Determining your skin type is a crucial first step on your skincare journey, and it's a common question many people ask: “How do I know my skin type?” A straightforward and safe method to begin is by washing your face with a gentle cleanser, then gently patting it dry. After this, wait for about 60 minutes before applying any products. During this time, take a close look at your skin.

- If you notice an overall shine, particularly in the T-zone and on your cheeks, you may have oily skin.
- If you feel tightness, notice flaking, or have rough patches, it’s possible you have dry skin.
- If your skin is shiny in some areas but dry in others, you might be dealing with combination skin.
- If you frequently experience redness, stinging, or itching when using products, your skin might be sensitive.
- If you don’t identify with any of these descriptions, you likely have normal skin.

At Tereno Botanicals, we create formulations using plant-derived actives that honor your skin’s natural balance. This means that whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, our approach is designed to work harmoniously with your skin. This will not only help you identify your skin type but also enable you to select products with confidence.

Still unsure? Reach out to us directly — we're happy to help you find your perfect routine.

If you’re new to skincare, it’s best to keep things straightforward. Remember, consistency is far more effective than complexity.

Here’s a basic routine we recommend:

Morning (Protect & Prep)

1. Cleanser: Start your day by removing any oils and sweat accumulated overnight.

2. Toner: Use this to rebalance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps.

3. Serum: Choose a targeted treatment based on your skin needs—Vitamin C for brightness or Niacinamide for calming effects.

4. Moisturizer: This helps lock in moisture while also strengthening your skin barrier.

5. SPF (essential): Protect your skin from UV damage, which is the leading cause of premature aging.

Evening (Repair & Restore)

1. Cleanser: If you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen, a double cleanse is recommended.

2. Toner: Reapply for rebalance.

3. Treatment Serum: Consider using retinol, exfoliating acids, or botanical-based products aimed at repair.

4. Moisturizer / Night Cream: End your day with a nourishing moisturizer or night cream.

At Tereno Botanicals, we simplify your skincare journey. Our products are designed to work harmoniously together, no guesswork, no conflicting ingredients. Begin with our essential items and adapt as your skin changes over time.

Think of your routine like nutrition for your skin. Feed it the right things, consistently, and it will thank you.

Yes — and here's why.

While you sleep, your skin is busy. It's producing sebum, shedding dead cells, and your pillowcase is transferring bacteria and residue back onto your face. A gentle morning cleanse:

• Removes overnight oil buildup
• Clears away dead skin cells that accumulated during cell turnover
• Creates a clean canvas so your morning products (serums, moisturizer, SPF) actually penetrate and perform

The key word is gentle. You don't need to strip your skin. A mild, botanical-based cleanser from Tereno Botanicals removes what needs to go while preserving your moisture barrier.

Skipping your morning wash? Your serum and SPF are sitting on top of a layer of oil and dead skin — which means they're not doing their job.

When it comes to applying skincare products, the golden rule is to go from thinnest to thickest. This sequence allows each product to absorb properly without blocking the next one.

Morning Routine:
1. Cleanser: Start by cleansing your skin to remove any buildup from the previous day.
2. Toner or Essence: Next, apply a toner or essence to rebalance your skin's pH and enhance absorption of subsequent products.
3. Serum: Choose a serum, such as vitamin C, to provide concentrated active ingredients.
4. Eye Cream: Follow with an eye cream for targeted treatment of the delicate eye area.
5. Moisturizer: Apply a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
6. Sunscreen: Lastly, don’t forget to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin throughout the day.

Evening Routine:
1. Makeup Remover: If you wear makeup, start with an oil cleanser or micellar water to break down oils and debris.
2. Water-Based Cleanser: Follow this with a water-based cleanser to wash away makeup and sweat.
3. Toner: Rebalance your skin with toner.
4. Treatment Serum: Apply a treatment serum, such as retinol or acids, to support skin repair overnight.
5. Eye Cream: Use an eye cream to nourish your skin while you sleep.
6. Night Cream or Moisturizer: Finish with a night cream or moisturizer to lock in hydration. You may also add any additional steps that suit your skincare needs.

Pro Tips:
Be sure to wait about 30 to 60 seconds between applying each layer. This waiting period allows your skin to absorb the product effectively, enhancing its benefits. Following this structured sequence ensures that you apply your products correctly and consistently, leading to better results over time.

Tereno Botanicals products are intentionally formulated to layer seamlessly — lightweight textures that absorb fast without pilling.

Retinol is arguably the most proven anti-aging ingredient in skincare — but it demands respect.

