How To Know If An Expensive Product Will Work For Your Skin
There is this long-held perception that expensive skincare is more effective than its affordable competitors. And this simply isn’t true. A hefty price tag doesn’t always equate to results, whatever it is you might be chasing: hydration, oil regulation, softening fine lines.
What separates a product or brand from sitting on the lower side of the dollar spectrum, versus the higher, might just be marketing (how well they can talk themselves up) and packaging (how eye-catching their aesthetic is). Cut out all the noise and the sole driver in your decision to purchase should actually be the product efficacy.
Get to know the formulas.
To say skincare product labels can be confusing would be an understatement. But what’s important to know is that ingredients are listed in order of highest concentration to lowest. (The more you know, the more you know!) What this means is, if there’s a really great ingredient listed at the bottom, your skin isn’t going to get as much benefit from it.
So, try looking for the ingredient you want/need based on your skin type and concerns (say, ceramides! Glycerin! Peptides! Sodium Hyaluronate!) and make sure it’s closer to the start of the ingredients list rather than the end. The higher the concentration, the more potent the dose, the greater the results for you and your skin!
It’s worth noting this decision-making method works in reverse(ish) too. If you know there’s an ingredient that doesn’t mesh particularly well with your skin and it’s taking up prime real estate on the product ingredients list, think again. Dismiss the hype, don’t jump on the bandwagon just ‘cos, this is when you seek advice on a more suitable alternative for you.
Look for proof.
When a skincare brand chooses to carry out a clinical trial, it’s because they want to prove the product(s) actually work. Performed in a clinical environment over the course of eight weeks, clinical technicians monitor and measure the changes in each participant’s complexion. If you’re wavering between the face mask trending on TikTok and the one proven to produce tangible results after a successful clinical trial…please, please pick the latter.
The distinction between clinical testing and consumer study is important too. Often the latter can be quite skewed as it relies on volunteers agreeing or disagreeing with a series of statements about the sensory appeal – do you like the way it felt, do you think your skin improved after use. The resulting claims aren’t lies but they aren’t scientific truths either. Unlike clinical testing there is no measurement (of elasticity, pigmentation etc) involved.
Clinicals are especially important to seek out when new/unique/trending ingredients are splayed across the product and packaging as a key selling point. A $300 moisturiser with supposed anti-ageing powers feat added Wrinkleflickatox™ and Moisturemagic® particles might not be doing exactly what it says if they don’t have proven clinical tests to back up such claims. On the other hand, a $100 competitor might have a stronger concentration of actives and the clinical trials to prove it, you just have to do your research before adding to cart.
Before your next splurge on a pot of velvety face cream, first figure out exactly what it is you’re paying for. Less truly can be more.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
