How to Choose the Best Skin Care Products

With all the skin care products on the market today and companies spending all kinds of money on advertising to pull you in to buy their latest  “miracle” product, the question remains. How do I choose the best skin care products for me?

As we age we are all looking for a quick fix to erase wrinkles, tighten skin, reduce the signs of aging or treat acne. This could be as easy as a trip down to the local drug store. However, with so many over-the-counter and professional skin care products available, the beauty aisle and professional skin care options can be overwhelming. Some skin care products are overpriced and make claims they can’t support. Other products that claim to “take years off your face” could be misleading and ineffective.

Professional and over-the-counter products for skin rejuvenation and preservation can be very effective if the consumer knows what to look for. It’s best to research the product and its ingredients to find the products that work best for your specific skin type. The most expensive products are not always the right products for certain skin types.

Use the following tips when searching for the right skin care products:

Do’s…

• Do know your skin type: Before purchasing over-the-counter or professional skin care products there are some basic facts to know. Whether skin is dry, oily or sensitive could greatly impact how the product interacts with your skin. If you’re unsure schedule a consultation with a skin care professional who can help determine your skin type.
• Do create a daily skin care routine: The key to success with most skin care products is repetition. Establishing a daily routine is important, especially with anti-aging creams. Don’t be discouraged, it may be six to eight weeks before seeing improvements with over-the-counter remedies. Establishing an effective at home routine is also imperative if you’re seeing a skin care professional for in office treatments, as home care maintenance is key to prolonging professional treatment results.
• Do be cautious of “miracle” products: Skin care products that seem “too good to be true” probably are, so use your best judgment. Reputable and professional product lines are the best bet and likely to be most effective and safe.

Dont’s…

• Don’t buy products without doing research: When purchasing products read the labels to find the active ingredients, ask questions.. Lots of them! Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample to try to ensure your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction. If there are ingredients that are unfamiliar, look them up to find out how they work.
• Don’t forget to use products that contain sunscreen: Protecting skin from the harsh sun is important, especially if you’re using products that might contain acids such as Salicylic,Glycolic,AHA. Choosing moisturizers and creams that contain at least SPF 30 is crucial and will help to maintain youthful looking skin.
• Don’t hesitate to ask a Skin Care Professional: If any doubts remain about the most appropriate skin care product, or a product you are using is not getting the job done it might just be time to replace that product with something new, are skin and our skin needs change as we age.