Given our seemingly insatiable obsession with foods like mac ‘n’ cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and mac ‘n’ cheese–stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s easy to forget that there’s a good chunk of people out there who can’t eat dairy products.
In fact, those people are the norm: Experts estimate that 68% of the world’s population has difficulty digesting lactose, the primary sugar in milk. If you’re lactose intolerant, many cheeses may leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable — or worse.
But there are also certain cheeses that don’t seem to have that effect as much as others (and some may have none at all). Which begs the question: If all cheeses are made from milk, why do some cause digestive havoc while others are fairly harmless?
Lactose content in various cheeses
One theory holds that aged cheeses have less lactose and therefore are less likely to induce symptoms. During the cheesemaking process, lactobacilli cultures are introduced to milk, converting the lactose into lactic acid.
The longer the bacteria are left to do their thing, the lower the amount of lactose in the cheese. Eventually, the lactose levels dip low enough that the cheese can be eaten by someone with lactose intolerance with little or no adverse effects.
The fat theory
There is another theory that it’s not the lactose but the fat in cheese that makes certain varieties difficult to digest.
The curdling process converts a good deal of milk’s lactose into lactic acid, while whey, the leftover liquid, washes much of the remaining lactose away.
Even fresh cheeses contain only a fraction of the lactose that’s present in milk. But cow’s milk does have large, difficult-to-digest fat globules that remain in the cheese, which some have suggested are the real source of stomach discomfort.
This would explain why goat and sheep milk cheeses, which have smaller fat particles, are often easier to digest, despite the fact that the fresh milk from both animals has roughly the same amount of lactose as that from cows.
Best cheeses if you’re lactose intolerant
Assuming that the best cheeses for lactose intolerance are those with lower lactose, hard, extra-aged cheeses — your Parmesans, cheddars, and Swiss-style cheeses — are a safer bet. (And as a bonus, aging also brings delicious complexity.)
Younger, moister, softer cheeses that are aged for only a short amount of time (such as brie), fresh cheeses (like mozzarella and feta), and processed cheeses (hello, Velveeta) have higher levels of lactose, so they’re more likely to produce unpleasant effects.
Bottom line
Every person’s tolerance for lactose and different cheeses will vary, and will depend on the activity level of the small intestine’s lactase (the enzyme responsible for lactose digestion).
If you are lactose intolerant and want to get into cheese, try starting off with small amounts of hard, goat, or sheep cheeses and start exploring from there.
from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3DB1kAP
Hi friends! And Happy Halloween to those of you who are celebrating today! TBH, I feel like Halloween has come and gone already, and feeling like I really need to rally tonight lol. Between the Trunk or Treat, class parties, friend parties, we celebrated. The kids have tons of candy and fun memories. We good. But we’re still going to bring it strong tonight. 😉 High fives to all of my mama friends out there pushing through; we’re almost there!
It was a super fun weekend. To kick things off, we celebrated P’s birthday with her friends from school + her cousins! The kids had a half day on Friday, so it was the perfect afternoon for a party at Wild Katz. I love parties like this because the kids can run around, the parents can chill, we sing “Happy Birthday” and eat cake, and done. Minimal cleanup required. 😉
For treat bags, I filled them with ninja turtle masks and curly straws, slime, nostalgic candy, and the star of the show was these pizza cookies from Simply Bliss.
(For lunch, we ordered the family-sized pizzas from Mama’s Pizza and they delivered. Just a heads up for my local friends; it made it super easy for a Wild Katz party)
It was the perfect celebration for sweet P. She has the best time hanging out with all of her friends and we were so thankful so many of them came out to celebrate with us.
Friday night, we hung out at home, and Saturday was Trunk or Treat at the dance studio.
Our team’s theme was Pirates of the Caribbean, and I volunteered the Pilot to be our Jack Sparrow. You guys, he WAS Jack Sparrow. He was fully in character for a captive audience the entire time haha. I told him he always has potential for Disneyland if the pilot thing doesn’t work out.
(Also funny story: when P was in preschool, her friend couldn’t understand her when she said her dad was a pilot, and she thought P said her dad was a pirate. She thought Tom was a real pirate for a few months and it was amazing.)
Our team mom is above and beyond, and our set-up came out so well!!
One of the parents made a plank for the kids to walk,
and I put together the Caption Hook ring toss.
We got third place, which I’m calling a huge win because all of the set-ups were seriously so so good!
After Trunk or Treat, we headed straight to the squadron family Halloween party, which was at a friend’s house. The had activities for the kids (movies playing and a jumping castle) and lots of delicious food and craft cocktails. When we first got there, we were all feeling pretty tired, but then no one wanted to leave. 😉
Sunday morning, madre made an epic brunch. No one ever knows what to get the Pilot for his birthday or any holiday, so she said she’d make him a birthday brunch. We all agreed that he should request this for every upcoming birthday because we all loved it. Coffee cake, beans, egg casserole, corned beef hash, potatoes, bagels, the whole spread was a dream.
In the afternoon, the Pilot took the girls to our neighbor’s Halloween party – I caught up on some work stuff at home and was feeling pretty rundown at this point – and we had turkey pumpkin chili and cornbread for dinner.
Now we’re back into the week and into the Halloween fun! I’ll probably catch a midday yoga class for a little zen in the middle of the activities. I hope you have a wonderful day, too!
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today and I’ll see ya tomorrow with my first gift guide of 2022!
The only thing more overwhelming than choosing a wine might be choosing the right olive oil.
These days, most supermarkets have shelves stocked with the stuff. There are “grassy” oils, organics, cold-pressed, and “pure” ones, not to mention all of the countries of origin to consider. It’s enough to make anyone panic and reach for the one with the coolest-looking label.
But trust us when we say it’s well worth the time to select a high-quality bottle.
As the foundation of so many dishes, olive oil sets the flavor stage for meals you eat every day. Plus, with all that evidence on how great the Mediterranean diet is, it’s probably time to splurge on an olive oil you love.
So how exactly does one approach the oil aisle to make the best decision?
First, let’s talk grades
Extra virgin olive oil (and cold-pressed olive oil)
The highest grade of oil is extra virgin (which Rachael Ray famously dubbed “EVOO”). This is definitely the grade you want for serving straight up-and for recipes where olive oil plays a central role — think salad dressing, dips for bread and vegetables, and olive oil cakes.
