Sugar lip scrubs are a great way to exfoliate and moisturize your lips, leaving them soft and smooth. If you want to make your own lip scrub at home, you can do so with just a few simple ingredients. Here are a few recipes using simple ingredients that can be found in your kitchen:
In a small bowl, mix together ingredients until well combined.
If desired, add a few drops of essential oil and mix again.
Spoon the mixture into a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
To use, simply apply a small amount of the lip scrub to your lips and gently massage in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
Rinse off the scrub with warm water and pat your lips dry.
That’s it! Your homemade lip scrub is ready to use. Store it in a cool, dry place and use it as needed to keep your lips soft and smooth.
Note: Be sure to use the scrub gently, as over-exfoliating can irritate your lips. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a smaller amount of sugar and work your way up as needed.
Using simple ingredients, you can easily make your own lip scrub at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to get soft and smooth lips with just a few minutes of self-care. So why not give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, pampered smile?
If you enjoyed this article on DIY lip scrubs and want to learn more about skincare, be sure to check out my other blog posts here. We cover a wide range of topics from natural beauty solutions to self-care tips. Stay tuned for more informative and engaging content.
I had been struggling with acne-prone skin for years before I discovered Korean skincare products. You see, I didn’t want to use the typical products you buy from your local drugstore because they are filled with chemicals and all sorts of other ingredients that can irritate your skin.
Many effective Korean skincare products can help treat both mild and severe acne. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on different skin-care products, and these specific products may help give you the best results if you combine them into one single routine as a part of your typical daily facial care regimen.
There is not a single person who wishes to have acne. If you find yourself suffering from acne, you will have tried every remedy that you have heard from friends as well as what you read on various websites. Today, I’m going to share with you the list of Korean skincare products for acne-prone skin that I have accumulated to help keep acne at bay and for good.
A basic skincare routine looks like this:
Oil cleanser (PM)
Gel cleanser
Toner
Treatments
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (AM)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
Use this cleanser as the second step in your night skincare routine to wash off any excess makeup or oil residue from the first cleanse.
A gentle cleanser with low pH (mildly acidic) cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils and drying it out. Perfect for acne-prone skin, breakouts, and pH balancing.
This step is all about protection and balance. This toner is infused with 80% green tea extract that will help nourish, brighten, and revitalize the skin.
Toners are usually applied to the skin to minimize the visibility of pores, and restore hydration to your skin.
Benefits:
Protects the skin
Balances out the skin’s pH
Minimizes the appearance of pores
Tightens the skin temporarily
Controls oil production
Has Centella extract which is a great ingredient for acne
This step is where you need to apply the treatments and serums to address certain skin concerns. This powerful lightweight serum gently smooths rough textures and clears out pores and breakouts.
After cleansing and treating your skin, it is crucial that you moisturize it and provide hydration, and this product will do just that! It will thoroughly hydrate the layers of the skin while still being lightweight and long-lasting.
As the last step in your AM routine only, apply sunscreen. This step is non-negotiable if you are going out, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen must be applied every day.
Benefits:
Broad-spectrum
Blocks harmful UV rays
Long-lasting
Some say it feels hydrating
No white-cast
Does not pill
Does not sting the eyes
Acne is a skin condition that can be caused by many factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and stress. It is not always easy to find the right acne care routine and products for your skin type. However, with a little research and patience, you can find the perfect products for your needs.
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, finding the right products that cater to your unique needs can often feel like a daunting task. With a multitude of options flooding the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start.
The good news is that Korean skin care products are becoming a skin care revolution over the years.
By the end of this post, you’ll be armed with valuable insights to help you make informed choices when it comes to your skincare routine.
Say goodbye to the confusion and hello to a radiant, confident you, as we unveil the ultimate solutions offered by these top 10 Korean skincare products. Your path to flawless skin begins here.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
The most popular Korean skincare products of 2022:
About the brand: COSRX was established in 2013 by Sanghoon Jeon. The company is devoted to helping customers find solutions for their skin concerns using its products which contain ingredients free from Parabens, Artificial fragrances, Artificial dyes, Alcohol, Mineral Oils, Essential Oils, and more.
About the product: containing as much as 96% snail secretion filtrate, this mucin essence adds moisture to hydrate the skin while improving damaged skin and restoring vitality. Snail secretion is known to benefit aging skin and soften the appearance of fine lines.
How to use: apply a small amount to the entire face after cleansing and toning, then continue with your moisturizer.
Best for skin type(s): dry, sensitive
As I read through the reviews of people on the internet, there were mixed opinions. Some saw great changes to their skin while others saw little to no change at all.
