How to Exfoliate Skin 6 Different Ways

How to Exfoliate Skin 6 Different Ways

Years ago, your only option for exfoliating your face was using a washcloth. Nowadays, the beauty industry has exploded with various skincare products and tools that can be used to exfoliate your face. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of six different ways to exfoliate your skin: cleansing with a face wash, using a scrub, applying a leave-on treatment or serum, trying a wash-off mask, using a traditional washcloth, and upgrading to a cleansing brush. If you’re new to exfoliating, be sure to check out our guide that explains how often you should exfoliate, plus other tips for exfoliating your skin. And don’t forget to browse our selection of tried-and-true skin exfoliators!

How to Exfoliate Skin with an Exfoliating Wash

Exfoliating washes are facial cleansers that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). These chemical exfoliators work to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells to wash them away. Some exfoliating washes also incorporate capsules or granules that physically brush away dead skin cells, although this is more common in face scrubs than washes (more on that in a minute).

Exfoliating washes are a good choice if you are looking to simplify your skincare routine and want to skip a separate exfoliating step. They are also a great choice for people with sensitive skin who find that other, stronger exfoliating treatments irritate their face. Because exfoliating washes are only on your face for about 60 seconds at a time, they may be less irritating than other options on this list. Some people can even tolerate using an exfoliating wash every day, while most other treatments can only be used one to three times a week.

To exfoliate your skin with an exfoliating wash, start by removing your makeup and sunscreen completely with a makeup remover. Once your face is clean and bare, dispense roughly a dime-size amount of the exfoliating cleanser into your palm and work it into a lather in between your hands. Then gently massage it over your face for one minute total, paying special attention to any areas where you have more pronounced dry patches. Don’t open your eyes, as the exfoliating wash will make them burn. Once the minute is up, rinse your face off with warm (not hot) water and proceed with the rest of your shower or skincare routine.

How to Exfoliate Skin with a Scrub or Polish

How to Exfoliate Skin with a Scrub or Polish

Scrubs are one of the most popular ways to exfoliate your skin. Scrubs have a rough texture that harnesses the power of physical exfoliation to clear away dead skin cells. Some of them also contain AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and fruit enzymes so that you get the benefits of chemical exfoliation as well. For example, all of our Lancer Skincare polishes combine both physical and chemical exfoliation for very effective results.

Scrubs are very effective and simple to use, but they may be too harsh for extremely sensitive skin. You should also skip scrubs (and, really, any kind of exfoliation) if you have any open cuts, scrapes, or acne lesions, since the exfoliation can cause them to become irritated or infected. Scrubs can be used between one to seven times a week, depending on your skin tolerance.

To exfoliate your skin with a face scrub, start by removing your makeup and washing your face with a non-exfoliating cleanser. Depending on the product directions, you may apply the scrub directly to wet skin, or you may need to pat your face dry first. If the product can be applied to damp skin, you may find it easier to use the scrub in the shower so you can just rinse it away without worrying about getting messy.

Dispense about a nickel’s worth of product into your palm, and then gently spread it across your face, rubbing in small circles. Don’t put too much pressure on your skin or scrub too hard, and avoid the eyes and lips. Massage the scrub into your warm for a minute or so, and then rinse off the product with warm (not hot) water. Pat your face dry and follow it up with a nourishing serum and moisturizer.

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How to Exfoliate Skin with a Leave-On Treatment

Leave-on exfoliating treatments and serums have exploded in popularity within the past few years. These skincare products use AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to dissolve dead skin cells through the power of chemical exfoliation. Because they are designed to be left on the skin overnight, they typically contain lower concentrations of these ingredients than a wash-off mask or scrubs.

Leave-on exfoliating serums are available in all different formulas, from super-potent glycolic acid toners that work for oily skin to very gentle mandelic acid serums that for sensitive skin. If you are new to the world of leave-on chemical exfoliants, it’s best to start with a lower concentration and a gentler ingredients (such as polyhydroxy acids) that have a lower risk of irritating your face. If your skin does well, then you can work on building your tolerance for higher concentrations and stronger ingredients over time.

To exfoliate your skin with a leave-on treatment, start by removing your makeup and washing your face with a non-exfoliating cleanser, and then dry your face off completely. You can either apply the exfoliating serum directly to your bare skin, which will result in the most effective exfoliation, or you can put down a hydrating serum first if you have very sensitive skin. Apply a thin layer of serum all over your face, and then follow it up with a moisturizer to seal it in.

We recommend applying a leave-on exfoliator only at night, since it can make your skin much more sensitive to sun damage during the day. You should not use a leave-on exfoliator in the same routine as other powerful active ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol, which will greatly increase your odds of irritating your skin. Some itching and tingling are normal when you first apply the product, but if your face burns or hurts, then you should immediately rinse off the product and discontinue use. If you’re looking for a more simple routine outside of a leave on treatment, our Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads are another great way to exfoliate your skin! These pads are gentle and easy to use and are perfect if you’re travelling or on the go. 

How to Exfoliate Skin with a Wash-Off Mask

How to Exfoliate Skin with a Wash-Off Mask

Exfoliating masks and face peels are potent products that use chemical exfoliation to provide quick, effective results. These wash-offs masks can contain 30% or more AHAs and BHAs. Because the concentration is so high, they are typically designed to be used no more than once a week and left on for no more than 10 minutes at a time.

Exfoliating masks can’t get the same results as an in-office chemical peel offered by a dermatologist, but they are usually the strongest at-home exfoliating products available. As such, they are best used by veteran skincare aficionados who know that their skin has a high tolerance for exfoliating products. People with sensitive skin or those new to exfoliating should try a scrub or gentle leave-on serum first to get a better gauge of their skin’s tolerance.

To exfoliate your skin with a wash-off face peel like our Caviar Lime Acid Peel, start by removing your makeup and washing your face with a non-exfoliating cleanser. In most cases, you will need to dry your face off completely before applying the mask, but read the package directions to make sure. Apply a thin layer of product all over your face, avoiding the eyes and lips completely.

Never leave an exfoliating mask on for longer than the package directions state. If you have never used the product before, to prevent irritation we recommend leaving it on for as little as one minute before rinsing it off. Over time, you can build your tolerance until your skin can handle leaving the mask on for the full amount of time. When you’re done with the mask, thoroughly rinse off your face with warm (not hot) water and pat it dry. Follow it up with a nourishing serum and moisturizer to soothe your skin.

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How to Exfoliate Skin with a Washcloth

Washcloths were basically the original exfoliating treatment; the rough surface of the fabric wipes away dead skin cells using physical exfoliation. While there are plenty of more advanced treatments available today, some people prefer the old-school method of using a washcloth to exfoliate. Washcloths are inexpensive, and most people already have them lying around the house, so they are very accessible.

For best results, use a clean washcloth every time to avoid contamination with germs. If possible, we recommend having dedicated washcloths that you only use for your face if you are set on using a washcloth to exfoliate your face. Washcloths are also an awesome option for exfoliating your body (which is less sensitive than your face), but it’s better to use separate washcloths for that.

To exfoliate your face with a washcloth, start by removing your makeup and sunscreen completely with a makeup remover. Once your face is clean and bare, put some face wash on the washcloth and gently move it in circles on your face. Don’t press too hard or scrub vigorously; your movements should be gentle and soft. Do this for about 60 seconds, moving all over your face and concentrating on the most pronounced dry patches. Once the minute is up, rinse off your face with warm (not hot) water and rinse out the washcloth.

How to Exfoliate Skin with an Exfoliating Device

How to Exfoliate Skin with an Exfoliating Device

Exfoliating devices are basically the modern-day, high-tech version of a washcloth’s physical exfoliation. Our Microdermabrasion device features a patented 180 degree swivel neck effective for targeting hard to reach areas and 3 vacuum suction settings for customized exfoliation on different areas of the face and body. Our device also comes with 200 disposable filters to trap dead skin and keep the device in optimal condition, tweezers for replacing filters and one travel pouch. Maintaining your device will ensure maximum exfoliation and use. 

To exfoliate your face with our exfoliating device, start by removing your makeup and sunscreen completely with a makeup remover. Once your face is clean and bare, apply a small-size amount of face wash to the head of the brush and turn it on. Move the brush gently around your face, starting on your forehead and working your way down. Keep the brush away from your eyes and lips, which are very delicate. Do this for about 60 seconds total, and then turn off the brush and rinse both your face and the brush with warm (not hot) water.

Looking to add an exfoliating product to your skincare routine? Check out our skincare sets, which feature our polishes and face peels. All Lancer Skincare products come backed with our 30-day money-back guarantee, plus all U.S. orders come with free and fast shipping, no order minimum required. Shop today to start your journey toward smooth, glowing skin with our exfoliating products.

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Daily Sunscreen for Your Face: Do You Really Need It?

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If you’re the type of person who only puts on sunscreen when you go to the beach or sit by the pool, you’ve probably wondered if you really need to wear sunscreen every day. Let’s talk about why daily sunscreen wear is important and what to look for in a daily sunscreen for your face. Then, we’ll get to know the formulations for Lancer Skincare’s various anti-aging sunscreens to help you decide which one is right for you.

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Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

The short answer is yes, you do need to wear a sunscreen every day — even if you’re mostly sitting inside, or it’s cloudy outside, or you have deeper skin that doesn’t sunburn. Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective things that you can do in order to prevent visible signs of premature aging and also to lower your risks of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the U.S. Your morning 3-step skincare routine should end with an application of sunscreen, and you should be wearing sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin — not just your face, but also your hands, arms, chests, and so on. Ideally, you should reapply the sunscreen every two hours, not just once in the morning. You should also reapply it after sweating and after getting out of the pool or ocean.

The only exception to this rule is babies below six months of age, who have very sensitive skin that tends to react to sunscreen. Instead, they should be kept out of the sun as much as possible until they are old enough to wear sunscreen. Everyone else, including you, should be wearing sunscreen every single day. The only question is which daily sunscreen for the face will work for you!

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Choosing a Daily Sunscreen for Your Face

If you don’t wear sunscreen because you believe it’s goopy and unpleasant to apply, think again. These days, there are many advanced sunscreen formulations on the market, many of which absorb fast and reapply easily over themselves. It may take some trial and error to find a long-lasting sunscreen that you enjoy using every day, but it’s worth it to reap the benefits of wearing a daily sunscreen. We recommend choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that has broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 sunscreen typically hits the sweet spot between providing enough protection for daily use while still being thin enough that it absorbs easily (and looks nice under makeup, if you wear it). Both of the sunscreens offered by Lancer Skincare are SPF 30 for this reason. If you tend to sweat a lot, we recommend looking for a water-resistant formula as well.

There are two main categories of sunscreen filters to choose from. Mineral sunscreen filters, sometimes called physical sunscreens, block the sun’s rays from reaching your skin. They include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays and include ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octisalate. Chemical sunscreens tend to be more moisturizing and result in a thinner, more pleasant texture, but they can also irritate sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen tends to be less irritating but they can also be a bit drying. Some mineral sunscreens can also leave a white cast behind on darker skin if they aren’t tinted.

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Get to Know Lancer’s Daily Sunscreens

At Lancer Skincare, we offer two different sunscreen options to choose from — one mineral sunscreen and one chemical combination sunscreen — both of which provide broad spectrum protection. Our Mineral Sun Shield Universal Tint is tinted to minimize white cast in a versatile shade that complements many different skin tones. In addition to zinc oxide for sun protection, it also features pink rock rose and ginger root extract to soothe skin and reduce inflammation.

Meanwhile, our Sheer Fluid Sun Shield is actually a combination mineral-chemical sunscreen, featuring both zinc oxide and octinoxate for comprehensive protection. Its ingredients also include gamay grape stem cells, sunflower sprout extracts, and chamomile extracts to calm skin and improve radiance. Due to the lower zinc oxide content, this sunscreen absorbs right into the skin without a white cast, so it doesn’t need to be tinted.

Know which sunscreen you want to try? Like all of our Lancer Skincare products, they come with a 30-day money back guarantee so you can buy with confidence. In addition, all U.S. orders automatically get free, fast shipping, so there’s no reason not to try our skincare today!

What Causes Adult Acne?

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Acne doesn’t stop once you age out of your teens. Acne is a relatively common skin condition in adulthood, and the treatments that worked when you were a teenager won’t necessarily still be effective. In this guide, we’ll dive into what causes adult acne and how to treat it with acne skincare products once you’re in your 20s and beyond.

What Is Adult Acne?

In some cases, adult acne takes the same form that it did during the teenage years, usually whiteheads (closed plugged pores) and blackheads (open plugged pores). However, adult acne can also take the form of painful, swollen nodules and cysts that start deep within the skin. These are usually red and may or may not come to head with pus eventually. Cysts tend to appear along the cheeks, chin, and jawline while the forehead stays clear. Meanwhile, other types of acne can appear all over the face as well as on the chest, shoulders, and back.

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What Causes Adult Acne?

At its most basic level, adult acne is caused by excess oil production that makes pores become clogged by skin cells, forming a lesion. Bacteria and inflammation also contribute to the appearance of acne, causing swelling and redness. There are many different potential underlying causes for this excess sebum production.

