Stepping into the skincare section of your beauty store can feel overwhelming. You are met by hundreds of different brands and types of products, each with its own claim. How do you tell which face cream is worth your money, and which is merely dishonest marketing? This article will talk you through the main things to look out for when choosing your face cream.
Identifying your skin's needs
Before you start looking at any products, the most important step is to have a good understanding of your own skin. Every person is different, and there is not one-size-fits-all here. Is your skin oily, dry or combination? Is it sensitive or normal? Are you prone to acne or rosacea? Based on this knowledge, you can already rule out a lot of the shelves and focus on the products that are suitable for your skin type. For example, oily skin often benefits from lightweight and oil-free formulations, whereas dry skin requires richer textures that are deeply moisturising. Personalisation is key.
High-quality ingredients matter
A product’s ingredients list is where you will really find a lot about it. Focus on well-formulated products that feature high-quality ingredients at adequate concentrations. For instance, hyaluronic acid is known for being one of the key ingredients for drawing moisture into the skin, which offers hydration and a plumping effect. It’s suitable for nearly all skin types, so a top-quality face serum will typically feature a high concentration of it. Similarly, vitamin C is known to help brighten your skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, contributing to an overall healthier looking skin.
Also consider the amount of poor ingredients in your chosen face cream, such as parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and so on. Get familiar with the names, so you can recognise them easily. Otherwise, use one of the handy apps, which allow you to scan the product and get information about its ingredients.
Seek additional targeted benefits
Most face creams can do more than just hydrate. Different formulations will incorporate different ingredients that address certain skin concerns. So, look for products that offer those benefits. For instance, dark spot correcting creams typically include ingredients that are highly effective in fading hyperpigmentation. Firming or anti-ageing products, usually contain retinoids to improve elasticity. Equally, anti-blemish creams specifically help manage breakouts, sometimes including salicylic acid. If you need a soothing cream for a sensitive skin, these are usually made from organic and natural materials, with no fragrances or allergy-prone ingredients.
However, don’t believe everything on the package - take these claims with a pinch of salt. If a cream is claiming overnight transformations or cures to complex issues, they are most likely false. Effective skincare usually requires consistent use over weeks or even months. Furthermore, be mindful of any vague language, like “secret formula” or “magic ingredients”. These are usually products that do not have the best ingredients or have them in very small quantities, which appear at the bottom of the list.
Reality VS marketing
With a lot of unfamiliar words and technical terms, it can be hard to know how to choose the right cream for your needs. Even more so when skincare is not cheap, and it’s easy to fall for false marketing. But, if you do your research and arm yourself with knowledge, you will learn to find what works for you!
No comments