I would purchase this product just to try it out myself since it does no harm, but I think that I would be using it less often because I have oily skin.
About the brand: LANEIGE is a Korean brand dedicated to skin hydration. In their labs, they have been studying Water Science for 25 years, because they believe it is the secret to great skin.
About the product: this product is meant to moisturize the skin and reinforce the skin carrier with a rich amino acid from white leaf tea water, it is formulated with mild ingredients to moisturize sensitive skin caused by dryness.
Texture: milky consistency
Benefits of the product:
Softens skin
Moisturizes
Soothes irritated skin
How to use: you can spray on the face whenever your skin feels dry or after applying your makeup or apply a proper amount on the face and pat gently for absorption. If your skin still feels like it needs more, just reapply a layer on top.
Best for skin type(s): dry, normal
Worth the hype!
Super hydrating!
Since we are approaching winter, I would definitely want to purchase this product to compensate for the lost moisture, even though I have oily skin, my skin sometimes has a tough time during the colder seasons.
About the brand: I’m From is a Korean skincare brand that is all about Natural & Clean Beauty. It proudly lists all of the ingredients used in each product as well as the origin of the primary ingredient and the name of the farm that it was harvested from. The brand uses naturally derived ingredients and ensures that only the freshest ingredients are used in its products.
About the product: This product contains ingredients that help you achieve a dewy look. Containing 77.78% goami rice extracts that replenish the skin’s moisture levels leaving it soft and supple and niacinamide to brighten the skin. This product is formulated with non-GMO ingredients.
This toner is Vegan, Alcohol-Free, Fragrance-Free, and cruelty-free.
Texture: almost water-like
Benefits of the product:
Moisturizes irritated skin
Brightens dull skin
Gently gets rid of excess oils and impurities
Promotes a smoother texture
Affordable
How to use: pat onto the skin after cleansing. Can be used in the AM and PM.
About the brand: Instree is a brand that focuses on maintaining natural beauty using natural, safe, and clean ingredients in its products.
About the product: a lightweight and hydrating sunscreen with a gel-like consistency, SPF of 50+, and PA++++, which means that this sunscreen will allow you to handle 10 times as much UVA exposure. It is recommended to reapply this sunscreen like any other sunscreen every 2 hours, but the upside of this product is that it makes your skin feel hydrated every time you reapply.
Texture: soft, creamy, and light.
Benefits of the product:
Applies smoothly with no white cast or sticky finish
Great for daily use
Hydrates the skin
Moisturizing
Very high protection from UVA
Brightens skin
Improves wrinkles
Affordable
8 types of hyaluronic acid
Skin barrier strengthening
Oil and water balance
SPF50+
PA++++
How to use: as the last step of your skincare routine, evenly spread a moderate amount on exposed areas.
About the brand: Beauty of Joseon is a clean, cruelty-free Korean brand that uses luxurious oriental herbs to create skincare for women in their 20s to 40s. The brand also reveals one’s natural beauty by improving its overall condition and resolving fundamental problems such as roughness and dull skin tone.
About the product: with 76% green tea and 2% panthenol, this product will calm, soothe, and moisturize your skin when it is feeling dry and in need of moisture. Green tea is an excellent ingredient that helps skin damage and prevents skin aging, as well as brightens the skin tone. The green color is not an artificial color, but the natural color of the ingredients.
Free from: cruelty, paraben, mineral oil, artificial colors, phenoxyethanol, EU allergens, and PEG.
About the brand: Axis-Y is a community-focused brand that cares about your skin. Their vision is to develop products that are effective and made with natural formulas using the safest and most natural ingredients. Their products are free of parabens, artificial fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, talc, petroleum, and many more.
About the product: a serum for correcting dark spots, this product contains key ingredients for glowing, healthy skin (papaya, squalane, calendula, sea buckthorn, allantoin, Oryza sativa bran). This serum can be applied to the whole face, problematic areas, or as a sleeping mask.
Texture: gel-like serum, lightweight, and absorbs quickly into the skin
Benefits of the product:
Treats oily, acne-prone skin
Revitalizes the skin
Prevents breakouts
Clarifies pores
Hydrates dry skin
Repairs damaged skin
Corrects dark spots
Brightens skin and fades hyperpigmentation
How to use: apply a small amount after toner to the entire face or problem areas and pat gently for absorption
About the brand: Rovectin is a K-beauty brand that began with a brother wanting to help his sister’s skin which was severely damaged by chemotherapy. After that, Rovectin became the most trusted skincare brand among people across Korea. The brand believes that everyone should be comfortable and confident in their own skin using simple, safe, and effective skincare.
