Hyaluronic acid: What is it and what are the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare

Naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid has become a popular ingredient in skincare and it's here to stay. While it seems to be found in most skincare products nowadays, you may still be wondering what it is.

Hyaluronic acid: A humectant

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, which means that it draws moisture from its surroundings. Its ability to attract and hold 1000 times its weight in water helps hydrate and plump the skin, making it especially beneficial for dry, surface-dry, and sensitive skin.

What hyaluronic acid does

By binding and replenishing moisture to the skin, hyaluronic acid helps revitalise the skin’s surface layers, resulting in softer, smoother, more radiant skin. Added hydration also helps plump fine lines and texture.

Our hyaluronic acid-rich formulas

The core of all MANTLE formulations is to protect and strengthen the skin barrier, so we love hyaluronic acid and incorporate it into many of our formulas. If your skin needs a hydration boost, we suggest trying our multifunctional toner, The Must Mist, which you can spray on anywhere, anytime. Or the ultra-hydrating gel moisturiser, The Face Jelly, which leaves dewy, radiant results. Or our newest arrival, the transformative resurfacing mask, The Miracle Mask, which serves as a real hero to surface-dry skin in need of a glow-up.

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Arguably skincare’s most celebrated ingredient, retinol, has taken the world by storm. But what is it? And why should you be incorporating it into your routine?

Retinols are an ingredient encompassed under the retinoid umbrella. Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A, and retinols are a milder variant of retinoid, available without a prescription. Retinols have several benefits, including the ability to stimulate cell turnover, increase collagen production, combat clogged pores and minimise fine lines and pigmentation.

Retinol for acne-prone skin

Retinols essentially provide a natural exfoliation due to their ability to stimulate cell turnover, which leads to fewer congested pores, helps treat acne and prevent break-outs. So if you struggle with acne, incorporating retinol, or getting a retinoid prescription from a dermatologist can do wonders.

Boost collagen production

Another reason retinol is so popular is that it increases the skin’s collagen production. As we age, the collagen in our skin decreases, so for those wanting to increase their skin’s elasticity, retinols are a great addition.

How to use retinol

When it comes to retinol, patience is key as it can take up to six weeks before results become apparent. It is also important to start slowly. Retinol can have a drying and irritating effect, so to counteract this it is recommended to start 1-2 times a week until your skin becomes tolerant. This varies of course, depending on skin type, sensitivity and formula. To get the most out of your retinol product, apply it to clean, dry skin, and wait to apply any other serums or moisturiser for 20 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, follow it up with a barrier-restoring formula to minimise any potential irritation.

The Retinol Serum

We have just created our first retinoid product, The Retinol Serum, which features 0.3% encapsulated retinol. Encapsulated retinol has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin as the encapsulation creates a time-release-like effect, minimising the risk of irritation. Combined with bakuchiol, a plant extract with similar properties to retinol, and nourishing, skin-caring ingredients such as chlorophyll and isoflavones (which are great for menopausal skin), The Retinol Serum provides maximal results, without the drying effect commonly associated with retinoids.

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Meet The Bare Balm, a balm-to-milk cleanser that effectively dissolves all traces of makeup, SPF, and daily buildup. Featuring a barrier-nourishing blend of fermented honey, oat oil, and chlorophyll, it leaves skin smooth, supple, and moisturised – perfect for makeup users and drier skin types.

Ingredient deep-dive

The Bare Balm is filled with ultra-nourishing ingredients, designed to leave skin incredibly clean and deeply moisturised. Ceramide-rich oat oil dissolves makeup, SPF, and impurities, while also combating redness and irritation. Fermented honey helps balance sebum production, supports the skin's microflora, and strengthens the skin barrier. And vitamin-rich chlorophyll is a green, antioxidant-rich and purifying ingredient excellent at combating bacteria, inflammation, and free radicals, providing a purifying effect on the skin. You can find chlorophyll in our other green products, The Face Jelly and The Green Mask.

