True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Building up a sweat is awesome. But sticky skin, blocked pores and post-workout breakouts? Not so much. Here’s how to get ahead of that…

Working out can sometimes feel like a real chore but the benefits far outweigh any downsides like feeling totally beat, sweaty and out of breath. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity not only improves your bones and muscles, but may help reduce your risks of all types of health-related problems such as depression, cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Exercise has also been proven to be pretty darn great for your skin. We’re talking improved sleep, less emotional anxiety and way better skin thanks to those feel-good endorphins you get during and after exercise. And of course, there’s that immediate post-workout glow we all know and love which is all down to increased blood flow to your skin and the complexion-loving oxygen and nutrients that come with it.

Exercise, however, can also have its downsides when it comes to the look, feel and health of your skin. Which is why, as always, preparation is key! Read on for our top dos and don’ts for staying ahead of the game…

BEFORE WORKING OUT...

1. DON’T Worry About Having Super Clean Skin

Most people think you should only ever exercise with squeaky clean, makeup-free skin, but that’s not strictly true. In fact, cleansing your skin too often can compromise your barrier function, causing dryness, dehydration and maybe even a little irritation if you're not super careful. This means it’s no biggie if you want to work out straight after work but can’t be bothered to cleanse your face first.

However, if you’re a heavy makeup wearer, you might want to rethink this rule. A face full of heavy makeup – especially oil-based products that aren’t non-comedogenic – could clog your pores and cause sweat, oil and bacteria to build. up. Not ideal. Especially if you’re prone to breakouts. For you, we recommend removing your makeup first with an oil-based remover.

2. DO Avoid Heavy Moisturizers

Tempted to moisturize before building up a sweat? Yeah... about that. Heavy moisturizers usually contain occlusive ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil which are awesome at trapping in essential moisture for softer, more hydrated skin. When it comes to exercising, however, they’re majorly bad news.

How so? Well, anything that creates a barrier on the skin’s surface prevents you from sweating – an essential bodily function that helps cool you down and balance your internal body temperature. Not only that, but occlusive moisturizers work hard to trap everything but the kitchen sink in those precious pores of yours. Avoid them like the plague before any gym or training sesh.

3. Do Apply Sunscreen If You’re Working Out Outside

The one thing you really DO want on your skin if you’re exercising outside? Sunscreen. Preferably one that’s at least SPF 30, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.

Sure, the sun makes us all feel happier and healthier but it’s hella bad for your precious skin, creating an abundance of collagen-damaging free radicals and being the number one cause of premature aging.

Also: skin cancer. Very serious business.

Always apply a good layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen (this means it protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation) before working out. Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is perfect because it combines free radical-busting vitamin C with zinc oxide to further protect your skin from harm.

AFTER WORKING OUT...

1. DO Ditch Your Workout Clothes ASAP

Tight clothing is great for working out, but it’s not particularly ‘breathable’ and can trap sweat, oils and bacteria next to your skin. Couple this will all that friction that’s caused by tight clothes rubbing against your skin and you could have a real problem on your hands in the form of irritation and body breakouts.

Remove your sweaty, workout gear straight away and you’ll be fine.

2. DO Cleanse Straight Away

Cleansing your skin before working out might not be imperative, but doing it afterwards is a whole different story. After building up a sweat you absolutely must thoroughly cleanse your skin to do away with all that oil, grime and debris. Otherwise they’ll rest in your pores and cause absolute mayhem.

Wash your face immediately after working out with a gentle but effective cleanser that helps balance your skin and detox your pores. We love Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser which contains activated coconut charcoal to mop up excess oils and sweat, plus anti-bacterial ylang ylang oil to purify your post-workout skin.

And don’t forget your body, either. In fact, to hell with it – jump in that shower and give yourself some major cleansing love from head to toe.

3. DON’T Go Big On Exfoliation

Sure, it’s tempting to have a good old exfoliation sesh after exercising to scrub away all that dirt and grime, but you’re better off leaving this for another time. And the reason is simple. Post-workout skin is especially delicate so it needs to be dealt with carefully.

You could try Ocean Minerals Super Toner for a gentle, exfoliating freshen up, though. This toning spray contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliator that helps dissolve the glue between dead skin cells, encouraging them to slough off. It’ll also help cool and hydrate your skin as an extra side benefit.

4. DO Try A Refreshing Cool Rinse

Speaking of cooling down, a quick blast of cool (although not too chilly!) water at the end of your cleanse or shower is an awesome way to counteract all that heat energy caused by physical exercise. This will help calm your skin, reduce redness and decrease any chances of inflammation.

Love that for you.

Stress = irritation, which is one of the worst things for your skin. Let’s see what we can do to help turn stressed skin into your best skin ever.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s no wonder what you see on the outside reflects exactly what’s going on inside. When you’re rested and bursting with energy, for example, your skin often reflects that. And, ps, can we have a group hug for those rare but joyous days, please?!

Similarly, when you’re super tired, anxious and emotionally drained, your skin is likely to react in the same way, looking dull, feeling rough and, frankly, being a bit of a stressed mess.

But why does stress and emotional anxiety affect the skin in such a major way? Well, when you feel stressed about something, your brain prepares your body to go into fight or flight mode. In doing so, your nervous system releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream which nudges your heart to beat faster, your breath to speed up and your muscles to tense up. All this is great in short-lived stressful situations like job interviews or when dealing with a threat or emergency. But when stress becomes more the norm than a rarity, these hormones go into constant overdrive and things start to go awry. Headaches and nausea can kick in, your digestive system becomes compromised and, in extremely chronic cases, you may even increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

And then there’s your skin.

Various studies show that both acute (temporary) and chronic (consistent) stress create negative effects on the health of your skin. For starters, spikes in cortisol increase inflammation and cause your sebaceous glands to go wild, encouraging them to produce way too much oil than your skin really needs (cue breakouts!). An overload of cortisol also breaks down vital collagen supplies, decreases hydrating hyaluronic acid, upsets the balance of your skin’s barrier function and messes up its pH levels. All of these things equal bad news for the health of your skin, resulting in any number of skin annoyances such as blocked pores, acne, dehydration, irritation and flare-ups in existing conditions like rosacea, psoriasis or eczema.

And the worst thing of all? Cruddy, stress-induced skin is, well, stressful in itself. Which doesn’t help your emotional well-being one tiny bit. Sigh.

The good news is there are many ways to improve our skin when stress is hitting you hard. To follow, seven of our tried and tested favorites…

1. De-Stress With A Journal

Before you start working on your skin, you need to concentrate on your entire health and well-being. And the best way to do this? Make a note of any habits or experiences that make you stressed or uneasy. Write down how they made you feel, how you reacted to them and what, if anything, you did to make yourself feel better. This allows you to notice themes or patterns in your stress levels, as well as ways to improve your mood and help you relax. 

2. Sleep like A Queen

Like all skin experts, we’re big believers in the power of a great night’s sleep. In terms of stress, this is because cortisol levels dramatically drop when you’re asleep. So, if you deprive yourself of valuable zzzs your skin misses out on this important time of repair and rejuvenation during which collagen production accelerates, cell turnover speeds up, blood flow increases, muscles relax and antioxidants kick in to repair damage caused during the day.

The Mayo Clinic recommends at least seven hours of quality sleep every night but the most important thing is to go to bed and get up at roughly the same time to get into a good routine. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, not too warm and limit caffeine, food and your smartphone for at least two hours before you hit the sack.

3. Dial Down Your Actives

Active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid are all well and good when your skin’s barrier function is working like clockwork. But when stress upsets its delicate nature, your skin’s ability to heal and repair itself becomes compromised. This is when an overload of actives can be too much for your skin to deal with. Cut back for a while and allow your barrier function to rebuild itself. If you usually exfoliate every other day, for example, switch to once or twice a week. Love to apply your Retinol Facial Serum every night? Reduce this to every other night for a short period of time, or try alternating it with our soothing Niacinamide Facial Serum which is perfect for sensitized skin.

Trust us, giving your skin a break is super important during times of stress.

4. Avoid ‘Triggering’ Skincare Ingredients

We recommend avoiding the most common skincare nasties ALL of the time, but it’s even more important during times of emotional and mental stress when your barrier function might not be working to the best of its abilities.

Keep your routine straightforward, simple and steer clear of sulfates, in particular, which are excellent at cleansing, but can exacerbate dryness, itching, redness and breakouts – especially if your skin is feeling stressed out.  

Gentle cleansers that contain non-drying surfactants like disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate and disodium 2-sulfolaurate are a far better choice and ideal for sensitized skin. Try our Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser which also contains nourishing rose hip oil to help reduce inflammation and redness.

