Glow & Thrive with Nina

🌙 If you’re looking for one skincare ingredient to help improve fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin quality, a retinoid is one of the best places to start.

Retinoids are considered the gold standard in skincare because they help improve skin texture, encourage cell turnover and support collagen production over time.

I’ve put together this simple guide to explain how retinoids work, how to introduce them safely, and why consistency is key.

💜 My beginner recommendation is The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Start with 2 nights a week and build up slowly as your skin adjusts.

⭐ If you’re able to get prescription-strength tretinoin through a healthcare professional, it’s generally more effective than over-the-counter retinol because it’s already in its active form.

💧 Sensitive skin? Try the Retinoid Sandwich Method:
Moisturiser → Retinoid → Moisturiser

☀️ And don’t forget… SPF every morning is essential!

Do you already use a retinoid? Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments! 👇💛

Good skincare isn’t about finding the quickest fix… it’s about giving the right ingredients enough time to do their job.

Consistency really is the secret. Most active ingredients need several weeks before you start seeing noticeable improvements.

And if you’re investing in skincare but you’re not washing your face morning and night, that’s the first habit I’d focus on. Cleansing removes oil, sweat, SPF, makeup and daily build-up so your skincare has the best chance to work.

I’ve put together this simple guide to give you a realistic idea of what to expect and when. 💛

👇 What’s one skincare habit that made the biggest difference for you?

One of the most common things I hear from clients is:

“I want to start looking after my skin, but I have no idea what products I should be using.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

So many people buy skincare because it’s trending, recommended by a friend, or has gone viral on social media.

But if your skin still looks dull, tired, or you’re not seeing the results you hoped for, it may be time to stop focusing on the brand and start understanding the ingredients.

That’s exactly why I’ve created

The Glow Bible.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be breaking down the skincare ingredients that genuinely make a difference, explaining them in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Together we’ll cover:

✨ Pigmentation & Melasma
✨ Fine Lines & Wrinkles
✨ Dry & Dehydrated Skin
✨ Acne & Breakouts
✨ Redness & Sensitive Skin
✨ Skin Barrier Repair
✨ Healthy Ageing

You’ll learn:

✔️ What each ingredient does
✔️ Who it’s best for
✔️ How to use it
✔️ When to avoid it
✔️ How to build a routine that actually works

My goal isn’t to encourage you to buy more skincare…

It’s to help you understand what your skin needs so you can spend your money wisely and choose products with confidence.

Welcome to The Glow Bible. ✨

Let’s glow with knowledge. 💛

This really resonated with me… although I’d change one part.

If I’m honest, life did harden me for a while. Some experiences made me more guarded, more defensive, and quicker to react.

But as I’ve got older, I’ve realised that peace is worth protecting. I really try not to react to everything anymore. I’m learning to let go of what I can’t control, to choose my battles more carefully, and to become a softer, calmer version of myself.

I’m not there yet… but I’m definitely moving in the right direction. 💜

Did this resonate with anyone else?

THE BENEFITS OF OILY FISH 🐟

Everyone talks about expensive supplements and skincare, but one of the best things you can do for your health might already be sitting in the supermarket.

Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in:

✔️ Supporting heart health
✔️ Helping maintain normal brain function
✔️ Supporting eye health
✔️ Helping to regulate inflammation in the body
✔️ Supporting healthy skin from the inside out

Many people don’t eat enough oily fish, yet it’s one of the simplest ways to increase your omega-3 intake naturally.

Aim for at least one to two portions of oily fish per week if you enjoy it.

What’s your favourite oily fish?

🐟 Salmon
🐟 Mackerel
🐟 Sardines
🐟 Trout
🐟 Something else?

👇 Let me know in the comments.

Complete the sentence:

“I started feeling better when I stopped…”

👇

🥝 Small Fruit, BIG Benefits!

Kiwi may be small, but it’s one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can add to your diet.

✅ Rich in Vitamin C – supports immunity, collagen production and healthy skin.

✅ Supports Digestion – contains natural enzymes and fibre that help keep things moving.

✅ Heart Health – packed with potassium, fibre and antioxidants that may help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

✅ Blood Sugar Friendly – naturally sweet with a relatively low glycaemic impact.

✅ Packed with Antioxidants – helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports healthy ageing.

✅ Supports Eye Health – contains lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients linked to healthy vision.

✅ May Help with Bloating & Constipation – many people find that 1–2 kiwis a day helps improve bowel regularity.

💡 Did you know?

Eating kiwi with the skin on provides even more fibre, antioxidants and nutrients than eating the flesh alone. Just give it a good wash first. Gold kiwis tend to have smoother skin if you’re new to eating them whole!

Sometimes it’s the simplest foods that have the biggest impact on our health.

Do you eat kiwi with or without the skin? 🥝👇

💚 Glow and Thrive with Nina

Weight loss tip 💪

Natural Appetite Suppressant Drink 💜

I recently came across some interesting research on saffron and how it may support mood, emotional eating, and appetite awareness when paired with healthy lifestyle habits — so I decided to try this refreshing infused water idea 👇

• 250–500ml mineral water
• 3–5 saffron threads
• 1 green cardamom pod (lightly crushed)
• Leave to infuse for 15–30 mins — or overnight in the fridge

Optional extras:
🍋 Lemon
🌿 Mint
🥒 Cucumber

Why people enjoy it:
✨ Hydrating and refreshing
✨ Contains antioxidant-rich ingredients
✨ Cardamom is traditionally used to support digestion
✨ Naturally caffeine free
✨ Saffron has been studied for its potential role in mood and snacking behaviours

While research on saffron is still developing, some small studies have shown promising results for supporting emotional eating and satiety alongside a balanced diet and healthy habits.

Of course, no drink alone causes weight loss 😅
But mindful routines and nourishing choices can absolutely support overall wellbeing 💜

Glow & Thrive with Nina