1. Why does it matter? 💧👩‍⚕️

The face is our calling card. Before you say anything, people are already “reading” you through your facial expression, how well-groomed your skin is, how relaxed you seem, or whether you look tired and stressed.

🧠 Your complexion reflects:

– your lifestyle,

– your diet,

– your sleep quality,

– your hormonal balance,

– even how much water you drink daily!

➡️ Facial hygiene is not just about aesthetics – it’s about health and self-confidence.

 Anatomy of the Face

• Introduction

  • The importance of understanding the anatomy of the face for daily health and hygiene.

  • The functions of the face: expressing emotions, communication, and protecting sensitive organs.
    
    

• Main Components of the Face

  • Eyes: the role in vision, the structure of the eye, eyelids, and eyebrows.

  • Nose: anatomy of the nose (nostrils, nasal septum, nasal cavities), its role in breathing and smell.

  • Mouth: lips, teeth, tongue, and their roles in speech, eating, and breathing.

  • Ears: external, middle, and inner ear, their role in hearing.

  • Jaw: upper and lower jaw, teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

  • Facial Skin: the epidermal layer, sebaceous glands, and sweating.
    
    

• Facial Musculature

  • Main facial muscles: mimic muscles (frontal muscle, orbicularis oculi, zygomatic muscle, etc.) and their role in facial expressions.

  • How facial muscles influence the expression of emotions.
    
    

• Facial Nervous System

  • The facial nerve (VII cranial nerve) and the trigeminal nerve (V cranial nerve) and their importance in sensation perception and movement control.

• Functions of the Face

  • Expression of Emotions: How different facial muscles contribute to facial expressions.

  • Speaking and Breathing: The importance of oral and nasal cavities.

  • Facial Health: How to care for facial skin to prevent health issues (acne, wrinkles, irritations).
    
    

🟠 2. What skin type do you have? 

Before choosing any skin care product, it is essential to know your skin type. Think about it this way: you wouldn't wear a coat that is too thick in the summer, right? Well, the same principle applies to skin care - what suits one skin type, may harm another.

🔍 How do you find out your skin type?

• You can do a simple test at home:

• Wash your face with lukewarm water only and wait 1 hour.

• Do not apply anything in the meantime - no cream, no makeup.

• After an hour, touch your face with clean fingers or a clean tissue, especially in the area of ​​​​the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.

Then notice how your skin feels and looks:

• Normal skin – your skin is balanced, it doesn’t feel oily or dry. It has a clean, velvety appearance, with no red or shiny areas.

• Oily skin – your skin is shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). You may feel an oily film to the touch and pimples and blackheads may appear more easily.

• Dry skin – your skin “sticks”, feels stiff, may look dull or slightly flaky. You tend to feel like you need cream right away.

• Combination skin – you have oily areas (usually in the T-zone) and dry areas (usually on your cheeks).

• Sensitive skin – it turns red easily, feels tingly, stings or irritates when in contact with certain products or conditions (cold, wind, sun).

• 💡 Important: Skin type can change depending on age, season, hormones (e.g. menstruation or adolescence), stress, or diet. That's why it's good to "listen" to your skin and adapt your routine when you feel the need.

🔵 3. The right steps for daily facial hygiene 🧼

     🌞 Morning routine + 🌙 Evening routine = balance for your skin

🌞 Morning:

• Wash your face with a gentle gel or foam 💧

→ Choose a product without alcohol or aggressive fragrance

→ Avoid classic soap (it dries out the skin!)

• Blot your face gently with a clean towel 🧻

→ Don't rub your skin, just pat

• Apply a toner (optional) 🌿

→ Toner balances the skin's pH and closes pores

• Use a light moisturizer ☁️

→ Even oily skin needs hydration!

• Don't forget SPF! ☀️

→ Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) is vital daily, even in winter

🌙 Evening:

• Remove your makeup, even if you didn't wear makeup 💄

→ Remove impurities + sebum

• Cleanse your face again with the special gel 🧴

• You can apply a serum (optional) ✨

→ For example, a serum with niacinamide (for acne) or hyaluronic acid (for hydration)

• Apply night cream or moisturizing mask 🌙💧

→ The skin regenerates best during sleep

Weekly routine 🧖‍♀️🗓️

Exfoliation (1-2x/week)

– removes dead cells, prevents pimples.

