When taking care of yourself, part of that usually includes indulging in your skincare. To do so you have to learn about the skin. So I’ve put together a little list of common skincare misconceptions out there that I’ve heard of and encountered on my journey as well. The corresponding facts included are also worth taking note of. They apply no matter what stage of your skincare you are in.
1. Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized.
The obvious choice may be to skip moisturizing if your skin feels greasy but this can actually lead to your skin producing more oil due to dehydration. Using the right moisturizer can actually help control oil production without feeling heavy on the skin.
2. You should exfoliate everyday.
Over exfoliating your skin can cause a breakdown in your natural barrier and cause the skin to become irritated.
3. Pores can open and close.
Pores can appear larger when clogged by dirt, debris and oil. Clean pores will look smaller and prevent them from stretching.
4. Sunscreen is for certain climates and persons with certain skin issues.
Sunscreen should be applied no matter the skin tone or time of year. Sunscreen is for everyone and should be part of any basic skincare routine. Up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can penetrate through clouds on cloudy days.
UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces and cause sunburn. Sunscreen prevents premature aging (wrinkles, fine lines) and lowers your risk of developing skin cancer. It’s recommended to use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
5. Dark circles under the eyes are from a lack of sleep.
A lack of sleep can worsen dark circles but is not the only cause. Other factors such as genetics, aging, pigmentation, dryness etc. can play a role. This can be treated based on what is causing the dark circles. Getting a vitamin C serum may be a viable option for you.
Finally
I hope this helped spread some light on some misconceptions about skincare and help you better understand your skin. Share it with a friend if you found this helpful.
As a busy woman of faith, you’re juggling so much. You deserve skincare that works and aligns with God’s Word (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You’re not alone if your oily, acne-prone skin feels like a battle (about 85% of teens and adults face acne at some point).
In this post, you’ll discover top skincare ingredients, like niacinamide, aloe vera, and salicylic acid that help control oil, calm inflammation, and honor the temple God gave you. All without overwhelming your routine.
These are some of the top picks of ingredients that will help address issues of oily acne-prone skin type like controlling oil production, unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of large pores. They will also help to keep your skin moisturised. We know that having acne can mess with your self-esteem and confidence so let’s get into this list of helpful ingredients.
Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3 absorbs sebum (oil) and helps with the production of collagen that keeps the skin firm and improves skin texture. It also helps the skin grow a ceramide barrier which helps attract and lock in moisture. It treats acne, hyperpigmentation and protects your skin against sun damage. Niacinamide can also be found in meat, fish, poultry, green vegetables, whole grains and mushrooms.
Now, let’s look at Hyaluronic acid. Despite common misconceptions, oily skin needs to be moisturized. Otherwise, you’ll look like an overoiled mess, which can leave negative impressions on your clients.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing ingredient commonly found in creams, lotions, serums, moisturizers, etc. It functions as a humectant, continuing to draw in and hold moisture to the skin even after it’s applied. It also hydrates the skin by binding water to the skin’s cells. So, less touch-ups during the day once you’ve got this ingredient in the mix.
Did you know hyaluronic acid is found in the body in connective tissues and the eyes? It decreases as we age. Some foods that aid in natural hyaluronic acid production include bone broth, leafy greens and citrus fruits, according to Chix Nutrix.
Next up is Aloe (also known as Aloe Vera) which is from a succulent fleshy plant. Aloe vera has soothing and cooling properties. It’s made up of 98% water. It can soothe irritated skin (such as sunburns), helps reduce inflammation, keeps skin hydrated and lighten blemishes all while fighting against acne. It also speeds up wound healing and limits scarring.
Retinol, also called vitamin A, helps reduce oil production by tightening the pores. Retinol cream is a good treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. It’s also known to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s one retinol cream that’s gentle, skin-loving and effective. To get a full breakdown of this product, check out this review.
Also, it’s recommended to use retinol at night as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Please consult your doctor before using if you are pregnant. And of course, vitamin A can be found naturally in foods like beef liver, carrots, canteloupe and sweet potato.
Remember to always moisturize and wear SPF.
Salicylic acid is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores instead it gets into the pores keeping them clear to reduce breakouts. It can be found naturally in the bark of willow trees. Be careful not to overuse this ingredient, especially if pregnant, or using retinol and other exfoliants.
