SKINCARE & BEAUTY BY JANA ELSTON

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...

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...