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

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

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

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

What Is Witch Hazel?

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

How Exactly Witch Hazel Benefits The Skin

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

* It Keeps Enlarged Pores In Check

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

* It’s A Trusted Ally For Oily Skin

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

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

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

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

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

Be afraid, pimples and blackheads, be very afraid.

* It Helps Minimize Facial Redness 

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

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

* It's Great For Reducing Puffy Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunscreen matters all year long. But it’s easy to fall short over the winter months, so let’s get back to it, shall we?

It's true, sunscreen might not be the most exciting product in your skincare arsenal. However, let’s get one thing straight, it’s the single most important tool for protecting your skin from the visible signs of premature aging. How so? Because UV radiation weakens the skin’s barrier function, damages collagen and elastin and messes around with melanin production which culminates in dryness, wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

And that’s not all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most skin cancers – the most common form of cancer in the US – are caused by too much exposure to UV rays. And studies show that sun protection is a crucial way to help shield your skin from UV and thus help prevent skin cancer, often reducing your risk by up to 50 percent. 

Hopefully this is enough to convince you that sun protection deserves a permanent spot in your skincare lineup. But if you’ve let things slide over the gray, cold winter months here’s why a) that’s a mistake and b) now’s the time to get friendly with your SPF again.

Did You Know, The Sun Never Truly Takes A Day Off?

The sun may look and feel AWOL when it’s cold and gloomy outside, but it’s always there during daylight hours – winter, summer, spring and fall. Sure, the heat might not be present all the time, but the light is. And when it’s light outside, those UV rays are incredibly persistent, passing through clouds, bouncing off snow, the works.

Of course, you’re less likely to ‘tan’ or burn in the gloomier months because UVB rays are partially blocked by clouds, but they can still get you all year round. And the equally-as-harmful UVA rays – those responsible for skin aging – remain relatively constant throughout the year, regardless of temperature or cloud cover.

So, What’s The Best Year-Round Approach To Sunscreen?

Just to reiterate, all year sun protection is crucial. However, the products you choose, and where you apply them may change. Below are the golden rules of thumb but, of course, this all depends on the climate in which you live.

* During the fall and winter most of your body is covered up by clothing so the only areas you need to focus on are your face, neck, lips and hands. You’re also likely to spend more time inside when it's chiller out which makes reapplying regularly less crucial.

* In spring and summertime more time is spent outdoors and more skin becomes exposed. This means that, as well as your face SPF, you’ll need to invest in a full body sunscreen (preferably water-resistant if you’re swimming or sweating) to slather on areas like your legs, arms, feet, even your back and tummy. You must also reapply every two hours when spending prolonged periods of time outdoors.

What To Look For In A Face Sunscreen

It's pretty clear that your face gets ravaged by the sun more than any other part of the body so daily protection is imperative all year long. But how do you choose a sunscreen that's not only right for you, but will get the job done?

Unfortunately, sunscreens are not created equal. Sure, technology has come on leaps and bounds since the heavy, greasy sunscreens of yesteryear. However, there are still some thick, cheapo products out there that feel horrible on your skin and leave you with a grayish mask-like finish. 

Not down with that? We hear you. So, follow these tips and your skin will thank you for your smart choices.

1. Wearability Is Key

We believe the best sunscreen for you is the one you’ll be happy to use consistently. For example, if you’re not keen on layering an extra lotion or cream on your already oily skin, consider trying one of the latest SPF serums that are so lightweight you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. (PS: don’t tell anyone but we just might have something special launching next month that fits this bill nicely…)

2. The SPF Sweet Spot

We’re sure you’re aware that SPF stands for sun protection factor and is an indication of how well your sunscreen will protect you from burning. OK, so that means the higher the number, the greater the protection, right? Well yes, but this doesn’t mean you necessarily need to apply an SPF 100 on a regular basis. In fact, most skin experts agree that SPF 30 is the magic number as this blocks 97 percent of UVB radiation. Anything above this offers only a very minimal amount of extra defense. Oh, and remember that an SPF number is only an indication of UVB protection, not UVA.

3. Broad Spectrum

Speaking of UVA, this is where the term ‘broad spectrum’ is important. This term is used to indicate that a product blocks both UVA and UVB radiation ­­from the surface of your skin; a broad spectrum of light, if you will.

