5 Skincare Ingredients to Know About
In this day and age we all have access to so much information, thanks to platforms such as Instagram and YouTube - we all have the most amazing access to the skincare gurus worldwide. Whilst its incredible to have all this information at our fingertips, it can definitely seem overwhelming – trust me I get it. However, if you ask me, I like to think I've learnt a bit over the 5+ years of being a beauty blogger, so I am here to help! If you're new to skincare, I have narrowed down the top 5 skincare ingredients everyone should know. Here I break down the benefits of these hero ingredients and why they need to be on your face – pronto.
1. Vitamin C – This really is the definition of a hero ingredient! Suitable for most skin types, Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid in its purest form) should be in everyone’s skincare routine. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C boasts amazing anti-ageing properties thanks to its overall regenerating, brightening and collagen boosting capabilities.
When applied of a morning, this ingredient (which comes in many formulas and versions) works to brighten your skin tone and reduce pigmentation, helping us achieve that “glow” we are all chasing! Furthermore, Kim Chang, medical aesthetician at Baylor College of Medicine, has said that “Studies have shown that using sunscreen with Vitamin C protects the skin from further photo damage caused by ultra-violet rays”.
2. Retinol - For those who want to add in an extra worthwhile step; regular retinol use has many anti-ageing benefits, as well as acne-fighting and brightening properties. Retinol stimulates cellular turnover and helps to increase collagen production for softer lines and wrinkles, brighter more even skin tone and smoother skin texture.
Depending on your skin tolerance and strength of the product you are using, it is recommended to start slowly and apply once a week or so until your skin acclimatizes, building up to nightly or every other night. Remember: best results come with dedication, time and patience - retinol is a sprint and not a race.
3. Glycolic acid – Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid is an exfoliant from the alpha hydroxy (AHA) family of acids and is widely used for anti-ageing, acne and hyperpigmentation while helping produce increased amounts of collagen. Elise Andrews, Dermal Educator from beauty salon supplier, The Global Beauty Group says “Glycolics and Retinols should always be used at night as they can be skin sensitising so you don’t want to be exposed to sunlight directly afterwards and always remember to use a sunscreen the following day“.
Glycolic Acid also has the added bonus of increasing the penetration of your other skincare products, essentially making them work harder for you – gotta love that!
4. Hydraulic acid – Popular in both skincare and injectable treatments, Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate as its sometimes known, is a humectant, capable of holding 1000 times its own weight in water! Safe, non-irritating with no known side-affects, Hydraulic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in all of our bones and cartilage, but mostly in our skin. Essential to the skin’s framework, Hydraulic acid provides hydration, keeping the skin supple and firm. When applied topically, it works to' hold onto' the moisture in your skin, making sure it stays plump, refreshed and young-looking.
Over time, things like the natural ageing process, environmental aggressors and UV damage all work to degrade skin’s moisture levels, depleting the body of naturally occurring HA, hence why its vital we replenish skin’s hydration levels with Hyaluronic Acid on a regular basis. It can be applied during your morning or night skincare routines as it penetrates very easily and layers exceptionally well with other ingredients. Ive found that it performs best when applied on damp skin and followed up with a moisturiser as the final step to seal everything in.
5. Sunscreen - While technically not an ingredient, I couldn't write this piece without mentioning the importance of sun protection. With UV exposure accounting for up to 80% of the visible signs of skin ageing, there is very valid reason for sun-damage being the #1 skin concern here in Australia. Protection is key and as the experts say - the best sunscreen is the one you actually wear. So, rain hail or shine, whatever the brand, texture, tinted or non-tinted - every single day, make sure your sun protection is the final step in your morning skincare routine. Trust me – your skin will thank you later!
