True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Combination skin is the most common skin type in the world but the blend of excess oil in some areas and parched dryness in others can feel like a beauty curse. Honestly, it’s not. You just need to know how to deal with it.

When it comes to your skin type, the saying ‘the grass is always greener’ has never been more true. If you have oily skin you probably crave for the shine-free existence that dry skin types take for granted. And if you’re of a drier persuasion we bet you’d give your right arm for a little more sebum in certain areas. Are we right, or are we right?

Just like your height, eye color, shoe size and sporting prowess (or lack thereof!) your skin type is predetermined by your genes. Sure you can work on it, maximizing the good stuff and using clever tricks to hide or improve the not-so-good stuff, but at the end of the day, your skin is what it is – normal (rare), dry, oily or combination. Your role is to understand the best ways to manage whatever nature gave you. And no matter your skin type, this takes time and patience.

So let’s take a look at combination skin which is arguably the toughest skin type to deal with. Neither oily nor dry, but a mixture of the two, combination skin is a tricky little customer, which makes finding the right skincare routine feel like an impossible task. 

Do You Have Combination Skin?

The best way to check your skin type is to wash your face with a mild cleanser, then pat it dry and leave it for an hour or so without applying any other skincare product. After this time, the tell-tale signs of combination skin are greasiness and noticeable pores in the t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin), combined with dryness or a tight feeling around the cheeks and/or hairline.

It's also common for combination skin to experience breakouts in the t-zone area. This is thanks to excess sebum building up at the surface and getting unnecessarily up close and personal with your pores.

As previously mentioned, whether or not you have combination skin is very much the luck of the draw. However, many factors trigger excess oiliness in the t-zone and dryness elsewhere which can prompt certain changes throughout the year. Poor choices in your skincare routine can worsen the situation, while dietary choices, emotional stress and even the climate in which you live all have their say in the ever-changing characteristics of your combination skin.

The Most Common Triggers For Exacerbating Combination Skin

Your Hormones: Fluctuations in your hormones (think puberty, your monthly cycles, pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, menopause) raise your testosterone levels, thus causing sebum production to amp up. Hello, super greasy t-zone.

Your Diet: Too much sugar and too many processed carbs in your diet can also trigger your hormones to go all over the place. See above!

Your Environment: Extreme temperatures and humidity send your sebaceous glands crazy. Raging central heating, scorching showers and frigid temps outside, for example, suck moisture from the skin making oily skin play up and dry areas feel doubly worse.

Your Skincare Routine: Over-exfoliation, too many active ingredients, switching up your daily regime quicker than your underwear, all these things mess up your barrier function and unbalance your sebum levels.

6 Skincare Tricks To Help Restore Harmony To Combination Skin

The key for combination skin is not to concentrate on sucking the life from your oily areas. It’s way better to treat the entire surface of your skin like a delicate flower, sticking with gentle, hydrating formulations and calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients that balance both dryness and oily areas.

Read on for some of the best tried and tested ways to manage your combination skin.

1. Say No To Bar Soaps & Sulfate-Heavy Cleansers

Cleansers that work too hard at whisking away every last scrap of dirt, makeup and oil from the surface of the skin are, frankly, never a good idea – no matter your skin type. You see, ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are pretty common in cleansers, but they can disrupt the skin’s important barrier function, potentially making it vulnerable to dryness and irritation. This is particularly bad news for combination skin because it could make dry areas drier and oily areas oiler.

Instead, look for formulations that are packed with calming ingredients that help to balance sebum production. We love our Soothing Cleansing Milk which gently cleanses and removes makeup without disturbing the integrity of your barrier function.

2. Steer Clear Of Scorching Hot Water

While we’re on the subject of cleansing, never wash your face with hot water. Hot water strips away important oils and nutrients from the surface of your skin, exacerbating both dryness and oiliness. Not fun. 

3. Embrace The Wonders Of Exfoliating Acids

When it comes to exfoliating combination skin, less is more. Overdo it and the extremes of your oiliness and dryness will reach stratospheric levels.

Scrubs can also be a little abrasive for your sensitive areas, so your best bet? Go for a leave-on exfoliant, instead. Specifically our 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant. This gentle exfoliating toner combines salicylic acid to balance sebum and keep your pores clear along with glycolic acid, vitamin C and reishi mushroom to boost cellular turnover while brightening and soothing the skin.

