True Radical Honesty From Our Community

We’re thrilled to announce that two of our favorite products have joined forces to bring you one of the most exciting advancements in skincare, ever. Is it a serum? Is it a sunscreen? Wait… surely it can’t be both?

Protecting your skin from the perils of the sun is the single most important thing you can do for healthy skin aging. We know that. And you know that, too. Because you can apply the best retinol formulation in the world every night before bed, and you can slather on all the daily antioxidants your skin can take, but if you don’t shield your skin every morning with broad-spectrum, high SPF sun protection, you may as well throw the rest of your skincare in the trash.

Granted, that may sound dramatic, but it’s totally true. And there’s a ton of research to back it up. According to Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, for example, more than 90 percent of age-associated wrinkles are related to cumulative sun damage. Studies have also shown that individuals who use sunscreen daily are 24 percent less likely to show signs of visible skin aging. 

The thing about sunscreen, however, is that it rarely comes with the glamor or feel-good factor of other skincare products like serums and facial essences. In fact, thanks to the thick, heavy formulas of yesteryear, sunscreen ends up being the poor cousin that nobody really likes. We just stick with it because we know it’s the right thing to do.

Of course, due to more advanced technology, most modern day sunscreens are nothing like their ancestors. Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C, for example, comes with brightening benefits, moisturizing properties and feels so good on your skin, you don’t even know it’s there. 

We hate to sit on our laurels, however. Yes, our sunscreen is great and nothing will ever take that away. But one word: options. We love coming up with innovative ways to help you care, protect and cherish your skin, so this month we’re thrilled to bring you our latest offering. 

And it’s a BIG one.

Say hello to SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum, an incredible, multi-use serum and sunscreen in one beautiful, feather-light formulation.

What Is SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum?

Pretty ground breaking, even if we do say so ourselves, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum redefines the sun protection game. How so? Because instead of being a classic lotion, spray or cream, this high factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen delivers all the skin-shielding qualities of a regular sunscreen, but with the extra qualities of a treatment serum. 

Quick reminder: facial serums have a smaller molecular structure than moisturizers which makes them lighter, more fast-absorbing and able to deliver active ingredients exactly where they’re needed in the skin. They really amp up your skincare routine by targeting specific concerns like dehydration, dark spots and wrinkles. Moisturizers can do that to a certain degree but at the end of the day, their main job is to hydrate and moisturize the skin.

Wouldn’t it be awesome, then, if your serum could treat your skin AND safeguard it from the slings and arrows of UV radiation all at once? Well, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum does all that. And more!

What Makes SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum So Great?

A veritable multi-tasker, this innovative treatment serum is your one-stop shop for healthy, glowing, always protected skin. And it’s foundation comes from non-nano zinc oxide, a hard-working broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that’s safe, effective and reef-friendly. 

Zinc Oxide: The Protective Powerhouse

Sunscreens are generally categorized into two types: chemical and mineral. Both have their pros and cons but we believe that mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide trump their chemical friends because they block UV rays at a surface level (chemical ones absorb them). Furthermore, they have no negative impact on the environment (chemical sunscreens are questionable) and they're perfectly safe for all skin types (chemical ones have the potential to irritate sensitive skin). 

Our new serum is formulated with just over 16 percent zinc oxide which provides your skin with the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommended minimum of SPF 30. You’re welcome.

That’s one gold star for SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum, right there. But it’s not over yet, because this feather-light serum is also packed with some of the finest skincare ingredients we could find.

A SAP Of Potent Vitamin C

We’re huge advocates of vitamin C here at TruSkin. But not just any old vitamin C. For us, the queen of the Cs is sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or SAP as we like to call it. This stable form of vitamin C is far kinder to the skin, promoting brightness and radiance without the potential irritation of the pure stuff. It also retains all of the antioxidant qualities you want from a topical vitamin C. And that’s exactly what we live for. PS: did you know, vitamin C and sunscreen make each other work harder and more effectively? They’re basically the perfect skincare partnership.

Prickly Pear Brings Calm To The Table

A great face serum should also deliver support and strength to your skin which is why this one is infused with prickly pear extract.

Rich in antioxidants and with high water retention properties, prickly pear works hard to soothe, hydrate and minimize irritation and facial redness. It’s also super high in linoleic acid, a non-comedogenic omega-6 fatty acid which helps to condition and deeply moisturize the skin’s important barrier function.

Max Out Moisture With Sunflower Extract

Derived from the seeds of the helianthus annuus plant, sunflower extract is chock full of fatty acids and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. This makes it a worthwhile addition to any treatment serum. 

We couldn’t resist blending it with SAP and prickly pear to further strengthen and protect the barrier function while doubling up the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The emollient qualities of sunflower extract also help it fill in tiny cracks that often appear in the skin when it becomes dry, rough and flaky. This reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and leaves your skin with a beautifully soft, smooth feel.

Finally, A Suits-Everyone, Universal Tint Tops It Off

You know that tell-tale white cast that some mineral sunscreens leave behind on your skin? We eliminated that risk entirely by giving our SPF serum an incredibly sheer tint that blends seamlessly with all skin tones.

Because, yes, we think of everything.

SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum is out NOW. Check it out right here and say hello to a new era in sun protection.

Want to help your skin in its relentless battle against the harmful rays from the sun? Then zinc oxide may be the exact skincare ingredient you’ve been looking for.

Sunscreen might not be the most glamorous product in your skincare arsenal, but if you truly care about slowing down the signs of visible aging, it's undoubtedly the most effective. How so? Because the sun's dastardly UV radiation is seriously bad news for your skin.

Research shows that UV radiation directly affects the structural integrity of your skin by causing oxidative stress to the cells, damaging DNA and breaking down collagen and elastin fibers. In fact, studies have shown that exposure to the sun is potentially responsible for around 80 percent of visible skin aging. Maybe even more.

Not only that, but UV radiation is also the biggest cause of skin cancer – the most common cancer in the US which affects around one in five Americans during their lifetime.

What can you do about all this doom and gloom? Apply sunscreen. Specifically one that harnesses the proven powers of the mighty zinc oxide.

The Importance Of Sunscreen For Healthy Aging

We constantly stress the importance of applying daily sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin. It just makes no sense not to. You see, sunscreen works like an invisible shield on your skin, safeguarding it from the wrath of UV radiation. This protects the barrier function and helps to keep your DNA, collagen and elastin levels in check, thereby reducing the formation of premature wrinkles, sagging, dullness, dehydration, even dark spots.

But we get it, sunscreen can be oh-so-tiresome. It’s no fancy retinol serum or satisfying face scrub, after all. So if you’re going to go there – which you are, of course ­– you need reassurance that the sunscreen you’re applying is doing the best it can for your skin. 

This begs the question: are certain sunscreen ingredients better than others? Actually yes, we believe they are. And one that sits heads above the rest? Zinc oxide.

Your Sunscreen Options ­– Explained

There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral.

Chemical sunscreens utilize, yes you guessed it, chemical ingredients to protect your skin. These chemicals work by absorbing UV radiation like a sponge, then breaking them down into heat and releasing them back out through the skin. Examples of chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use ingredients that sit on top of the skin where they physically block UV radiation from penetrating the surface. The most common mineral sun blockers are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which, consequently, the FDA currently propose are the only two safe and effective sunscreen ingredients in the beauty industry.

While chemical sunscreens are often deemed more elegant and ‘better’ in texture and wearability than their mineral cousins, technology has improved mineral-based sunscreens leaps and bounds in recent years. Furthermore, questions are constantly being asked about the potential environmental impact of certain chemical sunscreens. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, for example, are banned in the entire state of Hawaii because studies have shown they may cause damage to the marine environment and ecosystems.

Mineral sunscreens, however, are a much better friend to the environment. They’re also very well tolerated by the skin and many skin experts actually believe them to be more effective than their chemical alternatives. We like that. Another thing: you know that age-old complaint about mineral sunscreen being thick, goopy and leaving a white cast on the skin? Ancient history. Thanks to modern formulations, many are now lightweight, almost invisible and a joy to use.

