With winter behind us, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your skin for a bright new season! Get our tips on how to detox your skin from the inside out and recommendations for skin detox products from the esmi range. 

The Best Skincare Ingredients And Tips For A Skin Detox

Use a face mask with bentonite and kaolin clay

Bentonite and kaolin are two of the most popular cosmetic clays and you’ll usually find them in the best detoxifying face masks.

Bentonite clay detoxifies skin by absorbing oils, dirt and toxins which attach themselves to the clay. When the clay is cleansed from the skin, the debris is washed away with it. 

Kaolin clay acts in the same way but has a more fine-grained texture than bentonite and its absorption properties are milder. It’s a good choice for normal to dry skin that may find bentonite too strong. 

Using a clay mask as a step in your skin detox can help aid in the removal of impurities, target acne forming bacteria, and generally leave the skin smoother and softer. 

We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask

Include a serum with activated charcoal, a detox powerhouse!

Like clay, the molecules of activated charcoal attract toxins, dirt, and chemicals from the skin to be easily washed away. It assists in removing deeper impurities from the skin and unclogging pores. The result is smoother, more clarified skin.  

If your skin is breaking out even more soon after using a charcoal skincare product, don’t worry. It’s common to experience a ‘purging’ phase as the charcoal draws out impurities from deep within the skin. 

We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum

Double cleanse in the evening

If you’re not doing it already, double up your cleansing step in the evening. 

During the day your skin faces environmental aggressors, including air pollution. Toxic nanoparticles from air pollution can actually lodge themselves in the surface of the skin and trigger free radical activity. 

Free radicals are responsible for a host of skin issues, from dullness to accelerating the signs of premature ageing. 

Double cleansing skin in the evening is an effective way to detox your skin from pollution particles and other environmental stressors from the day. The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, and excess oil while the second cleanse clears the skin of any stubborn debris still sticking around.

We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser. You may like to follow with The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal as a detoxifying facial cleanser for the second round if you’re dealing with oily skin, breakouts and congestion.

Detox your makeup

Treat your skin to a cleaner makeup routine by avoiding cosmetic products that contain formaldehyde-related preservatives. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical and is linked with common preservatives in cosmetic products including DM hydantoin, phthalates, and oxybenzone. 

Consider switching to mineral makeup formulations that don’t contain irritating preservatives that can cause skin problems.

Containing healthy minerals, including skin-friendly silica, mineral makeup also has the added benefit of helping to heal and condition the skin while you wear it. It offers additional SPF protection when teamed with your daily sunscreen and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.

We recommend: The esmi range of mineral foundation, BB cream, and powder.

Ideas For Detoxing Your Skin From The Inside Out

Support your detoxifying skin care products with healthy eating and lifestyle choices to truly maximise the benefits of a skin detox.

Sip herbal teas formulated for detoxification

Drinking tea can be very beneficial in supporting your skin detox. Choose teas that are formulated with herbs to promote detoxification and keep your body hydrated.  

Some effective herbs, spices and root plants to consider using in your tea-tox include: 

Burdock root - Brimming with antioxidants, burdock root provides a host of benefits, including potential skin healing for issues such as acne and psoriasis.

Dandelion root - Research has found the properties in dandelion root tea can assist in helping detoxify the liver.

Milk thistle - Assists in promoting the regeneration of new healthy cells and supports the cleansing process by removing toxins. 

Tumeric - With potent antioxidants that fight free radical damage, turmeric can aid liver and skin detoxification when brewed in a tea. 

Green tea - Another antioxidant powerhouse, drinking green tea makes a detoxifying, skin-supporting swap for your regular latte.

Give yourself a lymphatic face massage

When you stimulate the circulation in the lymphatic system through massage, you assist your body in draining fluids and toxins away from your cells for proper elimination. Massage stimulates circulation which encourages an overall improvement in skin tone and brightness. 

A lymphatic face massage is something simple enough to do yourself at home but it’s advisable to consult a health practitioner first. 

Experiment with celery juice

The humble celery stalk has received a surge in attention recently thanks to its skin healing, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also incredibly rich in minerals and hydrating. 

Cut out sugar

Eliminating sugary foods from your plate for a time is detox 101!

Depending on how much sugar you usually eat, it could be a shock to the system. It’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms so your best approach could be to ease into a sugar detox slowly. 

Drink plenty of water

During a skin detox stepping up your water intake is key. Sip plain water, water flavoured with herbs and fruit pieces, or alternate with glasses of coconut water for a natural electrolyte boost. 

