Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless skin care products on offer? Are you confused about how to find the best products for you?
The perfect skin products are out there for you. You just need to know how to find them.
We can help you. Follow our advice about things to know and look for when you’re choosing your skincare products.
Know Your Skin Type
Before you do anything, you need to know your skin type.
This is the most important thing to know and remember when you’re choosing your skincare products. Knowing what your skin needs means that you’ll know what to look for.
Oily Skin
Your skin is producing excess sebum, giving you oily skin. You may also have:
- Enlarged pores;
- A shiny complexion;
- Pimples, blackheads, or blemishes.
Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and hyaluronic acid. These will help to control and reduce your skin’s sebum production.
Search for an oil-free foaming cleanser. It’s also important to keep skin hydrated, so look for a lightweight moisturizer. Keep an eye out for non-comedogenic products, as these don’t block pores.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can feel tight, uncomfortable, and inflamed. Other signs include:
- Skin looking dull or rough;
- Red patches;
- More visible lines.
Products containing shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, and lactic acid can be particularly effective. They keep skin hydrated while exfoliating away any dead skin cells. Try to use ointments or creams instead of lotion, as these are less irritating.
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using products that contain urea, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and mineral oil.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can react in a variety of different ways, including:
- Dryness;
- Itching;
- Burning;
- Redness.
Ingredients that can be helpful include aloe vera, shea butter, green tea polyphenols, and chamomile. They help to calm the skin down. If your skin is particularly sensitive, it’s sometimes best to look for products with fewer ingredients.
Ingredients to Avoid
There are some ingredients that – for a majority of people – are ineffective and sometimes damaging to their skincare.
Fragrances
If a skincare product contains fragrances, it is more likely to cause you irritation and discomfort. This can sometimes cause an allergic reaction, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Sulfates
Sulfates are ingredients that are usually found in shampoo and soap. They are quite harsh, stripping the natural oil out of your hair and skin. Your skin is then likely to react, creating excess sebum to replace the oil that has been stripped away. This often leads to irritation, redness, and oily complexion.
Ingredients to Look For
Glycerin
Glycerin is an effective moisturizing ingredient. It is recommended for skincare products.
Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid
Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are effective at moisturizing. They are naturally found in the skin, so less likely to cause any irritation.
Retinol
Retinol is an ingredient that you should look for in your night-time skincare routine. It encourages the production of new skin cells as well as the removal of dead skin. It also stimulates collagen production.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help to repair and restore skin. It can help to reverse UV damage. It also encourages collagen production for a youthful complexion.
Vitamin B3
This ingredient is a 3-in-1. It controls oil production, hydrates skin, and helps to even out skin tone.
The Order of Ingredients
When you’re looking at different skincare products, you now know what ingredients to look for. You also know what to avoid.
While you’re looking at the ingredients list, it’s important to consider the order that the ingredients are shown in. They are listed in order of concentration – from highest to lowest. The first five ingredients listed usually make up around 80% of the product.
If you’re looking for a specific ingredient, and it isn’t one of the first give, it’s not worth it. You’re unlikely to feel the effects of this ingredient if it’s lower down the list.
If there’s an ingredient that could be problematic for you within the first five ingredients, it’s best to avoid it. It’s likely to harm your skin.
Don’t Buy Just Because It’s Popular
Just because something is popular, doesn’t mean that you should buy it. Don’t focus on this when you’re choosing your skincare; focus on the ingredients.
If someone has recommended a product, consider what their skin was like before they started using the product. Was it like yours? This is the best way to understand if a product is likely to be as effective if you use it.
Another issue is that, if you buy skincare products because they are popular, they’re likely to be more expensive. In these cases, your money is being used to fund packaging, branding, and marketing.
Look for Cruelty-Free Products
Unfortunately, many companies test their products on animals. This is often cruel, unnecessary, bad for the environment, and unhealthy.
When looking for your skincare, look for animal friendly cosmetics and products.
Do a Patch Test
Before you commit to a particular product, make sure you do a patch test. It can save you a lot of money, time, and discomfort.
Patch testing involves using a small amount of the product on a small section of the skin. This gives you a chance to see if you react well or badly to the product before you commit to using it on a larger area of skin.
Brands understand that skincare is often a trial and error process, and usually offer tester products. These are very small quantities of the product, which you can test to see if it’s right for you.
Check the Returns Policy
Once you’ve decided on a skincare product to buy, check the returns policy from your retailer or seller.
If you’re not seeing the results advertised or expected, you must be able to return the product. You can then try something else.
This is a completely understandable and common thing to do. Just remember to keep your proof of purchase safe!
Choosing Your Skin Care Products
Good skin products can have a huge impact on your skin’s health and appearance, as well as your confidence and comfort.
With all the choices available, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. But follow this advice, and find the right skin care products for you.
Have a look at some of our other guides to help you make the right decision for you.