This moves us neatly onto zinc oxide, one of, if not the most reliable mineral sunscreen used in the sun care industry. Read on for five reasons why we believe this powerful defender deserves the spotlight in your daily skincare routine. Other than the fact that it kicks UV ass, of course!

5 Reasons Why Zinc Oxide Stands Out From The Rest

1. It’s A Physical Blocker

As mentioned, we believe mineral sun blockers are far superior to chemical sunscreens. They physically block UV from getting under your skin – what can be better than that? Zinc oxide is also extremely photostable which means it doesn’t degrade or loss efficacy when it’s exposed to sunlight.

Our reef-safe SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C uses non-nano zinc oxide at the ultimate level to safeguard your skin and respect our oceans.

2. It Protects From UVA AND UVB Radiation

Did you know that SPF is only an indication of UVB protection? It has no relevancy when it comes to UVA radiation which is just as damaging. This is why it’s important to choose a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen for year-round use. Broad-spectrum indicates that a product defends your skin from both UVA and UVB, and zinc oxide is the literal queen of broad-spectrum protection.

Great news: our SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C is broad-spectrum all the way. 

3. It Works Straight Away

Because it sits on top of the skin’s surface, zinc oxide provides instant protection against sun damage. Chemical sunscreens need to be applied a good 20 minutes before exposure. We don’t know about you but we don’t have time for that kind of waiting around.

4. It’s Highly Unlikely To Irritate Your Skin

Zinc oxide is super gentle on the skin. This makes it an excellent choice if you have sensitive, dry or acne-prone skin. It’s also often the choice for babies and individuals who have eczema or other chronic skin conditions.

Of course, it’s always wise to patch test any active skincare formulation on a small area of skin before using it regularly for the first time, but if you’re looking for a relatively safe sunscreen bet, we highly recommend zinc oxide.

5. It Provides Even More Skin Benefits

Not only is zinc oxide an absolute powerhouse in the defense against sun damage but it also offers other benefits to your skin.

First up are its anti-inflammatory properties which are great for soothing sensitive skin issues like redness and irritation. Zinc oxide also shows antibacterial qualities and, when you couple this with the fact that it’s non pore-clogging, you get a pretty fantastic sun protective ingredient that won’t cause congestion or, worse yet, encourage pesky breakouts.

Finally, its protective barrier helps promote healing and is a great shield from other external aggressors like wind and pollution. This makes it a very useful tool in preventing unwanted dryness and dehydration.

It makes you wonder, therefore, why more skincare products don’t harness the powers of this gentle, sun protective giant, right? Well, we can reveal a very exciting new zinc oxide product coming to the TruSkin range very soon. Hint: it’s a facial serum… but it’s also a sunscreen. 

Excited? Us? You bet we are.

Sunscreen matters all year long. But it’s easy to fall short over the winter months, so let’s get back to it, shall we?

It's true, sunscreen might not be the most exciting product in your skincare arsenal. However, let’s get one thing straight, it’s the single most important tool for protecting your skin from the visible signs of premature aging. How so? Because UV radiation weakens the skin’s barrier function, damages collagen and elastin and messes around with melanin production which culminates in dryness, wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

And that’s not all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most skin cancers – the most common form of cancer in the US – are caused by too much exposure to UV rays. And studies show that sun protection is a crucial way to help shield your skin from UV and thus help prevent skin cancer, often reducing your risk by up to 50 percent. 

Hopefully this is enough to convince you that sun protection deserves a permanent spot in your skincare lineup. But if you’ve let things slide over the gray, cold winter months here’s why a) that’s a mistake and b) now’s the time to get friendly with your SPF again.

Did You Know, The Sun Never Truly Takes A Day Off?

The sun may look and feel AWOL when it’s cold and gloomy outside, but it’s always there during daylight hours – winter, summer, spring and fall. Sure, the heat might not be present all the time, but the light is. And when it’s light outside, those UV rays are incredibly persistent, passing through clouds, bouncing off snow, the works.

