True Radical Honesty From Our Community

Aging skin isn’t just a result of getting old and spending too much time in the sun. What you eat also has a major impact on how fast your skin ages…

When it comes to skin aging, you can’t stop time (AKA intrinsic aging), but there are many other ways for you to control the rate in which fine lines, wrinkles, poor texture and sagging skin strike. Everything from pollution and sun damage through to stress, lack of sleep and of course, your diet are totally at your command and they’re major players in the look, feel and health of your skin.

We like to think we’re pretty thorough with our skin education and have already covered most causes of extrinsic aging (the fancy term for all the external stuff that affects the youthfulness of your skin). But one topic that’s passed us by is your diet.

Until now.

Eating a well-balanced, rounded diet that’s high in fibre and protein, yet low in carbs and fat is kind of a given. But knowing what you should or shouldn’t be devouring and actually putting this knowledge into practice are two very different things. However, if you’re anything like us, understanding what some of the biggest culprits are doing to your skin will make you question whether that second helping of key lime pie is really worth it.

To follow are five of the biggest dietary sins for skin aging, plus how to choose better alternatives. Don’t fret, we don’t expect you to completely cut these out of your diet for good (we’re not total savages). Just try to be mindful of what you eat. And that, we know you can do…

Skin Sin #1: Sugar

Research shows that excess sugar leads to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds produced by the skin through a process called glycation. They form when you bombard your body with sugar and it attacks your skin cells, latching onto fats and proteins such as collagen and elastin, causing them to stiffen, weaken and performing poorly. This onslaught of sugar damage shows up on your skin’s surface in the form of lines, wrinkles, sagginess and dullness. No fun.

When you’re young, your body has the ability to fight oxidative stress caused by AGEs by producing plenty of fresh collagen and fighting off free radicals. However, as you get older, your body can’t keep up which is why a sugar-high diet causes your skin to age up lightning fast

Make The Switch: Cut down on refined white sugar and corn syrup, swapping it out for honey wherever possible. And snack on fruit to help curb your sweet cravings – go for antioxidant-rich options like blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

It's also wise to add some topical antioxidants into your daily skincare routine to further fight free radical damage. We have many favorites, but a great place to start is Niacinamide Facial Serum which is super gentle but no less effective than some of its more potent friends like vitamin C and retinol.

Skin Sin #2: Salt

A diet that’s laden with salt is a fast-ticket to eczema flare-ups, acne breakouts and puffy, under eye bags. It’s also terribly dehydrating for your poor complexion. Excess sodium literally sucks all the moisture out of your skin which completely ruins your barrier function and results in dryness, itching, irritation and flakiness. It also causes inflammation and weakens collagen which, as you all know, is essential for plump, youthful-looking skin.

Make The Switch: Don’t get us wrong, salt is vital in small amounts for your health and well-being. Plus, avoiding it completely would be impossible. Instead, avoid adding salt when cooking, cut down on cheese and processed meats, and next time you’re tempted to throw a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in your shopping cart, go for unsalted nuts, instead. 

Skin Sin #3: Fried Food

Fried, processed foods like burgers, fries and brats not only raise your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol, but they also increase the number of AGEs in your skin. They’re a little different to the ones sugar plague you with, however. How so? Well, these AGEs are not created inside your body, but form within the food when it's cooked at especially high, dry temperatures.

Studies have shown that dry heat may increase the amount of AGEs in food by up to 100 times their levels before cooking. Baking, broiling, roasting and barbecuing all cause AGEs to form in certain high fat/high protein foods (especially red meat), but frying is undoubtedly the worst for your skin and health. For example, fried bacon contains around ten times the number of AGEs as microwaved bacon. Dang.

Make The Switch: If you can't say no to fried foods, at the very least swap regular fries for sweet potato fries (preferably baked). Also, choose lean, white meat such as chicken and turkey above fatty, processed meats like hot dogs and beef patties.

Skin Sin #4: Refined Carbs

Again, this is all about AGEs – yeah, we know, those pesky devils get everywhere, don't they? As with sugar, your body turns refined carbs like white bread, pasta and rice into glucose, causing a serious amount of glycation and all the skin damage that comes with it. Say no more.

Make The Switch: When digested, all carbs are converted into sugar, but good carbs like wholemeal bread and brown rice produce way less and do it in a much slower fashion. This makes them much better for maintaining younger-looking skin. Furthermore, ‘good carbs’ retain more fibre and B vitamins, so nutritionally they’re far superior.

Skin Sin #5: Dairy

Dairy’s a controversial one because it’s a key source of potassium, calcium, zinc and vitamins A, B12 and D, so it's essential for the health of your skin. It’s also perfectly fine for many people and causes few problems for their skin. That being said, there are a significant number of people who are lactose intolerant and find that dairy increases inflammation which leads to free radical damage among may other things. As you know, free radicals break down collagen and elastin, accelerate skin aging and give your skin a general feeling of ‘meh.'

Make The Switch: If you think dairy could be causing your skin problems, try alternatives like almond milk, vegan cheese and coconut yoghurt.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Of course, a balanced healthy diet is always key and completely eliminating any essential foods (fried food aside – we said essential!) can have serious health implications. Therefore, always visit your doctor or a dietician for advice before doing anything drastic.

You all know how damaging the sun is to your skin, but what about all the other stuff going on around you? Here’s a look at how air pollution affects the health of your skin.

Environmental pollution: the struggle for our poor world is most certainly real. But closer to home, and to really drive that nail in the coffin, pollution also has negative effects on your skin. In fact, experts believe air pollution plays a major part in the way in which your skin looks and feels and it’s known to be a huge factor in exacerbating (perhaps even causing) concerns like dark spots, wrinkles, inflammation and many other signs of skin aging.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States has come a long way since the Clean Air Act was enforced in 1970 to help protect the ozone, reduce toxic pollutants and improve air quality. But despite these improvements, air pollution continues to cause harm to your health and the world in which you live.

So, what is environmental pollution and exactly what is it doing to your skin? More importantly, is there anything you can do to prevent this onslaught of damage?

What Is Environmental Pollution?

Environmental pollution encompasses any gas or particle that’s been created and released into the atmosphere by us pesky human beings. Think exhaust fumes from your car; cigarette smoke; soot and acid from power plants, even smoke from your charcoal grill or fire pit. These human activities all create microscopic specks of pollutants that are released into the air.

If you live in a city or a particularly industrial area, you’ll be hard pushed to escape environmental pollution on a daily basis, but don’t think you’re safe even if you live by the beach or in the countryside ­– the truth is, air pollution is everywhere.

What Does Environmental Pollution Do To Your Skin?

Two words: free radicals. Pollution is one of the biggest causes of free radical damage. Furthermore, pollutant particles can be 20 times smaller than your skin’s pores, which means they can really get under your skin – like, literally. 

Free radicals are unstable molecules that react with all the good stuff in your skin, stealing electrons from unsuspecting proteins and causing no end of damage to things like collagen and elastin. As you know, collagen and elastin are super important for the support, strength and structure of your skin so any damage they suffer has disastrous effects on your skin, accelerating premature aging and causing your skin to become loose, thin, saggy and wrinkled way before its time.

Gaseous pollutants are less likely to penetrate your skin, but they’re equally as evil. These work away at the surface, causing problems with your skin’s protective barrier and eventually breaking it down, allowing toxic particles to penetrate your skin and essential moisture to escape.

All in all, air pollution paints a pretty ugly picture for the health of your skin, aggravating your barrier function and compounding problems like dark spots, poor texture, enlarged pores, irritation, wrinkles and well, need we go on? Thought not.

3 Ways To Protect Your Skin From Environmental Pollution

OK, so there’s bad news and good news when it comes to battling environmental pollution. First, the bad news: you’ll never win the war against environmental pollution and protect your skin 100 percent of the time. It’s just too big of a beast. However, the good news is there are tons of way to prevent those nasty pollutants from doing their worst.

Here are three of our favorite anti-pollution skincare weapons…

Weapon #1: Detoxifying Charcoal

The best way to reduce surface pollutants is with detoxifying cleansing ingredients like activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is a little bit like a sponge and works by binding itself to pollutants then whisking them clean away. It’s often used in medicine to remove dangerous toxins that have been ingested, but it’s also a great skincare ingredient for clearing away anything nasty from the skin’s surface. Our Skin Clearing Charcoal Face Wash is formulated with activated coconut charcoal which is produced by burning coconut, then treating it to remove unwanted substances and increase its surface area. Activated coconut charcoal is one of the best ingredients for removing pollutants, as well as bacteria, excess oil, makeup and other unwanted debris for the surface of your skin. Use it to cleanse your skin morning and night and your complexion will be much less polluted as a result.