Lastly, Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to get rid of acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduces oil production when applied to the skin. Zinc can be found in foods like poultry, beans, whole grains and dairy products.
Takeaway
All the ingredients mentioned above are non-toxic when used in moderation. All the ingredients above can be found naturally. The key is choosing one or two at a time, especially if your skin is sensitive, and following up with SPF and moisturizer to prevent irritation. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant before using retinol and salicylic acid. Otherwise, you can look out for these ingredients in your skincare products and let us know what other ingredients you’ve tried and how they’ve worked for you.
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Cucumber, that green cylinder-shaped fruit. It’s made up of about 96% water. Not only is it good to eat but has numerous benefits for the skin. You may go to the spa and have it placed on top of your eyes. Cucumber is commonly used in products like toners, masks and lotions. It’s also important to note that it has benefits for all skin types.
Here are some of its key benefits:
1. Fights acne
Cucumber is good for acne prone skin because it contains vitamins C and E. For oily acne prone skin which is caused by a build up of oil and other impurities in the pores. Cucumber is a natural mild astringent which helps reduce oil production and shrink pores.
2. Hydrates the skin
Due to its high water content, cucumber is good for adding hydration to dry skin. It also creates an invisible barrier on the skin to attract and retain moisture. For example, after cleansing then using a toner with cucumber in it will make the most of the moisturizing products which follow.
3. Soothes irritation
Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties are good for pain and redness that may come from something like a rash.
4. Reduces puffiness
Studies have shown that cucumbers reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin.
5. Brightens skin
They are rich in antioxidants and contain vitamin C which can remove dark spots and other blemishes.
6. Lessens dark circles
The high water content within cucumbers hydrates delicate under-eye skin and the presence of vitamin K reduces discoloration under the eyes.
7. Treats sunburn
Due to the cooling effect of cucumber and its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a cucumber paste to your irritated sunburnt skin will relieve pain and discomfort.
All these benefits combined will result in glowy skin. It can be used in various forms like sliced, as a paste, only the juice or combined with other ingredients. There is also the option of using frozen/chilled cucumber which will enhance the cooling effect on your skin if you’ve been experiencing any irritation.
Cucumber can also be referred to as Cucumis sativus. It makes a good ingredient to be used for different skin types due to its many benefits for the skin, so look out for it in your next store bought product’s ingredient list.
Exfoliating is the act of removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin, often with the use of a substance. There are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation can be done with a grainy substance, product or tool such as a scrub or brush while chemical exfoliation involves the usage of enzymes and acids.
How often should I exfoliate?
It’s recommended by experts that you should exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. The frequency however can vary depending on things like skin type or the method of exfoliation, for example, chemical, sensitivity etc.
Health benefits of exfoliating
The are numerous positive health benefits resulting from exfoliating such as:
Evens out skin tone.
Unclog pores. Getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads allows pores to look smaller.
Prevents acne.
Boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage. This gives the skin a glow and promotes internal cleansing respectively.
Boosts collagen production. Long-term exfoliation reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a more youthful look.
Helps other skin care products to penetrate the skin. You might be wondering why you aren’t noticing any progress from a product you’ve used before or has great reviews, this could be due to a build up of dead skin.
Prevents ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs happen when the hair follicle gets clogged by dead skin cells and debris.
How to exfoliate
You can physically exfoliate at home starting with a warm shower or bath. This warmth will open up your pores and help the body release natural oils. It’s best to exfoliate in the morning as the skin repairs itself at night leaving a fresh layer of dead skin to be removed.
Whether taking a shower or bath allow the skin to be in contact with the water for 5-10 minutes before beginning the process. You can use a scrub, brush, washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating gloves during the process. Circular motions for 20-30 seconds work for each area. After rubbing your skin, wash it off with warm water.
Also, remember that the skin on your face and neck is more delicate than the rest of your body so be gentle.
For chemical exfoliation, please follow the instructions given on the product. You can also try a patch test on a small area of skin. For chemical peels, leaving the product on for longer than recommended can do more damage than good. For more on chemical exfoliation, click here.
Takeaway
Exfoliation is possible for everyone with plenty of DIY recipes and affordable tools out there to aid in the process. However, consult a professional beforehand if you have an underlying skin condition to see which method of exfoliation suits you best.
Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine. All in all, not only will it result in more youthful, radiant skin but also has positive health benefits. Stay safe and indulge in your self-care.
