Understanding what I put on my skin
Skin Deep: My Journey to Understanding What I Put on My Skin
Posted by Katrina McClelland March '25
The moment that changed my relationship with skincare forever came during an ordinary morning routine. Standing in my bathroom in Wellington, I was mindlessly slathering on my usual moisturiser when I paused to actually read the ingredient label. The list of scientific-sounding compounds stretched down the back of the bottle, and I realized I had very little understanding of what I was putting on my skin each day.
It was a wake-up call. I carefully examine food labels before tossing items into my trolley at, so why wasn't I being equally thoughtful about my skincare products? That day began my journey toward understanding skincare ingredients and their impact on both my skin and overall health.
"Your skin is designed to be a barrier, not a sponge.
It's actually quite effective at keeping things out—that's its primary job."
Understanding Skin Absorption: Separating Fact from Fiction
I started researching skin absorption and discovered it's more complex than the common claim that "everything you put on your skin enters your bloodstream."
A dermatologist explained it simply: "Your skin is a barrier, not a sponge. Absorption depends on molecular size, structure, and formulation." Most skincare ingredients penetrate minimally, which is why transdermal medications require special formulations.
While some studies detect sunscreen ingredients in the bloodstream, my dermatologist stressed: "Presence doesn’t equal harm—concentration matters." This perspective shifted my approach to skincare from fear to informed caution.
What Goes On Mostly Stays On (But Not Always)
After learning about the science of skin absorption, I spent time researching how skincare ingredients interact with our bodies. I discovered that while most ingredients remain on the skin's surface, some can indeed penetrate to varying degrees.
Some ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are too large to penetrate deeply and work primarily on the skin's surface. Others, like certain vitamins and lighter oils, can penetrate into the epidermis but rarely reach the bloodstream in significant amounts.
There are exceptions, however. Some compounds—particularly certain preservatives, fragrances, and smaller molecules—can potentially penetrate more deeply. This is why cosmetics regulation matters.
In New Zealand, cosmetic products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and must comply with the Cosmetic Products Group Standard.
I realised I'd been overestimating both the amount of absorption and the lack of regulation, which gave me a more balanced perspective on conventional products. This awareness led me to seek out brands that prioritise transparency about their ingredients.
Finding JUARA Oceania: A Revelation in Botanical Skincare
My journey toward better understanding my skincare led me to discover JUARA Oceania (juaraskincare.co.nz), a brand that beautifully bridges evidence-based skincare science with the power of traditional botanical ingredients. What initially drew me to their products was their transparency about ingredients and their commitment to using beneficial botanicals with scientific backing.
I had cautioned against the "natural is always better" mindset, explaining that both natural and synthetic ingredients can be beneficial or problematic depending on their specific properties. What impressed me about JUARA was their focus on efficacy rather than simply natural marketing claims.
I began exploring their key ingredients and discovered a wealth of research supporting their benefits:
Turmeric is a standout ingredient in JUARA's products that has genuinely impressive scientific backing. Its active compound, curcumin, has documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. My dermatologist confirmed that research supports turmeric's ability to help calm irritated skin and potentially help with conditions like acne or redness.
Candlenut oil became a personal favorite for my dry skin. Rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, it helps support skin barrier function without feeling heavy. Unlike some comedogenic oils that might trigger breakouts, candlenut helps moisturize without clogging pores. The omega fatty acids in candlenut oil primarily work on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss.
Ginger has warming properties that improve circulation and contains antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stressors. I was fascinated to learn that it contains gingerol, a compound with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the signs of aging.
Tamarind seed extract functions as a natural hyaluronic acid alternative, providing excellent hydration by drawing moisture to the skin. Its polysaccharides create a protective film on the skin's surface that helps maintain hydration levels.
Understanding the science behind these ingredients transformed my skincare routine from a fear-based approach to an evidence-based practice that celebrates both traditional wisdom and modern research.
"Understanding the science behind these ingredients transformed my skincare routine from a fear-based approach to an evidence-based practice that celebrates both traditional wisdom and modern research."
- KATRINA MCCLELLAND
A Thoughtful Approach to Skincare in Oceania
My approach to skincare isn't about avoiding all synthetic ingredients or believing that natural products are automatically superior. It's about making informed choices based on credible information rather than fear or marketing claims.
I still use high-SPF sunscreen containing synthetic filters because the protection they offer from skin cancer risk is well-documented and critically important in New Zealand's intense UV environment. But for my day-to-day skincare, I rely on JUARA's botanically-rich formulations that provide effective results without unnecessary synthetic additives.
What I'm advocating for is informed decision-making—understanding ingredients, knowing your own skin, and choosing products based on evidence rather than buzzwords. Just as we've become more conscious about food choices, extending that thoughtfulness to skincare makes sense.
The next time you're considering a new skincare product, I encourage you to look beyond marketing claims and consider what's actually in the bottle. Research ingredients from reliable sources. Understand that traditional botanical ingredients like turmeric, candlenut, and ginger have centuries of use behind them, now supported by modern research on their benefits.
Our skin deserves thoughtful consideration, not fear-based choices. I've found my skincare home with JUARA Oceania, whose approach combines the best of botanical tradition with modern skincare science—creating products perfectly suited to my needs in our unique New Zealand environment.
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