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I'm a dermatologist, these are the best Korean skincare secrets to save money and keep skin looking fresh

I’m a dermatologist, these are the best Korean skincare secrets to save money and keep skin looking fresh

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Young adult brunette woman with short hair applies oil to her face at home, morning skincare routine Credit: Getty

FORGET the viral 10-step skincare routine.

K-beauty has taken the internet by storm, with Brits turning to Korean skincare in the hunt for “glass skin” and a more youthful appearance.

But experts say the real secret isn’t using more products – it’s using the right ones.

Consistency is key to healthy skin Credit: Getty

“It’s all about consistency,” says GP and renowned K-beauty expert Dr Christine Hall, who gave me the lowdown on some of her top tips and recommendations.

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In Korea, skincare follows a “slow-ageing” approach, focusing on protecting and strengthening the skin over time with hydration, barrier repair and prevention.

Sharing her thoughts on the viral 10-step routine, Dr Hall says skincare “doesn’t have to be complicated”.

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“If I speak to my Korean auntie about the 10-step routine, she doesn’t know what I’m talking about,” says Dr Hall. “Some days, I personally don’t wear a moisturiser.”

Instead, SPFs and dedicated serums can double up – an approach that fits with what Koreans refer to as “skip-care”.

GP and K-beauty expert Dr Christine Hall is credited with bringing glass skin to London

The aim is to strip your routine back to a few essentials, saving time and money while helping prevent overloaded skin, which can lead to breakouts.

“The best advice you can give anyone is to use SPF,” she tells me.

“About 90% of the visible signs of ageing are due to sun damage.”

Rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin, causing skin to become loose and wrinkle over time.

Unless you suffer from very dry skin, Dr Hall recommends skipping moisturiser in favour of a dedicated SPF or serum – one of Dr Hall’s faves costs just over a fiver, and it doesn’t compromise on quality.

Freya tried Altruist’s SPF50 Credit: Freya Rogers

Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF50, £5.50

Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF50, £5.50, was developed by Dr Andrew Birnie, a UK skin cancer specialist, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin and reduces skin cancer risk alongside signs of ageing.

I put it to the test and found it easily doubled up as a moisturiser, and it didn’t leave my skin looking ashy or chalky – if you have oily skin, there’s also a lighter version, Altruist Dermatologist Face Fluid SPF30, £8.65.

When it comes to the rest of your routine, these are the K-beauty secrets Dr Hall recommends.

New Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Some of K-beauty’s most talked-about ingredients may sound unusual, but many are rooted in long-standing Korean beauty traditions.

Dr Hall explains that while ingredients like snail mucin have become global skincare sensations, their popularity is largely based on generations of use rather than clinical research.

“You’re not going to see medical papers written on it, but people in Korea swear by it. The same with rice water,” she says.

You can find this in I’m From Rice Toner, £26.50, which is deeply hydrating and designed for all skin types.

“Hundreds of years ago, women washed rice and their hands ended up being really soft and smooth.

“That’s how they worked out rice water is a really good ingredient.”

I’m From Rice Toner, £26.50, has proved popular with shoppers

I’m From Rice Toner, £26.50

Did You Say Salmon Sperm?

Another viral ingredient that raises eyebrows is something called PDRN – as found in Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, £20, which flew off shelves.

“PDRN is an ingredient derived typically from salmon sperm,” Dr Hall explains.

“In Korea, it’s an ingredient that’s all over the place – if you go into a pharmacy, you’ll find it.”

In clinics, it’s even injected to help stimulate collagen, wound repair and calm inflammation.

She adds: “The argument is that the PDRN molecule is too big to pass through the skin.”

While that’s true, she says many other skincare ingredients, like collagen, also sit on the skin’s surface.

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum went viral on social media Credit: Boots UK

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, £18

Forget Kombucha, Try Fermented Skincare

When we think of something fermented, we often think of foods like kimchi or kombucha – but it’s not just food, it turns out we can ferment skincare, too.

What’s more, fermented ingredients can actually boost absorption into the skin.

“When we ferment skincare, we make the ingredient’s molecule size much smaller,” says Dr Hall

This process can help ingredients absorb more easily, while also unlocking additional benefits, like peptides and organic acids, which help improve the skin’s texture, firmness and elasticity, aiding anti-ageing.

Why Redness Does Not Mean Results

If you’re looking for an anti-ageing ingredient with the strongest medical backing, retinol is considered the “gold standard”.

Developed from vitamin A, it’s used to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and even acne – but it’s not for everyone.

Retinol can cause redness, peeling and even “retinol burn” if you start too strong – it’s also best to avoid during pregnancy or if you suffer from conditions like eczema or rosacea.

That’s why Dr Hall recommends a gentler K-beauty approach for beginners.

“K-beauty is very skin-barrier-first,” she says.

“Here in Britain, we’re quite into our harsh ingredients – if something causes a bit of redness, we get a bit excited and we’re like: ‘Oh, it’s doing something!’

“Over in Korea, they very much believe nothing should impact the skin to cause redness.

“So, when they do make these ingredients, they formulate them to be really nice and gentle.”

One example is Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer, £21, which has gone viral for its gentle formula.

It contains fermented retinol, which is more easily absorbed, and also contains ginseng – another ingredient widely used in Korea for its anti-ageing benefits.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer is a K-beauty fan fave

Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer, £21

The Gentle Approach

It’s not just what Koreans use, it’s how they use it – and one technique can help you save money and reduce signs of ageing.

Many use a technique called “tok tok” – gently tapping products into the face rather than rubbing into the skin.

Dr Hall says this helps avoid pulling on the skin, uses less product, and may even help boost circulation at the skin’s surface – another anti-ageing benefit.

