Ever bought a skincare product and immediately got confused with the ingredients? Well, you are not alone. Although skincare products have quickly become popular, there’s still a lot to learn about them. Most skincare products sound like a foreign language or even medical terms, which is not entirely wrong. Skincare products are inherently chemical compounds, which, to be honest, are not something everyone can get, right?
Although most people read the labels like second nature, these long, complicated lists of ingredients, coupled with marketing jargon, make getting genuine skincare products a huge hassle. But don’t worry; we have got you! This guide right here will tell you everything you need to know to create a skincare routine that actually works its magic! So, let’s get into it to decipher the skincare codes and read the labels like a pro!
Deciphering the Nomenclature!
Ever wondered where all these complicated names come from? Well, skincare products use a standardised international nomenclature named “International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI)”. Hence, no matter which country you are in or what brand you use, there will always be the same names for the same ingredients.
Moreover, it is a standard practice to list the ingredients in descending order of concentration. This means the ingredients mentioned first have the highest concentration and make the most of the product. Generally, the first product is often the key active ingredient and makes the most significant impact on the formulation of the product.
Meanwhile, the ingredients mentioned in the very last are present in almost negligible quantities, often less than 1%. These minor ingredients are often fragrances, colouring agents, or preservatives, which usually do not interact with your skin.
Which Ingredients Do What?
In recent years, skincare has become a buzz. This quick spreading of awareness and adaptation of skincare products has made most people aware of the purpose of many common ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, AHAs, BHAs, and much more. However, with new products coming left and right each day, it becomes quite difficult to predict the results and what they will do to your skin. So, to remove your confusion, let’s take a look at some common skincare ingredients:
-
Emollients– to make your skin soft, smooth, and plumpy (Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, etc)
-
Humectants– hydrate your skin with moisture (Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, etc)
-
Occlusives– locks moisture by creating a barrier (Beeswax, Petroleum jelly, etc)
-
Antioxidants– protect skin from getting damaged by free radicals (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, etc)
-
Exfoliants– remove dead skin cells (AHAs, BHAs, etc)
-
Retinoids– reduces ageing marks, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars (Retinol, Tretinoins, etc)
-
Peptides– stimulate collagen production to improve skin elasticity (Copper peptides, Matrixyl 3000, etc)
-
Sunscreen– protect from the harmful UV radiations from the sun (Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, etc)
-
Ceramides– strengthen skin’s natural barriers and prevent moisture loss.
-
Preservatives– prevent bacterial and fungal growth (Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, etc)
Power of Active Ingredients
You must have heard the word “active ingredient” while getting your skincare products. These are essentially the powerhouse of the product that significantly impacts the results. Most skincare products are made around a single active ingredient to get the most out of it. Generally, these ingredients have evidence-based scientific research done to target specific conditions. For instance, products containing Vitamin C are targeted toward skin pigmentation, while retinol targets aging factors.
What matters the most is their percentage of concentration. Specific ingredients work their magic only if used in a certain quantity, or else they would be rendered useless. For instance, if you choose a vitamin C serum with less than 10 to 20 percent L-ascorbic acid, it won’t do a thing, and you’d end up losing your money over something that has no effect. So, make sure to use products that specifically mention the percentage of ingredients.
Market Hype Vs. Reality
False advertisements in the skincare industry are more common than you may imagine. Even your trusted, high-end brands sometimes claim outrageous results that they definitely fail to deliver. If you are new to skincare, separating facts from marketing fluff can be a tough nut to crack. So, let’s go down the rabbit hole and separate facts from fiction!
Beware of Vague Terminology!
Many brands use “trending terms” to target specific consumers. You might have seen products labeled as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle. Such terms do not highlight the active ingredients and market the products based on one vague result that’s often not guaranteed. So, make sure to stay far away from such products and always check the ingredients list to be 100% sure!
Only Go for Evidence-Based Products
High-end brands often cite their claims with scientific results or clinical trials. These are the products you should get. False claims and market fluff are everywhere, and you have to be wary of those, especially while getting skincare products. Using these chemicals on your skin without any scientific evidence can have disastrous results. So, be aware and be safe!
Spotlight Isn’t Equal to Results!
Another very common marketing tactic is to highlight trending ingredients on the bottle, even though they are not added in optimal concentration to provide any actual benefits. Due to such false marketing, people often end up with products that do not deliver what they are supposed to deliver.
Additional Tips!
-
Skincare products can only be used for a certain time after opening the bottle.
-
Read the label carefully for storage instructions.
-
Check the expiration date or PAO to avoid unnecessary trouble.
-
Always do a patch test before using any new skincare product.
Choose Skincare Like a Pro with IYVOS!
Glowing skin is everyone's dream, and you can achieve it by understanding what ingredients these products have and what you actually need. If you can read the labels on these highly complicated BPC products, then skincare will become a walk in the park for you!
To make things easy for you, IYVOS is offering the best skin care products that are made to deliver the promise of healthy and glowing skin! So, bare your confidence with the right choice of skincare that fits your needs perfectly!