– chemical/mechanical alternation depending on tolerance.

Face masks

– apply them after exfoliation.

– for hydration, calming, detoxification.

Hygiene of objects

– Clean makeup brushes

– Wipe down your phone

– Change your pillowcase often

 🧖‍♀️ Common mistakes to avoid

🚫 Washing with classic soap (dries and irritates the skin)

🚫 Using hot water (dehydrates)

🚫 Using the same towel as someone else

🚫 Going to bed with makeup on

🚫 Applying too many products at once

🟢 4. Products suitable for the face 🧴🔍

✅ Good products have:

• Simple ingredients, free of irritants

• Light, non-comedogenic textures

• pH close to that of the skin (5.5)

🔬 Superstar ingredients:

• Niacinamide – reduces sebum and blemishes

• Hyaluronic acid – deeply moisturizes

• Zinc PCA – soothing for oily/acne prone skin

• Panthenol & Allantoin – ideal for sensitive skin

❌ To avoid:

• Strong fragrance

• Alcohol denat.

• Essential oils (can irritate) 

Suitable products for facial care 🧴🔍

It is very important to choose special products for the face – NOT hand or body soap. These can be too harsh and affect the balance of your skin.

🔹 What to look for in a good facial product?

✅ Gentle on the skin (no alcohol or strong fragrances)

✅ Suitable for your skin type

✅ With soothing, moisturizing or purifying ingredients (depending on the skin's needs)

🧼 Cleansers:

For all skin types (even sensitive):

🟢 CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – gentle, fragrance-free

🟢 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser – perfect for sensitive skin

🟢 Avene Cleanance Gel – for combination and oily skin

For oily or acne-prone skin:

🟠 Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

🟠 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel – deeply cleanses and reduces sebum

💧 Moisturizer:

For normal/combination skin:

🌼 CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion

🌼 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – light texture, super popular

For dry/sensitive skin:

🌿 Bioderma Atoderm Creme

🌿 Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

For oily skin:

🌱 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat – mattifies and hydrates

🌱 The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

☀️ Sun protection (SPF) – every day!

For all skin types:

🧴 Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50+

🧴 La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+

🧴 Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Face Fluid – affordable and effective

✨ Other useful products:

For acne or occasional pimples:

🔹 The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

🔹 Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant (salicylic acid)

🔹 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ – topical treatment

For soothing irritated skin:

🍃 Avene Cicalfate+

🍃 Bioderma Sensibio AR

💡 Practical tip:

• Always read the label. Look for formulas:

• Non-comedogenic (does not block pores)

• Hypoallergenic (low risk of reactions)

• Dermatologically tested

📍Most of these products can be found in:

✔️ International pharmacies (e.g. Boots, DM, CVS, Watsons)

✔️ Online stores: Amazon, Notino, iHerb, LookFantastic, CultBeauty etc.

5. How do you choose your facial care products? 🤔

Choosing your facial care products can seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be! There are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure you choose the right products for your skin type and skin needs.

🏠 How do you choose your products at home?:

1. Know your skin type

  It is essential to know your skin type in order to choose the products that are best for it. Each skin type has different needs, and choosing    the right product can make a difference in the effectiveness of your skin care.

• Dry skin often feels tight and dehydrated. It will benefit from moisturizing and nourishing products.

• Oily skin produces a lot of sebum and can be worked with products that regulate the amount of oil without drying out the skin.

• Combination skin requires products that balance oily and dry areas.

• Sensitive skin can easily react to fragrances and irritants. Choose products that are fragrance-free or with delicate formulas.

2. Read product labels

Check the ingredients of the products you purchase. By looking for the right ingredients for your skin type, you can avoid products that contain irritating substances (such as alcohol or strong fragrances). It is also important to choose products that are non-comedogenic (which do not block pores) and hypoallergenic (which reduce the risk of allergic reactions).

