At-Home Rituals Archives - Page 2 of 3

April 10, 2023April 12, 2023

Best Skincare Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Beauty box set, bottles of natural cosmetics. Blogger skincare, face, hair and body essentials, salon treatments. Overhead, minimalism package, branding mockup

By July Prokopiv / Shutterstock.com

Everyone of any age or gender can benefit from skincare, which makes it one of the best things to put on your shopping list. Here are our top suggestions for skincare gifts to give away, plus tips for picking out the perfect skincare gifts for anyone:

Skincare Gifts for Moms

Whether it’s Mother’s Day or her birthday, skincare is the perfect gift for your mom. No matter your mom’s age, an anti-aging skincare routine is always a great choice to help prevent and treat signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. If your mom already has her daily skincare routine figured out, consider an add-on such as a weekly face peel or a hydrating mask that she can use as needed. She might also appreciate a skincare tool such as an at-home microdermabrasion pen that will help her maintain her results in between trips to the dermatologist or aesthetician.

Skincare Gifts for Older Women

If you have a grandmother or older aunt on your shopping list, skincare for wrinkles is always a good idea. If you have the budget for it, powerful treatments such as our LegacyTM line will help them to see faster results at home, thanks to cutting edge ingredients. You can also find more affordable options like our advanced line of skincare treatments, such as our Triple Peptides Drops and Active Rejuvenation Serum.

If your older loved one is new to skincare, offer to come over for a girl’s night to demonstrate the products for her while spending quality time together. And if she loves to travel in her golden years, give her a skincare travel kit that will fit in her carry-on to make flying easier.

Skincare Gifts for Younger Women

Gone are the days when nobody worried about their skincare routine until they hit middle age: Younger generations are the driving force behind the expansion of the skincare industry. If you are shopping for younger women, such as your daughter or niece, consider getting her skincare products from a nicer brand than she would normally buy so she can pamper herself a little. You should also consider giving her an anti-aging sunscreen as a present, since wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective things that you can do to prevent signs of premature aging.

Discover Our 3-Step Skincare Method

Skincare Gifts for Men

Who says that women should get all the benefits of skincare? While skincare is undoubtedly more popular among women, the truth is that men can benefit from it just as much as women. A simple 3-step skincare routine will help men to cleanse and nourish their skin while sunscreen will protect it from the elements. Men who shave regularly don’t need to exfoliate as much — the razor manually removes dead skin cells — but they do need to cleanse and moisturize every day just like anyone else.

By July Prokopiv / Shutterstock.com

Tips for Buying the Best Skincare Gifts

No matter who you’re shopping for, there is some advice to keep in mind when buying skincare gifts for other people. Here are our top tips for shopping for skincare gifts for other people:

Get to know their skincare preferences before deciding what to buy them. For instance, some people love heavily perfumed products, while others only use fragrance-free products. By prioritizing their preferences, you’re sure to pick skincare products they will love.
Fill in the gaps in their skincare routine by avoiding duplicate products. If they already own an exfoliator, then get them a face mask or a hydrating serum instead. This will ensure that your gifts get used right away rather than sitting in their medicine cabinet until they finish up their current products.
Order from their favorite brands when in doubt of what to buy. Odds are that if they loved one product from a brand, they will love their other items as well. You can always get skincare travel kits or smaller sample sizes if you don’t want to commit to full-size products.
Buy from reputable stores with good exchange policies so they can swap out the products if necessary. For instance, Lancer Skincare offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all products so that you can shop with confidence for both yourself and your gift recipients.

Ready to order your skincare gifts from Lancer Skincare? All of our products come with free, fast shipping to ensure that your recipients get your gift on time — no order minimum needed. Order your skincare gifts today!

Best Skincare Gifts for Everyone on Your List was last modified: April 12th, 2023 by [email protected]

April 5, 2023April 5, 2023

Tips for Perfecting Your Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

It’s never too late or too early to put together the best skincare routine for anti-aging. In fact, the earlier you start thinking about anti-aging, the more effective your skincare routine will be. To help you put together the perfect skincare regimen for your needs, we’ve rounded up seven essential ingredients that any anti-aging skincare routine should include. Then we’ll cover 10 steps (both necessary and optional) that you should consider when putting together an anti-aging skincare routine.

What are the key ingredients for an anti-aging skincare routine?

Certain ingredients form the building blocks of an anti-aging skincare routine, no matter what specific products that you use. Prioritizing evidence-backed ingredients instead of vague marketing claims will also ensure that the products you have chosen will actually deliver the anti-aging benefits they have promised. Here are the ingredients that you should prioritize if you are looking to prevent or treats signs of premature aging:

Retinol: Retinol and retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase your skin cell turnover, which encourages cell regeneration and helps to prevent or reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to treat adult acne by unclogging pores and getting rid of dead skin cells.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect your skin from free radical damage that can exacerbate the signs of aging.
Ceramides: Ceramides work to maintain and repair the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and helping to prevent water loss that can dry out your skin. This is important because sebum production slows down as we age, so it’s important to keep skin hydrated.

Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water, helping to keep the skin hydrated and plump looking. This also helps to counteract the lower production of sebum that we mentioned above.
Collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps to improve skin elasticity and fill in visible wrinkles. Some people like to take collagen supplements, and you can find it as an ingredient in topical skincare products as well.
Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that form the building blocks of important skin proteins like collagen and elastin. Having peptides in your skincare products can help to promote healthy, smooth skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs form a family of chemical exfoliators that help to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away and exposing smooth, glowing skin. Dry skin worsens the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines, so regularly exfoliating with AHAs makes them less apparent.

To avoid overwhelming your skin, look for products that contain multiple ingredients at once. For instance, you can find single skin-tightening creams that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides for a powerful moisturizer, instead of looking for four separate products that contain each ingredient on their own.

Be sure to pay attention to the ingredient concentrations as well. Some products only put a tiny percentage of an active ingredient in the formulation so they can market it as being “made with vitamin C” and so on. Pay close attention to the labels to see how much of an ingredient a product contains; the higher the percentage, the closer it will be listed to the top of the label. Some brands are also very transparent about the concentrations that their products contain; i.e., 10% glycolic acid.

Discover Our 3-Step Skincare Set

What are the steps in an anti-aging skincare routine?

Now that you know what ingredients to look for, it’s time to discuss what products to include in your anti-aging skincare routine. Here are both the required and optional steps to help you put together the ultimate routine:

Makeup remover

Removing your makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day is an important first step in your nighttime routine. Leaving makeup residue on your face can cause dryness, clog pores, and increase the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Removing makeup and sunscreen completely also ensures that your other skincare products are applied directly to your skin, improving their penetration and making your overall skincare routine more effective.

If you wear a lot of makeup and/or a water-resistant sunscreen, look for a cleansing balm or oil cleanser that can remove heavy-duty products. If you wear a non-water-resistant sunscreen, then a micellar water might suffice for your makeup removal needs. Makeup removing wipes are also a great option especially if you’re short on time or are traveling!

Cleanser

In the morning, you can either rinse your face with clean water if it’s very sensitive and dry or wash it with a cleanser to remove any residue that accumulated overnight. At night, you should alway follow your makeup remover with a quality facial cleanser to wash away any last traces of dirt and debris and ensure that you start your routine with a fresh, clean face.

If you have already noticed that your skin is producing less oil as you age, then we recommend switching to a gentle cream or milk cleanser that won’t strip the skin. Foaming and gel cleansers are great for oil control, but they are often too harsh for aging skin, so you might find that they leave your face feeling dry and tight. After cleansing, your face shouldn’t feel like it still has a residue on it, but it also shouldn’t feel dried out either.

Also be careful to wash your face with lukewarm or cold water, not hot water. Hot water will further dry out the skin and exacerbate signs of aging, so try to keep the temperature down when you can.

Face mask

Anti-aging face masks are an optional part of your routine, but they can be a nice addition to your routine. Some people like to do them every day, while others save them for a longer skincare routine on the weekend. Face masks can do many different things for your skin depending on the ingredients; choose from hydrating, brightening, exfoliating, or soothing depending on your needs.

Face masks also come in several different formulations, including sheet masks that you stick to your face and creams that you smear on your skin, allow to dry out, and then rinse off. Choose whichever style of masks suits your preferences, or switch between them to add some variety to your skincare routine.