Don’t see the words ‘broad spectrum’ anywhere on your current sunscreen? Then we advise ditching it. Otherwise you could be subjecting your skin to all sorts of UVA-induced damage which can go undetected for years. Until it doesn’t…

4. Chemical vs Mineral

There are two main types of sunscreen available: chemical and mineral (aka physical). They’re pretty self-explanatory but the gist is that chemical ones use active chemical ingredients like octisalate, octinoxate and avobenzone to protect your skin from the sun. These chemicals absorb UV radiation, break it down into heat and then release it through your skin. 

Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens use mineral sun blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin which reflects UV radiation away from the surface.

Which is best? Well, only you can be the judge of what you prefer but know this: while chemical sunscreens are often very lightweight and easy to apply, they don’t automatically have broad spectrum protection. They can also irritate the skin and are potentially harmful to the environment. Mineral sunscreens, however, protect from both UVA and UVB radiation and they are way kinder to the skin and the world. Not only that but zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are currently the only two sunscreen ingredients proposed to be safe and effective by the FDA.

We’re all about the latter – feels like a no brainer, right? – which is why our reef-safe and skin-friendly SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide. 

5. The Skincare Extras

To maximize the results of your sunscreen, it’s wise to choose formulas that go the extra mile with trusted ingredients your skin will love. Antioxidants like vitamin C, for example, work like dogs to fight the damaging effects of sun-induced free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to  brighten the skin, fade dark spots and it encourages your sunscreen to work harder and better by improving the absorption of UV radiation. 

We’re big fans of vitamin C in case you hadn’t noticed and pack our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with plenty of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) – the better tolerated version of pure vitamin C. Our sunscreen also contains hydrating aloe vera and vegan marine collagen to promoted strength and elasticity. Oh, and you know that new product we touched on earlier that's maaaaybe an SPF serum? Well this little baby is also packed with incredible ingredients your skin is going to love.

Watch this space for more information on that real soon!

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

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

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

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

Why Skincare Matters

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

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

How To Figure Out Your Skin Type

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

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

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

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

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

The 4 Essential Skincare Steps

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

1. Cleanse

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

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

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

2. Treat 

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

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

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

3. Moisturize

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

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

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

4. Protect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to discover which powerhouse vitamins and minerals will ‘actually’ make your skin look and feel better than ever? Here's the lowdown on ten of the best… 

Skincare ingredients are ten-a-penny these days with all manner of alleged miracle workers available to spread and massage over your precious complexion. But the thing is, you can splash out hundreds of bucks on products, then you wait… and wait… and well, nothing really changes. ‘Disappointing’ doesn’t even touch the surface.

So which ingredients offer true, visible results and therefore deserve their coveted spot in your routine? Well, we believe the classics are rarely beaten. And in this case, the true classics are vitamins and minerals. 

Read on for ten of the most elite vitamins and minerals we have the pleasure to know. And, just so you know, we don’t like to play favorites, so we’ve listed them in alphabetical order. Because fair’s fair.

The Mineral Masters

1. Calcium

Calcium rarely gets shouted about in skincare but it’s actually a bit of an unsung hero. You’re well aware of calcium’s benefits for your teeth and bones, right? Well, it’s also a key component of the skin – reinforcing and strengthening its natural resilience by fortifying the barrier function. 

As skin ages, its barrier function can become compromised due to daily wear and tear (UV radiation is a huge offender, of course), plus poor skincare choices and unhealthy lifestyle habits. This can make the skin feel, dry and dehydrated because moisture is able to more easily escape from the surface of the skin. But not only that; a weak barrier function also encourages irritation and sensitivities that weren’t there before. Which is no fun.

The good news is there are many awesome ingredients out there that help counteract a substandard barrier function – calcium being one of them. Added bonus: it’s also been shown to encourage healthy cell turnover for brighter, clearer skin.

2. Magnesium

Like calcium, magnesium often goes under the radar as a skincare ingredient, but it’s a very important, stress-relieving mineral that works both inside and out.

While essential for regulating various important bodily functions (think blood pressure and nerve function to name just two), in skincare, magnesium has been shown to reduce irritation and inflammation. It does this by strengthening cell growth, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), supporting DNA repair, protecting the skin’s barrier function and regulating important proteins that play a key role in the body’s inflammatory response.

