True Radical Honesty From Our Community

According to research, fall is Americans’ favorite time of year, so with the season of falling leaves and crisp temperatures about to officially hit the nation on September 22, we figured it was time you started to rethink your skincare regime. 

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, people. Winter may be coming, but there’s no need to break out the thermals or slather your skin in cold cream quite yet. Instead, use this time to repair any summertime damage you may have unwittingly encountered from that dastardly you-know-what, while preparing your skin for the dry season with antioxidants and hydration.

Here’s how.

Up Your Moisture Game

Studies carried out by Pinterest in 2019 showed that ‘skin care routine’, ‘beauty routine’ and ‘morning routine’ were up there with the most popular search terms in August and September, so it seems we’re not the only ones thinking about what a new season means for the skin.

We love this kind of news, so exactly what should you be doing to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion from now until winter? First up, let’s think about how to switch up your moisturizer. Fall weather is cooler, windier and less humid than the summer months, which also creates the need to crank up the heating. All this makes for a super-dry environment that skin hates. If you’re an eczema sufferer (and studies by the National Eczema Association show that just over 10 percent of you are), then you’ll know just how exacerbating dry conditions can be for your skin.

A simple way to help reduce dehydration is to invest in a humidifier – especially for your bedroom. It’s also the perfect time to switch up your moisturizer. You know that super-lightweight, gel-based moisturizer you’ve been in love with for the past few months? Unless your skin is naturally oily, it probably won’t cut it for the next six months. Instead, look out for slightly richer formulations (but leave the heavy hitters until winter) that contain clinically-proven hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter and ceramides. You could also try a nightly, nutrient-rich face oil for an extra boost of nourishment.

(PS: Don’t forget to moisturize your body daily as it's not just your facial skin that becomes drier and itchier come fall.)

Don’t Dismiss Your Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging step of any skincare plan. And it’s a year-round commitment, not just for summer. Yes, you’re less likely to burn in the fall and winter months as UVB radiation becomes less intense (thanks, clouds). But what about that pesky UVA radiation? This is the stuff that penetrates your skin on a deeper level and is responsible for the visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Well, UVA is still very much present. And remains so all year long. It can even penetrate through glass to really hit you when you’re least expecting it.

This is why a broad-spectrum sunscreen (broad-spectrum means it protects from both UVA and UVB) is not to be filed away in the trash as soon as the sun disappears from view. For perfect fall protection, a mineral-based powder or foundation with an SPF of around 30 is often enough. Apply it over your favorite moisturizer and you'll be winning at life.

Treat Post-Summer Discoloration

Fall is the perfect time to do some serious repair work on sun-damaged skin. For the past few months it’s been subject to super-strong UV radiation, and no matter how strict your SPF routine is, sometimes there’s just no getting away from that big ball of fire in the sky.

A great way to deal with post-summer discoloration is to invest in a chemical peel that literally peels off the top layer of dead skin cells. This may sound gross, but trust us, it’s totally worth looking like something from a horror movie for a few days for the fresh, radiant skin a peel offers. Try The Perfect Derma Peel or ask your skincare expert about Skin Medica’s range of professional peels.

At home, cut back on your exfoliating routine (once a week should be enough as skin becomes drier) and instead, try some brightening tricks to help bring clarity back to your complexion. As you may have noticed by now, vitamin C is one ingredient that gives us all the feels. Trusted by those-in-the-know for centuries, vitamin C is major antioxidant player. It's also an effective brightening agent that literally kicks dark spots into touch by inhibiting melanin production. Try adding our much-loved Vitamin C Serum into your fall morning routine and you won’t be disappointed with the results.

Invest In Some Key Antioxidant Serums

While we’re on the subject, if you’re not already hooked on antioxidants, now’s the perfect time to get on that. Introducing one (or more) antioxidants to your fall skincare routine is an awesome way to renew your skin and repair damage from exposure to the sun. How so? Because antioxidants have the power to counteract all that destruction (think fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dryness, dull skin, the works) free radicals do to your skin. And one of the main causes of free radicals? UV radiation.

