Science and technology have come so far in skin care products. Cosmetic and beauty research is an interesting arena because so much folkloric knowledge is relevant. As a result, it can be very difficult to determine just what works and does not work. The best skin care products use science, technology, testing and conventional wisdom to develop effective products. However, many unscrupulous skin care creators will simply take advantage of one’s willingness to believe that a product should work because it has a good name or says that it is “natural” on the label. In reality, many “natural” skin care products are anything but. In fact, some of these skin care products may actually cause chronic skin problems. Here are some things to look for that can cause a big problem when it comes to your skin care routine:

* Check for concentrations - Some products may contain very high concentrations of natural compounds that are not particularly good for you. For instance, high concentrations of bismuth are not good in any type of makeup. Bismuth is a mineral which is arguably natural. However, it must undergo lots of chemical processing to achieve a cosmetic form. This processing may cause allergic reactions in many people.

* Look out for artificial colors - Heavily dyed products often contain lots of artificial colors. Plus they may need extra chemicals to maintain the color and the freshness of the skin care products. Many people group artificial colors and fragrances together. In reality, however, artificial fragrances are less of an issue because they are quite derived from natural extracts and then chemically processed. They come in such low concentrations that they are often not major allergens. (There are always exceptions to this.) Bright blues and yellows, however, usually indicate serious levels of preservatives and chemical dyes.

* Study the size of your mineral makeup powder - If your mineral makeup boasts microscopic particles, back off. While mineral makeup is great for your skin, it is not necessarily ideal inside it. Microscopic particles (nanoparticles) may be soaked up by your skin. This may result in allergic reactions. In addition, mineral makeup is not tested for the effects of epidermal absorption. As a result, there is not a lot of information about the long term effects of this type of unintended absorption. Mineral makeup with regular sized particles cannot be absorbed like this.

Skin care products come in many shapes and fashions. Everyone has their own personal favorites. Don’t let this cloud your judgment about the quality of your skin care products though. Make sure that your skin care product regimen is truly the best for you and always keep an eye out for the fakes.

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