What really works in skin care?
Simply, there is not one straight answer. With so many products, specially anti aging skin care products, hitting the shelves every year, is logical that you feel confused, and wonder which products are going to do the trick.
My personal advice before buying cosmetic products, is that you should find out your skin type. This is because every skin type behaves in a different way, and because not all types age equally.
After finding out your type of skin, think what you really want your skin product to help you with. Is it clear skin, less visible pores, tighter skin, less wrinkles, more hydration... ? Also, you have to take into account your age group, as you won't use the same products in your 20's, 30's, 40's... Depending on your age group you will have to buy cosmetic products to "prevent" or "diminish" wrinkles.
You can find beauty products in the form of:
1- Creams- Contain more oil than water.
2- Lotions- Contain more water than oil.
3- Gels- Soothe and and have a cooling effect on the skin
4- Serums- Intensive treatment used to take care of problem skin. Serums are best used in conjunction with moisturizers.
During the day the anti aging skin care products you should choose, should be aimed to protect the epidermis from external factors, such as sunlight and pollution. During the night the products you need to use are the ones which regenerate, calm and nourish the skin.
Don't forget that whatever product you choose to treat your outer layer, you should always apply it with a gentle massage, that way you are helping the ingredients to penetrate deeper and improve their effect.
One of the most important things, when shopping for cosmetic products, is to be informed about the ingredients that contain, and what they can do for your skin. Here there is a selection of some of the most well known ingredients in today's anti aging skin care products.
1- Lipids- Fats that are insoluble in water. Protect the skin from absorbing substances such as drugs, germs, chemicals... Lipids in cosmetic formulations: ceramides and liposomes.
2- Humectants- Keep the skin moisturized and help to prevent wrinkles. Lipids in skin care products: glycerin, panthenol and hyaluronic acid.
3- Peptides- stimulate skin regeneration and help to diminish wrinkles. Peptides in cosmetic formulations: copper peptide, hexapeptide-3 and pentapetides.
4- Alpha Hydroxy Acids- Also known as AHA'S. Exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and help to rejuvenate the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetic products: lactic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid and citric acid.
5- Retinoids- Derived from vitamin A. Very effective for treating aging skin. Retinoids in anti aging skin care products: tretinoin which have been proven to reverse aging skin. Retinoids can have adverse reactions, so make sure this are the right products for your skin.
Comments