Fluctuating hormone levels are one common culprit, and many people find that their acne breakouts become more severe before and during their periods. Some people also find that going on certain types of birth control also worsens their acne (though many others find that birth control actually makes their adult acne better). There is also evidence that stress causes an increase in hormones that ramp up oil production and contribute to acne.

Certain hair and skin products can also clog the pores or result in an irritation or allergic reaction that manifests as acne. If you’ve recently started using a new facial cleanser or lotion, check the labels for potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance and denatured alcohol and pore-clogging ingredients like oil and shea butter. Try eliminating these products from your skincare routine to see if that improves your acne.

In some cases, acne can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or another endocrine disorder. In these cases, the adult acne will usually be accompanied by other symptoms like hair loss or excess growth, rapid weight loss or gain, and irregular menstrual cycles. If you suspect that your adult acne is merely a symptom of an underlying medical condition, see your doctor to get a formal diagnosis.

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How to Treat Adult Acne

Treating acne early is key for preventing scarring and other longer term consequences that are more difficult to address. Thankfully, there are lots of over the counter acne skincare products that you can try at home without a prescription from a doctor. To start, we recommend using a cleansing balm or makeup remover at night to remove makeup and other impurities and then following it up with a gentle foaming facial cleanser. Regular exfoliation two to three times a week will help to clear away dead skin cells that can block your pores. Using a retinol on the other nights will help to improve skin cell turnover, which can also help improve acne.

Follow everything up with an oil-free moisturizer to keep the acne treatments from drying out your skin. In the morning, you should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to help reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots, which is worsened by UV ray exposure. If you have active acne lesions that you are trying to treat, a sulfur based spot treatment applied directly to the pimple can help to calm the inflammation quickly. While many cases of adult acne can be successfully treated at home, not all cases of adult acne will respond to over the counter products. In these cases, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications, including topical antibacterial creams to reduce inflammation, stronger retinoids like tretinoin to improve skin cell turnover, and oral medications like spironolactone to help control hormone levels.

Ready to start treating your adult acne? At Lancer Skincare, we offer an entire collection of acne skincare products that were developed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, specifically to treat clogged pores. Shop the full size versions, or try our intro kit of travel sizes so you can sample the entire 3-step skincare method at once. Order today and get free, fast shipping on your U.S. order — no minimum required!

What Causes Dry Skin?

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Even people who struggle with oily skin during the hotter months often find their skin drying up during the wintertime. In this guide, we explain how to tell if you have dry skin, the various causes of dry skin, and how to treat dry skin at home before it becomes too severe.

What Does Dry Skin Feel Like?

Dry skin, formally known as xerosis or xeroderma, can occur anywhere on the body. It commonly appears on the hands and face but can also occur on the arms, legs, torso, feet, and pretty much anywhere else. Dry skin can typically be identified visually due to its rough and flaky appearance. More advanced dry skin can lead to scaling, cracking, and peeling, and may even result in bleeding. Dry skin also feels tight, and may make it difficult to move your hands or make facial expressions in severe cases. It may also result in patches of skin with a different color than normal. Fair skin may look red or pink while darker skin may look gray or ashy.

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What Causes Dry Skin?

The underlying causes of dry skin are usually either a loss of water moisture or not enough oil (sebum) production — and sometimes both. Some people’s skin tends to be naturally dry already, and your skin tends to become more dry as you age as well, especially after you hit 40.

There are many other environmental factors that can also cause dry skin. Exposure to harsh, cold weather is a major one, which is why many people experience dry skin in winter. Spending lots of time in the sun will worsen dry skin, especially if you get sunburned. Doing wet work that constantly requires you to expose your skin to water — such as nurses washing their hands all the time — will also contribute to dry skin.

Certain health conditions also contribute to dry skin. Having a vitamin deficiency such as vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron can lead to dry skin. Dry skin is also a known side effect of diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, dialysis, and certain cancer treatments. Many conditions that affect the skin also cause dryness as a side effect including atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, perioral dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

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How to Treat Dry Skin

Most cases of dry skin are very mild and caused by environmental factors, making it very easy to treat at home. However, if you suspect that your dry skin is caused by an underlying medical condition or a nutrient deficiency, reach out to your medical provider to treat the underlying problem. If left untreated, dry skin can eventually lead to skin cracking and bleeding, so it’s important to take care of dry skin when you notice the early symptoms.

If you’re experiencing dry skin, we recommend going through your skincare collection and temporarily hitting pause on products that contain potentially drying ingredients. These include acne skincare products, facial exfoliators with acids, and other products meant for oil control. Once you’ve got your dry skin under control, you can slowly add these back into your routine if you feel like you need them. Be careful not to use exfoliators too often, though. We know it’s tempting to use them constantly in order to remove all the dry flakes, but if you overdo it, then you will just dry your skin out further and make the problem worse.

For now, focus on using gentle facial cleansers that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils, and then follow it up with hydrating serums and heavy moisturizers that will help to lock in that water and keep it from escaping your skin. Search for products that are marketed for dry, sensitive, and/or dehydrated skin, and look for terms like “milk cleanser” and “night cream” which indicate products with a thicker texture that aren’t drying. If you have very dry skin, you might want to finish off your skincare routine with a hydrating oil or even a layer of petroleum jelly (a technique called “slugging”) to really seal everything in. Be aware that these thicker products might not absorb into your skin fully, so you’ll want to do this at night and sleep on an old pillowcase that you don’t mind staining. You should also continue to wear sunscreen during the day, even during cloudy winter weather, because UV ray exposure contributes to dry skin and can make the problem worse.

Ready to give your skin the hydration and moisture it needs? Shop our dermatologist-developed skincare from Dr. Harold Lancer to give your dry skincare routine a boost for winter. Get free, fast shipping on all U.S. orders!

When Should You Start an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine?

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Your face is one of the first places that signs of aging will show up due to the delicacy of the skin there and how much your facial muscles move. While aging is a completely normal part of being human, many people are understandably curious about what they can do to prevent or slow the signs of aging on your face. Today, we’re exploring if it’s ever too early to begin anti-aging skincare and what you should be doing to get started with anti-aging 3-step skincare at home.

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When Should You Start an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine?

If you’re wondering when you should start an anti-aging skincare routine, the answer is “as soon as possible.” And, yes, this means that even if you are in your twenties (or even your teens!), it’s never too early to think about helping your skin age gracefully with a quality skincare routine. That’s because one of the biggest contributors to the aging process is sun damage in the early years. Even though you might not feel the immediate impact, except for the occasional sunburn, the cumulative effects of all that sun exposure will result in more wrinkles and saggy skin down the line. Thus, taking a preventative approach when you are young is key to successful anti-aging skincare.

