Because everyone has slightly different needs to maintain healthy skin, cosmetic product choices can be difficult to make. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reminds consumers that no single skin care product yields the same results for everyone---and price is not a measure of effectiveness. Purchases should be based on your skin type; a particular goal, such as sun protection; and the strength of ingredients.
Step 1
Choose hypoallergenic skin care products that are less likely to create reactions in healthy skin. The AAD reports that added fragrance, color, and strong preservatives in regular cosmetic formulas cause the most irritation and allergies in sensitive skin.
Step 2
Spot test for safety before using a new item on delicate facial skin. Apply a small amount of the product on unbroken, healthy skin on the underside of your forearm. Repeat twice a day for five days, and if no reaction occurs, consider the ingredients safe for your facial skin.
Step 3
Pick mild facial cleansers geared for your skin condition. The Skin Sciences Institute notes that soap containing perfumes, deodorant, or antiseptics can dry and irritate skin. Dry skin types need a moisturizing soap, and oily skin types may need a cleanser with an acne-fighting ingredient, such as benzoyl peroxide.
Step 4
Select moisturizing cosmetic products to suit your age, skin type, and seasonal factors. The drier your skin is, the more oil you need in a moisturizer. The AAD lists lotion, cream, and ointment from lowest to highest in oil content. The Mayo Clinic endorses pure skin care oil, such as almond or jojoba, for severely dry skin.
Step 5
Buy the correct strength and variety of sunscreen. Everyone should use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 15 strength or greater, the Skin Cancer Foundation asserts. Higher SPF formulas, such as SPF 30 and SPF 50, provide greater protection for fair skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't try to find preservative-free cosmetic products; some preservative is necessary to keep organic ingredients from breaking down and spoiling.
- If you have a skin disease, such as eczema, get a dermatologist's skin-care product recommendations. Ingredients such as glycerin, for instance, are fine for healthy skin but can harm compromised skin. Compatibility testing is up to you; the Food and Drug Administration does not rate or regulate cosmetics unless their components create public health hazards. The term "hypoallergenic" does not guarantee an absence of allergens. There is no industry-wide definition or standard for hypoallergenic cosmetic products, so use the term only as a guide, reviewing product ingredients for items to which you may be sensitive.
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