Most Commonly Inquired Skin care Ingredients

What Ingredients help with my condition?

The Goal: Everyone wants clear, hydrated and evenly toned skin. Skin care ingredients play a huge role in how successful your skin care routine will be. There's levels to this right? Understanding the purpose of the ingredients, knowing when and how to use them are all apart of creating the best possible outcome for your regimen. The top searched skin care ingredients were Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Retinol and Niacinamide. These ingredients are very useful and powerful in there own right, ,but how do we use them?

When is it appropriate to use for optimal efficacy ? What are some contraindications or adverse effects of using these ingredients? Answers to these questions may vary due to your skin condition, however there are general rules that apply.

Hyaluronic Acid

HA occurs naturally in the body as a lubricant. As we age naturally our bodies slow down the production of this substance. HA is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air and uses it to retain hydration. HA can hold 100 times it's weight in water.

Benefits to Skin:

• hydrates the skin

• gives the appearance of plump skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles

• can increase skin cell production

Skin Condition:

HA is good for aging skin. Keep in mind cell turnover begins to slow down in your 20's. If you are in your mid to late 20's you may want to start incorporating this ingredient into your routine.

Issues with HA:

HA can cause overly dry skin if there is no water in the atmosphere for it to attract. If your air quality is dry you may want to make sure you leave your face damp before applying HA or use a steamer. it is a possibility that you could be allergic to HA, most people are not. These are tips to keep in mind when using products with this ingredient.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an ingredient that is a cult favorite due to it's ability to fight free radicals and oxidation that creates stress and dullness in the skin from the environment. Daily your skin is exposed to pollution, UV rays and others substances that occur depending on your lifestyle. These stressors can cause constriction of blood vessels and decrease blood flow that would normally give you a bright and vibrant glow. Vitamin C works best during the daytime.

Benefits to Skin:

• Brightens skin

• gives the appearance of more even skin tone.

• protects skin from oxidation and free radicals

Skin Condition:

Vitamin C works on dull, aging and hyperpigmented skin.

Issues with VC:

Vitamin C can cause an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. Also you should be cautious around the eyes while using vitamin c , unless the product is an eye cream specifically formulated for the eyes. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your skin.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that increases collagen production. Collagen is a substance that occurs in our body naturally and slows down with aging. A decrease in collagen causes an increase of fine lines and wrinkles. This is best used at night , due to it's ability to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, If you use during the day make sure to stay on top of your SPF routine.

Benefits to Skin:

• reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Increases collagen

• Improves skin color

• Fades age spots

Skin Condition:

Retinol is great for aging skin

Issues with Retinol:

Can cause sensitivity to skin, slowly build up the use of retinol in your routine so it isn't a shock to your skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide helps build Keratin in your skin to help your skin stay firm and healthy. Niacinamide builds your lipid barrier that protects skin and helps retain moisture and reduce TEWL or trans-epidermal water loss. Niacinamide has all the benefits of retinol , however it is a more gentile ingredient

Benefits to Skin:

• Increases protective barrier of skin

• Firms skins

• Reduces dry dehydrated skin

Skin Condition:

Niacinamide is good for all skin types and helps with aging skin and dry skin like eczema.

Issues with Niacinamide:

Like any other ingredient depending on your skin you may experience mild itching or burning. This typically goes away over time. But if it persist then niacinamide may not be for you.

Ingredient Combos That Work Well Together:

Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C

Niacinamide + Retinol

Niacinamide + Vitamin C

Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid