Skin FAQs
Looking for a quick answer to your skin related questions?
Our team of skincare experts have put together an extensive list of frequently asked skincare questions.
Feel free to chat to a representative if you cannot find the answer you are looking for.
The basics of skincare
While there’s no hard and fast rule on how frequently you need to exfoliate — as it depends on the exfoliant, how powerful it is, and what else you’re using. As a general rule of thumb, we advise one to two times per week.
Yes, you definitely need a separate eye cream. The skin around the eyes is thinner and needs more support than other skin on the face. We recommend looking for one with retinol as well as antioxidants like vitamin C for anti-aging. The eye area tends to be drier that the rest of the skin as there is less oil production in this area, eye creams are made with ingredients that are specifically adapted to the skin around your eyes. Using a product that is too dense may cause puffiness.
If you’re concerned about issues like puffiness, dark circles, or crow’s feet popping up around your eyes, then eye cream can be a smart investment to make. One of the key features of eye cream is that it’s a lot lighter in texture than most other skincare products. This makes it ideal for the delicate skin around your eyes.
Since sun damage increases the risk of skin cancer, as well as skin problems ranging from wrinkles to dark spots, wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is essential. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Beyond that, it takes just a few minutes each morning and each evening to do the basics: washing with a gentle cleanser and applying a moisturizer to your face and neck. We will always look at skincare around your main concerns. Rectifying your concerns first.
It is recommended that a person should visit a dermatologist once a year for a full body exam. This should be done even if the individual is healthy. Outside of that, seek out a pro if you have any skin concern, whether it’s a new rash, spot, bump, or even to have a conversation about creating the best anti-aging regimen.
Yes, you should wash your face twice daily, preferably with a gentle cleanser. This is because bacteria builds up in your skin overnight, so it is important to wash it off in the morning. Washing your face in the morning also acts as a great primer before applying your morning skincare routine. An effective gentle cleanser is Osmosis’ Cleanse. It works to remove impurities, makeup, and dirt without damaging the skin barrier.
More importantly, you should always wash your face before you go to bed! Dirt, makeup, and environmental toxins accumulate on your face throughout the day. Washing your face at night removes these impurities and stops pores from becoming clogged.
While we all wash the sleep out of our faces every morning, we often forget to do so before we dive head-first into our pillow at night. But washing your face at night is actually more impactful than doing it in the morning. Why? Because, as you sleep, bacteria accumulate on your skin and can do some damaging work like breaking you out or discoloring your skin. Now, imagine how much bacteria will pile up if you go through your entire day doing what you do (resting your face on things, touching your face with dirty hands, getting food on your face, etc.) and you don’t wash your face before going to sleep. Not a good situation.
Over time, sleep can change the shape and appearance of your skin. This is because your face is compressed into your pillow every night for multiple hours. Ultimately, this can flatten the surface of your skin and cause wrinkles to form. Therefore, it is important to change your pillows every 1-2 years to help enhance the support for your skin. Also try sleeping with a silk pillow as this prevents trans-epidermal water loss and your skin and hair will look and feel amazing.
Moisturiser should always be applied first. SPF contains molecules that are very large and do not penetrate skin, therefore it forms a barrier over the skin that protects the skin from sun damage and external agressors.
Toners are used in skincare to rebalance the skin after water has been on the surface. The pH of the water and the pH of your skin differs therefore using a toner to rebalance the skin before the next step of your routine allows the skin to be more receptive to ingredients and this in return makes your products more effective.
There isn’t a one size fits all solution for cleansing. The type of cleanser you use is based on your skin type, any skin conditions you may have, and possible allergies.
Double cleansing is your buddy. Begin by cleansing with an oil-based cleanser to break down sebum (natural oil in your skin and hair) SPF and make up. Then follow with a water based cleanser to remove water based dirt such as pollution and perspiration, by doing a double cleanse you get the best possible method cleansing skin.
Micellar waters are a fantastic choice for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, as it is very gentle on the skin. Micellar water contains micelles in a solution. Micelles are hyrophillic and hydrophobic in nature this means that they can attract oil and water based dirt on the skin simultaneously. This type of cleanser is great as a travel cleanser or a lazy night cleanser. It is preferred to follow a double cleanse routine daily.
Stop using makeup removing wipes! They might seem like a convenient way to remove your makeup, but the truth is that they’re probably not doing a great job. In addition, they can be abrasive on the skin, which can cause irritation. Instead, opt for a double cleanse routine e.g makeup melting balm, and use a gentle cleanser once you’ve removed all of your makeup. Not only will this be gentler on your skin, but you’ll do a much better job of removing 100% of your makeup.
The product you opt for will state on the packaging if it is organic, or clean or vegan etc. The choice is yours.
Before figuring out what to include in your skin-care routine, it’s important to know your skin type and if you have any major concerns you want to address. It’s also good to remember that everyone’s regimen is individual—what works for your friends, family, may not be best for you.
It is always best to have a professional consultation with regards to building a skin routine. However, if you would like to build your own skin routine there are factors to consider eg. your skin type, your skin condition, affordability, what type of results your would like to achieve (this will determine how many steps you are willing to follow in a routine).
Skin care doesn’t have to be complicated if you don’t want it to be, but in general there is an ideal skin-care routine order that helps ensure the products you use will be most effective. The three basic skin-care routine steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen (look for at least SPF 30 and “broad spectrum” on the label).
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen you have options of physical sunscreens or chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens have ingredients like avobenzone that absorb the sun’s rays like a sponge, then release them in the form of heat. Physical sunscreens, or mineral sunscreens, have mineral ingredients, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, and form a barrier that blocks the sun’s rays.
We mean the basic care and keeping of your largest organ—your skin! It plays an important role in protecting you from outside pathogens and, you know, holds all your internal organs in place (phew). And in the same way that you regularly brush your teeth, your skin requires at least some attention to keep it functioning properly. It also requires protection—especially from skin cancer. At SkiNcolab, when we talk about skin care we’re talking about science-backed ways to improve both the look and function of your skin to address and manage both cosmetic and medical concerns.
Yes, caring about skin care might be quite trendy these days, especially with beauty influencers demoing everything from facial steaming to jade rolling on social media, but no matter what, giving your skin some love has both cosmetic and medical benefits. For instance, although you can’t slow down the passage of time, with a finely tuned skin-care regimen you can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun damage. You can also quite effectively manage some more minor skin concerns, such as dryness or oiliness, with face care products. Whether the routine is skin care, exercise, meditation, or any other beneficial activity, the dedication to the method can bring grounding to our everyday lives, which can often feel chaotic and uncontrolled.
For those with specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and acne, skin care isn’t always optional and requires a bit more thought about ingredients that will be safe for your skin. For one, treating a specific skin condition often means you need to employ a particular skin-care regimen, and for another, your condition may make your skin more sensitive to ingredients and products in general. Finding a skin-care routine that works can offer a vital way for someone to manage and treat their condition.
There’s also the fact that many people find their skin-care routines offer some mental health benefits—having that routine may help you realize just how easy it can be to do nice things for your body and build healthy habits. “A consistent, healthy routine is important for establishing rhythm and order in our lives,
Anti-aging
The best time to start addressing wrinkles is once you see them in the mirror. Usually, this is noticeable in your late 20s. But you can take preventive measures, like diligent sunscreen use, way before that — like now. It’s the most effective and affordable anti-aging product out there. Anti aging skincare prolongs youthfulness in the skin and therefore the best time to start an anti aging routine is when the skin is still youthful.
You can’t prevent kin aging, but you can control the condition your skin ages in and prolong the youthfulness of the skin by using skincare that treats skin conditions and concerns. You can also change your lifestyle to accommodate a healthy skin journey.
