the sun isn’t ALL bad!) may also help boost your immune system, improve your energy levels and lift your spirits. Just remember to protect exposed skin with a broad-spectrum SPF like our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C before heading outdoors.

But what about if you can’t get outside? No problem, you can still benefit from nature by looking at photos of green spaces like fields, forests and woodlands on your computer. Studies show this can have just as much of a calming effect as the real thing. Who knew?
 

Listen To Your Favorite Tunes

Music also plays an important role in your mental health, helping you reduce stress and inducing a more relaxed state of mind. The key, however, is to choose the right tunes, of course! And that all depends on your taste. Have a think about the type of music that makes you feel calm and positive. This could be anything from Mozart or Native American music to flutes or instrumental beachy vibes – whatever takes you to your happy place. Not sure where to start? Then look out for meditation playlists on your favorite streaming service that have pieces of music which play at around 60 beats per minute. Experts consider this the ideal tempo for relaxing your mind.

Plan Some Pampering ‘You’ Time

Very little beats the feeling of spending some quality time looking after yourself. This helps shift your focus from stressful thoughts and brings your attention to you and you alone. So, let’s all make a plan to give ourselves a spa-like facial one evening this weekend, shall we? Not only will it help you relax and sleep better, but it’ll do wonders for your skin at the same time. What could be better than that?

Here’s how to crush a skin and mind-loving facial at home.

1. Create A Calming Environment
Put your phone away, lock the bathroom door and ensure whoever you live with knows to leave you alone for an hour. Light a scented candle (or two!), turn on some relaxing music and wash your hands.

2. Cleanse Your Skin
Spend five minutes cleansing your skin with Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser. Use your entire hands to work it over your face and neck and use the pads of your fingers to massage it in circular motions all over. This will help boost circulation and remove build-up.

3. Steam Clean
After cleansing, fill your sink with hot (but not boiling) water, then cover your head with a towel and hover your face about 12 inches above the water for 10 minutes. The steam will soften your skin, open your pores and further draw out trapped oil and debris. You could even add a few drops of calming lavender oil if that floats your boat.

4. Apply A Face Mask
After patting your skin dry, apply your favorite face mask and relax for another 10 minutes while reading a book. Heaven!

5. Treat & Moisturize
Rinse off your mask, gently towel-dry your skin then apply Vitamin C Facial Serum to flood your skin with antioxidants, MSM and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Finish with Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream and you are done.

Finally, Breathe…

Last, but not least, breathe. Deep breathing slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and experts agree it’s one of the most effective techniques for reducing anxiety and helping you learn to relax.

There are many different breathing exercises you can practice for a calmer state of mind, but the simplest is 7-11 breathing which requires you to breathe in deeply from your diaphragm for a count of seven, then out for a count of 11, for a total of around ten minutes. Why breathe out for longer? Well, this has shown to be more effective at stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system and relaxing your body and mind.

Whatever technique you choose (and there are plenty to read up about on the internet), the most important thing to remember is to focus on your breath while inhaling and exhaling slowly and deliberately.
 

Oh sunscreen: you’ve got to love it for its valiant effort in the war against wrinkles. But, actually wearing it on a daily basis? Kind of annoying, right? Well, not any more. Say hello to one of the latest additions to the TruSkin family, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C.

Facial serums are awesome for fighting off environmental nasties and targeting all manner of skin concerns. Toners are also fabulous for treating your skin and preparing it for moisturizer. But in terms of non-negotiable essentials, the big three are, without a doubt, cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. After all, without a daily ritual of keeping your skin clean, moisturized and protected, you may as well not bother with the rest.

Now, all this chat isn’t meant to make you throw away your much-loved skin allies. Far from it. Serums, eye creams, toners and oils are extremely powerful tools for flooding your skin with hydration, antioxidants, peptides and nutrients. What we’re trying to stress, however, is the importance of the skincare fundamentals.

And sunscreen is one of, if not THE most important of those fundamentals.

The Importance Of Daily Sunscreen

Speak to any beauty editor, dermatologist or skin expert and they will undoubtedly agree on one thing: daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial if you care about maintaining healthy skin. It’s the most important way to ward off the signs of premature aging (beware dark spots, lines and wrinkles), but not only that; according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular use of SPF 15 can reduce your risk of developing certain skin cancers by as much as 50 percent.

