Are face masks and vitamin C just beauty myths? Dermat focuses on skincare staples and building a science-backed routine

Are face masks and vitamin C just beauty myths? Dermat focuses on skincare staples and building a science-backed routine

Regular skincare routine: Workout creates more blood flow in the skin so applying skincare products after exercising can work better. (Unsplash)

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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Walk down any skincare aisle or scroll through social media, and two products consistently stand out: face masks and Vitamin C serums. Both have earned cult status, but they are also among the most misunderstood skincare products. While they can be incredibly beneficial when used correctly, neither is a miracle solution, and unrealistic expectations often lead to disappointment. The key to achieving healthy skin lies in understanding what these products can and cannot do.

Is vitamin C scientifically proven for skin?

“Vitamin C remains one of the most extensively researched topical antioxidants in dermatology. Its benefits are supported by scientific evidence, making it a valuable addition to many skincare routines,” Dermatologist Dr Pranitha, Maya Medi Spa, tells Health Shots.

When formulated and stored correctly, Vitamin C can:

  • Neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution.
  • Brighten dull skin by reducing excess pigmentation.
  • Help fade post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.
  • Support collagen production to improve skin firmness over time.
  • Enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen by reducing oxidative stress, although it should never replace SPF.

“However, Vitamin C is not an overnight treatment. Visible improvements in pigmentation and skin brightness typically require consistent use over several weeks or even months,” says the dermatologist.

Why don’t people see results?

One of the biggest reasons Vitamin C appears ineffective is that consumers unknowingly purchase unstable formulations. Vitamin C is highly sensitive to air, light, and heat. “Once oxidized, it loses much of its effectiveness,” says the doctor. Another common mistake is choosing products based solely on high percentages. Stronger is not always better.

For many individuals, especially those with sensitive skin, higher concentrations may lead to irritation without providing additional benefits. “Layering Vitamin C with too many active ingredients or using it inconsistently can also reduce its effectiveness”, says Dr Pranitha. Like most skincare ingredients, consistency is key and matters far more than occasional use.

Do face masks actually make a difference?

Face masks are another category often surrounded by exaggerated claims. While they can be an excellent addition to a skincare routine, they should be viewed as supportive treatments rather than primary solutions.

Different masks serve different purposes:

  • Hydrating masks replenish moisture and temporarily improve skin plumpness.
  • Clay masks help absorb excess oil and reduce surface congestion.
  • Brightening masks can enhance skin radiance with ingredients such as niacinamide, enzymes, or mild acids.
  • Calming masks help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

Most face masks provide immediate cosmetic improvements, better hydration, smoother texture, or a healthy glow, but these effects are generally temporary. They do not replace a well-designed daily skincare routine or professional treatments when addressing concerns such as melasma, acne scars, or significant signs of aging.

What is the 4-2-4 rule in skincare?

Many people expect a single product to solve every skin concern. In reality, skincare should be tailored to an individual’s skin type, lifestyle, and specific concerns.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

  • Using face masks too frequently leads to irritation or barrier damage.
  • Leaving masks on longer than recommended, believing a longer application gives better results.
  • Purchasing Vitamin C products based solely on social media trends rather than ingredient stability or formulation quality.
  • Ignoring sunscreen while using brightening products can lead to new pigmentation.
  • Following complicated routines with too many active ingredients increases the risk of irritation.

Building a science-backed routine

An effective skincare routine does not need to be complicated. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and carefully selected active ingredients are often sufficient for healthy skin. “Vitamin C fits well into a morning routine because of its antioxidant protection”, explains the expert. At the same time, face masks can be used occasionally based on individual skin needs rather than daily.

For persistent concerns such as pigmentation, acne, rosacea, or premature aging, professional evaluation is important. These conditions often require prescription medications or in-clinic treatments in addition to topical skincare. “Ultimately, skincare should focus less on viral trends and more on evidence-based ingredients, realistic expectations, and consistency”, shares the expert. Both Vitamin C and face masks have their place, but neither should be viewed as a miracle product. Healthy skin is achieved through a personalized routine built on science, patience, and daily care, not quick fixes.

(Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up to date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, arising from the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority, and the expert mentioned has not directly suggested any brands.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)

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Can You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C In The Same Routine?

Can You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C In The Same Routine?

Are There Any Side Effects to Watch Out For?

For most people, no. The main thing to watch for is overloading your skin with too many potent actives in one sitting, not because niacinamide and vitamin C fight each other, but because any high-strength actives, layered together too aggressively, can overwhelm sensitive or beginner skin. If you’re new to actives, ease in by alternating nights, niacinamide one night, vitamin C the next, and build up from there once your skin adjusts.

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I Tried Hailey Bieber’s Morning Skin Care & Makeup Routine For 1 Week

I Tried Hailey Bieber’s Morning Skin Care & Makeup Routine For 1 Week

In the beauty world, Hailey Bieber is inescapable. Whether it’s for her mega-viral skin care line, minimalist manicure inspiration, or effortlessly dewy makeup looks, the multi-hyphenate is constantly dominating headlines and starting new trends. It seems like everyone wants to exude her uncomplicated, confident aura by copying her beauty routines. Well, everyone except for maybe me.