About the product: a gentle, low-pH, and hydrating cleanser that safely washes away daily rime without stripping the skin of its protective moisture barrier using clean and natural ingredients. This cleanser restores pH balance and cleanses the skin without irritation.
Free from: parabens, artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, and steroids. Cruelty-free.
Texture: it forms a foamy lather
Benefits of the product:
Gentle cleanser
Restores skin’s pH levels
Hydrates the skin
Does not leave you with a dry-tight feeling
How to use: as the second step in double cleansing, massage the product into the skin in a circular motion then rinse with lukewarm water
Best for skin type(s): dry, sensitive, normal, combination, oily, irritated
About the brand: COSRX was established in 2013 by Sanghoon Jeon. The company is devoted to helping customers find solutions for their skin concerns using its products which contain ingredients free from Parabens, Artificial fragrances, Artificial dyes, Alcohol, Mineral Oils, Essential Oils, and more.
About the product: light and gentle low pH cleanser that exfoliates dead skin cells and cleanses pores. Cruelty-free, ethanol-free, silicon oil-free, artificial coloring-free, artificial fragrance-free.
Texture: gel-like
Benefits of the product:
Exfoliates dead skin cells
Refreshes the skin
formulated with natural ingredients
Soothes and strengthens the skin
affordable
How to use: use more and night after removing makeup
About the brand: the brand is a cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly brand that focuses on sensitive skin. It first began in 2010 with its brand philosophy of no harsh ingredients, no animal testing, and products of high quality and reasonable prices.
About the product: a night serum that is meant to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains ingredients that fight and prevent aging to maintain youthful-looking skin.
Texture: light and sinks in quickly
Benefits of the product:
Helps soothe redness and irritation
Hydrates the skin
Boosts a youthful appearance
Bright blue color (fun)
Not too sticky on the skin
How to use: apply 3-4 drops over the face after cleansing and before toner
About the brand: Glow Recipe is a Korean skincare brand that is built on the philosophy of taking it day by day, skin by skin. It creates gentle yet effective formulas to deliver results. It uses ingredients of the highest quality including antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.
About the product: a serum containing niacinamide that reveals an instant glow, helps brighten the skin, and also helps to reduce hyperpigmentation.
Texture: a thin, lightweight gel, absorbed quickly
Benefits of the product:
Makes skin feel hydrated and smooth
Helps reduce hyperpigmentation
Gives the skin a glossy finish
How to use: can be used as a hydrating serum before moisturizing or as the last step of your skincare routine
Best for skin type(s): all skin types
After researching and reading all about each Korean skincare product, I gathered that the most popular products are the ones that are meant to calm and soothe the skin.
This means that a lot of people are having trouble with their skin being irritated or damaged. I will be keeping that in mind for the next blog post. I hope this list was helpful.
You can also find a nighttime skincareroutine that may help you incorporate these products into.
Comment down below what skin type would you like me to create a K-beauty skincare products list for!
You might be wondering why your skin is not cooperating with you, even when you have the best products that are the perfect fit for your skin type. Well, let me tell you, it might not be the skincare products you use, it probably is the way you treat your skin and the way you apply these products.
Certain lifestyle habits that we normally do can be harming our skin and cause damage without us being aware of it.
I understand that we all want healthy, shiny, young-looking skin, however, here we’re not talking about what skincare products to use or how to use them. Instead, we’re going over the common skincare mistakes you might be making and costing you the best possible results.
I am here to tell you that you are not alone, and to help you avoid these mistakes, so let us dive in!
Should you wash your hands before cleansing your face? The answer is yes, definitely yes!
Hand hygiene should be a top priority for everyone. We touch many surfaces on a daily basis, from keyboards, and phones, to doorknobs, and whatever else that you can think of. Dirt and bacteria can easily get stuck on your fingers and under your fingernails.
Imagine taking all of that bacteria to your face when cleansing!
How horrible does that sound?
This can be the cause of random breakouts and unwanted pimples.
So, make it a habit to always wash your hands right before your start your skincare routine.
Mistake #2 – Using products that are not suitable for your skin type
We all see skincare trends on TikTok and Instagram, with trending products that claim to give you glass skin in just one night! Or you see your favorite beauty influencer suggesting a product that claims to get rid of acne in two days.
It’s true, it can be tempting to go straight to the store and buy those products and start using lather them all over your skin because we all want great-looking skin, quick!
But this is where we go wrong, for three reasons.
First of all, not everyone reacts the same way to different skincare products. What works for you might not work for me, and what works for that one beauty influencer might not work for you or your friend.