Of course, you’re less likely to ‘tan’ or burn in the gloomier months because UVB rays are partially blocked by clouds, but they can still get you all year round. And the equally-as-harmful UVA rays – those responsible for skin aging – remain relatively constant throughout the year, regardless of temperature or cloud cover.

So, What’s The Best Year-Round Approach To Sunscreen?

Just to reiterate, all year sun protection is crucial. However, the products you choose, and where you apply them may change. Below are the golden rules of thumb but, of course, this all depends on the climate in which you live.

* During the fall and winter most of your body is covered up by clothing so the only areas you need to focus on are your face, neck, lips and hands. You’re also likely to spend more time inside when it's chiller out which makes reapplying regularly less crucial.

* In spring and summertime more time is spent outdoors and more skin becomes exposed. This means that, as well as your face SPF, you’ll need to invest in a full body sunscreen (preferably water-resistant if you’re swimming or sweating) to slather on areas like your legs, arms, feet, even your back and tummy. You must also reapply every two hours when spending prolonged periods of time outdoors.

What To Look For In A Face Sunscreen

It's pretty clear that your face gets ravaged by the sun more than any other part of the body so daily protection is imperative all year long. But how do you choose a sunscreen that's not only right for you, but will get the job done?

Unfortunately, sunscreens are not created equal. Sure, technology has come on leaps and bounds since the heavy, greasy sunscreens of yesteryear. However, there are still some thick, cheapo products out there that feel horrible on your skin and leave you with a grayish mask-like finish. 

Not down with that? We hear you. So, follow these tips and your skin will thank you for your smart choices.

1. Wearability Is Key

We believe the best sunscreen for you is the one you’ll be happy to use consistently. For example, if you’re not keen on layering an extra lotion or cream on your already oily skin, consider trying one of the latest SPF serums that are so lightweight you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. (PS: don’t tell anyone but we just might have something special launching next month that fits this bill nicely…)

2. The SPF Sweet Spot

We’re sure you’re aware that SPF stands for sun protection factor and is an indication of how well your sunscreen will protect you from burning. OK, so that means the higher the number, the greater the protection, right? Well yes, but this doesn’t mean you necessarily need to apply an SPF 100 on a regular basis. In fact, most skin experts agree that SPF 30 is the magic number as this blocks 97 percent of UVB radiation. Anything above this offers only a very minimal amount of extra defense. Oh, and remember that an SPF number is only an indication of UVB protection, not UVA.

3. Broad Spectrum

Speaking of UVA, this is where the term ‘broad spectrum’ is important. This term is used to indicate that a product blocks both UVA and UVB radiation ­­from the surface of your skin; a broad spectrum of light, if you will.

Don’t see the words ‘broad spectrum’ anywhere on your current sunscreen? Then we advise ditching it. Otherwise you could be subjecting your skin to all sorts of UVA-induced damage which can go undetected for years. Until it doesn’t…

4. Chemical vs Mineral

There are two main types of sunscreen available: chemical and mineral (aka physical). They’re pretty self-explanatory but the gist is that chemical ones use active chemical ingredients like octisalate, octinoxate and avobenzone to protect your skin from the sun. These chemicals absorb UV radiation, break it down into heat and then release it through your skin. 

Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens use mineral sun blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin which reflects UV radiation away from the surface.

Which is best? Well, only you can be the judge of what you prefer but know this: while chemical sunscreens are often very lightweight and easy to apply, they don’t automatically have broad spectrum protection. They can also irritate the skin and are potentially harmful to the environment. Mineral sunscreens, however, protect from both UVA and UVB radiation and they are way kinder to the skin and the world. Not only that but zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are currently the only two sunscreen ingredients proposed to be safe and effective by the FDA.

We’re all about the latter – feels like a no brainer, right? – which is why our reef-safe and skin-friendly SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide. 

5. The Skincare Extras

To maximize the results of your sunscreen, it’s wise to choose formulas that go the extra mile with trusted ingredients your skin will love. Antioxidants like vitamin C, for example, work like dogs to fight the damaging effects of sun-induced free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to  brighten the skin, fade dark spots and it encourages your sunscreen to work harder and better by improving the absorption of UV radiation. 

