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Thu, founder of Bloom & Shine

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From nursing advice

Your questions. Thus answers.

Routine

Does my skin need different care in winter?

If heating air and cold make your skin drier, small changes often help instead of a completely new care routine.

Thu's answer

You don't have to exchange your care according to the calendar. If your skin feels comfortable with your current routine, you can stick with it. Tight cheeks or rough patches, on the other hand, are a good reason to take a closer look: cold outside air and dry heating air can take a toll on the skin in winter.

It often helps to wash shorter and with lukewarm instead of hot water and apply the cream immediately afterwards. If your light summer care is no longer enough, a richer texture may be suitable. The ETUDE Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a possible example. You can initially only care for the dry areas instead of applying more everywhere.

Please do not automatically peel away flakes; Irritated winter skin often needs a break from such steps. If cracks persist, severe itching or pain occur, medical advice is advisable. Sun protection remains an issue even on cold days, especially when spending longer periods outside and in the snow.

Read answer on separate page: Does my skin need different care in winter?

Simplify care

How can I shorten my care routine sensibly?

Cleansing, appropriate moisturizing care and sun protection form a manageable basis; Further steps need a concrete reason.

Thu's answer

First put aside the products that you no longer know why they are part of your routine. For a manageable base, gentle cleansing, a suitable moisturizer and sun protection during the day are often enough. Toner, essence and multiple serums are additional options. They don't all have to land on your skin at the same time.

In the evening, remove make-up and sunscreen thoroughly but gently and apply your cream. In the morning, cleansing depends on what your skin needs; This is followed by care as needed and sun protection. If a sufficient amount of sunscreen is already pleasantly nourishing, the separate cream underneath can be omitted. This does not reduce the amount of sun protection required.

A familiar cream can stay. If you are currently looking for one, the Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream is a possible example. If possible, change one step at a time so you can identify what you're missing. You do not discontinue products prescribed by a doctor on your own.

Read the answer on its own page: How can I shorten my care routine sensibly?

Application

My new serum burns: Should I continue to use it?

If a serum burns, you stop using it: care doesn't have to be unpleasant to make a difference.

Thu's answer

If your serum burns, wash it off gently with lukewarm water and stop using it for the time being. Burning is not a reliable sign that an active ingredient is working particularly well. Even an expensive or highly praised product can be unsuitable for your skin. So you don't have to use it up.

For now, leave out additional active serums and peelings and keep your care simple. A cool, moist compress can be pleasant; do not rub the affected area. If the cream you previously tolerated also burns, don't try new products one after the other. If you experience severe or persistent burning, significant swelling or blisters, you should have the reaction clarified by a doctor.

Pick up the packaging with the list of ingredients and write down what you applied beforehand. This can help narrow down the cause. From a reaction alone it cannot be said whether a single ingredient, the combination or something else is behind it.

Read the answer on its own page: My new serum burns: Should I? continue to use?

Application

Can I use retinol and a peeling in the same evening?

Especially when starting out, it is usually more pleasant to separate retinol and peeling and to give the skin simple care in between.

Thu's answer

Especially if retinol is new to your routine, I wouldn't combine it with a peel on the same evening. Both can irritate the skin; together, dryness, burning, or flaking become more likely. This also applies to an acid peeling with AHA or BHA and to strong peeling pads. More active ingredients at once does not automatically mean a better result.

Start with a product according to its instructions and see how your skin reacts. An additional peeling step is not mandatory. If both products suit your care later, separate evenings are a prudent option; In between, cleansing and a familiar moisturizer can be enough. This distance does not guarantee compatibility either. If there is burning or significant redness, stop using the irritating products.

Sun protection is essential during the day. You should avoid retinol and other retinoids during pregnancy. If you want to have children or have a skin treatment prescribed by a doctor, you can clarify the appropriate care with your treating practice.

Read the answer on your own page: Can I use retinol and a peeling on the same evening use?

Application

How much sunscreen do I need and when do I reapply?

A generous, even layer and regular reapplying outside make the difference when it comes to sun protection.

