Our skin is our largest organ. In the same way we are mindful of what we put in our bodies; we should also be mindful of what we put on our bodies. The same way that the right foods promote good health, the right skincare products contributes to good health, also. Therefore, it’s very important that we choose the right skincare products. Getting your skincare right will leave your skin looking and feeling its best. Good skincare can help improve skin condition if you have acne, dry or sensitive skin, or if your skin is starting to show signs of aging.
There is such a wide choice of products on the market that it can be hard to decide which is right for you. Here are a few tips I’ve put together to help you select the right skincare products for your needs.
What’s your skin type and what does it need? I recommend having a professional consultation to truly determine your actual skin type and pick up on any specific needs you might have overlooked.
An esthetician will take a very close look at your skin and help you decide what the priorities are for your skincare routine. She or he may tell you something about your skin that you don’t know. For example, you think your skin is just a bit dry – it could be that it’s sensitive too, and you just didn’t realize that you are using products that are irritating to your skin. Changing your products to a professional range that’s specially designed for your skin type could make all the difference.
Why professional? There are commercials everywhere for skincare products and they all promise beautiful skin. Inexpensive products are available from drugstores anywhere while the professional brands are more expensive and exclusive. So why would you opt for professional skin care products?
Drug store and department store beauty products can be sold by anyone, because they normally contain lower levels of active ingredients. Drug store and department store brands are also sold and or promoted by advertising. They are cheaper because they can be easily mass-produced and have a very long shelf life. They contain a lot more preservatives, artificial dyes and perfumes. Purchasing your skincare from a salon, spa, or esthetician means you get an extra level of recommendation. You’re not just buying from an advertising agency’s copy; you’ve got the benefit of professional experience and training. This will boost your chances of finding a suitable product as well as a better quality product with better active ingredients that will make changes to your skin.
You’ll also find that most estheticians offer a money-back guarantee if a recommended product doesn’t suit you. After all, you can have an allergic reaction to anything, even to pure ingredients. You can exchange your purchase or get your money back. Estheticians carefully research their product lines, and are educated on ingredients, how to use the different products, and will educate you on how to best take care of your skin.
Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients and having medicinal benefits. The name is a combination of “cosmetic” and “pharmaceuticals.” These are sold by licensed skincare practitioners and contain higher concentrations of active ingredients – only medical-grade products sold by doctors are legally allowed to contain more active ingredients.
Professional skincare companies put a great deal of money into researching
cosmeceuticals. They use hi-tech ingredients like peptides, enzymes, plant stem cells, vitamins, and antioxidants, among other nourishment for the skin. Professional skincare also benefits from the most advanced and latest delivery systems to the skin. If you want to do something fantastic for your skin – book a session with a professional esthetician to get to know your skin properly. You don’t always have to book a facial to get professional product recommendations, although this will give your esthetician a
complete look at your skin. Most estheticians offer product consultations and can create a customized plan for your skin based on your concerns and their expertise.
The chart below outlines the differences between over the counter products and professional products.
