7 Popular Beauty And Skincare Products That Aren’t As Useful As We Think They Are
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Since the skincare industry has expanded so much in the past decade, there are a variety of unique skincare products that are entering the market. That makes the basic products a matter of necessity for many. Many skincare lovers are exploring different kinds of products to check if it suits their skin. But you will be surprised to know, the most basic products we use are not that effective.
Do you tend to use products like toner, face scrub, and day cream on a daily basis? As it turns out, many of us waste a lot of our money on products that might not actually be helping us out in the long run. A lot of these products aren’t really quick-fix solutions and will not cause your open pores to magically disappear overnight or fix those unsightly wrinkles that line your eyes. So we have a list of products that are quite unnecessary and can easily be replaced by another product that is better for you as well as the environment. Of course, we’re not forcing you to quit using these products. We’re just informing you of better alternatives that you can make use of:
1. Makeup Remover Wipes
It’s no secret that the beauty industry is quite a heavy pollutant and adds to the enormous landfills that are present outside so many major cities. Using “one-time-use” products like makeup remover wipes also helps contribute to these landfills and cause pollution. Instead, it’s a better idea to use micellar water and reusable cotton pads to cleanse your skin off makeup and leave it feeling soft and smooth. It will also decrease the garbage you produce in a certain amount of time.
2. Eye Cream
Eye cream is usually catered to the sensitive areas around your eyes that tend to age quicker due to exposure to the sun. This is also because the skin on the area around your eyes is a lot thinner than other parts of your facial skin. While eye cream will moisturize the area, you need to use sunscreen to keep that area safe from sun exposure and damage. It is only effective temporarily if you don’t take care of your skin while going outdoors.
3. Stretch Mark Cream
There is no cream that can magically work as an eraser for stretch marks. The thing about stretch marks is that they cannot be helped much externally once they have started to develop. There’s a reason your mom still has faded stretch marks from when her belly stretched to accommodate you. Rather than trying to use laser peels, chemical treatments, or any other “quick fix” methods, you can simply stick to moisturizing your skin with a good cream or cocoa butter. You can also find a moisturizer that contains vitamin E as that can help boost collagen production in your skin and help prevent your stretch marks from getting deeper or darker.
4. Exfoliating Scrubs
It’s important to make use of the right kind of skincare products when it comes to what goes on your face. The problem with using exfoliating scrubs is that they are quite harsh on your skin. They can remove the outer layer of your skin, thus stripping the barrier that naturally protects your skin from outside elements. Instead, you should check out an exfoliating face wash or a deep cleansing face wash that doesn’t physically cause damage to your skin. These products are meant to be used occasionally to preserve the natural oils of your epidermis.
5. Skin Toner
Of course, toner isn’t entirely useless as it works to balance the pH levels of your skin. However, if you’re someone who has extremely dry and sensitive skin, we’d advise you to skip the toner and head for your moisturizer instead. The problem with skin toners is that they often contain a lot of ethanol and that can cause a lot of damage to the texture of your skin. If you have oily skin that is also sensitive and prone to acne, you should try finding a proper cleansing routine with ingredients that don’t affect your skin as much.
6. Waterproof Mascara
Let’s be real. No matter how much your mascara claims that it is waterproof, you always end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the night. Although waterproof mascara tends to last a little longer than regular mascara does, it can cause your eyelashes to dry out and get brittle. Yes, even your eyelashes need a certain level of care just like your hair does. Waterproof mascaras contain silicones and waxes that don’t do your eyelashes any beauty favors. They also take longer to remove and may require multiple cotton pads. Instead, stick to buying your regular mascara or if you want an eco-friendly option, try castor oil on your eyelashes. Castor oil is said to be extremely beneficial for hair and can even help naturally thicken your eyelashes.
7. Shower Self-Tanning Lotion
You probably think this product is a total game-changer, right? However, the reality is that the lotion is quite difficult to apply and can leave an extremely awful smell in your shower once you are done using it. Not only does it leave a terrible smell in your shower, but it also gets everywhere and can stain pretty badly. Instead, you can get a natural tan or use a gradual self-tanning lotion or even get your tanning done at a professional salon (the best option).
You should be careful about using abrasive skin products on your skin. We understand your skin needs basic moisturizing and cleansing, so go for mild products that treat your skin gently. For example, all sorts of face masks should be used weekly no matter how much it is recommended for safeguarding the surface of your skin. If you’re looking to save up on money and avoid purchasing unnecessarily expensive or one-time use products, you should definitely try these products instead. Do let us know which of the products on our list you didn’t know had alternative uses. Tell us all of your thoughts in the comment section below.