Second of all, healthy-looking skin does not happen in one or two days, not even in two weeks. The skin life cycle of a middle-aged adult is 28 days, so the period in which you can actually test a product out if it’s working in your favor or not is almost one month.
Lastly, it is essential for you to know what your skin type is before purchasing any skincare product, especially active ingredients like retinolor AHA/BHA.
The last thing you would want to do is use a product that will cause further irritation to your skin if you already have dry and sensitive skin. Or using an oil-based product that will clog your pores further and cause acne and breakouts.
A simple basic PM skincare routine consists of a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer (SPF for AM routine).
Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine, and it must not be skipped! Since the first step might take away a little bit of the skin’s natural oils, it is absolutely crucial to use a moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized and protected.
How can you moisturize correctly? What is the proper way to moisturize? And how is there a wrong way to moisturize in the first place?! Well, moisturizing improperly can either cause more damage to your skin or can be absolutely a waste of product and money.
To moisturize properly, you need to apply it on damp skin right after cleansing and applying your serum if you are using one, to give your skin the opportunity to absorb the active ingredients properly and make the most out of the products.
The order in how you apply your skincare products is very important, you should always apply thinner products first and work your way up to the thicker products, this will let your skin absorb all of the products and you won’t end up wasting any product.
Mistake #4 – Exfoliating too often or with the wrong product
Exfoliating is a good way to accelerate the turnover of our skin cells. You can learn more about the different types of exfoliants here.
Firstly, you need to set up an exfoliating schedule depending on your skin type and tolerance, but as a general rule, exfoliating 2-3 times a week is ideal.
Secondly, your choice of the type of exfoliation is very important, because if you use a product that is too harsh for your skin, you will be causing more damage than you are benefiting your skin. This is why it is always recommended to patch-test any new product that you buy before using it on your whole face and neck.
You can start a method called “skin cycling”, learn more about it here.
This is a MAJOR mistake! I can’t put enough emphasis on this mistake because skipping SPF will push your skin back to zero, if not less!
Let’s look at the list below to understand what happens when we “forget” to apply sunscreen:
If you are using active ingredients in your routine, the sun can and will damage your skin even further, that is because these ingredients make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the skin to dry out quickly (hello wrinkles!).
Let’s not forget about skin cancer, which is a major concern for skin exposed to direct sunlight.
It will be a waste of all the products you use that are anti-aging.
In my opinion, these reasons are more than enough to make me remember to apply SPF anytime I want to go out, even if it was cloudy, AND to reapply SPF every 2 hours.
Consistency is key. Yes, we’ve all heard and read this sentence all over the internet. It can apply to practically anything!
You can’t complain about your skin’s results or the products you use when you are being inconsistent with your routine. Staying consistent with the frequency of use of your skincare products and the quantity is very important. Build a routine and a schedule for your skincare, make it a ritual.
Having a consistent routine helps your skin build a tolerance to certain strong ingredients and also gives it time to repair its barrier. Skin cycling is a good method to start building a consistent routine.
So there you have it: seven of the most common skincare mistakes you might be making that can be damaging your skin, and what you can do about it. If you have been unsure of yourself or frustrated by the results, now is the time to make a change.
Remember to stay vigilant about avoiding these pitfalls, following the advice here should help you make better decisions about your skincare routine – your skin will thank you for it.
Let me know in the comments section if you have been doing any of these mistakes.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
With all the ingredients in the market and beauty trends on social media, how can we build a consistent skincare routine? It can be hard to get a steady regimen but we all want glowing, glass-like skin!
Even if some of the products we use can be a bit irritating, like chemical exfoliants and retinoids, there is still a way to use them steadily!
This is how the social media skincare trend “skin cycling” has gone viral. But what is skin cycling? How can I incorporate it into my skincare routine? Who would it benefit the most? Continue reading to learn more.
Skin cycling is a term that was coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist.
It is a skincare method that is based on a 4-day skincare cycle to achieve maximum efficacy with minimal irritation.
The concept behind it is not new, dermatologists have always been saying to not overdo it with active ingredients as these ingredients take time and multiple applications to get your skin used to them.
Dermatologists always recommend applying these ingredients every third night and using a gentle ingredient in between until your skin can tolerate strong topicals every night.
The goal of retinoids is to help clarify your skin.
It is basically keeping your morning skincare routine consistent while rotating the possibly irritating ingredients at night, mixed with a period of recovery and rest (AKA lots of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients).
The recovery and rest period can be subjective and personalized according to each person’s own skin type and routine. However, it is very helpful for people with sensitive skin since the skin has time to recover and regenerate after using the active ingredients.