4. Gently Spot-Treat Breakouts

If your oily areas are causing your skin to break out, try spot-treating them with our Tea Tree Super Serum +. Oily skin types love applying this treatment serum all over but if have combination skin you might be better off applying it just two or three times a week to your t-zone only. This will help to mop up excess oil and decongest the skin exactly where you need it.

5. Switch Things Up With The Seasons

Everyone’s combination skin is different but, generally speaking, your drier areas will need more of a focus in the winter, while the oily sections will have their moment to shine (no pun intended!) come the summer months.

During winter, layer on extra hydration by applying a non-pore-clogging serum like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. Then smooth on a rich moisturizer to your dry areas only, using a lighter gel or lotion on the t-zone. The good news is that in the summertime, this lightweight formulation might work all over, but listen to your skin and switch up or dial down your moisturizing game as needs be.

6. Make Multi-Masking A Weekly Must

To give combination skin a weekly boost of exactly what it needs, get involved in some multi-masking.

What is multi-masking? Well, this clever trick involves applying two face masks to your skin at the same time. You apply a clay or charcoal face mask to your t-zone to purify the skin and absorb excess oil, then elsewhere you apply a hydrating or soothing mask to moisturize and calm dry areas. This might sound like a bit of a headache, but it’s a really simple way to help balance your skin. Plus it forces you to relax for 20 minutes while you let you masks do their thing.

And that’s golden.

Skin redness is no joke, especially when it just won’t go away. But there are plenty of ways to deal with a red face – whatever the cause.

Facial redness is one of those things that’s so… very… frustrating. Of course, temporary flushing can be attributed to all manner of daily triggers like a vigorous workout or a particularly embarrassing/nerve-wracking/thrilling event. But that kind of redness isn’t the end of the world – it is temporary, after all. 

When red skin becomes more of a permanent issue, however and, worse still, comes complete with other irritating concerns like itching, heat, bumps or flaky skin, something else is clearly going on.

What Is Facial Redness?

Also known as erythema, skin redness occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin dilate, causing blood to the rush to the surface. This increased blood flow can be caused by many factors but when it’s persistent or severe it’s usually a sign of some kind of inflammation or irritation.

The 5 Most Common Culprits Of Facial Redness

1. Rosacea: This chronic (and surprisingly common) inflammatory condition causes persistent redness along with bumps, hard pimples and itching. Rosacea is often genetic and can lay dormant until triggered by external factors.

2. Irritation: Some skin types are way more reactive making them prone to redness from things like potent skincare, dietary choices and emotional stress, to name just a few.

3. Acne: Acne is the most common skin problem in the US, affecting around 50 million individuals every year. It occurs when the pores becomes blocked by oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.

4. Psoriasis: According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is a chronic disease where skin cells build up too quickly, causing redness and scaly, itchy patches.

5. Dermatitis: Two main types of dermatitis lead to facial redness – atopic and contact. Atopic dermatitis (aka eczema) is a genetic condition and results in itchy, sudden rashing, whereas contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen.

How To Reduce Redness At Home

Let’s get one thing straight: if you can’t find relief from your facial redness, it’s wise to consult a physician for a proper diagnosis on your skin health. Conditions like rosacea can’t be cured, you see, and they require careful management. Plus, if you try to self-diagnose you could get things all kind of wrong – often making matters worse.

There are also plenty of proven strategies for calming facial redness and skin inflammation with smart, sensitive skincare choices. Read on for the most important must-dos and don’ts.

DO Avoid Potentially Irritating Ingredients

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis which makes it a massive no-no in your skincare regime.

Of course, most people have no issues with fragrances in their beauty products, but if you have sensitive skin that’s easily prone to redness, you’d be wise to avoid synthetic fragrances completely. You should also tread carefully with natural fragrances. Although rare, certain essential oils can cause reactions on extremely sensitive skin.

Synthetic dyes, parabens (preservatives) and strong sulfates like SLS and SLES can also be irritating for some people so look out for these on skincare labels and avoid them if you think they’re causing your skin to flare up.

DON’T Over-Exfoliate

One of the biggest mistakes you could make ­is to exfoliate sensitive skin too often and too vigorously. Don’t get us wrong, exfoliating is a fantastic way to encourage healthy cell turnover, remove dead skin cells and boost the results from the rest of your skincare routine. But too much exfoliation can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, stripping away all the good stuff that helps your skin remain strong, hydrated and healthy. This makes your skin extremely vulnerable to the outside world and basically asks irritation and redness to do their worst. 

