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10 habits of people who age remarkably well without spending a dime on skincare or supplements – VegOut

10 habits of people who age remarkably well without spending a dime on skincare or supplements – VegOut

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Have you ever noticed how some people seem to glow with vitality at 75 while others appear worn down at 55? The difference rarely comes down to expensive creams or miracle supplements.

After decades of observing what truly makes people age with grace and energy, I’ve discovered that the most powerful anti-aging habits cost absolutely nothing.

The beauty industry would have us believe that aging well requires a small fortune in serums and supplements. Meanwhile, the most vibrant older people I know haven’t spent a penny on these promises.

They’ve invested in something far more valuable: Daily habits that nurture body, mind, and spirit from the inside out.

1) They prioritize sleep like their life depends on it

Because honestly, it does. The people who age remarkably well guard their sleep schedule fiercely.

They go to bed at the same time each night, even on weekends, and they’ve learned to say no to late-night commitments that would disrupt their rhythm.

I learned this lesson the hard way after years of grading papers until midnight. Now, lights are out by 10 PM, no exceptions. My bedroom is a sanctuary: Cool, dark, and free from the blue glow of screens.

This simple commitment has transformed not just my energy levels but the very texture of my skin and the clarity of my thinking. Sleep, it turns out, is nature’s most powerful restorative, and it’s completely free.

2) They drink water like it’s their job

Forget fancy alkaline water or expensive hydration systems. The people who age beautifully simply drink plain water, consistently, throughout the day.

They keep a glass by the sink, carry a refillable bottle, and start each morning with water before coffee.

Since making this shift myself, the difference has been remarkable. Fewer headaches, more supple skin, better digestion. Water flushes out toxins, keeps joints lubricated, and maintains that natural glow no highlighter can replicate.

Eight glasses a day costs pennies but delivers results that rival any spa treatment.

3) They move their bodies every single day

Not in gyms with expensive memberships, but in their own neighborhoods, living rooms, and gardens. They walk after dinner, stretch while watching the news, take the stairs whenever possible.

Movement is woven into the fabric of their days, not relegated to a specific exercise hour.

My neighbor, who’s 82 and looks 65, hasn’t been to a gym in her life. But she walks her dog twice daily, tends her vegetable garden, and dances in her kitchen while cooking.

She taught me that consistency beats intensity every time. Your body doesn’t need CrossFit; it needs regular, gentle movement that keeps everything flowing.

4) They eat real food, mostly plants

No expensive superfoods or complicated diets. The people who age well eat simple, whole foods: Vegetables from the farmer’s market, beans from bulk bins, fruit in season.

They cook at home more often than not, treating restaurants as occasional pleasures rather than daily habits.

What struck me when I shifted to this way of eating was how much money I saved while feeling infinitely better. Lentil soup, roasted vegetables, whole grain bread – these simple foods provide more anti-aging compounds than any supplement bottle.

The Mediterranean diet everyone raves about? It’s essentially peasant food, accessible to anyone willing to chop vegetables and simmer beans.

5) They cultivate genuine connections

Loneliness ages us faster than smoking, yet the antidote costs nothing. People who age well invest time in relationships. They call friends regularly, join community groups, volunteer, stay connected to family.

They understand that social connection isn’t a luxury but a necessity.

After retirement, I made connection my priority. Weekly coffee dates, monthly book clubs, regular volunteer shifts at the literacy center.

These commitments cost nothing financially but pay dividends in mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and that intangible glow that comes from feeling needed and loved.

6) They spend time in nature

Whether it’s a daily walk in the park, weekend hikes, or simply sitting on a bench watching birds, people who age well make nature part of their routine.

Fresh air, natural light, the rhythm of seasons – these free medicines regulate our circadian rhythms, boost vitamin D, and calm our nervous systems.

I discovered this accidentally when I started taking my morning tea outside. Twenty minutes on the porch, watching the world wake up, transformed my entire day.

Now, rain or shine, I spend at least an hour outside daily. Nature doesn’t charge admission, yet it offers stress reduction that no pill can match.

7) They practice mindfulness without calling it that

Long before meditation apps existed, people who age gracefully knew how to be present. They savor their morning coffee, really taste their food, notice the changing seasons.

They’re not rushing through life trying to get somewhere else; they’re here, now, engaged with whatever’s in front of them.

This presence costs nothing but attention. When I stopped multitasking and started single-tasking, everything shifted. Folding laundry became meditative.

Cooking became creative. Even difficult conversations became opportunities for deeper connection. Presence is the ultimate anti-aging practice, and it’s always available.

8) They laugh often and deeply

Humor is free medicine. People who age well find reasons to laugh daily. They watch comedy shows, share jokes with friends, don’t take themselves too seriously.

They’ve learned that laughter literally changes our chemistry, boosting immune function and reducing stress hormones.

9) They maintain a sense of purpose

Retirement doesn’t mean retreating. People who age remarkably well have reasons to get up each morning: Grandchildren to mentor, gardens to tend, causes to support, skills to share.