The Benefits:

• Accelerates cell turnover (fresher, younger-looking skin)
• Stimulates collagen production (reduces fine lines and wrinkles)
• Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Unclogs pores and refines skin texture
• Improves overall radiance over time

How to Use It Safely:

1. Start slow. Use it 1–2 nights per week for the first 2–3 weeks.
2. Apply to dry skin. Damp skin increases absorption — and irritation.
3. Pea-sized amount. More is NOT better with retinol.
4. Buffer if needed. Apply moisturizer first, then retinol on top — this reduces irritation while you build tolerance.
5. Never mix with: Vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine. Alternate nights instead.
6. Always wear SPF the next morning. Retinol increases photosensitivity.
7. Gradually increase frequency to every other night, then nightly as tolerated.

What to Expect:

• Weeks 1–4: Possible mild peeling, dryness, or purging. This is normal.
• Weeks 4–12: Skin begins to acclimate. Texture improves.
• Months 3–6: Visible results — smoother, brighter, firmer skin.

At Tereno Botanicals, we believe in retinol done right — paired with soothing botanical extracts that minimize irritation so your skin gets the transformative benefits without the harsh adjustment period.

Patience is everything with retinol. The results compound over time. Stick with it.

Q: Why is SPF important even when I’m indoors or it’s cloudy outside?
A: SPF is crucial for protecting your skin from premature aging. Studies indicate that UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning you're still at risk even on overcast days.

Q: What activities could expose me to UV rays indoors?
A: Activities such as sitting near a window, driving, or spending time indoors during daylight hours can lead to UV damage.

Q: Is blue light from screens something I should be concerned about?
A: Yes, researchers are currently investigating the potential effects of blue light from devices like phones, laptops, and TVs on skin aging.

Q: When should I wear sunscreen?
A: The recommendation is straightforward: whether you're outside on a sunny day, enjoying a cloudy day, or working indoors near windows, sunscreen should be part of your routine.

Q: How do I choose the right SPF?
A: It’s best to select an SPF that fits your daily environment and level of activity. In most instances, using SPF is advisable.

Q: What's the bottom line?
A: To maintain healthy skin, make wearing SPF a daily habit—especially when you think you might not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Ensuring your safety and that of your baby is paramount during pregnancy. It's important to note that your skin can absorb various ingredients, which may then enter your bloodstream. Here are some ingredients you should avoid or consult with your healthcare provider about:

1. Retinoids: This includes retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, and isotretinoin.
2. High-Dose Salicylic Acid: Be cautious with oral forms or high-concentration topicals.
3. Hydroquinone: Often used for skin brightening, this ingredient is best avoided.
4. Chemical Sunscreens: Ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone should be avoided.
5. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: These can pose risks and should be avoided.
6. Phthalates and Parabens: Common in many personal care products, these ingredients should also be excluded.
7. Essential Oils: Some can cause irritation or have effects during pregnancy, so it's important to be cautious.

On the other hand, there are ingredients that are generally considered safe during pregnancy. These include:

- Humectants: Such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Niacinamide: Known for its benefits to the skin.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): A safe option for brightening and protection.
- Azelaic Acid: Commonly recommended for acne and safe during pregnancy.
- Mineral Sunscreens: Look for those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Ceramides and Peptides: Excellent for skin health without known risks.

At Tereno Botanicals, we prioritize clean and transparent formulations. While these guidelines are helpful, it’s best to consult your OB-GYN or a dermatologist before altering your skincare routine during pregnancy. This way, you can better identify both the ingredients to steer clear of and those that are safe to use.

When in doubt, simplify. A gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and mineral SPF is a perfectly effective pregnancy-safe routine.

These are two of the most common concerns we hear — and both have targeted solutions.

Dark Circles

First, understand the cause:

• Genetics / thin under-eye skin — pigment and blood vessels show through
• Lack of sleep / dehydration — reduces skin plumpness, shadows deepen
• Hyperpigmentation — excess melanin production in the under-eye area
• Aging — volume loss under the eyes creates hollows and shadows

What works:

• Vitamin C — Brightens and reduces pigmentation over time
• Caffeine — Constricts blood vessels, reduces puffiness and darkness
• Peptides — Stimulate collagen to thicken the delicate under-eye skin
• Hyaluronic Acid — Plumps and hydrates, minimizing the shadow effect
• Retinol (low concentration) — Boosts cell turnover for brighter under-eyes (use carefully)

Apply your eye cream with your ring finger — it applies the least pressure on this delicate area. Gently tap, don't rub.