Listen to your skin (it’ll tell you when it’s unhappy!) and limit your exfoliation to whatever your skin is able to tolerate. Once a week is often enough. Also, choose gentle exfoliating formulations that avoid harsh grains or high percentages of potent acids. Both of our exfoliators are super kind to the skin and can be used as little or often as you like. We particularly love our Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which uses ultra fine Bora Bora white sand to gently buff your skin. 

DON’T Underestimate The Powers Of A Soothing Toner

The right toner can really supercharge your skincare routine, without needing to pile on too many active (and potentially irritating) ingredients.

The basic role of toner is to remove lingering makeup, cleanser and other debris from the surface of your skin while preparing it for the next stage in your routine. But they can be so much more than that. Their high water content makes them an ideal way to cool down inflamed skin, and if you search for ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile and gotu kola these are masters at hydrating, soothing and calming the skin.

DO Apply Sun Protection Every Day

UV radiation is seriously bad news for sensitive skin that’s prone to unwanted redness flare-ups, so make sure the sun stands zero chance of getting even close to your face. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains an SPF of at least 30. Every day, for that matter. This ensures you’re well protected from both UVA and UVB rays all year long. With a hefty helping of aloe leaf juice plus 21 percent zinc oxide, our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C is literally made for sun sensitive skin. It’s so good you will want to apply it every day.

PS: Sun-induced flushing may also be a red flag (no pun intended) that you have a sun allergy, so if your redness is persistent and comes coupled with itchiness, stinging, bumps and/or blisters seek professional advice from a dermatologist.

DO Make Calming Ingredients Your BFFs

What are the specific ingredients to look out for in a successful, sensitive skincare routine? Aloe vera is the obvious choice because it’s naturally cooling, healing, hydrating and packed with anti-inflammatory qualities. And, as a sidenote, almost all of our products contain this gentle powerhouse. Because yes, we love it that much.

Green tea is another must-have for red skin because it’s incredibly soothing and chock full of polyphenols which contain all manner of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Then there’s milk – specifically oat and rice milks ­– which contains tons of nourishing compounds and is great if your skin is particularly dry and sensitive.

Finally, a big shout out to niacinamide which works hard to increase the production of ceramides in the uppermost layers of your skin. This helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function making it a game-changer for reducing inflammation and evening out red skin. Word is, niacinamide can even be an effective treatment for controlling rosacea or eczema, but if you're a sufferer of either of these conditions you should always seek professional advice before diving in head first.

Fancy introducing some of these sensitive skin, redness-reducing wonders into your skincare routine? Then try our Soothing Cleansing Milk followed by Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum – a winning combination for red, irritated skin if ever we knew one.

DON’T Forget To Moisturize

Like a comforting hug for your skin, moisturizer is non-negotiable for all skin types. And it’s especially important if you suffer with chronic redness. A good moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but it holds all that moisture in while simultaneously ‘feeding’ your skin with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that help to keep your barrier function ticking along nicely.

We recommend ceramide-rich formulas like our Firming Collagen Day Lotion, alongside healing and soothing topicals. When it comes to moisturizing, some of the best ingredients for sensitive skin are aloe (wait, did we mention that already?!), vitamin E, shea butter, squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Choosing the right skincare is extremely important. Especially when it comes to moisturizing.

Reckon you’re doing everything you can to help your skin stay healthy and strong… yet it still seems unhappy? It could be something as simple as using the wrong moisturizer. Because while it’s common to concentrate on the potent retinol, glycolic acid or vitamin C treatments in your routine, moisturizers are often given little thought. They’re all the same, right? Wrong. In fact, slapping ‘any old cream’ on your face can do more harm than good.

The good news is if your moisturizer is all kinds of wrong, your skin will not be shy in coming forward. You just need to look out for the red flags. 

Why Your Choice Of Moisturizer Matters

Moisturizing keeps dryness and flaky patches away and, of course, that’s super important – whatever your skin type. However, your moisturizer’s true role is to strengthen your skin’s barrier function so it’s able to naturally protect itself by holding in moisture while repelling environmental nasties that might, otherwise, cause irritation.

