Cosmetic Products: An Overview by a Dermatologist

The use of cosmetic products for skin care has become increasingly popular in recent years. From anti-aging creams to face masks, these products promise to improve the appearance and health of our skin. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which products are truly effective and which are just hype. In this essay, we will explore the science behind common skin care ingredients and examine the effectiveness of various cosmetic products for skin care. We will also discuss potential risks and side effects associated with the use of these products. Learn about A History of the Cosmetics Industry.

You must have stepped into a drug store at some point of your life in search for the right face care products. Maybe you got a bit bewildered and confused by all the array of options; you’ve got some knowledge about skincare; you just need confirmation from the right source about what type of products to use or in what order to do so. Luckily for you we’re providing you with the right source – we have contacted a dermatology professional and here are all the tips and clarifications. Let’s review all of the types of skincare products you can purchase, already sorted in the right order of application.(1) Learn about Cosmetics – as Defined by the FDA.

Introduction: What are Cosmetic Products?

Cosmetic products are any products that are used for enhancing one’s appearance, including the skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They are designed to provide temporary or long-lasting benefits to our beauty and self-care routine. Cosmetic products can be categorized into skincare, hair care, makeup, fragrances, and oral care products. They can be purchased from drugstores, online retailers, department stores, or from a professional aesthetician.

Types of Cosmetic Products

Skincare Products

Skincare products are designed to improve the texture, appearance, and health of the skin. They can range from basic cleansers and moisturizers to more specialized products such as serums, eye creams, and anti-aging treatments. Skincare products can target various concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Hair Care Products

Hair care products are used to improve the appearance and health of the hair. They can range from shampoos and conditioners to more specialized products such as hair oils, serums, and treatments. Hair care products can target various concerns such as dryness, frizz, dandruff, and hair loss.

Makeup Products

Makeup products are used to enhance one’s appearance by adding color, coverage, and texture to the face, eyes, lips, and nails. They can range from basic products such as foundation and lipstick to more specialized products such as highlighters, contouring kits, and false eyelashes.

Fragrances

Fragrances are used to add scent to the body and clothing. They can range from perfumes, colognes, body sprays, and scented lotions.

Oral Care Products

Oral care products are used to maintain the health and appearance of the teeth and mouth. They can range from basic products such as toothpaste and mouthwash to more specialized products such as teeth whitening kits, dental floss, and tongue scrapers.

Ingredients in Cosmetic Products

Cosmetic products contain a variety of ingredients that are responsible for their effectiveness. Understanding these ingredients can help you choose the right products for your skin type and concerns.

Overview of Specific Cosmetic Products

OIL CLEANSER

Double cleansing… does it ring a bell? Here, in the Western World this concept has been more exploited after having followed our Asian neighbors; we need to say it, they couldn’t have been more right about this. Double cleansing is necessary to properly get rid of the impurities hiding in our pores. There, the environment is lipophilic – it means that inside the pores substances only get dissolved in fats; if we don’t wash them away with fats, they won’t get dissolved and cause blackheads, whiteheads or other forms of acne. Simple.

• If you are afraid that oil cleansers might not work for you because you’ve got acne – prone skin, try light oil formulas which later change into foam/ have water – soluble ingredients mixed together/ are made of noncomedogenic oils like sunflower oil.

WATER – BASED CLEANSER

This is naturally the second step of double cleansing – a water – based cleanser. You might wonder: if oil is all we need to purify our pores, then why the second product? We come with an explanation right away. First off, we need to dispose of any remnants of the oil cleanser, second off, not all of the structures in our skin are lipophilic; we need to wash them too!

• Look for gentle formulas, best for sensitive skin. You don’t need anything harsh in your cleanser, same for all the beautifying ingredients – you will wash them away. A neutral, delicate, dermatologically tested product is the top choice here.

