Having a skincare routine is good if you want to look younger as you age and you’re investing in your overall wellness. To accomplish this, you might think any skincare product will help. Then again, not every item at the department store or pharmacy is suited for you. If anything, there’s a good chance of purchasing a skincare product you think is effective but may produce severe side effects, such as discoloration and, worse, cancer.
You may be bombarded by online ads promoting skincare products that claim to be the next big thing in anti-aging solutions, but hype alone shouldn’t be your basis for choosing the right items to put in your shopping cart. Making a well-informed choice is better than wasting money on products that produce barely any positive effect, so here are a few tips to help you find the ones that align with your routine.
1. Consider Your Unique Needs
It’s never a good idea to assume every skincare product is good for you. To be sure, always use your skin type as a reference. Some products work best for people with oily skin, while others are formulated to work well with highly sensitive and pale skin. By keeping your unique physical needs in mind, it becomes easier to choose brands and items that will give you the best benefits.
More importantly, this allows you to avoid products containing ingredients that irritate or damage your skin more than they do other people. When in doubt, you may have to consult with a dermatologist to help you come up with a buying guide for your skincare regimen.
2. Know What Ingredients to Watch For
As you take your skin type into account, you need to be fully aware of what ingredients to avoid as you shop around. Most skincare products are transparent with their formulations, but you still need to dig deeper and read the fine print. A lotion may claim to be 100% organic but may still contain synthetic parabens which, according to this study published in ScienceDirect, may cause skin irritation.
It pays to be informed when it comes to ingredients, so always do research. Ask “what is polysorbate?” or “Is it safe to use a moisturizer with coconut oil?” Never rely on unverified claims made by brands that promote exotic ingredients like direct fruit extracts and pure essential oils.
3. Check the Legitimacy of the Brand
You may have the freedom to choose any brand you like, but that doesn’t mean you can try a newly launched skincare brand that uses aggressive marketing strategies. It’s possible that the brand is selling unlicensed products that have not undergone testing or have not yet been verified by the Food and Drug Administration. The fact that the packaging doesn’t show the complete list of ingredients is also a good reason to avoid it.
Your best bet would be to check the packaging if it contains the manufacturer’s address and contact information, as well as the product’s net weight and directions for use. You should also be wary of products that claim to be “FDA-approved,” as this is not a guarantee that these products are safe for consumers. Check the brand online if it’s been flagged for violating safety standards and consumer protection laws.
4. Be Wary of Counterfeits
Even if you’re out buying legitimate products from established brands, some retailers may sell you knock-offs. These are priced cheaper than the originals, but the manufacturing process is nothing short of illegal. What’s more, these products may contain toxic ingredients used as alternatives to the ones contained in the original items.
Not only do these fail to deliver the benefits you expect, but these substances can cause skin irritation and long-term damage to your body. Just last year, The Straits Times reported the spread of fake Korean beauty products, some of which mimicked high-end brands so well that it has become difficult to distinguish them from the originals. Make sure to buy products only from legitimate retailers and avoid buying from street shops.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical or dietary advice. Please consult qualified professionals or institutions if needed.