What are the 5 most popular skincare questions?

And the simple answers that your skincare routine needs

I can talk about skincare every day. Heck, I can even write a book! The thing about skincare is that it is ever-evolving. We may not use your mom’s skincare tips and tricks, although they may work still. Each time you blink, a new skincare brand and trend emerges. When that happens, we scramble to Kim Kardashian’s Instagram stories to find out if they are worth trying. Yes, skincare is a big deal, and caring about it is more common than people will lead you to believe.

If you are new to the skincare game, things can be a bit confusing and scary. I admit it. We are not here to isolate you further but to bring you into the fold of looking and feeling damn good! The best way to start anything new is by focusing on the basics. In a previous post, we discussed the different skin types and what influences them. Knowing your skin type is the basis of a proper skincare routine. It saves you a lot of time, money, and heartache from trying skincare products and treatments that do not work for you. 

So what if you already know your skin type? Now what? Great question. Let's answer some of the most common questions that people ask about skincare. If this sounds like a great idea to you, keep reading to learn more. 

1. How to decide on your skincare routine? 

Like your body and most other things in life, your skincare routine evolves. Your skin's needs in your 20s are not the same as its needs in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. For example, it is common for most women to add retinol to their skincare routines in their late 20s and early 30s. I do not imply that you cannot use retinol in your early 20s, but I do not see the point unless you have severe skin issues. Once you know your skin type, everything else is preference. Decide how much you want to spend on your skin; skincare can be expensive. Then, choose skincare products and treatments that treat specific issues, if any. 

Your day and nighttime skincare routines should be separate. Why? For many reasons. Certain products increase skin photosensitivity during daytime use. An example of such a product is retinol. When you use a retinol skincare product during the day, sans a broad-spectrum sunscreen, it damages your skin long-term.

The products you use as part of your daytime skincare routine should be lighter. They should hydrate and protect your skin as you will be out and about under the sun's drying UV rays. An excellent daytime skincare product would be a vitamin C-based serum or moisturizer. It brightens, hydrates, and protects your skin at the same time! Masktini’s Woke Bae Whenever Moisture Spritz is the perfect product for your daytime skincare routine. 

2. What causes acne? 

In case you did not know, acne is the work of the Devil himself. It stores up its toxic energy in Hades and plots about how it will ruin your life at the most inconvenient times. That is the answer, hun. Kidding. Anyway, acne is an umbrella term for skin issues that result from damaged hair follicles, clogged pores, bacteria, inflammation, and dead skin cells. Different forms of acne include: 

• Cystic acne
• Hormonal acne 
• Whiteheads 
• Blackheads

People with normal skin get acne breakouts once in a while. While those with combination skin struggle with acne long-term. How and when your skin breaks out is unpredictable. So is whether your acne treatment will work. The truth is, scientists have not found a cure for this skin disease. For now, we are stuck with it. This is why knowing your skin type is critical for developing the right skincare routine!

3. Why does my acne get darker than the rest of my face?

Since we are on the topic of acne, let us talk about one of its side effects - hyper-pigmentation.  The reason that your acne gets darker is because of hyper-pigmentation. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hyper-pigmentation occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. An external factor like acne changes the color of your skin. Although your acne clears up, that darkened skin remains until it fades over time. Increased sun exposure darkens your skin further. That is why we always encourage you to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen all day, every day. 

4. Does drinking water clear your skin?

Oh boy, this myth! The human body is over 70% water. That means water is vital for life. I would never deny that. If water were all it took to clear acne, and we are over 70% water, then we should all have clear skin! Water retention and intake are vital for skin hydration. Hydrated skin is more supple. This suppleness has nothing to do with whether you will wake up with an acne breakout tomorrow. While many people will tell you that water is their secret to great skin, please do not buy into that hype. You will only be disappointed when a gallon of water a day does nothing but keep you in the bathroom and soften your skin.

Yes, drink water because it is vital. But no, do not rely on water as the main ingredient in your skincare routine if you do not have a normal skin type. 

5. How long does it take for a skincare product to work?

There is no concrete answer to this question. With the number of skincare products on the market, that is impossible! Nothing happens overnight. There are few skincare products on the market that produce overnight results. Yet, skincare is not that simple or easy. More advanced skincare treatments such as LED therapy, injectables, and laser therapy, may produce instant results. But, it will come at an expense that a lot of people cannot afford. That is why we always tell you to be patient with your skin. Enjoy the process and pay close attention to what is and is not working for you. In 3-6 months, and with consistency, you will have the skin that you want! 

If you have any other questions that you would like us to answer, drop a comment below. We would love to answer them. Until next time.