Double cleansing

If you’re a fan of double cleansing, we suggest you first use The Bare Balm to remove makeup and deep-clean your skin. Next, apply our microbiome-balancing cream cleanser, The Magic Milk. Enriched with papaya and mango enzymes, it has a gentle exfoliating effect without disrupting the skin barrier. Together, these two leave skin squeaky clean and deeply nourished.

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The world of serums can feel vast and confusing, and you may not know where to start. First of all, let's establish what a serum is. Serums are designed to deliver powerful ingredients directly into the skin, thanks to smaller molecules that can penetrate more deeply. A serum is meant to be applied after cleansing but before moisturiser. If applied after your moisturiser, it is unlikely the formula will be able to surpass the larger molecules found in moisturiser, making it essentially useless.

Manoeuvring the serum jungle

When it comes to serums, there are plenty to choose from. To figure out which serum you need in your skincare routine, you need to know your skin type. If you have dry skin, a deeply hydrating + moisturising serum is the way to go. If acne-prone, a serum with an exfoliating active can do wonders. For surface-dry skin, you want to look for water-based formulas ideally featuring hyaluronic acid.

Which MANTLE serum suits you best?

We have created five serums (so far). Here’s a quick guide:

The Glow Serum - This oil-based formula, enriched with liquorice root extract and bisabolol, is ultra-nourishing and moisturising, perfect for dryer skin types in need of a revitalising boost.

The Wow Serum - With highly stable vitamin C, light-reflecting pigments, and hyaluronic acid, this serum helps reduce pigmentation for a brighter, more even complexion – perfect for all skin types looking for a little more radiance.

The Rebound Serum - Featuring botanical stem cells, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this formula provides deep hydration, helps plump fine lines and increases skin elasticity, ideal for mature skin.

The Retinol Serum - Our newest arrival features 0.3% encapsulated retinol to increase cell regeneration, boost collagen production, minimise pigmentation and firm skin. This serum is ideal for mature, acne-prone and sun-damaged skin.

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We all know vitamin C plays an important role in our health, but its benefits in skincare are equally impressive. Let's delve into why vitamin C plays such an vital role in skin health, the benefits of incorporating it into your skincare routine, and the best products to achieve your skin goals. 

What is vitamin C in skincare?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in our skin, but as we age, levels decline due to sun damage and environmental stressors. While eating vitamin C-rich foods is great for our overall health, it has little effect on the vitamin C levels in our skin. This is where topical vitamin C comes in. Incorporating vitamin C in your skincare routine comes with a wide range of benefits. 

Vitamin C: brightening dullness and pigmentation

The most talked about benefit of vitamin C in skincare is its ability to brighten dullness and pigmentation, and even skin tone. This is due to its ability to defend the skin against oxidative damage, resulting in less risk of developing dark spots and an uneven skin tone. 

Vitamin C for increased elasticity

On top of vitamin C’s illuminating benefits, it also has the ability to strengthen the skin’s structure and increase elasticity by stimulating collagen production. This makes vitamin C an excellent ingredient in minimising fine lines and sun damage. In addition, due to its antioxidative properties, vitamin C also protects against environmental stressors and free radicals. 

Not all vitamin C is made equal

Currently, we have two vitamin C-enriched formulas, The Wow Serum and The Eye De-Puffer. The vitamin C we use, formally known as Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, is a highly stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that converts into vitamin C in the skin. In contrast to pure ascorbic acid, which is highly sensitive to heat, light and oxygen and can cause irritation in some, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is more stable and suitable for sensitive skin. 

Our vitamin C-rich formulas

The Wow Serum quickly became one of our most beloved products. Its formula is enriched with 2% brightening vitamin C, moisturising squalane, hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing vitamin E and light-reflecting pigments, resulting in a formula that minimises dullness and pigmentation for all skin types and tones. 