According to the USDA, extra-virgin olive oil is a natural product with no more than 0.8 grams of oleic acid per 100 grams and no sensory defects.
Even though only some brands advertise their oils as “cold-pressed,” all olive oils actually need to be cold-pressed to qualify as extra virgin. Basically, the term just means that the olives stay below 86 degrees throughout the pressing process, since higher temperatures can change the taste.
A common contention is that extra virgin olive oil isn’t as well-suited for cooking because it has a relatively lower smoke point compared to oils like avocado or grapeseed. However, many studiessuggest that this isn’t the case, in part because extra virgin olive oil is not refined.
Virgin olive oil
The next highest grade is virgin olive oil. It’s also unrefined, but has a slightly higher level of acidity than extra virgin. You can still use this for similar dishes as above or with bread, and tends to be a bit more affordable than extra virgin varieties. If olive oil isn’t the star ingredient, this is a great grade to go for.
Pure (aka refined) olive oil
Another step down the grading ladder is “pure” or “refined” olive oil, which is often also labeled as just plain “olive oil.”
Basically, these oils have undergone processing or chemical treatment and are usually mixed with a bit of virgin olive oil at the end. Because they’re usually lighter in flavor, they’re the best type to get for eggs or stir fries.
Pomace olive oil
Occasionally, you might come across something called “pomace” olive oil, which is made from leftover olive pulp.
It always involves chemical solvent and heat, and is generally not considered olive oil for those reasons. In fact, pomace oil has been the center of controversy for dishonest labeling practices in several countries, including Spain and Britain, though it’s sometimes used for deep-frying.
Does it matter what country your olive oil comes from?
There are a bevy of different terms — “made in,” “product of,” “imported by,” “packed in” — that can indicate the origin of a bottle of olive oil.
Single-source olive oils are pressed, packed, and exported from the same country.
Olive oils that are a mix of olives from multiple countries or pressed and packed in different places will list all of the countries of origin. These don’t necessarily result in a lower-quality olive oil, but generally, oils packed in a different country than where the olives were harvested tend to be less fresh than single-source oils.
As to which country makes the best olive oil, there’s not a clear-cut answer.
Italy, Spain, and Greece are probably the three most well-known, though Croatia and Turkey have also produced some of the highest rated oils in recent years.
In the United States, California churns out some great olive oils, though states like Texas, Arizona, and Georgia are also growing suppliers.
Cultivar, climate, olives’ ripeness, and various other factors influence an oil’s taste.
In general, pure Spanish olive oil tends to be more “fruity,” while pure Italian oil leans towards “grassy.” Oils from Greece are usually more flavorful and peppery. Still, even within these categories, there’s tons of variation.
What about certifications?
Though there aren’t any mandatory olive oil certifications (which many people in the olive oil business say is a problem), there are a few voluntary ones that are always good to keep an eye out for.
For varieties from Italy, look for labels that say “100% Qualita Italiana,” a brand created by the Italian consortium of olive oil producers called Unaprol.
OK, so now you’ve got an overview of grades, nationalities, and certifications. But these aren’t the only indicators of quality (or flavor). When push comes to shove and it’s time to grab a bottle from the store, how do you snag a really good one?
If possible, sample before you buy. (Some higher-end grocers will let you sample in store if you ask.)
A good-quality olive oil will have more complex layers without a greasy aftertaste. It also just comes down to preference. Since olive oils range from sweet to bitter to herby, sampling will ensure that you’re choosing a flavor to your liking.
If you can’t sample the oils, consider buying smaller quantities (which will mean you end up with fresher oil anyway). Date and freshness are crucial. Remember, olive oil is basically just olive juice, so it shouldn’t be kept for a long period of time.
You can also look for a harvest date of no more than a year prior. And dark bottles help keep out sunlight and preserve freshness.
What are the best brands of olive oil?
Wondering which brands stand above the rest? We say you can’t go wrong with the following purveyors.
Everyday options
If you’re looking for an everyday extra virgin olive oil, California Olive Ranch is a favorite of professional chefs and home cooks alike, and often comes out on top in blind taste tests.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic has passed blind extra virgin standards tests, and is probably one of the most affordable oils out there. And if you’d rather a single-source product, Graza olive oils are never blended.
At a slightly higher price point, KATZ Farm, a producer in California, is a favorite of several cookbook authors.
Great imported oils include Olio Verde from Sicily, Cobram Estate from growing olive oil power Australia, and Gaea Fresh from Greece.
Splurge-worthy picks
Finally, there are times when you really want to splurge — maybe for that beachside vacation where you’ll be eating tons of fresh seafood and bread, or when you’re looking for a special housewarming present that isn’t wine or dish towels.
Oils from Almazaras de la Subbética, an Andalusian producer that’s one of the world’s best regarded olive oil names, are a top choice for occasions like these.
For those who love spicier and more bitter oils, Il Tratturello from Molise, Italy, is a great option, and for housewarming gifts, the beautifully designed Wonder Valley oils from Joshua Tree will impress any host.
Bottom line
Chefs and culinary experts will all have strong views about the best olive oil for any dish, but in your own home kitchen, your opinion is the one that counts!
Don’t be afraid to widen your scope to sample olive oils of various grades and from various parts of the world. You never know when you’ll find a new favorite.
from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3D4IToc
When you think “cheesecake,” there’s a good chance you picture some platonic ideal of a creamy, smooth, ivory dessert.
But there are actually several different types of cheesecake, and while some would be content to lump them into New York cheesecake and everything else, we like to get more detailed. (Would you expect any less?)
This dessert is fantastic in all its forms, for sure, but just saying “cheesecake” doesn’t tell you exactly what you’ll get.
A silky-smooth, rich, cream cheese-based dessert is most likely, but even then, the specifics can vary. What kind of crust will it have, if any? What kind of topping? What makes it a New York cheesecake? And what is Japanese-style cheesecake?
Rest assured, we’ve got answers!
Types of cheesecake
Below, a breakdown of the most common cheesecake types in all their glory.
New York-style cheesecake
Since it’s probably the most popular and beloved kind of cheesecake (at least by name), let’s start with New York cheesecake. In general, New York cheesecake is ultra-dense and rich, firm yet creamy, and relies on lots of cream cheese for tang and texture, bolstered by heavy cream, eggs, and sugar.
Some New York cheesecakes use sour cream instead of heavy cream, either incorporated into the filling or added in a distinct (lightly sweetened) layer on top. Recipes with sour cream incorporated into the filling tend to freeze and thaw better than those with heavy cream.