But before splashing out on new serums, it’s also worth looking at your lifestyle.

“How you sleep, how you eat, stress, whether you smoke or not, whether you live in a city – all of those things will have an impact,” she explains.

While products can help, healthy skin starts with consistent everyday habits.

“Prevention is better than cure, always,” says Dr Hall.

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Has the word 'holistic' lost its meaning in the beauty industry?

Has the word ‘holistic’ lost its meaning in the beauty industry?

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The term “holistic” is widely used across beauty, spa and wellness, but many therapists argue it has become diluted through overuse in marketing. Kathy Scott explores what holistic beauty really means, how the definition has evolved and whether the industry risks losing the term’s original significance.

In beauty and wellness, “holistic” has become one of the most overused words in the room. That is not entirely a bad thing, as it reflects a shift in client thinking.

People are asking better questions and looking beyond quick fixes, showing more interest in sleep, stress, nutrition, hormones and long-term skin health rather than just surface-level results.

The issue is that as “holistic” has become more marketable, it has also become more vague. It is now used to describe a wide range of services and philosophies, many of which differ significantly in training and depth of practice.

When one word is stretched to cover everything, the public loses clarity and practitioners lose distinction.

I say this as someone who identifies as a holistic skin practitioner. My background includes homeopathy, massage, reflexology, beauty and skin, and I came to that title because no single label captured the way I work. My practice sits at the meeting point of beauty and complementary therapy.

What does holistic practice really mean?

Holistic practice goes beyond adding a few wellness questions to a consultation form. It involves working with the whole person rather than focusing only on the visible symptom.

Skin is influenced by far more than products and procedures, and factors such as lifestyle, stress, emotional wellbeing, habits and daily rhythms all play a role.

But for me, genuine holistic practice extends even further. Alongside the physical and emotional aspects, there may also be an energetic or spiritual dimension.

These areas are harder to measure and do not sit neatly within a conventional clinical model, but they are part of many traditional holistic disciplines.

For those trained in that way, this is an integral part of the work. Not every practitioner will work at that level, and not every client will want it, which is entirely valid.

But if we are going to use the word “holistic”, it is worth recognising that, at its deepest level, it has historically meant more than symptom management with a lifestyle layer.

Why is the term ‘holistic’ being used differently across the beauty industry?

Over the past 18 months, I have paid closer attention to how the term is being used across the industry, and a few patterns have emerged.

First, “holistic” is now being used to market services that would never previously have associated themselves with that term. Second, it no longer means the same thing from one business to the next. And third, it has become a buzzword – shorthand for “we care” or “we look at lifestyle too”.

This is where the issue begins. If a clinic describes itself as holistic because it asks about sleep and stress or recommends supplements, that may reflect an effort to see the client in context but it is not enough to claim holistic practice in the fullest sense of the word.

This is not a criticism of therapists or clinic owners who are evolving their services in response to changing client demand. The industry should evolve and take greater account of the wider factors that influence skin health and wellbeing.

However, there is a difference between being holistic-informed and being a qualified holistic practitioner. One may involve expanding consultation style and knowledge of lifestyle factors, while the other is rooted in a deeper framework of training, philosophy and professional boundaries.

What is a holistic skin practitioner?

This lack of clarity matters for clients, who deserve to know what they are booking into. At present, the word “holistic” offers very little certainty. 

One practitioner may be offering an integrative, whole-person approach grounded in years of complementary therapy training, while another may simply be incorporating a broader consultation style alongside a conventional treatment menu, and others using it to signal something natural or wellness-led.

Holistic practice is not defined by the questions you ask alone, but by what you are trained to recognise and hold in the client in front of you. 

Physical symptoms may sit alongside emotional or deeply personal layers, and understanding how to respond, where your role begins and ends, and when to refer on requires both training and experience.

Why training and regulation matter in holistic beauty

This is also why education and regulation matter. Too many short, poorly regulated courses promise professional identity without delivering professional depth.

When complex modalities are condensed into a weekend certificate and sent straight into the marketplace, the public is left to assume that all qualifications are equal, which is not the case.

Practitioners who have invested years in study, practice, supervision and continuing professional development are right to question the impact this has on the credibility of their field.

If we are serious about standards in advanced aesthetics, we should apply the same level of seriousness to holistic practice. Regulation, transparency and training quality should not matter only when a treatment involves a needle. 

They also matter when a practitioner is working with vulnerability, trust, health narratives and the broader wellbeing of the person in front of them.

Is holistic beauty evidence-based?

I also believe we need to challenge the assumption that holistic means soft, vague or less effective. Done well, holistic skin practice can deliver significant and lasting change. 

It simply works from a broader understanding of the person and often from a different philosophy of care.

It asks not only what needs to be treated, but what needs to be understood. It respects the process as well as the outcome. And for those of us who work this way, that is not a weakness.

This is not about ownership of a word, but about responsibility in how it is used. 

Has the word ‘holistic’ lost its meaning?

If “holistic” is to remain meaningful, the industry needs to be more precise about what it describes. 

Clearer distinctions are needed between holistic-inspired branding, holistic-informed consultations and fully qualified holistic practice, and the training behind the title should be recognised and respected.

If every business can call itself holistic, regardless of depth or training, the word risks losing its meaning entirely.

About the expert author

Kathy Scott is a holistic therapist and owner of Ginger Tree Holistic Skin Clinic near Richmond, North Yorkshire, where she specialises in bespoke holistic face and body treatments, combining non-invasive methods with medical-grade products.