The Eye De-Puffer: vitamin C-enriched eye cream

The Eye De-Puffer is much like the The Wow Serum, but formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. Featuring an invigorating blend of caffeine, 1% vitamin C, light-reflecting pigments and a powerful tri-peptide, The Eye De-Puffer helps illuminate darkness around the eyes, tighten the skin, minimise puffiness and stimulate collagen production. 

Vitamin C in your skincare routine

To get the most out of your vitamin C-enriched products, we suggest first applying The Eye De-Puffer to cleansed skin, followed by The Wow Serum. Next, apply your favourite moisturiser and of course, SPF during the daytime. Both products can be used both morning and night, can be combined with other actives such as retinol or acids, and deliver immediate effects and long-term benefits. 

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Sun exposure is an inevitable part of life, but its effects on our skin can vary depending on the type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation we are exposed to. The two main types of UV radiation emitted by the sun are UVA and UVB rays. To effectively protect your skin, it’s important to understand the differences between them. 

UVA rays = ageing

UVA rays have longer wavelengths compared to UVB rays, allowing them to penetrate deep into the skin's dermis layer. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are present all year round, regardless of the season or weather conditions. This makes them a threat to our skin's health even on cloudy days or during the winter months when UVB intensity is lower.

One of the primary effects of UVA radiation is ageing. With their ability to penetrate deep into the skin, they can damage collagen and elastin fibres. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide elasticity and structure to the skin. When exposed to UVA rays over time, these fibres break down, leading to the development of lines, pigmentation and loss of elasticity. 

UVA rays also contribute to the development of skin cancer, although not as much as UVB radiation. While UVB rays are typically associated with sunburn and immediate skin damage, UVA rays silently penetrate the skin, causing long-term harm that may not be immediately apparent. 

It's important to understand that UVA rays can penetrate through windows, which means that even if you're indoors, you may still be exposed to them if you're sitting near a window at work or spending a lot of time in a car. This underscores the importance of daily sunscreen use and seeking shade whenever possible, regardless of whether you're indoors or outdoors.

UVB rays = burning

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths compared to UVA rays and primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, known as the epidermis. These rays are most intense during the summer months and at higher altitudes, making them the primary cause of sunburn. 

UVB radiation is often referred to as "burning" rays because they can cause redness, inflammation, and peeling of the skin. However, like UVA rays, UVB rays also contribute to premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. While UVB rays are more directly associated with immediate skin damage, such as sunburn, their cumulative effects can also lead to long-term skin ageing and health concerns.

Understanding SPF and how to best protect your skin

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, you'll often see SPF (Sun Protection Factor) numbers on the packaging. SPF primarily indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation, not UVA. However, many sunscreens now offer broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Here's a general guideline for understanding SPF and UVA protection:

• SPF 30: Provides at least 30 times the skin's natural protection against UVB rays.
• SPF 50: Provides at least 50 times the skin's natural protection against UVB rays.
• SPF 50+: Provides at least 60 times the skin's natural protection against UVB rays.

To ensure that you're getting the level of protection stated on the product, it's important to use enough sunscreen and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. A common misconception is that applying a small amount of high-SPF sunscreen provides the same level of protection as indicated on the label. In reality, you need to apply an adequate amount to achieve the stated SPF level. We suggest following the three-finger rule.

Sun-safe habits

Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays goes beyond sunscreen application. Here are some additional sun-safe habits to incorporate into your routine:

1. Seek shade: whenever possible, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

2. Wear protective clothing: covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses can provide additional protection from UV radiation.

3. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

4. Reapply sunscreen: remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

5. Avoid indoor tanning: tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. 

By adopting these sun-safe habits you can enjoy the outdoors while minimising the potential harm to your skin. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential to maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer in the long term.

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In the world of skincare, few things are as important and yet often overlooked as SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or a casual sunscreen user, understanding the ins and outs of SPF is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about SPF, including its application, its importance in your daily routine, and the best SPF for your skin type.

