With so many products out there, knowing the right skincare to use can seem a little complicated. You know you should be looking after your skin but you are just a little confused about all the complex brands and ingredients.
Let’s clear up some confusion.
The first step towards figuring out which skincare to go for is to properly identify your skin type. It is easy to get confused between dry or dehydrated skin because both tend to feel the same – just plain dry.
How to tell the difference?
When it comes to selecting your facial cleanser, two of the most popular options are gel cleanser and foam cleanser. When you are torn in between these 2 choices, always remember one thing – foam cleansers usually contain sodium lauryl sulfate ( SLS) – which tends to cause irritation on certain skin. Don’t get me wrong, most skin works well with SLS though, because it has the ability to create a rich form that dissolves dirt and grease effectively.
Thus, people with a history of sensitive skin, hyperirritable skin and patients suffering from skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), rosacea and psoriasis are best to avoid products containing SLS.
Finding the right cleanser is about figuring what works and feel good on your skin.
Moving on, let’s talk about sunscreen. First and foremost, always take note on what to look for when choosing a sunscreen. It is important to pick a sunscreen that is
- broad spectrum
- fragrance free
- non comedogenic ( won’t clog pores)
- oil free
- paraben free
- SPF of at least 30 or highter
before deciding between a physical or chemical sunscreen. Here are some key differences between a physical and chemical sunscreen.
Since both physical and chemical sunscreen are considered effective, it all comes down to personal preference. Go for a product you will use consistently. If you do not fancy a thick texture, go for chemical sunscreen which tends to be slightly more lightweight then. More importantly, do not get too obsessed about the coverage and end up with a product that gives you breakout.
Speaking of acne breakout, the skincare market has always been flooded with products to clear acne. Two specific ingredients, however, stand above the rest. The benzoyl peroxide and salicyclic acid.
In simpler words, salicylic acid removes dead skin cells that are clogging pores.
Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria.
Since each ingredient is attacking a different acne causing source, it is essential to identify the root of the problem of your breakout before picking the right option. You can also cover both bases by using both ingredients on alternate days.
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If you are facing doubts or difficulties picking your right skincare ingredient, talk to your doctor and find out what they recommend for your skin.
For more detailed consultation with our team of doctors, kindly contact Kaiteki Skin Aesthetic Laser at 03-79322711 to schedule for an appointment.
Location: Kaiteki Skin Aesthetic Laser, B-1-03, The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating hours: Weekdays 10am-7pm, Weekends 10.30am-6pm
