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Let’s take a look at how to nail in-flight skincare, shall we? Because who wants to turn up to their destination with dry, dull skin? Answer: nobody.

Raise your hands if you dread that post-flight mirror check when, even though you’ve had a decent nap and drank your body weight in water, your skin looks dry, dull and as if you’ve not slept in 10 days?

We hear you.

Airplane skin is very real. How so? One of the reasons is that, while regular air has all manner of pros and cons of its own, airplane cabins use pressurized, recycled air. This recycled air is not only filled with who-knows-what, but it also has a very low humidity and, as you know, skin loves moistures which low humidity seriously lacks. This means that flying can cause all sorts of problems for the skin – even to the most resilient complexions. As skin saboteurs go, it’s right up there. 

How best can you get ahead of this skincare nightmare? By arming yourself with our ultimate in-flight skincare survival guide. Let’s do this…

4 Reasons Why Flying Messes With Your Skin

1. Humidity Levels Don’t Quite Cut It

Airplane cabins are expertly pressurized to protect you from the low air pressure at high altitude. Pressurized cabins are crucial for maintaining balanced oxygen levels, allowing you to a) breathe and b) not get altitude sickness. It’s important stuff and, in the grand scheme of things, being alive is far more important than having to deal with slightly cruddy skin. But still, the frustrating part is that pressurized air only contains around 10-20 percent humidity which is lower than most deserts. Your skin is not down with that, preferring a more moist 50-60 percent to keep it soft, radiant and hydrated.

2. Where Did All The Nutrients Go?

Low air pressure also slows down lymphatic drainage and reduces the levels of oxygen in your blood. This temporarily ‘starves’ it of all the essential nutrients it loves in order to remain glowing and healthy-looking.

3. UV Radiation Reaches New Heights

High altitudes = increased levels of UV radiation. We’ll just leave that one there.

4. Did Someone Say Circadian Rhythm?

As you’re probably aware, your body has a smart, 24-hour internal clock that helps to regulate its various functions and processes. This is primarily controlled by light and darkness and it allows you to operate on a daily basis, sending your body to sleep at night and keeping you functioning optimally during the day.

You can imagine what happens to this circadian rhythm when you throw a red-eye, long-haul flight or cross into a different time zone into the mix? It gets thrown right out of whack, making it harder for you to fall asleep at bedtime. And never underestimate what inadequate sleep can do to the state of your skin. Cue dryness, irritation, dehydration, even breakouts.

Your Pre-Flight Game Plan

1. Hydrate Yourself From The Inside Out

Set yourself up for skin success by skipping alcohol and caffeine a good 24 hours before take-off. These are super dehydrating and your skin has enough dehydrating triggers to come when the humidity levels hit rock bottom during your flight. Instead, drink plenty of water and herbal teas, and boost your diet with water-rich food like cucumber and watermelon.

2. Protect & Hydrate From The Outside In

On the day of your fight, make sure to cleanse thoroughly and layer on the hydration. We like to apply serum straight after cleansing to start the ball rolling, and our new SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum is the perfect product for the job. Not only does it contain prickly pear and sunflower extracts to help the skin retain water and protect it from free radical damage, but SPF 30 is vital for shielding your skin from the intense UV radiation you'll experience closer to the ozone layer. Trust us, if you’re going to be sat next to the window, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

3. Go Heavy On Moisture, Light On Makeup

Lock in all that hydration with a rich, but non pore-clogging moisturizer that can be reapplied as needed. Reapplication is highly recommended for long-haul flights so, if you can bear it, skip makeup completely to allow you to reapply without worrying about annoying foundation getting in your way.

PRO-TIP: Avoid trying new skincare for a week or so before flying. This will help avoid irritation which can be exacerbated by dry airplane cabins. 

Your In-Flight Skincare Strategy

1. Don’t Cleanse During Your Flight

This is messy and too tricky in those cramped bathrooms which, tbh, are probably not the cleanest after being used by numerous other people. If you do feel the need to freshen up, apply some travel-sized micellar water over your face and neck.

2. Pop A Sheet Mask In Your Carry-On

Hydrating sheet masks are flight skincare gold. Sure, you might get a little side-eye from other passengers as you sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes looking like something from a horror movie, but the benefits will be so worth it in the end.