3. Pay attention to your skin's reactions

It is normal for some products to not suit you at first. If you notice an unpleasant reaction (irritation, redness, excessive dryness), discontinue use of that product and choose a gentler one. The product recommendations above are tried and tested by many people and have positive reviews for various skin types.

👩‍⚕️ How can a dermatologist help you choose products?:

1. What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a skin health specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin diseases, as well as preventing skin problems. They can help identify skin conditions and recommend the right treatments and care products based on your individual needs.

2. When to see a dermatologist?

• You should see a dermatologist if:

• You have persistent problems with acne or other skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis).

• You notice changes in your skin that don't go away (for example, spots or rashes).

• You want to choose personalized and safe skin care products.

3. How can a dermatologist help you?

• Correct diagnosis of your skin type or skin problems.

• Product recommendations that suit your needs.

• Personalized treatment for dermatological conditions (e.g. treatments for acne, irritations, rosacea, etc.).

Tips on skincare routine: How to properly structure your skincare routine (cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, etc.).

🏥 How can a dermatologist customize your skincare products?

Testing and evaluation

  A dermatologist can test your skin to better understand your skin type and any skin sensitivities. For example, they can check if you have an increased sensitivity to certain ingredients.

Prescription products

  Depending on your needs, your dermatologist can also recommend dermatocosmetic skincare products (usually sold in pharmacies), as well as topical medications (creams or gels to treat acne or other conditions).

Personalized care plan

   A dermatologist can create a personalized plan that includes both products and diet or lifestyle recommendations to support your skin's long-term health.

🛍️ How to choose products at the pharmacy?

Many of the products recommended above can be found in local pharmacies or online stores. If you don't know which product to choose, you can ask a pharmacist for help. They are trained to give you advice on skincare products and help you find what suits you. Many pharmacies also have dermatocosmetic sections, which include dermatologically tested products.

🟤 6. Facial Hygiene and Hormones ⚖️🧬

Hormones play a significant role in the condition of our skin, and hormonal fluctuations can affect various aspects of facial hygiene. It’s important to understand how they affect the skin and what solutions we can adopt to maintain healthy and balanced skin.

🌀 How Hormones Affect the Skin:

• Acne:
  Hormones are the main cause of acne during various periods of life, such as puberty, during the menstrual cycle, or for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). During these times, hormones (especially testosterone) can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, and clogged pores can lead to breakouts.
  
  

• Dryness:
  Hormonal fluctuations before menstruation or during menopause can cause the skin to become drier. Lower estrogen levels during these periods reduce sebum production, which can leave the skin dehydrated and appear more matte.
  
  

• Inflammation:
  Chronic stress has a significant impact on hormones and, in turn, on the skin. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can lead to skin inflammation and worsen existing conditions such as acne or rosacea.
  
  

🔄 Solution?

An important solution is to observe your skin and how it reacts at different times of the month, based on hormonal fluctuations. By adapting your skincare routine to these changes, you can help maintain balanced skin:

• For hormonal acne: use products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to cleanse pores and reduce inflammation.

• For dryness: opt for hydrating creams with hyaluronic acid and avoid drying products.

• For inflammation: look for soothing and anti-inflammatory products such as aloe vera or green tea creams.
  
  

⚪ 7. Differences Between Sexes and Gender Identities 🧔👩‍🦰🌈

🧑‍🦱 Men:

  Men generally have thicker and oilier skin due to higher testosterone levels. This means they tend to have more active sebaceous glands, and their skin produces more sebum, which can lead to more frequent acne. Men also  have a more resilient skin barrier, making their skin less prone to irritation, but harder to hydrate.

👩‍🦰 Women:

Women usually have thinner skin and are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Their skin is more delicate and prone to dehydration or irritation, and hormonal changes can exacerbate these issues. Additionally, women use makeup more often, and applying makeup requires a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

🌈 Transgender People:

For transgender individuals, hormone treatments can significantly influence the skin. For example, estrogen therapy may reduce sebum production, leading to drier skin, while testosterone can increase sebum production, leading to acne. It's important for transgender individuals to have a personalized skincare guide, tailored to the hormonal treatments they are using.

