Skin purge or breakout? How to tell the difference

If you've ever introduced a new retinol, exfoliating serum or active skincare treatment only to find yourself dealing with more spots than you started with, you'll know just how frustrating it can be! But is your skin just adjusting to the new ingredient, or is the product simply not right for you? The tricky part? Skin purging and ordinary breakouts can look surprisingly similar, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing! So, how can you tell what's happening? How long should you give a new product? And when is it time to call it quits? Here's what you need to know!   What exactly is skin purging? Skin purging is the term used to describe a temporary increase in blemishes that can sometimes occur when you introduce skincare ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover. Our skin naturally sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones. Certain active ingredients, particularly retinol and some exfoliating acids, encourage this process. As a result, clogged pores that were already developing beneath the skin's surface may become visible sooner than they otherwise would. The result? An unexpected appearance of whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, just when you were hoping for clearer skin! But here's something worth remembering, skin purging isn't proof that a product is working, and not everyone experiences it. You can absolutely enjoy the benefits of active skincare without going through a breakout first!   Skin purge vs breakout: so how can you tell the difference? This is where things can get a little confusing. Both can leave you dealing with unwanted blemishes, but there are a few clues that may help you work out what's happening.   Remember, these are useful clues rather than hard-and-fast rules. Not every breakout after starting a new skincare product is a purge, and significant irritation shouldn't be ignored. Just ask yourself did the breakout begin shortly after introducing an ingredient known to influence skin cell turnover, and is it appearing in areas where you normally experience congestion? If the answer is yes, purging is one possibility. But if your skin is becoming increasingly irritated or you're developing blemishes in completely unfamiliar areas, it's worth reconsidering the product.   Which skincare ingredients can cause purging? Not every new skincare product can trigger a purge. It's usually associated with ingredients that encourage skin cell turnover or help clear clogged pores. The most common include: Retinol and other retinoids: Popular for improving the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin texture and acne-prone skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid that exfoliate the skin's surface. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): Particularly salicylic acid, which helps clear dead skin cells and congestion from pores. But what if you've started using a new moisturiser, hydrating serum or cleanser? These products generally don't accelerate skin cell turnover in the same way. So if you're suddenly breaking out, it's worth considering whether the formulation agrees with your skin rather than assuming you're experiencing a purge.   How long does skin purging last? The question everyone wants answered! Unfortunately, there's no exact timeline. If you're experiencing a temporary purge, you may notice your blemishes gradually settling over several weeks. Four to six weeks is often mentioned, although some treatments, particularly retinoids used for acne, can take longer to show their full benefits. The important thing is whether your skin seems to be heading in the right direction. Are you noticing fewer blemishes as the weeks go by? Or are things getting progressively worse? Don't feel you need to push through weeks of worsening breakouts simply because you've heard it's part of the process. If you're concerned, it's worth speaking to a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional.   What should you do if you think your skin Is purging? First things first, don't panic! And definitely don't start throwing every blemish-fighting product you own at your skin in an attempt to clear things up faster! If your skin is experiencing a temporary purge, the last thing it needs is an overload of exfoliants, strong serums and new treatments. Instead, a few simple adjustments to your routine can help keep your skin comfortable while you work out what's happening.   1. Give you skin a little breathing room Now most certainly isn't the time to experiment with that new exfoliating scrub or add another active serum to your routine! Stick with a gentle cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen and everyday impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or stripped. And as tempting as it might be, try to leave those spots alone. Picking or squeezing can make inflammation worse and increase the likelihood of lingering marks.   2. Yes, you still need a moisturiser! When you're dealing with breakouts, particularly if your skin is already oily, moisturiser might be the first thing you're tempted to skip. But here's the thing! Oily skin can still become dehydrated, and ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids can leave your complexion feeling dry, tight or flaky. A lightweight, well-formulated moisturiser can help keep your skin hydrated and support its protective barrier without feeling heavy or greasy. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, and choose a texture that feels comfortable on your skin.   3. Take it slowly when introducing active ingredients If there's one thing worth remembering when introducing retinol or exfoliating acids, it's that more isn't necessarily better! Using a stronger concentration or applying a product more frequently won't automatically give you better results. In fact, it may simply leave your skin irritated. Follow the product's instructions, introduce one new active at a time and give your skin a chance to adjust before adding anything else. And if your skin starts feeling increasingly uncomfortable? That's your cue to ease off, not push harder. Pause the product if irritation develops and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.   4. And don’t forget your SPF! We know, we know. You've heard me say it many a time before! But daily sun protection really is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine! Certain active ingredients, particularly exfoliating acids, can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. And if you're dealing with blemishes, UV exposure can make those lingering post-breakout marks more noticeable. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen that suits your skin type, apply it generously and remember to reapply as directed, especially when spending time outdoors.   When should you stop using the product? While a temporary increase in blemishes can sometimes happen when introducing active skincare, not every reaction should be dismissed as purging. If you're experiencing significant burning, itching, swelling, pronounced redness or a widespread rash, your skin may be reacting to an ingredient rather than simply adjusting to it. The same goes for breakouts that continue to worsen, become painful or start appearing in unusual areas. Remember, there's no skincare prize for persevering with a product that clearly isn't agreeing with your skin! If significant irritation develops, stop using the suspected product and seek professional advice. Sudden facial swelling or breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.   So, is it a skin purge or a breakout that you have? The ingredient you've introduced, where your blemishes are appearing, how your skin feels and whether things are gradually improving can all offer useful clues. But the most important thing to remember is that healthy skin doesn't have to get worse before it gets better. Introduce new treatments gradually, keep your routine gentle and don't ignore signs that something isn't right. After all, good skincare should be about helping your skin look and feel its best, not putting it through unnecessary stress!

Ever looked down at your arms or legs and wondered when your skin started looking quite so... crinkly? Perhaps you've noticed it around your elbows, above your knees or on your upper arms. Or maybe it's your neck and chest that are looking a little thinner, looser and more papery than they used to. And not quite as firm, either!  Known as crepey skin, this thin, crinkled appearance often goes hand in hand with a loss of firmness and elasticity. Unfortunately, it's a common part of getting older (just like fine lines and wrinkles on our faces!), but that doesn't mean we have to simply put up with it.  And while there's no shortage of creams, lotions and potions promising to firm, tighten and smooth our skin, how do we know what's actually worth trying? Can the right body moisturiser make a difference? And are firming creams really worth the money?  Keep reading as we uncover what causes crepey skin, why our skin loses firmness and, more importantly, the skincare habits, ingredients and treatments that can actually help.    Firstly, what exactly Is crepey skin?  Think of the delicate, finely crinkled texture of crepe paper, and you'll have a pretty good idea of where the name comes from!  Crepey skin tends to look thinner, more fragile and finely wrinkled than the surrounding skin. Unlike deeper wrinkles, which often develop in specific lines or folds, crepey skin can affect larger areas, particularly the upper arms, thighs, knees, neck and chest.  And while dryness can make those little lines much more noticeable, crepey skin isn't simply a case of needing more moisturiser. Changes in the skin's underlying structure often play a part too.    Why does our skin become crepey and lose firmness?  Unfortunately, our skin doesn't produce collagen and elastin at quite the same rate forever!  As we get older, the natural decline and breakdown of these important structural proteins can leave skin looking thinner, less elastic and not quite as firm as it once was.  But ageing isn't the only factor!  Sun exposure is a major contributor. Years of UV exposure can damage collagen and elastin, accelerating the development of fine wrinkles, crepey texture and skin laxity. It's one reason the chest, neck and arms are particularly vulnerable.  Dryness can also exaggerate the appearance of crepey skin. When skin lacks moisture, fine lines and crinkles tend to become more obvious.  Hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, can contribute to changes in skin thickness, collagen and hydration.  And significant weight fluctuations can leave skin looking looser, especially when its natural elasticity has declined.  Of course, genetics plays a part too. Some people simply notice these changes earlier or more prominently than others.    Can you actually get rid of crepey skin?  Here's where it's worth separating the skincare promises from what products can realistically achieve! If your skin looks crepey partly because it's dry or dehydrated, a good moisturiser can make a surprisingly noticeable difference to how smooth and supple it appears.  