5. Save New Skincare Products For Another Time

Sure, we all love to try out a brand new product every now and again but now’s not the time to introduce a newbie to your daily routine. Stressed skin is more reactive which means ingredients that usually feel great may bother you more than normal.

Stick to what you know for now and save the new stuff for later.

6. Enjoy A Cup Of Tea

Research shows that drinking black tea helps lower the levels of cortisol in your bloodstream, making you feel more relaxed and positive. It’s even been suggested that the simple act of making tea alone is enough to help soothe stress and anxiety. 

The reason black (as well as green) tea is thought to be such a mood booster is mainly down to l-theanine, an amino acid that helps promotes relaxation, counteracts anxiety, reduces fatigue and supports thinking.

7. Finally, Give Yourself A Break

Everyone goes through stressful periods in their lives and it’s perfectly normal for things to get on top of you every now and again. But try not to allow your stress to get the better of you as this will result in a vicious circle for both your health and your skin – and that can be hard to shake off. Practice deep breathing throughout the day to center yourself, go for a quick walk to clear your head, or read a book for ten minutes in the afternoon to take your mind off things.

These healthy habits are awesome for lifting your emotional health and maintaining stronger, radiant skin. Period.
 

Skin feeling a bit blah from winter? Let’s nip that in the bud right away…

We don’t know about you but we are over winter. It’s been a long one for us and… enough already. Thankfully, spring is approaching and warmer weather is right around the corner. Now that might be awesome news if, like us, you’ve been bombarded with atmospheric rivers and frigid temperatures for the last few months. On the other hand, if you live in hotter climes, soaring mercury can all get, well, a big much.

Wherever you live, one thing’s for sure, spring is a great time to make a few alterations to your skincare routine. Of course, we never recommend totally overhauling what you do or do not slap on your skin – especially if you’ve got your regime down to a fine art – but a small upgrade here or a little tweak there can reap incredible results for the look and feel of your skin. 

Below, some of our favorite spring updates for taking your skin to its good place…

Give Your Pores Some Thought

Winter skin often requires richer moisturizers and heavier makeup. Which is fine. Until it’s not. If you’re prone to enlarged pores and/or breakouts, thick formulations that have a high oil content can play nasty tricks on your complexion, getting right under your skin and blocking up your pores in no time.

If you feel like this is literally you right now, treat your pores to a proper spring clean. And this starts with a deep cleanser to detoxify your skin and suck out any impurities from your pores that may have built up over the last few months. Our Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser is awesome for this as it contains coconut-derived activated charcoal which helps draw out excess oil, sweat and debris from your pores. And if all that sounds like it’s going to make your skin feel dry and tight, think again, because it’s cleverly blended with hydrating and moisturizing goodies like aloe, reishi mushrooms, glycerin and ylang ylang essential oil. Use it twice daily to put a pep back in your complexion’s step.

Try A Night Time Double Cleanse

When the temperature heats up, skin starts to sweat more. Which is no bad thing, because sweating is how your body regulates its internal temperature. Warmer climes also stimulate your sebaceous (oil-producing) glands to product more sebum (oil) which can be a good thing for the integrity of your barrier function. However, the combination of too much sweat and excess oils hanging around on the surface of your skin not only makes your face look kinda icky, but it can also get lodged right there in your pores.

As well as cleansing your skin thoroughly twice daily – and always after exercising – you could also try a nightly double cleanse. Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds; you simply cleanse your skin twice. First, it’s wise to use an oil-based makeup remover to tackle, yes, you’ve guessed it oil-based impurities like sebum and sunscreen. Then you use a water-based cleanser to get rid of water-based impurities like sweat and dirt.

Double cleansing is not entirely necessary on a daily basis unless you like wearing heavy makeup, but do it a couple of times a week for a thorough, deep clean and your skin will appear fresher and brighter.

Lighten Your Moisture Load

Does your skin feels completely weighed down by the remains of winter? Then it might also be time to check the oil content of your skincare and makeup formulations. Essential oils are awesome for locking in moisture and strengthening your barrier function, but some of them are simply too good which means that they can also clog up your pores. Sunflower, argan, jojoba, tea tree and ylang ylang are lightweight and great for most skin types, but heavier oils like evening primrose, avocado, coconut, olive and almond should be avoided if you have skin that’s prone to breakouts.

