By Lauren Kim at Allure Beauty Bar, Burnaby

Skin Dictionary

Skincare questions, answered simply. My approach starts with your skin as it is today, keeps recovery in mind, and adds treatment only when there is a clear reason.

General education, not a diagnosis or prescription. Advice for your own skin depends on your skin, medical history and current treatments.

Lauren Kim

Korean Skin Specialist & Founder of Allure Beauty Bar

Browse by skin concern

Acne & Breakouts

Are itchy bumps always fungal acne?

No. Itching alone does not establish that diagnosis. I would avoid repeatedly switching acne products based…

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Acne & Breakouts

Is my skin addicted to acne products if breakouts return when I stop?

No. Acne can need ongoing management, and stopping a helpful treatment may allow the problem to return. If…

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Acne & Breakouts

My back and chest bumps itch. Can I use facial acne products there?

Before choosing a product, I would want to know whether these are acne or something else. Body location,…

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Acne & Breakouts

Can I use a pimple patch every day?

It depends on the lesion and the patch. A plain hydrocolloid patch can help protect a suitable surface spot…

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Acne & Breakouts

Should I cut out milk, sugar, and flour for acne?

Some dietary patterns may be associated with acne, but I would not ask everyone to eliminate entire food…

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Sensitivity & Redness

Should I exfoliate if my skin has bumps but also stings?

Settle the stinging first. Bumps do not automatically mean you need a stronger acid, especially when your…

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Acne & Breakouts

I picked a spot and now it is an open wound. Should I use an acid?

Skip exfoliating acids on the open area. For a small superficial wound, gentle cleaning, a little plain…

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Acne & Breakouts

Can my child use my strong acne products?

I would not share a strong routine without checking the child's age, symptoms, and the product directions.…

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Sensitivity & Redness

Does tingling or stinging mean skincare is working?

No. A strong sensation is not proof of a better result. Effectiveness should be judged by improvement in the…

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