Getting Gel Manicures? Here's Why You Should Apply Sunscreen First

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.

What is 'Sinners' about?

When twin brothers Smoke and Stack return home for a new beginning, they're initially met with welcome arms. But as daylight turns to dusk and gives way to nightfall, unspeakable horrors expose themselves to the townspeople. Evil not only consumes everything in its path, it also changes Smoke and Stack in ways they could've never prepared for.

It's set in the 1930s South which means we'll get dialect, fashion, music, and more themes from that time period.

Who's Hailee Steinfeld starring as?

Hailee Steinfeld will be starring as Mary, the love interest of Stack. Since not much is known about her outside of that, we're assuming their romance is forbidden. What we do know is Hailee's a fan of her character and the overall themes of Sinners.

According to PEOPLE, the actress shared more of her thoughts in her newsletter Beau Society March 28. She wrote, "...This role is far removed from what I've done, but that's part of what drew me to it! I feel like I'm stepping into my own more and more as I get older, and this role mirrors that."

She also shared that it didn't take much for her to be a part of Sinners. "The minute I heard Ryan Coogler, I was in. Then I read his script and was like, 'Holy s---, this feels like a massive undertaking.' The story is so complex and layered," calling herself "fortunate and honored to even be remotely considered." So, how does Hailee Steinfeld feel about Sinners as a whole?

She says it's "thrilling and sexy and daring and dangerous — with bold representations."

Who else is starring in 'Sinners?'

Besides Hailee Steinfeld, Sinners has a robust cast that'll make the storyline even more rousing. In no particular order, viewers will see:

• Michael B. Jordan as Smoke/Stack
• Jack O'Connell as Remmick
• Omar Benson Miller as Cornbread
• Li Jun Li as Grace
• Jayme Lawson as Pearline
• Wunmi Mosaku as Annie
• Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim
• Lola Kirke as Joan
• Miles Caton as Sammy

When can I watch 'Sinners?'

The Sinners movie debuts April 18, 2025, so start planning your trip to your local theater ASAP!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'Sinners'

Trigger warning: There's a few jump scares in the Sinners movie trailer that feature bloody moments.

We think the tagline for the film says it best: "You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home," (via Warner Bros. Pictures).