Purists shun any added flavorings, but you’ll often find New York cheesecakes topped with strawberries or other fruit.
As for where the delicious NYC classic came from, Eastern European Jewish immigrants brought the dessert to America. That’s why it’s sometimes also known as Jewish cheesecake, and is often found in Jewish bakeries and delis.
“Regular” cheesecake
Lots of cheesecakes that purport to be “New York-style” are actually not.
They’re lighter, fluffier, shorter, sweeter, and often flavored with all manner of different ingredients (like chocolate to fruit), not to mention topped with sauces, candies, and other garnishes. Think The Cheesecake Factory and you get the idea.
There’s nothing wrong with these cakes (in fact, they’re delicious!) and they do have a lot in common with New York-style. For instance, they’re both baked in spring-form pans, usually in a water bath.
This method yields puffier, more deeply browned edges and involves starting in a 500°F oven before dropping the temperature dramatically. Because there’s no steam from a water bath and because not all ovens hold heat as long or as evenly as others, you might get cracks and fissures if you go this route.
Both styles most often have a graham cracker or cookie crumb crust, although sometimes there’s a thin sponge cake base instead. But if you call any old cheesecake “New York” cheesecake, you’re playing fast and loose with culinary definitions, and potentially with hearts (and stomachs) too.
No-bake cheesecake
As the name implies, this kind of cheesecake doesn’t require any cooking, just mixing and chilling. It’s perfect for summer days when you’re really not feeling the leave-your-oven-on-for-an-hour process of regular cheesecake.
No-bake cheesecake is much more homogenous in texture and is utterly smooth — as long as you allow your cream cheese to fully soften and properly blend it with the other ingredients. Always take the time for these steps, unless you want tiny little cheese lumps in your filling.
By contrast, baked cheesecakes tend to be creamier toward their centers and bottoms with firmer tops, and a drier, slightly puffy, almost grainy texture around the edges.
Another defining feature of no-bake cheesecakes (for obvious reasons) is the lack of eggs.
Their cream cheese filling is often stabilized with gelatin, but there are also versions that use condensed milk instead, or even whipped cream or sour cream, for a far softer and more delicate result. These don’t hold up at room temperature as long as baked cheesecakes, which is good to know if you plan to travel with one.
Ricotta (and other non-cream cheese) cheesecake
“Cheese” is right there in the name — so it’s not surprising there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to which cheese to use in your cake.
Mascarpone in cheesecakes yields a result similar to cream cheese, but the more distinct Italian take uses ricotta (as did ancient Roman recipes for cheesecake, which also included honey and, often, bay leaves). Ricotta cheesecakes are drier and a bit less creamy, even a little granular.
When it comes to ricotta, there’s no mass-produced analogue to the bricks of Philadelphia cream cheese that are so ideal for “regular” (and New York-style) cheesecakes.
If you use fresh ricotta, the taste and texture of the dessert will be far better than if you use any store-bought brand. Luckily, making homemade ricotta is relatively easy, and you only need to plan a day ahead.
There are numerous other variations on cheesecake that use similar soft, farmer’s style cheese like German quark and even cottage cheese. Portuguese queijadas are individual cupcake-sized tarts with deeply caramelized tops and a filling made of requeijão, a runny ricotta-type cheese.
Japanese “cotton” cheesecake
Japanese cheesecake isn’t called “cotton” for nothing.
It’s incredibly light and airy, like an edible cloud, thanks to lofty whipped egg whites folded into the batter. It has no crust, letting its eggy essence take center stage.
Sometimes known as soufflé cheesecake, “angel food cheesecake” would also be an accurate moniker.
Interestingly, Japanese cheesecake shares some properties with German cheesecake, which also uses whipped egg whites in the batter. It’s much fluffier though, and tastes more like American cheesecake, since it uses our favorite cream cheese.
Vegan cheesecake
Vegans and other non-dairy folks can still enjoy a delicious cheesecake-esque dessert as well, usually made from softened, soaked cashews blended with coconut milk.
Sometimes these so-called cheesecakes are made with silken tofu instead, or with store-bought vegan cream cheese substitutes. The addition of citrus can help evoke the tang of regular cheesecakes, but this style also takes well to other flavors, and various styles of crust.
Savory cheesecake
If you want to throw your guests a curveball, try serving a savory cheesecake!
It makes a lovely first course during a sit-down dinner or a great addition to a buffet or appetizer-style party spread (sort of a more refined version of the beloved cheese ball). It works at brunch, too. Our recipe is made in an Instant Pot, but you can bake savory cheesecakes in your oven as well.
Other ways to use cheesecake
Now that we’ve covered overarching styles of cheesecake, let’s look at a few other ways cheesecakes can be changed up.
Cheesecake crust
Most cheesecakes do have a crust, most often an easy press-in mixture of ground graham cracker or cookie crumbs (like Nilla Wafers or Oreos).
New York style cheesecakes sometimes have a more distinct shortbread-esque crust, and Junior’s (possibly the most famous cheesecake joint in NYC) is known for their sponge cake crust. They even offer a brilliant brownie crust!
Really, though, a crust can be made of almost anything, from crushed biscotti to finely ground nuts, with a bit of butter or other fat to hold it together during a brief pre-bake. Or you can skip it entirely.
Cheesecake toppings
Should cheesecake have toppings? That’s a matter of some debate.
If it’s New York style, then maybe a layer of sweetened sour cream or red fruit (like strawberry, cherry, or raspberry preserves), but if you’re a non-traditionalist, then just as with the crust, you can go pretty crazy with what’s on top.
Try any kind of fresh fruit or fruit preserves, caramel or chocolate sauces or syrups, whipped cream, chopped candy bars, or even canned pie filling… all have found their place atop many a cheesecake. They’re also handy for disguising cracks!
Cheesecake flavors
Unless you want to start a fight, don’t call any flavored cheesecake New York-style. Those should taste mostly of the main ingredient (cream cheese). But once you start dabbling in other styles of cheesecake, you can go wild with mix-ins like fruit, chocolate chips, canned pumpkin, spices, liqueurs, and flavored extracts.
Cheesecake recipes
We wouldn’t leave you hanging without some starter recipes! Try any of these dreamy cheesecakes for your next dessert adventure.