Skin cycling schedule
AM routine stays the same, and PM skin cycling routine looks like this:
This schedule is suitable for all skin types but you may need to tweak the cycle up or down according to your own optimal skincare routine.
For example, if you have overly sensitive and dry skin or rosacea, your skin might not tolerate the exfoliants and retinoids, therefore, you may want to cut down on these ingredients or add a third recovery night.
On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may need to dial up the frequency of exfoliants and retinoids or reduce the recovery nights to one night instead of two.
Benefits of skin cycling
There are many benefits that come from adding this method to your regimen. The most important one is that your skin builds tolerance to active ingredients.
Chemical exfoliants and retinoids can cause skin sensitivity, irritation, and dehydration. By cycling them throughout the week, you help bring out the benefits of the ingredients in your skincare routine without irritating and dehydrating your skin.
Chemical ingredients can:
brighten skin tone
bring radiance to the skin
boost collagen production
Recovery days are key to allowing your skin barrier to repair fully.
Chemical exfoliants get rid of any dead skin cells and will give you an immediate glow, this will increase the effectiveness of using retinoids the next night, it’s like working on a new sheet of skin.
How can I incorporate skin cycling into my skincare regimen?
Optional if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinol: apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer under your eyes, smile-line area, and below the mouth, this dilutes down the strength of the retinoid and allows your skin to adjust (known as the sandwich technique)
Sensitive and burning sensation on the eyelid area, around the mouth and nose, and neck
Solution: if you have sensitive skin, before using chemical exfoliants and retinoids, apply a thin layer of moisturizer on top of the sensitive areas to act as a barrier so that your skin can adjust, and avoid applying the active ingredients to those areas as well
No improvement for oily acne-prone due to improper skin cycling
Solution: use a three-night cycle. Exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night, repeat. For exfoliation night, use a product with the ingredient salicylic acid. For the retinoid night, apply a higher percentage of retinol by seeing your dermatologist for a prescription strength product.
Skin cycling for rosacea
Solution: for exfoliation night, use acids with a total concentration under 15%. For the retinoid night, use a gentle fragrance-free over-the-counter retinol or retinaldehyde. Add a third recovery night to make sure that your skin barrier has enough time to repair.
Applying moisturizer immediately after the exfoliating product
Solution: you need to wait until the tingling sensation completely subsides before applying a moisturizer
The importance of maintaining an alternate skincare schedule
Skin cycling is a helpful concept when you want to have a consistent skincare routine in a busy and hectic schedule.
It is very useful for all skin types because you can tweak it as you like according to your skin type and tolerance. You get the best of both worlds, exfoliation, and hydration.
Even if you have sensitive skin, it does not mean that you can’t use really powerful chemical exfoliants and retinoids, it just means that you need to learn how to incorporate them properly into your skincare routine.
Of course, it goes without saying, SPF is absolutely crucial when using active ingredients in your skincare routine!
Will you start skin cycling? Let me know in the comments!
Many people claim that antioxidants are the best thing for your skin which is why they spend hundreds of dollars on these products. I believe this blog post will prove whether this is true or not.
Oranges, nuts, and green tea — they all contain antioxidants. And you have probably heard that these substances have a positive effect on the environment.
But what really are antioxidants? How can they help us? And why are they good for your skin?
A lot of people don’t even know what antioxidants actually are. In this post, I’m also going to answer these questions and explain why our skin needs them.
Antioxidants are essential nutrients that are crucial to health and disease prevention. However, antioxidants are beneficial for more than only the prevention of diseases.
Antioxidants have also been shown to offer a myriad of health benefits for the skin. Let’s take a look at some of these antioxidants and how they can revitalize our skin.
What is an Antioxidant and What Does it Do?
Antioxidants are a class of compounds that help protect the human body from the effects of oxidation.
An antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to healthy cells in the body. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to aging, as well as a number of chronic diseases.
That’s why by now you’re wondering what does antioxidants mean for your skin? Well, there are several foods that promote healthy glowing skin like blueberries and green tea.
These foods are full of antioxidants which make them perfect for a rejuvenating face mask. The problem is that the only way to derive personal benefit from them is by ingesting them orally.
However, some crafty scientists at SkinCeuticals realized this antioxidant gap in our skincare routine.
They put their heads together and figured out a way to apply these natural antioxidants directly onto our skin as an antioxidant serum called SkinCeuticals AOX+ Peptide Antioxidant Serum.
How Do You Get More Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nature’s own skin care line. They’re what gives fruits and vegetables their bright colors, and they’ve been shown to help protect us from a variety of ailments, including cancer.
