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From brightening serums and powerful moisturizers to the obligatory sunscreen, here’s everything your skincare routine needs to deal with hyperpigmentation, aka pesky dark spots.

Dark spots get all of us eventually. And whether yours are thanks to teenage acne, more recent hormonal changes, years of sun damage or even skin trauma, one thing’s for sure, dark spots get right under your skin.

While they’re rarely harmful to your health, dark spots, aka hyperpigmentation, appear when your skin produces too much melanin – the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes their color. Many factors can trigger an erratic overproduction of melanin but the three main causes are: hormonal changes such as those during pregnancy or the menopause; some kind of skin trauma (bites, burns, acne spots etc.) that didn't heal properly, or the thing we like to quite rightly blame for almost everything, the sun. Certain medications can also create dark, patchy areas on your skin, as can existing conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

So, what can you do to, first off, prevent dark spots for forming in the first place, and secondly help fade the ones you’ve already been lumbered with?

Keep scrolling for the most important products to have up your skincare sleeve.

The Absolute Must: Sunscreen

Of course, like most things in life, prevention is better (read: easier!) than cure. Granted, not all dark spots are caused by the sun, but here’s the thing. Whatever the cause of your dark spots, the sun will make them ten times worse because your skin can’t help but naturally produce melanin when it’s exposed to UV rays. Sometimes, melanin production is smooth and even and you tan, but other times it becomes erratic, uneven and melanin clumps together forming dark, patchy areas on your skin.

It makes sense, therefore, that all skincare experts, including the American Academy of Dermatology agree that your first line of defense against dark spots should be to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays in the first place. Stay out of the midday sun, and wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and protective, long-sleeved clothing. And, of course, wear sunscreen. Every day. Not only is a broad-spectrum sunscreen the number one way to prevent dark spots, but it can also help to clear or minimize existing ones as an added bonus.

Try: SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C

The Skin Reviver: Exfoliator

Products that exfoliate your skin are the cat’s whiskers for helping to treat dark spots as they help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin while improving cellular turnover. But exfoliation isn’t a one-fits-all. In fact, there are two very different ways to exfoliate your skin: chemical and physical exfoliation.

Physical exfoliation is the obvious type that requires a little bit of physical force to work. Think scrubs, loofahs, facial mitts and cleansing brushes. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, requires no physical action but instead uses certain ingredients like glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid to dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells so they shed quicker and more efficiently.

Both types of exfoliation work pretty darn well, so it's really a matter of personal choice. Just remember, go gently and stick to maybe two or three times a week depending on your skin type.

Try: Ocean Minerals Super Toner

The Brightening Superhero: Vitamin C

Antioxidants are an awesome way to ward off the damaging effects of the sun (dark spots, wrinkles, the whole shebang!) because they help neutralize free radicals which form in your skin when it’s exposed to UV radiation.

One of the best and most clinically-proven of the antioxidant powerhouses is vitamin C – specifically when it comes to preventing and fading dark spots. Vitamin C not only gets to work on those aforementioned free radical villains to help reduce oxidative stress and keep your skin healthy, but it’s also been shown to inhibit the production of melanin by decreasing an enzyme in your skin called tyrosinase. And as an extra side? Vitamin C also has impressive anti-inflammatory properties which is key in the fight against dark spots. How so? Because dark spots are often the result of… yes, you guessed it… inflammation.

Triple-action brightening effects right there? You’d better believe it.

If you’re not sure how to include vitamin C in your skincare routine, we believe the best type is sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or SAP to its buddies. SAP is the less potent, but more stable version of pure l-ascorbic acid. This makes it a) way more tolerable for all skin types and b) more longer-lasting since it doesn’t break down and lose efficacy when exposed to light and air. Winner!

Try: Super C Duo with Vitamin C Super Serum+ and Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer

The Gold-Star Of Skin Renewal: Retinol

Short of doing the washing up and taking the kids to school, there’s very little retinol can’t do. OK, so we exaggerate, but you get the idea of just what an awesome skincare ingredient retinol is, right?

A type of vitamin A, retinol is well-known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting skills, but it’s also a strong contender in the battle against unwanted dark spots. For one thing, retinol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which improves everything from elasticity and strength to tone, texture and radiance. It also has similar effects to exfoliation in that it accelerates cell renewal, forcing all those dead surface skin cells to beat it.

