“Here is a rough keyword guide to the different kinds of skincare products we are faced with everyday. This is a quick breakdown just to equip you with the necessary information needed for your trip to the cosmetics store – or the supermarket. By taking the information here, you will be better able to make your own decisions on your skincare and spot when a customer advisor is giving you a bit of bullshit. Have fun with An Idiot’s Guide to Skin Care” – Thom
Cleanser / Facial Wash
Cleansers and facial washes remove excess oil, bacteria and dirt that your skin pumps out through the day and night. If you use a cleanser / facial wash that isn’t designed for your skintype, or isn’t a bloody facial wash at all (such as pears soap, or shampoo) and you know who you are, then you damage the skin through dehydration and /or causing irritation and sensitivity from ingredients that aren’t designed for the delicate facial skin. Ultimately this damage will age your skin quicker.
Toner
Toner’s are designed to remove excess cleanser, although if you use a facial wash, this isn’t that necessary. A toner is also made to shrink pores and firm the skin, but all are different and advertised as doing different things. Ultimately how useful and necessary these are is debatable in my honest opinion.
Moisturiser
The most important part of An Idiot’s Guide to Skin Care — If you have dry skin, use a moisturiser, if you have oily skin, use a moisturiser, if you have ‘normal’ skin, use a moisturiser. There are hundreds of moisturisers that all do different things. Ultimately you want to achieve the perfect balance of oil and water in the skin.
Dry Skin
If you are dry and flakey, then your skin is normally lacking in both oil and water, so you need a rich product that will help to soften and sooth the skin.
Oily / Combination
If you are oily, shiny or spotty, you need a moisturiser that will reduce the oil production of the skin (they really can do that), whilst rehydrating with water, comforting, whist not causing outbreaks; if you are oily, you need an ‘oil-free’ moisturiser, so look for gels.
Normal
For ‘normal’ skin, that isn’t too shiny, or too dry, then use a balancing moisturiser, something that contains both oil and water, gels and lotions are often beneficial here.
Always use a moisturiser with an SPF, this will help to prevent signs of ageing (80% of ageing is caused by incidental sun exposure –nipping to the bins etc.), this will also help reduce the risk of skin cancers and other such nasty afflictions.
Exfoliators
Exfoliators are products that contain beads and other small particles that when applied to the skin, remove excess dead skin, unblocking pores (more often blackheads), leaving the skin more able to absorb a moisturiser and feel more comfortable. If you do not exfoliate, you are reducing the effectiveness of your other skincare products, and you’re more likely to experience razor burn and cuts. You should exfoliate 2-3 times a week, drier skins maybe 4, and oilier skins maybe just 2. If you have blemishes and spots, never use an exfoliator with beads and scrubbing particles, use only a gentle chemical exfoliator such as Clinique’s clarifying lotion.
Serums
A serum is designed for a specific skin concern such as ageing, dullness, dark marks and other such problems. This generally goes underneath your standard moisturiser and sinks in a little further down your skin layers. This is usually not a moisturiser, and will provide very little to no hydration whatsoever. They are designed to be used with a ‘regime’.
Mask
Masks are generally used to give a boost to the skin, and designed like a serum, to meet certain skin concerns, for example someone with spots and someone with dryness would unlikely use the same mask. Generally, making sure your basic skincare is correct will remove the need for constant mask application. They should only be used very occasionally, as and when needed.
Shaving Gel / Cream
Provides lubrication for your manual / wet razor. Exfoliation beforehand will increase the lubrication properties of the shaving gel / cream
Eye Cream
The eye area is around 50% thinner than any other portion of skin on the face. Using a standard moisturiser will overwhelm the skin in this area and cause it to deposit the extra oil behind the skin and form bags. An eye cream is designed to be thinner and provide no more than what is necessary for this area. Eye creams often tend to be fragrance free and with fewer ingredients as the eye area tends to be more sensitive and delicate.
