True Radical Honesty From Our Community

When battling breakouts, what you put on your skin can make or break your complexion. So which ingredients can truly help acne-prone skin and which make matters worse? Let’s find out…

When it comes to the ingredients in your skincare routine it’s important to know if what you’re putting on your skin is doing any good. And if you suffer with oily, acne-prone skin, this is absolutely crucial. Because some ingredients can be a total dream for dry skin... but they're the absolute enemy of pimples and blackheads. They can block your pores, over-stimulate your sebaceous glands and cause all sorts of unwanted side-effects like redness and inflammation.

If you’re stuck in a bit of a breakout zone right now and are suspicious of your skincare routine, here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite breakout-busting skincare heroes… plus a list of some potential villains you'd be wise to avoid.  

5 Of The Best Skincare Ingredients For Acne

Acne occurs when an excess of sebum becomes stuck at the surface of the skin where it chokes up your pores and combines with other debris and bacteria. It makes sense, therefore, that your skincare ingredient BFFs include those that balance sebum, increase cellular turnover and reduce inflammation.

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is up there as one of, if not the best ingredients for reducing the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is what’s known as a chemical exfoliant which means it works to break down the bonds between dead skin cells so they’re able to shed more efficiently.

But it doesn’t stop there. BHAs also have another string to their bow because unlike water-soluble AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids, they’re oil-soluble which enables them to help balance your sebaceous glands to reduce excess oil and minimize breakouts. Add to that the fact that salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and there’s very little that can beat it.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Nature also offers some incredible benefits for acne-prone skin, not least of which comes from tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective oils for reducing acne breakouts because it kills certain acne-causing bacteria that sit on the surface of the skin. When that kind of bacterium gets left to its own devices, it blends with excess sebum, congests your pores and the inevitable happens lightning fast. 

By treating your skin with a thoughtfully crafted tea tree oil formula (applying it neat is not advised) it will also work to calm inflammation and minimize the other visible effects of acne, namely redness and irritation. It’s kind of like the natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide – with fewer side effects.

3. Retinol

Retinol is usually thought of as the queen of aging treatments. But it’s also fabulous for fighting acne. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol helps boost collagen and increase skin turnover. It has a similar end result to exfoliation but instead of removing dead skin cells at the surface it activates specific genes at a deep cellular level, encouraging the cells to turnover quicker and more efficiently.

Cell turnover often goes awry in acne-prone skin so retinol keeps things ticking over nicely, helping to prevent blocked pores and thus reduce breakouts and minimize scarring.

4. Bakuchiol

Say hello to bakuchiol, another effective skincare ingredient from nature. Often referred to as the natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant and has been proven to offer almost like-for-like benefits as its vitamin A counterpart.

Is it as kick-ass as retinol? Yes and no. It’s a much milder alternative, for sure, so it definitely takes a little longer to reap the same benefits as you’d get from a similar retinol-based treatment. However, its mildness means it’s much better tolerated by sensitive skin which means it's more likely to be applied consistently.

Both are fantastic in their own special ways, so our advice? Try them both (although not at the same time!) to help you decide which is best for you.

5. Niacinamide

Active ingredients can often irritate sensitive skin so it’s important to go carefully with what you put on your skin, especially during periods of breakouts when your skin is delicate and potentially inflamed.

If your skin falls into that sensitive camp, we recommend niacinamide.

A gentle giant among the skincare greats, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is extremely effective for sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts. Not only does it help strengthen the barrier function and regulate sebum production but it also works hard to reduce inflammation and redness while aiding repair and reducing the appearance of existing scars and discolorations. Another thing: niacinamide plays well with other acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid making it a great way to tackle things head on without causing your skin to freak out.

3 Of The Worst Skincare Ingredients For Acne

Your biggest enemies? Harsh ingredients that dry out the skin and over-stimulate the sebaceous glands. Oh, and anything that ranks high on the comedogenicity scale. More on that to follow…

1. ‘Bad’ Alcohols

Certain alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohols have a rightful place in the skincare world. But many of them don’t. Low molecular alcohols like denatured alcohol (aka alcohol denat), ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, for example, are really no good – for any skin type. They can be super irritating and extremely drying on the skin which has the reverse effect on oily skin types, making the sebaceous glands produce even more oil to overcompensate for that which has been lost. When your skin produces too much sebum it clogs up your pores… and the rest is history.

