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The Skin Care Culture

How To Take Better Care of Your Skin

The Skin Care Culture

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  • About
    • Contact
  • Acne Science
    • Accutane
  • Regimen Rituals
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging
  • Ingredient Spotlight
    • Adapalene
    • Azelaic Acid
    • Benzoyl Peroxide
    • Glycolic Acid
    • Hyaluronic Acid
    • Lactic Acid
    • Niacinamide
    • Retinol
    • Salicylic Acid
    • Tretinoin
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  • The Acne Solution

Acne Science

Are Probiotics Good for Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
are Probiotics Good for Acne

Acne is more than just a skin condition; it’s often a mirror reflecting our internal health and the balance of our microbiome. In the quest for clear skin, treatments have ranged from topical creams to antibiotics, yet one promising solution lies within the very core of our being—probiotics. But how … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Regimen Rituals

Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Acne Scars?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
tea tree oil for acne scars

The journey from battling acne to addressing its aftermath, particularly acne scars, often leads many to natural remedies like tea tree oil. Given its reputation for treating active acne, it’s not surprising that individuals turn to this essential oil in hopes of fading acne scars. However, while effective for soothing … Read more

Categories Acne Science

Can You Use Toothpaste on Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
putting toothpaste on a pimple

Toothpaste having the ability to dry out a pimple must be one of the most commonly spread myths when it comes to effective ways to get rid of acne. However, how bad can toothpaste really be for the skin, and can applying it to an inflamed pimple cause even more … Read more

Categories Acne Science

Can You Use Vicks VapoRub on Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does vaporub help with acne

Browsing the internet for acne remedies can sometimes be a rabbit hole of potentially dangerous solutions given by people who often have biased opinions when providing such advice. Something that recently crossed my radar was a piece of advice given by a social media influencer who claimed using Vicks VapoRub … Read more

Categories Acne Science

Why Does Stress Cause Acne? (An Esthetician Explains)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does stress cause pimples?

If the challenges of modern life are taking their toll on your mind and skin, you are definitely not alone. Have you ever noticed that your complexion seems to be stressing out right along with you, resulting in more pimples or even more serious cysts? Well, it is definitely not … Read more

Categories Acne Science

5 Key Benefits of Zinc For Acne-Prone Skin

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
zinc benefits for oily and acne prone skin

Zinc is an essential nutritious mineral in our body that protects the immune system and metabolism by fighting off harmful cells and bacteria. This superstar mineral is also thought to help keep you healthy by reducing illnesses, preventing colds, and being essential for wound healing. But zinc has also been … Read more

Categories Acne Science

Can Makeup Cause Acne Breakouts?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does makeup affect acne

Makeup and acne go hand in hand for many choosing the wrong cosmetic products or unknowingly using unsanitary methods to improve their appearance on a daily basis. However, while makeup can undoubtedly be blamed for causing acne, it doesn’t mean you can’t find the right cosmetic product that won’t break … Read more

Categories Acne Science

6 Damaging Effects Of Sugar On The Skin (& How To Repair The Damage)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
effects of sugar on the skin

From an irresistible bar of chocolate to your favorite soda, it’s hard to escape the sweet sugar trap in our modern diets. Now, we all know that too much sugar isn’t good for our health and can lead to serious problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. However, did you … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Anti-Aging

8 Effects Of Stress On The Skin (& How To Deal With It)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
This image depicts a person appearing to be stressed or in discomfort. They have their eyes closed and are pressing their forehead with their fingers, suggesting a headache or a moment of frustration. The individual has a medium skin tone and their hair is styled in a natural afro, indicating that they might be of African descent. The person is wearing a simple, plain t-shirt and the background is a calm, uniform purple, emphasizing the subject without distraction. Stress can have various effects on the skin, including the exacerbation of acne. When stressed, the body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to an increase in oil production in the skin glands. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to the development or worsening of acne. Additionally, stress might also affect the skin's barrier function, potentially making it more sensitive and reactive, further contributing to skin issues like acne.

