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What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Care?

Skincare is a frequently discussed topic that is often associated with many questions. It is such a broad topic that many people have questions, such as how to determine their skin type, how to create a skincare routine for their skin type, what to do if you have acne and other skin imperfections, and more. The board-certified dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to share the answers to your skincare FAQs.

Skin Care FAQs

How Do I Determine Skin Type?

The most common skincare question is often about skin type. Knowing your skin type sets the tone for everything you will do with your skin, whether it is a skincare routine, getting a facial, or having other treatments done. It will determine the products you use on your skin and how gentle a dermatologist needs to be with the products and treatments.

The most common skin types are oily skin, dry skin, or combination skin. Oily skin can be caused by stress, humidity, genetics, or hormones. If you have oily skin, your face will often look shiny. Dry skin can be weather-induced, leaving you with red or flushed skin and dryness. Combination skin is a mix of both oily and dry skin. Once you have determined your skin type, you can create your skincare routine.

How Do I Create a Skincare Routine Based on a Specific Skin Type?

How to create a successful skincare routine is a common question, because the answers vary based on skin type. For those with oily skin, it is important to wash your face in the morning and evening, as well as after exercise. When cleansing and moisturizing your skin, use an oil-free and non-comedogenic cleanser to avoid clogging your pores. Moisturizer should be applied daily to keep the skin hydrated. Additionally, you should use sunscreen every day to avoid sun damage. It is also handy to carry blotting papers to use throughout the day to remove excess oil.

If you have dry skin, your skincare routine should focus on hydration. First, use a cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid to help add hydration to the skin. Then you will want to use an alcohol-free toner to restore the pH levels of your skin. Follow toner with a moisturizer to nourish the skin even more. Lastly, protect your skin from sun damage by using sunscreen.

How Do I Treat Acne and Other Common Skin Imperfections?

Another common skincare question is how to treat acne and other minor skin imperfections such as eczema. Acne is common in men and women of all ages but typically begins in the teenage years due to hormonal changes. As hormones change, they create over-stimulated sebaceous glands. This generates extra oils and excess skin cells that create a blockage in the glands and results in acne. If you have acne, you will want to develop a daily skincare routine to avoid more acne breakouts from occurring. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are best for acne-prone skin.

If you suffer from eczema, you may notice red, swollen, blistering areas on your skin. This can be caused by an allergic reaction, harsh irritants, or simply an unknown reason. It may only flare up at certain times such as when the weather changes, or it may be an ongoing issue. To combat eczema, it is essential to bathe in lukewarm water with a mild cleanser so as not to irritate the skin. Wear soft clothing and use moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. Topical treatments and steroids may be needed in severe cases.

Our dermatologists have extensive experience in skincare and are always happy to answer your questions. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, complete this form to get in touch with a dermatologist at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute; we can answer all questions.

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