Skincare can be really complicated—we hear you. Amidst newly emerging fads, trends, products, and buzzwords, it’s only natural to feel confused. However, you’re not the only one seeking answers, we promise. Below, our experts answer 29 of the most frequently asked questions.
I] All your Acne-Related Queries—Answered!
How can I lighten acne scars fast?
Look for products infused with Sulforawhite (flower extract), Vitamin C, retinoids, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA). These ingredients have a brightening and lightening effect to help ward off acne scars fast. Alternatively, you can also find some natural ingredients in your pantry that do the job just as well. We recommend raw honey (if you’ve got Manuka honey, that’s even better), coconut oil, aloe vera or turmeric.
How can I resolve breakouts without drying out my skin?
Look for products that have little to zero dosage of alcohol and salicylic acid. Moreover, stick to exfoliating just once a week as overdoing it strips the skin of its natural moisture.
How can I get rid of hormonal acne?
This calls for a visit to a dermatologist, but note to never mix your prescription skincare with a skincare regimen—pick either of the two and stick to it. Products require 3-4 weeks to work their magic, and mixing together too many ingredients may cause reactions.
Don’t wash your face more than twice a day, but wash it thoroughly and gently for at least 30 seconds.
What kind of acne treatment works for adults?
Gently exfoliate twice a week to clear up clogged pores. Use skincare that’s made for your skin type. Do not squeeze or pick at your acne, as this can open the door to bacteria and make matters worse. Moreover, keep your hands away from your face. You can get rid of acne quick if you follow these simple tips.
However, if your acne shows no signs of improving, consult a dermatologist.
Why do I get acne before periods?
Your period largely alters your body’s estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone production. Due to these hormonal shifts, your sebaceous glands are stimulated to produce more sebum—a natural moisturiser for the skin. However, too much sebum leads to clogged pores, forming a breeding ground for acne.
II] Confused About your Skin Type? This Section’s for You!
How can I tell what skin type I have?
Think about how your skin feels when you wake up in the morning. If it’s generally tight and flaky, it’s likely to be dry. Oily skin usually has larger pores and looks shiny and glossy all over. On the other hand, combination skin will usually have an oily T-zone, while the rest of the face is dry. Lastly, normal skin feels even and balanced.
Understanding your skin type is the stepping stone to achieving clear skin.
How can I get rid of dry and oily skin?
Your skin falls under the combination skin type. You’ll need to use different types of products for different areas: for parts that are oily, thick creams will make you break out, so you should opt for lightweight products. For dry skin areas, use oil-based skincare products, as water-based moisturisers can escalate dryness. Alternatively, get yourself personalised skincare that works for both dry and oily areas at once.
Can stress cause oily skin?
Yes. There’s a direct relationship between stress and oily skin. Stress causes a chemical response in your body, which leads it to produce a higher dose of the hormone cortisol. Eventually, this causes your glands to overproduce oil.
Why does my skin type change from oily to dry?
A number of factors can be responsible for the change in your skin type. If your skin is suddenly dry, you could be dehydrated. Alternatively, weather conditions, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and your dietary choices can also have a huge role to play.
III] Get to Know your Skincare Ingredients
What are the best vitamins for glowing skin?
Vitamins B, C, and E are some of the best vitamins for glowing skin. Together, they can prevent premature skin ageing, reduce sun damage, enhance tone and texture, improve moisture, and strengthen immunity.
Can Vitamin C irritate my skin?
Although unlikely, some may experience allergic reactions when using Vitamin C on the skin. This is especially true if you have extremely sensitive skin. Irritation can also occur if it’s combined with ingredients that don’t gel well. Experts recommend patch testing the product on your skin before applying it to your face.
Which skincare ingredients should I avoid while pregnant?
Ruling out toxic skincare is especially important especially while pregnant. Some harmful ingredients you must watch out for are phthalates, sulfates, parabens, BHA’s, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. Additionally, avoid high doses of retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, as these may cause harm to the baby.
Are alcohols bad for use on the skin?
Contrary to what many believe, not all alcohols are bad for your skin. Fatty alcohols are non-irritating and can be exceptionally beneficial if used the right way. These forms of alcohol draw water from the air and turn into a lightweight moisturising agent upon application. Examples include cetearyl alcohol and butylene glycol.
What do active skincare ingredients mean?
Actives are ingredients that are scientifically proven to offer long-term solutions for the skin. They are designed to effectively target and bring about changes in your skin at a cellular level. Some examples are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.
How should I watch out for toxic ingredients in skincare?
Identifying toxic ingredients in skincare is a tedious process—it often requires more than just skimming through product labels. Fortunately, there exist tools and platforms that can guide you through the process.
For instance, Skin Carisma helps you understand the ingredients that go into your skincare products so that you can make safer choices. Similarly, all Think Dirty produces easy to understand information about skincare products and its ingredients. All you need to do? Scan your product’s barcode!
(We are not affiliated with these platforms)
IV] Are You Using the Right Skincare Products?
Does my face need a toner?
