Veggie Blog

Which is the best skin care product?

There is really no such thing as the best skin care product. There simply cannot be one “best skin care product”, because skin care products work differently for different people (based partly on skin type). A product that is the best skin care product for one person might end up being the worst for another. So a more logical question would be “What is the best skin care product for my type of skin?”. However, even this is not completely logical. We tend to divide people into 4 groups based on their skin type, i.e. dry skin, oily skin, normal skin and sensitive skin. This classification is too broad to settle the question of the best skin care product. “The best skin care product for dry skin” or “the best skin care product for oily skin” are better statements than just “the best skin care product”. But that is all they are: better, and still not accurate.

So it comes down to rephrasing the question as “What is the best skin care product for me?”. Yes, this is the question that you should be asking, and unfortunately there is no easy answer. Finding the best skin care product for yourself will take some effort on your part.

First of all, you need to understand how skin care products work. This is simple. You can think of every skin care product as being made of 2 types of ingredients: active and inactive. The active ingredients are the ones that actually work on your skin. The inactive ones help deliver the active ingredients to your skin. Both kinds of ingredients need to suit your skin for the product to be effective (and to become the best skin care product for you).

Besides the ingredients, the way you use your skin care products is equally important, perhaps even more so. If you do not know how to apply skin care products, you might forever be hunting for the best skin care product when it has already passed through your hands. It is also important to decide how often to apply a product. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and pollution also affect which skin care product is best for you. Here are a few rules to make sure your best skin care product really is the best for you:
* Cleanse your skin before applying that skin care product.
* Use a make-up remover instead of plain soap and water to clean your face before going to bed.
* Active ingredients can work less well when applied on top of other products, e.g. over a moisturiser. So apply the treatment product first, and then a little moisturiser if needed.
* Apply the product to clean, slightly damp skin.
* You will probably have to try a few products before you arrive at the one that is best for you.
* Do not exfoliate too often or too hard.
* Adjust your skin care routine to the seasons (winter, summer etc.), to changes in your environment and to changes in your skin.

Note that the best skin care product cannot be found overnight. Only through trial (and awareness) can you find the best skin care product for you.

Skin care treatment for the most common skin conditions

A glowing, healthy skin is an asset. Skin is not only about looks but also about health, so skin care treatment should be taken seriously. If you develop a skin problem, you need an appropriate treatment. For any skin disorder, treatment starts with prevention (what we can also call proactive or preventive skin care). Building and following a basic skin care routine is what counts as preventive care. Skin disorders can still occur even if you follow it, because prevention only reduces the probability. Let’s look at the treatment of some common skin conditions.

Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems. The first aim of treatment is to control acne and stop it from getting worse. Avoid tight clothes, which can cause body acne by trapping sweat. Do not touch the blemishes over and over (better still, do not touch them at all) because you might make the condition worse. Do not scrub too hard or squeeze them. Use of a mild cleanser is a recommended treatment for acne. Over-the-counter acne products can bring faster results. If your acne does not improve after a couple of months, see a doctor.

Dry skin

Treating dry skin is much easier. Moisturizers, used the right way and in the right quantity, are the best form of treatment. For best results, apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp, and do not use too much or too little. If you notice no improvement after a few weeks, you may have to see a dermatologist for the treatment of your dry skin.

Brown spots

Brown spots, which show up on sun-exposed areas such as the face and hands, are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation. As a first step, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (dermatologists usually recommend SPF 30 or higher) and apply it whether the weather is sunny or cloudy. Another measure is to cover the exposed areas with clothing such as caps, long-sleeved shirts and an umbrella. Have a spot checked by a doctor if it changes in size, color or shape.

When to see a dermatologist

If a routine or an over-the-counter product is not enough for you, you should see a dermatologist for professional treatment. Tell the doctor about the treatment you have tried so far, and take along the details of the products you have used. Based on your skin condition and your history, the dermatologist may prescribe a treatment such as oral antibiotics, chemical peels or retinoids, and you will be on your way to recovery.

Choosing a facial skin care product

When it comes to skin care, facial skin care seems to top the chart. There are lots of facial skin care products available in the market. The most common facial skin care products are the ones used as part of a daily routine, such as cleansers and moisturizers. Toners and exfoliators are well known too, but fewer people use them.

The general classification of facial skin care products is based on the following:

* Gender (there are facial skin care products for men and facial skin care products for women)
* Skin type (facial skin care products for oily skin, for dry skin, for normal skin and for sensitive skin)
* Age (facial skin care products for older and for younger skin)
* Skin problems (i.e. facial skin care products for the treatment of different skin conditions like eczema, acne etc.)

So that is your first tip for picking a facial skin care product that suits you. A good way to start is by working out your skin type. Also note that skin type changes with age, so the facial skin care product that suits you today might not suit you forever, and you need to keep checking how well your product works.

Facial skin care products come in many forms, such as creams, lotions, gels and masks, and many people like to argue about which form is best. However, no form is really better than another. What suits you (and whatever you are comfortable with) is the best form of facial skin care product for you.

However, it is important to note that these products work differently for different people. So the best approach is to test the facial skin care product on a small patch of skin (e.g. behind the ear) before you start using it.

Another important factor is the condition of your skin. If you suffer from a skin problem of any kind, it is best to ask a dermatologist for advice before you choose and start using a facial skin care product.

Once you have chosen a facial skin care product, make sure you use it in the right way, i.e. follow the instructions for application, use the correct quantity and make the product a regular part of your skin care routine.

Antiaging skin care

Antiaging skin care is a very popular idea in today’s world. Everyone wants to slow down signs of aging using antiaging skin care routines (and many people get good results). However, antiaging skin care is not achieved with a magic potion. It is about discipline and about being proactive: it slows down the visible signs of aging. Here are a few tips for proactive antiaging skin care:

Healthy habits

1. Maintain good eating habits: a balanced diet is the key to a healthy metabolism. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; they are a good source of fibre and nutrients. Limit oily and fatty food; it is often low in nutrients and, eaten in excess, contributes to weight gain and other health problems.

2. Beat stress: this is one of the most important antiaging measures. Long-term stress affects sleep and overall health, and it shows in your skin. Sleep, exercise and a relaxing bath are all good ways of beating stress. Many people also find aromatherapy relaxing.

3. Drink enough water: antiaging skin care cannot get simpler than this. Water keeps your body working well; your kidneys use it to remove waste. How much you need depends on your size, activity and the climate, and there is no single amount that suits everyone.

4. Regular exercise is good for your skin as well as your body. Besides toning your muscles, it improves blood flow. Shower after exercise to wash off sweat and dirt.

Choosing and using products

5. Avoid harsh, chemical-based products on your skin. Natural skin care products are an option, but natural does not automatically mean gentle, so choose products that suit your skin, home made or commercial.

6. Do not overuse skin care products. Applying too much, or too often, can irritate your skin.

7. Do not ignore skin disorders; they can lead to lasting skin damage. Try an over-the-counter treatment, and if that does not help, visit a dermatologist and ask for advice.

8. Vitamin C based skin care products are a popular antiaging ingredient. However, they oxidise quickly, which makes them less effective and can irritate the skin. So store them properly. If the product turns yellowish brown, the vitamin C has oxidised and the product is no longer suitable for use.

9. Protect your skin against UV radiation: UV rays are the main cause of visible skin aging. So a broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your daily antiaging skin care routine.