Welcome to Klog Chat, a series where we ask you to tell us how you do skin care and beauty. This week we want to know: Which 2018 skin care trends will you be happy to ditch in 2019?
There were a lot of skin care trends we were excited about this year. Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) was everywhere and our skin has never been so calm. We were introduced to a gentle yet effective way to target hormonal breakouts and wrinkles via dissolving microneedle technology. And thanks in part to Korea’s recent ban on animal testing, we were thrilled to see more cruelty-free offerings on shelves.
RELATED: These Are Going to Be the Biggest K-Beauty Trends in 2019
There were, however, some trends that we hope will stay in 2018. Here are a few of them:
Buying products based on packaging alone.
We’re definitely guilty of buying a product because it will look good in a #shelfie or on our vanity. Too often these pretty products just end up collecting dust. Maybe the brand spent more time on the packaging than the formula or maybe we didn’t take the time to determine whether or not the formula would actually work for our unique skin concerns – either way, we’ve had our share of buyer’s remorse this year.
Over-exfoliation.
Acids are big right now and we’re not mad about it. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) can be the key to achieving a smooth and even complexion. However, because the results are often so good and because ingredients like glycolic and lactic acids can be found in a variety of products (toners, exfoliating pads, serums, etc.,) it can be easy to overdo it. Acids don’t always play well with other ingredients and can be too harsh for sensitive skin types to tolerate. It’s important to do your research and start slowly if you want to incorporate them into your skin care routine.
The idea that sunscreen is bad for you.
There’s a rumor swirling around that chemical sunscreen can give you cancer. Earlier this year, we asked Merry Thornton, a PA at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, if there’s any truth to that. She had this to say: “When used at normal doses, there are no studies, to my knowledge, that show that sunscreen causes cancer. On the other hand, we do know that UV rays are a known carcinogen.”
And according to the American Cancer Society, “the potential risk of not using sunscreen far outweighs the risks of using sunscreen.”
If you’re still concerned, there are plenty of great physical sunscreen formulas to choose from so there’s no excuse to skip the SPF!