There are several types of nail extensions available, each offering its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re considering dip powder nails, gel nails, or acrylics, it’s important to know what to look for when deciding which option is best for you. Before diving into the details, let’s explore the pros and cons of dip nails, gel nails, and acrylics to help you make an informed choice.
WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?
Gel nails are created using a gel formula that is cured under UV or LED light. They’re much more flexible than traditional acrylics, making them less prone to breakage.
While applying gel nails can be a bit challenging due to the sticky residue left behind, which must be wiped off with alcohol, they are highly durable once set and typically last 2-3 weeks.
Unlike hard gel extensions, which are ideal for salon use, gel polish is easier to apply and suitable for both at-home and professional applications.
Disadvantages of Gel Nails
Time-consuming application: The process can take a while, as each nail needs to be shaped individually and cured under UV or LED light.
UV/LED light exposure: Some individuals may be sensitive to UV or LED light used during the curing process, which can cause skin irritation. To reduce this risk, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure.
Harsh chemicals: Some gel brands may contain harsh chemicals like BHA, so it’s best to avoid those when possible.
WHAT ARE DIPPED NAILS?
Dip powder nails, or dipped nails, are made using finely milled acrylic powder and are bonded with a special adhesive called cyanoacrylate.
The powder is applied to the nail and sealed with a top coat. Dip powder nails are known for being both flexible and durable, making them longer-lasting than other types of artificial nails. When applied properly, they are also resistant to chipping and breaking.
The dipping method is particularly suited for home use. Unlike hard gels and acrylics, which require skill and experience to sculpt the nails, dip nails don’t involve sculpting, making them easier to apply.
In addition, dip powders are flexible, durable, odorless, non-toxic, and don’t require curing lights.
Disadvantages of Dip Nails
Hygiene concerns: While dip powders are great for home application, if you’re getting them done at a salon, ensure your fingers aren’t being dipped into shared powder pots, as this can lead to infections.
Messy application: The process of applying dip powder nails can get a bit messy.
WHAT ARE ACRYLIC NAILS?
Traditional acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer, typically applied with a brush and then shaped to the desired look.
Acrylic nails are the most popular type of artificial nails due to their durability, longevity, and relatively simple application process. However, if not applied correctly, they can cause significant damage to your natural nails.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Nails
Toxic smell: Liquid monomers often contain harsh chemicals like MMA, which can be harmful to your health, potentially causing allergies or asthma.
Harsh chemicals: Some types of acrylics contain dangerous substances such as formaldehyde and toluene. While it hasn’t been definitively proven, toluene has been linked to potential health issues.
Lack of flexibility: Unlike gel or dip powder nails, traditional acrylics are quite rigid. This means that if they hit something hard, they are more likely to break due to their stiffness.
Bacterial or fungal infections: Improper application or trauma to the nails can lead to gaps between the acrylic and the natural nail, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi.
Acrylic nail removal: Removing acrylic nails is a lengthy process, requiring soaking the nails in 100% acetone for 30-40 minutes. It’s recommended to have a professional handle the removal, as attempting it on your own can risk damaging your nails.
DIPPED NAILS VS GEL NAILS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
Dipped nails and gel nails are both popular options for fake nails, but how do they differ? Let’s break it down.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Both dip powder and gel nails are great for home use. However, applying hard gel (gel extensions) can be much trickier for a DIY project.
Gel nails usually take longer to apply than dip nails because gel polish or hard gel needs to be cured under an LED or UV light.
For a gel manicure, the process includes prepping the nails, applying a base coat, gel polish color, a top coat, and curing under a lamp.
A dip powder manicure involves prepping the nails, applying a base coat, dipping them in powder, adding a top coat, and using an activator.
Traditional acrylics include prepping the nail, applying acrylic powder and liquid with a brush, and finishing with nail polish and a top coat.
UV/LED LIGHT EXPOSURE
Dip powder nails don’t need UV or LED light to set, unlike gel nails, which require curing under these lights.
LASTING POWER
Gel polish: If done right, gel polish can last 2-3 weeks.
Hard gel extensions: They can last more than 3 weeks but usually need a fill-in after 3-4 weeks.
Dip powder nails: When applied properly, they can last over 3 weeks without chipping.
Acrylic nails: Acrylics are very strong and can also last over 3 weeks without cracking or chipping.
NAIL DAMAGE
If not applied or removed properly, all three types—gel, dip powder, and acrylics—can harm your natural nails. This can range from mild irritation to more serious issues like infections or allergies, depending on the person and the process used.
COST AND TIME
Gel polish: Costs $35-$50 and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. In the U.S., the average price is $40.
Hard gel extensions: Cost around $80 and take 1-1.5 hours. Prices may rise if you add decorations like rhinestones.
Dip nails: Typically cost $40-$50 and take about 45 minutes.
Acrylic extensions: Cost between $75-$100 and take 1-1.5 hours in a salon.
REMOVAL PROCESS
For gel nails and dip powder nails, the removal process is similar: first, file off the top coat, then soak the nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. For acrylic nails, removal takes longer. You need to soak them in acetone for 30-40 minutes and then file them off.
CONCLUSION
So, what’s the verdict? It really comes down to your preferences. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to do at home, both a gel polish manicure and a dip powder manicure are great options. If you prefer to visit the salon for a full set of extensions, then gel or acrylic nail extensions might be more your style.
Acrylic allergy: If you’re allergic to acrylics, none of these options will work for you since they all contain acrylic. In that case, you could try a regular polish manicure or a shellac manicure. While these won’t last as long, they are gentler on your nails in the long run. Whatever you decide, remember to care for your nails and give them a break every now and then!
The 14 best moisturizers for acne prone skin that soothe and protect
Are you looking for the best moisturizers for acne that will not disappoint you? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Looking for the right moisturizer that hydrates acne-prone skin without exacerbating breakouts or causing discomfort is challenging. That’s why we’ve spent time researching the greatest solutions on the market and picking some of the best. So, scroll down and check out the 14 best moisturizers for acne-prone skin below.
Does moisturizer help with acne?
Yes, moisturizers can play a beneficial role in managing acne. While they don’t directly treat acne lesions, a good moisturizer can help maintain the skin’s hydration balance. Some acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, may cause dryness or irritation. Using a moisturizer helps counteract this dryness and prevents the skin from overproducing oil in response, which can contribute to acne.
It’s crucial to choose a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free moisturizer, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Look for products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to reduce the risk of worsening acne. Additionally, some moisturizers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which can help hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
Always consult with a dermatologist to determine the best skincare routine for your specific acne concerns.
The 14 good moisturizer for acne
Selecting the best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin may pose a challenge, but fear not. Keep scrolling to explore dermatologist-trusted, best-selling products. These products are made to give your skin the right amount of moisture and ingredients that fight acne. They help you get clear, healthy-looking skin. It doesn’t matter if your skin is oily, combination, or dry – we’ve got what you need.
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Oil-Free Moisturizer is our top pick because it’s great for skin that tends to break out. Paula’s Choice has a special line just for acne-prone skin, and this moisturizer does a lot – it hydrates, makes pores smaller, and calms redness. It has helpful stuff like niacinamide for better skin tone, pumpkin and blueberry to soothe redness from acne, and ceramides to make your skin stronger. Just so you know, the biggest size is only two ounces.
Tiege Hanley ACNE Cream
The Tiege Hanley ACNE Cream is great at keeping your skin moisturized without making acne worse. It’s made to not clog your pores, which helps treat existing acne and stop new pimples from forming. Since the cream is strong, it’s a good idea to be patient and do a small test on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. This cream does more than just basic acne care – it targets current pimples and prevents new ones. It won’t clog your pores, which is important for people who often get acne. Also, it gives your skin moisture without making it greasy, which can make acne worse. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a bit expensive, so think about that when deciding if you want to buy it.
