Skincare Ingredients Debunked

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It can sometimes feel like a minefield trying to figure out the best products for your skin type and how they can combat your skin concerns. Luckily, I've debunked some of the top anti-ageing buzzwords so you know exactly what to adopt into your skincare routine. 

Retinol:
A widely used term within the beauty and skincare industry, Retinol products can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles whilst also smoothing the surface of the skin and improving uneven skin tone. You should apply a retinoid once a day, most preferably in the evening as skin will be sensitive to sunlight afterwards – use after cleansing your face and before applying your night-time moisturiser.

Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is most commonly taken orally, however it also has wonderful benefits for our skin when applied as a liquid directly onto the skin. Vitamin C can be easily added to your daily routine, and provides a range of benefits including evening out your skin tone, protecting your skin against pollution, improving hydration and generally keeping your skin looking youthful. Vitamin C can be applied directly onto skin, using a couple of drops of the product, in the AM or the PM before your moisturiser.

Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic acid has become hugely popular within the beauty industry of late and has been raved about by many industry professionals for its dramatic results to one’s complexion. This solution is able to work deep into the skin's layers to improve and benefit hydration and elasticity. The most common benefits of hyaluronic acid is its anti-ageing ability, and its ability to eliminate skin imperfections and wrinkles. Hyaluronic can be applied after washing your face, simply add to damp skin before your moisturiser – it can be used both in the AM and PM depending on your skins needs.

Green Tea:
Green tea has long been a savior for ones internal and external health, it has many benefits, with one being its anti-aging and antioxidant benefits that can help signs of skin aging, such as sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles. Green tea can be consumed at any hour of the day, there isn’t really a certain amount you need to see benefits – perhaps try one cup a day to begin with. You can also apply directly to the skin, just squeeze out the excess water and rub the actual tea-bag over your face for a few minutes which will give your skin an instant glowing complexion.

Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil has some very powerful antioxidants which help in regenerating the skin cells, leading to a more youthful and glowing complexion. Jojoba oil is not only good for face, but can also be used over the body instead in replacement of your normal moisturiser. Perhaps apply a few drops right after a bath or shower, while skin is still wet.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs):
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs as they are more commonly known, are natural acids which come from acidic fruits such as lemons and oranges. These acids reduce the look of wrinkles and can prevent future wrinkles whilst also making skin much smoother. For the best results, use a product with concentrated AHA levels of 10 percent or less.

Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are an essential ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing and keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. Antioxidants not only help target the elements responsible for signs of aging, but can also calm skin and help revitalize dull-looking skin. Antioxidants can be found in many beauty products on the market today such as moisturisers and serums.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):
Collagen is highly important because it keeps your skin firm, while elastin gives your skin flexibility, when collagen is lost, this causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. CoQ10 helps the skin by acting as a strong antioxidant- It helps to banish those free radicals that promote premature ageing. Most people get enough CoQ10 from foods such as kidney, whole grains and oily fish – however it can also be bought as a supplement over the counter.

Niacinamide:
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a very effective ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin such as improving the appearance of un-even skin tone, large pores, wrinkles and dullness.  Niacinamide can be applied on the face of an AM and PM, just a couple of drops patted over the skin after cleansing and before moisturising.

Salicylic acid:
This Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) removes dead skin cells from the skin, both on the surface of your skin and deep within your pores, providing a deep exfoliation targeting the more clogged areas of the skin. Skin problems such as Pimples, blackheads and oiliness are all caused by excess oil and dead skin cells, the Salicylic acid works in ridding the cause, which means you’re less likely to suffer with blackheads and spots. Salicylic acid is best applied in the PM, using only a small amount as it is a very strong solution.


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