Purpose doesn’t require a paycheck; it requires believing you still have something to contribute.

10) They accept what is while working with what’s possible

Perhaps most importantly, they’ve made peace with aging itself. They don’t waste energy fighting inevitable changes but focus on what they can influence: Their attitude, their habits, their responses to life’s challenges.

This acceptance paradoxically keeps them younger because they’re not exhausting themselves swimming against the current.

Final thoughts

The most effective anti-aging program isn’t sold in stores or advertised on social media. It’s available to everyone, regardless of income.

Sleep well, drink water, move daily, eat simply, connect deeply, embrace nature, stay present, laugh often, maintain purpose, and practice acceptance.

These habits cost nothing but intention and consistency. The fountain of youth isn’t a myth – it’s a daily choice to engage fully with life, using resources that are freely available to us all. The only question is: Will you choose to use them?

 

What’s Your Plant-Powered Archetype?

Ever wonder what your everyday habits say about your deeper purpose—and how they ripple out to impact the planet?

This 90-second quiz reveals the plant-powered role you’re here to play, and the tiny shift that makes it even more powerful.

12 fun questions. Instant results. Surprisingly accurate.

 

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Experts weigh in on whether ‘slapping’ ritual in South Korean skincare works

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SEOUL – There is one unwritten rule for anyone hoping to debut as a beauty influencer in South Korea: Slap your face – rhythmically and with flair.

A quick scroll through YouTube, TikTok and other social media channels showcasing South Korean cosmetics reveals a familiar scene where creators vigorously pat toner, lotion or foundation onto their faces in a slapping motion, using their hands or make-up puffs.

The same exaggerated tapping ritual is also a staple of TV home shopping channels, where hosts repeatedly slap products onto their faces.

This technique has even inspired its own onomatopoeia, “chap chap”. Originally a Korean adjective describing things neatly settled in place or a calm state of mind, the term now appears in online beauty content to mimic the sound of patting cosmetics onto the skin.

Beauty experts say the phenomenon is closely tied to South Korea’s multistep skincare and make-up routines, where speed and absorption are considered essential.

With products layered sequentially – from toner and essence to primer and foundation – each step is expected to settle before the next begins. If an earlier layer fails to be absorbed properly, it can affect how subsequent products apply, sometimes leading to pilling or uneven texture.

“In Korea, even toners come in multiple formulas, and there is an incredible range of products with different ingredients and textures, including serums, essences and moisturizers,” a 37 year old called Ms Choi, who runs a skincare salon, Hee Aesthetic, near Soongsil University in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, told The Korea Herald.

“It’s almost as if the products are being stacked one on top of another. Absorption really matters, so I usually pat the products in as if I’m massaging the skin.”

For some digital creators, the appeal is more than skin deep.

Beyond its supposed benefits for faster and better absorption, the technique’s strong visual and audible impact helps capture viewers’ attention in video content, said a freelance presenter called Ms Kim in Incheon who promotes cosmetic products through live broadcasts on Instagram.

“People want to see a dramatic before and after effect. When products are applied with a bit more force, they seem to absorb faster. With foundation, for example, pores and blemishes appear more fully covered, which helps keep viewers focused on the video,” she said.

“Also, slapping on toner or lotion while making a ‘chap chap’ sound can make the product seem easy to apply. Thicker creams are especially well suited for ASMR content when they are patted onto the skin.”

Another beauty creator, Ms Kim Hye-jeong, who also works as a home shopping host, has even developed her own patting techniques tailored to different products.

“For watery products like toner, I pat quickly so it doesn’t run. With lipstick, I gently tap with my finger to control the amount and create a more natural look. For blush, I pat it on as if I’m blending it out. It definitely feels like the skincare or make-up turns out better when I tap rather than just rub.”

“These days, ‘chap chap’ has basically become part of beauty lingo. I find myself using it a lot during broadcasts.”

For those unfamiliar with K-beauty, the “chap chap” motion should not be confused with the so-called “ajeossi” slaps, a “meme-fied” habit of some middle-aged men who apply skincare with a few loud, forceful smacks to the face.

Their exaggerated face-slapping while washing up or slapping on lotion has become an online meme in recent years.

Still, the two gestures share a similar motivation: a preference for speed and immediate results.

“Korean men learn to shower quickly during their military service, and Koreans in general are used to doing things quickly, a habit often described as the ‘ppalli ppalli’ culture. Maybe that’s why a culture of roughly applying lotion developed,” said Mr Yang Hong-geun, a 64-year-old resident in Seoul.

“When I wash my face and apply lotion that way, I feel refreshed and my skin feels more hydrated,” he said.

Regardless of the reason, the belief that applying products with force must be good for the skin is widely shared among South Koreans across generations.

But Dr Lee Ha-eun, a dermatologist at Foret Dermatology in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, told The Korea Herald that the motion plays only a supporting role when it comes to absorption.

“The skin barrier does not open easily just because the skin is tapped or slapped, so this motion does not actually help ingredients sink deeper into the skin,” she said.

“However, patting is not completely pointless. It helps spread the product evenly and press it closer to the skin, reducing small pockets of air between the skin and the product. In other words, patting helps the product sit better on the skin, rather than helping it absorb better.”

Dr Lee, who has treated both South Korean and foreign patients, further explained that in the world of skincare and beauty, South Koreans tend to be more willing to tolerate discomfort, if it promises visible results.

“A willingness to tolerate a certain degree of discomfort for better outcomes is fairly common among Korean women, who show strong interest in skincare and cosmetic procedures,” she said.

Among the dermatological procedures that remain consistently popular despite being known for their intense pain are anti-aging laser treatments such as Rejuran and InMode.

These often leave patients with severe redness and visible marks immediately afterwards. While recovery varies from person to person, the after-effects typically last anywhere from two days to a week.

The tolerance for pain extends to non-clinical treatments as well.

Korean facial massage, known as “kyungrak”, which involves applying intense pressure along the jawline, cheekbones and brow bones, has become almost a pre-wedding ritual among young brides and grooms seeking a slimmer looking face.

Beauty comes with pain even at home.

Skincare products containing spicules, microscopic needle-like structures extracted from marine sponges, have sparked buzz among beauty aficionados in recent years, as they are thought to improve absorption, aid skin regeneration, and refine overall texture.

Dr Lee attributed South Koreans’ embrace of painful beauty treatments to a broader social mindset that treats endurance as a virtue.

“In a beauty powerhouse like Korea, ‘no pain, no gain’ applies to skincare as well. At our clinic, many patients tend to put up with pain rather than express it, even when procedures are uncomfortable,” she said.

“With so many new treatments emerging each year and dermatological procedures becoming so common, people’s psychological hurdle toward pain appears to have gradually lowered.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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Discover How You Can Build A Clean Skincare Routine

Discover How You Can Build A Clean Skincare Routine

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Source: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty

You wash your face religiously, yet your skin still looks dull, feels irritated, or breaks out without warning. The problem isn’t your dedication, but what you’re putting on your skin. A clean skincare routine swaps synthetic chemicals and questionable ingredients for natural, effective alternatives that actually work with your body.

Building a clean skincare routine means choosing products made from naturally derived ingredients, free of parabens and sulfates, and formulated without harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Your skin absorbs what you put on it, making ingredient quality just as important as the food you eat. The good news is it’s less complicated than most brands make it out to be.

What Does Clean Skincare Actually Mean?

Clean skincare focuses on products made with natural, sustainable ingredients that skip synthetic chemicals and questionable additives. Think plants and minerals instead of lab-created compounds with names you can’t pronounce. According to the FDA, some cosmetic ingredients can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The difference between clean and conventional skincare comes down to what’s not in the bottle. Clean products skip the usual offenders like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that leave sensitive skin angry and irritated. Instead, clean formulations rely on plant extracts, essential oils, and natural preservatives that protect product integrity without harming your skin.

Why Your Skin Craves Clean Ingredients

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and can absorb a significant percentage of what you apply topically. Natural ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that actually nourish your skin at a cellular level. When you use products loaded with synthetic chemicals, you’re essentially feeding your skin junk food.

How Do You Start a Clean Skincare Routine?

Starting a clean skincare routine doesn’t mean tossing everything in your bathroom and spending hundreds on replacements overnight. Begin by switching out the products you use most frequently, such as your cleanser or moisturizer, since these sit on your skin longest. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting gentle cleansers that don’t contain harsh ingredients.

Replace products as they run out rather than doing a complete overhaul immediately. Your skin needs time to adjust, so don’t rush it. Start with cleansing, then move to moisturizing, then add treatments once you’ve got your basics down solid.

Building Your Foundation Slowly

Read ingredient lists like you read food labels. Look for products with short ingredient lists that you recognize, like shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and botanical extracts. Companies that offer wholesale skin care products often specialize in clean formulations that prioritize ingredient transparency.

The Essential Steps for Daily Skin Cleansing

Your natural beauty regimen needs just three core steps that you’ll repeat twice daily: cleanse, treat, protect. Morning and evening routines differ slightly, but the fundamentals stay consistent for an effective, eco-friendly beauty routine. Keeping it simple helps you stay consistent, which matters more than using ten different products sporadically.

Morning cleansing with gentle skin products removes overnight oil production and preps skin for the day ahead. Use a non-foaming cleanser with ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or aloe vera. Massage in circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

Evening Cleansing Goes Deeper

Your evening routine works harder since you’re removing makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and the day’s grime. Try double cleansing: begin with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, then use your regular gentle cleanser. This two-step process ensures you’re actually getting clean without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.

What Should Be Included in a Clean Skincare Routine?

Every solid routine includes four non-negotiables: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. These form the backbone of your daily skin cleansing regimen. Everything else, like serums, exfoliants, masks, or eye creams, works as optional add-ons that address specific concerns.

Toner balances your skin’s pH after cleansing and removes any residual dirt your cleanser missed. Skip anything with alcohol, which dries out skin. Instead, choose rose water, witch hazel, or cucumber extract. 