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
This light gel moisturizer gives your skin hydration that lasts all day without feeling greasy. The main ingredient is the brand’s omega ceramide complex, full of good omegas that hydrate and fix your skin barrier. It also makes your skin more elastic and firm. With a lot of glycerin, it brings moisture into your skin without making it too wet. Niacinamide in it helps control oil and reduces redness. It takes a bit of time to soak into your skin completely.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face and Neck Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel for Face and Neck is a good option if you have acne. It’s a light, not oily moisturizer that soaks in fast, leaving your skin feeling soft. It has hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizer in your skin, which makes your skin softer and smoother by holding onto water. The unique gel formula is quick like a gel but moisturizes like a cream. It’s oil-free, won’t clog pores, and works for all skin types. Remember that this product might not provide sufficient moisture for extremely dry skin, may not be effective for severe acne, and the packaging can differ.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Moisturizer
For those of us dealing with acne-prone skin and dull complexion, Sunday Riley’s moisturizer is a great choice. Packed with brightening vitamin C, it tackles uneven skin tone and moisturizes with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Although it might look a bit greasy by the end of the day, it creates a radiant base for makeup and keeps your skin soft and hydrated, thanks to sodium hyaluronate. The added allantoin helps acne-prone skin stay healthy, but be cautious if you have very sensitive skin, as vitamin C can be irritating.
La roche posay moisturizer
If you want a moisturizer that keeps your skin safe from the sun, stays light on your skin, and won’t make you break out, check out La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF Moisturizer. We’ve been using it for a few weeks and it’s really good. It’s light and doesn’t make your skin oily, and dries quickly, so you can put on makeup right away. We like that it has niacinamide and glycerin, which are good for soothing and moisturizing your skin, especially if you have acne. It also protects your skin from the sun with SPF 30, which is important. But, there are a couple of things to know. It has a bit of a chemical smell that not everyone might like. Also, if your skin is very dry, this might not be hydrating enough on its own. And if you use too much, it might make your skin look a bit white, so use a little bit at a time.
Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream
Acne doesn’t care how old you are, and if you have mature skin with clogged pores, you know that well. The Fresh Black Tea Anti-Aging Moisturizer is made with ingredients that won’t cause pimples. It has ceramides to make your skin stronger and squalane to keep it protected and moisturized. The hero ingredient, BT Matrix, is like retinol and comes from black tea and rambutan leaf extracts, helping your skin that’s weakened as you get older. The result is a great moisturizer that’s also anti-aging and doesn’t make your skin oily. However, it has a natural smell from the herbal ingredients and may not be suitable for everybody.
We really like the Mighty Patch Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer for people with acne-prone skin. It’s full of good stuff, doesn’t have any irritating colors or fragrances, and is easy on your skin. You can use it after cleansing and toning, and it’s great under makeup because it’s light and won’t cause breakouts. Just keep in mind that it might make your skin a bit oily, the tube might not be completely filled, and the product might come out too quickly.
TATCHA The Water Cream
Tatcha creates products that give your skin a lovely, radiant appearance without causing greasiness. The Water Cream is among these fantastic products, suitable for combination skin because of its light gel-cream formula that won’t clog pores. It contains Japanese leopard lily, which helps manage oil and soothe redness, promoting balanced skin renewal. The Hadasei-3 complex, featuring algae, green tea, and rice, fortifies your skin to retain moisture – like quenching your skin’s thirst. A noteworthy point is that the cream is packaged in a jar, which might not be the most hygienic option.
The COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer is a light and gel-like cream that works well for repairing your skin. It contains snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine, all working together to make your skin less red and reduce fine lines. The snail stuff forms a barrier that makes your skin plump, hydrated, and calm. It’s an everyday cream that goes on smoothly and makes your skin look radiant. The main thing in this cream is snail secretion filtrate, which has “mucin” that’s excellent for keeping your skin extra moisturized. It helps fix damaged skin and adds moisture deep into your skin, making it perfect for dry or damaged skin. They get the snail stuff in a safe and eco-friendly way in a place where snails like to be, and then they use it to make the cream. However, it might not be suitable for you if you’re allergic to snails. Some people might find it feels a bit slimy, and it might not be strong enough for serious acne.