PEELS

There are two kinds of peels – mechanical peels and chemical peels. Which one to choose though? The answer is obvious – chemical. Avoid mechanical peels at all cost. The skin on your face is too fragile for that – mechanical peels will cause microinjuries on the skin surface, making a perfect entrance for residing bacteria. They literally ignite infections + effortlessly spread the already existing ones. Furthermore, if you have a skin condition like acne, it will only irritate it more. Use chemical peels with e.g. BHA acids – they penetrate the layers of the skin deeper and they also aren’t harsh anyhow. Yet, feel free to pamper yourself and do a mechanical almond scrub on the skin of the body – there the skin is tougher and built of more layers. (2)

TONER

It seems a little bit redundant, doesn’t it? Well, it’s the complete opposite. Having washed our face, we have stripped it partially from its natural protective barrier + we have changed its pH (acidity). If the pH of our skin is wrong, the skin isn’t as strong anymore, the healthy flora won’t reside on it any longer… it’s just bad. (3) The right pH of the skin of the face is slightly acidic. A toner is comprised of weak acids which will make that acidity return to normal. Plus, no one has said that the acids have to be unbeneficial – go for hyaluronic acid for instance; it will also bind water molecules while caring for the pH.

ESSENCE

An essence is also watery so it can be easily mistaken with a toner. What’s the difference though? Essence’s richer in beautifying ingredients. Its task is no longer the correction of the pH, it is to revitalize the skin with water – soluble minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a great light boost for the skin.

FACE MASK

There is a wide array of those, isn’t it? We can encounter traditional masks as well as so – called sheet masks. Is any of them anyhow better? Indeed no, this is the case of preference. (4) Choose whatever mask you want, have fun with it, let you and your skin take a breather. Go for masks that target your ongoing skin issue and always check a list of the ingredients if there are no comedogenic ones. You want to relax without fear that a mask will clog your pores.

SERUM

You should only apply a serum before going to bed at night. It is the most concentrated step of the whole skincare routine hence the most active and essential one. It is supposed to supply your skin with a plethora of health – giving, beneficial ingredients – they can be  vitamins, minerals, moisturizing ingredients, nonetheless the most important and vital ones are antioxidants. It is advised that, the younger the better, anybody should have a good antioxidant serum on their shelf. Together with regular sunscreen use (read about that later) it’s the most effective protection against sun damage, wrinkles, skin – aging, pollutants as well as skin cancer + it really gives your skin the glow.

MOISTURIZER/CREAM

The different formulas and brands of them are endless. Either way, a good moisturizer should: 1) be of the desired, not too heavy, not too light, consistency 2) have something hydrating like glycerin or hyaluronic acid 3) have something moisturizing like shea butter (it’s the best of the best) 4) preferably have some other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants. When it comes to the 2) and 3), it is important both to hydrate (supply with water) your face as well as moisture it (provide the ingredients which will lock that hydrating ingredients in). One goes not without another.

SUNSCREEN

Now to the truly imperative point of the whole routine – sunscreen. It seems to come from all the sources that it’s crucial to wear one. Indeed it is. All year round (sun rays don’t rest). With protection against both UVB and UVA. The higher filter, the better. Why is it so important? First of all, we don’t want to have skin cancer. Second of all, it is the best anti – aging prevention alongside the antioxidants. Sun rays are something we are exposed to everyday and can’t avoid it; yet they are what’s also extremely detrimental to our skin. They destroy its healthy structure, making it less firm, less resilient and more susceptible. Once again, wear your sunscreen and you will thank yourself later.

FACE MIST

You can use one after everything is done or after you had applied your toner, it really doesn’t matter – face mists are so universal. That’s why you can freely use them throughout the day – to freshen your face a bit, to alleviate any irritation if your skin is sensitive or it is too cold outside. Not only is it a fun addition to a routine but it also provides the skin with extra hydration and soothing. It can also have some extra antioxidants as well, no harm in that. Go best for the ones which are thermal water – based, you will get an additional kick of minerals and soothing properties.

Look for cosmetic products that are Clean Certified, Natural Organic Certified and Vegan Certified.

Cosmetic Products References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Cosmetics.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021, https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics.
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Safety and Health Topics: Personal Protective Equipment.” U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2021, https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment.
3. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “Cosmetics and Personal Care Products.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2021, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/cosmetics/index.cfm.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Personal Care Products Safety.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, .
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Tattoos and Permanent Makeup.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021, .
6. Federal Trade Commission. “Cosmetics Rules.” Federal Trade Commission, 2021, .
7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Safe Use of Cosmetics.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021, .
8. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. “Skin Exposures and Effects.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Personal Care Products.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2021, .

Learn about the Top 10 Cosmetic Companies in the World.

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