SPF: The last step in your skincare routine

First things first, let's talk about when and how to apply SPF. Contrary to popular belief, SPF isn't just for beach days or outdoor adventures—it's a daily necessity, rain or shine. This is due to UVA rays. SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine, applied in the morning before heading out for the day. This daily shield acts as a barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun, protecting you from sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. The reason it should be applied last is because applying other creams or products on top can result in your SPF becoming diluted or moved. When applying makeup on top of SPF, we suggest letting your SPF absorb for 10-20 minutes to ensure full protection. 

Reapplication: The Key to Effective Sun Protection

Applying SPF once in the morning isn't enough to keep your skin safe throughout the day, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors, or sweat or swim. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours when exposed to sunlight, ensuring continuous protection against UV radiation. While some SPF formulas claim to be long-lasting or water-resistant, it's still essential to keep reapplying for optimal effectiveness. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to sun protection.

The right amount matters: how much SPF do you need?

Have you ever wondered how much sunscreen is enough to protect your skin? The general rule of thumb is to use about half a teaspoon of SPF for your face and neck—a generous amount that ensures thorough coverage. To simplify this, we suggest using the three-finger rule. Squeeze 3 lines of SPF on your index, middle and ring finger – that should be enough for effective protection. When it comes to the body, aim for around half a deciliter of sunscreen, or simply follow the "handful of SPF" rule for comprehensive protection. In the case of sunscreen, the more the merrier. 

SPF: to moisturise or not to moisturise?

One common question asked is whether SPF can replace moisturiser or if they should be combined. The answer? It depends on your skin type and personal preferences. Some SPF formulas have moisturising properties, making them suitable for those with normal to dry skin who prefer a simpler skincare routine. However, if you have specific skincare concerns or prefer the texture of your favourite moisturiser, feel free to layer SPF on top for added protection. Ultimately, the goal is to find a routine that works best for your skin's unique needs.

Makeup and SPF: a delicate balance

A lot of makeup contains added SPF. While these products can offer some level of defence against UV rays, they rarely contain enough SPF to offer any adequate protection. The amount of makeup needed to get the same SPF coverage is a lot more than what most people typically apply, making it an unreliable source of protection. Instead, think of SPF-infused makeup as an additional layer of defence to be applied on top of your sunscreen.

In conclusion, SPF is not just another skincare product—it's your skin's first line of defence against the sun's harmful rays. By incorporating SPF into your daily routine, reapplying regularly, and using the right amount for your skin, you can enjoy the outdoors while safeguarding your skin's health for years to come. So, the next time you start your skincare routine, don't forget to slather on that SPF—it's the ultimate secret to radiant, protected skin.

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Having sensitive skin is something many of us deal with at one point or another. It can be something that develops as you get older, a change in environment or when you incorporate new ingredients in your skincare routine. Sensitive skin is generally characterised as being prone to irritation, redness, and dryness, and external factors like cold, heat, and dry air often cause discomfort and reactions such as tightness or rashes.

Calming sensitive skin

Since sensitive skin needs extra protection, it's essential to avoid products that contain powerful exfoliating acids or mechanical peels that can compromise the skin barrier. Instead, focus on soothing, strengthening, and calming formulas. Avoid unnecessary stress on the skin, such as hot showers, direct sun exposure, and overly active ingredients.

The best skincare routine for sensitive skin

To calm, balance and strengthen your skin barrier, we suggest the following:

1. Cleanse using either The Bare Balm or The Magic Milk depending on your preferred formula as both are equally gentle and nourishing.
2. Boost hydration by spritzing The Must Mist all over your face. 
3. Pat in our multi-depth hydration fluid, The Shroom Essence, to nourish and plump your complexion. While it does contain PHA, it is incredibly gentle.
4. For dry or irritated eyelids, apply The Eye Smoother. 
5. Next, moisturise. If you are prone to blemishes or are on the oilier side, try The Face Jelly. If your skin is on the dryer side, apply The Chill Cream. 

