Cold winds, harsh heaters and low humidity - winter can cause havoc when it comes to our skin! But with the right seasonal switch-up, you can avoid the dullness, dryness and a little extra sensitivity that winter can bring. From hydration hacks to skincare swaps, keep reading as we share 12 expert beauty tips that will ensure your skin remains healthy and hydrated this season.      1. Overhaul your cleansing routine  This is often the first and most critical step when it comes to your skincare. Your foaming cleanser that felt refreshing in summer might be too harsh for your skin come winter so it’s time to switch to a creamy or milky cleanser that’s hydrating and non-stripping! Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or nourishing oils. These types of cleansers remove impurities without stripping away your skin's vital natural oils.  And be sure you avoid cleansing skin with hot, hot water! While as tempting as it can me (and I most certainly have been guilty in the past!) scorching hot showers and baths strip your skin of its natural protective barrier! Instead stick to lukewarm water for both face and body cleansing.  Top tip: Pat, don't rub, your skin dry after cleansing to retain as much moisture as possible   2. Up the ante with your hydration   Winter calls for a little extra TLC when it comes to your skin. As temperatures drop, you might notice your skin becoming a little dry and fragile and the products that were working wonders in the summer months might no longer be enough, this is where layering your skincare correctly becomes an essential.   After cleansing, and before applying your moisturiser, apply a good hydrating serum to your still damp skin (for optimal absorption).  Serums are a must-have in any skincare routine because they deliver high concentrations of active ingredients deep into the skin. Lightweight and fast absorbing, they target specific concerns like dehydration, wrinkles, or dullness, boosting results and enhancing the effectiveness of your moisturiser. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, or Panthenol (Vitamin B5). These ingredients draw moisture from the air (and from subsequent products) into your skin. Next apply your moisturiser. Subsequently followed by your sunscreen if your day moisturiser doesn’t already include SPF.    3. Upgrade your moisturiser  You might need to up the ante with your day moisturiser by choosing one that is a little richer and nourishing that the one you’ve come to love over the sizzling summer months.     4. Keep using sunscreen  Just because it might be cold and cloudy doesn’t mean the UV rays are gone! Use an SPF 30 or higher daily, especially if you’re using active ingredients like retinol.  Just remember UV radiation contributes to dryness, collagen breakdown, and pigmentation, regardless of the temperature!    5. Use a night cream if you aren’t already  At night, using a good night cream (as opposed to your day moisturiser) can make all the difference to how your skin both looks and feels. This is because night creams are designed to deeply nourish, repair, and hydrate your skin while you sleep, the time when our skin naturally goes into intense regeneration and recovery mode. Unlike your lighter day moisturiser (which focuses more on protecting the skin’s barrier from external stressors like UV rays and pollution), night creams are usually richer in texture, packed with a higher concentration of active and restorative ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and essential vitamins and oils and work to replenish lost moisture and strengthen your barrier overnight so you wake up to soft, smooth and healthy looking skin!   6. A face oil can be essential  After applying your night cream, apply a face oil too. If you don't already use one, winter is the ultimate time to introduce these skin-loving elixirs.   While night creams hydrate and repair, face oils, rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, act like a barrier, strengthening the skin and sealing in all the moisture and active ingredients underneath so your skin gets maximum benefits. They basically provide an extra layer of nourishment and protection that your skin craves during colder months. Plus, they add a beautiful glow and can calm redness or irritation often caused by harsh winter weather.  Think of it like this, your serum and night cream feed your skin, and your face oil protects that nourishment, ensuring your skin wakes up soft, supple, and well-hydrated.  Look for: Oils rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants like Jojoba, Mandarin, Argan, Squalane, Rosehip, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract or Grapefruit Oil.  7. Exfoliate wisely  In winter, exfoliation is just as important as you’ll still need to remove dull, dead skin cells, but the approach needs to be gentler than before. Instead of exfoliating the 2-3 times a week, that you do in summer, once a week should be sufficient. You’ll also want to switch from any harsh physical scrubs with large particles to chemical exfoliants with milder acids like Lactic Acid or PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids). Enzyme exfoliants are also a great gentle option. If you prefer a physical scrub, ensure it has very fine, uniform particles.  Top tip: Listen to Your Skin! If it’s feeling tight, red, or irritated after exfoliating, you're overdoing it.   8. Apply a mask  Another little luxury for your skin, invaluable all year around but extremely beneficial in winter is a mask!   A good hydrating face mask acts as an intensive treatment, replenishing lost moisture, soothing sensitivity, and reinforcing the skin barrier. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it helps restore softness, glow, and resilience!    9. Winter hair care  Just like the skin on your face, your hair and scalp can also suffer from dryness and static in winter so make sure you are using gentle, hydrating and sulfate-free shampoos and rich conditioners and incorporate a weekly hair treatments to replenish moisture and strengthen strands.   10. Don’t forget your hands!  Unfortunately, the harsh winter weather can leave our often-neglected hands dry, cracked, and uncomfortable! A quality hand cream restores and locks in hydration, creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors, and nourishes skin with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or natural oils. Regular use not only keeps your hands soft and smooth, but also helps prevent premature ageing and soothes irritation, ensuring your hands stay healthy and resilient throughout the colder months. 11. Stay hydrated from within  Drinking enough water (and herbal teas) helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and fish can also boost skin hydration. 12. Treat yourself to at-home spa sessions  Warm, relaxing baths with aromatic bath oils or stress-relieving gels are not only calming but deeply nourishing for your skin and soul. Treat yourself to weekly spa-at-home sessions and let your skin (and you!) reap the benefits.   For the best beauty buys this winter for soft glowing skin click here. 

