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There was once a time when skincare products were one-fit-for-all but that was ages ago. The beauty industry has evolved at a rapid pace and has come up with skin-specific products, which is a move in the right direction. But why this tremendous change?
And are they as effective as the brands claim them to be? Skincare products are an important part of your routine that can have either a great or a horrible impact, depending on whether you are using the right products.
So, we are here to break down why brands are making skin-specific products and how the consumers can benefit. Let’s say that what works for one person might have the opposite effect on your skin. This is the main reason brands came up with skin-specific products.
Another common issue is that unless the consumer has a degree in medical science, there are high chances that they wouldn't understand the ingredients listed on these products. Unless the brand specifically mentions the common names of their ingredients used, it’s pretty hard to figure out if they are for you.
For example, tocopherol is vitamin E, but how many of you know that? Certainly not us! But since they have mentioned which skin type the product is for, it’s easier to choose the right product.
Let’s look at all the skin types to understand why brands are creating skin-specific lines-
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Oily skin
People with oily skin have large, open pores, excess oil secretion, blackheads, and are prone to breakouts. If a person with oily skin uses the wrong product, such as a serum that’s for dry skin, it would make their condition worse.
So, what elements does oily skin need? Products with benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid are great. I know what you are thinking; hyaluronic acid for oily skin? But oil doesn’t mean hydration. Those with oily skin also need hyaluronic acid to keep them hydrated. We recommend SkinQ’s Oil Control Mask which has multi-active ingredients to battle your oily skin woes.
Night-time skincare routine for oily skin:
- Use a pH balanced cleanser to cleanse your skin.
- Once or twice a week, exfoliate your face using gentle exfoliants that have a smooth texture. Do not use scrubs with beads as these are harmful
- If you have blackheads, use a charcoal sheet mask or pore strip to remove them. Or, steam and extract post exfoliation with BHA. Using a serum with Salicylic Acid on daily basis help reduce build-up of open pores.
- After an exfoliant use a mask to close the pores.
- Using clay masks with bentonite clay can be beneficial for you. They can remove the excess oil and clean your pores.
- Moisturizer is another non-negotiable in your routine. Avoid the ones that have a thick consistency and look for those that are gel-based. Make sure they contain Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, too – like SkinQ Moisture Balm.
Dry skin
Dry skin means flaky, peeling skin, and roughness. This skin-type is prone to itchiness and need more moisture and hydration. Elements like Lactic Acid, Ceramides, Sodium Hyaluronate and Vit. E should be included in skincare for people who have dry skin.
If you have such skin, look for Cocoa Butter, Almond oil, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Jojoba oil. These active ingredients keep your skin moisturized while ensuring your skin doesn’t get oily. Vitamin E serums are also a great option.
Night-time skincare routine for dry skin:
- Use cool water to clean your face and wipe it with a cleanser that is pH balanced cleanser.
- Apply a serum that has Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidants in it.
- For moisturisers, go for one that is rich in Cermaides, Hylauronic Acid and Vitamin E.
- Don’t forget the eye area, as this skin is sensitive in dry skin types. Apply your Ceramide moisturiser in this area or a deep nourishing eye cream.
- Be cautious with use of Retinol on dry skin.
Sensitive skin
These active ingredients in serum can be found in the Hydrate Elixir by SkinQ. These naturally derived ingredients are highly suitable for sensitive skin.
This is perhaps the most difficult of all skin types because people with sensitive skin don’t get a lot of options. They are intolerant to a lot of elements and will have severe reactions such as rashes, discoloration, stinging, and stiff skin. Natural elements like Aloe Vera, Cucumber seed oil, Chamomile, Petroleum Jelly, and Shea Butter can soothe irritated skin and don’t cause any breakouts.
Sensitive skin is a skin in need of repair of skin barrier. Once the barrier (skin surface) is repaired, the skin will stop being sensitive.
Some ingredients that you should avoid are Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. You should also avoid products that have a fragrance and grainy texture. Sometimes, brands mention “suitable for sensitive skin” but they contain ingredients that can harm your skin. So always check the ingredients before buying.
Night-time skincare routine for sensitive skin:
- Use cleansers that are soap-free and devoid of chemicals.
- Use a hypoallergenic skincare regimen with Niacinamide, Chamomile and Evening Primrose to calm the skin.
- Use a moisturizer that doesn’t have chemicals in it and instead has natural ingredients like Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Almond oil. Additionally, Ceramides work the best to repair skin barrier.
Combination skin
Another rather confusing problem! The general traits for combination skin can depend a lot on the weather. They can be completely dry during the winter and oily during the summer. So, the product you need depends on what kind of behaviour your skin is exhibiting.
However, some ingredients that would be good for your skin are AHAs, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C. They work on dead skin cells and keep your skin hydrated.
Night-time skincare routine for combinational skin:
- Use a gentle cleanser to clear away the dirt and oil. In the ingredients list, look for BHAs, beta-carotenes or Sunflower seed oil. They should be water-based.
- Serums are an important step for you. Vitamin C serums and hyaluronic acid hydrating serums would keep your skin smooth and supple.
- If you have wrinkles or hyperpigmentation, use Vitamin C, Peptides, and Salicylic acid-based creams and lotions. Retinol is also a good additive to combination skin.
- Toners that have antioxidants, humectants, and hydrating factors are a must.
- Lightweight moisturizers that ideal.
Do you notice how the ingredients are always different for each skin type? Hyaluronic is common for all, but the concentration will vary for each skin type. This is why brands have become conscious of the ingredients they are using in their products and what labels they put on them. It’s not just about the Active ingredient but also its quality and quantity in the product.
Now, do you understand why there should be skin-specific products and why conscious brands are creating products for specific skin types? Every skin type exhibits distinct problems and hence needs completely different ingredients to work on those issues. No matter how much money or time you spend on skincare products, if you are using the wrong ones, then your skin will not get better.
If you are still confused about your skin type, then visiting your dermatologist would be great. With the right elements, your skin will be healthy, supple, and youthful. So, start by talking to an expert and exploring dermatologist-formulated products that are made for your Indian skin type, by setting up your skincare routine. Take the SkinQ Test to understand your skin quotient!
