True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Tired, stressed out skin can be a real party pooper. So get ahead of the game and up the skincare love with these simple beauty hacks.

Are you guilty of neglecting your skin during the party season? OK, so maybe ‘neglect’ is too strong a word. But if you’re already experiencing beat up skin that looks like it needs a fortnight in the Caribbean, chances are your skin is feeling the burn of one late night too many.

The holiday season can be stressful enough, however, so why add to your woes by putting your skin under so much pressure that it repays you with a whole bunch of unwanted holiday gifts like redness, dry patches, pimples and dullness? If you ask us, that’s just one stress too much.

We say a big ‘NO’ to stressed, partied out skin. Not by declining all the invitations. Heck no! But with the following skin-loving hacks that require zero effort (check) but offer maximum pay-out (check).

1. Double Cleanse Before Bed

Our motto is that if your cleanser doesn’t feel like it’s doing a good enough job on its own, then you need to think about the formulation you’re using. However, like all good rules in life, this motto is made to be broken! And during these times double cleansing can be a real lifesaver.

At this time of year you’re likely to be wearing more makeup, more often thanks to a crazy social calendar. Not only that but the combination of late nights, more booze, less sleep and more rich food is going to quickly make your skin feel and look super tired. And this is when problems quickly arise. If you’re a rosacea or eczema sufferer, for example, flare-ups will occur lightning fast. If you have oily skin, on the other hand, your sebaceous glands can go wild, producing more oil than ever and possibly leaving you with breakouts just when you don’t need them. You see where we’re going here…

One of the best ways to keep your skin under control during the holidays is to treat yourself to a pre-bedtime double cleanse. As you sleep, your skin goes into full recharge mode, regenerating new skin cells and repairing environmental damage. But how can it successfully do this when it’s covered in makeup and grime? The short answer is that it can’t. Instead, it’ll punish you with poor, rough texture; dull, dry skin and dark, puffy bags under your eyes.

Double cleansing can take on many forms but it basically means cleaning your skin twice to remove both oil-based debris (makeup, sebum and sunscreen) and water-based grime like sweat. Your first port of call is to massage some kind of oil-based cleanser into your skin to remove the oil-based surface debris. Then you wash with a cream, gel or lotion to finish cleansing and treat your skin according to your skin type or concerns. It’s a fairly simple process – although a little lengthier than regular cleansing – but in times of need it can work wonders for your skin and pores. Just remember, it's unlikely to be necessary every night, and stay away from overly harsh, perfumed or alcohol-heavy products. Keep it gentle with our range of awesome cleansing giants.

2. Laugh In the Face Of Free Rads

When you’re putting your body under more stress than normal, free radicals like to have a wild party of their own!

But what are free radicals? Well, without getting too sciencey on you, free radicals are unstable, highly reactive atoms or molecules that form in your skin when it’s subject to things like sun damage, pollution, alcohol, stress or a poor diet. Due to their unstable nature, free radicals seek out electrons from other, unsuspecting molecules in your skin to try and stabilize themselves. This is bad news because it creates even more free radicals, leading to what's known in the skincare biz as oxidative stress. This is probably all you need to know about those little free radical devils but needless to say, oxidative stress can cause serious damage to all the good stuff in your skin – namely collagen and elastin.

The good news is that antioxidants are able to donate electrons to free radicals to neutralize them and stop them screwing up the other, more important components in your skin. Your body has its own, hard-working antioxidant defense system but (isn't there always a but?!) aging weakens it. No surprises there! This means there inevitably comes a time when your skin needs help from other sources like an antioxidant-rich diet or topical antioxidants in your skincare routine such as vitamin C, niacinamide, green tea and vitamin E.

Our party season go-to is Vitamin C Super Serum+. And the best news is you only need to use it two or three times a week for awesome results. We suggest you get on board, immediately!

3. Layer Up With Hydration

Dehydration is an absolute b*tch for letting your skin down, making it look dull and feel horrible. Of course, a little amount of dehydration is a given if you’re a fan of overdoing the G&Ts and don’t counteract it with plenty of water. So try to sip on H20 as much as possible.

Just as importantly for helping to curb dehydrated skin is to apply products that draw water to the surface layers. Our favorite humectants (the water magnets of the skincare world) are hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe so keep your skin in good supply of these through twice daily use of treatment serums and good quality moisturizers.