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How K-beauty moved into the UK skincare mainstream

How K-beauty moved into the UK skincare mainstream

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The difference is that shoppers are no longer just curious about Korean skincare. They are actively buying into the category, learning how products fit together and searching for formulas that match specific concerns. That move from discovery to repeat purchase is what has helped K-beauty become more than a passing trend.

The numbers reflect this shift. Cosmetics Business reported that searches for Korean skin care on TikTok Shop UK rose 125% in the second half of 2025, while K-beauty baskets were almost 35% higher in value than the overall skin care average. For retailers, that suggests a category with both strong visibility and serious commercial pull.

From Social Discovery to Serious Skincare Demand

Social platforms have played a major role in bringing K-beauty to wider UK audiences. A viral cleanser, toner pad, serum or SPF can introduce shoppers to a brand almost instantly. But social discovery alone does not explain why the category has lasted.

The real strength of K-beauty is that it gives consumers a practical way to approach skincare. Products are often understood through skin concerns, textures and steps: cleansing, hydration, barrier support, sun protection or targeted treatment. That makes the category easy to explore, but also useful enough to return to.

This is why K-beauty now feels less like a novelty and more like part of everyday skincare. UK shoppers are becoming more confident about asking which ingredients suit their skin, how products should be layered and what role each step plays in their daily habits.

Why K-Beauty Is Becoming Easier to Buy in the UK

Availability has also changed the market. A few years ago, many Korean skincare products felt specialist or difficult to access. Now, UK consumers can find K-beauty through high-street retailers, social commerce platforms and dedicated online stores.

Cosmetics Business has reported that Boots expanded its K-beauty range with brands including Anua, Skin1004 and Mixsoon, alongside existing customer favourites such as Laneige and Beauty of Joseon. That kind of retail presence matters because it gives the category more credibility with everyday shoppers. It also makes trial easier, especially for consumers who may have first seen a product online but want to buy from a retailer they recognise.

Specialist retailers still have an important role to play, particularly as the market becomes more crowded. Shoppers may know they are interested in Korean skincare, but still need help choosing between brands, ingredients, product types and skincare steps. As interest grows, specialist Korean skincare UK retailers can help shoppers navigate brands, ingredients, product types and skincare steps with more confidence.

What UK Shoppers Now Expect From K-Beauty

As K-beauty becomes more established, UK shoppers are becoming more selective. They increasingly expect:

  • Clear product information around ingredients, skin concerns and skincare steps
  • Reliable UK availability, rather than products that are difficult to source
  • Confidence that products are authentic and from trusted channels
  • Curated product edits that help shoppers move from viral discovery to confident repeat purchase

This is where K-beauty has an advantage over many trend-led categories. It has the excitement of discovery, but it also has enough structure to support long-term buying behaviour. A shopper might start with one viral product, then gradually explore hydration, SPF, soothing ingredients or barrier care in a more considered way.

What This Means for the Next Phase of UK Skincare

K-beauty’s rise also sits within a wider shift in facial skincare. Mintel estimates that the UK facial skincare category grew by 8.6% in 2025, with trial of K-beauty listed among the factors contributing to that growth. That points to a category that is not sitting outside the mainstream market, but actively influencing how consumers shop for skincare.

For beauty retailers, the opportunity is not simply to add more Korean products to the shelf. The more valuable opportunity is to present them clearly. That means merchandising by concern and product type, explaining benefits in plain language and helping shoppers understand how different items work together.

The next phase of K-beauty in the UK is likely to be shaped by this mix of excitement and education. Social platforms will continue to drive discovery, but long-term growth will depend on trust, availability and useful guidance.

That is how K-beauty has moved into the UK skincare mainstream. It gives consumers the appeal of discovery, while making everyday skincare easier to understand and return to.

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tinted lip sunscreen

DIY Natural Tinted Lip Sunscreen

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For many years now I’ve preached about the benefits of safe sun exposure. The keyword here is safe! And while it has a lot of benefits, sometimes on occasion, I’ll pull out the homemade sunscreen. Many of you have asked for a lip sunscreen with SPF, so I finally got to work in the kitchen and came up with one. 

Why You Should Not (and Should) Use Lip Sunscreen

I’m not usually a fan of sunscreen for several reasons. We need the sun to make the hormone vitamin D, have a strong immune system, regulate hormones, and so much more. Even something as seemingly simple as sunglasses can interfere with that signalling by blocking light receptors in the eyes. 

Most of the time I’ll either seek shade or cover up once my body has had enough sun for the day. While I think the science is clear on the sun’s benefits, it’s also clear that sunburns are damaging! However, if you live in a really sunny climate and you’re outside a lot, out on the boat, surfing, etc., then sunscreen can be helpful sometimes. 

My homemade sunscreen recipe is a fan favorite, but many of you have asked if it can be used on lips. Technically yes, but it might leave a white cast, be hard to apply, and taste kind of funky. Even if you’re not eating it (the ingredients are clean though), small amounts of lip balm still end up in the mouth. But we probably all knew that one kid in grade school who liked eating Chapstick…

Mineral Lip Balm With Sunscreen Ingredients

A lot of the store-bought brands use a whole slew of synthetic ingredients I really don’t want in my mouth (or in my kids’!). Certain UV-blocking ingredients go smoothly onto skin and absorb quickly, which sounds great. However, these sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are also toxic to coral reefs, which are essential to ocean life and life on Earth. Not to mention what they do to us once they’re absorbed. 

This lip sunscreen instead uses non-nano and uncoated zinc oxide. It creates a skin barrier and sits on top of skin/lips, reflecting UV rays. It’s one of the safest UV barriers out there. In fact, it’s one of only two that the FDA considers safe and effective for sunscreen. I don’t always agree with the FDA, but I’m with them on this one. The zinc oxide is at 20%, which translates to roughly 10 SPF when you add up all of the ingredients. 10 SPF may not sound like much, but it blocks about 90% of UV rays.

