Skincare takes effort. Picking the first product you see in a store or using the same one that works for your BFF or favourite blogger won’t really give you the desired results. Besides, using the wrong products can multiply your skin woes.
But worry not, we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ve listed down a few things that you should keep in mind when purchasing essential skincare products like cleansers, moisturisers, etc… Dream skin, here we come.
01. Cleanser
A good cleanser will get rid of the dirt and impurities on your face without leaving it feeling tight and dry. If you’ve got dry skin, use a hydrating, cream-based cleanser like the Lakme Blush & Glow Strawberry Creme Face Wash. It’s gentle scrubbing beads help slough away dead skin cells to give you healthy-looking skin.
Are you dealing with an oily skin type? A non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, gel-based cleanser like the Simple Daily Skin Detox Purifying Facial Wash is your perfect pick. It’s free of nasty chemicals and drying ingredients, which means it’ll fight clogged pores and oiliness while being gentle on the skin.
02. Toner
No, toner is not an over-hyped product. Ask anyone who’s used it religiously, and they won’t stop raving about the benefits of one. A toner helps balance the skin’s pH levels, regulates sebum production and ensures better absorption of the skincare products to follow.
Toners that contain ingredients with natural astringent properties like aloe vera gel and cucumber extracts like the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner are your best bet. They won’t irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
03. Scrub
If you don’t use a scrub at least once a week, we suggest you do so right away. Apart from sloughing away dead skin cells, it works to retexturise your skin, unclog pores and reveal brighter-looking skin. If you have dry skin, go for a physical scrub with a creamy formula like the St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask. It provides deep exfoliation while being gentle on the skin.
But if you have oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin, opt for chemical exfoliators like glycolic or lactic acid. A word of caution here – even though exfoliation is essential, do not overdo it as it could damage your skin.
04. Moisturiser
Girls, irrespective of your skin type, you need to moisturise your skin EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Just take your skin type into consideration. Dry skin requires an extra dose of moisturisation. Opt for a thick, creamy formula like the Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Radiance Oil-in-Creme SPF 30 PA ++. Packed with the goodness of Moroccan argan oil, it provides intense hydration to nourish dry skin.
When picking a moisturiser for oily skin, steer clear of thick formulas. It will clog your pores and cause breakouts. A lightweight, gel-based moisturiser like the Ponds Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E works best to hydrate oily skin, without that greasy feeling.
05. Sunscreen
Yes, sunscreen is an essential everyday skincare product and should be right up there with your cleanser and moisturiser. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen texture, use the same formula that you do for your moisturiser. Additionally, always pick a sunscreen with SPF 50 like the Ponds Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 50, especially if you are out in the sun a lot.
Look for a marking of PA+++, as this is what provides maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Lastly, no matter what sunscreen you use, remember that it will only be effective if you reapply it two to three times every day.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Dec 10, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!