Invest in an antioxidant-laced serum and apply it after cleansing but before moisturizing to reboot, repair, moisturize and protect post-summer skin. We love niacinamide, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, the aforementioned vitamin C and retinol.

While super-effective, retinol can be notoriously tricky in the summer months because it is quickly deactivated by strong sunlight, disrupts the natural protective barrier and can exacerbate redness. This is why it’s best used at nighttime and must always be followed with a broad-spectrum SPF the next day. If you want to introduce retinol to your skincare regime for the first time, however, fall is the perfect time to do it.

Assess The Skin Around Your Eyes

The delicate skin around your eyes ages much quicker than the rest of your face and is often the first area to show signs of dryness. And dryness is no friend to fine lines around your eyes. Other seasonal changes can also result in puffiness and bags under the eyes, so if you couple all this together, your eyes face a real battle as the days get colder. Honestly, nobody wants that.

To counteract this onslaught, add our Anti-Aging Eye Cream to your fall skincare arsenal which is pumped full of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamins C, B5 and E to feed, repair and protect, and peptides to stimulate collagen production for healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Just remember, whenever you add new skincare products to your regime, avoid overloading your skin with too many products at once as this can cause irritations if you’re not careful. And we cannot stress enough how important patch testing is. Not sure how that works? We’re here to help with that.

Avast! Ye be reading the log of dread pirate captain Abraham Carver, who be known across all the seven seas as “Fancyhide”. If ye be a landlubber, begone with ye; but if ye be a fellow pirate, read on for the secret to me greatest treasure.

I soon be sailing for a destination better not mentioned. But know ye, that the seas where I’m headed be treacherous. So, I be scrawling this note to be buried with me most precious effects, so they will not be lost to Davy Jones’ locker.

Me crew be thinking this chest holds gold and jewels. But nay, in it I store me beloved skincare products. Why, did ye think I be called Abraham Fancyhide for nothing? Harrr!

There be many a lotion and ointment here, but four be important above all. If yer one of ‘em scurvy dogs who knows not how to use them, let me tell ye how a real pirate captain takes care of his skin.

The Precious, Precious Silver

First thing I do every morning bell be cleansing me face. If ye got nothing but sea water, then that must do for ye. But if ye can mix something in it, mayhaps some charcoal from a scorched English galleon, it be all the better!

After me face be clean, I reach for me toner. Using a toner be important, for it removes impurities, like scrubbing barnacles off the side off yer ship. Impurities or barnacles, send both to the depths.

For toning, I use TruSkin Daily Super Toner. It exfoliates me skin and leaves it clean, like the barnacle scrubber I mentioned. But there be more to this tonic than just that.

Ye might think that silver be only good for plundering off Spanish ships and spending in the inns of Tortuga. But ye be wrong, says I! There be much more to the shiny stuff than that!

The colloidal silver in me toner soothes me skin and reduces the effects of environmental stress. That be many a fancy word, so let me put it simply for ye - the silver repairs me skin from the harm of the cruel seas like a shipwright fixes the holes in me ship’s hull.

Since ye and I be pirates, we both know that ocean water has many a beneficial mineral. But jumping in the sea be not so smart - though the sharks would surely love yer for it, arrr!

Not to fret, though, for the Super Toner be loaded with ocean minerals. It lets me feel the splash of ocean water on me face without me having to walk the plank.

Vitamins for Scurvy and Skin

After I’ve applied me toner, it be time to use a serum. And nay, this be not like those serums the witches on far islands swamps be brewing.

Y’see, as much I love the sea spray, ocean water be salty. Add to that the constant sun in the high seas, and ye will find yer fancy skin drying up fast.

Using a serum helps me rehydrate me skin. Serums be finer and absorb faster than moisturizers. I be told that it be because them molley-cules in serums be much smaller.

As me serum, I be using TruSkin Vitamin C Serum. I knew this be the right one for me as soon as I heard its name. What pirate could resist vitamin C?

Scurvy be ever yer enemy when sailing the seas, and some vitamin C from a sip of lime juice (mixed with some grog, to be sure) be keeping the terrible sickness at bay. But there be even more to the vitamin.