2. Heavy Occlusives Like Cocoa Butter

While excellent at moisturizing, occlusives are ingredients that form a protective barrier over the surface of the skin, trapping in water and keeping dry skin moisturized. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, however, occlusives are the absolute enemy because their thick, waxy composition makes them comedogenic. This means they have the potential to plug the pores and encourage pimples as quick as a flash. Other occlusives include mineral oil, coconut oil, beeswax and lanolin. Don’t go there.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Have you ever been so good at something that it's seen as a disadvantage? No? Well, that’s exactly what SLS – and its buddy SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) – is. As two of the most powerful cleansers around, these sulfates clean so well that they often strip all the goodness from your skin which disrupts the skin’s protective barrier. This can leave your skin feeling squeaky clean, for sure, but also completely parched. Even irritated and inflamed. We do not advise them for skin that breaks out. The good news is, our cleansers contain neither. 

Rich, heavy moisturizers not your jam? Us neither. But skin often requires more than what your lightweight lotion can offer. And that’s when other moisturizing tactics are called for…

It’s that age-old beauty conundrum: your skin needs extra hydration and moisturization, yet heavy moisturizers are too much, making your skin feel like its suffocating and look like it’s been dipped in a bowl of olive oil.

We’ve all been there. Maybe a big night out has given your skin a major hangover, making it feel parched and in desperate need of moisture. Or perhaps a week in the Caribbean has dried out your skin more than you intended. But reaching for thick moisturizer that relies on heavy occlusives to restore moisture to your skin isn’t always the answer.

Don’t get us wrong, occlusive moisturizers that contain heavy oils and butters are excellent for the right skin types. In fact, they’re extremely effective at trapping moisture into the skin, forming a physical barrier over the surface so that water literally cannot escape. And this can be an extremely useful tool if you have extreme dryness or sensitivities.

However, occlusives are not for everyone as they can also clog up your pores, triggering breakouts and leaving you with super greasy skin.

Thankfully, occlusive moisturizers aren’t the only solution to thirsty skin. On the contrary, there’s a whole world of lightweight hydrating options out there, as well as some moisture-boosting lifestyle habits you can get on board with.

Read on for some tried and tested ways to deliver moisture to your skin without having to call in the heavies.

1. Choose Gentle Cleansers

Our number one cleansing rule – whatever your skin type – is to choose the gentlest cleanser you possibly can. And this is especially crucial when your skin is feeling dry and dehydrated.

To ensure you’re treating your skin with cleansing kindness, avoid formulas that contain SLS or SLES. These are the harsh sulfates you often hear about. And don’t get us wrong, they’re amazing at deep cleansing the skin down to its last drop of oil. But… well, you can probably guess where we’re going here. Sulfates that are too good are actually no good for the skin because they strip it dry, compromising the skin’s protective barrier and causing unwanted irritation. 

Instead, start your routine off on the right foot by searching out cleansers that contain ingredients that help draw water to the skin’s surface. These are called humectants and include the likes of aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Try Soothing Cleansing Milk, a rice and oat milk-based cleanser that leaves your skin feeling soft and healthy from the get go.

2. Buy A Humidifier

Sebum production generally slows down overnight which can make your skin feel drier and more dehydrated as moisture escapes more readily from its surface. Of course, you can counteract this by applying a fabulous night cream before bed. But to amp it up even further, treat yourself to a humidifier.

As well as helping you to sleep better, humidifiers provide extra moisture for your skin to lap up, making them fantastic at hydrating your skin without you lifting a finger.

Invest in one for your bedroom and dial it up to somewhere between the expert recommended sweet spot of 40 and 50 percent.

3. Apply Serum Under Moisturizer 

One of our favorite ways to really amp up moisture in your skin is to apply it in lightweight, hydrating layers. This doesn’t mean piling on lots of heavy moisturizers, however. It’s all about the mighty facial serum.

Serums are concentrated little gems of skin-loving goodness. Because they’re made of smaller molecules than creams and lotions they’re able to penetrate the skin more effectively, delivering effective, active ingredients exactly where you need them, whilst leaving your skin feeling as if you’ve not applied anything at all. Sure, call it skincare sorcery if you like.

