What do your skincare products actually do?
Getting to The Root

What do your skincare products actually do?

Cleanser, exfoliator, elixir— these are skincare products you use and hear about all the time, but do you know what each product does and why they are important? Once you learn a little more about each one’s superpowers, you might find yourself feeling more inspired to stay on top of your skincare game.

Cleanser

As the name suggests, cleansers clean the face, removing oil, dirt, and makeup and other products. Without regular cleansing, various substances can buildup on the surface of the skin and block pores. This blockage causes local bacteria to start reproducing, triggering an immune response that leads to pimples.

A good cleanser also hydrates the skin. Products that contain harsh ingredients, like sulfates and artificial fragrances, deplete the skin’s natural moisture, making the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) irritated, flaky, and tight. Our Golden Hour Face Wash is water-based and contains natural moisturizers like jojoba and flower oil; it cleans away the impurities while also locking in hydration.

Dermatologists generally recommend washing your face twice a day. As always, listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.

Exfoliant

Chances are, you’ve heard differing opinions about the benefits of exfoliants. Allow us to clear the air. Every 28 days or so, your skin regenerates itself, shedding old skin cells to make room for new ones. During this process, some cells won't shed completely or else will collect on the skin resulting in patches of flaky skin and clogged pores. Here’s where exfoliant comes in: it’s a chemical (ideally, natural!), granular skincare product that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Another type of exfoliation uses a simple physical tool like a body brush or loofah to renew the skin’s surface.

While people might debate about the benefits of using an exfoliant, dermatologists tend to agree that exfoliating regularly can make your skin clearer and brighter, and lead to better product absorption.

You might be wondering what’s more effective— a chemical or physical exfoliant? Well, we think a facial scrub includes the best of both worlds so you don’t have to answer that question. Our Red Erase contains cane sugar, a natural source of glycolic acid which clears away dead skin. It also contains colloidal oat and chickpea flour, both gentle, physical exfoliants.

Experts recommend exfoliating 2-3 times a week. Those with sensitive skin might opt for products with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil.

Facial oil

Most facial oil products, like elixirs, contain a combination of face oils that hydrate and restore the skin. What sets this product apart from others, like say a standard moisturizer, is that it’s highly concentrated with powerful ingredients made from smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin easily. For example, jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils and balances oil production. Another example is grapefruit oil, which has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. So, elixirs provide a deep clean and soothe breakouts.

Although most facial oils are sold in smaller packages than other skincare essentials, and can be more expensive, you can use less (because of that high concentration) and expect faster results. 

This product should be used as the last step of your skincare routine, right before your SPF, to lock in all those other layers of moisture.

Use your favorite facial oil daily, after cleansing.

You know what they say— knowledge is power. And you’ve got all the power when it comes to creating an effective and enjoyable routine with your favorite skincare products. We’ll be back with more insights into industry-wide essentials real soon.

 At Yellow Beauty, we’re here to help you glow. Our natural skin care products— from cleansers to face masks— are designed to be kind to your skin and the planet. We use wholesome ingredients that have been in style for centuries.

Have questions? Let’s connect via live chat. We want to help you find the right products.


CONTINUE READING

Start your journey

Shop All