While the past two years of mask-wearing, handwashing and sanitising have been challenging, they did teach us all valuable lessons about keeping skin clean and healthy.
Yet even as we emerge from the pandemic with greater knowledge, determining the perfect skincare products for everyday use is still unclear.
For a start, the skincare industry has enjoyed an unprecedented boom, resulting in so many different brands and types of products in the market.
And then there’s the “small issue” of product labels and ingredient lists being a tad confusing.
But don’t fret. We have a handful of tips to help you navigate the plethora of available options, and pick the right products for your skincare needs.
1. Know your skin
According to recent studies, previously-established views on skin types — for example, that people have oily, dry, sensitive or normal skin — have changed.
Even so, before buying anything, dermatologists recommend you first take the time to know your skin and pinpoint conditions you may be afflicted by.
Only once you’ve done this, either on your own or with the help of a professional, should you look to make product purchases.
And if you’ve never purchased skincare products before, consider picking up a soft cleanser that’s suitable for all skin conditions.
For example, Physio Radiance’s Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which cleans skin mildly but deeply as well as moisturises, is a great choice. Gents, meanwhile, may opt for the DEFY Dirt Fighter; a simple yet thorough cleanser that’s designed for all men.
2. Determine your needs
Everyone’s needs are different. So, for instance, while an office worker may not need to protect themselves against harmful UV rays and include items that stimulate collagen production, a person who often works outdoors (meeting prospects and giving presentations) would.
As such, instead of being taken in by friends and beauty influencers, aim to consider your own unique situation as well as factors like age and appearance before picking products.
For example, if your face and the area around your eyes are beset by fine lines and wrinkles, you may need items like Physio Radiance Expert’s Instant Youth for Eyes and Instant Youth for Face, which are specifically designed to address signs of ageing and revitalise skin.
3. Do a patch test
It may be time-consuming. However, considering that everyone’s skin is different, do try to do a patch test before making purchases.
It’s an important step. Because you’re testing on a small area of your own skin, it’s easier to determine not just whether products are effective but if you’re allergic to certain ingredients.
If a pre-purchase test isn’t doable, though, ensure that you test before use at home.
Generally, if the skin isn’t irritated, pores aren’t clogged, and there aren’t signs of an allergic reaction after a few days, you’re good to go.
4. Check the order of ingredients
It’s true! The long list of ingredients can sometimes be confusing for those of us who aren’t dermatologists.
That being said, just like with food labels, scrutinising them gets easier once you know what to look for.
A good rule of thumb is to check the first three-five ingredients listed. This is generally because the top-listed elements make up 80% of the entire product.
Look specifically for Retinol, a key ingredient in Physio Radiance’s Regenerating Night Cream that promotes collagen production; Niacinamide, which helps nourish the skin; Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable form of Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid, which protects the skin from chemical stressors.
5. Beware of parabens and opt to go natural
Just as important as knowing what ingredients your skin needs is knowing what it doesn’t — parabens!
Parabens, in case you don’t already know, are chemicals that have long been used in skincare products to prevent bacterial growth and afford items a longer shelf life. The problem with these preservatives, however, is that long term exposure can be harmful and even lead to cancer.
As such, always make sure the items you choose are paraben-free and, where possible, contain natural ingredients and antioxidants like green tea extract and shea butter.
True, a large number of products on store shelves are packed with preservatives. Nevertheless, there are a few skincare lines — Physio Radiance, among them — that only market paraben-free products and promote the use of natural ingredients.
It’s all about you
So yes, picking the skincare products that are right for you can be a wee bit tricky. But the bottom line is to consider what’s best for you and your skin, regardless of what anyone else tells you.
