What’s Going On Your Skin… Might Be Messing With What’s Going On Inside
Let’s talk skincare—but not in the “10-step routine to flawless glow” kind of way.
I want to chat about what we actually put on our skin each day—and what that might be doing beneath the surface. Not just to our pores, but to our hormones, our health, and even the planet.
We often forget that our skin is our body’s largest organ. It’s not just a passive barrier—it’s porous. Meaning? What goes on it can very easily find its way in.
And while most of us have got the memo on reading food labels, many of us haven’t given our skincare labels the same attention. But here’s why we should…
Hormone Havoc in a Bottle?
Many conventional skincare and beauty products contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other additives that can act as endocrine disruptors. In plain English, these are chemicals that can mess with our hormone balance — something many midlife women are already navigating thanks to perimenopause and beyond.
Add to that the fact that our skin absorbs much of what we put on it (yes, even that seemingly harmless hand cream), and suddenly it makes sense to be a little pickier about what’s in our products.
During my menopause training I was introduced to a brilliant book called “Low Tox Life” by Alexx Stuart.
In it she looks at all areas of our life and show’s you how making small changes by switching and ditching a lot of chemicals can have a huge impact on us.
It’s Not Just Us – It’s the Planet, Too
Some ingredients commonly found in mainstream products — like certain UV filters, silicones, and microplastics — don’t just affect us. They’re also making their way into our waterways and oceans, causing damage to marine life and contributing to pollution.
So, it’s a double whammy. Harmful to us and harmful to the planet. No thank you.
Let’s Talk Suncare – Yes, Even in the Rain
One product I think we often overlook (especially here in the UK where the sun seems to play hide and seek year-round!) is facial suncream. But here’s the thing: UV rays don’t take a break when it’s cloudy, and they’re one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing and skin damage — all year long.
Using a proper facial sunscreen daily, even in winter, is one of the simplest but most powerful ways you can protect your skin and keep it looking healthy. And no, it doesn’t have to be thick, greasy, or pore-clogging anymore.
SPF in Moisturiser? Here’s the Truth
Now, if you’re thinking, “Oh I’m good — my moisturiser has SPF,” here’s a little friendly truth bomb: that’s not enough. Moisturisers are designed to penetrate the skin and hydrate the deeper layers, while SPF is formulated to sit on the surface and act as a protective barrier. When you combine the two, you’re often compromising the effectiveness of both. For real protection, it’s best to apply a standalone SPF after your moisturiser — that way you get all the benefits of both products, exactly as they’re intended.
Screens Aren’t Innocent Either
We often think of suncream as just a summer beach essential, but let’s not forget the hours we spend in front of screens. Computers, tablets, and phones emit blue light (also known as HEV light), which has been shown to penetrate the skin and may contribute to ageing, pigmentation, and even collagen breakdown. Daily SPF helps create a barrier against not just UV rays, but also this constant, artificial exposure. So yes — your SPF is working overtime in more ways than one.
Now before you go into panic mode and thinking you’ve got to change every single thing, treat this as you would any changes you make.
Small steps.
This honestly doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
For the last three to four years I’ve been gradually making a few swaps. As and when I run out of a product, I replace it with something less toxic.
A Quick Word on What I’m Using
I’ve recently become a Tropic Skincare ambassador because their ethos aligns so closely with everything I talk about when it comes to wellbeing: clean, nourishing ingredients, no hidden nasties, and sustainable practices that don’t harm us or the planet. I’ve been using their products for years and it just seemed like the next logical step.
I absolutely love their suncare range which is designed to nourish while it protects. No clogging, no chalky residue, just effective, skin-loving ingredients.
I’m not here to sell — I’m here to start a conversation. If you’ve ever stood in the skincare aisle, overwhelmed by ingredients you can’t pronounce, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever wondered why that cream you use has such a long shelf life on it…… I’d love to help you feel more informed and empowered about what goes on your skin, just like I do about what goes into your body.
Your skin does so much for you. It’s time to return the favour.
If you’re curious, then why not check out my TROPIC shop here or hit reply to this email and let’s chat.
https://www.tropicskincare.com/sandraharnett
Sandra X