So how do you get more antioxidants?
Well, there’s no magic pill or potion—you just have to make smart choices about what you eat and drink every day.
You can eat foods high in vitamin C like citrus fruits or broccoli, or try taking a supplement that contains vitamin E or selenium.
You can also consider using products with antioxidants in them like moisturizers or sunscreens that protect against UVA/UVB rays by absorbing light energy before it does damage to your skin.
You may have heard of vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants; they’re just a few examples of the many nutrients that can help reduce oxidative stress on our bodies.
Antioxidants help prevent the oxidation of other molecules, which is the main cause for aging.
Oxidation can happen when free radicals attack a molecule and steal electrons from it. This process can damage cells and lead to inflammation, which is bad news for your skin.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up their own electrons to them instead of letting them attack other molecules.
Free radicals can be caused by things like pollution, smoking, radiation exposure, alcohol consumption and even some pharmaceuticals. Because of this, it is important to use products that contain antioxidants to protect your skin from free radical damage.
There are several ways that antioxidants can improve your skin’s appearance:
1) reduce oxidative stress by reducing inflammation in the body, which causes redness and swelling.
2) help protect against sun damage by preventing free radical damage from ultraviolet rays. This helps prevent premature aging of the skin by reducing wrinkles and sun spots, while also helping prevent skin cancer.
3) can improve your skin texture by helping to promote cell renewal and collagen production, which leads to smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.
4) help reduce the redness, swelling, and irritation of acne.
What are the Best Types of Antioxidants to Look For in Skin Care Products?
The three main types of antioxidants are:
1. Vitamin A – This vitamin is found in vegetables, fruits, and animal products like milk and eggs. It helps to protect your skin against sun damage by blocking out UV rays.
2. Vitamin C – This vitamin is also called ascorbic acid and can be found in citrus fruits, berries, lemons and limes. It helps to protect your skin against wrinkles, blemishes and premature aging caused by sun exposure or environmental pollution such as pollution from cars or factories where people work outdoors all day long without proper ventilation systems installed inside their buildings!
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids / EPA/DHA Supplementation – These fatty acids are found naturally in fish oils but can also be taken as supplements as well which will help you achieve healthier looking skin without having too much unhealthy fat stored on your body!
The Importance of Using a Skincare Product with Active Antioxidants to Protect Your Skin
Antioxidants are basically the superheroes of the beauty world. They help us fight off the damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that cause inflammation and can lead to wrinkles. They also help our skin stay healthy and youthful-looking by keeping it hydrated, which helps us look younger longer.
I mean, who doesn’t want to look younger? (And by younger, I mean like 10 years younger than you actually are.)
So I guess it is safe to say that the people’s claims about antioxidants being the best thing for their skin are true!
Let me know in the comments which antioxidant is your favorite!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
I understand that it is confusing to keep track of what skincare ingredients work well together, what skincare ingredients to mix and not to mix. In this article I will show you what skincare ingredients are safe to mix together to solve the issue that you may have at hand.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is important to take care of it. Skincare ingredients are used to maintain the health and appearance of the skin. There are different types of skincare ingredients that can be mixed to give you a desired effect.
Some skincare ingredients are better for oily skin while others are better for dry skin. Mixing your skincare products can give you a variety of benefits depending on your needs and preferences.
Skincare ingredients are the key to a good skincare routine. But not all ingredients work well with each other. It is important to know which ones to mix together and which ones to avoid. Mixing certain ingredients can cause irritation, dryness, and other skin problems.
What are the Worst Combinations of Skincare Ingredients?
It is important to be aware of the possible adverse reactions that can happen when using certain beauty products and if not applied in the proper order, you can check out this article about nighttime skincare routine, and this article about skin type test with more skincare routines.
The worst combinations of ingredients in skin care can cause adverse reactions such as rashes, breakouts, and irritation. It is best to avoid these combinations if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions.
Skincare ingredients that should NOT be mixed together
Retinols + vitamin C = irritation, redness, or peeling
Vitamin C + AHA/BHA = will throw off pH levels, possible irritation
BHA + benzoyl peroxide = irritation, redness, or dryness
Benzoyl peroxide + retinoids = dryness and irritation
Retinol and AHA/BHA
Since both of these ingredients have exfoliating effects, using them both in one routine can be too drying and irritating to the skin. For that reason, it is best to use them in alternating nights.
It is best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Using both of these ingredients together can lessen their effect. Vitamin C works at a low pH, while retinol works at a high pH, combining these two ingredients could render them ineffective.
