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This is a list of frequently asked questions about skin care so you can refer back to this list when you have a concern about skin care.
If you are unsure when to do your skin care routine or what skin care products are good for your skin, you should first take the skin care quiz here.
If you have a question about skin care you would like answered, please provide a comment and I will add it to the list and answer the question.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about skincare.
What is a good skin care routine for day time?
A good skin care routine doesn’t require as many products as you may think.
Follow this info graphic for a basic morning and night time routine no matter what your skin type is.
You only need 3 – 4 staple products for a good skin care routine for everyday use.
Following these 4 easy steps for a good skin care routine for the day time:
Step 1: Serum with Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps with aging because it promotes the replenishment of collagen in the skin. It is also a preventative step toward aging because it prevents healthy cells from being damaged.
Step 1 (Optional): Cleanse
How many times a day should you cleanse your skin?
You should be cleansing your skin only 1x a day and some people prefer to do that in the evening when they take off their makeup.
In the morning, you may just want to splash water on your face or if you take a shower in the morning even better.
Especially if you have dry skin, you do not want to wash your face too much as it will strip your skin of natural oils and make it drier.
Use your judgement to see if you absolutely need to cleanse in the morning because if you just cleansed your skin at night, just sleeping will not make your skin dirty enough to justify this step.
Step 2: Moisturizer with SPF
Moisturizer will replenish moisture back into the skin. The best ingredient for plumper and firmer looking skin is a hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture. Bonus points if you can find a moisturizer with SPF!
PRO TIP: Even if you do use a moisturizer with SPF, you still need a sunscreen. The reason you need both is because you’re less likely to put your moisturizer all over your exposed areas of your face i.e. ear lobes, outer corner of eyes etc. than a full sunscreen.
Step 3: Eye cream
Eye cream will prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Eye cream is really a concentration that is finer and easier to use around your under eyes or skin that is more fragile.
Read this post where I talk about the best eye cream products and decide for yourself which one you would choose.
PRO TIP: You can also use an eye cream on your upper lip to prevent wrinkles too.
Step 4: Sunscreen/SPF
If you are asking if you need to wear sunscreen or an SPF everyday, the answer is a big fat YES.
If you do one thing it is wear an SPF daily, even in the winter.
If you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of sun you still DO need to wear an SPF every day.
There is an image of a trucker who on one side of their face of course the window side showed the sun damage versus the other side.
Therefore, before you put on your makeup, treat yourself to a great SPF or Sunscreen that goes on well under makeup.
The best drugstore sunscreen in my opinion is the CeraVe Daily Facial Moisturizing Lotion. This has an SPF of 30 and includes hyaluronic acid so it moisturizes as well as protect.
The other amazing facial sunscreen you can find at the drugstore that is in the mid-price range is the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid Face Sunscreen with SPF 50.
I have been using this sunscreen and find that it goes on very sheer and still provides a healthy glow under my makeup.
The fluid is essentially that – it is not a cream. It goes on very runny and sheer but I love that about this product.
The best luxury face sunscreen is from the Shiseido line.
You can also use Makari Cream to make your skin glow! Benefits include the smoothing appearance of fine lines while boosting skin’s radiance.
What is an example of a good skincare routine for night time?
During the night, this is the time to really cleanse your skin and use treatments such as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA).
If you use a retinoid, you should do so at night as well.
Also be sure to use a thick moisturizer at night so that when you sleep you are actually helping your skin.
Here is a sample skincare routine for night:
Step 1: Remove makeup with a Cleansing Balm or Melter
If you don’t know what a makeup cleansing balm is, it is a solid substance that helps break down your makeup for removal.
Often called a “cleansing balm”, one of the best products on the market is the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm.
This formula is applied on dry skin and you massage into the skin, even your eyes, that melts makeup and sunscreen to remove all of the products on top of your skin.
Since it is oil based, you are just removing the makeup but you are not cleansing your skin. See step 2 to understand the next step in the double cleansing process.
Step 2: Double Cleanse with a Gel Cleanser
The easiest way to cleanse the skin without stripping it of natural oils is to use a gel cleanser after a makeup balm.
Since the balm is oily, a gel cleanser is still needed to penetrate pores to remove dirt and oil.
One of the best drugstore Gel Cleansers is the Cetaphil line which is non irritating on the skin and very highly recommended.
If you are looking for a luxury brand, the Dermalogica Special Gel Cleanser is the best one.
