Skincare Products Guide

What is moisturizer used for?

Moisturizer is an essential part of every skin care routine at every age. It helps protect, soothe and smooth the skin. It's important to incorporate into your cleansing routine as it ensures your skin stays hydrated, rather than dry, flaky or irritated.

Face moisturizes come in all consistencies and formats depending on your skin type. Thick, cream moisturizers are best for dry skin, while gel moisturizers are perfect for combination and oily skin types. Serums and oils help renew your complexion and protect it from environmental aggressors. And face mists and essences offer a quick burst of hydration throughout the day. For a little more coverage, browse tinted moisturizers which help even out your complexion.

How often should you moisturize your face?

You should moisture your face daily in both the morning and evening. In the morning opt for a lighter, day cream and in the evening choose a more nourishing night cream. Day creams help protect the skin throughout the day and are often enriched with ingredients that protect the skin from free radicals. Not to mention, some daytime moisturizers contain SPF. If not, we recommend adding Sunscreen into your morning routine too.

In the evening, once you have removed all your makeup, your skin needs some extra TLC. So, we recommend a rich, nourishing night cream or lotion. This helps renew your skin overnight, so you wake up feeling fresh faced and glowing.

What face moisturizer do dermatologists recommend?

If you suffer with sensitive skin, it can be tricky finding the perfect moisturizer. Dermatologically tested formulas mean you're safe in the knowledge that a professional skin practitioner has completed a tolerance test. This is an indication that it's safe to use and most likely free from any known irritants. However, if you do have sensitivities, we recommend patch testing any new products before use.

Leading brands with dermatologically tested moisturizers include Clinique, Saturday Skin, Dr Dennis Gross Skincare and Kate Somerville. Use our ingredient preference filter to refine your search and make sure you check out moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin.

What does a skin cleanser do?

Basically, a skin cleanser removes all the grime from your complexion. Cleansing daily helps rid your skin of oil, dirt, dead skin cells and impurities. Not to mention, it unclogs your pores to help prevent excess sebum and acne. Lots of beauty buffs recommend double cleansing. The first cleanser is usually an oil-based formula or a micellar water to easily remove your makeup, whilst the second offers a deeper, more thorough cleanse. This helps keep your skin feeling fresh and looking blemish free.

A skin cleanser is your one stop shop to washing away the remnants of the day, leaving your skin ready for treatments, oils and serums. Nourishing skin cleansers can also help boost hydration and prevent premature aging from pollution.

Do you have to wash off cleanser?

Yes, you have to wash your cleanser off straight away. Whether it's a gel, cream, balm or lotion, cleansers keep your skin feeling squeaky clean and remove the dirt. That's why it's important you don't leave the impurities sitting on your face and instead quickly remove using your chosen solution. Simply, massage the cleanser into your face using small circular motions using your fingertips, an exfoliating sponge or a facial cleansing brush. Then rinse away with lukewarm water and a face cloth.

Cleanser are the first step in your skincare routine. They make way for other nourishing skincare goodies and help the effectiveness of toners, serums and moisturizers.

What is the best skin cleanser?

This is all depends on your skin type and your specific skin concerns. Luckily, at Cosmetify we have drop-down skincare filters so you can refine your search to fit your requirements, whether you have acne-prone skin or live a cruelty-free lifestyle. Simply search by ingredient preference, format and skin benefit to find the best skin cleanser for you.

We have a huge selection for you to choose from, including vegan-friendly must-haves and cleansers suitable for sensitive skin. Better still, we have a great mixture of leading high-end skincare brands like REN, Sunday Riley, Emma Hardie and Tata Harper, as well as affordable brands such as The Ordinary, Garnier and CeraVe.

If you need more help, just take a read of our guide to the best cleansers for your skin type.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skins from the surface layer of skin. Don't worry, it's not as harsh as it sounds. This process unclogs pores, boosts circulation and encourages the renewal of new cells. Exfoliation is perfect for boosting and creating a youthful glow, while also evening out your skin tone and preventing acne breakouts.

You can do this either with a physical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliators require manual scrubbing, using either a cleansing face scrub, masks, wash cloth or face brush. Whereas chemical exfoliators use special ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) or retinol, to remove build up. This helps improve the skin texture, pigmentation and removes excess oil and sebum.

How often should you exfoliate?

For normal to oily skin types, we recommend exfoliation two to three times a week. This helps remove excess oils and product build-up. By implementing exfoliating products into your regular weekly skincare routine, you'll start to see improvements in the tone and texture of your skin. Better still, it will keep your complexion looking clearer and healthier. You can also use a combination of facial brushes and different types of exfoliators to get the results you're after.

However, if you have sensitive skin, we suggest only exfoliating once a week. You should also stick to products that have either been dermatologically tested or are specially designed for sensitivities. Use our ingredient preference filter to find the best exfoliator for your skin type.

How can I get my clear skin to last?

To put it simply, skin care routines need to be applied constantly, not just for a few weeks. If you've discovered a potent skin care routine containing effective and nourishing products, you need to continue to implement this routine into your daily life to maintain clear skin.