3. Reapply Moisture

After your sheet mask has done its job, it’s wise to lock moisture back into your skin. Make sure to clean your hands first with a gentle sanitizer, then reapply your favorite, non-comedogenic lotion and follow with sunscreen. This time, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C is going to be your BFF. It’s loaded with antioxidants, works immediately and is the perfect size for your carry-on.

PRO-TIP: Long-haul flights call really screw up your circadian rhythm, so take an eye mask and ear plugs to help you sleep at weird times.

Your Post-Flight Recovery Program

1. Resist The Urge To Cleanse Like Mad

It’s tempting to want to do away with all that in-flight grime after landing, but harsh cleansers that are overloaded with drying ingredients like strong surfactants and unnecessary preservatives will compromise skin that’s already feeling a little delicate. Of course, feel free to cleanse your skin once you arrive at your destination but go gently with a plant-based, kind-to-skin formula like Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.

2. Exfoliate While You’re At It

A little gentle exfoliation is great for clearing out post-flight pores, improving circulation and waking up sluggish skin. Plus, the simple act of physical exfoliation is enough to make you feel immediately better. We’re all about Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which hits that sweet spot of being just grainy enough to feel like it’s doing a good job, without feeling like it’s removing an entire layer of your skin! Smooth it over damp, clean skin on arrival, gently working it all over your face and neck, then rinsing well with lukewarm water.

3. Hit The Moisture Reset Button

Post-flight is the time to repair and restore your skin so continue to layer on hydrating serums and moisturizer, morning and night. A rich night cream is going to be particularly beneficial for your first night back on solid ground as your skin does its best repair work while you’re asleep. Try Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream.

PRO-TIP: Try a two-minute massage as you cleanse to wake up post-flight, sluggish skin. Simply work your hands over your face in circular motions to boost blood flow and restore your glow.

Hydration is something every skin type needs – whether it’s dry, oily or somewhere in between. Not sure how to up the moisture levels in your skin? Then here are the hydrating skincare heroes you need to know.

If you want healthy skin that feels good and looks even better, moisture is everything. Without it, you can simply say goodbye to an even skin tone, smooth texture and a radiant glow. Because it just ‘aint gonna happen.

You see, skin dehydration is real. And it doesn’t only hit those of you with dry skin, but can strike even the oiliest of skin types. How so? Simple: your skin type has nothing to do with the levels of water in your skin, it’s just a gauge of the amount of sebum your skin produces. If you have oily skin, for example, your sebaceous glands are super active and therefore produce a lot of sebum – sometimes a little too much if we’re being honest. If your skin is dry, however, sebum is often in serious short supply. Dehydration is a whole different kettle of fish because this means your skin is lacking in water, not oil. And yes, this also means that any skin type, however oily it is, can be dehydrated.

Once you get your head around all this, it becomes easier to understand why hydrating your skin is different to moisturizing it. Skin hydration is all about drawing moisture into the skin, while moisturization concentrates on sealing all that moisture in place to help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Dry skin needs a lot of help in the latter department because it often has a more delicate barrier function thanks to such a short supply of sebum. That’s why dry skin benefits from richer, thicker moisturizing formulas. And oily skin? Not so much. Oily skin generally has a stronger barrier function, helped along nicely by all that sebum.

Moisturizers usually contain a combination of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients to deliver a complete regimen for softer, stronger, healthier skin. But if you’re specifically looking to up your skin’s hydration levels, look out for these humectant powerhouses…

What Are Humectants?

Humectants are substances that attract and retain water from their surroundings, kind of like bath sponges. In skincare, they’re used to draw water either from the air or from deeper layers of the skin to replenish lost moisture at a surface level. This helps to keep the skin soft, firm, plump and healthy while strengthening the uppermost layers to reduce irritation and calm sensitive skin.

When it comes to hydrating the skin, humectants are the be-all and end-all. Below, feast your eyes on five of the best humectants we know…

1. Aloe Vera

A fully signed-up member of the humectant family, aloe vera is an evergreen succulent that’s been used around the world for centuries to treat everything from tooth cavities and feet ulcers to depression and IBS. Its benefits for the skin, however, are by far its biggest and most well-known superpower.

