When it comes to skincare, ingredients are everything. The wrong ones for your skin can cause massive problems, but the right ones can fix any skin issues and leave you with clear and healthy skin! Hopefully, this skincare ingredients guide will help to give you a better idea of which ingredients are best for your skin. Here are some of the natural ingredients commonly found in skincare products.
Acids
For newcomers to the world of skincare, the thought of putting acid on your face may sound a bit scary. But once you understand the benefits acids can offer your skin, you’ll never think twice about adding these into your skincare routine:
Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are a commonly used type of acid in skincare products and acts as an exfoliant. AHAs work by removing the layer of cells on the surface of the skin to provide a smoother appearance. This, in turn, helps to reduce fine lines and even out the skin tone, making it a common ingredient in anti-ageing products.
Examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. As these acids act as an exfoliant, they shouldn’t be used every day, only a few times a week, and sun cream should always be applied in the morning, as it can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an incredible moisturiser, providing great hydration to the skin. Unlike other acids, hyaluronic acid can be used daily, and in combination with other skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid. This acid also has anti-ageing properties and can be used to reduce wrinkles.
Retinol
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is a wonder ingredient, used for perfecting the complexion and reducing wrinkles. Although Retinol isn’t an acid, a more intense version of this ingredient called Retinoic acid can be prescribed to treat acne.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a type of Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and the most common BHA for skincare. It removes dead skin, giving a smoothing effect, and penetrates deeper into the pores and follicles, even if they are clogged with oil, making it the best acid for acne-prone and oily skin.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly found in beauty products. As well as adding fragrance, many offer benefits to the appearance and health of your skin. Some essential oils can irritate the skin if used on their own, so are usually combined with other ingredients. Commonly used essential oils for skin care include:
Lavender Oil
With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil is great for healing the skin. It is particularly good for treating burns and reducing the appearance of scarring. Lavender oil is a fairly gentle essential oil that can be used in eczema treatments and to help reduce itching.
Tea Tree Oil
A powerful antiseptic, tea tree oil for skin is amazing for people with oily and problem skin, as it is known to help treat acne and clear the skin. It does this by reducing excess sebum production. It also prevents infection, promotes healing and reduces itchiness, making it useful for dealing with minor wounds and ailments.
Rose Oil
Rose oil is one of the most commonly found essential oils in skincare products. Its anti-inflammatory properties help the skin to heal, and it has a soothing effect on skin. Rose oil is gentle enough for dry and inflamed skin, and is commonly used in toners.
Vitamins
We all know that vitamins are essential parts of our diet, but they are also key to our skincare routines too! Here are some of the most commonly used vitamins in skincare products:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is used in skincare for ita anti-ageing abilities. It helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and can make skin look firmer. As well as smoothing the surface of your skin, it can also help to clear up a patchy skin tone.
Vitamin C
One of the best vitamins you can use in your facial skincare routine, VItamin C is used to boost the production of collagen. Collagen boosts the elasticity of your skin, and gives you a healthy glow, making skin look fresh and youthful. You should use vitamin C-based products at night, as the vitamin breaks down when exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is used to hydrate and soothe the skin, and is particularly good for those who experience sensitivity issues with their skin. This vitamin also works to reduce inflammation, which is why it is so good for those with sensitive skin.
Other Natural Ingredients
Whether originating from plant, protein or nut, there are a diverse range of natural ingredients that are used in skincare products.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera soothes the skin and can be refreshing for irritated or sunburnt skin. A plant extract, Aloe Vera also offers antioxidant benefits.
Argan Oil
A plant oil originating from argan tree kernels, Argan oil is packed with antioxidants that help to protect skin from environmental stressors. Argan oil is particularly useful for dry skin and hair.
Clay
Commonly found in skincare masks, clay is used to help absorb excess oil and unclog pores. Bentonite Clay is one of the more commonly used types of clay, and it can be used on both the face and hair to detoxify and add moisture.
Collagen
Collagen works to promote the elasticity of skin, making it look plumper, brighter and more youthful. A protein that is typically sourced from animals, Collagen is not vegan unless otherwise stated on the packaging. If it is listed as ‘marine collagen’, then the proteins used were taken from fish.
Glycerin
Glycerin can help to moisturise and hydrate the skin. It is a humectant, so it helps to retain water in the skin, which boosts the moisturisation. Glycerin is great for oily skin, as it can offer hydration without blocking pores.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is a lightweight plant oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite being an oil, it doesn’t really leave any greasy residue, making it suitable for helping acne-prone skin.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is the fat found in shea tree nuts, and it contains a lot of fatty acids and vitamins. These fatty acids restore lipids in the skin, without causing oiliness, making it a great moisturiser.
Which ingredients do you look for in your skincare? Let me know which work best for your skin type in the comments below!
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