Only a True Skincare Expert Can Get 17/30 on This Quiz

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Only a True Skincare Expert Can Get 17/30 on This Quiz
Image: GlobalStock/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

According to the dictionary, an expert is described as someone who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of, or skill in, a particular area. Being an expert is an industry so ever-changing as skin-care is not an easy task, as new products are popping up on the shelves everyday, new safety laws are passed, and new trends pop up on social media and in magazines, especially given that skin is the largest organ of the human body! 

Anti-aging, skin-brightening, acne control and toning are just a few examples of the types of products you can find on the market these days. Not to mention how different seasons impact the market. Summer sees sunscreen for healthy skin and tinted moisturizers for that after-sun glow without the sun, while winter sees deep skin moisturizers for dry, winter skin. It's hard to keep up! If you find yourself testing more products than you can count, recommending the best products to your friends and family and researching the new trends and products, you might be a skincare expert. Take this quiz to test your knowledge!

Which competition show heavily features popular makeup and skincare brands?
Top Chef
American Idol
American's Next Top Model
Project Runway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This Tyra Banks hosted show produces top models who have gone on to gain modeling contracts with top agencies, as well as contracts with hugely popular cosmetic brands, even appearing in commercials.

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Why is raw honey good for the skin?
Naturally antibacterial
Full of antioxidants
Moisturizing
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Raw, organic honey has so many health properties for the skin. It can help combat acne because of its antibacterial properties, soothe skin due to its moisturizing nature, and slow down the effects of aging because of the antioxidants.

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What's the highest SPF one really needs for proper sun protection?
SPF 30
SPF 15
SPF 70
SPF 45
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The SPF rating is a measure of the time it would take you to sunburn if you were not wearing sunscreen as opposed to the time it would take with sunscreen on. SPF 15 blocks about 94% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks about 96%, and SPF 45 blocks about 98%. After that, the increase in SPF does not necessarily increase protection against the sun's rays, according to experts. No SPF offers 100% sun protection.

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What is the benefit of topical Vitamin C?
Anti-aging
UVA and UVB protection
Evens skin tone
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Due to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C naturally protects against things that could potentially damage it, and also helps repair any damage that may exist. Ascorbic Acid is the most popular when it comes to skincare, but there is also Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ester-C.

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Is exfoliating really necessary?
No, because your skin is made to get rid of surface irritants naturally.
Not really. The exfoliating brushes and creams are just a way for companies to sell more products.
Yes, because debris and dead skin can clog pores and cause outbreaks
Maybe, but it depends on your skin type.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Exfoliating feels good, and is a key part of any self-care routine. It can help prevent breakouts by preventing dead skin cells and debris from clogging pores, brighten and tighten skin, and make skin appear younger and more supple.

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What's better: pure serums or moisturizers?
Moisturizers because they have more elements than just one in a serum
Serums because it is the product in its most pure form
Neither because your skin naturally produces everything it needs
Both. More moisture, nutrients, and properties the better
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It doesn't hurt to pair serums with a moisturizer, but if you are looking to boost Vitamin C, go with a serum. Same goes for HA, Retinol products, and much more. Moisturizer has larger molecules in it, which prevents it from getting as deep into the layers of your skin as a serum would.

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Where is the thinnest skin located that people may neglect?
Nose
Eyelid
Neck
Top of hands
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Compared to the skin on your feet (at 1.4 mm thick) the skin on your eye lid is just .02 mm thick! It can be subject to irritation and dryness just like any other part of your skin, which could also get in your eyes if bad enough. If you moisturize your eye lids, make sure to do so with a cream that is safe to apply, or is a specific eye cream.

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What is the most common type of skin cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
They are equally as common
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Basal cell carcinoma is usually experienced on exposed parts of the body such as face, neck, nose, ears, etc., and effects nearly 800,000 Americans every year. Using proper sun care and taking proper precautions can reduce your risk, but it is important to get any sketchy moles or spots check out by a doctor to be sure.

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What are parabens?
Preservative
Dyes
Anti-aging properties
Stabilizers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Parabens are used as a preservative in multiple industries, but key industries are pharmaceutical and cosmetic, and you might be surprised where you'd find them. They are added to deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, among other daily-use products. But why is this bad, you may ask? Some studies have shown that parabens use can skew hormone levels, especially estrogen. While that hasn't been proven, if you are worried about it, make sure to read the ingredients label of your products and look for paraben free.

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What does smoking do to your skin?
Nothing, that's just a myth
Damages collagen and elastin
Contributes to wrinkles
B and C
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Smoking makes your skin look older, contributing to wrinkles and damages collagen and elastin mostly because smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the out layers of the skin and decreases blood flow. This makes skin appear thinner and paler.

