The Best Lotions and Oils For Seriously Dehydrated Skin

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

1. Cleanse

The first step in any good skincare routine is cleansing. In the morning, opt for a lightweight cleanser that's gentle and water-based to freshen up your skin. This option from CeraVe is great for most "normal" skin types. Or, at night, you can use an oil cleanser to help remove makeup and sunscreen from throughout your day.

2. Exfoliate

Once you're finished cleansing, you'll want to exfoliate, which is key to maintaining radiant skin. By getting rid of dead skin cells, exfoliating regularly will speed up skin turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, keep your pores clear, and enhance the absorption of your anti-aging skincare products.

You can choose between chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic or lactic acid serums, which contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or physical exfoliators, which use gentle abrasives like sugar or coffee to buff away dead skin. We like the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub for Sensitive Skin!

Peels and wash-off masks — like this option from LOOPS — also fall into this category and should always be applied to clean skin. This is particularly important for chemical peels since they require a specific pH level to properly exfoliate, meaning layering them on top of other products may reduce their effectiveness.

To cash in on the benefits of exfoliation without going overboard, do this step two to three times a week, either in the morning or at night. Keep in mind that over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier.

3. Apply Serums

Next, move on to applying your serums. These lightweight formulas contain high concentrations of active ingredients designed to combat wrinkles, boost collagen, and increase overall skin health.

For the best anti-aging benefits, we recommend using a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten your complexion. The Olay Super Serum (one of our anti-aging faves!) has Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Collagen Peptide, Vitamin E, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid — covering a ton of bases for you with one product!

Later, at night, use a retinol serum to encourage cell turnover and reduce fine lines. It's important to note that if you're using retinol, sunscreen should always be applied because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.

4. Moisturize

After serum application, you can help lock in hydration and seal the benefits of your previous products by putting on moisturizer. You can search for moisturizers that are formulated with active ingredients like ceramides, collagen, or hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin barrier. The Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is definitely a moisturizer favorite among B+C staff!

During the daytime, opt for a lightweight moisturizer that has SPF to protect against UV damage. And before bed, you can lather on a richer anti-wrinkle cream that has peptides or ceramides to support skin repair.

If you happen to use facial oil, you can always mix a few drops into your moisturizer to create a quicker skincare routine. Otherwise, apply facial oils after you moisturize.

5. Use Eye Creams

Last but not least, eye cream is a critical final step for any good anti-aging skincare routine. The delicate skin around your eyes is typically the first to show signs of aging.

Use a lightweight formula that's hydrating but doesn't feel heavy during the daytime. And just like your evening moisturizer, you can apply a richer eye cream at night. Looking for something to use? The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum is one of our favorite eye creams!

When selecting an eye cream, look for products with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump or retinol to smooth fine lines and increase collagen production. Plus, for an extra boost, wear an eye mask a few times a week to refresh tired eyes.

Page of Cups:

Okay, first up in our cosmic download is the dreamy Page of Cups! This card is all about tapping into your inner confidence and those sweet, sweet feelings. Think of it as your permission slip to chase what your heart desires – as long as you're not stepping on anyone's toes (including your own!), and honestly, who cares what anyone else thinks? The adorable fish in the cup? That's the universe dropping unexpected opportunities right in your lap when you're just being your authentic self and following your joy. Yes, effort and intention are still part of the equation, but aligning with what lights you up can seriously unlock some magical joy, abundance, freedom, and peace vibes. This week, let's make it a mission to pump up that passion and confidence within ourselves so we're living a life that truly feels like us.

The Moon:

The next card is the mystical Moon! This one's all about those shifting phases, telling us that the change we've been craving? It's practically here this week! But heads up, babes, it's gonna require a healthy dose of self-trust and building up that inner confidence to actually create and welcome it. The Moon also shines a light on that little flutter of fear that can pop up with the unknown – totally normal! But the cosmos is reminding us that change is already happening all around, just like the moon's cycles and the Earth's seasons. To really ride this wave, we gotta get cozy with being uncomfortable. Remember that power mantra: "nothing changes if nothing changes"? It's your reminder that you've got the power to shape your own path, and that means embracing the new. The reading also nudges us to get super clear on who we are and what we truly want, because floating around without direction? Not the vibe. Implementing changes, whether they're big leaps or tiny tweaks, that align with our most confident and brave selves – guided by those amazing feelings, that spark of excitement, pure joy, and that inner soul voice? That's the secret sauce for unlocking some serious ease.

The Hanged Man:

Okay, last but definitely not least in our reading is the intriguing Hanged Man! Now, this card is all about that "in-between" space – you know, that transitional period where you might feel a little paused or even stuck, even though things are moving behind the scenes. But don't fret, darling! This card is actually encouraging you to embrace that pause, like a cosmic red light giving you a chance to check your internal GPS before hitting the gas again. Think of it as a moment for contentment, practicing patience, and even a chance to tweak your direction if needed. The Hanged Man is your gentle reminder that big changes take time, so don't stress if you're not seeing instant results. This phase is all about trusting the universe's timing and understanding that you're in a transition, moving from point A to point B. So, even if it feels a little slow, know that momentum is building! Use this time to your advantage – optimize, check in with your soul self, and follow those little breadcrumbs of joy, excitement, and curiosity. You're exactly where you need to be right now!

Watch Your Full Weekly Tarot Reading Here!

Come back next week for another reading! Until next time! ✨