I’ve also added red raspberry seed oil. It has a slight SPF and it’s full of antioxidants that protect the lips from sun damage. You’ll also find this ingredient in my homemade sunscreen recipe. Shea butter is smooth and creamy, nourishes lips, and helps firm up the lip balm. Beeswax provides a protective layer over the lips. 

Lastly, avocado oil provides the bulk of the lip balm and supports collagen to prevent weakened skin cells. Avocado oil also helps calm inflammation, regenerate skin cells, and protect the skin barrier. It’s also rich in carotenoids that offer some UV ray protection. 

Tinted Sunscreen Lip Balm

My original sunscreen recipe is white due to the zinc oxide. Some people are ok with a white cast on their lips, but there’s an easy fix. You can add iron oxide and/or mica to give it a bit of color. Mica reflects light so it will give it a little sparkle.

Iron oxides are nature-identical pigments that lend a rich, burgundy red color. Oxides that naturally come straight from the soil also come with lead and other heavy metal contaminants. Things I don’t want in a lip balm! That’s why iron oxides are now made in a lab to be nature-identical. 

If you don’t have iron oxide on hand, rose kaolin clay offers a similar effect.

DIY Natural Lip Sunscreen

This smooth and creamy lip sunscreen helps protect lips from UV damage.

Prep Time5 minutes

Active Time12 minutes

Cooling Time2 hours

Total Time2 hours 17 minutes

Yield: 1.7 ounces

Author: Katie Wells

  • Add the beeswax, shea butter, and avocado oil to the top of the double boiler or glass bowl. Stir occasionally until melted.

  • Turn off the heat and add the raspberry seed oil and essential oils.

  • Whisk in the powders: zinc oxide, iron oxide, and mica.

  • Remove from heat and stir occasionally as it cools. The powders will want to sink to the bottom so they’ll need to stay mixed in.

  • Once the lip sunscreen is mostly cooled, but still soft enough to pour, pour the mixture into your containers.

The iron oxide adds a pink color and the mica adds a little sparkle. You can use both or neither, but it will have a white cast without any iron oxide. 

Important Note on Photoxic Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Needless to say, they should not be used in lip balms! Photoxic essential oils include bergamot, lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Learn more about this topic here.

More Sun Protection

Here are some more DIY sunscreen recipes, plus info on sunscreen pros and cons.

What’s your approach to sun exposure? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Can antioxidants really slow skin aging?

Can antioxidants really slow skin aging?

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Follow this guide

What’s the story

Antioxidants are often touted as the holy grail of skincare, promising to fight aging and give you a radiant glow. But, how effective are they really?
This article delves into the science behind antioxidants in skincare, separating fact from myth.
By understanding how antioxidants work, you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine.
Let us explore the role of antioxidants and their real impact on skin health.

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Why Your Routine Shouldn’t Stop There

Why Your Routine Shouldn’t Stop There

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For years, skincare advice stopped at the jawline.

We cleansed, treated, moisturised and protected the face, then left the neck and chest to fend for themselves against sun, perfume, hot showers, posture, sleep creases and whatever active ingredients happened to migrate down.

Now, the neck is having its own skincare moment.

It makes sense. The skin on the neck and décolletage is often exposed to the same UV, pollution and environmental stress as the face, but it tends to get far less attention. It can also be thinner, more delicate and more prone to showing crepiness, lines, redness and uneven tone.

The new neck routine is not about panic-buying a dozen “firming” products. It is about treating the skin below your chin with the same basic respect you give your face: sunscreen in the morning, smart actives at night and enough moisturiser to keep the barrier calm.

In other words, your skincare routine may need to travel south.

Why the neck shows ageing early

Neck skin has a few disadvantages.

It moves constantly. You bend, tilt and turn it all day. You look down at your phone. You sleep on your side. You pull jumpers over it, spray fragrance near it and forget sunscreen on it.

It also has fewer oil glands than some parts of the face, which means it can feel dry or crepey sooner. Add years of sun exposure, natural collagen loss and hormonal changes in midlife, and the neck can start to show lines, laxity and texture changes before you expect it.

This does not mean your neck needs to look “young”. It means it may need different care.

Neck and décolletage age in similar ways to the face because they are chronically exposed to the sun. The same source recommends using many of the same protective and treatment ingredients on the neck and chest, with some caution because the area can be sensitive.

The real first step: sunscreen

If you do only one thing for your neck, make it sunscreen.

UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of premature skin ageing, including wrinkles, pigmentation, rough texture and loss of elasticity. The neck and chest often get incidental sun during driving, walking, gardening, outdoor exercise and everyday errands.

The expert recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.  Use it every day, apply enough, reapply when outdoors and do not stop at the chin.

Bring it down the neck, over the sides of the neck, onto the ears and across the upper chest if exposed.

This is especially important if you use retinoids, exfoliating acids, or clinic treatments, because the skin may become more sun-sensitive or vulnerable to irritation.

Should you use retinol on your neck?

Retinoids are among the most researched skincare ingredients for photoageing. They can support collagen production, improve skin texture and help soften the look of fine lines over time. But the neck is not always as tolerant as the face.

That is why the neck rule is: slower, gentler, less often.

If your face already tolerates retinol or retinal, you may be able to bring a small amount down to the neck one or two nights a week. Follow with moisturiser, and increase only if your skin stays calm. Avoid using strong prescription retinoids on the neck unless your dermatologist or GP has advised it.