Your skin is constantly replenishing and restoring itself, so applying high-performing formulas is pivotal in maintaining a healthy complexion. Naturally soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil are proficient at cleansing the skin and revealing a clear, smooth and fresh texture.

There is no quick fix or miracle cream that immediately produces clear skin that lasts - it's a continuous process that revolves around potent and effective products.

How do I fade acne scars?

The annoying, itchy aftermath is almost as irritating as dealing with the acne itself. There are a few simple ways to help alleviate the pain and irritation, most of which can easily be incorporated into your every day life.

Staying out of the skin is vital for easing acne scars - UV rays damage the skin and constant exposure can lead to long term issues. Like many aspects of skin care, prevention is easier than the cure, so if you do head outside on a summer's afternoon, make sure to wear plenty of sun protection.

In regards to skin care products, any creams or lotions rich in glycolic acid, lactic acid and Vitamin C helps cleanse and purify the skin. These ingredients are natural exfoliators and help create a balanced skin tone. Rosehip oil and aloe vera also help heighten the process and add a clear and smooth complexion.

How do I rejuvenate my skin?

Having dry, dull and lacklustre skin can take its toll on your confidence and energy levels. Thankfully, skin care is rife with effective, powerful and easy-to-use products which instantly breathe life into your complexion.

If your skin needs a full revamp, we recommend investing in a complete skin care collection to give it the makeover it needs. A nutrient-dense moisturizer is a must-have, preferably alongside a firming or toning lotion to tighten the skin. Products rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins are vital for restoring brightened skin; you can filter by ingredient here on Cosmetify to find what you need.

If you have dry and dead skin, a powerful exfoliator is vital for replenishing your complexion. Cleansing the skin and providing nutrients is the simple process, repetition of that cycle of that method promises to keep your skin looking healthy, sleek and fresh.

Does Vitamin C help with my acne?

Never underestimate the power of vitamins. Vitamin C serums are hugely popular for a reason, because they actually work. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C serums brighten the skin, add vitality to dull areas and reduce the appearance of acne.

The formula is highly acidic, which prompts the skin to heal itself and accelerate the cleansing process. The active ingredients, such as protein fibers, target the problem areas and breathe energy into your skin. Vitamin C is particularly effective when combined with other antioxidants and Vitamin E.

The best way to digest Vitamin C is using a potent serum, which immediately penetrates the skin and provides instant results. An alternative method is to take Vitamin C supplements, and of course, drink plenty of orange juice.

What is the best treatment for aging skin?

People have been searching for youthful potions for centuries, and now thanks to the advances of modern day science, anti-aging products are more effective than ever. There are numerous formulas and elixirs on the market so it can be hard to know where to look, however, there are a few hero ingredients to look out for: hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and retinoids yield the best results.

Amidst the rise of multiple anti-aging products, sunscreen lotions remain the greatest defense against premature aging. The active ingredients protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which are powerful when it comes to provoking wrinkles and sagging skin.

Many brands pride themselves on providing innovative anti-aging products. We suggest opting for a brand that offers products centered around science for the best results.

Do I wash my face before or after a face mask?

We recommend cleansing your face before you apply a face mask. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess dirt, makeup and impurities so your chosen face mask can fully absorb into the skin. Unless stated otherwise on individual products, apply the face mask to dry skin and sit back and relax while it gets to work.

Some products need to be on the skin for different lengths of time, whether it's a charcoal face mask, bubble mask or even a sheet mask. Make sure you read the instructions to see how long you need to keep it on for. Then either rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry or remove and massage the remaining product into the skin.

Is it OK to do a face mask every day?

We suggest only doing one to two face masks a week. You don't want to overload your skin with harsh ingredients, whether it's with exfoliating properties or detoxifying formulas. Instead, incorporate a face mask when your complexion needs an extra boost, or you want to prepare for a special event.

Hydrating masks can be gentle on the skin, so you can use them more frequently such as three to four times a week. This includes gel masks, face sheet masks and super hydrating eye patches. Use after cleansing to quench your skins' thirst and add some radiance back into your routine. These types of mask are also perfect in the morning to give your skin a pep before you head off to work.

Do skin supplements actually work?

Yes. There is boundless proof that supplements work, and they work just as effectively as any other skin care options. Of course, you shouldn't replace medicine with supplements if you're feeling unwell, however, they're the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle and help maintain the health and wellbeing of your body.

Supplements are drenched in active, nourishing ingredients that your skin and body loves. They're also usually made from organic and natural materials, which aides the body's healing process. Ingredients such as omega oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid - all ingredients which are proven to have hugely positive effects on your skin.

Such is the growing demand for skin care supplements, many brands are competing to produce the most effective and beneficial tablets. Respected brands such as The Organic Pharmacy and Perricone MD include superfoods and active ingredients which are proven to help your body improve its strength and general health.

Which supplements are best for dry skin?