Our spring moisturizing go-to is always Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer which is super effective, but beautifully lightweight. And if you feel like you need a little extra hydration? Then layer up with Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum which also feels feather-light on your skin but contains a massive hit of potent hyaluronic acid which is one of nature’s most effective moisture magnets.

For SPF’s Sake, Protect That Skin!

Have you let your SPF game slip a little over the winter months? Well, if there was an almost acceptable time to allow this to happen, winter is it. The fact is, sunscreen is important all year round because UV radiation is all about light, rather than heat, so it’s there during the daytime, no matter the weather. But that being said, you spend way more time indoors in the winter so while yes, SPF is vital whenever you’re outside or anywhere near a window, if you’re holed up on the couch for the day, you should be OK.

However, that was winter… and now it’s spring, so there are no longer any excuses for not slapping on your SPF every morning. If you’re yet to try it, get your hands on our awesome SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which optimizes zinc oxide to send both UVA and UVB rays on their merry way. It also boasts fabulous moisturizing qualities so it can be used to replace your daily face cream if you’re more of a ‘less skincare steps, extra time in bed’ kind of person.

Amp Up Those Antioxidants

All that time in the great outdoors means extra protection for your delicate skin is essential. Sure, you’re already armed with SPF but what else can you do to shield your skin from those damaging UV rays? Simple, ensure your skincare routine includes some hard-hitting antioxidants.

Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals form in your skin when it’s been subjected to things it doesn’t like – eg. UV radiation and pollution. And they might sound innocent enough, but free radicals are hella bad on your skin, damaging collagen, elastin and DNA and leading to all sorts of visible signs of premature aging.

Loading up on antioxidants (think fresh fruit and veggies) in your diet is awesome for revving up your body’s defence system, but topical antioxidants are even better because they concentrate solely on looking after your skin.

Some of the best antioxidants in skincare are vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, retinol and niacinamide. And of course, natural plant extracts and botanical oils are literally overflowing with antioxidant qualities. Make sure your skin gets its daily fix by smoothing our award-winning Vitamin C Facial Serum onto your skin every morning before moisturizing.

Sunshine? Bring it!

When it comes to your skin we can’t think of a more mind-numbingly frustrating phrase than – wait for it – hormonal acne. Are we right or are we right? Here’s what we know about dealing with these pesky, recurring breakouts…

Hormonal acne might sound like one of those distant horrors from your teenage years when angry pimples plagued your chin on a monthly basis. But sadly, filing this common skin condition away in the annals of pubescent history isn’t the case for everyone. In fact, hormonal breakouts can affect you at any age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects more than 50 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 29, while just over 25 percent of those between 40 and 49 are also suffering. What’s more, studies show that acne hits adult women way more frequently than men.

Joy.

Acne is caused by one thing and one thing alone – excess sebum that gets trapped in your pores and may or may not become inflamed. Nobody’s arguing this. But it’s the hows and whys your skin overproduces sebum that can change from person to person. Oh how simple it would be if you could point the finger at chocolate, poor cleansing or your parents (because, genes), right? Instead, a whole host of factors trigger acne. And one of the most common? Yup, hormones.

Read on for everything we know about how to deal with these pesky hormonal breakouts…

What Exactly Is Hormonal Acne?

While not strictly a term used in the medical profession, hormonal acne occurs when an imbalance in hormones stimulates the skin to produce excessive amounts of sebum and consequently (although not always) break out. These breakouts are cyclical and commonly coincide with periods in your life (no pun intended) when your body experiences major shifts in hormone levels. Think menstruation, pregnancy, child birth and the menopause.

The hormones in question here are estrogen and progesterone which fluctuate like crazy during these times, creating imbalances with your levels of testosterone.

However, not all hormonal acne is down to inherent hormonal fluctuations. That may sound like a contradiction in terms but all we mean is that certain medications can also throw your hormones out of whack, as can emotional stress which produces an excess of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is known as ‘the stress hormone,’ and it’s a major trigger of excess sebum production and inflammation. Say no more.

How To Tell If Your Breakouts Are Hormonal

If you’ve noticed your skin is breaking out monthly, around the time of your period, this is a tell-tale sign you have hormonal acne – especially if you’re experiencing red, inflamed pimples in the same places each time, and they’re mainly concentrated on your chin, around the jawline or across your back and chest. Even if you’re menopausal, hormonal fluctuations still occur on a regular basis as your reproductive hormones systematically decline.