If you notice stinging, peeling, itchiness, redness, or a tight burning feeling, pull back. The goal is not to force your neck to “get used to it”. It is to get benefits without wrecking the barrier.

A practical approach is the sandwich method: moisturiser first, a small amount of retinoid, then moisturiser again. This can make the active easier to tolerate.

Where peptides fit

Peptides are having a quiet comeback because they sit in a useful middle ground. They are generally gentler than retinoids and are often used in formulas designed for firmness, hydration and barrier support.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin. In skincare, they are often included to support the look of smoother, firmer, more resilient skin.

They are not a facelift in a bottle. But for a neck routine, they can be useful because the area often needs consistency more than aggression. A peptide serum or moisturiser may suit people who cannot tolerate retinoids well, or who want a daily product that layers comfortably under sunscreen.

Do you need a separate neck cream?

Not always.

If your face moisturiser is rich enough and does not irritate your neck, you can use the same one below the jawline. If your neck is drier, more sensitive, or more crepey than your face, a dedicated neck cream may feel better because these formulas are often richer and designed to cushion the area.

What matters more than the label is the formula.

Look for ingredients that support hydration and barrier repair, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and squalane. If you want an active formula, look for retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, or gentle exfoliating ingredients.

Avoid overloading the area with too many actives at once. The neck is one place where more is very often too much.

What about the chest?

The décolletage deserves the same routine.

The chest is exposed to sun, sleep compression and friction from clothing. It can develop pigmentation, redness, creases and crepey texture, especially if it has had years of UV exposure.

Bring your morning sunscreen down across the chest whenever that skin is exposed. At night, extend your moisturiser and gentle actives to the area too.

If you are using retinoids, go slowly here as well. The chest can react with irritation, especially if you are also using exfoliating acids, fragrance-heavy body products, or hot showers.

The bodycare trend is part of the same shift

The neck routine is not happening in isolation. Beauty is moving beyond face-only skincare.

Recent beauty trend coverage has pointed to bodycare becoming more skincare-like, with more interest in retinol body serums, active body washes, exfoliating sprays, lightweight body milks and targeted care for texture, pigmentation and body breakouts.

That shift makes sense. People have become more ingredient-literate. They understand sunscreen, retinoids, peptides and barrier repair on the face, so they are starting to ask why the rest of the skin gets ignored.

The trick is to avoid turning full-body care into another exhausting routine. Your neck and chest do not need 10 steps. They need consistency.

What clinic treatments can do

Skincare can help with prevention, texture, hydration and mild signs of ageing. But it has limits.

If your main concern is significant laxity, deeper horizontal neck lines, crepey skin, sun damage, redness, or pigmentation, clinic treatments may come into the conversation.

Depending on your skin, a dermatologist or qualified cosmetic practitioner may discuss options such as laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound tightening, microneedling, skin boosters, biostimulatory injectables, or prescription skincare.

Technologies such as ultrasound tightening, radiofrequency and laser treatments may be used for sagging skin, depending on the person and concern.

The important word is realistic. No cream or device will make neck skin behave like surgical lifting. If there is significant loose skin, surgery may be the only option that creates a dramatic change. If the concern is mild laxity, texture, or crepiness, non-surgical options may help, but results vary.

A simple neck routine to start

You do not need to overhaul everything. Start here.

Morning:
Cleanse gently, or rinse with water if your skin is dry. Apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser if needed. Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen, bringing it down the neck and chest.

Evening:
Cleanse away sunscreen. Apply a moisturiser. If your skin tolerates actives, add a gentle retinoid one or two nights a week, or use a peptide serum on non-retinoid nights.

Once or twice a week:
If your neck is rough or dull, you may use a very gentle exfoliant, but do not combine it with retinoids on the same night. If you are prone to irritation, skip exfoliation and focus on moisturising instead.

Every day:
Look up from your phone more often, reapply sunscreen when outdoors and stop treating the neck as an afterthought.

Mistakes that can irritate the neck

The neck often reacts faster than the face, so be careful with these common mistakes:

  • using a strong face retinoid on the neck too often
  • layering retinoids, exfoliating acids and vitamin C too aggressively
  • applying fragrance or essential oils to sensitive skin
  • forgetting sunscreen after using actives
  • scrubbing crepey skin
  • starting multiple new products at once
  • treating redness, itching, or burning as “normal purging”

If your neck becomes inflamed, stop the actives and simplify. Use a gentle cleanser, bland moisturiser and sunscreen until the skin settles. If irritation persists, see your GP or dermatologist.

When to get a skin check

Any new, changing, bleeding, crusting, or non-healing spot on the neck or chest should be checked. These areas get plenty of sun exposure, and cosmetic concerns should never distract from skin cancer awareness.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so a neck and chest routine should not only be about smoothness. It should also be about protection and early detection.

If you are unsure about a spot, book a skin check.

The bottom line

Your neck does not need a complicated routine. It needs the basics you may already be giving your face.

Sunscreen matters most. Retinoids can help if used carefully. Peptides and barrier-supporting ingredients can be useful for firmness, hydration and comfort. Clinic treatments may have a role if skincare is not enough, but they should match the problem you actually have.

The new neck routine is not about chasing perfection. It is about realising that the skin below your chin has been doing the same work as your face, often with far less support.

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Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C's "My Brightest Chapter" Event Resonated with Me | Dear Kitty Kittie Kath

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me | Dear Kitty Kittie Kath

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     As we enter our 30s and 40s, the way we look at beauty starts to change. It’s no longer just about finding the next skincare product or beauty trend. Instead, it’s about creating daily habits that help us feel confident, healthy, and supported from within. As a mom in my 40s balancing work, parenting, content creation, and an active lifestyle, I’ve realized that self-care isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making intentional choices that help me keep up with the life I love.

