How many times have you brought a moisturiser only to get home and realise that it’s too thick or reacts with your skin? What about the cleanser that you thought was going to help bring radiance but it does the complete opposite? If this sounds like you, then you are one of the many thousands of women who choose the wrong skincare.
So why do we do it?
1. It’s an impulse buy. You read about it in a magazine so it must be good right?
2. It has a high price tag, so surely it’s going to make you look younger.
3. Kate Middleton uses it, so again it must be good.
4. Your friend has amazing skin, so it must be down to her cleanser, moisturiser or serum, right?
Associate Professor Greg Goodman from Dermatology Institute of Victoria says “knowing how to choose the right products for your skin type will help you decide what to buy when you’re confronted with the hundreds of products on the shelves”.
Here are the beauty questions to ask yourself and his top tips to shop for the right skincare.
1. Analyse your skin first.
Determine your skin type by answering the following questions.
• Is your skin oily, dry or combination?
• Is your skin fair, medium or dark?
• Is your skin sensitive?
Make a note of your answers. Sensitive skin will love Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser, $12.99 and if your complexion is dry, try Philosophy Hope in a Jar for dry skin, $50. Zap excess oil with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin, $13.99.
2. Assess your skincare concerns.
Ask yourself what problems you are trying to correct or prevent. Do you want to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles? Pigmentation? Do you have large pores? Does your skin burn easily? Do you have pimples, rosacea or sensitive skin? Neutrogena Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum, $29.99 used daily will help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The jojoba and antioxidants in The Jojoba Company Natural Pigmentation Oil, $39.95 will naturally lighten pigmented skin, whereas Neutrogena Deep Clean Radiance Boosting Mulberry Foam Cleanser, $13.99, refines pore size.
3. Visit a dermatologist.
If in doubt see an expert who will be able to help you determine your skin type and needs.
4. Decide how much money you want to spend.
Buy the basics and then add on. Start with the right cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, and then add exfoliators, serums and night treatments.
5. Remember skincare is a long-term strategy.
All claims for a quick fix are generally wrong. Your basic skincare will remain constant for your skin type over the years. It’s only things like ageing, pregnancy and skin problems like eczema, rosacea and acne that will change what you need.
6. A common misconception is that if it’s expensive, it must be good.
Lower priced products can also be just as good as more expensive ones. It all comes down to looking for products that include the ingredients suitable for your skin.
Your basic skin kit:
1. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, $11.49. Gently and effectively dissolves all traces of dirt, oil and makeup in seconds. Leaves skin thoroughly clean with no heavy residue.
2. Purasonic Facial Cleansing Brush, $129. Gentle enough for everyday use, the flexing action of the brush works for a deeper cleanse and it’s designed to be used with your everyday cleanser.
3. Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, $14.99. With alpha and beta hydroxyl formula it sweeps away dead skin and visibly reduces the appearance of open pores.
4. Elemis Hydra-Balance Day Cream, $39. This ultra-light day cream provides continuous hydration and helps to balance normal to combination skin.
This is a sponsored post by Neutrogena. All opinions expressed by the author are authentic and written in their own words.
