What should I consider when choosing skincare products?
Have you ever bought a cream because everyone was talking about it, only to discover after trying it that it wasn't right for you?
It's more common than it seems. With serums, creams, cleansers, acids, and active ingredients with almost unpronounceable names, choosing skincare products can become quite a challenge.
But taking care of your skin shouldn't be complicated. The key is to understand what it really needs and learn to distinguish the essentials from what's simply in fashion.
1. Know your skin type before choosing
The first step is not to look at brands or prices, but to identify how your skin behaves.
Although everyone is different, we can distinguish several types:
- Dry skin: often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It benefits from moisturizing formulas that help maintain the skin barrier.
- Oily skin: produces more sebum and may have shine or visible pores. It needs hydration, but generally prefers lightweight textures.
- Combination skin: combines oilier areas, especially the forehead, nose, and chin, with normal or dry areas.
- Normal skin: maintains a relatively stable balance, without excess oil or marked dryness.
And sensitive skin? Rather than a skin type, it's a characteristic that can appear in any of the above. It may react with itching, stinging, or redness to certain products.
A tip: observe how your skin behaves after cleansing it and throughout the day. If you have persistent discomfort or doubts, consult a professional.
2. Identify what you want to improve
Looking for hydration is not the same as treating imperfections, dark spots, or signs of aging.
Before buying, ask yourself: what does my skin need right now?
Some ingredients may be interesting depending on your goal:
For hydration: hyaluronic acid and glycerin help retain water. Ceramides help maintain the skin barrier.
Check out our facial hydration category
For acne-prone skin: salicylic acid can help reduce clogged pores. It's best to introduce it gradually, as it can cause irritation.
To improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone: ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, or certain retinoids can be useful, depending on the formulation and the problem you want to address.
Check out our hyperpigmentation category
For signs of aging: retinoids have evidence for improving certain signs of photoaging, although they can cause irritation and are not suitable for everyone.
Remember that a well-known ingredient does not guarantee good results on its own. Its concentration, formulation, and tolerance also matter.
3. You don't need a ten-step routine
One of the most widespread ideas in cosmetics is that the more products we use, the better we care for our skin.
The reality is that a simple, consistent routine is usually a good starting point.
In the morning
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Gentle cleansing: use a cleanser suited to your skin. In some cases, rinsing with water may be enough.
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Hydration: choose a cream or lightweight texture that keeps the skin comfortable.
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Sun protection: use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30; SPF 50 or 50+ may be especially appropriate depending on exposure.
At night
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Cleanse your skin to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt.
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Apply a specific treatment if you need it and tolerate it.
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Finish with a suitable moisturizer.
What about serums, toners, and exfoliants?
They can have their place, but they are not essential for everyone.
A routine you can maintain every day is more useful than a perfect routine you give up on after a week.
4. Learn to read labels
You don't need to become an expert in cosmetic chemistry, but there are a few details worth checking.
- Ingredients (INCI): allows you to identify components you already know you don't tolerate. Their order does not reveal the product's effectiveness on its own.
- Fragrance: if your skin is sensitive or reactive, a fragrance-free formula may be preferable.
- Texture: gels and fluids are usually comfortable for oily skin; richer creams can be useful for dry skin.
- Directions for use: some active ingredients require gradual introduction or specific precautions.
- Expiration and storage: respect the indicated date or the period of use after opening.
And be careful with labels that seem to say it all: "natural," "dermatologically tested," or "for all skin types" do not guarantee that a product is right for you.
5. Sun protection is not optional
If there is one product that deserves a prominent place in any routine, it is sunscreen.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to premature skin aging and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for your skin and your level of exposure.
Apply a sufficient amount to exposed areas and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors, especially after bathing, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
Don't forget that shade, clothing, and avoiding hours of intense radiation are also part of good sun protection.
Check out our sunscreen category
6. When to ask for a pharmacist's advice?
Choosing cosmetic products may seem simple, but not all skin needs can be resolved by changing creams.
If you have persistent acne, frequent irritation, rosacea, eczema, changing dark spots, or skin problems that do not improve, it is advisable to seek a professional assessment.
At Farmàcia Pasteur we can help you understand ingredients, compare formulations, and build a routine tailored to your needs.
The best routine is the one your skin needs
There is no perfect cream for everyone or one ingredient that solves everything.
Knowing your skin, choosing suitable products, introducing them gradually, and maintaining good sun protection are much more important steps than following every new trend.
Not sure where to start? Discover our facial skincare product selection at Farmàcia Pasteur and let yourself be advised by our pharmaceutical team.
