Great skin is not entirely dependent on genetics, but your day-to-day habits in fact have a huge impact on what you see in the mirror. Nowadays, the process of selecting the right products for your skin has become extremely overwhelming. With a myriad of beauty products in the market and thousands of influencers promoting expensive new items every day, one might find it confusing to select the best option.
However, a little homework and research can take you a long way.
Here are a few things you should consider before you start your journey towards healthy, glowing skin:
Your Skin Type
The most crucial step to good skincare is being aware of your skin type. Knowing whether your skin is dry, oily, combination or sensitive will make the process of selecting skincare products 10 times easier.
- Oily skin: Genetics, diet, stress and hormones all contribute to excess sebum production, causing the skin to become oily. To cope with this, your best choice is to use products with Benzoyl Peroxide and alpha hyluronic acid. They help hydrate and moisturize the skin without producing more oil.
- Dry skin: This uncomfortable condition is usually the result of low moisture content. Using creams with jojoba oil, lactic acid and Shea butter is your best bet if you’ve got dry skin. Lotions with grape seed oil and antioxidants can also help increase the water content.
- Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin, use simple products with soothing and calming agents. The lesser the ingredients in the product, the better. Substances like chamomile, green tea and aloe not only prevent and reduce inflammation but also help nourish and protect the skin.
Avoid Getting Carried Away
Once you’ve understood your skin, make sure to look for products with the optimum ingredients that suit your skin type. Online shopping makes it really easy to get attracted to the aesthetics of a product. Nice packaging, positive reviews and your favorite influencer’s recommendation may persuade you to buy a product that doesn’t cater to your skin’s needs at all. Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
Read the Labels Thoroughly
Always read the ingredients and instructions before you purchase any product. The best skincare products are the ones that include ingredients like glycerin, ceramides and hyluronic acid. These are known as moisturizing agents that help nourish the skin and keep it looking healthy and plump. Similarly, Vitamin C, E and B3 are antioxidants that reverse skin damage caused by UV radiation and increase the production of collagen.
Keep an eye out for potential irritants and allergens like parabens, formaldehyde and sulfates. These chemicals damage the skin in the long run and should be avoided at all costs.
Do a Patch Test
Before committing to a product, it is essential that you do a patch test. This will give you an idea of how effective it is for you. If it irritates your skin in any way or clogs your pores, you’ll know that this product isn’t meant for you. Doing a patch test may feel unnecessary but it can save you lots of money in the long haul.
Once you understand your skin’s requirements, you can create a skincare routine that is specifically made to cater you skin’s needs.
Have more questions? If so contact the experts at Missouri College of Cosmetology.