None of the suggestions above should be taken as medical advice. We encourage you to consult with your medical or holistic practitioner to choose a skin cleanse diet or approach that’s right for you.

Look in the mirror and tired skin looks back? You’re not alone. A tired looking face is something we’ve all experienced at some stage! Discover why your skin is fatigued and how to wake it up. 

Common Reasons For Tired Skin

“My face looks dull and tired.”

This is a very common skin complaint and signs of a tired face can include:

Dullness 

Under-eye circles

Fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced

Puffiness 

Tired skin can be traced back to a number of factors and happily, there’s something you can do to address each of them.

Dehydration 

We can’t say it enough - hydration really is your skin’s best friend. 

Dehydration can cause skin to lose its radiance. Your overall complexion becomes dull and lacklustre when hydration levels are depleted.

Shadowy circles under your eyes may become more obvious too, as will fine lines and wrinkles. 

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing. Dry skin lacks oil and is a ‘skin type’ while dehydrated skin lacks water - it’s considered a skin condition. All skin types can experience dehydration, even oily ones. 

The good news is dehydration is a temporary skin condition which means it’s very treatable. 

Use hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine

Look for ingredients known as humectants. They work by drawing water to the stratum corneum (the skin’s surface) either from the atmosphere or deeper layers of skin, to hydrate the surface.

Hyaluronic acid has superior humectant properties, it acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skin’s cells and can hold x1000 its own weight in water. Glycerin is also a common humectant.

We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (All skin types) 

Drink plenty of hydrating fluids and eat water-rich foods. 

Top your skin’s hydration levels up from the inside by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, celery, watermelon, spinach, oranges, and mushrooms. 

Sip on plain water, coconut water, and celery juice and limit your intake of dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol. 

Sun Damage

The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are enemies of bright, healthy looking skin.

Sun exposure speeds up signs of ageing including wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, sagging and rough, uneven skin texture. All these elements can leave your complexion looking tired and older than your years.

Don’t skip sun protection

This means wearing broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen daily, whether you spend a lot of time outdoors or not. Also, be mindful to cover your skin up during long days outdoors with a wide brim hat and remember to reapply sunscreen. 

We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 

Treat your skin to a dose of brightening antioxidants 

Lift tired skin out of a lacklustre state with the help of brightening antioxidants that target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. 

Vitamin C is excellent for skin brightening and its antioxidant properties also target free radical activity. Antioxidant Q10 spheres can also assist in fading dark spots and help to energise tired skin. 

We recommend: Pomegranate Brightening Serum (Suited to most skin types)

You Need A Good Night’s Sleep

Your skin might be looking tired because you are tired! 

The health of your skin and quality of sleep are intrinsically linked. When you’re not getting enough sleep, signs quickly show up in your skin. 

Your skin switches to regenerative mode while you sleep. If it doesn’t get enough time to complete its restorative process, skin won’t look as fresh and bright. 

Lack of sleep contributes to tired skin with dehydration. A study on the link between sleep and hydration revealed people who regularly slept for 6 hours or less each night were 16–59 percent more likely to be dehydrated than those who slept for 8 hours a night. 

Your tired face treatment, in this case, is getting more quality sleep. Introduce sleep-easy bedtime rituals to encourage more restful sleep and treat your skin overnight.

Try essential oils

Relax your mind and body before bed with the therapeutic qualities of essential oils. A few famed for their relaxation qualities include lavender, chamomile, and sweet marjoram - enjoy the benefits with a diffuser or using skincare formulated with the oil.

We recommend: Lavender Skin and Body Care Pack (All skin types)

Include an eye treatment

Night time is ideal to provide the delicate skin around your eye with additional brightening support to wake up with a fresher eye area.

We recommend: Brightening Eye Serum (Suited to most skin types)

You Don’t Exfoliate Regularly 

Tired looking skin can also be the result of dead cells building up on the surface. Nothing steals your glow like layers and layers of old, dry cells.

While natural exfoliation is part of the skin’s regenerative process it slows down with age so we need to give it a helping hand.

Exfoliation removes the dead cells and reveals the fresher, brighter skin beneath. An instant wake up call for tired skin.

We recommend: Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant (All skin types)

Pollution and Smoking

While UV rays have long been on the ‘bad for your skin’ list, you may not be aware of the damage pollution can do to your skin. Especially air pollution.

Toxic nanoparticles of pollution can enter the skin cells - triggering free radical activity and inflammation which accelerate signs of premature ageing and dull, tired skin.

