True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Cleaning up your beauty act requires very little time and effort. All it takes are a few tweaks to the ingredients you use in your daily routine. Simple.

According to studies carried out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average woman uses around 12 cosmetic products a day. Sounds about right, doesn’t it? But the problem is, these products equate to a staggering 168 chemicals and contaminants that could be potentially harming your skin, your health and even the planet.

Now, we don’t know about you, but we’re not down with exposing ourselves and our precious world to so many chemicals on the reg when, frankly, we don’t have to. So, here, we talk you through some of the nastiest ingredients you should put on your beauty blacklist.

Oh, and public service announcement: you won’t find any of these ingredients in your TruSkin products. Not one. So, if you’re looking for a very lazy but super effective way to get a cleaner skincare routine, we’ve got your back.

Now let's get to it. Beauty bad boys, it’s time to stand up and be accountable

1. Parabens

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 years, you’ll know that parabens are a major no-no on your ingredients label. In theory, they sound like a great idea because they act like preservatives to prevent gross stuff like bacteria, mold and fungi from growing in your beauty products. However, while considered safe by the FDA, research suggests that parabens such as butyl, methyl and propyl parabens can be linked to hormone disruption, fertility and reproduction problems, even cancer.

The good news is we use small concentrations of alternative preservatives like ethylhexylglycerin and phenoxyethanol which are safer and much kinder to your skin and health.

2. Sulfates

Just like parabens, sulfates will undoubtedly be familiar to you for their notorious bad press in recent years. And sorry, sulfates, but we agree with every word of it, you’re nasty and unnecessary.

The thing about sulfates such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is they’re known irritants. Yes, they work extremely hard to clean your skin and hair by lathering up and removing oil, dirt and product residue. But they can cause all manner of problems for your eyes and skin including dryness, itching, redness and breakouts. Claims from the early ‘90s that sulfates were carcinogenic have since been disproven, so that’s something. But still, we say a big fat ‘no’ across all of our products.

Instead, we use milder, non-drying surfactants like disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate and disodium 2-sulfolaurate in our Vitamin C and Charcoal cleansers. Because we care about your skin as much as we care about our own.

3. Phthalates

Be wary if you ever see DEP, DBP or DEHP on your ingredients list. While deemed safe by the FDA, these phthalates are not cool, according to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics.

Often found in makeup, nail polish, cleansers and moisturizing lotions, phthalates are chemical compounds used as solvents, fixatives and fragrance stabilizers. Many experts believe phthalates cause reproductive and fertility problems and they’re actually banned from cosmetics in the EU which should be enough of a red flag, right there.

4. Hydroquinone

No harmful beauty ingredient list would be complete without the oh-so-controversial hydroquinone getting a brief mention. It’s completely banned in Europe, Australia and Japan and, as of September 2020, also became banned in over-the-counter products here in the US. Not only that, but all prescription hydroquinone products must now be approved by the FDA.

Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching chemical that inhibits melanin production to help fade dark spots and discolorations. It’s effective, boy is it effective. However, it can also be super irritating, thin your skin and may even make dark spots worse if it’s not used with the utmost of care. 

5. Silicones

There are hundreds of different silicones used in skincare and, while they might not be toxic, they have occlusive properties and therefore have the potential to build up on the surface of your skin. Not great for oily or acne-prone skin types for a start.

Silicones are also non-biodegradable which means there are gazillions of silicone microparticles being washed down the drain and into our oceans and wildlife on a daily basis.

It's still unclear exactly how detrimental silicones are to the environment, but we’re not willing to take the risk just to produce skincare that ‘feels good’ when you apply it. Plus, we think ours feel pretty darn amazing on your skin anyway, thanks, in part, to sustainable, natural oils like sweet almond and avocado oils. You'll find both of these in our Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream.

