Know the Difference Between a Facewash and a Cleanser!

September 5, 2024

By Srishty Singh

Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid are two active ingredients present in many skincare staples. From everyday face cleansers to high-performing serums and everything in between! But before you decide on one of these ingredients for your daily skincare, it's crucial to understand their differences. That’s right. While Niacinamide is dubbed the holy grail of skin brightening, Salicylic Acid is popular for treating different stages of acne (both inflammatory and non-inflammatory). And this is only the tip of the iceberg. The two active ingredients individually extend several benefits to your skin that we will learn in this blog. Keep scrolling to make an informed decision. Niacinamide And Its Benefits A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is regarded as a skincare all-rounder. From granting the user an even skin tone to combating inflammation – this active does it all. Here’s a closer look at the many benefits of Niacinamide. 1. It reduces dark spots and patches: Topical application of Niacinamide reduces the melanin concentration in skin cells – combating dark spots and patches. 2. Absorbs excess oil: Niacinamide is perfect for blotting excess sebum and maintaining a balanced microbiome. 3. Acne prevention: Use a Niacinamide serum to reduce clogged pores, further preventing blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. 4. Soothe inflammation and irritation: If you have redness, rashes or hives, Niacinamide is the perfect match for your daily routine. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help revive your skin exponentially. The Best Niacinamide Product On Foxtale Now that you are well-versed in the many benefits of Niacinamide, it’s time to add the ingredient to your routine. Try Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum for your rotation. What Makes Our Niacinamide Serum Stand Out? The creamy formula cuts excess shine to give your skin a soft glow You can use it as a primer to cloak blemishes and blur pores. It helps soothe inflamed, irritated skin. The Niacinamide Serum fades acne marks while boosting your skin’s radiance. Who Can Use It? Our Niacinamide Serum has been formulated with all skin types in mind. Salicylic Acid And Its Benefits A type of BHA (or Beta Hydroxy Acid), Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble active. It seeps into the pores, dislodging grime, debris and excess sebum. Moreover, Salicylic Acid possesses incomparable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties – making it the perfect fit for folks with acne. Here are some more benefits of Salicylic Acid - 1. Exfoliates skin: Salicylic Acid sheds unwarranted buildup to reveal a smoother, brighter surface underneath. 2. Unclogs pores: We know that oil-soluble Salicylic Acid seeps deep into the pores to remove impurities – minimizing the appearance of pores. \ 3. Oil control: Just like Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid soaks up excess sebum, ensuring a healthy microbiome for your skin. 4. Fight active acne: Due to the active ingredient’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Salicylic Acid is also dubbed an exceptional remedy for acne. The Best Salicylic Acid Products On Foxtale If you are looking to add Salicylic Acid to your daily skincare, we are here to help. Try Foxtale’s iconic Acne Control Face Wash and AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum to reap the benefits of the meticulous active. What Makes Our Acne Control Face Wash Stand Out? Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation buffs away dead cells and debris without drying your skin. Hyaluronic Acid in the face wash ensures long-lasting hydration to the skin for its soft, elastic appearance. Niacinamide doubles down on effort for hydration and strengthens the lipid barrier. The presence of Alpha Bisabolol has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. Who Can Use It? Our Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid is a must-have for people with oily and acne-prone skin. What Makes Our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum Stand Out? 1. The efficacious serum leverages the power of Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) to dissolve dirt, grime and impurities overnight. 