There are a ton of skincare products out there, so finding one that fits your routine may seem intimidating and difficult. We put together this guide on some advice on choosing products for your skincare routines.
Unless you have some knowledge of organic chemistry, reading ingredients labels will probably look like a bunch of gibberish to you. However, all skincare ingredients abide by what is called the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). For most though, figuring out INCI names and classifications is just a waste of time.
The truth of the matter is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing skincare products. People have different types of skin that react to products differently. Someone who has consistently dry skin will likely need something different than someone who has oily skin. So what works best for others might not work best for you. Here are some easy ways that you can narrow down the decision.
1. Figure out your skin type
Skin type is probably the number one factor that determines what kind of skincare product you should buy. All other things being equal, those with oily skin can handle a wider variety of products with different ingredients. Despite what many might think, those with oily skin can handle a lot of ingredients that cause acne and breakouts with little negative results. Specifically, products with benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid are good for oily skin.
For those with dry skin, they need to be a bit more selective with ingredients. Things like shea butter and lactic acid are particularly good for dry skin. These types of ingredients provide hydration and exfoliate the skin to keep it glowing and looking good.
For those with sensitive skin, ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and shea butter do an excellent job of protecting the skin while also hydrating and improving its constitution. If you do not know what kind of skin you have, then you can consult a dermatologist or other skin care professional.
2. Don’t follow the crowd
You might be tempted to just hop on Amazon and buy whatever has the best customer reviews. This is a bad idea though. Like we said earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying skincare products. Even though many people might like some particular product that does not necessarily mean that it will work well for you.
If you are taking recommendations, don’t just look at the product itself but also the skin type of the person recommending it. Figuring out good ingredients is still the best way to determine what kind of product to buy.
3. Don’t worry about “natural”
Natural does not necessarily mean good. There is a huge fad of people buying “natural” skin products, but that does not mean they are always the best. After all, things like poison ivy are natural, but certainly not good for your skin!
To be honest, seeing the words “natural” and “organic” on any label is most likely a marketing tactic rather than a scientific description of what’s in the bottle. Those terms are not regulated either, so any manufacturer can put them on the box. Don’t worry too much about finding products that are labeled “organic” or “natural” but instead look for specific ingredients.
4. Avoid these ingredients
Here is a quick list of ingredients you should avoid when looking for skincare products:
- Sulfates – Can strip hair and skin of natural oils and cause irritation
- Parabens – Parabens are chemical preservatives that throw off your normal hormonal balance.
- Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that might be used as a preservative.
Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center offers free consultations to find the best treatment for your skin and body. Our goal is to take care of your skin so you have the self-confidence to face every day. Contact us today and we will work around your schedule as much as possible!