We have hundreds of new beauty products that launch every week and with every ‘skinfluencer’ promoting a new brand, let’s just say shopping for skincare products online is a challenging task. There are some common skin concerns that most people have, including pigmentation, ageing, dull skin, dryness, and acne. With the right skincare advice and beauty arsenal, you can easily manage these concerns. If you are looking to dip your toes in all things skincare, we’ve got the ultimate guide on how to shop like a pro.
It goes without saying (but we will say it anyway) that when you have specific or serious skin concerns, it is best to first consult a dermat and not self-diagnose. Before we get into the products for specific concerns, there are five things you need to keep in mind:
Understand Your Skin Type
The first step in picking the right skincare routine as per your concerns is to identify your skin type. Is it oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Once you are armed with this knowledge, you can choose products that are specifically formulated for your needs.
Narrow Down Your Concerns
Once you have that information clear, determine your specific skincare concerns. Do you have pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, dull skin, dryness, or acne? If you are new to skincare, we recommend targeting one concern at a time instead of overwhelming yourself with a 20-step routine.
Be Ingredients-Conscious
When shopping for skincare products, read the ingredient list. Look for specific formulas that target your concerns. For example, if you’re dealing with pigmentation, look for products that contain Vitamin C or Niacinamide.
Stick To A Budget
Skincare products can range from affordable to luxurious, so consider your budget when shopping. Be realistic and stick to what is sustainable versus splurging once and then being consistent.
Give Products Time To Work
When trying out new skincare products, it’s essential to be patient. Don’t expect to see results overnight, as it can take up to 28 days for some products to work. Give each product a fair chance before deciding whether it’s right for you. And remember, consistency is key.
Now that we have that clear, let’s address each skin concern…
Pigmentation
This is a common skincare concern that can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, acne and hormonal changes due to pregnancy or PCOS. When shopping for products to manage pigmentation, we recommend looking for ingredients like Vitamin C, Kojic acid, and Niacinamide.
Vitamin C is a known powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten skin and fade dark spots. Kojic acid is a very gentle exfoliant that may help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation whereas niacinamide can help even out your complexion.
Ageing
While fine lines and wrinkles are a skincare concern, it is important to understand that everyone gets them and while products can help you prevent them, they will appear at some point, despite all your effort. That being said, ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides may help delay the appearance of the signs of ageing.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that keeps the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Hyaluronic acid gives skin a plumper look and peptides (amino acids) help increase collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dull Skin
Did you know, not hydrating your skin enough can make it look dull and tired? When shopping for products to address lacklustre skin, look for exfoliators like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) as well as soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica.
Dryness
Dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy it making your skin look lifeless. When shopping for products to nip dryness in the bud, look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and good old glycerin.
Ceramides are naturally occurring fats that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines by binding moisture to skin cells, instantly plumping them up.
Acne
Acne is a common skincare concern, in teens as well as adulthood. When shopping for products to treat acne, ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil will be your MVPs (the most valuable players).
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces redness.
Picking the right skin care products is a matter of trial and error but you can make this process work for yourself by getting the right advice, doing your research and most importantly, understanding that what works for others, may not work for you. It is a very subjective process and patience is key. Keep our tips in mind and you should be on the right path to healthier skin. Happy shopping!
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