How to Choose the Skincare Products

If you don’t have a college degree in Latin or have a college qualification in chemical chemistry an ingredients test may feel like reading a foreign tongue. But the language that you are reading has a name: it’s called The International Nomenclature of cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) which is a standardized language that it’s intended to provide an international standard language for ingredients that can be used on all labels. Unfortunately, it’s not an appropriate language for consumers.

Sometimes, manufacturers give the average consumer an earful, placing the name that is more commonly used in parentheses alongside the scientific term, such as this tocopherol (vitamin E). However, without that little nudge the list of ingredients often is just a string of unfamiliar long words, which are separated using commas.

Instead of conducting a lot of research it’s easier to be a follower of trends and go for products (and ingredients) that have a large following particularly when it comes to beauty bloggers. However, this isn’t always the most effective option. There’s no universal solution to skincare. According to Jennifer David, MD, dermatologist who specializes on cosmetic dermatology as well as dermatology of skin color describes, “What works for your most trusted friend might not be suitable with you.”

A customized approach is essential in finding the perfect skincare products that contain the correct substances for your skin. It takes some extra time and effort however it’s well worth it.

For your convenience, we spoke to dermatologists to help make the process easier. With this knowledge stored in your wallet and you’ll be an informed consumer and possibly avoid any reactive skin issues when you are trying new products in the near future.

Find out your skin’s type

As per the cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the primary aspect in determining which skincare products are most suitable for you. “There aren’t any harmful products, but there are times when individuals with different skin types choose the wrong products to suit their particular skin type,” Dr. Green states.

Patients with sensitive and acne-prone skin must be most careful with the different ingredients found in their skincare products. However oily skin is able to take on more ingredients that may cause irritation or breakouts in different types of skin.

These are the components that Dr. Green suggests for different skin types:

For oily skin: Search for products that contain Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, also known as salicylic acid) benzoyl-peroxide, and the hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients work well in controlling excessive sebum production, while the hyaluronic acid produces water only in the areas that require it,” Dr. Green states.

For dry skin, look for products with shea butter and lactic acids. “These ingredients help to hydrate and provide gentle exfoliation to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant,” Dr. Green advises.

For skin that is sensitive Choose products that contain aloe vera and oatmeal along with shea butter. “They’re excellent moisturizers and generally do not cause breakouts,” Dr. Green states.

If you’re not 100 % certain of the type of skin you’re dealing with, consider going to the dermatologist in order to verify. Once you know the type of your skin then you can select products that meet your needs with greater precision.

Don’t believe in the hype

“Packaging and popularity can be easily manipulated and shouldn’t be putting any weight or significance in what we choose to use on the skin of ours,” Dr. David advises. If you’re considering buying the product on the basis of the recommendation of a friend or an influencer it’s not enough to focus on how beautiful their skin appears today, but instead consider the type of skin they’ve been dealing with. This will give you an accurate indication of the extent to which the product will benefit you.

Over the past couple of years, some of the most popular cult products such as those from St. Ives Apricot Scrub and numerous Mario Badescu creams have faced lawsuits from people who suffered several severe adverse reactions. There’s no need to be concerned in the event that these products are in your makeup drawer at home. This does not mean that they’re harmful to all. The controversy that some well-known cosmetics and skincare products have faced could serve as an indication that just because some products get the popular vote however, that doesn’t mean it’s popular due to the good reasons or that it’s the best product for you.

A look at the list of ingredients is the best method to follow regardless of how many positive reviews or reviews the product’s reviews have online.

Find these ingredients

Glycerin The Dr. David calls this ingredient the foundation of moisturizing products.

Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid Both are essential moisturizers that are naturally present within the skin. Dr. David says she prefers the serum hyaluronic form, while she searches for ceramides and glycerins in creams and lotions.

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Vitamin C specifically, the l-ascorbic acid form is an antioxidant that can reverse the damage caused by UV radiation and to stimulate collagen production.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Vitamin E has the same properties like vitamin C. It works best when used as a skin-care power combination.