Moisturizer hydrates and protects your skin barrier, whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination. Look, even oily skin needs moisture, as skipping it backfires; your skin just cranks up oil production to make up for it. These organic skincare tips emphasize looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil in your gentle skin products.

Don’t Skip SPF Ever

Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging product you’ll ever use, as UV damage causes premature wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. Choose a mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. Apply SPF 30 minimum every single morning, even when it’s cloudy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to See Results From a Clean Skincare Routine?

You’ll notice improvements in skin within 4 weeks of switching to clean products. Deeper stuff like reduced breakouts or fading dark spots take 6 to 12 weeks, since that’s how long your skin needs to complete its natural renewal cycle. Stick with your routine consistently rather than switching products every few weeks.

Are Clean Skincare Products More Expensive?

Clean products can cost more than drugstore options, but often match or beat department store prices. You’re paying for quality ingredients and ethical sourcing rather than marketing budgets. Many clean brands offer concentrated formulas where you use less product per application, making them last longer despite higher upfront costs.

Can I Mix Clean and Conventional Skincare Products?

Absolutely! Your routine doesn’t need to be 100% clean overnight. Mixing clean and conventional products won’t harm your skin; it’s simply a transition strategy that works within your budget.

Your Path to Healthier, Happier Skin

Building a clean skincare routine doesn’t require expensive overhauls or complicated regimens with fifteen steps. You need consistency with quality products that respect your skin’s natural functions rather than fighting against them. Focus on the essentials, like gentle cleansing, balanced hydration, and daily protection, using ingredients you recognize and trust.

Your skin responds to what you feed it, whether through food or topical products. Choosing clean, naturally-derived ingredients gives your skin the nutrients it needs to repair, protect, and glow. Give it time; the payoff is real.

For more beauty insights and wellness recommendations, Hello Beautiful has the lifestyle content that celebrates your natural radiance.

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Why Avocado Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Why Avocado Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

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Avocado may be best known for upgrading toast and salads, but this creamy green fruit is increasingly earning recognition in the world of skincare. Beyond its culinary popularity, avocado is packed with skin-loving nutrients that make it a powerful natural beauty ingredient. From deep hydration to fighting early signs of aging, it offers a range of benefits that can transform dull, tired skin into a healthy, radiant complexion.

Deeply moisturises the skin: Rich in healthy fats, avocado penetrates the skin to provide intense hydration. It softens dry patches, restores suppleness, and helps maintain a smooth, glowing complexion naturally. Its natural oils are easily absorbed, making it particularly beneficial for people struggling with dryness or seasonal skin concerns. Unlike many synthetic moisturizers, avocado nourishes while locking in long-lasting moisture.

Fights signs of aging: Loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, avocado combats free radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines, promoting youthful, firm, and healthy-looking skin. Environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure can accelerate aging, but the antioxidants present in avocado help defend the skin, keeping it resilient and refreshed.

Reduces inflammation: Avocado’s anti-inflammatory compounds soothe redness, irritation, and puffiness. It is ideal for sensitive skin and can calm conditions like eczema or sunburn. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for those who experience frequent flare-ups or irritation from harsh skincare products.

Brighten complexion: Vitamins C and E in avocado help even skin tone and reduce dullness. Regular use gives the skin a radiant, healthy glow from within. These vitamins support skin repair and clarity, helping to diminish the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation over time.

Heals and repairs skin: Avocado’s nutrients accelerate skin cell regeneration and support collagen production, aiding in the healing of minor cuts, scars, and blemishes. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin structure, and the fruit’s nutrient profile works to naturally strengthen and rebuild damaged areas.

Protect against sun damage: Antioxidants in avocado, especially carotenoids, help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and oxidative stress, reducing the risk of premature aging. While it does not replace sunscreen, incorporating avocado into your skincare routine can provide an added layer of defense against environmental damage.

Improves elasticity: Healthy fats and vitamin C in avocado support collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, keeping your skin plump and youthful. Improved elasticity means skin looks smoother and feels more resilient over time.

Nourishes dry or cracked skin: Avocado’s hydrating oils penetrate deeply to soothe rough, dry, or flaky skin. It provides long-lasting moisture and helps restore a soft, smooth texture. Whether used in homemade face masks or infused in skincare products, avocado offers a simple, natural way to pamper your skin.

In a beauty industry flooded with complex formulations, avocado stands out as a wholesome, effective ingredient. Simple, accessible, and nutrient-dense, it proves that sometimes the best skincare solutions can come straight from nature.

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Skincare routine varies across OU campus – The Oakland Post

Skincare routine varies across OU campus – The Oakland Post

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Across Oakland University’s campus, skincare looks different for every student. Some rely on multi-step routines with specific products, while others stick to simple habits or skip routines altogether. For many students, skincare functions as a form of self-care shaped by stress, schedules and campus life.

Savannah Villerot, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said maintaining a skincare routine helps create consistency during busy days. Her go-to product is a Goodlight cleanser, a Korean skincare brand discovered at Ulta Beauty.