Your pollution solution? Double cleansing at night to remove all pollution debris and using an antioxidant-rich serum to neutralise free radical activity. 

Smoking cigarettes? Not if you want healthy, glowing skin! Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide and nicotine and the combination impacts blood flow to the skin leaving it sallow, tired, and dry looking.

Best Face Mask For Tired Skin

Pamper tired skin with a face mask brimming with active ingredients to target dullness and help brighten a fatigued complexion. 

The Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask is suited to most skin types and can be left on for a 10 minute masking session or overnight to allow your skin to soak up the active ingredients. We recommend starting with a 10 minute application and work up to an overnight session as the active ingredients are quite concentrated. 

Your skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated to achieve healthy, happy skin. We’ll step you through each element of a basic skincare routine for your healthiest complexion ever.

Creating A Skincare Routine That Actually Works

What skin type do you have?

Creating a skincare routine that works for you starts by knowing your skin type. This gives you a good understanding of why your skin looks, feels and behaves as it does. 

Most importantly, you’ll know how to choose the right skincare routine for your skin type.

Skin is generally classified into one of 5 different skin types -  normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and combination. If you aren’t sure we recommend reading our guide to The Different Skin Types to help you determine what type you are. 

Which skin concerns do you want to address?

Next, you need to understand the specific skin concerns you’d like to address - hyperpigmentation, signs of ageing, acne, dehydration, dryness, dullness, etc. 

Some of these may link closely to your skin type; for example, oily skin is usually more prone to breakouts. Other concerns like hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and signs of ageing occur in all skin types.

Knowing the specific concerns you want to treat means you can assemble a skincare routine with active ingredients to target them. 

Skincare Routine Order Of Application

The skincare products and order to apply them for a basic routine include:

Daily treatments

Cleanser

Serum (hydration)

Moisturiser

Sun protection (Morning only)

Weekly treatments

Exfoliation (after cleansing) 

Deep masking treatment (after cleansing) 

Let’s take a closer look at each element of a basic skincare routine. 

Step One: Using a Cleanser 

Your cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine.

While every cleanser has the same basic goal - to clear the skin of debris, excess oil, bacteria, dead cells - all cleansers are definitely not created equal. 

Many strip the skin entirely of its natural oils and moisture. They certainly ‘clean’ the skin but by removing all oil and moisture they also damage the delicate skin barrier. This can lead to a range of skin concerns from excess oil production to heightened sensitivity and excessive dryness. 

Signs your cleanser is too harsh? Your skin feels tight and extremely dry after washing your face and you might also experience irritation. 

For the best cleansing experience, regardless of your skin type, choose a gentle, non-drying cleanser to maintain the delicate balance of oil and moisture on your skin. 

Gentle yet effective ingredients for cleansing formulations include; 

Aloe vera: Containing mostly (95%) water, aloe vera is hydrating and calming for skin. It also has excellent cleansing and very gentle exfoliant properties. 

Green tea extract: Brimming with antioxidant activity, Green tea is also an anti-inflammatory with the ability to soothe and calm redness.

Stearic acid: Helps cleanse debris from the skin while its emollient properties protect skin's surface against water loss.

Capric triglyceride: Helps to reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss by creating a barrier on the skin's surface.

Active ingredients to target specific concerns

Your cleanser can also include active ingredients to help target specific skin concerns. If dullness and hyperpigmentation are a problem, for example, you may choose a cleanser formulated with brightening ingredients, like Vitamin C. 

We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser (All skin types)

Infused with aloe vera to calm and heal and the protective, antioxidant properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract the cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. 

We recommend using The Uncomplicated Cleanser in both your morning and evening skincare routine. Double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces of build up. 

Targeting a specific concern? You may like to try one of the following cleansers:

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness - Redness concerns

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening - Hyperpigmentation and dullness 

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing - Ageing concerns

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Charcoal -  Congestion and oiliness 

Step Two: Exfoliating Your Skin 

Put simply, exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and build up from your outer layer of skin - the epidermis. 

Why exfoliate? It helps prevent clogged pores that can lead to congestion and acne. By removing dead cells and debris, exfoliation also reveals the brighter, fresher skin underneath helping skin appear smoother.

There are two different ways you can exfoliate your skin; 

Chemical exfoliation (not as scary as it sounds!) which includes alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and fruit enzymes. These ingredients work to unglue and lift dead cells and debris from the skin without the need to manually ‘scrub’ your skin. 

Physical exfoliation includes products like facial scrubs. You need to physically massage it into the skin to remove buildup and clear pores.  

