We bring you a list of ingredients that do magic creating the great skin we all aspire to have.
Skincare can feel like such a jungle. There are so many products and they all promise great results. In order not to waste money on false promises I did my research on which are the best ingredients for great skin. You know, the ones that really work. These science approved components made me realize how much I’ve slacked in my chemistry class. But, after digging deeper and learning a few things I have all the info one needs to choose the best products for great skin.
Here’s what science says we need for great skin that looks fresh and youthful:
Peptide
If I remembered anything from my chemistry classes I’d know that peptides are “short chains of amino acid monomers linked by peptide (amide) bonds.” When they enter skin cells they boost production of collagen that minimizes wrinkles and makes skin look youthful.
Collagen
We’ve all heard of collagen, right? I feel like it’s so heavily advertised that it’s hard not to know of it. Some people take it so seriously that they drink it on daily basis (if you’re one of them please share your experience) Collagen makes a large part of our skin, hair, and nails and with aging our bodies start producing less of it. As collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through skin this one should be taken as a supplement.
Retinol
Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A that your skin uses for repair in the regeneration cycles. Many dermatologists recommend it for anti-aging effects as it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is also said that retinol smooths the skin and evens out any discoloration. However, it takes some time for the skin to get used to products containing it and those are not to be used by pregnant ladies. I am testing one from The Ordinary right now and will write about it in a few weeks.
Vitamin C
Adding more vitamins to the list, here comes another magical ingredient. As a powerful antioxidant vitamin C protects against free-radicals. It also activates collagen production, lightens hyperpigmentation and accelerates skin’s natural repair process. It should make your skin bright, radiant and youthful.
Extra tip: If vitamin C stings too much after application you can try with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. (it’s a stable, no-sting form of vitamin C)
Resveratrol
Reservatrol is found in the skin of grapes and certain berries. It’s activated when the plant is under attack by fungi or different pathogens. Whan applied to your face it supports the production of hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin. More on that is coming up.
Hyaluronic Acid
There are many types of acids that benefit the skin (there could be a separate post on that). I chose to write about hyaluronic as all the brands seem to love it. They always associate it with moisturizing, and as Zoolander said “moist is the essence of beauty.”
If you have experience using products with these components please share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear if you have any great products to recommend or any additional ingredients that you swear by.
