Skip to content

The Skin Care Culture

How To Take Better Care of Your Skin

The Skin Care Culture

  • 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
    • Vitamin C
  • Product Reviews
    • Product Recommendations
  • The Acne Solution
  • 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
    • Vitamin C
  • Product Reviews
    • Product Recommendations
  • The Acne Solution

Ingredient Spotlight

Can You Use Vitamin C After Microneedling?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Use Vitamin C After Microneedling

Using vitamin C after microneedling is somewhat of a controversial practice that has many professionals divided on its safety. Some believe that vitamin C should never be used after microneedling as it may cause further irritation and inflammation that can damage the skin. On the other hand, others argue that … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Vitamin C

How To Fix Retinol Damage?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
how to fix retinol damage on the skin

Retinol is an active component in over-the-counter skincare products that offers many benefits for the skin. From minimizing wrinkles to refining skin texture and reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions such as acne, this potent ingredient has been a favorite of skincare enthusiasts for decades. However, like any other active … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals, Retinol

Can Retinol Cause Eczema?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Retinol Cause Eczema?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A which has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, lines, wrinkles, etc. However, despite its many benefits, retinol is known to cause skin irritation and sensitivity and has even been linked to triggering eczema in … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Retinol, Sensitive Skincare

How To Layer Vitamin C & Niacinamide?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
How To Layer Vitamin C & Niacinamide

Using vitamin C and niacinamide in your skincare routine can be a great way to help improve the overall look and feel of your skin. Both ingredients are antioxidant powerhouses that can improve clarity, brightness, evenness, and hydration. However, while you may be excited to try both of them at … Read more

Categories Niacinamide, Vitamin C

Is Adapalene Gel Good for Acne Scars?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
can Adapalene Gel heal Acne Scars

Adapalene gel is a topical medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids. It is used to treat acne and works by preventing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne lesions. It also helps to normalize the shedding of dead skin cells, which can help reduce … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Product Recommendations

Do Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin Cancel Each Other Out?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin Cancel Each Other

Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin are popular acne treatments that can decrease inflammation, clear the pores of acne-causing debris and bacteria, and reduce the formation of new pimples. However, there have been some concerns that combining these two treatments can be ineffective because they may interfere with each other and prevent … Read more

Categories Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin

Can You Use Niacinamide After Chemical Peels?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
guide to using niacinamide after chemical peels

Niacinamide is a component that has many benefits for the skin. One of these includes speeding up the healing process due to its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and soothe inflammation. This makes it a great addition to any skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or are … Read more

Categories Niacinamide, Product Recommendations

Is Salicylic Acid Safe for Breastfeeding Women?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Salicylic Acid Safe for Breastfeeding Women

Salicylic acid is an ingredient we turn to when dealing with acne, dandruff, texture, and other skin concerns. Found in many topical products in up to 2% concentrations, it’s an effective ingredient with anti-inflammatory and comedolytic (pore unclogging) benefits. But is this ingredient safe for breastfeeding women? The good news … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Salicylic Acid

Can You Use Azelaic Acid After Microneedling?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Use Azelaic Acid After Microneedling?

Azelaic acid is an ingredient that can help refine skin texture, soothe redness, reduce acne, and fade hyperpigmentation. Microneedling, on the other hand, is a medical procedure that involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate new collagen production and helps improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. So the … Read more

Categories Azelaic Acid, Product Recommendations

Can You Mix Azelaic Acid With Niacinamide?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Mix Azelaic Acid With Niacinamide

Azelaic acid and niacinamide are two excellent ingredients that can be mixed to address various skin concerns and improve the skin’s health and appearance. From refining skin texture to clearing acne and brightening dark spots, this combo is definitely worth considering if you want to get the most out of … Read more

Categories Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Product Recommendations

Can You Mix Tretinoin Cream With Niacinamide?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Mix Tretinoin Cream With Niacinamide

Tretinoin might be the gold standard for all things skin-related, but using it along with other actives can improve its action and accelerate the desired results. One excellent ingredient to be mixed with tretinoin is niacinamide, and the two together can achieve great results, including refining skin texture, clearing acne, … Read more

Categories Niacinamide, Tretinoin

Does Retinol Cause Textured Skin?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does retinol cause textured skin

Retinol is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products, praised for its ability to reduce wrinkles, boost cellular turnover, get rid of acne, and improve the skin’s appearance. But with so much hype around retinol, there is some confusion as to how it works and whether it can … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Retinol