And it’s not just when you’re lounging on the beach or picnicking in the park that sunscreen is important. In fact, you should really be wearing it on exposed skin every day of the year. Dramatic? Not even. The sun is present even when it’s cold outside because sunshine is about light, not just heat. So, while you might not feel the sun beating down on your skin on cold, cloudy days, it’s still there doing its thing. If it wasn’t? Well, frankly, it would be nighttime. UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin) are strongest in the summer, for sure, but they can still burn your skin if you’re not careful. What’s more, those equally-as-treacherous UVA rays (that ones that are responsible for deeper skin aging) are constant all year – rain or shine, blue skies or clouds. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate right through clouds.

Mic. Drop.

Your New BFF In The Fight Against Sun Damage

No matter how many times we talk about the damaging effects of the sun, it’s clear that applying sunscreen every day can seem like a real chore for many. We’ve heard all the excuses in the book, from ‘sunscreen makes my skin breakout,’ to ‘I don’t have time for yet another step in my morning routine.’ Well, we hear you. And this is why we decided to launch our very own SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen to help deal with the damaging effects of the sun while being a product you might actually want to use.

Stacked with skin-protecting ingredients like our favorite free-radical-busting antioxidant, vitamin C, along with vegan marine collagen to enhance elasticity and moisturization, and aloe vera juice to soothe and shield the skin, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen can be used on top of moisturizer or instead of – your choice. If your skin is super-dry, you’ll love it as an addition to your Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer, but many customers say they use it instead of moisturizer, applying it after their favorite hydrating serum to lock in moisture and protect their skin. So, that extra step you didn't want to deal with? Done.

The Secret Sauce

Recently awarded one of the Absolute Best New Sunscreens for 2022 by Stylecaster, the secret to SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen’s success is its smart non-nano zinc oxide formulation. Bear with us for a minute while we explain the science.

As you probably know, there are two main kinds of sunscreens available: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens use chemical ingredients (dur!) like octisalate and oxybenzone to absorb UV radiation and help protect your skin from the sun. The problem with these are that they can be irritating for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Plus, the FDA is still unsure as to their safety and effectiveness. That’s what we call a major red flag, right there.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain, yes you guessed it, minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which instantly block the sun’s rays. These naturally protect your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation and are very well tolerated by all skin types. The only downside to mineral sunscreens? They’ve traditionally felt thick and sticky to apply and often leave a white residue on the skin. Many mineral sunscreens use nano-sized zinc oxide because its tiny size means it’s less whitening on the skin. The only problem there is, is that certain studies indicate that nano particles have the potential to negatively affect the environment, causing harm to marine life.

As you know, we’re not down with that. At all. Which is why we worked out a way to formulate non-nano zinc oxide into our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen. A non-whitening, lightweight cream that won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or weighed down. It's also cruelty-free, vegan friendly and reef-safe, which makes it the perfect addition to anyone’s morning routine.

Fast becoming a TruSkin fan favorite, now you have NO excuses not to protect your skin from sun damage every day of the year.

Literally none.
 

If you're an SPF-all-year kind of person, hats off to you. But if you're not quite there yet, hopefully we can change that by filling you in on the dangers of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

If only the sun made your skin as happy as your heart. But as delightful as it is to feel the warm rays of sunshine on your skin, the perils of what’s going on just below the surface are simply not worth it.
 
The truth is, as far as your skin is concerned, the sun is the enemy. If you suffer with dermatitis or rosacea, you’ll be well aware of how heat from infrared radiation can irritate and inflame your skin. And don’t even get us started on prickly heat which occurs when blocked pores trap sweat under your skin, causing blisters and bumps that itch and burn like crazy.

No fun at all.

But the sun isn’t solely about heat. For where there is sun there is also sunlight. And along with sunlight, comes ultraviolet (UV) radiation – the biggest cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Let us explain…

What Is UV Radiation? The Science Bit

The sun is split into many forms of energy called the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of the electromagnetic spectrum is invisible to the naked eye and thankfully the earth’s atmosphere protects us from exposure to a lot of the harmful stuff.

