skin-care

We Answered Your Skin-Care Questions

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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

In our semi-regular advice column, “Ask the Strategist,” we answer your most burning shopping questions by surveying friends, calling up experts, and drawing on our own personal experience. In our Friday, October 4, edition, our beauty writers Rachael Griffiths and Crystal Martin answered your questions live in the comments. Dozens and dozens of questions were submitted, and here are some of our favorite answers. To read all the queries, scroll to the comments here. And to be kept in the loop about our next Q&A, sign up for the Strategist newsletter here.

Are actives really worth it? Should I just get Botox?

pbeerbohm
October 4, 2024 at 3:30 AM
So many serums, lotions & potions these days - serums, creams, vit c, retinols, hyaluronic acid, niacinamides, peptides, collagen peptides etc. And while I still party and play like I’m 20, my skin (wrinkles, lines, acne scars/sun spots etc) is starting to show all 15,107 days it’s been on this earth (41 yrs) with little attention or care. what are the key ingredients (or combo) if one is looking to reduce wrinkles and look more youthful overall? I guess the follow up is - is the time & money put into these OTC creams, serums & daily regimens actually worth it - do they actually provide noticeable results and changes or is it just an exercise in foolishness and futility. What about Botox?
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Our answer:

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
$80
$80 at Sephora
Buy
crystal.martin
October 4, 2024 at 3:35 PM
Hi! It's definitely worth it. Start with a basic anti-aging routine:
1. a gentle cleanser - any will do if you don't have any issues to address

Once your skin acclimates to the retinoid, I would definitely upgrade to prescription strength.

yes, botox works and it's worth it but it only works for wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement, like crowfeet and "elevens" If you want to get rid of those, or soften them some. Botox is for you.
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What are the best products for rosacea?

caro
October 2, 2024 at 5:54 PM
what are we doing about rosacea? I recently started using a green color corrector, what other options are out there that don't irritate and also help cover/calm?
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Our answer:

Avène Antirougeurs CALM Redness-Relief Soothing Mask
Avène Antirougeurs CALM Redness-Relief Soothing Mask
$40
$40 at Amazon
Buy
$40 at Dermstore
Buy
rachael.griffithsm1uuv82n
October 4, 2024 at 4:23 PM

Below, I’ve linked to my guide on the best products for rosacea-prone skin, covering everything from cleansers to at-home skincare tools. One of my standout favorites for cooling and calming is the Avène Antirougeurs CALM Redness-Relief Soothing Mask (in fact, the entire Avène Antirougeurs line is pretty great). Azelaic acid is also a great ingredient for tackling rosacea — if you can’t get it prescribed, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is mine and Dr Idriss’ top OTC-pick. http://nohib.com/strategist/article/best-skincare-products-for-redness-and-rosacea.html

https://shorturl.at/pjkg8

https://shorturl.at/kGGf0

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Will a facial get rid of discoloration on my face?

vsselkowe
October 4, 2024 at 3:52 PM
I'm 50 and really noticing the increasing age spots and discoloration on my face. I've used Elta MD products and sunscreen daily for years. Are facials really what I need to improve my skin? Do they actually work? and if so, what kind of facial should I be looking for?
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Our answer:

Red Light Face Mask for Fine Lines & Glowing Skin
Red Light Face Mask for Fine Lines & Glowing Skin
$350
$350 at Sephora
Buy
crystal.martin
October 4, 2024 at 4:18 PM
Hello! I think you're better off both upping the intensity of your skincare routine and seeing a dermatologist (instead of an aesthetician). A derm can help you figure out the source of the issues you're having with coloration. And help you dial in your routine. They can also offer stronger peels to help with removing excess pigment.

A few add'l thoughts:

First, If you're wearing sunscreen every day and still getting age spots and discoloration, I'm wondering if you're wearing enough? You need about a 1/2 teaspoon for the face. You should also be reapplying throughout the day.


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How do I fade my acne scars?

gigit1998
October 2, 2024 at 4:24 PM
chronic hormonal acne sufferer with persistent scars :( what's the most effective product that reduces pigmentation (i have super fair/sensitive skin)?
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Our answer:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
$15
$15
$15 at Amazon
Buy
$12 at Nordstrom
Buy
rachael.griffithsm1uuv82n
October 4, 2024 at 4:42 PM

Fellow suffered here! First things first, you need to be diligent with your SPF — a mineral sunscreen will shield your scars from UV damage (I like the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF). Azelaic acid works well to reduce hyperpigmentation, and you can get one for just $12 from The Ordinary.

And I’ve discovered this year that face-basting with a zinc-oxide rich cream (also known as a diaper cream) fades my scars really effectively — it doesn’t work for every skin type, but if you’re curious, you can read my story about it here: http://nohib.com/strategist/article/how-to-face-baste-with-diaper-cream.html

https://shorturl.at/0YcYt

https://fave.co/3NxSVoN

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Where can I find a pregnancy-safe mineral sunscreen?

rorikotch
October 3, 2024 at 1:31 PM
What is a good, pregnancy safe, mineral only sunscreen?
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Our answer:

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Sunscreen SPF 50+
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Sunscreen SPF 50+
$73
$73 at Amazon
Buy
$46 at Sephora
Buy
crystal.martin
October 4, 2024 at 3:09 PM
I'm a big fan of ISDIN, it's 100 percent mineral: : https://shorturl.at/vzL4e. If you have tan to light brown skin go with tinted version. I have yet to find an actually non-whitening 100% mineral formula for truly brown skin like mine unfortunately.
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Does non-slimy hand cream exist?

stargratrix
October 2, 2024 at 6:28 PM
My hands are so dry. Doesn't matter how much hand lotion I put on before leaving the house. By the time I get to my appointment, the ash appears. Don't get me started on my cuticles. What's the most effective hand cream that won't leave my hands unable to turn door knobs or take forever to rub in?
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Our answer:

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream
$19 now 11% off
$17
$17 at Amazon
Buy
$9 at Target
Buy
rachael.griffithsm1uuv82n
October 4, 2024 at 4:12 PM

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream is always the suggestion among Strategist staffers for extremely dry hands (it’s super popular with Amazon reviewers, too.) It has moisturizing glycerin and also dimethicone, which is a protectant. It’s also non-greasy, and less than $10.

https://shorturl.at/Yr8tf

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Do I need a winter skin-care routine?

jillian.nulton
October 4, 2024 at 12:59 AM
I’ve never bothered switching up my skincare routine between seasons. What’s the best winter routine for normal skin and no major specific skincare issues?
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Our answer:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer
$23
$23
$23 at Amazon
Buy
$20 at Walmart
Buy
crystal.martin
October 4, 2024 at 3:03 PM
Hi Jillian, If you're not having any issues, I don't think you really need to switch it up. A simple moisturizer for day and night like Neutrogena Hydroboost works for all seasons: https://shorturl.at/TtfIc. If you're looking to get into wrinkle treatment, start with a retinoid at night. Start slowly, two nights a week at first. https://www.skinbetter.com/shop-skincare/product-category/anti-aging/alpharet-overnight-cream-M001.html
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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We Answered Your Skin-Care Questions