We have many superpowered serums like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum which is incredible for pumping up moisture, but we also love Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum which is one of the finest for boosting radiance and uplifting a gloomy, dehydrated complexion.

4. Perk Up Tired Eyes

What’s the first area of your skin to, without fail, give the partying game away? The skin around your eyes. The reason for this is that the skin here is slightly different to the rest of your face. It contains fewer sebaceous glands (cue dryness) and is around ten times thinner which makes it way more susceptible to the visible signs of tiredness and premature aging. Also, thanks to its natural thinness, underlying tissue and blood vessels become more prominent when you’re tired, causing shadows and dark circles.

But that’s not all. The skin around your eyes also contains a limited amount of fat and muscle which means collagen and elastin are even more important for maintaining strength and support. When your collagen and elastin become compromised thanks to too much partying, basically the poor skin around your eyes stands no chance of remaining its best.

So what can you do about pooped-out peepers? First, try to get early nights whenever you can. Obvs. Drink plenty of water day and night to reduce dehydration, and always keep a fabulous eye treatment in your refrigerator to apply morning and night to cleansed skin. Our new Depuffing Longevity Eye Cream is a real hero, or you could try Peptide Eye Gel which works like a dream on tired eyes.

5. Exoliate A Tad More Than Normal

Exfoliating too much can send your skin into a state of frenzy, but if you have strong skin and you feel like it needs a bit of a kick in the booty, a little extra exfoliation can work wonders.

If you like to use a scrub, try exfoliating once more a week during the party season, or try our new AHA, BHA and PHA Liquid Exfoliant which contains glycolic and salicylic acids as well as a gentle hydrating exfoliant called gluconolactone. It’s super effective yet gentle enough to use every day. Can we get an Auld Lang Syne for that?!

6. Feed Your Skin From The Inside

Finally, while you’re putting all manner of salty snacks and sweet treats down your throat, remember to save some room for plenty of good, nutritious foods. Fresh fruit and veggies are a given in any healthy diet, but also up your intake of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids to help regulate oil production and nourish your skin. You’ll find omega-3s in things like oily fish, seafood, nuts and seeds.

While we’re on the subject of looking after your skin from the inside, now’s also a great time to try our new Collagen Boosting Skin Supplement which helps to promote quality natural collagen production while improving hydration and fighting off those naughty free radicals.

It’s the perfect antidote to living the good life ;)

If winter makes your skin quiver with the thought of dry air, cold temps, hot baths and central heating, you’re going to need to know how to nurture your skin through the next few months. Good news: you’re in the right place for that.

Whether you suffer with eczema, psoriasis, or simply have super-dry skin that goes into panic mode as soon as December comes around, winter can be tough on your complexion. From itchy cheeks and sensitivities through to cracked lips and an irritated neck (thanks knitted scarf!) winter skin struggles can be very real.

So, why is winter so tough on your skin? Well, it’s all about the cold, dry air which literally saps all the moisture from the top, protective layers of your skin, leaving it open to dryness, dehydration and irritation. Cold air outside also means you’re more likely to experience warmer air inside due to cranked up heating, log burners and open fires. And warmth does not equal moisture. In fact, these extreme changes in temperature do nothing but dry out your skin even more. Then, you go and throw hot baths into the equation. Frankly, your skin stands no chance.

Don’t fancy battling your way through the next four months with unhappy skin? We don’t blame you. So, here are the best ways to find a little skin comfort this winter season.

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers & Baths

It’s hard to resist the temptation of a long soak in a hot bath – especially if you’ve been skiing or out in the grueling cold all day. However, this quick change in temperature is super irritating for your skin, stripping away important lipids, depleting moisture from your skin’s barrier function, and leaving you dehydrated and open to irritation. It can even cause inflammation and really nasty flare-ups. The same goes for hot tubs (noooooo!), scorching showers and even using steamy water to wash your hands. Basically, hot water is the enemy for dry skin. Not. Worth. It.

Our advice? Wait 10-15 minutes after coming in from the cold before dunking any part of your body in hot water. Then, when you do, turn down the heat so the water is a more neutral, comfortable temperature. When it comes to showers and baths, stick to five minutes in the shower and 10 in the bath to save your skin from become dry and itchy.

Finally, remember that your ideal home temperature should be no more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Moisturize Straight After Cleansing

No matter how careful and gentle your cleansing routine is, exposing your skin to water and cleansing ingredients is always going to leave your skin susceptible to dryness.

