Your Guide To Skincare Ingredients

These days, reading the back of a skincare bottle is like having a science lesson. Are all these new scientific discoveries really good for your skin, or is it just clever marketing? 

Here are six ingredients commonly found in today’s skincare, and what they do. 

Peptides

These are amino acids and quality peptides are often found in training supplements as they are said to increase muscle growth and reduce body fat. But they are also used in a slightly different form in skincare for their anti-ageing properties. Peptides stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can make it look more youthful and less wrinkled. 

Hyaluronic acid

This substance is also found naturally in our bodies. It’s used in skin care because it can hold a staggering 1000 times its own weight in water. If you’re looking to hydrate dry skin or plump up older skin types, then look for products with this ingredient in them.

Ceramides

These are long-chain lipids (or fats), that can hold cells together and prevent irritation. As you get older, these levels drop. The ceramides found in skincare are almost identical to the ceramides that naturally occur in the body. Brands like Naturopathica incorporate ceramide-rich and botanical ingredients, such as calendula, to help support the skin’s natural barrier and reduce irritation.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Better known as glycolic acid in many products. Derived from sugar cane, it is used to help chemically exfoliate the skin by sloughing off dead skin. Great for fine lines and acne hyperpigmentation. This is not for everyday use as it could cause hypersensitivity in some people. 

Argan oil

You might see this ingredient more commonly in hair oils but it is a very popular ingredient in skincare too. It is less heavy than a lot of oils, meaning that it’s great for hydrating without clogging the skin and causing breakouts. It also contains vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory properties, so can be great for light sun damage. 

Retinol 

Derived from Vitamin A, retinol is an anti-ageing superstar. It can also be used on many skin types at different levels. It is used for increasing collagen production, reducing acne breakouts and scars and promoting skin renewal. Besides retinol, the most common ingredient when it comes to fine lines, acne, and dark spots is tretinoin. If you would like to include tretinoin or retinol in your skincare regimen, it’s always best to talk to your doctor or dermatologist first. 

Green tea

Did you know that green tea has various benefits it isn’t just a healthy drink, but a skin savior too? It’s packed with Vitamin C, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It also has some anti-ageing effects and can help decrease the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

Vitamin B3

Often labelled on skincare brands as niacinamide, this ingredient is used for many different skins conditions. It is often used to help refine pores fading age spots. It is also used for preventing acne breakouts as it can level out sebum production. 

It has been popularised by brands such as The Ordinary in serums designed to be used before moisturising.

Takeaways

Skincare companies spend a lot of money researching new ingredients for their products. It can be very confusing when trying to choose the right skincare for your skin. There is definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution to your skin issues. What works for one person, might not for another. It’s best to research first and then add to your skincare routine slowly so you can see which ingredients are effective and which aren’t.