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Beauty Buying Guide

Focus on proven ingredients, patch-test every new product, and introduce actives slowly to protect your barrier.

Skincare products

Ingredients That Work

Skip miracle claims. Look for clinically supported actives: vitamin C for brightening, niacinamide for oil control and barrier support, retinoids for texture and lines, and salicylic acid for breakouts. Formulation matters: an L‑ascorbic acid serum in opaque, airless packaging remains potent longer than a dropper bottle exposed to light.

  • Vitamin C: 8–15% L‑AA with ferulic acid increases stability; use in the morning with SPF.
  • Niacinamide: 2–5% suits most skin; higher percentages can be drying for some.
  • Retinoids: start twice weekly; buffer with moisturizer to reduce irritation.
  • Hydration: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and squalane replenish moisture.
Routine flatlay

Routine Builder

Keep it simple: cleanse → treat → moisturize → SPF (AM). At night, alternate retinoids and exfoliants instead of layering them together. Patch-test on the jawline for a week before full-face application. Give each new product two weeks before judging results, and change only one variable at a time.

  • Cleansers: low‑pH gel or milk cleansers preserve the acid mantle.
  • Exfoliation: BHA for pores/blackheads, AHA for tone/texture. 1–3× weekly.
  • SPF: broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 is non-negotiable; reapply outdoors.
Skincare shelf

Safety & Budget

Check INCI lists for potential irritants like high amounts of fragrance or essential oils if you are sensitive. Track cost‑per‑use instead of price per bottle, and prioritize sunscreen, cleanser, and moisturizer before niche extras. Avoid hoarding; many products oxidize or degrade within 12 months of opening. For devices (LED masks, microcurrent), prioritize certified brands with clear wavelength and energy specs and user‑replaceable parts.

Skincare flatlay and notebook

Skin Types & Routines

Dry: focus on gentle cleansers, humectants + occlusives, and rich night cream. Oily: lightweight gel moisturizer and consistent BHA use. Sensitive: avoid fragrance and essential oils; patch-test every active. Combination: treat zones separately — BHA on T‑zone, richer cream on cheeks.

Mistakes To Avoid

  • Layering too many actives at once and burning your barrier.
  • Judging a sunscreen by feel alone — test for white cast in daylight and reapplication ease.
  • Ignoring expiry dates; vitamin C and retinoids degrade fast after opening.

Buying Checklist

  • INCI list transparency and % where relevant (e.g., niacinamide)
  • Opaque, airless packaging for oxidation‑prone formulas
  • Clear return policy for reactions or shade mismatches

FAQ

Can I use retinoids with acids? Alternate nights to reduce irritation.

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen? Mineral suits very sensitive skin; modern chemical filters feel lighter and are easier to reapply.

Glossary

Humectant: draws water into skin (glycerin, HA). Occlusive: slows water loss (petrolatum, shea). Emollient: smooths/softens (squalane, ceramides).