True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Retinol is one of the best ingredients for your skin, battling the signs of visible aging like no other skincare ingredient can even dream of doing. But it needs to be used consistently for the best results. So, if you’re of the opinion that retinol should be packed away in the summer, we’re here to change that.

When it comes to skincare powerhouses, retinol is top of the class. Ask any derm, skincare expert, A-lister or influencer and they will all agree it’s the gold standard in anti-aging ingredients. 

Derived from vitamin A and a gentle cousin to retinoic acid (otherwise known as tretinoin), retinol has this clever way of getting under your skin to communicate with important proteins like collagen and elastin. This stimulates their production and kick-starts them to do their jobs more efficiently and more effectively, speeding up cell turnover and helping to improve your skin’s tone and texture. Retinol also helps fade sun spots and boosts the production of blood vessels in the skin to enhance radiance. Gotta love that.

But retinol isn’t just an anti-aging whizz kid. Studies prove that retinol also has anti-inflammatory powers which makes it a very effective anti-acne treatment, keeping pores clean, clear, bacteria-free and therefore stopping your skin from breaking out like a hormonal teenager’s.

So, why is retinol often perceived as something to be wary of in the summer months? Well, it’s a little bit misunderstood. Most people think retinol is unsafe during the daytime because it makes your skin extremely sensitive to the sun. Which is kind of true… but not really.

The hard truth is that retinol itself is not sun sensitizing. We’ll just let that sink in for a minute...

NOT sun sensitizing? So, why the myth? Well, it does thin the very top layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) which is why it’s a bit of a bummer when it comes to reducing your skin’s ability to protect itself from UV radiation. But, to be honest this is why it’s so effective at controlling acne and reducing the signs of aging.

The main reason retinol is usually formulated into night treatments is not because of what it does to your skin in the sun, but the fact that it can become deactivated by sunlight. When a skincare ingredient becomes deactivated it doesn’t particularly harm your skin, per se, it simply becomes less effective. And retinol is such a fabulously effective ingredient, this is exactly the opposite of what you want.

So, how can you make the most of your retinol treatment this summer? Here are five things to bear in mind…

1. Summer Is Actually A Great Time To Start Applying Retinol

Many people experience increased dryness and sensitivities in the winter, which makes summer a much better season to introduce retinol into your routine. Summer equals more humidity and this extra moisture in the air helps keep your skin healthier, more hydrated and better equipped to start getting used to such a powerhouse of a skincare ingredient. Take that non-believers.

2. However, Retinol Can Cause Irritation – Any Time Of The Year

It’s true, retinol can irritate your skin come rain or shine, so you should always do a patch test before introducing it into your routine. Then, once you’ve established your skin can tolerate it, go low and slow.

Start with a moisturizer as these are usually less potent than treatment serums. Our Retinol Moisturizer is great for retinol newbies as it cleverly blends retinol with hyaluronic acid (HA) to hydrate your skin and help fend off flaky or peeling skin, which often occurs with regular use of retinol. If your skin is super sensitive you can even get away with alternating Retinol Moisturizer with our equally-as-awesome Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer. It'll still have a great impact on the look and feel of your skin.

3. Retinol Serum Is Perfect For Balmy Summer Evenings

Can’t bear heavy night creams when the mercury is rising and your bedroom feels hotter than the surface of the sun? Yeah, we hear you girl. And this is when our Retinol Facial Serum comes to the rescue.

Blended with HA and vitamin E for hydration and extra healing qualities, we call this our go-to-summertime serum because it’s super lightweight and absorbs into your skin in seconds so you can get some valuable beauty sleep without feeling like your face is totally suffocating. Even though it’s perfectly safe to use in the morning, UV light can destabilize retinol and diminish its effectiveness, so you’re always better off using it a night. Apply it two or three times a week (after patch testing first, of course) to freshly cleansed skin, then follow with moisturizer.

4. You MUST Go Heavy On The Sunscreen

The powerful rays of the sun, coupled with retinol’s potent, thin-skinning actions are asking for trouble if you don’t wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. We’re talking dryness, redness, itching, burning and worse. So, make sure you protect your skin carefully and regularly.

Around half a teaspoon of sunscreen is recommended for your face and you should reapply the same amount every two hours if you’re spending all day in the sun. Also, try to spend as much time with your face in the shade and wear a large-brimmed hat and good quality sunnies that block both UVA and UVB radiation for an added safety net.