Some hormone replacement therapies also use different hormones to replace those which your body is losing. And all this can cause a similar type of cyclical adult acne. So, there’s that.

During pregnancy, or postpartum is another common time as, again, your hormones are all over the place, sending your sebaceous glands into turmoil and creating excess oil at the surface of your skin. And if you’re super stressed? This won’t help one bit.

Of course, self-diagnosing hormonal acne is no mean feat so if you’re not sure whether your flare-ups are hormonal or thanks to some other trigger, it’s always wise to seek professional help from a board-certified dermatologist.

5 Ways To Help Treat Hormonal Acne

There are plenty of ways to help keep hormonal acne under control. At the doctor’s office, things like laser treatments, hormone-regulating meds and prescription topicals can reap awesome rewards for severe acne. However, if you’re dealing with mild to moderate breakouts these at-home acne treatments are also well worth it…

1. Keep Your Pores Clean

Dirty skin doesn’t cause acne, per se, but if you allow dirt and surface debris to build up in your pores, well, this won’t help at all. This means a great cleansing routine is imperative if you’re suffering right now. Don’t make the mistake of cleansing like your life depended on it, however, as harsh formulations and over-zealous scrubbing will completely strip your skin’s protective layer which accelerates oil production even further.

Instead, choose balancing products that, yes, whisk away dirt, oil and impurities but, no, don’t suck all the life out of your skin. Try Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser which contains activated coconut charcoal to decongest your pores, along with reishi mushrooms to hydrate and ylang ylang blossom to fight inflammation. Cleanse twice daily, using lukewarm rather than hot water, and always after exercising.

2. The Same Goes For The Rest Of Your Home

Keeping clean doesn’t begin and end with the skin on your face. If you’re a face-toucher, oil and dirt from your hands will constantly transfer itself straight to your face which is bad news for your pores. So a) wash your hands regularly and b) try to stop touching your face as much.

Also, wash your pillowcases, bed linens and makeup brushes at least once a week, and do your face towels and smartphone even more regularly – daily if you can.  

3. Make Tea Tree Oil Your BFF

One of the most effective topical ingredients for targeting acne is tea tree oil. Naturally antifungal, anti-inflammatory AND antimicrobial, this incredibly therapeutic essential oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is scientifically proven to treat and heal mild to moderate acne. It’s also less drying and irritating than other acne-busting favorites such as benzoyl peroxide which makes it awesome for sensitive or more mature skin types. It can still be pretty potent, however, so stick with diluted, carefully curated formulations that have been specifically created for safe use on your skin.

Try Tea Tree Super Serum+ which combines tea tree oil (well, dur!) with salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to create a purposeful, well-rounded treatment for clearer, healthier-looking skin. What’s more, it might be gentle, but it’s still mighty powerful so you only need to use it two or three times a week for awesome results. And remember, always do a patch test first.

4. Look After Yourself

Emotional anxiety and constant stress put your mental wellness on edge. They also encourage your body to produce excessive amounts of cortisol which upsets the balance of your hormones and triggers an inflammatory response in your skin. Now we’re well aware that being told to chill out and stress less rarely reaps the desired result, but if you can do a few things to improve your emotional wellbeing, this will really help the health of your skin.

Exercising regularly and making sleep a top priority are great ways to manage your levels of stress so try to go to bed at the same time each night, and do a fitness class or go for a brisk walk two or three times a week – or whatever your schedule allows. Just don’t stress about it. Because, well, you’re trying to reduce stress, not build on it!

It’s also worth taking a look at your diet as overdoing things like sugar, dairy and processed carbs are thought to increase inflammation in your body. And anything you can do to avoid inflammation is a very good thing.

5. Invest In Some Butt-Kickin' Retinol

Not only is it seen as the gold-standard in anti-aging, but retinol can have a huge impact on acne-prone skin. Retinoids have been proven to speed up cell turnover to help regulate sebum production and keep your pores clean and clear. They’re often the first port of call for the treatment of hormonal acne at the doctor’s office.

Prescription retinoids, however, can be pretty harsh on your skin – especially if it’s super sensitive – and some people simply don’t get on with them. Think redness, irritation, dryness and flaky skin which, when coupled with breakouts, is so not the desired effect. This is why many people turn to retinol, which is kinder to the skin and much more highly tolerated by the skin.

