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Trending skincare ingredients and how they can help in maintaining skin health

18

Jul

Nicole Walker

Skin is the body’s largest organ and requires several types of nutrients to maintain itself, proper skin care is essential in maintaining the health and vitality of the protective organ. While fancy product packaging and celebrity influencers may draw your attention, the most important thing to consider when buying skincare products is the ingredients and whether they will suit your skin.

To help you in your research of what might work for you, we have compiled some of of the top trending skincare ingredients and how they can help in maintaining skin health.

Vitamin C: Glow Getter

Benefits:

A multi-benefit skincare powerhouse which gives skin a brightening boost. Transform dull and tired skin with a boost of hydration, leaving it feeling supercharged and refreshed. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with the ability to neutralise free radicals, especially those induced by UV exposure. It slows down melanin production and supports healthy cell turnover which creates a natural luminosity. In addition, it reduces existing dark spots and evens skin tone. Also, it’s necessary for Collagen production.

Ideal for:

Given its multi-functionality, Vitamin C can be used by anyone who wants bright and healthy skin. Those concerned with visible signs of ageing can use it to tackle uneven skin tone and texture. While those with younger skin can use it as a preventive measure from the damaging effects of UV exposure.

A Vitamin C product to try:

Revitalise and refresh skin with NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Sheet Mask 25ml, enriched with radiance boosting Vitamin C. Additionally, Citrus Fruit Extract which provides antioxidant benefit to purify skin and Coconut Water to boost hydration and nourishment.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrating Hero

Benefits:

Helps skin to retain maximum moisture because it is able to carry up to 1000x it’s weight in water. It’s the ultimate thirst quencher for skin because it refreshes, plumps and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles for a healthy, youthful looking complexion.

Ideal for:

Regardless of age, skin type or tone, incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into you skincare routine is a wise decision. However, if you have dehydrated skin you’ll benefit the most. As we age the amount of Hyaluronic Acid our bodies naturally make depletes, mature skin types should therefore replenish to help skin retain moisture.

Hyaluronic Acid product to try:

Instantly achieve plumper and hydrated skin with the highly absorbent fragrance-free Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum 30ml. It is a 98% natural formulation, blending healing natural extracts with molecular weight hyaluronic acid which deliver distinct skin benefits:

– High molecular weight HA locks in moisture
– Mid molecular weight HA provides hydration to mid-dermal layers
– Low molecular weight HA penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate the body’s own HA production systems.

Salicylic Acid: Blemish Buster

Benefits:

The key to a clear complexion, Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), this means its soluble in oil, it helps clear acne and control the excess production of sebum. It does this by penetrating deep into the pores to unclog dirt, dead skin and oil banishing unwanted shine. It also acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, being known for its exfoliating and peeling action to help keep the skin looking bright and clear.

Ideal for:

If you have oily, or acne-prone skin Salicylic Acid is a must-have skincare ingredient for you.

Salicylic Acid product to try:

If you are looking for a gentle, fragrance-free formula, try CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 236ml. A gentle foaming cleanser for face and body, which improves skin texture and effectively removes oil, impurities and makeup. It’s specially formulated with Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate the skin, cleaning and unclogging pores without ever compromising the natural protective barrier.

Glycolic Acid: Surface Smoother

Benefits:

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which helps to slough away dead skin cells to reveal new and brighter skin underneath. However, it’s not just a top-tier exfoliator, it’s acidic properties help stimulate collagen production, improving elasticity and offering firmer, plumper results. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimises the appearance of pores and combats breakouts while evening skin tone.

Ideal for:

Whether you want a smoother texture or brighter, firmer skin, introducing Glycolic Acid into your skincare routine could help speed up the process.

But remember, It is important to wear an SPF when you’ve used Glycolic Acid in the morning, this is because Glycolic Acid removes the top layer of your skin which puts it at risk of UV damage.

Glycolic Acid product to try:

Achieve an even skin tone with a bright and smooth complexion. Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser 150ml is a conditioning cleanser which removes build-up and brightens dull skin. Skin is refreshed and revived.

Niacinamide: Pigmentation Preventer

Benefits:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is water-soluble, therefore our bodies don’t store it and we need to eat or apply it regularly. Niacinamide is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in skincare, it penetrates deep into skin to boost hydration and protect it against environmental damage. The main benefits of Niacinamide include maintaining hydration, reducing the size of pores and helping with hyperpigmentation. It’s the perfect ingredient to help you achieve a smooth, even complexion and is a staple in any skincare routine.  

Ideal for:

Dry or sensitive skin will love Niacinamide thanks to its calming powers. If you have congested, oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll also benefit from using it, as will those concerned with pigmentation.

Niacinamide product to try:

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water with Niacinamide for All Skin Types 295ml gently removes dirt, pollution and makeup whilst providing 24 hours of hydration to leave your skin looking healthy and feeling refreshed.

Formulated with 3 essential ceramides and niacinamide, this ultra-gentle formulas helps maintain the skin barrier and comforts the skin. This non-comedogenic cleanser can be used around sensitive eyes to remove eye make up. It has been developed by dermatologists to be hypo-allergenic, suiting all skin types.

Retinol: Rejuvenating Results

Benefits:

Rejuvenate the skin from within with Retinol, a form of Vitamin A. It stimulates cell turnover which in turn promotes healthy collagen production (which starts to decline in your 30s). This consequently reveals healthy, younger skin that looks plumper and smoother. Highly effective in reducing wrinkles, dark spots and scars. The stimulation of new blood vessels within the skin from using Retinol will leave the complexion smoother and brighter. This regenerating ingredient is the ultimate skin smoothing saviour.

Ideal for:

Retinol is best for 30+ skin with fine lines and wrinkles; However you can start using retinols younger if you want to. Younger skin types with less age concerns may not see as great effects, though prevention is better than cure.

Retinol product to try:

Retinol products should be phased in gradually into your routine as initially they can cause some irritation due to an overwhelming amount of vitamin A being added to your skin. Therefore, for the first two weeks of using the serum apply it twice a week. For the next two weeks apply it every other night and from then on apply it every evening. 

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum 30pc is one of our favourite Retinol products. Presented in capsules which ensure the product is pure, potent, precise and powerful, Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol Ceramide Capsules work to plump, refine and resurface the skin. Visibly diminishing fine lines and wrinkles whilst refining skin and pores for enhanced clarity, the capsules also work to reduce dullness and age spots.

Did you know? Retinol is extremely sensitive to light and air. That’s why Elizabeth Arden have encased the retinol in a capsule to keep light and air out but maintain potency.

Bakuchiol: Natural Alternative to Retinol

Benefits:

Bakuchiol is said to be a gentler alternative to retinol, although comparable in its ability to diminish wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. It is found in the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant making it 100% vegan skincare. his powerful antioxidant stimulates the production of collagen to revitalise your skin whilst helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as pigmentation. Furthermore, Bakuchiol helps stabilise retinol which means you can use them together – the perfect multitasker! 

Ideal for:

Bakuchiol is a safer alternative to Retinol for those experiencing acne, hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin. Like Retinol, it is best for 30+ skin with fine lines and wrinkles, however it can be used preventatively.

Bakuchiol product to try:

The Trilogy Bakuchiol+ Booster Treatment targets and combats signs of skin ageing, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dullness while promoting elasticity. This super-oil complex also contains moisturising Squalane, omega-rich hemp and rosehip oils, plus softening meadowfoam oil to deliver even better results.

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