What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Care?
Skin care can be a touchy subject. We’re all born with unique skin, which can make it difficult to determine how to best care for it. Fortunately, some advice spans all skin types. The key to achieving the skin you’ve always wanted, however, is asking the right questions and making the necessary adjustments that work for you – this can take time, but it’s always worth the effort. There’s no end to the questions you might ask regarding skincare, but some are more common than others. Here we’ll go over some of these frequently asked questions to give you some quick, important information before further exploring these matters with your dermatologist. So, what are the most asked skincare questions?
Common Skin Care FAQs
What’s My Skin Type?
As mentioned earlier, everyone’s skin is different. That said, most people’s skin falls neatly into a handful of categories: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Various factors help give away one’s skin type – if your skin is flaky and tight, for instance, you have dry skin, and if your pores produce an excess of sebum, your skin is oily. Of course, a professional can provide a more accurate analysis of your skin type, which will in turn help determine which products and treatments are right for you.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is one of the most pervasive skin conditions out there, which is why many skincare questions have to do with this condition. Simply put, acne occurs when the skin produces too much oil (sebum) and pores become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Hormonal activity seems to play a prominent role in acne formation, which is why it’s most common during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and other hormonal surges. Diet and stress might trigger acne outbreaks as well, though conclusive evidence has yet to be found.
How Can I Prevent and Get Rid of Acne?
There are several ways to get acne under control, and the best treatment will largely depend on your skin type. Maintaining clean skin and exfoliating periodically will help keep your pores clear. Products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide have also been proven to reduce mild acne. Severe acne may need to be treated with prescription-strength topical creams, antibiotics, oral medications, and more. Certain cosmetic procedures like chemical peels and laser therapies may also help reduce acne and acne scars.
How Can I Prevent and Reduce Wrinkles?
Wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging are also common concerns for adults as they get older. And while fine lines and wrinkles will gradually appear no matter what you do, there are ways to mitigate their appearance. Limiting sun exposure, using products rich with retinoids and antioxidants, and receiving periodic cosmetic procedures (e.g., chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapies, facials, etc.) can all help you prevent and reduce wrinkles. Dermal fillers and other injections can also help restore your skin’s volume.
How Often Should I Cleanse, Exfoliate, and Moisturize?
Specific skin type and products aside, everyone’s skincare routine should include cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing. That said, different people might benefit from engaging in these activities at different frequencies. As a general rule, most people should wash their face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) with warm water and a proper cleanser, moisturizing afterwards. If you have sensitive skin, however, you might limit yourself to once-daily cleansing and moisturizing – and those who exercise or perspire a lot might benefit from an additional wash as needed. It’s also important not to go overboard on exfoliation – once a week is usually enough for those with sensitive skin, whereas others might exfoliate 2-3 times weekly.
When Should I Begin an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine?
Most people don’t notice visible signs of aging until their late twenties or thirties. Still, it’s advised to get an earlier start on anti-aging to help prevent premature wrinkle formation, pigmentation problems, and so on. As such, you might benefit from adopting anti-aging measures once you enter your 20s. Read our blog, “How Soon Should I Start an Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine?” for a more detailed analysis of this topic.
Should I Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
No matter how many times dermatologists relay the importance of sunscreen to their patients, many people don’t heed their advice. Their advice is sound, however. Indeed, broad-spectrum, 30+ SPF sunscreen will protect your skin from UV damage, which can lead to burns, skin cancer, increased aging, and other problems. Even if you live in a cloudy area or spend most of your time indoors, the sun’s rays will find you and get to work. Wearing sunscreen every day will ensure that you stay protected no matter where you are or what you’re doing. If you’re forgetful or feeling lazy, it might help to invest in a moisturizer that contains SPF – this way, sunscreen becomes a built-in part of your existing skincare routine.
Looking for More Skincare FAQs?
We’ve only scratched the surface of the common questions people have about skincare. If you’re looking for more, our Patient Education page is a goldmine of information on a variety of skincare topics. The experts at Premier Dermatology Partners are also happy to answer any and all questions you may have for us. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.