That being said, don’t give up if you are in your thirties or forties (or even older) — it truly is never too late to begin an anti-aging skincare routine. You will still benefit from anti-aging skincare no matter how old you are. However, it’s important to be realistic, especially with what you can achieve with at-home products. If you are older and looking to target existing signs of aging, you should definitely give your skincare routine an upgrade, but you might need to look into getting professional treatments from a dermatologist or esthetician as well.

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How to Get Started with Anti-Aging Skincare

If the section above didn’t tip you off, we’re here to tell you that the no. 1 thing you can do for anti-aging, no matter how old you are, is to apply an anti-aging sunscreen every single day. Choose a formula with an SPF of at least 30 and slather your entire face in it as the last step of your morning skincare routine. Reapply it every two hours when you are out in the sun, sweating a lot or getting in the water.

Speaking of protection against the sun, you should also incorporate a vitamin C product into your morning routine after you use your facial cleanser but before you apply your sunscreen. While vitamin C is no substitute for SPF, it does help to protect against environmental damage such as UV rays, free radicals and pollution — all of which contribute to premature aging of the skin.

Retinoids, a large category that includes prescription-strength retinol, are the next ingredient that you should focus on for anti-aging. Retinoid treatments stimulate skin cell turnover and growth, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (As a bonus, it’s also been shown to be effective for acne as well. So if you’re struggling with hormonal breakouts in adulthood, you’ll benefit twice from it.) Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun so they should be applied at night.

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Dry skin will make fine lines and wrinkles more apparent and just generally make your face look tired and dull. Fortunately, you can combat this using two different types of skincare ingredients. The first is to apply a chemical exfoliator such as our Gentle Exfolitating Peel Pads one to three times a week, depending on your skin’s needs. In fact, exfoliating is so crucial that we made it the middle step of our 3-step skincare set. The second is to use an anti-aging moisturizer both morning and night to prevent water loss from the skin. You might also need to incorporate an extra hydrating serum if your skin is very dry.

Taken together, these ingredients will provide a solid foundation for anti-aging skincare at any age. Prioritize these ingredients during your search for anti-aging skincare and you will be well on your way to slowing preventable signs of aging. And if you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine, then consider our Lancer Skincare products, which are all based on tried-and-true ingredients like the ones we have listed here. Order today and your purchase will ship free to a U.S. address!

Skincare Routine for Combination Skin: 6 Dos and Don’ts

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Combination skin combines oily, normal and dry skin types all at once, which can make it tricky to devise a skincare routine for combination skin. If you’re mystified about what you should and shouldn’t be doing for combination skin, here are our top six dos and don’ts for building a combination skin routine:

Don’t skip the research phase.

There are a lot of myths out there about combination skin, and to make matters more complicated, every single person’s skin is uniquely different. Two people might technically have combination skin, but their ideal skincare routines might not overlap at all. As you start to build your perfect routine for combination skin, take steps to educate yourself and get familiar with your own particular needs before you rush out and buy a million facial cleansers. Seek out advice from well-researched, dermatologist-backed sources as you seek to understand your combination skin.

Do exfoliate regularly.

Exfoliating regularly benefits combination skin in two ways. One, it will help to control excess sebum production in the more oily areas. Two, it will help to get rid of dry patches on the other areas of your face. These two benefits combine to make exfoliating an absolute must for people with combination skin. Depending on how oily and/or sensitive your skin is, you will probably need to exfoliate between one to three times a week. Incorporate a chemical exfoliator such as a glycolic acid face peel into your 3-step skincare routine to get the most effective results.

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Don’t skip moisturizer.

People who have oily skin are often taught to fear moisturizer, believing that it will make their face look even shinier. However, anti-aging moisturizers are key for keeping the dry patches on your skin from drying out. What’s more, sometimes your skin is producing so much oil precisely because it’s dry and overcompensating, which means that regularly moisturizing can actually help to make your face less shiny. Apply it generously to your dry patches, but try a lighter hand with the oilier parts of your face.

Do use products on only part of your face.

Combination skin means that one product might not work over your entire face, and that’s totally okay! In fact, using a single product only on select parts of your face is a great tip for building a skincare routine for combination skin. For example, if you have really dry patches, then apply a heavy hydrating serum to them, but skip the oilier parts of your face. Some people also like using two different moisturizers — a lighter one for the more oily parts and a heavier one for the drier parts. Experiment around to see what works for your skin, and don’t be disappointed if a product doesn’t work for your whole face.

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Don’t forget to change your routine with the seasons.

Everyone’s skin care needs change with the weather, and this is particularly true with combination skin. Areas of skin that were neither dry nor oily in summer might become dry as a desert once winter rolls in. Patches that are a little bit shiny in winter might become an oil slick in summer, and so on. This means that you need to vary up your skincare routine for combination skin with the seasons in order to get the maximum benefits out of your products. This also goes for travel as well. If you’re headed somewhere with a vastly different climate from your home base, then you might need to pack some different products.

Do keep checking in with your skin.

The needs of combination skin don’t just change temporarily with the weather. They also change permanently over time. The products that worked for you a couple of years ago, or even last year, might not be what your face needs right now. For instance, many people find that their skin becomes less oily as they age, so your combination skin might move towards more of a dry skin type over time. Take stock of your skin every few months to see if everything is still going well, and don’t be afraid to introduce new products at a reasonable pace.

Looking to take your combination skincare routine to the next level? Browse the entire selection of combination skin products from Lancer Skincare. Developed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, all our products come with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and ship for free within the U.S.

New Year, New You: Tips for Building the Best Skincare Routine

New Year New You Tips for Building the Best Skincare Routine

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to reset your skincare routine or build one from scratch. If you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 22 tips to help you build the best skincare routine.

Get to know your skin type.

Before you do anything else, you need to understand your skin type. If you don’t know this already, try this simple test: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and leave it for 30 minutes (don’t apply any products). After the half hour is up, examine your skin. If it feels flaky or tight, you have dry skin. If it feels greasy and shiny, you have oily skin. If you have red or irritated patches, you have sensitive skin. If you have none of the above, you have normal skin. And if some patches fit one description, but other parts match another, then you have combo skin. Once you know your skin type, you can choose products that match it accordingly.

Set your skincare goals.

Besides your skin type, you also need to understand your skincare goals. You might want to get your acne understand control, treat hyperpigmentation, get started with anti-aging skincare, or any other number of goals. We recommend focusing on one skincare goal at a time to prevent overloading your routine. For instance, you can worry about acne scarring once you reduce your active breakouts.

3-step skincare method

Follow a 3-step foundation.