Targeted skincare ingredients may also help improve rough texture and some visible signs of skin ageing over time. But if you're dealing with more pronounced sagging or significant loss of elasticity, even the most luxurious body cream won't completely tighten loose skin.  That doesn't mean your body care routine isn't worth upgrading. It simply means choosing products for the improvements they can genuinely deliver.    What really helps improve crepey skin and firmness?  1. Give your skin some serious hydration  If your current body care routine consists of a quick application of moisturiser whenever you remember, this is a good place to start!  Well-hydrated skin tends to look smoother, softer and more supple, helping minimise the appearance of fine, crinkled lines.  Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract moisture, alongside shea butter, squalane and nourishing oils, which help soften skin and reduce moisture loss.  For a more targeted approach, Pevonia Crepe-No-More Body Cream is specifically designed for ageing, crepey-looking body skin, making it a natural option for areas that need extra attention.   Packed with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Marine Collagen, firming Longan Fruit Extract and nourishing Shea Butter, it helps soften those telltale crinkles while leaving skin looking smoother, plumper and more supple.    2. Look beyond basic body moisturisers  When your skin starts losing its firmness and elasticity, sometimes a little extra hydration just isn't enough!  Look for body care formulas featuring ingredients such as peptides, elastin, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which can help support hydration and improve the appearance of ageing skin. While no cream can physically lift significantly sagging skin, the right ingredients can help skin look smoother, plumper and more supple.  If your upper arms, thighs or knees are looking a little less firm than they used to, Pevonia Stem Cells Body Corrector is well worth considering. Developed for ageing body skin, this specialised treatment helps improve the appearance of firmness, elasticity and uneven texture, making it a great option for those areas where skin is starting to look a little loose and crepey.  Another product we highly recommend is Medicalia Hydro-Firm Body Moisturiser. Ideal for skin that's feeling dry, less supple and lacking firmness, it combines moisturising care with ingredients designed to improve the appearance of skin tone and elasticity, helping skin look smoother and feel beautifully nourished.  And remember, consistency is key! Just like the skincare we use on our faces, body treatments need regular use to give them the best chance of delivering visible results.    3. Don't forget to exfoliate (gently!)  Dry, rough surface skin can make crepey texture look more noticeable, so gentle exfoliation can be a great way to help your arms and legs look and feel smoother.  Depending on your skin's tolerance, exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid or gentle enzymes can help remove dead surface cells, revealing softer, smoother-looking skin underneath.  But there's no need to scrub aggressively! Mature or fragile skin can be more prone to irritation, and over-exfoliating may leave it feeling even drier.  For a little extra help, Naturys Body Silky Skin Enzymatic Peel Gel is a lovely addition to your body care routine. This enzyme-based exfoliating treatment helps lift away dull, dead surface cells and refine rough texture, leaving skin feeling softer and looking smoother and more refreshed. Perfect for giving those dry, crepey-looking arms and legs a little extra attention!  Just remember to exfoliate gently, follow with a nourishing body moisturiser and avoid overdoing it. The aim is smoother, healthier-looking skin, not irritation!    4. Make sun protection a daily habit  We know, we know. Another reminder to wear SPF!  But when it comes to premature skin ageing, this really is one of the most important habits you can adopt.  UV exposure contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so protecting your arms, chest, neck and other exposed areas helps prevent further sun-related damage.  Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen, apply it generously to exposed skin and reapply as directed, particularly when spending time outdoors.  And remember, a firming body cream isn't a substitute for sunscreen!    What about professional in-salon treatments?  If you're looking to give your skin a little extra attention, why not consider a professional body treatment at your local salon or spa?  Many professional salons and spas offer specialised body treatments designed to deeply nourish, hydrate and improve the appearance of skin firmness, elasticity and texture. And with the expertise of a qualified beauty therapist, you'll receive personalised advice on which treatments are best suited to your skin's needs.  Combined with a good home body care routine, regular professional treatments can be a very effective way to give your skin that extra boost!    Remember crepey skin and loss of firmness are natural changes that many of us notice as we get older, but there are ways to help our skin look and feel its best!  Regular moisturising, gentle exfoliation, targeted body treatments and daily sun protection can all play a part in improving the appearance of dry, crepey-looking skin and helping protect against further damage.  The secret isn't finding one miracle cream that promises to turn back the clock. It's understanding what your skin needs, choosing the right products and giving them time to work.  And perhaps most importantly, remembering that the skin on our bodies deserves just as much care as the skin on our faces! 