As your skin loses elasticity and collagen, it naturally begins to appear wrinkled and saggy. By caring for it and focusing on prevention, you can minimize these issues. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and consider using eye creams and other topical products that contain retinoids and antioxidants, which can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Wrinkles are a natural result of aging, but you can delay their onset or minimize their appearance. To do so, limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen every day, and use skin products that contain antioxidants and retinoids, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is a nutrient found in the body that has advantageous effects when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Many people also apply it topically. Vitamin C has incredible anti-aging effects, as it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As well as this, due to its powerful antioxidant properties, it protects the skin from free radical damage. This means it prevents premature skin aging. Furthermore, vitamin C enhances collagen production and helps to create tighter and younger looking skin overall. Vitamin C can also reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to control sebum production in the skin.
Dark circles are very common and are usually a sign of aging and/or a loss of collagen in the eye area. To remove them permanently, try a combination of clinical and natural remedies. For example, try undergoing a light chemical peel that uses glycolic acid, to help stimulate collagen production and give the skin a glowing complexion. At home, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10 minutes, both in the morning and the evening.
However, sometimes dark circles under the eye are a lack of sleep, poor habits, genetics or that the body is deficient in something. Allergies are also a culprit and so is stress and dehydration. Dark circles may also be heredity and is a genetic condition known as periorbital hyperpigmentation. Thinning of the skin also plays its part and the quality of the makeup used around the eye area.
There are a variety of different treatments and products that help to improve the skin’s elasticity and tighten the overall surface. For example, ingredients such as aloe vera contain malic acid, which helps to create plumper and younger looking skin. Moreover, techniques such as lymphatic massage, use specialist tools to increase blood circulation around affected areas, creating firmer skin. Lastly, products such as retinol serums offer incredible anti-aging results, helping more attractive skin to form over time. Ingredients that work on collagen and elastin are great for firming and plumping the skin and glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acidis also a must.
Vitamin C serums offer a multitude of benefits when incorporated into both your morning and evening skincare routine.
Using a vitamin C serum as part of your morning skincare routine means that your skin is better able to neutralise harmful free radicals. These can build up throughout the day and tear down much-needed skin collagen. On the other hand, when using vitamin C serums as part of your evening routine, you can avoid the risk of dangerous photosensitivity. This is because vitamin C can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Skincare routine
Your lineup varies between morning and night. In the morning, the ideal basics of skin care are a gentle wash (cleanser), an antioxidant serum, hydrating moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Skin care doesn’t have to be complicated if you don’t want it to be, but in general there is an ideal skin-care routine order that helps ensure the products you use will be most effective. The three basic skin-care routine steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen (look for at least SPF 30 and “broad spectrum” on the label). Your morning skin-care routine should include those basics: washing with a cleanser, slathering on a moisturizer, then putting on your sunscreen, says Dr. Skotnicki. Pro tip: You can use a moisturizer that has at least 30 SPF and broad-spectrum protection to combine those two steps.
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen you have options of physical sunscreens or chemical sunscreens. “Chemical sunscreens have ingredients like avobenzone that absorb the sun’s rays like a sponge, then release them in the form of heat,” Dr. Skotnicki explains. Physical sunscreens, or mineral sunscreens, have mineral ingredients, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, and form a barrier that blocks the sun’s rays.
Skin Products / Ingredients
Generally speaking, yes, Retinol, or vitamin A, is loved by dermatologists for its ability to speed skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. (A retinoid denotes prescription strength, while retinol is over the counter.) The downside: It can be harsh on skin, causing flaking and dryness. Be sure to introduce retinols slowly into your skincare routine and be sure to check its percentage is not too high for your sensitive skin.
Retinols should be used at night only, making sure your skin is protected during the day with a sunscreen. This is because this powerful substance removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin’s surface. This resultantly makes skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Moreover, you should begin by applying retinol 3 times a week and then gradually increase the frequency. This is due to the strength of retinol. By increasing the frequency gradually, you allow your skin to become familiar with the product, therefore minimising irritation.
It’s also important that you apply a high-quality moisturiser after using retinol to help soothe potential dryness or irritation. As well as this, in the morning, make sure to apply SPF30+. This will protect your skin from the potential sun damage that retinol can lead to.