The Caribbean sun be a harsh mistress, blazing down on ye all the time. Vitamin C helps protect me skin against sun damage, and repairs what damage already be done.

But not only that, this serum contains plenty of aloe, which be well known for soothing yer skin. Aloe be growing in Arabia, not in the middle of the sea, so it be a rare commodity to come by.

For this, I be always keeping me serum under lock and key. Keelhaul the dog who be trying to steal me precious aloe!

Under Me Eyepatch

Next in me skincare routine, I be reaching for me TruSkin Eye Gel. If ye be a pirate, ye will love grog. And if ye love grog, there be nights when ye drink a whole barrel! Harr harr!

But alas, in the morning, ye may be regretting yer decisions when ye wake with puffy and bloodshot eyes. All that saltwater and flying fish getting in me ol’ peepers nay be helping either, nor sweating under an eyepatch.

Lucky me then, that I pillaged me Eye Gel from the daughter of the mayor of Port Royal! Ye need only apply a dollop the size of a pearl - like the ones I’ve adorned me cutlass with - on yer fingertip and dab it under yer eyes.

But if ye be having a hook instead of fingers like me, don’t ye worry. The back curve of yer hook works just as well.

A doctor on Hispaniola told me that this gel contains “plant stem cells and peptides”. I be not exactly sure what they be, but I assume they come from plant stems. In any case, the doctor told me they be good for ye, to be sure!

Moisturize and It’s Anchors Aweigh!

Just like a pirate ship be nay complete without a Jolly Roger up the mast, yer skincare routine be nay complete without a moisturizer. Here I only trust TruSkin Vitamin C Moisturizer.

Need I repeat meself about all the good vitamin C does for ye? The more of it I can smear on me skin, the better, I figures.

This moisturizer holds many a natural ingredient, too. I read on the label scrawlings that there be green tea, sunflower, and dandelion in it, and many more.

My previous first mate once laughed at me for liking all ‘em flowers. So I made him walk the plank! All these things be smelling good and tasting good, and that’s why they must be good for yer skin too, says I!

There also be shea butter in me moisturizer. The shea nut be growing in deepest Africa, and so its butter be hard to come by in the Caribbean, but it be worth it. It protects me fine skin from the rays of the sun and the burn of the blowing winds in the high seas.

It also pleases me that I can apply makeup over this moisturizer. Like many a pirate, I wear kohl to protect me eyes from the sun’s evil glare. The Vitamin C Moisturizer gives me no problem at all, lest I would’ve already thrown the whole tube overboard.

So, now ye be in the know of the secret to me greatest treasure - me flawless skin! If ye be reading me scrawlings here, it means I sank to the sea on me latest dangerous adventure. Or maybe I found a bonnie lass who convinced me to give up me pirating ways, harrr!

Whatever the case, may these instructions serve ye well. Abide by them, and mayhaps ye be the next one to bear the title Fancyhide!

With me best regards,

Abraham “Fancyhide” Carver

We’ve always known our flagship Vitamin C Serum was a real champion, but with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and counting, the nation is clearly in agreement. So, while we pat ourselves on the backs for creating such a well-loved skincare treatment, let’s take a look at what makes Vitamin C Serum such a key player in the quest for glowing, healthy skin…

Launched in the fall of 2013 and produced right here in the US, Vitamin C Serum was the first product to join the TruSkin Naturals family. Like all of our formulations, we wanted it to offer quality and results without unnecessary additives such as fragrance and stabilizers. And all of this without the super-luxe price tag.

Some might say we crushed it.

But why vitamin C? Well, it was simple, really. Vitamin C is one of the most well-researched ingredients in skincare, boldly going where few others dare to go. A powerful antioxidant, it’s known to help ward off free radicals that attack the skin from environmental and lifestyle aggressors such as pollution, UV, cigarette smoke, stress and a poor diet. By neutralizing these nasty free radicals, vitamin C is often harnessed in skincare to help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and poor texture.

