Author Archives: Dr Munir Somji

Can you use last year’s sunscreen?

I often get asked if it is safe to use last year’s sunscreen. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen and if the formula has separated or has a strange smell, it’s time to invest in a fresh bottle. If it has been over a year since you opened it, it’s best to replace it – especially if it has been exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Expired sunscreen can leave skin vulnerable to sun damage, as the active ingredients in SPF break down over time, reducing their effectiveness in blocking harmful UV rays.

 

Clean your make-up brushes

Your skincare products are not the only thing that needs monitoring – your make-up tools can also harbour bacteria, leading to breakouts, rashes and infections. Make-up brushes and sponges collect oil, dead skin cells and leftover product, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If not cleaned regularly, they can cause recurring skin issues like acne and rashes.

To prevent this, wash your tools at least once a week with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner. Allow them to air dry completely before use. You should also check your make-up products for expiration dates – liquid formulas like foundation and mascara are especially prone to bacterial contamination and should be replaced regularly.

 

Now that you’ve decluttered your skincare shelf, it’s the perfect time to update your routine with fresh, effective products that better suit your skin’s needs at this time of year. If you’re looking for new skincare inspo – check out our range of doctor developed formulas.

Sunscreen – a year-round essential

As we start spending more time outdoors, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is non-negotiable. UV rays can harm the skin even on cloudy and cool days, so daily SPF application is essential, especially if you find yourself outside more often. For top-tier protection, try our Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50. This lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays, while offering hydration. It’s also fortified with vitamin C to help revive a dull complexion, so you can enter Spring glowing.

Lighten up your moisturiser

During the colder months, dehydrated skin may have been craving thicker creams to combat dryness. But as Spring arrives, those same moisturisers can start to feel too heavy, leaving the skin greasy rather than nourished.

Now is the perfect time to switch to a lighter formula – one that still provides hydration, but absorbs quickly, keeping skin feeling fresh and nourished. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerine to lock in moisture without weighing the skin down.

Our powerhouse Signature Serum is supercharged with over 15 active ingredients, including gentle, encapsulated vitamin A to address signs of ageing, vitamin C derived from Korean green tangerine exosomes to soothe inflammation and provide antioxidant benefits, plus vitamin E to fight oxidative stress and boost skin plumpness. It’s also the perfect base for make-up.

By making these small seasonal tweaks, you’ll keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Set the scene
In the evenings, I like to create a tranquil environment. Dim the lights, light a candle and play some soothing music and turn your bathroom in a spa-like environment. The ambiance should support your skincare ritual and allow you to fully unwind.

Cleanse with care
Start with a gentle cleanse to remove make-up and impurities. As you massage each product into your skin, take the time to feel the texture and enjoy the sensation of releasing tension from the face. Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser doubles up as a mask, so leave it on for an extra five to 10 minutes. As you wait for it to work, close your eyes and practice some deep breathing to really reconnect with yourself.

Massage in your skincare

When applying your serums and moisturisers, take a moment to massage them into your skin. Use upward circles with light pressure to encourage circulation and release tension. Use your fingertips for gentle pressure and knuckles for a deeper massage. This added step can turn a simple routine into a deeply relaxing ritual. I also like to use tools like a gua sha or jade roller in a back-and-forth motion to release tension, encourage lymphatic drainage and give the face a more sculpted look. Our comforting Night Recovery Cream is a great lubricant for massage tools and is loaded with skin-repairing ingredients.
Don’t forget your lips and hands – apply nourishing balms and creams – these overlooked areas deserve a little TLC, too.

The process of applying your skincare should always be a moment of relaxation and reflection. It’s easy to think of skincare as just another task on your to-do list, but when we approach it as a form of self-love, it becomes something more meaningful. Your skincare routine can become a daily ritual of mindfulness, a chance to unwind and create a little time for yourself each day.