Retinol is a powerful beast, however, so there are a few important things to remember when introducing it into your regime for the first time.

1. Always do a patch test. No arguments.

2. Introduce retinol slowly, starting with two or three times a week max.

3. Give it a few weeks, then if your skin is behaving OK, up your frequency to four or five times a week.

4. Repeat until you’re applying it nightly.

5. Skin feeling unnecessarily dry, red, itchy or irritated? Then reduce your usage again until your skin acclimates.

6. Be patient. The effects of retinol take time, so don’t expect miracles overnight. You’ll likely need to wait a few months for the best results. But it'll be worth it, promise.

 Try: Retinol Facial Serum

It’s time to take the guesswork out of protecting your skin from the sun.

Admit it, you love the sun, right? Well, you and us both. But as much as we adore scorching beach days, backyard barbecues and picnics in the park, the sun is a damaging beast. And your skin is not a fan.

In fact, other than time itself, sunshine is your skin’s biggest enemy, accounting for somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of external aging and causing so many beauty bugbears it’s hard to keep count. Those extra freckles on your forearms? All thanks to the sun. Dark spots on your cheekbones? Probably the sun. Crinkles on your décolletage? Premature lines? Issues with cruddy skin texture? Again, you wouldn’t be wrong to point the finger at the sun.

Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to protect your skin from damaging UV radiation. Sure, sun protection can be mind-blowingly tricky, but it’s super important to know your way around a bottle of sunscreen.

This is why, today, we’re here to help you wise up to the sun and its mischievous ways with 10 important dos and don’ts of sun protection. Come on people, the look, feel and health of your skin are relying on you.

DO Apply Sunscreen To Exposed Skin Every Day

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation – and, in fact, anyone who knows anything about how the sun affects your skin! – everyone over the age of six months should use sunscreen on a daily basis. This means that no matter your skin type, color, age, location, or time of the year, it’s super important to protect any skin that’s not covered up by clothing.

The thing is, UV radiation is present all year long – whether it’s warm, cold, cloudy or raining. That might not immediately make sense but when you realize that UV rays are about light not heat, the penny will hopefully drop. When it’s gray and super cloudy outside, for example, around 80 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays are still able to penetrate through those clouds to reach your skin. Seriously bad news if you’re not protecting yourself.

Of course, in winter, you don’t need to slap sunscreen over your entire body, but always, we repeat always apply SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen With Vitamin C to your face, neck and hands at the very least.

DON’T Ever Scrimp On Sunscreen

Unlike most other skincare products that sit in the ‘less is more’ camp, you can never apply too much sunscreen. In fact, most of us do the exact opposite and rarely use enough.

The general rule of thumb is that for sunscreen to give you the correct amount of protection it claims, you must use at least two tablespoons (one shot glass) for your entire face and body. From this, around a nickel-sized dollop should be applied liberally to your face and neck alone.

DO Reapply More Often Than You Think

Experts at the American Academy of Dermatology explain that the sun breaks down sunscreen, making it less and less effective as time goes by. This is why all dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours if you’re going to be outside for a prolonged period of time. That’s pretty often, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on a long hike or day at the beach.

Reapplying is also more important than ever if you’re swimming or sweating because no sunscreen (whatever it may claim) can ever be fully waterproof. Water-resistant? Sure, but only for 40-80 minutes which it must state clearly on the label. Waterproof, however? Physically impossible.

DON’T Use Out-Of-Date Sunscreen

Like all skincare formulations, sunscreens expire – especially if you keep them in an overly warm room. That being said, they have a pretty long shelf-life and, according to the FDA’s guidelines, must remain stable for at least three years so don’t worry about finishing up a bottle that’s been hanging around for a few summers.

Any product you’ve had for longer than three years, however, should be thrown in the trash as the active ingredients will be rendered much less effective and could put your skin and health at risk. A good trick is to write the month and year on the bottle when you buy it. That way you’ll know when it’s had its day.

DO Choose Broad-Spectrum Formulations

Remember, sunscreen isn’t just about SPF. Sun protection factors are important for protecting your skin from UVB rays which are the ones that cause redness, sunburn, DNA damage and many skin cancers. 

