Skin Care Knowledge Base (FAQs)

Seasonal changes affect your skin — but the core skincare steps remain the same:

Exfoliate • Hydrate • Protect

1. Exfoliate — All Year for Clarity & Absorption

Dry winter air and summer oiliness can both lead to buildup of dead skin cells. Without exfoliation, your skin may appear dull, and even the best serums can’t absorb as well.

Why it matters:

• Preps skin to absorb active ingredients.
• Smooths dry patches and keeps pores looking clear.
• Keeps skin smooth and glowing.

Shunri recommends:

• AHA + Deep Gel Cleanser – to gently smooth skin and deep-clean pores.
• AHA + Rapid Exfoliator – to lift dead cells and boost hydration.
  Always follow with a pH-balancing toner to bring skin back into balance.

Pro tip: AHAs (like glycolic and lactic acids) are a gentler everyday choice than gritty scrubs. They smooth the surface without scratching it.

2. Hydrate – It’s About Water, Not Oil

Both dry and oily skin can suffer from dehydration (lack of water). In summer, sweat and sun exposure dehydrate the skin. In winter, heaters and low humidity strip away moisture.

Why it matters:

• Supports elasticity and skin function.
• Helps prevent flaking, tightness, and oil imbalance.
• Prepares skin to better absorb treatments.

Step 1: Add Antioxidants First

• Apply B, C, E + Ferulic Treatment (all skin types)
• Or CE + Asiatic Treatment (oily or blemish-prone skin)

These antioxidant serums help defend skin against environmental stressors, brighten, and soften the look of aging.

Step 2: Layer Hydration Based on Skin Type

Normal to dry skin:

• Use SE + Apple Skin Stem Cells as your base hydrating serum.
• Layer with Botanical-C + Peptides Gel Lotion as needed.

Oily or blemish-prone skin:

• Start with B3, B5 + Peptides Hydra Gel.
• Layer with Botanical-C + Peptides Gel Lotion if more hydration is needed.

Tip: Well-hydrated skin looks more balanced, feels more comfortable, and absorbs treatments better.

3. Protect — From UV, Year-Round

Many people think sunscreen is only needed in summer, but UVA rays — the ones that age skin — are present 365 days a year, even indoors or on cloudy days.

Why year-round SPF matters:

• UVA rays contribute to visible aging: wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dark spots.
• UVB rays cause sunburn and are strongest in summer, but they also reflect off snow and water.
• Both contribute to premature skin aging.

Shunri recommends:

• Use a Shunly mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide protection.
• Wear it daily, rain or shine.
• Reapply at least every 2 hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.

Tip: Consistency beats intensity. The same simple routine, lightly adjusted for the season, keeps skin looking its best all year.

Yes — toner plays a vital role in a healthy skincare routine.

Toners are often misunderstood or considered optional, but a well-formulated toner is essential for maintaining your skin’s balance and enhancing the effectiveness of your routine.

After cleansing, your skin’s pH can shift toward alkaline, leaving it off-balance. This can lead to:

• Reduced product absorption
• Dryness or buildup
• A tight or sensitive feel

The right toner brings skin back to its natural, slightly acidic balance and preps it to absorb what comes next — like a sponge that’s perfectly primed to soak in hydration.

Why not all toners are equal:

Heavily astringent toners can leave skin feeling tight and stripped.

Instead, choose a toner that:

• Leaves skin feeling calm and refreshed
• Balances pH
• Preps skin to absorb your serums

Shunly pH-Balancing Toner, powered by FUSION FORMULA®

Shunly’s FUSION FORMULA® pH-balanced toner brings skin back into balance after cleansing, so every next step absorbs better. Our CoQ10 + A-Oxy Toner is packed with antioxidants and energizing CoQ10 to prep skin for hydration and a visibly refreshed glow.

The delicate skin around the eyes needs special care

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face. It’s more prone to dryness, fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue. Regular facial products may be too heavy or not targeted enough for this area.

That’s why Shunly offers targeted formulas for the eye area, each designed for a different concern.

1. L-AA + Instant Eye Gel: Brightening + Antioxidant Protection

• Powered by L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Glutathione, and Alpha-Arbutin, this gel targets the look of dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of aging.
• Helps the delicate eye area look brighter and firmer while hydrating with Aloe Vera, Bioflavonoids, and Hyaluronic Acid.

Best for: Tired-looking eyes, dullness, and the look of dark circles.

2. Luminous Face Lift 01 Serum: Firming + Instant Lift Effect

• Infused with Algae Extract, Wheat Protein, and Kaolin, this serum delivers an instant tightening feel and a visibly lifted look.
• Minerals and hydrators help skin look smoother and more toned.

