Q&A session #2!

Lazy blog post time!

I love hearing from you guys but it isn’t always easy to reply to all the emails I get. This is a semi-regular feature where I answer (almost) all the questions directed to me via formspring. It’s just easier this way and you get to read replies that may be useful to you!

Today (among other things) we’re talking dark circles, blackheads, Bio Oil and hair removal.

Remember you don’t need an account to ask me a question so click and ask away

Read on for answers!

At what age can we start using Eluage from Avène?
I’d say it’s best to start using retinoid products in your twenties.

What do you think of HYLEXIN eyecream?
I’ve heard about it and will give it a whirl as soon as I can. I hear they have a 30 day guarantee on it though so there’s no harm in trying, right?

Hi, where can i buy Avene Retrinal? I live in London.
Garden Pharmacy might have it but your best bet is skinstore.co.uk or eBay.    

I’ve recently developed dark under-eye circles. What should I do about them? I’ve read that Vitamin K products help; which do you recommend?
It depends on how they came to be. I recommend reading through this post. I hear Vitamin K works very well for dark circles when used with a retinol product. Aveeno and Jason Skin Care both have a Vitamin K cream you could try.

Someone recommended me Bio-Oil to use against acne scars and I noticed it wasn’t mentioned on your blog. What’s your opinion on using it for acne scars? Is it as effective as the ones you mentioned on your scars post?
There’s absolutely nothing in Bio Oil to heal acne scars. My guess is that the people who have seen results with this probably had the kind of minor acne scars that fade over time by themselves.

I’ve been reading all your posts on sunscreen lately, but I haven’t found anything on sunscreen for the body. I’m sure you can use the facial/neck sunscreens you’ve reviewed, but the bottles are too small for all over. Thanks for any help!
You’re right, I’ll do one this week to make up for it! I usually use the spray bottles myself, they’re fine enough not to get trapped in body hair too.

I use Cetaphil Cleanser, Stridex, and Olay Sunscreen in the morning and the Cetaphil and Stridex again at night. However, by the middle of the afternoon, my face is naturally oily. Should I cleanse my face again at this time? Should I reapply anything?
Have you tried using an oil control product? Try reading this post.

I have loads of blackheads on my nose and no product seems to make them disappear How to get rid of it ? Any suggestion?
Your best bet is using a 2% BHA solution like Stridex pads in a red box or the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid. You can also get manual extractions done by a facialist. Remember most people have tiny black dots on their noses called ‘sebaceous filaments’ – those aren’t blackheads and are totally normal to have. Google them to see what I mean.

Hey, Just started the Obagi Nu-Derm System yesterday and was wondering if you wanted updates. Its supposed to be pretty crazy, high -end shit that reverts your cell turnover to a child-like state, which makes using moisturizer for your skin un-needed.
I’d love to get some updates, thank you!

Like your blog! Best one I have found concerning skin care for men. What are your thoughts on a product called “Night Skin” by a Dr. Perry? Seems to be sold only through a company called New Vitality. Retinol 0.2%, Glycolic Acid 7%, Vit C 10%.
Haven’t heard of it but it sounds quite promising, i’ll look into it!

Any Specific sunscreen you recommend for acne scars?
Anything with good UVA and UVB protection, try a Neutrogena one if you’re in the US. If you’re in Asia go for a PA+++ Sunscreen and if you’re in the UK go for a 4 or 5 UV-Star rated one. The liquid/milk/lotion sunscreens tend to be more forgiving on acne prone skin.

Have you tried anything from Mario Badescu? I’ve always heard great reviews about the line, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to spend a lot of money on products I may not like.
I’ve tried a few things here and there and some have been great. If you fill in the skin questionnaire online they will send you some samples for your skin type.

I want to take your advice to try an NIA24 product, but I’ve already found a daily moisturizer I’m happy with (Malin+Goetz), so the Skin Strengthening product might not be right for me. Have you tried their Intensive Recovery Complex? Thanks!
I haven’t tried that one unfortunately. I hear it’s more moisturising and I prefer the Skin Strengthening because it’s light. If you have a moisturiser you like then stick with it!

What are your thoughts on shaving arms/legs?
Whatever floats your boat. Personally, I wouldn’t. If you’re really hairy then try trimming the hair there instead, it’s a happy medium.

Hey I have read your post for quite a while already , but i could not find the products you mentioned in my local drugstore (btw im located in Asia) so was wondering if you could do a post about product that could find in Asia . Thanks in advance
Where exactly do you live in Asia? I have a few reviews of Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean products coming up.

Hi, I just purchased 12% AHA Souffle and CeraVe PM facial moisturizing lotion. Can I use the two together? I’m new to this so I’m not sure whether the glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid in them would would cause any reactions.
Yes, you can use them together. Although you might not want to use them at the same time, simply because that’ll be a LOT of moisturiser on your face. Depends on your skin type though.

I went off Accutane two years ago, yet I still wake up to dry skin flakes on my upper lip and chin. I use an AHA cleanser twice a day, a hydrating AHA/BHA toner and moisturizer, but I still get a few flakes during the day. Is there any way to fix this?
Try using a muslin cloth with a regular cleanser to wipe away any extra flaky bits instead of your AHA cleanser for a couple of days a week. You might want to look into a more hydrating moisturiser too, I’m loving Unrefined Shea Butter for all the flaky bits retinoids have to throw at me!

Hi, have no skincare routine but apart from very dry skin (which esp gets bad in winter) have no other problems. Can you recommend moisturiser that doesnt block pores?
Have you tried Cetaphil or Cerave? They’re very plain and simple moisturisers.

Hello and thank you for this so informative blog. I would like you to post an article on waxing. I’m especially interested in waxing sensitive areas like the groin and buttocks. Looking for product recommendation, tips and instructions.
Thank you for reading! I will write that post as soon as I find a willing volunteer to help me, i’m looking for one so hold tight.

Hey there, could you do a post about how to ged rid of body acne? The head & shoulders advice was nice and reduces the spots, but still I have trouble fighting it. Thanks in advance!
I’ll do that! In the meantime, you might want to read this post I wrote about body acne on artofmanliness.com.

What would you do if you discovered a big white head on your nose in the morning? pop it or cover it?
I’d pop it and apply an aspirin mask on top to calm it down and reduce the redness. If the zit is that big it’ll probably look worse if you try to conceal it. Obviously the best thing to do is wait it out and pop it at night but I wouldn’t be able to help myself. Careful with how you pop it though, you don’t want to scar the end of your nose.

Hi! I know you like Kiehl’s powerful-strength line-reducing concentrate. I wanted to know if it is good for acne scars? My scars are not deep and are not that noticeable with my zinc based sunscreen on. Please let me know how it helps your skin. Thanks!
Yes, it regulates pigmentation and fades scars as long as you have a decent sunscreen on top (which I think you have covered).
  
I been reading about the benefits of aloe vera gel for acne prone skin. So I was wondering if it is advisable to mix drug store aloe vera gel with my moisturizer ? I am thinking of mixing both together and applying to face rather than layering.
That should be fine. Although I don’t think it’ll do anything to cure your acne it does make for a nice, light, non-clogging moisturiser.

And that’s it! Keep your questions coming as I really do like replying to them, if I get enough good ones I might start making this a weekly thing. What d’ya think?

Author Description

Dil

CONTACT THE AUTHOR: