Mr. Skin Care Guru's Blog

     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, ...

     The state during this pandemic has been a stressful time when it comes to financially, mental health, stress, job stability and as well as other factors including health. The state of our skin has also been affected also. Developing acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups and more. First things first.... the masks should be regularly washed to keep it the most clean and bacteria-free as possible. If when using disposable masks, make sure to change them as often as possibly needed.    As far as the acne is concerned, I would recommend ingredients and spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Using a gentle cleanser, and one that is not stripping of your natural oils within the skin. Especially, for makeup users 💄 it's important to do a proper double-cleansing. If you are able keep makeup to the minimum to prevent further clogged pores then that would be essential (if possible). We do accumulate our own bacteria onto the mask 😷 including any added ...

     This will be a short discussion on Skincare Fridges. Is it really worth it or no? It's become a very popular fad in the industry, however I do think it's just that a "fad". Many skincare products do not require refrigeration, it does not make no difference honestly to own one or not. It could be an added benefit for Active Ingredient Serums that oxidize quicker in the presence of light & air, refrigeration helps somewhat to keep ingredients from breaking down as quickly & preserving the shelf life. As well as Organic skincare products can expire at a faster rate sometimes due to the lack of preservatives in the formula.   Also, having your products "chilled" can have benefits for reducing inflammation & calming of your skin. Can remotely work well for sensitive skin types. Still, however not a necessary device that's needed & not the only thing available for those purposes. Bottom line, I do not feel that this will make or brea...

   I will be discussing the lesser, not-as-well known acids in the Skincare game. There are a few in mind such as Malic, Mandelic, Azelaic & Tartaric Acid. These acids don't seem to be mentioned as often as some the more better well-known ones such as Glycolic, Salicylic & Lactic Acid. I will be briefly breaking down though for you. Just to have a much better understanding. ^_^ Mandelic Acid -  This acid with a much larger molecule is derived from bitter almonds. It's a good one for sensitive skin, since because of the molecular structure works more gently than other acids as well. Great for acne, hyperpigmentation, skin texture and fine lines/wrinkles as well as for other anti-aging concerns also. It does function as an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid but at a slower pace as opposed to Glycolic acid, which is a much smaller molecule in size. Tartaric Acid -  Not many studies on this acid as a alpha hydroxy acid & its exfoliating benefit...

     As ironic as it may sound to a consumer, there is such a thing as "good bacteria", Pre-, Post- and Probiotics have a bevy full of benefits for skin. Just like our "gut", our skin has its' own Microbiome, which are microorganisms that live on the surface of the skin, like live bacteria, fungi & even viruses, may sound very gross & disgusting however what it does keep our skin healthy. Think of it as boosting your skin's immunity. It works in the sense of protecting & to keep our skin's barrier functioning normally. What throws our skin off-balance are harsh ingredients on the skin, environmental factors, harsh scrubbing & other particular factors could contribute to conditions that are affected that disturbs the microbiome. Such as Eczema, Roseacea, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis and even Acne. First thing to do is to have a gentle skincare regimen... making sure you use a pH-balanced & sulfate-free cleanser and making sur...