I’ve never been one to follow the trends — I march to the beat of my own beauty drum — and similarly, I haven’t caught onto the hype behind Bieber’s brand Rhode. As a beauty editor, I tend to be skeptical of celebrity-founded brands and gravitate toward products with heavy research and clinical results behind them. That said, I am a fan of testing out celebrities’ skin care routines — many of which include high-end, clinically-tested formulas — to see how they can change my complexion. So when my editor suggested I try Bieber’s modest morning routine, which she’s spoken about in her Vogue Beauty Secrets video, I was up for the test.

For two weeks, I ditched my 10-step skin care ritual in favor of Bieber’s relaxed three-step skin and simple morning makeup regimen. Did it change my life? Maybe in some ways. Keep reading for my honest review of Hailey Bieber’s morning routine.

Fast Facts

Price: ~$200. This may sound steep, but many of these products will last a very long time, and you don’t necessarily need to use the same items if you want to replicate her look. Bieber’s exact regimen includes Rhode Glazing Mist ($30), Rhode Glazing Milk ($32), Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer ($28), Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Color Corrector ($32), Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel ($24), Rhode Pocket Blush ($25), Tarte Go With The Faux Freckle Stamp ($26), and the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape ($24).

Who this is best for: Anyone who is constantly running late (ha, me), or who wants to pare back their routine to save time and keep things simple.

What I like: The bare-bones routine made me feel fresh with minimal effort.

What I don’t like: There are some items that are totally unnecessary — I’m looking at you, freckle pen.

My rating: 3.5/5.

Start With Rhode Glazing Mist

The first nonnegotiable step in Bieber’s morning routine is the trusty facial spray from her brand Rhode. Her regimen is already pretty simple, but she says some mornings she’ll only spray this and “walk out the door.”

First impressions: I’ve tried many face mists over the years and honestly, this one did nothing for me. The mister was too fine to feel anything, and it seemed to immediately evaporate into thin air.

How to apply: Close your eyes and liberally mist all over your face.

The results: Personally, I don’t think this did much. I take very good care of my skin and it lives in a constant state of radiance, so this kept me at baseline. I didn’t notice any difference in softness, hydration, or luminosity when I spritzed this on.

Layer Rhode Glazing Milk

This might be the most popular skin care product Bieber makes, and it’s incredibly refreshing to know that she “could not live without it.” After using a face mist, she gently rubs a bit of this milky essence-serum hybrid into her skin to moisturize and strengthen her skin barrier. “It gives your skin this really beautiful, luminous, second-skin kind of look,” she says.

First impressions: I understand the hype behind this viral product. This milk acts as a three-in-one essence, toner, and serum to deeply hydrate skin and boost glowiness. I love how it immediately sank into my complexion and left it feeling pillowy soft.

How to apply: Dab a small dollop onto your hands then smooth it all over your face and neck.

The results: Guess who decided to completely ditch moisturizer — even during my nighttime routine — after using this for a few days. (It’s me.) My skin feels so healthy, bouncy, and soft the moment it melts into my skin, and it imparts a subtle radiance that truly makes me look like I’m glowing from within.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Nothing made me happier while watching Bieber’s video than when she whipped out sunscreen. SPF is the most important part of any skin care routine (seriously, ask any dermatologist) because it’s the best defense against sun-induced skin damage, which can lead to skin cancer and premature signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. The sunscreen Bieber uses — Isdin Fusion Water Urban SPF 30 — isn’t available in the U.S., but there are plenty of milky formulas that have a similar texture and finish. During this little experiment, I opted for Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50.

Dabble On Concealer

Once Bieber is done with skin care, she moves onto her minimal makeup routine, which begins with just a touch of concealer. She bypasses foundation altogether and only applies concealer on areas she feels could use some brightening, like under her eyes, on her forehead, and in the crevices of her nose.

First impressions: A woman after my own heart! Similar to Bieber, I don’t ever wear foundation, and simply opt for a tiny bit of concealer to hide any blemishes and brighten my under-eyes. Her go-to concealer from Make Beauty feels like air and beautifully blends into skin with minimal effort.

How to apply: Dab a small amount of concealer where you need it — like under the eyes, on the sides of your nose, and along your chin — and blend in with either a brush or your hands. Most days, Bieber prefers her fingers. “I’ve yet to find something that’s a better applicator for makeup than your finger,” she says.

The results: This concealing method effortlessly masked any imperfections without completely covering my face. I love that my skin can still breathe while wearing concealer — something that’s appreciated during boiling summer days.

Add Color Corrector As Needed

To look even more awake, alive, and glowy, Bieber adds a little bit of a pale pink color corrector to the corners of her eyes over her concealer. “It gives luminosity to my skin and face,” she says.

First impressions: Not gonna lie, I questioned Bieber’s method with this one. I’ve interviewed dozens of makeup artists over the years, and all of them have recommended applying color correctors or brighteners under your concealer. But for the sake of this experiment, I placed a dab of the pink brightener under my eyes and blended away.

How to apply: Dab a small amount near the inner corners of your eyes and blend using a brush or your finger.

The results: I struggle with very pronounced dark circles that are difficult to cover with concealer alone. The missing piece was this color corrector. The tiniest dab offset the shadows under my eyes to make me look well-rested and bright-eyed. Sorry I ever doubted you with this one, Hails!

Swipe On Clear Brow Gel

I had to do a double-take for this step because Bieber blew past her brow routine in seconds. A quick swipe of a clear brow gel is enough for her.

