the skin&tonic blog
Soft Landing Has Arrived: The Peptide Moisturizer We’re Loving at Skin & Tonic
Discover the Lenox and Sixteenth Soft Landing peptide moisturizer at Skin & Tonic. Learn how this barrier-supporting formula hydrates, calms, and strengthens sensitive skin.
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Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen: Which Is Actually Better for Your Skin?
The weather is warming up, and that can mean only one thing. It’s time to talk Sunscreen! If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between chemical and mineral sunscreen, you’re not alone. And yes, they really are completely different. At skin&tonic, we believe summer skincare should feel simple, effective, and supportive of your long-term glow. So today, we’re breaking down the difference between chemical vs. mineral sunscreen and why we’re proudly team mineral in our treatment rooms. First Things First: Why Is Sunscreen Non-Negotiable? If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: Sunscreen is not optional. Daily sunscreen is the foundation of smart summer skincare. It protects against: Premature aging Hyperpigmentation Collagen breakdown Skin cancer Post-facial sensitivity damage You can have the most advanced serums in your routine, but without sunscreen? They can’t do their job properly. At skin&tonic, we consider sunscreen your skin’s daily insurance policy. What Does SPF Actually Mean? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the type responsible for sunburn). Here’s the simple breakdown: SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays, which is why reapplication is just as important as the SPF number itself. At skin&tonic, we typically recommend using at least SPF 30 every single day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re mostly indoors. UV exposure adds up over time, and daily protection is one of the most powerful steps you can take for long-term skin health. UVA vs UVB: Why Broad-Spectrum Protection Matters Not all UV rays affect your skin the same way. There are two types you need to know about: UVB Rays: The Burning Rays UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and damage in the skin. They’re the primary rays measured by SPF ratings. UVA Rays: The Aging Rays UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for: Premature aging Wrinkles and loss of collagen Hyperpigmentation and dark spots Long-term skin damage Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are present all year long and can even penetrate through clouds and windows. That’s why when choosing sunscreen for your skincare routine, it’s important to look for the words: “Broad Spectrum Protection.” Broad-spectrum SPF means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving your skin the full protection it needs. The Two Types of Sunscreen 1. Chemical Sunscreen Chemical sunscreens include ingredients like: Avobenzone Oxybenzone Octisalate Octinoxate Homosalate How they work:They absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. What to know: Must be applied 15–30 minutes before sun exposure. Can sometimes cause irritation or breakouts (especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin). Some ingredients have raised environmental concerns (like coral reef impact). Many people love chemical sunscreens for their lightweight feel and invisible finish. But in our treatment rooms, we often see reactive skin that doesn’t love them back. 2. Mineral Sunscreen Mineral sunscreens use: Zinc oxide Titanium dioxide How they work:They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the surface. Honestly, we’re firmly team mineral sunscreen at skin&tonic, especially formulas using non-nano zinc oxide. Why? Because zinc doesn’t just protect. It supports skin health. Why We Recommend Mineral Sunscreen at Skin & Tonic After years of treating all types of skin, here’s what we’ve seen: Zinc is calming and anti-inflammatory. It helps reduce redness, supports acne-prone skin, provides true broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and works immediately upon application. Unlike older mineral formulas that felt thick or chalky, modern zinc-based sunscreen blends beautifully into the skin. No ghostly cast. No heavy texture. Just breathable, skin-supportive protection. For summer skincare (when heat, sweat, and sun exposure are higher) mineral sunscreen tends to behave better on sensitive or breakout-prone skin. So… Which Sunscreen Should You Choose? If your skin is resilient and you’ve never had issues with chemical sunscreens, you may do just fine with them. But if you: Break out easily Have sensitive or reactive skin Struggle with rosacea Invest in facials, peels, or your skincare routine Care about reef-conscious formulas A mineral sunscreen is likely your best match. And when it comes to summer skincare, protecting your investment (and your collagen) is the move. Our Final Thoughts At skin&tonic, we don’t just recommend any products, we recommend what we see working every single day in the treatment room. Sunscreen is the most important step in your routine. Mineral sunscreens support your skin while protecting it, encouraging consistency in your sunscreen routine. And consistency will always beat intensity. If you’re unsure which sunscreen is right for your skin, ask your esthetician at your next appointment or reach out to us anytime. We’re always happy to talk about summer skincare and help you build a routine that truly works. Join us on team sunscreen, and protect your glow year round.