However, SPF has nothing to do with UVA rays which are the ones present all year long and those most responsible for photoaging. The only way of knowing whether a product protects your skin from UVA radiation is to use ‘broad-spectrum’ formulations like our SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen With Vitamin C. This ensures you have sufficient protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

PS: While SPF 15 blocks around 93 percent of UVB radiation, it’s generally agreed that SPF 30 is your best bet.

DON’T Rely On Makeup

Don't get us wrong, mineral makeup and tinted moisturizers that have an SPF are great. But they’re rarely water resistant or offer broad-spectrum protection and, because you don’t apply them in a thick enough layer, they might not offer the level of coverage your skin really needs. Always apply sunscreen first.

DO Choose Mineral Sunscreens

Sunscreens fall into two camps: chemical and mineral (or physical).

Chemical sunscreens use chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, octisalate, avobenzone and octinoxate which absorb UV radiation, break it down and release it through your skin. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, sit on the surface of your skin, forming a reflective barrier against the sun. The most common mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

We strongly believe  that mineral sunscreens trump chemicals every time. And here’s why:

1. Mineral sunscreens are natural and offer both UVA and UVB protection. Chemicals don’t always do that.

2. Minerals are way kinder to the skin. Chemicals can be pretty irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.

3. Mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection whereas chemical ones need to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

4. Minerals are safe for your health and the environment. Chemicals are potentially harmful – especially to marine life.

Our SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen With Vitamin C utilizes the fabulous powers of zinc oxide and is completely reef-friendly. Just saying!

DON’T Forget Hidden Areas Of Your Skin

Behind your ears is a very high-risk area for skin cancer so if you have short or tied-back hair, ensure you apply sunscreen to this super delicate area. Also, if you’re on the beach and lounging in the sun, certain areas like your eyelids and soles of your feet can easily be forgotten. Don’t do that.

DO Wear Sunscreen Inside As Well As Out

It’s easy to think that if you’re tucked away inside you’re safe from the sun’s evil ways. However, studies show than 50 percent of UVA radiation is able to penetrate right through glass. This means that if you’re sitting at your desk next to a window, it’s getting you. When you’re driving, it’s also getting you. Even sat at a window seat when flying, it’s getting you. 

DON’T Dismiss The Importance Of Vitamin C

Other than holing up in a darkened room for your entire life, sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun. However, it’s not the ONLY way. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and staying in the shade are also powerful moves for anyone who cares about their skin.

And then there’s the mighty vitamin C. Topical vitamin C is one of the most proven antioxidants in skincare and works like a dog to fight against photoaging. How so? Well, exposure to the sun is one of the biggest causes of free radicals – nasty guys that love to do a number on your skin, destroying collagen and other important components like elastin and DNA. Antioxidants like vitamin C help nix free radicals to limit their damage and help prevent things like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

We’re huge – like massive – fans of vitamin C and use it across a whole bunch of TruSkin favorites. Keep your skin looking awesome for as long as possible by cleansing with Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser and applying Vitamin C Facial Serum underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen. This will noticeably amp up your protection game. But remember, antioxidants do NOT protect your skin from sunburn so don’t think applying a vitamin C serum makes you invincible.

Sunscreen remains number one.

Sweatier skin and oilier pores are inevitable as climbing temperatures and higher humidity hits. So get ahead of the game with our tips for preparing your skin for summer…

Summer officially started on June 21. So it’s time to take a close look at your skin to ensure it’s ready for everything that gets thrown at it when warm, sunny weather arrives.

Hotter temperatures and higher levels of humidity have various effects on your skin – some good, some not so good. And when you couple new weather conditions and more time in the great outdoors with the realization that more of your body is about to be on show, it’s easy to let summer skin issues come up and bite you on the butt.

Let’s not that happen, shall we? Here’s what to do over the next few weeks to get your skin summer-ready.  

Invest In Some Chemical Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a tricky game. Do it too much and you chance irritation, redness and sensitivities taking over your skin. But avoid it altogether and you can end up with dull skin, clogged pores and worse yet, pesky breakouts. During the winter months it’s prudent to tone down how often you exfoliate your skin to avoid dryness and dehydration adding to your winter woes. However, as summer approaches, you can definitely up the ante – especially if you have normal, oily or combination skin.