We’re big fans of vitamin C in case you hadn’t noticed and pack our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with plenty of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) – the better tolerated version of pure vitamin C. Our sunscreen also contains hydrating aloe vera and vegan marine collagen to promoted strength and elasticity. Oh, and you know that new product we touched on earlier that's maaaaybe an SPF serum? Well this little baby is also packed with incredible ingredients your skin is going to love.

Watch this space for more information on that real soon!

Consistency is our favorite word when it comes to a boss skincare routine. So why should you mess with yours just because the weather’s changed? Simple, because, er,  the weather has changed.

Whether you subscribe to seasonal skincare or not, one thing’s for sure, skin becomes drier and more sensitive in the winter time. 

Winter, for most of us, means colder, drier weather which can be tough for your delicate skin to take. Extreme temperatures ­­­– especially when you flip-flop between frigid temperatures outdoors and balmy ones inside ­­– stress out your skin and compromise its critical barrier function. Then there’s the lack of humidity which starves your skin of vital moisture and, well, stresses out your skin and barrier function even further.

However, as you know, we’re all about sticking with a consistent skincare routine, all year round. So what should you do in winter to ensure you’re not causing potential upset to your tried and tested routine, but you’re still giving your skin the extra care it needs to make it through the chilly months?

The answer: make small tweaks rather than massive changes. Here's how.

1. Add In An Extra Layer Of Moisture

A certain level of dryness and dehydration is pretty much a given in the winter months – whatever your skin type ­– but if you’re like us and hate to give up your trusted moisturizer, the good news is, you don’t have to. Instead, layer up by applying a thirst-quenching serum underneath your regular moisturizer each morning. This will help draw water to the surface of your skin, giving it a much-needed boost without having to apply an overly rich moisturizing cream (which, let’s face it, can ruin your makeup!).

We have tons of fabulously hydrating serums that are perfect for winter-parched skin. Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum is a classic favorite because it combines glycerin, aloe and hyaluronic acid – three of the best hydrating ingredients in skincare. Peptide Facial Serum is another great choice as it really cares for your barrier function while kick-starting sluggish collagen and bringing all sorts of hydration and protection to the skin’s lower layers.

Take your pick, you really can't go wrong with either.

2. Pair Back The Actives

With little moisture in the air for your skin to enjoy during the winter months, the surface of your skin inevitably becomes more dehydrated, dry and sensitive. Of course, if you’ve managed to crush the perfect moisturizing routine for your skin type, this might not be relevant to you, but for the rest of you, it’s wise to be careful with any active ingredients you apply on a regular basis.

Retinol is the obvious culprit for sensitizing the skin so if you apply a retinol product daily, give yourself a break one or two nights a week, swapping it out for something equally as fabulous for your skin – but not quite as potent. Our Niacinamide Facial Serum, for example, is a great option for nights off as it still targets skin aging but is gentler and contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It's officially awesome for winter skin.

Vitamin C is another one to be cautious around. Of course, our vitamin C formulations contain a gentle type of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate which is very kind to the skin and extremely well tolerated by all skin types, all year round. But if you do find your skin feeling a bit winter worn, give it a break for a few days; concentrate on building moisture and hydration back into your skin instead.

3. Focus On Overnight Repair

Skin naturally produces less sebum overnight, so during winter, when there’s a serious lack of moisture in the air, it’s more important than ever to treat your skin with some nourishing overnight respect.

First up, invest in a bedroom humidifier to combat any dryness in the air caused by your indoor heating. Then focus on a really good, quality night cream.

The best night cream for winter must contain a number of emollient or occlusive ingredients. These create a barrier on the surface of your skin to help prevent moisture loss and protect your skin from drying out as you sleep. Try Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream which balances a whole bunch of botanical oils including organic sunflower, coconut and evening primrose (to name just a few!). It also contains our favorite under-the-radar ingredient, MSM, a naturally-occurring sulfur compound which supports collagen and keratin production while limiting inflammation and protecting your skin from damaging free radicals.