First impressions: This step feels pointless for someone like me who doesn’t have many brow hairs to be tamed. I have those naturally thin ‘90s brows that don’t benefit from any sort of gel.

How to apply: Simply swipe the spoolie through your eyebrows for a brushed-out, fluffy look.

The results: This didn’t do much for me. I also rewatched Bieber’s video about 10 times to see if it changed her eyebrows, and I genuinely couldn’t see a difference. I think this step is skippable unless you have extra thick brows that could use a little zhuzhing.

Blend In Rhode Pocket Blush

To add a little life to her cheeks, Bieber swipes on her very own Rhode Pocket Blush and skillfully blends it in using her fingers. This seems to be the ultimate busy-girl step because it takes mere seconds to get a flush of color that makes an instantaneous difference in terms of looking more alive.

First impressions: This blush stick blends like a dream. The Sleepy Girl color imparted the perfect flush on my cheeks and completely enlivened my complexion so I looked more awake.

How to apply: Swipe the blush stick directly onto your cheekbones, then blend it with your fingertips.

The results: While this isn’t the most pigmented blush I’ve ever used, it’s one of the most blendable and gave me a perfect sun-kissed look. I love how easy the stick is to pop in my bag and how it feels like nothing on my skin. No doubt I’ll continue reaching for it for the rest of summer.

Similar Products:

Add Faux Freckles If Desired

Not to be dramatic, but I almost threw my laptop when I saw Bieber pull out the freckle pen. As a very freckled person (hi, I’m a redhead) who used to get bullied for having them, I hate that freckles are now seen as trendy. Bieber has natural freckles, and she mentions that after makeup artists began enhancing what she already has with this pen, she incorporated the step into her routine. To each their own, but this is a step I skipped.

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Finish With Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

Bieber’s final step isn’t mascara — she skips that altogether — or another spritz of her face mist. She completes her easy-breezy routine by defining her lips with another product she created: the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape. Bieber outlines her lips to give them “more fullness and volume” and then goes about her day being a mom, and, you know, running a multi-million-dollar company.

First impressions: As a relative newbie to lip liners, this is one of the smoothest I’ve ever used. It’s nearly impossible to create harsh lines with the rounded tip, and it effortlessly glides to give my pout more definition.

How to apply: Glide the pencil along the outline of your mouth to boost volume and definition. Then, use the angled silicone smudger on the other side to diffuse everything.

The results: I don’t look like I got lip injections, per se, but my lips look much more voluminous with a simple swipe of this lip liner. Also, I find so many formulas to be drying (gloss is a requirement over top!). With this, I’m fine to wear it as is because it feels so soft and comfortable.

My Final Thoughts

Mary Honkus

Overall, Bieber’s routine is pretty uncomplicated, and that’s coming from a maximalist who has about 18 steps combined in my morning and evening routines. Following her protocol cut down on my getting-ready time by about 20 minutes, which allowed me to actually be on time for things (score!).

I still think there were quite a few unnecessary details, namely adding faux freckles. I’m covered in real freckles, so I didn’t see a point in painting any more. Also, while brow gel may work for some people, those with thinner arches (like moi) won’t see much benefit from swiping that on.

My suggestion is to take elements of Bieber’s regimen — like the simplistic three-step skin care routine, as well as the minimal makeup steps — and make it your own. That’s what I did. With a few tweaks, like adding some bronzer and mascara, I’ll be sticking to this pared-back routine for the rest of summer.

About Me:

As a beauty writer with nearly a decade of experience, I spend my days testing the latest and greatest beauty products. My skin is pretty chill — aside from occasional hormonal breakouts, it is clear and glowing, no matter what I slather on. My typical skin care routine is lengthy (I’m talking eight to 10 steps), including multiple products and devices, like red light masks and microcurrent.

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Kickstart your new school year routine with 10 beauty and wellness essentials

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing and it’s not just about finding the right backpack, laptop or dorm supplies. A new school year is the perfect time to refresh your routines, starting with the everyday beauty and wellness products that support your self-care.

For Day 5 of USA TODAY’s Fall Reset on Wednesday, Aug. 5, we’re focusing on personal care, beauty and wellness basics, from skincare and hair care to hygiene essentials, self-care products and everyday beauty staples. After sorting through the products that can make the biggest difference for your daily routine, I found 10 picks worth adding to your rotation.

The lineup includes sleep and wellness upgrades like the Dore & Rose Deep Sleep Mask and Alaya Naturals Multi Collagen Peptides, hydration support from BIOptimizers’ new Electrolyte Breakthrough and high-tech skincare with the iRestore Illumina Face Mask. These are practical buys designed to fit into real routines—not products that will sit untouched in a bathroom drawer.

From busy mornings to winding down at night, these beauty and wellness essentials can help support your routine and make self-care feel more manageable.

Shop 10 back-to-school beauty and wellness products you’ll want to use daily

1. Get a full night’s sleep with this anti-snoring mouthguard

More: This custom anti-snoring mouthpiece takes 2 minutes to mold at home

2. Try this silky sleep mask for the ultimate beauty rest

More: Shoppers are obsessed with the ‘Rolex of sleep masks’ for beauty rest

3. Add this healthy aging collagen supplement to your daily routine

More: Find out why this multi collagen stands out for women over 40

4. Can’t get enough electrolytes? Try new Electrolyte Breakthrough

More: Is Electrolyte Breakthrough a better alternative to Liquid I.V.?