No, this doesn’t actually happen — but there is an exception. Skin can build up a tolerance to retinol, but not a tolerance against their effectiveness. In fact, jumping around to different products can do more harm than good, so try to stick with it.
Trial and error. Sometimes, there is no way to tell for sure unless you try it. Usually, however, you can make an educated guess by examining the product’s label and ingredient list. To increase the chance that products won’t irritate your skin, seek out those that are fragrance-free, contain little or no alcohol, and are labeled suitable for sensitive skin.
Specific areas of the body
So you’ve got your skin care routine down to an art — for your face. But you should pay just as much attention to your hands, neck and chest, where the signs of aging are also visible. Apply sunscreen in the morning, extend your treatments and moisturizer down to your chest, and rub excess product onto the backs of your hands. Really, sunscreen should go everywhere. “The back of the legs is the most common place for melanoma on a woman’s body, so it’s important to use care with SPF coverage here,”
Yes, you definitely need a separate eye cream. The skin around the eyes is thinner and needs more support than other skin on the face. We recommends looking for one with retinol as well as antioxidants like vitamin C for anti-aging.
In most cases, eye cream is an optional add-on to your skincare routine. If you’re concerned about issues like puffiness, dark circles, or crow’s feet popping up around your eyes, then eye cream can be a smart investment to make. One of the key features of eye cream is that it’s a lot lighter in texture than most other skincare products. This makes it ideal for the delicate skin around your eyes.
Dark circles are very common and are usually a sign of aging and/or a loss of collagen in the eye area. To remove them permanently, try a combination of clinical and natural remedies. For example, try undergoing a light chemical peel that uses glycolic acid, to help stimulate collagen production and give the skin a glowing complexion. At home, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10 minutes, both in the morning and the evening.
Acne
Acne can be caused by excess sebum oil and clogged pores. Doctors aren’t sure why some people get acne and others do not, but some research suggests that hormone levels may play a role.
Anxiety-induced breakouts are very common and are often caused by excess oil secretion brought on by our body’s stress response. As well as learning psychological techniques to cope with stress and anxiety, you may also benefit from using BHAs, such as salicylic acid. These help break down the excess oil found in inflamed or clogged pores. Additionally, using products containing benzoyl peroxide is a great way to fight against the bacteria that causes acne. This helps to keep future breakouts at bay.
Blackheads form when excess hair and oil become clogged in an open pore. The most effective way to remove blackheads is by getting a high-quality facial treatment and regular exfoliation.
Short answer? Sort of. It does not in the sense that most people talk about it — for example, chocolate doesn’t cause acne. However, foods with a high glycemic index, such as refined sugar, can increase hormone levels in the body, leading to inflammation, and exacerbate acne. So if you break out after eating a late-night plate of fries, it’s not because of the grease. It may be because potatoes are high on the glycemic index scale.
If you have a skin condition (such as rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, or severe acne) or any condition that affects your skin, it’s important for you to see a dermatologist and make your skin-care decisions with their input. Not only is your skin likely to be more sensitive to skin-care products, but you also don’t want to do anything that might exacerbate the underlying condition
Pigmentation and skin tone
Not all dark spots are created equal. The best treatment depends on what caused the spot in the first place. “Some are classic sun spots, which we can treat with lasers, while others might be associated with melasma, a hormonally triggered hyperpigmentation, which we’re more likely to treat with peels and topicals — as lasers can potentially exacerbate it.” A vitamin C serum, and always use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to avoid getting dark spots while you’re treating any existing ones,”
UV exposure and hormonal changes are two causes of dark spots. Avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen can prevent new dark spots from forming, while exfoliating regularly or using prescription medications may help treat the existing spots you already have. Certain dark spot correctors or moisturizers may also make a difference over time. Remember to choose the products that are formulated for your skin type.
An uneven skin tone is caused by an uneven distribution of pigment. Sun exposure and hormonal changes can also contribute to this issue. Certain serums, creams or moisturizers, especially those that contain vitamin C, can all help to even out your skin tone. It is also possible that your skin can develop an uneven tone due to a buildup of dead skin cells. If that is the issue, a simple way to even out your skin tone is to exfoliate once to twice weekly.
