September 2025

What If Your ‘Anti-Ageing’ Routine Is Actually Making You Look Older?

Skincare / Tania Cibulskis, PGDipHSc, BHSc, BSc / September 23, 2025 / anti-ageing, anti-ageing tips, gentle skincare, maturing skin, skin barrier, skincare mistakes

Do you look in the mirror and see a version of yourself that feels older than you are?

It’s not just one thing. It’s the way your skin feels tight and dry after you wash it, no matter how much moisturiser you use.

It’s the fine lines that your makeup loves to settle into by lunchtime. The slightly crepey texture on your neck or chest. The feeling that your skin has just… lost its glow.

You’re not imagining it. And you know it’s made worse by living here in New Zealand, where a beautiful day outdoors can leave your skin feeling depleted and seeing new sun spots you swear weren’t there last summer.

So You Try to Fix It. (And It’s Exhausting.)

You buy the “miracle” cream from the department store that everyone’s talking about. You try the harsh retinol that promises to turn back time, but just leaves your skin feeling irritated and flaky.

You spend your money. You get your hopes up. And you end up with a bathroom cabinet full of half-used bottles and the same tired-looking skin you started with.

It’s exhausting. And it’s not your fault.

What if the problem isn’t that your skin is just “getting old,” but that your skincare isn’t giving your skin what it actually needs to be healthy?

Most “anti-ageing” skincare is fighting the wrong battle.

It tries to punish your skin into submission with harsh, stripping ingredients.

But your skin is not the enemy. The real problem is a weakened skin barrier and the slow-down of your skin’s own natural repair systems. When you attack it, you only make it weaker.

The only way to get that healthy, plump, radiant look you want is to stop fighting and start supporting.

That means:

Gently cleansing without stripping the natural oils that protect your skin.
Deeply hydrating to plump up skin cells and soften fine lines.
Nourishing your skin barrier so it can effectively lock that moisture in.
Using powerful, active ingredients that work with your skin to support its natural collagen production and renewal cycles.

When you give your skin what it actually needs, it has an incredible ability to repair and revitalise itself.

A Simple, 5-Step Skincare Routine Designed for How Your Skin Actually Works

This isn’t about adding a dozen complicated steps. It’s about consistently giving your skin the 5 foundational things it needs to thrive.

Step 1: You cleanse without that tight, stripped feeling.

You use a gentle, creamy cleanser to remove makeup and impurities while leaving your skin’s protective barrier feeling soft and comfortable.

Step 2: You give your skin a drink of water first.

An alcohol-free toner provides a crucial layer of hydration that preps your skin to get the maximum benefit from the serum that comes next.

**Step 3: You use an active that works with your skin, not against it.**

This is your treatment step. If you’ve found traditional retinols too harsh, this is for you. A serum with Bakuchiol, a potent plant-based retinol alternative, helps to improve the look of fine lines and skin texture without the irritating side effects.

Step 4: You lock in all that goodness.

A rich, nourishing moisturiser provides the comfort and protection your skin barrier needs, sealing in your serum and keeping your skin hydrated for hours.

Step 5 (AM only): You protect your investment.

Sunscreen is the most important anti-ageing product you own. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning is the non-negotiable step that prevents the UV damage that causes wrinkles and sun spots in the first place.

What You Can Expect to See and Feel

Skin that feels hydrated and comfortable all day, not tight and dry.
A smoother, more refined texture.
A visible softening of fine lines and wrinkles.
A brighter, more even-toned complexion and a return of your natural glow.

You can stop the frustrating cycle of trying products that don’t work and finally feel confident and radiant in your own skin.

If you’re ready to try a routine designed to support and revitalise your maturing skin, we’ve laid out the complete plan for you.

Click here to see the full routine, get the product details, and start your journey to healthier, more radiant skin: The Ultimate Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine for NZ Skin at Scenturie

What If Your ‘Anti-Ageing’ Routine Is Actually Making You Look Older? Read More »

Beyond Benzoyl: Why a Gentle Approach is Key to Clearing Acne

Skincare / Tania Cibulskis, PGDipHSc, BHSc, BSc / September 9, 2025 / acne, acne nz, acne-prone skin, bakuchiol, gentle skincare, Natural Skincare, skin barrier

For many of us, the battle with acne feels like a war. We arm ourselves with harsh scrubs, astringent toners, and drying spot treatments, attacking every pimple with full force. Yet this aggressive approach often leaves our skin in a worse state: red, irritated, flaky, and somehow, still breaking out.

What if the goal wasn’t to fight a war against your skin, but to create peace?

This is the fundamental shift behind a natural approach to clearing acne. It’s a philosophy built on supporting your skin’s own incredible ability to heal. Instead of stripping and punishing, we focus on calming, balancing, and strengthening. This guide explores why this gentle method is so effective for long-term clarity and health.