5. Save 10% natural weight management supplement Calocurb

More: A new weight loss study found something surprising about muscle loss

6. Get $400 off iRestore’s Illumina Face Mask

More: The best beauty and wellness products of 2026, according to USA TODAY

7. Try this dermatologist-loved red light mask for under $300

More: This dermatologist-loved red light mask is under $300 at Nordstrom

8. Save 30% on this celeb-loved Kai Fragrance Travel Set

More: This celebrity-loved fragrance is 30% off right now at Nordstrom

9. Snag this Supergoop! everyday lotion for $45 at Amazon

More: Hot weather can wreck your skincare routine. Here’s what to use now

10. Save 20% on daily supplements at Nutricost

What is USA TODAY’s Fall Reset?

USA TODAY’s Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.

Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team curates product recommendations, discounts and seasonal essentials to help shoppers save money and get ahead of common fall expenses before Labor Day sales begin.

Shop USA TODAY Shopping’s Fall Reset by week

What should you buy before fall? Our August shopping guide can help

USA TODAY Shopping is always covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kickstart your new school year routine with 10 beauty and wellness essentials

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Best Clinical Skincare Routine for Anti-Aging: New Guide Announced

Best Clinical Skincare Routine for Anti-Aging: New Guide Announced

LibertyBlume Health announces a new anti-aging skincare guide featuring beautyIQ cream with clinically proven peptides Tripeptide-5 and Dipeptide Diamino to boost hydration, restore elasticity, and reduce wrinkles through evidence-based formulations.

— LibertyBlume Health has announced the release of a detailed guide for a clinical anti-aging skincare routine, designed specifically for women seeking effective, science-backed solutions to combat visible signs of aging. The guide centers on beautyIQ, an anti-aging cream formulated with clinically proven peptides including Tripeptide-5 and Dipeptide Diamino, which work through distinct mechanisms to boost hydration, restore elasticity, and reduce wrinkle depth. This structured routine translates independent research findings into an accessible, step-by-step framework that addresses the growing demand for dermatologist-grade formulations outside of clinical settings.

More details can be found at https://beautyiq.life/

The announcement arrives as consumers increasingly prioritize ingredient transparency and evidence-based efficacy over marketing claims. Independent clinical studies have demonstrated that Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate can reduce wrinkle depth by up to 20% within 28 days by mimicking muscle-relaxing effects similar to certain snake venom peptides, blocking sodium ion uptake in muscle cells to smooth dynamic wrinkles. Meanwhile, research on Tripeptide-5 shows it stimulates natural collagen synthesis by activating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), with in vitro studies indicating significant increases in collagen production, directly addressing loss of firmness and structural integrity that characterize aging skin.

These mechanisms work synergistically within the beautyIQ formulation, which the guide positions as the cornerstone of a three-step regimen. Dermatological recommendations consistently emphasize the importance of pairing active peptide ingredients with proper cleansing and moisturizing to maximize penetration and efficacy; the guide translates this principle into practical instructions for twice-daily application. By combining independent scientific validation with a user-friendly routine framework, LibertyBlume Health aims to bridge the gap between professional-grade treatments and at-home skincare accessible to everyday consumers.

The guide outlines three primary benefits women can expect from consistent use of the routine. First, hydration is enhanced through 1-Hexadecanol, a fatty alcohol that forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss, addressing the dryness and dullness that often accompany aging. Second, elasticity is restored as Tripeptide-5 stimulates fibroblasts to rebuild collagen networks, lifting and plumping sagging skin. Third, wrinkles are visibly reduced as Dipeptide Diamino relaxes facial muscles at the source of expression lines, delivering a smoother, more youthful appearance. Studies have demonstrated that formulations containing Tripeptide-5 lead to improvements in skin elasticity and reductions in skin roughness over 12 weeks, underscoring the multi-faceted approach that targets aging simultaneously rather than in isolation.

Achieving these results requires consistency. The guide simplifies implementation by breaking down the routine into three straightforward steps: cleansing with a gentle exfoliant to remove debris, applying a small amount of beautyIQ to the face and neck while massaging against the direction of wrinkles, and allowing complete absorption before sun exposure or makeup application. This framework democratizes access to clinical-grade skincare, making dermatologist-level formulations available to women who may not have access to in-office treatments or high-end spa services. The guide also sets realistic expectations, noting that visible improvements typically emerge within days to weeks depending on individual skin conditions and adherence to the twice-daily regimen.

LibertyBlume Health developed the guide as part of its commitment to providing evidence-based, accessible solutions that empower women to take control of their skin health with confidence. By translating complex peptide science into actionable instructions and pairing independent clinical research with practical application techniques, the company positions the routine as an invitation to join a growing community of informed consumers who prioritize efficacy. Women interested in the guide and beautyIQ can access detailed information and ordering options through the promoted link, while broader company resources and skincare education are available at https://libertyblumehealth.com/

Contact Info:
Name: Jimmy Wear-Ramsden
Email: Send Email
Organization: LibertyBlume Health
Address: 4116 Nichandros St, Castro Valley, California 94546, United States
Website: https://libertyblumehealth.com/

Release ID: 89197600

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Why a Night-Time Skincare Routine Matters, According to Chanel Beauty

Why a Night-Time Skincare Routine Matters, According to Chanel Beauty

Sublimage After Dark

For many of us, skincare at the end of the day is simply another task to tick off before bed. Cleanse, moisturise and call it a night. But there is something to be said for slowing the process down. 