     That’s exactly the message I took home from My Brightest Chapter, the latest launch event of MyColla C. More than introducing a collagen supplement, the event opened meaningful conversations about beauty, wellness, and aging gracefully through science-backed insights and inspiring personal stories. More about the event after the jump, click continue to read more.

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me

Beauty Meets Science

     One of the highlights of the event was the informative talk by Dr. Maika S. Slatensek, who explained collagen in a way that was both practical and easy to understand. She shared that collagen is an important structural protein that helps keep our skin firm, hydrated, and resilient. As we age, our natural collagen production gradually declines, which can lead to visible signs of aging such as dullness, dryness, and reduced skin elasticity. Rather than viewing collagen as a quick beauty fix, Dr. Slatensek encouraged everyone to see it as part of a long-term wellness routine supported by healthy habits and proper nutrition.

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me     She also discussed Marine Collagen, the key ingredient in MyColla C, explaining that it is sourced from fish, rich in Type I Collagen, and hydrolyzed into smaller peptides for easier daily intake. Another key takeaway was the importance of Vitamin C, which plays an essential role in collagen synthesis. Together, these ingredients highlight why supporting collagen production isn’t just about taking collagen alone, it’s also about providing the body with the nutrients it needs to help the process work effectively.Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me

Real Conversations About Confidence

     Lifestyle personalities Jackie Go and Apple Mendoza shared their own experiences about navigating different stages of womanhood, balancing multiple roles, and learning to prioritize themselves without guilt. As someone who wears many hats every day, I found their stories relatable. Whether you’re managing a career, raising kids, building a business, or simply trying to stay active, confidence often comes from taking small but consistent steps to care for yourself.

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me

An Interactive Wellness Experience

     Beyond the talks, My Brightest Chapter created several interactive experiences that encouraged guests to reflect on their own wellness journey. Guests explored My Brightest Pages, where they wrote affirmations and intentions, posed for professional photos at My Brightest Portraits, discovered their wellness personality through the My Brightest Era Quiz, and even mixed their own collagen drinks during the My Colla Mix activity. The event felt less like a product launch and more like a celebration of choosing yourself every day.

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me
Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me

MyColla C Product Features

     If you’re looking for an easy way to include collagen in your daily wellness routine, here are the key features of MyColla C:

  • 3000mg Premium Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen to support skin rebuild and collagen renewal.
  • With Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports collagen synthesis.
  • Features Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen, which is broken down into smaller peptides for easy daily intake.
  • Available in drink powders and chewable tablets to suit different lifestyles.
  • Comes in Strawberry Milk Powder, Unflavored Powder, and Strawberry Milk Tablet variants.
  • Best paired with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent self-care habits.
  • Available at leading drugstores nationwide, including Watsons, Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, and St. Joseph Drugstore.

Where Beauty Meets Science: Why MyColla C’s “My Brightest Chapter” Event Resonated with Me

My Final Thoughts

     One thing I appreciated most about My Brightest Chapter is that it shifted the conversation about aging. Instead of focusing on looking younger, it encouraged women to feel stronger, more confident, and more intentional about taking care of themselves.

     As someone constantly juggling motherhood, work, workouts, and everyday responsibilities, that message truly resonated with me. Beauty isn’t about turning back the clock, it’s about supporting yourself through every chapter of life. Sometimes, your brightest chapter doesn’t begin when everything is perfect. It begins the moment you decide to show up for yourself, one healthy habit at a time.

For more information on MyColla C

Follow them on Instagram: @mycollac

Good Times!~

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Hindustan Times News

Monsoon Skincare Essentials for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

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Monsoon humidity is uniquely challenging for oily and acne-prone skin. The combination of sweat, excess sebum, and slower-drying products creates the perfect environment for breakouts, making this the season when a solid routine matters most. Here are the essentials that actually make a difference, and why each one earns its place in a monsoon routine specifically.

Monsoon Skincare Essentials for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Start with your cleanser. An acne face wash with salicylic acid clears out the oil and bacteria that build up faster in humid weather, reaching inside the pores rather than just cleaning the surface. Follow it with a niacinamide serum to regulate oil production throughout the day, since niacinamide also calms the inflammation that tends to flare up more during monsoon breakouts.

Hydration and sun protection round out the essentials. A cica moisturizer keeps the skin barrier calm without adding heaviness, which matters since stripped, dehydrated skin tends to produce even more oil to compensate. Finish every morning with a vitamin c sunscreen, since UV rays pass through clouds, and skipping sunscreen on rainy days undoes the rest of the routine’s progress.

Why Monsoon Is Harder on Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Higher humidity increases sebum production, since sebaceous glands respond to moisture in the air by producing more oil. That oil mixes with sweat, pollution, and leftover product residue, sitting on the skin longer than it would in drier weather. Damp skin also creates a more hospitable environment for acne-causing bacteria, which is why breakouts often intensify specifically during the rainy months rather than staying consistent year-round.

The Monsoon Skincare Essentials Checklist

1. Salicylic acid face wash, morning and night

An acne face wash built around salicylic acid dissolves trapped sebum and dead skin inside the pore, which a regular cleanser can’t reach. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores where it loosens excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris.

Regular use helps reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and future congestion without aggressively scrubbing the skin. This is the single most important swap for oily, acne-prone skin during monsoon, and the one step that most directly prevents new breakouts from forming.

2. Niacinamide serum to regulate oil

A niacinamide serum applied after cleansing keeps oil production in check through humid afternoons and helps calm the redness that often comes with monsoon breakouts. Applying it to slightly damp skin helps it absorb more effectively before your moisturizer goes on.