Cheesecake recipes to take you to creamy dessert heaven
Hi hi! Happy Halloweekend! How are you? I hope that your week is going well and that you have a fun and festive weekend ahead. We have Trunk or Treat and a Halloween party at a friend’s house. I’m definitely looking forward to it!
Some adventures from the week:
Double birthday celebrations! It was the Pilot’s bday on Monday and P’s bday was Wednesday. We had family dinners, and P’s bday party with her friends from school is later today.
The kids’ bdays always hit me a little hard emotionally, and for some reason, 7 feels like such a big kid age.
A trip to the pumpkin patch. It’s a fun yearly tradition and we love riding some rides (like the Cornado), petting all of the animals, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party! This is where I share some fave finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.
Friday Faves
Fashion + beauty:
Some recent purchases! I got these loafers on sale at Nordstrom and said I’d report back. The quality is incredible – they definitely look more expensive than they were – and did not require any break-in time. No blisters, nada. I think they’re so cute with jeans and dresses!
I also ordered this sweater dress. I think they’re so cute in the fall with boots and very flattering. This one has nice thick fabric – not see-through or flimsy at all- and they have a ton of colors.
New tarte palette. I dropped my favorite everyday palette – eyeshadow and bronzer dusted my entire bathroom floor- and ordered this one as a replacement. It worked in my favor because I got SO many new colors and it’s an awesome mix of everyday and glitzy shades. I have very sensitive eyes and tarte is one of the few brands that doesn’t irritate them. Thank goodness for holiday sets because this palette set was a STEAL for how many shades are included.
HigherDOSE serum! They released a serum a few months ago as the perfect companion to the red light mask. I love using the two together and notice that my skin feels so smooth and bright afterwards. You can use FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off HigherDOSE here.
Read, watch, listen:
New Ina cookbook is heeeeeere! The reviews are less than stellar, but I always have high hopes for the queen. Excited to add some of these recipes into our meal plan for next week.
Where the Crawdads Sing (the movie). I read the book years ago and remember blasting through it (and being totally shocked at the ending!). One night, the Pilot took Liv out on an adventure with friends and I was home with P. She went to bed early, so I decided to treat myself and watch a movie. The movie adaptation of the book was SO well-done. Highly recommend if you loved the book!
New Fit Team workouts for November are out! If you’d like to join us this month, the link is here. We’re doing Nourish November, and focusing on nutrient-dense and vibrant eats to complement our workout routines. Fit Team helps you build muscle and burn fat, while taking the guesswork out of your fitness plan. Join us here!
Costco is at once a wonderland and a dizzying maze of obstacles (Read: other shoppers with giant, overflowing carts all getting in each other’s way).
My household only signed up for membership in the cult store once we’d purchased an actual house with room to hoard things, and now we go primarily for dog food, army-supply amounts of toilet paper and paper towels, monster packs of string cheese, and oversize jars of fantastic (and fantastically priced) almond butter.
One item we usually skirt, though, is the steak. The quantities are just so big. And we don’t eat a ton of meat in general, so it doesn’t seem to make sense.
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy steaks at Costco. The three most important are probably cost, quality, and the sheer amount of meat. But there’s also the matter of what’s in stock at your nearest Costco, whether your purchasing habits make a membership worth it, and even considerations of animal welfare.
So let’s try to break it down.
Is steak cheaper at Costco than elsewhere?
A basic Costco membership is $60 per year, which isn’t too bad as long as you shop there enough to make it count. But of course, it all depends on what exactly you’re interested in buying, and how much of it you can realistically consume.
Even Costco employees admit some things aren’t worth buying at the store. Happily, steak is not on that list — well, not by name. (Employees do mention that perishable items aren’t always the best choices.)
As to the cost of the steaks themselves, in general, Costco meat prices will be cheaper per pound than at specialty butcher shops and many higher-end grocery stores like Whole Foods, but potentially on par with or even more expensive per pound than what you’d pay at, say, Safeway or Wal-mart (especially when those stores are running sales).
For price comparison, start by looking at the per-ounce cost. Then, to determine if you’re really getting the best deal, pay attention to the quality of the meat, not just the price/weight ratio.
Certain cuts, like filet mignon, will always be more expensive than others, no matter where you buy them. But other indicators will tell you about the quality of any meat.
Look for beef that’s a bright red color, firm to the touch, and smoothly cut. Good-quality meat won’t have any unpleasant odor, and its packaging will be uniform without any tears.
Prime vs. choice cuts
Another consideration when deciding which meat makes the cut: its USDA certification (aka Prime, Choice, or Select). These grades, listed in descending order, indicate a meat’s quality.
Prime beef basically has the highest amount of marbling (i.e. intramuscular fat evenly distributed throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy) and is younger.
USDA Prime certification is awarded to a relatively small fraction of all U.S. raised beef. For years, the standard number cited was 2%, but according to Serious Eats, the Prime label is now given to more like 3-3.5% of all U.S. beef.
This means Prime meat is easier to find in stores these days (Costco included), although it’s still more expensive wherever it’s sold.
USDA Choice is the next step down and is thus more affordable (but is still great quality beef). Some folks actually consider it the better option, because while it may not be quite as tender, there’s a bigger, beefier taste, and a lighter hit to your wallet.
Which specific cuts you find in your local Costco will vary. Some shoppers suggest you’re more likely to see extra-impressive cuts on weekends when the store is busier, but you’re pretty likely to always spot old favorites like rib-eye and sirloin, two steaks that happen to be great for grilling.
Blade-tenderized meats at Costco
One reason you might not want to get your meats at Costco: Most of their steaks (at least, the ones sold under the Kirkland Signature label) are blade-tenderized.
This process, also known as needling, involves mechanically puncturing meats to make them more tender. Whether that’s really necessary on Choice and Prime beef is up for debate, but the fact is, Costco does it.
This has the potential to drive surface bacteria deeper into the meat, so to be safe, you should cook these steaks to the recommended internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you like your steak rare, you can take the risk of chancing it, but food safety standards strongly advise against it.
If you buy a whole roast or loin to carve into steaks yourself (and handle them properly, of course), this won’t be a concern.
Animal welfare considerations
When it comes to meat at Costco, there’s generally not a ton of clarity about its exact origins. Plus, Costco’s policies regarding animal welfare don’t offer many details about beef in particular.
