Skin FAQ

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about general skin care, acne, sunscreen, and treatment products. As people send emails asking more questions, I will post the questions and answers on this page.

Check back often for updates!

General

1. What is a dermatologist visit like?
2. Do facials work?
3. Are expensive products better than cheap ones?
4. Are natural or organic products better than ones with chemicals?
5. What goes on first? Moisturizer? Makeup? Sunscreen?
6. What is the best product for _____?
7. Do I have to wash my face in the morning?
8. Do I need toner?
9. Do I need moisturizer?
10. Do I need to use a mask?
11. What is the difference between manual and chemical exfoliation?
12. How can I make my moisturizer less sticky?
13. Is Nivea crème really the same thing as Crème de la Mer?
14. Can I use a product after its expiration date?
15. What to do with old products or ones that didn’t work?
16. What is the oil cleansing method (OCM)?
17. Do I need to use another cleanser after a cleansing oil?
18. Is mineral makeup really better for your skin?
19. I’m feeling really depressed about my skin. What can I do?
20. How can I shrink my pores?

Acne

1. Why do I always get acne on my chin? Cheek? Forehead?
2. What is the best spot treatment for a pimple?
3. How do I get rid of a cyst?
4. Does popping pimples make them go away faster?
5. Am I purging or just breaking out?
6. Will this product break me out?
7. Help! My face is red and raw! What should I do?
8. Help! I can’t stop picking at my face! What should I do?
9. What is the difference between acne scars and acne marks?
10. Will jojoba oil clear my acne?
11. What oils are best for acne prone skin?
12. Will I break out from a cleansing oil?
13. Can I get a facial if I have active acne?
14. What should I do after popping a pimple?
15. I want to clear my acne with at-home remedies. What can I use?
16. I feel a pimple forming. How do I prevent it from getting bigger?
17. What's the best way to cover up a pimple with makeup?

Sunscreen

1. How can I tell if my sunscreen is stable?
2. Can I wear makeup over sunscreen? Or will it destabilize it?
3. Is a sunscreen still stable if it has avobenzone and octinoxate in it?
4. How much sunscreen do I need to apply?
5. What’s the difference between SPF and PPD?
6. What’s the difference between PPD and PA?
7. What does “meet European requirements” mean?
8. I can’t seem to find a good sunscreen. Is it okay to not wear one?
9. What is Mexoryl? Tinosorb? Helioplex?
10. Am I getting enough Vitamin D when I wear sunscreen?
11. How do I minimize the “white cast” from sunscreen?
12. Why do I always look so white and pale in photographs?
13. How do I know if my cleanser removes sunscreen completely?
14. What are nanoparticles in sunscreen?
15. What does microencapsulated UV blockers mean in sunscreens?

Treatments

1. Should I be using Vitamin C on my skin?
2. Which is the better antioxidant: Vitamin C or green tea?
3. How do I know if my vitamin C serum has gone bad?
4. Am I too young to start using retinoids?
5. Is it okay to use BHA or AHA with my retinoid?
6. What are thermal waters? Is there a difference between them?
7. Why do thermal waters make my skin so dry?
8. Why is hyaluronic acid so drying? Isn't is supposed to be very hydrating?
9. Does Differin help with anti-aging?
10. What is hydroquinone and why is it bad?
11. What is chemical peel frosting? Is it safe?
12. Can I exfoliate while I'm on retinoids?
13. How do you make a neutralizing solution for TCA peels?
14. How do you do a patch test for chemical peels?
15. Why do my eyes get swollen after using retinoids?

Last updated: November 14, 2012