And that’s just the beginning. Vitamin C, when used in the right form and concentration, also works hard to promote collagen production (that’s the stuff that gives your skin its plumpness, ICYMI), prevent sun damage, heck, it may even help fade acne scars.

There are many forms of topical vitamin C, including pure ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. We plumped for sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) for our Vitamin C Serum, because it's a more stable and less irritating compound of pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This means SAP doesn’t degrade as quickly when exposed to light and air and we think you’ll agree, a stable, less irritating ingredient that is super-effective is much better than something vulnerable but so powerful it has the potential to make your skin flare up.

Another factor working in SAP’s favor is that it contains a salt molecule which helps preserve the vitamin, meaning we don’t have to combine it with other actives (cough, ferulic, cough, acid) to maintain its efficacy and stability. Ever wondered why your ferulic and vitamin C serum smells so bad? That’s all down to the ferulic acid. It’s gross. And we're not into that.

Instead of overpowering your sense of smell with unsavory ingredients, our Vitamin C Serum harnesses the powers of botanical hyaluronic acid, plus vitamin E and aloe vera to infuse your skin with essential nutrients and hydration. The result is a certified cruelty-free skincare treatment that consumers love for offering brighter, stronger, more healthy-looking skin with fewer breakouts, lines and dark spots as a bonus.

Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t…

“This product saved my skin,” explains one recent Amazon reviewer who used Vitamin C Serum to help her acne-prone skin.

“Omg. Guys, literally my face stopped flaring up within three days,” she adds.

Another 40 year-old reviewer agrees:

“My search for an amazing serum is finally over. My skin looks flawless and I have been getting so many compliments about how great I look… as if I just walked out of a spa treatment.”

We can’t thank you enough for loving our vitamin C treatment and making it the number one serum on Amazon. That's some accolade, right?

Just remember, this treatment is concentrated and very powerful, so as with any active product, always do a patch test before using it regularly to make sure your skin is up to the challenge. Simply apply a drop to a small area of clean skin either behind your ear or on the inside of your elbow and leave it for a minimum of 24 hours, preferably 48. Why this long? Because it takes time for your skin to react, that’s all. If, after this time, you see or feel no major reaction, then you should be good to go.

To use, apply between three and five drops to clean, dry skin, smoothing it over your face and neck in upwards motions. If your skin absorbs the serum in a flash, then add an extra drop; whereas if it feels sticky after applying, try to remember to use less next time. After applying, wait a few minutes, then follow with moisturizer. And don’t forget to finish with a broad-spectrum SPF30+ every morning, because vitamin C will help boost the overall effectiveness of your sunscreen.

Gosh, is there anything this stuff can’t do? Well, it won’t do the dishes or walk the dog, but still…

Lastly, if you decide our Vitamin C Serum isn’t a good fit, we offer a 90-day money-back refund, no questions asked.

Because service is just as important to us as skincare.

Now, where's the Moët...

If your skin is feeling a bit ‘meh’ but you’ve neither the time nor the energy to hit up your go-to skincare guru, it’s time to amp up your at-home facial skills.

Nothing beats the feeling of indulging your skin for an hour at the hands of a true professional. Whether you’re a chemical peel lover, a microdermabrasion fan or a lymphatic drainage facial kinda girl, having someone else dedicate their time to improving the quality and health of your skin? That’s priceless.

But if only things were that simple. Life, work, finances, even the world (here’s looking at you, Covid-19) can often get in the way of your monthly me-time. And that’s kind of annoying. The good news is there is something you can do about it… and all in the comfort of your own home. We’re not saying you can take the place of a truly qualified facialist, dermatologist or esthetician – far from it – but once a week, set aside some quality time out, then arm yourself with the right intel and some clinically-proven skincare products and it’s possible to recreate a spa-level facial in no time.

Here's how.

Step 1: Set The Mood

Slapping a sheet mask on your face while rushing around doing the laundry does not make for the most ideal moment of zen. And we know you know that, so why don’t you put it into practice? Ever been to see a beauty therapist only for her to stop half-way through your HydraFacial to check her Insta feed? Thought not.

