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Today is the day you start dialing up your glow factor. And we’ve made it ten times easier with these game-changing tips for radiant skin. Fun fact: they (actually) work.

You might think that radiant, healthy skin is only for the rich and famous, but with smarter skincare choices and a few lifestyle tweaks, better skin is right around the corner – no matter who you are. Don’t have an A-lister’s bank balance? No problem. Have zero time for long-winded, professional treatments? Totally fine. The quest for radiant skin doesn’t have to require complicated routines or expensive trips to a facialist. In fact, oftentimes, the most effective approach is the simplest.

Your most important must-dos are to nurture your skin’s barrier function, encourage cellular renewal, protect against environmental damage and support your skin from the inside out. So let’s get on that with ten tried and trusted tips that’ll help transform your skin from flagging to fabulous.

1. Be The Master Of Gentle Cleansing

Blocked pores are killers on your complexion, making it look dull and dreary lightning fast.  This is why cleansing – morning and night – is vital for radiant, glowing skin. The thing about cleansing, however, is that you have to do it super gently. Tight, squeaky clean skin that’s been over-cleansed with crazy harsh products is not healthy skin, it’s a scream for help.

When cleansing, always use lukewarm, rather than hot water and choose a kind-to-skin, balanced formulation like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser. This will effectively remove dirt, oil and debris without screwing up your skin’s natural protective barrier. Massage it into your skin to stimulate blood flow (another check for getting your glow on!) but make sure to use a gentle touch and keep those fingernails well away.

2. Find Your Skin’s Exfoliation Sweet Spot

Exfoliation is a must for removing dulling dead skin cells that can otherwise outstay their welcome at the surface of your skin. If your skin errs on the sensitive side, stick with once a week but if you can tolerate more, do so. The key is to listen to your skin to find out the perfect frequency for your skin type.

If you’re not down with physical scrubs, try using a chemical exfoliator like 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant. This uses hydroxy acids like glycolic and salicylic to break down the bonds between skin cells. And it’s darn good, even if we do say so ourselves.

3. Fuel Your Skin From Within

Your diet directly impacts the look and feel of your skin so think about what you eat on a regular basis. Excessive sugar and processed foods, for example, are among your skin’s worst enemies because they form advanced glycation end products which damage collagen and elastin. They really mess with your skin.

Instead, fill up on colorful fruits and veggies as these are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which your skin goes mad for. Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for reducing inflammation and strengthening the barrier function so load up on oily fish, walnuts and flaxseeds.

4. Know That Daily SPF Is Non-Negotiable

We talk about the importance of daily sunscreen more than anything else. And we will continue to do so. Sorry... definitely not sorry. UV damage is the number one cause of both visible aging and skin cancer. It screws up the skin’s important proteins, causes inflammation, messes with your barrier function. And, well, need we go on? Thought not.

If you want your skin to be as healthy as possible, you simply have to wear sun protection every day. Choose a broad-spectrum formula to ensure you’re shielded from UVA and UVB radiation and make sure to stick with SPF 30 or above. Try our new SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum which fits seamlessly into your morning routine with zero fuss and all the damage control. 

5. Improve Skin Repair With Quality Sleep

The term ‘beauty sleep’ wasn't just made-up, it’s actual skin science. You see, when you’re asleep, your skin gets busy repairing and regenerating itself. Collagen production peaks, your body’s antioxidant system gets to work, cellular turnover accelerates and blood flow increases. All of which is vital for radiant-looking skin.

Aim for the recommended eight hours of quality sleep every night – making it easier on yourself by keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and avoiding screen time for at least a couple of hours before hitting the sack. We also love to smother cleansed skin with Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream to fuel the overnight renewal process. It’s a winner for furnishing you with bright, ready-to-face-the-day skin.

6. Make Vitamin C Your Morning Go-To

As glow-getting ingredients go, few beat vitamin C. Not only is it the most studied antioxidant available to your skin (that means it neutralizes those pesky, skin-damaging free radicals) but it also makes your sunscreen work better.

If that wasn’t enough, vitamin C also works to inhibit the production of melanin within your skin, helping to reduce the formation of dark spots, fade existing ones and thus improve the tone of your skin. It’s our absolute go-to, or glow-to if you will. And if you’re worried about its powers being too much for your sensitive skin, stick with TruSkin. Our products are crafted with sodium ascorbyl phosphate – a gentler form of vitamin C that’s stable and way kinder to the skin.