Of course, back in the day, the best moisturizer was thought to be petroleum jelly. And fair’s fair, things like Vaseline are pretty unbeatable when it comes to sealing moisture into the skin – just ask all those slugging fans on TikTok! But creating a seal on the surface of your skin is about all they offer. Nowadays, moisturizers are so much more than that, furnishing your skin with all kinds of goodness like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, natural botanicals and antioxidants. Combined with emollients and occlusives like shea butter and jojoba oil, these ingredients not only to help reduce water loss but they bring extra moisture, nutrients and environmental protection to the table. 

So, how to find the right moisturizer for you? Well, we believe that first and foremost you must look for the gentlest formula for your skin type; one that avoids common irritants like synthetic fragrance or parabens. Then it’s about listening to your skin and switching things up when your moisturizer isn’t quite hitting the mark.

Finally, remember that your skin changes all the time, so what worked for you in the summer might not be enough come the cold, dry winter months. Similarly, an age-old favorite you’ve been using since 2005 is not going to deliver the same moisturization your skin needs 20 years later. And your skin will give you fair warning with some not-so-subtle hints.

5 Signs Your Skin Is Begging For A Moisturizer Update

1. Your Skin Feels Crazy Dry – Even After Applying Moisturizer

If you experience tightness, peeling skin, flaky patches or tiny cracks in your makeup these are all tell-tale signs that your moisturizer is not offering the amount of water and oil-boosting TLC your skin is crying out for. 

Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin is short on water so make sure your moisturizer contains ingredients that work hard to replenish both. Avoid strong actives such as retinol and exfoliating acids, and stick with humectants like hyaluronic acid which draw water to the surface of your skin. These should ideally be combined with ingredients that balance sebum and help repair tiny cracks in the skin in order to keep TEWL (transepidermal water loss) to a minimum.

Our Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer and Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream are particularly great as they offer all-day AND all-night moisture replenishment while bringing harmony to dry, unbalanced skin. 

2. Oiliness Is Taking Over Your Face

If you have oily skin that’s way greasier than normal, or normal (ish!) skin that’s feeling kind of slick, your moisturizer could definitely be to blame. But don’t give up on it altogether. Do this and your skin will keep on producing more and more sebum to counteract the lack of moisturizer you’re offering. Bad move.

The key to successfully moisturizing oily skin is to keep your products light – gels and lightweight lotions are always winners. Avoid heavy ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil because these will trap oil at a surface level, making your skin feel sticky and greasy. Not to mention the havoc it can potentially create in your pores. One word: breakouts.

Again, go big on humectants and choose products containing jojoba oil which helps seal in moisture without blocking your pores. It’s also wise to layer up with a lightweight hydrating serum like Smoothing Collagen Serum if your skin needs a little extra love. 

3. Your Skin Is Red & Itchy

Facial redness can be down to all manner of issues, from chronic skin conditions like rosacea and psoriasis, to more temporary concerns like breakouts and irritation. 

If you feel like your red skin is thanks to the latter, you’re going to want to reduce the number of active ingredients in your skincare routine. Stop exfoliating for a while and lay off the retinol to see if that helps. You should also check the ingredients in your moisturizer because chances are there’s something in there of which your skin is not a fan. The most common irritants in moisturizers are fragrance, preservatives (notably parabens), benzyl alcohols and propylene glycol so avoid these if you can. Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream is a good choice because it contains a gentle, retinol alternative called bakuchiol and is specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

4. You’re Breaking Out More Than Normal

Instincts tell us not to moisturize the skin when it’s oily and breaking out, but this is a mistake. As previously mentioned, oily skin still needs moisture replenishment in order to remain balanced and healthy.

Of course, you must avoid rich, heavy balms, butters and creams as these can worsen acne by clogging up your pores. But look for water-based formulas that are oil-free or contain only the ‘right’ kind of oils – aka those that are noncomedogenic (less likely to block your pores) – and you’ll be on a much better path to balanced, harmonized skin. Noncomedogenic oils include jojoba, sunflower, grapeseed and rosehip seed. Niacinamide, retinol and salicylic acid are also awesome for balancing sebum and accelerating sluggish cell turnover. Try Retinol Moisturizer.