Best for: A lifted look around the eyes and softer-looking fine lines.

3. Luminous Face Lift 02 Lotion: Hydration + Peptide Care

• Contains Ginseng, Chamomile, and a blend of powerful peptides like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 to hydrate and leave skin looking plumper and smoother.
• Lightweight and soothing, it helps ease dryness and the look of fatigue around the eyes.

Best for: Hydration, a plumper look, and visible signs of aging.

Every Shunly eye-area formula follows our 3 SkinCareActs™ philosophy: Prevention, Protection, and Correction in every bottle.

Your skin thrives on consistency — with mindful adjustments.

The skin is highly responsive to internal and external changes — including diet, hormones, stress, weather, and environmental conditions. Sudden or frequent changes to your skincare routine can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it feeling irritated or out of balance.

Should you ever change your skincare?

Yes — but thoughtfully. It’s best to maintain a core skincare routine year-round that supports your skin’s baseline health and keeps it balanced. This core routine should include products that:

• You know are compatible with your skin.
• Keep your skin feeling comfortable.
• Address your general skin type and concerns.

Once this stable foundation is in place, you can introduce one new product at a time — such as a seasonal booster, eye serum, or treatment — depending on your skin’s changing needs (e.g. dehydration in winter, more oil in summer).

Pro Tip: Give each new product at least 2–4 weeks before assessing its effectiveness. Introducing too many products at once can make it difficult to determine what’s helping or what might be causing a reaction.

Shunri recommends: Build a reliable 3 SkinCareActs™ routine as your foundation, and adjust only when needed. Shunly formulas are designed to work together, so your routine can evolve without starting over.

Yes — daily sun protection is essential, even indoors.

UVA rays are present year-round, regardless of season or weather. Unlike UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays pass through windows and glass, reaching your skin while you drive, sit by a window, or walk short distances outside — to the car, for coffee, or to pick up lunch. These rays contribute to premature aging, loss of firmness, and dark spots.

Daily SPF = Daily Skin Defense

Even if you’re indoors most of the day, your skin still sees daylight through windows. Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to help prevent sunburn and early signs of skin aging caused by the sun.

Shunri recommends:

A daily Shunly mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide protection with a lightweight feel, never heavy or greasy. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and redness-prone skin.

No. Shunly products are paraben-free, by choice.

We formulate with purposeful, well-researched ingredients chosen for both performance and skin comfort. That includes leaving out parabens, a common cosmetic preservative many people prefer to avoid.

Instead, we use modern preservative systems that keep every formula fresh and stable.

What does this mean for your skin?

• No parabens.
• Formulas kept fresh and stable.
• Designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Our goal: visible results through purposeful, intelligent skincare, grounded in our 3 SkinCareActs™ philosophy.

No. Shunly is cruelty-free.

We do not test our products on animals, and we do not ask others to test on our behalf. We believe skincare should never come at the expense of animal welfare.

What Shunly Stands For

Shunly was founded by licensed esthetician Shunri MacQuarrie and is trusted by skin professionals and everyday customers alike. Every formula follows these principles:

• Made in the USA
  All products are made and packaged in the United States.
• Cruelty-Free
  No animal testing on our products, ever.
• Vegan
  No animal-derived ingredients in our formulas.
• Paraben-Free
  We use modern, paraben-free preservation systems.
• Mineral Oil-Free
  We formulate without mineral oil, so skin feels light, never heavy.
• Synthetic Fragrance-Free
  We believe in letting our high-performance active ingredients shine — not masking them with artificial scent.
• Gluten-Friendly
  Most Shunly formulas are made without gluten-derived ingredients. If you have a known sensitivity, check each product’s ingredient list or contact us.
• Environmentally Conscious
  We believe beauty should never come at the expense of the planet. That’s why we:

• Skip unnecessary boxes, wraps, and inserts.
• Use recyclable glass bottles.
• Keep formulas simple and purposeful, with nothing extra.

Effective, responsible, and honest skincare, inside and out. Learn more about our commitment to sustainable beauty.

Hydration comes from water, not oil.

Most skin that feels dry is actually dehydrated: short on water, not oil. Heavy creams can sit on the surface and leave skin feeling coated while it still lacks hydration underneath.

Shunly’s approach is Hydration Without Moisturizer:

• Rebalance: a pH-balancing toner preps skin to absorb.
• Hydrate: lightweight serums with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins deliver water-binding hydration.
• Layer as needed: add SE + Apple Skin Stem Cells or Botanical-C + Peptides Gel Lotion when skin wants more comfort.

The result: skin that feels hydrated, soft, and balanced, never greasy.

