The Reason Why Skincare Is Personal

With all the skincare products available on the market, creating a routine with the right items that yield optimal results can be a tricky process. While some basic tenets are valid, such as washing the face and investing in a good moisturizer, not all skin is equal. For example, some people will have better results with a retinol-based product and others may find the ingredient too harsh. Understanding how ingredients can interact with different skin types and body chemistry can help people filter through the massive beauty landscape and create a personalized skincare routine that works.

Understanding skincare ingredients

When shopping for skincare consider focusing on products or brands that promote clean beauty product. Clean beauty is a industry jargon that typically means common synthetic or potentially carcinogenic ingredients aren’t included. The benefit of excluding such items is that a person is less likely to experience irritation because of a sensitivity to, for example, fragrance or coloring agents.

1. Avoid carcinogens in skincare

Carcinogens are classified as any substance that can potentially cause cancer. However, the label can be somewhat misleading because being labeled as such doesn’t mean that an ingredient is likely to cause cancer. However, many skincare products do contain carcinogens. The most common carcinogenic ingredients to avoid include: formaldehyde, talc, carbon black, parabens, phthalates, diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

2. Protect sensitive skin by avoiding synthetics

Many brands rely on synthetic ingredients to add color, fragrance, texture, and even preserve a product. The issue is that many synthetic additives are linked with skin irritation and, in extreme cases, can cause hormone disruption, creating dangerous side effects. The biggest culprit for skincare is scents listed as fragrance in the ingredients list, which is a catch-all for a blend of various synthetic ingredients. However, chemical scents aren’t the only synthetic culprits. Many cleansers contain sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and benzalkonium chloride, synthetic cleansing agents. Many richly textured creams or makeup products may contain polyethylene (PEGs), which can irritate sensitive skin.

Creating a product lineup that works

Finding the right items that will bring out the best in a person’s skin doesn’t always happen overnight. In most cases, a bit of trial and error is necessary. But a few tips can make the process easier. Often, a skincare brand will create a line where all products within the portfolio are designed to work together. Keep in mind that not all products play well with items from other brands. So, if a person is opting to mix and match, do so with care. Avoid using too many new products at once. Always patch test before applying a product liberally to the face or body.

Putting thought into skincare purchases

Skincare is personal. What works for one individual won’t necessarily work for another. Personalized skincare is often the best avenue of approach for people with sensitive skin. Many compound pharmacies and physician offices can provide solutions for custom cleansing and beauty care routines.