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How To Take Better Care of Your Skin

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

Regimen Rituals

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

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

How To Create A Simple Skincare Routine (For Beginners)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman smiling in the mirror as she applies her skincare routine.

If you are new to skincare, a simple routine is the best place to start. Forget about the complex 10-step routines you see on Instagram and TikTok that overwhelm you and make you feel like you’re missing out on healthy skin and start with the basics. But if you’re unsure … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

How To Shrink Enlarged Pores (10 Methods You Can Try)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with clear skin and no visible enlarged pores looking in the mirror and smiling while touching her face.

Enlarged pores are probably the most common skin concern right after acne. The difference between these concerns is that acne usually comes and goes depending on several factors. A full-blown acne breakout usually occurs during our teenage years and normally disappears when we reach a certain age. Pores, however, are … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

What Causes Dry Skin (& How to Treat It)?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with dry skin smiling and using a towel to dry her face.

If your skin tends to be drier, this is mainly because it lacks the natural oil secreted by our oil glands to keep it soft and supple. Dry skin is a skin type that’s usually present since birth, and in most cases, it is hereditary. However, the skin’s water-holding capacity … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

The 8 Best Antioxidants For Your Skin (& Their Benefits)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with clear healthy skin standing in front of a few trees signifying how well certain antioxidants work to keep your skin looking healthy and plump.

As a peripheral organ, our skin is the chief barrier against the external environment, ensuring no pathogens enter the body to cause harm. However, as such, our skin is the only organ exposed to the harsh environment, which can take a toll that eventually becomes visible in the form of … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

What Is Acne Rosacea? (& How Do You Treat It?)

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A side picture of a woman's face who is currently dealing with acne rosacea.

Rosacea is acne’s redder, meaner, and harder-to-manage cousin. This chronic skin condition affects millions of people worldwide and makes day-to-day life more challenging for many due to the uncomfortable symptoms it is known for. However, with the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can take control of your … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals, Sensitive Skincare

6 Ways To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
An asian lady with sun damage showing on both her cheeks, most likely sun damage with melasma.

While essential for all life on our planet, UV rays can also cause some serious damage. From short-term sunburns and heat strokes to long-term and more serious conditions such as eye damage and skin cancers, the sun is not to be underestimated. Therefore, in this article, we will be exploring … Read more

Categories Anti-Aging, Regimen Rituals

How To Prep Oily Skin For Makeup?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with a clean face prepped and ready to apply makeup on here face.

Finding a routine that worked best for my incredibly oily skin was one of the biggest challenges I faced ever since I started wearing makeup – and it took me nearly a decade to find a solution that worked. Below, I will share my best advice on how to prep … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

What Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) In Skincare?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A side image of a face showing you the the symptoms of Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation and how it looks like.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common skin concern that develops after inflammation, injury, or trauma to the skin. It is caused by a number of skin conditions, including acne, dermatitis, burns, and melasma, as well as environmental factors such as UV damage. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterized by dark spots or … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

How To Control Oily Skin?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
A woman with oily skin holding her hands up to her face wondering in the mirror how to control her oily skin.

Oily skin is recognized by natural oiliness on certain face areas, such as the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Additionally, oily skin is also frequently followed by blackheads and acne. To keep your skin clear and avoid daily inconveniences such as ruined makeup and shine, you need to find a … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

How to Get Over a Retinoid Purge?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
How to Get Over a Retinoid Purge

Anyone who’s ever thought about trying a retinoid to treat acne or improve their skin has probably heard or experienced the ‘retinoid purge.’ But what exactly is it, and how can you get over it? A retinoid purge is the phase of skin adjustment that occurs when first starting to … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals, Retinol

Can I Use Tretinoin If I Don’t Have Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Tretinoin If I Don't Have Acne

Tretinoin is a fantastic product that can address inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and concerns like signs of aging, lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, texture, and photodamage. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about what tretinoin is, how it works once applied to the skin, what its benefits are, and … Read more

Categories Anti-Aging, Regimen Rituals, Tretinoin

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

Does Red Light Therapy Help With Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
does red light therapy help with acne

With LED devices being all the rage in the past couple of years, red light therapy has gained more attention due to its benefits for the skin. But with these devices being quite the luxury splurge that, more often than not, comes with a hefty price tag, many are left … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals

Why Do Closed Comedones Keep Coming Back?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
who do closed comedones keep coming back

Closed comedones are small, flesh-colored bumps that pop up on the skin’s surface when a plug of skin cells and oil become trapped within the hair follicle and causes the pore to swell, but because there is a thin layer of skin over it, the bump remains closed. They can … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals

How to Soothe Acne Itching?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
How to Soothe Acne Itching

Acne itching is a common problem, and understanding the potential causes can help you take the right steps to soothe it. Many individuals experience acne itching as part of their breakouts, and the causes can range from the obvious (like skin irritation caused by a breakout) to more subtle triggers … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals, Sensitive Skincare

Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory condition that, although appearing simple and straightforward as something caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, is actually a complex disorder that can be caused by many underlying factors. One such factor is an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too … Read more

Categories Regimen Rituals

Should I Exfoliate When I Have Acne?

by Simone Sydel | Licensed Esthetician
Exfoliate When I Have Acne

Exfoliation is a great way to improve cellular turnover and reveal clear, radiant, and glowing skin. This step is especially important for those with acne-prone skin, as regular exfoliation can help reduce breakouts and speed up the healing process for existing blemishes. However, when it comes to choosing the type … Read more

Categories Product Recommendations, Regimen Rituals

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
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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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  • 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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