5. Stop Using Retinol If Your Face Gets Sunburned 

As previously mentioned, retinol thins the outermost layer of your skin which increases your chances of sunburn. However, as long as you take care to protect your skin, this should rarely, if ever happen. If you do get caught short, stop applying your retinol products immediately – and in fact any active ingredients including exfoliating acids. Instead, use super gentle cleansing products and soothing moisturizers only for at least a week or until your skin heals.

You see, due diligence and a bit of common sense is all it takes to crush an awesome retinol routine.

All. Year. Round.

Being happy with your skin is easier said than done, but it’s the only skin you’ve got, so it’s about time you learned to love it – starting right now.

‘Love the skin you’re in.’ How many times have you heard that phrase only to fob it off with a sigh about your personal imperfections and so-called flaws? But here’s the thing: lines, wrinkles, pimples, dark spots and the odd bit of slack skin here and there are nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, they’re quite the opposite. They’re all signs that you’re alive. And that’s something to celebrate.

So today, we want to make a toast to your amazing skin. Because this massive organ is a pretty big deal, working hard to maintain your internal temperature and protect your body from disease. Not only that but your skin covers an average of 20 square feet and makes up around one seventh of your entire body weight. It’s no wonder, then, that skin is rarely picture perfect. And that’s OK, because not even those A-listers you see on the red carpet have flawless skin. And certainly not the influencers who’ve been filtered to within an inch of their lives.

Reckon you can start loving the skin you’re in? Just a tad? Excellent. Then here are a few tips for practicing a little skin self-love.

Be Gentle With Your Skincare

One of the most important ways to treat your skin with love and respect is to be kind to it. Like, really kind. Sure, it’s tempting to slather all the latest lotions, potions, acids and ‘miracle’ ingredients on your skin day and night, but you’re dealing with a delicate part of your body here, so be gentle.

Avoid skincare ingredients that have been proven to cause irritation and inflammation because, even if you think your skin is strong enough to take whatever you throw at it, continued use of certain chemicals will break down your skin’s protective barrier and give you no end of problems in the long-term. Things like parabens, sulfates, PEGs and silicones are all known irritants, so these are best avoided. And we can take of that for you, no problem, because all TruSkin products are free of these common nasties. Just saying.

Also, avoid cocktailing too many serums and treatments that contain potent, active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids like glycolic and salicylic. Don’t get us wrong, these ingredients are all skincare powerhouses and work hard to improve and maintain your already-awesome skin. But use too many at once, and you’ll irritate your skin causing sensitivities, dryness, redness and maybe even breakouts.

Instead, stick to one of our carefully curated serum formulations in the morning and one at night. And if your skin is super-sensitive? Apply each just once or twice a week – don’t worry, your skin will still see the benefits.

Maximize Your Glow

Nobody (least of all you) is going to care about your lines and wrinkles when your skin is literally lit from within. In our opinion, radiant skin is the absolute key for showing the world you’re happy, healthy and alive. And good news: getting your glow on is simple. You just need to introduce a little vitamin C into your life.

Vitamin C is one of our favorite skincare ingredients and arguably the most effective topical antioxidant out there. Not only does it fight hard to combat free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors, but it also helps even out your skin tone, reduce dark spots and give you a bright, sunny glow – minus any damage from the ‘actual’ sun, of course.

We use sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) in our fan favorite Vitamin C Facial Serum which is a gentle, but very effective salt derivative of vitamin C. We believe it’s far superior to pure vitamin C, and much better tolerated by the skin. It’s also why our serum has a slightly cloudy look to it – that’s the salt doing it’s awesome work! Patch test first, then apply it to cleansed, dry skin twice daily for a glowy complexion you can’t fail to fall in love with.

Love Your Skin’s True Color

Why is it that we all want what we haven’t got? Constantly envious of your friend’s beautiful curls? Chances are she’d kill for your straight hair. Wish your legs were longer/thinner/more toned? Well, how about concentrating on your amazing arms, instead.

We know all this is easier said than done, but when it comes to the color of your skin, it’s actually quite simple – and much better for the health of your skin.

Two words: forget tanning. The sun is the number one cause of external skin aging, accelerating the formation of lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and even leading to skin cancer. So, instead of constantly craving darker, more bronzed skin, accept your paleness and be proud.

And while we’re on the subject, forget skin bleaching, too. Beautiful skin comes in every shade. End of.

Don’t Hide Behind Makeup

Piling on heavy make-up to mask an annoying zit or dark patch may seem like a good idea at the time, but thick, oil-based foundations can block your pores and cause even more breakouts in the long-term.

Instead of masking your skin, enhance it with natural-looking makeup. Barely-there skin has never been more on trend (hi there, skinimalism) so work to enrich the natural tones of your complexion and let your freckles/blemishes/expression lines shine through. Swap out heavy foundations for tinted moisturizer and highlight your best features – whether they’re fabulous cheekbones, arched brows or full lips ­– with a tiny amount of highlighter applied in just the right places.

Get Tons Of Sleep

A lack of zzzs not only makes you feel cruddy, but it gives your skin an unnecessarily dull appearance. So remember, while your skin is awesome, you still need to look after it.

According to the Sleep Foundation, healthy adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep every night to power the mind, drive the body and help maintain healthy skin. Sleep allows your skin to heal and reboot itself, ready for the next day. Blood flow increases, cell turnover almost doubles, your natural antioxidant system kicks in and collagen production amps up big time.

Make sure you get your eight hours in and treat your skin to an effective night treatment like our Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream which helps revive and strengthen your skin while you sleep. You will immediately wake up with happier skin.

And a much happier you.

Not that we’re saying sunscreen isn’t important. It is. It SO is. But couple your daily SPF with these other sun safety tips and you can be happy knowing you're doing everything you can to protect your skin from the sun.

While we love the sun and, well, couldn’t survive without it, studies show that sunlight is the number one cause of external skin aging. Now, we don’t like to point the finger, but this means almost everything you hate about your skin – fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, lack of firmness, dark spots, enlarged pores, the works – is primarily down to sun damage. Dang.

We constantly bang on about the importance of applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily and make no apologies for it. But today, we’re here to give that particular lecture a temporary rest because we want to talk about all the other things you can do to protect your skin from the slings and arrows of the sun.

Make the below a top priority this summer (along with your essential SPF, of course) and who knows, you might ward off those visible signs of premature aging just that little bit longer.

Apply Topical Antioxidants

As we’re sure you’re aware, we’re massive fans of topical antioxidants here at TruSkin. And one of the main reasons we love them? Sun damage control.

Exposure to the sun is one of the biggest causes of free radicals – those pesky compounds which love to do a number on your skin, destroying important proteins and causing what’s known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress spells major bad news for your skin as it leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in lines, wrinkles and premature sagging.

The good news is antioxidants fight tooth and nail against free radicals to limit harm and keep your skin looking awesome for as long as possible. Studies have shown that two of the best antioxidants for sun protection are vitamins C and E. And more good news: we combine these two free radical-fighting powerhouses with hyaluronic acid in our Vitamin C Facial Serum. Apply it underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen daily to really amp up your protection game. But remember, antioxidants do NOT protect your skin from sun burn so don’t think applying a vitamin C serum makes you invincible from the sun. It does not.

Avoid Direct Sunlight Whenever You Can

Nothing beats lounging outside on a hot, sunny day. Actually, add a frozen margarita into the mix and now we’re getting somewhere. But sitting outside in the direct, midday sun? So not good for your skin. Shade always trumps sun, hands down.

Depending on the density and coverage of your chosen shady spot, sitting in the shade protects you from around 15 percent of UV light. Granted, this doesn’t sound like a lot, but when it comes to looking after your skin, we say every smidge of protection counts.

Look for a tree to sit under when picnicking in the park, or remember to take an umbrella if you’re going to spend a day out in the sun. And when looking to buy a new beach umbrella or awning, make sure you look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Approval which guarantees the fabric has reached the minimum requirements of 30 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).

Wear Protective Clothing

Did you know what you wear can also have an impact on your level of sun protection? Plus, clothes don’t wear off like sunscreen as an added bonus. Simple choices like wearing loose fitting clothes, long sleeves or densely woven fabrics such as denim or wool are way more protective for your skin than tight, stretchy or sheer clothing.

Also, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, dark or bright colors are way better than lighter tones because they help absorb UV radiation before it reaches your skin, adding further protection from sun damage.

Finally, don’t forget a good, tightly-woven hat that doesn’t show too much light through it (you can always check this with a flashlight). A 3-inch brim around the entire circumference is optimum, but if you’re a baseball cap kinda gal, think about adding some kind of drape over your neck and ears to protect those delicate areas.

Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses

Looking after the skin around your eyes is arguably even more important than the skin on the rest of your face. How so? Because this area is thinner and more delicate meaning it’s much less efficient at protecting itself from environmental damage. Also, between 5 and 10 percent of all skin cancers are found on the eyelids. Big warning, right there.

Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses all year round (even on cloudy days) and choose those that are 100 percent effective at blocking both UVA and UBA radiation. And remember, dry, dehydrated skin around your eyes will age you up super fast so always apply a hydrating eye cream twice daily. Try Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream which, on top of HA, contains hard-working antioxidants and age-defying ingredients like plant peptides, panthenol and botanical oils.

Think About Your Diet

Last but not least, up your sun protection from the inside out by making a few smart healthy eating choices. Laden your diet with antioxidant-rich fruit and veggies like kiwis, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli and snack on almonds, walnuts and seeds to up your levels of omega 3 essential fats which help reduce UV-induced inflammation.

Studies have also shown that foods which are high in beta-carotene may also play a part in protecting your skin from sun damage. These included sweet potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, spinach and butternut squash.

(Don't forget, however, none of these steps are as important as regular sunscreen. Always, we repeat, always protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 lotion or moisturizer as the final step in your morning routine)

Summer picnics, fancy cocktails and new swimwear are three things we love about summer. Three things we hate? Sticky skin, breakouts and sun-scorched noses. Time to fight back...

The sun is shining, but seriously, do you want your t-zone to be doing the same thing? Thought not. Sadly, warm weather brings a whole bunch of skincare challenges to even the most flawless of complexions. So, here’s 10 ways to make sure your skin is glowing and gorgeous this summer, NOT annoying the hell out of you.

1. Spot Treat Breakouts With Tea Tree Oil

Every one of you knows the perils of sun, sweat, sunscreen and oily skin. One word: zits. Summer breakouts are common because heat and humidity = more sweating and an accumulation of oil, dirt and bacteria on the surface of your skin. Everything in life that zits just love.

If this sounds familiar, make sure you steer clear of oil-based sunscreens which can block your pores, and cleanse your skin thoroughly, but gently, twice daily. You could also spot-treat problem areas with Tea Tree Super Serum+ which contains two of the best ingredients for keeping your pores clean and clear: salicylic acid and, of course, tea tree oil. Dab it on cleansed, problem areas before bed for a dramatic improvement in just a few days.

2. Freshen Up With Face Spritz

When the mercury rises, nothing beats a cool-down like a spritz of refreshing facial toner. And yes, water spray will do the job temporarily, but it‘ll also evaporate from the surface of your skin immediately, causing unnecessary dryness in the long term. Not cool (pun totally intended!).

Try keeping Ocean Minerals Super Toner in your purse or beach bag, instead. Of course, this is a great step in your regular morning and evening routine, but it’s also awesome for cooling down your skin on-the-go, smothering it with aloe, antioxidants, ocean minerals and skin-loving botanicals.

3. Make Vitamin C Your New BFF

If you don’t already have a vitamin C product in your regime, summer is THE best time to rectify that. Not only does this free radical scavenging superhero help reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by the sun, but it also works hard to fade existing dark spots AND prevent new ones from forming.

Studies show that vitamin C also helps strengthen the power of your sunscreen giving you extra protection from those damaging UV rays. So, there’s that. For the ultimate daily protection, apply Vitamin C Facial Serum to cleansed skin in the morning before moisturizer and sunscreen.

4. Embrace Hats, Sunglasses & Of Course, Shade!

Even the most potent sunscreen can’t protect your skin 100 percent of the time, so other precautions are always gratefully received. Embrace large sun hats (they’re very on trend right now); wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes and when in doubt, seek that all-important shade.

5. Avoid Facial Blotting Papers

Don’t get us wrong, some beauty tools are fabulous, but we have to admit, we hate facial blotting papers – those tiny little pieces of what is essentially just  parchment paper. Yes, they’re handy for your purse and yes, they temporarily mop up excess oil but that’s all they are –  temporary. Not only that, but by blotting away oils, they can actually prompt your skin to produce even more of the stuff.

Instead of this silly ‘fix,’ keep your skin balanced with a gentle cleansing routine (Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser is awesome for oily skin) and switch out rich, oil-laden moisturizers for light, gel-based formulas. And if you're still a little oily? Try a mattifying primer underneath your makeup.

6. Don’t Shower More Than Once A Day

As tempting as it is to jump in the shower whenever you feel hot, too many showers will compromise your skin’s protective barrier, stripping it of essential oils and drying it out, big time.

Stick to one lukewarm shower a day and keep it to four or five minutes max.

7. Increase Your Exfoliation Game

Over-exfoliating your skin is a terrible idea, but in the summer you can definitely afford to up the ante just a tad – especially if you have oily skin. Instead of once or twice a week, try exfoliating with a gentle scrub or treatment serum like Vitamin C Super Serum+ three times a week. This will ensure your pores remain clear of oil, dirt, makeup and sunscreen.

8. Never Scrimp On Facial Sunscreen

Hopefully by now you know the importance of wearing sunscreen every day of the year – not just in summer. But are you down with exactly how much you should apply?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) you should use a full shot glass for your entire body and around half a teaspoon for your face.  

Also, when it comes to SPF for your face, 30 is the sweet spot.

9. Remember, Sun Protection Doesn’t Begin & End With Your Face

For the rest of the year, facial sunscreen is often enough, but now the sun’s out and your body’s getting an airing, don’t forget other exposed areas when slapping on your sun protection.

Research shows that skin cancers are extremely common on the shoulders, chest, arms, legs and backs of the hands, so always protect these areas and indeed any body part that’s not covered by clothing when you’re out in the sun.

10. Use Humidity To Your Advantage

Humectants are hydrating skincare ingredients that work by drawing water into your skin and holding it there like a sponge. In drier climates, humectants have to resort to drawing water up to the surface from deeper levels of your skin, but when it’s humid they’re able to suck it out of the air. Hells yeah!

To keep your skin super hydrated this summer, make sure you include plenty of water-loving humectants in your skincare routine. Our fave is Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum which combines three hard-working humectants: hyaluronic acid, aloe and glycerin.

We don’t expect you to know every skincare term under the sun, but it’s important to know the basics when reading your product labels. So, for the love of your skin, let’s do this…

Tricky skincare lingo is never more apparent than when you get a brand new product and look at all the information on the packaging. From unpronounceable ingredients to logos you’ve never even seen before, it’s no wonder most of you glance at the label… then swiftly give zero damns about attempting to decode the directions, ingredients and whatever else is on there.

But the thing is, all this information is there for a reason: because it’s important. The directions, for example are there to help you make the most out of your new product. And what would you do if you knew your sensitive skin had an aversion to a certain ingredient, yet you couldn’t check the ingredients list because, well, we decided not to bother with it?

This is why we’ve put together a basic, four-step guide to knowing your way around your skincare label. Don’t worry, we’re not going to blind you with science, just the essential stuff you need to know…

Read ALL Directions Carefully

You might think a product's directions are surplus to requirements when, c’mon, you’ve been cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin for decades. However, skincare products are unique and they often work quite differently. The correct amount needed might be poles apart from what you’ve been used to, for example, or a new treatment serum might be best applied just two or three times a week rather than every day.

Always read these instructions – the fate of your skin relies on them.

On that note, you’ll be pleased to hear we make our directions extremely simple to follow, meaning there’s no excuse not to read them and follow them to the letter. This includes how much product you should need, when to include it in your regime, how to apply it and of course, how often. We also remind you how to patch test your new product before slathering it all over your face for the first time. Again, important stuff.

Learn How To Decipher The Ingredients List

An important thing to remember is that skincare ingredients are always listed in descending order of concentration. This means any ingredient near the top of the list is going to be a major player in that product – and don’t worry that water is often the first, this is standard across most skincare formulations.

According to the FDA, however, once an ingredient is at a concentration of 1 percent or less, it may be listed in any order at the bottom of the list. Things can get a little more complicated when color additives are included, but this is the basic info you should really be aware of.

Oh, and if you see something like vitamin C hovering in the middle of an ingredients list of a product that claims to be a ‘highly concentrated vitamin C serum,’ don’t be alarmed. Many active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, peptides and exfoliating acids are extremely potent, so even a small amount can deliver a powerful dose.

OK, so what about all those scary-sounding ingredient names you’ve never heard of? Yeah, they can be confusing. This is why we use simple terms as often as possible and list an ingredient’s household name (eg. vitamin E) as well as its more scientific term (tocopherol). We’re kind like that and know how much of a ball-ache it is decoding ingredients by having to Google them. You’re welcome.

Of course, some ingredients such as pheoxyethanol and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) don’t have household names, but hey, we try our best as much as we can.

Look Out For The Bad Guys

While scouring your ingredients list for things you know your skin loves, make sure you stay on the lookout for the stuff skin hates. Here are four of our least favorite nasties you can be sure you’ll never find in a TruSkin product…

1. Parabens

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) parabens simply don’t belong in any beauty product. And we tend to agree. Parabens have been used in cosmetics since the 1920s to help prevent harmful things like bacteria, mold and fungi from having a field day in your products. However, their downfalls totally outweigh their preservative powers.

Certain studies suggest that parabens are not only irritants, but can upset your hormones, damage your reproductive organs and increase your risk of developing cancer. The FDA continues to review these claims but in our opinion, any ‘risk,’ no matter how small, is so not worth it.

2. Sulfates

Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are foaming detergents used in products like facial wash, soap, shower gel and shampoo to cleanse your skin or hair. And give them their dues, they work really well, creating a lovely, foamy lather that cleans super efficiently. The problem is, they can be too efficient, making them extremely irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Don’t worry, you won’t find nasty sulfates in our Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser – instead we use a much gentler surfactant called disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate that's way kinder to your skin.

3. Phthalates

The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics lists phthalates (pronounded thal-ates) such as DEP, DBP and DEHP as big no-nos. Same here. With links to endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, fertility and other health issues they make us nervous. Very nervous indeed. They’re particularly bad news for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers which is why we say a big ‘no’ to phthalates in all of our products.

4. PEGs

Otherwise known as polyethylene glycols, PEGS are synthetic, petroleum-based compounds used widely in cleansers and moisturizers to help enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin. One problem: PEGs contain known carcinogens and respiratory irritants that have the potential to cause serious health issues.

We say why bother when there are much better alternatives? Answer: don't.

Finally, Know Some Important Symbols

Ever wondered what all those little symbols were at the bottom of your product’s label? Wonder no more, herein two important ones you need to be aware of…

This little triangle of three arrows is known as the Mobius Loop and shows that something is capable of being recycled. You’ll find this on all of our facial serums, moisturizers and eye products. High-fives.

If your product displays the Leaping Bunny logo as seen here, this is your guarantee that no new animal tests were performed in its development. We’re thrilled to let you know ALL of our products are Leaping Bunny approved. More high-fives!

Now, run along and be a skin product know-it-all. With all that knowledge under your belt, it would be rude not to.

Dark, under-eye circles getting your goat? Facial redness seriously starting to cheese you off? Then it’s time to take action against these common skin concerns. And thankfully, we know how… 

What’s your skin hangup, because we know you have one? Maybe even more than one. Come on, even the most perfectly porcelained among you will have something you hate about your skin. And yes, even if it is the tiniest of lines between your brows that nobody else notices, but you see EVERY TIME you look in the mirror.

When it comes to taking care of annoying skin issues like lines, wrinkles, acne and dark spots, a regular skincare routine doesn’t usually cut the mustard. But all it takes is that one awesome product to take your regime to a whole other level.

Here, we take a look at eight of the most common skin concerns you might face… plus what to do to minimize their effects on your skin – and your mental wellbeing.

1. Redness

Severe facial flushing can be caused by anything from rosacea and psoriasis through to eczema and seasonal allergies. And the most important thing here is not to even try to self-diagnose. Rosacea, for example, is often mistaken for acne which can lead to nothing short of disastrous results for your skin. So, first up, visit a skin specialist straight away to talk through your symptoms and treatment options.

If you think your skin is red due to harsh cleansing or irritation from potent actives in your skincare, you should also pare back your routine. Remove a facial serum from your regime for a few weeks and see if this helps. Or switch up your cleanser to a gentler formulation that avoids parabens, sulfates or harsh fragrances. This will help you understand if there’s a certain ingredient your skin has taken offense to. Rose Water Refreshing Toner is also a great shout for calming and soothing irritation.

2. A Shiny T-Zone

Excess shine around your nose, chin and forehead is due to too many overactive sebaceous glands in your skin which produce an excess of oil. And while shiny hair and shiny lips are all well and good, a slick face? Not so much.

The best ways to control excess shine are to avoid oil-heavy moisturizers, invest in some salicylic acid which cuts through oil like no other ingredient, and cleanse regularly, but gently, using a detoxifying ingredient like charcoal.

Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser is just the guy for the job here. Containing activated coconut charcoal, it not only draws out toxins from your skin but also mops up excess sebum while it’s at it. Thankfully, it also contains aloe, glycerin and non pore-clogging lavender oil to keep your skin hydrated and balanced while it works it’s wonders. Because we're smart like that.

3. Dark Circles & Bags Around Your Eyes

Puffiness and dark, under-eye circles generally form as you age, when your skin loses collagen and therefore weakens and sags. Why is the area under your eyes so susceptible to aging? Because the skin here is thin, fragile and lacks fat and muscle to support it.

Dark circles are usually hereditary, but both conditions can be exacerbated by sun damage, cruddy sleep, stress, dehydration and irritation, so your first step to clearer, smoother eyes is to make better lifestyle choices. Our top three pieces of advice? Wear sunglasses outside, sleep with your head elevated and add a topical eye treatment to your daily routine. Peptide Eye Gel is the nuts for tackling dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles around your eyes.

4. Visible Pores

Your pore size is another skin grievance that’s determined by genetics and newsflash: it’s physically impossible to shrink them – even though many skincare manufacturers would like you to believe otherwise.

However, by keeping your skin healthy, strong and supple, you can definitely improve the look of enlarged pores. Of course, protecting your skin from the sun is super important as UV rays break down collagen and compromise the structure of your skin. Therefore always wear a lightweight sunscreen and introduce antioxidants into your regime to further boost your protection.

You should also look out for gentle cleansers and toners containing salicylic or glycolic acid as these boost cellular turnover and help remove dead skin cells which can hang around on the surface of your skin and block your pores. Try Ocean Minerals Super Toner which contains glycolic acid along with MSM and our favorite antioxidant, vitamin C.

5. Cracked, Flaky Skin

Cracked, flaky skin is usually a result of dryness (or eczema, of course). Dry skin is hereditary, caused by a lack of natural sebum and is not to be confused with dehydration which is due to a lack of water in the skin and can affect any skin type – dry, normal, oily, you name it.

The best way to look after dryness and cracked skin is to treat it super carefully. Avoid harsh chemicals in your skincare and never wash your face in hot water which compromises your barrier function and depletes essential fatty acids and lipids from the surface of your skin. 

It’s also a great idea to include occlusive or emollient ingredients in your skincare to help repair and smooth over cracks and reduce moisture loss. Our Vitamin C Night Cream contains some of the best emollients including cocoa butter, beeswax and botanical oils like jojoba, rosehip and evening primrose oil.

6. Frown Lines

You might be applying the best eye treatment to the lines around your eyes, but what about those pesky 11 lines that lurk right between your eyebrows? What can you do about those – without having to resort to a syringe full of Botox, of course?

Frown lines are caused by the natural loss of collagen and elastin as you age, coupled with repeated facial expressions like raising your eyebrows, squinting and frowning.

Facial yoga can be an effective way to combat a crinkly forehead. A great one is to open your eyes as wide as possible – without wrinkling your forehead – then stare at the horizon for 10 seconds, relax and repeat five times.

Of course, the usual suspects of stress, excessive sun exposure and pollution also play their part, so protect your skin with SPF and antioxidant serums. We recommend our super-powered Vitamin C Super Serum+ which is packed to the brim with antioxidant favorites like vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and retinol.

7. Hormonal Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the US and can affect any one of us, at any time in our lives. Research shows that hormonal acne, which makes you break out while dealing with hormonal fluctuations during your periods or the menopause, affects 25 percent of women in their forties and a massive 50 percent of women in their twenties.

Retinol is an awesome ingredient for treating and controlling mild hormonal acne because it boosts cell turnover which helps slough off dead skin cells and prevents your pores from becoming blocked. Retinol can be pretty potent, remember, so introduce Retinol Facial Serum slowly into your routine and always perform a patch test first.

If your hormonal acne is severe and manifests itself through deep, cystic bumps, oral medications might prove more effective.

8. Dark Spots

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun damage is the most common cause of dark spots which usually appear on your face, hands, shoulders and/or arms – yes, the areas that are most often exposed to sunlight. It goes without saying, therefore, that if you limit your time in the sun, and protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you step outside, you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of developing sun-related dark spots. But you knew that.

Retinol, vitamin C and AHAs such as glycolic acid are also fabulous for dealing with minor, surface-level discolorations. Vitamin C has even been proven to prevent future dark spots from developing, so you’ve simply got to add Vitamin C Facial Serum to your daily routine if dark spots are your thing. And you really don’t want them to be…