Basics of skincare: answers to everything you need to know.
It’s looking like everyone is paying attention to their skin/skincare routine now more than ever, and that makes me one happy esthetician! Learning all you can about your skin, skincare products, and skincare treatments can seem a little overwhelming. I get asked a lot of great questions from my peers and clients and I love answering all of them. I’ve gathered a list of the questions that I think are really important fundamental skincare questions. Knowing all this basic skincare info will give you a great foundation to build off of; soon you will be a skin expert!
scrub me secret: feedback from my blog readers and social media followers shows that you all love concise information that gets straight to the point! I love that, it means you all are efficient and out there getting stuff done 😉. For this blog post, I did my best to keep my answers to these questions short, sweet, and informative. Enjoy!
Facial skincare questions:
What is double cleansing?
Cleansing first with a facial oil, micellar water, or cleansing balm. Then, following up with your facial cleanser or facial soap. Any skin type can benefit from double cleansing, even those with acne.
Does everyone need retinol?
No. While retinol does have really good cell turnover, breakout clearing, and antiaging results for a lot of people but others could benefit more from items with a plant-based form of retinol called bakuchiol. There are also other ways to treat signs of aging and acne if retinol didn’t work well for you.
How do I choose a toner? Do I even need one?
I really do suggest adding a toner to your skincare routine. It helps with product absorption so all your other skincare works its best.
If your skin is oily choose a toner that contains witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, or other astringent properties.
If your skin is dry or sensitive (even if you have acne) choose a calming or hydrating toner. You can look for ingredients like rose water, chamomile, CBD, hyaluronic acid, and distilled water.
scrub me secret: Choosing the correct toner has become a little bit tricky because there are now so many products with actives like glycolic acid or BHA that I would consider an acne treatment or gentle exfoliant more than a toner. So, while these liquids may be good for your skincare routine they aren’t the types of toners I’m talking about now.
What is the best thing to do about a pimple?
Don’t pop it, treat it with bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide or sulfur spot treatment, put a cold compress, ground oats, or hydrocortisone on it, then LEAVE IT ALONE. Click here for a blog with more detailed steps.
I want to get rid of fine lines, is botox the only way?
There are definitely other options! Professional face massage or gua sha massage treatments provide visible and long-lasting results. Microcurrent treatments and red LED used at home and during facial treatments also show great results.
How do I choose the right serum?
I could do a whole blog post about this and probably will soon. Here are my basic serum tips:
Everyone needs a good vitamin C serum to use during the day. I suggest MAELOVE, PCA, or SkinCeuticals.
Don’t choose too many all at once, start with vitamin C and maybe one other serum and build from there.
I generally like to stick to serums from the same skincare line. PCA is my favorite.
Product descriptions on the side of the packaging will be your friend when choosing a serum to treat your specific needs.
I’ve heard certain products don’t mix well; which products can’t I mix?
Vitamin C doesn’t do well when applied along with products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. To ensure all your products work how they are intended to, use vitamin C in the morning and products that contain retinol, glycolic, and benzoyl peroxide in the evening.
Do I really need daily SPF? Even if I’m not in the sun?
Yes. UVA rays come through the clouds and damage your skin. Also, screens on our computers and smart devices emit a skin-damaging HEV light. Applying a daily facial moisturizer that contains SPF is key for the most healthy skin.
Facial oil and facial moisturizer are the same or different?
Different. Facial oil provides nourishment for our skin with enriched oils. Facial moisturizer is water-based cream or lotion that provides hydration properties that treat dehydrated skin. Dry skin types can benefit from using both. See my blog post on product layering for more info.
How do I know if my products are working?
It takes about 4 weeks of consistent and proper use of a skincare product before you start noticing some changes in your skin. As long as your skin isn’t having an adverse reaction to your product I always tell my clients to use patience when waiting for the results we want to see. You should know pretty quickly if your new skincare product is not reacting well with your skin. See my blog post about sensitized skin for more details on that.
What should a basic skincare routine look like?
At the very least you should be using a cleanser that is specified to your skin type, a moisturizer for your skin type, and SPF 30+. There’s lots of info in this “Tips for optimizing your at-home skincare routine” blog post I wrote.
scrub me secret: I think the key to having a really amazing skincare routine at home is to start with the basics and then build from there. Find a great cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. Then move on to adding a toner. From there add a vitamin C serum. Take your time with the process of choosing and adding products and just keep building!
