With hundreds of skincare brands out there, it’s tough to know which ones are actually worth the money. Some sound really good but are vague in their descriptions. Unless you know how skincare works, it’s difficult to pick the perfect cream for your skin.
There are also trendy ingredients because skin care lines have to put out new products every season. Then there are those companies with great reputations, but no one knows if they’re worthwhile. Here’s a handy guide on what ingredients to look for in skincare.
Beneficial Skincare Ingredients (For Different Skin Types)
Remember, everyone’s skin is different. Unfortunately, skincare is a game of trial and error. If you’re unsure, talk to your dermatologist about your needs or the products you use. Always patch test (try a little on your neck and leave it for 10-24 hours first) to make sure you’re not allergic to anything.
For those with oily skin, it’s essential to understand what’s happening. Sometimes your skin can overproduce oil if you’re not moisturizing correctly. Or, if you’re young, hormones play a role in how much sebum is produced. Oily skin can get very glossy, or worse, cause breakouts.
Dry skin is often seen on those who live in dry or polluted environmental conditions or are aging. However, your skin is likely hereditary, along with many skin conditions.
Here are ingredients you should know as they show up on many skincare labels:
- Niacinamide – Otherwise known as Vitamin B3, it’s soothing and calming for red and broken-out skin. It also boosts collagen production and decreases oiliness.
- Salicylic Acid – Very popular in acne products and great for clearing out clogged pores. It is a chemical exfoliant that is magnetized to oil, drawing it out of your pores.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Powerful humectant that can help hydrate and plump the skin, temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, due to its lightweight texture and ability to hold a large amount of water.
- Ferulic Acid – This comes from plant compounds and is a great antioxidant. It helps enhance the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and protects the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid – One of the most powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your skin cells healthy after contact with pollutants that damage cells.
- CBD – You’ll continue to see the use of CBD in skincare in 2023. CBD studies have shown this ingredient can be used to balance skin oils, reduce breakouts, and can be beneficial for psoriasis breakouts.
- Green Tea – Contains large amounts of antioxidants, which are beneficial in the long run.
- Ceramides – This is a group of ingredients that protects the barrier of skin cells. As you age, this barrier repairs itself less frequently, which means you must rely on an outside product to help.
What to Avoid
When you see an advertisement for face cream or work with a salesperson in a shop, there are always a few signs that you’re about to spend money on nothing effective. Firstly, pay attention to the ingredients. Skincare with many vague promises but no details on how it works, what ingredients make it work, and why it will work for your skin is probably a scam.
Next, most “good for all skin types” products, whether they’re night creams or face wash, likely won’t do anything at all. Skin types behave differently and require various ingredients. If you have oily skin, there’s almost no way your products will work on someone who has dry skin.
Finally, there’s no magic skincare. Nothing works after just one use, and results from skincare take a while to show up. If you require an instant fix, there are botox and other treatments. However, your skincare is meant to work subtly. You won’t be able to tell the difference while you’re using it, especially while you’re young. But by the time you get to your 50s, 60s, and 70s, you can usually tell who was moisturizing regularly and who wasn’t!
Talk to a Doctor
If you’re not sure what ingredients will work best on your skin, try the Hillelson-Whipple clinic at 804-290-0060. Our doctors are plastic surgery experts, so they can help you determine what products are best for your skin. We also perform a number of treatments that can help you feel like your best self.
Our clinic is equipped and ready to treat patients with botox, Belotero fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, skin tightening, and more. Talk to Dr. Hillelson or Dr. Whipple about what procedures are best for you. Whether you have issues with aging, wrinkling, acne scars, or something entirely else, we can recommend a procedure that will help you feel more confident and look your best.