HOW TO READ BEAUTY PRODUCT LABELS: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE.

© Photo by: Sisterly Style ( @sisterlystyle )

The skin is a dynamic organ that quickly and effortlessly absorbs the substances with which it comes into contact; Therefore, it is crucial to know well the ingredients of the products we apply daily. However, sometimes we forget to read cosmetic labels before buying them - or rather, we don't do it because we don't know how, nor do we understand what they say. But don't worry, NR Beauty is to the rescue! In this article we are going to reveal some tips to make reading beauty labels easier; Consider it your navigation guide through the world of cosmetology.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL

Expiration date: Just like food, beauty products also have an expiration date. On most packages, the date is located at the bottom and is marked with the symbol of an open bottle, a number and the letter M. The number corresponds to the number of months that you can use the product once it has been opened. Checking the expiration date and replacing your cosmetics on time is crucial to avoid bacteria buildup and skin damage.

The order in which the ingredients are presented: On the product label, the ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration. That is, the first ones cited are the main ones and are found in greater quantity. So, if an ingredient to be wary of (like alcohol) is listed in the top three, or if some really good component is listed last, it's best to leave it on the shelf and opt for another option.

Bunny: If you find a bunny on the packaging, this means that the product was not tested on animals and its production is certified as cruelty-free .

Plant-based product: If you are interested in a plant-based product, check the label to ensure that 95% of the ingredients are natural or derived from natural sources such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts.

INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD AVOID

Parabens: Parabens or parabens in English are chemical compounds widely used in cosmetics to preserve and increase the use time and safety of the products. Although they serve to kill bacteria and fulfill their role as a preservative, studies suggest that parabens can alter the body's hormones, harm fertility, harm reproductive organs, and increase the risk of cancer. The CAN prohibited the use of this ingredient in the formulation of cosmetics in the countries of the subregion, including Colombia.

Sulfates: Sodium sulfate acts as a foaming agent and is found in shampoos, gels, myceral waters and many other facial and body hygiene products. There is some alarm that ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are carcinogenic and harmful to our vital organs, but there is not enough evidence to confirm this. However, it can be said directly that these components irritate and dry out the skin by removing natural and healthy oils from your skin, thus aggravating problems such as acne or atopic dermatitis.

Artificial fragrances and dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes can cause irritation, even for those who do not typically have sensitive or redness-prone skin. Although companies include them in their products to improve the consumer's sensory experience, applying them to your skin is not good at all.

Paraffin and mineral oils: These are petrochemical ingredients that are usually found in a large number of products, including balms, lipsticks, moisturizing serums, and eyelashes, among many more. These components cover the skin, creating a fatty barrier that does not allow the skin to breathe, an essential activity for the proper functioning of this organ. Likewise, it accelerates the aging process and many other skin disorders such as dermatitis.

INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR (EVEN IF THEIR NAMES ARE SCARY)

Tocopherol: This is vitamin E, the main antioxidant nutrient to delay skin aging. Products with tocopherol improve the overall appearance of the skin by neutralizing harmful free radicals, possessing anti-inflammatory action, and, due to its antioxidant benefit, can discourage the oxidation of sebum (oil) to prevent blackheads.

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7: These are regenerating peptides that stimulate collagen production and also suppress skin inflammation.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: It is a long and fancy term that means: oil-soluble vitamin C. Tetrahexyldecyl is mainly found in products such as facial serums, and as an ingredient it serves to firm and brighten the skin, by increasing collagen production and destroying free radicals that cause premature wrinkles.

Ferulic acid: It is an acid that generally has the objective of protecting the skin against the degradation caused by UVA and UVB solar rays. Likewise, it has antioxidant properties.

THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE:

In addition to the components mentioned above, we suggest looking for these additional ingredients in your makeup and skin care products to get the best results for your skin type.

Dry and sensitive skin: natural moisturizers and emollients such as jojoba oil or shea butter.

Oily or combination skin: hyaluronic acid (moisturizing) and vitamin b5.

Acne-prone skin: antioxidants and salicylic acid.