Often referred to as the ‘wonder plant,’ the leaves of the aloe vera plant are where all the action takes place. More specifically, it’s the watery, nutrient-rich medicinal gel that’s found inside these leaves that delivers so much goodness to the skin. Rich in polysaccharides which draw in water, it’s also high in antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means it not only hydrates the skin like a boss, but it also aids healing, reduces free radical damage and helps to soothe facial redness. What’s not to love?

Try: Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid might not be the most obvious choices for hydrating your skin, but don’t count them out. Because on top of their exfoliating prowess, AHAs also have humectant qualities. This helps to keep your skin healthy and hydrated as they go about their main job, which is to stimulate cellular turnover and rid your skin of dulling dead skin cells.

Ingredients that deliver more than one benefit? Love that.

Try: 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant

3. Glycerin

Glycerin is one of those quiet, unassuming skincare ingredients that goes about its business without needing to be in the spotlight or steal the headlines. But do not underestimate this clever ingredient because, if certain studies are to be believed, it may be one of the most effective humectants in skincare. This is because it has a very low molecular weight which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin where it hydrates, strengthens and replenishes the skin’s natural moisturizing factor.

Like most humectants, glycerin is very well tolerated by the skin and is often prescribed to help treat extreme dryness, itching and cracked, dehydrated skin. It's a win-win.

Try: Niacinamide (B3) Facial Serum

4. Hyaluronic Acid

When it comes to the spotlight, at the exact opposite end of the spectrum to glycerin comes hyaluronic acid, one of the buzziest skincare ingredients of the past decade.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin’s structure when it lubricates and hydrates the skin 24/7. This water-loving ingredient is estimated to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water which means just one gram is able to hold up to six liters of water. There’s your headline right there!

But this begs the question: shouldn’t that amount of water be enough for your skin on a daily basis? Well it is… until it isn’t. As skin ages its levels of hyaluronic acid significantly depletes – often by up to 50 percent once you hit age 40 and beyond. This encourages dehydration and all the signs of skin aging that come with it; aka fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

The solution? Lots of fabulous hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. Simple as that.

Try: Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream

5. Vitamin E

Another classic skincare ingredient that has stood the test of time is vitamin E, one of the true good guys in the beauty world. 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that’s also found naturally in your skin’s structure where it maintains moisture, supports cell function and protects the skin from environmental stressors. Unfortunately, just like collagen, hyaluronic acid and friends, vitamin E also decreases as you age. Big surprise.

To help keep your levels high it’s smart to include vitamin E in your skincare routine. Vitamin E is generally thought of as an emollient which is a substance that helps soften, smooth and trap moisture into the skin but, little known fact, it also has awesome humectant properties. This makes it one of the best all-rounders for hydrating and moisturizing the skin.

Can’t see it on any of your skincare labels? Look out for alpha-tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate – two of vitamin E’s fancy alter egos.

Try: Renewing Longevity Moisturizing Cream

Turning 50 is a pretty big deal for your skin so get ahead of dryness, dehydration, wrinkles and dark spots with these skincare strategies that truly work.

When you combine decades of natural aging with the added stress of sun exposure, hormonal changes, environmental pollution and questionable lifestyle habits it’s no wonder that skin needs help as you reach your 50s and beyond. As natural aging goes, skin undergoes significant changes when you hit 50. Collagen production decreases annually by around 1 percent – and, btw, this may have started as early as age 20! – while menopausal hormones often lead to thinner skin, decreased sebum production and a compromised barrier function. Cue dryness, sagging and sensitivities to name just a few.

Then there’s the rate at which your skin turns over which significantly slows down in your 50s. As a younger adult, the life cycle of your skin usually sits around the 28 day mark, during which time skin cells form, move up to the surface, then die and slough away. In your 50s, however, this 28-day life cycle can extend to more than 45 days which allows dead cells to hang around at the surface for way too long, making your skin look dull, gloomy and feel rough to the touch.

Couple all this with elastin fiber degeneration, an increase in transepidermal water loss and accumulated sun damage and, well, it’s a wonder your skin looks as fabulous as it does. 

