Beauty magazines and the internet are full of articles with advice about makeup and skin care. Much of that advice is contradictory or is really marketing intended to sell products. Here are some common misconceptions about beauty products and how you can find the products that are right for you.
Companies that produce makeup and skin care products want to create loyal customers. They often produce a complete line of products and say that they need to be used together to achieve the best results. This is a marketing tactic designed to get people to purchase multiple products. Just because one product from a particular company works well for you, that does not mean that another product made by the same company is also the best choice for you. Experiment with different products made by a variety of companies to find the combination that works best for you.
In a bid to be healthier, many consumers are embracing products labeled “chemical-free” or “all-natural.” These are essentially meaningless marketing terms. The human body is made up of many natural chemicals, and many products that are labeled “all-natural” contain ingredients that can irritate skin. Preservatives are necessary to keep products stable. Instead of looking for products labeled “chemical-free” or “all-natural,” check the ingredients for anything that you know has irritated your skin in the past or that has helped your skin. You should avoid denatured alcohol because it can dry out your skin and linalool because it is a known allergen.
Although there are some differences in people’s skin based on gender and age, there is no product that works well for everyone of a particular age and gender. Many products that are marketed for specific groups are essentially the same as ones sold for other groups, just with different fragrances or packaging.
The phrase “dermatologist recommended” is essentially meaningless. Any product can be recommended by a doctor or dermatologist. Research the product and its ingredients and understand how your skin responds to different ingredients.