If you have rosacea, you’ll know how unpredictable it can be, one day your skin will feel calm, the next irritation can totally take over! The thing is while rosacea can’t be cured per se, there are things you can do to keep your symptoms at bay. Whether you’re dealing with persistent redness, facial flare-ups, pesky pimples or discomfort, we’ve gathered expert-approved tips and product recommendations to help you soothe and protect your sensitive skin.   Firstly, exactly what is rosacea, and do you have this skincare condition? Rosacea is a chronic and progressive, micro-circulation disorder visibly resulting in persistent redness, dilated capillaries, congestion, and last but not least, papules and pustules (breakouts!), so if you have suffered/are suffering from spells of facial flushing and blushing presenting skin redness, pimples, dilated capillaries and sometimes a burning sensation it’s likely you do have rosacea.   What are the most common rosacea triggers? It’s important to understand what your triggers are when it comes to your flare ups. Rosacea-prone skin is highly reactive, meaning it responds aggressively to environmental triggers, harsh ingredients, and even stress. The most common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, spicy foods, hot drinks like coffee and tea, alcohol, certain skincare ingredients, hormonal changes and unfortunately stress! Because the skin barrier is often compromised, it’s crucial to strengthen and protect it with gentle, nourishing formulas.   How to treat rosacea 1. You’ll want to choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare When it comes to rosacea, less is more. Make sure you avoid (at all costs!) harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and heavily fragranced products, as these can worsen irritation. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser a soothing serum and calming, non-comedogenic moisturiser with barrier-strengthening ingredients to lock in moisture. Products designed specifically for rosacea skin will be best. 2. Protect your skin with SPF daily Sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers for rosacea flare-ups. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential to prevent redness and irritation. Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are less likely to cause reactions. 3. Invest in soothing ingredients The ingredients in your skincare are imperative when it comes to treating rosacea. You’ll want to look out for skincare with ingredients that help calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier including; Aloe Vera – Hydrates and reduces redness Green Tea Extract – Rich in antioxidants that soothe irritation Centella Asiatica – Helps repair and strengthen sensitive skin Chamomile – Calms and soothes reactive skin French Rose – Anti-inflammatory and calming it soothes sensitive, rosacea prone skin 4. Avoid common irritants Unfortunately like with the common triggers (which you also need to avoid!), certain ingredients can exacerbate rosacea symptoms, so it’s best to steer clear of alcohol, synthetic fragrances, menthol, and exfoliants like glycolic acid. If you’re unsure about a product, do a patch test before applying it to your face first! 5. Stay consistent and be patient Rosacea can’t be cured, but with the right regimen, symptoms can be managed and flare-ups reduced. Avoid frequently switching products and give new routines time, results may take several weeks. 6. Last but not least when it comes to makeup go mineral! This is because mineral makeup is gentle, non-comedogenic, and free from irritants like fragrance and preservatives. Its natural, soothing ingredients help calm inflammation while offering breathable coverage that conceals redness without clogging pores or aggravating sensitive skin. Perfect for achieving a flawless finish with skin-loving benefits basically!   Best Products for Rosacea-Prone Skin We highly recommend the Pevonia Rosacea RS2 line! For more information on why it might be the perfection rosacea range for you click here. And to finish off your morning skincare routine and before you apply your makeup for rosacea skin you need to make sure you don’t skip on your sunscreen! Of course daily SPF is a necessity for everyone to protect skin against premature ageing and hyperpigmentation, but if you suffer from rosacea you’ll know that sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers for flare ups! UV rays can increase redness, inflammation, and sensitivity, making rosacea symptoms worse over time. A good sunscreen helps protect the skin’s barrier, preventing further irritation and reducing the risk of long-term damage. And we get it! If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, you might be a little reluctant to slather on sunscreen but Hubislab Herb 8 Soothing Blemish Balm SPF 30 PA++ is the ideal SPF! It soothes and regenerates sensitive skin while protecting skin against sun damage, premature skin ageing including dark spots, and other external factors. Its clever formulation of Zinc oxide, UVA and UVB protection and 8 herbal extracts also ensures the prevention of wrinkles and inflammation. Daily sun protection is one of the best ways to keep rosacea-prone skin calm, healthy, and happy.