On that note, let’s not forget what an absolute privilege it is to have reached the age of 50  – wrinkles and all. So let’s celebrate your mature skin by ensuring you’re following a few important steps to help soften the signs of visible aging. Because, we don’t know about you, but we’re all for that.

1. Focus On Hydration

As you age, skin loses its ability to hold on to moisture. Why does this happen? Well it’s mainly down to the skin’s barrier function whose job it is to repel irritants and allergens while retaining the optimal levels of moisture to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy. The protective barrier is made up of around 20 brick-like layers of cells, all ‘glued’ together by important substances like cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids.

Your barrier function is fantastic at its job… until it’s not. For example, the natural aging process causes it to lose vital ceramides which makes it become thinner, weaker and less able to retain water. This means you have to give it a helping hand to help your skin stay moisturized and hydrated. And the best way to do this? Simple. Invest in products that are rich in humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid and glycerin as these absorb moisture and plump up the skin. A great trick is to apply a hydrating toner like Ocean Minerals Super Toner or a serum like Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum to damp skin, layering it underneath your moisturizer to lock all that delicious hydration into your skin.

2. Take Extra Care When You Cleanse

Harsh cleansing is a killer on the skin’s barrier function which you have to really, like REALLY look after as you reach age 50 and beyond. Whatever your skin type, choose the gentlest formulation possible and, if nothing else, avoid synthetic fragrances, strong alcohols, dyes and harsh surfactants like SLS and SLES as these can cause irritation and dryness. Skin becomes drier and more fragile as it matures so unnecessary chemicals are a big no-no.

Of course, cleansing is still a crucial part of your daily routine as it helps remove surface debris which reduces your chances of breakouts (because yes, adult acne is a thing). Just don’t go wild with products that strip your skin because these will either cause excess dryness or excess sebum depending on your skin type. Instead, choose a product that cleanses thoroughly, but doesn’t suck all the life from your skin – it just removes the bad stuff. We love Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser.

One final word on cleansing: hot water is seriously bad news so stick with lukewarm water as you cleanse to avoid stripping your barrier of important oils.

3. Exfoliate Weekly

Remember the chat about the life cycle of your skin slowing down as you age? That is no joke and leaving dead skin cells to build up at the surface will totally screw up your complexion.

One word: exfoliation.

Exfoliation is non-negotiable for 50+ skin as it removes buildup and accelerates cell turnover, allowing younger, fresher, brighter skin to come to the surface. There’s a definite sweet spot, however because too much of a good thing can upset the delicate balance of your skin, potentially causing micro tears and exacerbating sensitivities.

Our advice is to start slowly, using Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub on a weekly basis. Most skin types should be able to tolerate a weekly exfoliation session if you go carefully and don’t rub at your skin too much. And if you reckon you need more and your skin can take it you can always up the frequency to two or three times a week. Just remember to use a delicate touch and to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm, never hot, water.

4. Protect Your Skin Every Day

OK, this is a biggie so listen up. No matter your age, gender, skin color or skin type, you simply have to protect your skin from that devilish ball of fire in the sky called the sun. Every day of the year. We know it can be tedious to apply sunscreen but nothing is more damaging to your skin than exposure to UV radiation.

To make it more bearable we created a lightweight, sun protective SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This means you don’t need to slather on that extra layer of cream at the end of your routine, you simply smooth this beautifully wearable serum over your skin before moisturizing and hey presto, you’ve got immediate SPF 30 coverage thanks to zinc oxide, combined with superpowered antioxidants, emollients, vitamins and botanical extracts.

Prefer to go down the more traditional sunscreen route? No problem: try our award-winning SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C which provides everything your skin needs to prevent early wrinkles and dark spots.

Sunscreen isn’t the only way to defend your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, however. Topical antioxidants also provide environmental protection, working hard to neutralize pesky free radicals while hydrating, brightening, firming and all sorts. In our opinion vitamin C is the most superior antioxidant but other goodies include green tea, vitamin E, niacinamide and retinol.

5. Become Well Acquainted With Retinol

There’s no arguing the fact that retinol remains the gold standard in aging skincare. Extensive clinical research prove its efficacy and its visible benefits simply can’t be denied. Both prescription tretinoin and over-the-counter retinol have been shown to penetrate the skin at a deep cellular level, helping to stimulate collagen synthesis, improve turnover and assist with healing. All of which 50+ skin needs in abundance.

If you’re yet to get on board with this powerhouse there’s no time like the present. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t turn back the hands of time, but it will give your skin the best chance to look and feel its absolute best. Ditto bakuchiol which is retinol’s gentler, natural alternative.

A few things to remember when introducing retinol into your routine for the first time…

* Always patch test first to reduce the risk of irritation.

* Don’t overdo it. Take it slow to begin with then increase your usage over time. This’ll help your skin to acclimate.

* Remember, mild side effects like temporary redness and slight tingling are OK; pain or burning are not. If you experience  the latter reduce usage, stop completely or try a bakuchiol serum like Rejuvenating Longevity Serum.

* Daily SPF is EVEN MORE important than ever.

* Patience is key. Retinol and bakuchiol take time to deliver so don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Trust us, you will in a few months.

The debate surrounding natural vs synthetic skincare ingredients can become seriously heated. But we believe the fence is the best place to be on this topic. And here’s why…

It can be a struggle to decide whether you want to stick with holistic skincare ingredients or go down the ‘science is best’ route. On the one hand, a natural skincare program feels like it should be gentler on the skin and kinder to the environment. But on the other hand, don't scientifically formulated ingredients have the edge over their natural counterparts when it comes to benefiting the skin and delivering visible results? After all, most of them have undergone years of clinical research, alongside rigorous testing and quality control to ensure their absolute safety and efficacy.

Yes. And no.

The truth is there are tons of benefits to using both natural and synthetic skincare ingredients. Minerals and plant extracts, for example, can be awesome for the skin and cause little harm to the world we live in. But certain essential oils can irritate sensitive skin so you have to do your homework and choose wisely. Meanwhile, synthetic ingredients aren’t always harmful or ‘toxic’ but can offer incredible rewards for the look and feel of your skin.

We believe that instead of sticking with one skincare philosophy and completely writing off the other, it’s more important to focus on each individual ingredient on its own merit. Natural or synthetic aside, does it truly benefit the health of your skin and, above all, does it suit your own individual needs?

On that note, here are three of our favorite duos from both camps.

The Collagen Boosters: Retinol & Bakuchiol

Collagen means the world to healthy skin. And we mean that literally because its dense, fiber-like structure acts like a kind of glue, helping the skin to remain strong, supple and resilient. The big problem is that as skin ages its collagen content drops by around 1-1.5 percent every year. And since this can start as early as in your 20s that really adds up. It’s basically why your skin starts to thin, wrinkle, sag and show all the other signs of aging you probably don’t love.

The good news is there are many ingredients in skincare whose main purpose in life is to help your skin’s collagen levels stay healthy and plentiful. And two of the big guns are retinol and bakuchiol.

You’ll have heard of retinol. It’s pretty much the gold standard in skincare, improving everything from wrinkles to acne breakouts by communicating with the skin at a cellular level to accelerate turnover and rev up its production of collagen and elastin. Derms love it,  beauty editors love it, celebs love it. Everyone loves it. Actually that’s not strictly true because as fabulous as retinol is, its strength is also its drawback, sometimes causing dryness and irritation to sensitive skin types.

And that’s where it’s natural alternative, bakuchiol, enters the equation. Whereas retinol is a synthetically created form of vitamin A, bakuchiol is extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It’s been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and clinical studies show that it offers similar benefits to retinol but is more stable and well tolerated by almost all skin types.

Try them both, your skin will tell you which it prefers...

The Environmental Protectors: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate & Green Tea

Dull, tired-looking skin is no fun. But it can be inevitable thanks to two words: free radicals. Free radicals form in the skin when it’s exposed to things it doesn’t like. Think UV radiation, pollution etc.

One of the best ways to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals – which can seriously ruin your skin’s strength and structure – is to keep exposed skin protected with topical antioxidants. These help to neutralize free radical damage before it gets a chance to really take hold of all the good stuff in your skin.

As antioxidants go, you have many choices. Some awesome, others not so much. Two you can’t go wrong with, however, are vitamin C, notably sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and green tea.