TIP: cleansers do not need to be high end or luxury as they pretty much do the same thing so don’t get too caught up in the hype and cost of luxury brands.
Step 3: Do Your Treatments
If you have special serums such as a Beta Hydroxy Acid or an Alpha Hydroxy Acid which help with exfoliating the skin, you should do these now.
These chemical exfoliant treatments should be used about 2 – 3x a week so don’t overdo it or else your skin will become irritated.
Also, if you use a retinol, you’ll do it now (on the off days of your treatments).
TIP: If you are just starting to use retinol, use a low dosage and only 1 time per week until your skin gets used to it.
Step 4: Moisturize with a Night Cream/Moisturizer
A night moisturizer is often thicker and has more nourishing properties than a daytime moisturizer.
Consider that you are not applying makeup over top so use sleep to help your skin regenerate the cells.
One of the best night creams is by Tatcha which can be purchased at Sephora.
What are the best skin care lines?
It is hard to say what is the best skin care line out there without knowing a specific problem area or skin type. Generally, the best skin care lines are the ones found in your dermatologists office.
The best skin care lines that are actually good for your skin are:
- SkinCeuticals
- AlumierMD
- Vivier
- La Roche Posay
- Vichy
All of these skin care lines are recommended by dermatologists but they do have ingredients and peptides that are proven to work.
Are skin care products better cold?
If you are wondering if you should get a skin care fridge or if skin care products are better cold, the answer is: it depends on the product.
Not all products or ingredients need to be refrigerated. Before you go out and buy a skincare fridge ask yourself these questions:
- Do the ingredients require me to keep them in the fridge?
- Will it benefit the product if they are refridgerated?
To give you a short answer, you do NOT need to refrigerate most skincare products!
The only cold skin care products you likely need are eye products that help de-puff.
The cold helps with constricting blood cells so that everything tightens up. There may be some products that you want to refrigerate but you do not need to buy a skincare fridge.
What skin care products do I need?
Most people think that you need a lot of skincare products to create the perfect skincare regimen.
You actually do not need a lot of products to get healthy and clear looking skin.
Of course, you need to analyze your skin type before you invest in a skincare routine.
Generally, for a morning skin care routine you just need a cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer and SPF or sunscreen.
For a night time routine you can use acids or other retinols that help with cell turnover so you get exfoliated, younger looking skin.
Find your skin type below to see which specific products will help your overall skin type.
Best Skin Care Ingredients for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin you likely also have acne-prone skin. This means that your pores produce more oil or sebum and they will become clogged more often.
One of the best ways to combat oily skin is to use a Niacinamide serum.
Niacinamide helps unclog pores with the use of a Vitamin B3 at the same time brightens skin.
You also want to use a lactic acid or retinol 2 times a week to help with cell turnover.
Best Skin Care Ingredients for Dry Skin
It’s not a secret that for dry skin you want to moisturize as much as possible.
For dry skin you’ll want to use three types of moisturizers:
Humectants – Draws in outside moisture from water holds onto the moisture in the skin and releases it over time
Emollients – Takes the moisture from the product and smooth in gaps in the skin. This is perfect for dry or cracked skin because once the cracks are fixed, the skin will hold onto moisture.
Occlusives – Products that form a protective barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
How to Use: Humectants, Emollients and Occlusives
How Do I Use A Humectant?
Hyaluronic and lactic acids are forms of humectant.
There are a lot of hyaluronic serums such as the B-Hydra from Drunk Elephant (click here to read the review).
In order use a humectant you need to pat your face or use a mister with water to get the full extent of the product.
The humectant will help plump up your skin and provide a healthy glow which should last the majority of the day.
At night, you’ll want to use a moisturizer that is rich and thick so that your skin can carry on moisturizing throughout the next day.
Here are the best humectant products on the market:
As mentioned above, the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra is one of my favourite products. I love how this hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin and keeps me hydrated all day long. It also contains vitamin B5 which helps aid in a healthy glow of the skin.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
I just started using this serum at night. The Marine Hyaluronics is one of the thinnest serums but the moisture payoff is LARGE. When I use this serum at night, my skin stays hydrated all day long the next day. I still apply a moisturizer but I’m less worried about my skin drying out.
How Do I use An Emollient?
Emollients should be tapped and not rubbed into the skin. You should also apply them the way your hair grows to prevent folicles from becoming blocked. Do not rub the product in harshly into your skin.
You need to apply emollients very cautiously to allow them to absorb into the skin.