We recommend reading our Guide To Exfoliation for an in-depth look at different ingredients and methods. This will help you better understand what type is right for you. 

Using a specific exfoliation product isn’t something you should do every day. Like those harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation leads to a damaged skin barrier. 

However, your cleanser may contain ingredients that offer mild exfoliation properties for a very gentle daily exfoliation activity.

The exfoliation type and frequency best for you depends on your skin type and concerns. We recommend to start slowly and gently and monitor how your skin reacts before making adjustments. 

We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum 

Chemical exfoliant properties

Suitable for most skin types with congestion and acne concerns

An exfoliating charcoal serum with gentle chemical exfoliation properties to tackle blackheads, acne, and underlying skin congestion to help draw out impurities and unclog pores for smoother looking skin. 

We recommend: Rose and Bamboo Gentle Foliant  

Chemical and physical exfoliant properties

Suitable for weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne prone, and dry skin.

A delicate, restorative exfoliation experience for skin needing TLC. Gentle bamboo extract and fruit enzymes help leave skin soft, luminous, and purified while luxurious rose oil aids in calming and moisturises.

Step Three: Hydrate and Moisturise

Hydration is crucial for healthy skin. Your complexion is brighter, clearer, and more supple looking when your skin is well hydrated. 

Both moisturising and hydrating ingredients play important roles in keeping hydration levels up.  

Hydrating ingredients (known as humectants) attract water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrate cells from the inside out. Moisturising ingredients (emollients and occlusives) work to lock hydration into the skin. 

Your skincare routine should include a hydrating product (ideally a serum) to add water and a moisturising product to seal it in.

Moisturising products

Help minimise water evaporating off the skin 

Support a healthy skin barrier

Achieve the above with occlusive and emollient ingredients

Depending on the formulation, some moisturisers may offer humectant ingredients 

Hydrating serum products

Water-based and penetrate the skin more deeply than moisturisers

Hydrate the skin from the inside

Support a healthy skin barrier

Achieve the above with humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid 

Face oil products

Help minimise water evaporating off the skin

Support a healthy skin barrier

Achieve the above with occlusive and emollient ingredients

We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum 

All skin types

The esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to aid in skin repair, restoration, and help regulate oil flow.

We recommend: Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo 

All skin types

Help brighten, tone and moisturise tired skin with the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. 

Sun Protection

No skincare routine should skip a daily dose of SPF. Wearing sunscreen daily is absolutely your best defence against slowing the visible signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation.

Include a broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen in your skincare routine - 365 days a year. No matter the weather, no matter the season.

We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

All skin types

Comfortable, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and enriched with antioxidant protection of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to help support hydrated, smoother skin.

Other Skin Routine Considerations

What you eat is a different kind of skin care but just as important as your skincare products.

We’ve put together a list of healthy skin foods but the basics are eating antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, healthy fats from oily fish and nuts, and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids. 

At Home Facials and Treatments 

A face mask is an ideal at-home facial treatment to target any specific skin concerns or when your skin just needs a little pick-me-up. We all have those days! 

We recommend: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask

Ideal for dry skin types

De-stress dry skin and help slow cellular ageing with colloidal gold, free-radical fighting green tea extract, and a nourishing oil complex to aid in skin renewal, repair and protection.

We recommend: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask

Suitable for most skin types

Suited for lightening hyperpigmentation, age spots and sun damage, this face mask helps even out skin tone for a smoother, brighter complexion.

We hope covering the elements of a great skincare routine will help you build one ideally suited to your skin. If you would like any guidance in building a more specific skincare routine, book your free skin consultation with our team of skin experts. We’re here to help!

Want to know how to get glowing skin? It’s all about taking a holistic approach to skin care. What you eat, drink, the skincare products you use and lifestyle factors all contribute to a glowing skin routine.

Everyday Routine for Glowing Skin

Your daily routine for glowing skin starts with what you put in your mouth!

Loading your plate with skin friendly foods and drinking hydrating liquids is vital for glowing skin. 

Regular exercise plays a big role in skin health too. It improves blood circulation and gets more oxygen to the skin which helps give it a healthy glow.

Then, of course, there’s skincare! Below we’ve detailed a daily 4 step skincare routine to get glowing skin. Plus, how you can treat yourself to a weekly indulgence and turn up the glow.

Step One: Cleanse

Cleansing is the basis for every glowing skin routine. 

It refreshes your skin removing excess oil, makeup, dead skin cells, SPF, pollution particles, and other debris. 