We never tire of shouting about the benefits of sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It may sound like a scary, lab-created ingredient but it’s simply a derivative of vitamin C that’s stable and kinder to the skin. As well as its free radical-fighting prowess, vitamin C helps your sunscreen work more efficiently AND it helps to minimize dark spots and patchy skin by keeping melanin production on an even keel. It’s a great way to shield your skin from damage while brightening and lifting the complexion.

And then there’s green tea, another big favorite in the antioxidant world. Widely thought of as one of the best natural antioxidants in skincare, green tea contains plant polyphenols like EGCG which protect the skin from UV damage, balance oil production, increase moisture retention, reduce inflammation and minimize the visible signs of aging. It also plays well with other skincare ingredients like caffeine to really supercharge your radiance game.

Sodium ascorbly phosphate? Green tea? You decide.

The Hydrating Heroes: Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera

Achieving the heady heights of super hydrated skin might feel like an impossible task. But add some over-achieving humectants into your skincare routine and you’ll be well on the way.

What are humectants? In skincare, humectants are substances that attract water from their surroundings, drawing moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. They’re like magnets, or bath sponges if you will. Some humectants also promote cell turnover by gently breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Others have antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Yes, they're that good.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is arguably the biggest humectant in skincare, because it claims to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Which is quite a number. HA occurs naturally in the body but because it depletes through age (big surprise there!) it’s produced in a lab through a process called biofermentation. HA works for most skin types and blends well with other active ingredients, but if it’s not your mojo, aloe vera is just as fantastic. Maybe even more so.

Otherwise known as aloe barbadensis, aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that’s just one of 400 species of aloe. It’s cultivated worldwide for its water-rich, medicinal gel which has tons of uses, many which are skin-related. Like HA, it draws in moisture to offer supreme hydration. And, also similar to HA, it has awesome antioxidant properties to help fight free radicals.

Aloe vera also acts as a gentle exfoliant thanks to its salicylic acid content which works to gently remove dead skin cells. Couple that with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and you’ve also got yourself an extremely kind-to-skin acne-fighting ingredient on your hands.

A Few Final Words

Hopefully this has proven to you that there’s a place for both natural and synthetic ingredients in skincare. Rather than view them as opposing forces, therefore, try to embrace the best of both worlds, focussing on quality and formulation, regardless of whether they came from the ground or were created in a laboratory. Choose ingredients that address your specific needs and look for brands (er, hello!) that invest in innovation, research and testing. 

Effective skincare is about choosing products that work harmoniously with your skin’s unique needs and characteristics. And we truly believe that, together, natural skincare ingredients and synthetic skincare ingredients are able to provide this.

Correct skincare application is a great way to amp up your routine with little effort and zero cost. That makes it a no brainer in our eyes, agreed?

Applying your skincare products correctly might not seem as important as the ingredients they contain, but your technique can actually make them work harder and more efficiently. Of course, if you slap your moisturizer on like you’ve not a care in the world, it’s not going to harm your skin, per se, but wouldn’t you rather know how to get the best from each and every product in your regime? Getting more bang for your buck in the process and helping your skin be the best version of itself?

We know where we stand on that one.

So on that note, here’s a quick guide on how to correctly apply the most important products in your skincare routine.

How Best To Apply: Cleanser

Washing your face feels like a pretty elementary step in your routine but, trust us, a few tweaks to your cleansing technique are guaranteed to make a huge difference. Of course this depends on the formulation, but the general rule is that gels and foams are best applied to damp skin because water helps them emulsify so they’re able to cut through oils and surface debris. Cleansing oils, creams, lotions and milks, on the other hand, work more efficiently when they’re undiluted, so you’re better off applying these to dry skin.

Whatever formulation you choose, try to spend two or three minutes massaging the cleanser into your skin to get the best results. Use circular motions all over your face and neck, and concentrate on areas like the side of your nose where sebum can become trapped.

Once you’ve massaged it all over for a few minutes, a great trick is to leave the cleanser on your skin for an extra minute before rinsing. This helps to really soak up any extra debris that might be lurking around. Then rinse thoroughly with warm – NEVER HOT – water and pat dry with a clean, cotton face towel.