Emollients work well with other humectants and occlusive because they will work to hold onto the moisture provided by these products into the skin.
When your skin is flakey it allows the product to go in and fill the voids and gaps in the skin.
Examples of Emollients: butters, lipids, esters, fatty acids.
Who should use Emollients?
If you have dry skin you should definitely use an emollient. The only caution is if you have very oily skin you may want to avoid an emollient.
Here are some of the best emollients for dry skin:
CeraVe Moisturizer
If you have dry skin with acne, one of the best moisturizing emollients is the moisturizing cream from CeraVe. It’s very affordable and is the perfect moisturizer for dry skin and acne sufferers.
It’s oil free and non comedogenic as well as a humectant so you know that the moisture will stay locked into your skin.
Biossance: Squalane + Omega Repair
If you are into more luxury skincare products then you may want to try the Squalane + Omega Repair from Biossance. The reason why this product is so great is because it combines the fatty acids from the Omegas but it also includes a hyaluronic acid as well. This is an example of how a humectant combined with an emollient can provided ultimate benefits for the skin.
How Do I use an Occlusive?
An occlusive product will lock moisture into the skin by providing a seal from the outside barrier of the skin.
Popular ingredients found in occlusives include: dimethicone, silicone, squalane, mineral oil and petroleum.
If you have really dry skin, you can use something like petroleum jelly like Vaseline directly on your skin as the last step in your skincare routine.
If you have oily or acne prone skin, you may want to stay away from a occlusives because they can plug and bar pores from breathing.
You should use an occlusive directly after bathing or showering to lock the moisture into the skin.
Occlusives are also great for sensitive skin so if you have dry and sensitive skin you will definitely want to use an occlusive.
Bioderma Atoderm Cream
This nourishes the barrier of the skin and helps lock in the moisture which lasts all day.
Bioderma is a drugstore favourite and has been recommended by dermatologists so it is definitely a product I recommend.
What does a retinol do?
A retinol which is made up of Vitamin A will go in the middle of your skin’s dermis and boost collagen production in cells.
Unlike Chemical exfoliants which removed dead skin cells, a retinol will boost cell production causing the skin to plump and become firmer.
Retinol also is used to prevent severe acne and treat sun damage.
This is also why you should always use an SPF if you are going to use a retinol.
The best retinol are prescribed by your dermatologist and have names like Differin and Tretinoin which are derrivitatives of retinol.
There are many questions your doctor will ask you before you start a retinol and keep in mind that these are heavy products and your skin will take some time to get used to them.
Do not use retinol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding as there could be complications but I’ll leave it at that since I am not a doctor.
What is the best amount of skincare products to use?
I always look at the product packaging for a guide on how much to use of each skincare product that I apply.
For example, my eye cream nozzle is really small so I know I only need a small amount of the product.
However, when you have a cleanser and you have a bigger spout, it’s hard to know how much of that product you truly need to get the job done.
I’ve created this infographic on the best amount of skincare products to use. This should serve as a handy guide to figure out how much of each product you need.
Of course, you know your skin best so please use your judgement and every product is different.
Which products will help me get glowing skin?
There are so many types of products that will help you get glowing skin. If you are new to skincare you’ll want to start with something basic.
Also, drinking large amounts of water will help your skin glow. But there are many products that will help you get glowing skin!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes healthy cell turnover and uses the power of Vitamin C to provide brightness and collagen production.
Exfoliate
If you remove dead skin cells, your skin will thank you for it! Skin will appear smoother and reflect light better – this is how to get glowing skin. This is why you should exfoliate your skin about 2 – 3 times a week and introduce a chemical peel about 1x a week (on off days that you are regularly exfoliating).
There is one exfoliator product I recommend using once a day because it is purposefully made for a daily exfoliation: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (You can read the review here)
I have been using the Daily Microfoliant for over a year now and find that it actually polishes my skin before I put on my makeup in the morning. Usually, you would use an exfoliator at night but the Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to use in the morning and shouldn’t cause redness.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants can also be great when used sparingly. An example of a chemical exfoliant are acids or peels.
I recommend using a chemical exfoliant once a week on the off days that you exfoliate.
Glowing Misting Sprays
Sometimes it is as simple as using a glowing misting spray that will help your glow shine through.
One of the best glowing misting sprays is by Glow Recipe which is their Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist.
This promotes hydration and the fine misting particles last for a good chunk of the day. It is one of the most highly recommended by beauty YouTube.
