Think of vitamin E as the friend in the group who keeps everyone connected. Like the friend who makes sure everyone is good, vitamin E is good for you because it keeps you protected and helps you heal when you need it.

Being a barista on and off for three years taught me to steam oat milk and pour pretty decent latte art, but the best thing it ever did for my skin was teach me to love green tea. Used for centuries in Eastern medicine, green tea contains antioxidants that are said to protect against some chronic diseases and has more nourishing benefits for your skin than you might think.

It’s no secret that we love our greens at Youth To The People—in our salads, our juices, and our skincare. Kale is one of those ingredients that is good for you all around. 

If you’ve been following Youth To The People for some time, you probably know we’re big fans of adaptogens—but this didn’t start with us; adaptogens have been used in Eastern medicine and Ayurveda for around 5,000 years. Chinese and Japanese medical practitioners have used reishi mushroom for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Even though it probably wasn’t your favorite taste as a kid, spinach has so many benefits for skin. When applied topically, spinach is rich with benefits for your skin’s health. The leafy green makes an appearance in Youth To The People’s custom PRO-GRADE VEGAN™ superfood blend and it’s filled with the antioxidants and nutrients your skin loves. 

Cleopatra was said to have bathed in milk—she and her famously smooth skin had a routine were lightyears ahead of her time, indulging in the many benefits of lactic acid for skin, which we know can be found in milk, or be 100% vegan and derived from corn sugar, like in the Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner. 

We all dread the signs of a new blemish, not least of all because of the aftermath, the dark spots that appear after the spot has started to heal. Dark spots come from other sources, too, including sun exposure and changing hormones. SPF is key for protecting our skin from UV damage and the potential dark spots that come with it, but sometimes we need extra help getting rid of dark spots. SPF protection is foremost—but when it comes to getting rid of dark spots, brightening ingredients are key.

For most of us, a winter complexion equals a lackluster one, so you’ll want to seek out ingredients with brightening effects as you work towards replenishing your shelves with a new hero product, or perhaps entirely overhauling your routine. Formulations that include vitamin C and exfoliating acids—lactic and glycolic acid are your best bets here—effectively wipe away winter dullness to leave your complexion sparkling.

Have you ever thought about the right way to wash your face? There are so many variables when it comes to cleansing, more than you might've thought—namely technique, water temperature, time, and what was on your face, to begin with. Luckily, Youth To The People’s Director of Education, Laura Cline, came to clear up any confusion with her expert take.