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Meet The Preservationist: Why We Finally Brought Vitamin C Back to Skin & Tonic
There’s a reason we haven’t stocked a Vitamin C serum in a while. Not because we don’t believe in it, but because we’re selective. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare, and also one of the most poorly formulated. It oxidizes easily. It can be irritating. It’s often unstable. And that is not the quality we feel comfortable sharing with our clients. So when we say we’re excited about Lenox and Sixteenth’s The Preservationist Vitamin C Cream Serum, we mean it. This isn’t a trend based add-on. It’s a strategic addition to the Skin & Tonic lineup. And the timing couldn’t be better. Why Vitamin C Matters (Especially Right Now) As we move toward warmer weather in Raleigh, sun exposure increases even before summer officially begins. Longer days. More time outside. Higher UV index. This is where Vitamin C shines. A well-formulated Vitamin C serum helps: Brighten dull skin Support collagen production Even out pigmentation Defend against environmental stress Protects the skin from free radicals Vitamin C and sunscreen work in alignment. One protects. The other neutralizes oxidative stress from UV exposure. Together? They’re a powerhouse. What Makes The Preservationist Different Not all Vitamin C is created equal. The Preservationist is formulated as a cream serum, which immediately tells you something important: it’s designed for stability and skin compatibility. Instead of feeling watery, sticky, or overly acidic, this formula: Delivers antioxidant support in a more nourishing base Supports the barrier while brightening Reduces the risk of irritation often associated with traditional L-ascorbic acid formulas Add to that two forms of potent Vitamin C: Nianacide to refine pores and even skin-tone. Ceramides squalane and exosomes to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s barrier. The result? Even, glowing skin without the sting. At skin&tonic, we prioritize products that work with the skin, not against it. And this formula aligns beautifully with that philosophy. It feels elegant. It layers well. And it doesn’t compromise your barrier to give you brightness. Who It’s For The preservationist is ideal for: Anyone noticing dullness after winter Clients working on pigmentation Those wanting preventative collagen support People who want glow without inflammation And if you’re already getting facials, this complements your in-studio treatments perfectly. Professional treatments stimulate change. Vitamin C supports and protects that change daily. Why We Chose Lenox and Sixteenth If you’re new to Lenox and Sixteenth, here’s what you should know: They’re intentional, ingredient-focused, barrier-conscious, esthetician owned, and absolutely brilliant. The brand doesn’t rely on flashy marketing. It relies on thoughtful formulation and that aligns completely with how we operate at skin&tonic Raleigh. We don’t bring products in because they’re trending. We bring them in because they make sense. The Preservationist is our first Vitamin C serum in recent years because it meets our standards for stability, efficacy, barrier support, and wearability. And honestly? It fits seamlessly into a results-driven routine. The Spring-to-Summer Strategy This time of year, we focus on: Strengthening skin before heavy sun exposure Supporting pigment control early Pairing antioxidants with high-quality SPF Building glow gradually, not aggressively Vitamin C is a foundational step in that strategy. If you’ve been waiting for us to carry a Vitamin C again, this is the one we feel confident standing behind. Adding Vitamin C shouldn’t feel like chasing a trend. It should feel like reinforcing your skin. If you’re curious whether it fits into your current routine, bring it up at your next appointment. We’ll guide you on how to layer it correctly and ensure it complements your treatments. Unlock radiant, vibrant skin with The Preservationist Vitamin C Cream Serum.