Magnesium has also been found to be a pretty nifty skin hydrator, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while also driving extra moisture into the skin thanks to its electrolyte properties.  (PS: calcium and potassium are also electrolytes)

3. MSM

We have the utmost respect for MSM – which stands for methylsulfonylmethane in case you were wondering. You can see why we shorten it to MSM now, right?

MSM is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound that encourages your skin to produce healthy, plentiful collagen (a vital protein for strong, plump skin). It also works to protect it from environmental damage by increasing glutathione synthesis, one of the body’s most important, naturally-occurring antioxidants. Another thing: MSM has anti-inflammatory qualities which enable it to help decrease damage to the skin caused by other lifestyle baddies such as stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet. This makes it a shoo-in if you’re looking to win the battle against premature aging. 

4. Potassium

Another super important electroyte for boosting your skin’s natural moisturizing factor, potassium works hard to ensure balance and harmony at a surface level. We’ve mentioned electrolytes already (hi there calcium and magnesium) but just so you’re aware, electrolytes are minerals that carry a small electric charge. In skincare formulations, this charge helps to regulate pH, transfer nutrients throughout the skin and attract water in order to facilitate optimum hydration. All this ensures the skin cells function at their very best. And the result? Healthier-looking and healthier-feeling skin. Love.

5. Zinc

An awesome ingredient for angry or acne-prone skin, zinc, in its purest form, is known for its healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s extremely well tolerated by sensitive skin and helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized by balancing sebum, fortifying the skin’s barrier function and significantly reducing TEWL.

Zinc also has incredible protective qualities which is why zinc oxide is such a powerhouse in the sun care market. In fact, according to a 2019 proposal by the FDA, zinc oxide is one of only two sun filters undeniably proven to be a safe and effective barrier against the sun’s damaging UV rays (titanium dioxide is the other). Unlike chemical sunscreens which kind of absorb UV radiation and then break it down in the skin, mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide create a physical barrier which reflects UV rays away from the surface of your skin. We’re obsessed. 

The Vitamin Kings

1. Vitamin A

In the world of skincare, vitamin A likes to go by the name of something else: retinol. 

One of the most valuable ingredients you could have in your arsenal, retinol is the gold standard of skincare powerhouses and constantly recommended by anyone who knows anything about the skin. The reason? Simple, it works.

Retinol has been proven time and again to speed up cell turnover while stimulating collagen and elastin production and helping to keep the visible signs of aging (wrinkles, dark spots etc.) under wraps. However, its power is also its downfall so remember to always patch test a new retinol product before using it regularly, then introduce it slowly into your routine to give your skin time to acclimate.

2. Vitamin B3

Another skin nutrient that has a stage name, vitamin B3 is also known as niacinamide. And, we have to admit, niacinamide is a bit of a show-off, boasting a list of benefits as long as your arm.

Niacinamide is a very effective antioxidant which means it helps to neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. It also helps to boost ceramides in the uppermost layers of your skin which helps to maintain a strong, protective barrier function. Add to this the fact that niacinamide has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it then becomes a great tool for reducing unwanted facial redness and pesky breakouts. If that wasn’t enough, its do-it-all attitude includes regulating oil production, minimizing the appearance of pores and reducing the appearance of dark spots. Phew.

And the best news of all? As powerful as niacinamide is, it’s also a softie at heart and suits even the most sensitive skin types.

3. Vitamin C

We’d be nowhere without the undeniable skin hero that is vitamin C. Our first baby was our Vitamin C Facial Serum which launched in the fall of 2013 and is still our best-selling serum to date – trust us, almost 150,000 Amazon reviews do not lie!

The thing about vitamin C is that it’s a proven antioxidant which makes it a great addition to your sun-busting morning routine. It’s also a mild exfoliant and has been shown to inhibit melanin production so is a fabulous choice for anyone seeking to boost radiance and help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Vitamin C can be listed in your skincare ingredients in many forms, including l-ascorbic acid (the pure stuff), ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. We know that’s a lot to remember, but our advice is this. Stick with sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Why? Because it’s one of the most stable, kind-to-skin versions so is able to offer all of the benefits with very little irritation.

