Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmeceutical Skincare
How do I find out my skin type?
There are few categories typically skin is classified into; normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. But over a period of time your skin texture and type can change as it is affected by a lot of factors such as lifestyle, hormones and your diet. The ideal way to understand your skin type might be, to wash it gently and leave it for several hours without using any product to observe your skin. This will give you a strong indicator if your skin feels ‘normal’ or on the dry or oily side. But feel free to call SkinViva for further advice.
What are the most important parts of a skincare routine?
Apart from following the cleanse, tone and moisture skincare routine, you need to also keep your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun. The damage can result in dark spots, wrinkles, and also there is a risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray to keep you protected.
What products should everyone have in their skin care routine?
Your line up varies between morning and night. In the morning, the ideal basics of skin care are “a gentle wash, an antioxidant serum, hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen,” A good antioxidant serum helps repair and defend skin against DNA damage throughout the day. At night, we recommend repeating your cleanse, treating skin with a topical retinol or retinoid—which speeds cell turnover and spurs collagen production—and following with moisturizer.
I lead a busy life, I need to keep my routine simple. What are the absolute skincare basics?
Following a skincare routine might seem tedious, but it does not have to be complicated. You can simply follow the CTM routine. Cleanse your skin using a mild cleanser, use an alcohol-free toner and then moisturize your skin with a nourishing moisturizer. The three-step routine will keep your skin healthy. If you know your skin type already, you can choose from our wonderful ranges. But if you need further advice, please feel free to give SkinViva a call on.
How can I fix uneven skin tone?
Uneven skin tone is caused by uneven distribution of pigment, it can also be caused by extreme sun exposure and hormonal changes. if you do not exfoliate your skin properly, you can develop uneven skin tone because of the excessive buildup of dead skin cells. You can use serums, creams that contain vitamin C to even your skin tone.
Why is it important to use a moisturizer?
Using a good moisturizer can help prevent and treat dry skin, it can also protect sensitive skin and improve the texture of your skin. Using a moisturizer daily can improve the skin’s hydrating and make your skin healthy and glowing. You should moisturize your face daily after cleansing. Apply it in the morning after cleansing it and then before retiring to bed at night. People usually feel the need to moisturize the skin only during the winter season, but your skin needs moisturization throughout the year.
Do you need to moisturize oily skin?
Yes, you need to moisturize your skin even if you have oily skin. Moisturizer is used to improve your skin’s texture and to hydrate your skin. If you have oily skin, you can use oil-free moisturizer to avoid greasy and shiny looking skin.
What is the best way to handle sensitive skin?
The best way to deal with sensitive skin is to be gentle with it. Do not use harsh cleanser or any kind of harsh products that might have irritating substances. Always opt for products that suit your skin and specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
How can I get rid of blackheads?
Exfoliating works well to get rid of the blackheads from your skin.You can always use home remedies to discourage the formation of blackheads on your skin.
How can I reduce the oil production in my skin?
Steer clear from using any harsh products to get rid of the oily skin. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle skin cleanser, use oil-free moisturizer and other skin products. Using home remedies can also help you to reduce the oil production. Also, pay attention to your diet, as increase in amount of sugar, salt and fried food can wreck your skin and lead to more oil production.
How can I prevent aging skin?
Over a period of time your skin will lose its elasticity and collagen, and it will start appearing saggy with fine lines and wrinkles. But you can improve the appearance of your skin with proper skincare regimen. Take care of your skin, protect from the harsh UV rays by using a broad spectrum sunscreen and by using topical products that have retinoid and antioxidants.
What’s the best age to start using anti-aging products or procedures?
The best time to start addressing wrinkles is once you see them in the mirror. “Usually, this is noticeable in your late 20s,” says Greenfield. But you can take preventive measures, like diligent sunscreen use, way before that — like now. It’s the most effective and affordable anti-aging product out there.
What’s the best way to treat dark spots?
Not all dark spots are created equal. The best treatment depends on what caused the spot in the first place. Some are classic sun spots, while others might be associated with melasma, a hormonally triggered hyperpigmentation. Microneedling, Chemical Peels, PRP are all beneficial for these conditions alongside a good skincare routine. You can use an exfoliating agent or a natural skin-lightening product to lighten the brown sun spots Last but not least, always use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to avoid getting dark spots while you’re treating any existing ones.
How can I stop my skin from breaking out?