Without cleansing your skin, this debris builds up on the surface of your skin and can lead to blocked pores resulting in congestion and acne. You may also find skin develops a rougher texture and becomes dull if you’re not cleansing properly. 

The effect of pollution is also problematic for skin. Toxic nanoparticles of smog and other air pollution can settle onto your face during the day. Without washing them away in the evening, these particles can trigger free radical activity that accelerates the signs of ageing. 

A clean canvas also allows other skincare products and their ingredients to better penetrate your skin. You maximise their benefits! 

How often should you cleanse?

Cleansing should be part of both your morning and evening routine. We recommend a double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces of build up for deeply cleansed pores.

Consider using a textured microfibre face cleansing mitt with your cleanser. Microfibre helps eliminate 80% more dirt, makeup and product residue than a regular face washer!

What ingredients to look for in a cleanser

No matter your skin type or concerns, a gentle cleanser is the way to go. Gentle formulations cleanse your skin and leave it balanced and supple not strip of the oils and moisture it needs. 

A few gentle yet effective ingredients for cleansing formulations include; 

Aloe vera: Containing mostly (95%) water, aloe vera is hydrating and calming for skin. It also has excellent cleansing and very gentle exfoliant properties. 

Green tea extract: Brimming with antioxidant activity, Green tea is also an anti-inflammatory with the ability to soothe and calm redness.

Stearic acid: Helps cleanse debris from the skin while its emollient properties protect skin's surface against water loss.

Capric triglyceride: Helps to reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss by creating a barrier on the skin's surface.

We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser (All skin types)

Infused with aloe vera to calm and heal and the protective, antioxidant properties of camellia leaf (green tea) extract the cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Perfect for all skin types and concerns, The Uncomplicated Cleanser works gently but deeply to lift away dirt and foundation without stripping away the oils and good bacteria essential for healthy, balanced skin.

Step Two: Hydrate

Wondering how to get glowing skin? Hydration, hydration, hydration. 

H2O helps your skin by improving elasticity, regulating oil production, flushing toxins, and increasing skin radiance. 

Dehydration occurs when the skin barrier, the protective uppermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum, lacks moisture. 

Signs your skin is dehydrated can include tightness, dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and congestion. 

Several factors can contribute to depleting the water content in your skin. Changes in the weather, using the wrong skincare, lifestyle choice (excessive alcohol consumption/smoking for example), diet, and other environmental factors.  

To combat dehydration for all skin types, the skin cell’s water content needs to be replenished.

Serums vs Moisturisers

There is a difference between ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ ingredients - both share the same goal (to improve the skin’s water content) but go about it differently.

Hydrating ingredients (known as humectants) attract water to the deeper layers of skin and rehydrate cells from the inside out. Moisturising ingredients (emollients and occlusives) work to lock the hydration into the skin. 

This means a two step approach is needed in your glowing skin routine to achieve the best results.

1) Serum: Get water to thirsty skin cells to rehydrate and replenish.

Serums are water-based formulations and have a smaller molecular structure than moisturisers. This allows them to provide an intense hit of hydration - carrying hydrating ingredients deep within the skin. 

2) Moisturiser: Seal the water in to prevent it from escaping off the skin.

Moisturisers don’t penetrate the skin as deeply, instead, they sit on top of the skin to trap moisture in. 

What ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum

Hyaluronic acid: One of the best ingredients to look for in a hydrating serum is hyaluronic acid. It draws water to the cells and can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.

Allantoin: An extract from the comfrey plant, allantoin’s properties can increase the water contents of cells. It has the added benefit of acting as an emollient to keep skin moisturised. 

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration.

How often should you use a hydrating serum?

You can use a hydrating serum in both your morning and evening routine. Apply it as the next step after cleansing and before your moisturiser. Gently pat the serum into the skin with your fingers. 

We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (all skin types)

The esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your cells containing triple action Hyaluron which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The hydrating serum contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for skin repair, restoration and to regulate oil flow which in turn aids in breakout prevention. It also contains allantoin to promote cell longevity. 

Hydration and your diet

How to get glowing skin naturally? Keeping your skin hydrated isn’t only about using the right skincare products. Including water-rich foods in your diet and drinking hydrating fluids is crucial to get glowing skin. 

Foods with high water content include cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, spinach, oranges, and mushrooms. Sip on plain water, coconut water, and water flavoured with real fruit pieces to keep hydration levels up. 

Read: Best foods to eat to improve your skin 

Step Three: Moisturise

As we mentioned above, the moisturising step helps lock moisture into the skin. It also delivers antioxidant support and strengthens the skin barrier. 

