The Skincare Terms You Need to Know

Choosing the right skincare products can make a big difference, especially if you have a condition such as eczema or acne. However, it can be difficult to know which products to choose when you aren’t sure what all of the terms on the labels mean. You can always ask your dermatologist for skin care tips and advice on what you should buy, but knowing these key terms will also help:

Products for Sensitive Skin

Many skincare products are labelled with phrases such as “suitable for sensitive skin”. If you have delicate skin or you suffer from allergies, it is best to choose products that mention sensitive skin on the label. The product will be free from the most common allergens and may also contain ingredients that can help to soothe your skin. However, there are no guarantees as these products could still trigger a reaction in your skin if you happen to be sensitive to one of the ingredients. Hypoallergenic is a similar term. It means that one or more common allergens have been left out of the product, but it doesn’t mean there is no risk of a bad reaction. If you know that you are allergic to a particular allergen, such as parabens, it is best to check the ingredients list rather than to rely on terms like hypoallergenic.

Fragrance-free

Fragrances aren’t benefiting your skin in any way, they are simply there to smell nice. Choosing products without them won’t mean your skin is missing out on anything, but it could reduce the chances of an allergic reaction or eczemaflare up.

Non-comedogenic

Non-comedogenic is a term that most often appears on moisturisers. It indicates that the product is suitable for oily or spot-prone skin. You should choose these products if you have acne as they won’t clog your pores or exacerbate your symptoms. Non-comedogenic products can also be a good choice for other skin types

Dermatologically Tested

Although it sounds very scientific, this is a very poorly defined term that simply means some sort of tests have been carried out by a dermatologist. It doesn’t tell you what kind of tests or how the product will affect you.