Cerave moisturizer for acne
This lightweight and oil-free lotion is designed to make your skin feel good. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which are like special ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated and calm. They won’t block your pores, which is a good thing. The lotion also has ceramides, which are like little helpers that strengthen your skin and make sure it doesn’t lose moisture. But, here are a few things to keep in mind: Some people might feel that it’s a bit slimy when they put it on, and if your skin is really, really dry, this lotion might not be enough for you. So, it’s good to know these things before you decide to use it.
Cetaphil gentle clear mattifying acne moisturizer
We’ve been using Cetaphil Face Moisturizer for a few weeks and our skin looks much better. The moisturizer is light and dries quickly, making our skin not shiny. It is good for sensitive skin and has 0.5% Salicylic Acid to stop breakouts and make skin better. With plant things and a prebiotic complex, it feeds our skin and soothes redness. This moisturizer, suggested by dermatologists, protects against five signs of sensitive skin: weak skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness, and dryness. But, it does have a smell and might not be good for really oily skin. Some people might find it makes their skin too dry.
Peach Slices Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer
This formula is proven by doctors and has fast-acting 0.5% salicylic acid. It helps clear and stop breakouts by cleaning the skin, getting rid of extra oil, and reducing whiteheads, blackheads, and swelling. Also, it has super moisturizing hyaluronic acid that doesn’t feel heavy. It’s great for making wrinkles and age lines look smaller, fixing the skin, and hiding acne scars. It works for all skin types, even if your skin is sensitive. The formula is clean, made from plants, and doesn’t have sulfates, alcohol, fragrance, parabens, gluten, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free. While it’s effective, it may leave your face a little shiny, similar to sunblock after a couple of hours. Also, it may not be the most moisturizing option for those with super dry skin.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Face Moisturizer
Considering a daily facial moisturizer is helpful for preventing breakouts and improving your skin, Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer is a good choice. We noticed a clear improvement in how our skin looked and felt. The formula is light and absorbs quickly, leaving our skin soft and smooth. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This moisturizer has 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps control and prevent acne blemishes. The Total Soy Complex in it evens skin tone and improves complexion for a healthier look. Despite having a mild scent, it could still irritate those with sensitive skin. While this formula generally works well for most people, it may not be effective for everyone, and some might still experience acne.
Considerations for Acne-Prone Skin Moisturizers
When picking a moisturizer for skin prone to acne, pay attention to a few things:
Ingredients
Check for non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog your pores. Good choices include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
Texture
Pick a light, oil-free moisturizer. Stay away from thick creams because they can block your pores, and that can lead to acne.
SPF
If you’re often outside, get a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun.
Fragrance
Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid irritating your skin and causing breakouts.
Price
Think about your budget, but investing in a good-quality product can really help your skin. Balance cost with quality when making your choice.
FAQ
1. Is face moisturizer good for acne?
Yes, doctors might suggest using moisturizers alongside treatments for acne, especially when prescribing things like benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. Also, there’s some evidence suggesting that moisturizers on their own can help improve signs and symptoms of acne.
2. Should I moisturize my face everyday if I have acne?
Yes, you should moisturize your face every day if you have acne, as long as you choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Put it on two times a day after washing your face. Don’t use things like astringents or rubbing alcohol because they can make your skin even drier.
3. Can acne be 100% cured?
Even if the medicine your doctor suggests helps your skin get better, it doesn’t cure acne. You have to keep using it regularly, even when your skin looks good, to stop acne from coming back. There’s no cure for acne, and products that say they can cure it are not telling the truth.
4. What age is acne the worst?
Almost 90% of teenagers, between 14 and 19 years old, deal with acne. If someone has a lot of acne that’s considered moderate to severe, they usually need extra help with acne treatments.
5. Does drinking water help with acne?
Drinking more water, about 68 extra ounces each day, really helps your skin stay hydrated. Being well-hydrated also boosts your immune system, helping your body fight infections, which can stop acne from happening.
Conclusion
Finding the right moisturizer for acne-prone skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy and clear complexion. Personal preferences, skin type, and specific needs should guide the choice of a moisturizer, ensuring it strikes the right balance between hydration and acne prevention. The best moisturizer is one that not only nourishes the skin but also complements an individual’s skincare routine, promoting overall skin health and well-being.