3. Lightweight cica moisturizer, never skipped

A cica moisturizer hydrates without adding grease, and the cica itself soothes any irritation caused by humidity, sweat, or active ingredients elsewhere in the routine. Skipping moisturizer because skin feels oily is one of the most common monsoon mistakes, and it typically backfires by triggering even more oil production.

4. Vitamin C sunscreen, reapplied throughout the day

A vitamin C sunscreen protects against UV damage that continues even on overcast, rainy days, while also helping fade any pigmentation left over from summer sun exposure. Reapplication every 3 hours matters more in monsoon than people assume, since humidity and sweat can wear sunscreen off faster than usual.

5. Weekly clay mask for deeper cleansing

Once or twice a week, a clay-based mask draws out the sweat, oil, and impurities that a daily face wash alone can’t fully clear, keeping pores genuinely clean rather than surface-clean. This step becomes especially useful in the monsoon, when product and sweat buildup accumulate faster than usual.

Common Monsoon Mistakes to Avoid

● Skipping moisturizer because skin feels oily. This backfires and triggers more oil production, not less.

● Over-washing your face. Stripping the skin barrier more than twice a day worsens breakouts over time.

● Assuming cloudy days don’t need sunscreen. UV exposure continues regardless of visible sunlight.

● Using heavy, oil-based creams. These can settle within oily skin making pores clogged and breakouts worse rather than better.

Your Monsoon Routine, Morning and Night

Morning: cleanse with your acne face wash, apply niacinamide serum to slightly damp skin, follow with your cica moisturizer, and finish with vitamin C sunscreen before stepping outside, rain or shine. Night: double cleanse if you’ve worn sunscreen or makeup during the day, apply niacinamide serum again, and seal it in with your cica moisturizer. Two to three times a week, swap your evening moisturizer step for a clay mask session to deep clean pores that have accumulated sweat and oil throughout the humid day.

Do You Need to Change Your Skincare Routine Every Monsoon?

Not entirely, but a few swaps make a real difference. If your regular cleanser isn’t oil-focused, switching to a salicylic acid-based acne face wash for the season helps manage the extra sebum humidity causes. Similarly, if you use a richer moisturizer in winter, switching to a lighter cica moisturizer during monsoon prevents the clogged pores that heavier formulas can cause once humidity rises. Sunscreen and a targeted serum, on the other hand, are worth keeping consistent year-round rather than treating as seasonal additions.

Conclusion

Monsoon humidity creates the perfect environment for excess oil, sweat, and debris to accumulate inside pores, increasing the risk of blackheads and breakouts. A consistent routine that combines gentle cleansing, oil-regulating ingredients like niacinamide, pore-clearing actives such as salicylic acid, lightweight hydration, and daily sunscreen is more effective than over-cleansing or harsh scrubbing.

With regular care throughout the season, you can keep pores clear, maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduce recurring congestion. Cleanse with an acne face wash, treat with a niacinamide serum, moisturize with a cica moisturizer, and protect with a vitamin C sunscreen every single day. Stick to these essentials consistently through the season, and breakouts and excess oil become far easier to manage, rain or shine.

Note to readers: This article is part of HT’s paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently.

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How to Use Nature's Retinol: Bakuchiol In Your Beauty Routine

How to Use Nature’s Retinol: Bakuchiol In Your Beauty Routine

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Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. Its effects on the skin are similar to retinol just minus the negative skin reactions retinol often causes. Bakuchiol can be used to reduce sun spots, increase collagen production and protect against collagen breakdown. It can also improve fine lines and wrinkles and has even shown to be helpful with improving acne prone skin. It accelerates cell turnover which is vital as this process slows way down as we age leaving dull, wrinkled dry skin that should’ve been sluffed off. 

What is really cool about Bakuchiol is that it reinforces your skin’s natural structure from within, boosting the strength of building blocks like collagen and elastin.  It also is a strong antioxidant. The appearance of skin aging is influenced by oxidative stress on the skin, especially from environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. But bakuchiol can help strengthen your skin’s resistance to these stressors.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (buh-koo-chee-all) extract is an oil naturally derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia, more commonly known as the babchi plant. It became a skincare tool in early Indian and Chinese medicine. 

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol:

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, and is known for its ability to stimulate collagen production, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall look of skin.

Retinol is widely acknowledged as an anti-aging ingredient because of its ability to connect to almost any skin cell receptor site, prompting it to simulate the behavior of a healthy, younger skin cell. Retinol is also a powerful antioxidant that is known to interrupt the free-radical damage associated with wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

Retinol has become common and can be found in over the counter anti aging products. However, higher doses must be prescribed by a doctor. 

Retinol is commonly known to irritate the skin. It must be used with great caution because its side effects can outweigh its benefits. In fact, pregnant women are warned not to use retinol during pregnancy and users are advised to stay out of the sun while using the treatment. This is where Bakuchiol shines. Bakuchiol has the benefits of retinol with none of the side effects.

Bakuchiol is also a vegan product where retinol is typically not. 

Related Post: DIY Anti Aging Retinol Face Mask

How to Incorporate Bakuchiol in a Natural Beauty Routine? 

As usual, Lotion Crafter to the rescue! They offer Bakuchiol and it can simply be added to oil based recipes at a specific percentage. Find it HERE.

.25 ounces is $15.95. However, you are only adding .5-2% in each recipe. 

