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Great Ingredients To Look For in Skin Care

In all skin care products there are a few ingredients working behind the scenes to make your skin clear, beautiful and smooth. With so many products and so little information on these products it can be very daunting walking down that skincare isle. Every product is filled with ingredients targeted at solving a different need… anti aging, acne, dryness, wrinkles, sun spots, etc. To avoid aimlessly trying products you think may or may not work for your skin, you can educate yourself on the ingredients themselves to better customize and adapt your skin care routine to fit your unique and fabulous skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, also known as Tocopherol, is a skin healing antioxidant. Best in low amounts combined with other potent ingredients (combine with Vitamin C for great results), known to help reduce and prevent the appearance of scars. Vitamin E is also great at preventing sum damage, so if you enjoy your time outside consider incorporating Vitamin E into your skin routine. Pure Vitamin E oil can be a bit excessive and actually cause more harm than good, so look for it as an ingredient in other products or use with caution. Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Moisturizer is a great one!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is filled with potent antioxidants that will shield skin from sun damage, pollution, etc, all outside elements that age the skin. Vitamin C also promotes skin radiance by helping fade dark spots, reduces inflamed skin and boosts healthy collagen production (firm skin yay!). Try products like Ole Henrikson Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster or Glossier Super Glow Serum.

Retinol/Vitamin A

Retinol is the name for the entire Vitamin A molecule. It’s known for it’s anti aging properties because it tells your skin cells to function normally and healthy even if they are damaged or aging. Retinol in clear or jarred packaging will quickly become ineffective because they’ve been exposed to air, so if you do decide to purchase products with retinol, buy accordingly! Try products like Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM and Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum.

Ferulic Acid

A plant based antioxidant that provides sun protective properties as well as protects against other free radicals. Works by re-enforcing the skin’s cellular wall strength. Ferulic Acid works well with Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Try products like Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (link goes to Dermstore which always has 20% off!)

Niacinamide

This improves skin’s elasticity, diminishes discoloration while improving skin’s tone and texture by strengthening cellular bonds and tightening skin. Niacinamide will help make your pores smaller and help with wrinkles, great universal and anti aging skin ingredient. Like eating greens for the skin, keeps everything healthy. Try products like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra Firm Sleeping Cream or Paula’s Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster.

BHA/Beta Hydroxy Acid

BHA is an ingredient in Salicylic Acid, known to gently exfoliate the skin while being mildly anti bacterial. Great for acne prone skin or those who want a light chemical exfoliant with little irritation. Try products like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 Percent BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

AHA/Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Some of the most effective AHA’s include Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid. These ingredients work to exfoliate skin cells by breaking down the substance in skin that holds skin cells together. Great for aging and discolored skin. These ingredients have minimal impact in rinse off products like cleansers because it doesn’t give the ingredients enough time to get their job done. It’s best to buy these ingredients in forms of toners, serums, oils, etc. Check out products like Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment, Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner or Paula’s Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment With 10 Percent AHA.

Hyaluronic Acid

This ingredient retains moisture and keeps water from leaving the skin making it great for aging or dry skin. Youthful, plump skin is usually known for it’s high moisture content, replicate that look with Hyaluronic Acid! This ingredient is most effective in the form of serums and moisturizers. Try products like Paula’s Choice Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Serum with HA, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%, Derma E Hydrating Night Cream.