5. Sun Damage Is So Very Real

If dark spots are becoming more and more noticeable (heck, even if they’re not!), you should seriously think about upgrading your moisturizer to one that contains broad-spectrum SPF and, even better, protective antioxidants. There are some fantastic formulas out there that not only shield your skin from UV radiation but add moisturization, boost collagen production or help to brighten dull skin. And they’re a far cry from the thick, hard-to-apply formulas you may remember from years gone by.

Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, for example, is beautifully wearable and goes on like a dream. It can also be applied alone or over your favorite day cream depending on the level of moisture your skin needs.

(PS: Big sun protection news is coming from us real soon. One word: serum. We literally can’t wait.)

Witch hazel has been a skincare staple for centuries, but have you ever wondered why it crops up in so many products? Here’s what we know about this natural beauty.

We love a good botanical extract here at TruSkin. Combined with expert knowhow, awesome technology and other tried and tested ingredients (natural AND synthetic) botanicals truly furnish the skin with the best nature has to offer.

And witch hazel is no different. Found in all kinds of different skincare formulations, from cleansers and toners through to serums and moisturizers, unless you’re allergic (which is rare) it can be an extremely effective addition to any skincare routine.

Here’s why witch hazel deserves pride of place in your skincare routine.

What Is Witch Hazel?

A flowering shrub native to parts of Asia and the Atlantic coast of North America, witch hazel (whose scientific name is hamamelis virginiana) has been used for medicinal purposes for, like, ever. And the twigs, bark and leaves are where the magic happens. You see, when these are extracted and distilled from the plant, they become a natural astringent with tons of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant qualities. 

How Exactly Witch Hazel Benefits The Skin

Have an annoying zit to deal with? Witch hazel’s got your back. Want to minimize the appearance of pores? Witch hazel is here for you. In fact, when it comes to relieving irritation, inflammation and tightening the skin, witch hazel is hard to beat. Read on for five of our favorite witch hazel benefits...

* It Keeps Enlarged Pores In Check

Witch hazel has a high tannin content which gives it natural astringent properties. What does that mean? Well, an astringent is a substance that draws out water, causing a restricting and tightening effect on the skin. This, in turn, helps to temporarily minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. You must tread carefully, however, because astringents also have a drying effect which can stimulate oil production and make your skin feel greasy. The solution? Make sure you stick with a balanced formulation like 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant, which won’t dry out your skin entirely. And always follow with moisturizer. 

* It’s A Trusted Ally For Oily Skin

Witch hazel can be an effective way to keep sebum production under control. By compressing proteins in the skin, the tannins create a kind of invisible shield on the skin’s surface which makes the skin look and feel less oily. Of course, this makes it tempting to douse your oily skin with witch hazel on the reg, but do this and you could cause all sorts of irritating skin issues. Dryness and actual irritation being odds-on favorites.

Our advice is to use carefully crafted skincare formulations that use just the right amount of witch hazel to help keep oil under control without stripping your skin completely dry. Our Ocean Minerals Super Toner is a great choice post-cleanse as it’s blended with powerful peptides and MSM to boost your bid for healthy, balanced skin. It also contains double-distilled witch hazel which produces a richer witch hazel that contains less alcohol.

* It’s A Big Deal In the Acne-Fighting World

Acne occurs when excess sebum hooks up with dead skin cells and bacteria, then gets stuck at the surface of your skin where it sits in your pores and clogs them up. It makes sense, there, that if you apply a product containing witch hazel (which works to keep sebum under control), you’ll simultaneously help minimize breakouts.

But that's not even the half of it because another good thing about witch hazel is that it has antibacterial properties which which work hard to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. And then there are its anti-inflammatory qualities which help to reduce the angry redness that often comes hand-in-hand with breakouts.

Be afraid, pimples and blackheads, be very afraid.

* It Helps Minimize Facial Redness 

Speaking of inflammation, if you suffer with facial redness, the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel can be a real life saver. Just know that it’s best used in conjunction with soothing and/or moisture-boosting ingredients.

(As a sidenote, some people swear by witch hazel for sunburn relief. But we know you never get sunburn so we figure that's a moot point.)

* It's Great For Reducing Puffy Eyes

Great news if you suffer with under eye bags: witch hazel’s astringent and soothing properties can work wonders on this often frustrating area, reducing fluid retention under the eyes and also minimizing redness. The skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive, however, so make sure you go slow and low with a gentle formula like Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream.