4. Vitamin E

While it rarely grabs the headlines, vitamin E has been quietly looking after skin for decades.

Often seen on your ingredients list as tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate or alpha-tocopheryl acetate, vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps keep your skin safe from environmental harm. However, its main MO is to strengthen the skin’s barrier function by locking in moisture, soothing inflammation and calming irritated skin. And what makes this baby truly special? It plays nicely with almost every other skincare ingredient out there. In fact, pair it with vitamin C and you’ve got one of the most unstoppable protective power duos on your hands. 

5. Vitamin K

Last, but not least, comes probably the least known of the vitamin family, vitamin K. A fat soluble vitamin produced by the liver, vitamin K is also known as phytonadione and it plays an important role in heart health, bone growth and blood clotting, making it vital to your overall health. 

In skincare, vitamin K hasn’t undergone anywhere near the amount of clinical research as your As, Bs, Cs and Es. However, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on. Because of its role within the blood clotting process some skincare experts believe that vitamin K has the ability to offer similar effects when applied topically to things like bruising, swelling, redness and excess blood that can pool under your eyes. This makes it an interesting one to watch if you suffer with dark circles.

Got oily or combination skin? Then chances are a shiny t-zone is something you’re keen to manage. Good news: we've pulled together the lowdown on how to minimize excess oil and turn your shine into a different kind of glow.

Shiny skin is something those with dry skin probably dream of. If only they knew, right? Because while dry skin comes with its own set of grievances, an oily t-zone, that starts across your forehead, works its way down your nose, then culminates all over your chin, is certainly no picnic. Sure, it’s completely natural, and in fact combination skin, which is characterized by dryness over the cheeks and oiliness in the t-zone, is considered to be the most common skin type in the world. But still, it's frustrating at the best of times...

It's important to remember, however, that the amount of oil your skin produces is not entirely under your control. So, our first piece of important advice? Don’t sweat it too much; there’s only so much you can do. Instead, focus on the things you are able to influence by adhering to some smart shine-busting skincare tactics.

But First, What Causes Oily Skin?

Your skin type is entirely determined by how much sebum your skin produces. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that’s produced by the sebaceous glands in the dermis, near the base of your hair follicles. Sebum is actually super important for the health of your skin because it works hard to seal in moisture and keep your skin lubricated. It also helps to protect it from external factors like allergens and pollutants.

Depending on how much sebum your glands produce, your skin type will either be dry , normal, combination or oily. And when it comes to a shiny t-zone, oily or combination skin types are those most commonly affected. 

Sebum: The Good & The Bad

While an oily t-zone is often frowned upon, excess sebum is not all bad. Sure, it can lead to things like blocked pores, blackheads and pimples, but it also results in a stronger barrier function which reduces your likelihood of developing sensitivities to certain skincare ingredients. Oh, and get this, it also slows down the development of premature wrinkles. Hurray for sebum! 

On the other hand, skin that produces too little sebum is frequently partnered with things like redness, irritation and sensitivities thanks to a compromised barrier function that’s less able to keep the skin moisturized and shielded from harm.

Of course, in a perfect world we would all have 'normal,' perfectly balanced skin. Sadly, that elusive perfect world simply does not exist.

What Makes The T-Zone Particularly Oily?

Whether you have oily or combination skin, the t-zone, which includes the forehead, nose and chin, is notorious for being the oiliest area of the face. And the reason is pretty simple: the t-zone contains more sebaceous glands than anywhere else. Nothing more complicated than that.

Your Dos & Don’t For A More Balanced T-Zone

Do you feel like your skin produces way more oil than your bestie’s? Well, you can thank genetics, hormones, your age and the weather for the most part. And unfortunately, these aren’t factors you can control. However, you can still do your bit by making smart skincare choices. Here’s how…

1. DO Choose The Right Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin dry, triggering your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil – which is definitely not the result we’re aiming for. This makes your cleansing choices super, like super, important.

Avoid strong sulfates, harsh alcohols and synthetic fragrances for starters, and concentrate on ingredients that are effective at reducing oil, but don’t remove it completely. Things like kaolin and activated charcoal are great for mopping up excess oil and detoxifying the skin, so give our Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser a go which blends coconut-derived activated charcoal with balancing hydrators like aloe vera and reishi mushroom.