How to Layer Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Layer Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two of the most popular ingredients in modern skincare products, hailed for the many benefits they offer for the skin. In combination, these two powerhouses can boost hydration levels, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier, among other things. However, it’s important to know how … Read more

Categories Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

Can I Use a Vitamin C Serum With Retinol?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can I Use a Vitamin C Serum With Retinol

A vitamin C serum can be used with retinol, but using them in separate routines and after the skin has adjusted to retinol is the best way to get the best of both ingredients without the risk of irritation. Vitamin C and retinol are both powerful ingredients that can provide … Read more

Categories Retinol, Vitamin C

20 Frequently Asked Questions About Differin

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
differin frequently asked questions

Differin is one of the most popular acne treatments on the market today, but despite its well-documented benefits, many remain unsure about how to use it correctly. Therefore, I searched the Internet for the most commonly asked questions about Differin and decided to answer the most interesting ones in this … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Regimen Rituals

Are Tretinoin Results Permanent?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Tretinoin Results Permanent

Tretinoin is one of the best topical treatments for wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, and acne. It’s a form of vitamin A that helps to speed up your skin’s shedding process and encourages new skin cell production. With regular use, tretinoin can help to reduce or even eliminate wrinkles and … Read more

Categories Tretinoin

The Ingredients Salicylic Acid Should Never Be Mixed With

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
what should salicylic acid not be mixed with

Excellent for acne, redness, and inflammation, salicylic acid has led many people’s acne healing journeys. This remarkable acid is gentle and efficient and can be found in skincare products like cleansers, toners, and serums. But did you know there are certain ingredients salicylic acid should never be mixed with? Although … Read more

Categories Salicylic Acid

Can You Use Retinol After Paula’s Choice BHA?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
paulas choice cha with retinol

Retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, and the Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant is an effective product that can help clear away dead skin cells and open up clogged pores. It also helps reduce excess oil and active acne on the skin’s surface. Although … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals, Retinol

Can You Mix Hyaluronic Acid With Benzoyl Peroxide?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Mix Hyaluronic Acid With Benzoyl Peroxide?

Hyaluronic acid might sound like a good option to protect the skin from the drying effect of benzoyl peroxide, but the truth is that these two might not be the best combination to mix together. And while there are ways that you can use them in the same skincare routine … Read more

Categories Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Product Recommendations

Can You Mix AHA and BHA with Niacinamide?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Mix AHA and BHA with Niacinamide?

Both AHA and BHA can be used together with niacinamide to address skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. However, with all these being active ingredients that do some sort of bioactivity in your skin, it’s essential to use … Read more

Categories Niacinamide
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 Page2 Page3 … Page5 Next →

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
  • The Differences Between Moisturizers and Serums
  • Mixing Vitamin C Serum With SPF Creams
  • Can You Mix Argireline and Retinol?
  • Lanolin Cream Benefits for Dry Skin
  • CeraVe vs. Cetaphil Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
  • 10 Best Micellar Waters for Acne
  • Does PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Cause Acne?
  • The 10 Best Soothing Serums to Use While on Accutane
  • The Differences Between Squalane vs. Squalene in Moisturizers
  • The Difference Between Toners and Astringents
  • The 10 Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers for Aging Skin
  • Glycolic Acid vs. Lactic Acid for Acne Treatment
  • Effaclar Duo vs. Effaclar K: Which is Better for Oily Skin (And Acne)?
  • Are Probiotics Good for Acne?
  • Retinol vs. Retinaldehyde: Which is Better for Aging Skin?
  • Can Seawater Help You Get Rid of Acne?
  • 10 Best Scalp Acne Shampoos
  • 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)
  • Ferulic Acid in Skincare: Its Benefits & How to Use It
  • Does Fasting Help With Acne (& Acne Scars)?
  • Do Homemade DIY Face Masks Work For The Skin?
  • Why Does Stress Cause Acne? (An Esthetician Explains)
  • Are Accutane Side Effects Permanent?
  • Vivant Skin Care 8% Mandelic Acid Serum Review
  • The Best Skincare Products to Use While On Accutane
  • Does Accutane Help With Back Acne?
  • What are the Worst Side Effects of Accutane?
  • Does Retinol Expire? (Understanding the Shelf Life of Retinol)
  • 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)
  • About Simone Sydel
  • Contact Simone
  • My Acne Solution
  • Media Kit
  • My Social Links
  • Content Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • My Skincare Services
  • Hire Me For Skincare Content
The Skin Care Culture © | 2025