 

 

 

Night-time has long been considered the most important window for skincare. While you sleep, your skin shifts its focus away from defending itself against the day’s environmental stressors and towards recovery. It’s the perfect opportunity to replenish moisture, support repair and give hardworking formulas the uninterrupted time they need to perform.

 

That philosophy sits at the heart of Chanel’s Sublimage collection. Rather than relying on a single hero product, the range is designed as a complete ritual, with each formula building on the last. 

 

Tying the collection together is Chanel’s signature polyfractioned Vanilla Planifolia, an ingredient developed from a rare variety of vanilla grown in Madagascar. Found throughout the range, it’s combined with complementary ingredients to help support regeneration, improve skin quality and leave the complexion looking smoother, stronger and more radiant over time.

 

Just as the end of the day offers a chance to reset, so too does your skincare routine. Each step in the Sublimage ritual has been created with a specific purpose, working in harmony to cleanse, prepare, repair and nourish skin while you sleep, so you wake up looking as refreshed as you feel.

 

Sublimage L’Huile-en-Gel de Démaquillage

A good night routine starts with a proper cleanse, and this one makes the process feel far more indulgent than your average make-up remover. The silky gel melts into an oil as it’s massaged over the skin before transforming into a light milk when water is added, effortlessly lifting away make-up, sunscreen and the day’s impurities.

 

Sublimage L’Extrait de Lotion

Often overlooked, a lotion can make all the difference to how the rest of your skincare performs. L’Extrait de Lotion acts as the bridge between cleansing and treatment, flooding skin with hydration while preparing it to better absorb the next layers.

 

Its lightweight texture is dotted with thousands of micro-droplets that deliver both freshness and nourishment, leaving skin feeling immediately plumper and more comfortable. It’s one of those products that doesn’t necessarily shout for attention, but quietly elevates everything applied afterwards.

 

Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit

If there is one product that truly defines the evening ritual, it’s L’Extrait de Nuit. Created specifically for night-time use, this concentrated treatment works alongside the skin’s natural overnight repair cycle, helping it recover while you sleep.

 

Promising eight hours of sleep in a bottle, the formula combines polyfractioned Vanilla Planifolia with Swertia extract and a naturally derived chronopeptide, creating a treatment that’s focused on supporting skin when regeneration is at its peak. Despite its potency, the texture remains beautifully lightweight thanks to millions of micro-droplets that deliver both hydration and comfort. 

 

Sublimage La Crème

The final step is all about sealing in the benefits of everything that came before. Rich without feeling heavy, La Crème wraps the skin in lasting comfort while helping maintain hydration throughout the night. Over time, it works to improve the appearance of firmness, smoothness and radiance, leaving skin looking healthier with continued use.

 

One of the best things about the moisturiser is that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Chanel offers two different textures: Texture Fine for those who prefer something lighter, particularly in warmer, more humid climates, and Texture Suprême for anyone who enjoys a richer, more cocooning finish. It means the routine can be tailored to both your skin type and the changing seasons without compromising on the benefits of the formula.

 

Sublimage La Crème Yeux

The eye area is often the first place to reveal the effects of long days and late nights, making it worth giving a little extra attention before bed. La Crème Yeux targets the delicate skin around the eyes with the same regenerative philosophy as the rest of the collection, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines while leaving the eye area looking smoother, brighter and more refreshed by morning.

 

Like the rest of the Sublimage ritual, it’s less about chasing overnight miracles and more about consistency. Night after night, the small moments of care add up, transforming an everyday skincare routine into a ritual that feels just as restorative for the mind as it does for the skin.

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Dermatologists Share the Best Nighttime Skincare Routine for Aging Skin

Dermatologists Share the Best Nighttime Skincare Routine for Aging Skin

You may have been afraid of the dark when you were younger, but nightfall is actually the best time to care for aging skin.

In fact, thanks to the effects of the body’s natural circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, on your complexion, skin is more permeable after the sun goes down, according to a 2019 research review. Do you know what that means? “Moisturizers and topical steroids might offer increased benefits when used in the evening hours,” according to the study authors.

The same research found that skin loses more moisture at night, a phenomenon called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL, which means prioritizing skincare during the evening hours is all the more important. “I always tell my patients: What you put on your skin at night is like giving it a personal care package,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology. “Your skin is at its busiest while you snooze. It’s when repair and renewal truly happen.”

Meet the experts: Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology. Morayo Adisa, MD, is a dermatologist and the medical director of Dermatology Physicians Chicago. Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

A simple, consistent nighttime skincare routine can help prevent signs of aging such as dullness, dryness, fine lines, and dark spots. But crafting an effective routine that’ll actually address those issues is another story. To get to the bottom of what the “right” routine actually looks like—and in what order products should be applied—Women’s Health spoke with three dermatologists.

Here’s what they want you to know so that you can build the ideal nighttime regimen, and why this nightly investment pays off for long-term skin health.