7. Get Some Exercise

Regular exercise is just as amazing for your skin as it is for the rest of your body. For starters, it increases blood flow to the skin which literally ‘feeds’ it with oxygen and nutrients while carrying away nasty stuff that can dull your complexion. Just remember to cleanse your skin after working out to remove sweat, oil and bacteria from the surface. This will allow you to enjoy that natural-post-workout glow without clogging up your pores or encouraging breakouts.

8. Stay Hydrated – Inside & Out

Full disclosure, drinking water is not the best way to keep your skin hydrated and radiant. Sure, it’s vital for the health of your entire body but most of what you drink goes straight to your other essential organs before it gets even close to benefiting your skin. Your skin may be the body's biggest organ, but it’s way down on its priority list.

That being said, getting plenty of fluids from water, caffeine-free fluids and water-rich foods is, of course, going to keep you healthy – skin included.

More importantly for your skin, however, is to hydrate it from the outside in. And the best way to do this? By filling up your skincare routine with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, vitamin E and ceramides which attract and seal in moisture. Try layering Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum underneath Firming Collagen Day Lotion for a mega fix of skin-loving moisture. And don’t forget the skin around your eyes. Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream is a winner.

9. Learn How To Manage Stress

When you’re stressed your body produces an excess of cortisol which can trigger inflammation, increase sebum production, slow down healing and encourage breakouts. Not ideal for healthy-looking skin, we think you’ll agree.

To manage your stress levels, carve out some me-time each day to do something you enjoy. Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are all great ways to balance your emotional wellness but if these don’t work for you, don’t fret. There are plenty of other things like going for a walk or reading a book that can be just as beneficial. The key is to find what works for you so that you a) enjoy doing it and b) do it regularly.

10. Finally, Be Consistent With Your Skincare Routine

Switching up your skincare routine can definitely help when the seasons change or your hormones fluctuate, but constantly changing the products you use can send your skin spiralling out of control. And that’s never going to be conducive to a radiant, glowing complexion.

Instead, establish a consistent and fairly simple regime that includes gentle cleansing, antioxidants, hydration, moisturizer and sunscreen. Do this and your skin will become immediately happier.

And happy skin = healthy-looking skin. It’s simple skincare math.

Sunscreen application might seem simple but do it wrong and it can leave your skin vulnerable to dark spots, premature wrinkles… and worse.

Applying facial sunscreen is arguably the nation’s least favorite beauty habit. Of course, we know it’s crucial to protect the skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But still, sun protection can be a real bore.

The most important thing to remember about applying sunscreen to your face, however, is that even the worst, most imperfect dousing of daily SPF is better than nothing at all. And the reason is simple. Sun damage is cumulative and it’s very, very real. In fact, it accounts for almost 90 percent of external skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and those pesky dark spots. Quick refresher: the skin on your face is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your body so it’s more susceptible to sun damage. This means that every day you skip facial sun protection you’re basically allowing UV rays to silently chip away at your skin’s youthful good looks. Not only that, but UV radiation is proven to be the primary cause of skin cancer.

The sun and your skin? Arch enemies.

We think you’ll agree that your skin deserves to stay ahead of the sun damage game so, while it may not be super-glamorous or immediately gratifying, it’s important to know how to apply sunscreen. Get it right and you'll know you're doing everything you can to help preserve your youthful-looking skin while significantly reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. 

So here’s your suncare lesson for today…

How To Master Your Sunscreen Technique

1. DO Apply The Right Amount

This is by far the most important thing to know about applying sunscreen: you need more than you think. No matter if you’re applying a cream, oily, spray or serum, read the instructions on the label and don’t ever scrimp. If you do, you’re likely to cut the SPF level by as much as half. Eesh.

The rule of thumb is that most face SPF lotions require about a nickel-sized dollop to give you adequate protection. Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum is quite different to regular sunscreen, however, so you don’t need to apply quite that much. You'll still need more than the normal serum sweet spot of one or two drops, though. We recommend three to five drops to hit that important SPF 30 mark.

2. DO Use The Dot & Blend Method

Rather than squirting your sunscreen into your hands then spreading it haphazardly all over your face, try dotting it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. This will ensure you get an even and thorough distribution which you can then gently spread all over using light circular motions.