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For the ultra-sensitive

If you are prone to redness, irritation, eczema and your skin reacts to strong actives, this is the routine for you. Start by cleansing with our gentle, microbiome-balancing cleanser, The Magic Milk. While skin is damp, pat The Shroom Essence into the skin until it feels saturated with hydration. Follow that with a dab of our ultra-gentle eye cream, The Eye Smoother. Finally, apply a generous layer of our balancing and calming moisturiser, The Chill Cream.

Acne-prone, moody skin?

One of the most important parts of caring for acne and breakout-prone skin is boosting hydration. Start by cleansing with The Magic Milk, a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Next, spritz The Must Mist for lightweight yet deeply penetrating hydration. The niacinamide in it also helps minimise enlarged pores. Then apply our azelaic acid treatment, The Treat, to minimise redness and target breakouts, followed by The Face Jelly, our non-comedogenic hydrating gel. Finish up with SPF to ensure minimal acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation.

Are you super-dry?

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are two very different things. Dry skin needs oil while dehydrated skin needs water. So for the super-dry we recommend cleansing with The Magic Milk, which is enriched with moisturising almond oil and squalane. Next, apply The Glow Serum, our revitalising and super nourishing serum. Follow it up with a layer of our barrier-protective moisturiser, The Rich Cream, which locks in moisture and shields from dry weather. Lastly, apply The Calm Balm to areas in need of extra moisture, such as cuticles, lips, nostrils or eyelids.

For a collagen-boost

If you are looking to plump fine lines, stimulate collagen production and deeply nourish skin start by cleansing with The Magic Milk. Once the skin is dry, apply a rich layer of our resurfacing glow-up mask, The Miracle Mask, and let it sit for 10-30 minutes. Its combination of mandelic + lactobionic acid, panthenol and marshmallow root extract instantly plumps lines. After rinsing, apply The Wow Serum. With a glow-inducing blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, squalane and light-reflecting pigments, it combats pigmentation and evens the skin tone. Next, apply a second serum, our boundary-breaking stem cell + peptide treatment, The Rebound Serum which plumps fine lines and deeply hydrates. Last but not least, apply The Rich Cream, featuring a blend of ceramides, shea butter and magnesium, for barrier protection and deep nourishment.

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Puffiness and darkness around the eyes is something most of us deal with at some point or another. Whether it’s genetic, due to lack of sleep or a late night out. Regardless of the reason, many of us would prefer less visible eye-bags. This is why we created The Eye De-Puffer, a brightening + de-puffing eye cream designed to erase all traces of sleepless nights.

Immediate effect + long-lasting results

The Eye De-Puffer features a powerful blend of results-driven ingredients, including caffeine, vitamin C, peptides, light-reflecting pigments and hyaluronic acid. Caffeine combats the loss of skin elasticity by boosting the blood circulation in the area, resulting in a tightening of the skin. The powerful tripeptide in The Eye De-Puffer imitates the body’s own collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity. A stable vitamin C contributes to the collagen synthesis and collagen protection while also brightening the skin and fighting pigmentation. Plumping and moisturising hyaluronic acid, of low molecular weight, penetrates the skin barrier, providing deep hydration. Together, all these ingredients help brighten and tighten the eye area, providing an immediate effect and long-lasting results.

Which eye cream suits you best

You may already be familiar with our other eye cream, The Eye Smoother, previously known as The Eyes Cream, and are curious as to which suits you best. The Eye Smoother was created to suit all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin. With a deeply hydrating, moisturising and calming blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin E, it smoothes and soothes the skin, leaving plump results. To make it simple:

The Eye De-Puffer is perfect for those looking to combat dark circles and puffiness. The Eye Smoother is ideal for sensitive skin types looking to plump and smooth fine lines.

The ultimate eye combo

If you want to treat your eye area to a full routine, you can combine The Eye De-Puffer and The Eye Smoother. We recommend using The Eye De-Puffer in the morning for a well-rested look, and applying The Eye Smoother in the evening to let it work its magic overnight. Together they provide your skin with everything it needs to maintain elasticity, hydration and brightness.

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