It’s natural for your skin to have some imperfections because, after all, you’re only human. But there’s a difference between accepting your flaws and simply neglecting to take care of your skin. If you want to achieve your best skin yet, you need to put in the effort.
Fortunately, taking care of your skin is not rocket science; you don’t need a 10-step skincare routine or expensive products. But you need to understand how the ingredients in most skincare products work and when you should be using them.
It may take a while to understand how each ingredient works, but it’ll be worth it when you see the results. Here are some ingredients to look for in skincare products and when you should be using them to achieve your best skin yet:
If you want to lighten dark marks…
You’ll need a product with hydroquinone, niacinamide, or vitamin C. These are skin-lightening ingredients that will help reduce the appearance of dark acne marks and even out your skin tone. You can usually find these ingredients in serums, spot treatments, or creams.
Aside from these skin-lightening ingredients, you can also try using Frankincense essential oil to help lighten your acne scars. And the best part is that you can use the same oil to reduce your stretch marks. So, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone!
If you want to get rid of acne…
You’ll need a product with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient that helps to kill the acne-causing bacteria on your skin. On the other hand, salicylic acid helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Tea tree oil is another good ingredient for acne-prone skin because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, you must understand that although you can treat your acne on the surface, it’s a genetic condition that can only be prevented, not cured. So, you’ll need to use these products long-term to see results.
If you want to achieve an anti-aging effect…
You’ll need a product with retinol, or vitamin E. Retinol is an ingredient that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. On the other hand, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect your skin from free radical damage.
You can find these ingredients in eye creams, serums, or moisturizers. So, creating a skincare routine around these ingredients will help you achieve an anti-aging effect.
If you want to get rid of excessive oil and shine…
Choose a product that has clays like bentonite or kaolin. These ingredients help to absorb excess oil and give your skin a mattifying effect. You can also try using products with rice powder or alcohol-free witch hazel to help control shine.
You can often find these ingredients in clay mask products, mattifying primers, or setting powders. So, if you want to get rid of that excess oil and shine, these are the skincare products you need to add to your daily routine. However, be careful not to overdo the clay masks since they can dry out your skin.
If you want to hydrate your dry skin…
You’ll need a hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and serum. A hydrating cleanser will help clean your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Then, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to help lock in moisture.
And last but not least, use a hydrating serum to give your skin an extra boost of hydration. These serums are usually packed with hyaluronic acid, a moisture-binding ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated.
If you want to brighten your dull skin…
Your best bet would be to use a product with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to brighten your skin and give it a healthy glow. You can find this ingredient in serums, face masks, or peels. However, be sure to use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when using products with vitamin C since they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Just like when you’re trying to lighten dark marks, you can also try using a product with niacinamide, which is another ingredient that helps to brighten your skin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Ultimately, the best skincare products for you are the ones that address your specific skin concerns. So, take the time to figure out what your skin needs and look for products with the right ingredients. You’ll find the perfect products for your skin type with some trial and error. Remember that your skin will thank you if you put in the work to take care of it!
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.