Mr. Skin Care Guru's Blog

     This a topic I have had always wanted to cover & discuss on for a very long time. Just didn't have enough time or the creativity to do so, but now I'm given the opportunity to do so. For Starters: Water is a Chemical... Our human bodies are compromised of chemical elements. Poison Ivy is "natural" doesn't mean it belongs on our faces. There is no such thing as "chemical-free" skincare. If anyone says there is it's a completely false claim to be made & entirely just untrue. Now moving forward...    I personally believe that both botanical & synthetic work phenomenal in unision. Together they can be a powerhouse in an ingredient list and nothing wrong with those either. I feel there's so much fearmongering when it comes to synthetic ingredients when in actuality there are studies that have proven to show that they have less adverse reactions & sensitivity as opposed to natural ingredients. Not to say, it can't happen either...

     Facial Oils seem to be a trendy step in a skincare routine as of lately. They are beneficial for someone who's of a more drier skin type. Some facial oils are filled with antioxidants, fatty acids and other nutrients. However, if you're acne-prone, I wouldn't recommend facial oils even if they're suggested as "non-comedogenic" since there is still no telling if you'll still develop clogged pores from which ever formula that may be. They're meant to coat, protect & lubricate the epidermis (outer most top layer of skin), it's meant to stay & hydrate on the skin's surface with also penetrating the top surface. Leaving it silky, smooth, & soft. There are also some problematic botanical oils that can cause a reaction, something to be cautious about. As well as stay away from essential oils! They are a main culprit to adding a sensitized barrier and a pretty significant amount to a possibility of a reaction (as in a rash, redness, et...

           Toners seem to hold a traditional part of most skincare routines, plenty of people deem them as unnecessary. However, they hold an important part in my routine however. Many years ago, toners were specifically used to get the soap excess residue from cleansers left behind. Cleansers now are much more gentle though in this day & age, so that necessity is no longer in terms of its original purpose from the beginning. Toners if alcohol-free, could offer hydrating benefits after cleansing or even exfoliating benefits when combined with alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids.    Many skincare experts & dermatologists think it's an unnecessary step though. However, I think it still holds a place in the skincare game though. Astringents though are normally alcohol-ridden formulas meant to control excess oil production and acne breakouts, although it can create more problems than good. Most cleansers are pH-adjusted so your skin is left ba...

  Are Eye Creams a necessary step as part of a skincare routine?     To many it is or considered non-negotiable. The problem I have is that many of the brands use *almost* the exact same ingredients as their facial moisturizers? So what in actuality is the difference I say. Plenty do contain a very good combination of ingredients (i.e. whether it be caffeine, green tea extract, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, just to name a few) that target specific concerns around the orbital (eye) area that can reduce puffiness, dark circles, fines lines, wrinkles or crow's feet, and even firming. Eye creams tend to be bit of a richer & more emollient texture for ones that are very helpful to combat dryness as well.     Users with more acne-prone skin can experience breakouts around the orbital area, gel-based textures are also great. The cooling sensation of gels are excellent for de-puffing and overall brightening underneath. So, yes, ...