Unless you moisturize all over like an absolute demon, of course.

A good moisturizer helps seal water into your skin and stops further moisture from escaping from the surface. This is why it’s such an important part of any good skincare routine. According to the National Eczema Association it’s vital to apply moisturizer within three minutes of bathing, showering, cleansing your face or washing your hands. We have tons of awesome moisturizers to choose from but our winter picks have to be Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream in the daytime, followed by Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream before bed. To up the ante even further, apply a hydrating, soothing serum first. We love Niacinamide Facial Serum which is one of the best.

Know That Layers Are Your Besties

Exposing your skin to extreme temperatures is the biggest no-no for dry, sensitive skin – especially if you suffer with eczema. So try not to do that. This sounds easier said than done, we know, but there is one simple way to keep your skin warm when you’re outside and simultaneously avoid it overheating when you’re inside. Layers.

Wearing lots of layers allows you to respond to abrupt changes in temperatures really easily. Just make sure you choose cotton, natural fabrics that are easy to take off while you’re inside. And when outside, bundle up with scarves, gloves and hats which are all great for protecting your hands and as much of your face as possible, helping you to retain a warm, even temperature all day... and night.

Embrace Occlusive Skincare Ingredients

Sticking with the same moisturizer all year long might work for some people, but lightweight summer lotions often don’t pack the right punch when arctic weather sets in.

If this sounds familiar, step it up with a heavier cream rather than a gel or lotion, and check your labels for rich occlusive ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and squalane. These are awesome for helping to create a barrier on the surface of your skin, protecting it from bracing winds and environmental nasties while locking in moisture.

Our classic Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer is always a winner because it contains tons of heavy-hitting moisturizing ingredients which are ideal for dull, parched, winter skin.

Take Stock Of Your Household Cleaning Products

Any product that comes into contact with your skin needs careful scrutiny – not just those in your skincare routine. Granted, this is a valid point all year round, but it’s even more important if a) you have dry, sensitive skin and b) you suffer x20 during the winter months.

Hand sanitizers, dish soap, powerful cleaners and laundry detergents, for example, often contain harsh chemicals like alcohols, preservatives and synthetic fragrances which can be super irritating on delicate skin, causing redness, itching, swelling and severe dryness. Of course, who’s to know which specific ingredients are causing you issues unless you have your skin professionally analyzed and tested? But even without that you can be more mindful by looking into natural, fragrance-free options whenever possible. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are huge offenders, too, so our advice is simply to avoid those as much as possible.

You could also protect your hands by wearing latex-free gloves when doing the dishes or cleansing with a gentle hand wash after exposing your hands to any cleaning product. And, of course, always follow with moisturizer.

Basically, when it doubt, reach for the moisturizer! It will never fail you.

‘Tis the season for parties, rich food, late nights and eggnog. Great! But, get this, the holidays can be hella hard on your skin.

It's true, living the good life can really mess with your skin. So, let’s nip that in the bud toute de suite by learning about the biggest holiday skin sinners, shall we?

1. Alcohol

A glass of wine every now and again and a few G&Ts on a Friday night are not going to cause your skin to totally freak out (there are far stronger forces to blame there) but frequent and excessive drinking, which is often par for the cause over the holidays, can definitely take its toll on your poor complexion.

So, exactly how does alcohol affect the skin – specifically in the short term? Well, for starters alcohol is a diuretic. This means it makes you pee more, causing you to lose more water than you would on a regular day without the booze. Losing an excessive amount of water can make you quickly feel dehydrated which is a bummer on the skin, sapping it of essential moisture, increasing dryness and dullness and intensifying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles quicker than a flash.

Alcohol also screws up your sleep patterns (more on that in a minute), inflames the tissue and causes your blood vessels to dilate, exacerbating facial redness and making your skin feel hot and angry. Sure, this is not a massive deal in the moment (although it can ruin your makeup!) but continue to drink and over the years that temporary flush can become much more of a permanent fixture. No fun.

Your Holiday Action Points

Drink more water. Try to down a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you drink. This’ll help minimize dehydration.

Give yourself alternate days off. This allows enough time for alcohol to leave your body. Damage limitations and all that.

Choose clear alcohol. Clear drinks like vodka and tequila leave your body far quicker than darker ones.