What Happens to Your Skin at Night

Sleep is a time for rest for much of the body, but as you’re snoozing, your skin is actually most active. During the day, your skin is working overtime to defend itself against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and environmental stress—all of which contribute to DNA damage that result in signs of aging.

Overnight, your circadian rhythm shifts your skin from protection mode to repair mode, allowing your skin to focus on cell renewal, DNA repair and skin recovery, experts say. This results in increased skin cell turnover—the natural process of new skin cells replacing old ones—which, in turn, contributes to a complexion with smaller-looking pores, smoother texture, and more even tone, Dr. Foad says.

Beyond that, the production of collagen, a protein crucial to keeping skin bouncy and elastic, also increases at night, which works to fend off fine lines, wrinkles, and sagginess. Blood flow to the skin gets a boost overnight, too, “all of which help repair daytime damage and restore a healthy glow,” Dr. Foad adds.

And again, the skin barrier also becomes more permeable while you sleep. This is crucial for active ingredients to actually work their magic on skin cells that live within deeper skin layers. Otherwise, products that can’t effective penetrate the skin essentially serve as nothing more than a fancy moisturizer. Practically speaking, this means nighttime the ideal window to apply active skincare ingredients actually proven to work, such as retinoids, niacinamide, and exfoliating acids. It’s also the perfect time to apply other treatments like peptides, or hydrating serums that support repair, experts say.

The Ideal Nighttime Routine in Four Steps

Now that you know what your skin is doing while you sleep, it’s time to take advantage and make your body’s natural processes help you achieve your best-looking skin yet.

In many cases, less is more when it comes to skincare. Rather than prioritizing a laborious 10-step Korean skincare routine, dermatologists recommend a straightforward regimen that cleanses, treats, and hydrates the skin while also addressing any specific concerns you may have. The result of this method? Waking up with healthier, smoother skin. Here’s exactly how to get it right.

1. Cleanse

It’s important to start with a clean slate, says Morayo Adisa, MD, medical director of Dermatology Physicians Chicago. “First remove your makeup and thoroughly cleanse skin with a cleanser formulated for your skin type and the season,” she adds. Consider staying away from makeup wipes if you can help it: While handy in a pinch, makeup wipes often struggle to properly remove dirt and debris that can get lodged in your pores and the tiny indentations of your face, Women’s Health previously reported. And failing to properly cleanse your skin can lead to issues such as acne breakouts and rough skin texture.

Instead, double cleansing is ideal, says Dr. Foad. Start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a gentle, pH-balanced face wash, she says. This method “washes away pollution that can penetrate the skin and cause long-lasting free radical damage,” she says. A squeaky-clean face also allows active ingredients in your next steps to penetrate more effectively.

If your skin tends to be acne-prone or oily, a gentle toner after cleansing can help remove any lingering impurities and prep the skin for serums and treatments. Toners can also help restore the skin’s natural pH, balance oil production, and deliver soothing or hydrating ingredients—like niacinamide, aloe, or glycerin—without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling.

CeraVe Acne Control Face Cleanser

Now 21% Off

This cleanser pairs salicylic acid with niacinamide and ceramides to clear breakouts, control shine, and keep skin balanced.

Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cream Cleanser

Credit: Sephora

Infused with sesame and rose oils, this luxurious cream cleanser melts away even full-glam makeup while leaving skin soft and nourished.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Now 21% Off

Credit: Amazon

A gentle, dermatologist-approved pick that soothes sensitive skin while cleansing.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your face helps accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process, removing dead surface cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. For those struggling with dullness, uneven texture, or clogged pores, gentle chemical exfoliant acids—like alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic or lactic acid) or beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)—can make a noticeable difference.

And because your skin is already in repair mode at night, it’s the ideal time to give your skin a little slough love. “Exfoliation also helps other products absorb more effectively,” says Dr. Foad. “By clearing away dead skin, your serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper and work harder.”

For most skin types, 5 to 10 percent glycolic or lactic acids or 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid is a safe starting point. Folks with sensitive skin may want to begin exfoliating just once per week, and gradually increase frequency to two or three times depending on the skin’s tolerance. And take note: Dermatologists warn against using exfoliants on the same night as a retinol serum or other strong actives to prevent irritation.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Credit: Amazon

Rice powder and salicylic acid team up to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Credit: Amazon

Rice powder and salicylic acid team up to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and refine skin texture.

TATCHA The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder

Credit: Amazon

Japanese rice powder gently buffs away dead skin, while silk proteins condition and hydrate, making this a cult favorite.

TATCHA The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder

Credit: Amazon

Japanese rice powder gently buffs away dead skin, while silk proteins condition and hydrate, making this a cult favorite.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Glycolic acid, the formula’s standout ingredient, smooths texture and helps clear congested skin.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Glycolic acid, the formula’s standout ingredient, smooths texture and helps clear congested skin.

3. Treatments and Serums

Next is the step where you deliver targeted solutions with active ingredients intended to address your individual cosmetic concerns—whether they be wrinkles, dark spots, or other skin imperfections, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Because the skin barrier becomes more permeable at night, it’s primed to absorb these ingredients more effectively.