Yes, always! Toners have a range of benefits to offer. They help to balance the pH levels of your skin and remove impurities and fine makeup particles. Moreover, toners provide the skin with essential nutrients.
However, make sure your toner is suited for your skin type. Using the wrong toner can have the opposite effect and leave your skin dry and dehydrated.
Which sunscreen is the best for my face?
Always go for broad-spectrum sunscreens as they are designed to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. While the former may cause wrinkling and premature ageing, the latter is responsible for sunburns, discolouration, and in severe cases, skin cancer.
Should I use a face scrub?
Using a face scrub helps eliminate dead skin cells and reveal fresher ones.
However, avoid using scrubs that are too rough, especially physical ones such as sugar scrubs or fruit pits. These can cause micro-tears in the skin and enlarged pores over time. So, go for a chemical exfoliant which will always be much gentler on your skin!
Do I need to wear sunscreen when I’m indoors?
Yes. UVA can penetrate glass and can deeply penetrate your skin, causing pre-mature ageing, wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and even skin cancer. So, apply sunscreen all day, every day, inside or outside!
V] Applying your Skincare Right is Crucial…
How should I layer my skincare products?
Following the right way to layer skincare can target all your skin concerns effectively and enhance your complexion. As a rule of thumb, progress from thin to thicker product textures. Accordingly, the correct order to follow would be cleanser–exfoliant–toner–serum–moisturiser–sunscreen. (But make sure you’re only exfoliating 1-2 times a week maximum!)
VI] How to Deal with the Most Common Skin Problems
How do I reduce redness or eczema on my face?
Facial redness and eczema can be caused by a number of conditions. Irrespective of the cause, taking some precautions can help reduce if not eliminate redness completely.
Generally, stay away from irritants like essential oils and benzoyl peroxide; don’t overload your skin with too many active ingredients; limit exposure to the sun, and don’t exfoliate more than twice a week. Lastly, embrace healthy eating and living.
P.S: All that being said, if you’re suffering from eczema, it would be best to visit a dermatologist. They can help you decide if you should go for skincare products or medical-grade products.
How can I prevent skin from ageing at 30?
There are a number of ways to prevent premature skin ageing. Above all, keep an eye on your stress levels. Next, ensure that you’re getting a good deal of rest. Additionally, apply sunscreen every day, follow an efficient skincare routine, and consume healthy foods.
Can I control oil production on my face?
Yes. Start by incorporating a light-weight and oil-free moisturiser into your skincare routine. While many believe that oily skin doesn’t require moisturising, this is absolutely wrong. Oftentimes, your skin produces excess oils to get rid of dryness. So, when your skin is moisturised enough, it won’t feel the need to produce excess oil and sebum.
Additionally, avoid eating junk, processed, and sugary foods.
VII] Burning Skincare Questions that Most of Us Have
How long does it take for skincare to work?
While a good rule of thumb is 28 days, this differs largely from person to person and from product to product. Moreover, while some products may seemingly produce instant results, it may be superficial and temporary. Long-term changes like reducing acne and lightening hyperpigmentation usually take some time.
Why is my skin dull if I drink lots of water?
While drinking lots of water is great for the skin, many other factors are responsible for dullness. For instance, how little you sleep, what you eat, where you live, and the skincare routine you follow. Some remedies for dull skin we swear by are using collagen-boosting face serums, eating foods rich in fatty acids, and steam cleaning your face.
VIII] Specifics to Know About Yours Skincare
Are Yours’ skincare products completely free from chemicals?
It’s a common misconception that all-natural ingredients are good for the skin. For example, mineral oils, tea tree oils, and essential oils are natural ingredients that contain allergens which can easily cause allergic reactions, clog pores and suffocate the skin.
Natural ingredients can also be too potent or harsh for the skin. Yours’ ingredients are 100% clean, containing both natural or synthetic ingredients, which are essentially developed in the labs but are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy.
What are the skincare steps for Yours products?
AM: After cleansing, apply toner, face serum, eye serum, day moisturiser and SPF
PM: After cleansing, apply face serum, eye serum, night cream
How long does Yours skincare last?
Yours’ products will last you up to two months. If you want to reorder or opt for a subscription-based service, head over to this link.
Are Yours’ products safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Trace elements of chemicals present in everyday products add up, including those in cosmetics. These can make their way through the body and cause potential harm to your baby, or have a systemic effect on your body which may affect the embryo.
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy: AHA, BHA, Parabens (Parabens have been shown to cause cell changes in animals and thus should be avoided in pregnancy). Salicylic acid (BHA) in small percentages—2% or lower is acceptable or considered safe. Best moisturising agents for pregnancy – glycerin, hyaluronic acid or shea butter, we have these in our skincare. Nevertheless, make sure to always consult your doctor before using any skincare products while pregnant.
While not all our products are pregnancy/breastfeeding friendly, Yours takes into notice pregnancy/breastfeeding friendly ingredients while designing your personalised routine.
Can I mix my serum and moisturiser?
We recommend applying your serum first, and letting your skin absorb it for two minutes, before applying moisturiser to lock in the goodness from your serum. We’d suggest not mixing as that will dilute the benefits of the serum.
