SKIN DEEP

What’s that Mean?

The ruthT Behind Skincare Makeup & Labels

BY KIMBERLEY CARTER SPIVEY

Want to truly know what you’re putting on your face? Learn now to decode the lingo and language commonly found on skincare and makeup labels.

With a wide variety of beauty and skincare products on the market, it can be confusing, frustrating and time-consuming to decide which ones are right for you if you’re not aware of what the ingredients are or what the phrases on the labels really mean. However, you need this knowledge. Everyone’s skin is different. And if your skin is dry, sensitive, oily, or acne-prone, understanding how cosmetics, sunscreen, cleansers, moisturizers and more can affect (for better or worse) any or all of these conditions is key to healthy, glowing skin.

Here are some common skincare buzzwords, phrases and ingredients and what they mean.

Dermatologist-tested: Chances are, you’ve seen these two words on most skincare products. The term “dermatologist-tested” means the product was tested by or under the consultation of a doctor of dermatology (docs who treat skin, hair and nails) to determine tolerance levels and see if it causes severe and obvious skin reactions. According to Brighton Dermatology, “dermatologically tested” relates to the following claims:

That the product has been tested on human skin. That the formula has been tested on human skin.

That the finished product was well tolerated by persons who tested it on their skin, and in most cases, it did not cause skin reactions.

Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic

is one of the most commonly used buzzwords in the beauty and skincare industry. Hypoallergenic products are ideal for sensitive skin, as they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s 100-percent allergyproof or gentler on your skin. Unfortunately, labels cannot guarantee this. According to the FDA, it does not regulate the term “hypoallergenic,” and the presence of the word does not guarantee that an adverse reaction will not occur. If your skin is prone to sensitivity, consultation with a dermatologist is necessary to keep your skin healthy.

Keep in mind, the FDA has not defined the term “natural” and has not established a regulatory definition for this term in cosmetic labeling.

Non-comedogenic:

If you're prone to breakouts, using noncomedogenic skincare and cosmetics may be ideal for you and potentially keep your skin free of the clogged pores that can cause acne. But remember, everyone’s skin is different and reacts to products differently. The label non-comedogenic does not guarantee it won’t cause comedones, which is a blackhead or closed whitehead clogged with oil, dead skin and bacteria. Alpha-hydroxy acids:

If you desire a more youthful look, smoother and more refined skin, products with alphahydroxy acids may be ideal for you. Alpha-hydroxy acids, also known as (AHAS), have extensive research to support the compounds’ multiple benefits. They are a group of natural and synthetic ingredients that can exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin. According to Healthline, out of all the AHAs available, glycolic and lactic acids are the most promising and least likely to irritate the skin. Though they are primarily used to exfoliate, they can also help promote collagen, prevent breakouts, brighten the complexion and improve surface lines and wrinkles. Retinol:

Do you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Using products with retinol might be your go-to. Retinol is one of the most recommended ingredients by dermatologists. Many over-the-counter products have retinol in their ingredient list, and it’s a derivative of vitamin A that’s proven powerful in the fight against aging skin. Retinol can be found in night creams, serums and oils. The popularity of this product speaks for itself—25 years ago, Neutrogena scientists were the first to perfect the process of stabilizing and then introducing pure stabilized retinol to the U.S.

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Dr. Travis W. Dum Urologist UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic at Baptist Medical Center South

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Dr. Joe Lucas Psychiatrist Medical Director Crossbridge Behavioral Health

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