Dry skin can be one of the toughest skin care issues to address, and supplements are one of the most effective ways of dealing with them.For those suffering with dry skin, we recommend supplements rich in Vitamin D and C to help produce hydration, moisture and elasticity in the skin. Alongside vitamins, hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients at tackling dry areas, instantly adding hydration to any dull areas.

We also suggest supplements rich in collagen, which is known for its hydration properties. Clinical studies have proven that collagen adds elasticity to the skin and adds moisture to dry areas, producing a fresh and bright complexion.

Supplements are a category of skin care, but they're also closely linked to your diet too. To maximize their effect, you need to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle to notice the tangible effects on your skin. Taking a supplement with a healthy meal is an easy and effective way of making sure you're getting the best out of them.

Which vitamins are best for your skin?

Pretty much everyone knows about the wonders of Vitamin C, and if you don't, it's time you began treating your skin to its endless benefits. Whether it's in a lotion, serum or in this case, a supplement, Vitamin C produces a tangible difference to your skin in just a few weeks. What makes it so powerful? Firstly, it's rich in antioxidants, which keeps the skin looking and feeling healthy. It enhances the effect of sun cream, keeping your skin smooth and protected, as well as negating the aging process. Basically, if you want to maintain a healthy, youthful complexion, Vitamin C is the answer.

Alongside Vitamin C, Vitamin E also aides the protective layer of sun cream. It absorbs the harmful UV rays from the sun, thus minimizing any damage. It's moisturizing qualities also make it adept at treating dry and patchy skin, providing a conditioned level of natural oils to keep your skin hydrated.

If you're prone to breakouts of acne or psoriasis, Vitamin D is one of the most potent ingredients at tackling the issue. It plays a vital role in maintaining your skin tone and is best suited to those with sensitive skin. Vitamin K also helps keep the body looking healthy, especially if you've had any wounds or bruises. Its healing properties help wounds, bruises or swelling to heal, as well as aiding the blood flow around the body. For pregnant women, Vitamin K targets stretch marks and restores the skin to it's optimum level of health.

If you need more information, just have a read of our guide to the best supplements for skin care.

What are the best lip care products?

At Cosmetify, we have huge array of nourishing, hydrating and protective lip care products for you to peruse. From tinted lip balms to lip treatments and lip oils to lip scrubs, there's a product to suit every type of routine. Lip salves are perfect for everyday top ups, while conditioning treatments help soothe any dryness or irritations.

Simply refine your search using our handy drop-down filters, such as skin benefit, SPF, ingredient preference, format and brand. With plenty to choose from, discover must-have products from leading brands like Nuxe, REN, Florence by Mills, Mac and Kiehl's. You can also refine your search to find the best cruelty-free and vegan-friendly solutions for your lip care collection.

What can I put on my lips at night?

Your skin can lose moisture throughout the night, that's why it's crucial to heal, protect and nourish your lips with the perfect lip treatment. Start by cleaning your lips with makeup remover to get rid of any lipstick or impurities. Then exfoliate your pout with a lip scrub to remove any dead skin cells or dry patches. Rinse this off with lukewarm water and pat dry. To finish your lip care, apply a moisturizing treatment, whether it's a lip mask, lip oil or lip balm.

This boost of hydration nourishes your lips as you sleep, so in the morning you're left with a soft, supple pout. Browse our collection to find the best overnight lip care products for your evening routine.

How can I take care of my lips?

Whether it's makeup, the weather or even aging our lips go through a lot in our lifetime. That's why it's important to take care of them daily, especially if you suffer from dry, cracked or bleeding lips. To keep them healthy and smooth, you can add a lip scrub in your lip care routine. This is perfect for removing dead skin cells, while lip balms, lip butters, lip oils and lip treatments keep them soft, moisturized and oh-so-kissable.

Following a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and nutrients, staying hydrated with lots of water and removing makeup properly are also great ways to ensure your skin and lips remain healthy, as well as lip balms with SPF.

How do you wash a silk pillowcase?

It's important you regularly wash your silk pillowcase to help you achieve all the skin care and hair care benefits of using one in the first place. However, as it's silk you need to read the instructions on the individual product and ensure you wash your pillowcase gently to avoid any stains or damages.

We suggest either hand washing or placing your silk inside a laundry bag and cleaning on a delicate wash. Spot treat any stains and use only mild laundry soaps and detergents to clean your bedding. If not, harsh cleaning agents can harden the silk.

What does a silk pillowcase do?

Loved by beauty editors, A-listers and influencers alike, silk pillowcases are an industry skin care and hair care favorite. They are gentle on the skin and prevent fine lines, wrinkles and creases, whereas cotton material increases the friction between pillow and your complexion. Better still, silk pillowcases don't absorb moisture, so they allow your skin care products to absorb deeply into the skin as you sleep. This can also prevent pesky breakouts and redness.

The benefits don't stop there, they also help you avoid the dreaded bedhead in the morning due to the lack of friction. This means you can wave goodbye to breakages and split ends.

Want to give it a go? Discover the beauty of the silky, smooth pillowcase, here at Cosmetify.