Discover how perimenopause and menopause affect your skin, from dryness and sensitivity to hormonal acne. Learn how the right skincare routine can help restore a healthy, radiant complexion.

Discover how collagen and peptides can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Learn why the ah-mee:skin Anti-Age collection is the 2026 must-have for youthful, radiant skin.

Marine Plankton Extract: What Does It Do for Your Skin? The ocean is home to some fascinating ingredients used in modern skincare — and Marine Plankton Extract is one of them. Derived from marine plankton, this naturally sourced ingredient is used in cosmetic formulations primarily for its skin-conditioning properties, helping support the overall feel and appearance of the skin. But what exactly is Marine Plankton Extract, and why might you find it in your skincare routine? What is Marine Plankton Extract? Plankton refers to tiny organisms found within aquatic environments. In skincare, Plankton Extract is the cosmetic ingredient name given to an extract obtained from marine plankton. Its recognised cosmetic function is skin conditioning, which makes it particularly interesting in formulations designed to leave the skin feeling cared for, comfortable and nourished-looking. What are the skincare benefits? Skin conditioningMarine Plankton Extract can help condition the skin, supporting a softer, healthier-looking complexion. Supports nourished-looking skinUsed as part of a well-formulated moisturiser, it can complement other hydrating and conditioning ingredients to help skin feel comfortable and cared for. A great supporting ingredientNot every skincare ingredient needs to be an intensive active. Marine Plankton Extract can work alongside ingredients such as moisturising butters, humectants and other skin-conditioning ingredients within a balanced formula. Where can I find Marine Plankton Extract? You'll find Marine Plankton Extract in our Collagen Anti-Age Night Cream from the Radiance Collection. Designed for your evening routine, this nourishing night cream combines carefully selected ingredients to help support softer, smoother and more comfortable-feeling skin while you sleep. It pairs beautifully with our Anti-Age Day Cream, giving you a simple Radiance moisturising routine for morning and evening. AM: Anti-Age Day CreamPM: Collagen Anti-Age Night Cream The Skin School Takeaway Marine Plankton Extract is primarily used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Rather than thinking of it as a miracle anti-ageing active, think of it as one part of a thoughtfully formulated product designed to support the feel and appearance of your skin. Because understanding why an ingredient is in your skincare can make choosing your routine so much simpler. 🤍 Explore the Radiance Collection →  

Alteromonas Ferment Extract & Hyaluronic Acid: The Ultimate Hydration Duo If you've followed ah-mee:skin for a while, there's a good chance you've heard me talk about Alteromonas Ferment Extract. It's one of those skincare ingredients with a very complicated-sounding name — but a much simpler reason for being interesting: Hydration. And when you find it alongside one of skincare's best-known hydrating ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid, you have two ingredients that can play complementary roles within a hydrating skincare routine. What is Alteromonas Ferment Extract? Alteromonas Ferment Extract is a marine-derived cosmetic ingredient produced through the fermentation of microorganisms from the Alteromonas genus. It is rich in polysaccharides — complex sugar molecules that are particularly interesting in cosmetic formulations because of their skin-conditioning and moisture-binding properties. So although the science behind the name sounds complicated, the reason we love ingredients like this in skincare is much easier to understand: They can help support skin that feels hydrated, conditioned and comfortable. And what does Hyaluronic Acid do? Hyaluronic Acid is probably a name you're much more familiar with. It is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain water. That's why you'll find it in so many products designed to support hydration and leave skin looking plumper and smoother. When skin is well hydrated, fine lines caused by dehydration can also appear less noticeable, helping the complexion look fresh and healthy. Why use Alteromonas Ferment Extract and Hyaluronic Acid together? This is where the pair becomes particularly interesting. Rather than thinking of either ingredient as performing miracles on its own, think about how they contribute to the overall hydration and conditioning of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid helps attract and retain moisture, while Alteromonas Ferment Extract provides complementary skin-conditioning properties. Together within a well-formulated product, they can help support skin that feels: Hydrated · Soft · Smooth · Comfortable And that's something almost every skin type can appreciate. Why does hydration matter? Hydration isn't only important when your skin feels visibly dry. When skin lacks water, it can feel tight and uncomfortable and dehydration lines may become more noticeable. Keeping your routine focused on gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and appropriate sun protection can help support the overall appearance and feel of your skin. And importantly, dehydrated skin and dry skin aren't necessarily the same thing. Dry skin generally lacks oil, whereas dehydrated skin lacks water — which means even combination or oilier skin can experience dehydration. Understanding that difference can make choosing your skincare much easier. Where can I find Alteromonas Ferment Extract at ah-mee:skin? You'll currently find this ingredient in two ah-mee:skin favourites: Anti-Age Day CreamPart of our Radiance Collection, this daily moisturiser combines Alteromonas Ferment Extract with Hyaluronic Acid to support hydrated, smoother and healthy-looking skin. Discover the Anti-Age Day Cream → Hydrating SerumFor customers wanting to make hydration a more targeted part of their routine, our Hydrating Serum also contains Alteromonas Ferment Extract and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine before moisturiser. Discover the Hydrating Serum → The Skin School Takeaway Alteromonas Ferment Extract might not have the instant name recognition of Hyaluronic Acid — but that's exactly why it's an ingredient worth learning about. Both can play valuable roles in a hydration-focused skincare routine, helping support skin that feels comfortable, conditioned and beautifully hydrated. Because great skincare isn't about chasing complicated ingredient names. It's about understanding what you're putting on your skin — and why. 🤍 Explore the Radiance Collection →

