HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR SKIN

Want healthier skin? Use our guide to choose skin products that have gentler, natural ingredients.

---

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it readily absorbs most of the products we apply to it. The majority of products contain several different ingredients, all of which play a role in how well the product works and how long it lasts.

Whatever is absorbed by our skin filters into our bloodstream. Some ingredients of grooming products can be toxic and can pose a threat to one’s health when used over long periods of time. Although some brands have made efforts to offer products that are healthier and more user friendly, many still contain harmful ingredients under the guise of ‘green’, ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ labelling.

Related article: 7 Health checks every man should have

As a consumer, you are likely to believe that if a product says it’s ‘all natural’ on the packaging then it should be, right? Not quite. Sometimes it’s just a term used to market the product. The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge; school yourself on the good and bad ingredients and make informed choices.

Plant-based and organic products are non-toxic and a safer option, so wherever possible look for alternative ingredients that are healthier (see our list of the good and the bad).

Related article: 14 No-fuss grooming tips for men



Look out for these ingredients, and where possible buy products containing alternatives:

PETROLATUM
USES It’s found in petroleum jelly and is often used as a moisturiser, but it actually isn’t.
DANGERS Traps moisture and prevents moisture from the environment to enter, leading to more dryness.
ALTERNATIVES Vitamin E, Beeswax

HYDROQUINONE
USES It’s used to lighten pigmentation and acne scars.
DANGERS It prevents production of melanin and if used excessively it can cause hyperpigmentation.
ALTERNATIVES Vitamin A and vitamin C

OXYBENZONE
USES Used in cosmetics and sunscreen to absorb the sun’s rays.
DANGERS It can irritate the skin because of the chemical reaction that takes place in the skin.
ALTERNATIVES Titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide

ALCOHOL (on labels look for ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, alcohol denat)
USES Used in skincare products as a preservative and to help other ingredients absorb into the skin.
DANGERS Can be harsh, drying and cause irritation.
ALTERNATIVES Fatty alcohol derived from natural products (stearyl alcohol).

Related article: Hair today, gone tomorrow