If anything would be clear to a reader of this blog, it’s probably this – it’s critical to know the ingredients of the products you put on your skin.
Ingredients. Are. Everything.
And the more you know – the more I can help clarify some of the trickier areas of this industry – the healthier and safer your skin care routine will be.
That tells me we’re getting the message across in this industry about the importance of ingredients.
That said, have you ever picked up a product in the store and turned it over with confidence to check the ingredients, and a few seconds later turned it right back over feeling frustrated and lost?
I get that.
I’ll let you in on a little secret…an ingredients label CAN be a bit overwhelming, even to an esthetician like me who’s been in this business for many years!
The sheer number of ingredients alone can boggle the mind.
I’m so glad to be living in a time when we are waking up to the importance of what goes into our bodies and onto our skin.
It’s exciting to be a part of!
But let’s face it, it’s also confusing.
We know we WANT to be safer and healthier, but it’s not always easy to know exactly HOW.
Ever heard anyone say something like this: If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, you shouldn’t use it on your skin?
While that’s a good thought to have, it’s not exactly right.
After all, antibiotics can be hard to pronounce – and they’re pretty useful!
Some of the ingredients with the most scientific-sounding names are actually powerful, effective, and quite safe.
Here’s the reality – there’s contradictory information floating around, and there’s a flood of science to wade into.
And it’s just not as simple as saying that “natural” is always better.
In this guide to skin care ingredients, my goal is clarity and simplicity, where possible.
Let’s take a look at labeling practices to start, and then focus in on some of the key ingredients you should be looking for.
By the end of this guide, I hope to transform you into a lean, mean label reader who can handle an ingredients list with more ease!
And, one who can purchase healthy products with confidence.
No, we cannot cover every ingredient out there. The list seems endless.
But yes, I can help arm you with an understanding of the labeling practices you’ll run into, the big 5 ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and where to go (besides right here) when you see something you don’t recognize and need a little help. Read more
Also read 7 Dry-Skin Mistakes You’re Probably Still Making in the Winter, According to Dermatologists