Tereno Botanicals eye treatments are formulated with concentrated botanical actives — caffeine-rich plant extracts, peptides, and deeply hydrating ingredients to visibly brighten and de-puff.

Blackheads

What they are: Clogged pores (open comedones) filled with oxidized sebum and dead skin cells. They're NOT dirt.

What works:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) — Oil-soluble, so it penetrates inside the pore to dissolve buildup. This is your #1 weapon.
• Niacinamide — Regulates oil production and minimizes pore appearance.
• Clay masks — Draw out excess oil and impurities (weekly use).
• Gentle chemical exfoliation — AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) to resurface and prevent buildup.
• Oil cleansing — Counterintuitive, but oil dissolves oil. A first-step oil cleanse can dislodge sebum plugs.

What to avoid:

• Pore strips (temporary fix, can damage skin)
• Squeezing (leads to inflammation, scarring, and more breakouts)
• Over-washing (strips the skin, triggers more oil production)

Tereno Botanicals exfoliating and pore-refining products use botanically-sourced acids and plant extracts that clear congestion without stripping or irritating your skin.

100% yes. Stress acne is real, it's frustrating, and it has a clear biological mechanism.

How Stress Triggers Breakouts:

1. Cortisol spikes → Your adrenal glands release cortisol (the stress hormone).
2. Increased sebum production → Cortisol signals your skin's oil glands to go into overdrive.
3. Inflammation → Stress weakens your skin barrier and triggers inflammatory responses.
4. Impaired healing → Stress slows wound healing, meaning existing breakouts last longer and scar more easily.
5. Behavioral triggers → Stress leads to poor sleep, sugar cravings, face touching, and skipped routines — all of which compound the problem.

Where Stress Acne Typically Shows Up:

• Along the jawline
• Chin and lower cheeks
• Forehead
• Often deep, cystic, painful bumps rather than surface whiteheads

How to Treat It:

Topically:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Calms inflammation, regulates oil, strengthens the barrier. This is your MVP for stress acne.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) — Keeps pores clear and reduces active breakouts.
• Centella Asiatica (Cica) — Powerful botanical for soothing irritated, inflamed skin.
• Tea Tree Oil (diluted) — Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
• Zinc — Topical and oral zinc both reduce acne severity.
• Azelaic Acid — Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and evens skin tone.

Lifestyle (non-negotiable complements):

• Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep — skin repairs itself overnight
• Reduce sugar and processed food — insulin spikes worsen acne
• Move your body — exercise reduces cortisol (just wash your face after)
• Hydrate — dehydrated skin overproduces oil
• Mindfulness / breathwork — directly lowers cortisol levels

At Tereno Botanicals, we formulate with stress-soothing botanicals like adaptogenic plant extracts, niacinamide, and barrier-repairing ceramides — because we know that modern skin is under modern stress, and it needs ingredients that address the root cause, not just the symptom.

Your skin is a mirror of your internal state. Treat from the outside AND the inside for lasting results.

Achieving a healthy glow is rooted in the hydration and nourishment of your skin. Here, we outline some key ingredients that can help you achieve that luminous look and explain their benefits.

- Hyaluronic Acid: This powerhouse ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it ideal for deep hydration.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Known for its brightening properties, Vitamin C helps even out skin tone while boosting collagen production.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is excellent for strengthening the skin's barrier, reducing inflammation, and managing oil production.
- Ceramides: They play a crucial role in restoring and reinforcing the skin barrier, which helps maintain overall skin health.
- Squalane: Providing lightweight, non-greasy moisture, squalane keeps your skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
- Glycerin: A natural humectant, glycerin hydrates, softens, and aids in the healing of the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera hydrates and supports skin healing as well.
- Peptides: These molecules help bolster skin structure and improve resilience.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These exfoliants remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, fresher skin.

For optimal results and maximum glow, it's important to layer these ingredients correctly. In the morning, start with a cleanse, followed by a Vitamin C serum, then apply hyaluronic acid, and finish with a moisturizer containing ceramides and SPF. In the evening, you can cleanse again (or use AHA exfoliation 2-3 times a week, as directed), then apply Niacinamide serum, followed by either a squalane or peptide moisturizer.

At Tereno Botanicals, we prioritize real skin health over cosmetic enhancers. Our formulations are designed around proven actives and balanced textures that promote hydrated and radiant skin. This guide serves as your resource for identifying the best ingredients for achieving that enviable glow and effectively layering them for the best results.