F.A.Q. Skin

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding skin care that our clients ask.   

Meet our resident resident skin care expert

Xanthi D. Charitonos

Xanthi is a qualified aesthetician with many years in the professional beauty field.  She is Master Trainer of Aesthetic Applications and she is responsible for all aspects of skin care training.  Her responsibilities include training on specific skin care treatments, skin care  treatment development, training workshops, and seminar presentations. Xanthi is an appointed Master Trainer for Cyprus and the Middle East area for many of the manufacturers we represent including:

 

Heitland Cosmetics - Germany - Thalasso therapies for face and body, Rosa Graf face and Body Therapies

Lady Esther Cosmetics - Germany - Professional and retails lines for face and body 

Keenwell -Spain -  retail lines for face and body 

Kleraderm Scientific Biocosmetology -  Face and Body Therapies 

Xanthi is also a graduate of  Komotini University in Greece with a degree in Physical Education and further G.R.A.F.T. certification.

Xanthi  is available to answer all questions you may have regarding skin care or the use of our products.Please do not hesitate to send her your specific questions.   You may want to also check out Xanthi's Blog for interesting articles and up-to-date information regarding skin care.  

Answers to most commonly asked skin care questions

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Do we need to cleanse our face in the morning?

Yes, you should wash your face twice a day, preferably with a gentle cleanser. This is because bacteria builds up on your skin during the night, so it is important to rinse it off in the morning. Washing your face in the morning also works as a great primer before applying your morning skincare routine. It works to remove dirt, makeup, and pollution without damaging the skin barrier.

Most importantly, you should always wash your face before going to bed! Dirt, makeup, and environmental toxins build up on your face throughout the day. Washing your face at night removes these impurities and prevents pores from clogging.

What is the ideal amount of skincare products we should apply (creams-serums)?

The ideal amount of skincare products depends on their specific use. Starting with the basics, let's talk about cleanser. In general, one pump of the cleanser is enough for the face, and you can add another pump for the neck.

Serums

Next are the serums, which are more fluid products. Again, there is no need to overdo it with the quantity. Put some in your palm, and do not touch the dropper directly to your skin. A few drops are enough, depending on the different anatomical areas where you will use the product. For example, 3 to 4 drops for the face (forehead, cheeks, chin) and 2 more for the neck. As for the moisturizer, our goal is to properly hydrate our face.

The 13-point rule

A useful technique for achieving this is the 13-point rule. Put moisturizer on 3 points on each cheek, 3 on the forehead, and 2 on the nose and chin. This way we are sure that we have hydrated the entire surface of our face. Of course, additional product is needed to hydrate the neck. Then comes the sunscreen. To properly cover the face and neck with sunscreen, apply an amount equal to the length of your index and middle fingers. Finally, when it comes to products with active ingredients, such as retinol and acids, start with an amount equal to half the phalanx of one finger and gradually add more to avoid possible irritation. Finally, as for prescription topical acne treatments or for any other skin problem, your dermatologist will be the one to determine the exact amount of product you should use.

When should I start using eye cream?

It may sound excessive, but experts insist that from the mid-20s it is necessary to apply a specialized, light, moisturizing eye cream to protect and prevent premature wear and tear. And they have serious reasons for supporting this. From the age of 25, as the data confirms, microcirculation in the area slows down, decongestion becomes increasingly difficult - the main cause being fatigue and lack of sleep - with the result that the network of capillaries that are located under the surface of the thin, by nature, epidermis of the area is more pronounced and dark circles are formed under the eyes.

When should I start using anti-aging skincare products?

This is one of the most common skincare questions. Many experts advise starting to use anti-aging products in your 20s and continuing to incorporate them as part of your daily skincare routine. This is because your skin stops producing collagen in your 20s. As a result, anti-aging products offer preventive measures against the visible signs of aging.

What should I apply first in my skincare routine, moisturizer or SPF?

Moisturizer should always be applied first. This allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin before applying SPF. Also, SPF should always be the last step in your skincare routine, as it is thicker, so it should not overshadow the thinner products.

Do I need to apply SPF indoors or when it's cloudy?

As mentioned before, SPF is a vital part of every skincare routine and should be the last step. It is still important on days when the sun is not as harsh. Even in the winter months, harmful UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and even through windows, making you vulnerable to harsh skin damage. This is especially true if your skin is not fully protected. Sun damage can lead to blackheads, wrinkles, and in some cases skin cancer. SPF should be applied daily!

How much skincare is too much?

Skincare is important, but you can overdo it. The perfect balance of products should leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft to the touch. It should not feel tight, dry, or "squeaky clean." We recommend discussing how many products to use with your esthetician or beauty consultant.

What will help tighten your skin?pen_spark

There are a variety of different treatments and products that help improve skin elasticity and tighten the overall surface. For example, ingredients like aloe vera contain malic acid, which helps to create firmer, more youthful skin. Additionally, techniques like lymphatic massage use specialized tools to increase blood circulation around the affected areas, creating tighter skin. Finally, products like retinol serums offer incredible anti-aging results, helping to form more attractive skin over time.

Do you need to use toner and what are they?

One of the most uncertain questions about skincare is the purpose of toners and whether they are necessary. Essentially, toners are products used to remove excess oil, makeup, and dirt. In reality, toners are not necessary, especially if you use an effective cleanser. This is because they can often lead to dryness or irritation. However, toners do help to shrink the size of enlarged pores, which is helpful for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.

What are the most important parts of a skincare routine?pen_spark

Since sun damage increases the risk of skin cancer, as well as skin problems ranging from wrinkles to dark spots, using sunscreen on a daily basis is essential. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. From there, it only takes a few minutes each morning and evening to do the basics: wash with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer to your face and neck.

What is the correct order of applying skincare?

Ideally, skincare should be applied to a clean canvas - meaning make sure your skin is free of makeup and other things that layer on the skin. I personally use skincare products immediately after showering (after I've cooled down) or before going to bed after washing my face. This way the absorption is ideal and helps it penetrate deep into the layers of the skin.

Can I put on night cream in the morning?

No, because some of its ingredients can make the skin sensitive to the sun, e.g. retinol, while others can be neutralized by it or even cause photodermatitis.

How can I know my skin type?

The most common skin types are dry, combination, and oily.

  • Dry skin typically causes feelings of tightness around the eyes and mouth, as well as patches of peeling skin around the cheek area.
  • Combination skin has a shine on the nose and forehead, and also includes dry patches in the cheek area.
  • Oily skin is generally soft and oily to the touch, and gives the cheeks an overly shiny surface.

Here is a more detailed description of each skin type:

  • Dry skin is characterized by a lack of moisture. This can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, climate, and lifestyle choices. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky, and tight. It may also be more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Combination skin is a combination of dry and oily skin. The T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin) is typically oily, while the cheeks are dry. This type of skin can be difficult to manage, as it requires different products for different areas of the face.
  • Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that helps to keep the skin hydrated. Oily skin can be shiny, greasy, and prone to breakouts. It may also be more difficult to wear makeup on oily skin.

No matter what your skin type, it is important to take care of it by cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting it from the sun. You should also see a dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin.

Ask Xanthi your skin care questions