Home  ›  Skin Care Advice

Skin Care Advice » Acne

What Is Retinol and What Are its Benefits?

Within the skin care world, one of the most highly praised ingredients is retinol. Many highly popular serums and creams on the skin care market contain retinol and other retinoids. But what is retinol? And what’s the difference between a retinol and a retinoid? Retinoids are vitamers of vitamin A, meaning they are chemical compounds with a similar chemical makeup to vitamin A. These vitamers are themselves classified as vitamin A. I know it’s confusing, but bear with me here. Retinoids have the same effects as vitamin A, but at different levels and in different ways. Some are also easier for our skin to absorb and use than others. Retinol is one of several retinoids. It’s also naturally occurring in...

Read more →

Acne, Anti-Aging, skin care advice, Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Lightening

What Causes Acne: The Top 5 Culprits

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that people suffer from, and while it is more prevalent in teens, it can affect many people into their 30s or 40s. There are various treatments available for acne and acne scars that range from over-the-counter solutions to prescription creams, but what causes acne? The 5 top causes are listed below. 1. Excess sebum production – Sebaceous glands in the pores produce an oily substance known as sebum, which lubricates the surface of the skin. Those who are acne prone typically have skin that produces excess sebum. In addition, acne-prone people’s skin tends to produce sebum that differs in its makeup, containing higher levels of squalene and wax esters, and lower...

Read more →

Acne, skin care advice

Fade Acne Scars with These 7 Ingredients

Acne is a very common skin condition, and as a result, many are left with scars. Acne scarring can be really upsetting to those who suffer from it, as it is very noticeable, and many believe it to be permanent. However, there is hope. There are quite a few skin care ingredients that can help with acne scars, but to know how to treat them, we need to identify the two major problem areas of acne scarring: post-inflammatory redness and sunken scars. Post-inflammatory redness is just that: redness that remains on the skin after inflammation. This is a similar issue to rosacea, and redness can lead to scars being much more pronounced and visible. The best way to treat post-inflammatory...

Read more →

Acne, skin care advice, Skin Care Ingredients

The Top 5 Natural Skin Care Ingredients for Acne Treatment

  Acne is an incredibly common skin problem, and there are many washes, creams, and prescription treatments to help remedy it; however, there are also many natural ingredients that can be found in over-the-counter products that are excellent for treating acne-prone skin. Here’s a breakdown of the top 5: Salicylic acid may be the most commonly used and trusted anti-acne ingredient on the market. Derived from willow tree bark, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which helps to slough off dead skin cells and reduce redness and inflammation. Salicylic acid does not, however, fight against the bacteria that causes acne, making it most effective when paired with an antibacterial ingredient. Aloe Vera is a plant extract that people...

Read more →

Acne, Natural Skin Care, Sensitive Skin, Skin Care Ingredients

7 steps to setting up the best skin care routine

7 steps to setting up the best skin care routine It’s important to care for your skin on a daily basis. Here are some simple tips to set up the best skin care routine. Know your skin type Oily skin tends to be shiny or greasy looking, and is prone to enlarged pores and acne. Dry skin is usually rough and flaky, and has an increased need for moisturization. Combination skin has dry spots and oily spots, and needs to be addressed more topically. Sensitive skin gets irritated easily with alcohols, acids, and other harsh ingredients. Normal skin is not very oily, dry, or sensitive and is suited to use most cleansers, moisturizers, and skin care products. Cleanse your skin...

Read more →

Acne, Cleansing, Dry Skin, Exfoliating, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Skin Care Routine