Thu's answer

A small dab like with day cream is usually not enough. Two generous strips of cream along the index and middle fingers can be a rough everyday aid for the face. This is not an exact dosage: finger length, tube opening and face size vary. The neck, ears and other uncovered areas need additional protection. Distribute the cream evenly and follow the quantities indicated on your package.

For outside, choose at least SPF 30 with protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Apply cream before you go out and reapply your protection about every two hours outside and after swimming, sweating heavily or drying off. When it comes to water and sports, you need an appropriately waterproof product; Even then, cream is applied. This includes shade and clothing.

An example of sun protection in everyday life is the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+. The key thing with any product is that you apply enough of it. Reapplying cream maintains the protection, but does not extend the possible time spent in the sun.

Read the answer on its own page: How much sunscreen do I need and when do I reapply?

Application

Do I have to cleanse my face twice every evening?

Double cleansing can be helpful for stubborn make-up, but is not a mandatory step for every evening.

Thu's answer

No, two cleansers are not a requirement for a good evening routine. What matters is what you want to remove and whether your cleanser can do it gently. If you have waterproof make-up or stubborn sun protection, a cleansing oil or balm can make the first step easier. However, a single suitable cleaner is often sufficient.

During double cleansing, the oil or balm is followed by a water-based cleaner. Follow the application instructions for both products and massage without vigorous rubbing. More foam, longer massage times or particularly hot water do not automatically make cleaning better. Dry or sensitive skin in particular can react with tension to too many washes.

You can therefore adapt the cleaning to the evening in question. If one step removes your products well and the skin feels comfortable afterwards, you don't need to add another. If stubborn eye make-up remains, a suitable remover can also help specifically instead of washing the whole face again.

Read the answer on its own page: Do I have to clean my face twice every evening clean?

Application

How do I carefully try out a new care product?

A small application test and only one new care product at a time make it easier to observe your skin's reaction.

Thu's answer

First give a new product a small place in your routine. If you only try one novelty at a time, it's easier to predict a possible reaction. The familiar products can remain in the meantime; You don't have to replace the entire bathroom.

You can first try a simple cream on a small, uninjured area on the inner forearm and monitor the skin for seven to ten days. Use the intended amount and follow the instructions for use. Wash-off products are also rinsed off during the test. Please do not apply retinol or peelings more frequently just because it is a small test area.

An inconspicuous test at home does not rule out an allergy or later irritation and does not replace a medical allergy test. If you experience burning, itching or redness, wash off the product and pause. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical advice. If everything stays calm, you can carefully introduce the care product on your face.

Read the answer on its own page: How do I carefully try out a new care product?

Routine

Why does my skin feel tight after washing?

A feeling of tension after cleaning is a reason to carefully adjust the cleaner, water temperature and care.

Thu's answer

If the skin feels tight after washing, the cleansing may have been too much for it. Hot water, vigorous rubbing or a strong degreasing cleaner can dry them out and irritate them. This feeling doesn't have to be part of getting clean, and an additional wash cycle usually doesn't make it any more pleasant.

Try using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser that you spread with your fingertips. A soft towel is sufficient for gentle blotting; You can then apply a well-tolerated moisturizer to the still slightly damp skin. If you use multiple cleaning steps, first check whether they are really necessary to remove your products.

You don't need a new skin care range right away. It is often worthwhile to initially clean more gently and for a shorter period of time. If the tightness continues, significant redness occurs or if even simple care burns, have the skin looked at by a dermatologist.

Read the answer on its own page: Why does my skin feel tight after washing? Wash?

Product selection

Does oily skin even need a moisturizer?

Even shiny skin can need moisture - what matters is a texture that it feels comfortable with.

Thu's answer

Yes, oily skin can also benefit from a moisturizer. The shine on the forehead and nose does not mean that the skin is already sufficiently moisturized. But you don't have to use a heavy cream: a light gel or lotion often feels more pleasant, especially if rich textures stay on your skin for a long time.

Apply the care after cleansing and pay attention to how your skin feels throughout the day. If she is still tense, the care may not be a good fit for her. If you are prone to impurities, the statement “non-comedogenic” can help with your selection; However, it does not promise that every face will tolerate a product equally well.