Hydrate your skin from the outside in. Use a moisture-binding serum like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum daily.

2. Rich Food

Everyone knows the benefits of a well-rounded diet that’s heavy on the fresh fruit and veggies and high in fiber and protein. And for the best part of the year it’s not that difficult to ensure you’re balancing lots of the good, healthy stuff with a few of the naughties.

But the holiday season is a whole different matter. Candy is constantly on offer while rich, heavy dinners are a given – not to mention the desserts. Oh the desserts!

Being informed of some of the effects of rich, festive food, however, goes a long way to helping you to resist over-indulging. Regular indulging, of course, is fine – it IS the holidays, after all. But completely overdoing it? Maybe not.

The main food fiends when it comes to the wellness of your skin are sugar, salt, fried foods and refined carbs. No surprises there, right? Sugar and processed carbs like white bread and pasta, for example, have been proven to lead to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds that form in the skin when you bombard your body with too much sugar. This excess of the sweet stuff attacks your skin cells, latching onto collagen and elastin, and causing them to stiffen and weaken. You might as well just invite lines, wrinkles, sagginess and dullness to your holiday parties.

Your Holiday Action Points

Be mindful when you cook. Substitute white sugar with honey, don’t brine your turkey, reduce the amount of salt you add to your cooking, bake instead of fry your foods and choose wholemeal breads and brown rice.

Snack wiser. Instead of filling up your snack bowls with salted pretzels and heavily seasoned chips, choose unsalted nuts instead. Also lay out lots of berries to pick at. Then you won’t feel so bad for indulging on chocolate! 

Combat free radicals. Give free radicals a run for their money by applying topical antioxidants on the reg. Our hot holiday fave is Vitamin C Super Serum+.

3. Hot & Cold Temperatures

Winter equals cold weather and a real lack of humidity in the air. And this can mean only one thing for your skin – dryness.

In complete contrast, you are then faced with warmer temperatures inside, thanks to roaring fires and cranked up heating. This also sucks moisture from your skin and, not only that, but extreme temperature changes cause tiny capillaries in your skin to contract and dilate, resulting in redness and inflammation. Good grief!

Your Holiday Action Points

Turn the heat down in your home. It might feel cozy to crank up your heating, but try not to go too crazy. The ideal home temperature should be somewhere around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Limit hot baths and showers. Scorching hot water strips away the protective lipid layer from your skin’s barrier, sucking away moisture and leaving you with surface dehydration. Turn down the temperature and limit bath time to 15 mins.

Stick with super gentle cleansing. Harsh cleaning products will do your skin no favors, so go for mild formulations that care for your complexion. We love Soothing Cleansing Milk for nurturing holiday skin.

4. Stress

Are your holiday menus going to suit everybody's tastes and dietary requirements? Will your bestie love her gift as much as you want her to? And, shoot, you forgot to get those last-minute stocking stuffers for the kids! There are so many things to get stressed about during the festive season that, frankly, it’s a miracle any of us survive it.

Thankfully, we do live to tell the tale. However, your skin can really suffer during the holidays thanks to emotional stress. You see, stress throws your hormones totally out of whack. When you feel stressed, your nervous system releases a whole bunch of hormones into the bloodstream (think cortisol and adrenaline) which causes your heart to pump faster, your breath to quicken and your muscles to tense and get ready for action. This is great when you want to nail a scary job interview or shine on a first date, but when it becomes a regular thing, these stress hormones go into constant overdrive and your body has no chance to relax and go back to normal. This plays havoc with your emotions, your sleep and can result in any number of physical issues like headaches and nausea and often more serious concerns like heart or digestive problems. Then, of course, there’s your skin.

An overload of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’ makes your sebaceous glands produce more oil (cue greasy skin and pimples). It also impairs your barrier function, accelerates inflammation, depletes collagen and interferes with your skin’s healing process. Not ideal for those pimples we just mentioned.

Your Holiday Action Points

Make lists. Lists are great, not only for helping you to remember everything you need to do/buy/make, but also for clearing your mind. Especially before bed. And especially at this time of year.

Take time out. If you’re feeling frazzled, go for a ten-minute walk or take yourself off to a private space to breathe and relax. It’s amazing what a little me-time can do for the soul.

Calm inflammation with soothing skincare. Aloe vera, green tea, rose water and niacinamide are awesome for stressed skin. Try a spritz of Rose Water Refreshing Facial Toner for instant zen.

