Choosing your skincare products is definitely not an easy task. Many cosmetics brands claim theirs are the best on the market. I know that picking the right routine that matches your skin type and concerns can be overwhelming.

So, I’m guessing your next question is: what are the best skincare products for me? If you want the short road, you might like to book a consultation HERE We can go through your specific skin needs and health background. And I can help you find the right fit.

But if you are the kind of “I don’t have the time”. Or “I like to look into it myself”, then bear in mind the following seven facts to think about before buying your routine…

 

1. Identify your skin type before buying your skincare products

By now, you might be thinking: “I want to choose my personal skincare products, but I want to be right.”
So, I’m going straight in with my first point. You need to know your skin type and concerns. Are those not the same thing? Not, exactly. There are four skin types: dry, sensitive, combination, and oily. Most likely, you choose your moisturiser based on your skin type.

These skins may or may not have similar concerns:

• Acne.
• Wrinkles or fine lines.
• Saggy skin.
• Large pores.
• Puffiness.
• Pigmentation.
• Broken capillaries.
• Sun damage.
• Millia.
• Dark circles.

We usually address these issues with serums. So, if you want to check your skin by yourself, the best moment to do it is at night after you wash it. If you are one of those sticklers for details, you might like to wait for an hour with no product.

 

So, what happens next?

• Does your face feel squeaky? Most likely, it’s dry.
• Has it got a greasy or sticky feeling all over? Well, your skin is oily.
• Do some areas feel dry and matte, while others feel shiny? Combination is your type.
• Is your skin irritated, reddish, hot, and itchy? You’re on the sensitive side.

When you know your skin type, you can choose your cream with the most appropriate consistency. Most brands usually indicate the skin type in their products.

• Dry skin craves oilier and thicker textures.
• Super-light textures that absorb quickly benefit oily skin.
• Combination skin may need the use of a mask 1-2 times a week as an extra for certain areas.
• Sensitive skin requires specific calming and soothing skincare products.

The truth is some moisturisers can help with specific skin concerns in addition to moisturising. But a serum may also be useful in tackling specific skin concerns too. Combining a moisturiser and a serum will enhance the serums benefits.

Combining two serums might be a choice if you have more than one skin issue. If you want to know why your skin needs a serum check out my blog post all about it.

For me, it’s all about choosing high-grade skincare products that adapt to my skin. Rather than my skin having to adapt to them. Retinol is my one and only exception. You can find out why HERE 

 

2. Listen to your skin before buying any skincare routine

People always asking me if they can use the same skincare products all year round. I do recommend switching up your skincare routine seasonally. This is mainly because skin goes through;

• polluted environments,
• hormonal imbalance,
• stress,
• poor diet or not drinking enough water,
• heating or air conditioning,
• etc.

Skin is also constantly changing so it’s good to adapt your products to keep up with your ever-changing skin. You can go to point one and check your skin periodically. I usually recommend facials at least every three months. And you can rely on a skincare expert to recommend the best products for you.

And this brings us to the next point:

 

3. Trust professional knowledge

I get my hands on new cosmetic brands every day.

To be honest, I only like to play with skincare products packed with a good bunch of ingredients. Only the ones well-formulated with some kind of cool technology catch my interest.

As a skin expert, knowing so many brands kind of helps me make the best beauty product recommendations. I am very conscious that even the most costly and well-formulated cream won’t work if its ingredients don’t meet your skin’s needs. I mean, the cream can be amazing, but it will do nothing if it’s not for you.

 

4. The term “lab-created” does not automatically mean “harmful”

I love natural products. However, a skincare product containing lab-made components should not be excluded just for that. Also, not all “natural” or “organic” products are made equally. Purity is key, and not all companies deliver on this promise.

As I said, I love natural products. But I also love other skincare brands that contain good lab-created ingredients. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to use natural products, this is fantastic. There are really effective brands out there that work very well. Just make sure you pick the proper one.
What I mean is that there are other brands to explore. And they have beneficial ingredients that also treat and restore skin health with excellent results. However, their components might not be 100% from natural sources.

 

5. Check on the ingredients label before buying your skincare products

The list of ingredients is the lifeblood of any cosmetic product. The right mix that shows a job well done. But sometimes marketing plays the game. So, we just end up confused.

First tip: Don’t be fooled just by the name. A skincare product can be named “hyaluronic acid serum” and contain only 0.000001% of this ingredient.

Second tip: A higher percentage does not necessarily mean better results. It depends on other factors such as pH and technology.

Some cosmetic products need a lower pH, like vitamin C. If the pH is too high, the product won’t work, even at high concentrations. If the ingredient is too large, it will sit on top of your skin. It will not penetrate at all. 50% of a large molecule is less effective than 0.5% of a very small one.

Third tip: Formulation. Don’t just look at one element, but the entire cocktail.

Also keep this in mind:

• Filling ingredients are the cheapest
• Product research and development are very expensive
• So is advertising (make sure this is not what you pay for)

Don’t forget to ask for these details the next time you buy a skincare product.

 

6. Run away from all-in-one products which do everything, instantly

Quick-fixes don’t exist. Healthy skin comes after picking the right ingredients that work at a cellular level. Then you need to be consistent and regular in its application. And only after a while your skin will start changing.

I’m not generally a fan of skincare products that are moisturisers, antioxidants, brighteners, SPF all in one. That miracle bottle that treats all your skin issues, no matter which ones they are. It rids off your wrinkles, pigmentation and gets your coffee ready in the morning (that would be lovely though).

You can try to do two or three things at once. But most likely, none of them will be nailed. The best results come from focusing on one thing at a time. And so, do your skincare products.

A good cosmetic brand offers products for all skin types and concerns. Get professional advice on how to combine them, and you will see results.

 

7. Be careful when buying your skincare products online

Online shopping is increasingly popular. It’s convenient and gives you instant access to many possibilities! You might even read other customers’ feedback and compare before and after photos. But buying online increases the risk of getting scammed with fake skincare products.

Many brands are complaining about it. What’s even more worrisome is how difficult it is to distinguish between what’s counterfeit and what’s genuine. So, here are some online shopping tips:

• Always purchase from a well-known brand, online store, clinic, or salon.
• Avoid unreasonably low offers.
• Examine the product’s packaging and colour.
• Verify the serial or batch number against an authentic one.

Learn more about counterfeit products in this article:
How to Avoid Buying Fake Products When Shopping on Amazon, Walmart (businessinsider.com)

So, now you know what to look for in your next skincare products purchase.
I hope you’ve found it useful.

If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments below.

 

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