Puffiness often doesn’t stop around the eyes, so if you also suffer elsewhere on your face thanks to a build-up of excess fluids below the surface of your skin, look out for witch hazel in your daily facial serum. Our Caffeine Facial Serum, for example, contains a smidge of witch hazel, combined with caffeine, EGCG, ginseng, matcha tea and niacinamide to strengthen, energize, tighten and brighten tired, puffy skin. It’s a new fan favorite and a must-try if you’re yet to feel the love.

Before You Leave, Here's 5 Witch Hazel Facts To Remember

1. Pure witch hazel is mega potent. Sure, it can be applied direct to the skin in its pure, undiluted form to spot-treat pimples, but it’s often better to use formulations that blend witch hazel with other ingredients for a more all-round approach to skincare.

2. If you have sensitive skin, opt for products that blend witch hazel with calming, soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E. Try Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum.

3. While generally safe for everyday use, witch hazel has the potential to dry out or irritate the skin if used too often. Listen to your skin when introducing it to your routine and if it feels drier or more sensitive than normal, apply it less frequently.

4. Look for alcohol-free, or at the very least low-alcohol, formulations to minimize dryness.

5. Always patch test before using products containing witch hazel. Apply a small amount to a discreet area of your skin and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours. If you don’t have a reaction in that time, you’re good to go.

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!

A well-designed skincare routine can transform the look and feel of your skin. And it really doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think.

Dealing with countless shelves of products, complex ingredients lists and advice from practically everyone you know makes navigating the world of skincare can feel like a daunting task. Especially if you’ve never previously given it much thought.

So, first things first, well done for being here and realizing that a consistent skincare routine is a great way to not only look after your precious complexion, but to also feel good about yourself. Secondly, know this: skincare does not have to be hard. Or overwhelming. Because although you could literally smother your skin with lotions, potions, oils and tinctures morning and night, you really don’t have to. In fact, it’s often better to stick with a handful of key, effective products that harness tried and trusted ingredients… and get the job done – without all the fuss and nonsense you’re led to believe you need.

Whether you’re unsure where to start or have suddenly found yourself drowning in an overly curated 15-step routine, here’s how to build a basic, effective skincare routine.

Why Skincare Matters

Your skin is your largest organ and, while it doesn’t pump blood around your body or enable you to breathe, it’s not just there to annoy you with all of its wrinkles and pimples. In fact, it’s extremely important for the health of your entire body. You see, skin regulates body temperature and hydration. It also allows you to perceive touch and detect pain. Not to mention it’s key role in protecting you from environmental stressors, infections, pollutants and harmful bacteria.

Just like the rest of your body, your skin needs help in order to remain healthy and functional – especially as it ages and its strength and stability becomes compromised. And that’s where skincare comes to the rescue. More specifically a well-designed skincare routine that helps to boost your skin’s protective barrier while maintaining optimum hydration and heck, even slowing down the visible signs of premature aging.

How To Figure Out Your Skin Type

Everyone has different skin – as well as varying goals and budgets – so before you start buying every skincare product you’ve ever heard of, it’s essential to know what you’re working with.

Your skin type fits into one of four categories: normal (ha, if only!), dry, oily and combination. Anything else (sensitive, acne-prone, mature skin etc.) is a skin condition, not a type. Of course, the condition of your skin is important too, but your skin type is the first place to start because this will determine the products that’ll suit you best. 

If you’re not sure of your skin type, wash your face and neck with a mild cleanser, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel. Don't apply moisturizer or, in fact, anything at all, just leave it alone for an hour or so. Then, go to a mirror and study your skin, using clean hands to touch and feel your skin as you scrutinize it.

OK, now what's your skin doing? If it feels tight and/or itchy and looks flaky in places, that means you have dry skin. If it's shiny and feels greasy – especially around the t-zone – then you have oily skin. Maybe it's a bit of both? If so, you have combination skin. And finally, if it's just peachy in each and every way then you're one of the lucky few with normal skin.

Once you know your skin type, it's way easier to build a routine that's in line with what your skin needs.

The 4 Essential Skincare Steps

No matter your skin type, everyone’s skin requires four core products for it to be as healthy and radiant as possible. Then, once you’ve got these nailed, you can expand your repertoire as you see fit. Just remember, less is generally more. Sure it’s smart to add toner, eye treatment and you can even alternate between two serums, but don’t overload your skin. It can have disastrous results. 