5. Zero ZZZs

It’s party time. Yay! Good on you, enjoy yourselves. But… and it’s a big but… try not to overdo it at the expense of your sleepy time. Skin hates that.

The reason sleep is so important for the health of your skin is that while the brain goes into rest mode your skin gets kinda busy. Blood flow increases to nourish your skin with valuable nutrients; antioxidants kick in to help your skin recover from the perils of the daily grind; cell turnover accelerates to bring fresh, healthy skin cells to the surface, and collagen production revs up big time. And as you know, collagen is extremely important for your skin, maintaining strength, structure, firmness and volume.

Without the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, your skin is going to miss out on all that good recovery and rejuvenation time. And it will suffer because of it, furnishing your complexion with anything from dull, sallow skin to full-on acne breakouts. You have been warned.

Your Holiday Action Points

Get an early night whenever you can. Ideally you should go to sleep and wake up at roughly around the same time each night. But heck, it’s the holidays. So don’t pass up the opportunity for partying, just get more sleep on those rare nights in.

Make your bedroom a sleeping paradise. Invest in some blackout curtains, get a humidifier, wear earplugs if noise is an issue and ensure your room is the perfect temperature for sleeping (65 degrees Fahrenheit according to The Sleep Foundation).

Treat your skin overnight. Ensure you never wake up with dry, sad skin by gently cleansing your face and neck then slathering Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream all over.

How do you know your moisturizer is ‘the one’ – not too thick, not too thin, not too oily, but just about right? Well, it’s not rocket science, you just need to a) understand your skin type and b) know your way around a few choice ingredients. Let’s get on that.

Moisturizing is a fundamental part of any successful skincare regime. Every day you cleanse, perhaps you tone (or not!), you treat your skin with an eye cream and serum, then you moisturize and, in the mornings, finish with sunscreen. Because that’s the kind of skincare pro you are. And we love you for that.

But just how much do you know about what’s inside your moisturizer? And are all those ingredients really doing the best they can for your skin type or maybe, just maybe, is your moisturizer a tad shy of your skin’s true needs?

To help you find the correct moisturizer, first you need to know your skin type.

The best way to do this is to study your skin in the mirror, when it’s completely free of makeup or skincare products. Cleanse your face with a mild formulation like Soothing Cleansing Milk, then gently pat it dry with a clean, cotton towel and leave it be. After about an hour, examine your skin and touch it with clean hands to discover how it looks and feels.

Does it feel tight, itchy and look a little flaky in places? Then it’s DRY. Does it look shiny and feel greasy to the touch? Then it’s OILY. Is it a mixture of the two; dry and tight in areas, and greasy in others? Then it’s COMBINATION. And finally, does it feel pretty darn great all over, with no dryness or oiliness? Then you have NORMAL skin. And we’re not jealous at all. Honestly.

It’s also worth noting that other issues you may think are your skin type, are not. Sensitive skin for example, can be dry OR oily. And the same goes for acne-prone skin. This means that anything other than dry, normal, oily and combination is a skin condition, rather than a type, usually as a result of factors like aging, your hormones, elevated stress or the products you put on your skin.

OK, so now you know how to determine your skin type, let’s have a look at your moisturizing besties shall we?

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, moisturizer is arguably the most important product for you to get right. After all, the very definition of dry skin is the lack of natural sebum (oil) which is so important for keeping skin soft, supple and moisturized.

So what should your skin be soaking up? Well, the key for you is to use gentle products that are rich and buttery to strengthen and fortify your barrier function and help your skin retain moisture while stopping irritants from breaking through. Heavier formulations that contain occlusive ingredients are your true friends because these create a seal over the top of your skin, substituting for your lack of sebum and locking in hydration.

Look out for things like shea butter, coconut oil, ceramides, glycerin and olive oil  – and, of course, avoid anything that’s going to cause further dryness such as synthetic fragrances, harsh alcohols and parabens.

Try: Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin it’s tempting to want to skip moisturizer altogether. Massive mistake. When you fail to moisturize oily skin, your sebaceous glands think your skin is dry so they go into overdrive, producing even more sebum to compensate for the moisturization which is lacking. The result? Way too much oil that can build up in your pores if you’re not careful, causing potential breakouts.