A possible light texture is the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel. If your current moisturizer fits comfortably and works well, it can stay the same.

Read the answer on its own page: Does oily skin even need a moisturizer?

Product selection

Do all products in my routine have to be from the same brand?

You can combine care from different brands; The decisive factor is the respective products, their application and how well your skin tolerates them.

Thu's answer

No. Your cleanser can be a different brand than your cream or sunscreen. The selection includes the respective products, their ingredients and the instructions for use. A complete series can make orientation easier, but it is not a prerequisite for a suitable routine. If you already like using a cleanser, it doesn't have to be replaced as soon as a new cream is absorbed.

When combining, pay particular attention to whether the tasks overlap. An exfoliating toner and another exfoliating serum together can be too much; The same thing can happen with several intensive products from the same brand. Therefore, introduce new things one at a time and test them first on a small area of ​​skin according to the application instructions. This makes it easier to determine what you can tolerate. If you are unsure about your composition, you can tell Thu the exact product names and your previous order. You don't have to replace an entire skincare range.

Read the answer on its own page: Do all the products in my routine have to be from the same brand?

Simplify care

Do I need a toner if I already use a cream?

A toner can provide additional moisture, but is not a mandatory step: If your cream is sufficient, the routine can remain small.

Thu's answer

No, a toner is not a mandatory step. If your skin is pleasantly cared for with the existing cream, you don't need to add anything beforehand. Toners are usually more liquid than creams and, depending on their composition, can provide additional moisture. Whether you like this layer is a question of your skin and your preferences. The number of products says little about how well a routine suits you.

If you're looking for a lightweight addition, the Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner is an example of a moisturizing step after cleansing. This is followed by your cream if necessary. When choosing, pay closer attention to the type of toner: An exfoliating toner with acids performs a different task and is used according to its own instructions. The word “toner” alone doesn’t reveal how often a product belongs in your routine. Does your current toner feel good? Then he doesn't need a replacement just because something new appears.

Read the answer on its own page: Do I need a toner if I already use a cream?

Application

In what order do I apply my care?

After cleansing comes the additional care steps, then the cream and sun protection in the morning - with the application listed on the pack.

Thu's answer

After cleansing, come the care products that remain on the skin. If you use a hydrating toner or serum, you usually apply it before the cream. Finally in the morning you apply sun protection, followed by make-up if necessary. There is no sun protection in the evening. For a routine with just a few products, the order follows: cleanse, apply cream and protect during the day.

With multiple layers, it often helps to go from liquid to creamy. However, it does not apply to every product: the application instructions on the package take precedence, especially for peelings or retinol. You don't have to add an intermediate step just because it occurs in a detailed routine. Put your existing products in their order; that makes the next morning easier. You can find a clear explanation in our guide to care in the morning and evening.

Answer on your own Read page: In what order do I apply my care?

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Statutory guarantee

Official EU notice on the statutory guarantee. The full text follows below the graphic. Link to Your Europe, opens in a new tab.

Text of the EU notice

At least two years of statutory guarantee of conformity for goods sold in the European Union.

Consumers can assert their rights under the statutory guarantee, for example if the goods

  • do not correspond to the description,
  • do not function as intended.

Sellers are liable for any lack of conformity that existed at the time of delivery of the goods and becomes apparent within the statutory guarantee period. In such cases sellers must offer:

  • free repair or free replacement,
  • in certain cases a price reduction or a full refund of the purchase price.

Some countries apply a longer statutory guarantee period. For second-hand goods a shorter period may apply, but not less than one year.

For more information about your rights in a particular country, scan the QR code below or ask the seller.

europa.eu/youreurope/garantien

What to do if you receive goods that do not conform?

  1. Report the problem to the seller as soon as possible.
  2. Provide proof of purchase, such as the receipt, invoice or a bank statement.

Sellers and manufacturers may also offer commercial guarantees that apply independently of the statutory guarantee. This GARAN label, for example, shows that the manufacturer grants a commercial durability guarantee at no extra cost that covers the whole product.

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