Buying a beauty product is not that difficult. But understanding the label, that's something else! How exactly should you read it?
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Every beauty brand is obliged to list the ingredients on the packaging of its products. However, many people do not read the label before purchasing a product. Yet it is important because you can buy more targeted beauty products and see if they are suitable for your skin.
Active substances and excipients
Each skin care product consists of active substances and excipients. The active substances are the ones that determine the effect of the product. Excipients are substances that support the product and determine its texture. Their function should not be underestimated because they help determine the extent to which the active substances can do their job. Examples of excipients are anti-caking agents, binders, buffers, bulking agents, emulsifiers, coloring agents and preservatives.
Good to know is that a label does not distinguish between active ingredients and excipients. They are listed together. That is why it is important to first check what exactly you want the product to do. Therefore, screen the active substances first .
What are valuable active ingredients?
The active substance is best in balance with the rest of the composition. The higher the active substances are listed, the higher their concentration. With the exception of peptides , a high concentration is better. The preservatives and coloring agents are usually listed at the end of the list.
What are important active substances?
Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E (tocopherol, tocopherol acetate) should not be missing in your skin care. They protect your skin from free radicals and damage from stressors.
Peptides are small proteins that stimulate the skin to produce collagen, which provides firmness to the skin.
Skin's own lipids such as ceramides, phospholipids and cholesterol help support your skin barrier.
Hyaluronic acid is also an important ingredient and also a skin-identical substance. Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin, however, has a completely different effect than hyaluronic acid that is injected under the skin. It stimulates wound healing, ensures better hydration of the skin and provides a nice anti-wrinkle effect.
Questions about skincare products?
Discover dr. Barbara Geusens' tips on skin care products. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.
