We receive hundreds of skincare questions each week. From acne prevention to winter dryness, from eye cream application to finding the right routine for your 40s. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns, with advice from our founder Sarah Brown.
Acne and Anti-Ageing
Q: What's the best way to deal with acne and prevent ageing?
Finding products that work for acne-prone skin as you get older can be tough. The key is rebalancing your skin, which helps improve breakouts while keeping skin healthy long-term. Focus on maintaining your skin's natural pH and oil balance. This approach tackles both concerns without aggravating either.
Q: I'm 34 with oily, sensitive skin. Most of my adult acne seems to be sensitivity-related. Which facial oil would work best?
I'd recommend our Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. It contains the full spectrum of essential fatty acids to support and rebalance your complexion without being too rich for blemish-prone skin. The key with sensitive, reactive skin is supporting its natural balance rather than stripping it.
Q: I'm interested in trying facial oil but worried it might cause spots. Is it safe for acne-prone skin?
Not all facial oils are suitable for spot-prone skin. Our heavier, more nourishing oils are designed to boost moisture levels in dry skin, which isn't what you need. For clearer skin, many customers see great results with Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. It's lighter and helps regulate oil production rather than adding excess.
Eye Area Care
Q: How can I remove mascara without pulling the delicate eye area?
Use 1-2 pumps of our Light Work Cleansing Oil on a cotton pad for gentle eye makeup removal. Skip the muslin cloth on this delicate area. The oil dissolves mascara without tugging.
Q: Is facial oil suitable around the eyes?
Yes, both our Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil and other facial oils can be used around the eyes. Just use sparingly. A couple of drops is enough for your entire face, including the eye area. For extra hydration, follow with C-2 Believe Eye Cream.
Q: I find eye cream causes little bumps. Is it too rich for me?
Small bumps usually indicate congestion from either overly rich products or dead skin buildup. Try using eye cream just 2-3 times weekly and incorporate gentle exfoliation with our Coralina Marine Cream Cleanser. This should make a big difference.
Q: How exactly should I apply eye cream?
Take one pump, spread it across both ring fingers, then gently pat along the orbital bone to the side and below the eye. For any dry patches around the eye area, massage in a small amount. On the eyelid, use less to avoid overloading this thin skin.
Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Q: Can you recommend a routine for 45-year-old skin that's dry and dehydrated?
Proper cleansing is the foundation. Use a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils. Add an eye cream and facial oil to your evening routine. Lock in moisture during the day with a rich moisturiser. Remember, skincare is more than products. Good sleep, hydration, and stress management all show on your skin.
Q: I love the Rosehip Oil but still get flaky bits, especially in winter with the heating on. What else helps really dry skin?
Rosehip Oil is brilliant but won't counter severe dryness alone. Only creams actually hydrate skin as they contain water. Try our Anthemis Calming Daily Moisturiser in the morning and stick to Rosehip Oil at night.
Check your cleanser too. Flakiness often signals harsh cleansing products. Avoid anything with SLS, cocamidopropyl betaine, or alcohol. These strip your skin's natural oils and disrupt pH balance.
Q: Since giving birth, my skin feels unbearably dry and tight after cleansing. Nothing seems moisturising enough. Help!
As a new mum myself, I understand completely. Pregnancy hormones can really affect skin. Give it time to readjust. For an immediate boost, try using a facial oil twice weekly in the evening, working up to more regular use as needed. Remember oils condition while creams hydrate, so use a good moisturiser each morning too. And always use a gentle, detergent-free cleanser.
Combination and Reactive Skin
Q: I have combination skin that's both dry and oily. Should I use different products on different areas?
If you've found a routine that keeps your skin calm and balanced, stick with it. Our products for drier skin contain more oils and may cause congestion on oily areas. You might try adding 2-3 drops of Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil to your regular moisturiser for extra nourishment where needed.
Q: I'm scared of oils. Other brands have made my face react badly. What makes yours different?
You might be reacting to essential oil content. Try our Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil as it's completely unscented. Also, less is more with oils. Just a couple of drops is sufficient. Every single Pai product is developed specifically for sensitive skin, influencing every ingredient we include or leave out. If unsure, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Specific Skin Concerns
Q: I've started seeing fine red lines around my nose despite a good routine. How can I make them disappear?
Facial massage can help regenerate skin around the nose and cheeks. Do it as often as possible, ideally daily. Avoid all alcohol in skincare products (Pai products are alcohol-free, but check other brands for 'alcohol' or 'alcohol denat.').
For products, try our Anthemis Calming Daily Moisturiser with its natural anti-inflammatories to calm redness. Add a drop of Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil for extra healing and regeneration.
Q: What can I do about burst blood vessels on my face?
Several products can help. The orange blossom in our Pioneer Mattifying Moisturiser has a healing effect, while Anthemis Calming Daily Moisturiser calms redness and strengthens skin's surface. Read our guide on reducing thread veins for more tips.
Q: I have acne scars and uneven texture despite minimal scarring. Any tips?
Exfoliate 2-3 times weekly with a gentle exfoliator to improve texture. Support cell turnover from within with omega supplements, plenty of water, and antioxidant-rich foods. Consistency is key for evening out skin texture.
Q: I'm 59 and bothered by lines on my upper lip, though I've never smoked. What helps?
Try gentle exfoliation around the lips with our Coralina Marine Cream Cleanser to remove dead cells and boost circulation. Use gentle circular motions, no scrubbing needed.
Choose natural lipsticks with organic vegetable oils. Lighter shades draw less attention to lines than dark colours. Boost your essential fatty acids through oily fish, seeds, and nuts, or consider a good supplement.
Q: At 51, my neck and chest have aged more than my face. How can I improve this area?
This is common. People focus on faces and forget necks, chests, and hands. Extend your cleansing, toning, and moisturising routine past your jawline. Try a rich body cream enriched with a few drops of Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil on the chest. Regular massage techniques for neck and chest can help tone and firm the underlying muscles.
Prevention and Protection
Q: I'm in my early 20s and want to prevent premature ageing. Should I add a facial oil even though my skin isn't dry?
Only use richer oils if your skin is naturally prone to dryness. If you have good natural oil production, you may not need them yet. For sun protection, I recommend mineral foundations. Applied properly with a kabuki brush on well-moisturised skin, they provide SPF without the heaviness or congestion of cream sunscreens.
Q: Do you really need SPF if you're indoors all day?
Sun protection prevents premature ageing and skin damage. However, wearing SPF daily year-round can contribute to vitamin D deficiency, which is linked to many skin allergies. Read more about vitamin D and skin health. Outside peak summer, mineral makeup provides good protection without congesting skin.
Q: Will Pai make a sunscreen? Can you recommend any for sensitive skin?
We now offer British Summer Time SPF30, our mineral sunscreen developed specifically for sensitive skin. It protects without the irritation common in chemical sunscreens.
Product Usage Tips
Q: Can facial oils be used alone or do they need moisturiser too?
Apply oil to slightly damp skin after cleansing or toning in the evening. If your skin has good natural hydration, the oil alone may suffice overnight. Very dry skin may need a small amount of moisturiser afterwards for comfort.
Q: I have dry skin but clogged pores on my nose. What helps?
Regular exfoliation and gentle steaming with a warm cloth help decongest without drying. Omega supplements support skin health from within, addressing both dryness and congestion.
Q: I'm 30 with forehead lines and persistent acne. Acid peels dry me out too much. What works?
I wouldn't recommend acid peels. They're aggressive and throw skin off balance. Focus on restoring balance instead. This helps both adult acne and prevents fine lines developing. Our guide to achieving skin balance explains the approach.
Questions about your skin? Our customer care team is always happy to help you find the right routine.