At Lancer Skincare, we’re huge fans of the 3-step skincare method: polish, cleanse, and nourish. These three steps form the basis of The Lancer Method and are a great starting point for the best skincare routine. Once you master these three steps and get in the habit of using the products regularly, you can look into adding more steps to your routine if you want to.

Remove your makeup first.

If you wear makeup, we recommend removing it before you use your cleanser. That’s because facial cleansers aren’t really designed to break up heavy layers of cosmetics and will leave product behind on your face. There are many different makeup removers to choose from, including makeup wipes, micellar water, cleansing oils, and cleansing balms. Typically, the more makeup and sunscreen that you wear, the more powerful a makeup remover that you will need.

Choose the right cleanser.

Cleansing can be the most stripping part of your routine, which is why it’s essential to choose the right cleanser. Oily skin types benefit from foaming or gel cleansers that help to remove excess oil, while dry skin types usually prefer milk or cream cleansers that nourish this skin. Normal and combination skin types can use either, depending on the season and climate. Sensitive skin types should seek out gentle, hydrating cleansers

Exfoliate the right amount.

Depending on how much your skin can tolerate it and how strong your exfoliating product is, exfoliating daily with the right polish can be great for your skin. 

Don’t skip moisturizer.

Moisturizers are a must because they seal in water and oil and help to prevent moisture loss. Dry skin types usually prefer to use heavier cream moisturizers, while oily skin types prefer a lightweight gel moisturizer that soaks in quickly. Normal and combination skin types often enjoy using a midweight lotion that moisturizes the dry areas without smothering their more oily patches. Applying moisturizer should be the final step in each skincare routine to seal in the other products.

moisturizers are a must

Wear sunscreen every morning.

We know that we just said moisturizer should be the last step, but in the morning you should follow up your moisturizer with another product: sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things that you can do to prevent signs of aging and keep your skin looking healthy and young. Some sunscreens are even thick enough to act as moisturizers on their own, allowing you to combine those two steps into one and simplify your skincare routine.

Add in treatment serums.

If you’re looking to get results from your best skincare routine, then you need some serums packed full of active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. These powerful ingredients offer lots of benefits to the skin and can make a big difference when used consistently. To avoid overpowering your skin, we recommend using one treatment serum per routine and occasionally giving your skin rest days to recover.

Try an eye cream if you’d like.

Eye creams aren’t strictly necessary (or you can just use a regular moisturizer around your eye area) but they can be a fun addition to your routine. If you want to use actives such as vitamin C and retinol around your eyes, then we recommend choosing eye creams specifically formulated for the delicate skin around that area. Products that you use on the rest of your face may be too powerful and irritate your eyes.

clarifying spot solution

Use spot treatments when necessary.

If you have acne blemishes, using a clarifying spot treatment can dry them out and help clear your face faster. For best results, we recommend applying these treatments only to the blemish itself. Spot treatments tend to be very strong and can cause dryness or irritation when applied to unblemished skin, so it’s best to use them sparingly.

Experiment with a face oil.

People with very dry skin sometimes benefit from using a face oil, which creates an occlusive layer on top of the skin to stop moisture loss. You can either apply a few drops of the oil on top of the moisturizer, or mix it directly into the moisturizer and then apply it to your face. We recommend that oily skin types stay away from these products, however, as adding extra oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Have fun with face masks.

Face masks are another completely optional step, but they can be really fun to add to your routine. Face masks can offer many different benefits, from hydrating to exfoliating to brightening to soothing, depending on the ingredients. They also come in different formats, such as a wash-off mask and a sheet mask, so you can choose the one that works best for you. We suggest applying a face mask to a clean, dry face after cleansing but before the rest of your routine.

face mask benefits

Don’t skip your neck and chest.

The skin on your neck and chest is very delicate, and you should absolutely be treating it with your skincare products! You do need to be careful with products that are potentially drying, like retinols and exfoliators, since you have fewer oil glands on your neck and chest than on your face. But you definitely can and should be applying gentle, effective skincare products on these areas, as well as sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed in the daytime.

Apply products in the right order.

Let’s say that you decide to go all-in and use all the products we’ve described here. In what order should you apply them? First, start with a makeup remover followed by a facial cleanser, then a face mask if you want to do one. Next, apply your serum, and top it off with a moisturizer and then either a sunscreen in the daytime (not optional) or a facial oil at night (optional). If you get stuck, just remember that leave-on treatments should be applied from thinnest to thickest and you’ll be golden.

Look for multipurpose products.

Overwhelmed by the idea of using this many products? There’s nothing wrong with a simple skincare routine. To cut back on the number of products that you are using, look for multipurpose products that offer multiple benefits and active ingredients in one. This will make your skincare routine more efficient and help stop your skin from being overwhelmed with too many products.

Introduce one new product at a time.

Whenever you get a new skincare set, it’s tempting to start using all the new products at once. However, we highly recommend introducing only one product at a time and giving your skin at least a week to adjust. This will make it easier to identify the cause if a new product triggers an allergic reaction. You may want to keep a log of how your skin reacts to each new product so you can track your progress over time and identify if you have any sensitivities to common ingredients.

Change your routine with the seasons.

The weather and climate have a big effect on your skin, which means that you will almost certainly need to change up your best skincare routine along with the seasons. That lightweight gel moisturizer that is perfect for summer may leave your skin parched and dry come wintertime, so don’t be afraid to pay attention to how your skin feels and switch things up as the year goes on.

Be patient with results.

Topical treatments take time to work, especially if you are using over-the-counter products with lower ingredient concentrations (as opposed to stronger prescription strength topical treatments). If you want faster results, you may need to visit a dermatologist or aesthetician office for professional strength treatments.

applying serum to face

Prioritize consistency.

The best skincare routine is the one that you can stick with every day, or nearly every day. If you find yourself skipping days or weeks because you have too many products, pare things down to the 3-step method we talked about above, plus a sunscreen in the morning. Using a few skincare products consistently is much more effective than using many different skincare sporadically or not at all.

Practice other healthy skin habits.

Healthy skin doesn’t start and stop with your best skincare routine. Other healthy habits — such as drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting enough sleep every night — also contribute to glowing, smooth skin. Once you’ve got your skincare routine on lockdown, try incorporating these other habits into your daily routine to give your skin even more of a boost.

Ready to get started with your best skincare routine? Order products from Lancer Skincare today and get free, fast shipping on your U.S. order today!

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How Often Should You Exfoliate?

How Often Should You-Exfoliate

Exfoliating is one of the key steps to a weekly skincare routine, but you have to be careful with how much you exfoliate. If you don’t do it enough, then you won’t see the benefits — but if you do it too often, you’ll end up with redness, irritation, and a damaged skin barrier. So how are you supposed to know how often you should exfoliate with a face peel? In this ultimate guide, we’re exploring how often you should exfoliate, how to choose the perfect exfoliating product for your skin, how to get started exfoliating at home for the first time, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about exfoliating your face and body to reveal smooth, glowing skin all year round:

how often to exfoliate

How often should you exfoliate?