Weapon #2: Antioxidants

Nothing fights free radicals like antioxidants, so up your intake in both your skincare and your diet to hit those FRs from all angles.

When it comes to your topical skincare choices, an antioxidant treatment serum is an absolute must. Active ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamins C and E all have awesome antioxidant properties. Even better, choose a carefully curated formulation that combines one or more antioxidant ingredients. All of our serums contain at least one topical antioxidant and are perfect for applying to clean skin before your moisturizer to counteract the effects of free radical damage.

Not sure which serum will suit you best? We get it, they’re all pretty darn fabulous. However, we can help you with that tricky decision, right here.

Combine an awesome topical antioxidant serum with a diet that’s rich in nuts, beans and fresh fruit and veggies such as cherries, berries, leafy greens and carrots and you’ll be well on your way to reducing the effects of free radical damage (aka oxidative stress). Oh, you might also want to treat yourself to some antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, too. Arm. Officially. Twisted.

Weapon #3: Strengthening Night Cream

Keep your barrier function strong, supple and hydrated to help shield your skin from as many airborne pollutants as you can. This will also prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – the amount of water that evaporates through your skin – to reduce your chances of developing unwanted dryness, dehydration and inflammation. So, there’s that.

To maintain a healthy barrier, avoid over-exfoliating your skin and try to keep harsh chemicals, bad alcohols and fragrance to a minimum as these will strip away all of the natural oils and nutrients from the surface of your skin.

Before bed, you should also apply a night cream as the last step in your evening skincare routine to strengthen and moisturize your barrier function.

Our new Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream blends antioxidant-rich vitamin C with aloe, MSM and botanical oils to deeply replenish, heal and support your skin.

Be afraid air pollution, be very afraid.

It’s time to celebrate dads, husbands, grandpas and dads-to-be by saying no to substandard gifts of socks and chocs in favor of awesome skincare they will love.

Father’s Day is coming up fast (June 20^th in case you were wondering), so if you’re fed up of panic-buying cruddy presents for the special guys in your life, imagine how they feel receiving novelty socks and weird cufflinks year after year.

Well, this Father's Day, it’s time to avoid those awkward ‘erm, thanks, darling?’ moments by stepping up your gifting game with something he’ll a) love, b) use and c) want to buy again and again.

Thankfully, we’ve got your back with five of our favorite grooming products for every father figure in your life. After all, whether you're looking for a gift for your stepdad, grandpa, husband or pup-crazy dog dad, we don’t know any guy who doesn’t want better, younger-looking, clearer skin. Just don’t leave it too late to get ordering, folks! You’ve not got long…

1. Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser

One of our best-selling products for the boys, Charcoal Clarifying Cleanser is a real winner for men of all persuasions but it’s specifically great for fitness fanatics, outdoorsy types or those with oily skin. It contains activated coconut charcoal, you see, which draws out toxins from the pores and mops up excess oil. And all this without sucking out every last drop of life from the skin – which, frankly, is a common mistake made by both men and women.

The Perfect Gift For: Younger dads with oily skin; beardy types who suffer with breakouts around their jaws, or active guys who love going to the gym (it’s a great way to decongest and detoxify the skin post-workout).

2. Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer

Radiant, glowing skin will always be in. You know that. We know you know that. But what about the special guys in your life? Maybe they’re not so aware of what their skin is missing out on and have no idea how to deal with a dull, tired-looking face, other than scrubbing it to death in the shower every morning. Ouch.

Say hello to Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer which is the answer to all his lifeless-looking skin problems. Free of harsh chemicals that may dry out his skin and brimming with skin-friendly goodies like vitamin C (obvs), vitamin E, jojoba oil and glycerin, this daily boost of hydration is ideal for all skin types and is super lightweight so won’t leave his skin feeling like it’s been doused in moisturizer. Because most guys hate that.