So, to create the perfect setting for your at-home pampering sesh, make sure you treat it as if it were a true professional job. First up, put your phone away, set aside an hour and tell anyone you live with – roommates, S.O.s, family, whoever – to leave you alone. End of.

Next, choose some relaxing beats, light a candle or two, pop on a clean fluffy bathrobe, wash your hands (important) and get ready for the real deal. Better still, have a pre-facial soak in a warm, lavender oil-infused bath. Now, we’re talking.

And if this all sounds too much like frivolous nonsense, remember, it’s not. Setting the perfect scene is vital for helping you to relax, de-stress and give you the right frame of mind to concentrate on what matters: your complexion, not your chores.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Step 2: Deep Cleanse

Clean, perfectly prepped skin is the only way to start, so choose a gentle cleanser that has your skin type written all over it. Not sure of your skin type? Then think about how it feels after you’ve cleansed and left your skin free of product or makeup for a few hours. If it feels greasy and looks shiny, it’s most probably oily, whereas if it feels tight, it’s dry. If it’s a bit of both, then it’s combination and if it’s neither one nor the other, then lucky you, you probably have normal skin.

Great cleansing takes a little time, so don’t just slap water and cleanser on your face then hope for the best. Instead, take a minute or two to massage your skin with the pads of your fingers as you work the cleanser into your face and neck. Focus on areas of excess oil or congestion, but be extra gentle around your eyes to avoid tugging the skin in this thin, delicate area.

All this takes a matter of minutes but will help boost circulation, remove toxins and give you the perfect canvas to continue to the next step.

Step 3: Let Off Steam

Back in grandma’s day, steaming was everything and while we love exciting new beauty tools and modern techniques, sometimes the old tricks are the best ones. Even better news? Steaming is something everybody can do, for literally zero dollars.

Steaming is one of the most beneficial skincare tricks for boosting circulation, softening the skin, opening your pores and loosening trapped oil and debris. The heat also makes you sweat, which further promotes a good clear-out of unwanted toxins. Just remember to leave the extractions to the pros to prevent damaging your skin. It’s honestly not worth it, people.

For the perfect steam, simply fill a sink or bowl with hot water, then cover your head with a towel and hover your face about 12 inches above the water for 10 minutes to trap the steam in. You could even add some fresh herbs, essential oils or tea to the water to help detoxify or soothe your skin. To finish, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel, then tone your skin to cool and whisk away all those impurities the steam has loosened from your pores.

Important note: super-hot temperatures cause the blood vessels in your skin to dilate which leads to redness and flushing. Therefore, if you suffer with dryness or sensitivities like eczema or rosacea you might want to give this step a miss.

Step 4: Time To Exfoliate

Ever had a facial that didn’t involve some kind of exfoliation? Us neither because little beats it for sloughing away dead skin cells and accelerating cell turnover ­– the key to a glowing, healthy complexion.

Don't get us wrong, physical exfoliators can be super-effective if they're gentle and avoid using nasty things like ground nutshells to scrub and often damage the skin. But here at TruSkin, we believe chemical exfoliators are superior.

Chemical exfoliators harness the power of active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to ditch dead skin and encourage the fresh new stuff to take its place. Spend a couple of minutes after steaming to massage a gentle chemical exfoliant all over your face and this will really help leave it polished and clean.

Rushed for time? Then our Daily Super Toner, which contains glycolic acid (an AHA) will take care of business in seconds.

Step 5: Master A Mask

Now for the best bit when you can apply a face mask and become horizontal for 10 minutes (ssh, don’t tell your kids/roomie/lover).

Masks come in many different guises, so the only piece of advice we have here is to choose yours wisely, depending on your skin type or concerns, and avoid anything that’s brimming with alcohol or other skin irritants.

Clay and charcoal are awesome ingredients to look out for if you have oily or acne-prone skin as these are super-effective at detoxifying and cleaning out your pores. If you feel like your skin needs a serious hydration boost, however, try masks that contain vitamin E, B5 or aloe vera. And if you want to help reduce the signs of aging such as fine lines or pigmentation? Then go for mask that’s been formulated with antioxidants like vitamin C. It’s literally the best.