How often you should exfoliate depends on a variety of factors, including your personal skin type, the current weather and climate, other skincare products that you are using, and more. Here are some general guidelines for how often various skin types can consider exfoliating:

  • Sensitive and/or skin: One to two times a week to prevent over-drying the skin
  • Normal or combination skin: Two to three times a week; so roughly every other day
  • Oily skin: Anywhere between three to seven times a week depending on what products they use

Certain exfoliating products are designed to be used more frequently than others. For example, some face washes use such a low percentage of alcohol that they are suitable for people with oily skin to use every day. Meanwhile, more intensive wash-off peels should only be used weekly or every other week. It will probably take some trial and error to discover how often you should use a particular exfoliating product with your particular skin type. The climate and weather will also affect how often you can safely exfoliate. Most people can tolerate more frequent exfoliation during the summer, but need to cut back in the winter in order to avoid over-drying their skin. People living in humid climates can also typically exfoliate more frequently than people living in dry climates.

Browse Lancer Skincare Facial Exfoliators

What exfoliating products can you choose from?

There are many possible kinds of exfoliating products that you can choose from in order to suit your skin’s needs. Exfoliating products typically fall into two broad categories: physical and chemical. Physical scrubs use small particles to abrade away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators use alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells so that you can wash them away. You can also get combination face exfoliators that combine physical and chemical actives for a truly effective exfoliation experience. You can find both physical and chemical exfoliating actives in many different formulations, including:

exfoliating face in mirror

  • Facial cleansers: These are designed for oil control and gentle everyday exfoliation. They are applied to the skin just like a regular facial cleanser and then washed off.
  • Toners: These leave-on treatments offer a thin texture that soaks in quickly. They may be intended for daily oil control or to provide deeper exfoliating effects two to three times a week.
  • Serums: These leave-on treatments are typically thicker in texture than toners and also more effective. They are designed to be used two to three times a week in most cases.
  • Masks and peels: These more intensive wash-off treatments are designed to be used once a week or every other week as needed to provide deeper exfoliation.
  • Scrubs: These wash-off treatments function similarly to masks but provide even more exfoliation.

When choosing what exfoliating products to use, it’s usually best to start with just one, especially if you are new to exfoliating or have sensitive skin. Doubling up on different products — for instance, following up an exfoliating wash with an exfoliating toner — can strip the skin of necessary oils and damage your skin barrier. Even some products that don’t specifically bill themselves as “exfoliating” may still contain acids, so check the label before applying a new product to your face.

How should you get started with exfoliating?

There are so many exfoliating products on the market now that it can be overwhelming to decide where to get started with exfoliating for the first time. If you are new to exfoliating, we recommend picking one single exfoliating product to start off. Toner and serums are a great place to start since they are typically less intense than masks and scrubs, and many people already have a face wash they are using.

If you are mostly looking at chemical exfoliants, look for a toner or serum with a lower percentage of acid to reduce the chances of stressing out your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might also wish to seek out acids that have a reputation for being more gentle, such as mandelic and lactic acid. Before applying the exfoliating product, remove all your makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat it completely dry, and then apply the exfoliating product to your skin as directed. Follow a leave-on treatment with hydrating serums if you’d like, and then seal everything in with an anti-aging moisturizer.

woman applying face mask

Leave a wash-off treatment on your skin for no longer than the time listed on the instructions. These treatments are typically more intense, so many people have success with leaving one on for a minute or two at a time to get started, and then slowly increasing their tolerance until they can leave it on for the full amount of time. It’s normal to experience some mild stinging or tingling when you first apply the exfoliating product, and that will usually fade within a few minutes. However, a strong sensation of burning or pain is not normal; nor is unusual redness or splotches. You should immediately wash off the exfoliator if you experience any of these symptoms or think that you might be having an allergic reaction.

Start by exfoliating once a week to start. If that goes well, step it up to twice a week. You can eventually go up to three times a week if you think you need it. Once your skin adjusts to a regular exfoliation practice, you can consider incorporating a weekly or bimonthly mask for deeper exfoliation. People with exfoliation might also want to consider switching to a daily face wash or toner for oil control benefits.

What is the best time of day to exfoliate?

Once again, the answer to this question depends on your skin. Some people with very oily skin like to start off the day with an exfoliating wash or toner to help control shine until they get home. However, most people prefer to do stronger leave-on treatments and wash-off peels at night. This is because exfoliating makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, and doing it at night gives your skin time to recover without being immediately exposed to the sun.

Regardless of what time of day you exfoliate your face, you should always wear an SPF of 30 or higher during the day. While you should already be wearing sunscreen every day anyway, it’s especially important if you have a regular exfoliating practice since that makes you more sensitive to the sun and increases your likelihood of burning. Regular SPF use will ensure that you can continue to reap the benefits of regular exfoliation while minimizing your risk of side effects.

under and over exfoliating

What are the signs of under- and over-exfoliating?

If you don’t exfoliate your skin enough, then your skin will start to look dull and may develop a rough texture. People who are acne prone may also develop clogged pores or breakouts as their pores become congested from the build-up of dead skin cells. Other skincare products might also be less effective due to increased difficulty in penetrating that top layer of dead skin cells.

If you exfoliate too much, your face will start to feel dry and tight, can develop redness and irritation, and may even start flaking. Excessive exfoliation can lead to more skin problems, including eczema, microtears, broken capillaries, infection, and more. Be extra cautious of over-exfoliating if you have sensitive or dry skin, which is more vulnerable to over-exfoliation.

woman exfoliating face

What should you do if you have over-exfoliated?

If you are experiencing any signs of over-exfoliating, stop using all exfoliating products to give your skin a break and see how it does. You should also avoid putting exfoliating products in or around any cuts, scrapes, infections, and other openings in the skin. This will irritate your skin, delay the healing process, and potentially lead to scarring or other complications.

In addition to stopping your exfoliating products, you should also avoid foaming facial cleansers, retinol serums, and other skincare products that can have a drying effect on the skin. Instead, focus on using a mild cleanser and fragrance-free moisturizer to encourage your skin barrier to repair itself and avoid further irritation. If you have areas that are very red or raw, spot treat them with Aquaphor, aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream, or another soothing product.

Depending on how much you have damaged your skin barrier, it can take your face anywhere from a few days to an entire skin cycle (about a month) to repair itself. It’s really important not to start exfoliating your skin again until you are sure it’s entirely recovered. You will also need to slowly phase in your exfoliating once you start them up again to avoid stressing your skin out again.