But even the light that does reach the earth, which falls mainly in the infrared, visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum, has its pros and cons. Infrared radiation creates heat, visible light encompasses everything you see and ultraviolet radiation? Well, other than providing your body with vitamin D which, granted, plays an important role in bone and muscle health, its effects are mainly bad. And they all concern your skin.

But first, it’s important to understand the difference between the three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. Bear with us for few more science facts and then we’ll move on: promise.

The Difference Between UVA, B and C

UV radiation is split into three types of rays with various wavelengths. UVA rays have the longest wavelength and are able to penetrate right through the atmosphere. UVB rays have slightly shorter wavelengths which means that some get absorbed by the ozone layer, but most work their way through. And then you have UVC rays which are the shortest of the lot and are completely absorbed by the atmosphere. Phew.

This makes your main concerns UVA and UVB rays.

Due to their longer wavelength, UVA rays penetrate right through clouds and windows which means two things. 1. They’re present all year round, and 2. They can still get you, even when you’re inside. Their wavelength also allows them to penetrate deeper below your skin’s surface into the dermis where they can have disastrous effects, producing skin-damaging free radicals, upsetting collagen and elastin production, indirectly harming DNA and accelerating the visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and discoloration.

UVB rays, with their shorter wavelength, are often filtered by clouds and only penetrate the outer layers of your skin. But this doesn’t mean they’re any less damaging. Far from it. In fact UVB rays are responsible for causing redness, sunburns and directly damaging DNA. They’re also thought to be the root cause of most skin cancers.

Protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation, therefore, is super important. In fact, it could not be more important.

How To Protect Your Skin From UV Damage: Your Sun-Safe Checklist

1. Make Sunscreen Your Top Priority

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sunscreen is one of the most important ways to shield your skin from damaging UVA and UVB radiation. But it’s not enough to grab any old formulation, slap it on your skin and hope for the best. You must also ensure these important details are always top of mind…

• Understand Your SPF: Sunscreens must have an SPF (sun protection factor) which denotes how well they block out UVB radiation. SPF 15 blocks around 93 percent with anything above that adding just a small amount of extra coverage. It's generally agreed, however, that SPF 30 is the sweet spot because most of us don’t apply enough product! But remember, SPF only speaks to UVB protection, not UVA. This means you must always look for formulations that are labelled ‘broad-spectrum’ to ensure you have sufficient protection from both. Good news: Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen checks both boxes.  

• Don’t Scrimp: Speaking of your application, to help you get the protection that’s promised on the bottle, you should apply a good two tablespoons to your body and a nickel-sized amount for your face. And if you’re in the sun for longer periods of time? Then make sure you reapply every two hours at the very least.
• Know That Waterproof Sunscreen DOES NOT EXIST: According to the FDA there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen because they're always going to eventually wash off. Sunscreen can be water-resistant for 80 minutes at best, so check your product before hanging around in a pool for hours.
• Go Mineral, All The Way: The FDA currently deems just two sunscreen ingredients as safe and effective – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are mineral sunscreens that sit on your skin and reflect UV radiation before it has a chance to do damage. This is why our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen has been formulated with non-nano zinc oxide. Because it’s the best!

2. Cover-Up & Embrace Shade

Broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, pants and maxi skirts are great for providing protection from UV radiation so try to cover-up whenever you can and especially during the midday sun. UV radiation is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays have less distance to cover.

Also, make the shade your BFF. Good shade from dense trees, walls, large rocks or an umbrella can protect your skin from around 15 percent of UV light. And that’s not to be sniffed at.

3. Avoid Tanning Beds Like The Plague

The sun isn’t the only source of UV radiation. Tanning beds use fluorescent lightbulbs that emit a huge amount of UVA radiation, with a little UVB thrown in for good measure. What’s more, studies show that this type of artificial UV radiation can be up to three times more intense than natural sunlight.

Add to this the fact that most people don’t apply sunscreen before jumping on a tanning bed and this whole sorry affair is asking for trouble.

Say NO to tanning beds. End of.