When we talk about how to get glowing skin and the role moisturiser plays, don’t think creams are your only option! Oil based moisturisers are an excellent choice for many skin types and concerns. 

How an energising serum works

Or, you could opt for an energising serum - a hybrid combination of a serum and an oil. The serum component of the formulation delivers active ingredients deep into the skin while the oil offers moisturising benefits. Best of both worlds!

How often should you use an energising serum?

You can use an energising serum in both your morning and evening routine. Apply it as the next step after your hydrating serum and before SPF. Gently pat the serum into the skin with your fingers. 

We recommend: Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo (all skin types)

Help brighten, tone and moisturise tired skin with the intensity of a water-based serum and moisturising benefits of an oil. 

The serum component contains Kakadu Plum extract -  nature’s highest level of vitamin C - to help brighten skin and aid in collagen production for a firmer, smoother tone while niacinamide aids in repair and breakout prevention.

The oil component contains Acai oil which offers moisture increasing benefits and helps address ageing concerns.

Step Four: Sun Protection

Our guide on how to get glowing skin wouldn’t be complete without including daily SPF protection. When it comes to signs of premature ageing, the sun is your skin’s number 1 enemy and SPF is your skin-saving staple.  

Both UV and UVB rays damage the skin but go about it in different ways. UVB are shorter rays that affect the surface of the skin; causing the visible redness and pain that comes with sunburn. They can also result in skin cancer, including melanoma.

UVA rays, on the other hand, are longer and reach deep into the layers of skin. Causing damage to collagen and elastin, UVA rays are responsible for accelerating the signs of ageing - wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. They can also trigger hyperpigmentation. 

What to look for in a sunscreen 

The key is to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If a sunscreen isn’t broad spectrum, it only protects your skin from UVB rays. The SPF (sun protection factor) rating is also important. 

An SPF rating of 15+ or higher is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use and 30+ if you’re spending the day outdoors. 

Choosing a sunscreen that works with makeup

Your best bet when looking for sunscreen to wear under makeup? Go for a formulation that is lightweight and non-comedogenic - meaning it won’t clog pores.

Some SPF creams can be heavy, greasy, and packed with mineral oil. This increases the risk of congestion and can cause makeup to ‘slide’ off your skin. 

Don’t rule out oil in your sunscreen entirely though, some oils are very beneficial. For example, we use carrot root oil in our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 to help tone and tighten skin.

We also suggest making mineral makeup your friend. It allows the skin to breathe and contains natural SPF too. You get the bonus of added sun protection as you layer your cosmetics and skincare. 

We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (all skin types)

Comfortable, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen is easy-to-apply and enriched with antioxidant protection of carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to help support hydrated, smoother skin.

Weekly Skin Treatments to Refresh and Revitalise

How to get glowing skin and indulge in a little self care at the same time? By refreshing and revitalising your skin with weekly treatments.

Exfoliation and face mask treatments

A face mask is ideal to help target specific skin concerns including congestion, dullness, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and ageing concerns. 

Whether you choose a face mask treatment to leave on overnight or a quick 10 minute treatment, your skin can benefit. All skin types can benefit from different types of exfoliation too.

We recommend introducing weekly mask and exfoliation treatments into your routine one at a time. Targeted treatments usually contain a stronger dose of active ingredients which your skin may need time to adjust to. Basically, you don’t want to overwhelm the skin, especially using products with exfoliation properties. 

We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask 

The mild exfoliation action of kaolin clay is kind to sensitive and breakout-prone skin, it helps to soothe and aid in balancing oil production while deeply cleansing to remove impurities. Bentonite clay helps lift away dead skin cells and assists with pore purification for a touchably soft, glowing complexion.

We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum

An exfoliating charcoal serum with gentle chemical exfoliation properties to help detox and purify congested skin to promote a clearer, smoother complexion.

Ideal for most skin types tackling blackheads, acne, and underlying skin congestion to help draw out impurities and unclog pores for smoother looking skin. 

Turn your treatments into self care

Why not turn your weekly skincare treatments into a self-care practice? Instead of rushing through the motions, slow down and pay attention to each step. 

Enjoy the texture and fragrance of the products and the way they feel on your skin. 

Listening to relaxing music or burning an aromatic candle while you go through your skincare routine will also boost the indulgence factor!

Expecting a new little arrival? Congratulations! Let us help you navigate safe skincare for pregnant women. This handy guide explains ingredients to avoid and pregnancy approved alternatives.