We’re big believers in chemical, rather than physical exfoliation as a much more gentle approach to accelerating cell turnover and encouraging dead skin cells to hop it. Try our awesome Ocean Mineral Super Toner every day before moisturizing which contains glycolic acid to exfoliate as well as minerals and vitamins to nourish and protect your skin.

Go For Light, Hydrating Layers

Rich creams and heavy moisturizer might be your go-tos when it’s cold outside, but come summer you’d be wise to lighten up your moisturizing load. Now, this does NOT mean avoiding moisturizer altogether – that’s crazy talk – but you can definitely trade in the big guns for lighter textures that concentrate on drawing all that extra moisture from the air into your skin.

Great ingredients for hydrating your skin are hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera so try the powerhouse combo of Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum followed by Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer which is loaded with aloe and glycerin.

Shorten Your Shower Time

Long, hot showers may feel incredible when it’s freezing outside, but they’re terrible for your skin, sucking out all the moisture and compromising your super important barrier function. Also, it should be much warmer outside now, so… really?

Turn the temperature of your water down to lukewarm to limit your skin’s chances of becoming inflamed or irritated, and give yourself five minutes max to shower. Studies show the average shower takes around eight minutes so by reducing this by three minutes will also save more than six gallons of water. Per day. Added bonus for our precious planet right there.

Up Your Cleansing Regimen

We always err towards the gentle side of cleansing, but scorching temps make your skin sweat more and this, coupled with sunscreen and what can often seem like a never ending supply of excess oils, needs to be dealt with – especially before bed.

Invest in a cleanser that means business, but don’t be fooled by oil-stripping formulations that are packed with drying alcohols, synthetic fragrance and harsh sulfates. They’re seriously bad news and will just make your skin even more oily in the long-term. Instead, try our Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser which is the cat’s whiskers at gently mopping away sebum to balance and detoxify your skin. We call it the perfect summer skin prep in one handy little tube.

Give Your Body Some TLC

For most of us, our legs, tums, arms and chests have been hidden away for the past nine months or so. But there’s a chance at least one of these body parts is about to see the warm light of day. So it’s probably time to up your bodycare routine, pronto.

Treat yourself to a body loofah, mitt or scrub and gently buff your skin while in your (five minute!) shower. Concentrate on your arms, elbows, legs and butt but go carefully over your chest area as the skin here is thin and very fragile.

Also, don’t forget to moisturize with a light lotion after showering – preferably while your skin is still damp. Unless you have super dry skin, we recommend avoiding rich butters or heavy oils as these can block your pores and cause breakouts.

Don’t Forget Your C-Vitamins

Pre-summer is literally the best time to introduce our good pal vitamin C into your skincare routine. Packed with antioxidant properties to nip those nasty free radicals in the bud, it’s one of our favorite ways to counteract the damaging effects of the sun. It also helps inhibit melanin production to reduce your risk of annoying summertime dark spots. Finally, research shows it can also help strengthen the power of your sunscreen, giving you a double dose of UV protection.

Try our G.O.A.T. Vitamin C Facial Serum which is a kind of must all year long. But especially now and through the summer months.

Keep Some Tea Tree Oil Up Your Sleeve

Summer pimples and blackheads are downright annoying, but for anyone with oily or hormonal skin, they’re also a given because sweat and oil just can’t help but build-up on the surface of your skin. Regular cleansing is a must, of course, but to really get ahead of face and body breakouts, arm yourself with some tea tree oil.

Our Tea Tree Super Serum+ is ideal to keep in your vanity as it contains not one zit-fighting ingredient, but two: tea tree oil AND salicylic acid. Dab it on cleansed, problem areas before bed or apply it all over two or three times a week after cleansing with Tea Tree Super Cleanser+.

Ensure SPF Is Second Nature

We know you apply facial sunscreen all year round – you do, DON’T YOU? – but if there’s ever a time to ensure you’re doing it, it’s now. UVA rays are present all year long, even on cloudy days, but UVB is much more prevalent in the summertime so this is non-negotiable for the next few months. Then it’ll be part of your routine anyway so you can continue forever more. See what we did there?

