When buying face creams or any skincare product, people don’t realize that skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s often the exact opposite.
We are constantly influenced by TV ads, internet suggestions and people around us to use random face cream, body lotions, hair products, and sadly, we end up doing so. We continuously experiment with our skin because the only way to figure out if something works is to try it.
The question is, with so many products entering the market, how can you determine the best fit to meet your needs?
Here are 8 things dermatologists recommend you consider before buying face creams.
1. Find your skin type
Skin problems occur when people with different skin types use the wrong product for their type of skin. Therefore, choose face creams according to the kind of skin you have: oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin
Only skincare products that suit your skin type will work best for you. If you have sensitive skin, be extra cautious with different ingredients in your face cream. In the case of oily skin, stay away from comedogenic ingredients as they can trigger acne breakouts.
- For Oily Skin – Select face creams that help control excess sebum production while providing adequate hydration with ingredients like retinols, salicylic acid and niacinamide. Also, look for a light water-based moisturiser.
- For Dry Skin – Look for products that provide intense hydration and nourishment to avoid dullness due to dryness. You can look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides in your products!
- For Sensitive Skin – Look out for gentle products specifically created for sensitive skin. Avoid products that contain too many ingredients, fragrances, essential oils, alcohol, etc.
2. Identify your skin problems
Identify the skin issues that you intend to solve. It can be anything, from blemishes to acne to dark spots. Identifying what’s wrong with your skin will help you know exactly what you need.
3. Don’t fall into the face cream “Popularity Trap.”
Don’t judge a product by its cover! Popular and well-packaged face creams do not necessarily add value to their quality. Some creams work exceptionally well on some skin types, while the same products can cause problems with others.
Find out for what skin types and conditions the products are intended for, no matter how many good user reviews or stars the product has online.
4. Check the ingredient list on face creams carefully
Scan through the ingredient label on your product. Usually, ingredients will be listed in order of highest to lowest concentration, so if you locate an irritating component among the top 5, drop the idea of buying it. Also, if you’re seeking out a product for specific ingredients, but those ingredients are not listed or listed at the end, then it isn’t worth your money.
Remember, it’s the right set of ingredients that matter more than the brand and the product!
5. Avoid common allergic ingredients
Fragrances
Added fragrances can easily cause skin allergies and irritation, so people with sensitive skin should avoid them.
Natural Ingredients
When using creams with natural ingredients, make sure you are not allergic to any of them before you buy them.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used in products to prevent bacterial growth. They cause harmful effects over time by throwing off your hormonal balance, potentially causing breast cancer and other speculated problems. Not all parabens are harmful. However, if you do have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, it is best to avoid them.
6. Ingredients that can be helpful in a face cream. Knowledge is key.
- Glycerin – Locks in hydration and draws moisture to it.
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid – They are essential moisturising agents naturally found in the skin. It’s good to get added quantities of it from outside too.
- L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) – Vitamin C works to reverse sun damage and stimulate collagen production in the skin.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – Has similar properties to Vitamin C. They work best when they’re used together as a duo.
- Retinol – It works to turn over skin cells and stimulate collagen. It is usually found in night skincare creams.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Controls excess oil while hydrating the skin, resulting in even skin tone.
7. Try before you buy
No matter how careful you are when choosing a cream, you can never be 100% sure of how it will react to your skin. So, before using a product, do a patch test to see its effect on your skin.
8. See a dermatologist
The best option to avoid risks is to let a dermatologist suggest suitable face creams for you. A dermatologist will carefully analyse your skin type and conditions to find out what suits you the best. After all, they’re called skin experts for a reason!
The silver lining
According to dermatologists, it is not safe to use just any product on your skin. 8/10 patients have complained that their skin conditions got worse after using a random beauty product. With so many skincare products on the market, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices. By following the steps above, you can get closer to finding your perfect face cream!
FAQ’s
1. How can I accurately identify my skin type?
The best way to identify your skin type is to talk to your dermatologist. However, do keep in mind that skin types can change from time to time. It is not always permanent.
2. Should I use creams or lotions on my face?
Face creams are usually made to meet the needs of the sensitive skin on your face, whereas not all lotions are meant to be used on the face.
3. Is face cream and moisturiser the same?
Moisturisers are general formulas that provide hydration to the face. On the other hand, face creams are made with a specific purpose and address a particular issue.
4. How much cream should I put on my face?
The key is to use just the right amount of cream on your face. If your face feels too greasy after you apply the cream, then you have used too much. Usually, a ¼ teaspoon measure should do the trick. Again, keep in mind that it would depend on the composition and type of cream. Always check the instructions on the product or check with your doctor on how much you need to apply.
Get Customised Skin Care Kit with Cleanser, Moisturiser, Repair cream and sunscreen from Dermatologist based on your skin type and condition.
