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

Aging & Fine Lines

Can I use vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol together?

These ingredient names do not automatically mean the products are incompatible. The practical issue is…

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Acne & Breakouts

Is noncomedogenic a guarantee I will not break out?

It is a useful label to consider, but I would not promise that an individual product will suit everyone. Use…

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Start with the Basics

Is alcohol in skincare always bad?

No. Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl and stearyl alcohol, have different roles from ethanol and can help a…

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Sensitivity & Redness

My skin no longer stings. Can I restart all my actives?

I would not restart everything together. Check whether washing and moisturizing feel comfortable and whether…

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Acne & Breakouts

Should acne-prone skin avoid silicone in skincare?

Not automatically. Silicones such as dimethicone are also used in moisturizers, and their presence alone does…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

My vitamin C serum changed colour or smell before its expiry date.

Pause it while you check the manufacturer's guidance. The original formula, storage, and time since opening…

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Start with the Basics

Why does my skincare or makeup pill?

Pilling can come from the way products layer, the amount applied, or how their formulas interact. Changing…

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Sensitivity & Redness

Are natural products and essential oils safer for sensitive skin?

The natural label does not tell me whether a product suits your skin. Sensitive skin can react to botanical…

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Sun Protection

Do I need sunscreen near a window or on a cloudy day?

Clouds and windows do not eliminate UV exposure. If you spend time near a window, drive, or go outdoors, sun…

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