5 tips for getting the most out of your skin care products.

The beauty industry is known for it’s massive marketing , and can be one of the most difficult industries to navigate when one is trying to select products to address specific skin concerns.  We thought we would take a moment and comprise a list of 5 scenarios and questions we are asked on a fairly regular basis, and hopefully put to rest a few myths and mysteries, to help you make a more informed decision.

getting the most out of your skincare products

1. Do I need a separate day / night / eye cream?

First of all, if you have a high quality skin care cream with all of the necessary antioxidants and active ingredients in the formulation, there is no need to be using multiple products.  As far as suggesting our skin has particular needs while we sleep, this is simply not true, there is no benefit to most night time formulations. Cellular turnover is happening throughout the day, and the right product (without SPF) is suitable for day and night, and will be effective for all facial areas….even around the eyes.

There are a few reasons company’s may recommend multiple products:

  • active ingredients are spread amongst multiple products to increase revenue, resulting in weak individual formulations.
  • they put SPF in their day cream. (we suggest a separate spf product…see below)
  • promoting myth that skin has different needs at night.
  • suggest the skin around the eye functions differently than surrounding facial skin.

2. My skin care product should always contain an SPF.

While we are very firm believers in the use of an SPF (30 is adequate), we don’t like to see SPF built into daily skin creams. SPF should always be applied on its own, and as the final product applied in your skin care routine. Here’s why:

  • SPF prevents/interferes with the penetration of active ingredients.
  • can clog pores especially when used in night time formulations.
  • chemical SPF often irritates and sensitizes skin.

3. Don’t fall for the story.

Everyone loves a good story. But the beauty industry is notorious for over the top and ludicrous claims. So your product was made by “monks” in their hilltop monastery? or consists of a mysterious and never heard of before ingredient, found deep within subterranean caverns? Maybe they’ve come up with a new (and always patented) ingredient name such as skintinol-nx25.  If it sounds strange, or too good to be true, it almost always is.  The truth is, the majority of skin care formulations are less than potent, and generally do not deliver as promised.

4. How can I ensure the product does what it’s supposed to do?

The easiest way to determine whether a product is even worthy of your time, is too examine the ingredient list. Skin care should never contain “fragrance” or “perfume”.  When reading the ingredient list, where are the active ingredients listed? are they first or 51st on the list. Rule of thumb, the longer the list, the less active ingredients and the more fillers and preservatives.

  • make sure the active ingredients are top 5 on the ingredient list.
  • a short ingredient list is best to ensure penetration of active ingredients.
  • avoid fragrance and perfume. (natural botanicals are fine)
  • do you understand what’s in the product?
  • A long ingredient list equates to very little active ingredient (= no results)

5. Avoid “fluffy” filler type ingredients.

Today’s marketing often sells products by appealing to the exclusiveness of rare or precious materials within the product. Just as common is the promotion of ingredients that cannot perform as suggested. You can probably add a few things to this list as it is by no means complete, but here are a few useless ingredients we have seen recently in our consultations with new clients. Most of these are only in the product to justify a high retail price.

  • gold flakes
  • collagen
  • pearl powder
  • diamond dust
  • platinum or silver
  • caviar

And one final thought….. always avoid products that contain:

  • Parabens (possible links to all sorts of health disorders)
  • Phthalates (endocrine disruptors)
  • Sulphates (skin sensitizers)
  • Alcohol
  • Petrochemicals

Want to find out more? Would you like some help creating a skin care program that will provide maximum results? Schedule your in clinic product consultation and get on track for gorgeous, healthy skin.

Call 250.590.5459


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