SKINCARE & BEAUTY BY JANA ELSTON

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...

You care for your skin every day. But what if your skincare could help your mood too? Recent research from Unilever shows this may be possible. They linked higher levels of Cutibacterium bacteria on the skin to lower stress and better mood. That means your skin microbiome isn’t just about acne or hydration—it can reflect how you feel. What They Did Unilever tested microbiome samples from the face, scalp, forearm, and underarm. They paired this with mental well-being surveys. They found consistent associations: more Cutibacterium bacteria meant less stress, especially on the face and underarm. Lab Insights In lab models, topical application of skin microbes influenced cortisol release. This shows a direct link: microbes on your skin can affect stress hormones. Toward Psycho‑Dermaceuticals The idea of “psycho‑dermaceuticals” is emerging. These would be skincare products that: Use live probiotic strains or microbial metabolites Target cortisol and mood regulation Fit into your daily routi...

Have you started thinking about what you want to achieve with your health, skin and wellbeing? Now is a good time to reflect on what you have accomplished, what you wish you had done more of, and start planning your best future ever! If you don’t have your health, what do you have? Health and wellness should be your top priority, and beauty is a positive side effect of good health and well-being. So, make taking care of yourself your top priority!  Here are 5 ways you can start today! Learn to listen to your skin. Try and understand what it’s trying to tell you. If your skin doesn't like something you are doing, stop. Then give it what it really needs. Here’s a clue: it’s usually the opposite of what you are doing. Your skin will then show you if it’s in a healthy state or not.  Tweak your skincare routine. Not everyone needs a complete overhaul. You probably already have some great products that work for your skin. All you need to do is tweak it a little to get maximum result...

Mindfulness is about being in the present moment. It's about being aware and conscious of your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Being aware of how you feel mentally, physically and emotionally can help relieve stress, decrease anxiety and depression.  As I always say, skincare is self-care. Practising your daily skincare ritual is a good way to practice mindfulness and self-care. As you practice your morning and evening skin care routines, slow down and pay attention to the skincare you are using.  Focus how it feels on your skin, the aromatics and scents, the cooling or warming sensations and the texture of your skin. Pay attention to how your skin responds to your skincare routine and how it changes over the days, weeks and months.  To enhance the experience, create a sensorial environment around you. If it's a beautiful sunny day, open the windows and feel the fresh air on your skin. Listen to the wind and the birds as you care for your skin. If it's the evenin...