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Showing posts from January, 2024

Thinking about switching up your skincare routine again?

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Wondering if it's necessary to keep changing products? Whether you've got a pile of your go-to brands or you're trying something new, the question remains: How often should you change your skincare and makeup? Well, sticking to the same skincare brand forever can make your skin get used to it, and the effectiveness might drop. On the flip side, changing products too often could stress out your skin, leading to allergies, breakouts, and, in serious cases, a decline in skin quality. So, the advice is not to switch things up too frequently. If your current skincare isn't causing any issues, give it a shot for at least 1-3 bottles before trying something new. Or, explore different products within the same brand for a more reliable change. For those with sensitive skin, especially, be extra careful when switching brands after finding one that works. Opt for natural, additive-free products for sensitive skin. Blindly jumping to a new brand might not be the best move. If your

Have you heard that skincare products can become addictive, and it's necessary to switch brands regularly?

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When it comes to skincare, we often hear people say: "Skincare products can create dependency. When you're young, you shouldn't use expensive or complex skincare products, or else you won't have anything left when you're older," or "Skincare products can be addictive; they work well at first, but once you stop using them, your skin reverts to its original state." Do our skin really become dependent on skincare products? Do skincare products develop resistance? If your skin is dry, choosing a moisturizing skincare product can alleviate the dryness over time. If the product is reliable, you'll notice an improvement in dryness, with your skin feeling more hydrated and supple. In that case, the moisturizing product would be considered effective. Feeling the effectiveness naturally leads to continued use. However, over time, the effects may seem less noticeable, making it appear ineffective. Does this mean that the same skincare product becomes ineff

What is Skin Barrier?

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"Establishing the skin barrier" is a common skincare topic. So, what exactly is the skin barrier? Do you truly understand the structure of our skin? Here's a guide to understanding the skin barrier, covering aspects like physical, chemical, immune, and biological barriers. The skin, being the body's first line of defense, has its outermost layer known as the skin barrier. This barrier is divided into several aspects in dermatology: physical, chemical, immune, and biological. When we talk about the skin barrier in everyday terms, we usually refer to the physical barrier. Physical Barrier: Composed of sebum film, stratum corneum proteins, lipids, and dermal glycosaminoglycans, the healthy stratum corneum forms a stable "brick wall structure" with lipid layers arranged like mortar between cells. The integrity of both "bricks" (corneocytes) and "mortar" (intercellular lipids) ensures the completeness of the skin barrier. The physical barr

"Is it related to skin tolerance if you easily get pimples on your face?"

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What is skin tolerance? Skin tolerance is like the body's immune system. High immunity means fewer illnesses, while low immunity leads to more illnesses. Skin tolerance refers to the skin's regulatory ability against external stimuli, combining sensitivity and resistance to environmental factors. Poor skin tolerance results in more skin issues with similar external damage, such as redness, swelling, itching, dryness, peeling, red patches, acne, and rashes. Why does skin become intolerant? 1. Acquired factors: Over-cleansing, frequent exfoliation, and using poor-quality skincare products damage the skin barrier, leading to reduced tolerance and discomfort when using skincare products. 2. Inherent factors: Sensitive skin has weaker immune functions, making it prone to allergic reactions when exposed to certain skincare ingredients. 3. Product misuse: Overuse of products to address skin problems, like seborrheic dermatitis or acne, may damage the normal sebum barrier. Building sk

Common Questions About Exfoliation

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Exfoliation is an important step in our daily skincare routine, but many people have questions about it. Here are some common questions and answers for you to explore: Will exfoliation make the skin lighter? Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can make the complexion appear dull or dark. Regular exfoliation promotes skin renewal, maintaining healthy and radiant skin. For a brighter complexion, consider using products with brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid or incorporating a brightening face mask. What is the order of steps when exfoliating and washing the face? Follow these 4 steps for facial exfoliation: Clean, Pat, Apply, Massage, Rinse. 1. Cleanse your face to remove makeup and dirt. 2. Pat dry the skin area to be exfoliated; for sensitive skin, leave some moisture. 3. Apply the exfoliating product as directed on the packaging. 4. Gently massage the exfoliated area with your fingertips; avoid rubbing vigorously to prevent damage. Rinse off the exfoliating pro

Why does the skin need exfoliation❓

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Air pollution and oily skin causing discomfort with dirt on your face? This is when you need facial exfoliation! Exfoliating can promote skin metabolism and enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products, helping to maintain the skin's elasticity and radiance. However, the skin's natural barrier is the stratum corneum, and excessive exfoliation or improper methods can be harmful. How often should you exfoliate your facial skin? Can you exfoliate every day? What is skin keratin? What is keratin? Keratin is the outermost layer of our skin, composed of dead skin cells, a natural process for maintaining healthy and firm skin. When these keratin cells accumulate too much, it can lead to roughness, dullness, and even pore blockages. How to distinguish keratin buildup? You can observe if the skin surface feels noticeably rough, prone to makeup peeling, powdery, dull, and lacks radiance. These are common signs of keratin accumulation, indicating it's time for facial exf

Is the stinging sensation when using skincare products related to "dehydration"?

