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Your skincare routine can make or break your skin so if yours doesn’t seem quite right, maybe it’s time for a rethink. Here’s how to spot the tell-tale signs you’re using the wrong products…

We’ve all been there – gotten swept up by some miracle-sounding wonder serum that, rather than giving us ten-years-younger skin, actually made our skin nothing short of a hot mess. And oftentimes it’s not immediately obvious that a certain skincare product is unsuitable for your skin. Instead, irritation creeps up over time or breakouts become more of a norm than the odd occurrence. Ugh!

Here are some of the most common warning signs that it’s time to reconsider what you put on your face...

Skin Issue #1: Weird Breakouts

Breakouts are caused by excess sebum that gets trapped in your pores with no place else to go. This blockage then forms a kind of plug which may or may not become inflamed, causing anything from blackheads and whiteheads through to full-blown zits.

As you know, breakouts can be down to any number of reasons – your genes, hormones, stress, you know the drill – but if your skin is usually clear and acne-free, and has broken out suddenly, with no real reason, then it’s prudent to look at the products you’ve been recently using.

Some products contain occlusive ingredients like cocoa butter, oils and petroleum jelly which are awesome for sealing moisture into the skin, protecting from external irritants and helping to repair a compromised barrier function. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, they also have a thick, heavy consistency which leaves a protective layer on the skin and blocks up your pores.

If you’ve recently invested in a new moisturizer and are breaking out, chances are it contains occlusives that are ‘suffocating’ your pores. Switch it up for a lighter formulation that’s either oil-free or formulated with non pore-clogging oils like jojoba. Good news: our Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer checks that box – and then some!

Skin Issue #2: A Burning Sensation

Nothing in your skincare routine should ever make your skin burn. End of story. Sure, some active ingredients can create a mild tingling sensation for a minute or so after application, but tingling and burning are very different things. And the latter is not good news for your skin.

Anything that causes pain is a sign you’re using something way too potent for your skin to handle. AHAs and BHAs like glycolic and salicylic acids are the usual culprits here, but retinoids can also be too strong for certain skin types so stick with retinol rather than tretinoin or retinoic acid. Retinol is a gentler type of retinoid and much better tolerated by the skin. Our Retinol Moisturizer, for example, combines retinol with skin soothing, hydrating ingredients like botanical hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to create a powerful formulation, with less irritation.

Still feeling the burn? Then call time on retinoids altogether and stick with milder anti-aging ingredients like vitamin C, peptides or MSM.

Skin Issue #3: Redness

Inflamed skin is a sure sign something’s not quite right. Of course, facial redness may be down to skin conditions like rosacea, contact dermatitis or psoriasis so it’s always worth getting your skin checked by an expert if you think one of these might be the cause.

And then there’s your skincare routine. One of the most common reasons for facial redness is over-exfoliation. Exfoliating is incredible for accelerating cell turnover and boosting radiant, healthy-looking skin, but too much can weaken your barrier function, stripping away its important layer of ceramides, fatty acids and essential nutrients. And that’s a one-way ticket to red, irritated skin if ever we heard one.

Have you upped your exfoliation game recently or introduced a new exfoliant into your routine? Then pare it back or change to a milder formulation. Chemical exfoliants like our Ocean Minerals Super Toner are a great option for sensitive skin as they contain gentle chemicals to break down dead skin cells rather than abrasive physical elements like crushed up nut shells or fruit seeds.

Skin Issue #4: Tightness or Itchy Skin

Dryness is a common skin type and needs to be looked after with gentle formulations and lots of moisturizing occlusives to help replace the lack of oils in the skin. Problems like tightness and itching generally arise when this is ignored and too many active ingredients are introduced into your routine. So there's a lesson, right there.

Of course, tightness and itching might also be down to dehydration rather than dryness. And yes, these are two very different things. While dry skin is a skin type and thanks to an absence of oils, dehydration is more of a condition and due to a lack of water in the skin. Again, over-exfoliation or over-stimulation can cause dehydration because these break down your skin’s barrier function making it unable to retain water.

Does any of this sound familiar? Then simplify your routine and, if you’ve recently invested in a new facial serum, try using it just once or twice a week rather than daily to see if this helps reduce any discomfort. Niacinamide Facial Serum is a great choice for soothing and balancing sensitive skin or try Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to amp up your skin's moisture content.

Skin Issue #5: So. Much. Oil.

If oiliness is unusual for you, or you’re noticing your skin is way greasier than normal, something in your skincare regimen could definitely be to blame. Similar to most skin issues, using harsh cleansers or layering too many active ingredients breaks down your skin’s natural protective barrier. And while this often causes dryness, it can also result in the complete opposite – forcing your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive and produce more oils to compensate for those which have been stripped away.

Reckon you could be overdoing it with the oil-reducing skincare products right now? Chances are this is causing your skin to dry out and produce excessive amounts of sebum, so cut back and introduce lightly hydrating and moisturizing formulations into your regime to help stabilize oil production. Rose Water Refreshing Toner is awesome for this and works perfectly with our fabulous Tea Tree Super Cleanser+ to balance, hydrate and clarify oily skin.

One Last Word…

Of course adverse reactions aren’t always down to the products you put on your skin… But they can be. Which is good news and bad. Good because if this is the case you can do something about it. Bad because it’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly which product or ingredient is causing you bother – especially if you’ve invested in a whole new regime.

The solution? Never switch out your entire routine at once. Introduce new products one at a time, patch test them first, then give your skin a good month to adjust before adding in another product. Doing this will allow your skin plenty of time to let you know if it’s right for you.

Or not.

Synthetic-based products backed by science or clean, green, natural formulations? Which are better for your skin? And do you even need to make the choice? Here’s what we know.

Being more planet-conscious about what you eat, drink, wear and do is great and we salute all of you trying to do your bit to better the world we live in – no matter how small. But it’s not always easy to live a clean, eco-friendly life. 

And this is especially true when it comes to what you put on your skin. The natural and organic skincare market is expected to double in the next ten years, but nailing a clean, green skincare routine is a feat in itself. How so? Because terms like 'clean,' 'green,' 'natural' and 'organic' often mean different things to different people and, most importantly, they’re unregulated which means that some products claiming to be such things often aren't quite what they seem...

Then there’s the question of do these products even work or are you better off choosing synthetic, lab-created formulations that are supposedly more powerful and effective… but could potentially harm your skin and/or the planet? Oh. My.

Read on for the complete lowdown on the natural vs synthetic debate, plus how you can get the best of both worlds.

And breathe!

What Does ‘Natural’ Mean In Skincare?

This is the 64 thousand dollar question because there’s no real set definition in the skincare industry or, in fact, the beauty industry as a whole. For us, however, we think of ‘natural’ in its simplest form – meaning that anything termed as such should be derived from nature. Whether this is a plant extract like aloe vera or an botanical oil like tea tree or ylang ylang, if an ingredient is found in nature, it’s natural. Makes sense, right?

The important thing to note here, however, is that just because a formulation contains a number of natural ingredients, this doesn’t make the entire product natural. You’ll often see certain brands claiming their products are ‘natural’ even if they contain synthetic ingredients. We won’t name names but that’s called ‘pulling the wool over your eyes’ and we don’t subscribe to that.

OK, So What About Synthetic Ingredients?

Synthetic ingredients are basically chemicals that have been created in a laboratory. Now, if that strikes fear into your very core, think about this. The water you drink contains a whole host of chemicals. As does much of the food you eat. Even the air you breathe. The truth is, chemicals are not necessarily the enemy. In fact, some of the most effective and highly regarded ingredients in skincare are chemicals. Here’s looking at you vitamin C and retinol.

The Cases For & Against…

If 100 percent natural skincare brands are to believe, the only ingredients you should ever put near your face are natural. Because chemicals are bad news for both humans and the planet. Meanwhile, synthetic-based skincare brands will have you convinced that natural ingredients don’t work, whereas chemicals are the only choice if you care about the health of your skin.

