5 General skin care tips and the importance of skin care

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

In a study conducted by OnePoll 64% of Americans feel guilty for not taking their skincare seriously and 58% wished they could go back in time to take care of their skin when they were younger.

Why is skin care important?

Skin care is essential because it protects, preserves and keeps your skin healthy. Maintaining a routine has both physical and emotional benefits like the ones below.

Capital Femme: 5 reasons why skincare is important. List of skincare benefits.

No matter where you are in your journey, I’ve put together a few general skincare tips that will help you keep your skin looking its best.

1. Keep your hands off your face as much as possible

Only clean materials, items and hands should touch your face.

2. Try to reduce popping pimples or acne

This can help reduce acne scarring and dark spots (hyperpigmentation) instead try gently exfoliating, applying a clay mask, or some retinol. A study found that 43% of people regret picking at their acne.

3. Cleanse and moisturize daily:

Your skin will thank you for this over time, helps to reduce acne, early signs of aging and improve your skin’s texture by making it smoother. Take note that using only water will not cleanse your skin properly.

4. Use non-comedogenic products:

As you may know, these are products that will not clog your pores. Sun protection is also important.

5. Stay hydrated

This helps your skin be firmer and plump. It can also benefit you to have a healthier diet, reducing trans fat and processed food consumption, in exchange for whole foods like nuts, fruits & vegetables.

You can prevent things like premature aging, sun spots and even cancer.

I know sometimes life can get busy, start small, even if it’s for just 10 minutes. These tips apply no matter what your skin type is, your age, gender and whether you’re just starting out or have an advanced routine. You can implement these tips one at a time and you will see a difference.

Reference (click to view)

https://nypost.com/2020/08/04/more-than-90-percent-of-people-polled-say-their-skin-is-healthier-after-spending-significantly-more-time-at-home

Niacinamide. Get With it or Nah?

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Seeing that this is the first post of 2024.  In proper fashion, I want to wish all of my readers a Blessed New Year.

Now back to today’s topic.

Niacinamide is a popular skincare ingredient these days. You may have come across it on your Instagram or Tiktok. If you’re unfamiliar with it, niacinamide is another name for vitamin B3. It works for all ages and skin types. In today’s post, we’ll focus on its topical use.

Topical niacinamide-containing products will have more direct benefits for the skin.

It can be used for many different skin concerns, some of which are addressed below.

Here are some of its benefits:

Helps with hydration

Niacinamide can improve skin hydration by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment. It also may improve the skin’s barrier function by locking in moisture and keeping pollutants out.

Brightens skin

This ingredient is known to brighten skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation by treating dark spots and improve skin texture.

Control oil production

Niacinamide helps to regulate the amount of oil produced by the oil glands. This helps to prevent breakouts and treat acne. It can also reduce the appearance of the pores by keeping the skin smooth and clear. Now when it comes to oily skin, this ingredient is a game changer. This is what in my opinion set it apart from vitamin C.

Soothe inflammation

It’s also an anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it’s great for calming irritated skin. Niacinamide can calm redness caused by breakouts (acne), eczema and rosacea. This makes it an ingredient which can be a good fit for those with sensitive skin.

Reduce signs of aging

Using niacinamide topically can boost collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Its antioxidant properties may also help to protect your skin from damage due to aging.

How much is safe?

It’s recommended to use products with 5% or less when choosing products with niacinamide. Anything over that may cause irritation so it’s important to read the label of a product you are considering.

You can also do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to see if your skin agrees with the product.

 

Choosing products

Niacinamide is commonly found in sunscreens, cleansers, serums or moisturizers. It’s gentle enough to be used twice a day and works best when used in products that are left on the skin (like serums and moisturizers). Also, remember to read the instructions on the product.

For maximum results, this ingredient can also be paired with others like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol and AHAs such as glycolic acid.

 

In conclusion, niacinamide can be a gentle yet effective ingredient in your skincare routine and could be the boost your skin needs.