Acne breakouts, flare-ups, and rashes tend to worsen when you are going through a stressful period. The reason for this is that the mind and skin are connected, so as emotions are played out neurologically, stress, tension, and anxiety are widespread to be expressed through the skin. Therefore, in this … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Sensitive Skincare

Acne Mechanica: Understanding and Treating Friction-Induced Breakouts

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
The image provides a detailed view of a person's upper back and shoulder, prominently displaying the effects of acne mechanica. This skin condition is evident through the numerous small, raised bumps spread across the pale skin. Some of these bumps exhibit a reddish tint, hinting at inflammation. The overall texture of the skin appears slightly rough because of these blemishes, giving an uneven feel. The dominant visual is the characteristic clusters of blemishes caused by acne mechanica set against a backdrop of delicate skin.

Acne is a universal skin condition that affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, manifesting in various forms and intensities. While most are familiar with common acne types, such as hormonal or cystic acne, there is a lesser-known variant that deserves attention: Acne Mechanica. Acne mechanica, often referred to … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Regimen Rituals

Here’s Why Rosehip Oil Is Bad For Acne-Prone Skin

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
The image captures an up-close view of a person's face, focusing primarily on the skin, eye, and eyelashes. A droplet of reship oil is suspended at the end of a pipette, hovering just above the surface of the skin, seemingly ready to be applied. The eye in the frame is detailed with individual eyelashes appearing almost feather-like, and the skin tone is soft, conveying a sense of delicacy. The image exudes a sense of skincare routine and attention to detail.

Oils are definitely a hot topic in the skincare world. Some prefer to avoid them; others embrace them. However, there is one issue that has led to a particularly animated debate among experts – whether or they are good or not when it comes to blemish-prone skin. Rosehip oil, in … Read more

Categories Acne Science

10 Skin Hygiene Tips To Prevent Acne

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with clean and clear acne-free face smiling with her eyes closed.

While acne is not necessarily a hygiene-related skin condition, poor hygiene practices can be one of the many causing factors and may also exacerbate the appearance and severity of existing acne. Similarly, while acne is primarily the result of bacterial overgrowth inside the pores, certain face hygiene tips can help … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Regimen Rituals

What Is Post-Inflammatory Erythema (& How To Get Rid Of It)?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
what is post inflammatory Erythema and how to get rid of it

Post-inflammatory erythema, or PIE, is a type of acne scarring that appears on the skin as red spots after a pimple has healed. While regularly mistaken for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIE is a slightly more complex condition that takes longer to fade and may stick around for years if not treated … Read more

Categories Acne Science, Sensitive Skincare

10 Foods To Avoid For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman enjoying a plate of pasta which are one of the foods listed as food to avoid (carbs) if you have oily and acne prone skin.

It’s well known that certain foods can increase the already excess amount of oil production, which can aggravate inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. Therefore, by avoiding certain foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives, you will notice a significant improvement in controlling your oily skin and pesky pimples. Here … Read more

Categories Acne Science

What are Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA & BHA) in Skincare?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
An Asian woman with clear skin smiling and feeling her smooth face from with her hands.

Exfoliation makes your skin look clearer, smoother, more refined, and evened out, thus improving your complexion’s appearance and overall skin health. There are several ways you can exfoliate your skin, but one method we tend to gravitate toward due to the gentle and effective results it produces is the use … Read more

Categories Acne Science

10 Skincare Mistakes Causing You Acne

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
The face of a woman with a full face of acne who has been doing very common skincare mistakes described in this article.

