True Radical Honesty From Our Community

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

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

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

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

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

The Absolute Must: Sunscreen

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

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

Try: SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C

The Skin Reviver: Exfoliator

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

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

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

Try: Ocean Minerals Super Toner

The Brightening Superhero: Vitamin C

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

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

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

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

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

The Gold-Star Of Skin Renewal: Retinol

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

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

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

1. Always do a patch test. No arguments.

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

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

4. Repeat until you’re applying it nightly.

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

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

 Try: Retinol Facial Serum

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

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

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

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

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

DO Apply Sunscreen To Exposed Skin Every Day

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

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

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

DON’T Ever Scrimp On Sunscreen

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

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

DO Reapply More Often Than You Think

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

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

DON’T Use Out-Of-Date Sunscreen

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

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

DO Choose Broad-Spectrum Formulations

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

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

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

DON’T Rely On Makeup

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

DO Choose Mineral Sunscreens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DON’T Forget Hidden Areas Of Your Skin

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

DO Wear Sunscreen Inside As Well As Out

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

DON’T Dismiss The Importance Of Vitamin C

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

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

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

Sunscreen remains number one.

Looking after your skin is important, for sure. But do you really want to put your skin above our world’s precious oceans? Thought not. So here’s how to upgrade your beauty habits to ensure both you and our oceans are well taken care of…

Thanks to social awareness and a greater need to do good, making eco-friendly shopping choices has become quite the norm for many of us. From opting for more natural ingredients in things like laundry detergent and facial moisturizer, to investing in minimal packaging and recycling as much as possible, it’s clear that we’re way more environmentally aware than we were ten years ago. And we love that.

When it comes to our precious oceans, however, there’s so much more we can do to stop poisoning our waters and everything that lives in them. Did you know, for example, that there’s an entire ‘island’ of trash in the middle of the North Pacific called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? If that sounds awful…well… it’s because it is. Truth is, this so-called patch contains more than 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic and is double the size of Texas. Pretty scary, right?

So, here are four ways to improve your beauty habits to ensure you’re doing your bit.

Reduce Your Single-Use Plastics

Plastic is absolute hell on earth with over two-thirds of all plastic waste ending up either in landfills or in our oceans. Want to hear a really scary fact? OK, get this: it’s believed that by around 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Frightening right? This is why limiting your plastic purchasing is really, like REALLY important.

Living a completely plastic-free life is not easy, we get that, but there are many ways you can reduce your usage. For starters, think about switching up your laundry detergent, toilet paper and household detergents to plastic-free alternatives. Check out companies like Dropps, Who Gives A Crap and Net Zero Co for some awesome options.

And when it comes to your beauty products? Look out for glass bottles like our facial serums which are easily recycled, and switch to plastic-free deodorants and solid bar shampoos, conditioners and body washes.

Stick With Reef-Safe SPF

Reducing plastic waste is obviously one of the most important factors we need to get to grips with. But it doesn’t stop there. Your choice of sunscreen is also pretty major.

According to the National Park Service, somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen gets left in the oceans every year. And this causes a significant threat to coral reefs and marine life.

Of course, abolishing the use of sunscreen altogether is crazy talk. Because skin cancer. Plus aging, wrinkles, dark spots and so on. What you can do, however, is ensure you’re making good formulation choices. And the most important thing you can do is to avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Already banned in Hawaii, parts of Mexico and Key West, oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to negatively impact coral by causing bleaching, damage to DNA and eventual death. Coral reefs are hugely important to the world as they provide a balanced ecosystem for marine life to thrive while protecting coastal areas from powerful waves and the consequent effects of potentially damaging storms and flooding. We must, therefore, try harder to look after them.

Instead of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate, protect your skin and the oceans by using reef-safe mineral sunscreens. How to do this? Easy. Look for formulations like our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which uses non-nano zinc oxide to shield your skin from damaging UV radiation. Zinc oxide is much easier on the oceans. And way better for your conscience.

Ditch Those Dastardly Wipes

Why, oh why were disposable facial cleansing wipes ever invented? Sure, they can be convenient but, honestly, they don’t even do that great a job. Not only are they pretty poor when it comes to cleaning your skin and removing makeup, but most wipes contain chemicals and, worse yet, plastic fibers which never go away. Instead they slowly break down into smaller particles, sitting in landfills, polluting rivers and eventually ending up in our oceans.

Even wipes that claim to be biodegradable, often break down so slowly, they’re nothing more than a con.

Say no to disposable wipes and clean your face twice daily with a ‘proper’ cleanser like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser, using either your hands or an organic cotton cloth to help boost circulation, gently exfoliate and massage your skin.

Say No To Potentially Harmful Ingredients

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, which equates to around 168 chemical ingredients. Now, don’t get us wrong, some chemical ingredients are pretty harmless, but very effective – think retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and friends. However, there are some dark destroyers we believe you should steer clear of. Not only for the sake of your oceans, but for your own health as well.

Parabens, for starters, may well be powerful preservatives that stop harmful things like bacteria, mold and fungi from ruining your beauty products but, like chemical sunscreens, they’ve also been linked to the deterioration of coral reefs. In fact, certain studies have detected parabens in surface waters, fish and sediments and shown that even the lowest levels of butylparaben – one of the most commonly used parabens in cosmetics – can cause significant harm and even death.

Synthetic fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and phthalates are also thought to play their part in unnecessarily polluting our oceans, accumulating in marine life where they slowly making their way up the food chain. Which is kinda scary if you ask us.

The good news is we care about our oceans just as much as you do, so we avoid these potentially nasty ingredients across all of our products.

Let’s all try to be better by doing what we can to be more ocean-friendly, shall we? After all, every little bit counts.
 

Because acne comes in many shapes and sizes and it’s important you know what you’re dealing with…

As the most common and widespread skin condition in the world, acne sure is a pain in the butt. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it not only affects up to 50 million Americans every year but, as any woman going through menopausal acne right now, it can strike at any time.

Sigh.

The most problematic thing about acne is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all. There are all manner of medically termed types including acne mechanica, that pesky little business caused by friction and repeated pressure against the skin (hello ‘maskne’) and acne conglobata, a rare but very severe form that results in deep, interconnecting abscesses on the body.

However, the most common type that you know (and most definitely DO NOT love) is the mighty acne vulgaris. 

But that’s not all, because acne vulgaris also comes in many different guises, each of which have their own ‘quirks’ shall we call them. They all fit into one of two camps, however – inflammatory and noninflammatory acne. And here’s what you need to know about dealing with both…

Noninflammatory Acne

Undoubtedly the lesser of the two evils, noninflammatory acne encompasses all the stuff that’s, well, not inflamed. We're talking the non-red, hot or super painful acne spots – namely blackheads and whiteheads.

Most commonly found on oily parts of the face like your nose, chin and forehead, as well as the chest and back, blackheads and whiteheads are known medically as comedones. They occur when an excess of sebum and dead skin cells get trapped in tiny hair follicles just below the surface of your skin, clogging your pores and forming tiny bumps.

The difference between blackheads and whiteheads – other than their color (dur!) – is that whiteheads remain closed at the surface of your skin, whereas blackheads are open at the surface so all those dead skin cells and sebum get exposed to the air. So what? Well, when this happens, they oxidize and darken. Public service announcement: blackheads are not dark because they’re clogged with dirt, they’re just full of oxidized skin cells and sebum. Yeah, we know that doesn’t make them sound much better, but still, it’s worth knowing.

Why do some people get blackheads and whiteheads while others don’t? Well, contrary to popular belief, they’re not caused by poor hygiene but, like all types of acne vulgaris, are exclusively down to overactive sebaceous glands. Genetics plays a major role in how much sebum your skin produces, but things like your hormones, skincare and haircare regime, medications and stress all have their part to play.

Inflammatory Acne

Unlike blackheads and whiteheads that, granted, are frustrating and unsightly but are relatively painless, inflammatory acne is where the big guns, aka bacteria get involved.

Inflammatory acne includes those pimples that have become inflamed thanks to bacteria mixing with dead skin cells and sebum. See, it’s not that complicated really! And by ‘inflamed’ we mean any kind of pimple that looks red, feels hot or sensitive to the touch, or is downright painful.

This type of pimple can be split into four different types:

1. Papules: the smallest and least angry of the pimple gang.
2. Pustules: the gross-looking ones that are filled with pus.
3. Nodules: large, hard, tender bumps that hurt like hell.
4. Cysts: even larger bumps that are filled with pus and look like boils.

The specific bacteria involved in inflammatory acne is called cutibacterium acne or c.acnes which is actually a very important component in your skin’s microbiome – a balanced group of microorganisms that reside on your skin to keep it balanced, healthy and protected from the outside world.

What makes c.acnes go awry and hence contribute to inflammatory acne is very complex and still not entirely understood, but all you need to know is this – over-sanitizing with harsh cleansers upsets the balance of our microbiome so, while it might be tempting don’t go down that road. Also, a cruddy diet and sluggish lifestyle are all said to contribute to an unbalanced microbiome so look after yourself and your skin should thank you – as least in part, anyway!

It's also worth noting that noninflammatory acne can turn into inflammatory acne if it’s left untreated. So, on that note…

Your Best Line Of Defense Against Inflammatory & Noninflammatory Acne

Severe acne should always be left to the professionals so if you have issues with seriously inflamed cysts and nodules (aka nodulcystic acne), seek treatment from a dermatologist quick smart to avoid potential scarring.

If, however, your breakouts are mild to moderate, there are many things you can do at home to help improve your acne.

1. Remove Surface Debris With Regular Exfoliation

Encouraging cell turnover is super important to stop all those dead skin cells from getting ‘stuck’ in your pores, and the most recommended course of action is some kind of salicylic acid treatment. Unlike facial scrubs which are great but can be irritating for acne-prone skin, salicylic acid works by dissolving the bonds between skin cells which helps them slough away quicker and easier. Salicylic acid also cuts through sebum and has anti-bacterial properties, so it’s a great choice for oily, problematic skin.

Try our Vitamin C Super Serum+ which combines salicylic acid with hydrating hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help tackle redness and irritation.

2. Treat Breakouts With Tea Tree Oil

Hands down one of our favorite ingredients for acne-prone skin is tea tree oil. Sure benzoyl peroxide is great, but it can a) bleach your pillowcase and b) totally dry out your skin. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is a natural, kinder alternative that’s anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial properties to help kill unwanted bacteria. What’s not to love? Get your hands on our Tea Tree Super Cleanser+ to see for yourselves just what it can do.

3. Mix Up A Baking Soda Face Mask

Full disclosure: we’re not massive fans of using kitchen ingredients to treat your skin. Because there’s so much that can go wrong. However, a small teaspoon of baking soda, mixed with one or two tablespoons of warm water and applied to your skin for five to 10 minutes is a great way to help balance your skin’s pH levels and loosen blackheads and whiteheads.

Baking soda can be mildly irritating, however, so try this just once a month, never use more than a teaspoon and always follow with moisturizer like Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer.

4. Try Some Overnight Retinol

Retinol is a master at helping to keep acne of all shapes and sizes under control because it boosts cellular turnover to promote healthier pores and a smoother complexion. It also gets right under your skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production to help strengthen your pores and reduce your chances of scarring.

We love that for you.

Try our Retinol Facial Serum two or three times a week before bed, and on off nights, apply Retinol Moisturizer. You could even layer them both if your skin tolerates retinol well. Not sure about using retinol for the first time? Then we always recommend patch testing it first, then introducing it slowly into your nighttime skincare routine.

5. Avoid Pore-Clogging Skincare & Makeup

Finally, and super importantly, avoid using anything on your skin that will congregate in your pores and therefore add to any build-up. Heavy, occlusive ingredients like paraffin, mineral oils, cocoa butter, beeswax and coconut oil are all major no-nos, but when in doubt, look for the term ‘non-comedogenic’ on your product labels which means it’s less likely to block your pores.

Also, harsh sulphates, parabens and drying alcohols should be given a wide berth as they can irritate your skin. And, as we’re sure you’re aware, inflammation and irritation is a terrible combination.

Building up a sweat is awesome. But sticky skin, blocked pores and post-workout breakouts? Not so much. Here’s how to get ahead of that…

Working out can sometimes feel like a real chore but the benefits far outweigh any downsides like feeling totally beat, sweaty and out of breath. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity not only improves your bones and muscles, but may help reduce your risks of all types of health-related problems such as depression, cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Exercise has also been proven to be pretty darn great for your skin. We’re talking improved sleep, less emotional anxiety and way better skin thanks to those feel-good endorphins you get during and after exercise. And of course, there’s that immediate post-workout glow we all know and love which is all down to increased blood flow to your skin and the complexion-loving oxygen and nutrients that come with it.

Exercise, however, can also have its downsides when it comes to the look, feel and health of your skin. Which is why, as always, preparation is key! Read on for our top dos and don’ts for staying ahead of the game…

BEFORE WORKING OUT...

1. DON’T Worry About Having Super Clean Skin

Most people think you should only ever exercise with squeaky clean, makeup-free skin, but that’s not strictly true. In fact, cleansing your skin too often can compromise your barrier function, causing dryness, dehydration and maybe even a little irritation if you're not super careful. This means it’s no biggie if you want to work out straight after work but can’t be bothered to cleanse your face first.

However, if you’re a heavy makeup wearer, you might want to rethink this rule. A face full of heavy makeup – especially oil-based products that aren’t non-comedogenic – could clog your pores and cause sweat, oil and bacteria to build. up. Not ideal. Especially if you’re prone to breakouts. For you, we recommend removing your makeup first with an oil-based remover.

2. DO Avoid Heavy Moisturizers

Tempted to moisturize before building up a sweat? Yeah... about that. Heavy moisturizers usually contain occlusive ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil which are awesome at trapping in essential moisture for softer, more hydrated skin. When it comes to exercising, however, they’re majorly bad news.

How so? Well, anything that creates a barrier on the skin’s surface prevents you from sweating – an essential bodily function that helps cool you down and balance your internal body temperature. Not only that, but occlusive moisturizers work hard to trap everything but the kitchen sink in those precious pores of yours. Avoid them like the plague before any gym or training sesh.

3. Do Apply Sunscreen If You’re Working Out Outside

The one thing you really DO want on your skin if you’re exercising outside? Sunscreen. Preferably one that’s at least SPF 30, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.

Sure, the sun makes us all feel happier and healthier but it’s hella bad for your precious skin, creating an abundance of collagen-damaging free radicals and being the number one cause of premature aging.

Also: skin cancer. Very serious business.

Always apply a good layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen (this means it protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation) before working out. Our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is perfect because it combines free radical-busting vitamin C with zinc oxide to further protect your skin from harm.

AFTER WORKING OUT...

1. DO Ditch Your Workout Clothes ASAP

Tight clothing is great for working out, but it’s not particularly ‘breathable’ and can trap sweat, oils and bacteria next to your skin. Couple this will all that friction that’s caused by tight clothes rubbing against your skin and you could have a real problem on your hands in the form of irritation and body breakouts.

Remove your sweaty, workout gear straight away and you’ll be fine.

2. DO Cleanse Straight Away

Cleansing your skin before working out might not be imperative, but doing it afterwards is a whole different story. After building up a sweat you absolutely must thoroughly cleanse your skin to do away with all that oil, grime and debris. Otherwise they’ll rest in your pores and cause absolute mayhem.

Wash your face immediately after working out with a gentle but effective cleanser that helps balance your skin and detox your pores. We love Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser which contains activated coconut charcoal to mop up excess oils and sweat, plus anti-bacterial ylang ylang oil to purify your post-workout skin.

And don’t forget your body, either. In fact, to hell with it – jump in that shower and give yourself some major cleansing love from head to toe.

3. DON’T Go Big On Exfoliation

Sure, it’s tempting to have a good old exfoliation sesh after exercising to scrub away all that dirt and grime, but you’re better off leaving this for another time. And the reason is simple. Post-workout skin is especially delicate so it needs to be dealt with carefully.

You could try Ocean Minerals Super Toner for a gentle, exfoliating freshen up, though. This toning spray contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliator that helps dissolve the glue between dead skin cells, encouraging them to slough off. It’ll also help cool and hydrate your skin as an extra side benefit.

4. DO Try A Refreshing Cool Rinse

Speaking of cooling down, a quick blast of cool (although not too chilly!) water at the end of your cleanse or shower is an awesome way to counteract all that heat energy caused by physical exercise. This will help calm your skin, reduce redness and decrease any chances of inflammation.

Love that for you.

Turns out Cleopatra’s favorite milk baths might not have been such a wild idea, after all.

Milk for dry skin? Yes, word on the street is that the white stuff could be the answer to all your dry skin woes…

It’s fair to say that dry skin can be a real nuisance. And if you have it, you won’t need reminding of the many frustrations that come with dealing with dryness and flaking skin – especially on your face. Sure, oily skin comes with its own set of bugbears but, given the choice, it would win the ‘would you rather?’ argument every time.