The Perfect Gift For: Any man in your life, but especially those who work hard, play hard and whose skin suffers as a consequence.

3. Tea Tree Super Serum+

Who doesn’t love the smell of cooling, refreshing tea tree oil? And the best thing about one of nature’s hardest-working essential oils? Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities make it awesome for unclogging pores and soothing angry flare-ups. Our Tea Tree Super Serum+ is also formulated with salicylic acid to boost cell turnover, vitamin C to protect the skin and fight damaging free radicals, plus hyaluronic acid to hydrate and heal. What’s more, buy it for your partner from the kids and you’ll have it on hand for when you need to banish those pesky monthly breakouts – bonus.

The Perfect Gift For: Guys who suffer with ingrown hairs, oily skin or breakouts on their face or body. It’s potent stuff, though, so remind him to use it just two or three times a week.

4. Retinol Facial Serum

Retinol: could there be a more revered ingredient in the skincare industry? Short answer: no. Loved by derms, celebrities, beauty/grooming editors and of course, ourselves, retinol is one of those anti-aging ingredients that simply works. Time and time again, it’s been proven hard to beat in the battle against lines, wrinkles, poor texture, uneven tone and sagging skin. It also helps heal existing damage by enhancing the skin’s ability to produce collagen.

Chances are you’ve already introduced some retinol into your skincare life, so why not allow your favorite man in on the secret? And our Retinol Facial Serum is bang on the money. Unlike heavy retinol creams, this can be layered easily under moisturiser and he’ll feel like his skin is wearing nothing at all. Genius, don’tcha think?

The Perfect Gift For: Any man who wants better skin without trying too hard. Retinol is an awesome age-defying ingredient but can be used from as early as age 25, so young guys who are skincare savvy will love it just as much as grandpa.

5. Peptide Eye Gel

Tired, puffy, crinkly eyes get us all in the end. Why? Because the skin around the eyes is much thinner and contains fewer sebaceous glands than the rest of the face. This means it’s more prone to the visible signs of aging and more likely to become dry due to lack of natural oils and environmental damage. Couple all this with the slings and arrows of stress, no sleep, too much booze and a poor diet and the eye area literally stands no chance.

If the man in your life could do with a little help in the eye department, think about treating him to our Peptide Eye Gel. He’ll find it super easy to dab this cooling gel around his eyes and once he’s tried it, he’ll love the way it wakes up his entire face with very little effort.

The Perfect Gift For: New dads getting by on just a few hours of sleep; guys who are always the life and soul of every party (but often wake up feeling like hell), or any dad who needs a little pick-me-up.

Most of you will have had the displeasure of a blackhead or two at some point in your lives. Gosh, aren’t they annoying? Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with the pesky little things…

From whiteheads to full-blown pimples, acne is the worst and, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it affects almost 50 million Americans every year. And blackheads are right up there among the things you definitely do NOT want on your skin. Puffy eyes, dark spots and saggy jowls can do one too, but they’re topics for another day…

So, blackheads. What the heck are they? And why you?

What Are Blackheads?

Also known as open comedones, blackheads are caused by overactive sebaceous glands that create way too much oil than your skin really needs. This oil sits in and blocks up dilated hair follicles where it combines with dead skin cells, opening the pore so much that it breaks through and hits the air where it oxidizes and turns black. This means that contrary to popular belief, blackheads aren’t pores filled with dirt; their dark color is simply because of their reaction with the air. So, there’s one piece of good news, at least. Oh and btw, when all this happens, but the hair follicle remains closed, the bump becomes a whitehead (or closed comedone) rather than a blackhead. The lesser of two evils? Potayto, potahto…

Blackheads are rarely painful because they’re not inflamed like regular pimples. They usually appear on your t-zone (especially on and around the nose), but they can also crop up on your back, chest, arms and shoulders. If you have oily skin, then you’re way more likely to be a blackhead sufferer, but hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause or while taking the pill can also increase oil production and your chances of developing them. And, of course, all the other culprits that send your sebaceous glands into overdrive can also play their part – hi there stress, environmental pollution and lack of sleep.

So, How Can You Win The Blackhead War?