3. DO Stick With Sunscreen That’s Formulated For The Face

Facial sunscreens like our awesome SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C are crafted specifically to care for the delicate skin on your face which makes them far superior to regular body sunscreen. Body sunscreen is great for, well, the body, but facial formulations are typically more gentle, lightweight and often made with non-comedogenic ingredients to minimize pore blockage.

Ours also contains other fabulous ingredients like sodium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), aloe vera and vegan marine collagen to feed your skin with antioxidants, hydration and brightening goodness.

4. DO Get Your Timing Spot On

It’s important to know that while mineral sunscreens (they’re the ones that contain ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) have an immediate effect, chemical sunscreens don’t. In fact, these should always be applied a good 20-30 minutes before heading out into the sun to give them time to soak into your skin and get ready to work.

If you’re not sure what kind of sunscreen you’re using, check the label and, if in doubt, apply yours in good time before exposing your skin to any kind of UV radiation.

5. DO Know How To Layer

If you’re applying other skincare products, always apply these before regular sunscreen lotion. Of course, our innovative serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing (it is a serum after all!), but any other sun protective skincare product should be the final step of your morning routine. You can then apply makeup on top if you wish. Just make sure you wait a few minutes for the sunscreen to settle, then use light pressure only.

Common Sunscreen Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

1. DON’T Rely On Makeup To Protect Your Skin

Sure, SPF makeup is better than nothing, but the amount you apply is rarely enough to give you adequate protection to shield your skin from those harmful UV rays. You’re much better off applying a dedicated, broad-spectrum facial sunscreen underneath your foundation for reliable protection. 

We know all this can be a bit of a hack but, honestly, our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum makes it so easy to protect your skin, there are no excuses for not using it on the reg.

2. DON’T Forget These Often-Missed Areas

Two of the most common skin cancer hotspots are around your hairline and along your part so make sure you protect these just as you do your face. Don’t fancy rubbing cream into your part line and ruining your hair? Invest in a dedicated, oil-free SPF spray which will do the trick nicely. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen around the entire perimeter of your neck, as well as over your ears, lips, eyelids and hands.

3. DON’T Rub It In Too Much

A light touch is the best approach when applying your sunscreen. How so? Because vigorous rubbing can irritate the skin. It also has the potential to disturb the carefully crafted formula and potentially break down the sunscreen’s protective film. Go gently, people!

4. DON’T Apply SPF To Dirty Skin

Sunscreen works way more efficiently when it’s applied to freshly cleansed skin. Applying it over an oily or sweaty face can create an uneven layer which won’t protect you as well as it should. This is why it’s beneficial to apply it first thing, after washing your skin as part of your regular morning routine.

5. DON’T Forget To Reapply

If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to reapply every two hours – especially if you’re swimming or doing activities which cause you to sweat. Sunscreens are broken down by exposure to sunlight so they become less efficient over prolonged periods of time outside. For even coverage when reapplying, give your face and neck a quick cleanse with a facial wipe and then apply generously.

Also, hear this, no sunscreen is entirely waterproof, it’s just not scientifically possible. They can be water-resistant, for sure, but 100 percent waterproof? Nope. That’s why reapplying when swimming or in the water is absolutely non-negotiable. You hearing us? Good.

Do you know which skincare ingredients are fair game when you’re pregnant, and which most certainly aren’t? Not a problem, we’re here to make things a whole lot simpler…

Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your skin, including that infamous ‘pregnancy glow’ which often has the complexion looking the best it’s been in a long time. But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. During pregnancy, you can also experience unexpected breakouts, extra sensitivities and dark spots that most certainly weren’t there before.

Is it wise, therefore, to overhaul your entire skincare routine during these transformative months? Or is it more prudent to simply be conscious of the changes happening to your skin so you can make informed decisions on what to use, what to avoid and how to maximize that glow?

We believe the latter. Here’s how…

What Happens To Your Skin During Pregnancy?

In a word, hormones. As your body goes through the important process of supporting a growing fetus and preparing for childbirth, your hormones go through significant changes. Of course, these fluctuations are crucial for the health of both yourself and your unborn baby, but their effects on the body can be huge. Tender breasts, mood swings, aches and pains are some of the obvious noticeable impacts. And then there are the visible changes to your skin. These include things like stretch marks, spider veins and skin tags which can appear anywhere on the body. 