Step 6: Treat And Moisturize

The best way to finish any type of facial is with a carefully curated serum and moisturizer combo to lock in all that good work you’ve just done. You’ve got this, we’re confident of that, but to remind you, look for formulations that contain hyaluronic acid which is one of the most effective moisturizing ingredients out there and ideal for all skin types.

Your serum should be applied first, then leave it a minute or so (time to pour a glass of wine, maybe?) before applying moisturizer. Again, spend a few moments massaging your face and neck as you moisturize to help de-puff the skin while boosting circulation and collagen production. You could even invest in a jade facial roller if you’re feeling really fancy;)

And you're done.

Testing a new beauty product before applying it all over your skin or hair can seem like a real chore. But tell us this: would you ever jump straight into a hot bath without dipping your toe in the water first? No chance. So, why are you on board with patch testing hair color, but not skincare? It’s definitely time to changed that…

We recently read a sad story about a young woman who used an at-home peeling solution for the first time and ended up with terrible blisters all over her chin. She performed what she thought was an adequate test by applying a little of the formulation to her cheek for five minutes. Then, because she felt no adverse reaction, she went for it.

Big mistake. Huge. She paid the price the next day with burning skin that turned into nasty red bumps. The following day, these bumps turned into blisters. The next day they continued to worsen. And for many weeks following.

This made us think, just how important proper patch testing is. And that most consumers know little about it, let alone the reasons why they should be doing it after purchasing any new skincare product.

So, here’s everything you need to know about how and why your skin can react to certain ingredients in skincare – and what you can do to avoid it.

The Truth About What Goes In Your Skincare

When it comes to skincare ingredients, manufacturers like us are very strict about testing everything that goes into our product formulas. We are, after all, responsible for ensuring every product is safe for consumer use when used correctly and according to its directions.

However, the worrying truth is that, other than color additives, cosmetic ingredients do not have to be tested or approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) before going to market. They’re regulated, yes, and there’s plenty of research and data online about how effective and safe most ingredients are, but the FDA has no authority over any cosmetic product you put on your face and body.

Due to the strength, power and concentration of our active, plant-based formulations, we take this very seriously and thoroughly test everything before including it in our products. But still, you can’t be sure every brand has the same high standards.

Red flag number one.

How Your Own Skin Comes Into Play

Another important thing to remember is that your skin is totally unique to you. So, while the latest influencer, glossy magazine beauty editor or Love Island star might get all the feels from a much-hyped skincare product, who’s to say that your skin will behave in the exact same way?

Similarly, you may think your skin is as strong as steel and can take anything you throw at it: retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, the works. Well, this might be true, but whether you have sensitive skin or not, there’s always the possibility of reacting to a certain active ingredient in skincare. And here’s the kicker. People can develop allergies at any time in their lives, so even if you’ve used an ingredient before, it may still cause your skin to flare-up at a later date.

Red flag number two.

So, What Can You Do To Prevent Skin Irritation?

First up it’s vital, we repeat vital to only ever buy products from brands you trust. Once you’ve got this in your head, you can then think in more detail about what your put on your face.

One of the biggest mistakes you could make is to overload your skin with countless products containing strong actives. Word of warning: unless these actives have been carefully combined into one treatment by a reputable manufacturer, or you’ve been prescribed a curated regimen by a board-certified skin expert, this is a bad idea. Instead, introduce active ingredients one at a time, giving yourself a few weeks to acclimate before starting another. You could also try an antioxidant such as vitamin E in the morning, then an AHA or retinol treatment at night to get the benefits of both while keeping them separate and reducing your chances of irritation.

Another trick is to check the labels before you buy a new product and try to avoid some of the most common irritants in skincare such as parabens, formaldehyde and sulfates.

The best way to avoid unwanted flare-ups, however, is to carry out a patch test first.

How To Perform A Patch Test At Home

Patch tests are a piece of cake. All you need to do is apply a small dot of your new product to a discreet patch of clean skin such as behind your ears, inside your elbow, on the side of your neck or on your wrist. 

