Q&A for How to Establish an Effective Skincare Routine

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can men use this skin care routine?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Of course! Keep in mind that because of male hormones, the skin may be more oily (but, not always the case). The marketing of many skin care products are geared toward females; however, they can be used on males as well. Once you know your skin type you can lay out a routine. If you need help, you can see an esthetician or visit a dermatologist.
  • Question
    When you use facial exfoliator do you also need to use facial wash?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you do. If you are talking about using a device, such as an exfoliating brush or cloth, then you will definitely use a facial wash. A chemical exfoliator on the other hand, may require a different additional prep, usually after you have cleansed the skin. Follow the directions of the exfoliator you purchased. These articles may be helpful: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Glycolic-Acid-Peel http://www.wikihow.com/Exfoliate-Your-Face
  • Question
    Cleansing is followed by toning and moisturizing. But do I need to do toning and moisturizing after exfoliating? And if yes, then I should exfoliate in place of cleansing?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there's no need to cleanse after exfoliating. You just have to tone and moisturize afterwards.
  • Question
    I have large pores. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try to develop a habit of giving your face an ice cold facial first thing in the morning. In addition to reducing wrinkles and minimizing large pores, this will leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing all day long.
  • Question
    At what point in the routine should I use spot treatment?
    Community Answer
    You should use a spot treatment after you tone. Then, wait a few minutes for it to dry before applying moisturizer!
  • Question
    I've done everything, but I still get a lot of oil and small pimples on my face. What else can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try drinking more water and cutting down on greasy and junk foods. A healthier lifestyle highly contributes to healthy and clear skin.
  • Question
    When should I exfoliate? Daily?
    Community Answer
    It is recommended usually to exfoliate once or twice a week before your daily night-time routine, before cleansing, toning, moisturizing, etc.
  • Question
    Which of the steps should I do first?
    Community Answer
    Use the cleanser first and after you wash that off and dry your face, put on some of that toner and once the toner is dry, put on a dime size amount of moisturizer, or put more if you have really dry skin.
  • Question
    I have blackheads on my nose. How can I get rid of them?
    Community Answer
    Blackheads are normal on the nose and are due to genetics. The beauty industry wanted to sell more products, so they declared blackheads on the nose to be abnormal and ugly. They will come back even if you do remove them, as they are part of the skin. Keep your face clean, eat a healthy diet for and exercise regularly for the best results and give it time, as most skin eruptions pass.
  • Question
    Will daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing give me oily skin?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't, as long as you are not too rough with your skin and are moisturizing after, there should be no problem.
  • Question
    I am using a product that gives me rashes and other skin maladies. Does this mean I have sensitive skin? How can I treat the rashes?
    Community Answer
    You may have sensitive skin, or it may just be a reaction to the product. Take it out of your routine and see if the rashes go away. If not, see a doctor and do an allergy test so you can avoid the ingredient in other products. You could also see if products with overlapping ingredients have the same effect and narrow it down from there.
  • Question
    Is there anything I can use in place of the toner?
    Community Answer
    You can splash cold water on your face, but this won't have any of the benefits of toner, such as restoring pH values. It will close your pores to prevent bacteria and dirt, however. You can also make your own toner by mixing 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts filtered or distilled water; be sure to avoid the eye area when using it.
  • Question
    When do I use a face wash? Before or after cleanser and toner?
    Community Answer
    Face wash and cleanser are the same thing. You wash your face with the face wash/cleanser, then use a toner, then whatever else you put on your skin. If you meant face mask, you wash your face first, then use the mask, then rinse off the mask and apply toner.
  • Question
    At what point in the routine should I apply the face mask?
    Community Answer
    Apply a face mask after removing any makeup and cleansing. Masks should be applied to squeaky clean skin. Follow the mask with the other steps - toner, spot treatment (if desired), and moisturizer.
  • Question
    When should I apply the face mask, before or after my routine?
    Community Answer
    Before your routine would be best so that it can fully clean your skin and leave it rejuvenated after your routine.
  • Question
    Why are some cleansers cream and some water?