So, is any of this true? Yes. And no.

Yes, there are some sketchy chemicals around like oxybenzone, phthalates and parabens which have the potential to harm things like marine life, your skin and even your health. But most chemical ingredients used in skincare have been tested to exceptional standards and are proven to be safe and sustainable. What’s more, not every natural ingredient is great for your skin. There are plenty of essential oils, for example, that can be extremely drying and irritating, and when you think about the poison oaks of the world, well, this proves that nature is not always such an innocent party.

Are chemicals more effective than natural ingredients? Again, some are, but others aren’t. With today’s sophisticated technologies, certain natural ingredients can be very effective for moisturizing, hydrating, brightening or toning the skin – especially when they’re formulated to high industry standards. In fact, some of the hardest-working ingredients in skincare are natural. Green tea, aloe vera, salicylic acid and rosehip oil are just a few examples of effective, natural ingredients that have been used in skincare for decades.

Because they work.

So, Which Offers The Best Results: Synthetic or Natural Skincare?

There’s no real right or wrong answer here, but we believe that responsibly combining science with nature is the best, most balanced solution. Plants offer powerful benefits to the skin, so we strengthen all of our formulations with trusted, natural ingredients that have been clinically tested to improve the health of your skin. Simply put, nature is at the core of every TruSkin product.

However, we know that certain synthetically-produced ingredients like sodium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), d-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and retinol are pretty much the gold-standard of skin rejuvenation so they mustn’t be ignored either. What's more, as well as their undoubted efficacy, these are some of the safest ingredients in skincare thanks to their compatibility with the skin and years' worth of clinical research.

Take our fan favorite Vitamin C Facial Serum, for example, which might be packed with natural ingredients like aloe, witch hazel and jojoba oil but similarly relies on the extraordinary powers of lab-created ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E. As we said before, it's all about balance.

Of course, we would never add unnecessary chemicals, additives and fragrances to any of our products and rest assured, we’re free of phthalates, parabens and sulfates which are up there as three of the biggest no-nos in skincare. But chemicals that are non-toxic, skin-friendly and extremely effective? Count us in. And when they can be powered by nature’s very best? Even better.

Seems like a no brainer, right?

Today, we're celebrating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day in honor of all the professionals who help us make better choices regarding our diets. After all, what you put INTO your body is just as important as what goes onto your skin.

Want to step up your skincare regimen from the inside out? Then take control of your diet and ensure your skin reflects what you eat by making these 10 skin-nourishing foods your new BFFs…

1. Oily Fish

Certain fats are super important for the health of your skin because they help balance your skin’s barrier function which helps keep your skin hydrated, plump, strong and moisturized. Studies also show they may have anti-inflammatory properties which is great news if you suffer from facial redness or monthly breakouts.

The key, however, is to make sure you choose the right kinds of fats – and no, chips, burgers, fried chicken and butter are not on that list. One of the best is omega-3 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA) that’s found mostly in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.

More good news… These skin-loving types of fish not only contain omega-3s by the bucketload, but they’re high in protein, zinc and vitamin E which are all vital for the look and feel of your skin.

2. Watermelon

Fruit and veggies, as a rule, are winners when it comes to glowing, healthy skin. One word: antioxidants. Not sure why antioxidants are the basis of great skin? Well, in a nutshell, they counteract the damaging effects of free radicals which are produced by the skin when it’s exposed to things like the sun, pollution, stress and a lack of sleep. Free radicals are seriously bad news for your skin because they break down collagen, accelerating the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

One of our favorite fruits is watermelon – and no, it’s not because it’s so Insta worthy (although it really is a pretty slice!). Watermelon is literally chock full of antioxidants like vitamins A, B, C and E. Furthermore, it’s packed with water which helps keep you hydrated without the hassle of having to down glasses upon glasses of water on the reg.

It also tastes awesome, so there’s that ;)

3. Broccoli

Speaking of fruit and veggies, one of the most skin-loving vegetables you can include in your diet plan is broccoli. Of course, it’s high in vitamins like A, C and K, but it also contains a beta carotene called lutein which skin loves. How so? Well, lutein is well known for protecting the eyes from light damage and macular degeneration, but it also has similar photo-protective benefits for the skin, helping to shield it from damaging UV radiation.

Broccoli also contains something called sulforaphane which works alongside lutein and other antioxidants to further support your skin’s natural protection from sun damage, spurring the skin’s natural healing process and helping to calm inflammation. Take that, sun.

4. Nuts

Like oily fish, nuts are an awesome source of essential fatty acids which help maintain strong, supple and well-moisturized skin. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E, and just a handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts and/or pistachios every day will work wonders for dry, dull or lackluster skin.

Walnuts, in particular, are high in protein, omega-3, omega-6 and selenium. Selenium is an important mineral which puts up a great fight against those dastardly free radicals. It also works hard to reduce inflammation and has been proven to help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

5. Avocados

If you ever needed a reason to eat avo toast every morning, here’s one for you. Just half an avocado a day provides 14 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin E, as well as 11 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamins C and E are proven antioxidants that, while great on their own, work much more effectively as a team. This makes avos pretty darn unbeatable in the fight against environment damage and oxidative stress.

But that’s not all. Avocados also contain various other vitamins, minerals, essential fats and skin-loving nutrients including plant sterols which contain UV protection and help prevent the breakdown of important proteins in your skin such as collagen and elastin.

6. Tomatoes

While tomatoes are a fabulous source of vitamin C (great stuff) and potassium (ditto), their main draw is all the incredible lycopene and lutein they're packed with. Lycopene and lutein are carotenoids which work as powerful anti-aging antioxidants, offering your skin natural sun protection and free radical fighting powers.

Some studies show that higher amounts of lycopene are found in cooked tomato products than the raw stuff, so if you love to make stews, soups and sauces with tomatoes, go nuts!

Sidenote: eating tons of toms is not enough to replace your daily sunscreen so make sure your morning skincare routine always finishes up with SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen. No arguments.

7. Natural Yogurt

It’s a well-known fact that yogurt (not the sugar-laden, fruity stuff, of course) contains lots of calcium for strong bones and healthy skin. But that’s not the only thing yogurt has up its sleeve. Let’s talk about probiotics, shall we?

Probiotics are extremely important for keeping your skin’s microbiome in check. What’s that, you say? Well, the microbiome is an ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that live on your skin. Sure, this sounds pretty gross but it’s actually a very smart system that’s evolved over centuries to help keep bad bacteria away. Your microbiome can go a bit squiffy, however, thanks to your environment, age, diet and skincare habits, so it’s important to conserve and support it through gentle skincare and a healthy diet that includes plenty of biotics. Probiotics, for example, are living microorganisms that help increase the population of good bacteria in your body. How to up your probiotics? Look no further than plain, live yogurt. Simple. Don’t worry if you’re lactose intolerant, though – miso, kombucha and kimchi are great alternatives.

8. Chia Seeds

Most seeds are bursting with awesome skin-boosting love thanks to vitamin E, selenium, essential fatty acids and protein, so sprinkling them on salads, cereals, smoothies and soups is never a bad idea. However, if you’re looking for the absolute queen of seeds, look no further than the mighty chia.

After oily fish, chia seeds are known to be one of the richest sources of collagen-boosting omega-3 fatty acids which makes them a great choice for vegans. They’re also full of manganese, magnesium, selenium and protein which work together to soothe, protect, hydrate and strengthen your skin.

9. Bell Peppers

When you think of fruit and veggies that are high in vitamin C you probably go straight to oranges and carrots, right? Well, little known fact: red and yellow bell peppers are also extremely rich in vit C. In fact, one cup of bell pepper provides a whopping 211 percent of your daily recommended dosage of vitamin C. This makes them a fabulous choice for significantly reducing oxidative stress and helping your skin get its glow on.

Bell peppers are also a great source of beta carotene which gets converted into vitamin A by your body. Vitamin A is mega important for boosting your skin’s natural healing process, boosting your immune system and increasing moisturization.

10. Leafy Greens

Leafy green veggies like kale, spinach and collard greens are brimming with zinc for helping to reduce inflammation and breakouts, plus vitamin K which has been proven to improve blood flow. Great circulation is important for ‘feeding’ your skin with nutrient-rich oxygen to help reduce dark spots and give you the radiant complexion you so rightly deserve.

Zeaxanthin is another asset leafy greens can lay claims to. It might be trickier to spell but, like lutein, zeaxanthin is a carotenoid which has powerful antioxidant properties and may help your skin stay more protected from the perils of UV radiation. Kale, in particular, is known to be a total powerhouse for your skin and health in general.

Bottom line is a balanced, healthy diet that’s high on fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, live yogurt and oily fish are exactly what the skin doctor ordered. Couple all this good stuff with a great skincare routine that mimics your eating habits with plenty of antioxidants (hi there Vitamin C Facial Serum) and moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and you’re well on the way to healthier-looking skin.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day is celebrated by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on Wednesday March 8, 2023. 

Are you making the most of your skincare routine or could you do better? Nobody’s perfect, we get that, so if you’re looking for a few simple tweaks to improve the way you look after your skin, we’ve got your back…

Good news: a great skincare routine doesn’t require tons of cash, hours of free time and an encyclopedic knowledge of the ins-and-outs of every single skincare ingredient out there. Of course, it’s nice to treat yourself to an indulgent facial every now and again, and sure, it can be invaluable to know the differences between active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs. But some of the most important and effective ways to boost your skincare routine are a) super simple and b) totally free.

Now, we don’t know about you, but we’re all over that.

Read on for seven easy ways to maximize your skincare routine so you can enjoy healthier skin with very little effort.

1. Find A Routine That Works For YOU

Skincare routines are very personal things so, while it’s great to take advice from others about their favorite products, what works for them might not be right for you. Of course, this one-size-does-NOT-fit-all philosophy doesn’t make it easy when perfecting your routine but if you understand what your skin needs this is a major step to skincare success.

The best way to know your skin type is to gently cleanse it (try Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser), then leave it alone for an hour or so without applying any further products. After this time, check out your skin in the mirror. Scrutinize it, touch it and you’ll know pretty much straight away whether it’s normal (pretty unlikely!), oily, dry or combination (the most common skin type). If it looks shiny all over, you have oily skin; if it feels tight and possibly itchy, it’s dry and if it’s a mixture of the two, then you have combination skin. Does it feel totally fine and look incredible? Then you’re one of the lucky few with normal skin. And we envy, sorry, salute you!

Once you know your skin type, take another look at your skin and think about the things you might like to address in your routine – be this enlarged pores, breakouts, fine lines, dark spots or dehydration.

All these important factors will help you build an awesome regime that works for your skin and its needs – not someone else's.

2. Take. Your. Time.

Whether you end up with a three-step or ten-step routine, the key is never to rush. Slapping cleanser on your face and rinsing it off without a second thought might work to an extent, but it won’t give you the same results as spending time massaging your face to boost blood flow and drain toxins. It just won’t.

Similarly, layering products on top of each other lightning fast can cause pilling if you’re not careful so give yourself a breather between serum applications or between applying moisturizer and SPF, for example. Put some coffee on, get dressed, brush your teeth, then go back to the next stage of your routine.

Trust us, spending a few extra minutes on your skin will give you much better results in the long-term.

3. Invest In A Face Towel For You & You Alone

It may seem a little decadent to have your own separate face towel but do you really want to be using your bath towel (one word: butt) on your face? Especially if your entire family shares the same towels? Heck no!

And we’ll leave that one there.

4. It’s Not Just What You Apply, But How You Apply It

The way in which you apply certain products can have a profound effect on the state of your skin. Here’s a quick guide to our favorite tried and tested ways to apply the most common products in your routine…

Cleanser
DO apply a dime-sized amount to damp skin and use your hands and pads of your fingers to gently massage it in circular motions all over.
DON’T scrub it into your skin like your life depended on it. This can damage your skin. Not cool.

Eye Treatment
DO use the smallest amount and pat it around the eyes using your ring fingers to ensure a delicate touch.
DON’T press too hard and definitely don’t drag your skin. Bad news.

Serum
DO apply straight after cleansing while your skin is still damp, pressing it into your skin with the pads of your fingers.
DON’T use too much – four or five drops should be plenty. And don’t aggressively massage it into your skin.

Moisturizer
DO allow your serum to settle first, then use light pressure to massage a quarter-sized amount all over.
DON’T apply more just because your skin feels dry. If this is the case, use a different, richer formulation.

Sunscreen
DO be generous and use at least a quarter-sized amount. Apply it the same way as you would regular moisturizer.
DON’T forget your neck!

5. Eat Your Greens

A decent, balanced diet isn’t just great for your health, it makes a vast difference to the look and feel of your skin. How so? Well sugar, salt, processed foods and bad fats are devils for the complexion as they produce nasty little end products called AGES which, as their name suggests, age your skin up super fast by ruining your collagen supplies, killing radiance and drying out your skin.

On the flipside, fresh fruit and veggies, oily fish, nuts and seeds are incredibly good for your skin, feeding it from the inside with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Leafy greens, in particular, are chock full of skin-loving stuff like vitamin A to strengthen the skin, vitamin K for improving circulation, zinc which helps reduce breakouts, and zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant.

6. Tap Into Your Water

Tap water contains chlorine which is an essential disinfectant for killing off harmful bacteria and maintaining hygienic conditions. Great, right? Actually, not so much for your skin. Chlorine depletes the skin's natural oils, causing dryness and accelerating the aging process. Oh dear.

Tap water is also full of dissolved heavy metals like calcium, copper, iron and magnesium – especially in areas where water is notoriously hard. And what does that mean for your skin? Well, hard water has a higher alkalinity than soft water which can upset the pH balance of your skin. Also, if your skin errs on the side of sensitive, hard tap water can compromise its barrier function, causing further dryness, irritation and redness. It can even exacerbate existing conditions such as psoriasis, acne or eczema if you cleanse with hard water on a regular basis. What the…. whaaaaat?

Don’t fret too much, however. If you live in an area with soft water, you’re totally fine. However, if your tap water is hard and you feel like your skin is suffering because of it, you might want to think about investing in a shower filter or a complete water filtration system in your home to help lessen the blow.

7. Be The Queen Of Cleaning

From questionable countertops to week-old bedlinen and murky-looking makeup brushes, all surfaces trap bacteria, dirt, oil, sweat, allergens and the like. Just because you can’t see what’s lurking on something, it doesn’t mean it’s not dirty and potentially impacting the health of your skin. So, be clean.

Our general rule of thumb is as follows…

DAILY: wash face towels, wipe kitchen counters and clean your smartphone.

TWICE WEEKLY: deep clean surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.

WEEKLY: Launder your bed linen, wipe down light switches, doorknobs and other surfaces in your home, and shampoo your makeup brushes.

Awesome skin, here we come!

It’s time to celebrate all those awesome women in your life with facials, fun and maybe even a tipple (or two!) of your choice…

Galentine’s Day is just around the corner (February 13 in case you didn’t know!) and we firmly believe this is the perfect excuse to gather your besties and host a pampering get-together to celebrate.

Any excuse, right? ;)

Here’s how to transform a regular girls’ night in into something a little bit special – for your skin and your soul…

First, Do Your Prep Work

Preparation is key for a successful spa night, so start as you mean to go on by creating the right vibe for a relaxing, but fun evening. Here are a few tried and tested tips we’ve honed over the years…

1. Keep It Small. We believe an intimate do is better than a full-on party for this kind of get-together, so invite somewhere between one and five fabulous people to celebrate with.

2. No Need For Formalities. Do away with stuffy invites. Instead, send your guests a funny gif or selfie alongside a few words about what you’re planning – plus where and when it’s going to happen, of course.

3. Comfort Values. Make sure your girls come dressed in comfy loungewear or better yet, fluffy robes and slippers. And have a lovely clean stack of white towels ready for everyone to use.

4. Candles Are Everything. What type of spa are you creating if you don’t have a few of your favorite scented candles lit around the house? You could also spritz your home with a little aromatherapy spray or arrange some gorgeous flowers for the center of the room.

5. Feel The Music. If you have time, create an awesome playlist beforehand. Think about the type of music you and your peeps love; maybe some tunes that bring back fond memories. As long as it puts you all in a happy place, that’s good enough for us.

6. Lovely Libations. While this gathering is more about pampering than eating and drinking, a few snacks and a couple of bottles of bubbles are great for getting the party started. If you’re feeling adventurous you could even create and name a cocktail in honor of the night! Coconut water, pineapple, cucumber and berries are all great for your skin so something that incorporates one or more of these ingredients is going to be a real winner.

And For The Main Event

Once everyone’s arrived and you’ve had time to have a good chat/nibble/sip, let’s do some facials, shall we? Facials are so easy to do and everyone’s skin can benefit from a little love – whether it’s dry, dehydrated, oily or just plain exhausted.

Cleanse First

To start, place a few different cleansing options around the bathroom sink, pile up those fluffy towels and give everyone time to thoroughly wash their skin. We have three awesome cleansers to suit most skin types, and all of them work even better if you spend time giving yourself a facial massage. Not convinced your gal group is clued up on that kind of thing? Not a problem. Be an incredible host and show them how it’s done!

Moisten your skin with lukewarm water first, then apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser (Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser is a great all-rounder for clear, healthy skin) all over your face and neck. Next, use your hands and the pads of your fingers to really work it in to your skin. Avoid tugging at the skin (especially around your eyes), but pay special attention to your jawline, around the nose and up along your cheekbones. This helps boost circulation to bring fresh oxygen to the surface of your skin while draining away unwanted toxins.

Steaming & Face Mask Time

Next, give your ladies the option of steaming their face or relaxing with a face mask – or both! Steaming is excellent for increasing blood flow, loosening excess oils and clearing the pores. But it’s not for everyone and is best avoided if anyone has dry, sensitive skin; are prone to facial flushing or have existing conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

That being said, fill some bowls with hot, but not boiling water for those who wants to get involved. You could also add some essential oils like lavender, chamomile or geranium. Then give everyone a towel to cover their heads while hovering their faces about 12 inches above the water for 10 minutes. The rest of the team can relax with a face mask of their choice. Or pour drinks. Or just kick back and chill – no pressure!

When you’re done, sweep a reusable makeup pad over your face to remove any loosened dirt and debris, then spritz your skin with Rose Water Refreshing Facial Toner to hydrate and soothe or try Ocean Minerals Super Toner to boost cell turnover and power up the skin with vitamins and minerals.

Impress With A Serum Bar

Moisturizer is the only way to finish your facial, but before that comes a very important step in anyone’s skincare routine: the mighty serum. Your gal pals will probably have a favorite serum up their sleeves – and by all means, they’re welcome to bring theirs, especially if they have sensitive or reactive skin – but you could also create a cool serum bar showcasing our awesome collection of eight serums. With everything from the classic Vitamin C Facial Serum to our brand new Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum, we’re proud to be able to offer something for everyone. They also look super cute when lined up next to each other on a glass tray or your bathroom shelf.

And we know that’s not important in the grand scheme of things. But still…

Apply just a couple of drops of your favorite serum to your face and neck, patting it gently into your skin rather than rubbing it too vigorously. Then wait a few seconds before finishing with Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

To end the evening, light a fire (unless it’s 80 degrees outside, then don’t do that!), grab some blankets (ditto!) and curl up together with one of your favorite chick flicks. 

What could be better?

Say hello to the latest powerhouses for hydrated, healthy skin. And yes, as their name suggests, they’re just like Gatorade for your skin. Well, kinda…

Some skincare ingredients come and go lightning fast. Especially when they’re all talk, no action! Some, however, are built to totally stand the test of time. Think retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E and exfoliating acids like glycolic and salicylic which are all awesome examples of tried and tested ingredients that are loved the world over. Because, of course, they work.

