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How Much Can You Trust Your Skin Products?

I think it’s safe to say that most of us care about taking care of our skin.  After all, it is your body’s largest organ, and taking steps to preserve it is imperative to your overall health.  Because of this, it is important to make sure you’re choosing the right skincare products that will do your skin good.  Almost every skincare brand advertises their products as being the best of the best, but how much of that is actually true?  Doing your own research and looking into what’s in your skincare products is essential to building a routine that works for you.  Here are a few things to look for when purchasing skincare products, and what to avoid.

Vitamins

The most common vitamins you’ll find in many skincare products are vitamins A, C and E.  All of these vitamins are packed with nutrients that help protect and nourish the skin, just as they nourish your body when taken as supplements.  Many skincare companies include these vitamins in their products, especially face products like cleansers and moisturizers.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential to any good skincare routine, so keep this in mind when purchasing your skincare products.  Antioxidants provide the skin with a number of benefits, including anti-inflammation, reduced look of wrinkles, and scar treatment.  Many skincare products today boast the inclusion of antioxidants on the packaging, with some of the most popular being green tea, grape seed and coffee berry.  Not only do these antioxidants sound delicious, but they also provide amazing skin benefits!

Retinol

If you’ve dabbled in anti-aging products, you’ve probably heard of retinol.  Retinol is included in a lot of skincare products for it’s anti-aging benefits, as it boosts the amount of collagen your body produces, helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  Using retinol is a more natural alternative to something like botox, and can also help improve your skin’s look and tone, giving you a more healthy, even look.  If you’ve never used retinol, it can take a few weeks for your skin to get used to it, so be patient and let your skin adjust to the new step in your skincare routine.

What to Avoid

Parabens

You may have seen hair care products advertising that they are “paraben-free”, but did you know that parabens can also be found in many skincare products?  Parabens are commonly used preservatives in beauty products that can disrupt hormone function and are generally just not good for your skin.  Some studies even claim that there could be a link between parabens and breast cancer (though there aren’t enough study yet that directly links it), so your best bet is to steer clear from them as much as possible.

Aluminum

Aluminum is another common skincare ingredient that can be harmful to your body.  Aluminum is often found in products like deodorants and lotions, and is thought to be linked to breast cancer.  If you’re concerned about aluminum in your skincare products, look for aluminum-free products to swap out. When it comes to building a skincare routine you can trust, it is important to take your time researching ingredients that will only do your skin good.  With a little time and patience, you’ll be on your way to achieving the best skin of your life!