Your skin goes through changes, but that doesn’t mean glow, bounce, or smoothness have to fade. The key is understanding which ingredients work in sync with your skin’s natural functions. Some hydrate deeply. Others support firmness or help with tone and texture. When used consistently, these ingredients can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Read on as we explore each of these ingredients and how deliver results, so you can choose what fits your skin and your routine best.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol is a standout ingredient in the fight against signs of ageing because of its ability to speed up cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. This means smoother skin, fewer fine lines and a more even tone over time. It’s often included in night serums, creams and sometimes oils designed for skin renewal.

Key benefits

• Improves skin texture and tone
  

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  

• Boosts collagen for firmer skin
  
  Usage tips - Retinol can be sensitizing when you first start using it, so introduce it gradually, 2 to 3 times a week at night, and always pair with sunscreen during the day to protect new skin cells.
  

Common products - Night creams, serums, treatment oils

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

Peptides

Peptides are small protein fragments that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, both crucial for maintaining firmness and elasticity. They work more gently than some other actives and are excellent for skin that is sensitive or new to anti-ageing treatments. Peptides typically appear in serums, moisturisers and eye creams targeting firmness and fine lines.

Key benefits

• Supports skin’s natural repair process
  

• Firms and lifts sagging skin
  

• Enhances skin resilience
  

Common products - Serums, moisturisers, eye creams

Usage tips - Peptides are gentle enough for daily use and layer well under moisturisers or sunscreens, making them easy to add to your routine.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant celebrated for its brightening and protective properties. It helps fade dark spots, smooths skin tone and protects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. This ingredient is mostly found in daytime serums and moisturisers designed to boost radiance and shield the skin.

Key benefits

• Brightens complexion and fades pigmentation
  

• Protects skin from free radicals
  

• Supports collagen synthesis
  
  Usage tips - Apply vitamin C in the morning, ideally before sunscreen, to maximize protection throughout the day. Look for stable formulations to ensure effectiveness.
  

Common products - Serums, moisturisers, face masks

Dr. Rashel Vitamin C Night Cream

Hyaluronic Acid

Known for its impressive ability to hold moisture, hyaluronic acid plumps the skin by attracting and retaining water. While it doesn’t directly rebuild collagen, keeping skin hydrated is essential for minimizing the appearance of fine lines and maintaining a smooth texture. Hyaluronic acid is found in a wide range of products, from lightweight serums to rich creams.

Key benefits

• Deeply hydrates and plumps skin
  

• Softens the appearance of fine lines
  

• Supports skin barrier function
  
  Usage tips - For optimal results, apply hyaluronic acid on damp skin and seal it in with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
  

Common products - Serums, moisturisers, sheet masks, eye gels

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient prized for its ability to improve skin tone and texture while calming irritation. It strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, which helps reduce redness and sensitivity over time. You’ll find niacinamide in serums, moisturisers and toners designed for brightening and balancing skin.

Key benefits

• Evens skin tone and reduces redness
  

• Strengthens the skin barrier
  

• Regulates oil production and reduces inflammation
  
  Usage tips - Niacinamide is gentle and can be used both morning and night. It pairs well with most other actives and suits a wide range of skin types.
  

Common products - Serums, moisturisers, toners

Balance Active Formula Skincare Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum

AHAs & BHAs

Chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) remove dead skin cells to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid work on the skin surface to smooth texture and fade pigmentation, while BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate pores to clear excess oil and prevent breakouts. They’re typically found in exfoliating toners, masks, and treatment serums.

Key benefits

• Improves skin texture and clarity
  

• Promotes cell renewal and brightening
  

• Unclogs pores and reduces acne
  
  Usage tips - Start using AHAs or BHAs gradually—1 to 3 times a week depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Avoid using them on the same days as retinol or vitamin C to prevent irritation.
  

Common products - Toners, masks, exfoliating serums

Garnier Pure Active AHA + BHA Charcoal Anti-Blemish Serum

Ready to Build Your Routine?

If you are looking to introduce these ingredients into your skincare routine, start with products that are well-formulated and suited to your skin's needs. At essentials.lk, we have curated selection of trusted skincare brands that feature these key anti-ageing ingredients, everything from beginner-friendly retinol serums to hydrating moisturisers packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid. Explore the range of products here and find the right products to support your skin at every stage.