4. Love Your Vitamins

Exposure to the sun causes free radicals which, as you know, love to ruin your skin, destroying important proteins, breaking down collagen and elastin and making your skin age up lightning fast.

Thankfully, antioxidants are to free radicals what Batman is to the Joker. A total killjoy. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E neutralize free radicals to limit their damage and help keep your skin strong, supple and resilient. We combine these two free radical-fighting powerhouses in our Vitamin C Facial Serum which makes this a great morning treatment to apply underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen to amp up your protection game.

5. Check Your Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, in their lives. What’s more, the majority of these cases can be attributed to UV exposure. We repeat: protect, protect, protect...

It’s also vital to regularly examine your skin and specifically your moles. When caught early, skin cancer has a 98 percent cure rate, so if you notice anything that looks suspicious you should immediately get it checked out by a skin specialist or doctor. Not sure what a suspicious mole looks like? The Skin Cancer Foundation has a great guide here to help you detect the warning signs.

Because, sure, it's extremely important, but summer is not only about SPF, SPF and more SPF…

When we talk of summer skincare, the first thing that always springs to mind is sunscreen. And rightly so. Protecting your skin from that fire ball in the great big sky is one of the most important things you can do for the health of not only your skin, but your entire body. The hard truth is that the sun is accountable for between 80 and 90 percent of external skin aging (ouch!). And not only does it break down important proteins in your skin (hello collagen and elastin), accelerating wrinkles and dark spots but, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV radiation is the number one cause of skin cancers. In fact, around 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the sun.

Scary stuff, right?

Knowing how to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun is an important skincare lesson. Feel like you’re not quite on the ball? Well, we’re not going to go into it today because all you need to know is right here. Instead, we're here to talk about everything else involved in summer skincare because warm weather brings a whole slew of other challenges for your skin.

Thankfully, there are many ways to up your summer skincare game to ensure your complexion stays looking fabulous all the way through fall…

1. Level Up Your Cleansing Routine

Why: Hot, steamy days mean one thing: sweat. You have between two and four million sweat glands all over your body, a large number of which are found on your forehead on cheeks. This means your cleansing game needs to be on point to ensure your pores are kept clean and clear.

How: Gel or foam face washes that contain deep cleaning ingredients like activated charcoal, tea tree oil or salicylic acid are great for the summer months. We’re currently in love with our new Tea Tree Super Cleanser which is refreshing and leaves your skin super clean. Cleanse your face every morning and more importantly, every night (when you’ll be at your sweatiest!) using lukewarm, never hot water. And make sure you get right into your hairline as this area is particularly prone to breakouts in the summer.

PS: Cleansing your body every evening is also super important if you’ve been slathered in sunscreen all day.

2. Avoid Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Why: While we’re on the topic of clogged pores, it’s not just sweat you need to worry about in the summer. Excess oils, dirt, debris, sunscreen and makeup can also get jammed in your pores, leading to breakouts on your face and body.

How: Again, regular cleansing is key, but to help keep your pores clear in the first place, try to also use non-comedogenic products across your entire skincare routine.

'Non-comedogenic’ is the term used for ingredients that are unlikely to block your pores. Rich butters and heavy oils, for example, are awesome for locking moisture into your skin and protecting your barrier function. But, they are not non-comedogenic. Far from it. Instead, look for lighter moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, as well as hydrating gems such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You’ll find all of these in our awesome Retinol Moisturizer. And yes, contrary to popular belief you CAN use retinol in the summer.

3. Exfoliate (In Moderation)

Why: Another way to keep summer breakouts at bay is to exfoliate more often than normal. Exfoliation increases cellular turnover and rids your skin of dead skin cells which are not something your pores want to deal with on top of everything else.

How: Over-exfoliating your skin is never wise and it’s one of the biggest issues derms have to deal with. However, if you’re going to up your game, now’s the time to do it. Just tread carefully. Think two or three times a week rather than every day and switch out harsh scrubs containing skin-damaging fruit shells or nut pieces for a gentler product like Ocean Minerals Super Toner which contains naturally exfoliating glycolic acid.

4. Make Friends With Antioxidants

Why: The sun is one of the leading causes of free radicals in the skin. And as innocent as they sound, free radicals have zero redeeming qualities. They’re basically unstable molecules that damage your skin by trying to bind themselves to important proteins and DNA. This causes a process called oxidative stress which weakens collagen and elastin and ages you up in no time. The good news? Antioxidants to the rescue! These little skincare geniuses bind themselves to free radicals, preventing them from damaging all the good stuff in your skin.

How: Antioxidants are awesome all year, but they’re especially important in the summer when you spend more time in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for the cream of the crop we recommend bringing out the big guns, namely vitamins C and E. This antioxidant double act not only reduces oxidative stress, but helps prevent dark spots, reduces the appearance of fine lines and works hard to boost collagen production. Apply just a few drops of Vitamin C Facial Serum every morning after cleansing and before moisturizing to get your daily quota.

5. Don’t Stop Believin'... In Moisturizer

Why: Moisturizing may feel counter-intuitive in the warmer months when your skin feels sweatier and oilier than normal. But here’s the thing, natural oils and sweat do not keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. In fact, the summer heat can dehydrate your skin which will make your skin produce even more oil than normal. And that’s what we call a vicious beauty circle. Thankfully, the solution is simple: continue to moisturize to hydrate your skin, promote cellular turnover and protect your skin's important barrier function.

How: Choose lighter products that won’t clog your pores or make your skin feel heavy and sticky, and look out for moisturizers that are high on humectants. Humectants are ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid and glycerin which draw water to the surface of your skin to help keep it hydrated. Try Hyaluronic Facial Serum each night before bed, followed by Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream to moisturize and recharge your skin while you sleep.

Finally, of course, you should continue to apply a daily broad spectrum SPF30 to any exposed skin.

But we hope that goes without saying by now...

Here’s what we know about the wonderful world of peptides. Heads up: fine lines and rough texture be afraid, be very afraid.

Just when you thought you’d gotten your head around the retinols and hyaluronic acids of the skincare world, another ingredient starts to make headlines and the confusion hits all over again. Take peptides, for example, which is not just one single entity but a whole bunch of ingredients with crazy long names to figure out. Mind-blowing stuff, right? Weeeeell, not so much. Sure, there are tons of peptides used in skincare and yes, they all have pretty science-heavy names like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, but you really only need to know a few basic things in order to get great results.

First, what they are. And second, what they do.

So, here we go…

What Exactly Are Peptides?

OK, time to get your science caps on. Peptides are chemical compounds made up of short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are also the building blocks of protein in your skin. However, the difference is that proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin are large molecules, made up of many, many amino acids, whereas peptides are shorter chains of between two and around 50 amino acids. What does all this mean? Well, studies show that because of their similar yet smaller molecular makeup, peptides are able to penetrate the skin more easily where they signal your cells to produce more of all those fabulous proteins.

How Do Peptides Benefit Your Skin?

Collagen, elastin and keratin are the absolute foundation of healthy skin, giving it valuable support, structure and strength. With age (as well as environmental bad boys like pollution and the sun), your skin produces less and less of these essential proteins which is when all those so-called imperfections you can’t bear start to rear their heads. Pesky lines around your mouth… annoying crow’s feet… a bit of sagging skin here and there… you know the drill. Frankly, other people barely notice these 'flaws' you can't stand, so they're not THAT big of a deal, but that being said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to care for your skin in order to hold onto your best complexion for as long as possible. And we get that.

It figures, then, that anything you can do to boost collagen, elastin and keratin production (aka apply peptides!) is a major plus for the look and feel of your skin. Think less pronounced lines; firmer, lifted skin and tighter-looking pores. Some peptides even have anti-inflammatory benefits which is great if you suffer with irritation, redness and sensitivities every now and again.

The fact is there's very little to disprove the amazing anti-aging benefits of applying peptides to your skin. 

The TruSkin Golden Rules For Peptides In Skincare

1. Peptides Work Best As A Team

Most skincare brands combine a carefully curated cocktail of two or more peptides to offer the best, most complete anti-aging deal for your skincare routine. So, look for multiple ingredients that end with 'peptide' and/or begin with 'palmitoyl’ for a great, all-round product. Also, stick with formulations that are packaged in dark, airtight containers. Light and air can degrade certain peptides which makes them less effective.

