FAQ about Skincare

In a world filled with lots of creams, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens, knowing exactly how and what to use or  in what order to use them, can be confusing. So here is a little question and answer list from FAQ that I received from you.

Q: Why do I have to use sunscreen? What are the sunscreen actives?

A: If you want to protect your skin from photo-aging, you should use a good sunscreen, always. Also there is the possibility of UV rays triggering skin cancer. For detailed explanation click here.

Q: Should I apply sunscreen before moisturizer?

A: This will change the application routine with the active suncreen ingredient in your product. With the mineral sunscreen actives (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) you can apply it after moisturizer. If your sunscreen has chemical based sunscreen actives, then apply it before moisturizer. You should freshen up your sunscreen every 2 -4 hours for optimal protection. For detailed explanation please click here and here.

Q: How do we use sunscreen and moisturizer?

A: First of all, the application of moisturizer depends on the composition of the sunscreen as I mentioned above.  Yet the trick is wait after you apply any skincare product (i.e. moisturizer) , give your skin time to absorb it and then apply the next product.

Q: Do we apply sunscreen before makeup? Can I use powder over sunscreen?

A: Think makeup or powder for that matter like your moisturizer as discussed above. The same principle applies, check your sunscreen actives (mineral or chemical) and apply accordingly. For detailed article please click here.

Q: Do we have to use sunscreen during winter?

A: Definitely yes. Always use your sunscreen unless you live on the dark side of the moon.

Q: Does my sunscreen moisturize my skin?

A: Depends on its ingredients. The primary role of sunscreens is to protect you from the UVA and UVB from the sun.

Q: Can I apply moisturizer under my primer?

A: Yes, you can. Always moisturize your skin.

Q: How do we use serum? Should I incorporate it in my skincare routine?

A: Serums are my favorite in my skincare routine. Serums are the rock stars of the skincare products.  Serums are packed with lots of ingredients and they deliver active ingredients into the skin.  Especially when they are used in combination with cream(s), both the power of serum and the creams is doubled.  Make sure to let your serum(s) dry before applying the next one. For more details click here.

Q: Should I apply serum before my moisturizer or cream? Should I layer?

A: Yes. I love layering skincare products. Layering actually helps to pack on precious ingredients on your skin. The more you layer, the more potent the ingredients become. One trick in layering is to choose the products carefully to prevent dull or congested skin. I think I should write another article on layering.

Back to serum: apply your serum and then wait a little for it to skin in, then apply the cream.  For further information on serum, cream etc please click here.

Q: I have oily skin, should I use a moisturizer?

A: Definitely yes. Show some TLC to your skin.

Q: Is Cetearyl alcohol bad? Is it alcohol?

A: No it is not bad and no it is not an alcohol like ethanol etc. Ceteraryl alcohol is used in creams, lotions etc as a thickener and a viscosity agent. Some of them are produced from plants.

Q: What is Ethylhexylglycerin?

A: It is used as a humectant, softener and a preservative supporter for some preservatives in cosmetic formulas. It is not a bad material.

Q: What is Titanium Dioxide?

A: For detailed explanation, please click here.

Q: Why do you add scientific references under your articles?

A: I really do not believe in hear say information. As a scientist, I always double check scientific publications before I wrote my articles. I believe you have the right to see and explore the source of these scientific information. It is also courteous to refer to the scientists who spent alot of time and effort to produce these information for us.

Dip not: Bu yazi reçete, ilaç, medikal veya tedavi edici tıbbi önerilerin yerine kullanılma amacını taşımamaktadır. Bu nedenle, sağlığınızla ilgili konularda, lütfen profesyonel sağlık personeline danışınız