Skincare products
When it comes to skincare, one must be extra cautious in choosing the right brand and type of product to use. There are practically millions of skincare products in the market. Choosing a handful to complete your daily regimen could be quite tiring.
Women, especially, can be easily swayed by attractive packaging and catchy commercials. Big names such as Hollywood celebrities, supermodels and famous sports personalities can greatly influence a product’s buying power. However, one of the considerations you should look out for is the product’s ingredients.
How to Read Labels
In order not to be confused and to make easier choices, know some of the basic ingredients found in skincare products. The active ingredients are usually found on top of the list while the least amount of ingredients can be found at the bottom. Active ingredients should comprise around 5 to 15 percent of the total content. Some of the most popular active ingredients include alpha hydroxyl acids, which aids in exfoliation, lightening of pigmentation, and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Alpha lipoic acid is also common because it effectively reduces inflammation and redness of the skin, reduce wrinkles and scarring. Anti-aging products usually contain DMAE, Vitamin C, idebenone and green tea extracts. Anti acne products usually contain mandelic acid, benzoyl peroxide, zinc, and copper peptides.
Dos and Donts in Choosing Skincare Products
Oils are commonly found in skincare products because they serve as emulsifiers. When choosing products, do look for natural oils in the list ingredients. This includes sunflower seed, argan, coconut, avocado, safflower, soybean, jojoba, macadamia nut, neem, and vegetable oils.
Spa skincare products
Also, do buy private label skincare products than drugstore or department store brands. Private label products are specially formulated to target specific skin problems. They are mostly created in skincare laboratories and are sold by spas, celebrities and skincare specialists. Compared to drugstore brands, they can be quite expensive because they contain more active ingredients and less fillers.
Do not buy or avoid products containing parabens (butylparaben, isoparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben), petrochemicals (mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin), ureas (sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, DMDM hydantoin), sulfates (sodium lauryl, sodium laureth), 1,4 dioxane (ethylene oxide), synthetic fragrances (phthalates), chemical sunscreens (octylmethoxycinnamate oxybenzone), and DEA / MEA / TEA (ammonia compunds).
Do not purchase products containing 15 or more ingredients. Chances are, these products contain more fillers and synthetic ingredients and less active ingredients.
Do not be easily fooled by outer appearance. As a consumer, educate yourself about the products that you use. Some products are just plain fancy packaging, but are not effective at all. The best way to protect yourself is by becoming an educated consumer. Be vigilant of products that do not give you what you are paying for.
Photo credits:
- autumn_bliss on Flickr
- kornd on Pixabay