1. Cleanse

Cleansing is one of the most important parts of your routine as it removes potentially pore-clogging impurities like excess sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, sunscreen, pollution, makeup and, well, you get the picture. Cleansing also gives your skin a fresh start, creating a clean canvas for the rest of your routine to function better. If you miss out on this important step all that grime will build up, causing blocked pores and potential breakouts and irritation. It’ll also create a barrier of debris that other products like serum and moisturizer will find almost impossible to penetrate. Not cool.

Our favorite cleansers are those that are void of skin-stripping alcohols and sulfates like SLS. These can be too harsh for all skin types, making dry skin drier and oily skin oilier. Instead, choose pH-balanced cleansers that remove the nasties without stripping away all the good stuff. We have four fabulous cleansers to choose from, all of which are kind to the skin but get the job done.

Final word on cleansing: always cleanse your skin with lukewarm, not too hot nor too cold, water and use gentle circular motions as you massage your cleanser all over your face and neck.

2. Treat 

Whether you choose to tone, apply liquid exfoliant or smooth on a serum next is totally up to you. In fact, you might even want to do a couple of the above if you’re really serious about tackling certain conditions or areas of your skin. Just remember not to overdo it with countless products between cleansing and moisturizing. Listen to your skin and find your sweet spot – we recommend two products at most.

The best way to truly target specific concerns is with a facial serum. Serums are light, fast-absorbing treatments that are usually clear and either gel- or liquid-based. Applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing, serums are made up of much smaller molecules than regular lotions or creams. This means they’re able to penetrate your skin faster and deeper than other, thicker products, helping to hydrate, protect, reduce breakouts, minimize the signs of aging and all sorts.

Check out our vast range of incredible serums right here and definitely give our new Caffeine Facial Serum a look. It’s a great one for all skin types, containing a fantastic blend of ingredients to rev up tired skin.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is non-negotiable, whatever your skin type. If you have oily skin you might be fooled into thinking you don’t need it, but how wrong you would be. You see, without moisturizer, oily skin produces even more oil to compensate creating a whole vicious circle of oiliness. 

Look out for fragrance-free formulations, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin and make sure your moisturizer includes some classic humectant powerhouses like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe – these draw water to the surface of the skin – as well as emollients or occlusives. Emollients like jojoba oil and shea butter are awesome for smoothing the surface of your skin and helping to seal in moisture, while occlusives like cocoa butter and lanolin create a thin barrier over the skin, again to seal in water. Occlusives are great if you have dry skin but if you’re prone to breakouts, you’d be wise to give them a miss and stick with emollients. Occlusives are notorious for blocking up your pores. 

Beyond this, keep your eyes peeled for brightening vitamin C, ceramides for strengthening your barrier function and retinol or bakuchiol for targeting aging. Oh, and btw, our range of awesome moisturizers cover all these… and more. 

4. Protect

Last, but not least, is sunscreen – the single, most important product you can use to seriously halt premature aging. Repeated exposure to UV radiation totally screws up your skin by degrading collagen and elastin and accelerating the onslaught of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and dark spots. In fact, UV is responsible for somewhere between 80 and 90 percent of all external skin aging. Ouch.

Experts agree that for full daily protection you should stick with products that have an SPF of 30 or above and, equally, always choose a formula that uses the phrase ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label. This means it protects from both UVA and UVB. Important stuff, right there.

If you can’t be bothered to moisturize and apply sunscreen in the morning, no problem, our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C does the job of both. If you have dry skin, you might need a moisturizer underneath, but give it a go, it’s darn good! And remember, sunscreen should always be the last product you apply in your morning routine.

Finally, Don’t Forget These Important Skincare Dos & Don'ts

* Do exfoliate once or twice a week. This will keep your skin ticking over nicely, removing dead skin cells and brightening at a surface level.

* Do listen to your skin. It might not like retinol, for example or maybe it can’t cope with it every night. Tweak your routine as needed, you’ll get there in the end.

* Don’t over-complicate your routine. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, less is more.

* Do be patient. Products that work on a deep, cellular level (eg. serums) take time, so give them a month at least, preferably more.

* Don’t try a bunch of new products all at once. Gradually introduce them one at a time.

* Do patch test products first. Not sure how? No problem, we can help with that right here.