Are you always stuck on how to identify best features in skin care products? Needless to say there are a lot of factors that you have to keep in mind when you shop for skin care products. Right from knowing your skin type, to reading the label (aka the ingredient list), and to knowing what is the right skin care regime.
There are basic elements when it comes to understanding the basic skin care regime. All you need to do is follow the basic CTM (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturizing) regime with exfoliation once a week to reveal gorgeous looking skin. And yes, your skin will thank you for it. Add to this masking and your skin care regime is almost complete.
What is also crucial is how you follow the skin care regime in the AM and PM routine, because not all products will work at all times! If you are looking at how to buy the right skin care products, then this post is for you!
X-Factor: How to identify best features in skin care products?
You can only seek out the best skin care products if you know your skin type. The first step to choose the right skin care product is to know your skin type. Look up this test I found online that can help to determine your skin type. Skin is basically divided into four basic types, normal, oily, dry and combination. It is further broken down to acne prone, sensitive or any other targeted skin type. No matter what your skin type is always use a sunscreen to protect your skin.
Know your skin type
- Oily Skin – Oily skin happens due to excess sebum production and when the skin pores are clogged. You could need a product that is packed with alpha hyaluronic acid and mid scrubs to gently cleanse out the gathered dirt and grime. The former helps in hydrating the skin. When it comes to cleansing your skin, you need a gentle cleanser packed with the essential oils of tea-tree (if it suits your skin) as it helps to combat the excess oil production. It is best to use a light-weight moisturizer, preferably made with a non-comedogenic formula.
- Dry Skin – Dry skin will need more hydration, so its best to use creamy formulations to cleanse the face, use an exfoliator not more than once a week and opt for oils and butters. Argan oil, jojoba oil and shea butter are your best friends for your skin if its dry. The best moisturizer for dry skin has these ingredients.
- Combination Skin – A combination skin changes according to the season, you may notice it become drier in the cooler seasons and oily in the summer. An oily T zone is a classic example of a combination skin. Some of the best ingredients for this skin type are aloe vera, chamomile, green tea and even shea butter.
- Normal Skin: A normal skin type doesn’t undergo any changes all through the year. You can pretty much use any kind of cleanser, exfoliator and a nourishing moisturiser or a serum or a face oil to lock in the moisture content and balance the pH levels.
Keep the toxins away
How do I ensure a product is organic? What are the best ways to ensure a product is organic? How do I know that this product is genuinely natural and organic? What are the ingredients I need to keep a look out for when I am choosing a product that is natural and organic?
These are some questions I have been asked a lot of times by readers of my blog. Especially with the surge in the market where all products are claiming that they are natural, it becomes very important to know if you really are buying the right products and most importantly are they natural and organic as they claim to be.
Look for the ingredient list. Most brands that promote natural and organic products will follow a complete ingredient disclosure. The next time you buy a product, look at the ingredient list to know if there are harmful toxins in the product you are about to buy. Here are some ingredients to look out for.
PHTHALATE & PARABENS
Phthalate & Parabens are the most common of them all and are listed in soaps, shampoos and lotions. These are also a part of the ingredients list in wet wipes. With repeated exposure to parabens; research indicates that one can be susceptible to tumours, hormone disruption and skin irritation. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, that can cause not just reproductive problems but also affect the concentration levels.
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
Love your soap and shampoo or the body wash that lathers? Then look up if the product has SLES. SLES/SLS is one of the main ingredients in any product that causes the product to foam or lather. It is commonly found is soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, body washes and face wash. This is a particularly harsh ingredient that can cause your skin to dry and break out into irritation.
1,4-DIOXANE
This is another ingredient that is commonly found in bath products and liquid soaps. Most of the times it is not listed on the label because it is a chemical byproduct. This product is commonly linked to many types of skin allergies. It is possible that the ingredient 1,4-dioxane is a part of products that contain SLES and PEG compounds.
MUST READ: The best natural and chemical-free baby products in India
FRAGRANCE
Don’t you love that lingering fragrance of a a body wash or a soap? Turn the product and read the ingredients list. If the fragrances are really strong there are high chances of the fragrance being artificial. Naturally derived fragrances are milder and pleasing to smell. Prolonged exposure to fragrance can cause allergies, skin damage, and respiratory issues. Fragrance can also be listed as perfume or parfum. Fragrance from naturally derived essential oils are milder and may not cause any reaction, unless you are allergic to it.
TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is found under anything that is labelled as anti-bacterial. It is known to be an endocrine disruptor and is harmful for the environment. This ingredient is used in anti-bacterial soaps, hand washes, baby wipes to name a few.
Look for the organic certification
Brands that promote organic products need to have a certification. If you find an Ecocert certification in a brand, then you can safely buy the product without a second thought. Ecocert is an inspection and certification body established in France in 1991 by agronomists aware of the need to develop environmentally friendly agriculture and of the importance of offering some form of recognition to those committed to this method of production. From its creation, Ecocert is specialized in the certification of organic agricultural products. (Source: Organic Certification of Agricultural Products)
These are some very basic factors to keep in mind when you want to how to identify the best features in skin care products. What are some of your basic thumb rules when it comes to choosing a skin care product? Leave a comment and let me know!
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