When it comes to the face, the most common skin changes are:

Melasma

Often called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches on the face. Studies show that melasma affects around 90 percent of pregnant women making it one of the most common skin concern during this time.

Acne Breakouts

Hormone fluctuations can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum and overload your skin with oil that it really doesn’t need. The result? Clogged pores and pesky breakouts.

Irritation

According to the American Pregnancy Association your body produces 50 percent more blood when you’re pregnant. This can be a great thing, often giving you fabulously glowing skin. However, this increase of blood flow, when combined with crazy hormones, can also increase skin sensitivities, making some skin types reactive and prone to itching, redness, dryness and flaking.

The Two Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

According to popular belief you should steer clear of many active skincare ingredients when pregnant, including things like vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and benzoyl peroxide. And sure, these are all potent topicals that can cause irritation when used without due care. However, according to research, with the exception of two, most skincare ingredients act locally and therefore cause minimal risk to an unborn child.

The two no-nos to really be aware of? Hydroquinone and retinoids. 

Hydroquinone is a topical ingredient that’s extremely effective for lightening the skin and fading dark patches. This makes it very tempting for pregnant skin which can often being plagued with melasma. However, it’s estimated that somewhere between 35 and 45 percent of hydroquinone is absorbed into the bloody stream. Some research shows no links to adverse effects for an unborn child, but this absorption is a major red flag. Our advice? Don’t go there.

Better choices are to minimize sun exposure to avoid exacerbating dark spots, wear a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen like SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum daily, and try safer skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating acids in small doses.

Retinoids are the holy grail for healthy skin, working hard to help minimize the visible signs of aging and simultaneously decrease the severity and frequency of acne breakouts by accelerating cell turnover and boosting collagen production. They’re very potent beasts, however, and should always be treated with respect. Especially when pregnant. Oral retinoids, in particular have been shown to cause birth defects so these should be avoided at all costs. 

And topical retinoids? While these are widely believed to be fairly low in risk, they’re best kept at arm's length to be on the safe side. This includes everything from tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) to milder retinol.

Instead, try bakuchiol which is nature’s gentle alternative to retinol and generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.

How To Build The Best Pregnancy Skincare Routine

The key to managing changes in your skin during pregnancy lies in using gentle, pregnancy-safe products. While widely deemed safe, there are questions around ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, high concentrations of salicylic acid, certain essential oils, phthalates and parabens so you might want to give those a wide berth. Other than that, being sensible with your skin, listening to its needs and treating it with tender loving care is the best way to encourage healthy, glowing skin during this time.

Here are five quick tips to help you along the way.

1. Avoid Over-Cleansing

Cleansing is vital to balance sebum and remove potentially pore-clogging debris from the surface of your skin. Just don’t go mad with stripping formulations that can screw up the skin’s important barrier function and exacerbate irritation. Stick with gentle, balanced cleansers and use lukewarm, rather than hot water to rinse the skin.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Apply a hydrating Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide Facial Serum after you cleanse and before moisturizing to boost moisture, help reduce inflammation and improve both the tone and texture of your skin. These ingredients are both safe and extremely beneficial for most skin types during pregnancy.

3. Patch Test Everything

Even ‘safe’ ingredients have the potential to irritate the skin, especially when it’s more sensitive during the hormone frenzy that comes with pregnancy. To avoid any mishaps and unwanted inflammation, always patch test your products before using them on a daily basis. Not sure what that means? We can help with that, right here.

4. Embrace Mineral Sunscreen

Although limited, certain research points to chemical sunscreens having the potential to have harmful effects on the human body so, to be safe, we recommend sticking with mineral formulations only. Mineral sunscreens like our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C use the FDA-recommended zinc oxide to protect the skin.

5. Give Botox & Laser Treatments A Rest

Gentle facials that incorporate pregnancy-safe ingredients can be a great way to boost the look and feel of your skin. Always consult with your facial or aesthetician first, however, and know that many dermatological treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments and injectables should be paused until after your baby has been born. The FDA classifies Botox, for example, as a category C pregnancy drug which means there’s insufficient evidence to determine its safety.

Let’s take a look at how to nail in-flight skincare, shall we? Because who wants to turn up to their destination with dry, dull skin? Answer: nobody.

Raise your hands if you dread that post-flight mirror check when, even though you’ve had a decent nap and drank your body weight in water, your skin looks dry, dull and as if you’ve not slept in 10 days?