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What about exfoliating the body?

Exfoliating the face gets a lot of attention, but exfoliating the body can be equally beneficial. There are many different products that you can use for exfoliating the body, including wash cloths, mitts, brushes, scrubs, body washes, and lotions. Just as with the face, exfoliating the body two to three times a week is a good goal to aim for.

Exfoliating during or after a shower is a great idea. Not only does the hot water soften your skin and open up your pores, but the water will also wash away dead skin cells as you exfoliate. Try to stand in the shower for at least five minutes or soak in the bath for 10 minutes before exfoliating to ensure that your skin is soft enough.

If your skin is sensitive, a wash cloth will be softer than a brush or scrubber while still providing an exfoliating effect. You may wish to pair it with a gentle exfoliating body wash if the wash cloth alone isn’t cutting it. Be sure to follow it up with a moisturizer to help nourish your skin after exfoliating and prevent moisture loss. You can also try a leave-on exfoliating lotion, which can have an exfoliating effect that runs from mild to intense based on what percentage of AHAs or BHAs they contain.

lancer high quality exfoliators

Looking for a high-quality exfoliating product to incorporate into your routine? Check out the selection of facial exfoliators and face masks and peels from Lancer Skincare. Developed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, all of our products are made with tried-and-true ingredients that are backed by evidence and which will deliver promising results. All of our Lancer Skincare products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and ship free within the U.S., so what are you waiting for? Order our products today to experience the difference in your skin!

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How to Remove Makeup the Right Way

How to Remove Makeup the Right Way

Removing makeup, sunscreen, and other stubborn cosmetic products is an essential first step to any nighttime skin routine. While many people think that they know how to remove makeup the right way, the truth is that many of them haven’t been taught how to remove makeup properly (and, no, simply rubbing your facial cleanser on your face will not remove your waterproof mascara and full coverage foundation). To help you out, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide that explains the different types of makeup you need to know about and how to remove makeup the right way. Then we’ll dive into why removing makeup matters and finish up with a look at the most common makeup removal mistakes that we see. Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about removing makeup:

Types of Makeup Removers

The specifics of how you will remove makeup will depend on the exact type of makeup remover you choose. Here are the top five types of makeup removers that you need to know about:

Micellar water

Micellar water refers to a water-based product that has tiny droplets of cleansing oils (a.k.a. micelles) suspended in the liquid. To use a micellar water, fully saturate a flat cotton pad, and then gently rub it along your face to remove the makeup.  Micellar water is very gentle and suitable for all skin types, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular. Micellar water can remove skincare products, non-water-resistant sunscreens, and light makeup, but typically isn’t strong enough to tackle waterproof cosmetic products like mascara and foundation.

woman using makeup removing wipe

Eye makeup remover

Eye makeup removers are oil-heavy liquid products that are specifically designed to remove eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and other cosmetics products that are highly pigmented and difficult to remove. To use an eye makeup remover, fully saturate a flat cotton pad, and then hold it on the area where you wish to remove the makeup. While eye makeup removers are great for certain areas of the face, most people should avoid using them on their entire complexion, as the oil-heavy formula can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Cleansing oil

Cleansing oils are another type of liquid makeup remover. Cleansing oils are typically thinner in consistency than eye makeup removers and are designed to be rubbed on a dry face directly, rather than applied to a cotton pad first. Some cleansing oils are strong enough to remove waterproof makeup and some are not; check the description and reviews before purchasing if you tend to wear a lot of makeup.

Cleansing balm

Cleansing balms usually come in a tub and feature a solid balm product that breaks down into an oil when you rub it between your hands. Once you have liquified the cleansing balm, rub it directly on your dry face until your makeup fully breaks down. Cleansing balms are very nourishing, making them a great pick for dry skin or the winter months. Cleansing balms are also typically designed to remove all kinds of makeup and skincare products.

Makeup wipes

Makeup wipes are sheets soaked in makeup removing chemicals. They are designed to be rubbed directly on the face to transfer the makeup to the wipe. Certain wipes can leave makeup and chemical residue behind on your face, which can lead to irritation, clogged pores, and breakouts. Make sure to check the ingredients to ensure that you are getting skin-friendly makeup remover wipes, such as those sold by Lancer Skincare.

top five makeup remover types

Browse Lancer Skincare Facial Cleansers

How to Remove Makeup the Right Way

Now that we’ve gotten up to speed on the different types of makeup removers, we can talk about how to remove your makeup the right way. First of all, you should always apply makeup removers to dry skin. This is because almost all makeup removers are made with some kind of oil component in order to break down makeup. If your face is already wet, the water will repel the makeup remover and lead to a less effective cleanse.

If you are using a micellar water or an eye makeup remover, soak a flat cotton pad until it is fully saturated with the products. For micellar water, gently wipe the pad across the face to remove sunscreen and makeup. For eye makeup remover, gently hold it over one eye for at least 60 seconds, and then switch to the other eye; finish by swiping it across your lips if necessary. In both cases, it may take more than one cotton pad for you to get all the makeup off.

If you are using a cleansing oil, simply squirt a couple pumps into your hand, and then gently massage it all over your face and neck. If you are using a cleansing balm, scoop out a quarter-sized amount and rub it between your palms, and then gently massage it all over your face and neck as well. If you are wearing a lot of makeup, then you may wish to let your makeup remover sit on your face to make sure that it fully breaks down all the product on your face. Don’t neglect the edges of your face, and always push your hair back so you can cleanse around your hairline, ears, and jaw to remove the last traces of makeup.

Once you are satisfied that all your makeup has been removed, rinse your face or get into the shower or bath. Always follow up a makeup remover with a facial cleanser of your choice to ensure that you are removing the last traces of product from your face. Be sure to include anti-aging moisturizers and other hydrating products in your nighttime skin routine to nourish your skin after the makeup removal process.

when you dont remove your makeup

Why Removing Makeup Is Important

At this point, you may be wondering: Why is it such a big deal to remove my makeup at night? If you’re dedicated to sleeping in your makeup, here are five unintended side effects that can happen when you don’t remove your makeup:

It leaves your complexion looking dull.

The makeup that left you looking fresh and dewy last night won’t look so good after you’ve slept in it. Old makeup tends to settle into fine lines and pores, making you look older and tired. In many cases, you’ll need to remove the makeup and reapply it in the morning anyway, because it’s rare to get through a night of sleep with your face intact.

It can clog pores and increase breakouts.

Makeup can embed itself in your pores overnight, making them look bigger and leading to whiteheads and blackheads. Makeup can also create a seal that traps oil in your skin, clogging your pores and contributing to acne breakouts. Certain makeup products may even contain comedogenic ingredients that are already known for worsening breakouts, and sleeping in it will just increase your risk of breakouts even further.