Try our powerful, but gentle Retinol Moisturizer or give Retinol Facial Serum a go which also contains vitamin E to aid healing. You could even layer them both, depending on your skin’s tolerance to retinol, of course. Just remember to patch test them first, then introduce them slowly into your routine – two or three times a week – building up to nightly use.

Today, we're celebrating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day in honor of all the professionals who help us make better choices regarding our diets. After all, what you put INTO your body is just as important as what goes onto your skin.

Want to step up your skincare regimen from the inside out? Then take control of your diet and ensure your skin reflects what you eat by making these 10 skin-nourishing foods your new BFFs…

1. Oily Fish

Certain fats are super important for the health of your skin because they help balance your skin’s barrier function which helps keep your skin hydrated, plump, strong and moisturized. Studies also show they may have anti-inflammatory properties which is great news if you suffer from facial redness or monthly breakouts.

The key, however, is to make sure you choose the right kinds of fats – and no, chips, burgers, fried chicken and butter are not on that list. One of the best is omega-3 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA) that’s found mostly in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.

More good news… These skin-loving types of fish not only contain omega-3s by the bucketload, but they’re high in protein, zinc and vitamin E which are all vital for the look and feel of your skin.

2. Watermelon

Fruit and veggies, as a rule, are winners when it comes to glowing, healthy skin. One word: antioxidants. Not sure why antioxidants are the basis of great skin? Well, in a nutshell, they counteract the damaging effects of free radicals which are produced by the skin when it’s exposed to things like the sun, pollution, stress and a lack of sleep. Free radicals are seriously bad news for your skin because they break down collagen, accelerating the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

One of our favorite fruits is watermelon – and no, it’s not because it’s so Insta worthy (although it really is a pretty slice!). Watermelon is literally chock full of antioxidants like vitamins A, B, C and E. Furthermore, it’s packed with water which helps keep you hydrated without the hassle of having to down glasses upon glasses of water on the reg.

It also tastes awesome, so there’s that ;)

3. Broccoli

Speaking of fruit and veggies, one of the most skin-loving vegetables you can include in your diet plan is broccoli. Of course, it’s high in vitamins like A, C and K, but it also contains a beta carotene called lutein which skin loves. How so? Well, lutein is well known for protecting the eyes from light damage and macular degeneration, but it also has similar photo-protective benefits for the skin, helping to shield it from damaging UV radiation.

Broccoli also contains something called sulforaphane which works alongside lutein and other antioxidants to further support your skin’s natural protection from sun damage, spurring the skin’s natural healing process and helping to calm inflammation. Take that, sun.

4. Nuts

Like oily fish, nuts are an awesome source of essential fatty acids which help maintain strong, supple and well-moisturized skin. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E, and just a handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts and/or pistachios every day will work wonders for dry, dull or lackluster skin.

Walnuts, in particular, are high in protein, omega-3, omega-6 and selenium. Selenium is an important mineral which puts up a great fight against those dastardly free radicals. It also works hard to reduce inflammation and has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

5. Avocados

If you ever needed a reason to eat avo toast every morning, here’s one for you. Just half an avocado a day provides 14 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin E, as well as 11 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamins C and E are proven antioxidants that, while great on their own, work much more effectively as a team. This makes avos pretty darn unbeatable in the fight against environment damage and oxidative stress.

But that’s not all. Avocados also contain various other vitamins, minerals, essential fats and skin-loving nutrients including plant sterols which contain UV protection and help prevent the breakdown of important proteins in your skin such as collagen and elastin.

6. Tomatoes

While tomatoes are a fabulous source of vitamin C (great stuff) and potassium (ditto), their main draw is all the incredible lycopene and lutein they're packed with. Lycopene and lutein are carotenoids which work as powerful anti-aging antioxidants, offering your skin natural sun protection and free radical fighting powers.

Some studies show that higher amounts of lycopene are found in cooked tomato products than the raw stuff, so if you love to make stews, soups and sauces with tomatoes, go nuts!

Sidenote: eating tons of toms is not enough to replace your daily sunscreen so make sure your morning skincare routine always finishes up with SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen. No arguments.

7. Natural Yogurt

It’s a well-known fact that yogurt (not the sugar-laden, fruity stuff, of course) contains lots of calcium for strong bones and healthy skin. But that’s not the only thing yogurt has up its sleeve. Let’s talk about probiotics, shall we?

Probiotics are extremely important for keeping your skin’s microbiome in check. What’s that, you say? Well, the microbiome is an ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that live on your skin. Sure, this sounds pretty gross but it’s actually a very smart system that’s evolved over centuries to help keep bad bacteria away. Your microbiome can go a bit squiffy, however, thanks to your environment, age, diet and skincare habits, so it’s important to conserve and support it through gentle skincare and a healthy diet that includes plenty of biotics. Probiotics, for example, are living microorganisms that help increase the population of good bacteria in your body. How to up your probiotics? Look no further than plain, live yogurt. Simple. Don’t worry if you’re lactose intolerant, though – miso, kombucha and kimchi are great alternatives.

8. Chia Seeds

Most seeds are bursting with awesome skin-boosting love thanks to vitamin E, selenium, essential fatty acids and protein, so sprinkling them on salads, cereals, smoothies and soups is never a bad idea. However, if you’re looking for the absolute queen of seeds, look no further than the mighty chia.

After oily fish, chia seeds are known to be one of the richest sources of collagen-boosting omega-3 fatty acids which makes them a great choice for vegans. They’re also full of manganese, magnesium, selenium and protein which work together to soothe, protect, hydrate and strengthen your skin.

9. Bell Peppers

When you think of fruit and veggies that are high in vitamin C you probably go straight to oranges and carrots, right? Well, little known fact: red and yellow bell peppers are also extremely rich in vit C. In fact, one cup of bell pepper provides a whopping 211 percent of your daily recommended dosage of vitamin C. This makes them a fabulous choice for significantly reducing oxidative stress and helping your skin get its glow on.

Bell peppers are also a great source of beta carotene which gets converted into vitamin A by your body. Vitamin A is mega important for boosting your skin’s natural healing process, boosting your immune system and increasing moisturization.

10. Leafy Greens

Leafy green veggies like kale, spinach and collard greens are brimming with zinc for helping to reduce inflammation and breakouts, plus vitamin K which has been proven to improve blood flow. Great circulation is important for ‘feeding’ your skin with nutrient-rich oxygen to help reduce dark spots and give you the radiant complexion you so rightly deserve.

Zeaxanthin is another asset leafy greens can lay claims to. It might be trickier to spell but, like lutein, zeaxanthin is a carotenoid which has powerful antioxidant properties and may help your skin stay more protected from the perils of UV radiation. Kale, in particular, is known to be a total powerhouse for your skin and health in general.

Bottom line is a balanced, healthy diet that’s high on fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, live yogurt and oily fish are exactly what the skin doctor ordered. Couple all this good stuff with a great skincare routine that mimics your eating habits with plenty of antioxidants (hi there Vitamin C Facial Serum) and moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and you’re well on the way to healthier-looking skin.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day is celebrated by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on Wednesday March 8, 2023. 

Are you making the most of your skincare routine or could you do better? Nobody’s perfect, we get that, so if you’re looking for a few simple tweaks to improve the way you look after your skin, we’ve got your back…

Good news: a great skincare routine doesn’t require tons of cash, hours of free time and an encyclopedic knowledge of the ins-and-outs of every single skincare ingredient out there. Of course, it’s nice to treat yourself to an indulgent facial every now and again, and sure, it can be invaluable to know the differences between active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs. But some of the most important and effective ways to boost your skincare routine are a) super simple and b) totally free.

Now, we don’t know about you, but we’re all over that.

Read on for seven easy ways to maximize your skincare routine so you can enjoy healthier skin with very little effort.

1. Find A Routine That Works For YOU

Skincare routines are very personal things so, while it’s great to take advice from others about their favorite products, what works for them might not be right for you. Of course, this one-size-does-NOT-fit-all philosophy doesn’t make it easy when perfecting your routine but if you understand what your skin needs this is a major step to skincare success.

The best way to know your skin type is to gently cleanse it (try Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser), then leave it alone for an hour or so without applying any further products. After this time, check out your skin in the mirror. Scrutinize it, touch it and you’ll know pretty much straight away whether it’s normal (pretty unlikely!), oily, dry or combination (the most common skin type). If it looks shiny all over, you have oily skin; if it feels tight and possibly itchy, it’s dry and if it’s a mixture of the two, then you have combination skin. Does it feel totally fine and look incredible? Then you’re one of the lucky few with normal skin. And we envy, sorry, salute you!

Once you know your skin type, take another look at your skin and think about the things you might like to address in your routine – be this enlarged pores, breakouts, fine lines, dark spots or dehydration.

