Did you know that there is a system to name the ingredients used in skincare? It’s called the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). And while it has made it technically easy for manufacturers and other stakeholders to recognize and use chemicals, it isn’t very consumer-friendly.
In other words, even if you read a skincare product’s back label, you may be completely clueless regarding what the ingredients mean.
This article discusses the ingredients used in some of the most popular skincare products and how you should choose one based on your skin type.
How to Choose A Skincare Product Based on Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin is the most important thing when choosing a skincare tool.
Every skincare product has been created to suit a specific type of skin. If you choose the wrong one, you will risk issues such as irritation, allergic reactions, redness, swelling, and even chronic diseases like skin cancer.
Here are the products you should look to buy based on the type of your skin:
Dry Skin
Since dry skin can break and get irritated easily, dermatologists recommend products with good moisturization. Furthermore, you need to choose gentle products without any harsh chemicals. Here are some pointers:
Cleanser
Choose a gentle natural or oil-based cleanser with moisturizing agents and fatty acids based on oils. Ingredients such as shea butter and oatmeal are good natural moisturizers.
Look for cleansers consisting of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Glycerin, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, and Niacinamide, all of which help offer moisture to dry skin and protect it from external aggressors like pollution and sunlight.
Avoid ones that have been labeled scrubs and foaming, as they can cause unwanted irritations.
Moisturizer
For moisturizer, choose an oil or butter-based ointment or a cream instead of lotion, as the latter can be harsher on your skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers based on lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum are best suited for dry skin.
Those with dry skin are also advised to wear moisturizer immediately after bathing and washing to lock any moisture in the skin.
Toner
If you have dry skin, your toner should have Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which improves tissue hydration. Also, look for humectants and ceramides that prevent moisture loss and help to improve the skin texture.
On the other hand, avoid toners containing exfoliating agents and alcohol. Alcohol naturally dries out your skin, while exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid penetrate deep into your skin, meaning that they can be harsh for you.
Sunscreen
Like other products, your sunscreen should also have hydrating ingredients.
Since many commercial sunscreen companies are known to use harsh chemicals such as Oxybenzone, Homosalate, etc., it is better to wear sunscreen made of entirely natural substances like aloe vera, essential oils, zinc oxide, etc. Just make sure that it has adequate SPF protection (more than 30).
Avoid products with citrus, plant-based extracts, and alcohol and fragrance, as they could cause the skin to dry out even more.
Oily Skin
For oily skin, the priority should be choosing oil-free, non-comedogenic products that cause no congestion.
Cleanser
Avoid cleansers that have alcohol or artificial oils. On the other hand, aloe vera and tree-tea oil can be good for oily skin because they balance the natural production of oil in your body.
Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acid reduce the oiliness in your skin without making it overly dry.
Ingredients such as Mineral oils, alcohol, beeswax, and paraffin can clog your skin, so you should avoid them.
Moisturizer
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, which isn’t good. You see, oily skin can also crack and break throughout the day if you don’t take good care of it.
‘Oil-free’ moisturizers can be complicated since some of them still consist of wax and alcohol that can clog up your skin. Stay away from them.
You should look for strictly water-based moisturizers that consist of dimethicone and exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid.
Toner
People with oily and acne-prone skin can avail of toner as a cleanser.
In this regard, you should look for gently exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid and amino fruit acids. Some products may also consist of clay, which helps absorb the excess oil in the skin and make the pores tight.
As in other makeup tools, avoid essential oils or cocoa butter.
Sunscreen
First things first, select a sunscreen with a powder or matte finish, which will help absorb any extra grease on your face.
Choose products labeled Oil-free and Non-Comedogenic, as they don’t cause blockages in your pores.
Coconut oil, Octyl Stearate, and Isopropyl Palmitate are common ingredients found in most commercial sunscreen lotions that those with oily skin types should avoid.
Sensitive Skin
In addition to being dry or oily, some people may also have sensitive skin. If it’s the case for you, you need to follow more skincare guidelines to avoid irritation and get a healthy, plump look.
- Prioritize all-natural skincare items and cosmetics.
- Don’t use fragranced and dyed products as they contain ingredients that can irritate your skin.
- Use creams rather than lotions and gels since they are softer on the skin and don’t have a lot of irritants.
- Acids such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, ascorbic acid, kojic acid, and boric acid can create irritations. But you can still try out Lactic Acid since it is less harsh than other AHAs.
- Avoid any skincare tools that have alcohol.
- Always test a product on some other part of your body, like your neck or chest, before applying them to your skin.
Conclusion
The key to choosing the right skincare products is understanding your skin type.
You will need to know your skin and analyze the ingredients in the skincare product’s label to see if they will give you healthy skin or make it worse.
If you have dry skin, look for products that offer moisture. And if you have oily skin, double-check if the ingredients don’t have more oil.
