The skincare culture is soaring now more than ever as everyone tries to keep up with the latest trends and sworn by influencer tips. No doubt, we all crave that silky smooth, vibrant, healthy glowing skin, and with no fountain of youth for us to seek after, most of us have resorted to extreme lengths to achieve it, even if it costs us a painful thousand of dollars. But here’s the tea, expensive and a la mode doesn’t always equate to effective skincare. What do we mean? The ‘in’ beauty secrets that make you sit through your beauty guru’s hour-long youtube chatter on how to achieve supple glassy skin like theirs is not the answer. Half of the time, the conversation is ferrying to a grand reveal of a skincare line they’re probably signed to or exuberantly priced products and laborious routines you cannot keep up with. Understand that your skin, like your fingerprints, is unique and what may have worked for one person might not necessarily work for you is what will save you.
Buying the right facial products for you
Shopping for facial products today can be both intimidating and overwhelming. When you walk into a drug store for a quick skincare browse, you’re likely to encounter a myriad of beauty products lined up for you; while this is an edge for variety lovers, it also raises the stakes for confusion. Navigating those endless shelves of toners, serums, moisturizers, and cleansers to find the perfect when you have no idea what that looks like for you is a real point of stress. So how do you go about it? By learning the cheat code. When you have the right counsel on hand, that sea of skincare products is nothing but a puddle, and we have just the guide to see you through it.
Know your skin type
They’re about five skin types, each characteristically varying in nature and needs. Take dry skin; for instance, this category is marked by red patches, dull, rough complexions, and fine lines often caused by heat, harsh products, and the environment. People whose skin falls under this category would thrive off intense hydration and protection; this means constant moisturizing, gentle cleansing, sun blocking, and high water intake. Conversely, individuals with sensitive skin are better off limiting inflammation and irritation triggers; for this group, that would look like fragrance- and allergen-free products, soothing moisturizers, and antioxidant-rich diets. Both mentioned cases have parallel requisites and knowing where you fall is half the job done.
Have explicit goals
We all have defined objectives with our facial regimen; this is true. When you set out to buy skincare products for your face, you must have identified a problem area that needs resolution: enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, or rough skin texture. Often, this is the driving force that has most of us running to the department stores in a panicked frenzy- the rub, although it’s not always the case. For some people, the push to embark on a skincare journey is completely based on the urge to improve their skin’s health. Ultimately, understanding your skin needs and laying down explicit end goals with your regimen will help you find the appropriate product.
Be wary of Ingredients.
The goal is to enhance your complexion, not worsen it, and mindlessly buying skincare products is a recipe for disaster. Even though most of these dermatologically-tested formulas still contain chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin when used incorrectly or paired with the wrong products- this is why it’s highly recommended that you read through your skincare products’ list before making any purchases. You’ll also want to try and limit your skincare selection to products with about ten to fifteen ingredients; this way, you can keep track of what you’re feeding your skin and its role. Choosing products with fewer ingredients is another way to keep those allergic reactions at bay. If this step sounds like a risky gamble to you, we suggest you learn more about Mojave Desert Skin Shield, a reputable organic skincare brand with wildcrafted products that are less likely to be harsh and allergenic.
Important: Steer clear of parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and formaldehyde; these are deadly skin stressors
Carry out a patch test
This one’s a no-brainer- don’t buy products you haven’t tested out. Ensure you carry out a patch test on a small skin area for new products before adding them to your cart. Apply a pea-size of formula on your inner forearm while at the store and leave it on for five to fifteen minutes. Any tingly, itchy sensation or appearance of red patches on the tested area is a blaring warning sign. What if you’re buying the formula online? Then we advise going for the tester or smallest volume to avoid spending so much on a product that might be reactive to your skin.
Build a rounded regimen
Having a consistent and well-balanced skincare routine is the final piece of the puzzle. Please take all the tips mentioned above and channel them into building a tailored skincare regimen for you. You know the drill if you have sensitive skin; soothing and fragrance-free is the mojo. If you’re an oily-skinned girl, your best friend is oil-free cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and pH restoring toners. Ensure you start your routine with a daily religious cleanse, a balanced moisturizer, and a gentle toner before hopping onto the targeted oils and serums. Make an effort to exfoliate regularly, say once or twice a week. And finally, don’t forget your SPF; this is universal.
Conclusion
Grasping every dermatological detail under the sun to bag the right facial product may be impractical; learning fail-proof tips to help you whiz through your next skincare purchase, however, not so much. Understanding your unique skin needs and goals and choosing the right products to meet them is simply all it takes. With the right tips at your fingers, you can take on any skincare dilemma. We also strongly vouch for regular visits to your dermatologists for a professional skin analysis. Sometimes, skin conditions are just your body screaming for attention for an underlying issue that runs skin deep—nuts and bolts consistency and adopting better lifestyle habits because of skincare without discipline and change in vain.
