STOP it. Put it down. That over-the-counter, latest TikTokTM viral sensation, not-sure-if-it’s-even-right-for-you skincare product you were holding. Drop it. Take a step back. Walk out of Target. And let’s get real about what you should be doing to take the best care of your skin before you buy another bottle of something you’ll end up leaving half-full in your cabinet for months (or longer) before finally tossing it out.
There’s a near-infinite number of skincare brands and products out there, and it can feel overwhelming and impossible to figure out what works for you. Trial and error over and over again is the method we’re used to, followed by social media recommendations and, finally, what our friends say. But what about the professionals… maybe we should think about what they have to say about the thing they specialize in.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Skincare Products?
You’ll want to choose skincare products that match your skin type, whether dry, oily, sensitive or a combination. Consider specific skin concerns you want to address, such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, or redness. Products that contain ingredients known to be effective for your skin concerns, such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), or niacinamide, are best. And obviously, be sure to avoid skincare products that contain the allergens you’re sensitive to.
Considering your budget means keeping in mind that the most expensive products aren’t always the best, but investing in the right products will save you in the long run. Medical-grade skincare products are significantly better than over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products. Medical-grade products are FDA-approved, meaning they have ingredients that can considerably affect your skin. In contrast, OTC skincare products lack a high concentration of effective ingredients, making them practically useless. While they may boast the inclusion of corrective elements, they’re always doses too small for efficacy. Plus, medical-grade skincare products are uniquely formulated to treat specific needs.
If you need help determining what products are best for you or where to buy them, consult a skincare specialist like our staff at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics.
What to Avoid in Skincare
Avoid trends for the sake of trending. Because, in the end, it’s all marketing. And marketing is only good if it’s a product for your skin’s needs. Marketers who are good at their jobs can convince us we need items we didn’t even know existed.
One sales tactic we fall for quite often in cosmetics is the “latest ingredient sweeping the nation” idea. One minute it’s squalane or Vitamin A or Vitamin C, then it’s AHAs or lactic acids. We are under the notion that there’s a PERFECT hidden ingredient buried deep in some ancient pool of mystery in an undiscovered land.
While the ingredients mentioned above are fantastic and serve specific purposes, not everyone will benefit from them due to skin needs and types. Using (human) tested ingredients proven to create desired results for your skin is the best. Especially when you remain consistent.
Sticking with Tried and True Classics
If you’ve found products that have worked for you for years, possibly even recommended by a dermatologist or other skincare expert, it doesn’t mean they are the ones you should be using for your entire life.
Life factors change, affecting skin concerns and even your skin type. Once oily, skin can become combination or dry. Acne can go away for many years only to return later in life, along with those fine lines and wrinkles. Even seasons in a single year can bring about the need for a lighter or heavier cream. Age, hormones and global location may have an impact on your skin.
It is time to stop using that face lotion or stripping toner once recommended when you were a teen or the heavy night cream that generations of women in your family have always relied on. It’s time to assess your current needs and make decisions based on where your skin is at now.
But more is needed to have good skincare products: For your products to be most effective, you must apply them correctly. And your routine will depend on your skin type, the ingredients and formulations of your products, and the time of day.
The Perfect Skin Care Routine Doesn’t Exi…
There are many options for the perfect skincare routines, with seemingly endless lists of daytime and evening protocols you can follow, including adding a cool gua sha stone massage and facial rollers with microneedles or ice baths. And while a quick internet search will result in an insane amount of answers for the perfect skincare routine (like the three-step, five-steps or 10-step Korean ones), it doesn’t mean there isn’t an ideal routine to get you the skin you’ve been dreaming of.
The perfect skincare routine absolutely does exist, but it’s not universal. What’s ideal for you is specific to all of your needs. Sometimes you need different routines for different circumstances, not a single one day in and day out. What’s right for you starts with products made for your skin type and concerns, as well as the routines that fit with your lifestyle. So how do you find yours?
Recommended by Experts
Only some people know their skin. That sounds silly, right? We all know our color, tone, general texture, and our biggest concerns – acne, wrinkles, rosacea, dry patches, etc. But we don’t always know the underlying causes and what we should be doing to fix and prevent issues.
Many issues need addressing, which is why consulting with skin experts is the best plan to ensure the results you want. A great place to start is with us at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics. We created a line of clinical-grade skincare to treat your greatest concerns and skin types. They have been designed for immediate post-appointment recovery or as your new daily routine.
How To Choose The Perfect Skin Care Products for You
If you’re a resident of St. Paul and Minneapolis areas and are ready for experts to help you choose your perfect proven skincare products, get in touch with Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics at (952) 460-1970 or visit our contact page. We can schedule a consultation with you and discuss products and routines that will benefit you the most.