2. This Salicylic Acid serum is gentle, non-tingling, and non-drying 3. Hyaluronic Acid in this formulation ensures hydration and offsets epsidoes of inflammation. Who Should Use It? Regular exfoliation is non-negotiable for every skin type. However, we recommend using this high-performing formula only 2 to 3 times a week. But What Should You Use? By now we know that Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid extend several skincare benefits. But which one should you use? Scroll ahead If you want to keep your skin hydrated for prolonged periods, place your trust Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. To fight active acne, we recommend using Salicylic Acid Do you experience inexplicable episodes of redness or inflammation? If yes, Niacinamide should be on your radar. Struggle with excessive skin greasiness? A combination of Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid will nip the problem in the bud. This duo of ingredients will also avert future breakouts, acne, whiteheads and blackheads. How To Layer Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid? After gently cleansing your face, apply a layer of Salicylic Acid serum. Once the into your skin (in 20-30 minutes), follow up with a pea-sized amount of Niacinamide. Potential Side Effects Of Using Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Together While Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are mostly well-tolerated, some individuals may experience- 1. Skin irritation: Skin irritation manifests in redness, burning sensation, and itching. 2. Dryness: Some folks may experience dryness or flakiness on the skin due to Salicylic Acid. This is more common among people with dry and sensitive skin. 3. Sun sensitivity: Using Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide can make your skin photosensitive. To avoid any flare-ups, we recommend applying 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen in the morning. Common Mistakes To Avoid While Using Niacinamide And Salicylic Acid Together? These mistakes with Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid should be avoided at all costs. 1. Not conducting a patch test: If you’re new to Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid or both, we recommend conducting a patch test on the neck first. If your skin responds well, go ahead and apply this combination on your face. 2. Not starting with a low concentration of Salicylic Acid: People with dry and sensitive skin can start with a low concentration of Salicylic Acid Serum. This will eliminate the possibility of inflammation or flare-ups. 3. Skimping on sunscreen: Topical application of Salicylic Acid might make your skin photosensitive. To avoid any sun-induced burns or rashes, apply a generous layer of sunscreen while stepping outdoors. Moreover, a potent sunscreen protects the new skin cells after the Salicylic Acid exfoliation. Conclusion Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are a match made in heaven. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use this potent combo to address multiple concerns. While Niacinamide blots excess sebum, Salicylic Acid unclogs pores and prevents acne – ensuring a balanced microbiome for the skin. Moreover, Niacinamide soothes inflammation, maintains skin hydration, and strengthens the lipid barrier – directing efforts for overall skin health. FAQs 1. Can I use Niacinamide every day? Yes, you can use Niacinamide every day. If you are new to the active ingredient, we recommend conducting a patch test on the neck first.\ 2. When should I use Niacinamide, during day or night? You can use Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum in your morning/nighttime skincare routine. 3. Is 5% Niacinamide sufficient? Yes! 5% Niacinamide Serum is efficacious and beginner friendly. 4. What is the best routine for acne-prone skin? - Start by gently cleansing your skin with Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid. - Once your skin is dry, take 2 to 3 pumps of the Niacinamide Serum and dab it onto your skin. - After the serum absorbs into the skin, apply a dollop of the Oil Free Moisturizer by Foxtale. This will help seal in the treatment and hydration. - Next, use Foxtale Mattifying Sunscreen to shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays. The innovative formula contains Niacinamide (too) that blots oil and prevents clogged pores. 5. Can I use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together in my skincare routine? Yes. Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid work wonders for people with oily and acne-prone skin. 6. How long does it take for Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide to show results? The duration varies from person to person. Having said that, with regular use, Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid show results in 4 to 6 weeks. 7. Are there any side effects to using Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together? Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are a match made in heaven – with little to no side effects. However, folks with dry or sensitive skin may experience irritation, sun sensitivity, and/or dryness. 8. Can I use Niacinamide during the day and Salicylic Acid at night? Yes, you can. 9. Is it necessary to use sunscreen while using Niacinamide or Salicylic Acid? Absolutely. Active ingredients like Salicylic Acid make your skin photosensitivity. To avoid any flareups, use a generous amount of sunscreen before stepping outdoors.