4. Alternate Your Cleanser

Do you love your regular cleanser more than life itself? We hear you. But in the winter, when your skin is a little more compromised than normal, you need to tread very carefully with your cleansing routine.

Cleansers play a pivotal role in your skin’s moisture balance. Go too harsh and you will strip all the life from your skin, leaving it sucked dry and prone to irritation, flaking, itchiness and redness. We recommend gentle cleansing all year round, but in the summertime when your skin is oilier and sweatier it can take a bit more than in the winter.

Our trick, once warm days become a distant memory, is to alternate our go-to cleanser with something more mild and caring, especially for the mornings when all you’re really doing is freshening up your skin and removing any minimal surface debris that’s built up overnight. We reach for Soothing Cleansing Milk every morning in the winter. Dry, sensitive skin is basically its middle name. Plus it feels like a comforting hug for your skin as soon as you apply it. And we are all over that.

5. Stay Sun Safe

One thing you shouldn’t change? Your impeccable sunscreen regime. Just because you can’t see the sun shining away in the sky every day in winter, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Daylight simply doesn’t exist without the sun, remember that. What’s more, reflective surfaces like snow and ice intensify the sun’s damaging rays by reflecting them right back onto your skin, allowing them to get you from all angles.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin every day ­– come rain or shine – and go for an SPF of at least 30 to ensure you are well protected from both UVA and UVB radiation. Studies show that, while clouds do protect you from a small percentage of the sun’s UV rays, up to 80 percent of UVA rays (the ones that age you up) are able to penetrate right through.

Make our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C a part of your morning routine and it’ll soon become a habit you don’t even think about. Just like cleaning your teeth and brushing your hair.

Do you feel like your already-supersized-pores are growing by the minute? They're not. But it might feel like they are...

Pores are the foundation of healthy skin. Of course, collagen makes your skin strong, supple and plump. And yes, elastin gives it that all-important bouncebackability. But without pores, your skin would be a dry, shrivelled up shadow of its former self. Not to mention the fact that your entire body would lose its ability to regulate its own body temperature.

As a quick reminder, pores are tiny, microscopic openings found at the surface of your skin right at the top of your hair follicles and sweat glands. They exist to allow important liquids (as well as other particles and gases) to pass through the surface of your skin. The human body has two types of pores: sweat pores which help regulate body temperature; and oil-producing pores that are found at the top of your hair follicles where they release sebum to moisturize and lubricate the surface of the skin. The good thing about sweat pores is that they’re so small you can’t see them making them of very little concern in the grand scheme of things.

Oil-producing pores, on the other hand, are just so annoyingly visible. So why?

What Determines The Size Of Your Pores?

Like your height, skin tone and color of your hair, the size of your pores is largely shaped by genetics. This means that yes, you can blame your parents, and yes, the size of your pores is pretty much fixed.

Of course, this is great news if you have almost invisible pores. Not so much if yours feel like they take over your entire face. But let’s get one thing straight: no matter how enlarged you believe your pores are when you study them in the mirror, they’re rarely as bad as you think. Because the truth is, nobody else scrutinizes your skin on the same level as do you.

Do Pores Get Bigger Over Time?

Yes and no. The size of your pores never really changes on a physiological level. So yes, all those half-truths about being able to ‘shrink’ your pores with alcohol-heavy toners or freezing cold water is a bit of a con. But there’s a little bit of truth in there because while the actual size of your pores doesn’t alter, their walls can stretch and expand, making them appear more pronounced.

Penny drops.

What Causes Pores To Stretch With Age?

Many things happen to your skin throughout your life that can cause the walls of your pores to become damaged and loose. Of course, regular aging plays the most obvious role as your collagen levels naturally decrease over time. Sadly, there’s not a huge amount you can do about your biological clock (there’s those genes doing their worst again!) but there are many other factors of which you can control that contribute to the rate at which your pores become slack. 

Sun Damage

Gosh, the sun gets blamed for a lot of skin issues. But we don’t apologize for that because it really is one of the worst things for the condition of your skin. UV radiation breaks down important proteins like collagen and elastin thanks to a build-up of free radicals. This weakens the collagen fibers that give your skin its structure, thus allowing the walls of your pores to become slack, weak and kind of baggy-looking. AKA more visible!

