From viral lifestyle trends to smart sleep tips, TikTok is a source of knowledge for those of us looking for tips and tricks to make our lives easier, especially when it comes to skin care.
Experts ranging from brand founders to dermatologists and estheticians have created TikTok accounts to dispel skincare myths (glycolic acid isn’t a good deodorant alternative), share helpful skincare tips (try layering with SPF)
and Recommendations for the most popular skin care brands currently. The app is also very helpful for those who struggle with skin issues like acne and eczema or are looking for a simple skin care guide.
In fact, while browsing the app, it’s hard not to come across someone sharing their “game-changing” skincare routine. While there are some methods you should avoid, there are some real gems, including genius techniques and
affordable skin care brands.
If your current skincare routine isn’t meeting your needs, or you’re just looking for a change, we’ve rounded up the smartest skincare routines TikTokers have been sharing lately – where you can shop all the brilliant specials.
Skin care routine for oily and combination skin. Posted by Nicolle Finn, certified dermatology assistant, this morning skincare routine for oily skin can easily be adapted to the evening. It all starts with a foaming cleanser.
Nicolle recommends La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel (£15), which foams on contact with water and quickly dissolves oil. Next, Nicolle recommends The Ordinary’s 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Serum, £5. Niacinamide
minimizes oil production (preventing breakouts), reduces the appearance of large pores, and relieves inflammation or redness. The last step is to apply a moisturizing sunscreen with a high SPF.
While Nicolle’s favorite Biossance product isn’t available in the UK, R29 is Polaar Very High Protection SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion (£22), which absorbs quickly and leaves no white streak.
At night, you can swap your niacinamide serum for a gentle retinol serum, such as Versed Press Restart Gentle Restart Gentle Retinol Serum (£20), followed by a light moisturizer. Eye cream is optional.
Dermatologist Dr. Adel shares her favorite skincare routine for dry skin, which includes many gentle favorites. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Syndet AP+ Shower Gel (£19) is a great cleanser, followed by Naturium’s 5% Quadruple
Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£18), applied to damp skin for maximum hydration.
If you want a cheaper option, check out The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £7.75. If you want to add an exfoliation step to your evening routine, one of the gentlest acid exfoliants is lactic acid, such as The Ordinary’s
Lactic Acid 5% + HA, £6.75.
Next up is La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Soothing Face and Body Balm (£18), which is packed with skin-repairing ingredients to soothe and protect even the most sensitive skin.
For your morning routine, simply skip the lactic step and apply a high-SPF sunscreen after your moisturizer, such as moisturizer. B. Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Aging Sunscreen Lotion, £18.95. Skin care routine that’s neither too
oily nor too drying
Dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu has the perfect daily skin care regimen that’s neither too oily nor too dry. Cleansing twice a day (morning and evening) is your first step. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin and
cause tightness or discomfort, such as: B.
Honest Beauty Gentle Cleansing Gel, £13.50. PhD. Liu recommends using a vitamin C serum after cleansing in the morning to boost brightness and protect against environmental aggressors like pollution. R29 likes Lumene Nordic C
[Valo] Glow Boost Serum, £32.90.
Then apply a layer of moisturizer, followed by a high SPF sunscreen or simply a hydrating sunscreen. Apply these products to the eye area to add moisture. At night, swap your vitamin C serum and sunscreen for a retinol serum,
followed by moisturizer.
Priced at R29 are Olay Retinol 24 Unscented Night Serum, £19, and Liz Earle Skin Repair Light, £25. Daily care for acne-prone skin. Dermatologist Dr. Howard, aka @dermbeautydoc on TikTok, makes acne skin care easier in this
short video.
Start your evening routine with a double cleanse (cleanse twice to really remove makeup and oil) with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, £11.50. Next up is Paula’s Choice’s Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Salicylic Acid Toner,
£28.90, which opens pores and smoothes skin texture. If you want to be more eco-friendly, apply with a cotton pad or your fingers. Follow with a light moisturizer. PhD. Howard recommends SkinCeuticals Cream (£140), which leaves
skin feeling soft and radiant a cheaper alternative is SVR SEBIACLEAR Hydra Moisturizer, £15. Dermatologists also recommend alternating the use of salicylic acid and a mild retinoid serum each night to unclog pores. However,
this comes down to your personal preference and what your skin can tolerate.
Cleaning up in the morning is enough. Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid Toner can also be used in the morning. However, if you apply a skin acid, be sure to follow it up with a sunscreen with a high SPF
such as Sunscreen. B. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Liquid SPF50+ Sunscreen, £19.50. Because acids can make skin sensitive to sunlight.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