Retinol: Retinol is a important ingredient you should look for in your nighttime routine. It is a key ingredient in turning over skin cells and to stimulate collagen.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is fantastic to control oil, while smoothing and hydrating skin. the skin tone.
Beware of these ingredients

Fragrance/parfum: Additions of fragrances can cause irritation to the skin and cause allergic reactions It’s crucial to avoid them if suffer from sensitive skin.

Sulfates: They are cleansing substances that are commonly used in body washes and shampoo. They strip pores and hair of the natural oils and may cause irritation.

Parabens: Parabens are typically added to products as chemical preservatives to stop the growth of bacterial. They’re referred to as the Dr. David and other industry experts refer to as estrogen mimickers and they may be harmful in the long run, as they can disrupt the hormonal balance. Doctor. David and Dr. Green both warn that this could be a problem for infants and women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Formaldehyde as well as formaldehyde releasers. It’s uncommon to see formaldehyde on a list of ingredients nowadays, as it’s an established carcinogen. However, the Dr. David explains that it’s frequently replaced by different substances (quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl Urea, diazolidinyl Urea) which release formaldehyde with time, which acts in the role of preservatives.13 The Dr. David says it’s not verified whether or not these ingredients pose a risk in this way however it’s worthwhile to look out for them as possible allergens.

Be aware that the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean better.

The familiar words on the ingredient list are a comfort to look at, however it’s not always the safest option. For instance the doctor Dr. David explains that poison Ivy is a natural oil, but not something you’d like to apply all over your skin. “I see patients often with reactions to essential oils that are natural and, as such, that’s just one of those situations that everyone is different and must make the best decision for your as an individual,” Dr. David declares.

It is also important to note that the words organic and natural on a label for a product is often more of a trick to sell as any other. Because these terms aren’t controlled and there aren’t any specific industry standards They can make false promises.14 In addition, sometimes products are identified as organic with respect to just one or two ingredients listed on the label.

Pay attention to the sequence of the ingredients.

When you’ve identified the most important ingredients you’re trying to steer clear of or seek out It is important be aware of which ones are in the list of ingredients. As a general guideline the Dr. David recommends looking at the first five ingredients because they’ll typically make up around eighty percent overall makeup.

Ingredients are listed in order from most to least therefore, if you find an irritable or problematic ingredient within the five listed first it’s best to stay clear of the product.

If you’re trying to find to purchase a product that has specific ingredients, but the ingredients are listed in the last section the product, it’s not worth the money. Since they’re such a small portion of the total product it’s unlikely that you’ll experience the benefits of the ingredients that are listed at the bottom on the page.
Don’t be scared of the lengthy ingredient list

In terms of the food we consume in our bodies, we’re typically advised to seek out an easier, less well-known list of ingredients. Although a shorter list may be more readable however, it’s not always the best way to do the mustard in terms of what you want to achieve from the products you use for your skin.

If you’re seeking anti-aging benefits or are investing in products for skincare that are medical grade the list of ingredients will be longer. the doctor. David says that shouldn’t discourage you from trying it. Instead, make an appointment for a second opinion, whether from a dermatologist , or technology, to aid in determining whether this product is the right option for you.
Make use of your resources

There is no need to carry around a dictionary in order to choose products that have the right ingredients. You can make it simpler by using online sources. The Dr. David suggests two online databases for product and ingredient research The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database and CosDNA.

The EWG Skin Deep database is only one aspect of the online offerings. It is the EWG is a not-for-profit organisation focused on research and education concerning human and environmental health concerns. The Skin Deep database, skincare products are scored and rated on a variety of aspects such as manufacturing practices and the potential health risks.

While CosDNA is a simple database, it digs deep into the components of the product, describing the functions they perform and their the safety score.

Always do a patch test

The patch test can be a a smart exercise in the process of removing products. It’s also a good opportunity to take a trip in Ulta as well as Sephora without spending any money.

A patch test is a great way to determine whether certain ingredients or products will trigger allergic reactions, cause irritation to your skin, or block your pores. “I believe that the key message is that if it’s making your skin more sensitive or irritation your skin discontinue using it. It’s not the best item for you.” Dr. Green advises.

Examining all your ingredients prior to making a decision takes some time at first however it could help you save a lot of cash and stress at the final.