Also, try to avoid hot water when cleansing your skin as this stimulates sebum production. You have been warned.

2. DON'T Forget To Moisturize

You might feel tempted to skip moisturizer because surely it’ll do nothing but make your skin feel and look even more oily, right? Wrong. Skipping moisturizer actually signals your skin to produce more oil. Yes, just like poor cleansing. Instead, choose the right kind of moisturizer – lightweight and oil-free – to help keep your skin balanced.

If your skin is also feeling a little dehydrated, it’s also wise to layer up with a light moisture-boosting serum like our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. Just a thought.

3. DO Try Salicylic Acid

As skincare ingredients go, salicylic acid is arguably the most important one to have in your shiny t-zone arsenal.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). BHAs are chemical exfoliants that break down the bonds between skin cells to encourage them to slough away more efficiently. Kind of like glycolic acid. However, unlike glycolic acid which is a water-soluble AHA, salicylic acid is fat-soluble which means that as well as providing exfoliating benefits, it’s also able to penetrate into your pores to help balance sebum. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities which makes it a shoo-in if your oily t-zone goes hand-in-hand with acne breakouts. 

Try our 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant with combines this little gem with the aforementioned glycolic acid as well as hydrating powerhouses, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

4. DON'T Strip Your Skin With Harsh Toner

Toners are fabulous, but here’s the thing: you don’t want yours to get rid of sebum altogether. This means that oil-reducing toners are probably best avoided.

Gentle, alcohol-free toners, on the other hand, that help to create harmony at the surface of your skin by balancing sebum and improving hydration? We’re all over those. Look for ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, zinc and MSM which help do just that. Our Ocean Minerals Super Toner, for example, has your name all over it.

5. DO Introduce Your Skin To Tea Tree Oil

Another great ingredient for balancing an oily t-zone is one of our all-time favorites: tea tree oil. Just like salicylic acid, tea tree oil is proven to contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it downright awesome for killing acne-causing bacteria on the surface of your skin. It's also a natural astringent which means it helps to regulate and control sebum production.

Tea tree oil, however, is pretty potent, so if you’re introducing it into your routine for the first time, treat it with respect. Our Tea Tree Super Serum+, for example, is well tolerated by the skin, but should still be patch tested first. Also, you may find just two or three applications a week is enough to bring harmony to your oily or combination skin. 

6. DON'T Make Friends With Occlusives

We’ve talked about many of the good ingredients but, don't forget, there are also some terrible ones you should avoid like the plague – most notably, occlusives. Now, don’t get us wrong, occlusives are awesome if you have a dry complexion or a chronic skin condition like eczema, because they leave a kind of thin film on the top of your skin which prevents water evaporation and helps to truly lock in moisture at a surface level. However, this barrier can also block up your pores which is terrible news for an oily t-zone – literally inviting acne breakouts along for the party.

Your best bet is to avoid occlusives at all costs. To be honest, they’re usually thick in texture so aren’t the kind of thing you would naturally go for anyway, but still, it’s worth knowing that things like petroleum jelly, rich cocoa butter, beeswax and coconut oil are not your ideal skincare friends.

Serums can truly supercharge your skincare routine – especially if you know how to maximize their effectiveness. Here’s how…

We believe your face serum should be one of your most prized skincare possessions. Of course, daily sunscreen is crucial, and yes, your cleanser provides the foundation to everything that follows. But a face serum is the key to targeting everything you love (and maybe don’t love so much) about your skin. Whether you want to improve hydration, deal with breakouts, soften fine lines or brighten tired skin, the right face serum can help fix the lot.

Speaking of the ‘right’ face serum, finding your perfect fit is vital, but let us ask you this: do you feel like you’ve found the one... yet it’s kind of underperforming? Then it’s probably not the serum that’s the issue. Instead, it’s likely the way you’re using it.

So let’s fix that, shall we?

Your Serum Strategy 101

Think of your face serum as the VIP in your skincare routine. Because yes, it's that special. Plus, it’s likely to have cost more than most of your other products, so it’d be foolish not to fuel yourself with the knowledge of how to use it effectively. 