Picking Your Skin

If you have a tendency to pick or squeeze your skin, this not only irritates your skin as a whole, but it can seriously mess with the collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin firm and supple. Scarring is the most obvious possibility from picking your skin, but you pores will also suffer as a consequence.

Excess Sebum

After puberty sebum production usually levels out to a somewhat more ‘normal’ rate. However, things can get messy again during significant hormonal changes in your life. Menstruation, pregnancy, the menopause, all of these periods in your life cause your hormones to become unbalanced and your sebum levels to fluctuate. And when sebum production increases it fills up your pores causing them to expand, stretch and appear bigger.

Slow Cell Turnover

When you’re in your 20s each skin cell has a life cycle of around 28 days in which time it is formed at the lower levels, moves up to the surface and then sheds. As with most biological functions, however, cell turnover slows down as you mature, causing dead cells to hang around longer than necessary at the surface of your skin. Like excess sebum, these dead cells have nowhere else to go but to clog up your pores. And clogged pores = saggy, enlarged-looking pores.

Bad Makeup Choices

Certain foundations and face cosmetics that contain heavy oils and thick butters can also block your pores, causing them to expand and become more noticeable. Make sure you scan the labels of your favorite makeup formulations to ensure they’re non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic means they’re way less likely to block your pores (comedone is the fancy term for pore, if you didn’t know).

The Best Ways To Keep Your Pores Tight

After reading the above you can probably guess what you need to do to avoid your pores becoming damaged and saggy. But we’ll lay it out for you anyway, just to drive the point home!

1. First up, wear sunscreen. This is the best thing you can do to conserve the collagen you’ve already got while ensuring you’re still making quality fresh stuff. Apply SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C every morning as par for the course, and do your skin even more of a solid by doubling up your protection with an antioxidant serum underneath sunscreen. Niacinamide is a very good ingredient for smoother, more resilient skin so try our Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum.

2. Don’t pick your skin. Pimples or no pimples. Nothing good can come of this.

3. Balance sebum by gently cleansing and lightly moisturizing your skin come what may. It’s super important to keep your skin clean morning and night so that oils don’t build up at the surface. We love Tea Tree Super Cleanser+ which harnesses the power of tea tree oil to clarify the skin without leaving it feeling parched. Just remember, it’s equally as vital to follow with moisturizer so your skin doesn’t think it’s dry and overcompensate with more oil than you started with!

4. Exfoliate to boost cellular turnover. But don’t overdo it. Listen to your skin and exfoliate just once or twice a week if that’s all it needs. Our Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub (which just won an industry award may we add!) is a fantastic way to keep your skin bright, clean and dead skin cell-free. Plus, it’s kind to your skin. Which is super important, at any age.

5. Finally, don't underestimate the powers of retinol. Retinol is an incredible way to boost collagen AND encourage healthy cellular turnover. That's great news for your pores. And for controlling acne. And for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. And... well, you get the picture. Try our classic Retinol Facial Serum once or twice a week to begin with, building up to nightly as your skin acclimates.

Good news: there are tons of ways to make your skin feel smoother and healthier.

Thankfully, you don’t remember the skin you were born with. If you did, you would seriously long for its plump, bouncy, softer-than-clouds feel. Because that’s how skin generally is at birth, before it’s touched by pollution, battered by the sun and generally subjected to the slings and arrows of modern life. Everyday wear and tear, however, is inevitable so it’s no use trying to resurrect your 6-month old skin. It’s simply never going to happen.

All is not lost, however, because what you can do is make the most of the skin you’re in right now by looking after it to the best of your abilities. The motto is, treat it right and it will repay you in kind. Granted, it will never feel as soft and smooth as it did way back when, but give yourself a break, EVERYONE has textured skin to some degree and, heck, you can only do so much, right?

On that note, here are some of the most effective ways to get your smoothest skin ever. And more good news: they’re easier than you might think.