Why a Facial Oil Deserves a Place in Your Holiday Skincare Bag There are certain skincare products I wouldn't want to go on holiday without — and a good facial oil is definitely one of them. Facial oils can sometimes feel like the forgotten step in a skincare routine. If you've never used one before, you might wonder whether you actually need one, particularly if you already use a serum and moisturiser. But when your skin is feeling dry, tight or in need of a little extra nourishment, a facial oil can be a lovely addition to your routine. What does a facial oil actually do? Plant oils have been used in skincare for centuries, and modern facial oils often combine several botanical oils chosen for their emollient and skin-conditioning properties. Unlike a hydrating serum, which may contain humectants designed to attract and hold water, facial oils primarily help soften and condition the skin and support its natural barrier, helping to reduce moisture loss. This can make them particularly useful when skin is feeling dry or uncomfortable. Why might your skin feel different on holiday? This is where personal experience taught me a lesson. 😂 During an Easter trip to Turkey with my family and friends, I carefully packed my skincare routine... and made one fundamental mistake. I forgot my facial oil. And I noticed it. Holiday skin can be exposed to quite a different environment from the one it's accustomed to at home. You've got the flight, air-conditioned airports, transfers, hotel rooms, warmer temperatures, swimming and increased sun exposure — sometimes all within 24 hours. Air-conditioned environments have lower humidity, which can contribute to skin feeling drier and tighter. Combine that with changes to your normal routine and environment, and it's understandable that some people's skin can feel different while travelling. By the end of that particular holiday, mine was definitely asking for some extra TLC. How can you use a facial oil on holiday? You don't need to completely change your skincare routine just because you're travelling. If your skin enjoys facial oils, try applying a few drops after your hydrating products or moisturiser, particularly in your evening routine. This can provide an extra nourishing layer and help leave skin feeling soft and comfortable. And remember — facial oil doesn't replace SPF. During the day, sun protection should remain an essential part of your holiday skincare routine. Is facial oil only for dry skin? Not necessarily. Different facial oils and formulations suit different skin types, so it's important to look at the complete formula rather than assuming every oil will work for every complexion. For drier skin, an oil can provide that extra feeling of comfort and nourishment. Other skin types may prefer using one occasionally, during seasonal changes or simply when their skin feels like it needs a little more care. Skincare doesn't always have to follow rigid rules — sometimes it's about learning to recognise what your own skin needs. Discover our Nourishing Facial Oil Part of the Harmony Collection, our Nourishing Facial Oil is a lovely addition when your skin is craving a little extra comfort and nourishment. Formulated with a blend of natural oils including Argan, Avocado and Jojoba Oils, just a few drops can be worked into your routine to help leave skin feeling soft, conditioned and beautifully nourished. Discover the Nourishing Facial Oil → The Skin School Takeaway My Turkey trip taught me something very simple: Your holiday skincare doesn't need to contain everything in your bathroom — but don't forget the products your skin genuinely misses when they're gone. For me, facial oil is one of them. So alongside your cleanser, moisturiser and all-important sun protection, you might just want to save a little space in that cosmetics bag for your facial oil too. And hopefully you'll avoid coming home feeling quite as much like the dried-up leather boot that I did. 😂☀️

