Top 10 Important Ingredients in Skincare

When it comes to skin health, there are an array of beneficial ingredients out there to choose from, which may have you thinking... where do I start?  To make this easier for you, we’ve composed a top 10 skincare ingredients list and how each one benefits the skin.

1.   Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating skincare ingredient that is naturally produced within our bodies. As a humectant, it attracts and retains moisture, helping to deliver intense hydration to the skin and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. It produces an antiaging effect by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and plumping the skin. As Hyaluronic Acid production declines as we age, this gives even more reason to add this staple ingredient to your routine!

Our recommendation: Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix

The Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix utilizes different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate all layers of the skin and is formulated with an anti-hyaluronidase complex to protect it from degradation, leaving you with a firmer, plumper, and rejuvenated complexion.

2.   Vitamin C

Also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is best known for its skin-brightening properties, helping to combat hyperpigmentation and encourage an overall even complexion. But it doesn’t stop there! Vitamin C also offers antiaging benefits as it protects the skin against free radical damage which is known to accelerate premature aging and boosts collagen production, therefore reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Our recommendation: ALPHASCIENCE Alpha Bright Pigmenting Correcting Serum

Containing 8% L-Ascorbic Acid, this serum is highly effective at treating pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. Its high antioxidant content additionally prevents further pigmentation formation and slows down the aging process.

3.   Salicylic Acid

This Beta-Hydroxy Acid is a powerful exfoliating ingredient that clarifies the complexion and treats skin concerns such as acne by removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, regulating sebum production, and reducing redness and inflammation.

Our recommendation: DermaClear BHA Cleanser

The DermaClear BHA Cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid to purify the skin and treat and prevent acne by regulating excess sebum production, decongesting the skin and stimulating cell renewal. 

4.   Glycolic Acid

An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid helps refine skin tone and texture for a more balanced complexion with its small molecules that allow for deeper penetration into the skin. It eliminates dead skin cells, encourages cell regeneration, boosts collagen production and hydrates the epidermis, which in turn lifts discoloration and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Our recommendation: Mesoestetic Brightening Foam 

As one of our best-selling products, this brightening foam works to revive and brighten the complexion whilst improving skin texture with the exfoliating properties of Glycolic Acid. Its anti-pollution and bio-balancing action additionally help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce oxidative stress. 

5.   Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is a more gentle and mild AHA, therefore suitable for sensitive skin types. It refines skin tone and texture by removing accumulation of dead skin cells, increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen synthesis, and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture factor, resulting in reduced pigmentation and signs of aging. 

Our recommendation: CosMedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser 

The Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser uses 5% Chirally Correct Lactic Acid and other active ingredients to exfoliate, purify and decongest the skin for a clearer complexion whilst boosting moisture levels. 

6.   Retinol 

Also known as Vitamin A, Retinol is a potent ingredient primarily used for its antiaging and anti-acne benefits. By eliminating dead skin cells, stimulating collagen production, promoting cell renewal, and providing antioxidant protection, it reduces signs of aging such as wrinkles and saggy skin. In addition to this, its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production and clogged pores helps treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. 

Our recommendation: Skin Ingredients Flash 

Designed to refine skin texture and boost hydration, the Skin Ingredients Flash Shot uses Retinol as the main ingredient to combat signs of aging by increasing collagen synthesis and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, whilst simultaneously targeting pigmentation and pore size. Flash 1 incorporates 0.6% retinol to begin with, followed by Flash 2 (1%) and Flash 3 (2%) which is to be used after built-up tolerance.

7.   Niacinamide 

Niacinamide, Vitamin B3, presents an array of benefits to the skin with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help reduce redness and irritation and protect the skin against environmental damage. It additionally boosts collagen, minimizes pore size, regulates oil production and improves moisture retention, allowing for long-lasting hydration.

Our recommendation: DermaQuest B3 Youth Serum

 

With a 5% Niacinamide concentration and other ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and papyrus plant stem cells, this serum encourages a nourished, healthy complexion by improving skin barrier function, regulating oil production, and evening out the skin tone.

8.   Squalane

This naturally occurring ingredient found within our skin’s sebum offers moisturizing and hydrating benefits by reducing transepidermal water loss and mimicking the skin’s natural oils, making it a great emollient. As an antioxidant, it protects the skin from oxidative damage and soothes irritated skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its lightweight consistency, it is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin. 

Our recommendation: Theraderm Ultra-Lite Moisture Dew

This lightweight moisturiser incorporates Squalane as an active ingredient to protect, hydrate and soothe the skin, whilst working synergistically with other ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Glycerin to enhance its hydrating and calming effects. 

9.   Bakuchiol 

Bakuchiol is a vegan ingredient and gentle Retinol alternative due to its soothing properties. Performing similar benefits to Retinol with minimised irritation, Bakuchiol has antioxidant action and boosts cell renewal, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, enhances skin elasticity and firmness, and lifts discoloration, helping to refine skin tone and texture. 

Our recommendation: CosMedix Bakuchiol Complete Serum 

The CosMedix Bakuchiol Serum provides antiaging benefits by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst balancing and moisturising the skin with minimal irritation, leaving you with a rejuvenated, healthy complexion. 

10.   Ceramides

To maintain a healthy and resilient skin barrier, ceramides are key! These are fatty acids found within our bodies that strengthen and restore the barrier to lock in moisture and provide enhanced protection against allergens and environmental stressors, therefore preventing dryness and irritation. As ceramide production decreases overtime, it’s best to boost the skin with them topically to maintain their benefits.

Our recommendation: Theraderm Ceramide Soft Cream 

Suitable for both face and body use, this ceramide cream contains ceramides 1-6 to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, inducing a soothing effect and alleviating any dryness or irritation.