It can throw off your skin’s oil balance.

Everyone’s skin has a certain equilibrium of oil production, and sleeping in your makeup can throw it off. If your makeup is more matte, it can make your skin look dull and dehydrated. On the other hand, if your makeup is more dewy, it will make your face look super shiny. If you sleep in your makeup frequently, it can throw off your skin’s oil production in the long term and have farther-reaching effects on your skin.

It makes other skincare products less effective.

Skincare products certainly aren’t designed to penetrate a full face of makeup. If you only have lingering traces of makeup on your skin, it will make your other products less effective than they could be. If you’re paying for skincare that you hope will make a difference in your skin, then removing all your makeup before applying your skincare will ensure that your skincare is as effective as possible.

It will stain your pillowcases and sheets.

Makeup can be really difficult to get out of fabric, especially if you wear waterproof cosmetic products. If you sleep in your makeup, then you will almost certainly get it all over your pillowcases and sheets, which can permanently stain them beyond recognition. Removing your makeup every night will keep your towels, sheets, pillowcases, and other linens looking nearly brand new.

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makeup removal mistakes

Common Makeup Removal Mistakes

Removing makeup seems like a simple enough process, but there are still better ways to do it than others. Here are the top five makeup removal mistakes that we see:

Not letting the products sit long enough

If you’re rubbing your face really hard to try to break up the makeup on your skin, consider letting the makeup remover sit on your face for a couple minutes before you rinse it off. In many cases, agitating the product around with your hands only provides marginal benefits, and the real reason why your makeup remover isn’t taking off your makeup is because you’re not letting it sit long enough. Don’t be afraid to let it rest on your face for a few minutes while you brush your teeth and floss. You’ll be surprised at how much more effective your makeup removal becomes!

Rubbing your skin too hard

On a similar note, rubbing or tugging the skin too hard is another common mistake that we see often with makeup removers. Rubbing the skin vigorously can irritate it and even cause microtears. If you have to rub the makeup remover really hard to remove the product on your face, then you’re either not letting it sit for long enough or you’re using the wrong makeup removal products for your needs (see below).

removing makeup in mirror

Choosing the wrong makeup removal product

Not all makeup removers are created equal. A micellar water is great for removing a light layer of BB cream, but it might not put a dent in a full face of waterproof foundation. If you feel like your makeup remover isn’t doing its job, and you’ve tried all the other tips, consider whether or not you need to switch to a different type of makeup remover to get a more effective cleanse.

Using a cleanser that isn’t meant for makeup removal

Facial cleansers are the foundation of any skincare routine, but they’re not meant to remove makeup. If you’ve just been putting a facial cleanser right on your face, without removing your makeup first, then you’re probably not getting a very effective cleanse. Using a makeup remover first will allow your facial cleanser to do what it’s supposed to do and result in a more pleasant and effective cleansing experience.

If you’re looking for high-quality makeup remover wipes, be sure to grab a pack from our Lancer Skincare online store! We also offer a whole range of nourishing skincare products that create the perfect followup routine after makeup removal, including facial cleansers and moisturizers. All of our products feature tried-and-true ingredients and are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. All Lancer Skincare products also ship free within the United States — no order minimum needed — so there’s no reason not to try them!

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Daily Skincare 101: Benefits of Sunscreen

sunscreen under eyes on beach

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You’ve heard that you should be wearing sunscreen every single day, but do you know why? In this guide, we’ll explore six must-know benefits of sunscreen and explain why anti-aging sunscreen must be part of your morning 3-step skincare routine no matter what.

Sunscreen lowers your risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but that doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable. In fact, wearing sunscreen every day has been shown to protect the skin against harmful UV rays and to reduce the wearer’s risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen every day can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. Higher SPF ratings provide even more protection, further lowering your risk of skin cancer.

Sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn.

While cumulative UV damage to the skin can often go unseen for years, too much exposure to the sun at once usually results in a painful, unattractive sunburn that turns your whole face red. Wearing sunscreen and reapplying it will help to protect your skin from an unsightly sunburn and the painful side effects. Be sure to follow other sun protection best practices, including wearing sunglasses, covering up exposed skin with UPF clothing, avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, and staying in the shade whenever possible.

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applying sunscreen to back

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Sunscreen protects against premature aging.

Everyone develops fine lines and wrinkles eventually due to breakdown in the collagen and elastin in their skin as they age. However, cumulative damage from UV rays can greatly hasten this process, leading to premature signs of aging. Wearing long-lasting sunscreen every day — even if it’s cloudy or you’re sitting indoors — will help to protect against this cumulative damage and to guard against signs of premature aging. For the most anti-aging protection, apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your neck and chest, as opposed to just your face. It’s never too late to start protecting against signs of premature aging by wearing sunscreen.

Sunscreen reduces inflammation and redness.

If you’ve been struggling with rosacea, inflammation, or red patches on your skin, not wearing sunscreen might be contributing to the problem. That’s because sun exposure can cause or worsen redness even if you don’t officially get sunburned. Sun exposure can also exacerbate inflammation from cuts, acne lesions, and other skin conditions. Wearing sunscreen helps to protect against the sun and prevent it from worsening these conditions. If you’re struggling with a lot of redness and inflammation, be sure to also wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

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Sunscreen helps to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation refers to darker patches of skin caused by excess melanin production. This can take the form of melasma, sun sports, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and all of them are worsened by exposure to UV rays. Wearing a daily sunscreen will help to prevent existing hyperpigmentation from getting worse as well as reduce the chances that new hyperpigmentation spots will form. Wearing sunscreen may also help existing hyperpigmentation to fade faster than it would otherwise. This is because sun exposure stimulates melanin production in the skin, which contributes to the formation of hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen can act as a cosmetic product.

Unlike makeup, the primary benefit of sunscreen should never be cosmetics—and, no, makeup that includes an SPF rating will not offer enough protection on its own. However, thanks to advances in formulations, some sunscreens now offer some minor cosmetic benefits that enhance the appearance of your skin in addition to protecting against sun damage. For instance, tinted sunscreens help to even out your skin tone, while silicone-based sunscreens help to blur the appearance of large pores and act as a primer for foundation. This means that wearing sunscreen can help you look good immediately as well as in the future.

You won’t realize all the benefits of sunscreens if you don’t find a formulation that you’re willing to wear every single day. At Lancer Skincare, we offer several different highly wearable anti-aging sunscreen formulations that you will look forward to wearing every day. Like all Lancer Skincare products, our sunscreens come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and ship free within the U.S., no order minimum needed. Order today to start protecting your skin from the sun!