Skincare has taken the beauty world by storm in the last few years. Due to overwhelming interest, many skincare brands have been producing new products monthly to entice new consumers. However, skincare is a delicate process, not a one-size-fits-all. How do you know what works for you? st
Here are the answers to the most common skincare questions.
How often should you exfoliate?
Exfoliation is an essential step in every well-rounded skincare routine. Removing that top layer of dead skin will make your face feel softer, allow products to penetrate more deeply, and make makeup go on more smoothly. That being said, there can be too much of a good thing.
Exfoliating too much or with the wrong product can create micro-tears in the skin and damage the new skin that is being grown. Be gentle when you exfoliate and keep it to once or twice per week.
Why does acne appear?
Acne is the term for the bumps that grow on the skin when your pores are blocked by oil, dead skin, and bacteria. Acne can also occur anywhere on the body. However, it mainly appears on the face, back, and chest.
Acne may pop up for a few reasons. You may need to adjust the type of products you’re using, and check the ingredients to make sure they are compatible with your skin. You may not be washing your face properly, for example, not fully getting rid of oil and dirt from your face which can clog your pores. Maybe you haven’t washed your bedding in a while and you’ve seen some acne crop up. Try giving it a wash! Have you been feeling stressed or had a spike in your hormones (like when teens go through puberty)? This can also cause acne. If it feels like you’ve tried everything, it may be a good time to visit a dermatologist.
Do you need sunscreen?
The thing that will age you the fastest and damage your skin the most is exposure to the sun. The sun is powerful, and while it feels incredible on the skin, it is causing damage. UV rays from the sun penetrate your skin, causing stem cells to die and deep wrinkles to form. On top of that, extended exposure can cause skin cancer. Though you can’t stay indoors for your entire life, you can limit the amount of damage by applying sunscreen whenever you leave the house. Apply frequently before sun exposure to create a barrier between your skin and the sun.
What are the key products needed for a skincare routine?
We’ve seen countless mentions about the ultimate skincare routine, otherwise known as the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine. When it comes to your personal routine, you have to find a system that works for you. However, there are a few items that you should have in your skincare arsenal.
First is a good, clean cleanser. Be sure to check the ingredients to make sure there’s nothing that will interfere with other products or damage your skin. Choose a cleanser that is tailored to your skin type, whether that be a dry, oily, normal, or combination.
Second, choose an exfoliator. As we’ve explained above, exfoliating is key to clearing out dead skin cells and allowing fresh, youthful cells to come to the surface. This is a great starting point if you’re experiencing dull skin.
Our third pick may be a little unexpected but choose a gentle eye cream or serum. So often the skin about your eyes gets neglected in favor of the larger, more noticeable sections of your face like the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Unfortunately, the skin around your eyes is one of the first places that ages. Keep it hydrated for beautiful, glowing, youthful skin.
Last but not least, a natural moisturizer. Be aware of the ingredients and thickness. If you have drier skin, it may be more beneficial to purchase a thicker cream. For those with sensitive skin, avoid fragrance and artificial ingredients.
What is toner?
In the countless lists of skincare products “you need”, you might have noticed that toner is the newest thing to be advised. While it’s been around for many years, it hasn’t been advertised as heavily as it is today. You might have seen one of these lists and thought to yourself, “What is toner, exactly?”
Toner is a liquid with the viscosity of water that contains acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. It absorbs into the skin quickly, removing dead skin cells from the surface and adding hydration. You can use this both in the morning and at night, right after cleansing.
How do I figure out my skin type?
Finding your skin type is essential to get the best results from your routine. Here are the three primary skin types.
Dry
Dry skin is characterized by rough or flaky patches, itching, and a dull appearance. Your skin may be less elastic, causing a tight feeling in the morning, and can be caused by many factors, such as aging, weather, or harsh chemicals in your skincare products.
Oily
Oily skin is another common skin condition. You may be oily if your skin consistently has a shiny appearance, is slick to the touch, has enlarged pores, and is more prone to blackheads and acne. The cause of oily skin is typically due to an excess of sebum (your skin’s natural lubricant), though it can also be hormone imbalances, humidity, and stress.
Combination
Combination skin is very frustrating for those who have it. Combination skin is a mix between oily and dry, often being oily in the t-zone and dry on the cheeks. Other characteristics include enlarged pores and flaky skin in drier zones. The causes may be a mix of any that cause oily and dry skin.
Why is my skin oily?
Similar to acne, which we covered previously, there are many explanations for why your skin may be oily. First, let's get a better understanding of where the oil is coming from. The human body has sebaceous glands that produce oil. The purpose of this oil is to keep your skin lubricated and hydrated. Sometimes, these glands begin overproducing sebum (oil), causing the skin to appear shiny and breakouts more likely to occur.
Oily skin can occur due to genetics, age, your environment, too much or the wrong kind of skin care, or even skipping your moisturizer. The better you take care of your skin, the more likely you are to avoid excess oil.
Which is better? Chemical or physical exfoliates?
Choosing a proper exfoliant can feel a little daunting. After all, do you choose a chemical or physical exfoliate? Which brand is the best? How do you use it? Answering that first question is probably the most important. Unfortunately, it’s a matter of personal preference. There’s no right or wrong to choosing the perfect exfoliant, however, be sure to read both the ingredients and the instructions as you can damage your skin from misuse of exfoliants.
Physical
A physical exfoliant is the most common. Physical exfoliants are typically a gel, cream, or other liquid that has granules or beads suspended inside. It’s important to rub physical exfoliants onto your skin gently. They are naturally going to remove dirt and dead skin, so you shouldn’t need to scrub. Scrubbing can cause microtears in the skin which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Remember, the exfoliant should be doing the work!
Chemical
A chemical exfoliant is a great alternative to harsh scrubs. These exfoliants work through the use of enzymes or acids. These compounds chemically dissolve or loosen dirt and dead skin cells from the surface, allowing you to wipe them away easily. Unfortunately, there are no set instructions for a chemical exfoliant. The reason being that instructions will differ depending on the type and strength of the chemical used. As with any product, perform a patch test to see how your skin reacts. Chemical exfoliants can be incredibly damaging if used incorrectly, so always check the bottle before use.
How do I reduce the size and redness of a pimple?
So you’ve started breaking out right before an important event. What can you do to reduce that pimple? Well before you start trying to clear your face, start by prepping for prevention. Switch or wash your sheets and pillowcases to prevent your skin from sitting in dead skin, dirt, and bacteria.
If you’re in a pinch, wrap an ice cube or ice pack in a towel and hold to the pimple for a few minutes, taking 15-second breaks in between each hold. You can also use a warm compress to bring the blood to the surface, dabbing a little bit of salicylic acid on top to break down the oil and dead skin that is clogging the pore.
If you have a little more time to spare, cleanse your face and apply a hydrocolloid bandage. Also called a “pimple patch,” these reduce the appearance of pimples by drawing out oil and pus for a quicker heal time.
Whatever you do, don’t pick or pop the pimple. This can lead to scarring and discoloration that can take a while to heal. If you’re really struggling with acne, visit a dermatologist for more help.
Don’t forget…
Moisturizing is the key to locking in the benefits of your skincare routine. To protect your skin from damage, we recommend Aloe Infusion Face and Body Cream. The Face and Body Cream is a natural moisturizer packed with powerful, yet gentle ingredients. The soothing and healing benefits of aloe in conjunction with the moisture power of shea butter leaves your skin feeling supple and renewed. Do away with fake products and choose a natural, fragrance-free lotion that really works. And, it’s never tested on animals!
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