“It’s amazing. I love it,” Villerot said.

Villerot said her routine happens twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. While consistency is a goal, student life can interfere.

“Sometimes you’re going to forget, and that’s fine. As long as you try to keep it on a good schedule, I think you’ll be good,” Villerot said.

For Jae Young, a fourth-year communications major, skincare became a priority more recently. Young said she began paying closer attention to her skin over the past two semesters, especially during Michigan winters.

“One thing I could not go without is my Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF, especially in the winter because I have really bad seasonal allergies and my skin gets super irritated.”

Young said keeping a routine that is simple makes it easier to maintain. Her morning routine includes toner and moisturizer, while nighttime care focuses on acne control and reducing irritation.

“I try to keep it as simple as possible so it’s easy to maintain,” Young said. “Two to three steps, that’s it.”

Stress from campus life has noticeably affected her skin, particularly during midterms and finals. Young said late nights of studying often disrupt her routine and make it harder to restart healthy habits.

“The more stressed I am, the more I break out,” Young said. “Once the ball is rolling, I can usually maintain it, but getting back into it is hard.”

Not all students rely on product-based routines. Sadie Heman, a third-year environmental science major, said her skincare habits are simple but nonnegotiable.

“I can feel it when my face needs to be clean,” Heman said.

Heman said soap and water are essential and that washing her face every night remains a priority regardless of schedule demands. Reusable cotton cloths are used, and the routine stays the same even on busy days.

“Just wash your face every day. It takes 10 seconds, just do it,” Heman said.

For Autumn Franz, a first-year education major, skincare is also minimal. When asked which product mattered most, Franz pointed to a basic necessity.

“Water,” Franz said.

Franz said rinsing her face daily is typical, with occasional moisturizer when skin feels dry. Past experimentation with products led to the conclusion that lifestyle habits play a larger role in skin health.

“I think I’ve realized it’s just my lifestyle,” Franz said. “Diet and stress really affect my skin.”

College life encouraged experimentation when breakouts appeared, but Franz said managing stress and eating healthier would likely have the greatest impact. Patience and observation were offered as advice for students starting skincare routines.

“Try a lot of different things and keep track of what each thing does for you,” Franz said. “You’ve got to figure out what works.”

Although routines vary, students across campus described skincare as more than appearance-focused. 

Whether through detailed regimens or simple habits, many said caring for skin helps provide stability amid the demands of college life.

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Why Your Skin Still Looks Dull Even With a Skincare Routine

Why Your Skin Still Looks Dull Even With a Skincare Routine

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Some people follow every skincare step carefully, yet their reflection still looks tired and dull. The cleansers are gentle, the serums give glow, and the moisturizers are high quality, but the results do not match the radiant skin they hoped for. It can be frustrating when effort does not show on the surface.

Dull skin has many causes that go deeper than the surface. Sometimes the problem is underneath the skin. Even when products work well, they can only do so much if the body itself struggles to renew, hydrate, or repair from the inside.

By understanding what really affects skin brightness, people can focus on real improvements instead of always chasing the newest products. In many cases, healthy glowing skin begins from within, supported by good rest, careful daily skincare, and sometimes skin enhancing supplements that support overall skin health.

Dehydration Below the Surface

Even when the skin looks well cared for, a lack of internal hydration can make it look dull and tight. Many people confuse surface moisture from creams with the real hydration that skin cells need to stay plump and naturally reflective.

Not All Moisture Is Equal

A layer of cream can lock in water, but it cannot create it. When the skin is dry at its base, even the best moisturizers have trouble working well. Everyday habits like not drinking enough water, drinking a lot of coffee, or spending time in air conditioned spaces can quietly pull moisture from the skin. Over time, this dryness makes the skin rough and reduces its natural glow.

The Role of Internal Hydration

Real hydration starts from within. When the body does not get enough fluids, skin cells become less flexible and more likely to flake. Eating fruits with high water content and getting enough electrolytes helps the skin hold moisture better. People who are often outdoors or in dry areas usually notice better results when they combine skincare with proper hydration.

How Balanced Nutrition Helps

Hydration also depends on what you eat. Foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and fish, help the skin stay naturally glowing because they nourish its lipid layer. Without this internal support, even hydrating serums cannot keep the skin smooth for long. When the skin gets the right nutrients from food, it reflects light better and feels softer for longer.

Poor Cellular Renewal and Fatigue

Another reason skin can look dull is that dead skin cells build up faster than the body can remove them. Even a gentle exfoliant may not be enough if the skin’s natural turnover slows down. This often happens when the body is stressed, missing nutrients, or not getting enough rest.

The Slowdown of Skin Renewal

Skin normally renews itself about every month, but when sleep is irregular or stress hormones remain high, this process takes longer. Old cells stay longer on the surface, scattering light and making the complexion look dull. This change can be so gradual that it goes unnoticed until the skin starts to feel rough and lose elasticity. Better rest habits and relaxation often help the skin renew naturally.