Apply SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C every morning without fail to your face, neck and chest, and invest in a broad-spectrum body sunscreen for any other exposed areas of your skin. Reapply regularly if you’re in the sun all day and try to stay in the shade as much as possible to reduce your risks of short- and long-term sun damage. Neither of those are good. 

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. 

Because one small change to your skincare routine = a giant step for the look and feel of your skin…

It’s easy to get into a rut with your skincare routine. We get that. After all, when things are ticking along nicely and your skin seems to be behaving well enough, why put a cat amongst the pigeons?

Don’t get us wrong, we’re all about consistency here at TruSkin. Finding your routine mojo – and sticking with it – is worth its weight in gold. But, unless you’re some kind of inch-perfect superhero who never puts a foot wrong (does that person even exist?), improvements to your skincare routine can always be made. This could be adding an extra treatment serum to your bedtime regimen to help resist the signs of aging now you’ve hit 30, or it might be something as simple as washing your bedsheets more often (*note to self, right there!). Whatever your routine looks like, we know that you (and us included) can always do better.

Read on for some simple tweaks to help upgrade your skincare jam. And excellent news: not only are they super speedy and completely effortless, but they won’t cost you a dime.

First, Detox Your Beauty Cabinet

When was the last time you looked at your product arsenal to figure out which products you actually use and see visibly results from? If the answer is anywhere between six months ago and never, then now’s the time to change that.

Products have a shelf-life and, unless otherwise stated on the packaging, should generally be used within a year of opening. And if you're not sure how long that dusty serum has been hanging around at the back of your cabinet? Then apply a little to the back of your hand. If it smells funny, has changed color or looks separated – toss it. Using ‘off’ products on your face can cause all manner of unwanted issues so avoid even the slimmest chance of that happening by ditching anything old and unused.

Not only can you do without all those 'passed their best' products, but neither do you need 20+ skincare products that overload your skin and cause potential irritation. Instead, basic is best. Of course, by basic we don’t mean sticking with a cruddy soap and bog-standard moisturizer. But cleanser, eye treatment, serum (or two), moisturizer, night cream and sunscreen are perfectly adequate. In fact, this combination is the perfect sweet spot in our humble opinion.

Read Your Labels

You might think you know how to cleanse and moisturize your skin because you’ve been doing it for years. So why read the labels? What could possibly go wrong? Similarly, your skin is super strong and has never reacted to a product in the past, so why should you bother familiarizing yourself with a new product’s ingredients and instructions? Well, the most important thing to remember is that every skincare formulation is different. Sure, washing your face is essentially washing your face, but maybe your new cleanser contains super-strong active ingredients that might irritate your skin if you go in all guns blazing. Or perhaps it's best applied to dry skin first, then rinsed off with water. Who knows if you don’t check first?

Take a minute or so (because honestly, that’s all it will take) to read any new skincare labels before using products for the first time. And while you’re at it, go back and read your existing ones to check you’re applying those correctly, too. You never know, you may just learn something new. And your skin will thank you for it.

Cleanse For An Extra Minute

Rushing through your skincare regimen is a real shame. Not only because applying products should be enjoyable, rather than a chore, but also because taking your time will reap countless rewards.

Cleansing, for example, is often looked over as something to be swiftly checked off your list before getting to the main event of applying treatment serums and moisturizers. Huge mistake. Cleansing is the absolute foundation of great skin, removing potentially pore-clogging debris from the surface while preparing your skin to absorb and maximize the benefits of the rest of your routine. Do it badly, or too quickly and you won’t do a great job. That’s the truth.

So word to the wise: Take. Your. Time. Just a couple of minutes is all it takes to get rid of all that built-up grime, oil, sweat and makeup. Grab your favorite formulation – we have three awesome ones to choose from – and apply it to damp skin, then use your hands and pads of your fingers to gently work it all over your face and neck. Sweep it all over using stroking, lifting motions then massage it in circular motions to help boost blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Honestly, there is no easier way to improve the radiance of your skin.

Swerve The Hand Towel

Being aware of the quality and cleanliness of your face towel is a great way to level up your skincare. How so? Because old or dirty towels can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. And this is far from ideal for your skin – especially if you’re prone to breakouts.