Henal

Flawless make-up starts with healthy skin

When it comes to make-up, healthy, glowing skin is everything. Yes, make-up can work wonders to even out the skin tone and conceal redness, but it can’t do much for skin texture. With the fashion and beauty moving towards a ‘real life’ beauty aesthetic, there is less retouching of images and the models’ and celebrities’ skin quality is even more important. With our modern-day access to information and cutting-edge technology for skincare placed alongside in-clinic facial and aesthetic treatments, to have a glowing and healthy complexion is now both achievable and expected. 

Why skincare prep is the key to great make-up

Beautiful make-up always starts with proper skin preparation. Think of it as a formula – get the base right, and the rest will follow. A thorough cleanse is step one. Clean, hydrated skin provides the perfect canvas for make-up. Daily use of topical products that target your specific skin concerns – whether that’s rosacea, pigmentation or acne – can make all the difference. For make-up, I avoid anything too oily or sticky, as they can leave a residue that doesn’t sit well under foundation. If the skin is dry, I’ll start with a gentle exfoliation using a liquid exfoliator. This instantly brightens and smooths the skin while addressing problem areas like the nose and T-zone.

Next, I encourage circulation with a firm lymphatic drainage face massage. This helps reduce puffiness, define the face’s contours and allows serums and creams to sink into the skin. Lastly, I always let the skincare soak in for at least 10 minutes before applying foundation. This really allows the skin time to calm and absorb the products.  


Common skin concerns on set

One of the biggest challenges I see, especially in winter, is dehydrated, dull or flaky skin. This often comes from a compromised skin barrier caused by temperature changes, hectic schedules, over-exfoliation and stress. On set, everything in my kit has to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. My own skin is reactive, so I test every product on myself first. When dealing with compromised skin, I assess what it needs – sometimes it’s light exfoliation; other times, it’s about layering nourishing, calming products. You can’t rely on make-up alone to cover skin issues. Proper skincare is essential for achieving that desired flawless result.

Avoid these common skincare mistakes

I’ve noticed people often use too many products before applying make-up. A 10-step routine might look good initially, but it won’t help your foundation last.

Sheet masks and under-eye patches are another culprit. Some of these leave a film on the skin that can cause foundation to roll off unless the residue is cleaned away.

Slugging, where you layer on heavy products might be trending on social media, but it can also clog pores and make your foundation slide off.

Another mistake is mismatched textures – like mixing an oil-based moisturiser with a water-based or silicone-based foundation. Your foundation will flake or separate, so choosing products that work together is important.

My go-to products for skin preparation

On set make-up can be different to how the everyday woman prepares her skin. As an artist, I have the freedom to touch up make-up throughout the day, but in daily life we don’t have this luxury. This is why I always recommend streamlining your routine with effective, multi-tasking products that deliver results and last all day.

I love the Dr Somji Signature Serum and the Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30, layered in that particular order. Hydration, anti-oxidants, vitamin C and sunscreen all in just two products. This is streamlining skincare at its best!
Both these formulas have the power of active ingredients, but the user feel is one of luxury. This is where the fine textures come into play. Both the serum and the SPF moisturiser glide onto the skin and sink in beautifully, leaving a radiant, protected and hydrated skin surface.  Layered together, they provide the perfect canvas to then go in with your preferred foundation base. The clever Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30 is designed for those with a busy lifestyle. If you only have time to cleanse and apply one product, this should be it.

The one skincare step everyone needs

A sunscreen. Having grown up in Australia, wearing an SPF is non-negotiable, 365 days a year. It’s just so important to protect the skin from harmful rays and pollutants and in all weathers. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog the pores and will create a beautiful, luminous skin finish.

Healthy skin isn’t just about looking good in make-up – it’s about caring for your skin so that make-up becomes the finishing touch rather than the fix. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or just your day-to-day life, starting with the right skincare can make all the difference

Sandra Cooke

Also look out for water radish exosomes, which are derived from the root of the water radish. These are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. They work to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation. What’s particularly exciting is that both of these exosomes are plant-derived, making them the perfect match for the growing demand for natural yet scientifically advanced skincare.

