There is no shortage of skincare products in the market. In fact, store shelves, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, carry a wide variety of skincare products for you to choose from. And consumers are often subjected to a constant barrage of advertisements from armies of brand endorsers and social media influencers. The sheer number of products on store shelves and ads that flood the airwaves can make the task of shopping for skincare products a dizzying job, even for veteran shoppers.
Ironic that shopping for products meant to conceal or treat the harmful effects of stress on the skin can also be stressful! But despite the seemingly daunting task of picking the right skincare product for your personal use, shopping for the best products for your self-care routine can still be enjoyable. That is, if you know what you’re looking for.
But there is no need to fret because we have got you covered. If you need tips on how to pick the ideal skincare products for you, check this list out.
For skincare shopping beginners and veterans alike. Here is a list of some of the best skincare product choices according to the type of product:
Cleanser
Cleansers are the obvious go-to products for the first step of typical skincare routines. This skincare product cleans the skin’s surface and removes dirt or other substances like oil and makeup from the pores. Cleaning up makeup residue, microbes, dead skin, oil, dirt, sweat, and other pollutants from the face helps the skin maintain a radiant and healthy look.
A cleanser can also help avoid certain skin conditions caused by clogged pores like acne. By preventing dirt accumulation, clogged pores, sebum, and dead skin buildup, cleansers can decrease the chances of infections and acne breakouts.
And as mentioned earlier, aside from its standalone benefits, cleansers, as the first step of typical skincare routines, set the stage for following treatments and activities. In other words, cleansers prepare the skin for the following stages of your skincare routine. So a good cleanser can make your skin more receptive to the following skincare routine steps!
But a reminder for those with sensitive skin, some cleansers may irritate your skin and provoke an allergic response. So always perform a skin test first before trying cleansers for the first time or switching brands. It’s way better to be safe than sorry!
Toner
Following the typical skincare routine sequence, applying the toner usually comes right after the cleanser. This cosmetic wash is designed to shrink the skin’s pores. It can be used on the face with cotton balls, spraying, or gauze face masks.
Different Types of Toners Offer Effects Ranging From Mild To Intense
The mildest type of toner is called skin bracers. This toner often contains water, glycerine, and relatively little alcohol (around 0-10%). The glycerine helps to keep the skin moist by locking in moisture and preventing it from evaporating. Since it’s the mildest type of toner, this type is the most suitable type for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and normal skin, though it might still give off a slight burning sensation.
Skin tonics and acids toners are in the middle of the spectrum. Skin tonics are slightly more potent than skin bracers and contain a small quantity of alcohol of up to 20%. In comparison, acid toners, on the other hand, contain either alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid designed to exfoliate the skin chemically.
The strongest type of toner is called astringent. These contain antiseptic ingredients, humectant ingredients, and a high proportion of alcohol of up to 20–60%. Given its composition, it’s no surprise that it can irritate and damage the skin, so it is best to be careful with this type of toner.
Serums
Serums are water-based liquid or gel formulations with skin repairing, anti-aging, brightening, and hydrating properties. It contains a high concentration of essential nutrients for keeping the skin healthy. The high concentration of skin actives in serums and their water-based composition means they can penetrate deeper than other topical products and can be absorbed easier by the skin.
Serums contain various antioxidants, so when choosing one, it’s best to know which skin concern you want to address. And to maximize its effects, it’s recommended to apply serum twice a day, right after cleansing the face and neck.
Exfoliator
There are two types of exfoliators. The two are physical and chemical exfoliators.
Physical exfoliators remove dead skin cells by using tiny grains or granules to slough off dead skin. On the other hand, chemical exfoliators rely on acids to exfoliate the skin.
Despite the differences between physical and chemical exfoliators, both can still improve skin texture, lighten scars, and soften skin without the unwanted side effect of irritating the skin or making the face red. And remember, although exfoliating is an essential step in a skincare routine, it’s unnecessary to do it daily. Exfoliating the skin too frequently can have the unwanted effect of irritating the skin, causing reddening, sensitivity, and even a burning sensation.
Moisturizer
As the name suggests, Moisturizers help keep the skin moist by helping the skin stay hydrated. There is a wide variety of moisturizers, so you have many options. Moisturizers can be either oil-free or loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. The choice is yours but always remember to choose the type of moisturizer best suited for your complexion and skin types.
Though moisturizing is usually the last step in a typical skincare routine, it’s just as important as the other steps. If you want to keep your skin hydrated and avoid dry skin, don’t forget to moisturize!
Face sunscreen
Applying sunscreen before going out in the morning can keep the skin healthy and prevent the signs of aging from appearing.
UV damage from overexposure to the sun can make the skin lose its elasticity and lead to the formation of wrinkles, sun spots, skin drying, sunburns, and dark spots. It can even accelerate the signs of aging. Using a face sunscreen prevents just that from happening by protecting the skin’s collagen and connective tissues from UV damage. And aside from keeping the skin youthful and keeping the signs of aging at bay, using SPF can also reduce the chances of developing skin cancer!
Targeted Treatments
Last on this list but certainly not the least when it comes to importance. Targeted treatment is meant to treat specific skin issues such as dark spots, congested pores, and blemishes. This type of treatment often involves powerful compounds which are usually sensitive to sunlight. This means that targeted treatments should only be applied at night to avoid sun damage and sensitivity.
Examples of skin care products that fall in this category are retinol, hyperpigmentation treatments, and pore-refining formulas.