When a customer starts using BIOEFFECT, it is normal for questions to arise: how to combine EGF with retinol, how often to exfoliate, or whether the products are suitable for oily skin. In this article, we cover three very common questions and answer them following the guidance of Dr. Sigrún Dögg Guðjónsdóttir, Chief R&D Officer at BIOEFFECT.

1. BIOEFFECT Retinol and EGF: can they be used together?

Retinol is a very powerful renewing active that speeds up cell turnover, but it can also temporarily make the skin more sensitive. BIOEFFECT’s EGF, on the other hand, focuses on repairing, hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier thanks to Icelandic biotechnology.

This is why Dr. Sigrún recommends alternating their use or separating them within the routine: use retinol on certain nights and apply EGF products on alternate nights, keeping EGF for the morning. In this way, you can benefit from the anti‑ageing potential of both actives while minimising the risk of irritation and keeping the skin responsive to EGF signalling.

• Retinol: use at night, 2–3 times per week depending on tolerance.
• BIOEFFECT EGF: ideal in the morning and on alternate nights to boost regeneration and hydration.

2. How often should you use an exfoliant?

According to Dr. Sigrún’s recommendations, the ideal is to exfoliate the skin 1 to 2 times per week on clean, damp skin, massaging gently in the case of mechanical exfoliants and rinsing thoroughly. On very sensitive skin, once every 15 days may be enough, while oily skin usually tolerates up to two exfoliations per week as long as no irritation appears.

• Sensitive skin: once every 10–15 days.
• Normal/combination skin: once a week.
• Oily skin: up to twice a week, always monitoring how the skin reacts.

3. Oily skin: does it really need a moisturiser?

A very common question is whether oily skin needs a moisturiser, and Dr. Sigrún’s answer is clear: even oily skin can be dehydrated. When there is a lack of water, the skin tends to produce more sebum to compensate, which increases shine and blemishes.

Use a moisturiser that provides hydration but no oils, specifically formulated for oily skin.

Recommended routine with BIOEFFECT products

By following Dr. Sigrún’s guidance, it is possible to build a simple and effective routine that combines EGF, retinol, gentle exfoliation and hydration.

• Morning: gentle cleanser, EGF serum, moisturiser suitable for the skin type, and broad‑spectrum sunscreen.
• Night without retinol: cleanser, exfoliation if it is an exfoliation day, EGF product and moisturiser to lock in hydration.
• Night with retinol: cleanser, retinol, wait for it to absorb and finish with a light moisturiser; keep EGF for the morning or for alternate nights, just as Dr. Sigrún recommends.