If you don’t have a college degree in Latin or have a college education in Chemistry, a skin care ingredients test may feel like you’re reading a foreign language. But the language that you are reading is a name: The International Nomenclature of cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) which is a standardized language that it’s designed to create an international standard language for ingredient names that can be found on all labels. It’s also not an appropriate language for consumers.
Sometimes, manufacturers will give the average consumer with a sharp object, by placing the common name in parentheses alongside the scientific term, such as this tocopherol (vitamin E). Without that push the ingredients list usually is just a string of unfamiliar long words, which are separated using commas.
Instead of doing a little research it’s easier 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 best option. There’s no universal solution to skincare. According to Jennifer David, MD, dermatologist who specializes on cosmetic dermatology as well as dermatology of skin color describes, “What works for your most trusted friend might not be the best with you.”
A customized approach is essential in determining the best skincare products that contain the correct components for the skin. It may take a bit of time and effort however it’s well worth it.
For your convenience, we spoke to dermatologists to help make the procedure less daunting. With this knowledge in your pocket it will make you feel like an experienced consumer, and possibly avoid any reactive skin problems when you try new products later on.
Find out the type of skin you have.
Based on the opinion of Cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, skin type is the primary element in determining which skin care products are most suitable for you. “There aren’t any bad products, but there are times when individuals with different skin types choose the wrong products to suit their particular skin type,” Dr. Green declares.
Patients with sensitive and acne-prone skin must be most cautious about the ingredients used in their products for skincare. However oily skin may be able to handle different ingredients that can cause irritation or breakouts in different skin types.
These are the components These are the ingredients Dr. Green suggests for different skin types:
For oily skin, look for products with the alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid and salicylic acids) benzoyl-peroxide, and the hyaluronic acid. “These ingredients work well in controlling excessive sebum production, while Hyaluronic acids will provide the hydration in only those areas that are required,” Dr. Green states.
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 the skin looking fresh and healthy,” Dr. Green states.
For skin with sensitive issues Choose products that contain aloe vera, oatmeal along with shea butter. “They’re excellent moisturizers and generally do not cause breakouts,” Dr. Green states.
If you’re not 100 % certain of the type of skin you’re dealing with, you should consider going to the dermatologist for confirmation. Once you know the type of your skin then you can select products that meet your needs with greater precision.
Don’t be enticed by the hype
“Packaging and popularity can be easily manipulated and shouldn’t be putting any weight or significance in the products we select for your skin” Dr. David advises. If you’re considering buying the product on the basis of the recommendation of a friend or an influencer and you don’t have to look at how great their skin is today, but instead consider the type of skin they’ve been dealing with. This will provide you with an accurate indication of how the product is going to work for you.
Over the past couple of years, popular products like that of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub and a variety of Mario Badescu creams have faced lawsuits by consumers who had several severe adverse reactions. Don’t be worried when these products are sat in your makeup drawer at home. This isn’t a reason to think they’re not good for anyone. The controversy that some well-known skin care brands are facing is an example that even if some products get the popular vote does not mean it’s popular due to the proper reasons or is the best product for you.
The list of ingredients is the best method to follow regardless of the number of positive reviews or reviews the product’s reviews have online.
Find these ingredients
Glycerin It is the name of Dr. David calls this ingredient the foundation of moisturizing products.
Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid Both are essential moisturizers that are naturally present within the skin. Dr. David says she prefers the serum form of hyaluronic acid. form, whereas she searches for ceramides and glycerins in creams and lotions.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Vitamin C specifically, the l-ascorbic acid form is an antioxidant which can reverse the damage caused by UV radiation and to stimulate collagen production.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Vitamin E provides the same benefits as vitamin C . It performs best when used as a skin-care power pair.
Retinol: Retinol is a important ingredient you should look for in your nighttime routine. It is a key ingredient in turning over skin cells and increase collagen.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is fantastic to control oil, while moisturizing the skin and evening out the skin tone.
Beware of these ingredients
Fragrance/parfum: The addition of fragrances could cause irritation to the skin and cause allergic reactions It’s crucial to stay clear of them if you are prone to skin irritation.
Sulfates: They are cleansing substances that are commonly used in body washes and shampoo. They strip pores and hair of their natural oils and may cause irritation.
Parabens: Parabens are typically added to products as chemical preservatives to stop the growth of bacterial. They’re referred to as the Dr. David and other industry experts refer to as estrogen mimickers and they could be harmful over time , by disrupting the hormonal balance. The Dr. David and Dr. Green both warn that this could be a problem 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 in the present, since it’s classified as a carcinogen that is well-known. However, it is a common ingredient in the list of Dr. David explains that it’s frequently substituted with different chemical compounds (quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl-urea diazolidinyl) which release formaldehyde over time, which acts in the role of preservatives.13 The Dr. David says it’s not established whether these chemicals are harmful in this way however it’s worthwhile to look out for them as possible allergens.
Be aware that the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean better.
A familiar ingredient list may be soothing to look at, however it’s not always the most secure route. For instance the doctor Dr. David explains that poison Ivy is a natural oil, but not something you’d like to apply all over your skin. “I see patients often with reactions to essential oils from nature which is why that’s just one of those situations which everyone is unique, and needs to take care of yourself as an individual,” Dr. David states.
It is also important to note that the words organic and natural on a label for a product is often more of a marketing ploy more than any other. Because these terms aren’t controlled and there aren’t any specific industry standards They can make false promises.14 In addition, sometimes the product is identified as organic with respect to just one or two ingredients listed on the label.
Be aware of the order of the ingredients.
When you’ve identified the most important ingredients you’re trying to stay clear of or look for You’ll need to be aware of their position on the list of ingredients. As a general guideline the Dr. David recommends looking at the first five ingredients because they’ll typically comprise around 90% of the overall makeup.
Ingredients are listed in order from most to least therefore, if you find the possibility of a potentially harmful or irritating ingredient within the five listed first it’s best to stay away from that particular product.
If you’re trying to find out a product with specific ingredients, but the ingredients are listed in the last section 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 benefits of the ingredients that are listed at the bottom of the listing.
Don’t be scared of the lengthy ingredient list
In terms of the food we put into our bodies, we’re usually instructed to search for smaller, more known ingredient list. 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 ingredients or products for skincare that are medical grade the list of ingredients is bound to get longer. the doctor. David says that shouldn’t hinder you. Instead, contact us for a second opinion, whether from a dermatologist , or technology, to assist you in determining if this product is the right decision for you.
Make use of your resources
There is no need to have a dictionary in your pocket to find products for your skin that contain the correct ingredients. It’s easier to make things simpler by taking advantage of 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 aspect that they offer online. It is the EWG is an non-profit corporation that is focused on education and research regarding human and environmental health concerns. The Skin Deep database, skincare products are evaluated and scored on a variety of aspects such as manufacturing practices and possible health risks.
While CosDNA is a simple database, it digs deeper into the ingredients of an item, providing details of the functions they perform and 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 the main message is: If the product is making your skin more sensitive or irritation your skin discontinue using it. It’s not the best item for you.” Dr. Green advises.
Examining all your ingredients prior to making a decision takes some time at first however it could help you save a lot of money and heartache at the final.