Pay Attention To Your Pores

More often than not, rough texture is down to blocked pores. Oil-producing pores are tiny openings found at the top of your hair follicles and sebaceous glands where they release sebum to help moisturize and soften the skin at a surface level. They’re extremely important for keeping your skin healthy but, like all things are life, they’re not perfect. Some people have sebaceous glands that produce too much sebum, others have those that don’t produce anywhere near enough, causing everything from extreme dryness to super-oily skin that’s prone to acne breakouts.

Whatever your pore persuasion, it’s crucial to keep them cleansed, and clear of debris like makeup, dirt and skincare products. This reduces their likelihood of becoming clogged, thus expanding and creating tiny bumps at the surface of your skin. Common sense, right? Instead of stripping your skin with chemical-rich, harsh products, however, it’s important to cleanse right with gentle formulations and warm, never hot water. Our Soothing Cleansing Milk is fantastic for the job - especially if you have dry or sensitive skin – or you could also try Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser which is fantastic for detoxifying your pores and balancing oilier skin types. Cleanse twice daily, no arguments, and again after working out.

It’s Great To Exfoliate

As skin ages, cell turnover slows down and dead skin cells have a tendency to outstay their welcome. It’s kind of inevitable, so to help keep this process from causing rough texture at the surface (and the dullness that inevitably comes as part of the deal!), it’s wise to exfoliate regularly.

Exfoliation encourages dead cells to slough away quicker, so that all the fresh, younger ones have a chance to reveal themselves to the world. And you can do it in a number of ways. Scrubs are the obvious choice, but be wary of harsh formulations that use over-sized particles that feel too sharp on your skin. Chances are, if they feel scratchy, that’s exactly what they’re doing, creating micro-tears on your skin which can cause irritation and long-term sensitivities. Instead, choose a kind-to-skin scrub like our Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which uses ultra-fine Bora Bora white sand to leave you with super soft skin, every time.

Not a scrub fan? Then try a leave-on solution that harnesses exfoliating acids like salicylic or glycolic to break down the glue between dead skin cells, giving them a firm nudge to leave town. Try our awesome 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant after cleansing and before applying serum and moisturizer. It’s the simplest way to even out your skin and smooth up its texture, plus it’s gentle enough for almost all skin types.

Layer With Moisture

Whatever your skin type, moisturizer is essential after every cleanse to support and fortify your skin’s barrier function and allow it to do its job properly – which is to keep good things like moisture in and bad things like irritants out. But, we get it, for some of you moisturizer might not be enough. Dehydration, for example, is a killer on the texture of your skin and that requires more attention than some moisturizers are able to offer.

To really get your smoothness going, we recommend doubling down with a hydrating serum as well as a kick-ass moisturizer like Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream. Serums that contain hyaluronic acid in particular, are incredible for helping to keep your skin plump, smooth and dewy because they draw moisture to the surface of your skin. Apply a couple of drops of Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum after cleansing and before moisturizing every day for a deeper moisturization and, over time, your skin will soon feel way more hydrated and much smoother as a result.

Give Irritants The Cold Shoulder

Word is, something in your skincare routine might actually be the cause of textural changes in your skin like dryness and roughness. Synthetic fragrance, for example, is one of the biggest offenders, and denatured alcohol as well as harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES can all be extremely irritating for certain skin types.

Try to avoid the most common irritants and, while you’re at it, look at your skincare routine as a whole and tame things down if it’s too heavy on active ingredients. Active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C are fantastic, don’t get us wrong, but too much of a good thing can have disastrous results. Rough, dry, flaky skin being just one of them.

Remember: Sunscreen Is King

UV radiation (which is present all year long) produces skin-damaging free radicals which work hard to break down your collagen and elastin and ruin your skin’s soft, smooth bouncebackability. Not only that, but it’s a killer on your skin’s natural levels of hyaluronic acid, leading to dehydration and, well, you know where we’re going here…

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that daily SPF is non-negotiable. Most experts – us included – recommend a broad-spectrum formulation that contains mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and offers protection of at least SPF 30. Try our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which is like the lovechild of your favorite moisturizer and sunscreen, with the added benefits of glow-getting vitamin C and age-defying vegan marine collagen.