If you are human you’ve likely had a question or two (or ten) about skin care. Whether it’s what ingredients to avoid or look for, the most effective products for fine lines and wrinkles, or how to pick the best anti-aging cream; there is no shortage of answers on the web.

Unfortunately, browsing through a million different results or websites isn’t exactly ideal. At least not for me!

We decided it was time to bring the questions to you in an easier to find and read way. This is Part 1 of our 10 Part Series where we locate the top 50 most commonly asked questions about skin care and provide the answers.

We hope you enjoy reading and that you find the answers you’re looking for to your own skin care questions.

Question 1 - Why Is Skin Care So Important?

Your skin is the biggest barrier against infection that you have which is why it is very important to practice proper skincare. Making sure that your skin is healthy and moisturized keeps your barrier strong.

When the skin becomes too dry or is irritated by harsh soap or heavy fragrances, cracks appear that allow bacteria to enter the skin because the natural oils that the skin needs are stripped away.

You should use soap that is gentle for skin and not heavily fragranced. Moisturizing is a big plus when choosing skincare products so if your regular products do not offer moisturizing properties you will want to have a dedicated moisturizer for both your body and your face.

Question 2 - Can Skin Care Products Cause Allergic Reactions?

Some skincare products can cause allergic reactions called contact dermatitis. The reaction can come in the form of an itchy red rash, extreme dryness, flakiness, uneven skin tone, and bumps similar to pimples.

Most allergic reactions to skincare products are from irritants, meaning that your skin has become irritated by something that has touched it, which could be an ingredient in your product.

The reaction should not last long, usually around a couple of days if you stop using the offending product. Everyone’s skin is different and so it can be difficult to determine what will and will not irritate your skin.

Researching ingredients and other people’s reactions to them can help you avoid some irritating products but a lot will come from trial and error.

I personally prefer to look at reviews before buying or using a product, even though I know the results will vary, it helps to see what others may have experienced in terms of skin reactions.

It is also important to keep in mind that the word natural does not always mean non-irritating. Many essential oils and natural ingredients are irritants for people. It’s up to you to get to know your skin and the ingredients it likes and dislikes.

Because my own skin is sensitive and eczema-prone I am grateful for my Honey & Oatmeal Soap Bar. I made sure to only add ingredients that are suitable for all skin types.

Question 3 - Will Skin Care Help Acne?

Skin care products can help acne, or they can cause and worsen acne. Salicylic acid is one of the most common ingredients for skincare products meant to help acne but this can actually damage the skin further.

Alternatives to salicylic acid include: benzoyl peroxide, madecassoside, tea tree oil, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and retinol among others.

Exfoliating beads can also cause acne as well as redness and irritation from inflaming the skin. Introducing a new skincare product into your regimen can also cause a breakout or existing acne to get worse.

The skin purges because products that increase skin cell turnover are introduced. By accelerating the shedding of dead skin cells you can trigger more breakouts and blackheads.

You cannot fully prevent your skin from purging but you can lessen the symptoms by introducing new products slowly and not immediately reaching for the strongest products out there.  

Do a skin test before using any new product, be it soap, moisturizer, lotion, serum, etc. You don’t know how your skin will react so it’s best to test it first.

Skin care can definitely help acne if you’re using the right products. Discontinue using any product that doesn’t provide results or causes any type of negative reaction to your skin. Consult with your dermatologist if you’ve exhausted all of your options and still have trouble with acne.

Question 4 - Can Skin Care Products Go Bad?

Skin care products absolutely have an expiration date. Once they have been opened they are exposed to bacteria, air, and light which causes them to start breaking down.

Humidity and heat can affect them even if they are still sealed. Sometimes an expired skincare product will just be less effective but other times it can be irritating to your skin.

If your product does not have a clear expiration date printed on it then you can research the different “period after opening” timelines for certain products. Most products like moisturizers, eye creams, and skin creams are good for about a year after opening.

Deodorant and some other skin care products can last up to three years after being opened. It is all a matter of looking up whatever product you are using for a shelf life. However, we like to follow the rule of When In Doubt, Throw It Out!

Question 5 - Who Is A Skin Care Specialist?

Skin care specialists are also known as Estheticians. They do many things including exfoliating, cleansing, waxing, and moisturizing. They look at the condition of your skin and determine what is needed to improve the quality.

Waxing can remove unwanted hair, chemical peels can help to reduce wrinkles, and exfoliating can shed dead skin cells. They are also able to educate you on different skin care products and make recommendations based on your skin type.

If you have severe skin problems then they will likely refer you to a dermatologist. But all of this will put you on the right path toward obtaining the beautiful skin you’re after without the hassle.

Our Eczema Soap Is Ideal for All Skin Types

Whether you have normal or sensitive skin, or even Eczema, Psoriasis, etc., our honey & oatmeal soap bar contains only natural ingredients to cleanse and comfort your skin. You can try it risk free today and if you’re not happy, just let us know so we can make it right! You have nothing to lose and more to gain; happy, clean skin!