With skincare gone viral, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to all of the accessible and trendy products to try. First, you start using vitamin C serum, but then a watermelon extra serum comes out that tends to be better. Followed by many words ending in acid, or -ide.
Dermatologists recommend keeping your skincare routine basic so as to not stress out your skin, and when adding a new ingredient it is important to talk to a dermatologist first to avoid having a bad reaction.
Know what you are trying to achieve, what kind of skin you have and your unique skin issues before going in deep with a 12-step routine. The next time that you go shopping for skincare products or want to try something new, keep these 10 ingredients in mind, and what they do, before buying.
10 Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid has gone through a movement lately, it is one of the hottest words and most viral products when it comes to skincare. Overnight, even tinted moisturizers and lip balms contain HA in order to keep your skin super hydrated.
But it is true, you can't go wrong with using HA or having products infused with it. Wash your face, tone it and then add a layer of hyaluronic acid to capture the moisture before applying your daily skin cream, and an SPF of course.
9 Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another great ingredient that serves just about everyone, its main function is brightening skin and helping smooth over a consistent complexion Don't confuse it with ingredients like retinol that can have more extreme effects, vitamin C is safe for all skin types and while it does not exactly smooth out wrinkles it does help with dark spots and pigmentation.
The ideal serum is one with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together to make it a one-stop shop for a hydrated and even complexion. Try The Ordinary's product, or build your own concentration with Drunk Elephant.
8 SPF Protection
SPF protection comes from the active ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Because of the hype around protecting your skin from UV rays, many products are beginning to incorporate it. From SPF moisturizers, tinted moisturizers, CC creams and foundations, it is becoming more and more accessible.
TikTok's favorite dermatologists still say to have a separate sunscreen or sunblock product, even if your makeup and moisturizer contain SPF.
7 AHA/HBA
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid while BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid and their main function in skincare products is to help exfoliate. You have probably seen them in exfoliants, cleansers, at-home face peels and even face masks.
They are both super effective for exposing new skin layers, and some after-effects include minimizing pores and creating an even complexion. While these ingredients are safe for daily use, be very careful with the concentration you are using as to not irritate your skin.
6 Niacinamide
At this point, the skincare ingredients might start to sound repetitive. Everything is about smoothing out the skin and creating an even complexion. Niacinamide stands out as an ingredient common in products for controlling oil.
This is the ingredient for you if you struggle with oily skin, it also helps your skin get stronger by initiating keratin growth.
5 Retinol
Retinol is the wonder ingredient according to dermatologists on TikTok, it can just about cure anything from acne to smoothing out fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Retinol is definitely an ingredient to ease into, both in concentration and how often you use it. You must also wear sunscreen every day to protect against further damage, and do consult a dermatologist beforehand as there are certain restrictions such as being pregnant.
4 Plant Extracts
Plants are full of nourishing ingredients that are healing, rejuvenating and even hydrating. Look at aloe vera, it has so many uses that are fantastic for skin care. Other prominent plant extracts include pomegranate, almond, chamomile, seaweed, algae and berries.
Recently Milk Makeup launched a watermelon brightening serum that rivals just about anything vitamin C.
3 Antioxidants & Vitamins
Antioxidants and vitamins are a great addition to your skincare routine for both brightening and moisturizing your skin. The Ordinary is famous for its vitamin concoctions from loads of B vitamin members to "Buffet" which includes so many nutrients it won't fit in this space.
2 Caffeine
If you are someone who struggles with face inflammation, especially puffy eyes in the morning, then caffeine serum is your new best friend. Caffeine serum is perfect for getting rid of puffy eyes and helping you wake up in the morning, especially when used with a face roller to get your circulation going too.
Use a caffeine serum, or look for an eye cream enriched with caffeine extract.
1 Salicylic Acid
Calling all folks who struggle with acne, other than retinol being a magic ingredient, salicylic acid is an alternative that has some magic powers for curing chronic acne.
Talk to a dermatologist before finding a serum and importantly, a concentration, that can help address your needs. Also, be clear if you should start first with retinol or salicylic acid.