We hear you.

Airplane skin is very real. How so? One of the reasons is that, while regular air has all manner of pros and cons of its own, airplane cabins use pressurized, recycled air. This recycled air is not only filled with who-knows-what, but it also has a very low humidity and, as you know, skin loves moistures which low humidity seriously lacks. This means that flying can cause all sorts of problems for the skin – even to the most resilient complexions. As skin saboteurs go, it’s right up there. 

How best can you get ahead of this skincare nightmare? By arming yourself with our ultimate in-flight skincare survival guide. Let’s do this…

4 Reasons Why Flying Messes With Your Skin

1. Humidity Levels Don’t Quite Cut It

Airplane cabins are expertly pressurized to protect you from the low air pressure at high altitude. Pressurized cabins are crucial for maintaining balanced oxygen levels, allowing you to a) breathe and b) not get altitude sickness. It’s important stuff and, in the grand scheme of things, being alive is far more important than having to deal with slightly cruddy skin. But still, the frustrating part is that pressurized air only contains around 10-20 percent humidity which is lower than most deserts. Your skin is not down with that, preferring a more moist 50-60 percent to keep it soft, radiant and hydrated.

2. Where Did All The Nutrients Go?

Low air pressure also slows down lymphatic drainage and reduces the levels of oxygen in your blood. This temporarily ‘starves’ it of all the essential nutrients it loves in order to remain glowing and healthy-looking.

3. UV Radiation Reaches New Heights

High altitudes = increased levels of UV radiation. We’ll just leave that one there.

4. Did Someone Say Circadian Rhythm?

As you’re probably aware, your body has a smart, 24-hour internal clock that helps to regulate its various functions and processes. This is primarily controlled by light and darkness and it allows you to operate on a daily basis, sending your body to sleep at night and keeping you functioning optimally during the day.

You can imagine what happens to this circadian rhythm when you throw a red-eye, long-haul flight or cross into a different time zone into the mix? It gets thrown right out of whack, making it harder for you to fall asleep at bedtime. And never underestimate what inadequate sleep can do to the state of your skin. Cue dryness, irritation, dehydration, even breakouts.

Your Pre-Flight Game Plan

1. Hydrate Yourself From The Inside Out

Set yourself up for skin success by skipping alcohol and caffeine a good 24 hours before take-off. These are super dehydrating and your skin has enough dehydrating triggers to come when the humidity levels hit rock bottom during your flight. Instead, drink plenty of water and herbal teas, and boost your diet with water-rich food like cucumber and watermelon.

2. Protect & Hydrate From The Outside In

On the day of your fight, make sure to cleanse thoroughly and layer on the hydration. We like to apply serum straight after cleansing to start the ball rolling, and our new SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum is the perfect product for the job. Not only does it contain prickly pear and sunflower extracts to help the skin retain water and protect it from free radical damage, but SPF 30 is vital for shielding your skin from the intense UV radiation you'll experience closer to the ozone layer. Trust us, if you’re going to be sat next to the window, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

3. Go Heavy On Moisture, Light On Makeup

Lock in all that hydration with a rich, but non pore-clogging moisturizer that can be reapplied as needed. Reapplication is highly recommended for long-haul flights so, if you can bear it, skip makeup completely to allow you to reapply without worrying about annoying foundation getting in your way.

PRO-TIP: Avoid trying new skincare for a week or so before flying. This will help avoid irritation which can be exacerbated by dry airplane cabins. 

Your In-Flight Skincare Strategy

1. Don’t Cleanse During Your Flight

This is messy and too tricky in those cramped bathrooms which, tbh, are probably not the cleanest after being used by numerous other people. If you do feel the need to freshen up, apply some travel-sized micellar water over your face and neck.

2. Pop A Sheet Mask In Your Carry-On

Hydrating sheet masks are flight skincare gold. Sure, you might get a little side-eye from other passengers as you sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes looking like something from a horror movie, but the benefits will be so worth it in the end.

3. Reapply Moisture

After your sheet mask has done its job, it’s wise to lock moisture back into your skin. Make sure to clean your hands first with a gentle sanitizer, then reapply your favorite, non-comedogenic lotion and follow with sunscreen. This time, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C is going to be your BFF. It’s loaded with antioxidants, works immediately and is the perfect size for your carry-on.