March 23, 2023

By Srishty Singh

Regarding skincare, we often hear about the benefits of using AHAs and BHAs. But what exactly are these two types of acids, and how do they differ? What Is AHA? AHA stands for Alpha-Hydroxy Acid. These are water-soluble acids derived from milk, fruit, and sugar cane. The most commonly used AHAs in skincare are glycolic acid and lactic acid. AHAs are known for exfoliating the skin's surface by eliminating dead skin cells and revealing brighter, smoother skin. What Is BHA? BHA stands for Beta-Hydroxy Acid. The most common BHA in skincare is salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble. BHAs are known for penetrating deep into the pores, unclogging them and reducing the appearance of acne and blackheads. Difference Between AHA and BHA AHAs BHAs AHAs are water-soluble. BHAs are oil-soluble. Exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Penetrates deeper into the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and sebum. Great for dry skin types. Great for oily, acne-prone skin types. Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Best used at night time. Can be used during the day and night. Glycolic and lactic acid are common types of AHAs. Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA. AHA BHA serum AHAs and BHAs can often be combined in skincare products, such as AHA BHA serums. These serums are designed to provide the benefits of both acids, exfoliating the skin's surface while penetrating deep into the pores to clear out any buildup. AHA Skincare AHAs can be found in various skincare products, such as toners, masks, and serums. They are often recommended for those looking to improve the texture and appearance of their skin, as they can help reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Benefits Of AHA Serum: 1. Exfoliates the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter, smoother skin. 2. Lessens the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. 3. Can help to improve the texture and overall appearance of the skin. 4. It can be more gentle on the skin compared to BHA, making it a better option for those with sensitive or dry skin. 5. Can be used on a variety of skin types, including normal, dry, and mature skin BHA Skincare BHAs are usually found in acne-fighting skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, and serums. They are known for unclogging pores and reducing the look of acne and blackheads. Benefits Of BHA Serum: 1. Penetrates deep into the skin, unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of acne and blackheads. 2. Reduces inflammation and redness associated with acne. 3. Helps to regulate excess oil production, making it a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. 4. Can be used on a variety of skin types, including normal, oily, and combination skin. 5. Improves the overall texture and the look of the skin, similar to AHA serum. Can I Use AHAs and BHAs Together? If you want to leverage the power of AHAs and BHAs together, might we recommend adding Foxtale’s Exfoliating Serum to your vanity? It contains Glycolic Acid that exfoliates dullness to bestow a renewed glow on the skin. Moreover, Salicylic Acid at the forefront dislodges grime and excess sebum in the pores to tackle concerns like whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. What Makes Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum Different? Unlike other AHA BHA serums, Foxtale’s inventive formula is extremely gentle. It doesn’t cause any burning or stinging on application and helps elevate overall skin health. Other reasons to swear by this serum. 1. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant that binds water molecules to the skin, ensuring sustained hydration. 2. The efficacious serum carries Niacinamide that blots excess sebum and prevents clogged pores. Moreover, the skincare workhorse preserves your skin’s hydration and bolsters barrier health. 3. The non-sticky and quick-absorbing formula makes your skin smooth and soft from the very first use. How Often Should I Use Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Formula We know that exfoliation helps dissolve dead cells, debris, and dirt to reveal a smooth, radiant surface. So, how often should you exfoliate? Experts suggest that exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week should suffice. It is not recommended to use the formula daily. Daily use leads to over-exfoliation, which makes your skin feel stripped or uncomfortably tight. How To Make The Most Of Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum? To make the most of Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum, here’s how you can add it to your weekly skincare rotation. 1. Cleanse first: Use a gentle, pH-balancing formula to clear dirt, grime, and dead cells from the skin. Cleansing (as the first step) ensures better absorption of your serums and treatments. 2. Treat: Dab your skin dry and apply a few drops of the AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum. Use a light hand to apply the formula to avoid stress or strain on the skin. 3. Moisturize: After the serum absorbs into the skin, use a generous amount of moisturizer to seal this treatment. 4. Sunscreen: Since AHAs BHAs cause photosensitivity in some individuals, use a generous slather of a potent sunscreen the following morning.. Conclusion: AHAs and BHAs are both effective types of acids that can improve the overall look and health of the skin. While they have some similarities, their solubility and how they work on the skin differ. Choosing Foxtale’s AHA BHA exfoliating serum for your skin type and concerns can help you achieve your desired results. Enriched with salicylic acid paired with niacinamide reduces any irritation caused by exfoliating agents. Also, another additional benefit, the glycolic and hyaluronic acid provide a clear and smooth goddess glow. FAQs 1. Can AHA and BHA be used together? Yes, AHA and BHA can be used together in a skincare routine. However, it is important to use them in the correct order to avoid irritation. Typically, BHAs are used first to penetrate the pores, followed by AHAs to exfoliate the surface of the skin. 2. Are there any side effects of using AHA and BHA? Both AHA and BHA can cause skin irritation if used in excess or if the concentration is too high for your skin type. It is important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it over time to avoid irritation. 3. Which is better for sensitive skin, AHA or BHA? AHA is generally better for sensitive skin because it works on the surface of the skin and is less likely to cause irritation. However, it is important to patch test and start with a lower concentration to avoid any adverse reactions.