    Community Answer
    The water is for sensitive skin, and the cream is for non-sensitive skin.
  • Question
    What are some recommended (preferably cheap) brands to use for skin care?
    Community Answer
    Dermalogica sells travel-size sets specified to different skin types and last for a decent amount of time. They cost within the £20 bracket, but full-size products are also available. Clean & Clear is also great for acne and can be found in drug stores. Look for products containing salicylic acid if it is needed for acne treatment.
  • Question
    I have medication (cream) for my spots, when should I apply this?
    Community Answer
    Read the information on the back of the medication. Usually you can wash/moisturize your face and then apply the cream. If it is not a very powerful cream, it is generally applied twice weekly, a stronger cream is used once a week or whenever you have spots. Again, check the instructions.
  • Question
    How can I keep my lips pink?
    Community Answer
    Moisturize with petroleum jelly, lip balm, or cocoa butter. Grind a handful of pomegranate seeds and mix them with some milk. Apply this mixture to your lips regularly and watch them become pinker and fuller. Rubbing a slice of cucumber on them will work as well.
  • Question
    What can I do if my cheeks look fair but my forehead looks oily and black?
    Community Answer
    Black foreheads are usually caused by sun exposure. Follow your skin care routine, then apply a moisturizer that contains spf or a sunscreen. Protect your face when you are out in the sun with a hat or umbrella.
  • Question
    My cheeks are always red. How can I even out my skin?
    Community Answer
    Try rinsing your face with quite warm water and then with cold water. The warm water will open up your pores, allowing the redness to escape. The cold water will close up the pores, leaving you with an even complexion.
  • Question
    What should I use if I don't have any face wash?
    aDeja Nelson
    Community Answer
    You can use just water and a wash cloth for the cleanser. As a toner, you can use witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide, or even apple cider vinegar. A moisturizer could be plain body lotion; try unscented.
  • Question
    When am I supposed to apply sunscreen? Cleanser first, then toner, then moisturizer, but what about sunscreen?
    Community Answer
    Apply sunscreen after you have finished your routine. If you apply before doing your routine it will not be as effective.
  • Question
    Can I use baby oil as cleanser? I have dry skin.
    Community Answer
    It can't be used in place of a cleanser; however, it is incredibly useful for dry skin, either after you moisturize or in place of moisturizer (typically working best if used after a shower or after your moisturizer of choice). Baby oil is largely mineral oil and is great for sensitive and dry skin, but it is not supposed to contain any cleansing ingredients. If you enjoy baby oil, maybe look for a cleanser with a mineral oil base, but do not expect baby oil to be useful as anything other than a moisturizer and/or great shaving cream.
  • Question
    Whenever I use toner my skin hurts and gets red. Any recommendations?
    Community Answer
    Stop using the toner. Stick to a mild cleanser like CeraVe and a light moisturizer.
  • Question
    Are there any long term side effects to using milk as a cleanser?
    Community Answer
    No, there shouldn't be any side effects unless the milk irritates or dehydrates your skin.
  • Question
    What can I use to get rid of whiteheads?
    Lilly Rocka
    Community Answer
    Whiteheads occur as a result of pore blockages. This can be due to insufficient exfoliation (once weekly for dry/sensitive/normal skin and twice weekly for oily skin) or unsuitable skincare regime. Diet is a factor in skin appearance and foods such as chocolate, refined sugars and greasy foods can cause whiteheads. Also, try drinking more water to flush out toxins out of your body.
  • Question
    What are some good brands to use?
    Community Answer
    Celeteque, Cetaphil, and St. Ives are good.
  • Question
    My face is oily. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You should be giving your skin both hydration and moisture. Use a moisturizer that isn't too heavy or too light. This can help your skin not produce as much oil. Make sure your cleanser is very gentle.
  • Question
    What should I do when I have many very dark spots after pimples?
    Community Answer
    Those are acne scars. They can take a while to fade, so be patient. AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and vitamin E can all help your skin regenerate and speed up the process; for best results, use a few of these things. See How to Get Rid of Acne Scars for more detailed guidelines.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article