Fad Vs Fab: Skincare You Should Use And Skincare You Should Avoid

There are fab trends and there are fad trends, and skincare ingredients are no different. If you want to take care of your skin, you should be knowledgeable about what you’re putting on it. Many a time, we fall for genius marketing tactics that cause us to believe that a certain night cream or cleanser will be the end of all our skincare woes and cause us to lose sleep when it makes matters worse. It rarely occurs to us that the said product might contain harmful ingredients under the garb of good and effective skincare.

For instance, most of us want our skincare products to smell good. But did you know that fragrance in skincare is one of the most common skin irritants? There are many such ingredients that you’d be surprised to know about. In addition, some of these ingredients such as rose oil and bakuchiol can do wonders to your skin and need your attention.

Read on to find out more.

The Fad: 3 Common Skincare Irritating Ingredients to Avoid

As stated, some ingredients, when applied to the skin, can irritate it. While these may not cause immediate harm, prolonged usage of these ingredients can sensitise your skin and cause issues such as acne, dryness, inflammation, and even pigmentation, which are often very difficult to get rid of.

• Fragrance

If you are one of those who happen to be sensitive to fragrances, you are better off with a fragrance-free skincare routine. Apart from causing terrible migraines, fragrance is also known to be one of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin irritation. Fragrance in skincare can be both natural and synthetic. Understanding what types of fragrance ingredients work for you is important when building your skincare routine. While the natural fragrance is fine for most people, synthetics aren’t.

If you have fragrance sensitivity, you should avoid using it in your skincare routine. Some people are sensitive to the point that fragrances can trigger migraines. If you happen to be one of them, you should stay away from fragrance in skincare. Furthermore, if you have any inflammatory skin care issues, such as eczema or rosacea, using a fragrance-containing product could irritate your skin even more. If you have hyperpigmentation or dark spots and find that fragrance irritates you, try switching to a fragrance-free routine. People with sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier should avoid both synthetic and natural fragrances in skincare, which also includes staying away from strong essential oils. Once your skin barrier is repaired, you can resume using skincare products containing natural fragrances.

• Lemon

Lemons belong in your diet, not on your face! Natural is not always better, and lemons are known to irritate the skin. People with sensitive skin should stay miles away from something as strong as lemons. Lemons contain vitamin C, which is a popular ingredient in skincare products, thanks to its potent antioxidant qualities. A lot of DIY recipes recommend using lemon juice on your face for the many benefits of vitamin C. While vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help lighten pigmentation, applying lemon juice directly is a bad idea as it can also burn the skin. Instead of applying lemon juice directly, you can opt for a vitamin C serum or a vitamin C-based night cream. Not only is it safer, but it is more likely to provide consistent results.

• Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is one of the numerous potentially dangerous chemicals that are widely present in over-the-counter sunscreens. Oxybenzone is not only harmful to human health, but it is also harmful to the environment, as it is known to inflict severe damage to coral reefs.

Oxybenzone is a benzophenone derivative. Apart from chemical sunscreens, they can also be found in nail polish, scents, hair styling products, and cosmetics. Oxybenzone is absorbed at a greater rate by human skin. According to studies, oxybenzone can be taken into the bloodstream and cause hormonal disturbances. Cancer and other disorders have also been linked to the prolonged use of oxybenzone. It is one of those ingredients that should be avoided at all costs.

The Fab: 3 Effective and Safe Ingredients You Can Count On

• Rose Oil

Roses have enjoyed a revered position in the beauty routines of people across the globe for centuries and good reason. This beautiful flower is packed with anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. While rosewater is used more commonly, its effects on the skin are mild at best. To extract the maximum benefit from roses, you should consider using rose oil. Rose oil, or rose essential oil, is derived from rose petals, and it is the extraction method that determines the efficacy of rose oil. When choosing rose oil, make sure that you pick a cold-pressed oil derived from organically grown roses to extract the maximum goodness.

Rose oil is sometimes combined with other therapeutic ingredients. One such ingredient is CBD, or cannabidiol, a derivative of hemp. Scars and blemishes can be effectively removed with a combination of rose oil and CBD. It moisturises the skin while also combating inflammation, easing stress, and improving circulation. Rose oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerator with numerous therapeutic properties for the skin. It also works well as a skin primer before applying makeup. It not only hydrates but also prepares the skin and extends the staying power of your makeup products. Rose oil is also non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. Clogged pores can exacerbate acne, so these compounds should be avoided by people of all skin types.

• Niacinamide

While niacinamide has probably been on the ingredient list of your skincare products for ages, thanks to increasing awareness, cosmetic companies have now started to produce concentrated niacinamide serums. Nonetheless, it is one of the safest ingredients that suits all skin types. However, if it's present in your existing skincare routine, you’re sorted. You only need a small percentage of it, and applying it in higher concentrations does not provide any additional benefits.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has several advantages. Improved skin suppleness, smaller pores, and lower sebum production are just a few of the benefits. Niacinamide topical is a safe and effective treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and other skin imperfections. It is well tolerated by the majority of people and, hence, can be used safely.

• Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant found in the seeds of the babchi plant. It's also known as nature's botox, vitamin A analogue, and natural retinol substitute. This naturally occurring chemical has been used for ages to heal sensitive skin issues, decrease acne, and help regenerate cells, and has been widely used in many cultures for its benefits. Bakuchiol has cooling effects that soothe and aid in the reduction of skin irritation and responses. It's also a powerful antioxidant that fights wrinkles by blocking free radicals from forming. Antioxidants are especially helpful when combined with other treatments such as sun therapy, chemotherapy, and physical therapy. Bakuchiol skin resurfacing solutions can benefit those with acne-prone areas as well as those who have had recent skin ageing. It also boosts collagen production, which protects your skin from damage and wrinkles. It can help with fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.

In the end...

Good skin is not just limited to what you put on your face. It is also greatly affected by other factors, such as what you put in your body, hormonal balance, and stress. Skincare is a journey, and it can be longer for some than others, and finding the right ingredients that suit your skin type can be immensely helpful. Your skin may not be very forgiving when it comes to the wrong ingredient, and that is where knowledge about your skin type and ingredients comes into play.