Ectoin
A powerful amino acid derivative, ectoin has been gaining attention in skincare for its exceptional protective and hydrating properties. Derived from microorganisms, specifically extremophiles (organisms that thrive in extreme environments like deserts and hot springs), ectoin is one of the molecules these microbes produce to shield themselves from harsh conditions like UV radiation and dehydration. When infused into skincare, ectoin works in a similar way – it forms a protective barrier that prevents water loss and reduces inflammation. It’s ideal for all skin types, especially those prone to sensitivity and irritation, as it calms and supports the skin’s natural defence mechanisms. As environmental factors continue to affect skin health, ectoin will undoubtedly become a key ingredient for maintaining a healthy and balanced complexion. You can find it in Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Look for prebiotics and probiotics – these ingredients are good for supporting the skin’s natural microbiome, helping to create a balanced and resilient skin ecosystem. When applied to the face, probiotics introduce good bacteria to the skin, helping to soothe inflammation and enhance barrier function – it’s ideal for acne, rosacea and eczema sufferers. For a night-time boost, try our Dr Somji Night Recovery Cream, which is packed with probiotics to support healthier and calmer skin.

Prebiotics nourish the skin’s natural microbiome and support the growth of beneficial bacteria. Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser is filled with prebiotics to balance the skin, boost its resilience and reduce inflammation.

Hexapeptide-8
Often dubbed “Botox in a bottle,” hexapeptide-8 is a synthetically-derived peptide that mimics the action of botulinum toxin by relaxing muscle contractions and minimising the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Unlike anti-wrinkle injections, hexapeptide-8 is applied topically where it promotes the production of collagen to reduce signs of ageing. It’s a great ingredient for those looking for non-invasive, injectable-free options for smoothing the appearance of expression lines.  

Ceramide AP, NP and EOP

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that are a key component of our skin’s outermost layer. They are important for maintaining the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture. While ceramides have been used in formulations for decades, they are having a major moment in skincare right now, as more of you demand products that support the skin barrier in the most gentle way.

Scan ingredient lists for ceramide AP, NP and EOP. When used in skincare, they work in harmony to restore and retain moisture, boost skin barrier function and reduce water loss. Ceramide AP helps reinforce the skin’s barrier by improving its structure, while ceramide NP provides deep hydration and soothes irritation. Ceramide EOP is great for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and strength. Together, these ceramides form a powerful trio that supports healthier, more resilient skin, making them must-haves for preventing dryness, irritation and signs of ageing.

Whether you’re looking to protect your skin from environmental damage, soothe irritation or reduce signs of ageing, these actives offer targeted solutions that can help you achieve your healthiest and most radiant skin yet. Be sure to look out for some exciting new product launches from Dr Somji Skincare later in the year, which will feature some of these skin-transforming ingredients.

What’s different about Halloween make-up?

It’s important to keep in mind that Halloween make-up isn’t the same as your everyday foundation or eyeshadow – it’s often much heavier than what your skin might be used to and it can be packed with artificial dyes and fragrance. These ingredients can irritate the skin, leading to clogged pores, spots and irritation – especially if you’re not used to wearing make-up regularly. To avoid unwanted reactions, a simple precaution is to conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow a few days before Halloween to give your skin enough time to show any sensitivity before you use it on your face.

HALLOWEEN SKIN

The key to minimising the effects of heavy or poor-quality Halloween make-up is all in the prep. A few simple steps can create a protective barrier between your skin and the make-up, ensuring smoother application and making removal much easier when the night is over.

Do the prep work
Before applying any make-up, make sure your skin is free of oil and impurities. A good cleanser, like our Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser will help to clean without stripping the skin’s natural moisture and you will also have a clean canvas for make-up application.

Hydrate with a moisturiser
Applying a nourishing moisturiser is essential to prevent the skin from becoming dry or irritated under layers of make-up. Look for a product that offers deep hydration. Our Dr Somji Night Recovery Cream is super hydrating and perfect for creating a protective layer between your skin and the make-up. It contains humectants to ramp up hydration and green microalgae to calm and soothe.

