There are star ingredients your skin loves in a bottle somewhere, getting ignored by you at this very moment. Prioritising content allows you to buy products that matter to your skin. To do that, you should know your AHA from BHA, what niacinamide does, or when to start using retinol. So, here we discuss the top skincare ingredients in beauty products you should wise up on to treat your skin like a doctor.

Why is it important use the right ingredients for your skin?

Skincare is science. Get it right, and you will be glowing from within. Get it wrong, and you will continue to look for the right products. Active ingredients like salicylic acid or vitamin C are dynamic and effectively target specific skin conditions. However, not knowing your skincare ingredients could be why you are still battling acne, blemishes, and fine lines.

Hydrate

Replenishing the level of hyaluronic acid in our skin makes it appear youthful, smooth, and plump. It fights against age-related dry skin and even photo-ageing. Ceramides are also helpful in hydrating skin. Those who have eczema have fewer ceramides in the outer layer of their skin. They benefit from ceramide-loaded skincare formulations.

Nourish

Vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, lactic acid, niacinamide, peptides, argan oil, jojoba oil, caffeine, green tea extract, and grapeseed oil are nourishing ingredients for the skin. It is vital to feed the skin nutrients within and without. Apart from keeping your skin hydrated, nurturing your skin's microbiome should be the top priority. The skin microbiome consists of trillions of microscopic organisms, predominantly bacteria, that live on and in various layers of the skin. A healthy skin microbiome is diverse. The more strains that coexist, the healthier the skin becomes. It supports the skin barrier, protects the skin from pathogens, controls skin immunity, and assists in nutrient absorption. Using hydrating and nourishing biome-friendly ingredients keeps your skin healthy.

Prevent skin allergies

Knowing the best ingredients for sensitive, dry, and oily skin helps you to avoid ingredients that irritate or inflame the skin. You should buy products for specific skin conditions. If you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or heavy acne, you might want to steer clear of certain ingredients. For example, aggressive chemicals, fragrances, retinol, and alpha hydroxy acid are not eczema-friendly. Look for a light moisturiser gel or fluid cream for oilier areas of the skin and a richer cream or ointment for drier areas. Coconut oil, lanolin, algae extract, isopropyl myristate & isopropyl palmitate, and parabens are comedogenic ingredients you should for acne-prone skin.

Top skincare ingredients

AHAs

Alpha-hydroxy-acids or AHAs encourage exfoliation, even out pigmentation, and have anti-ageing properties. These are a staple in acne medications. AHAs include lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids. They are best used at night after cleansing and before serums and moisturisers. Make sure to wear sunscreen during the day as they make the skin sensitive to the sun. Dr. Rashel AHA-BHA range, Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream, and Balance Active Formula AHA 10% BHA 2% Retexturising Serum are some of the best-loved AHAs.

Aloe Vera

Used since ancient times for wound healing, its calming and soothing properties target stressed skin and sunburn. The healing compound glucomannan in aloe vera improves collagen production, assisted by antioxidant vitamins C and E. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties combat acne. Aloe vera is a natural source of salicylic acid, helpful in preventing flare-ups, blackheads, and whiteheads. Iris garden aloe vera gel, Dr. Rashel aloe vera face and body care, Frella aloe vera gel, Roushun 92% Aloe Vera Serum, and vaseline aloe vera lip balm are products enriched with pure love.

BHAs

Beta-hydroxy-acids or BHAs include salicylic acid and related substances. These can superficially exfoliate the skin, improving whiteheads, blackheads, dark spots, and skin texture. They work optimally on oily or oil-producing skin. Because they are oil-soluble, they can penetrate the skin, cleaning out excess sebum from the pores and reducing oiliness. They are beneficial for blemish-prone skin. However, BHAs can irritate sensitive skin.

Ceramides

Ceramides are key lipids naturally found within our body that help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and hold hydration in the skin. They keep the skin looking healthy, firm, and plump by minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. High winds, soaps, and hot water remove ceramides from the skin. They can reverse dry, flaky skin. Because they are skin-identical ingredients, they are ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Ceramides become essential with age as the lipid barrier renews itself less frequently. CeraVe skincare is formulated with three essential ceramides. L'Oreal Paris Triple Active Day and Night Creams also contain ceramides.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a humectant capable of drawing water into the skin, effectively preventing dryness and reinforcing the skin's protective barrier. It is used in hydrating serums and moisturisers. All skin types can benefit from it. Pure glycerin is best used when combined with other ingredients like occlusive emollients or hydrating oils. Glycerin-based moisturizers are the best way to incorporate this ingredient in your beauty routine.

Glycolic Acid

With the smallest molecular size, it is the strongest of the AHAs. Glycolic acid penetrates deeper and works well on acne-prone skin, reducing excess sebum production and unclogging pores. It helps fade and reduce hyperpigmentation caused by acne. Use glycolic acid products at bedtime for better results.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is also known as Vitamin B3. It is used to lighten hyperpigmentation and age spots. It works by decreasing the amount of melanin transferred to the skin. Niacinamide is highly stable and is not affected by heat or light. It is best used before moisturiser.

Balance Active Formula Skincare Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum, Dr. Rashel Whitening Fade Spots Serum, and Ponds Juice Collection Glow in a Flash Gel Cleanser Aloe Vera Extract + Vitamin B3 are products that fight discolouration of the skin.

Retinol

It is a form of vitamin A, usually found in skincare products in concentrations of around 0.05 to 2 percent. Topical application is clinically proven to improve lines and discolouration while revitalising the skin. It evens out the skin texture & tone, reduces pore size, and increases collagen production, which results in decreased fine lines, wrinkles, clogged pores, acne, and scars. It is best used at bedtime. We recommend the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift range and Dr. Rashel Vitamin A Retinol anti-ageing range.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is your gold-standard antioxidant. It decreases oxidative stress and enables regular pigment production for an even skin tone. The most potent form of vitamin C is l-ascorbic acid. Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum Cream UV, Melao Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face, Anti Aging Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, Roushun Vitamin C serum, Roushun Vitamin C 20% Face Serum with Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid, Boots Vitamin C Brightening Moisturising Cream, and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% are products packed with C vitamin goodness.

Choosing ingredients that supercharge your natural beauty is worth every minute you spend researching them. We hope this guide will inspire you to learn more about ingredients that work wonders for your skin. Visit essentials.lk to buy trusted international and local beauty brands handpicked for their superior efficacy.