The Skinny on Skin Care Products

Skin care products are everywhere, touting their benefits and what sets them apart from the competition. They range from all natural, to chock full of anti aging ingredients you can’t pronounce. They can be super inexpensive, or cost hundreds of dollars. There is also usually a spokesperson that wants to convince you that they have tried a given product and that it is the one that will work!

The truth is that there are a lot of skin care products and regimens that work – and there are a lot of factors that can make them effective or ineffective, which is why the best thing you can do is consult with qualified, board certified dermatologists to get the best advice on what you’re skin needs. Remember, everyone’s skin is different so there is no magic cure all.

But, in general, here are some words to the wise.

First, no one’s skin is exactly the same. In fact, your friend who advised you on what’s worked so well for her, may steer you down the completely wrong path. She may have dry or combination skin, while your skin may be oilier. There are a number of skin evaluation tools out there, that can help you identify which regimen is right for you. Perhaps with oily skin, you’ll be advised to cleanse, occasionally exfoliate, tone and moisturize, whereas if you have dry skin, you may need a completely different regimen. Take some time to evaluate your skin, your pores, where you have fine lines and before you choose anything, make sure you understand your skin to begin with!

Many of us are seeking the fountain of youth. No one likes seeing fine lines and wrinkles but there are a lot of products out there that promise anti aging and may not live up to their promises. According to WebMd.com, products that contain any of the following have been shown to successfully treat fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging:

Retinoids
Alpha-hydroxy acids
Azelaic acid
Hydroquinone
Kojic acid
Salicylic acid

Finally, you don’t have to spend a fortune. A lot of proper skin care is creating a healthy base with diet, hydration, protection and plenty of sleep. When you add on to that a simple and customized skin care regimen, you will be amazed by the results. Go see a board certified dermatologist today and they will come up with suggestions for you, or they may sell their own dermatologists approved skin care product line.