There are pretty much countless options to choose from for this step. But some of the most common heavy-hitters include:

  • Retinol: This ingredient is a derivative of vitamin A, and it is primarily used in skincare for its anti-aging effects, Women’s Health previously reported. This ingredient helps boosts collagen production and enhances skin cell turnover, making it ideal for fine lines, uneven texture, and pigmentation. Beyond that, retinol may regulate the production of sebum—a natural, oily, waxy substance that can clog pores and cause acne when produced in excess by the skin.
  • Niacinamide: This skincare superstar is a form of niacin—also known as vitamin B3—that’s a combination of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid. The ingredient calms redness, improves barrier function, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. Plus, the versatile ingredient is easy to incorporate into nearly any skincare routine for a variety of skin types and all skin tones since it’s so gentle.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: This all-star humectant draws in and retains moisture, plumping and hydrating the skin. In fact, just one gram of hyaluronic acid can retain as much as six liters of water, Women’s Health previously reported. This can help improve the appearance of superficial wrinkles caused by dryness and contribute to a younger-looking complexion.
  • Vitamin C: By and large, vitamin C is considered the most potent and effective antioxidant in the skincare world. It can speed up skin cell turnover, defend the skin against oxidative stress and free radical damage, and brighten the complexion. And when formulated well, vitamin C is a biological multitasker that can be a power player for both skin tone and texture, especially when used daily.

If you use an eye cream or spot treatment, this is also the best time to apply it. Eye creams typically work best after serums but before moisturizer, experts say. Look for ingredients such as peptides or caffeine to reduce puffiness and fine lines. And spot treatments for breakouts and dark spots can be applied directly to problem areas. But, to be safe, avoid using them on the same night as retinol to minimize irritation.

4. Moisturize

“Nighttime moisturization is crucial because it aids in skin repair while you sleep and creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss overnight,” says Dr. Green. In general, nighttime moisturizers tend to be richer, heavier, and thicker than daytime formulations. But to make sure you’re using one that works, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to lock in moisture and support barrier repair.

For extra dry or dull skin, a nourishing face oil or heavier night cream can be added to seal in hydration and nutrients. You can also swap your regular night cream for an overnight mask once or twice a week to boost hydration and radiance.

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Credit: Sephora

Perfect for sensitive skin, this wrinkle cream blends gentle retinol with bakuchiol and ferulic acid for line-smoothing, hydrating results without irritation.

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Credit: Amazon

Infused with calming thermal water and completely fragrance-free, this restorative cream soothes and hydrates reactive skin.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizing Cream

Credit: Amazon

Packed with niacinamide, ceramides, shea butter, and prebiotics, this ultra-hydrating cream restores even the driest skin.

A solid nighttime routine is more than a beauty ritual—it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health. “The goal is simple: cleanse, treat, and deeply hydrate so you wake up with skin that feels replenished, balanced, and radiant,” says Dr. Foad.

It’s science and self-care rolled into one.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.

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Why Your Routine Shouldn’t Stop There

Why Your Routine Shouldn’t Stop There

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

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

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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Vertical image of smiling woman with eyes shut, set against a beige background, with a leaf motif in the bottom right corner and polka dots behind the top left corner

Experts say this is the best skincare routine for your 50s

Your 50s can bring about some of the most dramatic changes to your skin, largely thanks to the hormonal shifts that happen during and after menopause.

According to multi-award-winning aesthetic doctor Dr Ana Mansouri, founder of Dr Ana The Skin Clinic, many women notice that skin suddenly feels drier, thinner and less robust than before, while pigmentation, fine lines and loss of firmness also become more visible.

This happens as collagen and elastin production – the skin’s natural source of bounce and resilience – starts to decline more rapidly. “Broken sleep and insomnia are often symptoms of menopause, and this can have a significant impact because sleep is essential for skin repair,” she explains, adding that delicate areas such as the eyes, neck and décolletage often need more attention this decade, too.

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With the onslaught of hormonal fluctuations during menopause, you might feel there’s little you can do to improve matters. But despite these changes, it doesn’t mean it’s time to wave the white flag. Instead, it’s about understanding what your skin needs now and giving it the comfort, hydration and care it deserves.

The best skincare routine to follow in your 50s, according to experts

Rather than overloading skin with strong acids or too many active ingredients, Dr Mansouri recommends focusing on hydration, barrier support and consistent SPF application. She warns that “over-exfoliating can weaken the skin barrier, leaving it irritated, dehydrated and more sensitive,” adding that, just as in any other decade of our lives, sun damage remains one of the biggest contributors to collagen breakdown and pigmentation.


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You don’t need to spend a fortune or jump into a complicated routine, Dr Mansouri also insists. Instead, she advises tailoring your products to work with skin during and after menopause with ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, richer moisturisers and gentle retinal products.

Hydrating serums, targeted best eye creams and replenishing overnight treatments can also help support repair while we sleep, with Dr Mansouri adding that the biggest improvements often come from consistency and focusing on overall skin health rather than trying to “aggressively anti-age.”

Step 1: Cleanse and comfort

With skin often becoming more reactive and dehydrated during perimenopause and menopause, the focus should shift towards thorough yet gentle cleansing, rather than harsh products or over-exfoliating the skin barrier.

CeraVe

Hydrating Cleanser

RRP: £13

This creamy cleanser is a fab skincare staple thanks to its ability to deeply cleanse without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, it helps support the skin barrier and lock in moisture – ideal for menopausal skin that’s feeling more sensitive or depleted.

Gatineau

Collagene Expert Melting Cleansing Balm

RRP: £48

Who doesn’t love a balm? And this cleansing balm melts effortlessly into the skin to dissolve makeup, SPF and daily grime while leaving the complexion feeling soft, comforted and hydrated. Formulated with nourishing oils and collagen-supporting ingredients, including marine collagen and peptides.

Step 2: Deep hydration and barrier support

As natural oil production declines, skin often craves richer textures and moisture-replenishing ingredients to help restore comfort, bounce and resilience.

Vichy

Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

RRP: £28

This lightweight but hardworking serum combines hyaluronic acid with Vichy volcanic mineral water to drench skin with hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Perfect for restoring freshness and suppleness when skin starts to feel less than its best.

L’Oreal Paris

Revitalift Filler [+Hyaluronic Acid] Serum

RRP: £32

A much-loved, affordable buy, this plumping serum uses concentrated hyaluronic acid to help smooth dehydration lines and leave skin looking fresher and juicier. It layers beautifully under moisturiser and works especially well on menopausal skin that’s lost some of its natural elasticity.

Dr.Jart+

Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream

RRP: £38

Hailed by some as a dry skin hero, this rich cream is packed with barrier-supporting ceramides and skin-softening panthenol. Its velvety texture feels wonderful and leaves skin replenished, soothed and noticeably more supple overnight.

Step 3: Tighten up and strengthen

As collagen decline accelerates, peptides and gentle vitamin A products are particularly helpful for maintaining firmness, texture and skin quality in your 50s.


What to read next

PAI

ROSEHIP BIOREGENERATE FACE OIL

RRP: £34

If you prefer a natural approach to skin renewal, this cult facial oil combines rosehip fruit and seed oils rich in antioxidant carotenoids and essential fatty acids to help improve radiance and softness, leaving skin feeling super nourished. We are also fans of Pai’s Retinoid 0.3% Skin Renewal Booster, which is a great next step for slowly introducing vitamin A into your routine.

Avène

Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Cream

RRP: £49

This gentle retinal treatment has all the complexion-boosting benefits of vitamin A without excessive irritation. Formulated with retinaldehyde and soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water, it helps improve pigmentation and fine lines while remaining kind to sensitive skin.

Step 4: Restore radiance and defend skin

Pigmentation and dullness often become more noticeable during menopause, so antioxidant protection and daily application of the best facial sunscreen are essential for helping skin look brighter, fresher and more even-toned.

Vichy

Liftactiv 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum

RRP: £39

Formulated with 15% pure vitamin C alongside antioxidant pycnogenol, this brightening serum helps soften uneven tone and leave skin looking more luminous and refreshed over time. Particularly good for dull or lacklustre complexions.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

RRP: £21

It goes without saying that wearing SPF every day, regardless of the weather, is non-negotiable. Just this step alone will help protect against pigmentation, collagen breakdown and premature ageing, and this lightweight formula offers high UVA and UVB protection without leaving skin feeling greasy or heavy, so it’s easy to wear every day under makeup.

Step 6: Extra helpers for delicate skin

The thinner skin around the eyes, neck and chest is often one of the first areas to show signs of menopause-related collagen decline, dryness and loss of elasticity, so in your 50s it’s worth investing in products designed specifically for these areas.

e.l.f.

SKIN Illuminating Eye Cream

RRP: £11

A brilliant budget-friendly eye cream, this lightweight formula helps hydrate and brighten the delicate under-eyes while softening the appearance of tiredness and dehydration lines. Infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides, it leaves the eye area looking fresher, smoother and more awake.

Boost Lab

Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum

RRP: £24.95

Reviewers say this neck serum feels far more luxurious than its price tag suggests, thanks to its silky, lightweight texture and instantly smoothing feel on the skin. Designed specifically for the neck and décolletage area, it combines antioxidant-rich Edelweiss extract with hydrating ingredients to help improve firmness and leave skin looking smoother and more refined with regular use.

No7

Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum

RRP: £35

One of the most talked-about skincare launches in recent years and for good reason. This peptide-led serum was developed to help support the skin’s natural repair process while tackling midlife concerns like lack of firmness, uneven texture and sun damage. As well as the face serum, the range also includes targeted products for the body and neck and décolletage. We think it’s a great mid-price option for science-backed skincare that won’t break the bank.

The expert’s no.1 in-clinic treatment for skin in its 50s

If she had to choose one approach for women in their 50s, Dr Ana Mansouri says she would opt for a combination of skin boosters and LPG Cellu M6 Infinity®. “Lymphatic drainage is so often overlooked, but it’s essential as a first step in improving overall skin quality,” she explains. Originally developed for physiotherapy, the LPG treatment uses precise cellular stimulation to support lymphatic drainage while also helping calm the nervous system, which can have knock-on benefits for the skin, too.

Dr Mansouri then combines this with regenerative injectable treatments such as Sculptra or polynucleotides, which help improve hydration, tissue repair and collagen stimulation for firmer, healthier and more radiant-looking skin. “The results are incredibly natural, which is something many women in this age group are looking for,” she says.

“Skin tends to look fresher, smoother and more rested without looking overdone.” She adds that they can work particularly well around delicate areas such as the eyes, where skin often becomes thinner and more crepey during menopause and beyond.

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