When Nutrition Plays a Silent Role

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy skin turnover. A lack of vitamin C, E, or zinc may make the skin heal slowly and look uneven. Eating a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains supports the body’s ability to renew efficiently. For those who cannot always eat this way, supplements with these nutrients can help fill the gaps. Small changes in daily nutrition can quickly improve skin tone and make the complexion look lively.

Sleep and Stress Connection

Sleep does more than rest the body. It repairs it. During deep sleep, the skin boosts collagen and removes damaged cells. Missing this stage leaves the skin tired no matter what products are used. Similarly, chronic stress releases hormones that interfere with skin repair, reducing its natural glow. Establishing steady routines of rest, relaxation, and mindful breathing can make a visible difference over time.

Environmental Exposure and Lifestyle Habits

Even the best skincare routine can be affected by daily habits and the environment. Pollution, UV rays, and screen time all affect how the skin looks and feels. People often underestimate how much their surroundings influence the skin’s ability to stay radiant.

The Invisible Impact of Pollution

Pollution particles slowly settle on the skin and cause irritation. When this layer mixes with natural oil and sweat, it can block pores and lead to rough or uneven skin texture. Daily cleansing is helpful, but care from inside the body is just as important. Antioxidants from food or supplements help protect skin cells from pollution, supporting a clearer and fresher appearance over time.

Everyday Habits That Steal Radiance

Late nights, too much caffeine, and skipping meals may seem harmless, but they slowly reduce blood flow and nutrients reaching the skin. Without enough oxygen and nourishment, the skin can look dull and tired. Small lifestyle changes, such as eating more whole foods, doing light exercise, and spending short periods outdoors, can help restore skin health from within without needing drastic changes.

Sunlight and Digital Exposure

Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, but too much sun without protection can damage collagen and make skin look dull. Light from phones and computers can also affect skin firmness and tone when exposure is long and frequent. Using sunscreen daily and taking short breaks from screens gives the skin time to recover and helps natural brightness return.

Understanding the Whole Picture

Dull skin is not only about skincare products. It is often linked to daily habits. The skin reflects what we eat, how well we sleep, how we handle stress, and how consistent our care is. When skincare does not seem to work, the cause is often found in lifestyle and nutrition.

Sometimes, the solution is not another product, but better care from within. With enough water, balanced meals, and proper rest, the skin can slowly look healthier and brighter. Nutritious food and supplements, when needed, help build a strong base for natural glow that creams alone cannot provide.

Healthy skin takes time. It grows through balance, good habits, and care that supports the body inside and out.

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How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

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There’s a version of our skincare routine that lives inside our heads. It’s consistent. Strategic. Full of products that are supposedly doing something. And then there’s the truth. Half-used serums. A rotation of trending ingredients (or what’s on sale) and we’re left with a quiet suspicion that despite all of our efforts, our skin isn’t actually improving.

On this week’s episode of the ‘Live & Well’ podcast, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with Colette Laxton, co-founder of The Inkey List, a science-backed skincare brand best known for making ingredient-focused products simple and easy to understand. What unfolds is less about what to buy and more about why so many routines don’t work.

Why skincare routines fail in the first place

For many of us, skincare doesn’t start with clarity but more with confusion. Laxton explains that most consumers fall into what she describes as the “confused” category. They are either new to skincare or trying to solve a specific issue like acne or sensitivity, and end up going through products without a proper plan.

RELATED: 30 K-Beauty Skincare Deals with Ingredients Actually Worth Buying

Laxton sees this confusion play out in how we build our routines. Instead of simplifying, we tend to add more. More products. More steps. More actives layered without fully understanding how they interact or what they actually do. The result, she suggests, isn’t necessarily better skin, but more inconsistency and irritation.

Magsaysay points to the behavioral loop many of us do recognize. When something feels off, we add again. Another serum. Another exfoliant. Another trend. While it creates the illusion of control, Laxton argues it’s working against our skin.

What skincare routines are getting wrong right now

One of the biggest issues, according to Laxton, is the overuse of exfoliating acids.

“I’ve got a bit of an issue with the overuse of exfoliating acids,” she says, referencing the widespread use of AHAs and BHAs. “I don’t think everybody should be using it all the time.”
Part of the appeal is immediate payoff, Laxton explains.

Skin can look smoother or more radiant quickly, which reinforces the habit. But Laxton cautions that the sensation we associate with effectiveness can be misleading.

“That tingling is not something you should be doing more than once a week, if that,” she says. At the same time, she sees a broader pattern tied to how we consume skincare today. Trends move fast. Ingredients go viral. And we seem to be adopting them without asking whether they’re actually right for us.

RELATED: The Rise of Gemstone Skincare: How KNESKO Is Turning Beauty Into Ritual

“The problem I’ve got with a lot of trending products,” Laxton says, “…is that people buy them because it’s trending without understanding, is that one for me, or is that not for me?” This pattern often shows up as compromised skin. “A lot of issues right now are coming from the skin barrier,” she explains. “So many people are saying, ‘I’m sensitive.’”