Body skincare questions:
What should I be using to wash my body?
It’s your preference to choose between a soap bar or liquid body wash for cleansing your body. Whichever product you end up choosing, I recommend a perfume/fragrance-free product (essential oils are fine). I also recommend a plant-based and/or hypoallergenic product. Any of the scrub me soap bars are great choices; Credo beauty also has great body wash options.
What do I do about ingrown hairs?
Everyone’s skin is different and some of us have more success in treating ingrown vs. others. Here are my top tips for ingrown hairs.
Try waxing instead of shaving.
Treat your ingrown hairs with AHA/BHA exfoliating and bacteria-killing serum 2-5x a week.
Use a gentle soap and soothing hydrator daily.
Don’t shower with super hot water. A cold rinse is also suggested if you can handle it!
Using a dry brush very gently on the days you don’t use AHA/BHA.
What are these bumps on the backs of my arms? What can I do about them?
Small bumps on the backs of arms are oftentimes a common skin condition called keratosis pilaris. This is a harmless build-up of keratin proteins that cause small bumps that are rough and dry. I’ve found that my clients that switch to a fragrance-free wash with skin-soothing ingredients have success in clearing their KP (keratosis pilaris). Also, incorporating a gentle exfoliant with skin-nourishing properties into your body care routine 2-4x a week is helpful.
Can I get rid of my stretch marks?
If your stretch marks are darker than your skin color and/or a reddish, brown color then there is a possibility of fading them away with proper skincare [see the scrub me secret below for more detailed blogs]. If the stretch marks are hypopigmented, meaning a lighter color vs. your skin tone then these marks are most likely not going to fully go away. You can have success in smoothing their texture but not their tone.
What is a back facial?
It’s like a facial only for your entire back. Your skin is cleansed, detoxified using steam, exfoliation, and a decongestion mask. Extractions are performed, meaning blackheads and whiteheads are removed. To finish a soothing, hydrating, or firming mask is usually applied. It’s a great treatment for a hard-to-reach area!
scrub me secret: looking for more detailed blog posts on specific body care subjects? Read: “A closer look into stretch marks”, “What is a back facial?”, “buff & brighten your body”, “scrub me loves bar soap”, “spa treatments for your body.” and “lasers, waxing, & threading.”
Spa etiquette/general questions:
Is it bad to come to my facial with makeup?
No, it’s totally fine! Your esthetician should have everything they need to remove your makeup before cleansing. I always start with an oil cleanse for my clients.
Do I tip an esthetician?
Yes, it’s customary to tip anyone working in the service industry.
Is it rude to contact my esthetician for skincare advice in between facials?
Not at all! Make sure to ask or check online for their business hours and try to contact them during that time. It’s normal to have questions about your skin or new skincare products in between visits to your esthetician. My clients reach out via phone or email and I always am more than happy to assist.
What if I don’t know what kind of facial to book?
If there is a facial consultation option choose that service along with whatever facial you think looks good. Then let the technician performing your facial know that you’d like them to help you choose the best treatment. If there is no consultation option, call and book over the phone so someone can help guide you in the right direction.
Other than pore cleansing, how is a facial helpful?
Most facials include exfoliation, balancing, and hydration along with the pore cleansing element. A facial is a great way to professionally remove dead skin cells, stimulate tissues, and infuse hydration. Also, an esthetician is able to take a close look at your skin and let you know if anything in your skincare routine needs to change.
How do I find a good esthetician in my area?
Asking other beauty professionals like your hairstylist, nail technician, or makeup artist is a good way to get esthetician recommendations. Also, if you have a friend, acquaintance, or coworker that has radiant skin don’t be afraid to throw them a compliment about their glowing face and ask them if they have an esthetician. Always vet the spa or skincare studio you were recommended on Google, Facebook, or yelp. If they have good reviews then you’re good to go.
scrub me secret: social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also great places to find estheticians or skincare experts. You can search certain words or hashtags and find someone that fits your needs in your area. I would still recommend looking them up on google or yelp once you find someone you like.
Now you’re on your way to becoming a skin expert! I’m imaging you being that friend in the group that has all the answers and hot tips for your friends when it comes to skincare. Use this blog post and my other scrub-me-secret posts to refer back to whenever you need to brush up on your knowledge.