6. PFAS

Otherwise known as polyfluoroalkyl (or perfluoroalkyl) substances, PFASs are synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics to condition, soften and smooth or add shine to your skin or hair. They’re also formulated in things like waterproof mascara, to help repel water. Teflon is a common PFAS. Yes, the stuff used to make nonstick pans. Eesh.

There've been very few studies on PFA substances as skincare ingredients meaning the jury’s still out on whether they’re harmful to your skin and your health. However, the EWG reckons PFASs are ‘among the most worrisome’ of chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products and have the potential to pollute ‘people, animals, drinking water and the environment.’

If that worries you – and we believe it should – be wary of any beauty ingredient that has the word ‘fluoro’ in it. These are all PFA substances.

7. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is banned in many countries and highly restricted in Europe and Canada due to its links with cancer and potential to harm your immune system. While historically used as a preservative, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll see formaldehyde in your skincare these days as it’s become a well-known toxic ingredient that manufacturers prefer to avoid. Phew.

However, there are many other preservatives still in use that slowly release formaldehyde when applied to your skin. Not cool. Look out for, and avoid, ingredients like quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, bromopol and glyoxal. 

Now, you can better understand what you put on your body. And reap the benefits of better skin and a cleaner conscience into the bargain. 

Because firming the skin on your face doesn’t have to mean a trip to the injector’s office…

We always advocate loving the skin you’re in, but there’s no harm in trying your best to minimize the stuff that annoys you the most, right?

Take loose skin, for example. Correct us if we’re wrong, but this has to be the sneakiest skin ager of the lot, creeping up on you until, wham, your jawline suddenly goes from firm and taut to, well, a little bit saggy.

So, why does your skin slacken as you age? Because collagen. As you know, collagen is one of the most important proteins in your skin, giving it structure and strength by acting like scaffolding to hold it all together. When you hit your mid-twenties, however, studies show your skin produces about 1 percent less collagen each year. Dang. This means your skin gradually becomes thinner, more delicate and more prone to the visible signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, rough skin, uneven tone and the inevitable sagging.

Unfortunately you can’t press pause on the clock and stop your skin from maturing after the age of 25. But you can work to prevent all the other external stuff that accelerates the rate at which your skin ages. For starters you MUST protect your skin from the sun which is the number one cause of skin aging. Then, of course it’s sensible to get more sleep, reduce your stress levels, not smoke and drink less alcohol. You know the drill.

Once you’ve nailed some smart lifestyle choices, it’s time to think about your skincare routine and what it needs to help keep any tricky areas more firm and youthful-looking. Not sure where to start? Then here are our favorites...

Vitamin C

When it comes to firming your skin, vitamin C is a no brainer. How so? Because it fights hard to neutralize free radicals which, if left alone, accelerate collagen breakdown and cause no end of damage to your skin. Consistent use of a topical vitamin C treatment (oh hi there, Vitamin C Facial Serum) not only keeps free radicals and all their nasty side-effects at bay, but because it’s highly acidic it also triggers your skin to produce more collagen to help heal itself.

As we said, no brainer.

Facial Massage

Massaging your skin as you cleanse? Priceless. And if you’re worried about getting your technique absolutely perfect, don’t be. As long as you’re not too full-on, pulling and pushing your skin like your life depended on it, any kind of massage using your hands and the pads of your fingers will boost collagen production to help lift, tighten and firm your skin. As a sidenote, it will also improve blood circulation to flush out toxins and add that all-important glow.

If your loose areas are mainly around your chin and jawline (the dreaded jowls), concentrate on these areas specifically when you cleanse your skin, using Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser for an added antioxidant boost. Work it up and down your neck using the pads of your fingers, then place the palms of your hands on each side of your nose and smooth your hands up towards your hairline a few times to lift the cheeks. Next, pinch the bottom of your chin with your thumbs underneath and your knuckles on top, then repeat this action all the way up your jawline to your ears. Do this a few times every day.

