Skincare Routines – Are Yours Effective?
Skincare is the collection of practices which support skin health, improve its appearance and alleviate various skin conditions. Skincare includes cleansing, moisturizing, treatment of irritations and sun protection. They come in different forms like lotions, creams, body creams, facial creams and so on.
Skincare is a lot more than applying sunscreen or using the most perfect skin around. There are different skincare products available in the market. These products vary from being a simple moisturizer to creams, lotions, serums and makeup. Many people prefer to apply skincare products themselves rather than visiting the beauty parlor regularly. This article will help you choose the right product.
Lotions: Lotions are the common first choice of many women. Lotions are the first layer of the skincare regimen. Lotions are often made up of a variety of ingredients such as glycerin, lanolin, hyaluronic acid, fragrance, humectants, preservatives, calcium carbonate and other substances. The skincare lotion should not contain drying ingredients, alcohol, fragrances and color.
Skin toners are used to remove dead skin cells, increase moisture retention and hide blemishes. Some ingredients to look out for in a good toner are alpha hydroxy acids, resorcinol, glycolic acid, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, benzyl peroxide, ethylenediamine sulfate and disulphide monomer. A good skincare toner should be oil-free, with neutral pH and should contain antioxidants like vitamin E. All these ingredients help to protect your skin from damage caused by exposure to environmental irritants. Your skincare routine should include this as a part of your daily regimen.
Skin care products, such as creams, lotions and gels are also included in the skincare products line. You can get a professional advice on what products would suit you best according to your skin type. There is a difference between normal and oily skin, dry skin and acne skin. A dermatologist is best qualified to advise you on what ingredients list would suit your type of skin and which are right for your type of problem.
Serums: Skincare serums are another popular skincare product. They are easily available in drug stores and cosmetic counters. However, finding the perfect skin care serum seems like a daunting task. One needs to look for a serum that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but does not cause any irritation.
Retinoids: Are retinoids also included in skincare products? Yes, they are! These acids, derived from Vitamin A, work by peeling the top layers of dead skin cells, thus allowing fresher, healthier skin to grow. It helps by promoting collagen formation, as well as the production of new cells. The best anti aging solutions, therefore, must have a combination of both acid and retinol.
Vitamin C: Another popular ingredient is vitamin C. Its popularity is attributed to its ability to repair sun damage, as well as prevent further sun damage. It also has exfoliating effects, which allow for a healthy complexion. It is not, however, a bleaching agent or an anti-wrinkle cream. Vitamin C serums usually come in serums form. It is ideal for those suffering from acne, age spots, dryness and other skin problems.
Glycolic Acid: This ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps alleviate the symptoms of many forms of acne. As with many skincare ingredients, it should be applied only to skin that is clean and clear. Not all types of acne respond well to glycolic acid, so try small doses before using larger concentrations. Glycolic acid is available in both alpha hydroxyl acids and beta hydroxyl acids. It is often found in medicated eye serums, too.
Cleanse: A skincare regimen should always begin and end with a good cleansing routine. You should always use a cleanser that contains an exfoliant. Cleansers should be chosen to match your particular type of skin. If you have oily skin, use a gentle cleanser that will gently remove any excess oil, but don’t overdo it. On the opposite end of the spectrum if you have dry skin, select a more stringent cleansing routine to ensure that any excess dirt is removed.
Use a moisturizer: After cleansing, your next skincare regimen should include a moisturizer. The type of moisturizer you choose depends on your own particular skin chemistry. Cream-based moisturizers are best for normal-skinned people while oil-based moisturizers work better for those with a drier skin complexion. Once you have selected a moisturizer, you should apply it to a clean, dry face. Make sure to apply your cleanser before applying your moisturizer. Otherwise, your makeup will clog your pores.
Antioxidants: Oxidation is a process that leads to oxidation or facial wrinkles. You can prevent wrinkles by feeding anti-oxidants to your skin. These can be found in many antioxidant-rich facial effective . These can be a great way to fight off acne as well. When selecting your antioxidant facial cream, look for one that includes vitamin C, vitamin E and grape seed oil.