Facial serums come in many different guises but if moisture is your goal try Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum or Multi-Vitamin Facial Serum which is chock full of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to deeply hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture.

4. Moisturize Immediately After Cleansing

Whatever product you apply after cleansing, do it with speed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) this helps to seal in any droplets of water that may be left on the surface of your skin after washing your face. It’s free moisture; use it!

5. Drink Your Fluids… Just Don’t Rely On Them

Full disclosure, drinking water and eating water-rich foods isn’t the most effective way to keep the surface of your skin hydrated and young-looking. Gasp. The truth is that most of the water you consume goes straight to other essential organs to help them function and, well, keep you alive. Very little, if any, reaches the surface of your skin.

That being said, the deeper layers of your skin will certainly feel the benefits of proper internal hydration because water balances your body’s essential fluids and helps to eliminate toxins. This works hard to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin, for sure… it just won’t moisturize the surface of your skin, get rid of your wrinkles or make you look ten years younger. That's what skincare is for.

6. Get Rid Of Moisture-Repelling Dead Skin

It may feel all sorts of wrong to exfoliate your skin when it’s crying out for moisture, but hear us out.

Exfoliation helps to slough away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin right? Then it makes sense that if you leave these dead skin cells to outstay their welcome, they will form a physical barrier that the rest of your skincare routine will find difficult to penetrate. Moisturizer basically stands no chance.

The key to exfoliating correctly and effectively is not to overdo it, or you’ll upset your barrier function and end up with even drier, more dehydrated skin than you started with. Go super gentle and stick with once or twice a week depending on the tolerance of your skin. We love our Vitamin C Gentle Face Scrub which really does live up to its gentle name. If you’re not a scrub kinda person, however, try 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant which uses gentle exfoliating acids to remove dead skin cells and give your skin the best chance to readily accept moisture. 

7. Limit Hot Showers

Hot water can strip away important lipids from your skin, depleting moisture from the skin’s barrier function and leaving it open to all sorts of dehydrating trouble. But more than that, scorching water can also cause inflammation and flare-ups in existing skin conditions. Which is uncool to say the least.

The ideal temperature, according to dermatologists, is somewhere between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But hey, who takes a thermometer into the shower with them? Answer: nobody. So our advice? Just make sure your water doesn’t feel hot. Tepid, or lukewarm is the best way to go.

Join us as we take a look at three TikTok skincare trends doing the rounds on social media. Because we believe you need to know the difference between the super smart and the downright dumb.

Don’t get us wrong, social media beauty hacks can be pretty cool. But while foundation dotting and Manga lashes are harmless fun, not all of what you see on TikTok is for the good of your skin. In fact, some skincare hacks can do more harm than good. And when it’s your precious skin at stake we believe it’s worth taking a beat to delve deeper into what’s really going on before doing something you and your complexion might later regret.

Here, we dissect three attention-grabbing skincare trends that have been all over social media in recent months to see which get our thumbs up and which we believe you shouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole. Because if they’re not good enough for us, they’re not good enough for you.

1. Oil Gritting

What It Is? Also known as skin gritting or oil pulling, this beauty hack is all about getting rid of blackheads. It’s a simple technique if the hordes of obsessed TikTokers are anything to go by, and it involves rubbing oil into your skin in a quest to draw out the oil-based gunk from your pores. According to many avid fans, you will actually feel gritty particles in your hands  as your blackheads are eliminated by the magic of massage. The result? Crystal clear pores and a smooth, blackhead-free (and whitehead-free for that matter) complexion.

It sounds simple enough, for sure, but the fact that you need to massage the skin continuously for a good 10-15 minutes in order for it to get the job done does not fill us with hope. Come on, that’s a pretty long time. Our hands are aching just thinking about it.

Does It Work? Yes and no. As you know, massaging the skin is an incredible way to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage thus boosting nutrient-rich oxygen to the skin and helping unwanted toxins and pollutants to flush away. So that’s one point in its favor, right there. However, oils aren’t going to penetrate deep into the sebaceous glands to truly draw out impurities. Instead, they will simply exfoliate the top layers of your skin, sloughing away dead skin cells and removing surface debris.

Of course, gentle exfoliation is great for health of your skin and we’re all for it. However we’re not convinced this oil gritting technique offers much more than that. And the question of will it actually eliminate your blackheads in the long-term? Probably not. 

The Better Alternative: Unless your skin is very sensitive or prone to serious acne breakouts oil-gritting is not going to do your skin any harm. But who has 15 minutes in their day to spend massaging oil into their face when there are so many quicker ways to do the exact same thing? Instead, we’d rather use effective skincare ingredients that are clinically proven to work on pore health. Salicylic acid, for example, is a much more effective ingredient for sloughing away dead skin cells, plus it cuts through excess sebum to help you achieve cleaner, clearer, smoother skin.

Try our 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant which takes seconds to apply (take that, oil gritting!) and blends salicylic acid with glycolic acid and gluconolactone to unclog your pores safely and effectively.

2. Sunscreen Contouring

What It Is? This viral trend is the absolute worst and should have been shot down before it even became a thing. Unconventional, silly trends we can stomach, but when they verge on the downright dangerous? It makes us mad.

Sunscreen contouring is the act of using sunscreen to create intentional tan lines on your face or body. It involves applying sunscreen to specific areas only – usually the higher contours of the face like down your nose, on the tip of your chin and across your cheekbones – so that these areas stay pale, while the rest of your face tans. This is supposed to create a similar contoured effect to using dark and light makeup to highlight and create shade on the skin, thus replacing that often laborious step in your makeup routine.

Does It Work? Not really. In fact, the chances of achieving the precision of contouring makeup is slim to none. Instead, you’re more likely to end up with blotchy, patchy skin and, worse yet, sunburn. 

More importantly, this is a very dangerous game to play. UV radiation is not only responsible for almost 90 percent of external skin aging, but it’s also the primary cause of skin cancer which, according to the American Cancer Society, is the most common type of cancer in the US.

Exposing your skin to that kind of peril? Not. Worth. It.

The Better Alternative: For starters, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin, every day without fail. And if you hate that extra step in your skincare routine, try our brand new SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum. This lightweight serum smooths seamlessly under your moisturizer and helps to protect your skin from the sun’s collagen-harming, DNA-destroying UV rays.

Then, if you want a more permanent contoured effect than makeup can offer, try achieving it with a self-tanning product instead.

3. Face Taping

What It Is? No matter how much we like to embrace aging, when it comes to the pursuit of youthful-looking skin, most of us are keen to try new products and techniques. But the thing about this viral beauty trend is that it’s really not so new. In fact, Hollywood movie stars and professional drag performers have been face taping (aka wrinkle taping) for decades.

Face taping involves placing strategic pieces of tape on the face before bed to keep the skin taut and immobile while you sleep. This apparently restricts muscle movement to prevent you from making facial expressions. It's also supposed to put a stop to ‘face scrunching’ as a consequence of sleeping on your front or side. By doing all this face taping is said to improve the appearance of existing wrinkles as well as to prevent new lines from forming. 

The technique is most often practiced on areas prone to aging, so think the forehead, around the eyes and down the sides of your mouth. 

Does It Work? The jury’s out on this one. While some experts are all for it, others are dubious. Celebritiy facialist, Guendalina Gennari, for example, is a big fan, stating that it not only helps to smooth out the lines she usually wakes up with, but it also lifts the skin to help improve circulation and therefore bring nutrients to the surface of the skin.

Our thoughts? Well, there’s no doubt that it offers a short-term fix and can help to soften the look of your lines and wrinkles temporarily, but it’s unlikely to scientifically change the structure and strength of your skin. Also, you really need to tread carefully with regards to the type of  tape you use. Stick with gentle medical tape that’s suitable for sensitive skin – this is not the time to reach for the duct tape. 

The Better Alternative: A much better way to ensure your skin ages healthily is to stick with an effective skincare routine that encompasses tried and tested, long-term collagen-enhancing ingredients like retinol, bakuchiol, peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Retinol, for one, has been proven time and again for being best in class for wrinkle improvement. And vitamin C provides not only awesome antioxidant protection to shield your skin from environmental damage, but is also an effective way to brighten and energize your skin.

We have all sorts of incredible treatments to help control the rate at which your skin ages but if you’re looking for a complete regimen try our Longevity range which uses bakuchiol (nature’s alternative to retinol) to strengthen, firm and hydrate mature skin on the face and around the eyes.

Tape, shmape.