Here are the face serum rules we follow to the letter…

When To Use Your Face Serum

The correct order in which to apply ALL of your skincare products matters. A lot. And the general rule of thumb is that you should always work with your products from thin to thick; from water to oil. 

This means that cleanser comes first (obvs!), then toner, serum, eye cream and finally moisturizer. If you apply serum after your moisturizer, on the other hand, the rich, slightly heavier nature of moisturizer will block the serum from the surface of your skin. And this will immediately make it less effective. That’s what we call money down the drain.

Serum BEFORE moisturizer, people. Always.

How Much Face Serum Should You Use?

Face serums are super lightweight due to their small molecular structure. This means they’re able to carry a high intensity of concentrated, active ingredients in a relatively thin, slippery formulation. This is crucial because it gives serum the ability to penetrate the skin more effectively than thicker, more viscous formulations like moisturizer and facial oil.

Thanks to their slippery nature, face serums smooth over your skin like a dream – well, a good one does, anyway;). Sure, it’s tempting to smother your face in it because you think your skin will end up reaping more benefits from all those awesome ingredients. But that’s a mistake because, the truth is, your skin can only soak up so much.

A reputable serum will always come with guidelines on how much to use, but a pea-sized amount, or roughly two to three drops, should generally be sufficient for your face and neck. Any more will simply be a waste.

5 Ways To Make Your Face Serum Work Harder

Because it's not just what you apply, but the way in which you apply it...

1. Exfoliate First

If the surface of your skin is clogged up with dead skin cells, your face serum stands no chance of penetrating at a deeper level. And this means it won’t work so well. So make sure you exfoliate regularly to create an easier pathway for your serum to go about its business.

A gentle scrub two or three times a week is a great shout, but if you’re not keen on face scrubs, try a leave-on chemical exfoliant that uses ingredients like glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid to dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. 

Try: 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant

2. Nail The Damp Skin Technique

Serums are able to penetrate the skin better if your skin has a bit of moisture present at its surface. Why? Because damp skin is more permeable, easy as that.

The trick is to apply a couple of drops to your hand as quickly as you can after cleansing or toning your skin. Then apply serum all over your face and neck using clean hands and light pressing motions. Not only will your skin be more receptive to all those fabulous ingredients but you’ll also lock in a little extra moisture while you’re at it. Win win.

One word of warning, however. If you have sensitive skin, you might actually be better off applying your serum to dry skin to reduce irritation. But play around, see what works best for you.

3. Understand That Your Skin’s Needs Vary From Morning To Night

Just like your entire body, your skin’s needs are very much governed by time. Cell turnover, for example, is at its peak during the night, while you’re asleep. This means that instead of using a sun protective antioxidant serum before bed, it’s much better to encourage repair and regeneration with ingredients like retinol, peptides and growth factors. Sebum production also slows down at night so it's similarly wise to enlist in some help sealing in hydration.

Meanwhile, your levels of cortisol are at their highest when you wake up, so anti-inflammatory serums that contain ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin E are better as part of your morning routine. Skin brightening and awakening ingredients like caffeine and vitamin C are also more beneficial first thing when you’ll be able to maximize – and actually see! – their revitalizing effects. And obviously antioxidants that help to protect your skin from environmental harm are crucial every morning.

Try: Day Night Duo with Vitamin C and Retinol Facial Serums

4. Wait A Hot Minute Before Applying Moisturizer

While it’s great to apply face serum swiftly after cleansing and/or toning, it’s wise to wait 60 seconds or so between your serum and moisturizer. Most serum formulations will sink in super fast but still, giving the formulation a short while to fully absorb and dry helps it to really settle into your skin.

5. Give Your Face Serum Enough Time To Work

Serums aren’t miracle workers that instantly make wrinkles vanish overnight. On the contrary, for real results, you’ll need to consistently apply yours for at least six to eight weeks before you’ll even begin to see their true effects.

Saying that, don’t rush in without patch testing any new formulation first. Then, if you’re good to go, make sure to introduce it slowly into your routine. This will give your skin time to adjust, thereby reducing your chances of irritation. It’ll also stop you from giving up too soon!

Check out our line-up of awesome serums right here. And if you don’t know which one is right for you, here’s a helpful guide.