They do say that they “subscribe to and support the Five Freedoms of Animal Well-Being,” and that they require “animal welfare audits at slaughter in accordance with the American Meat Institute Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines,” with all auditors being PACCO certified.
If considerations of animal welfare drive your meat purchases, you may want to seek another purveyor with more transparent policies. In contrast, Whole Foods, for just one example, provides more specific information about their beef sources and standards.
Making the most of bulk meat
If you buy steak at Costco, one thing’s for sure: You’re going home with a lot of meat.
For everyday cooking (as in, when you’re not feeding a small army), it helps to buy whole roasts or loins and carve them into steaks yourself. You can always freeze extra pieces individually to pull them out whenever you’re ready to cook. This extra step can make bulk purchasing more worthwhile.
There’s also the option to cook your meat en masse and distribute it throughout the week into tacos, casseroles, stir fries, and other meals. (You can freeze cooked meat too!)
Only problem is, what if freezing ruins the quality of the meat, thus making the savings worthless?
According to some sources, freezing meat can actually make it more tender, but that’s apparently only true for certain cuts (like strip loin).
Freezing steaks (and any other meat) will definitely negatively impact the flavor and texture if you don’t wrap it well, and/or if you keep it stashed in the freezer for too long. Vacuum sealing your meat is the ideal option if you need to freeze it.
If you don’t have the set-up for that, try this tip: Set the raw steaks on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper, place the tray in the freezer for a couple hours until the steaks are fully frozen, then tightly wrap each one in plastic. Finally, place the securely wrapped steaks in a firmly-sealed plastic bag with all the air pressed out.
It’s a little more work than chucking them right in a zip-top bag, but it’ll help prevent freezer burn and protect your investment (and make you happier when it’s time to eat).
When you’re ready to cook some, you have to make the choice between properly thawing the steak, or simply cooking it straight from frozen, but that’s a matter for another day.
So, should you buy your steaks at Costco?
The answer is that famous cop-out that also happens to be true: Only you can decide!
If money is no object (and you live in an area where it’s feasible), getting your steaks and other meat from a trusted, skilled, local butcher is probably always the best bet.
But if you want high quality at a lower price per pound, aren’t worried about dealing with excessive quantities, obscure origins, or blade tenderizing, and you can get in to shop at a Costco, then make haste to their meat department.
from Greatist Health RSS Feed https://bit.ly/3DBDkjN
Sometimes walking down the skin care aisle feels like visiting Times Square. It’s the ads! Everywhere! Promising you entry to the world of *insert new trend here* skin!
But even if you buy every celebrity face care product or follow your favorite influencer’s “Get Ready with Me” video, replicating routines never, if rarely, give results for flawless skin. So, what gives?
Here’s what you need to know about building your own personal skin care routine — plus a few product recs to get you started.
Marc Tran/Stocksy
Before you get started
Crafting your skin care routine is pretty much a fine art. Before you start priming your canvas, you need to know what kind of material you’re working with – aka your skin type. Here’s the deal.
Determine your skin type
But how are you supposed to know whether you’re oily or dry, combination, or normal?
Try the bare-faced test
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and resist the urge to apply moisturizer. Wait 30 mins and assess the sitch.
Normal. If you don’t have any redness, dry patches, or oil, you prob have normal skin.
Dry. If your skin feels flaky, dry, or tight, you have dry skin.
Oily. If your face feels greasy or oily, you guessed it: Oily.
Combo. If your T-zone looks shiny but the rest of your face is dry, you have combo skin.
Sensitive. If your skin is straight-up itchy, red, or irritated, you prob have sensitive skin.
Use a blotting sheet
Apply a blotting sheet to your face and see what happens.
Normal. If it just picks up a tiny bit of oil, you prob have normal skin.
Dry. If there’s next-to-none, you’re prob dry.
Oily. If there’s a whole lotta oil, you’re oily.
Combo. If it picks up some from your T-zone but not a lot from the rest of your face, you’re probably combo.
Sensitive.
Psst. This test doesn’t really help identify sensitive skin, but if your dermis tends to flare up with products that aren’t gentle, you’re prob squarely in that category. When in doubt, talk with a derm.
Set your skin care goals
Goal setting isn’t just for the gym — it’s also a good idea when it comes to your skin care routine. Here are some potential ways to go for gold:
Reducing hyperpigmentation/brightening. If you want to kiss redness or dark spots goodbye, you might want a routine geared toward reducing hyperpigmentation. Ingredients like vitamin C and kojic acid will do the trick.
Anti-aging. There’s nothing wrong with aging (it’s also obvi unavoidable!), but some people wanna prevent premature (aka preventable) signs of it. If that sounds like you, you can look for products like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides, which are specifically geared toward replenishing and preserving skin.
Clearing acne. If you want your zits to be a distant memory, you prob need the likes of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in your routine. This can vary a lot based on acne type and severity, but it’s a good place to start.
Regardless of your goal, defining it can help you narrow down products that align with your needs. It sounds simple, and it is — but it works!
Remember: Be patient!
Dermatologist Dr. Elaine Kung tells us that it typically, “takes 3 months to notice a difference in a skin care product or routine.”
Kung notes that the average skin cell cycle for adults — aka the time it takes for a lil skin cell to form in the dermis and make its way to the surface and shed — is about 28 days.
“Even pharmaceutical companies use 16 weeks as an early benchmark when they do clinical studies on a [skin care product],” she explains. So buckle up after you lather up — the average consumer should expect to wait a minute (or months).
“Be patient with your skin before giving up,” Kung advises. “It may take a few cell cycles for [your products] to improve any skin conditions.”
And pro tip: If you’ve ever felt confused by what stopped working (or why you’re breaking out when nothing changed), an “old” product could be the culprit. This is why you should introduce new products one at a time. “You risk having a reaction and not knowing what caused it,” says Dr. Angelo Landriscina, a dermatologist in Brooklyn, New York.
Pricing guide
Psst: Based on dermatologist input, popular reviews, and editor’s picks, we’ve also included product recommendations for each step of the routine.
$ = under $10
$$ = $10–30
$$$ = over $30
Build your skin care routine
Building your skin care routine isn’t rocket science — or at least, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to craft your routine for every level and need, ranging from lazy baby to aspiring skin care chemist.
An easy AF foundational skin routine
For beginners out there who don’t want to spend a lot of money or who don’t want to overwhelm their skin, this one’s for you. “All you need for your face is a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen; that’s really it. Everything else might be helpful, but it isn’t essential,” says Landriscina.