The Problem with the “War on Acne”

Many conventional acne treatments are designed to obliterate oil and bacteria. While they can sometimes offer a quick fix, they often come at a cost to your skin’s most vital asset: the skin barrier.

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer, responsible for locking in moisture and keeping out irritants and bacteria. When you use harsh sulfates, high concentrations of alcohol, or abrasive scrubs, you compromise this barrier. The result?

Increased Irritation & Redness: A damaged barrier can no longer protect the deeper layers of skin from irritants.

Rebound Oiliness: When you strip the skin of its natural oils, it panics and produces even more oil to compensate, leading to more clogged pores.

Dehydration: The skin loses its ability to hold onto water, leaving it feeling tight and flaky, even if it’s oily on the surface.

This creates a vicious cycle of irritation and breakouts, leaving you to wonder why nothing seems to work.

The Natural Philosophy: Working With Your Skin

A natural approach seeks to break this cycle by focusing on three core principles:

1. Soothe Inflammation:

Acne is an inflammatory condition. Instead of attacking it with more irritation, the first step is to calm things down. Ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and certain native NZ botanicals have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness and swelling of active breakouts.

2. Balance, Don’t Strip:

Healthy skin is balanced skin. This means providing adequate hydration to prevent the overproduction of oil. Using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) plant oils like Jojoba or Squalane can help moisturise and regulate your skin’s natural sebum levels.

3. Support the Skin Barrier:

The goal is to rebuild your skin’s defences. This involves using gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and nourishing moisturisers that provide the lipids and hydration your barrier needs to function optimally. A strong barrier is less prone to breakouts in the first place.

Powerful Botanicals Nature’s Answer to Acne

Choosing a natural approach doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. Science is increasingly validating what traditional medicine has known for centuries: certain plants have a profound ability to clear and calm the skin.

One of the most exciting ingredients is Bakuchiol. Hailed as a true natural alternative to Retinol, clinical studies show it helps to increase cell turnover and reduce inflammation associated with acne, but without the harsh side effects of dryness and irritation that many people experience with Retinol. Our Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum was formulated around this powerhouse ingredient for this very reason.

The Rhythm of a Natural Routine

A successful natural routine isn’t about a dozen complicated steps. It’s about a simple, consistent rhythm that reinforces the principles of soothing, balancing, and supporting your skin. The daily ritual involves four key phases:

Cleanse Gently: To remove impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.
Hydrate & Balance: To restore the skin’s pH and provide a base layer of hydration.
Treat with Botanicals: To deliver concentrated, active ingredients that target breakouts and inflammation.
Moisturise & Protect: To lock in moisture, support the skin barrier, and (in the morning) protect from NZ’s harsh sun.

Ready to Put This Philosophy into Practice?

This guide has explained why a gentle, natural approach is so effective for long-term skin health. It’s about creating an environment where your skin can heal and thrive.

If you’re ready to stop fighting and start supporting your skin, the next step is to learn the specific “how.” We’ve created a definitive guide that walks you through the exact products and steps to take.

Get the complete, step-by-step guide in our Pillar Page: The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin in NZ.

Beyond Benzoyl: Why a Gentle Approach is Key to Clearing Acne Read More »

The Beauty Secrets of NZ Native Ingredients in Skin Care

Skincare / Tania Cibulskis, PGDipHSc, BHSc, BSc / September 6, 2025

Our NZ Ingredients Glossary: The Ultimate Guide

Welcome to the Scenturie glossary of New Zealand’s most potent natural skincare ingredients. This guide explores the science and traditional use of the native botanicals at the heart of our products.

In the lush, pristine landscapes of New Zealand, nature holds beauty secrets that have remained potent for centuries. From the vibrant kiwifruit to the powerful Mānuka, the native ingredients of this awe-inspiring country are now making waves in the world of natural skincare, offering a revitalising and nourishing experience that is unparalleled.

But what makes these botanicals so special, and which ones should you be looking for in your skincare routine?

This guide is your expert introduction to the best natural ingredients New Zealand has to offer, combining the wisdom of Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) with modern skin science to help you achieve a truly healthy, radiant complexion.

The Unique Power of NZ Native Botanicals: A Force of Nature

Why are New Zealand’s native plants so uniquely powerful? The answer lies in their evolution. Due to the country’s geographic isolation and historically high levels of UV radiation, our native flora developed an exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants and protective bioactive compounds to survive and thrive.

This natural resilience translates directly into skincare benefits, offering powerful protection and repair for our skin, which faces these same unique environmental stressors. These native ingredients are often rich in antioxidants, which help shield the skin from environmental damage and premature aging, and are packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish and replenish.