The key for moisturizing oily skin types is to keep it light by looking for thinner formulations like lotions and gels. You want to avoid heavy, occlusive ingredients like butters and heavy oils because these trap oil into the skin making it feel greasy and sticky. Instead, go big on humectants to add hydration (think hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin) and combine these with gentle emollients to seal in moisture without blocking your pores. Jojoba oil is a great emollient that's noncomedogenic and ideal for oily skin types.

Try: Firming Collagen Day Lotion

Combination Skin

Looking after combination skin can feel like an impossible task. If you concentrate on the dry areas are you going to make the oily ones even oilier? And vice versa? Some people swear by using two separate moisturizers to target the different areas of their face – one light, gel-based formula for the t-zone and a richer, oil-based cream for drier areas. But this is a real effort. Not to mention crazy expensive.

Similar to oily skin types, a better (and cheaper!) option is to go for a noncomedogenic moisturizer that contains humectants to draw water into the skin and emollients to lock it there. Avoid harsh ingredients which could upset the balance of your skin and go all-in on antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea to help protect your skin from environmental damage.

And if you find this isn’t quite enough to moisturize your dry areas? Keep it light in the daytime and amp it up overnight with a rich, nourishing night cream like our Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

Try: Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream

Normal Skin

If your barefaced skin shows zero signs of dryness or oiliness then you seriously hit the skin jackpot because you’re graced with normal, balanced skin. This is the type of skin everyone else would die for because it’s able to maintain just the right level of moisture. But this doesn’t mean you should neglect it – dehydration, temporary oiliness and breakouts can still hit you at any time. And of course, skin is always going to age, whatever your skin type, but especially if you don’t look after it properly and protect it from the daily perils of UV radiation, pollution and friends.

Normal skin can get away with most moisturizing formulations, but make sure yours contains ingredients that draw in water and hold it there. Vitamin E is great for that. And if you really want to up the ante, look for active ingredients that offer your skin so much more. Retinol, for example, works great in moisturizers and is awesome for normal, aging skin because it works at a deep, cellular level to improve collagen and encourage turnover.

Try: Retinol Moisturizer

Tips For Getting The Most From Your Moisturizer

Now you know what to look for, here’s how to apply your product for the best results, every time…

1. Apply moisturizer to damp skin

Your skin needs plenty of hydration to remain healthy so maximize all that free water from cleansing or toning by moisturizing your face while it’s still a little damp.

2. Moisturize AFTER applying serum

If serum plays a major role in your routine, apply this while your skin is still damp, then leave it for a minute or so before applying moisturizer last. Serums have a smaller molecular size than moisturizers which means they sink in super fast. However, this does mean they have to be applied before moisturizer, otherwise they won’t get through to the surface of your skin.

3. Use the correct amount

Piling oceans of moisturizer onto your face and neck won’t make it work better, it’ll just overload your skin. Instead, use a small amount as instructed on the label and if you feel it’s too moisturizing, or not moisturizing enough, you’re using the wrong formulation. Simple as.

Check everyone off your shopping to-do list with these awesome skincare gifts. Because everyone wants the gift of great skin, right?

‘Tis the season for gifting. Yay! Or… maybe not! While some people thrive on nailing the perfect gift for friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, others find gift shopping to be the worst part of the festive season. And we hear you. The holidays can be tough on us all.

But no need to panic because we’ve got your back. So if you’re in a bit of a festive frenzy right now and still have a ton of people to buy for, allow us to help you put a lid on your gift list and get your stockings stuffed with these fabulous skincare gifts.

1. AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant

Winter skin can be a real pain in the booty, especially when you throw in those extra festive skin enemies like rich, salty food; candy treats and eggnog. Hello dullness, my old friend! Or fiend, if you will. Thankfully, that’s where skin exfoliation comes to the rescue. Help your loved ones banish sad, holiday skin with this brand new (extra points right there!) and supremely crafted chemical exfoliant that laughs in the face of dead skin cells. Love that for them. And you, for that matter.

2. The Exclusive Kylie Bundle by Kylie Cantrall

This bundle of skincare joy will not be around for long, so nab it now and make someone very happy this holiday season. Containing three glow-getting top-sellers picked out by Kylie herself it includes our brand new Soothing Cleansing Milk, Rose Water Refreshing Facial Toner and everyone’s favorite (Kylie included!), the mighty Vitamin C Facial Serum. Skin friendly, with just a touch of red carpet glamor, it’s the ultimate throuple!