Skin can take up to 48 hours to react to a product or ingredient it doesn’t like, so you should ideally leave the product for at least 24 hours (preferably 48) before checking for a negative reaction. If you see or feel anything that doesn’t look right after this time such as redness, burning, swelling or itching, discontinue use and return it because something’s not right. And should symptoms continue or worsen, seek advice from a board-certified skincare expert. 

Any mild reaction such as slight redness or tingling that occurs within the first hour of applying your product is fine – it’s the intention of most active ingredients, especially AHAs and BHAs, to work out the skin. This should settle down within 30-60 minutes, but if it continues or gets worse, rinse your skin immediately.

If you experience no adverse reactions over the 24-48 hour time period, you should be good to apply the product to your skin as instructed. But remember, those directions are there for a reason, so stick with them. To the letter. 

What To Do If You Discover A Skin Allergy

If you’re concerned about a serious reaction and think you might have some kind of allergy such as contact dermatitis, make sure to book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or allergist. Chances are, you’re allergic to a certain ingredient which can be diagnosed through a more detailed type of patch testing.

Patch testing at the doctor’s office is a whole different ball game and involves having a number of small patches of allergens applied to the skin and observed for adverse reactions. During this test, your skin may be exposed to up to 30 different substances at once, so it’s a great way to eliminate certain chemicals and ingredients from both your skincare and household products.

Remember, knowledge is a powerful thing and can be a lifesaver for your skin. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Retinol opens up a whole world of confusion for some people. But when it comes to proven anti-aging skincare ingredients it gives us all the feels. 

That’s why knowing what it is and, more importantly how to make it work for you,  well, that knowledge is priceless. Not sure of the difference between retinol and retinoic acid? Wondering whether a topical retinoid is OK for your super-sensitive skin? Then get comfy, because we have all the answers to your most pressing questions, right here.

Q: First things first, what are retinoids?

A: Retinoids are active, topical forms of vitamin A that can be split into two camps: retinol and tretinoin.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in eggs, yellow and orange fruit and veggies, liver, fish, cheese and butter. It’s an essential part of a well-balanced diet and helps maintain healthy cell growth while boosting your vision and reproductive and immune systems.

The active form (the one that does all the good stuff) of vitamin A is called retinoic acid and its topical counterpart is called tretinoin. Tretinoin is a clever little prescription-only ingredient that delivers retinoic acid to the skin to stimulate healthy cell turnover for a glowing, more youthful complexion.

Retinol, meanwhile, is an over-the-counter, gentler version of tretinoin that biochemically does the same thing, but must be converted into retinoic acid by the skin before it can get to work. Studies have shown that retinol is 20 times less potent that tretinoin, but it’s considerably kinder on the complexion which why it’s every beauty editor’s/derm’s/celebrity’s favorite anti-aging ingredient.

Still confused? Then just remember this, retinol is the tortoise to tretinoin’s hare.

Q: What are the benefits of using a topical retinoid?

A: When absorbed by the skin, retinoic acid molecules attach themselves to the center of cells where genetic information is stored. Here, they trigger and activate certain genes to increase collagen production and stimulate the skin to turnover more efficiently. This not only helps soften, thicken and plump up the skin but offers no end of benefits for enlarged pores, acne, pigmentation and aging skin.

Research also shows that retinoids have powerful antioxidant properties, which is why many people call them the ultimate miracle-workers. We, on the other hand prefer not to subscribe to such bold promises. Let’s just say they’re up there with the most proven and effective skincare ingredients, shall we?

Q: So, does that mean tretinoin is better than retinol?

A: Yes and no. Tretinoin is only available on prescription and is often advised to patients who are serious about treating fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations. Derms and doctors see tretinoin as the gold standard of retinoids because it’s so pure, but it packs such a retinoic acid punch that it can be hard to tolerate – especially if you have sensitive skin.

This is why we truly believe that over-the-counter products are the cat’s whiskers. Retinol can be just as effective as tretinoin, as long as you shop wisely and are happy to play the long game. Derivatives of retinol such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate are super weak and, in our opinion, not worth it. But choose formulas that contain pure retinol and while visible results may take a little longer, you’ll see just as many benefits as you would from a tretinoin product.