PRO-TIP: Long-haul flights call really screw up your circadian rhythm, so take an eye mask and ear plugs to help you sleep at weird times.

Your Post-Flight Recovery Program

1. Resist The Urge To Cleanse Like Mad

It’s tempting to want to do away with all that in-flight grime after landing, but harsh cleansers that are overloaded with drying ingredients like strong surfactants and unnecessary preservatives will compromise skin that’s already feeling a little delicate. Of course, feel free to cleanse your skin once you arrive at your destination but go gently with a plant-based, kind-to-skin formula like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.

2. Exfoliate While You’re At It

A little gentle exfoliation is great for clearing out post-flight pores, improving circulation and waking up sluggish skin. Plus, the simple act of physical exfoliation is enough to make you feel immediately better. We’re all about Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which hits that sweet spot of being just grainy enough to feel like it’s doing a good job, without feeling like it’s removing an entire layer of your skin! Smooth it over damp, clean skin on arrival, gently working it all over your face and neck, then rinsing well with lukewarm water.

3. Hit The Moisture Reset Button

Post-flight is the time to repair and restore your skin so continue to layer on hydrating serums and moisturizer, morning and night. A rich night cream is going to be particularly beneficial for your first night back on solid ground as your skin does its best repair work while you’re asleep. Try Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

PRO-TIP: Try a two-minute massage as you cleanse to wake up post-flight, sluggish skin. Simply work your hands over your face in circular motions to boost blood flow and restore your glow.

Hydration is something every skin type needs – whether it’s dry, oily or somewhere in between. Not sure how to up the moisture levels in your skin? Then here are the hydrating skincare heroes you need to know.

If you want healthy skin that feels good and looks even better, moisture is everything. Without it, you can simply say goodbye to an even skin tone, smooth texture and a radiant glow. Because it just ‘aint gonna happen.

You see, skin dehydration is real. And it doesn’t only hit those of you with dry skin, but can strike even the oiliest of skin types. How so? Simple: your skin type has nothing to do with the levels of water in your skin, it’s just a gauge of the amount of sebum your skin produces. If you have oily skin, for example, your sebaceous glands are super active and therefore produce a lot of sebum – sometimes a little too much if we’re being honest. If your skin is dry, however, sebum is often in serious short supply. Dehydration is a whole different kettle of fish because this means your skin is lacking in water, not oil. And yes, this also means that any skin type, however oily it is, can be dehydrated.

Once you get your head around all this, it becomes easier to understand why hydrating your skin is different to moisturizing it. Skin hydration is all about drawing moisture into the skin, while moisturization concentrates on sealing all that moisture in place to help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Dry skin needs a lot of help in the latter department because it often has a more delicate barrier function thanks to such a short supply of sebum. That’s why dry skin benefits from richer, thicker moisturizing formulas. And oily skin? Not so much. Oily skin generally has a stronger barrier function, helped along nicely by all that sebum.

Moisturizers usually contain a combination of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients to deliver a complete regimen for softer, stronger, healthier skin. But if you’re specifically looking to up your skin’s hydration levels, look out for these humectant powerhouses…

What Are Humectants?

Humectants are substances that attract and retain water from their surroundings, kind of like bath sponges. In skincare, they’re used to draw water either from the air or from deeper layers of the skin to replenish lost moisture at a surface level. This helps to keep the skin soft, firm, plump and healthy while strengthening the uppermost layers to reduce irritation and calm sensitive skin.

When it comes to hydrating the skin, humectants are the be-all and end-all. Below, feast your eyes on five of the best humectants we know…

1. Aloe Vera

A fully signed-up member of the humectant family, aloe vera is an evergreen succulent that’s been used around the world for centuries to treat everything from tooth cavities and feet ulcers to depression and IBS. Its benefits for the skin, however, are by far its biggest and most well-known superpower.

Often referred to as the ‘wonder plant,’ the leaves of the aloe vera plant are where all the action takes place. More specifically, it’s the watery, nutrient-rich medicinal gel that’s found inside these leaves that delivers so much goodness to the skin. Rich in polysaccharides which draw in water, it’s also high in antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means it not only hydrates the skin like a boss, but it also aids healing, reduces free radical damage and helps to soothe facial redness. What’s not to love?