Retinol

Retinol is a winner for battling against free radical damage and stimulating collagen synthesis. It works by altering the behavior of aging skin cells to enhance cell turnover and make your skin appear younger-looking. Like most derms and skin experts, we’re always blowing retinol’s trumpet. But it works, so go figure.

Of course, you have to be patient and consistent with retinol because it takes a good three months for it to start offering visible results. It’s good, but it’s not a miracle-worker, OK? Try Retinol Facial Serum two or three times a week making sure to smooth it over your jawline and down your neck to help boost collagen and lift these troublesome areas.

Facial Exercises

Did you know your face contains around 50 muscles? Best start working them out then – especially since many of them rarely get used.

To help firm and tighten your skin, exercise your facial muscles three or four times a week for 10-15 minutes at a time. A great one for your neck and jowls is to tilt your head up to the sky, then pucker up your lips and push them forward as if you’re trying to kiss the sky. Hold this for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat five times.

Peptides

If retinol and vitamin C aren’t enough for you, boost your collagen even further by making sure your skincare routine contains peptides. Peptides are similar to proteins in that they’re chemical compounds made up of amino acids – the building blocks of pretty much everything in the human body. When it comes to your skin, peptides act like little messengers to encourage your cells to produce more collagen and elastin. And just to reiterate, if you’re hoping to maintain the firmness of your skin, collagen is everything.

To up your peptide game and help firm and tone sagging skin around your eyes, our Eye Gel has totally got your back. And for an all-over skin lift, try Ocean Minerals Super Toner which is awash with peptides and the perfect way to refine, refresh and improve laxity. In our humble opinion, anyway.

LED Light Therapy

LED (light-emitting deode) therapy works by discharging various frequencies or wavelengths of infrared light to trigger certain reactions deep within the skin. Depending on the type of light used, your skin will react in different ways. Blue light, for example kills bacteria to help clear acne, but if you’re looking to boost collagen and firm your skin, a combination of red, amber and/or white light is going to be more up your street.

Red and amber lights are the shortest and target the top layers of your skin to boost circulation and stimulate collagen production which, note to self, makes them the perfect combination for firming and lifting. Meanwhile, white light, which is usually administered during in-office treatments only, penetrates the deepest and is thought to help reduce inflammation and help tighten your skin.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, in-office treatments can be costly because you’ll need up to 10 sessions to get the best results, with each one costing anything from $25-$85. In other news, however, at-home LED kits are available which are a tad easier on your wallet.

MSM

Otherwise known as methylsulfonylmethane (trying saying that after a few White Claws), MSM is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound that promotes circulation, fights inflammation and plays a major role in the production and composition of collagen and keratin. It also boosts your body’s antioxidant defense system (bye bye free radicals) so is a total shoo-in for maintaining firm, youthful-looking skin.

We believe very strongly in MSM and incorporate it in many of our favorite skincare formulations including Vitamin C Serum, Vitamin C Super Serum+, Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser and both of our eye treatments.

Love to exfoliate but hate how irritated your sensitive skin gets? Chances are you’re doing it all wrong…

If you have sensitive skin you’ll know that daily scrubbing with a full-on exfoliating face wash is bad news. In all honesty, vigorous exfoliation is far from ideal for any skin type (yes, even oily skin), but still, sensitive souls are likely to feel the burn way more than most. And this is down to your all-important skin barrier function.

Everybody’s skin has a protective, fatty barrier that works to keep water in and irritants out. Sensitive skin usually has a weaker, thinner barrier than other skin types which makes it less able to retain moisture (hello dryness and dehydration) and easily irritated by external triggers. Things like extreme heat, wind, pollution and topical skincare can all cause discomfort to sensitive skin types, making it feel sore, itchy, extremely dry or inflamed.

In cases of severe sensitivities or ongoing, underlying conditions such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and contact dermatitis these symptoms are often ten times worse. This is because your immune system goes into overdrive to protect your body from any perceived threats (irritants) that have broken through your skin’s barrier. An inflammatory response then occurs and results in everything you know and hate about your eczema, psoriasis and the like.