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Lenox and Sixteenth Joins Skin & Tonic Lineup
Okay, grab your coffee (or matcha), because we are very excited to finally share some news we have been working on. If you’ve been around Skin & Tonic for any amount of time, you know we don’t add new products lightly. We test. We layer. We overthink. We test again. So when something actually earns a spot on our shelves, it’s because it checks a lot of boxes for us, and for you. So, no more stalling. We are so excited to say: Welcome to Skin & Tonic, Lenox and Sixteenth! We are officially welcoming Lenox and Sixteenth into the Skin & Tonic family. And honestly, this one feels really special. For a while now we have been wanting to strengthen our product range to offer more support to clients who want help with hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea and sensitized skin. Lenox and Sixteenth products are effective without being aggressive, powerful without being irritating, and easy to layer into existing routines. That balance is hard to get right but we think we have nailed it. In short? It’s giving effortless but effective skincare, and we’re obsessed. Why We’re Adding Lenox and Sixteenth This decision came from listening to you. We’ve been intentionally testing Lenox and Sixteenth alongside our Biologique Recherche routines to understand how they integrate and complement one another. This gives us a way to give you all something fresh and exciting, because trying new skincare always feels like it's your birthday! Our glow-getters needed something new. Some of you love to switch it up. You’re loyal, but curious. You want options, and you want to experiment without going rogue and buying random things online at 11 p.m.. You don't need to completely reinvent your routine. These products layer beautifully and are streamlined, intuitive, and designed to work with your skin. Created by an esthetician. This is a brand with thoughtfully formulated, multitasking products that work, without making your routine feel overwhelming. How pretty are these products? The packaging is chic, and the formulas deliver results without unnecessary fluff. They look amazing on our shelves. The formulations genuinely impressed us. We don’t say this lightly. Lori and I were both wow’d. The Important Stuff: Lets Talk Products. We’re starting with three core products all available in regular and travel sizes, because consistency shouldn’t disappear when you leave town. Laser Serum (The Mutitasker) If you’re someone who wants results without the drama, this one is about to become your ride-or-die. With an incredible triple acid concentrate, The Laser Serum gently resurfaces to reveal brighter, clearer skin. What it does:Laser Serum is designed to support skin clarity, tone, and texture. It targets concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, and uneven skin while keeping inflammation in check. How it works:This serum is all about intelligent exfoliation and cellular support, achieved through its blend of glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids. It helps encourage skin renewal without stripping or sensitizing. Think smoother texture, brighter tone, and a more refined overall look, without that tight, over-processed feeling. Who it’s for:The Laser Serum is for anyone dealing with breakouts or post-acne marks, uneven pigmentation, and those who want visibly clearer skin but can’t tolerate harsh active ingredients. The Preservationist (Vitamin C Serum/Cream) We get asked about Vitamin C constantly, and for good reason. But finding one that’s effective, stable, and tolerable? That’s the tricky part. What it does:The Preservationist brightens, protects, and supports your skin while helping improve tone and overall radiance. It’s your daily defense against environmental stressors and dullness. How it works:This formula combines Vitamin C in a way that’s both potent and gentle, meaning you get the glow without the irritation. It’s more of a serum-cream hybrid, which helps with absorption and makes it easy to layer under moisturizer or sunscreen. Who it’s for:If you have been wanting to try a Vitamin C product, this is your time! The Preservationist is perfect for improving hyperpigmentation, dullness, protecting against environmental stressors and is also a powerful antioxidant support that leaves your skin soft and glowy. If you’ve been Vitamin C-curious but hesitant because of past reactions, come in and talk to us. This could be the Vitamin C serum for you! Soft Landing (Moisturizer) This weightless, cushiony moisturiser is a multi-peptide hydration powerhouse that doesn't leave skin feeling oily. What it does:Soft Landing moisturizer reduces the appearance of fine lines, hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier and calms signs of inflammation. All without feeling heavy or greasy. How it works:Soft Landing focuses on barrier repair and balanced hydration, helping the skin retain moisture while reducing redness and irritation. It’s lightweight but nourishing, which makes it incredibly versatile. Who it’s for:This one is perfect for virtually all skin types and is an especially great choice for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin that still needs age control and even rosacea. Those with normal to dry skin will love it too. Why We’re Really Excited About This Line Beyond the products themselves, Lenox and Sixteenth aligns with how we approach skincare at Skin & Tonic. It’s esthetician-founded The routines are approachable The results are real The packaging is beautiful This line makes it easier for you to stay consistent, whether you’re a minimalist, a frequent traveler, or someone who loves to keep things fresh without compromising your skin. Want to get your hands on it? Lenox and Sixteenth has officially hit our shelves and is available both in our studio and our online store. As always, we’re here to guide you. If you’re curious, pop in, we’ll talk it through. If it’s not right for your skin, we’ll tell you that too. We cannot wait for you to experience this line the way we have and we’re so excited to see how it supports your skin goals this year. Stay glowing,Robin & Lori
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