Stick to this 5-minute or less routine to keep your skin healthy and happy.
sun protection (Landriscina says that this is the most important step in a routine “without a doubt. Without it, everything else you’re doing is in vain.”)
hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, skin cancer prevention — just about everything skin health
First in order: Cleanse your face
Studio Firma/Stocksy
After (or even right next to) sunscreen, most skin professionals agree that cleansing to remove debris, unnecessary oils, and dead skin cells is crucial to your routine. But you probably don’t have to go as hard as you think.
Dermatologists like Kung recommend washing gently twice a day with your fingers, for about 60 seconds. Stick to lukewarm water and keep those physical exfoliators away (for now).
Although some swear by cleansing just 1x a day, “I [always] recommend washing your face twice a day,” Kung says. “There are many reasons to wash our faces in the morning so we start off with a clean slate. We may want to remove the skin care products that we applied at night. Dust can land on our faces. We can sweat at night. Our skin can produce oils.”
Kung recommends using a gentle cleanser in the morning and a more intensive one at night. But if you’re using leave-on products with AHA, BHA, or retinol, you should also go for a gentle nighttime one to avoid irritation.
Oily or acne-prone skin types can especially benefit from using a water-based cleanser to prevent excess oil buildup. Everyone else may want to opt for an oil-based cleanser — particularly those with dry skin.
Let’s get into cleanser recommendations by skin type
Oily. CeraVe is beloved by dermatologists far and wide for a reason, and itsFoaming Facial Cleanser($$) is no exception. It cleanses and removes excess oil, but also features ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to protect, soothe, and hydrate.
Dry. Oil and cream cleansers are the way to go for dry skin. Another CeraVe fave — the Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($$) is a creamy formula with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep things hydrated.
Combination. It’s all about balance when it comes to combo skin. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser ($$) cleanses without stripping the skin of its protective oils and balances the skin with ceramides and niacinamide.
Before you work harder than you have to: According to the pros, most of the time, double cleansing isn’t necessary. “Many people come into my office with overly complicated skin care — double cleanse, toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer,” Kung says. She advises just keeping it simple, instead.
Double cleansing had its start in Korea and, like much of Korea’s innovative beauty practices, has spread around the world. The idea is to start with an oil or balm cleanser to break down oils, makeup, and sunscreen, and then move on to a water-based cleanser that targets the pores.
It’s best for makeup wearers or for people who feel like an oil slick at the end of the day and for whom one cleanser isn’t cutting it. Otherwise, you’ll want to stick to a single cleanse on a normal day.
A second boost: Should you bother with toning?
Anna Blazhuk/Getty Images
If you feel like you haven’t been hearing much about toners since 1999, you’re not alone. Kung breaks the news to us bluntly: “Toners are not necessary for good skin anymore.”
“Toners were created because well-water and soaps were alkaline,” she explains. However, let’s be real: “Most people reading this article will not be washing with well water anymore.”
Plus, “skin care science has improved so much that cleansers are made to be gentle and pH balanced for our skin,” making that bottle of toner pretty much superfluous.
She explains that contemporary toners either have a low concentration of AHA or BHA for those who want a little extra exfoliation, or a low-concentration of moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid – aka the same ingredients that are already in a zillion other (often more effective) products.
“So, this toner step is often something I ask my patients to swap out for another product that may have an active ingredient that may be more helpful for their concerns or a prescription strength cream.” Think: a serum, medicated cleanser, or prescription acne treatment may be a better bet.
While a serum is not a necessary part of a skin care routine, they are beloved by dermatologists and estheticians alike for their concentrated ability to target specific issues. Skin plumping, brightening, hydrating, acne-fighting, wrinkles and fine lines — serums can target whatever you need.
Here are a few ingredients you can look out for in your serums when you shop
Hyaluronic acid. Quench dehydrated skin with a little help from HA. Landriscina is a fan of NIOD’s Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic complex ($$$) because “it has 15 different weights of hyaluronic acid which work at different levels of the skin in order to maximize hydration. I slap this on whenever I want to look like a plump, dewy angel.”
Vitamin C and antioxidant serums.Dr. Jing Liu, a board certified dermatologist, recommends a daily vitamin C serum for all. Landriscina is loving Naturium’s Vitamin C Complex Serum ($$), “[non-irritating and] great for anyone concerned with hyperpigmentation or other signs of aging.” Kung notes that many sunscreens contain vitamin C since it’s “an antioxidant that helps us fend off skin damage from UV rays.” So, she suggests using a sunscreen brand with vitamin C on the label (which will be listed as “ascorbyl ______”). Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+ is a good pick.
Niacinamide. Niacinamide is an ingredient that can just about do it all — it can soothe acne and rosacea, reduce pore size, smooth wrinkles, and much more. Liu recommends The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum ($) for all skin types.
Retinoids. Those who are concerned about acne and aging skin alike should look to retinoids. They can be a bit harsh, so try easing your way in with this affordable serum from The Ordinary ($).
Peptides. It’s more than marketing — science shows that peptides really can plump your skin. Kung notes that Matrixyl®, which are extracellular matrix-derived peptides, are among the most commonly found in products today. According to 2016 research, “Matrixyl® can almost double the amount of collagen that cells can produce, provided the concentration is high enough.” Kung says her favorite forms can be found listed on the label as palmitoyl-tetrapeptide-7 or palmitoyl oligopeptide, which is basically Matrixyl sans the branding. Kung recommends Sente BioComplete Serum, Revision Revox Line Relaxer, and DRMTLGY Needle-Less serum in particular.
What to peep when it comes to eye creams
If your under eyes are a major area of concern — maybe you have hyperpigmentation, puffiness, or thinner skin there than you’d like — an eye cream may be for you.
But before you drain your savings by coating your under eyes in La Mer, do you really need an eye cream?
According to Landriscina, “Absolutely not. Typically, eye creams have a HUGE markup and there’s nothing that necessarily sets them apart from regular moisturizers. However, if you have different skin care goals for your eye area than the rest of your face, they might be useful.”
So, let’s say your under eyes have some fine lines you want to tackle, but you’re not looking to address that elsewhere Then you might actually save money by only applying a more intensive replenishing cream to the under eye area.
For Liu, they aren’t necessary either, but she does note: “They are formulated and tested for the skin area which is more sensitive. Expectation: Moisturizing may help with fine lines and puffiness, [but] will not improve dark circles.”
