If you don’t have a college degree in Latin or have a college qualification in chemical chemistry a skin care ingredient test can be like reading a foreign tongue. But the language that you are reading has a name: it’s called The International Nomenclature of cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and it’s designed to create an internationally accepted language for ingredients that can be used on the labels of all brands around the world. It’s also not a good choice for consumers.
Sometimes, manufacturers offer the common shopper with a sharp object, by placing the name that is more commonly used in parentheses alongside the scientific term, such as this tocopherol (vitamin E). Without that push the list of ingredients often is just a string of words that are long and unfamiliar, that are separated with commas.
Instead of doing a little research it’s more convenient to be a follower of trends and go for products (and ingredients) that have a fan base particularly with the rise of influencers in beauty. But it’s not always the most effective option. There’s not a universal skincare regimen that works for everyone. According to Jennifer David, MD, an expert dermatologist with a specialization in dermatologic cosmetics and dermatology of skin color describes, “What works for your closest friend may not be suitable with you.”
A personalized approach is vital in finding the perfect products for your skin that have the proper components for the skin. It takes some extra time and effort however it’s well worth it.
For your convenience, we spoke to dermatologists to make the process easier. With this knowledge in your pocket it will make you feel like an experienced consumer, and hopefully avoid recurrent skin issues when you are trying new products in the near future.
Be aware of your skin’s type
Based on the opinion of the cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the primary aspect in determining which skincare products are most suitable for you. “There aren’t any bad products in all cases, but often individuals with different skin types apply the wrong products to suit their particular skin type,” Dr. Green states.
The people who suffer from acne and have sensitive skin must be most cautious about the ingredients found in their skincare products. However oily skin may be able to handle different ingredients that may cause irritation or breakouts for different skin types.
These are the components that Dr. Green suggests for different skin types:
For oily skin, look for products that contain the alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid and salicylic acids) benzoyl peroxide and the hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients are very effective in controlling excessive sebum production, while the hyaluronic acid produces the hydration in only those areas that are required,” Dr. Green declares.
For dry skin, look for products that contain shea butter and lactic acids. “These ingredients help to hydrate and provide mild exfoliation to help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant,” Dr. Green states.
For skin with sensitive issues Choose products that contain aloe vera and oatmeal as well as shea butter. “They’re great moisturizers, and typically do not cause breakouts,” Dr. Green advises.
If you’re not 100 % sure of what type of skin you’re dealing with, consider going to the dermatologist for confirmation. Once you’ve identified the type of your skin then you can select products that meet your needs with greater precision.
Don’t believe in the hype
“Packaging and popularity are often tempting traps, and shouldn’t put any value or weight in what we choose to use on the skin of ours,” Dr. David advises. If you’re planning to purchase the product on the basis of an influencer’s or friend’s recommendation and you don’t have to look at how great their skin is today, but instead consider the type of skin they had to deal with. This will provide you with an even more accurate indicator of how the product is going to work for you.
Over the past couple of years, popular products like those from St. Ives Apricot Scrub and numerous Mario Badescu creams have faced lawsuits from people who suffered quite severe adverse reactions. There’s no need to be concerned when these products are sat in your makeup drawer at home, but that isn’t a reason to think they’re not good for anyone. The criticism that popular skin care brands are facing is an indication that just because it’s true that something is popular however, that doesn’t mean it’s popular due to the good reasons or that it’s the best product for you.
The list of ingredients is the best method to follow regardless of how many positive reviews or ratings the product is featured on.
Find these ingredients
Glycerin The Dr. David calls this ingredient the underlying ingredient of moisturizing creams.
Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid These two ingredients are both important moisturizers that are naturally present within the skin. Dr. David says she prefers the serum form of hyaluronic acid. form, while she searches for ceramides and glycerins within creams and lotions.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Vitamin C specifically, the l-ascorbic acid form is an antioxidant that helps to repair damage caused by UV radiation and boost collagen production.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Vitamin E provides the same benefits like vitamin C. It works best when used as a skin-care power pair.
Retinol: Retinol is a essential ingredient in your nighttime routine. It helps to produce skin cells and increase collagen.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is excellent to control oil, while smoothing and hydrating skin. out the skin tone.
