It seems like a trendy, miracle-making skin care ingredient is discovered every few months. The drill is always the same–the ingredient is found in some jungle/exotic/far away locale and pretty soon, it’s everywhere: masks, serums, creams, you name it! So what’s one to do when there’s always some new miracle product hitting the market? Stick to ingredients for skin care that have earned doctors’ loyalty and which are backed by science for their beautifying claims. You’ve most likely heard about all of these before, but in a sea of new and old ingredients, the five below are the holy grail of skin care and a must-have for your medicine cabinet sure to survive the test of time, even if the bee venom night cream and snail slime serum don’t.
Ingredients for skin care
1. RETINOL
Retinol has been applauded for ages for it’s wrinkle-fighting abilities (since 1975, to be exact), but this crazy-effective derivative of vitamin A is also a complexion-perfector that has been shown to build collagen, decrease fine lines, fight acne, and improve skin’s overall texture. There are prescription and Esthetician versions of retinol, and while the former shows results faster (6 weeks as opposed to 10 weeks), they are pricey and can be over-drying. Esthetician-grade retinols, on the other hand, are paired with anti-inflammatories to calm redness, peeling, or dryness, so if you’re new to retinol, Esthetician-grade versions won’t make you suffer.
Make it work for you by easing into your retinol use slowly. Use a milder retinol once a week, and work your way up to two nights a week. It’s important, however, to stay off harsh physical scrubs and peels while using retinol and to moisturize and use extra sunscreen for the first 6 months.
Try it: Image Skincare MD Reconstructive Retinol Booster, $59.90
2. HYALURONIC ACID
In this dry, Colorado weather, Hyaluronic Acid should be your best friend. This little molecule helps lubricate joints and keep skin plump by attracting water and keeping it on the skin. In addition to being great on its own, Hyaluronic Acid works great when mixed with other active ingredients- mix it with your retinol, for example, and you can use it daily. Another great thing about Hyaluronic acic? It benefits all skin types, even oily ones.
Make it work for you by using products that contain Hyaluronic Acid (think moisturizers) or adding a drop or two of the magic stuff to your other skin care products.
Try it: Image Skincare Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler, $49.90
3.VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is renown for being an incredible antioxidant that stimulates collagen production, increases skin’s glow factor, and evens out spots.
Make it work for you by purchasing serums or creams with up to 20% concentration of vitamin C. Since vitamin C does break down when exposed to oxygen and sunlight, make sure that the vitamin C packed products you purchase have truly airtight packaging. Apply a few times a week at night time for best results (vitamin C loses efficacy in the sun).
Try it: Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, $52.50
4. PEPTIDES
Peptides are like Legos in the building of a lego city; they are building blocks, but the protein kind. Certain peptides have been shown to boost collagen production, speed wound healing, and even mimic the effect of Botox when applied to skin. With that said, you’ll most likely want to introduce peptides to your skin care routine in your thirties, when you notice skin doesn’t feel quite as firm as it did in your twenties.
Make it work for you by purchasing products that contain stable peptides that are also easily absorbed. Look for it in daily moisturizers or eye creams to target issues like fine lines and crow’s-feet.
Try it: Image Skincare The MAX Stem Cell Eye Creme, $45.90
5. SALICYLIC ACID & BENZOYL PEROXIDE
These two acne-fighting ingredients are usually used together to combat acne. Salicylic acid penetrates into oily pores to clean them out, while Benzoyl is antibacterial, so together they work wonders for clearing acne-ridden skin.
Make it work for you and look for face washes or spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide. Products’ concentration of the stuff range from 2.5 percent to 10 percent, so start with the lowest percentage to minimize irritation and work yourself up to a higher concentration with time. Since salicylic acid is gentler than benzoyl peroxide, try it in an all over cleanser or cream to prevent breakouts.
Try it: Image Skincare MD Reconstructive Cleanser, $25.00 (salicylic acid)
Try it:Image Skincare Clear Cell Medicated Acne Masque, $26.70 (salicylic acid & benzoyl peroxide)