People with melanin-rich skin are generally more susceptible to skin issues involving hyperpigmentation, such as melasma and post-acne dark spots. You may also be more likely to develop scarring or hyperpigmentation after inflammatory skin issues, like acne, psoriasis, or eczema.
That can be frustrating because treating pigmentation concerns in darker skin is often somewhat challenging with treatments that are commonly used on white skin. There’s also a prevalent myth that people with darker skin don’t need to wear sunscreen—this is definitely not true! The sun can still cause damage even if you’re not getting sunburned. And that damage can both lead to skin cancer and exacerbate hyperpigmentation. When shopping for sunscreen, don’t necessarily avoid mineral sunscreen if you have a deeper skin tone.
Sunblock and SPF
In short, yes! If you care about your skin, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 is the one thing you can do to protect it most. Sunscreen helps decrease the risk of skin cancer and other negative effects including wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, and sallowness.
Go for mineral, Mineral sunscreens protect against a larger range of ultraviolet light and are more efficacious. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed in the body and can also cause an irritant or allergic reaction on the skin.
Absolutely. You have every reason to wear sunscreen every day, even when you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors. Sunscreen is one of the simplest yet most effective tools we have to protect our skin from UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer and signs of premature aging. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and that you’re applying it at least 15-30 minutes before you head outside for the day.
SPF is a vital part of any skincare routine and should be the last step. It’s even important on days when the sun is not as abrasive. Even in the winter months, dangerous UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, and even windows, making you vulnerable to harsh skin damage. This is especially the case if your skin is not fully protected. Sun damage can lead to dark spots, wrinkles and in some cases, skin cancer. SPF needs to be applied daily
Skin type
Be gentle with it! Always wash sensitive skin gently, and never use harsh cleansers. Avoid products that contain irritating substances. Instead, seek out those that are specifically labeled for sensitive skin.
Typically, skin is classified in just a few categories, including normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. If you have combination skin, it means your skin is one type in one area and another type in another area (oily around your T-zone but normal everywhere else, for instance). Your skin type can change over time and can also be affected by factors such as hormones, medications, and diet. To get a good idea of what your skin type might be, wash it gently and leave it product-free for several hours before examining it closely to observe different areas.
To rule out any sensitivity to a new product, do a patch test on your skin before using it. Apply the product on the inside of your arm and wait for 24 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions to it.
A skin allergy can just be related to a particular ingredient, and not the others. Whereas skin sensitivity stays constant with harsh products, sun exposure and certain foods.
You are born with skin that is delicate pH alkaline, this slowly turns acidic as you grow older. As a teen, your skin tends to experience oiliness due to puberty. However, some people may have dryness if they have any eczema issues. In early teens and 20s, you can have acne issues due to excess sebum production at puberty. It is also interesting to note that your skin is at its best in your late 20s and early 30s. This is followed by signs of ageing that start in the mid-30s and early 40s when your skin becomes dry and fine lines and wrinkles appear. Later, as you age, your skin loses its natural nourishment due to sebaceous glands producing less oil, and starts to look dry and saggy. As you age you also begin to loose hydration due to trans epidermal water loss.
01. Hormones: You go through many hormonal shifts in your life, leading to a change in your skin type. Puberty can make your skin oilier, while early menopause (as early as 45) have been associated with dry, dehydrated, wrinkly and crinkly skin.
02. Climate: The climate and environment largely affect your skin type. Winters are linked with extremely dry skin, calling for use of a thicker moisturiser. While summers can make your skin oily, lightweight and nourishing skin lotions are recommended. FYI, sunscreen is unavoidable in any season!
03. Diet: What you put in your body affects your skin types as well. Healthy food habits can help delay signs of premature ageing on the skin. While unhealthy food habits, like processed sugar and dairy, can disturb your skin’s collagen production, sometimes triggering eruptions on the skin.
04. Lifestyle: Your lifestyle can cause a shift in your skin type too. Stress, for instance, has been blamed for making skin feel dull and greasy