Do not eat these ingredients
Fragrance/parfum: The addition of fragrances could cause irritation and skin allergies This is why it’s important to stay clear of them if you are prone to skin irritation.
Sulfates: Sulfates are cleanser agents that are often found in body wash and shampoo. They strip scalp and hair their natural oils and may cause irritation.
Parabens: Parabens are typically used in products as chemical preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria. They’re referred to as is known as. David and other industry experts refer to as estrogen mimickers and they may cause harm over time , by disrupting the hormonal balance. Doctor. David and Dr. Green each warn that this may be dangerous for infants and women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers It’s not common to find formaldehyde listed in ingredient lists nowadays, as it’s a carcinogen that is well-known. However, the Dr. David explains that it’s frequently substituted with different chemical compounds (quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl Urea, diazolidinyl Urea) which release formaldehyde with time to function to act as preservatives.13 The Dr. David says it’s not established whether these ingredients pose a risk in this way however it’s worthwhile to look for them as possible allergens.
Be aware that the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean better.
The familiar words on the ingredient list may be soothing to read, but it’s not always the most secure route. For instance the doctor Dr. David explains that poison ivy is a naturally-occurring oil, but not one you’d like to apply all over your skin. “I see patients regularly with allergic reactions to essential oils that are natural and, as such, this is one of the issues that everyone is different and must make the best decision for your as an individual,” Dr. David states.
It is also important to note that the words “natural” and “organic” on a label for a product is often more of a trick to sell more than any other thing. Since these terms aren’t legally regulated and there aren’t industry-specific standards They can make false promises.14 Furthermore, often the product is described as organic in reference to just one or two ingredients listed on the label.
Pay attention to the sequence of the ingredients.
When you’ve identified the principal ingredients you want to stay clear of or look for You’ll need to be aware of which ones are in the list of ingredients. As a general guideline the Dr. David recommends looking at the top five ingredients because they’ll typically make up around 90% of the overall makeup.
Ingredients are listed in order from the highest to the lowest therefore, if you find an irritable or problematic ingredient within the five listed first it’s best to stay away from that particular product.
Similar to that, if you’re looking out a product with particular ingredients, and those ingredients are listed at the bottom of the list, then it’s not worth the money. Since they’re such a small portion of the product’s overall content and no advantages of the ingredients listed at the top on the page.
Do not be afraid of the lengthy ingredients list
In terms of the food we put into our bodies, we’re typically instructed to search for smaller, more well-known list of ingredients. While a list that is more concise is easier to understand but it’s not always going to cut it when it comes to what you want to achieve from the products you use for your skin.
If you’re searching for anti-aging benefits or are investing in products for skincare that are medical grade the list of ingredients will be longer. the doctor. David says that shouldn’t discourage you from trying it. Instead, make an appointment for a second opinion, whether by a dermatologist or a technology expert to assist you in determining if this product is the right decision for you.
Make use of your resources
It’s not necessary to carry around a dictionary in order to choose products for your skin that contain the correct ingredients. You can make it simpler by using online sources. David Dr. David suggests two online databases for product and ingredient research The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database and CosDNA.
The EWG Skin Deep database is only one of the online offerings. They also offer a variety of other services. EWG is an non-profit organisation focused on research and education regarding human and environmental health concerns. Within the Skin Deep database, skincare products are evaluated and scored using a variety of criteria such as manufacturing practices and the potential health risks.
While CosDNA is a simple database, it goes deep into the components of an item, providing details of their functions as well as their safety scores.
Always do a patch test
Patch tests are a smart exercise in the process of removing products. Additionally, it’s an excellent reason to go in Ulta as well as Sephora without spending a dime.
A patch test is a great way to determine whether certain ingredients or substances trigger allergic reactions, cause irritation to your skin or block your pores. “I believe that the key message is that if it’s aggravating your skin or irritation your skin discontinue using it. It’s probably not the best item for you.” Dr. Green states.
Test all the ingredients you have before taking some time at first however it could help you save a lot of money and heartache at the final.
