SKINCARE & BEAUTY BY JANA ELSTON

When people think about glowing skin, they usually think about collagen, hydration, or the right serum. But very few think about the tiny structures inside each skin cell that decide whether your skin looks fresh or tired. These tiny structures are your mitochondria. And when they slow down, your skin slows down with them. Today, you’ll learn what they are, why they matter, and what you can do to support them every single day. What Are Mitochondria? Mitochondria are small energy units inside your cells. Think of them as tiny engines. Their job is simple. They produce the energy every cell needs to function. Your skin has thousands of active cells. This means you also have thousands of mitochondria working behind the scenes. Here’s a detail most people don’t know:  Mitochondria have their own DNA.  And that DNA is more sensitive to damage than the DNA in your cell nucleus. This makes mitochondria one of the first places where aging begins on a cellular level. Whe...

Imagine being able to grow a piece of living, breathing human skin in a dish, skin that isn’t just a thin sheet of cells, but fully alive with blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, pigment, and even immune cells. Sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? Well, Australian scientists at The University of Queensland’s Frazer Institute have just made this a reality. In this exciting breakthrough, the world’s first vascularised (blood vessel–containing) human skin , marks a new era in both medical research and skincare innovation. And as professionals in the beauty industry, this is another good reason to stay abreast of the latest research. How Skin Models Have Evolved For decades, researchers have used basic lab-grown skin sheets to study wounds, burns, and diseases. But these were flat, simple layers, helpful, but nowhere near as complex as real skin. In 2023, scientists made a leap by creating skin organoids (mini organ-like structures) from induced pluripotent stem c...

The world of skincare has made its way into the teenage bedroom, and it’s often via TikTok. Short, snappy videos promise “glass skin” and “instant glow,” and before you know it, teens as young as 12 are layering multiple serums, acids, and retinoids like mini dermatologists. I read a Northwestern Medicine study that detailed a fascinating and, honestly, worrying report for parents and skincare professionals. Researchers looked at skincare routines posted on TikTok by girls aged 7 to 18 and found that many were using an average of six products per routine, often layering strong active ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and potent vitamin C. While these actives can be beneficial for mature or problem skin when used correctly, the study warns that on young, still-developing skin, they can damage the skin barrier and lead to allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction that can persist for life. Why? Children and teens have more permeable skin barriers than adults, making them more...

Winter can be cold and windy, and you are probably feeling it right now.  That chilly winter air makes you get out your woollies, scarves and gloves and sip endless cups of herbal tea. Winter can be magical, but your skin might be quietly crying out for help. Now, imagine your skin like a castle with protective walls. In summer, those walls are strong, flexible, and well-guarded. But in winter? The cold, dry air and indoor heating sneak in, stealing your precious moisture and leaving your skin feeling tight, flaky, and dull. If you’ve ever woken up in winter and thought, “Why does my face feel so dry?”,  you’re definitely not alone. Over 80% of people experience dry or dehydrated skin during winter months!  Fun fact: Your lips are the first to show dryness and flakiness because they lack oil glands. That’s why they chap so easily! But here’s the great news: you don’t have to live with dull, irritated skin during winter. With the right tools and a bit of self-love, you ...

  Have you ever felt like your skin is tight, flaky, or just lacking that healthy glow, but no matter how many creams or serums you try, it still doesn’t seem quite right? You’re not alone. One of the most common skincare confusions I see as a professional skin educator is the mix-up between dry and dehydrated skin. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually very different. Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right products and creating a routine that works. So, let’s break it down together. What Exactly Is Dry Skin? Dry skin is a skin type,  just like oily, normal, or combination skin. It’s something you’re generally born with and is determined by your genetics. Dry skin means your skin produces less natural oil (sebum) than it needs. This lack of oil leads to that tight, rough feeling you might notice, along with visible flakiness or even cracking in more severe cases. Common signs of dry skin include: Flakiness or peeling ...

Ever wondered whether your skincare is truly working beneath the surface, or just sitting on top? You're not alone. Skincare enthusiasts, professionals, and even scientists have debated this for decades. In this article, we explore how far skincare products actually penetrate, whether they’re absorbed into the bloodstream, and how to get the most out of your skincare routine. How Far Does Skincare Penetrate? When you apply a skincare product, most of it works within the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. The stratum corneum, the top layer of the epidermis, is composed of dead skin cells and lipids that form a highly effective barrier against external substances. Penetration typically stops within the viable layers of the epidermis, not the deeper dermis, where collagen and elastin reside. This is by design; your skin’s main role is to protect your body from unwanted intruders. Only molecules that are small (under ~500 Daltons), lipid-soluble, and stable enough can make ...

When we think about aging skin, what usually comes to mind? Fine lines. Wrinkles. Dryness. Maybe a bit of sagging around the jawline or some dark spots that didn’t used to be there. We often hear that “hydration is key,” and yes, hydration is important. But what if I told you that hydration alone won’t stop the aging process? In fact, there’s a hidden enemy that silently accelerates aging every single day. It’s called oxidative stress , and most people don’t even know it exists. If you’re someone who wants glowing, youthful skin and you’re doing all the “right things” but still not seeing results, this article is for you. Keep reading, you’ll want to understand this. What Is Oxidative Stress (And Why Should You Care)? Think of oxidative stress as the "rusting" of your skin. It happens when there’s an imbalance between free radicals—unstable molecules generated by environmental factors and your own body—and the antioxidants your body uses to neutralise them. When free radicals...