Many of these plants are cornerstones of Rongoā Māori, a holistic healing system that has recognised their efficacy for generations. This deep-rooted traditional knowledge, combined with scientific validation, allows us to harness their extraordinary powers in modern skincare.

Aotearoa’s Skincare Stars: Our Top NZ Native Ingredients

Here, we explore the native botanicals that form the heart of our skincare formulations—each chosen for its proven ability to heal, protect, and rejuvenate.

1. Mānuka Leaf Extract (Leptospermum Scoparium): The Protective Healer

What is it? While Mānuka honey is world-famous, the extract derived from the leaves and branches of this native tree is a celebrated skincare ingredient in its own right, prized for its potent protective and purifying qualities.
Traditional Use: Mānuka leaves were traditionally boiled, and the steam inhaled or the liquid applied to treat various ailments. The plant was revered for its powerful healing abilities.
The Science in Skincare: The active constituents within Mānuka are high in volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes. This chemical makeup has been found to be antibacterial, antifungal, and highly anti-inflammatory, making it an excellent ingredient for treating blemishes, soothing irritated skin, and promoting a clear complexion.
Key Benefits:
- - Helps to keep skin clear, balanced, and healthy.
  - Soothes irritation, calms redness, and supports skin healing.
  - Provides powerful antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Ideal for: All skin types, but particularly beneficial for blemish-prone or irritated skin.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Ultimate Hydrating Hand & Body Cream.

2. Kānuka Leaf Oil (Kunzea ericoides): The Anti-inflammatory Champion

What is it? Kānuka is a close relative of Mānuka and is another native powerhouse. The essential oil distilled from its leaves and flowers is renowned for its remarkable anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Traditional Use: In Rongoā Māori, Kānuka was used to relieve pain and inflammation. It was applied topically for skin diseases, muscle aches, and to soothe insect bites.
The Science in Skincare: Kānuka oil is rich in a compound called alpha-pinene, which gives it exceptionally strong anti-inflammatory properties that are distinct from Mānuka. This makes it incredibly effective at calming redness and irritation associated with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne. Its antimicrobial and analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities further enhance its ability to soothe and restore balance to stressed skin.
Key Benefits:
- Powerfully calms inflammation and reduces skin redness.
- Provides targeted relief for sensitive and reactive skin conditions.
- Helps to soothe acne-prone skin and calm irritation.
Ideal for: Sensitive, reactive, inflamed, and blemish-prone skin.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Replenishing Natural Toner

3. Kiwifruit Seed Oil (Actinidia deliciosa): The Brightening Rejuvenator

What is it? Beyond being a national icon, the humble Kiwifruit yields a potent seed oil that is a true skincare treasure, packed with skin-loving nutrients.
The Science in Skincare: Kiwifruit seed oil is exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant duo that helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. The oil also contains natural enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover to reveal a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. Its high antioxidant content provides a crucial defence against environmental free radicals that cause premature ageing.
Key Benefits:
- Brightens the complexion and helps fade dark spots.
- Gently exfoliates to improve skin texture and radiance.
- Provides powerful antioxidant protection against signs of ageing.
Ideal for: Dull, pigmented, or mature skin types.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum

4. Harakeke Leaf Extract (Phormium tenax): The Ultimate Natural Hydrator

What is it? Harakeke is the native New Zealand flax plant, easily recognisable by its tall, sword-like leaves. At the base of these leaves is a clear, gel-like substance that is a hydrating powerhouse.
Traditional Use: In Rongoā Māori, Harakeke was a cornerstone of natural medicine, used topically to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations due to its calming and healing properties.
The Science in Skincare: The gel is rich in natural humectants, which draw moisture from the air into the skin. Its hydrating properties are known to be superior to those of aloe vera. Furthermore, it contains high levels of linoleic acid, a vital fatty acid that helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against external irritants.
Key Benefits:
- Provides intense, lasting hydration for a plump, supple feel.
- Soothes irritated, dry, or sun-exposed skin.
- Calms inflammation and helps reduce redness.
Ideal for: Dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Rejuvenating Natural Hand Cream, and our Scenturie Men’s Enhancing Facial Moisturiser.

5. Kawakawa Leaf Extract (Macropiper excelsum): The Natural Soother

What is it? Kawakawa is a distinctive coastal plant with heart-shaped, vibrant green leaves. It is one of the most important plants in Rongoā Māori.
Traditional Use: Kawakawa leaves were used in a vast number of treatments, often applied as a poultice to soothe bruises, wounds, and skin conditions like eczema due to its incredible calming properties.
The Science in Skincare: Kawakawa contains myristicin and diayangambin, compounds that have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. This makes its extract a superior natural ingredient for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and alleviating conditions like eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. Its antioxidant properties also help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Key Benefits:
- A natural anti-inflammatory that helps to soothe and calm irritated skin.
- Provides relief for conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea.
- Helps reduce redness and promotes a more even skin tone.
Ideal for: Sensitive, irritated, and reactive skin types.
Find it in: our award-winning Scenturie Men’s Hydrating Face Cleanser.

