Renée’s Six Step Plan for Evaluating Your Skin Care Products

When a new client comes to us, he or she is usually at their wit’s end with their skin and is in need of our trusted expertise. They are usually experiencing challenges or changes with their skin, have accumulated many different products (many of which they are unsure how to use) and are just simply confused and overwhelmed with how to care for their skin. Sound familiar?

For those who live in the Dallas area and have access to our skin care spas, we will encourage these new clients to bring in their array of skin care products with them during their appointment so we can analyze the products and give our expert advice on what to toss (or donate) and what is okay to continue using.

So for the readers of my blog, I’m sharing with you my six step process that you can use at home to assess your own skin care products. Here goes…

Step #1: The Line Up

Pull out ALL of your skin care products and set them on a table. For some, this could be over 30 products, as people tend to hold on to products for a long time, whether they are using them or not. Pull out body care products while you’re at it.

Step #2: The First Cut: Dates and Labels

Toss what is old. Look at the products and think back to when you purchased them. Has it been over two years? Two years is generally how long products are safe and effective to use. If you can’t remember when you purchased it, chances are it’s been over two years and they may no longer be effective. At the very least, look at the packaging. If the label is peeling or wearing off, that may be an indication that the product is old. Take these products and toss them. They are no longer suitable for you or anyone else. (Tip: For your next skin care product purchase, write the purchase date with a marker on the bottom of the jar or bottle so you’ll always know.)

Read: When Do Skin Care Products Expire?

Step #3: The Second Cut: See and Sniff

With the products that are left, open each one and smell them. Does it smell okay? Even if you know or think you have purchased the product within two years, some products may not have strong preservative systems and therefore may have altered over time. If it smells strange or doesn’t smell right, toss. Then look at the product. Does it look okay? If the product ingredients are separating or it just doesn’t look right, toss.

Which products are right for your skin? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

Step #4: The Third Cut: Compatibility Assessment

With the remainder of the products leftover, determine if each product is a good fit for your skin. Do you like the way it feels on your skin? Does it make your skin feel GOOD? Anything that feels irritating, leaves your skin feeling tight or dry, causes unnecessary redness, or your instincts tell you that something isn’t feeling right, toss or donate. Your skin will always tell you when something is a fit – or not – if you just listen closely. And remember, feeling tight after washing does not indicate clean, it’s a sign of dehydration.

Step #5: The Fourth Cut: Check Your Ingredients

Even if you determine your products are compatible with your skin, certain ingredients when used may not give your skin the best results over time. Look at the ingredient list on each product and avoid these ingredients:

· Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin)
· SD Alcohol 40 and Denatured Alcohol (the “bad” alcohols commonly found in toners. They are extremely drying)
· Isopropyl Myristate & Isopropyl Palmitate (may cause blackheads)
· Synthetic dyes (can be a skin irritant)
· Synthetic fragrances (the #1 cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid products containing the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing)
· Sodium or Ammonium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate (extremely drying and irritating to the skin)
· Apricot kernels, or seed/shell powders (naturally made particles found in facial scrubs can scratch and irritate the skin causing bacteria to spread)

If you determine you have products that contain these ingredients, you may want to toss or donate.

Read: Five Skin Care Ingredient Myths You Need to Know

Step #6: Be Realistic: What Will You Really Use?

Okay, so now your collection of products should have narrowed significantly. Read over the directions for usage and then start using them. You have spent a lot of money on these products so put them to good use to get beautiful and healthy skin!

Which products are right for your skin? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

How do you donate your products? Many domestic violence shelters gladly accept new/unused/gently used beauty products for their women who are in need. If you’ve recently purchased a skin care product that isn’t a good fit for your skin or have a product that you’re just not going to ever use, donate it. The Renée Rouleau Cosmetic Donation Program donates to The Family Place in Dallas.

Read: How Do Renée Rouleau Products Compare to Other Skin Care Lines?

Have a skin concern? Check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on everything from acne, exfoliation and large pores to brown spots, sun protection and so much more!

Content Copyright © 2012, Renée Rouleau, Inc

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.