Use a primer
A primer is a must, especially when using Halloween make-up that may be lower in quality. It creates a smooth base for the make-up and acts as a barrier, helping to prevent clogged pores. Primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can offer added moisture, which is especially helpful when using thick and drying face paints.

HOW TO REMOVE HALLOWEEN MAKE-UP

At the end of the night, removing your Halloween make-up properly is vital to avoid breakouts, irritation or damage to the skin’s barrier.

Double cleanse
Leaving make-up on overnight can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, so be sure to ‘un-mask’ as soon as you can. The double cleansing method is ideal for removing stubborn make-up. Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to help break down heavy make-up like face paint and glitter. Then use our Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser – not only will it deep cleanse the skin, thanks to the added kaolin clay, it nourishes and repairs too, with babassu oil seed extract and moringa seed oil. It also doubles up as a face-mask, so leave it on for an extra five to ten minutes to fully purge the pores and pamper the skin.

Avoid scrubbing
It can be tempting to scrub at your skin, especially if you have stubborn make-up like waterproof face paint, but this can cause irritation and micro-tears in the skin. Instead, use a soft muslin cloth in gentle circular motions to gently lift the make-up off the skin.

Soothe with a hydrating moisturiser
After removing all your make-up, treat your skin to a hydrating cream to replenish moisture. Our Dr Somji Night Recovery Cream is an excellent choice. If your skin is red or irritated from prolonged make-up wear, try the Dr Somji Anti-Redness Concentrate. It has a calming formula filled with anti-inflammatory, plant-derived centella exosomes that works quickly to soothe irritated skin.
Remember to keep your skin well-hydrated in the days following Halloween, to help restore its natural barrier and repair any damage caused by harsh make-up.

Do have fun dressing up, but keep your skin in mind too. A little care goes a long way to keeping it happy. Have a great Halloween! 

Sun protection is non-negotiable

The number one rule for anyone with rosacea (or really, anyone with skin!) is to protect yourself from the sun. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen should be your daily go-to. 

 

Try to avoid being outdoors during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm). If you must be outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and stay in the shade whenever possible. 

 

Overheating can also trigger rosacea, so stay cool by drinking plenty of water, wearing breathable fabrics and misting your face with a cooling spray when needed.

Watch what you eat and drink

Hot weather often leads to cold drinks, but be careful – alcohol, especially red wine, is a common rosacea trigger, as it causes the blood vessels to dilate. 

 

Spicy foods and hot drinks can also cause flushing. Opt for cool, soothing foods like cucumber and watermelon and stick to iced herbal teas or plain water to stay hydrated without triggering a flare-up.

 

Gentle skincare is key

When your skin is sensitive, the last thing you want to do is bombard it with harsh products. Stick to gentle moisturisers that are free from alcohol, fragrance and other potential irritants. 

 

Look for products that are specifically-formulated for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin such as our Dr Somji Anti-Redness Concentrate which is packed with calming ingredients that help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin. What sets this formula apart is the addition of centella asiatica exosomes. Researchers in Asia found that when animals would roll around in tiger grass after they hurt themselves, it would reduce and heal inflammation. This ingredient works in the same way on the skin – to heal and soothe. 

It also contains reishi extract and antioxidant-rich passion fruit extract for skin regeneration, plus patchouli extract to calm skin, boost collagen and strengthen the barrier function. I recommend applying three to four drops immediately after cleansing to calm redness. In a consumer trial of 60 people, 75% said the product reduced the appearance of redness on their skin and 88% said that it left their skin feeling calm after four weeks of use.

 

While summer can be a challenging time for those of you with redness, sensitivity or rosacea, it doesn’t mean you have to hide indoors. With the right protection and a few tweaks to your lifestyle and skincare routine, you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about flare-ups. 

 

Henal Somji