What actually works in a skincare routine

If there’s a through line in Laxton’s approach, it’s simplicity. Her framework deliberately strips things back to essentials. Cleanse. Hydrate. Protect. “If you’re going to break it down and build a routine, literally start at cleansing your skin,” she says. “Find the right cleanser for you.”

It might sound obvious, but she notes that many of us skip foundational steps while investing in more advanced treatments. From there, hydration becomes the anchor.

RELATED: How Growth Factors Are Transforming Anti-Aging Skincare

“I’m very interested in products and actives that really support hydration,” says Laxton. “A lot of problems that people are getting is dehydration.” That includes concerns we often label as something else. Signs of aging. Acne flare-ups. Sensitivity. All can be exacerbated when the skin lacks hydration or barrier support.

The final step is protection. “There is no point doing all these incredible things in your skincare routine and then not using an SPF,” she says. Laxton’s approach, she admits, isn’t designed to be exciting. It’s designed to be consistent.

How to build a simple skincare routine, according to Colette Laxton

If the goal is to simplify rather than add, the routine Laxton describes is intentionally minimal. It’s built around a few foundational steps.

At its core, the structure looks like this:

  • Cleanse: A gentle cleanser is the starting point. Laxton points to formulas like The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm, which removes makeup and SPF without stripping the skin.
  • Hydrate: Hydration is where she places the most emphasis. Ingredients like those found in The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which she says supports both moisture levels and the skin barrier.

    Starter Retinol Serum

    (The INKEY List)

  • Treat (if needed): Targeted treatments like The INKEY List Retinol Serum or The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum could be introduced gradually based on how skin responds.
  • Eye (optional): Products like The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream can often serve as an entry point, especially for concerns like puffiness or early signs of fatigue.
  • Protect: Daily SPF like THE INKEY List Dewy Sunscreen SPF remains non-negotiable for Laxton, who says there’s little point in investing in a routine if skin isn’t being protected.

The structure is intentionally simple, but that’s the point.

The skincare reset

While there, of course, is still room for advanced ingredients and new formulations… Laxton herself points to emerging ingredients like ectoin and polyglutamic acid as areas of interest. But those additions are meant to build on a stable foundation, not replace it.

In practice, our takeaway is that we need to step back before stepping forward. Look at what’s already in our routine and ask whether our products serve a purpose. Because for most of us, the issue isn’t that our skincare routine is missing something. It’s that it’s doing too much.

Click here to listen to the full podcast episode.

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The wellness wild west’s latest skincare fad is salmon sperm 

The latest skincare fad is rubbing salmon sperm on your face

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This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they’re going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.

While scrolling through my TikTok feed, I often find myself thinking of Elizabeth Báthory. Legend has it that Báthory, a powerful 16th-century Hungarian countess, would kill virgins and bathe in their blood to retain her youth. Historians have debated whether Báthory really was a serial killer, though most agree she probably didn’t actually bathe in blood. Still, she’s what I think of anytime I see how far vanity will take us: vampire facials, snail mucin, bird poop treatments, and now Rejuran — a Korean skincare serum with the hottest new ingredient, PDRN. In case you were unaware, PDRN comes from salmon sperm.

Usually, these ads show skinfluencers with bouncy, hydrated skin extracting a clear liquid from a silver bottle. This serum, they say, is a game changer. Rubbing it into your face will promote skin rejuvenation, elasticity, and collagen production. The result is enhanced healing, improved skin texture, and reduced wrinkles, and it’s all thanks to patented science. Rejuran’s PDRN molecule is 670 times smaller than your pores, meaning enhanced absorption.

You can be the most skeptical person on the planet, but it’s hard to argue with the human desire to be young and beautiful.

“PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, which essentially is just a DNA fragment,” says Victoria Fu, a cosmetic chemist and one of the founders behind the Chemist Confessions skincare brand. “Super old-school PDRN treatments actually come from human placenta, but now salmon sperm PDRN has become the industry standard.”

According to Fu, beauty trends like injectables often stem from the medical field. Before it became a hot skincare ingredient, PDRN was studied as an injected therapeutic treatment for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, and there are some promising studies for injectable PDRN that suggest it could be helpful for wound healing — though PDRN injectables haven’t been FDA-approved in the US. Generally speaking, injectables are considered more effective for rapid, dramatic, and structural changes, as they’re able to deliver ingredients deeper into the skin. Injectable hyaluronic acid, for instance, is more effective at restoring volume than topical hyaluronic acid.

Online, PDRN started gaining notoriety a few years ago as skinfluencers shuttled themselves to South Korea for salmon DNA facials. In the typical video, these beauty influencers would giggle. Come with me to get a salmon sperm facial! Usually, a doctor is shown injecting PDRN into the skin every few millimeters until the influencer’s face is riddled with tiny, swollen mounds. It hurts so much! Recovery takes so long! But just LOOK at this glow!!!

The painful treatment blew up once celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston admitted to incorporating salmon sperm facials into their routines. And then, about a year ago, Rejuran — the company behind the injections — announced a topical version. No scary needles, no need to fly to Korea, and a bottle costs about $52, whereas the facial could run anywhere from $500 to $700. Now, you can find PDRN in all kinds of skincare products ranging from eye creams to sunscreen.

