Everything you need to know about the right ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine
Our skin is considered the biggest organ in our body, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and attractive appearance on the outside. A good skin care regimen is focused on addressing the delicate areas of your face, chest, and neck.
Our skin is a barrier that helps keep our internal organs and tissues healthy, which is why it’s important that we take the necessary steps to maintain its strength. When our skin feels dry or irritated, it may create cracks which can lead to infection.
Taking care of your skin can also help it to stay looking young. As you get older, your skin cells will start to lose their ability to regenerate, which can lead to signs of aging.
Getting the necessary skin care and treatments can help keep your skin looking young and bright, which will include a combination of regular skin care and facial treatments. Using the right skin care products can help remove dead skin cells and allow new ones to grow.
Best Ingredients to Combine for Skincare
Over the past few years, skincare routines have become much more common. With so many products out there on the market, it can be difficult to find the right ones that are truly beneficial to your own skin. To get a better understanding of how to incorporate skin products into your routine, check out some of these best skin ingredients and combinations you can use.
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Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Lactic acid and glycolic acid are members of the AHA family, and they are extracted from milk and sugar cane respectively. These acids help remove dead skin cells, revealing new skin underneath. They are also known to stimulate collagen production and help treat acne and other skin conditions.
Glycerin
The natural ingredient known as glycerin can be found in various skin products, such as face creams and lip balms. It can help repair dry and cracked skin as well as minimize acne and oily skin. Due to its ability to lock in hydration, glycerin can be used at night as a part of a skin care product to keep the skin looking fresh.
Argan Oil
This plant oil, which is extracted from the argan tree, has numerous benefits for all skin types. It contains nutrients such as vitamin E, ferulic acid, and carotenoids, and it’s also less heavy than other natural oils. In addition, it can help prevent and treat sunburns and skin damage.
Image courtesy of Amazon, where you can pick up this moisturizing argan oil scrub today!
Vitamin B3
You can get a variety of benefits by using a topical form of vitamin B3, which can be found in niacinamide. It can help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and boost elasticity. One study revealed that after just four weeks, the appearance of age spots and pigmentation on the face had significantly decreased. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties are prevalent within vitamin B3 as well, which makes it very effective at preventing acne from developing.
Kojic Acid
In 1989, a natural ingredient known as kojic acid was discovered, which can help treat age spots and pigment problems. It works by slowing down the production of melanin, which is a type of brown pigment.
Dimethicone
The second most common ingredient in most liquid products is this next ingredient, dimethicone. It can help with dry and damaged skin, and it can make your skin feel soft. If you’re dealing with this issue, using this ingredient can help keep your skin feeling fresh and clean.
This ingredient can help protect your hair from breakage and create a smooth, shiny feeling in it. It’s also found in products that are designed to reduce split ends and increase the hair’s overall length. However, it’s important to note that this product can build up quickly, which can prevent water from getting into the roots. If you’re using a product that contains dimethicone, you’ll want to use a weekly clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.
Combining Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C
The combination of Vitamin C and glycolic acid can help boost the turnover rate of dead cells in the skin and prevent the appearance of dark spots. They can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used together, these ingredients can help with skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. However, if your skin is sensitive, it may just be best to use these products one at a time!
Combining Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
Known for its ability to remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of skin, Retinol is a widely used chemical exfoliant. However, it can be a bit irritating for people with sensitive skin or those who are new to the use of this product. One of the best ways to use this product is by adding a moisturizing ingredient like hyaluronic acid. This product can keep the skin hydrated and also help prevent it from getting damaged!
Combining Benzoyl Peroxide and SPF
Known as a miracle ingredient, benzoyl peroxide can help treat severe acne. It can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the production of oil in the skin, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of acne. However, it may also dry the skin, which can make it more vulnerable to the sun. Even though you may not be using benzoyl peroxide every day, always apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare
When it comes to skincare products, the FDA lacks proper regulation of ingredients. In order to get a better understanding of some of the harmful ingredients that are out there, check out these ingredients and combinations in particular that you should try and steer clear from.
Parabens
The use of preservatives known as parabens was first introduced during the 1950s. They can help prolong the shelf life of products by preventing bacteria and mold from growing inside them.
Exposure to these chemicals can trigger hormone disruption and cancer, and even sensitize the skin. Products that contain these chemicals include body washes, moisturizers, and shampoos.
Carbon Black
Although some people believe that small amounts of carbon black can pose no health concerns, more studies have shown that it can cause various health problems, such as cancer. It can also affect the development of children and the lung function of healthy individuals.
Prolonged exposure to carbon black can result in irritation within the eyes, nose, and throat, and even lead to more serious conditions over time such as lung cancer. Image courtesy of Epsilon Carbon.
Formaldehyde
Commonly used in beauty products, including nail polish, cosmetics, and perfumes, formaldehyde is a flammable gas. It can be harmful to the skin and can cause breathing difficulties, burning in the nose, and irritation of the eyes.
Alcohols
Some examples of the bad alcohols out there for the skin include methanol, sd alcohol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol. These can cause irritation and extreme drying on the skin, but they also break down its natural barrier, which can lead to inflammation. Alcohols can destroy the protective substances that keep harmful substances out of the body.
PEG
Polyethylene glycols (PEG) compounds are commonly used in cosmetic products as thickeners and enhancers. They can also function as an absorption agent, which allows bad and good ingredients to be dispersed more quickly into the skin’s deeper layers. However, if used on damaged or broken skin, irritation will occur.
Combining Vitamin C and Retinol
In addition to being used to remove dead skin cells, Vitamin C can also help fight free radicals and improve the appearance of the skin. It’s best used in combination with sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun and work to brighten it at the same time. However, it’s important to note that when combined with Retinol, it can cause irritation and worsen the skin’s condition overall.
Combining Vitamin C and Niacinamide
Although these two ingredients are known for their ability to improve the appearance of skin, when combined, their effectiveness decreases. This is why it’s important to use them at separate times throughout the day. For instance, if you have hyperpigmentation, you should use Niacinamide in the morning and Vitamin C in the evening.
Prioritize Your Skincare + Review Products Beforehand
One day your older self will appreciate the efforts you put into your skincare routine!
With so many skincare ingredients out there claiming to be beneficial for the skin, it’s important to do your research beforehand and find products with reliable ingredients. The health of our skin plays a much more important role in our appearance as we age, so it’s important to prioritize a skincare routine at any age!