6. Pohutukawa Bark Extract (Metrosideros excelsa): The Soothing Astringent

What is it? Known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree for its vibrant red flowers, the Pohutukawa is an iconic coastal tree. The extract from its bark has powerful skin-calming properties.
Traditional Use: Pohutukawa bark was traditionally used in Rongoā Māori as a topical treatment for wounds and burns, prized for its ability to heal and protect.
The Science in Skincare: The bark is rich in ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to neutralize free radicals, calm irritation, and support the skin’s natural regeneration process. It also has mild astringent properties, helping to tone and condition the skin.
Key Benefits:
- Calms and soothes irritated or sensitive skin.
- Provides potent antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
- Helps to tone and condition the skin for a healthy appearance.
Ideal for: All skin types, especially those looking to calm sensitivity.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Natural Creamy Cleanser.

7. Kūmerahou Leaf & Flower Extract (Pomaderris kumeraho): The Gentle Purifier

What is it? Known as “gum-diggers’ soap,” Kūmerahou is a native shrub with brilliant yellow flowers that have natural cleansing properties.
Traditional Use: In Rongoā Māori, Kūmerahou was highly valued for respiratory health. Its most famous use was as a natural soap; when the flowers and leaves are rubbed with water, they create a gentle lather used for cleansing the skin and hair.
The Science in Skincare: Kūmerahou is rich in natural saponins, which are plant-based surfactants. These compounds create a delicate foaming action that cleanses the skin of impurities without stripping it of its natural protective oils, unlike harsh synthetic sulfates. This makes it an incredibly gentle yet effective cleanser that purifies while soothing the skin.
Key Benefits:
- Gently cleanses the skin without disturbing its natural moisture barrier.
- Contains natural saponins that act as a soap-free purifying agent.
- Soothes skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.
Ideal for: All skin types, especially sensitive skin that reacts to harsh cleansers.
Find it in: Our Scenturie Facial Cleansing Oil.

World-Class Natural Allies: Beyond New Zealand’s Borders

While we champion NZ natives, we synergistically blend them with other world-class natural ingredients that are scientifically proven to deliver exceptional results.

8. Bakuchiol (Psoralea corylifolia): The Gentle, Plant-Based Retinol Alternative

What is it? Bakuchiol is a potent antioxidant derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It is clinically proven to offer the same anti-ageing benefits as retinol—visibly reducing wrinkles and improving firmness—but without the associated irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
The Science in Skincare: Bakuchiol works by interacting with the same receptors in the skin that retinol does, stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell turnover. However, it also has a natural calming effect on the skin, making it the perfect choice for those who find traditional retinoids too harsh.
Key Benefits:
- Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improves skin firmness, texture, and elasticity.
- Brightens and refines the complexion without irritation.
Find it in: Our award-winning Scenturie Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum.

9. Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis): The Antioxidant Defender

- What is it? Derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, Green Tea Extract is one of the most well-researched natural ingredients in skincare, celebrated for its potent protective abilities.
- The Science in Skincare: Green Tea Extract’s power comes from its high concentration of polyphenols, especially the catechin EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV rays and pollution, effectively protecting the skin from premature aging. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for calming redness and soothing irritation, while its ability to help regulate sebum (oil) production benefits acne-prone skin.
- Key Benefits:
  - Provides superior antioxidant protection against environmental damage.
  - Soothes skin and visibly reduces inflammation and redness.
  - Helps to control excess oil for a more balanced complexion.
- Find it in: Our multi-award-winning Scenturie Nourishing Natural Day Cream.

Conclusion: Nature’s Wisdom, Bottled for You

From the hydrating power of Harakeke to the anti-inflammatory prowess of Kānuka and the brightening magic of Kiwifruit, New Zealand’s native botanicals offer a treasure trove of benefits for your skin. These ingredients are a testament to the power of nature, shaped by a unique environment to be exceptionally resilient, protective, and restorative.

By honouring the traditional wisdom of Rongoā Māori and combining it with modern scientific validation, we can create skincare that is not only effective but also deeply connected to the earth. When you choose products rich in these native stars, you are choosing to nourish your skin with ingredients that are pure, potent, and proven. Embrace the best of Aotearoa and let the power of nature reveal your most radiant, healthy skin yet.

The Beauty Secrets of NZ Native Ingredients in Skin Care Read More »