Despite authoring this newsletter, I’m not immune to wellness fads. I covet glass skin like any other vain 30-something afraid of the harsh ravages of time. I’ve bought the stupid TikTok skincare wand that influencers said was “clinically proven” and that Hailey Bieber uses. I reviewed its clinical studies on electroporation — microcurrents that supposedly tear tiny holes in your skin to help products absorb better — and knew it was dubious (if relatively harmless).

Which is to say, I knew it was a red flag when I heard an influencer in a Rejuran ad say the product was “clinically proven,” but I bought a bottle anyway. I’ve used two bottles of Rejuran’s topical ampoule and other skincare products marketing hot new ingredients like volufiline, because that’s the power of science-adjacent wellness marketing. (Volufiline is a new plant-based compound that’s marketed as “topical filler” because it stimulates fat cell production.)

Still, if you truly could replicate injectable results in an easily accessible serum — that’s a compelling claim. So I asked Fu if any of the claims about topical PDRN being as effective as injected skincare treatments held water.

“There’s some early research supporting PDRN in medical and aesthetic procedures, but evidence for topical PDRN is still very limited,” says Fu. “A serum cannot be a non-invasive substitute for an injectable procedure.”

The reason is straightforward. Even if there’s evidence that PDRN itself could be an effective ingredient, the mode of delivery matters.

“Injectable treatments deliver material directly into skin tissue at concentrations and depths topical products simply won’t be able to achieve,” says Fu.

But silly things like facts aren’t enough to stop skincare brands from jumping on experimental fads so long as they’re not technically harmful.

Just the other day, I was served a video from megaviral beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira announcing to her 17 million followers that she’s launching a salmon-derived PDRN face ampoule and eye serum for her own cosmetics line.

“A science-backed duo powered by PDRN that is going to lift, firm, plump your skin plus so much more. Not to mention these products are made in Korea, dermatologist tested, clinically tested, and proven to do exactly what they say they’re going to do,” Nogueira says in the ad. She goes on to say that she worked with Korean cosmetics chemists, and uses phrases like “low molecular weight” and “efficacious” levels.

I have no doubt Nogueira believes in PDRN products. But as I wrote in a recent Optimizer, “clinically tested” and “science-backed” are marketing phrases that don’t always mean what you think.

Meanwhile, other brands are advertising less icky versions of PDRN derived from plants. There are ginseng-derived PDRN products on the market, like the VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100, and the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum derived from roses. Supposedly, these brands would have you believe plant-based PDRN is just as effective and a vegan alternative.

“PDRN source, purity, molecular size, and stabilization all matter,” says Fu. “‘Plant-based PDRN’ is a bit of a marketing gray area. It may be DNA fragments, but it’s not automatically equivalent to the clinical material studied in medical literature. Two products can list PDRN and behave very differently. The good news is we are seeing more studies come out on these plant PDRNs, so hopefully we can better gauge these different sources soon.”

Fu says all things considered, PDRN is a “relatively vanilla” skincare active that’s unlikely to irritate your skin and is fine for curious skincare hobbyists to experiment with. But that also means it’s not a foundational part of any skincare routine. Things like sunscreen, moisturizers, and well-studied actives like retinoids are more likely to do the heavy lifting in any regimen. Like most things in the wellness space, the main harm that PDRN poses is to your wallet. Fu says that consistency and patience are the key to getting real, long-term results. (Unfortunately, these are also the two things most consumers would like to bypass.)

“Social media has made it possible for consumers to hear from industry insiders like ourselves,” Fu says, referring to herself and her partner, Gloria Lu. In addition to running their own cosmetics brand, the two chemists also write a skincare science education blog and host a podcast. “But the flip side is that consumers will also hear a LOT of noise and contradicting information from all sorts of directions.”

Fu says the smart thing to do is look at any testing a brand is willing to share and look for quantifiable grading metrics over consumer perception. As in, “34 percent improvement in elasticity” is a more meaningful claim than “90 percent of users agree they saw an improvement in skin hydration in two weeks.” Before and after pictures, she says, can also be misleading due to inconsistent lighting or face angles. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

“We try to remind everyone to refrain from a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction and not to let the trends distract you from sticking to the fundamentals of your routine,” says Fu.

Having spent the past three months slathering a salmon sperm serum on my face, I honestly couldn’t tell you if it’s improved my skin. Maybe it’s a smidge glowier. I think it helped with one stubborn acne scar. I knew that I wouldn’t see dramatic results going in, just as I knew that the trendy volufiline serums that skinfluencers claim are “filler in a bottle” wouldn’t fix my undereyes. Is it egregious that I know better and still partook? Maybe. But to Fu’s point, I’m religious about the fundamentals — sunscreen, moisturizer, and as of recently, tretinoin, which I incorporated after consulting my dermatologist. The point is that I’ve done my homework and made an informed choice.

It just so happened that this time, I thought experimenting with salmon jizz serums was harmless fun.

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