If you’re wanting to try retinol since you’d heard it’s the anti-ageing powerhouse, but you’re worried about it exacerbating your sensitive skin, you are not alone. While this ingredient is renowned for its age defying and skin renewing abilities (and for very good reason!) it can also be too strong for those prone to redness, irritation or even dryness. But does this mean you should avoid retinol altogether? Definitely not! With the right approach, even sensitive skin types can reap the benefits of this skincare superstar! The key to retinol and your skin is choosing the right product – not every retinol product is created equal! You also need to know what to pair retinol with when it comes to your skincare routine to keep your skin happy! Whether you’re looking to fight fine lines, improve your skin’s texture, fade dark spots, or all of the above! Keep reading for everything you need to know about retinol and the best tips for sensitive skin.   What is retinol? Retinol is one of the most powerful proven ingredients in skincare, the “holy grail” when it comes to anti-ageing or so the beauty experts say! Retinol is actually a form of Vitamin A that works by speeding up cell turnover, essentially encouraging our skin to shed old, damaged cells and replace them with fresh healthy ones!   What makes retinol so effective? Retinol is a true multi-tasker! It has been proven to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots and improve skin texture. Its key benefits include; Retinol stimulates collagen production keeping skin firm and youthful. It unclogs pores, reducing breakouts, making it effective for acne-prone skin.   Retinol is a champion in tackling hyperpigmentation. It can lighten dark spots, sun spots, and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for discolouration. It works deep within the skin to enhance radiance and even out tone.  Sounds amazing right? The catch? Retinol can be a little too powerful for some, especially those with sensitive or reactive skin.   Why does retinol irritate sensitive skin? Retinol’s fast-paced cell renewal can cause temporary dryness, redness, and flaking, a process often called the “retinol purge.” As it penetrates the skin, retinol stimulates collagen production and exfoliation, but for those with a weaker skin barrier, this process can be too harsh, causing irritation and inflammation. Retinol also reduces oil production, which can lead to dehydration, making sensitive skin feel even more fragile. But don’t worry! With the right formula and technique, you can build up your skin’s tolerance while still enjoying all of retinol’s anti-ageing and skin-smoothing benefits!   How to use retinol if you have sensitive skin 1. Choose the right retinol strength Not all retinol products are created equal. If you have sensitive skin, start with: Encapsulated retinol as it slowly releases into the skin, reducing irritation. Low-strength retinol gentle enough to introduce gradually. 2. Start slow because less really is more Think of retinol like a workout for your skin, you don’t start with heavy weights on day one! Apply a pea-sized amount just 1-2 times a week at first. If your skin tolerates it slowly increase frequency. 3. Apply retinol at night Unfortunately, when it comes to retinol, exposure to sunlight can significantly degrade its effectiveness making it less potent, this is because UV rays break down the retinol molecule rendering it less able to work on your skin. More importantly retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight increasing the risk of redness, irritation and sun damage. As previously mentioned, retinol works by accelerating cell turnover, which means fresh new skin cells are more exposed and vulnerable to UV rays. Therefore, it's best to apply retinol at night! By doing so the ingredient can go to work undisturbed, maximizing its benefits and promoting skin repair while you sleep! 3. Always use a moisturiser Hydration is key to reducing irritation. If it’s just a retinol cream you are using, apply it to your skin at night and use a nourishing moisturiser rich in hyaluronic acid in the morning. If it’s a just retinol serum you’re looking to apply, make sure you use a good moisturiser both morning and night. By applying a thin layer of moisturiser before and after your retinol serum will help buffer its potency while still delivering results. 4. Never skip SPF! Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable. Without it, you risk undoing all the benefits by exposing fresh skin to UV damage. 5. Watch for signs of overuse If you notice excessive peeling, stinging, or irritation, take a break and focus on repairing your skin barrier with ceramides, niacinamide, and hydrating serums.   How long does retinol take to work? Results from retinol skincare can vary. Some people may notice improvements in a few weeks, days even, while others might take a couple of months. Generally, it takes at least 12 weeks to see significant changes in terms of reduced fine lines, improved texture, and diminished dark spots. Consistency is key, and it's crucial to be patient as the benefits of retinol often accumulate over time. Once you see results you will never look back!   What ingredients can you pair with retinol without irritation? To minimise irritation while using retinol, pair it with hydrating and soothing ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier. Some great options include: Hyaluronic Acid – Deeply hydrates and prevents drynessNiacinamide – Calms redness, reduces sensitivity, and strengthens the skin barrierCeramides – Restore moisture and reinforce skin’s protective barrierPeptides – Support collagen production and repair the skinSqualane – Provides lightweight hydration without clogging poresCentella Asiatica (Cica) – Soothes inflammation and promotes healingAloe Vera – Hydrates and reduces irritation Avoid pairing retinol with strong exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) to prevent excessive irritation.   The best retinol products for sensitive skin We highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol® Serum and Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results! It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of carefully combined Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol®! The addition of Vitamin C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!   Just remember with a little patience and the right approach, your skin will thank you for introducing this anti-ageing wonder ingredient into your skincare routine.