How Best To Apply: Toner

After cleansing, comes toner which is great step for topping off your cleansing routine and treating the skin while gently preparing it for the rest of your skincare regime.

Again, depending on the formula, most toners are applied using a cotton pad but try to stick with reusable options which can be thrown in the laundry after each use. Regular cotton wool pads may seem ‘natural’ but they’re not compostable and require tons of water and energy to produce.

As your application technique goes, this one is pretty straightforward. Simply soak your cotton pad then lightly sweep it over your skin without using too much force – you don’t want to drag the skin as this can cause surface damage.

We like to start at the center of the face, swiping upward and out to help lift the skin. And remember to use both sides of the pad to ensure a thorough tone.

How Best To Apply: Face Serums

Hard-working and extremely beneficial to your skin, facial serums should always come after toning (or cleansing if toning isn’t your jam) and before moisturizing. This is because they’re thinner, more lightweight and have a smaller molecular structure than moisturizers, enabling them to penetrate the skin deeper and more efficiently. If you apply moisturizer first this will leave a barrier on the surface of your skin, stopping your serum from getting its job done.

Because of their concentrated nature, only a small amount of serum is ever needed – one or two drops is often the sweet spot. Use your dropper to apply your serum to the palm of your hand, then work it between your hands to help you distribute it more evenly. To apply, gently press and tap it into all areas of the face and neck, using upward movements but with very little massaging motion. Instead, allow the serum to absorb naturally into the skin.

How Best To Apply: Eye Treatments

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face so when it comes to applying eye creams and gels it’s imperative you go gently. Like, super gently.

Go for a small amount of product (a pea-sized amount is usually enough for both eyes) and use your ring fingers rather than your forefingers to apply it. This ensures you apply less pressure to this fragile area – smart huh? Some people like to smooth their eye treatment around the eyes but we prefer to tap the product around the entire orbital bone area as this not only helps to stimulate circulation but also reduces drag and potential damage.

Important note to remember: always allow your eye treatment a minute or two to sink in and settle before moving on to moisturizer and/or makeup.

How Best To Apply: Moisturizer

You might be tempted to rub in your moisturizer with a strong, firm hand but, as with most of your skincare regime, a lighter touch is always best. Saying that, however, giving your skin a little workout while your moisturize is never a bad idea!

How much moisturizer do you need? Roughly a quarter-sized amount should be more than enough for your entire face and neck, but always read the label on your product – it’s not just there to look pretty, you know.

Warm your product for a few seconds between your hands (as long as they’re clean, of course!), then use your hands and pads of your fingers to work it all over the face in circular motions, working up and out towards your hairline. This light, massage approach will improve blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage to pep up dull, tired skin and really get your glow on.

How Best To Apply: Sunscreen

Finally, one of the most important steps: sunscreen. Unless you’re doubling up with a super-smart SPF serum (which we can help you out with, right here!), sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine. Also, unlike the rest of your formulations, it’s the one you can slather on to your heart’s content. In fact, on this occasion, more is definitely more.

Most experts agree that about ½ teaspoon or a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen lotion ensures adequate protection for your face and neck. Squeeze it into your hand then smooth a good layer all over your skin. Oh and if you’re going to be spending lots of time outside, reapply frequently. No arguments.

If you’re a fan of a downward-facing dog you might also be intrigued by face yoga. Read on for everything we know about exercising and stretching your face in the bid for glowing skin.

Face yoga has become a real thing in the last ten years or so. Thanks to social media and a whole host of A-list celebrities touting their love of facial exercising, it’s now commonplace to spend 20 minutes each day stretching the skin around your eyebrows and making lion faces in the mirror.

But does this natural approach to youthful-looking skin really work or are there better ways to spend 20 minutes on your skin? Let’s do a little face yoga digging…

What Exactly Is Face Yoga?

If you know anything about yoga, you’ll understand that this ancient Indian practice is all about combining physical postures, stretches and breathing techniques to help build strength and flexibility while boosting your mental wellbeing. Face yoga follows a similar philosophy but instead of concentrating on the whole body, it targets the muscles of the face and neck.

