Do you have questions about what how to incorporate products into your routine? Or how to treat hormonal acne? We've got you covered! We are sharing our top skincare FAQs answered by our team of skin experts in a four-part series!
HOW SHOULD I INCORPORATE RETINOL INTO MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Incorporating retinol into your skincare routine can seem intimidating, but as long as you follow a few simple steps, it’s relatively easy to do.Â
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It’s important that retinol is only applied to your skin at night. Retinol makes the skin more photosensitive, meaning it is more likely to burn if not protected correctly. Your skin does most of its repair at night while we’re sleeping, so since retinol is very active, it’s important to be used then.
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Another important rule is to start slow, and acclimate the skin to the retinol by starting every other night. After the first week, if you’re not experiencing any redness or flaking, you can begin to use it every night. If you do experience dryness, a helpful tip is to mix it with a hydrating moisturizer as a barrier for your skin.
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Use a pea-sized amount. This amount will cover the full face - and you are able to bring this product down to the neck as well for extra anti-aging benefits!
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Be consistent and give it time. This is not an overnight solution, and it will take consistency and time to begin to see results.Â
HOW DO I PREVENT ACNE FLARE-UPS?
- Wash your face morning and night. This will help remove bacteria, oil, and dead skin from the surface. Always wash your makeup off before you go to bed.
- Moisturize. Some acne treatment products can dry out the skin. When the skin is dry, the skin overproduces oil to compensate. It’s important to keep the skin hydrated with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Look for makeup that is non-comedogenic. Makeup can contribute to clogged pores. Look for oil-free products made to avoid breakouts.
- Be consistent. It can take a month to notice a difference with treatment and product, but the longer you can keep up with a routine, the better results you will notice.
- Use effective products. Invest in medical-grade products that are designed to tackle acne concerns.Â
HOW DO IÂ TREAT HORMONAL ACNE?Â
- These breakouts are caused by an imbalance in hormones, so understanding the root of the cause is important. Lifestyle changes will have to be made.
- Exfoliate with salicylic acid to treat existing breakouts as well as prevent future ones.
- Be mindful of your diet, including sugar and dairy.
- Limit stress.
- Be consistent with your skincare routine.
- See a professional to explore different treatment options, including LED and/or chemical peels.Â
HOW DO IÂ GET RID OF ACNE SCARRING?
There are a few options to help get rid of acne scarring; Laser, Chemical Peels & Microneedling are usually the most popular treatments.
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Laser - Fraxel Re:Pair, also known as CO2 laser, is an ablative laser, meaning it requires more downtime because it removes the epidermal and superficial dermal layers of the skin. This laser removes years of damaged skin cells and stimulates the production of healthy skin cells and collagen, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.
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Chemical Peels - Chemical Peels with TCA can be used to help treat acne scars. These acids help unclog the pores and, through exfoliation, remove the dead skin cells.
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Microneedling - Microneedling creates thousands of microscopic punctures to your skin using an advanced microneedling device. The controlled injuries caused by the procedure stimulate your body’s wound healing process.
The cytokines and growth factors released during the wound healing process increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers, that help revive your scarred skin. As a result, your skin becomes younger, softer, smoother, and healthier.
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It’s important to exfoliate your skin a few times a week to ensure the removal of dead, unhealthy skin. This can be done at night time after you tone the skin. It’s important to be cautious of the use of your retinol on a night that you exfoliate.Â
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