It can be daunting trying to figure out the most beneficial products for your skin and how their combined ingredients are able to combat your skin concerns. Luckily, the leading skincare experts at Zo Skin Health have debunked some of the top skincare ingredient buzzwords so you know exactly what to adopt into your skincare routine…
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Retinol
A widely used term within the skincare industry, Retinol based products can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles whilst also smoothing the surface area of the skin. You should apply a retinoid once a day, most preferably in the evening, as skin will be sensitive to sunlight afterwards – use after cleansing and before applying your moisturiser.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is most commonly taken orally; however, the ingredient also has varying benefits when applied directly to the skin. Vitamin C provides a range of benefits including evening out your skin tone, protecting your skin against pollution, improving hydration and keeping an overall youthful appearance.
Collagen
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in your body. It’s an essential component, providing structural support for your organs, skin, tendons, muscles, cartilage and bones. The skin loses collagen over time, so it is an imperative ingredient to add into your skincare routine, and it can be found in many day and night creams as well as in face masks.
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Hyaluronic Acid
The Hyaluronic Acid solution is able to work deep into the skin’s layers to improve and benefit hydration and elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid is also commonly used for its ability to combat the signs of ageing and eliminate skin imperfections.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has some very powerful antioxidants which help in regenerating skin cells, leading to a more youthful and glowing complexion. Jojoba oil is not only good for the face, but can also be used over the body instead of your normal moisturiser.
Top tip: Apply a few drops right after a bath or shower, while your 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 making the skin smoother. For the best results, dab a few drops of the solution onto the skin during the evening.
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Antioxidants
Antioxidants are an essential ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing and keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. Antioxidants help target the elements responsible for signs of ageing, but can also calm the skin and help revitalize dull-looking skin. Antioxidants can be found in many products 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 beans, 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 ageing skin such as improving the appearance of uneven skin tone, large pores, wrinkles and dullness. Niacinamide can be applied on the face in the morning and/or the evening. Just pat a couple of drops over the skin after cleansing and before moisturising.
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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 from blackheads and spots. Salicylic acid is best applied in the evening, using only a small amount as it is a very strong solution.
Words by beauty expert, Mara Monaghan