Keeping oil production under control is the absolute key – and you can do that through a number of ways…

1. DO Use A Detoxifying Cleanser

Cleanse your skin morning, night and always after exercising to help remove oil buildup. But remember, steer clear of super harsh products that completely strip your skin and kick-start it to produce even more oil. That’s what we call a vicious circle. Instead, look for more gentle, non-irritating cleansers that help detox your skin while helping to restore balance.

Skin Clearing Charcoal Face Wash is great for this as it contains activated coconut charcoal to mop up any debris (oil included) from the skin’s surface to help decongest your pores and clarify your complexion.

2. DON’T Squeeze Your Blackheads

As tempting as it is to prod, poke and press away at your blackheads, removing them is a fine art and best left to the professionals. Unless you love causing inflammation and possible scarring of course? No, thought not.

Book yourself in for an extraction facial instead of attempting to squeeze them out at home.

3. DO Embrace Salicylic Acid

One of the most effective ingredients for tackling oil production is the mighty salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works like a chemical exfoliator to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells which makes them fall off to reveal the fresh, new skin underneath. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids, however, salicylic acid goes one step further, penetrating deeper into your skin to target and remove excess sebum.

Our Tea Tree Clear Skin Super Serum harnesses the powers of salicylic acid, combining it with hydrating hyaluronic acid and free radical-fighting niacinamide to help unblock pores and heal your skin. It’s perfect as an all-over treatment, two or three times a week, or use it nightly to spot treat specific areas that are prone to blackheads and other breakouts.

4. DON’T Forget To Moisturize Twice Daily

Keeping your skin as balanced as possible is vital if you want to reduce oil production and maintain healthy skin. Yes, it might feel weird to put something on your skin that has the potential to block your pores, but as long as you choose wisely, your skin will be fine. In fact, more than fine: better. So, never skip moisturizer. It’s important, OK?

Just make sure to avoid occlusive ingredients which really will block your pores. Occlusives create a physical barrier on your skin’s surface to help prevent moisture loss and they’re great for dry, sensitive or dehydrated skin… but they’re terrible for oily or acne-prone skin types as they’re far too thick and heavy. Instead of occlusive ingredients like cocoa butter and mineral oils, choose formulations that contain a blend of humectants (eg. hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to draw in water and emollients (eg. jojoba oil and squalane) to seal it all in.

5. DO Apply Retinol Before Bed

Retinol is considered the cream of the crop as an anti-aging ingredient, but it’s also pretty kick-ass when it comes to tackling breakouts.

It works by speeding up cell proliferation to make dead skin cells get out of town quicker. This, of course, means retinol is ideal for helping to keep your pores clear, allowing your skin to stay smooth and blackhead-free. Not only that, but studies show retinol also has the potential to decrease sebum production. Win-win.

Retinol is a pretty potent ingredient, however, so you should always introduce it slowly into your skincare routine. After patch testing, begin applying it just once or twice a week to clean, dry skin. Then, as your skin acclimates, you can move to three or four times a week, gradually building to every night.

Finally, If your blackheads are seriously getting you down, it might be worth coupling a great skincare routine with a trip to your derm’s office. There are many powerful medications and treatments like dermabrasion and chemical peels that can help keep severe breakouts under control.

So, the moral of the story? Don’t let blackheads get you down. Simply get even.

When your skin has seen better days, the simplest changes to your routine can reap awesome rewards. Here are 10 easy skincare hacks that promise to up your complexion game in super-fast time.

Looking for ways to tweak your skincare that a) don’t cost a small fortune, b) don’t add hours onto your routine and c) make a real, visible difference to your complexion? How about we raise all that and give you ten? 

1. Always Patch Test Your Skincare

Patch testing any new skincare product is one of the most important ways for you to avoid irritation, redness and inflammation. Sure, it means you’ll have to be patient and wait a day or two before using your product all over your face, but it’s so worth it in the long run.

Not sure how to perform a patch test? We can help with that, right here.

2. Moisturize From Head-To-Toe

We think by now you understand the importance of moisturizing the skin on your face twice daily (yes, even if you do have extremely oily skin). But can you say, hand on heart, that you treat the skin on your body with just as much care and attention? We bet that's a big fat 'no,' but the thing is, your skin is your largest organ and needs looking after from head-to-toe.

