Commonly Googled Questions About Skin Care Answered Here : Volume 1

Google comes to your mind whenever you have even a tiny question in your mind. Be it anything. For instance, Google is bombarded with the question every day, every hour, every minute, and every second about skincare. Thank God the technology has evolved so much and we are able to share information, experiences via the internet. You can get your answers in a few clicks.

So I thought, how about summing up all those questions (the most common ones) at a place so that you can save some of your time. Stay with me while I am answering the most commonly googled questions about skincare for you. There you go…

The most commonly Googled skincare questions, answered here!

Before we start, let me tell you I might sound biased towards picking the questions that are more related to oily & acne-prone skin, because I am among the fortunate people who have that type of skin. But I will still be answering some in general questions about other skin types as well.

Are oil-controlling face washes effective for oily skin?

Any gel-based face wash can get rid of oil for some time. But if you use harsh oil clarifying face washes, you are triggering your oil glands which will make your skin turn oily again within a matter of 1-2 hours.

Solution: Use mild face wash, and never skip the moisturizer.

My skin is already oily, why I need a moisturizer?

When you wash your face, there is a possibility that you are ripping some of the natural oils out of your skin, making it feel dry, stretchy. Even if you don’t feel that stretch, but at a microscopic level, your skin can sense the lack of oils. It will trigger oil glands that it needs oil and hence it will make your skin oily.

A moisturizer is hydrating, while excess oil out of your skin, might clog your pores giving a boost to acne bacteria. It’s always a safe bet to apply a thin layer of moisturizer over an oily skin after cleansing routine.

Do I really need a toner?

Yes & No.

A toner works on pores, giving them a minimized look. You should use a toner if you want to minimize the appearance of pores on your face. Make sure you pick a pH balancing and alcohol-free toner.

If you have dry to normal skin type then even rose water would give you a feel-good factor. If you don’t have a big pore issue, you can skip it altogether.

Tip: Rubbing ice cubes can smoothen the appearance of pore on your skin if you don’t want to invest in a toner.

What are pores? Can pores really be closed?

Every skin type has pores. Your facial hair grows out of these pores. Pores are mostly visible on your inner cheeks and nose. Dry to normal skin beauties would never even realize they have something as pores. While on oily skin, they are most prominent.

You can’t close pores. Because there is no muscle in pores. Their appearance could be just minimized to an extent depending upon the texture of your skin. Excess secretion of oil can make enlarged pores on your face.

Solution: You can shrink pores using a cold compress. Actually your skin tissue contracts upon cold compressing and that’s how you can mimic no pore look. You can use ice cubes or really cold water to wash your face. Some of the toners would do that for you.

Tip: If you still face big pore issue, there are pore smoothening /pore filling makeup primer to give you a smooth texture. But be aware that these primers use silicons to fill the pores.

What is cleansing milk? Who should use it?

Cleansing milk is a thick cleanser with moisturizing effects. It is mostly used at night to give your skin a thorough cleansing. It can be used to dissolve makeup/dirt/grim/pollution. You can use a general face wash after using cleansing milk if you feel like giving a double cleansing to your skin.

Dry to normal skin people are advised to use cleansing milk because it has moisturization properties while other cleansers/ face wash might dry out their skin further.

Oily skinned beauties should go for gel-based cleansers or should use a face wash if they must use cleansing milk. Also, it is very important to check out the ingredient list of the cleansing milk as it might clog pores.  Oily skin people should use cleansing milk marked as non-comedogenic or suitable for all skin types/ oily skin.

How many times should I wash my face?

At max, two times a day. If you must wash your face a third time, use plain water, if possible.

If you have dry-normal skin, I am sure, you are washing your face twice a day, you can skip a morning cleanser, but you should use a mild cleanser at least at night to take the day off of your skin.

If you are washing your face even thrice, you are kind of overdoing it even if you have oily skin. I understand oily skin might feel greasy, especially during summer/ humid days. But don’t use harsh cleansers at any time of the day. Stick to mild versions.

Tip: If you strip your skin’s natural oils, it will produce more. So better act in moderation.

How many times should I scrub my face?

Young skin has a nice turn over rate hence scrubbing once or maximum twice a week work. As you age your skin’s cell shedding power decreases and then you must stimulate the dead skin cell turn over using physical or chemical ingredients.

You can use simple kitchen ingredients like gram flour (besan) + water, ready-made scrubs according to your skin types, or salicylic/glycolic acid-based chemical face wash/ scrubs. To choose the right scrub would be explained in another article.

I stay indoors, can I skip using a sunscreen?

I would not suggest you to skip using a sunscreen. Even the indoor lighting system and blue light from electronic devices can tan and age your skin. Those lights are really strong for your skin and are even capable of giving you skin cancer.

• Everything About Sunscreens
• La Shield FISICO Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ With PA+++ for Oily skin
• Richfeel Sunshield With SPF 30 For Dry Skin
• Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-In-1 Matte Look Daily Sunblock SPF 40 PA+++
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock SPF 50+ & PA+++

Tip: You can use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to protect your skin for a few hours and then can reapply it.

Are all-natural products good for skin?

Not necessarily. Some natural ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction if used directly. Hence a patch test is also advised. Not all chemicals are bad for your skin. There are some chemicals which in certain quantity actually act really good for the skin for example salicylic or glycolic acid.

Actually even the natural ingredients contain the same formulations and should be used with caution as you don’t know how powerful an ingredient could be. Like if you use tomatoes or lemon directly on your skin, the acid present in these all-natural ingredients, can irritate your skin to a great degree.

Tip: The brands that claim to be all-natural, use (nontoxic) preservatives that keep the products fresh for even 2 years. Don’t fall for the all-organic/natural product trap.

Does Charcoal really detoxify your skin?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but, according to dermatologists and cosmetologists. It does not. It’s the latest skincare myth around which several brands have launched their new product lines and have been churning dollars.

When should I start anti-aging products?

If you are using sunblock, your skin would not need much of anti-aging products. But if your skin has sun damage you should start as soon as you realize it. You can start by using a nice anti-aging night cream and later going for anti-aging serum concentrates and day creams.

Tip: Ideally after 25, it’s a nice time to start including anti-aging products in your skincare routine be it any skin type. Also using Vitamin C & Vitamin E based products is a great way to ensure that your skin is getting anti-aging skincare.

 

Also Read : 

• Winter Care For Acne Prone Skin
• Winter Skin And Hair Care
• Must Have Boots For Winter
• Top 5 Winter Fashion Essentials For Women

 

I can go on and this list of questions will keep on increasing. I think I should stop here and might come up with volume 2 on the same.

Please provide your feedback on the same. Also if you have question-related to skincare email to HighOnGloss@gmail.com

 

→If you really liked it, please share it with your friends.

Disclaimer:  The article is based on my knowledge that I acquired over a span of 10 years while following and reading some very experienced cosmetologists and dermatologists online. 

Nisha Malik ❤

Facebook | Instagram