Not sure which cream to choose, what ingredients your skin needs, or where to start your facial routine?
Choosing skincare products can raise many questions. Among moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and specific treatments, it is not always easy to distinguish what you really need.
At Farmàcia Pasteur, we want to help you make informed decisions. In this guide, we answer the most common questions about dermo-cosmetics, facial care, and pharmaceutical advice.
The essentials: identify your skin type, define what you want to improve, choose suitable products, and start with a simple routine. If you have any questions, pharmaceutical advice can help you evaluate your options.
How to choose skincare products based on my needs?
Start by identifying your skin type and what you want to achieve: keep it hydrated, control excess oil, improve its comfort, or protect it from the sun.
The main skin types are:
- Dry skin: often feels tight, rough, or flaky. It may benefit from moisturizers with glycerin, ceramides, or other emollient ingredients.
- Oily skin: tends to be shiny and produce excess sebum. It generally tolerates lightweight, non-comedogenic textures well.
- Combination skin: combines oilier areas with normal or dry areas.
- Sensitive skin: may experience stinging, itching, or redness. It is best to prioritize gentle formulas and avoid ingredients that have caused reactions.
Sensitivity can occur in any skin type.
You do not need to choose all products from the same range. The important thing is that each one addresses a need and that your skin tolerates it.
What should I consider when buying a skincare product?
Before choosing a cream, serum, or cleanser, check five aspects:
- Your skin type: dry, oily, combination, or prone to sensitivity.
- Your goal: hydration, cleansing, sun protection, or a specific cosmetic need.
- The ingredients: check if it contains any component you already know you cannot tolerate.
- The texture: a lightweight formula may be more comfortable on oily skin, while a richer cream may be useful for dry skin.
- Directions for use: frequency, precautions, and compatibility with other products in your routine.
A more expensive product or one with more ingredients is not necessarily better. The complete formulation and individual tolerance are more important than trends.
What products do I need for a basic facial routine?
You do not need to use ten different products to start caring for your skin.
A simple routine can include:
In the morning:
- Gentle cleansing, according to your skin's needs.
- Moisturizer, if necessary.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50 or 50+, depending on exposure.
At night:
- Cleansing to remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen.
- Specific treatment, only if indicated.
- Moisturizer adapted to your skin.
Serums, exfoliants, and additional treatments can be incorporated when there is a specific need. They are not essential for everyone.
How do I know which cosmetic ingredients are right for me?
Some ingredients commonly found in dermo-cosmetics serve different functions:
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Hyaluronic acid: helps retain water and maintain hydration.
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Glycerin: a moisturizing ingredient that helps hydrate the skin's surface layer.
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Ceramides: lipids that help maintain the skin barrier.
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Niacinamide: can help improve barrier function and certain aspects of skin tone and appearance.
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Salicylic acid: may be useful for some skin types prone to blemishes, although it can cause irritation.
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Retinoids: certain retinoids can improve some signs of photoaging, but they require precautions and are not suitable during pregnancy.
The presence of an ingredient on the label does not guarantee a result. Its concentration, formulation, and method of use also matter.
Can I combine several facial care products?
Yes, but not all combinations are suitable for all skin types.
For example, using several exfoliants simultaneously or introducing a retinoid along with other irritating actives can increase dryness and discomfort.
If you are just starting, introduce new products one at a time and observe how your skin responds.
If intense irritation, swelling, blisters, or persistent discomfort occur, discontinue use of the product and seek professional advice.
How can I check if a product is compatible with my regular medication?
If you take medication, especially dermatological treatments, consult a pharmacist before introducing new products that could interfere with your treatment or increase irritation.
To make the consultation easier, prepare:
- The name of the product you want to use or a photograph of its label and ingredients.
- An up-to-date list of your medications, both oral and topical.
- The dietary supplements you take.
- Information about known allergies or previous reactions.
Not all cosmetics have relevant interactions with medications, but some topical treatments can alter skin tolerance.
Do not discontinue or change a medication prescribed by your doctor on your own.
How do I choose a sunscreen for my skin?
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
As a general guideline, use SPF 30 or higher. For intense exposure, skin especially sensitive to the sun, or certain dermatological needs, SPF 50+ may be preferable.
Texture also matters: fluids may be comfortable on oily skin, while creams are more hydrating for dry skin.
Apply a sufficient amount and reapply approximately every two hours during outdoor exposure, especially after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
How do I know if a product is irritating me?
A slight change in skin sensation does not always mean an adverse reaction, but persistent stinging, itching, marked redness, or significant flaking are signs that should be addressed.
If you suspect a cosmetic product is causing discomfort, stop using it and seek professional advice.
If swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a major generalized reaction occurs, seek urgent medical attention.
When should I consult a pharmacist or dermatologist?
A pharmacist can help you compare formulations, understand ingredients, adapt a cosmetic routine, and identify situations that require medical evaluation.
It is especially advisable to consult if you have:
- Recurring irritation or sensitivity.
- Persistent or inflammatory acne.
- Intense dryness that does not improve.
- Repeated reactions to cosmetics.
- Questions about products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Dermatological treatments that may affect your routine.
Skin lesions that change in shape, size, or color, bleed, or do not heal should be evaluated by a doctor.
Where can I find dermo-cosmetic products and pharmaceutical advice in Andorra?
At Farmàcia Pasteur in Andorra, you can explore facial care, cleansing, hydration, sun protection, and other dermo-cosmetic product options.
Our pharmaceutical team can guide you on product features and help you choose a routine suited to your needs.
You can also explore our catalog at www.farmaciapasteur.com.
If you are looking for a specific product, check its availability before visiting.
Take care of your skin with information, not complications
A good facial routine does not have to be long or expensive.
Knowing your skin, choosing suitable products, protecting it from the sun, and paying attention to its reactions are good starting points.
Not sure which product to choose? Consult the Farmàcia Pasteur team or discover our selection of facial care products.
