Ingredients for Skin Success

Has this ever happened to you? 

Have you ever been scrolling through IG or TikTok, and see people talking about skincare ingredients that you've NEVER heard of???

This has definitely happened to me! Skincare can be a daunting thing to get into! There are sooooo many different products and different ingredients that all do different things! This post is designed to guide and help you through the different types of ingredients we find in our skincare, and what each of them does!

Here Are The Main Types of Skincare Ingredients You Need To Know About

• Retinol: Retinol is a type of retinoid, made up of Vitamin A. Small molecules that make up retinol go deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to your dermis (inner layer). Retinol helps neutralize free radicals & it helps boost the production of elastin and collagen, creating a “plumping” effect that can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, & enlarged pores. 

     - Benefits: Plumps skin, treats melasma & uneven skin texture, reduces appearance of fine lines/wrinkles, treats scarring, helps reduce the appearance of pores.

     - Possible Side Effects: Redness, itchiness, peeling skin. (info from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-does-retinol-work#side-effects )

• Niacinamide: A water-soluble vitamin B3 that works with natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines & wrinkles, diminish dullness, & strengthen a weakened surface. 

     - Benefits: compatible with any of the products in your skincare routine, helps restore the surface of skin against moisture loss, helps red blemishes fade more quickly, regulates oil, and protects against oxidative stress. 

     - Possible Side Effects: Relatively safe to use, however, if you have sensitive skin, you can avoid widespread allergic reactions & product sensitivities by doing a patch test:

1.) Apply a dime-sized amount of product on your forearm. 2.) Wait 24 hours. If you begin to experience redness, itching, or swelling, wash the area and discontinue use. 3.) If you don’t experience any side effects, it should be safe to apply elsewhere. (info from Paula's Choice and https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/niacinamide#side-effects )

• Hyaluronic Acid: A sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin. It helps bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, & more hydrated. 

     - Benefits: Anti-aging, hydrating, wound healing, anti-wrinkle, increases skin elasticity, can treat eczema & facial redness. 

     - Possible Side Effects: Non-irritating and great for all skin types but do a patch test if you have sensitive skin. Those with dry and/or more mature skin will benefit the most from using HA. (info from Allure )

• AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acid:  group of acids that occur naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk. In skin care, people use them as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, as well as to treat specific concerns. Common AHAs are: glycolic acid, malic acid, & hydroxycaproic acid.

     - Benefits: Promotes collagen & blood flow, correct discoloration from scars/age spots, improve appearance of surface lines/wrinkles, prevent acne breakouts, help exfoliate, brighten your complexion, & increase product absorption.

     - Possible Side Effects: Burning, itching, blisters, dermatitis/eczema. (info from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-hydroxy-acid#side-effects-and-risks )

• BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acid: works mainly as an exfoliant. It causes the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued," allowing the dead skin cells to come off, making room for the regrowth of new skin. BHAs are better used for oily skin with blackheads/whiteheads. AHAs are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem. An example is salicylic acid. 

     - Benefits: Helps with anti-aging, great for exfoliating oily skin, helps with breakouts & oil production.

     - Possible Side Effects: BHAs can increase sun sensitivity by 50%. Can cause skin irritation, although isn't as irritating as AHAs. (info from https://www.verywellhealth.com/beta-hydroxy-acid-1068888 )

• Bakuchiol: A natural, plant-derived alternative to a retinoid, which is a Vitamin A–based chemical that helps to improve turnover of skin cells & stimulates collagen synthesis for smoother & more radiant skin. Bakuchiol has similar properties to retinol but is gentler on skin, so the idea is you get smoother, brighter skin without the redness/irritation.

     - Benefits: Can help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as address hyperpigmentation in the skin.

     - Possible Side Effects: Sensitivity, including redness, dryness or stinging of the skin, especially with initial use (info from https://www.everydayhealth.com/smart-skin/what-is-bakuchiol/ )

• Peptides: polypeptides are naturally occurring in the skin. They are amino acids that make up proteins needed by the skin. Adding peptides can stimulate your skin to make collagen.  

- Benefits: Anti-aging benefits, can help with collagen production, makes skin more elastic, & eases inflammation. 

 - Possible Side Effects: Using a peptide with an AHA will actually make the peptides work less efficiently. In rare cases, a peptide allergy can occur. Patch test before using for the first time. (info from https://www.healthline.com/health/peptides-for-skin )

• Ceramides: fats or lipids that are found in skin cells. They make up 30-40% of your outer skin layer. They are important for retaining your skin's moisture & preventing the entry of germs into your body. 

- Benefits: Helps lock moisture into your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles. They also may help soothe irritation & provide an additional barrier to certain cases of dry skin. 

 - Possible Side Effects: Topical ceramides are generally considered safe. Although there isn’t any research or reports documenting adverse reactions, always do a patch test to determine how your skin will react. (info from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/ceramide#side-effects )

• Vitamin C: a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, & improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, & acne. It is an antioxidant, which fights harmful free radicals  that come in contact with skin from external sources like air pollution, or from inside the body as a result of normal processes like your metabolism. 

- Benefits:  Approves appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles, improves overall texture/appearance of skin, help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

 - Possible Side Effects:  Mild tingling, if you have substantial discomfort or irritation, stop using vitamin C. If you have sensitivity or a known allergy to any of the ingredients, consider a patch test or consult your doctor before use. (info from Harvard Health )

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