August 11, 2022

By Srishty Singh

Chemical exfoliation has become one of the most popular skincare trends to this day, with varieties of products flooding the market. For the consumers, understanding the ingredients behind the products is the key to choosing the best. Presently, one of the most trending chemical exfoliants is PHA or polyhydroxy acid. If you are looking for a gentle solution to break free from the harshness of physical exfoliants, this can be your go-to product. Read on to know all about PHA and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine. What Is PHA? Just like AHA and BHA, PHA is another type of hydroxy acid or a chemical exfoliant. However, the larger molecules of this element set it apart as one of the gentlest chemical exfoliants you can find. They do not penetrate your skin too deep but enough to remove the dead skin satisfactorily. There are different types of PHA among which gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are the most popular. You can find these in the form of serums, toners, and moisturizers. Benefits Of PHA: Why Is It Best For Beginners? With so many types of chemical exfoliants flooding the market, a common question that arises is what makes PHA so special. There are several benefits of PHA which make it one of the best products for skin exfoliation. 1. Suitable for sensitive skin: The PHA is mild enough to suit sensitive skin as well. The larger molecules need more time to penetrate the skin and hence do show the reactions too drastically. 2. Non-irritant: Since it is so gentle on the skin, it does not cause any irritation, especially for sensitive skin. There is no stinging sensation which is often common with other types of chemical exfoliants. 3. Maintains hydration: When using PHA, your skin remains hydrated since the ingredient is a humectant. It imparts a glow to your skin. 4. Anti-inflammatory: PHA is rich in antioxidants and can soothe inflammations even though it is an exfoliant. 5. Keeps glycation at bay: PHA helps to fight glycation which leads to the weakening of collagen and elastin in your skin. Side Effects Of PHA The best thing about PHA is the lack of side effects. There are no known side effects of PHA even on sensitive skin. It works superficially and thoroughly removes dead skin cells from the epidermal layer of your skin. Since it does not penetrate deep, it is a safe and easy-to-use exfoliant. AHA vs BHA vs PHA: Know the difference to pick the best Apart from PHA, there are other forms of more potent chemical exfoliators like AHA and BHA. But how do you determine which would suit your skin best? AHA BHA PHA Alpha Hydroxy Acid Beta Hydroxy Acid Polyhydroxy acid They are intense and penetrate deep, They work by flushing blocked pores. They are superficial chemical exfoliants More suitable for normal skin with major issues. Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Should not be used more than once or twice a week. Can be used upto 3 times a week. Can be used every day if required. Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Mandelic, and Malic acid are forms of AHA. Salicylic acid is a form of BHA. Gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are all forms of PHA. How To Use PHA? PHA is available in many forms like serums, moisturizers, and toners. Studies have proven it has anti- ageing effects without any side effects or irritation. However, it is essential to choose the right type of product to reap the maximum benefit. Especially for sensitive skin, PHA in the form of toner is the best choice. It is gentle on the skin and provides hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. However, it does not cause any irritation which is a possibility when you use any exfoliant on sensitive skin. Best Products To Use With PHA's Being such a versatile ingredient, PHA can be used with various other products and does not cause any side effects in most cases. 1. Cleanser: Most mild cleansers like the Foxtale daily duet cleanser complement any PHA exfoliant perfectly. 2. Face serum: Most types of face serums complement PHA products perfectly. However, if you are using a vitamin C serum like the Foxtale Vitamin C face serum, it is best not to layer PHA-based products with such serum in the same routine. You can easily use the vitamin C serum in the morning and PHA at night. 3. Moisturizer: The PHA is a humectant and helps to improve your skin barrier and retain moisture. When paired with a smoothening moisturizer like Foxtale Ceramide super cream, you get the maximum benefits possible from the combination. 4. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must for every skin type. Thankfully, PHA does not interfere with any type of sunscreen and works particularly well with a hydrating sunscreen like Matte Finish Sunscreen which also helps protect the skin barrier with ingredients like Vitamin B3. The PHA is one of the gentlest exfoliants and when used correctly, it can be beneficial for all skin types.