Just when you thought you'd heard every beauty buzzword going, along comes another skincare trend to get your head around. Collagen banking! Now, we're all familiar with collagen and its important role in keeping our skin looking firm, smooth and youthful. But what exactly does it mean to 'bank' it? Well, the concept is fairly simple. Rather than waiting until the visible signs of collagen loss start to appear, collagen banking is all about taking steps to protect the collagen we already have and support our skin's natural collagen production for the years ahead. But can you really 'bank' collagen? Does this approach actually work? And perhaps more importantly, if you're already in your 40s, 50s or beyond, have you missed the boat? Keep reading as we explore what collagen banking really means, what the science says and whether it's a skincare trend worth paying attention to.   Firstly, what is collagen banking, exactly? Despite its rather unusual name, collagen banking isn't nearly as complicated as it might sound! Essentially, it's a proactive approach to skincare that focuses on protecting the collagen your skin already has, while encouraging healthy collagen production for the future! Think of it as investing in your skin from an earlier age, rather than waiting until fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness become more noticeable. And while the term itself might be relatively new, the thinking behind it certainly isn't! We've been encouraged to protect our skin from premature ageing for years. Collagen banking simply puts a new spin on that familiar advice!   Why does collagen matter for our skin? Think of collagen as the foundation that helps keep our skin looking firm, smooth and plump. It's one of the main structural proteins in our skin, providing strength and support, while working alongside elastin to help maintain its flexibility. Unfortunately, as we get older, our skin gradually produces less collagen, and the collagen we already have begins to break down. The result? Skin can start to lose some of its firmness, with fine lines, wrinkles and sagging becoming more noticeable! And it's not just age that plays a part! Sun exposure, smoking and hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, can all influence how our skin ages. Which brings us to the big question. If collagen naturally declines as we get older, can we actually do anything to slow the process?   Can you really bank collagen for the future? Well, here's where things get interesting! As much as we'd love to be able to stockpile collagen in our skin and dip into those reserves whenever a new wrinkle appears, unfortunately, it doesn't quite work like that! Our skin is constantly producing and breaking down collagen, so there's sadly no magical reserve we can simply save up for later. But does that mean collagen banking is just another beauty gimmick? Not at all! The science behind protecting existing collagen and supporting its production is well established. For example, protecting your skin from UV damage can help reduce collagen breakdown, while certain skincare ingredients, such as retinol, can help stimulate collagen production. So, while collagen banking might not work quite the way its name suggests, the principle behind it makes a lot of sense. The better we look after our skin's collagen today, the better chance we have of maintaining healthier, firmer-looking skin in the years to come.   How can you protect your skin’s collagen? So, now we know that collagen banking isn't quite what its name suggests, what can we actually do to look after the collagen we have and support our skin's natural production? Well, you might be pleased to hear that you don't need to completely overhaul your skincare routine or invest in a cupboard full of expensive products! In fact, some of the most effective ways to protect your collagen are probably things you're already doing.   1. Make SPF your daily non-negotiable If there's one skincare habit worth getting into, it's wearing sunscreen every day! As I have mentioned time and time again UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing, damaging collagen and accelerating its breakdown over time. So, protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take. And yes, that includes those days when you're not planning to spend much time outdoors or in winter come rain, hail or shine!   