Ever wondered if your sunscreen is fulfilling its promises in protecting your skin from the sun’s evil rays? Or, more than that, is it actually doing your skin any good?

Sun protection is a crucial step in your skincare routine. Granted, we say that about most skincare products but, frankly, they’re all important in their own, unique way. Without an effective cleanser, for example, you might as well throw the rest of your regime in the trash. Similarly, if you don’t moisturize twice daily, your skin is going to punish you in a whole host of not-very-nice ways.

But sunscreen is a little different. Because without it, things get really serious. For starters, broad-spectrum sunscreen – which protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation – is the single, most effective skincare product for reducing the visible signs of premature aging. And that includes fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, leathery skin, the works.

Not only that, but experts agree that exposure to UV radiation is the biggest cause of skin cancer, which makes sunscreen a crucial tool for minimizing your risks.

We reiterate, sunscreen is a very big deal.

Not all sunscreens are created equal, however. There are low SPFs and high SPFs; chemical sunscreens and minerals sunscreens; sprays and lotions; even those that claim to be 100 percent waterproof – which, btw, is impossible. Water resistancy? Yes. Completely waterproof? Nope.

Then there the countless ingredients you may or may not find in your sunscreen. And how are you supposed to know whether they’re any good or not? Simple, read on for some of the good ones…

 1. Zinc Oxide

The most important ingredient in your sunscreen is obviously the one that’s going to shield your skin from the sun. And most of these fit into one of two camps: chemicals and minerals.

Chemical filters include things like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate, and they work by absorbing UV radiation, breaking it down into heat and then releasing it back out through the skin. Minerals, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and physically block UV radiation from penetrating the surface.

We truly believe that mineral filters have the edge over chemicals because they’re a) tolerated better by the skin, b) work instantly and c) cause no threat to either your health or the environment. Conversely, chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause irritation to sensitive skin types, plus they have to be applied a good 20 minutes before exposure to sunlight. The jury is out on whether or not they have environmental implications but the fact that oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii gives us cause for concern and makes us stick to minerals, thanks very much.

Zinc oxide is the queen of mineral sunscreens, protecting your skin from UVA and UVB radiation while remaining stable when exposed to sunlight. It also helps calm inflammation and won’t clog up your pores, so is a great choice if you suffer with sun-induced redness or breakouts.

Zinc oxide for the win!

2. Vitamin C

Of course, zinc oxide does all the heavy lifting in sunscreen, but once you’ve nailed down the protective side of things, you can think about all the other good stuff. And one of the absolute best is vitamin C.

Vitamin C has been shown to make sunscreen work harder and more effectively. And vice versa. Furthermore, it’s one of the most clinically-proven antioxidants which means it works hard to neutralize any damage caused by sun-induced free radicals. Heads up: if left to their own devices, free radicals can age up your skin in no time.

Studies also show that vitamin C inhibits melanin production which helps to limit dark spots and patchy skin. Seems like a no brainer for every sunscreen ever made, right? Sadly that’s not the case, but thankfully both of our sunscreen formulations contain it. In fact, they’re based around a kind-to-skin derivative of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate. 

3. Vitamin E

On a similar vitamin note, vitamin E also deserves a mention. What makes it so effective in a sunscreen formulation? A few things, actually. First, it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superpowers to further protect your skin from damage caused by those pesky free radicals. Second, it’s one of the best skin moisturizers out there, drawing water to the skin while sealing and repairing tiny cracks that are often produced by dryness and dehydration. And finally, certain studies suggest that it has photoprotective properties of its own.

Now if that’s not enough to get you on board with making vitamin E a must in your suncare routine, we don’t know what is.

4. Aloe Vera

This gentle giant features in almost all TruSkin products so it’s no surprise that it’s right there near the top of the ingredient list of our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen with Vitamin C.

Aloe vera is one of the most soothing, ultra-hydrating ingredients nature has to offer your skin. Its medicinal, anti-inflammatory gel is packed with water, enzymes, minerals and vitamins which makes it instantly cooling and healing. It also has antioxidant properties and is chock full of phytosterols which are cholesterol-like molecules that increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin. The result? Deep hydration and less irritation and itchiness. All the things you should want for your skin.