When it comes to hydration we’re sure you’re well aware of some of the most successful and commonly used moisture-magnets used in skincare formulations. Yes, here’s looking at you hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera. But, while incredibly effective at getting the job done, these are not, contrary to popular opinion, the be-all and end-all.

Enter electrolytes which are pipped to be the new, long-lasting darlings of skincare ingredients.

But first, let’s revisit skin hydration for a hot minute – because we know it can all get a little confusing…

What Is Skin Hydration?

Hydration is simply about the levels of water in your skin. But here’s the thing; hydration has nothing to do with dryness.

Allow us to elaborate. As you may know, there are four true skin types which are categorized not by their levels of water, but by the activity of your skin’s sebaceous glands and their ability to successfully (or not) moisturize your skin with sebum (oil). These skin types are normal, dry, oily and combination. While your skin can certainly change over the years, your skin type is the one you were born with and it’s predetermined by your genes. In this sense, skin types are very different to skin conditions which are usually the result of lifestyle or environmental factors like your age, hormones, stress levels or the products you put on your skin.

OK, so how is this all linked to hydration? Well, dehydrated skin is skin that’s lacking in water (NOT oil) and is a condition rather than a skin type. Dehydration can be due to any number of reasons like cold weather, stress, lack of sleep and sun damage, but it's rarely a genetic disposition which means you can have dry skin that’s dehydrated, oily skin that’s dehydrated or, well, you see where we’re going here.

How Does Skin Naturally Stay Hydrated?

A healthy barrier function is the key to hydrated skin. This important protective layer not only pulls in water from the air, but also works hard to keep it there, creating a barrier to stop moisture from escaping from the surface of your skin. It does this thanks to its natural moisturizing factor (NMF) which is a combination of amino acids and humectants.

Pretty smart stuff, right? Indeed it is... Until it isn’t. You see the problems start as skin ages and is subject to years of UV radiation, harsh ingredients in skincare and personal care products, prolonged exposure to water, pollution and so on and so forth. All this works hard to compromise your barrier function and break down your NMF, resulting in all manner of unwanted issues – dehydration included. 

And this is where help from quenching skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and, the newest kids on the block, electrolytes come to the rescue.

So, What Are Electrolytes?

Ok, here’s the science bit. Electrolytes are essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium which, when dissolved in water, conduct electricity – hence the name. In terms of your overall health electrolytes are vital for keeping you hydrated, balancing your body’s pH levels, rebuilding damaged tissue and regulating nerve and muscle function. They’re obtained mostly through a balanced, healthy diet and are abundant in things like fresh fruit and veggies.

You lose electrolytes through sweat (as well as urine, diarrhea and vomiting) which is why many athletes or people who exercise intensely replace them with sports drinks.

And What’s The Deal With Electrolytes In Skincare?

When it comes to skincare, applying electrolytes topically has the same moisture-quenching benefits. Their electoral charge helps drive water into the skin and retain essential moisture, while simultaneously giving energy to other hydrators and active ingredients, delivering them to exactly where they’re needed most. The result? Hydrated, plump, soft and most importantly, healthier skin.

Of course, electrolytes need water in order to work, so it’s important to choose the right water-based formulas for effective results.

And have we got just the thing in the form of our brand new Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum. Containing a special electrolyte blend of magnesium, potassium and calcium to hydrate your skin with a capital ‘h’, this all-in-one serum is also chock-full of water-binding hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s also brimming with a mighty seven skin-loving vitamins to protect, strengthen, brighten, soothe, restore and replenish your skin so it continues to look its absolute best.

Already becoming a big hit with TruSkin fans, this lightweight serum is ideal for all skin types but we're finding it to be particularly effective for dull, dry, sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Are electrolytes the future for skincare? Who knows? But what we do know is they’re pretty dreamy for hydrating the skin and helping the rest of your routine perform better.

And, we don’t know about you, but we’re All. Over. That.