2. Use skincare ingredients that support collagen production While sunscreen helps protect the collagen we already have, certain skincare ingredients can also help support our skin's ability to produce more. Retinoids, including retinol, are among the most extensively studied ingredients when it comes to stimulating collagen production and improving visible signs of skin ageing. They can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture over time. But remember, stronger isn't always better! Introduce retinoids gradually, choose a formula suited to your skin and give your skin time to adjust. New to retinol? Have a read of our guide to everything you need to know about retinol. And let's not forget vitamin C! There's a reason vitamin C has become such a popular ingredient in anti-ageing skincare! Not only is it a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage, but vitamin C also plays an essential role in the skin's natural collagen production. Of course, the benefits of a topical vitamin C serum depend on its formulation, concentration and stability, so choosing a well-formulated product matters! One of our favourites is Pevonia C Complexe with Oxyzomes, featuring encapsulated vitamin C to help brighten dull skin, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and support firmer-looking skin. Retinol and vitamin C aren't the only ingredients worth knowing about, either. Peptides and other skincare actives may also help improve the appearance of ageing skin, although the strength of the evidence varies. Want to know which ingredients are worth looking out for? Explore our guide to the best collagen-boosting skincare ingredients.   3. Think beyond your skincare products As much as we'd love to believe that a brilliant serum can do all the hard work, our everyday habits matter too! Smoking, excessive sun exposure and poor nutrition can all affect skin health and collagen maintenance. A balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamin C, avoiding smoking and getting enough sleep are all sensible ways to support your skin's overall health. Nothing particularly revolutionary, we know! But sometimes it's the everyday habits that make the biggest difference.   What about collagen creams and supplements? With collagen popping up in everything from face creams to powders, drinks and gummies, you'd be forgiven for thinking that simply adding more collagen to your routine is the answer! But is it really that straightforward? Let's start with collagen creams. While collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate deeply enough to replace the collagen we've naturally lost, that certainly doesn't mean collagen creams aren't worth using! In fact, collagen-infused moisturisers can be fantastic for helping skin retain moisture, improving hydration and leaving it looking smoother, plumper and more supple. We LOVE Pevonia’s Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream!  It’s a global bestseller (and a personal favourite of mine!), and combines marine collagen with hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamin E to deeply hydrate, nourish and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And what about collagen supplements? Well, the jury is still out on those! Some studies suggest that hydrolysed collagen supplements may help improve skin hydration and elasticity, but the research is mixed, with many studies being relatively small or industry-funded. So, while supplements may have their place, they're certainly not a replacement for good skincare habits and protecting your skin from the sun.   Is it ever too late to start collagen banking? Absolutely not! While collagen banking is often marketed towards people in their 20s and 30s, there's no reason to think you've missed the boat if you're already in your 40s, 50s or beyond! Yes, our skin naturally produces less collagen as we age, but that doesn't mean we can't still take steps to protect what we have and support healthier-looking skin. In fact, adopting good skincare habits at any age can make a difference. Whether that means being more diligent with your SPF, introducing a retinoid or simply giving your skin a little more attention, it's never too late to start looking after it.   So, is collagen banking worth the hype? Collagen banking might be a trendy name, but protecting your skin's collagen is a worthwhile long-term skincare goal! And while we can't stop the natural ageing process, we can certainly take steps to help slow premature collagen loss and support our skin's natural collagen production. The best part? You don't need an entirely new skincare routine or a bathroom cabinet overflowing with products. A few well-chosen ingredients, daily sun protection and good skincare habits can all make a difference. So, whether you're in your 20s, 40s, 60s or beyond, it's never too late to start investing in your skin's future!