3. Tea Tree Super Cleanser+

Loved by everyone for its ultra-refreshing scent and skin-cleaning prowess, this high powered super cleanser is the perfect stocking stuffer for all. Why the ballsy statement? Because, for one thing, tea tree oil is a total skincare champ when it comes to balancing the skin. And when it’s combined with age-defying MSM, hydrating aloe and soothing chamomile it cannot fail to deliver. And, FYI, it never does. Fail, that is.

4. Multi Vitamin Facial Serum

Treatment serums that hone in on single, kick-ass ingredients like vitamin C and retinol are great if you know what your gift recipient is in to. But if you don’t? Then you need something a little more ‘one and done,’ if you get the drift. And have we got the best multi-use serum ever. Crammed with no less than 11 plant-derived vitamins, minerals and skin enhancing electrolytes this lightweight serum is packed, we repeat, packed with all the feels.

5. Depuffing Longevity Eye Cream

Looking for the cutest little stocking stuffer that’s tiny but ever so mighty? Then look no further than this newest addition to our eye cream range. Depuffing is its name and… well… depuffing is its game! Harnessing the invincible powers of coffeeberry extract to help reduce under-eye baggage, it also contains age-defying lingonberry stem cells, plus our new BFF bakuchiol – nature’s gentler alternative to retinol. Our advice? Add two to cart – one for them, one for you.

6. Super C Duo

This dynamic duo is like Santa and Rudolph – the perfect holiday couple. With a double dose of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or ‘the gentlest, most effective vitamin C’ as it’s known to its friends (that includes you!) we love it for so many reasons. Fading dark spots, brightening dull skin, softening fine lines, it’s the whole kit and caboodle.

7. Firming Collagen Day Lotion

Know someone who is all about preventing the visible signs of skin aging? Well, aren’t we all? This was why we were psyched to launch a complete line of preventative healthy aging products earlier this fall. And this moisturizing whizz kid has already become a fan favorite. With a unique blend of collagen peptides (vegan, of course!), plus ceramides and nutrient-rich green algae, it’s the ideal day cream for restoring firmness while protecting collagen and supporting youthful-looking skin.

8. Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream

Anyone who knows anything about skincare is well aware that day lotions don’t always cut the mustard when it’s time for bed. The reason is that your skin has different needs when you’re asleep, requiring more intense moisturization, support and restoration, rather than sun protection and oil control. Two words: night cream. Better than that, three words: THIS night cream. Soft, satiny and ultra-hydrating, fans call it their ultimate bed partner. We’ll take that.

9. Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser

An absolute legend for all ages and genders, this deep cleansing face wash is ideal for balancing oily skin and drawing toxins out of gunked-up pores. Something we all need during the holidays, for sure. Its super powers are all down to activated coconut charcoal which is a highly absorbent black powder that comes from burnt coconut shells. This might not sound particularly appealing but on the contrary. Activated coconut charcoal is awesome at binding itself to toxins, oil and bacteria,  whisking them clean away and furnishing you with the ultimate in fabulous skin, all year long. Because great skin is not just for the holidays.

10. SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C

Nobody wants to see the damaging effects the sun can have on their skin. It’s not cool and it’s not pretty, ranging from everything from deep-set lines to hard-to-shift hyperpigmentation. The good news is that sunscreen is the cat’s whiskers for shielding skin from the wicked ways of the sun. So spread the love and watch the thank you messages flood in by popping this broad-spectrum sunscreen in everyone’s stocking this holiday season. 

Here, we take a look at everything ‘collagen’ to see how supplements, along with smart skincare and better lifestyle choices can help preserve your skin’s most important protein.

With layer upon layer of intricate cells, alongside nerves, veins, fat and glands, the structure of your skin is not easy to get your head around. And that’s OK, because you don’t need to know the ins and outs of every inch of your skin. One thing you will be fairly familiar with, however, is collagen.

Not only is collagen a huge player in your skin (more on that in a minute) but it’s an extremely big deal in the skincare world. From creams and serums to pills and powders, collagen supplements and topical formulations are often touted as the ‘fountain of youth.’ Now, that might be exaggerating just a tad – after all, nothing can stop the sands of time! – but there’s definitely something to be said for using collagen-enhancing products to keep your skin looking and feeling its absolute best. In fact, we believe in it so much we have an entire range of collagen products designed to strengthen, protect and encourage healthy aging – inside AND out.

