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How To Take Better Care of Your Skin

The Skin Care Culture

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  • 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
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  • The Acne Solution

Ingredient Spotlight

Can Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together

While these two ingredients have different functions, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid can be used together to improve the skin’s appearance and address many skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, and signs of aging. However, just like with any skincare combination, it’s important to understand that these … Read more

Categories Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid

Can You Mix Tretinoin Cream With Hyaluronic Acid?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Mix Tretinoin Cream With Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid can be a great addition to your skincare routine, especially if you want to add a little extra hydration. However, if you currently use tretinoin, you might want to think twice before adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your regimen. While both tretinoin and hyaluronic acid can work … Read more

Categories Hyaluronic Acid, Product Recommendations, Tretinoin

Can Niacinamide Cause Textured Skin?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does niacinamide cause textured skin

Can niacinamide, the touted skin hero praised for its ability to soothe irritations, minimize redness, balance oil production, heal painful breakouts, and even out skin tone, also cause texture? The answer is yes! Niacinamide can sometimes cause the skin to become dry, textured, and even sensitive. However, a few possible … Read more

Categories Niacinamide, Regimen Rituals

Can You Put Differin on Broken Skin?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
can you use differin on broken skin

Known for its ability to soothe inflammation caused by acne lesions and improve moderate to severe acne in as little as several weeks, Differin has become a favorite choice for many who are dealing with this pesky condition. However, although Differin is generally considered safe and effective, it should not … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Regimen Rituals

Can You Use Differin and Retinol Together?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
can you use differin with retinol

Differin and retinol are both members of the retinoid family; however, they don’t mix. Using Differin and retinol together can only increase some of the side effects associated with each component. And while that’s the most straightforward answer, there are several reasons why this is the case and why using … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Regimen Rituals, Retinol

Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid for Closed Comedones

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid for Closed Comedones - The Skincare Culture

Glycolic and salicylic acid are two of the most popular active ingredients in skincare products. Both acids are known for their ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. And while both acids can help reduce the appearance of closed comedones, which one you choose to use depends on your … Read more

Categories Glycolic Acid, Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals, Salicylic Acid

Is Lactic Acid Good for Closed Comedones?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Lactic Acid Good for Closed Comedones - The Skincare Culture

Closed comedones are non-inflammatory acne lesions that commonly occur in areas like the forehead, cheeks, and chin. These small, round bumps are formed when dead skin cells and sebum become trapped in pores. Over time, the blockage hardens, and the comedone becomes more visible. However, these lesions are fairly easy … Read more

Categories Lactic Acid, Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals

Is Differin Good for Closed Comedones?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Differin Good for Closed Comedones - The Skincare Culture

Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are acne lesions that occur when a pore becomes blocked. This happens when sebum and dead skin cells meant to lubricate the skin and shed from the surface accumulate inside the pore, creating a visible bump covered with a thin layer of skin. Luckily, … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Regimen Rituals

Can You Use Differin And Niacinamide Together?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Use Differin And Niacinamide Together - The Skincare Culture

Differin and niacinamide can be an excellent combination for your skincare routine! Both products have unique benefits that complement each other and improve skin concerns such as acne and discoloration. However, it is important to remember that these two actives can easily be misused, which could lead to issues such … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Niacinamide, Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals

Can Differin be Used With Salicylic Acid?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Differin be Used With Salicylic Acid - The Skincare Culture

While Differin shouldn’t be used with salicylic acid at the same time, you can use them in separate routines to address inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. I typically recommend sticking to Differin because it’s a more effective acne treatment, but some people may find that using both products leads … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals, Salicylic Acid

Can Adapalene Be Used As Spot Treatment?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Adapalene Be Used As Spot Treatment

Adapalene is a topical cream or gel commonly used to treat acne. However, although efficient against deep, cystic acne clusters, can this ingredient also be used as spot treatment? Unfortunately, adapalene doesn’t make up for a good spot treatment because it doesn’t work overnight. And while this is pretty much … Read more

Categories Adapalene, Regimen Rituals

Does Niacinamide Cause Purging?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Does Niacinamide Cause Purging - The Skincare Culture

Niacinamide may be everyone’s favorite skincare ingredient, but there’s a fair share of those who have had some unpleasant experiences, such as breaking out after introducing a product that features this ingredient as a main active. However, if you think the initial breakout can be characterized as a purge that … Read more

Categories Niacinamide

Can Retinol be Used With Lactic Acid?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Retinol be Used With Lactic Acid - The Skincare Culture

While retinol shouldn’t be used with lactic acid at the same time, you can use them in separate routines to address skin concerns such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and even active acne. Typically, I recommend sticking to retinoids for any skin concerns you want … Read more

Categories Lactic Acid, Retinol

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together - The Skincare Culture

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can be a great combo to help you achieve hydrated, glowy, healthy skin and a more even and uniform complexion. Therefore, combining them in a routine has its benefits and a few potential drawbacks you should be aware of before incorporating this powerful duo into … Read more

Categories Hyaluronic Acid, Product Recommendations, Vitamin C

Can You Mix Retinol With Hyaluronic Acid?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can You Mix Retinol With Hyaluronic Acid - The Skincare Culture

Hyaluronic acid can be a great addition to your skincare routine if you are currently experiencing dry skin due to retinol. This ingredient is super hydrating and can help relieve some of the constant dryness that’s a frequent occurrence for many when starting retinol. Additionally, since hyaluronic acid is gentle … Read more

Categories Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol

Is Benzoyl Peroxide Good for Closed Comedones?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Benzoyl Peroxide Good for Closed Comedones - The Skincare Culture

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most commonly used acne treatments. It comes in many forms, including gels, washes, and creams. It works by infusing oxygen inside the pores and killing the overgrowth of bacteria responsible for acne. Benzoyl peroxide is also a keratolytic agent, which means it helps to … Read more

Categories Benzoyl Peroxide

Does Tretinoin Cream Work for Rosacea?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Does Tretinoin Cream Work for Rosacea - The Skincare Culture

Rosacea is a common skin condition that manifests itself as redness, blotchiness, and bumps on the face. Although there isn’t a treatment that would fully get rid of rosacea, it’s a condition that can be maintained with a good skincare routine and professional treatments. Since rosacea is one of the … Read more

Categories Sensitive Skincare, Tretinoin

Does Tretinoin Help With Closed Comedones?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Does Tretinoin Help With Closed Comedones - The Skincare Culture

Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are acne lesions that occur when a pore becomes blocked. This happens when sebum and dead skin cells meant to lubricate the skin and shed from the surface accumulate inside the pore, creating a visible bump covered with a thin layer of skin. Luckily, … Read more

Categories Tretinoin

Is Tretinoin Good for Cystic Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Tretinoin Good for Cystic Acne - The Skincare Culture

If you’re like most people, you probably think of tretinoin as a medication that is only prescribed for its anti-aging benefits. However, tretinoin is also an effective treatment for cystic acne and was originally only used as an acne treatment before people started noticing its anti-aging benefits. In this article, … Read more

Categories Tretinoin

Is Generic Tretinoin as Effective as Retin-A?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Is Generic Tretinoin as Effective as Retin-A - The Skincare Culture

If you’ve searched for information about treating acne or reducing wrinkles online, you’ve likely seen recommendations for two medications: tretinoin and Retin-A. So, what’s the difference between the two? Is generic tretinoin as effective as Retin-A, or would you have to get the latter to target your skin concerns? This … Read more

Categories Tretinoin
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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

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