You see, the thing with dry skin (medical term: xeroderma) is that it often comes with other frustrations like itching, redness, tightness, sensitivities and dehydration. Why is that? Well, dry skin has fewer sebaceous glands than other skin types. And sebaceous glands are super-important for the health of your skin because they produce sebum which contains all manner of fatty acids, wax esters, squalene and triglycerides to lubricate the skin, protect it from outside aggressors and help it retain water. As we said, important stuff.

Unlike oily and combination skin which both contain their fair share of sebaceous glands, dry skin is genetically lacking in these essential oil producers. Hence the dryness. And that’s not all. Thanks to a poorly functioning protective barrier, dry skin is also kind of bad at retaining moisture which means it has a tendency to become dehydrated and easily irritated. Then when you chuck things like harsh soaps and hot showers at it? Well, you’ve got a recipe for disaster on your hands. Sigh.

But it’s not all bad news because there are tons of ways to help treat and protect dry skin. Moisturizer, for one thing, is the single most important product anyone with dry skin can have up their sleeves, and ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil can be total lifesavers.

There’s also a lesser-known ingredient that’s been steadily making its way back onto the beauty shelves and is already making headlines for its ability to care so awesomely for dry skin: milk.

Milk & Your Skin: The Facts

As an alleged devotee to bathing in sour milk, we have to salute the Egyptian queen Cleopatra for knowing her skincare stuff way before her time. Because milk is not only powerful and natural, but it’s truly effective.

So what’s the deal and why is it so damn good for your skin? Well, milk contains tons of exfoliating and nourishing compounds including minerals, vitamins, acids and antioxidants. One of its biggest plus points? Lactic acid. Like glycolic acid, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a naturally hydrating and exfoliating acid that dissolve the bonds between skin cells to encourage all those unsightly, no-longer-wanted dead ones to slough away. Skin needs gentle exfoliation every now and again because dead skin cells have a tendency to hang around longer than necessary, especially as you get older when cell turnover becomes slow and sluggish. And while harsh scrubs and potent glycolic acid can be too much for dry skin, lactic acid is the best of both worlds, gently removing the dead stuff while caring for your complexion and revealing all that plump, deliciously fresh skin.

However, in our modern world, milk is no longer just milk and given that many people are vegan or lactose-intolerant, it’s important to know that plant-based options like rice and oat milk are just as good, if not better for looking after your dry skin.

Oat Milk: The Soothing Treatment

Undoubtedly the most popular of the dairy-free milk alternatives, oat milk has similar soothing, calming and antioxidant effects as its cousin, colloidal oatmeal – another commonly used ingredient in skincare. Made purely from oats and water, its antioxidant benefits are great for warding off environmental skin damage from the daily wear and tear of UV radiation, pollution and the like, while its soothing effects are perfect for reducing irritation and helping to calm dry skin.

Oat milk also has anti-inflammatory properties so may help skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Oh, and it acts like a humectant, drawing water to the surface of the skin to help keep it hydrated and healthy. Impressive stuff, right?

Rice Milk: The Skin Brightener

While oat milk wins the popularity contest, rice milk is not to be dismissed. Because it's good. Like, really good. In fact, rice milk boasts a whole bunch of skin benefits, not least of which is it ability to help brighten and even out your skin tone while calming the skin and reducing the visible appearance of dark spots. It does this thanks to its natural astringent properties, coupled with its abundance of niacin which is known to have gentle whitening effects.

Rice milk is also packed with free radical-fighting antioxidants (bonus!), plus it contains a vitamin-like component called inositol which helps moisturize the skin and supports healthy collagen production.

Say Hello To New TruSkin Soothing Cleansing Milk!

Hopefully you now understand just how effective milk can be for protecting, nourishing and soothing dry skin. So where’s all this leading? Well, after listening to you and realizing that, while our cleansing line-up is downright awesome, it’s been missing something specifically tailored to dry skin, we spent hours (more like months!) in the lab formulating an exciting new cleansing milk that cares for your skin without leaving it feeling tight and dry.

And our Soothing Cleansing Milk is finally here! Suitable for all skin types, but specifically created for dry and sensitive skin, this cleansing milk is soothing and lightweight, whipping away make-up, dirt and debris while leaving your skin feeling super soft, nourished, hydrated and comfortable. Bursting with both oat and rice milk (because one’s just not good enough for you!) it also contains hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and its soft, milky texture is one you really cannot miss.

Click here to check out the full details and try out new Soothing Cleansing Milk for yourself – trust us, you won’t regret it!