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Many people believe it's because the skin is too dehydrated, but the reality is that damaged skin barrier can lead to both "dehydration" and "sensitivity." Repairing the barrier is essential, and simply relying on hydration won't solve the stinging issue. To address stinging caused by high-concentration active ingredients: A. Start with small amounts and low concentrations, gradually increasing the potency over time. B. Mix high-concentration products with basic moisturizers or hyaluronic acid serum. For stinging due to damaged skin barrier, focus on barrier repair, use gentle skincare products, and avoid irritating ones until the barrier is restored. Prevent skincare-induced stinging: A. Be diligent with sensitive skin care. B. Maintain a healthy skin barrier. C. Be aware of potentially irritating ingredients. D. Conduct a patch test before using new products. To achieve beautiful skin, be cautious about skincare ingredients. Familiarize yourself with

Why using skincare products might make your skin tingle

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Let's dive into the reasons behind that tingling sensation we sometimes get when using skincare products... You've probably heard the common advice that if your skin stings, it's because it's dehydrated and needs more hydration. But is that really the case? Q1. Why does the skin tingle after using skincare products? Feeling that tingle could be due to two things: A. Trying out more potent, active skincare: Not all products cause that tingling feeling—usually, it happens with those loaded with stimulating ingredients. Think high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinoids, or vitamin C. The tingling is usually a normal reaction that fades after a few minutes, leaving the skin slightly red. As long as there are no other issues, it's generally okay to keep using them. B. Dealing with a delicate skin barrier: For some, even regular skincare or masks can cause a tingling sensation. This often stems from having a weakened and damaged skin barrier

Removing makeup is crucial for maintaining healthy skin

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Start your skincare routine with a gentle and complete makeup removal process. Makeup alone doesn't harm your skin; it's leaving it uncleansed that can lead to problems. Your skin naturally produces sebum, oils, and sweat daily. Environmental pollutants add to the need for effective makeup removal, helping your skin rid itself of impurities. Failure to fully remove makeup might lead to recurring issues like stubborn acne, an uneven complexion, dryness, dehydration, and a compromised ability to absorb nutrients. Different skin types require specific approaches: - Oily skin benefits from cleansers with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to eliminate impurities and shrink enlarged pores. - Dry skin benefits from plant-based oil cleansers rich in vitamins, forming a protective layer for moisture retention. - Sensitive skin requires anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and stable cleansers, with a caution against prolonged makeup removal. Neutral skin does well with wat

Winter Skincare: 4 Common Misconceptions

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As temperatures drop in the fall and winter, taking extra care of your skin exposed to the cold air becomes essential. However, there are some misconceptions to avoid in winter skincare. 1. Is hot water suitable for washing your face in winter? Many opt for hot water in the cold weather, but it's detrimental to facial care. High-temperature water can strip away natural oils, leaving the face dry and tight. Optimal face-washing temperature is around 35℃, gently cleansing without overheating and maintaining skin hydration. 2. Should you use a face mask daily in winter? While the dry winter climate may suggest frequent hydrating face masks, daily use can thin the skin's protective layer, making it sensitive. Depending on your skin type, it's advisable to use masks 1-3 times a week and follow up with suitable skincare products to retain skin moisture. 3. Is sunscreen unnecessary in winter? Contrary to belief, winter sun exposure can harm the skin. With a thinner ozone layer

What is skin water-oil balance?

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Water-oil balance is the ideal state for the skin, and hot weather significantly increases oil production while often accompanied by dehydration. With some attention to skincare details in our daily routine, we can control these issues, achieving healthy and fresh skin. Let's understand what water-oil balance entails. Water-oil balance refers to the skin being in the ideal state of neither too oily nor too dry. The skin's pH should be within the weak acidic range of 5-5.6. Any deviation from this state indicates water-oil imbalance. How does water-oil imbalance affect the skin? Insufficient skin oil can lead to an incomplete sebum barrier, weakened resistance, and dry, flaky skin. What causes water-oil imbalance? 1. Inherent factors: Naturally thin skin lacks natural moisturizing factors, struggles to retain water, resulting in congenital dryness. Overactive sebaceous glands lead to excessive sebum secretion, forming inherently oily skin. 2. Acquired factors: - Incorrect sk

Three Winter Skin Challenges and How to Address Them

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In the dry winter climate, understanding scientific skincare is essential. Let's explore three factors that trouble the skin: 1. Reduced Sebum Secretion: Winter weather leads to decreased sebum secretion, resulting in dry and fragile skin. 2. Slower Metabolism: Reduced metabolism leads to increased thickness of the skin's outer layer, contributing to the vulnerability of the skin's lower layers and the formation of wrinkles. The causes of winter skin problems include seasonal effects, decreased humidity, and lower moisture and oil levels in the skin. Temperature drops affect circulation, cellular vitality, and metabolic capabilities, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells and accelerated aging. To care for your skin in winter: 1. Boost Skin Moisture: - Use moisturizing products such as hydrating serums, nourishing creams, and moisturizing masks to prevent water loss and provide essential nutrients, enhancing skin hydration. 2. Stabilize & Repair: