A skincare routine can be simple enough to understand, but there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain your collection of products to be the most effective for your skin.
Jun 30, 2021 12:00:00 AM / by Whitney Dickerson
Be in the Know with your Skincare Products A skincare routine can be simple enough to understand, but there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain your collection of products to be the most effective for your skin. We will cover the importance of symbols, expiration dates, and key ingredients to look for in your skincare. Expiration dates vary depending on the type of products and the ingredients used. It will most likely be shown in one of two ways. First, it will have a tiny image with a number inside. This will indicate the number of months you can use the product after opening. Typically it is shown as 12, 24, or 36 months for many products. Otherwise, the general rule of thumb is two years unopened, or one year opened. Sunscreen or acne formulas are required to have an expiration date on the packaging. It is best to keep your products away from sunlight, heat, and humidity if possible. Some products such as masques and treatments may be able to be kept in the fridge. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind with products is to watch for mold, color of the product changing, bad or rotten smell, product or texture has changed or separated. These are usually key signs that the product is faulty or beyond its use. Keep in mind if choosing to purchase products without any type of preservatives, will make the shelf-life much shorter than normal. If your products expire, there is a risk that the efficacy of the product is no longer maintained. This is especially true in acne and suncare that contain active ingredients. This can possibly make those ingredients stronger or more likely to cause irritation or spread bacteria that may harbor in the product. When in doubt, throw it out! Symbols in skincare: Recyclable: A green or black circle or arrow means the packaging is recyclable. It can also be verified with your local recycling company if it is accepted. Cruelty-Free: PETA’s pink bunny or the cruelty-free leaping bunny will verify the product is not tested on animals. Vegan: An official seal from vegan.org means the product is 100% vegan Fair Trade Certified: A symbol certifying that the manufacturing and trading processes protect the workers and the land. Another thing to be mindful of is the ingredients in your skincare. It is important to note that skincare ingredients are listed on the bottle from highest to lowest concentration. Below is a shortlist of common ingredients and their usage within GlyMed Plus skincare products. Aloe Vera: A potent healer, as it provides a protective layer that inhibits infection and soothes the skin. It contains over 200 active compounds including Vitamins A, B, C, and E, enzymes, minerals, polysaccharides, and 18 of the 20 necessary amino acids. Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial agent and oxygen releasing chemical that kills the bacteria that causes acne breakouts. Caffeine: Caffeine aids in the absorption of other ingredients in skincare formulations. The acid within caffeine also functions as an antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10: A naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to neutralize harmful free radicals. It boosts skin repair and regeneration as it reduces the effects of photo-aging and wrinkles. Cannabidiol (CBD): Grown in the USA, Derived from HEMP and is considered one of the strongest antioxidants, even stronger than Vitamin C & E, and recognized for its incredible anti-aging effects in the skin. Creates balance in the skin. Copper Peptides: A combination of copper and three amino acids. It rejuvenates skin cells in aging tissue by boosting the production of collagen and elastin. It also produces glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid. Fulvic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that absorbs deeply into the skin to assist in the transportation of nutrients to tissues and cells. Glycolic Acid: A natural alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is used to exfoliate and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells in the stratum corneum while also increasing hydration to prevent dryness. Green Tea Leaf: A powerful antioxidant due to its catechin content, which protects cells from free radicals and their associated damage. Hyaluronic Acid: This plays a critical role in healthy skin by controlling the physical and biochemical characteristics of epidermal cells. It regulates skin activity, including water content, elasticity, and the distribution of nutrients to the cells. Jojoba Oil: A moisturizer and emollient that contributes to the healing of the skin. Kaolin: A natural, clay-like mineral composed of silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and other materials. It has excellent absorbent properties so it is used in many acne products to draw out impurities and toxins to help clear the skin of excess oil, dirt, pollutants, and other waste material. Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3 that stimulates lipid production and improves epidermal barrier function. It is known for inhibiting hyperpigmentation and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It is also an an-inflammatory. Niacinamide boosts collagen production and increases micro-circulation, delivering nutrients throughout the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate: Similar to hyaluronic acid (salt form), this works to moisturize the skin. It can hold more than 1,800 times its own weight in water. It is also used as a viscosifier and emulsifier. It plumps, moisturizes, and lubricates the skin, and reduces TEWL. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): A stable form of Vitamin C that protects skin cells and skin structures from UV-related damage, improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin, strengthens the skin's barrier response, reduces inflammation, promotes collagen production, enhances the effectiveness of clinical procedures and reduces pigmentation. Vitamin E (Tocopherol): It protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been proven to protect the skin, speed wound healing, provide hydration, and prevent water loss.
If you have any questions and would like to speak to one of our friendly Master Aestheticians in your area please email support@glymedplusaustralia.com.au Written by Whitney Dickerson