Try: Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid might not be the most obvious choices for hydrating your skin, but don’t count them out. Because on top of their exfoliating prowess, AHAs also have humectant qualities. This helps to keep your skin healthy and hydrated as they go about their main job, which is to stimulate cellular turnover and rid your skin of dulling dead skin cells.

Ingredients that deliver more than one benefit? Love that.

Try: 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant

3. Glycerin

Glycerin is one of those quiet, unassuming skincare ingredients that goes about its business without needing to be in the spotlight or steal the headlines. But do not underestimate this clever ingredient because, if certain studies are to be believed, it may be one of the most effective humectants in skincare. This is because it has a very low molecular weight which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin where it hydrates, strengthens and replenishes the skin’s natural moisturizing factor.

Like most humectants, glycerin is very well tolerated by the skin and is often prescribed to help treat extreme dryness, itching and cracked, dehydrated skin. It's a win-win.

Try: Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum

4. Hyaluronic Acid

When it comes to the spotlight, at the exact opposite end of the spectrum to glycerin comes hyaluronic acid, one of the buzziest skincare ingredients of the past decade.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin’s structure when it lubricates and hydrates the skin 24/7. This water-loving ingredient is estimated to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water which means just one gram is able to hold up to six liters of water. There’s your headline right there!

But this begs the question: shouldn’t that amount of water be enough for your skin on a daily basis? Well it is… until it isn’t. As skin ages its levels of hyaluronic acid significantly depletes – often by up to 50 percent once you hit age 40 and beyond. This encourages dehydration and all the signs of skin aging that come with it; aka fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

The solution? Lots of fabulous hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. Simple as that.

Try: Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream

5. Vitamin E

Another classic skincare ingredient that has stood the test of time is vitamin E, one of the true good guys in the beauty world. 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that’s also found naturally in your skin’s structure where it maintains moisture, supports cell function and protects the skin from environmental stressors. Unfortunately, just like collagen, hyaluronic acid and friends, vitamin E also decreases as you age. Big surprise.

To help keep your levels high it’s smart to include vitamin E in your skincare routine. Vitamin E is generally thought of as an emollient which is a substance that helps soften, smooth and trap moisture into the skin but, little known fact, it also has awesome humectant properties. This makes it one of the best all-rounders for hydrating and moisturizing the skin.

Can’t see it on any of your skincare labels? Look out for alpha-tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate – two of vitamin E’s fancy alter egos.

Try: Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream

Turning 50 is a pretty big deal for your skin so get ahead of dryness, dehydration, wrinkles and dark spots with these skincare strategies that truly work.

When you combine decades of natural aging with the added stress of sun exposure, hormonal changes, environmental pollution and questionable lifestyle habits it’s no wonder that skin needs help as you reach your 50s and beyond. As natural aging goes, skin undergoes significant changes when you hit 50. Collagen production decreases annually by around 1 percent – and, btw, this may have started as early as age 20! – while menopausal hormones often lead to thinner skin, decreased sebum production and a compromised barrier function. Cue dryness, sagging and sensitivities to name just a few.

Then there’s the rate at which your skin turns over which significantly slows down in your 50s. As a younger adult, the life cycle of your skin usually sits around the 28 day mark, during which time skin cells form, move up to the surface, then die and slough away. In your 50s, however, this 28-day life cycle can extend to more than 45 days which allows dead cells to hang around at the surface for way too long, making your skin look dull, gloomy and feel rough to the touch.

Couple all this with elastin fiber degeneration, an increase in transepidermal water loss and accumulated sun damage and, well, it’s a wonder your skin looks as fabulous as it does. 

On that note, let’s not forget what an absolute privilege it is to have reached the age of 50  – wrinkles and all. So let’s celebrate your mature skin by ensuring you’re following a few important steps to help soften the signs of visible aging. Because, we don’t know about you, but we’re all for that.

1. Focus On Hydration

As you age, skin loses its ability to hold on to moisture. Why does this happen? Well it’s mainly down to the skin’s barrier function whose job it is to repel irritants and allergens while retaining the optimal levels of moisture to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy. The protective barrier is made up of around 20 brick-like layers of cells, all ‘glued’ together by important substances like cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids.

