The debate about hood care products bought by children has been in the news lately. But what about us adults? The body doesn't need all these skincare products. So, why do we buy?
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We don't need all these skincare products ...
Yes, it is clear that some skin care products may be needed from time to time. Of course, you can have problems with your skin in different ways, and there are certainly many times when the right skincare products help, or maybe even work wonders.
That said, we're pretty sure that we buy far more skincare products than we need. The adverts tell us that we will be younger, more beautiful, softer and smell better, and it's easy to fall for the temptation. But do all these products help? Or can the results sometimes even be worse?
We use as few skincare products as possible
Of course, we are not skincare experts, but we can share our experience of using minimal skincare products, as we have done for the last 20 years.
We shower no more than once a day and use no creams, shampoos, perfumes or make-up. Pretty much the only thing we use is a mild baby soap, deodorant and toothpaste. About we spend a lot of time in strong sunlight, we can also use sunscreen and/or a moisturising lotion.
But what, we don't even use shampoo? Doesn't the hair get greasy? The interesting thing is that it doesn't. I (Helena) remember my hair getting greasy during the first two weeks when I stopped using shampoo about 15 years ago. After that, my hair has never felt greasy again.
Our experience is that a scalp treated with shampoo produces fat as compensation. When you stop using shampoo, that extra fat production stops. Today we are both told by the hairdresser that our hair looks nice and well cared for.
Benefits of avoiding skincare products
The benefits of avoiding skincare products are many. We save money, it's better for the environment, and we pack much less when travelling. We also believe that the skin feels better by avoiding different products, filled with various chemical substances, which may affect the skin in more ways than we realise.
Once another woman praised my (Helena's) skin and asked what day cream I use. When I replied that I never had any cream on my face, she was very surprised.
Market forces govern ...
It's easy to be dismayed (and worried) about children using too many skincare products. But why do they do it? Probably because the products are showcased on social media, because influencers do tutorials, because adults use them, because they are promoted in stores... simply because they are attracted to it, which they do because there is big money to be made in this industry.
How do you think?
What are your thoughts on skincare products for children and adults? Do we use more than we need, and if so, why? Or do you see this in a completely different way?
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Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Finally, some who think like me... I have never in my entire life used a face cream, hardly know what it is. Have never had acne or similar either. Shower every other day, only simple shower cream and cheap shampoo. Never lubricate afterwards.
Never hand cream or foot cream. Nada. Make-up, hmm, well at work eye shadow and mascara. Would never in life spend money on such products. As for children, when mine were small, ie almost 40 years ago, a little children's oil at most.
What does my skin look like after 60 years? Perfectly fine. Sunscreen if necessary.
When I've seen friends' bathroom cabinets, I'm horrified at how much (crap) is there and horrified at my own ignorance, haha.
27 March 2024 - 6:26
Helena says:
Great to hear that there are more people who think like us! But yes, I am also very ignorant when it comes to creams, make-up and such. But so far I have managed anyway 😉
27 March 2024 - 15:47
Ditte says:
Agree to a very large extent. So much unnecessary stuff being sold and customers buying. And getting younger? We are not.
Since I have a very sun-damaged skin for many years, I have prescription creams and also a couple of non-prescription creams that I should use. This is for medical reasons. Do not understand today's parents who support their 7-year-olds in this with various skin care products.
This is also a topic that has been widely discussed in the press in recent weeks. And that's a good thing. I hope parents take their role here and put a stop to it.
27 March 2024 - 8:53
Helena says:
Yes, a lot of what is sold has the main focus on making money for some company ... Then, of course, you need skin care products sometimes, not least for medical reasons. It's a shame that children have to start so early and get their bodies used to products they don't need ...
27 March 2024 - 15:49
bmlarstravellingblog says:
Reading about primary school girls using various skincare products and not being able to do so without the support (presumably) of their mothers is enough to make you sick to your stomach.
We use a simple shower cream and a regular shampoo, that's it.
Then my feet require a certain amount of care, which they get with Apoteket's products.
However, we have become much more careful with sun protection products as we get older.
27 March 2024 - 11:54
Helena says:
Yes, it seems a bit unnecessary that young children, who hardly need it, should spend money on products that they think they should have ... The products should really be used when you need them, not otherwise ...
27 March 2024 - 15:51
emollient says:
How wonderful that more people think like me 🙂 I am 50 + and am always told that my skin looks so young (why it is so important!) and the only thing I use is a few drops of argan oil on my face. No make-up, no anti-wrinkle creams etc. with unclear content. I use shampoo cake and deodorant from Happy Soaps, the best products I've ever tried without a lot of oddities in them. An oil for the body if it feels dry. Nothing else.
27 March 2024 - 14:44
Helena says:
Maybe your skin has stayed good because it hasn't had to use a lot of unnecessary products? Skincare is probably best used when your skin needs it, not because you are attracted to a luxurious bottle in the shop...
27 March 2024 - 15:53
BP says:
Oooops! Can't say that I use cosmetics. A prescription moisturiser and mascara, deodorant of course, that's it. During the summer, moisturising body lotion is added. However, I can't live without shampoo. I belong to the dying non-PC generation that likes fragrances. So I probably want to smell good both in terms of bath/shower/hair shampoo. I bathe/shower daily, wash my hair every other day.
The hype of skincare products for children is sick. When I was young, there weren't even skincare products for children...
27 March 2024 - 17:31
Helena says:
You should of course use what you enjoy and feel good about! Don't know if there are specific skincare products for children, or if it's more likely that children (12-year-olds?) buy skincare products intended for adults?
28 March 2024 - 17:44
Aboro says:
The best reward after running is to wash yourself with something that smells good and apply something luxurious to your face!
I also think the reporting on children and creams is exaggerated. Maybe it's a hype now, but next autumn the kids will surely be looking for something else. But it's a shame if someone lets their kid use creams with acids in them. You have to keep an eye on that.
28 March 2024 - 15:42
Helena says:
Thanks for your comment! Interesting! I never thought about it being a reward. In that case, you should of course treat yourself to it! Wishing you a nice Easter!
28 March 2024 - 17:45
Aboro says:
It is simply nice and luxurious with creams. My skin feels good from them too. I save the more expensive stuff for after the run, without running cheap crap or nothing!
29 March 2024 - 12:43