Our new Peptide Facial Serum checks all these boxes by combining palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl tripeptide-5 which are well-known in the biz for their collagen and elastin-boosting skills. Together with a blend of ten silk-derived amino acids this skin-loving serum is the ideal way to help your complexion snap back to life.

2. Leave-On Peptides Are What It’s All About

Experts agree that to gain the best results from peptides you should go for products that get left on your skin, so they have time to penetrate the surface and go about their age-busting business. This means serums, toners and moisturizers are your best bet rather than cleansers or face masks.

As well as our awesome new Peptide Facial Serum, Ocean Minerals Daily Face Super Toner is a great shout here. It contains palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 to support collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production and help kickstart more youthful-looking skin. 

3. Peptides Are Awesome for the Skin Around Your Eyes

Certain active ingredients like retinoids can be a little too powerful for the delicate skin around your eyes. Not so with peptides. Much safer and kinder to your skin, peptides are the ideal choice for dealing with aging eye concerns like crow’s feet, crinkling and crepey skin. This is why we packed a whole bunch of peptides into both of our eye treatments. Peptide Eye Gel, for example, is chock-full of them (the clue is in the name, after all!) and contains palmitoyl tripeptides-1 and -5, plus the mighty matrixyl 3000.

Matrixyl 3000 is a combination of several peptides and has been proven to boost collagen synthesis and help repair damaged, aging skin. In fact, one study showed that Matrixyl can almost double the amount of collagen your skin. We’re so on board with that.

4. Peptides Are Safe For Most Skin Types, But…

Patch testing is still important. Your body makes amino acids and proteins naturally, making peptides very well tolerated by most skin types. However, skin irritation can still occur if you’re super sensitive or if there are other active ingredients in the same product.

To perform a patch test, apply a small dot of product to a discreet patch of your skin. Maybe behind your eyes, inside your elbow or on your wrist. Then leave it for 48 hours to check for irritation. The chances are, you’ll be totally fine but any unlikely reaction that’s painful, uncomfortable, stinging or itchy is a major red flag and a sign that you should discontinue use.
 
 

Eating chocolate and greasy fries won’t necessarily give you pimples, and a week in the sun won’t make them vanish, either. But there are certain things that really can help prevent and treat acne breakouts. Here, we’ve rounded up ten of the best…

Acne is the most common skin woe in the whole of the United States. Not dark under eye circles, not sun spots, not even wrinkles, but acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it affects up to 50 million Americans every year, and around 15 percent of women are plagued by some form of acne during their adult lives.

Sigh.

If you’ve had acne on and off for most of your teenage and adult life, you’ll have heard every last trick about how to avoid breakouts. Most of which were probably complete BS. So, we’re here to set the record straight once for all with our guide to the most tried and trusted ways to keep acne under control. 

1. Don’t Pick

The world’s fascination with popping pimples shows no signs of going away (thanks mainly to dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper!), but attempting this at home is rarely a good idea. Sure, squeezing that white top might be hard to resist, but it can trigger inflammatory responses in your skin which can delay healing and potentially make your pimples worse.

Picking and prodding zits also introduces a bunch of new bacteria to your skin and quite frankly, it has enough to deal with already. Finally, if all that wasn’t enough, popping pimples creates trauma to your skin which can lead to scabbing, infections, pigmentation and scarring. Don’t do it. Just don’t.  

2. Keep Your Skin Clean

A primary cause of acne is blocked pores that get clogged up with oil, dirt and dead skin cells, and then become inflamed or infected with bacteria. This makes cleansing your skin twice daily extremely important – especially at night after sweat, sebum, makeup and sunscreen have built up on the surface of your skin.

Try our new Tea Tree Super Cleanser + which is ultralight, super refreshing and mega calming. It also douses your skin with a powerful blend of nature’s blemish-controlling superstar, tea tree oil, and our ultimate secret weapon for breakouts, MSM.