Here is a video review of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist that I love:
Hyaluronic Acid
There are so many products that contain hyaluronic acid these days. As mentioned above, since hyaluronic acid is a humectant, it will take water from the air to give your skin a plumping effect.
When your skin is super plump, the light will hit your face on the firmer areas and therefore give you a healthier glow than if your face wasn’t as hydrated.
Also, I just love a good hyaluronic acid these days because it’s one of the simplest skin care products to use.
Check out my review of the The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronic Acids in this article I wrote about the best skincare routine for oily skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the new skincare product that everyone is raving about. I’m not sure why this is a new craze because it has been in many products for awhile.
As mentioned above, Niacinamide contains a B3 which helps promote cell turnover in the skin and provides nourishment to cells that need it. It also promotes a healthy glow.
One of my favourite skincare products that will help you get glowing skin is again by Glow Recipe but it is the Niacinamide dew drops.
These dew drops give you an insane glow instantly and you don’t need to wet your face or do anything fancy.
Since it’s a serum, you can use it as the first step in your skincare routine or use it as a primer just under foundation for that perfect glow.
What skin care products should I avoid while pregnant and nursing?
When you are pregnant and nursing you should avoid retinoids and retinol. This is because retinol contains Vitamin A which speeds up cell turnover. This can also cause birth defects in babies.
Also, do not take Accutane within 6 months of becoming pregnant because the content of Vitamin A is strong.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult this list of ingredients in skincare that you should stay away from.
You should also avoid Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs) because these acids can also affect unborn babies when you use too much of it.
My take is to stick to a simple, organic skincare routine that is proven safe for your baby.
Who is skincare by Hyram?
Skin Care by Hyram is originally a Youtuber who talks about skincare. He recently became very viral on the TikTok platform and has a huge following.
People love skin care by Hyram because he’s really honest and only deals with skin care products that actually work.
He makes fun of celebrity skincare routines and he’s just overall blunt.
Check out his YouTube channel and the latest review from Skincare by Hyram:
Skincare Ingredient Pair Questions
It’s really important that you pair appropriate combinations of skincare ingredients that have positive effects with each other.
You may be wondering how to pair certain skincare ingredients together for the perfect morning and evening skincare routine.
Follow this info graphic to figure out how to pair certain skincare products together.
For example, if you use a vitamin C you will want to use an SPF. If you use a retinol you will want to use it with a Niacinamide.
Don’t use a Vitamin C and Niacinamide together in the same skincare application but you can use a Vitamin C in the morning and a Niacinamide at night with Retinol.
Also, be careful when you use acids together with retinol. For example, if you are using a chemical exfoliant, make sure you do not use it on the same night as the re
Can I use a Vitamin C with a Retinol?
You should not be using a Vitamin C with a Retinol in the same application. If you choose to use a retinol, you should pair this with a niacinamide instead.
Use Vitamin C products during the day because they actively work to prevent sun damage to the skin. However you must always wear an SPF or Sunscreen in addition to Vitamin C.
When you use retinol, this should usually be at night time before bed and combine your retinol with a niacinamide.
Can I use a Vitamin C together with Peptides?
YES! You should be using a Vitamin C with Peptides to boost collagen production in the skin.
Check out the very best Vitamin C serums that I have found from both drugstore and luxury brands.
Vichy – Lifactiv Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid
The Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum is one of the best on the market. Not only does it contain hyaluronic acid but it is very affordable at $45 Canadian.
I have been using Vichy products and they are great for mature skin.
It’s also a 15% Vitamin C serum which is one of the highest on the market, usually there is only a 10% concentration of Vitamin C.
La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum
The La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum contains 10% Vitamin C which is on the average side.
It also contains salicylic acid for increased cell turnover as well as hyaluronic acid for moisture retention.
You’ll want to use this serum in the morning after you cleanse your skin and apply 3 – 4 drops afterward.
You can also mix this into your moisturizer before you apply it.
It is a bit more expensive than the Vichy Vitamin C Serum which is a higher concentrate but keep in mind the extra additives in the serum.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
I have been using the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum for over 5 years now and I really love it.
It feels refreshing on my face and skin and find that it is noticeably brighter and firmer.
You can read my entire review of the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum here in my Ole Henriksen Truth Serum review.
If you have a skincare question that you don’t see here please feel free to leave it in the comments and I will be sure to answer it at first chance!
Xo,
Beauty Reviews Daily Blog