5. Vegan Marine Collagen

As you know, collagen is everything for strong, supple, youthful-looking skin. It basically holds the entire structure of your skin together, giving it resilience and ensuring it doesn’t look old before its time. The thing about collagen, however, is that it doesn’t stick around. In fact, by the time you hit your mid-20s it can start fading away at a rate of around 1 percent every year. Now, that might not sound like a lot, but after 10 years or so, this will start to get real noticeable… real quick.

There are some incredible ingredients for maintaining strong and plentiful collagen, not least of which is vegan marine collagen. Sustainably sourced and kind to the cows (unlike bovine collagen!), vegan marine collagen is composed almost entirely of type I collagen which is a key component in the skin and the most abundant type in the entire body. Studies show that vegan marine collagen provides fantastic benefits to the skin, aiding in healing, improving skin elasticity and reducing the formation and appearance of lines and wrinkles. By strengthening the skin it also helps to arm it from the damaging effects of environmental pollution and UV radiation.

6. Prickly Pear Extract

If you like your skincare products to contain a healthy dose of natural ingredients, look out for prickly pear extract. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants, prickly pear is a fantastic botanical for your sunscreen because it helps your skin to retain moisture while calming inflammation and brightening a dull complexion. Furthermore, prickly pear extract contains linoleic acid which is an omega-6 fatty acid that helps to deeply moisturize and strengthen the skin’s all-important barrier function. Oh, and it’s also thought to help accelerate skin turnover by stimulating new cell growth. Makes you wonder why it’s not a shoo-in for every suncare product, right? Sadly it’s not, but you can find it in our incredible SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Facial Serum.

Because we truly care about feeding your skin with the very best nature has to offer.

7. Sunflower Extract

One of nature’s most effective soothing agents, sunflower extract is derived from the seeds of the helianthus annuus plant and it’s packed with all the good stuff. Think fatty acids, vitamins and beta carotene which has tons of antioxidant properties to safeguard your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Like vitamin E (which it contains in heaps), sunflower extract is an effective emollient. This means it helps to fill in cracks that often go hand in hand with dry skin to help reduce transepidermal water loss and therefore minimize dehydration and all the effects that go with it.

Want to feed your skin with all of these fantastic ingredients (and more!)? Then check out our dynamic sunscreen duo which has been crafted to protect and care for your skin.

Is your barrier function letting your skin down? Causing irritation, dryness, redness and itching? Then it’s time to introduce some gentle, strengthening ingredients into your daily routine.

From totally killing the look of your makeup (hello flaky foundation!) to making your face feel so itchy you could cry, sensitive skin is a real bore. It’s also a massive chore – especially when you have to deal with it on a daily basis. Are we right, or are we right????

But the thing is, while certain sensitivities are down to your genetic makeup and therefore kind of tricky to deal with off your own back, others are perfectly treatable. And it’s all about concentrating on your skin’s barrier function.

The Skin’s Barrier: A Quick Recap 

Officially known as the stratum corneum, the skin’s barrier is its uppermost layer which sits right on the surface of the epidermis like a protective shield. It’s made up of vital components including ceramides, cholesterol, amino acids and fatty acids and is one of, if not the most important layers of the skin.

The job of the skin’s barrier is to keep certain things in, namely water, and other stuff like pollutants, irritants and allergens out. And when it’s strong and healthy it works like clockwork. However, if it becomes weakened thanks to chronic skin conditions like eczema, high-strength skincare formulations or extreme weather breaking down the barrier’s vital substances, it stops being able to do its job properly. This allows water to escape far too easily while simultaneously allowing the bad guys front row seats to do their worst. Cue dryness, dehydration, irritation, redness, itching, the works.

There are many ways to repair and care for a damaged skin barrier, not least of which is to focus on the ingredients in your daily routine. Be mindful to avoid using too many active ingredients for starters. And hone in on topicals that hydrate, protect and nourish the skin. Not sure what those ingredients are? Then here are a few to guide you along the way.

5 Must-Try Skincare Ingredients For Stronger, Healthier Skin

1. Ceramides

Ceramides are important lipids that make up around 50 percent of your skin’s composition. They’re a crucial component in the barrier because they work tirelessly to ‘glue’ together the cells, creating that all-important shield which holds moisture in and potentially harmful aggressors out. 