Vitamin C and AHA/BHA
AHA/BHA are acids, and so is vitamin C. Combining these ingredients together in one routine is a recipe for irritation. Using them in alternate days is recommended.
BHA and benzoyl peroxide
Both of these ingredients are effective against acne, but they should be used separately. Combining them will lead to irritation and excessive dryness. Try using them on alternate nights for an amazing acne fighting duo!
Benzoyl peroxide and retinol
Applying these two ingredients together may cause them to react chemically and cancel each other out. That is because benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent and retinol is an antioxidant. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.
It is important to know what ingredients you should use in your skincare routine. There are many skincare ingredients, but it is not easy to know which ones are best for your skin type and what combinations work best together.
It is best to always do a patch test on a small area of your skin when introducing your skin to a new product or ingredient. Preferably behind your ear.
Comment down below what other combinations you think are good and what others that did not work for you.
Acne is a skin condition that many people struggle with. It can happen to anyone and it is not something that you can just get rid of overnight. It is caused by excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clogging the pores on the skin.
It is important to remember that there is no one way to treat acne because everyone’s body reacts differently to different products and routines. What works for one person might not work for another person with a different type of acne or skin type.
Lactic acid is a natural chemical found in the human body and in sour milk.
Lactic acid is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products. It’s an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions like acne and wrinkles.
Lactic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps to prevent clogged pores and reduce dryness on the surface of the skin. It can also be used to help treat hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Lactic Acid helps with many different problems that we face with our skin like acne, hyperpigmentation or even wrinkles.
Lactic acid has been shown to have great effects on the skin because it helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth.
Helps control excess sebum production. By exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin and keeping the pores clean and clear.
Fights acne. Dead skin cells often clog pores and cause breakouts. Lactic acid exfoliates the skin and has the ability to break apart dead skin cells, opening any clogged pores.
Fades acne scars. Due to its exfoliating nature, lactic acid helps lighten dark spots and fade acne scars by removing the dead skin cells off the surface.
Hydrates the skin. Lactic acid is one of the most hydrating AHA. It helps keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. This, in turn, speeds up the cell turnover process to produce new healthy skin.
Works as a mild exfoliator. Lactic acid is safe for sensitive acne-prone skin due to its mild exfoliating nature. Let’s talk science here for a little bit, since it has a large molecular weight, it makes it difficult for it to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
When and how should I apply lactic acid in my skincare routine?
Products containing lactic acid come in different concentrations.
A higher concentration does not always mean better for your skin.
When using a product containing acids for the first time, you must test a small amount on a small part of your skin, to check if it irritates your skin.
After seeing if the product is suitable for your skin and does not irritate it, you can start introducing it slowly (once or twice a week) into your skincare routine with low concentrations, increasing it to higher concentrations and building up to daily use if needed.
The layering of skincare products in a routine is the most important thing. Applying a product in the wrong order will not do your skin any good.
As a golden rule, apply products from thinnest to thickest, and water-based products before oil-based products.
Lactic acid is an exfoliating acid that can cause sun sensitivity, so it is recommended to apply it at night, and since it is technically a serum, it must be added to your skincare routine after toning your skin.
What to mix (and not to mix) with lactic acid
Since this acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, it is best not to mix it with other acids or retinol, because you will end up with irritated skin instead of mild exfoliation.
With glycolic acid (yes, but costly and not significantly beneficial)
Both of these acids will have the same benefit on the skin using different concentrations and intensities. They can be used if they were in the same product, however, applying them both using two separate products will not benefit your skin significantly and will only cost you more money.
With vitamin C (nope)
These two ingredients should never be mixed together, since vitamin C is also acid, using them in one skincare routine will cause an imbalance in the skin’s pH levels.
With hyaluronic acid (YESSS PLEASE)
Definitely! Hyaluronic acid is a miracle hydrating ingredient that is perfect for every skin type. Using these two ingredients together will prep the way for your skin to the perfect glow.
Lactic acid will clear out dead skin cells, making way for hyaluronic acid to hydrate the lower layers of the skin.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
If you thought that the name suggests cleansing your face twice, then you’re mistaken. It is so much more than that and the benefits are plentiful.
This method is a very popular method of cleansing, especially as part of the K-beauty skincare routine, because it removes all the makeup, dirt, and bacteria that are on the surface of your skin without stripping the natural oils and drying it.
In this article, I will be going into the deets and benefits of the double cleansing method.
What is Double Cleansing?
As I have mentioned above, this method of cleansing skin is not about cleansing your face twice in a row. It is about using different types of cleansers to wash your face.
The first step is to use an oil-based cleanser.