This means it’s super important to set aside a specific towel for drying your face. Communal bath or hand towels? Unacceptable. Choose cotton or cotton blend towels as these combine the ideal blend of softness and absorbency alongside a little gentle exfoliation. Wash yours after every other use (yes, that means every day!) and replace them every few years.

Layer Up

Skincare layering is an incredible way to supercharge your routine by injecting (not literally, of course!) extra hydration, antioxidant protection, strengthening or acne-fighting ingredients into your skin without too much hassle.

But if you’re going to do it, you need to get your order right.

The general rule is that your thinnest products should be applied first, with the thickest, most dense-feeling products going last. This means the order goes as follows: cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, facial oil and sunscreen.

Another important thing to remember is not to bombard your skin with every AHA, BHA, retinol and vitamin C product you can get your hands on. These are all potent ingredients that can quickly overload your skin, resulting in redness, dryness, excess oils and/or irritation. Take it easy and apply just one serum at a time. Of course, you might want to invest in two or three to tackle different concerns and that’s fine. In fact we love the combination of Vitamin C Facial Serum and Retinol Facial Serum. But we never use them both at once. Instead, apply them on alternate days, or try one in the morning and one at night.

Wear Sunglasses Every Day

OK, so this isn't strictly a skincare tweak, but sunglasses are an awesome way to protect the skin around your eyes from aging up lightning fast, so we’re going with it. Plus it’s easy, stylish and chances are you have a few pairs of sunnies anyway – so why not make the most of them by wearing them even on cloudy days?

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more fragile than the rest of your face which means it’s less able to protect itself from the damaging rays from the sun. And the sun is always there – rain or shine – so protection shouldn't be kept aside for sunny days only.

Shield your eyes every time you go outside with sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection. Go for plastic instead of metal frames to avoid reflecting damaging sunlight onto your cheeks, and choose mirrored over tinted lenses as these are more effective at blocking out those nasty rays.

Trust us, this is an awesome way to help ward off the visible signs of aging around your eyes. Plus, if you combine it with a daily eye treatment like Peptide Eye Gel you’ll be laughing.

Let’s make 2023 the year to help your skin look and feel its best yet, shall we?

It’s 2023 (can you believe it?) and with a new year comes new beginnings. Out-of-reach resolutions, however, that you’ll never achieve – let alone stick with – are so not our mojo. Instead, we believe in realistic goals that help you enjoy looking after your skin and give you visible, natural-looking results you will love.

Want to know how to set up your skincare routine for success for 2023 and beyond? Then read on for five of the best (and totally achievable) new year’s resolutions for your skin…

Goal #1. Simplify Your Daily Skincare Routine

Nailing a routine that works for you sounds simple enough but it can actually be quite tricky when there are so many awesome (and some not-so-awesome!) products out there to try. What’s important, however, is that you’re completely in tune with your skin. This means knowing your skin type and understanding what your most pressing concerns are. Once you get a hold of these important factors, you can build your skincare routine accordingly.

Of course, the basics (cleanser, moisturizer and SPF) are a must, no matter your skin type. But then it’s all about choosing those supercharged add-ons that really boost your routine and improve your skin without overcomplicating things.

To Do: First up, identify your skin type here. Then really look at your skin in the mirror and touch it with clean hands. What are you thinking right now? Does your skin feel dehydrated? Are you noticing some dark spots in certain areas? Or are those fine lines around your eyes getting super annoying?

Identify your main concern, then build your routine around your skin type and concern. And while you’re at it, toss away all those half-used bottles of ‘false promise’ products hiding in the back of your beauty cabinet. They didn’t work a year ago, so they’re not going to work now.

Try: Our Vitamin C range is the ideal way to crush an effective skincare routine without even thinking about it. From cleansing and moisturizing to skin brightening and SPF protection, it’s a great way to start the year as you mean to go on.

Goal #2. Never Go To Bed Without Giving Your Skin A Little Love

You’ve probably made the ‘I will never go to bed without taking off my makeup’ resolution many times in the past. And good on you, because cleansing your skin at night is one of the most important ways to maintain consistently great skin. After all, a build-up of 16 or so hours of oils, sweat, dirt and goodness-knows-what-else is a lot for your skin (and your pores!) to contend with.

