Skincare products: function and order of use & bull; hello healthy

Product presence skincare plays a big role in creating a beautiful and healthy skin and face. These products work in a variety of ways according to skin concerns, from moisturizing, providing nutrition, to protecting the skin layers.

However, before discussing further about the product skincare according to skin type, what are the basic skin care products that each person should use?

Active ingredients in the product skincare

How it works and the active ingredients in the product skincare continues to be developed from time to time so that the variations are increasing. People with normal, combination, and even sensitive skin can now find a range skincare which is meant for the skin.

The active ingredients referred to in the product skincare are ingredients that work directly to solve the user's skin problems. These ingredients have been scientifically proven to have certain benefits or effects on the skin.

Every product skincare have different active ingredients. In fact, a product skincare naturally also contains its own active ingredients. These substances are what make a skin care product can work wonders.

The strength of an active ingredient is generally determined by its concentration and whether it is an over the counter substance or a doctor's prescription. For example, the active ingredients in over-the-counter acne creams may not be as strong as acne creams from your doctor.

There are many types of active ingredients used in skin and facial care products. Below are some of the most common.

1. AHA, BHA, and PHA

AHA, BHA, and PHA are a group of acids that have the main function of exfoliating dead skin cells. All three can be found in various products such as toners, face wash, exfoliators, serums, and masks body lotion .

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) is often listed as glycolic acid , lactic acid , citric acid , and much more. This product is best suited for people with dry skin or skin that has problems with acne, uneven color, and signs of aging.

While effective, AHAs can cause irritation when used excessively or in combination with some other exfoliators. To prevent this, you should choose skin care products with an AHA content of less than 10 percent

PHA (polyhydroxy acid) can also be an alternative for people who are sensitive to AHAs. This substance has the same benefits as AHA, but its large molecules cannot penetrate the inside of the skin so there is less risk of irritation.

As for oily skin owners, BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) is a great exfoliator. Substances that are often listed as salicylic acid (salicylic acid) is able to treat acne problems, cleanse the skin, and even out the skin tone.

The recommended concentration of BHA for treating skin problems is 0.5 - 5%. Although the chances of irritation are less than AHAs, BHAs can still cause skin irritation if used excessively.

2. Retinol

Retinol or retinoids are substances made from vitamin A. You can find retinol in skin care products under the names tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, alitretinoin, and bexarotene. All of them have the same function.

Skincare containing retinol is generally used to get rid of acne with mild to moderate severity. In addition, retinol also reduces excess oil on the skin, prevents wrinkles, and treats warts.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3. Usually, niacinamide is found in skin and facial care products in the form of a serum. This compound can be used for all skin types, but the greatest benefit may be felt by owners of oily skin.

Niacinamide helps form keratin, a protein that keeps skin healthy and soft. These compounds also maintain the skin's protective layer, reduce excess oil, prevent sun damage, and delay skin aging.

4. Centella asiatica (gotu kola leaf)

Centella asiatica widely used in facial care products thanks to its bioactive content. This fan-shaped plant acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiulcer that helps treat wounds.

Its main benefit in skin care is to increase collagen production, which is the main foundation for skin to stay elastic. The skin also heals faster from scars and scars stretch marks and protected from premature aging.

5. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronic acid is a clear substance in skin tissue that is naturally formed by the body. Its main function is to lubricate the skin tissue so that the skin remains moisturised and supple.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid in a range of products skincare not much different either. Products containing these compounds help reduce wrinkles on the face, moisturize the skin, and improve sunburned skin.

6. Alpha arbutin

Alpha arbutin is a synthetic version of a substance called hydroquinone . Alpha arbutin is made from various types of plants and fruits, such as plants bearberry , blueberries , cranberries , pear skin, and wheat.

This substance is water soluble so that its benefits are easier to absorb into the skin. The benefits of alpha arbutin include brightening the face without causing irritation, reducing dark spots, and fading dark spots of acne scars on the skin.