All these important factors will help you build an awesome regime that works for your skin and its needs – not someone else's.

2. Take. Your. Time.

Whether you end up with a three-step or ten-step routine, the key is never to rush. Slapping cleanser on your face and rinsing it off without a second thought might work to an extent, but it won’t give you the same results as spending time massaging your face to boost blood flow and drain toxins. It just won’t.

Similarly, layering products on top of each other lightning fast can cause pilling if you’re not careful so give yourself a breather between serum applications or between applying moisturizer and SPF, for example. Put some coffee on, get dressed, brush your teeth, then go back to the next stage of your routine.

Trust us, spending a few extra minutes on your skin will give you much better results in the long-term.

3. Invest In A Face Towel For You & You Alone

It may seem a little decadent to have your own separate face towel but do you really want to be using your bath towel (one word: butt) on your face? Especially if your entire family shares the same towels? Heck no!

And we’ll leave that one there.

4. It’s Not Just What You Apply, But How You Apply It

The way in which you apply certain products can have a profound effect on the state of your skin. Here’s a quick guide to our favorite tried and tested ways to apply the most common products in your routine…

Cleanser
DO apply a dime-sized amount to damp skin and use your hands and pads of your fingers to gently massage it in circular motions all over.
DON’T scrub it into your skin like your life depended on it. This can damage your skin. Not cool.

Eye Treatment
DO use the smallest amount and pat it around the eyes using your ring fingers to ensure a delicate touch.
DON’T press too hard and definitely don’t drag your skin. Bad news.

Serum
DO apply straight after cleansing while your skin is still damp, pressing it into your skin with the pads of your fingers.
DON’T use too much – four or five drops should be plenty. And don’t aggressively massage it into your skin.

Moisturizer
DO allow your serum to settle first, then use light pressure to massage a quarter-sized amount all over.
DON’T apply more just because your skin feels dry. If this is the case, use a different, richer formulation.

Sunscreen
DO be generous and use at least a quarter-sized amount. Apply it the same way as you would regular moisturizer.
DON’T forget your neck!

5. Eat Your Greens

A decent, balanced diet isn’t just great for your health, it makes a vast difference to the look and feel of your skin. How so? Well sugar, salt, processed foods and bad fats are devils for the complexion as they produce nasty little end products called AGES which, as their name suggests, age your skin up super fast by ruining your collagen supplies, killing radiance and drying out your skin.

On the flipside, fresh fruit and veggies, oily fish, nuts and seeds are incredibly good for your skin, feeding it from the inside with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Leafy greens, in particular, are chock full of skin-loving stuff like vitamin A to strengthen the skin, vitamin K for improving circulation, zinc which helps reduce breakouts, and zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant.

6. Tap Into Your Water

Tap water contains chlorine which is an essential disinfectant for killing off harmful bacteria and maintaining hygienic conditions. Great, right? Actually, not so much for your skin. Chlorine depletes the skin's natural oils, causing dryness and accelerating the aging process. Oh dear.

Tap water is also full of dissolved heavy metals like calcium, copper, iron and magnesium – especially in areas where water is notoriously hard. And what does that mean for your skin? Well, hard water has a higher alkalinity than soft water which can upset the pH balance of your skin. Also, if your skin errs on the side of sensitive, hard tap water can compromise its barrier function, causing further dryness, irritation and redness. It can even exacerbate existing conditions such as psoriasis, acne or eczema if you cleanse with hard water on a regular basis. What the…. whaaaaat?

Don’t fret too much, however. If you live in an area with soft water, you’re totally fine. However, if your tap water is hard and you feel like your skin is suffering because of it, you might want to think about investing in a shower filter or a complete water filtration system in your home to help lessen the blow.

7. Be The Queen Of Cleaning

From questionable countertops to week-old bedlinen and murky-looking makeup brushes, all surfaces trap bacteria, dirt, oil, sweat, allergens and the like. Just because you can’t see what’s lurking on something, it doesn’t mean it’s not dirty and potentially impacting the health of your skin. So, be clean.

Our general rule of thumb is as follows…

DAILY: wash face towels, wipe kitchen counters and clean your smartphone.

TWICE WEEKLY: deep clean surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.

WEEKLY: Launder your bed linen, wipe down light switches, doorknobs and other surfaces in your home, and shampoo your makeup brushes.

Awesome skin, here we come!