Your barrier function is fantastic at its job… until it’s not. For example, the natural aging process causes it to lose vital ceramides which makes it become thinner, weaker and less able to retain water. This means you have to give it a helping hand to help your skin stay moisturized and hydrated. And the best way to do this? Simple. Invest in products that are rich in humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid and glycerin as these absorb moisture and plump up the skin. A great trick is to apply a hydrating toner like Ocean Minerals Super Toner or a serum like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to damp skin, layering it underneath your moisturizer to lock all that delicious hydration into your skin.

2. Take Extra Care When You Cleanse

Harsh cleansing is a killer on the skin’s barrier function which you have to really, like REALLY look after as you reach age 50 and beyond. Whatever your skin type, choose the gentlest formulation possible and, if nothing else, avoid synthetic fragrances, strong alcohols, dyes and harsh surfactants like SLS and SLES as these can cause irritation and dryness. Skin becomes drier and more fragile as it matures so unnecessary chemicals are a big no-no.

Of course, cleansing is still a crucial part of your daily routine as it helps remove surface debris which reduces your chances of breakouts (because yes, adult acne is a thing). Just don’t go wild with products that strip your skin because these will either cause excess dryness or excess sebum depending on your skin type. Instead, choose a product that cleanses thoroughly, but doesn’t suck all the life from your skin – it just removes the bad stuff. We love Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.

One final word on cleansing: hot water is seriously bad news so stick with lukewarm water as you cleanse to avoid stripping your barrier of important oils.

3. Exfoliate Weekly

Remember the chat about the life cycle of your skin slowing down as you age? That is no joke and leaving dead skin cells to build up at the surface will totally screw up your complexion.

One word: exfoliation.

Exfoliation is non-negotiable for 50+ skin as it removes buildup and accelerates cell turnover, allowing younger, fresher, brighter skin to come to the surface. There’s a definite sweet spot, however because too much of a good thing can upset the delicate balance of your skin, potentially causing micro tears and exacerbating sensitivities.

Our advice is to start slowly, using Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub on a weekly basis. Most skin types should be able to tolerate a weekly exfoliation session if you go carefully and don’t rub at your skin too much. And if you reckon you need more and your skin can take it you can always up the frequency to two or three times a week. Just remember to use a delicate touch and to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm, never hot, water.

4. Protect Your Skin Every Day

OK, this is a biggie so listen up. No matter your age, gender, skin color or skin type, you simply have to protect your skin from that devilish ball of fire in the sky called the sun. Every day of the year. We know it can be tedious to apply sunscreen but nothing is more damaging to your skin than exposure to UV radiation.

To make it more bearable we created a lightweight, sun protective SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This means you don’t need to slather on that extra layer of cream at the end of your routine, you simply smooth this beautifully wearable serum over your skin before moisturizing and hey presto, you’ve got immediate SPF 30 coverage thanks to zinc oxide, combined with superpowered antioxidants, emollients, vitamins and botanical extracts.

Prefer to go down the more traditional sunscreen route? No problem: try our award-winning SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which provides everything your skin needs to prevent early wrinkles and dark spots.

Sunscreen isn’t the only way to defend your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, however. Topical antioxidants also provide environmental protection, working hard to neutralize pesky free radicals while hydrating, brightening, firming and all sorts. In our opinion vitamin C is the most superior antioxidant but other goodies include green tea, vitamin E, niacinamide and retinol.

5. Become Well Acquainted With Retinol

There’s no arguing the fact that retinol remains the gold standard in aging skincare. Extensive clinical research prove its efficacy and its visible benefits simply can’t be denied. Both prescription tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol have been shown to penetrate the skin at a deep cellular level, helping to stimulate collagen synthesis, improve turnover and assist with healing. All of which 50+ skin needs in abundance.

If you’re yet to get on board with this powerhouse there’s no time like the present. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t turn back the hands of time, but it will give your skin the best chance to look and feel its absolute best. Ditto bakuchiol which is retinol’s gentler, natural alternative.

A few things to remember when introducing retinol into your routine for the first time…

* Always patch test first to reduce the risk of irritation.

* Don’t overdo it. Take it slow to begin with then increase your usage over time. This’ll help your skin to acclimate.

* Remember, mild side effects like temporary redness and slight tingling are OK; pain or burning are not. If you experience  the latter reduce usage, stop completely or try a bakuchiol serum like Rejuvenating Longevity Serum.

* Daily SPF is EVEN MORE important than ever.

* Patience is key. Retinol and bakuchiol take time to deliver so don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Trust us, you will in a few months.