Your guide to healthy skin

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and wait 30 minutes without applying anything. If your skin feels tight, you're dry. If it's shiny everywhere, you're oily. Shiny T-zone but dry cheeks? Combination. If products often sting or cause redness, you likely have sensitive skin.

Common rosacea triggers include temperature extremes, spicy food, alcohol, stress, and harsh skincare. Sun exposure is the most universal trigger. Track your flares to identify personal triggers. A gentle, minimal routine with mineral sunscreen helps most people reduce redness over time.

Retinol (and prescription retinoids) are the gold standard for anti-aging, acne, and texture. But they require a slow introduction—start 1-2x weekly, buffer with moisturizer, and expect 2-3 months before seeing results. Not everyone needs them; they're optional if your skin is already healthy.

Apply sunscreen every morning as the last step of your routine. Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors or sweating. For indoor days, one morning application is usually enough unless you're near windows. Use about ½ teaspoon (2 finger lengths) for face and neck.

First, control active acne—new breakouts cause new scars. For existing scars, options range from at-home (retinoids, vitamin C) to in-office (microneedling, lasers, TCA CROSS). Atrophic scars (pits) usually need professional treatment. PIE/PIH (red or dark marks) often fade on their own with sun protection.

Common irritants: fragrance, alcohol (denat.), essential oils, menthol, witch hazel, and strong exfoliating acids. Start with fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient products. Patch test new products on your inner arm before using on your face. Introduce one new product at a time.

Yes, but not at the same time. Use vitamin C in the morning (antioxidant protection + brightening) and retinol at night (cell turnover). Using both together can cause irritation and reduce effectiveness. If your skin is sensitive, alternate nights instead of using retinol daily.