💡 Important:

Regardless of gender or gender identity, everyone needs facial hygiene! Proper skincare is essential for all, and the routine should be adapted to each person’s needs.

🟣 8. Common Skin Problems and Solutions 🧠💡

It’s perfectly normal to encounter occasional skin issues. What’s important is understanding them and treating them correctly.

🔸 Pimples (Acne)

Acne occurs due to excess sebum that clogs the pores, combined with bacteria and dead skin cells.
What you can do:
– Cleanse properly, both morning and evening
– Use products with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc
– DO NOT squeeze pimples and DO NOT cover them with excess foundation

🔸 Dry Skin

Dryness can be caused by using harsh soaps, washing with hot water, or lack of hydration.
Solution:
– Use a gentle cleanser, free from fragrance or alcohol
– Hydrate with an emollient cream, possibly with hyaluronic acid or ceramides
– You can also add a natural facial oil, such as jojoba or argan oil

🔸 Blackheads

Blackheads are clogged pores filled with sebum and impurities that oxidize when exposed to air.
What works:
– Gentle exfoliation with BHA (salicylic acid)
– Clay masks
– Daily cleansing and avoiding comedogenic products

🔸 Pigmentation Spots

These are mostly caused by sun exposure without protection.
How to avoid/treat them:
– Use SPF daily (even when it’s cloudy!)
– Apply serums with vitamin C or niacinamide
– Consult a dermatologist for professional treatments if the spots are deep

💡 Remember: Each problem has a solution, but there are no "overnight" results. Be patient and consistent.

🟢 9. Useful recommendations & apps 📲🧠

📌 Consult a dermatologist for:

• severe acne

• rosacea

• atopic dermatitis

• persistent blemishes

📱 Useful apps:

• TroveSkin – track progress

• Think Dirty – evaluate products

• Skin Bliss – identify harmful ingredients

💬 11. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ❓💬

Can I use the same products in winter and summer?

❗ Not always. In winter you need richer creams, in summer – lighter ones.

Can I use adult products if I am a teenager?

✔️ Yes, if they are gentle and without aggressive ingredients.

Why do pimples appear even if I wash regularly?

❗ Hygiene is important, but pimples can have hormonal or dietary causes.

💚 12. Closing message ✨

🪞 Facial care is an act of love for yourself.

Don't chase perfection on the internet – chase health. 💖

Your skin shouldn't look "like in the ads", but should be clean, hydrated and balanced.

Be patient – ​​results come with time, not overnight. 🌱

🟡 12. Myths About Facial Hygiene 😵‍💫

It’s time to debunk some myths that have been circulating for years and can do more harm than good.

🔸 "If you pop pimples, they’ll go away faster."
FALSE. It may seem tempting to "get rid" of a pimple by squeezing it, but this habit can lead to deeper infections, irritation, and, at worst, long-lasting scars.

🔸 "Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer."
Wrong. If you don't apply the right moisturizer, your skin will try to compensate for the lack of hydration by producing even more sebum. The solution is a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream that hydrates without clogging pores.

🔸 "The more you cleanse, the better."
Not necessarily. Excessive cleansing (more than twice a day) can lead to dryness and irritation. Your skin will react by producing more sebum → a vicious cycle.

🔸 "Expensive products are automatically better."
Price doesn't guarantee effectiveness. What really matters are the ingredients and how well the product suits your skin. Some affordable products are excellent and even recommended by dermatologists.

🔸 "Daily exfoliation helps keep your skin clear."
The truth is that over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s natural barrier. Once or twice a week is enough, and the type of exfoliant should be chosen carefully.

💚 Closing message ✨

   Facial care is an act of love for yourself.

Don't chase perfection on the internet – chase health. 💖

Your skin shouldn't look "like in the ads", but should be clean, hydrated and balanced.

Be patient – ​​results come with time, not overnight. 🌱