Today, we will be sharing genuine hacks that nobody talks about. And these are not only skincare hacks; they are tips proven by medical science, dermatology, and Cassandra’s personal experience. They’ve absolutely transformed her routine.

 

#1 Apply antioxidants under SPF

 

Photocred: Istock photos

 

So, let’s talk about supercharging your SPF with antioxidants. Firstly though, antioxidants are not the same thing as SPF. If you apply an antioxidant product to your skin, you still need to apply your SPF. SPF absorbs UVB rays and protects the skin from damage. However, there’s no SPF that 100% protects the skin from the sun. Even if it’s SPF 100, it will prevent about 97% of the sun rays from penetrating. Also, the number after SPF is not a rating. The number refers to how many minutes you have to wait before reapplying the SPF. SPF protects from UVB rays, but it doesn’t protect from UVA rays (visible light). UVA rays come through windows, penetrate the skin, and cause cellular damage. However, they don’t cause sunburns. So, if you’re looking for a sunscreen, make sure it’s broad-spectrum PA +++ because that will effectively protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

 

So, how do antioxidants boost sunscreen?

 

Antioxidants help fight against free radical damage. UV rays generate reactive oxygen species, and they attack our skin. Because sunscreens aren’t 100% protective against reactive oxygen species, you can use antioxidants to supercharge sunscreen because they provide additional protection, specifically against visible light. Multiple medical studies show the benefits of antioxidants and how they help with sun protection and photodamage, especially when used with sunscreen. If you want to boost your sunscreen, apply antioxidants. Cassandra loves vitamin C’s and it’s they’re very available on the market. Plus, if you are prone to melasma and hyperpigmentation, applying vitamin C can help prevent this. You can apply resveratrol, which comes from grapes, as an antioxidant. The Ordinary has a bunch of antioxidant serums and so does the Inkey List. Vitamin e, green tea, centella asiatica are all considered antioxidants. If you want to apply antioxidants under an SPF, Cassandra would recommend using a serum or toner.

 

Inkey List Q10 -$8.49

 

 

#2 Chill your skincare masks, and chill your moisturizers.

 

Photocred: Grazie India

 

If you have an inflammatory condition on your skin like acne, there is something so sensorial about applying a cool product to your skin. Cool skincare can truly take down inflammation and redness. However, don’t put literal ice directly on your skin because this can cause damage. Ice can be sensitizing for skin types like rosacea. However, if you have redness, flushing, or acne, using a chilled, but not frozen, skincare product can help. Some of Cassandra’s favorite things to chill are serums, moisturizers, sheet masks, and undereye patches. Keeping your skin at cold temperatures also inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and pathogens. As for heating skincare, doing this can degrade formulas, and the only product that Cassandra would recommend heating are face masks, but at the same time, this depends on the face mask.

 

#3 Pair exfoliation with retinoids, alpha arbutin, or your targeted actives.

 

 

Photocred: Real Simple

 

Exfoliation helps to remove dead corneocytes from the top layer of the skin. Exfoliation not only makes us feel glowy and fresh, but it also helps products like retinol alpha arbutin, and certain antioxidants penetrate deeper. However, pairing exfoliants with strong actives can be irritating depending on your skin type.

 

When you exfoliate the top layer of the skin, you’re susceptible to damage and irritation. For that reason, perhaps try this hack with an active or retinol that you already have in your routine. After you rinse your exfoliator off, try adding a targeted active (an ingredient meant for treating a specific condition) or retinol. If you don’t already have actives or retinol in your skincare routine, start with gentle products and work your way up.

 

Furthermore, amino acids are another ingredient that works well after exfoliation. Amino acids are very tiny molecules, but you need an acidic formula to help them to penetrate the skin. Exfoliating before using amino acids can be more beneficial. If you’re someone who has tolerant skin, this can be a game changer. If you have sensitive skin though, perhaps tread with caution.

 

Lastly, using vitamin C after exfoliation can actually help with some of the PIH that comes from over exfoliation. Because some people are more prone to damage upon exfoliating, using vitamin, which is a tyrosinase inhibitor, can stop melanin from forming. After exfoliation, vitamin C can help dark, uneven marks.

 

Coverphoto cred: Pure Healthy Living