Of course, with age, your skin naturally loses ceramides so this is why it’s essential to replace them with ceramide-rich skincare formulas in your daily routine. Look out for ceramides EOP (1), NP (3) and AP (6011) which are the most clinically studied and thus widely viewed as the most effective.

Try: Firming Collagen Day Lotion

2. Hyaluronic Acid

When it comes to skin hydration, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the obvious go-to. A very effective humectant, it works by drawing in water like a sponge. And that’s vital for hydrating the skin (on every level!) because as you age, its natural supplies of HA deplete at lightning speeds, causing dullness, dehydration and irritation.

Studies show that hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Which is very impressive. Of course, HA is not the only humectant out there and ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera are just as effective and similarly deserve a massive shout-out for helping you to achieve the heady heights of a healthy skin barrier.

Try: Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum

3. Niacinamide 

A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a pretty big deal in skincare right now, rising in Google searches and flooding the beauty shelves. But frankly, we’ve always known how incredible this water-soluble skin nutrient truly is. Not to blow our own trumpets, of course.

All jokes aside, topical niacinamide has some pretty impressive talents. For starters, it has a smart way (you don't need to know the science) of being able to increase the production of ceramides in the uppermost layers of your skin. And, as mentioned, ceramides are super important for the barrier function so keeping them at an all-time high is vital for improving the resiliency of your skin. 

Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory qualities and is a powerful antioxidant. This helps to protect your skin from everyday life and specifically works hard to shield it from environmental damage caused by UV radiation and pollution. All that adds up to music to the ears of sensitive skin, don’t you agree?

Try: Niaciamide (B3) Facial Serum

4. Milk

We’re huge advocates of oat and rice milk here at TruSkin. How so? Because they’re proven to be up there as some of nature’s finest skincare ingredients for dry or sensitive skin.

Chock full of antioxidants, these non-dairy milks are a great way to provide protection from free radical damage (which can be a killer on your barrier function), plus they’re extremely moisturizing. Rice milk, for example, contains a vitamin-like component called inositol which has similar humectant qualities to big-hitters like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Both rice and oat milk also have anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing emollient properties to help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and keep your skin calm, soft and smooth. 

Try: Soothing Cleansing Milk 

5. Panthenol

Panthenol might not steal the headlines like retinol and HA, but its role in skincare is absolutely crucial. Especially when it comes to soothing and strengthening compromised skin. Similar to HA, panthenol (aka pro-vitamin B5) is a humectant and draws moisture to the top layers of the skin. But it has another string to its bow: it’s an emollient, too. This means it not only brings extra water to the table, but it also works to seal moisture in by smoothing over the top layers and filling in tiny cracks that often appear in dry or dehydrated skin.

A shoo-in for sensitive skin, panthenol is easily tolerated and ideal for calming sensitivities and visibly reducing the facial redness that’s often triggered by irritation. Do not underestimate it.

Try: Vitamin C Deep Hydration Night Cream

Facial toner is the most underrated skincare product around. But it can transform a 'meh' complexion to the most radiant skin of your life.

Everyone’s skincare routine is different. Your skin type, lifestyle, available funds and dedication to the cause all play their part in how much (or, of course, how little) attention you pay to your skin. However, one thing is clear. No matter how much of a skin afficionado you are, and how many serums are stacked on your bathroom shelves, you still might not use a facial toner on a regular basis. 

And that’s a real shame.

You see, today’s toners are a far cry from those alcohol-laden, redness-causing, eye-watering liquids you might have doused over your teenage skin back in the ‘80s. They’re now more sophisticated than ever, combining new technologies with advanced ingredients to offer all manner of game-changing benefits to your face – whatever your skin type. 

Here’s what we know…

What Is Toner, Exactly?

Facial toners bridge the gap between cleansing and treatment products. They’re liquid, water-based formulations and are usually applied with a cotton pad or spritzed straight onto the skin post-cleansing. What’s the point, we hear you ask? Well, their main job is to soak up any excess oils, dead skin cells or debris left over after cleansing. This not only helps to keep your pores clean and clear, but removing these barriers prepares your skin to fully take on the incredible ingredients in the rest of your routine.

But that’s not all. Depending on their contents, a well-formulated toner can also balance your skin’s pH while hydrating, brightening, nourishing and protecting the barrier function. Some even contain hydroxy acids to help encourage healthier cell turnover and improve the tone and texture of your skin. Oh hi there 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant.

More than the sum of their parts, toners really can turbocharge your routine to give you a much healthier-looking glow. But before we delve into some of the benefits of a well-crafted facial toner, let’s take a look at some common misconceptions…

Common Toner Myths: Debunked

The Myth: Facial Toners Dry Out The Skin

The Truth: Synthetic fragrance and harsh alcohols like isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol (sometimes listed as alcohol denat) are the main offenders here, but most modern day toners avoid these. In fact, some even contain hydrating ingredients like rose water and hyaluronic acid to actually help reduce dryness. Who knew?

The Myth: Toners Are Really Only For Oily Skin Types

The Truth: Like all skincare formulations, there’s a toner out there for any skin type. You just need to look at the labels, read the descriptions, check out the ingredients listings and then make informed decisions to help find the perfect one to suit your skin’s specific needs.

The Myth: Facial Toner Is Just Fancy Water With A Big Price Tag

The Truth: Sure, toners contain a good amount of water, and yes, their consistency may feel thin and watery but quality toners, crafted by reputable skincare manufacturers like yours truly, contain all manner of effective active ingredients that offer visible benefits to your skin. So there.

The Myth: If You Tone You Don’t Need To Cleanse

The Truth: Toners can help lift traces of dirt, sebum, makeup and cleanser from the surface of your skin but, unlike cleansing products, they don’t contain emulsifiers which are designed to actually clean and break down stubborn debris. The fact is, toner cannot replace cleanser. And vice versa.

Game-Changing Benefits Of A Facial Toner

Toners have a lot to offer, boosting the efficacy of your entire skincare routine while significantly improving the look and feel of your skin. To follow, some of the different ways a toner can benefit your complexion.

1. pH Balancing

Everyday cleansing can disrupt your skin’s natural pH levels leaving it feeling and looking totally out of sorts. The happy place for your skin is around 5.5 on the pH scale which is slightly acidic to help prevent infection and dehydration. Cleansers, however, typically have a higher alkaline pH which can temporarily unbalance the skin, disturbing the barrier function and causing the sebaceous glands to overcompensate.

The good news is that gentle, hydrating toners – ones that avoid drying alcohol – step in to restore harmony quickly and effortlessly. 

2. Hydrating & Nourishing

Speaking of hydrating the skin, facial toners can be hydration powerhouses which makes them ideal for dull, dehydrated skin. 

Toners are composed mainly of water which, when combined with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, delivers a massive rush of moisture to the skin, plumping up the cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and treating you to that coveted glassy glow you thought was the stuff of dreams.

3. Pore Minimizing

Enlarged pores can be a total pain so it’s vital to keep them clean and clear to minimize their appearance.

As a quick refresh, pores are microscopic openings found at the surface of your skin right at the top of your hair follicles where oil is produced and released to moisturize and lubricate the skin. 

Full disclosure, it’s physically impossible to shrink your pores. However, you can absolutely improve their visible appearance. How so? By keeping them free of oil and debris which can cause their walls to stretch and expand. As previously mentioned, toners are literally made for removing traces of debris left over after cleansing. And formulas that contain ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid? Even better for detoxifying those pores and tightening the skin.

Try our Ocean Minerals Super Toner.

4. Brightening

All the makeup in the world can’t make up (no pun intended) for a skin-brightening skincare routine. Ingredients like sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C), retinol, glycolic acid, licorice extract and MSM put a lot of effort into improving the glow factor of your skin. 

Chemical exfoliators, in particular, are incredible for adding radiance to an otherwise drab complexion, and toning is one of the most effective ways to up your quota of chemical exfoliators. Our 6% AHA, BHA + PHA Liquid Exfoliant, for example, contains a harmonized blend of glycolic acid (the AHA), salicylic acid (the BHA) and gluconolactone (the PHA) to remove dead skin cells, accelerate skin turnover and reveal smoother, clearer, glowier skin. 

5. Protecting

A great toner will always contain an antioxidant or two. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide and green tea work hard to neutralize free radicals. This helps to shield your skin from environmental bad boys like UV radiation and pollution. 

The truth is, antioxidants are an essential part of an effective skincare routine and, when coupled with broad-spectrum sunscreen are the best way to protect your skin from premature aging.

Seems like a no brainer to us.