Shunri recommends: Give it 2–4 weeks before deciding. Most clients are surprised how comfortable their skin feels.

Daily SPF is not optional — it’s your skin’s best defense.

Your face, neck, and eye area are the most exposed parts of your skin — and the most vulnerable to sun damage that leads to:

• Premature aging (fine lines, sagging, discoloration)
• Uneven tone and texture
• Loss of firmness over time

Even if you don’t “tan,” daily UV exposure still causes invisible photodamage — especially UVA rays that penetrate windows and clouds.

Why Shunly FUSION FORMULA® SPF is different:

Our mineral SPF formulas pair broad-spectrum zinc oxide protection with skin-caring ingredients — our FUSION FORMULA® approach. Your skin gets protection plus:

• Antioxidants to help defend against environmental stressors
• Hydrators for a comfortable, moisturized feel
• Calming ingredients suited to sensitive, redness-prone, or post-facial skin

Gentle enough for:

• Daily wear on all skin types
• Application around the delicate eye area
• Use after professional facials and treatments

The result:

Your skin stays protected, calm, and radiant — without a greasy or chalky feel.

For best results, use a two-step cleansing method — even if you don’t wear makeup.

Throughout the day, your skin accumulates:

• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Environmental pollutants
• Sweat and oil

A single cleanse mainly lifts the surface layer. A second cleanse deep-cleans pores and leaves skin looking clear and fresh.

Step-by-Step Cleansing Guide:

Remove surface impurities (makeup, sunscreen, buildup)

Use 3-in-1 Makeup Remover in one of two ways:

Without water:

• Make sure your hands and face are dry
• Apply a small amount and massage gently to dissolve makeup and residue
• Wipe away with a soft cotton pad or tissue

With water:

• Apply the remover to dry skin, massage, then emulsify with a small amount of water
• Rinse thoroughly

This flexible formula is ideal for travel, sensitive skin, and professional use.

Step 1. First cleanse: Remove surface buildup.

• Wash your hands: Start with clean hands so you don’t transfer oil or dirt to your face.
• Dispense a moderate amount of the Shunly cleanser that suits your skin type (all, dry, or oily/blemish-prone).
• Lather with a small amount of water
• Massage gently
• Rinse with lukewarm water

Step 2. Second cleanse: Purify the skin.

• Dispense a moderate amount of cleanser, lather with a small amount of water, and massage over the skin in circular motions.
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 3. Restore balance: Follow with the Shunly pH-balancing toner.

Pro Tip:  Wash your hair before cleansing your face, so shampoo and conditioner residue don’t stay on your skin.

Toners are not just a refresh — they are an essential step in every routine.

Healthy-looking skin depends on the right pH balance. Cleansing, tap water, and the environment can throw it off, leaving skin feeling dry or tight and less ready to absorb treatments.

That’s why the Shunly pH-balancing toner is formulated to rebalance skin after cleansing and prep it to absorb serums and antioxidants.

How to Use:

• Spray directly onto the skin: Mist over the face, neck, and décolleté. Avoid using cotton pads, as they absorb product and prevent your skin from receiving the full benefit.
• Tap to activate absorption: Use clean fingertips to gently press or tap the toner into the skin until fully absorbed. Tapping helps the toner absorb fully.
• Follow with your treatment serum

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Shunly toner hydrates and rebalances, helping every step that follows perform at its best.

Pro Tip: During colder months or when skin feels dry, double-mist your toner. After the first layer is absorbed, spray again for an extra boost of hydration before applying your serums.

Retinol should always be used at night — never during the day.

Vitamin A (the retinoid family, including retinol) is one of the most well-researched skincare ingredients for smoother-looking skin, softer-looking fine lines, and refined texture. Because it can make skin more sensitive to the sun, use it only at night, even if you wear SPF.

Using retinol in the morning may lead to:

• Increased sun sensitivity.
• Irritation or uneven-looking tone
• Reduced effectiveness of the ingredient

When and how to use it

Use Only In Evening:

1. Cleanse your face
2. Mist on your Shunly pH-balancing toner to rebalance
3. Apply the Shunly vitamin A treatment for your skin type:

Vita A, E + Ceramides Treatment: Ideal for normal to dry skin. Hydrates while refining texture and softening visible signs of aging.

Vita A + C Treatment: Ideal for normal to oily or blemish-prone skin. Pairs vitamin A with vitamin C to brighten and refine the look of pores.

4. Finish with a hydrating serum if needed. Avoid layering with other exfoliants (AHA, BHA, or strong brighteners) on the same night unless recommended by a professional.