To prevent breakouts you need to keep your skin clean to get rid of all the impurities, dead skin and the extra oil that starts forming on your skin’ surface. Use over-the-counter products to get rid of the breakouts. And use a nourishing moisturizer because the anti-acne products can leave your skin dry. You also need to use makeup sparingly, keep your hair and hands away from your face so that you do not block the skin pores, spread the bacteria and irritate the skin.
What causes acne?
Acne is the most common skin problem and exact cause of acne is not known. It can be caused by excess sebum oil, clogged pores, hormonal changes, medication or lifestyle and diet changes. Though it is common during puberty stage, young adults can also have acne outbreak before the age of 30. It is less common in older adults. Other factors such as stress and cosmetic products can also cause acne.
Can diet really affect acne?
Short answer? Sort of. “It does not in the sense that most people talk about it — for example, chocolate doesn’t cause acne, however, foods with a high glycemic index, such as refined sugar, can increase hormone levels in the body, leading to inflammation, and exacerbate acne.” So if you break out after eating a late-night plate of fries, it’s not because of the grease. It may be because potatoes are high on the glycemic index scale.
How often should you exfoliate?
While there’s no hard and fast rule on how frequently you need to exfoliate — as it depends on the exfoliant, how powerful it is, and what else you’re using — you definitely need to do it at some stage either with products at home or with appropriate treatments at SkinViva. As a general rule of thumb, we would advise one to two times per week for products at home or regular treatments in Clinic
Do you need different products for morning and evening?
There are a few important tweaks for your evening routine. At night, cleanser may need to include a makeup remover in it, and moisturisers should be thicker and more hydrating at night. Once a week, you should also use a face mask at night, which are often full of rich skin-calming probiotics, which can brighten skin as you sleep.
When should you see a dermatologist?
If you are prone to moles, you should see a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin cancer screening. Outside of that, seek out a dermatologist, if you have any skin concern, whether it’s a new rash, spot, bump that seems unusual for you.
Which areas of the body should you pay more attention to?
So you’ve got your skin care routine down to an art — for your face. But you should pay just as much attention to your hands, neck and chest, where the signs of aging are also visible. Apply sunscreen in the morning, extend your treatments and moisturizer down to your chest, and rub excess product onto the backs of your hands. Really, sunscreen should go everywhere. “The back of the legs is the most common place for melanoma on a woman’s body, so it’s important to use care with SPF coverage here.
Can your skin get too acclimated to certain products, making them less effective?
No, this doesn’t actually happen — but there is an exception. Skin can build up a tolerance to retinol, but not a tolerance against their effectiveness. In fact, jumping around to different products can do more harm than good, so try to stick with it.
Do you really need a separate eye cream?
Yes, you definitely need a separate eye cream. “The skin around the eyes is thinner and needs more support than other skin on the face. Look for one with with retinol as well as antioxidants like vitamin C for anti-aging.
Do I really need to wear sunscreen every day?
You need to apply sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful radiations that can damage your skin. Using sunscreen will also decrease the risk of skin cancer and other skin aging problems such as fine lines, wrinkles, spots and skin discoloration.
How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin.
If you need to choose the right type of sunscreen, you need to know your skin type. If you have oily skin then you should opt for a sunscreen gel or spray so that your skin will not appear oily. If you have dry skin, then your should opt for sunscreen lotion or cream to keep your skin moisturized and at the same time protect it from the harmful UV rays. If you want to wear your sunscreen under your makeup, look for matte finish sunscreen. The sunblock with matte finish will help your skin to look natural. It will also give you the much needed protection, without making your skin appear oily. Go for UVA and UVB protection sunscreen Photoaging is premature ageing which is caused by over exposure to the harmful UV radiations. Photoaging and pigmentation is caused by UVA rays and tanning and skin cancer is caused by UVB rays. So when you buy a sunscreen, make sure that you buy one which protects your skin from both of these harmful rays. When you are buying a sunscreen for UVB protection, look for the ‘SPF’. For UVA protection, look for ‘PA’. To fight harmful UVB and UVA, SPF 30 protection and PA++ protection respectively is more than enough. Check the ingredients. Before buying the sunscreen, always check the list of ingredients on the package. Ensure that your sunscreen does not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. Or else it will cause allergic skin reactions and may also disrupt hormones. Check the manufacturing date. Just like you check the manufacturing an expiry dates of all the products, make sure that you check the manufacturing date of your sunscreen. The newer the sunscreen, the better the efficiency of the product because the components in the sunscreen have a tendency to break down easily.