If you do have a certain skin condition, you should always consult your dermatologist for advice on how best to exfoliate your skin – chances are you should cut it out of your routine entirely. But if your sensitivities are less ongoing and more controllable at home, you can still benefit from a little exfoliation in your life. You just need to know how to do it correctly.

Below, our five golden rules for safe exfoliation for sensitive skin…

Rule #1. Chemical exfoliation is usually better than physical exfoliation

There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators include anything that requires you to exert some kind of physical movement or pressure to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. Think face scrubs, loofahs and cleansing brushes.

Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, use chemicals to break down the bonds between your skin cells so they can naturally shed without you putting too much effort in. Typical chemical exfoliators are AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid, as well as BHAs such as salicylic acid.

Both physical and chemical exfoliators have their place in the world, but if your skin errs on the side of sensitive, look out for a chemical treatment that gently exfoliates but also hydrates and soothes your skin at the same time.

Our Ocean Minerals Super Toner contains glycolic acid making it the ideal way to boost cell turnover without causing too much irritation. Apply it to clean skin two or three times a week. If your skin suffers with sensitivities AND breakouts, however, you might be better off with our Vitamin C Super Serum+ which contains salicylic acid to target excess oil production. Again, apply this to clean, dry skin two or three times a week, perhaps even less if you’re super sensitive.

Rule #2. Oftentimes, a clean washcloth is enough to do the trick

Even chemical exfoliation can cause irritation if you’re not careful, but a great way to avoid this is to do a patch test first, then you'll know if that particular product is going to work for you. And if not? Don’t sweat it too much as there are still plenty of ways to gently boost cell turnover and get your glow on.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the easiest way to gently exfoliate sensitive skin is to invest in a few washcloths. Cleanse your skin as normal by gently apply a mild cleanser like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser to damp skin. Then moisten your cloth and work this over your skin for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water and patting dry with a clean towel. The action of the cloth works like a very light physical exfoliator. Just remember to wash your cloths after every use to stop bacteria from breeding and causing further irritation to your skin.

Rule #3. Important: don’t exfoliate too often

Some people can get away with exfoliating their skin five times a week, maybe even daily. But sensitive skin types? Not so much. Of course, how often you exfoliate varies from person to person, but we recommend sticking to once or twice a week to begin with. You can always increase your frequency at a later stage if you think your skin will benefit from doing so.

Rule #4. Let retinol do its thing

This may sound like crazy talk, considering the potency of retinol, but a mild formulation can be a great tool for providing exfoliation AND anti-aging benefits to sensitive skin.

Retinol boosts collagen and elastin production to help reduce lines, dark spots and poor skin tone. But not only that, it also forces your cells to turn over more quickly which hey, is what exfoliation is all about, after all.

Instead of a full-on retinol serum, try adding Retinol Moisturizer into your skincare routine once or twice a week. Moisturizers don’t penetrate the skin quite as deeply as serums, which means you’ll still get the benefits of all those awesome active ingredients… but they’re less likely to irritate your skin. Retinol Moisturizer also contains aloe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin E to heal, plus jojoba oil and shea butter to seal moisture into your skin. Patch test it first to check for sensitivities and always introduce it slowly into your routine. This is really important. Like, REALLY important – especially when it comes to sensitive skin. Got it? Good.

Rule #5. Always follow with moisturizer

Exfoliation not only deeply cleanses your skin and boosts cell turnover, but it can also remove a lot of good stuff from the surface of your skin, causing it to become dry and dehydrated in no time. But this is an easy fix, as long as you always apply moisturizer after exfoliating.

If you’re using our Retinol Moisturizer to gently exfoliate your skin, you’ve nailed this step already, but if you’re exfoliating with a washcloth or chemical serum, you must always follow with a separate moisturizer. Try Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer each morning and Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream before bed.

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, 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)