Your body actually contains fewer sebaceous (oil-producing) glands than your face, scalp, neck and chest, and certain areas like your shins, for example, are severely lacking in their own natural moisturizing system. Therefore, always moisturize your body with Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer, as soon as you step out of the shower to help lock in water.

Formulas that contain a blend of humectants, emollients and occlusives are fantastic and don’t be scared of rich butters and balms, either. These are great for the skin on your body because fewer sebaceous glands mean less pore blockages and a lower risk of breakouts.

3. Workout Your Face

Skin feeling a bit meh? Facial exercises are an easy, quick and totally free way to boost circulation and stimulate collagen for a more youthful glow. One of our favorites is to push out your lips as if you’re about to kiss someone, hold this for a few seconds, then smile as widely as you can, again holding this position for a few seconds. Repeat these movement five times a day.

PS: Flipping your head upside down for a few minutes each day will also boost circulation to your skin, helping add radiance to a dull complexion.

4. Exfoliate With A Facecloth

Looking for an easy way to boost cell turnover and gently rid the surface of your face from all those dead, pore-clogging skin cells? Worried that scrubs and chemical exfoliators like AHAs are a tad potent for your skin? Then try using a damp facecloth when you cleanse. Apply your cleanser (we love Vitamin C Daily Facial Cleanser) as normal to damp skin, massage it all over with your hands, then use your washcloth to gently rub your cleanser all over. Rinse, pat dry and you’re done.

5. Go Easy On The Makeup

Many dermatologists agree that clients who wear little or no makeup have much clearer, brighter skin than those who regularly pile it on. We know going makeup-free may be easier said than done, but try toning it down for days when you’re not at work or socializing (isn’t it nice to say that again?). Swap out heavy foundation for tinted moisturizer and avoid powders which can instantly age you up.

6. Show Kindness To Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is ridiculously thin and fragile, so if you fail to treat it with the respect it deserves, it will punish you with sagging, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles quicker than you can say “pass the eye cream.”

No matter how young you are, looking after the skin around your eyes is priceless. And it’s really no biggie. Simply invest in a moisturizing eye cream like our Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream and use your ring fingers to pat or gently smooth a small amount around your eyes, morning and night. Using your ring fingers stops you from applying too much pressure or unnecessarily dragging the skin.

7. Be Patient With Your Skincare

Swapping and changing products week in week out because you think they're not working is a sure-fire way to irritation, dryness and sub-par skin. So, don’t be mad when your new facial serum doesn’t immediately give you the skin of an angel. Just give it some time. Adult skin has a lifecycle of around 28 days which means any product that works on a deep, cellular level (eg. serums) also need the same amount of time to do its best work.

8. Embrace Retinol

If you’re concerned about aging skin and are looking to up your anti-aging skincare routine with just one new ingredient, it has to be retinol. Proven to be one of the most effective ingredients for stimulating cellular turnover and increasing the production of collagen, retinol is the undeniable king of age-defiers. It not only helps treat and prevent skin aging, but many experts believe it can also reverse the signs of visible aging. Strong claims, right there. Try our lightweight Retinol Facial Serum which is a big fan favorite.

9. Keep Your Pillowcase Super Clean

A dirty pillowcase is a breeding ground for dirt, debris, oil and bacteria which can equal serious breakouts on your skin if you leave them to their own devices. Yes, you might be super strict when it comes to cleansing your face before bed, but what about your hair? Exactly.

Clean your pillowcase at least once a week (preferably twice) and live by the same rules for anything else that touches your skin on a regular basis, eg: face masks, makeup brushes and your smartphone.

10. Sleep On Your Back

While we’re on the topic of bedtime, make sure you don’t sleep on your belly. Smushing your face into your pillow folds up your skin, etching in fine lines and wrinkles just where you don’t want them. Continue to do this for years and years and those creases could become a permanent fixture. Eek.

According to sleep.org, the best way to avoid ‘sleep lines’ is to sleep on your back. If you couldn’t think of anything worse, invest in a silk pillowcase as these are much smoother and create less friction against your skin. Oh, and don’t forget to help your skin revive itself overnight with a nice slathering of Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

Your skin, and how you look after it, can deeply impact your emotional well-being. Here’s how to boost your confidence and lift your spirits by learning to love and care for the skin you’re in.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we firmly believe your skin can play a major role in your state of mind.