Protect Your Face with Quality Sunscreen

Serum

Serums are the powerhouses of the skincare routine, offering strong active ingredients that can make a serious difference in the appearance of your skin when applied consistently over time. For an anti-aging skincare routine, we recommend choosing a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect against free radical damage from UV rays and dirt. At night, we suggest choosing a retinol serum to encourage skin cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

There are plenty of other types of serums to choose from as well, but we recommend being selective of what serums you include in your routine to avoid overdoing it on active ingredients. Look for single serums that incorporate multiple ingredients for an effective and well-balanced approach to skincare.

Exfoliator

Exfoliators come in many different forms — including cleansers, face masks, serums, and scrubs — so you can choose the ones that work best for you. Exfoliators contribute to an anti-aging skincare routine because they remove dead skin cells and dry patches that can worsen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Most people need to exfoliate between one to three times a week depending on their skin’s individual needs and how powerful the exfoliating product is.

Moisturizer

Moisturizers are a key part of any anti-aging skincare routine because they help to counteract the slowdown in oil production that occurs as we age. Look for skin-tightening creams that contain beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and marula oil. Many people prefer to use a lighter cream during the day so that it won’t pill underneath their makeup, and then switch to a heavier cream at night to help prevent water loss from the skin while they sleep.

Eye cream

Eye creams aren’t a strictly necessary part of an anti-aging skincare routine — you can just apply your regular moisturizer around your eyes if you want. However, they are a great addition if you are starting to notice fine lines forming around your eyes. The skin around your eyes is extremely thin and delicate, which is why it’s one of the first parts of your face to show signs of aging. Eye creams that contain powerful ingredients such as retinol are also specifically formulated so that they won’t irritate your eyes, which is a big plus.

Sunscreen

If you only do one step of your anti-aging skincare routine, then it should be applying sunscreen in the morning. That’s because exposure to UV rays is the no. 1 contributing factor to visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention it increases your risk of skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen that offers protection of at least SPF 30, and higher if you’d like, and apply the recommended amount to all of your exposed skin, including your neck and ears.

Sunscreen should be worn every day, even when you are sitting indoors; windows don’t do a very good job of blocking UV rays. If you are outside, sweating, or getting in the water, then it should be reapplied every two hours. Also try to limit your sun exposure, especially when the sun is at its peak between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade whenever you can, and try to cover your exposed skin with hats, sunglasses, and clothing that offers UPF protection.

Facial oil

Facial oil is another optional step in your skincare routine, but it can be a beneficial addition if you have very dry skin, especially in the winter. Facial oils can be applied over your moisturizer or mixed into the cream before applying it, as you prefer. We suggest only applying facial oil at night because it can compromise the formulation of sunscreens and makeup, causing them to break down prematurely.

Ready to get started with your anti-aging skincare routine? Check out the skincare for wrinkles available from Lancer Skincare, including cleansers, creams, and more. All of our products receive free, fast shipping in the United States — no order minimum needed — and come with a 30-day money-backed guarantee so that you can shop with confidence.

Image Credits

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Tips for Perfecting Your Anti-Aging Skincare Routine was last modified: April 5th, 2023 by [email protected]

March 7, 2023March 8, 2023

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

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.

Try a Face Peel

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

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

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.

Image Credits

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How to Exfoliate Skin 6 Different Ways was last modified: March 8th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

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

Fresh healthy skin, beautiful smile of asian young woman, girl looking at mirror, applying moisturizer on her face, putting cream treatment before makeup cosmetic routine at home. Facial Beauty.

By Kmpzzz / Shutterstock.com

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.

Browse Our Anti-Aging Sunscreens

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!

Daily Sunscreen for Your Face: Do You Really Need It? was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 24, 2023February 27, 2023

What Causes Adult Acne?

Another acne. Young sad African woman squeezing pimple while standing against grey background

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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 Adult Acne? was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 22, 2023February 27, 2023

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!

What Causes Dry Skin? was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 17, 2023February 27, 2023

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!

When Should You Start an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine? was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 15, 2023February 27, 2023

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.

Skincare Routine for Combination Skin: 6 Dos and Don’ts was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 10, 2023February 10, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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New Year, New You: Tips for Building the Best Skincare Routine was last modified: February 10th, 2023 by [email protected]

February 3, 2023February 10, 2023

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 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.

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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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Often Should You Exfoliate? was last modified: February 10th, 2023 by [email protected]