Beauty and skincare products are designed to cleanse, protect, and enhance the health and appearance of your skin. Here's a breakdown of the different categories and their purposes:
Cleansing:
- Cleanser: A general term for products that remove dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin.
- Cleansing Balm: A creamy oil-based cleanser that melts makeup and dissolves impurities.
- Cleansing Oil: An oil-based cleanser that emulsifies with water to rinse clean, often suitable for removing heavy makeup.
- Cleansing Gel: A lightweight, water-based cleanser that lathers to remove dirt and oil.
- Face Wash/Facial Cleanser: General terms for cleansers applied to the face with water.
Exfoliation:
- Exfoliator/Scrub: Products that remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.
- Facial Scrub/ Exfoliating Scrub: Can be physical or chemical, containing abrasive particles for physical exfoliation.
Toning:
- Toner/Skin Toner/Toning Lotion: These can vary but typically help remove leftover residue after cleansing and balance the skin's pH.
Hydration & Treatment:
- Essence/Facial Essence: Lightweight, hydrating liquids formulated to prep skin for serums and moisturizers.
- Serum/Face Serum/Facial Serum: Highly concentrated treatments formulated to address specific skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dryness.
- Ampoule/Face Ampoule/Facial Ampoule: Similar to serums but often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients for a targeted effect.
- Moisturizer/Face Moisturizer/Facial Moisturizer: Hydrates and protects the skin, locking in moisture.
- Day Cream: A lightweight moisturizer suitable for daytime wear under makeup.
- Night Cream: A richer moisturizer formulated for nighttime use while skin repairs itself.
- Eye Cream/Eye Gel/Eye Serum: Formulated for the delicate under-eye area to address concerns like puffiness, dark circles, or wrinkles.
- Face Oil/Facial Oil: Highly concentrated oils that provide intense hydration and nourishment.
Masques:
- Face Mask/Sheet Mask: Treatments applied to the face for a focused period, targeting various skin concerns.
- Clay Mask: Absorbs oil and impurities, often used for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Peel-off Mask: Masks that harden and are peeled off, removing dead skin cells.
- Sleeping Mask: Hydrating masks worn overnight while you sleep.
Setting & Finishing:
- Face Mist: A lightweight mist used to refresh and hydrate the skin.
- Setting Spray: Helps keep makeup in place and control shine.
Makeup Removal:
- Makeup Remover: Products specifically designed to remove makeup.
- Micellar Water: A gentle cleansing solution that removes makeup and impurities using micelles.
- Makeup Cleansing Oil/Balm: Similar to cleansing oils and balms used for general cleansing, but formulated to target makeup removal.
Lip Care:
- Lip Balm: Hydrates and protects lips.
- Lip Scrub: Exfoliates dead skin cells from the lips.
- Lip Mask: Intensive treatment for dry or chapped lips.
- Lip Treatment: Products that address specific lip concerns like dryness or cracking.
Sun Protection:
- Sunscreen/Sunblock: Protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Look for products with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher for broad-spectrum protection.
Choosing the right products depends on your specific skin type and concerns. Consulting a dermatologist can help create a personalized skincare routine.