Let’s formulate a face oil and eye roll on, shall we? I’m going to use one of my favorite anti aging carrier oils, rosehip seed oil. I typically like to buy it from Mountain Rose Herbs but I often end up grabbing THIS bottle from Amazon because I use it so often. I’m also going to add castor oil, Vitamin E and I love to add carrot seed oil to eye products since it also has cell regenerative properties. Castor oil is so cool-not only does it have some impressive anti aging properties, it also acts as a vehicle to drive other ingredients deeper into the skin tissue.

If you’d like to keep this simple, you could just add 12 drops of bakuchiol to 1 oz. of rosehip and call it good. I’m in the mood to get creative and make two really great products so I’ll share what I did but either way works! 

1 oz. Bakuchiol Face Oil Recipe:

Use a 1 oz treatment pump or dropper bottle Because this face oil is 100% oil based, the shelf life will be around 6 months with no preservative needed. 

10 ml Bakuchiol Eye Serum Recipe:

Use a 10ml glass roll on bottle. No preservative needed here either. With eye roll ons it is nice to store these in a beauty fridge since the cold roller ball can further help reduce inflammation around the eyes. 

Both of these recipes are as simple as adding ingredients into a bottle. I use a small funnel and then once it’s all in, replace the lid and give it a gentle shake. 

You can use both of these products day and/or night since unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not make you UV sensitive. I always like to use a water based product on my skin right before I apply and oil based product. The water helps the skin drink up the oil. An example of a water based product would be a toner or an hyaluronic acid serum. You could also splash a little water on your skin if you don’t have a water based product in your regime.

Where to Get Ingredients:

I always prefer to get my ingredients at Mountain Rose Herbs. They are simply the best quality. They have fair pricing as well. However, I get wanting to use Amazon so I’ve linked all Amazon in the recipe and made a post on my Amazon storefront for really easy shopping.  Most of everything I’ve linked, I’ve personally used. The bakuchiol, CO2llageneer and Q-MAX are Lotion Crafter. They too are affordable and ship very fast. I can not vouch for any of these ingredients on Amazon. 

Bakuchiol promotes collagen, one of the most vital components of radiant, youthful looking skin. Bakuchiol also triggers skin cell repair for a brightening result. These two functions are absolutely vital in skin that is over 30. I love that bakuchiol is gentle. I always opt for a gentle approach to anti aging rather than harsh products, lasers and injectables. 

xx, Jenni

Jennifer Phillips

Jennifer Phillips worked as a licensed aesthetician for over 8 years before creating the DIY skincare blog, Jenni Raincloud and her natural skin care line, J. Raincloud Organics. Jennifer has been blogging full time for 16 years and loves to gain and share knowledge on how to achieve beautiful skin the natural way.

Find me on: Instagram | Facebook

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Homestead Blog Hop - Homestead tips, ideas, animal care, and recipes every Wednesday

Homestead Blog Hop 607 – Air Fryer Recipes and Crafts

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Welcome to Homestead Blog Hop, a weekly gathering for homesteaders and simple living enthusiasts to share DIY projects, from-scratch recipes, and creative inspiration. This week’s hop features cozy homesteading tips, along with practical ideas that celebrate handmade living and self-sufficiency.

Whether you’re looking for seasonal crafts, homemade treats, or encouragement on your homesteading journey, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to carry into the new year. Grab a cup of tea, explore the featured posts, and join us in sharing your own homestead creations.

Meet Your Homesteading Hosts

We’re Kelly from Simple Life Mom, Liz from The Cape Coop, Natasha from Houseful of Nicholes, and Laurie from Ridgehaven Homestead. Together, we’re passionate about from-scratch living, simple ingredients, frugal habits, and intentional homesteading. We’re delighted to host the Homestead Blog Hop, where you can find fresh inspiration each week for DIY projects, homemade recipes, and practical simple living ideas.

Follow Us for More Homestead Inspiration

Natasha – Houseful of Nicholes
Facebook | Pinterest | X | Instagram

Laurie – Ridge Haven Homestead
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Liz – The Cape Coop
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Kelly – Simple Life Mom
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FEATURED POSTS from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week, we take turns selecting three featured posts from the Homestead Blog Hop. These features are shared across all of our social media platforms, helping spotlight the creativity and hard work of our fellow homesteaders. Here are the featured posts from last week’s hop:

1. 40+ Best Air Fryer Summer Recipes from Air Fryer Fanatics

2. How To Make a Seashell Wreath from Petticoat Junktion

3. Red, White, and Blue Caprese Salad Recipe from Ann’s Entitled Life

Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.

Just right click and ‘save image as…‘

Guidelines for the Homestead Blog Hop

  1. Click the “Add Your Link” button below and upload a clear, eye-catching image from your project or recipe. Please link directly to the family-friendly post itself, not your blog’s homepage.
  2. You may link up up to three posts each week.
  3. Take time to visit a few other blogs in the hop and leave a thoughtful comment to let them know you stopped by. Community support makes this hop special!
  4. Please include a link back to the Homestead Blog Hop in your post. Posts without a backlink are not eligible to be featured. All featured posts are shared across all hosts’ social media channels.
  5. Share posts that haven’t been linked to the hop before. Older posts are welcome as long as they are new to the hop.
  6. By joining the Homestead Blog Hop, you grant the hosts permission to use one image from your post, with a link back to your site, if your post is selected as a feature next week.
  7. This is a family-friendly link-up designed to encourage, inspire, and support the homesteader in all of us.

Let the Party Begin!

Which project are you excited to try this week? Leave a comment below.

Join Our Homestead Blog Hop Pinterest Board

Follow all of your hosts on Pinterest and send a message if you’d like to be added to our Homestead Blog Hop group board. This board is a great place to share your DIY projects, crafts, and from-scratch recipes with the homesteading community.

Guideline: Only pin posts that you’ve linked up to the Homestead Blog Hop.

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