3. Wash Your Hands

While we’re on the subject of cleanliness, don’t underestimate the power of clean hands. Of course, you’re far too disciplined to pick at your pimples (see above), but even touching your face or leaning on your hands spreads unnecessary dirt, oil and bacteria all over your skin. It’s a tricky habit to kick because it’s usually an unconscious move, but the least you can do is wash your hands regularly to minimize the after-effects.

4. Keep Everything Clean

Not to keep banging on about cleanliness, but there’s more… Towels and pillowcases can also harbor bacteria if they’re not laundered regularly, so make sure you change these out on a weekly basis. And perhaps consider using a fragrance-free detergent if your skin tends to be reactive.

Also, wash your makeup brushes twice a week (especially if you wear makeup daily); shampoo your hair often to avoid oils from your hair transferring to your face, and wipe down your smartphone with a hand sanitizing wipe as often as you remember.

5. Use Retinol

Retinol is an anti-aging given, but it’s also a powerful tool for acne-prone skin. How so? Well, retinol helps unclog your pores by stimulating collagen production and encouraging cell turnover. It also promotes healing and, by keeping your pores clear, can help other skincare or topical acne medication penetrate more effectively.

Introduce Retinol Serum into your evening routine a few times a week and apply it to cleansed skin before moisturizing – you won’t regret it.

6. Wear Sunscreen

This might not be one of the most well-known anti-acne tricks, but it’s important, so hear us out.

In addition to the obvious protection from UV damage, sunscreen reduces redness and can help skin avert post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those dark spots that pimples often leave behind). It also reduces the likelihood of your skin becoming dry in the sun which keeps sebum balanced and under control.

So there you go, sunscreen for acne – surprisingly important. Just remember to avoid heavy, pore-clogging sunscreens that can cause breakouts or make the pimples you have even worse. Instead, try our new SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen which is sheer, lightweight and oil-free.

7. Moisturize… But Do It With Care

Acne often goes hand-in-hand with oily skin which can get forgotten about when it comes to moisturizing. It’s a huge mistake to skip this vital step, however, no matter how oily or pimply your skin may be. If you fail to moisturize your skin, the surface will become dry and your sebaceous glands will overproduce oil to compensate. Cue excess oil which can block your pores and make acne worse.

Your best bet is to hydrate with a light serum like Hyaluronic Acid Serum, then follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer that’s less likely to block your pores. Oh, and make sure you do this day AND night, especially if you use harsh acne treatments that dry out your skin.

8. Avoid Over Exfoliation

Scrubbing your face feels great, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make, particularly if you’re prone to breakouts.

Exfoliation is great for boosting cell turnover and keeping your pores clean and clear, but too much can cause redness and inflammation – something you definitely don’t want to encourage if acne is already making your skin both of these things. Stick to once a week max, or better yet, allow chemical exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid to gradually do the job for you.

9. Manage Your Stress 

As with seemingly everything, when it comes to acne, stress only makes matters worse. Research has pointed to a direct link between stress and acne, thanks to stress-related hormones like cortisol encouraging your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Cortisol also reduces your skin’s natural levels of hyaluronic acid which makes your skin more dehydrated and further triggers sebum production. All this excess oil is a veritable playground for bacteria to breed and acne to worsen.

Of course, keeping stress under control is no mean feat, but breathing exercises, yoga, or taking a short walk each day may help clear your mind. Go for whatever form of relaxation suits you and helps take the pressure off, even if only for a few minutes. And remember to get your seven or eight hours of quality sleep while you’re at it. Sleep is SO important.

10. Strike Down Inflammation, Inside and Out

As helpful as skincare tips may be, acne is often an inside job rooted in internal factors influenced by diet and hormones. While addressing these triggers is an important part of getting chronic acne under control, it’s also key to hit back at topical inflammation. This beauty baddie not only exacerbates breakouts, it can increase the likelihood of hyperpigmentation and scarring, so it’s especially critical to diminish it as much as possible.

To help do this on the daily, look for skin saviors with anti-inflammatory clout like vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, as well as MSM and aloe, all of which have a reputation for mitigating inflammation and blemishes alike. You can find them teamed up in our Vitamin C Serum, as well as across several other TruSkin formulas—because we know how invaluable these good guys can be for all skin types.