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

Sun Protection

Is mineral sunscreen better if sunscreen stings?

A fragrance-free sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be easier for some sensitive skin to…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Should I treat acne or dark marks first?

If breakouts are inflamed and the skin is stinging, prioritize settling that situation before layering…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

My skin looks darker after laser or a peel. Should I wait?

Contact the treating provider and explain when the change started, the treatment, and any pain, heat,…

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Sun Protection

Is SPF 50 foundation enough without sunscreen?

Usually, makeup is not applied in the amount needed to provide its labelled protection. The issue is amount:…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

My melasma improved and then returned. Did treatment fail?

Melasma often needs ongoing management, so recurrence does not automatically mean you did something wrong.…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Can I use brightening products on a healing insect bite or picked spot?

Care for the wound first and avoid picking. Do not apply exfoliating products to an open area. Once the skin…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

My dark marks are getting darker. Should I use a stronger brightening serum?

Not automatically. Irritation itself can contribute to dark marks. Before increasing actives, I would ask…

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Pigmentation & Dark Spots

A brown spot is growing or changing shape. Can I fade it?

Please have a clinician assess it before treating it as a cosmetic dark spot. A cosmetic brightening plan…

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Aging & Fine Lines

Do I need a separate eye cream?

Not necessarily. A gentle basic facial moisturizer may be enough if it is suitable for the eye area and…

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