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

There are some lucky mums-to-be out there that experience the best skin of their lives during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case! You may experience pregnancy-related changes in your skin that are more challenging to deal with.

Hormonal acne - Breaking out around the chin and jaw? Acne in these areas can be linked to hormonal changes.

Melasma - Sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ melasma is hyperpigmentation (skin discolouration) that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks.

Dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced.

If you have any pre-existing conditions, like eczema or rosacea, these can get worse during pregnancy.

You’ll need to manage these skin concerns while you’re expecting (and during breastfeeding) with skincare products that are safe during pregnancy.

Skincare Ingredients To Swap During Pregnancy

Safe skincare for pregnant women means avoiding certain ingredients - a few tweaks to your existing routine might be necessary. 

Carefully read all the labels on the skincare products you’re currently using. You’ll want to press pause on applying the following ingredients during pregnancy:

AVOID: Retinols, or any vitamin A derivatives (Anti-ageing)

Retinol, retin-A, retinoic acid, and tretinoin shouldn’t be used if you’re expecting. 

These anti-ageing ingredients are all derived from Vitamin A, which is an effective vitamin for your skin but is problematic during pregnancy. 

Excessive amounts of Vitamin A has been found to interfere with fetal development. No matter the amount you include in your routine, the safest approach is to avoid retinol, or any vitamin A derivatives entirely. 

What Are The Pregnancy Safe Anti-ageing Alternatives?

Thankfully, temporarily giving up Vitamin A doesn’t have to mean abandoning your anti-ageing routine.

Alternative ingredients that are pregnancy safe and offer effective anti-ageing properties are easy to include in your pregnancy skincare routine. You may already be using some!

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is your antioxidant go-to for a pregnancy skincare routine. An effective all-rounder, it helps repair environmental damage, stimulate collagen synthesis, and brighten skin. 

Peptides

Peptides are a type of protein that helps preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores. 

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness. 

Pregnancy safe products we recommend for an anti-ageing routine

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing

Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum

24K Gold Nourishing Oil

Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (evening)

Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask 

These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.

AVOID: Salicylic acid (Acne)

Salicylic acid is a heavy hitter for treating acne. Its deep exfoliating action clears blocked pores to minimise bacteria and reduce congestion. When it comes to skincare for pregnant women though, it’s not on the ‘safe’ list in high doses so it’s best to skip this ingredient entirely. 

What Are The Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients To Treat Acne?

Take your pick of pregnancy safe ingredients to manage breakouts while you’re expecting. 

Lactic acid

A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits.

Fruit enzymes

Enzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to help target congestion.

Bentonite clay and activated charcoal

Detoxify and refine congested skin and help control oil.

Polynesian sand

An effective physical exfoliator for oily skin types, Polynesian sand helps to gently unblock pores for clearer skin.

Breakout prone skin will also benefit from pregnancy safe skincare products that deliver deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and plant-based oils that help regulate sebum production.

Pregnancy safe products we recommend to help manage breakouts

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness

Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum

Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo

Peppermint Green Oil 

Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie

Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant

Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum

Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask 

These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.

AVOID: Hydroquinone (Hyperpigmentation)

A depigmenting agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten darkened areas of skin by suppressing the formation of melanin in the skin. Research has shown hydroquinone to be problematic during pregnancy, so it’s one to avoid.

What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation?

These powerful natural skin lighteners are safe to include in your pregnancy skin care products 

Vitamin C

 Vitamin C helps lighten patches of pigmentation without leaving your skin barrier compromised – no dryness, peeling or flaking as a result. It also gives the complexion a bright, radiant appearance.

Kakadu Plum

Kakadu Plum is believed to be the world’s most potent source of natural Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots.

Bearberry

Bearberry Leaf extract is a natural skin lightener that works by helping to reduce melanin production. 

Liquorice

A powerful brightening antioxidant, liquorice is high in anti-inflammatories – making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts.

Pregnancy safe products we recommend to help manage hyperpigmentation

The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening

Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum

Pomegranate Brightening Serum

Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo

Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask

These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.

If you have any questions about safe skincare for pregnant women, we’re here to help! Book your free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. 

Get your glow back! 5 common causes of dull skin and tips for reclaiming your radiance. 

Dull skin is used to describe skin that lacks a healthy glow. It can appear lacklustre, tired, and may feel bumpy or uneven to touch. A few underlying issues can cause your skin to look less than its vibrant best.

Dead Skin Cells Are Building Up 

If you don’t exfoliate regularly, dead skin cells and other debris build up on the skin’s surface. This build up is usually the main cause of dull skin. 

Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to address - the quickest way to brighten up dull skin is to exfoliate! 

Exfoliation removes the dead, dull skin cells and other toxic pollution particles on the skin’s surface. The result? Fresher cells are revealed and skin appears brighter, clearer, and more even.

Read our guide to the Different Types Of Exfoliants to discover the best choice for your skin.

Bottom line? Exfoliation needs to be part of your weekly routine. Our Gentle-foliants range offers exfoliation solutions for congested, sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin.

You’re Dehydrated  

To get that healthy glow and banish dullness, skin must be properly hydrated. 

Dehydrated skin lacks water and is a condition that can happen to any skin type. The symptoms can include dullness, itchiness, more pronounced fine lines, under eye circles, and increased sensitivity. 

Address dehydration by choosing dull skin treatments which include humectant ingredients. 

Acting like a personal hydration magnet for cells, a humectant ingredient draws water from the atmosphere and deeper layers of skin, to the surface. This keeps your stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) hydrated and healthy.

The best products for dull skin in need of hydration include these humectant ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid: A natural humectant with superior hydration qualities. Acts like a magnet to attract moisture deep within the skin’s cells. Hyaluronic acid is revered for its ability to hold x1000 its own weight in water. 

Niacinamide: Effective at restoring the skin barrier to guard against moisture loss and dehydration.

Double down on boosting hydration levels by topping them up from the inside too. Fill your plate - and smoothies - up with water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and celery. 

We recommend:  Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum 

Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum helps increase hydration from the inside out. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the serum also contains Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) which will help to balance skin and regulate oil flow.

Hydrating and Nourishing Acai Duo  

The lightweight hydrating properties address multiple skin concerns at once - healing, protecting and hydrating.

You’re Surrounded By Air Pollution

We’re all aware of the damage the sun can do when you get out and about without SPF. 

But did you realise being exposed to air pollution can cause skin trouble too? 

Nanoparticles in some forms of air pollution are small enough that they can actually become trapped in the pore and trigger free-radical damage. 

Left unchecked, this damage can lead to the deterioration of skin health including dullness, uneven skin tone, and other premature signs of ageing.

If you live in a busy city area where pollution levels are high, the answer isn’t as drastic as relocating! A double cleanse in the evening is the ideal way to remove every trace of debris, including nasty nanoparticles, from your skin. 

A weekly exfoliation session will help keep your pores clear of pollutants too.  

Vitamin Rich Foods Aren’t A Big Part Of Your Diet

Your bathroom cabinet is stocked with dull skin remedies but you’re not seeing much improvement? You may need to switch up your diet. 

Skin looks dull when we don’t eat enough foods rich in vitamins - and too much of the unhealthy stuff! 

Certain food and drinks (you know the culprits - alcohol, caffeine and sugar)  may contribute to skin looking dull and dehydrated.

Diet tips for dull skin? Keep your skin radiant with healthy choices including carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, salmon, papaya, avocado, spinach, kale, and blueberries - to name a few!

Try swapping your coffee for a green tea. Sipping on this antioxidant-loaded tea is incredibly beneficial for the health of your skin. 

Hyperpigmentation Can Cause Dull Skin

If your skin is lacking a healthy colour, dullness may have shown up all over the skin - or maybe it’s isolated to certain dark spots, known as hyperpigmentation.

The best way to address dullness due to pigmentation is to include active brightening ingredients in your skincare routine. 

Vitamin C is one of the best actives to help brighten skin and minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. There are a lot of vitamin C derivatives but the pure form of Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA). 

The percentage of LAA in a product can range anywhere from 10% - 20%. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is another common form of Vitamin C you’ll find in topical formulations.

We recommend - Pomegranate Brightening Serum. This hardworking serum contains Kakadu Plum extract - nature’s most potent source of Vitamin C which is superb for skin brightening.

You Have A Dry Skin Type

‘Dry' is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. It’s common for this skin type to feel tight, rough, and look dull. 

Or, you may be experiencing temporary dryness due to a change in weather, hot showers, and indoor heating which can all have a drying effect on skin - no matter your skin type.

Earlier we mentioned that dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin, on the other hand, lacks oil. 

Without enough oil, it’s a struggle for the skin to retain moisture which can lead to excessive flaking and overall dullness. 

Caring for dry skin is all about helping it retain natural oils and moisture. Discover our recommended esmi Skin Minerals routine for dry skin here.

Have questions about choosing the best skincare for dull skin? Have a chat with our team of skincare experts. Book your free skin consultation today!