But an effective nighttime skincare routine is so much more than cleansing. While you’re asleep, your skin gets super busy repairing damage from the day and strengthening its all-important barrier function. And this is all well and good, but your skin needs a little help as it gets to work overnight. Which is where your skincare products come to the rescue.

To Do: You don’t necessarily need a huge arsenal of extra products for your bedtime routine, but one or two products, specifically formulated to support the vital functions your skin performs while you sleep, will go a long way.

Try: Retinol Facial Serum followed by Retinol Moisturizer or Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

Goal #3. Get Your Daily Vitamins

There are many topical vitamins that pack a real punch in skincare. But knowing what each one does and which work best for your skin is no mean feat. Do you go for vitamin C which is touted as one of the best brightening ingredients and hardest working antioxidants out there? Or maybe you stick with vitamin E which is up there as one of the most moisturizing, soothing vitamins of all. Then there’s vitamin B3 (AKA niacinamide)… vitamin K… and not to forget vitamin A, or the mighty retinol as it’s usually known.

The choices are endless. But this doesn’t mean you should back away from vitamin-based moisturizers and serums simply because you don’t know which to turn to. Vitamin-enriched formulations are a great addition to your routine – plus there’s at least one out there for you, we just know it.

To Do: Again, this is all about knowing your skin, then deciding what to focus on. Here’s a quick breakdown of your most common skin concerns and the best vitamin choice for you.

If Your Main Concern Is… Aging skin or acne, go for vitamin A (retinol)

If Your Main Concern Is… Dry skin, redness or sensitivities, try vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

If Your Main Concern Is… Dullness, dark spots and premature aging, go for vitamin C

If Your Main Concern Is… Dehydration, poor texture or dryness, try vitamin E 

Try: We have a number of facial serums packed with specific vitamins to enhance, repair and treat your skin concerns, but if you're looking for a multi-functional product that offers an incredible balance of all the good stuff, you’ll love our new Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum. Loaded with vitamins B3, B5, C, D, E, F and K, plus minerals, electrolytes, hyaluronic acid and aloe, it’s ideal for all skin types and a great addition to any ‘new year, new you’ skincare routine.

Goal #4. Protect Your Skin, Rain Or Shine

Sure, sunscreen isn’t the most fun of skincare products. But it is, without doubt, the single most important product to use if you care about warding off the signs of premature aging. How so? Because UV radiation is responsible for somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of all external skin aging. Not only that, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, applying SPF 15 every day helps reduce your risk of developing certain skin cancers by as much as 50 percent.

Now we don’t know about you, but that kind of pertinent information makes us want to douse ourselves in sunscreen at every available opportunity. And while that may sound dramatic, this is exactly what we want you to focus on this year… and forever more.

The truth is, the sun’s damaging rays are present even when it’s cold and cloudy outside. So, while you might not ‘feel’ the sun beating down on your skin on gray, wintry days, it’s still there. Otherwise... well, it would be nighttime.

To Do: Make sunscreen an absolute priority every morning. And stick with mineral-based formulations that include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as these are the only sunscreen ingredients currently deemed safe and effective by the FDA. Get into the habit of applying it as your last skincare step every morning and it’ll quickly become routine.

Try: SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen With Vitamin C which is lightweight enough for most skin types and contains broad-spectrum protection. This means it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. That’s super important, btw.

Goal #5. Don’t Ignore Your Eyes

You may be a total whizz with your facial skincare routine, but are you as vigilant when it comes to the skin around your eyes? Chances are, that’s a big, fat no. Big mistake. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face which means it ages quicker and therefore needs major love and attention.

To Do: First up, don’t underestimate the healing powers of a good night’s sleep. A lack of zzzs not only makes the blood vessels under your eyes dilate but it also leads to water retention. Neither of which are good news for the fragile skin around your eyes. We’re talking dark circles, puffy bags and fine lines.

Secondly, avoid slapping thick moisturizers and potent serums around your eyes as they could overwhelm or irritate this fragile area. Instead, choose an eye treatment and tap it gently around the orbital bone morning and night, using your ring fingers to reduce pressure and minimize drag.

Try: Peptide Eye Gel or Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream. Both of these anti-aging eye treatments are ideal for protecting the skin around your eyes and helping to promote younger-looking skin. The choice is yours!