The practice involves performing repetitive movements, exercises and exaggerated stretches to strengthen, tone and relax the facial muscles. What’s the point, you may wonder? Well, the point is to improve the overall health of your skin to help boost radiance, enhance skin tone, refine skin texture and reduce the appearance fine lines and wrinkles.

What Are The Key Benefits Of Face Yoga?

Your face contains more than 50 different muscles which, as you age, naturally lose mass, strength and volume. Face yoga aims to build these muscles back up again to help them function more efficiently and therefore enhance skin health. It’s like bodybuilding. Or facebuilding, if you will. 

Specifically, face yoga is said to benefit the skin in five primary ways:

1. Muscle Strength. By building muscle back into the underlaying areas of your skin, face yoga is said to help fill in the contours of the face and tighten, sculpt and firm the skin.

2. Better Blood Flow. Exercising and stretching the face and neck increases circulation which brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, aiding healing and improving radiance.

3. Stress Reduction. Just like traditional yoga practices, face yoga is said to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system which helps reduce emotional stress. And as you know, stress can be a killer on the look and feel of your skin.

4. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage. Certain massaging techniques are believed to stimulate the lymphatic system which can help reduce puffiness, sluggish skin and bags under the eyes.

5. Efficient Cell Turnover. Regular massage may help accelerate cell turnover which naturally slows down as the skin ages. This helps minimize things like dullness, blocked pores and rough texture.

Is There Any Proof That Face Yoga Actually Works?

There’s not a huge amount of research to back up the efficacy of facial yoga but it’s so closely related to regular yoga that we believe there’s probably something in it. One of the few trials we could find studied a bunch of 40-65 year olds who partook in 30 minutes of daily face yoga for eight weeks, then continued practicing every other day for a total of 20 weeks. Unfortunately, this study included just 16 participants but, still, results showed modest improvements in their facial appearance, specifically in the cheek area. Experts also agreed that it seemed to shave an average of three years off the look of their skin.

Not bad, right?

Is Face Yoga For You?

Face yoga is safe for most people. However, experts recommend erring on the side of caution if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin as the extra strain on your skin can cause irritation. Also, if you have dermal fillers, regular facial exercises may compromise their longevity, so check with your dermatologist before starting any kind of face yoga routine.

One of the best things about face yoga is that it requires no needles… and it’s free! Of course, it’ll never give you the same results as Botox or fillers, but if you have realistic expectations and are looking to boost your skincare routine with a natural alternative it’s definitely worth a go. Just remember, you will need to be willing to set aside 20-30 minutes at least three or four times a week.

3 Popular Face Yoga Exercises To Try At Home

There are plenty of YouTube video and apps available to help guide you through your face yoga journey, but here are a few basic moves you can easily do at home. Some of them require a hands-on approach so ensure you cleanse your hands and face first. You can also apply moisturizer for a little extra slip. 

1. The Lion’s Pose

This is a fabulous face stretch which helps tone the skin around your eyes and jawline. It’s also super easy. From a seated position, make yourself as small as possible, scrunching up your entire being from head to toe. Then breathe out, open your arms wide, stretch your legs, stick out your tongue and widen your eyes. Basically make yourself as big as possible, then relax and repeat 5-10 times.

2. The Cheek Workout

A great one for toning and firming the cheek area. Start by smiling as wide as you can, making sure you lift the cheeks as you do so. Then simply close your eyes and hold this position for 15 seconds. Relax and repeat 15 times.

3. The Forehead Smoother

Place both hands flat on your forehead, spreading your fingers wide so they span your entire forehead from brows to hairline. Apply light pressure, then sweep your fingers outwards to the sides of your head. Hold for a few seconds then relax and repeat 10 times.

Our Take On Face Yoga

When it comes to deciding on the best route to take for healthier skin, we firmly believe that you should always do you. Whether you choose to stick with a consistent skincare routine, incorporate facial yoga into your daily regime or explore other cosmetic procedures, the key is to find whatever supports your lifestyle, budget and skin health goals.

Face yoga is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on your skin (although some experts believe that if you perform repeated exercises incorrectly, they may have the potential to make fine lines more noticeable – eek!), so if you want to try it, go nuts. Just remember, evidence-based skincare ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides alongside a consistent routine form the true foundation of healthy skin.