Basically, you might want to manage your expectations and assess your goals and sensitivities before splurging.
Finding an eye cream to meet your needs
Effective ingredients for this delicate area include:
Hyaluronic acid. Dryness tends to make fine lines and puffiness more visible — hyaluronic acid can help combat that thanks to its hydrating properties. Thankfully, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Eye Cream ($$) with hyaluronic acid has even your puffiest days covered.
Peptides. These short-chain amino acids also aid in hydration while stimulating collagen and elastin production. This can help create a brighter, smoother under-eye. For perkier under-eyes, you might wanna pick One Ocean Eye Revival Marine Cream ($$$).
Niacinamide.Niacinamide is great for reducing hyperpigmentation, including in the under-eye area. If you’d like a little niacinamide in your life for dark under-eyes, the affordable CeraVe Eye Repair Cream ($) will come to the rescue. It also has ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
Caffeine. Caffeine helps boost circulation and constrict blood vessels in the skin, which can temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. But TBH, it’s not a permanent cure. The Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream ($$$), while spendy, is a cult fave for wide-awake eyes.
Vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants reduce inflammation, aid in collagen production, and brighten skin. Try the MyCHELLE Perfect C Eye Cream ($$$) for your daily dose of Vitamin C, and you just might trick people into thinking you’re well-rested.
Retinol or retinoids. Retinol boosts collagen production and cell turnover and can also aid in elasticity under the eyes. Since retinol can be pretty harsh, you’ll def want to use a cream specially formulated for the delicate under-eye area. The Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream ($$$) is a solid pick.
Should you be extra and add exfoliants?
Extra exfoliation isn’t necessary for your skin care routine, but it can be super beneficial. Basically, it means removing the outer layer of your skin — either through chemicals or physical agents — to reveal the fresher layer underneath.
Since exfoliating can be pretty harsh on the skin, many sensitive skin types may want to skip it. Those with oily skin, however, may especially benefit from the gritty cleaning and pore-clearing action an exfoliant can offer.
It isn’t usually an everyday thing — think once or twice a week after cleansing. (Unless you’re using a cleanser + exfoliant combo.) If your skin gets dry or irritated, though, stop right there! 🛑
Finding the best exfoliant for you
Here’s the deal.
Chemical peels. If you want to get rid of acne, scars, or dark spots, a chemical peel (either at home or at the derm or aesthetician’s office) might help. These days, there are tons of options that address a range of skin concerns. If you want to DIY, the Murad Resurgence Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel ($$$) (with both salicylic and glycolic acid) is a perfect pick.
Physical exfoliants. Some people also like to add a good old-fashioned physical exfoliant to their routine. Facial scrubs with abrasive ingredients like salt, sugar, etc. are a great way to lift away dead skin with help from a little friction. This can help brighten and smooth the skin *and* help your serums absorb better. If you’re ready to slough off dead skin, the ACURE Brightening Facial Scrub ($) is a solid bet. Just keep in mind that physical exfoliants aren’t usually ideal for sensitive skin.
Combo exfoliants. There are also combination exfoliants, which have both chemical and physical exfoliants in one convenient package. These are ideal for oily skin. Other skin types become stripped or irritated from all that exfoliation action. If you want an exfoliant-cleanser with both physical and chemical agents, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($$$) is for you.
Always moisturize
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Take it from Kung, moisturizers are essential — even if the name might make our oily-skinned friends think otherwise. “Moisturizer is a misnomer to me because it gives the connotation that if my skin isn’t dry then I don’t need to use it … [but] even people who do not have dry skin can benefit from a product that helps prevent transepidermal water loss.”
Plus, they protect our skin from wear-and-tear by mimicking our natural skin barrier, she says. “I tell my patients to think of their moisturizer as a liquid Band-Aid which shields their skin from irritants.”
Liu agrees. “Anytime our skin gets wet, we should be moisturizing, otherwise it will lead to dry skin and hand dermatitis.”
Climate and season may also affect your moisturizing routine, too. For those with dry skin or who live in dry environments, Kung sometimes recommends using a heavier moisturizer with an occlusive (like petrolatum). “However, heavy moisturizers are not universally appropriate for everyone. People with oily or acne-prone skin don’t necessarily need moisturizers that are occlusive.”
Here’s a moisturizer breakdown by skin type
Dry.Dry-skinned angels will want to look to thicker creams with hyaluronic acid to relieve tight skin. CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream ($$) also has ceramides to keep skin happy and hydrated all day.
Oily. While it’s still crucial to moisturize oily skin, you may prefer to stick to lighter formulations to avoid feeling weighed down. This lightweight formulation from La Roche-Posay ($$$) should do just the trick — it’s moisturizing but contains silica for a matte look.
Sensitive. This skin type requires gentle hands and gentle ingredients, so we recommend simple, fragrance-free formulations with calming ingredients. Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer ($$) is formulated specifically for sensitive skin and features oat and feverfew to soothe and repair.
Normal. Holy hydration Batman! You can keep it simple with products like the affordable, vegan, and cruelty-free e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream ($$) formulation. This offers hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump and keep the skin moist.
Combination. It can be a Goldilocks act for combo skin to find a moisturizer for dry patches while keeping oily areas feeling light. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream ($$) is a water-based cream that packs in hydration without feeling heavy.
What about face oils and night creams?
If you have super dry or mature skin, face oils or night creams might lend the extra hydration you need.
But Kung notes that in many cases, buying a separate face oil may not be necessary. Because “if you flip to the back of your skin care product labels, chances are that jojoba, sunflower, safflower, macadamia nut, avocado, or coconut oil are already there!”
“Cosmetic science is very complicated and international skin care brands have done years of research and development into their products to offer you something good to use,” she adds. “For example, Cetaphil has avocado oil, and La Roche Posay Lipikar has rapeseed oil.”
Also, PS: night creams are a PM step for a reason. Some night creams might have ingredients which could make the skin more sensitive to sun damage when applied during the day (like retinol).
Check the product’s instructions and warnings before use and if you see these kinds of warnings, stick to nighttime use. Be doubly sure not to skip out on your sunscreen the next day.
Sunscreen pulls its weight as the superhero
Issaro Prakalung/EyeEm/Getty Images
Every expert we spoke to stressed how crucial daily sunscreen use is. Indoors or outdoors, rain or shine, winter or summer, skipping sunscreen is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make, says Landriscina. “Without proper sun protection, everything else [from your routine] will be useless,” he stresses.
