While acne is sometimes labeled a teenage problem, around 15 percent of women continue to suffer from breakouts past the age of 25, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Regardless of your age, treating acne and stopping breakouts means finding the right products for the job. There’s no shortage of drug store products and DIY remedies that claim to cure acne and other skin problems. But the reality is that the only way to put an end to your breakouts is to find the right products for your skin and its unique needs.
If you’re ready to stop the cycle of irritated, red, or inflamed skin, keep reading to learn what you need to know about skincare product ingredients.
Spotting Dangerous Skincare Ingredients
Take a stroll down any drugstore beauty aisle, and you’ll spot dozens or more colorful bottles, tubes, and tubs, each promising to cure your skincare woes. But behind many of those promises are ingredients that are designed to reel in unsuspecting buyers, only to do little to care for your skin. And worse, many of these ingredients may actually do you more harm than help.
When you’re looking for the right products for your skin, learning how to spot dangerous ingredients is important. For example, be wary of any products with added fragrances. While these scents may leave your skin smelling fresh, they can also cause irritation. In fact, research shows that added fragrances are a leading cause of contact dermatitis. In some, this may mean redness of the skin or discomfort. But others may experience painful rashes or more severe allergic reactions.
Another type of dangerous ingredients to avoid are parabens. These chemicals are added to many beauty products to prevent mildew and mold from forming, but can also wreak havoc on your skin. In some cases, parabens may even be absorbed into the skin, causing other health concerns.
Other ingredients that are overly harsh and may damage your skin or cause irritation include alcohol, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
Choosing the Right Ingredients to Fight Your Skincare Woes
Learning to spot harmful ingredients in common skincare products can help you avoid irritation and outbreaks. But if you want to get to the root of your skin issues, you also need to learn to spot good ingredients.
Your skin is unique, and with its unique features comes unique needs. The right ingredients can help you clear up breakouts, prevent wrinkles, or fade dark spots.
When it comes to fighting acne, skip the harsh alcohol for an ingredient with the power to clear your breakouts and prevent future ones. A salicylic acid cleanser, like the dermatologist-approved products from Rodan + Fields, will help to remove dead skin cells and other debris that clogs pores and causes pimples. Gentler than other acne treatments, it can also help to reduce red, inflamed skin.
Creating a Customized Skincare Routine
Getting relief from breakouts and bringing an end to irritation means finding the right formula for your skin. With many popular products on the market today filled with ingredients that could actually irritate your skin or contribute to breakouts, weeding out the good from the bad can sometimes be tricky.
From moisturizers to toners to cleansers, choosing the right ingredients will not only help you stop the cycle of wasting money on products that don’t work, but will also help you get the clear, beautiful skin that you’re dreaming of.