Q: If I start using a retinoid regularly, how long will it be before I see improvements in my skin?

A: Tretinoin usually offers visible results at around the three month mark. Retinol, due to its gentler nature, however, may take up to six. The good thing is that retinoids are among the most highly researched ingredients in skincare and show proven, visible results. Unlike other headline-grabbing ingredients that promise the world but fail to deliver, retinoids have been tried and tested for decades. And they work. They just do. But patience is a virtue.

Q: What’s the best way to use topical retinoid?

A: Great question. Retinoids are best used at night because sunlight can deactivate vitamin A. Nighttime use is also advised to reduce any dryness and redness you may experience from the sun. Contrary to popular belief, retinoids themselves are not sun sensitizing, but they do thin the very top layer of your skin to help rid your complexion of pore-clogging dead skin cells. This is a good thing, but it also disrupts the natural protective barrier which is why you should apply it at night, then in the morning wear a daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. 

Another tip is to start slowly. Most derms agree you should begin with a low concentration of retinol such as 0.5-1.0 percent. Apply it to clean skin every other night to begin with, then as your skin acclimates you can up your application to every night. After a few months, you could also move up to a higher concentration as tolerated. And if your skin feels dry? Then feel free to layer your favorite moisturizer on top.

Q: Is it true you should never apply retinol to damp skin?

A: In a word, no. There’s no real evidence to suggest that applying retinol to damp or wet skin will intensify skin irritation. Nor will it render the ingredient more or less effective. More importantly, you should ensure your skin is clean and well prepped before applying your retinol product. Cleanse thoroughly and gently exfoliate any dry, flaky patches to make way for the fresh skin underneath. This helps the active ingredient penetrate your skin which actually reduces irritation.

Q: Speaking of which, my skin became really dry and irritated after introducing retinol into my skincare routine, should I stop?

A: Dryness, flaking and slight redness are part of what’s called the purging process, so don’t worry, this is very normal. Skin purging is just your skin reacting to the active retinol which accelerates the exfoliation process and promotes skin cells to turnover quicker than normal. This is great for the health, look and feel of your skin in the long run, but can temporarily exacerbate redness, irritation and scaling.

The good news, however, is these side-effects are temporary so try to push through them. There are also a few tricks to help you avoid them in the first place. First, slowly introduce retinol into your routine to allow your skin to adjust – and yes, once a week is OK. Then you can up the frequency by one day per week as your skin becomes more tolerant. If the irritation continues or gets worse, take your usage back down again and/or try a super-low concentration – we’re talking 0.5 or even 0.3 percent.

Still struggling? Then speak to a skincare expert because retinol might not be for you. There are plenty of other effective skincare ingredients that are more tolerable for sensitive skin like niacinamide, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

Q: Can I use retinol with other active skincare ingredients like vitamin C?

A: Combining active skincare ingredients can sometimes have disastrous effects if left in the wrong hands. But that is the key because if you know what you’re doing or better still, leave it to the experts, the results from ingredient cocktailing can be glorious.

Take retinol and vitamin C, for example. Studies have shown that, together, this little power couple offers visible benefits to aging skin such as an improvement in texture and tone, plus a notable reduction in photodamage – aka hyperpigmentation. Retinol and vitamin C are both proven antioxidants and work well to defend the skin against the damaging effects of the sun. We actually combine them with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in our Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum for a potent, but surprisingly gentle fix of skin-loving actives.

As a side-note, retinol also combines well with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic and salicylic acids. In fact, like John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, they bring out the best in each other to increase turnover and leave you with healthy, glowing skin.

Q: At what age should I start regularly using a retinol product?

A: This depends on each individual because everyone’s skin ages at different rates based on their genes, lifestyle, diet and overall health. Someone living the high-life in the full California sun may find their skin ages at a much faster rate than someone of the same age living in less sunnier climes, for example. That being said, most experts agree that somewhere in your mid to late 20s is ideal, but you know your skin and it’s never too early (nor too late)…