Skin Care Products
At drs skincare Hamilton, ON

Getting to the Truth About Popular Skin Care Products

Introduction:

Healthy, glowing skin is a journey, and choosing the right skincare products and ingredients can make all the difference. At drs skincare, led by Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rahul Shukla, we are committed to partnering with patients from across Hamilton, Ontario, at every step of that journey. We provide trusted guidance on skincare and answer common questions about popular products and ingredients to help you make informed choices. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about popular skincare ingredients, from retinol to vitamin C.

What is Retinol, and How Does It Work?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A widely used in skincare products for its age-defying and skin-rejuvenating properties. It is a precursor to retinoic acid (Retin-A or Tretinoin), which means it is converted into retinoic acid once applied to the skin. While retinoic acid is the most potent form of retinoid, retinol is often preferred for its lower risk of side effects, such as irritation and redness. However, achieving the same results with retinol may require a higher concentration and longer usage compared to retinoic acid.

Retinol vs. Retinoic Acid: Which is Right for You?

Both retinol and retinoic acid promote faster skin cell turnover, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Retinoic acid, being the most biologically active form, acts more quickly and effectively than retinol. For patients with sensitive skin or those who experience adverse reactions to Retin-A, retinol can be a suitable alternative with fewer side effects. Consult with Dr. Shukla and his team to determine which option best suits your skin type and concerns.

The Power of Vitamin C in Skincare

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are generated by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. Look for products containing stable forms of vitamin C, such as L-ascorbic acid, and consult with a dermatologist to ensure optimal results for your skin type. Topical vitamin C can help with the following:

Topical vitamin C can help brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and boost collagen production for firmer skin

  • Brighten skin tone
  • Reduce the appearance of dark spots
  • Boost collagen production for firmer skin
  • Improve fine lines and wrinkles
  • Help protect against skin cancer

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

Selecting the right sunscreen is vital for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sun damage. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, sunscreens should have an SPF of at least 30, be broad-spectrum (protecting against UVA and UVB rays), and be suitable for your skin type (oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic). Apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

In addition, it is important to find a sunscreen that you actually like to wear. For many, this means finding a sunscreen that feels like a light moisturizer leaving behind no “cast” or residue.

Understanding Niacinamide: Benefits for Your Skin

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, is a versatile skincare ingredient with a range of benefits, from reducing redness and inflammation to regulating oil production and enhancing the skin’s natural barrier. Unlike niacin, niacinamide is less likely to cause side effects, making it a popular choice for all skin types. It can help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, reduce inflammation and dullness.

Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it can be challenging to find the right skincare routine. At drs skincare, we offer personalized consultations to evaluate your skin and recommend products based on proven science. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (905) 524-1712 or book online to start your journey to healthier skin with Dr. Shukla in Hamilton, ON.

How to Apply Skincare Serums Efficiently: Save Money and Product!

Skin Care with Dr. Shukla
Learn how to efficiently apply skincare serums like vitamin C to avoid waste and save money. This video compares two techniques—applying directly to the face versus your hands first—and shows how direct application can maximize product use while ensuring full coverage. Perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their skincare routine!

To save money when applying skincare, a lot of skincare comes in these liquid or lotion formats. It’s pretty easy to put on; however, it can be quite wasteful. When you have a product that is on the more expensive side, that can be problematic, obviously. I’m going to show you a product here by SkinCeuticals. It’s a vitamin C serum, and it’s a great product. It is on the more expensive side, so when you’re using it, you want to use the right amount, but you also don’t want to be wasteful.

There are really two ways to apply topical serums, in my opinion: either dropping it directly on the face or putting it in your hand and rubbing it on. Dropping it directly on the face is going to be more conservative and save more product while still giving you good coverage. One drop can easily cover most of your cheek (of course, cheek sizes and face sizes differ). I’m doing one drop per section, and I’m getting most of my face—so, four drops, face done.

The other option is putting it directly in my hand and then rubbing it on. I think with that option, you’re more likely to be wasteful. That may not seem like much, but when you’re doing this daily, you’re probably going to lose the equivalent of days or maybe weeks of product. Whereas putting it directly on your face, I think you’ll be more conservative yet still get good coverage. I hope this helps, and I hope it saves you some money.


Minimizing Retinol Irritation: Tips for Beginners

3 Tips to Minimize Irritation From a Topical Retinoid
Learn effective strategies to reduce retinol irritation, including gradual application, the "sandwich" method, and dilution techniques. These tips help beginners build tolerance and avoid retinoid dermatitis, making retinol use more comfortable and effective over time.

You’ve started retinol and your face is getting red, irritated, and painful in the areas of application, these are common signs of what’s called retinoid dermatitis, and when prescribing this product, will often suggest the following to help minimize that irritation. This applies to over-the-counter retinol as well. Start gradually is number one, we want to start either Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or even two times a week. Slowly build up. I would start in a small area of your face, maybe the forehead, see how you tolerate it, and then slowly increase frequency. Number two, the sandwich methods, which you may have heard of. This is referring to putting a moisturizer on before the retinol and after, like a sandwich. That’s essentially diluting it. And then number three is really diluting it. You can put the retinol mixed with a moisturizer of your choice in a small area of your face and then increase frequency as tolerated. As you build up tolerance, you can get rid of the moisturizer, whether it be the sandwich technique or the dilution technique, which is basically a modified version. I hope this helps.


FAQ Section:

Is Retinol Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Retinol can be safe for sensitive skin, but it should be introduced gradually. Suggestions to reduce irritation include:

• Start gradually 1-3 times a week before bed and increase frequency as tolerated
Start with a lower concentration and use it every other night.
Add a moisturizer before and after the application of retinoid forming a “sandwich”
Dilute with a moisturizer before applying

How Often Should I Use Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serum is best used in the morning to protect the skin from free radicals throughout the day. Apply it to clean, dry skin and follow with sunscreen.

Can I Use Niacinamide with Other Ingredients?

Yes, niacinamide is compatible with most skincare ingredients, including retinol and vitamin C. It can enhance the effectiveness of your routine by soothing the skin and reducing irritation.

Dr. Rahul Shukla

Why Choose
Dr. Rahul Shukla

Dr. Rahul Shukla is a modern dermatologist staying in line with the advancements in the field by being a member in numerous associations. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Brock University, and later attended medical school at McMaster University, and completed dermatology residency at University of Toronto. He is Board-certified in dermatology, in both Canada and in the United States.

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