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Do pore strips work?
Yes, they pull out gunk from the root
No, they leave traces of stuff deep in your pores
No, over time they actually make pores bigger and more susceptible to blackheads.
Yes, it's one of the only ways to fully remove blackheads.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many believe that pore strips are the end all, be all of blackhead maintenance, experts say that is just not true. When you use a pore strip is, while it does pull out gunk and blackheads, it stretches your pores while doing so, and overtime, your pores won't be able to shrink back to normal size. This will leave you with enlarged pores just begging to be filled with blackheads.

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Which of the following is a cause for acne?
Cell phone
Shower water
Pillow case
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you hold your cell phone up to your ear, all of the bacteria that was in your pocket, purse, floor of your car, etc. is now all over your face. Clean your cell phone screen regularly to avoid spreading these acne causing bacterium to your face. Fall asleep with makeup on a few times? That lives in the fibers of your pillowcase now. Change it weekly to prevent breakouts. Shower water is a little different, but using a water filtering system can combat any harsh metals in your water.

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What was the original use of Oil of Olay?
Fight wrinkles
Cooking
To aid burn wounds
Lubricant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In its history, Oil of Olay was started by Graham Gordon Wulff, a chemist, who used it during WWII to aid in burn wounds from the British Royal Air Force. The more modern use for it is to tighten skin, fight wrinkles, even skin tone, and a few others.

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What is NOT one of the Big Eight skin care/cosmetic companies that owns most others?
Covergirl
Estée Lauder
Shiseido
L'Oréal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Big Eight companies that own most other cosmetic/skincare companies are: Estée Lauder, L'Oréal, Coty, Shiseido, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, LVMH or Procter & Gamble. Keep in mind, though, just because one umbrella company owns multiple different brands doesn't mean all of those brands are created equal. Checking ingredient labels and looking for things that you care about in products is still key.

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What is the correct order to apply products?
Cleanse, tone, apply serums, antioxidant, moisturizer, oils, eye cream
Cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply serums, oils, antioxidant, eye cream
Cleanse, moisturize, eye cream, tone, apply serums, antioxidant, oils
Cleanse, eye cream, moisturize, oils, apply serums, antioxidant, tone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cleansing is always the first task - you wouldn't want to put more products on a dirty face. The reason for the order is that products absorb better when applied before or after other products. For example, apply the thinnest items first like the toner and serums, because they need to get deep into the skin in order to work as advertised. Then you follow with the heavier creams.

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What is considered misleading in skincare labeling?
A material fact is left out, such as if the product is tested on animals or not
The package color isn't the color of what's inside
Makes claims that the product will get rid of wrinkles
The brand name is hard to pronounce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are many factors that go into labeling skin care products. Ingredients must be listed, as well as where the product was manufactured and packaged. But labeling can be misleading if it leaves out material facts to the use or effectiveness of the product, as well as any consequences or side effects of using the product.

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Cleopatra was said to have bathed in the milk of 700 donkeys. What skin care benefits did that possess?
Milk is creamy and hydrates the skin
Milk contains lactic acid and acts as a mild exfoliant
None, but it feels luxurious
The protein in the milk prevented aging
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roman historian, Cassius Dio, wrote of Cleopatra as a woman of surpassing beauty who was brilliant to look upon, but it was Hippocrates who wrote that she bathed in the milk of 700 goats. If you're looking for a similar effect but don't have access to donkey milk (honestly, who does?) whole goat's milk will do the trick.

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When is the best time to start using anti-aging products?
When you see your first wrinkle
When you turn 30
21
When you stop getting carded
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While there is no exact time that one should start using anti-aging cream, the earlier you use it, the better chance you have to staving off wrinkles and aging skin. Experts say you can start using it as early as 21 years old, and it is also recommended to NOT wait until you already see signs of aging.

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What is the real, best way to get rid of cellulite?
Massaging with a vibrating machine to disperse the fat cells
Squats to tone the muscle
There is no way to get rid of it completely
Freezing it
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cellulite is usually hereditary, and while there are things you can do to minimize and reduce the look of cellulite, once it's there, it's there for good. Exercise and keep the muscles toned will help, and skin tightening products might also help, but it's time to start embracing it and realizing that most people have it.

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Do men need different skin care products than women?
No, skin is skin
Yes, testosterone impacts men's skin differently
No, it's a marketing scheme
Yes, women's skin care is too fragrant for men
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Testosterone makes men's skin thicker by almost 25% compared to women! Puberty also causes males to produce more sebum than women, and shaving rustles up dead skin cells that can clog pores.

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What does a forehead breakout mean?
You are too stressed
Your hair products are causing irritation
You touch your forehead too much
You aren't cleansing thoroughly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cheaper hair products like shampoo and conditioner often contain pore clogging ingredients. You might not even realize these products are getting on your face, so make sure to take time to rinse them off. Hair serums and other treatments can have the same effect.