After you moisturize, make sure you’re applying an adequate amount to protect your whole body. A shot glass’ worth should the job on average, or 2 to 3 tablespoons on the body and 1 to 2 for the face and neck.
Be sure to reapply after 8 hours or earlier if anything happens that could remove the sunscreen, like sweating, swimming, or friction.
To shop for sunscreen, check out our article on best sunscreen by skin type here. Here’s a preview of our selects:
Category
Recommendation
oily skin
Zinc has soothing properties that can help to control oil and soothe inflammatory acne, so oily skin types might enjoy this gentle zinc-oxide-based mineral formula from Elta MDUVClearSPF46 ($$$) for protection.
Thinksport’s Safe Sunscreen ($) is the full package. It’s affordable, free of biologically harmful chemicals, reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and even gluten-free. Now that’s a sunscreen.
dark skin
Long have the melanin-blessed labored to find a sunscreen that would not leave us grey or ghostly. Enter Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($$), no white cast product that also features carrot seed oil, cocoa-seed butter, and avocado oil for a smooth glow.
Want to be extra, extra? Here’s what additional steps are worth the splurge
Of course, there’s more fun for the true enthusiasts. We’re talking exciting add-ons and tools that level you right up in ways celebrities and influencers don’t always talk about.
Keep in mind, that these are not required by any means, and the prices are often a little eye-widening. But if you’re yearning for more, we’ve got you covered.
Clay masks
A tool for oily and acne-prone skin, clay masks work by absorbing excess oil. To avoid dehydrating your skin, limit use this 2 to 3 times a week, before moisturizing.
LED lights
LED light therapy is proven to have a host of benefits for the skin with continued use, from tackling wrinkles to inflammation. Those with sensitive skin and lots of patience might be curious to try this out at home.
While you shouldn’t be able to feel this treatment, some have reported teeth sensitivities. If that’s you, you may want to avoid the mouth area and use it for the glamorous forehead results.
Sheet masks
Depending on your skin concerns, sheet masks can be a soothing, clarifying, or hydrating part of your routine.
Heads up, though. Kung notes that while those ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe can be soothing for skin, added fragrances might irritate sensitive skin. Others contain ingredients that help clear pores or diminish oil in skin, but may also cause a reaction if kept on too long.
So, basically, go for it as an occasional pick-me-up. But take a look at the ingredient list to ensure it’s truly serving your needs.
Microneedling
Microneedling works by slightly damaging the skin to prompt it to produce collagen to heal itself, which can help with acne scarring, wrinkling, and large pores.
Aesthetician appointments
Outside of seeing a dermatologist, the best thing you can do for your skin is to book regular appointments with a licensed esthetician. Licensed estheticians are certified professionals with a depth of knowledge and expertise that the layperson lacks.
They’re able to do procedures for the skin that we can’t do at home, like laser treatments, facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, just to name a few. Both professionals can also evaluate your skin, routine, and products to make sure you’re treating your skin right.
What about DIY skin care recommendations?
As you might have read in some IG comments, why bother to spend money on skin care when there’s a plethora of tutorials for DIY skin care at home? Well, Liu and Landriscina both strongly warn against it.
“Unfortunately there’s a scourge of people online singing the praises of putting different foods on your skin,” says Landriscina. “These will likely do nothing [but], at most, you can have severe reactions.”
“A common example is lemons,” he says. “People tout this as a cure for everything from acne to hyperpigmentation. However, citrus fruits harbor chemicals called furocoumarins that can cause a phototoxic reaction called phytophotodermatitis if the skin is exposed to the sun. I always advise using only substances designed for skin in your skin care routine,” he says.
At the end of the day, no matter what you choose to do with it, please remember that whatever state your skin is in is beautiful. The stigma around acne is proven to diminish the quality of life of those who have it.
So as you practice patience for yourself, remember to also work on your inner beauty as well. Managing stress and maximizing happiness is one way of manifesting the clarity and brain space to focus on other things. And by putting skin health over skin aesthetics, the rest will fall into place.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply acne treatments?
Since some acne treatments ingredients including retinol, benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s a pretty good idea to apply at night.
Apply spot treatments or gels as the second-to-last step in your skin care routine, before moisturizing, unless directed otherwise.
Does it matter what products I use in the morning vs. night?
That being said, you’ll still want to load up on SPF either way.
What’s the best order to use skin care products?
Pros generally agree that after cleansing, you should apply formulas from lightest formulas to the heaviest. So that means the general order might look like this:
cleanse
tone
serum
moisturizer
eye cream
SPF
But always check the product label, JIC.
What’s the best skincare routine for your 30s? What about your 40s?
There’s no magical age when your skin changes shape. Over time, cell turnover, collagen growth and hyaluronic acid production slows down, and this *could* happen around the third decade of your life. For this reason, many like to focus on regimens that help boost collagen production and aid in cell turnover in their 40s.
That’s why some people decide to add ingredients like retinol, which boosts cell production, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates, to their routines in their 30s.
As you age, cell turnover continues to slow. So by your 40s, you might want to work your way up to a stronger retinol formulation. Since skin may dry out later in life, amping up the hydration with a heavier moisturizer might also be necessary. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can also boost hydration and thicken and replenish the skin.
The fourth decade of your life might also be time to talk to a derm about more intensive treatments like laser treatments for dark spots – but it’s really up to you.
How long does it take for a product to work?
Kung says it typically takes 3 months to notice a difference in a new skin care product. That’s because the average skin cell cycle for adults is about 28 days, and your skin may need to go through a few cycles before you can see results.
Should I avoid using any products/ingredients together?
A general rule of thumb is to not mix combos of retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, or AHA/BHA acids in one skin care sesh to avoid excess dryness or irritation. So consider using that retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning, for instance.
“Theoretically, you want to avoid skin care ingredients that may alter the pH of your vitamin C serum,” Kung says. “So technically, niacinamide, AHA, BHA, and retinol are not suggested to be used with vitamin C serums.”
“However, many skin care products contain all these ingredients because the cosmetic chemists have worked out the right concentrations of these ingredients to put in a single product. Consumers who are not privy to percentages and concentrations should not mix and match ingredients because they may counteract each other.”
Basically, “leave the mix and match to the cosmetic scientists,” she advises.
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