Basic functions and order of use of the product skincare

Every product skincare has its own function. The same product can be divided again according to each person's skin type and the problem they are experiencing. This is why it is easy to find dozens of product variants when hunting skincare .

However, there are actually stages skincare in general that anyone with any skin type and problem can follow. After understanding the stages, it will be easier to find a product that suits your needs.

The following is the order of using the product skincare the basics you need to do to care for health and beauty skin.

1. Wash your face

Washing your face is the first step that you must take before using other products. Washing the face opens the pores, softens the skin, and makes the skin clean from dirt so that the skin can better absorb the next product.

Want your face to be cleaner and smoother? Try cleaning your face in two stages double cleansing . The first stage is to clean the face with a facial cleanser or makeup remover , and the second stage is washing your face with soap.

2. Exfoliate

An exfoliation procedure is the removal of dead skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin. Without exfoliating, the accumulated dead skin cells will make your skin dull and grow blackheads. This treatment is usually only done once or twice a week.

There are two ways of exfoliating, namely mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation is done with scrub , brushes, sugar or salt crystals, and sponges. Meanwhile, chemical exfoliation uses chemical substances such as AHA, BHA, and PHA.

3. Toner

Toner products are liquids that contain active ingredients to treat certain skin problems. Each type of toner can have different effects, depending on the active ingredients contained in it.

Most toners help moisturize the skin so that it can better absorb the active ingredients in other products. However, there are also toners that can balance the pH of the skin, tighten pores, and treat acne.

4. Masks

Like exfoliating, face masks are not mandatory for use every day. You can adjust it to your treatment goals or the skin problem you want to solve, whether it's moisturizing your skin, removing blackheads, and so on.

Face masks are available in various forms, both natural ones such as honey masks and synthetic ones such as sheet mask contains active ingredients. Its use can be adjusted from once to a maximum of three times a week.

5. Serum

Facial serum is a clear gel that is light in texture and oil-free. These treatment products contain a number of active ingredients, generally various vitamins, retinols, or certain plant extracts.

Serum can penetrate deep into the skin easily and evenly. Therefore, the use of serum usually aims to treat more specific skin problems, such as acne, dark spots, or dull skin.

6. Products skincare essence

Product essence has almost the same use as serum, but the texture is thinner and lighter on the skin. Essence also serves to increase the absorption of further products that will be used on the skin.

Although their functions are similar, many experts recommend using them essence first before serum because the texture is lighter. You can apply it directly after toner, twice a day in the morning and at night.

7. Moisturizer

Moisturizing products are skin and facial care products that you can't miss. Even owners of dry, normal, or oily skin still need a moisturizer because this stage will keep skin cells from damage and irritation.

The skin can only function properly when it is damp. When the skin is damp enough, the protective layer will be strong enough to fight germs, dryness, and sun damage.

Oily type skin is not necessarily moist on the inside, so it still needs moisturizer, especially dry or sensitive skin which is more prone to cracking and damage.

So, use a moisturizer that is tailored to your skin type. Apply it evenly every morning and night, especially after showering when the skin is still half moist. This is the best way to protect skin with any problem.

8. Sunscreen

It is no secret that long-term sun exposure can cause damage to the skin. In fact, unprotected skin has a higher risk of premature aging and cancer.

Sunscreen form sunblock and sunscreen can protect the skin from these risks. Both have a similar function. The difference is, sunscreen works like a curtain that filters out sunlight, meanwhile sunblock reflect it.

Sunblock usually thicker texture and can be used for all parts of the body. Meanwhile, sunscreen tends to be light so it is suitable for thinner facial skin.

Given the wide variety of skin and facial care products, it may not be easy for you to follow all the stages of their use. Therefore, you can start by following the steps above.

Ultimately, everyone has different care needs. By trying every stage of using the product skincare , You can find out what products you need most everyday.

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