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What is the most important skin care step?
Exfoliating
Cleansing
Using a vitamin serum
Moisturizing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While all of these options are important for optimal skin health, cleansing is the most important. That's probably why it's the first step of an ideal regimen. You want your face to be clean and free of dirt before adding any of the other steps in, or else, what's the point?

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What brand of foundation claims to be skin clearing?
E.L.F
Physician's Formula
Neutrogena
Bobbi Brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Neutrogena has a line of skin clearing foundation that claims to control blemishes and reduce breakouts due to the salicylic acid formula in them makeup. It claims it won't clog pores or make your skin look oily, nor will it dry it out. Despite all of this, it's still important to take your makeup off at night.

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Can face products be used on the neck?
No, the skin is entirely different
No, face products are too harsh for thin neck skin
Yes, the neck benefits from being treated as the face does
Yes, but only certain products
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Necks can show age just like facial skin, and skin on other body parts can. If you are already taking the time to do a full regiment on your face, take it a little south and incorporate your neck in all of the steps.

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Why should you cleanse twice a day?
You shouldn't
You should only cleanse twice a day if you wore makeup or sweat
Because your skin sheds and collects dirt and pollutants, so in the morning and at night you want to wash that off.
Because too much oil will build up if you don't and you'll break out
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the morning, you want to wake your skin up and get it ready for the day and to do its best to repel dirt. At night, you want to wash off all of the stuff that made it past the barrier of cleanliness, and got onto and into your skin, especially if you work out, are exposed to the elements such as rain or smog.

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How often does the skin renew itself?
Every night
Every year
Every 28 days
Every quarter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every 28 days, our skin sheds all of the dead and old skin cells, and replaces them with brand new ones. That doesn't mean you'll automatically have shiny, clear skin every 28 days, however. Think of where your skin is now, and then think 28 days in the future. If you do not take care of your skin, it will look the same, or worse.

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Which celebrity has launched their own organic skincare line?
Mirand Kerr
Chrissy Teigen
Ryan Seacrest
Katie Couric
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Miranda Kerr started an organic skin care line in 2006 with the main focus of creating products that transformed people's confidence, skin, and making the products healthier than others on the market. They use all certified organic products because "what you put on your skin soaks in."

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What is commonly found skin care ingredient, Glycerin?
A humectant that hydrates and provides a skin barrier
A water attracting agent that hydrates and improves skin texture
A group of silicone molecules used to give makeup a smooth texture
UV blocker for both UVA and UVB
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Glycerin is the commonly used humectant for hydrating skin and providing a barrier for the skin. A humectant, by definition, is the ability to absorb moisture from air and keep it in the skin.

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Which of these is a cosmetic chemical to absolutely avoid?
Alpha-hydroxy acids
Sodium laureth sulfate
Hydroquinone
Copper Peptide
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There is a list called "The Dirty Dozen" and they are all chemicals that should be avoided in skin care products. The others on the list are: BHA and BHT, Coal tar dyes, DEA-related ingredients, Dibutyl phthalate, Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Parabens, Parfum (fragrance), PEG compounds, Petrolatum, Siloxanes, Sodium laureth sulfate, and Triclosan.

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What was the very first cosmetic product ever used in the world?
Egg white masks
Ubtan
Clay
Pearls
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ubtan originates from Ayurvedic India and is a mix of various herbs, plants, roots and flowers. The mixture was based on skin-type and desired outcomes, and in addition to Diwali, it also became popular at Haldi ceremonies during Indian weddings.

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What role does Vitamin D play in skin health?
Protection, rejuvenation, optimizes skin immunity
It clears up acne
Prevents seasonal affective disorder
Shrinks pores
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skin protection and rejuvenation, as well as contributing to skin's growth and repair. Since your skin sheds so many cells each day, it's important to replenished by a continuous Vitamin D backed renewal process.

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What skin factor determines what hair will grow?
Pore size
Amount of freckles
Level of oiliness
How easily you tan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The size of oil glands greatly determines what type of hair will grow. Larger oil glands will result in thinner hair, while smaller oil glands will produce thicker hair. The peripheral area of the face have smaller oil glands, hence why men grow bears there as opposed to the middle of their face.

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What are the fats called that keep you skin's outer layer healthy?
Blubber
Avocado oil
Subcutaneous fat
Lipids
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lipids are the skins natural fats, and using harsh cleansers, products, and treatments will actually deplete your skin's supply of it. This causes dry skin, and is also why it's important to use natural products.

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What determines skin color?
How close you live to a beach
Melanin
Your eye color
Melatonin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone has the same amount of melanin, so skin color depends on the activity of the melanin, not how much. Melanin is also responsible for your eye color.

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What are the three layers of the skin?
Core, mantle, crust
Level A, B and C
Epidermis, dermis, and subcutis
Surface, subsurface, interior
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The epidermis is waterproof mostly made up of dead skin cells. The dermis houses the sweat glands and hair, and the subcutis layer is where you'll find fat and blood vessels.

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You Got:
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