If you’ve ever asked yourself why acne doesn’t seem to go away, no matter what you do, you might be making one or more skincare mistakes that are sabotaging your skin’s healing and exacerbating this pesky inflammatory condition. Whether that’s not removing your makeup before going to bed or over-exfoliating … Read more

Categories Acne Science

The Benefits & Use of Macrocystis Pyrifera in Skincare

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
how is Macrocystis Pyrifera used in skincare

Macrocystis Pyrifera, also known as Giant Kelp, is a type of seaweed native to the coastal regions of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its rich nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, giant kelp has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In recent years, Macrocystis Pyrifera has also gained … Read more

Categories Acne Science

5 Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens (If You Have Acne)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreens

Sunscreens, like moisturizers, are a product that many people dealing with acne are hesitant to use. This is understandable, as sunscreens are often too heavy and greasy, don’t sit well under makeup, leave a white cast, and frequently cause more breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. However, although this is … Read more

Categories Acne Science

5 Ingredients to Avoid in Moisturizers (If You Have Acne)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Ingredients to Avoid in Moisturizers If You Have Acne

Moisturizers are products that many people who are dealing with acne are staying clear of; however, they actually do have their benefits. Moisturizers prevent your skin from drying out and pumping more pore-clogging oil to compensate for the dryness, which essentially leads to more breakouts. Moisturizers can also help soothe … Read more

Categories Acne Science

Is Stronger Retin-A More Effective?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Stronger Retin-A More Effective - The Skincare Culture

If you’re looking for the best anti-aging product out there, you may have heard that starting with stronger Retin-A will give you better results. However, this isn’t exactly true because it’s the duration of using Retin-A that will give you the best results and not necessarily the strength. So how … Read more

Categories Acne Science
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simone sydel skincare

Welcome! My name is Simone Sydel and I am a certified skin specialist.

I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin.

Occasionally I also share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried.

You can learn more about me here and you can also follow me on Twitter. 

– Simone Sydel.

PS: If you have oily/acne-prone skin, you should check out my ingredients handbook for acne-prone skin.

Affiliate Disclaimer

TheSkinCareCulture.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Latest Skin Care Guides

  • 13 Best Retinols for Forehead Wrinkles
  • 10 Best Lightweight Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
  • How Do You Get Rid of Cystic Temple Acne?
  • Can You Use Cicaplast Baume B5 With Retinol?
  • Can Vaping Cause Acne?
  • Is Accutane Worth it For Mild Acne?
  • The Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing
  • The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids
  • The Differences Between Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid
  • The Differences Between Acne Spot Treatment and Acne Serum
  • The Differences Between Physical and Chemical Exfoliants
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  • Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Acne Scars?
  • Can You Use Toothpaste on Acne?
  • Can You Use Vicks VapoRub on Acne?
  • 10 Skincare Tips For Young Teens (From An Esthetician)
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  • Does Fasting Help With Acne (& Acne Scars)?
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  • What Is Congested Skin (& How To Clear It Quickly)
  • Will Retinol Shrink Pores?
  • 5 Key Benefits of Zinc For Acne-Prone Skin
  • Can Makeup Cause Acne Breakouts?
  • 6 Damaging Effects Of Sugar On The Skin (& How To Repair The Damage)
  • My Aztec Clay Mask Review (Not As Great As You Think)
  • The Complete Guide to Direct High-Frequency Facials (& Essential Aftercare)
  • 8 Effects Of Stress On The Skin (& How To Deal With It)
  • Acne Mechanica: Understanding and Treating Friction-Induced Breakouts
  • Here’s Why Rosehip Oil Is Bad For Acne-Prone Skin
  • TikTok’s Green Tea Mask Stick Review: Does It Really Work?
  • When Should You Start Using Retinol?
  • 10 Skin Hygiene Tips To Prevent Acne
  • How To Create A Simple Skincare Routine (For Beginners)
  • How To Shrink Enlarged Pores (10 Methods You Can Try)
  • What Is Post-Inflammatory Erythema (& How To Get Rid Of It)?
  • What Causes Dry Skin (& How to Treat It)?
  • The 8 Best Antioxidants For Your Skin (& Their Benefits)
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