Morning care is just as important:

Even if retinol is only used at night, it is essential to:

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
• Apply antioxidant serums to help protect your skin and maintain the results.

Important Notes:

• Start by using 2–3 nights per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you may increase to every other night, and eventually nightly use as recommended.
• Mild dryness, flaking, or a few temporary breakouts may happen while your skin adjusts. This usually settles within a few weeks; if irritation continues, stop use and check with your esthetician or dermatologist. Avoid exfoliants on the same night.
• Avoid applying retinol to the eyelids, lips, or corners of the nose where the skin is thinner. If skin feels sensitive, apply SE + Apple Skin Stem Cells before or after your vitamin A treatment.

Avoid retinol use if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Your skin is sunburned, irritated, or broken.
• You are undergoing certain clinical treatments (consult your esthetician or dermatologist).

Serums are concentrated formulas that deliver active ingredients where your skin needs them.

Unlike heavy moisturizers that mostly sit on the surface, serums are lightweight and concentrated, with antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, and exfoliating ingredients that target specific concerns like:

• Visible sun damage
• Uneven tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dryness or congestion
• Loss of firmness and radiance

Morning: Start with antioxidant protection

Think of your morning serum like a daily multivitamin for your skin. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and ferulic acid help defend skin against environmental stressors for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Always pair them with SPF.

• Apply B, C, E + Ferulic Treatment (for all skin types)
• Or CE + Asiatic Treatment (for oily, blemish-prone, or sensitive skin)

If your skin feels balanced and hydrated, you may follow your serum directly with Shunly SPF. No extra serum is needed in the morning.

Evening: Rotate your serums, the way a professional would

Each Shunly serum has a specific purpose. Instead of using the same one every night, Shunri recommends a weekly rotation that covers every need, just as estheticians target different concerns on different days in the treatment room.

Weekly Serum Rotation Plan (Example):

Day: Focus - Recommended Serum

Mon: Exfoliate – AHA + Rapid Exfoliator (smooth + renew)

Tue: Hydrate + Firm – B3, B5 + Peptides Hydra Gel (hydrate + firmer look)

Wed: Brighten – KA + Bio Lightening Treatment (tone + clarity)

Thu: Revitalize – SE + Apple Skin Stem Cells (hydrate + revitalize)

Fri: Vitamin A – Vita A + C Treatment or Vita A, E + Ceramides Treatment (smooth + refine)

Sat: Exfoliate – repeat Monday

Sun: Hydrate + Firm – repeat Tuesday, and so on.

Why this rotation works:

• Each serum targets different skin functions (exfoliation, hydration, brightening, firming, revitalizing).
• Rotating serums gives skin a full range of benefits without overdoing any one active.
• Over time, skin looks smoother, more radiant, and more resilient. See the full routine in Hydration Without Moisturizer.

Thin to thick, and always finish with SPF in the morning.

Morning

1. Cleanse
2. Mist pH-balancing toner, then tap it in
3. Antioxidant serum: B,C,E + Ferulic Treatment or CE + Asiatic Treatment
4. Eye gel: L-AA + Instant Eye Gel
5. Hydrating serum, if needed
6. Shunly mineral SPF

Evening

1. Remove makeup and SPF with 3-in-1 Makeup Remover, then cleanse
2. Mist pH-balancing toner
3. Tonight’s treatment serum from your weekly rotation
4. Eye gel
5. Hydrating serum, if needed

Pro Tip: Let each layer absorb for 30–60 seconds before applying the next.

It depends on your skin, and on what it’s been carrying.

Every skin is different. If you’ve used heavy creams or moisturizers for years, a layer of buildup can sit on the skin’s surface. Your skin may need a few extra weeks to adjust as that buildup clears.

Once it does, your serums reach clean, receptive skin with nothing heavy in the way, so the ingredients can focus on your skin concern, and many clients notice results come faster from there.

What to expect:

• Right away: skin feels hydrated, smooth, and refreshed.
• The first few weeks: an adjustment period as skin finds its natural balance, often longer if you’re coming off heavy creams.
• With consistent use: a brighter, more even-looking glow and smoother-looking texture.

Shunri recommends: Take a photo in natural light on day one, then compare at week 4 and week 8. Consistency matters more than adding more products.

Fresh formulas work best.

• Keep products away from heat, direct sun, and steamy bathrooms.
• Close bottles tightly after each use.
• Vitamin C formulas (B,C,E + Ferulic Treatment, CE + Asiatic Treatment, and L-AA + Instant Eye Gel): store in the refrigerator (35–40°F) to keep every drop fresh and potent.
• Brief warm temperatures during shipping are normal.
• Use within 12 months of opening.