Here's everything you need to know about your skin’s vital protein, plus exactly how supplements, skincare and lifestyle habits can be collagen-transformingly good!

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is, without question, the most abundant protein in the human body. Ever present in your bones, cartilage, tendons, blood, muscles, hair and, of course, your skin, it’s made up of a combination of amino acids and has a dense, fiber-like structure which acts like a kind of glue to give tissue the strength it needs to function.

As skin goes, collagen is produced just beneath the surface of the dermis and it works with all the other good stuff like elastin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support and reinforce your skin’s structure while maintaining elasticity, suppleness, volume and hydration.

What Happens To Collagen As You Age

Collagen is great, making your skin look plump, soft and youthful. Then, one day, it starts leaving town. Studies show that from around your mid-to-late 20s collagen production starts to slow down at a rate of 1 percent (give or take) every year. This might not sound like a massive deal, but it starts to seriously add up as you hit your 40s and 50s, resulting in significantly thinner, more fragile skin that can become lined, wrinkled and saggy as you continue to age.

This is why it’s prudent to do everything you can to boost your collagen supplies – both internally and externally…

So, Firstly, How Do Collagen Supplements Help?

Collagen supplements usually take the form of powders, pills or drinks that are regularly ingested to help promote natural collagen production in the skin. The good news is they’re considered safe and are thought to not only promote healthier skin, but hair and nails as well. Many experts also believe they show promise for treating ailments such as arthritis and other joint mobility issues. However, the bad news is that most of the collagen used in these supplements is extracted from animal skin, bones or fish scales.

Gross.

Our new Collagen Boosting Skin Supplement, however, shuns animal-derived collagen and is formulated with vegetarian collagen only, thanks to two clinically-proven, patented ingredients called Dermaval® and Ovoderm®.

Dermaval® is derived from marine collagen, while Ovoderm® contains eggshell membrane which is literally chock-full of collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and powerful nutrients. These patented ingredients combine with other skin-loving classics like vitamins C and E, plus biotin, a form of vitamin B known to promote cell growth and repair. All this (plus the considered omission of unnecessary fillers, binders or artificial ingredients) makes for a powerful blend that works in perfect harmony with your skincare routine, significantly and safely helping to improve your skin’s natural production of quality collagen. We’re talking a marked reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, better elasticity, superior hydration and, all-in-all, brighter, healthier-looking skin. Check, check, check.

3 Other Ways To Improve Your Collagen

Of course, collagen supplements aren’t going to miraculously make you look instantly younger on their own. They’re not magic pills. But if you regularly include Collagen Boosting Skincare Supplement alongside other mindful lifestyle practices and skincare choices, you'll see some pretty impressive results.

Below, three of the best ways to get your collagen ship-shape. And our final piece of advice? Combine the lot!

1. Use Your Skincare Routine To Your Advantage

First up, what about what your put ‘on’ your skin? Well, in our opinion, the best skincare ingredients for collagen are peptides, retinol, MSM and vitamin C which have all been studied and proven to stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production and inhibit its breakdown. Retinol, in particular, has been loved by dermatologists all over the world for decades and has an awesome track record when it comes to the quality and quantity of collagen in the skin.
Some goodies to try include the combination of our new Smoothing Collagen Serum, followed by Firming Collagen Day Lotion or you could try some classic favorites like Retinol Facial Serum, Peptide Facial Serum or Vitamin C Super Serum +.

Just ensure NEVER to forget to apply SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C every morning to reduce the formation of free radicals in your skin and keep collateral collagen damage to an absolute minimum. 

2. Think About What You Eat

Protein-rich foods are key to helping your body naturally produce collagen so make these a priority in your daily diet. Up your intake of wild-caught fish, red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and legumes.

3. Your Lifestyle Habits

The rate at which your collagen synthesis slows down is greatly affected by your lifestyle. Emotional stress, excessive alcohol consumption, UV exposure and poor sleep all play their role in screwing up your collagen, causing damaging free radicals to wreak havoc. 

So, if you want to really look after your collagen you need to take care of yourself by looking after number one. Try to get into a better routine with your sleep, exercise more regularly and test out different ways to keep your emotional stress in check. Yoga is a big winner, in our opinion.

Oh, and If you’re a smoker, quit.

Like now.