Shelf after shelf. Row after row. Shop after shop. The world of cosmetics can be a mystifying and confusing place, especially when it comes to a moisturising routine. Not only are there all the different brands to look at, each with their own claims and army of loyal customers, there is also a confusing array of skin conditions that can be addressed by the specific products. While some people shun such details, saying that a moisturiser is a moisturiser, they are probably the ones without problem skin, as there is plenty of research into the effects different products have on different skin types.

MD Formulations, part of the Bare Escentuals family, have been around since 1983 and have carried out extensive research into the types of skin. They have identified eight common types: normal or combination; dry; oily; sensitive; problem prone; hyperpigmented; rosacea; and ageing. The company makes different cosmetic products to suit these various skin types. Eight seems like a sensible number, as they are all different enough to be distinct from each other. Too many categories and people might end up confused about their type (and there are probably sound commercial reasons for not overdiversifying). Too few types and the products would be too generic, meaning there would be an overlap between skin types, leading customers not to choose the optimum product for themselves.

If we take one example, oily skin, the thing most people want to get rid of is the shiny, greasy appearance. It is made more problematic because often oily skin affects only small parts of the face, so we can’t simply moisturise our whole face using one product. The first part of the treatment is cleansing, which exfoliates and strips away the oils and dirt but importantly does not wash away the natural moisture produced by the skin. Following this, a mild correction product will be applied to start restoring balance, before the hydrating stage is carried out to keep the skin soft and firm. And finally there is the protection stage to create a barrier between your skin and the damaging elements of the outside world, including UV rays. That regime is unique to that skin type, and has been painstakingly worked out in the lab to produce the best results. When it comes to quality skincare treatments, one size does not fit all.

This attention to detail is typical of the modern cosmetics company, and with each passing year they seem to have more in common with the pharmaceuticals industry, ploughing billions into research and development of new products that are designed to deal with very specific problems. Perhaps in the future we will go into a cosmetics store and the assistant will do a quick skin analysis and create a personalised formulation that blends ingredients specifically for one particular area of your skin, and then concocts another blend for another part. In fact the revolution has already started, although it should be pointed out that the store is B&Q and the product is paint … but the principle is the same.

Pam is a respected author on skin care topics and developments. She writes about skin care news and products including MD Formulations and other popular options. She lives her own health lifestyle as an example to all.

Pam is a respected author on skin care topics and developments for sites like http://www.skincare-online.com/ amongst others. She writes about skin care news and products including MD Formulations, anatomicals and other popular options. She lives her own health lifestyle as an example to all.

Author Bio: Pam is a respected author on skin care topics and developments. She writes about skin care news and products including MD Formulations and other popular options. She lives her own health lifestyle as an example to all.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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