August 2, 2022

By Srishty Singh

If you’ve ever come across a video of someone removing or peeling a nose strip and found it satisfying enough to try for yourself, you might want to hold onto that thought! People in such videos claim that what’s being picked out in the strips is blackheads. However, that’s not actually true. Instead, it's sebaceous filaments in this scenario. Have you ever peered in the mirror so closely that you could see microscopic spots, particularly on the nose? What you see there may not be blackheads, but rather sebaceous filaments. They do look quite similar but are different. Let’s understand both the concepts closely and take a look at how you can treat blackheads vs sebaceous filaments. Stick till the end to know one of the best treatments for sebaceous filaments!! What are sebaceous filaments and how to identify them? Sebaceous filaments, which develop in hair follicles and skin pores, are an accumulation of extra sebum from oil glands, dirt particles, and dead skin cells. Each person's skin's genetic makeup can affect the size and number of sebaceous filaments. Many people develop sebaceous filaments naturally as a result of aging, acne, and hormonal changes. Sebaceous filaments frequently resemble grayish dots on your skin, which makes them appear upon first sight to be blackheads/whiteheads. They are most frequently found in the oilier parts of the face, particularly your T-zone (that is around your nose and chin), which is another reason why they are frequently mistaken for blackheads. They are typically not as large as a typical blackhead, though. As far as sebaceous filaments are concerned, their function is to help sebum flow from the oil glands to the skin's surface. This, in turn, reduces water loss, increases hydration, and protects the skin. Sebaceous filaments can become visible as pores swell with sebum. What are blackheads and how to identify them? Like sebaceous filaments, blackheads begin in our pores as well. These are elevated black lumps made up of dead skin, sebum, and other dirt. They gain their dark black color from oxidation, which occurs when that mixture on the skin's surface is exposed to oxygen. If you have extremely oily skin, you’re likely to get blackheads more often than other skin types. The main difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are frequently confused with one another. People mistake the two because of their similar appearance even though they are very different from one another. Let's understand the difference between sebaceous filaments vs blackheads and close the debate once and for all. Sebaceous filaments Blackheads They are usually beige, yellowish, and grayish dots They are a result of collection of sebum and dead skin cells around hair follicle These are regular, normal pores that have filled up to the surface with sebum They are permanent, return easily, and a part of your skin structure They are commonly found on the nose, chin, jawline, and forehead Their appearance can be minimized by controlling oil on your skin They are always black dots They are a result of oxidation of clogged open pores that has dirt, sebum and dead skin cells These are a form of acne that are non-inflammatory They are temporary, if treated they won’t return They are commonly found on the nose, chin, cheeks, neck, and back They can be treated and eliminated completely with over-the-counter acne treatments Treatment for sebaceous filaments and blackheads Both sebaceous filaments and blackheads are different and so is their treatment. Let’s take a look at them individually. How to treat sebaceous filaments? Although only temporarily, removing sebaceous filaments improves skin texture and makes it appear smoother. The idea behind getting rid of sebaceous filaments is to minimize them by keeping the pores clean. You can learn everything about pores and how to minimize their appearance in this post right here: What are Pores? Aside from these, adding retinoids, utilizing clay masks, and using over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid and glycolic acid all on a weekly rotation can also significantly improve the skin. Lastly, a tried and tested method to effectively get rid of sebaceous filaments is the “skin gritting” technique. Recently, skincare influencers and YouTubers have been spreading a technique for removing sebaceous filaments of oil and dirt, often known as gritting. It is a deep cleansing method that involves cleansing your face with a mixture of castor oil and another facial oil. Massage onto dry skin until you feel "grits" or granules on your fingertips. You can do this once every week or 10 days as doing it frequently may be too harsh for the skin. After cleansing, go ahead with your regular skincare routine. Try it and let us know if it’s worked for you! How to treat blackheads? It is always better to prevent blackheads from forming on your skin than it is to remove them. Try double cleansing every night with an oil-based cleanser and a water based cleanser. Exfoliants like BHA and AHA should be used twice a week, while retinoids or benzoyl peroxide should be used on days when you aren't exfoliating your skin. A fantastic product to include in your routine is acne spot corrector gel, which is a powerful formula that contains ingredients such as Azelaic acid, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, and others that are efficient at treating even the most stubborn blackheads! Sebaceous filaments and blackheads are common skin conditions, therefore having them is not a huge concern. Sebaceous filaments are in reality in charge of maintaining the moisture of your skin. However, if you feel like they prevent you from showing off your flawless appearance, don’t hesitate to try these techniques!