Think about how you feel when you look at your face in the mirror. Those ‘off’ days when your complexion looks kinda lousy rarely fill you with confidence. But other days when your skin seems to naturally glow from within? Priceless for your self-esteem. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. More serious skin concerns like rosacea, eczema or hormonal acne can often stop people from leaving the house and living a normal, day-to-day life. In a 2014 study carried out by the National Rosacea Society, for example, a massive 90 percent of rosacea patients reported low self-confidence and over half said they avoided regular face-to-face contact.

The fact is simple: your skin plays a vital role in the way you feel about yourself. When it looks and feels awesome, you feel better about yourself. It’s just the way the human psyche works. But the thing is, we’re all different and your skin and its condition should never define you. Yes, your crow’s feet might drive you crazy and sure, that zit on your chin is as annoying as hell. But remember, 1) you're not alone – imperfect skin is perfectly normal and 2) nobody notices your 'flaws' as much as you do. 

If you’re feeling stressed about your complexion, however, here are a few ways to help you fall in love with your skin again – and up your self-confidence levels at the same time.

1. Enjoy A Consistent Routine

While trying new products and upping your skincare game is fabulous within reason, having a consistent skincare routine allows for true noticeable results to start happening. This makes it one of the best ways to maintain healthy skin. You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth every other morning, would you? Then respect your skin in exactly the same way.

Set aside five or 10 minutes or so each morning and evening to gently cleanse, tone, treat and moisturize your skin using the best ingredients and formulations for your skin. And remember, apply them according to their instructions and always in the correct order. Look after your skin – especially before bed when it’s getting ready to regenerate and revive itself – and your skin will look after you.

Having a regular morning and evening skincare routine doesn't just benefit your skin, however. It also helps give you structure, grounding and has been proven to improve mental stability. Studies show that people who have more consistent routines throughout the day are less likely to suffer with mood problems and depression. To boost your state of mind even further, use products that make you feel good and you enjoy using like our Vitamin C Super Serum+ which contains essential oils like pink grapefruit, lavender and ylang ylang to help lift your mood and alleviate anxiety.

2. Get Your Glow On With A Weekly Pampering Session

Taking care of your skin is awesome for your mental health because it allows you to focus on yourself and stop worrying about all the other stuff that might be stressing you out. Set aside one hour a week to pamper your skin and you will immediately improve your well-being (not to mention your complexion) without even thinking about it. Lock the bathroom door, light a candle, run a bath, play some calming music and drink wine (hells yeah). Whatever you need to switch off and concentrate on you.

During this time, you might also want to think about indulging your senses with a little facial massage. Massaging your skin is one of the best ways to boost circulation and help lymphatic drainage for firmer, smoother, more radiant skin. This relaxation process also sends messages to your brain that it’s time to be calm which lowers the production of cortisol (the stress hormone) and simultaneously reduces your anxiety levels. Try a two or three minute facial massage as you cleanse your skin with warm water and our skin brightening Vitamin C Daily Cleanser. Close your eyes to focus your mind, then work the pads of your fingers all over your face and neck using gentle but firm circular motions.

Sidenote: when your skin looks glowing and radiant, nobody will even notice your wrinkles or age spots. Oh, the power of a little me-time.

3. Break Your Bad Beauty Habits

Do you touch your face all the time, therefore spreading germs, chemicals and bacteria all over your skin? Perhaps you just can’t resist picking at your pimples, always making them so much worse… Bad habits are often a sign of stress, anxiety or just plain boredom, and while some are harmless, the aforementioned spell disaster for your skin.

Take control of your bad beauty habits by understanding when and why you do them. Figuring out your triggers allows you to understand the reason for your actions and enables you to find alternatives that don’t totally screw up your skin. For example, if you find yourself picking your face in the evening when you’re bored watching TV, find something else to do with your hands like knitting. Can’t resist scrutinizing your skin before bed looking for something, anything to squeeze? Then throw out your magnifying mirror. Nobody ever sees your skin at such a close range, so gouging out that tiny blackhead and risking more damage than reward? So not worth it.

If you're looking for support with mental health issues or would like to help raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Month, please head to Mental Health America for more information.