This will remove sunscreen and makeup from your skin, including waterproof mascara.
Using an oil-based cleanser as a first step is highly effective for people with oily skin types as well as people who wear heavy makeup, for the reason that makeup and sebum dissolve in oil (lipophilic).
The second step is to use a water-based face wash to remove any remaining traces of makeup, sebum, and debris. It is important to make sure that you are using face cleansing products in order to avoid any irritation or damage to your skin.
Use your fingers or a cotton pad to massage the cleanser into your skin to help dissolve all the sebum, debris, and makeup.
Wet your face with water.
Apply the water-based facial cleanser by massaging it into the skin using your fingertips.
Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and follow with a moisturizer.
What are the benefits of double cleansing?
Having healthy skin always starts with a clean face. That is why face cleansers are a very important first step in any skincare routine. To add to that, it is crucial to choose the proper face cleanser that suits your skin type so you could actually benefit from it.
Applying the rest of your skincare routine products on a face with remaining sebum and debris is not as effective as applying them to a clean face.
Having a clean face with no debris or sebum left behind makes it better for your skincare products to be absorbed and benefit your skin.
This depends on the type of skin you have and whether you wear makeup on a daily basis or not. But in any case, applying a proper moisturizer afterward is a must.
The double cleansing method should only be done at night when you want to remove all your makeup and sign off for the day.
It is possible to double cleanse your skin daily, but you should always choose the right products that suit your skin type because you don’t want to over-dry and over-wash your skin.
Is double cleansing for everyone?
Double cleansing is highly recommended for people who wear makeup daily and people with oily skin.
However, if you have sensitive or dry skin, double cleansing may not be the way to go, as it can strip the skin of its oils, unless you use face cleansers with skincare ingredients that are hydrating and moisturizing.
If you want to start using retinol but don’t know when it’s best to add it to your skincare routine, here are some guidelines.
Keep in mind that there are no guarantees for any particular age range — and, a lot of people will tell you to start much sooner than what is on here.
If you feel like your skin has been healthy and happy without retinol so far, there is no need to rush right out and try it (at least not yet). Try another great anti-aging ingredient first.
Retinol, more commonly known as vitamin A, has been used in skincare and acne treatments for decades.
But, do you know when to start using retinol? How about how to use it?
This guide on when to start using retinol will answer these questions and more, so you can make the most of this powerful anti-aging ingredient.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.
How do I incorporate retinol into my skincare routine?
Before you can use retinol, your skin needs to get used to it. This process is known as retinization and should happen gradually over a few weeks.
How gradual?
It depends on how sensitive your skin is and what type of retinoid you’re using.
For example, if you’re using an over-the-counter product with vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), then you could start seeing results after just two days.
On the other hand, if you’re taking prescription tretinoin (Retin-A), then it might take several months before any changes are noticeable.
If you notice any irritation during that time, stop using it immediately and talk to your dermatologist about ways to soothe your skin.
If you have very sensitive skin, don’t use retinol without talking to your dermatologist first.
It makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and puts you at risk for hyperpigmentation. It can also irritate acne. So if you have sensitive skin and/or break out easily, make sure to use a low-strength retinol product and wear sunscreen every day (it’ll even help with wrinkles!).
In general, start using retinol at night so that your body has time to adjust during a slow transition period of about 2 weeks; then slowly introduce it into your morning routine once your body is used to it.
How do I check if my skin is sensitive to retinol?
Sensitivity to retinol is a possibility and usually goes away within several weeks of consistent use.
However, sensitivity to it has a higher chance of occurring if you start using a topical product with high concentrations too quickly. To prevent irritation and burning, it’s best to test yourself for sensitivity before jumping into a full-blown regimen.
Before you buy your first retinol cream or serum, dab just a bit on your skin at night and wait until morning to see how your skin reacts.
If it looks fine and isn’t red or flaky, then go ahead with using it regularly!
If you do experience any irritation after trying a product once (or even a few times), stop using it immediately until all symptoms are gone.
The benefits of retinol
Retinol is one of dermatology’s most powerful anti-aging weapons.
Retinol is often described as a miracle worker—and it can help with everything from wrinkles to acne.
It helps your skin repair itself from damage and stop new breakouts before they start.
As we age, our hormones and oil production change, it’s important to use retinol if you want to keep your skin healthy for decades to come. The best age to gradually start introducing retinol to your skincare routine is mid 20’s.
That said, it’s easy to overdo it and end up with painful side effects—particularly if you start using it too early.
Retinoid Strength Chart
Comment below when you think is the best age to start introducing this miracle ingredient to your skincare routine.
