Your Face is Not a Science Lab

I’m going to go out on a limb here and venture a guess that the majority of you guys reading this aren’t chemists or scientists. Recently, the internet has been abuzz about skincare lines touting concentrated professional ingredients available over the counter at prices so low they seem too good to be true (let’s not ignore the fact that this became a cliche saying for a reason). But do you trust yourself to play home chemist with your face as the experimental surface?

Here’s the thing: skin is complex and it’s a living, breathing organ (our largest in fact). And though it can be tempting to opt for that cheaper version of face cream or serum to save a few bucks, it could actually do much more harm than good in the long run (or at best, not produce the results you had hoped). This is particularly true with corrective ingredients like vitamin A (retinols), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and other advanced formulations. There are definitely risks involved in trying to DIY it with ingredients that effect change in the skin.

Here are some common pitfalls that come with diving into this “high-end skin care cheat” line of thinking:

• It’s really easy to misdiagnose your own skin conditions or inadvertently choose the wrong products, exacerbating issues and/or creating new ones.
• The “more is better” trap of assuming you can speed results with more product or additional applications often backfires. In the case of AHAs and BHAs, misuse can cause burns and even increase the risk of UV-induced skin damage.
• Over-application of chemical exfoliators can actually contribute to skin aging and create compromised barrier making your skin more vulnerable to premature aging. The skin can’t be broken down constantly ––strengthening and rebuilding it is equally important.

If you’ve dealt with acne, rosacea, severe dryness, persistent razor burn, or any other serious skin issue you’ve undoubtedly realized it’s not an easy, overnight fix. With complexion concerns or extremely irritated skin, it’s best to start with a consultation with a professional to discover the underlying issues and determine the best regimen for treating problems at the source. Aestheticians and skin care professionals have deep knowledge of the structure of skin and how it responds to the ingredients applied to it. They’re also knowledgeable about the ingredients in the products they’ll recommend, how to combine them for improved results and the proper application methods. It’s worth investing in a little guidance when it comes to the face you’re going to have to live with for the rest of your life.

That said, even if you don’t have major skin concerns but just want to step up your regimen to maintain a healthy complexion, be savvy about the ingredients and products you use. Cutting corners or gambling on cheap “luxury” ingredients is risky business. If your goal is great skin, it’s best to invest in a trusted brand that uses quality, properly sourced ingredients and provides clear directions on how to apply them.

Check out REDMethod for all your healthy skin needs.