Exfoliation: The Secret to Smoother, Brighter-Looking Skin If there’s one skincare step I’ve had countless conversations about during my years as a beauty therapist, it’s exfoliation. Some people love it. Some forget about it completely. And others exfoliate so enthusiastically that their skin would probably quite like them to stop. 😂 So where does exfoliation actually fit into a healthy skincare routine? What is exfoliation? Your skin naturally renews itself, with older skin cells gradually being shed from its surface as newer cells move through the epidermis. Sometimes those surface cells can contribute to skin feeling rough, dull or uneven. Exfoliation helps remove some of this build-up from the skin's surface, which can leave it feeling smoother and looking fresher and more radiant. Physical vs chemical exfoliation There are different ways to exfoliate. Physical exfoliation uses fine particles or textured ingredients to manually remove surface build-up as you gently massage the product over the skin. Chemical exfoliation uses ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs to loosen the bonds between surface skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. Neither method is automatically better — what matters is choosing an exfoliation method appropriate for your skin and your routine. Do you need to exfoliate every week? Not necessarily. This is one bit of skincare advice where more definitely isn't always better. How frequently you exfoliate depends on your skin type, the exfoliant you're using and what other active ingredients are already in your routine. Over-exfoliating can leave skin feeling tight, sensitive, sore or irritated — precisely the opposite of what we're trying to achieve. Start gently, follow the directions for your particular product and pay attention to how your skin responds. My Sunday skincare ritual Sunday evening has always been my little pamper night — bath running, skincare to hand and some time set aside to properly look after my skin. I start with our Foaming Face Wash from the Harmony Collection to cleanse my skin. Then, when my skin needs exfoliation, I use the Face & Body Scrub, massaging it gently over the skin without applying lots of pressure. Afterwards, I continue with the rest of my routine and finish with a few drops of our Nourishing Facial Oil for an extra layer of nourishment, leaving my skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable. It's a simple ritual, but having that regular time set aside helps me stay consistent with my skincare. Discover the Foaming Face Wash →Discover the Face & Body Scrub →Discover the Nourishing Facial Oil → Where does facial oil fit? If your skin enjoys facial oils, they can be a lovely final nourishing step after your other skincare. Our Nourishing Facial Oil, from the Harmony Collection, can help condition and soften the skin and is particularly lovely when your complexion is craving a little extra comfort. Discover the Nourishing Facial Oil → The Skin School Takeaway Exfoliation can be a useful part of a skincare routine, particularly when skin is feeling rough or looking dull — but you don't need to scrub your skin into submission to make it glow. 😂 Gentle, appropriate exfoliation combined with cleansing, hydration, moisturising and daily sun protection is a much better approach. Listen to your skin, choose products suited to it and remember: Healthy-looking skin doesn't come from doing the most. It comes from doing what your skin actually needs. 🤍 Explore the Harmony Collection →

Summer Skin: How to Enjoy the Sun Safely I don't know about you, but when summer arrives, we're always ready for brighter days, holidays and a little more time outdoors. ☀️ But while we all love healthy, glowing-looking skin, protecting it from UV exposure should always come first. There is no such thing as a safe UV tan. A tan is actually a sign that the skin has responded to UV damage, which is why good sun protection is about enjoying the sunshine while reducing unnecessary exposure. Why is sun protection so important? SunburnSunburn isn't simply uncomfortable. It is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV radiation, and repeated sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Premature signs of ageingUV exposure can contribute to visible changes in the skin over time, including wrinkles, loss of firmness and changes in pigmentation. Protecting your skin isn't therefore just something to think about on holiday — it's an important part of caring for your skin long term. Uneven pigmentationSun exposure can also contribute to changes in pigmentation and areas of uneven-looking skin tone. Daily sun protection is particularly important if pigmentation is already one of your skincare concerns. How to enjoy the sun safely Choose broad-spectrum sun protectionUse sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and good UVA protection. In the UK, look for four or five UVA stars or the UVA symbol inside a circle. Apply generously and regularly. Remember to reapplySunscreen isn't something you apply once in the morning and forget about. NHS guidance recommends reapplying at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Seek shade and cover upSunscreen should be used alongside other forms of protection. In the UK, try to spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest — particularly between 11am and 3pm — and use clothing, a hat and UV-protective sunglasses where appropriate. Check the UV indexDon't judge UV strength simply by how hot it feels. You can still experience damaging UV exposure on cooler or cloudy days. Checking the UV index can help you know when additional protection is needed. Stay hydratedWarm weather can mean losing more fluid, particularly when you're active or spending time outdoors, so remember to drink regularly throughout the day. And what about that summer glow? If you love the appearance of a tan, a cosmetic self-tan or spray tan is a safer alternative to deliberately tanning in the sun or using a sunbed. Just remember that fake tan doesn't provide UV protection, so you'll still need your usual sun protection. The Skin School Takeaway Summer skincare doesn't need to be complicated. Protect your skin. Seek shade. Reapply your SPF. Keep hydrated. And enjoy the sunshine without deliberately chasing a UV tan. Healthy-looking skin isn't about how deeply you can tan — it's about looking after the skin you're in. 🤍