With the focus on skincare rocketing in the past few years, and trends getting weirder and weirder, the attention has shifted to what exact ingredients are being put into our much-loved beauty buys. These days a celebrity endorsement of a product is simply not enough. We want to know what the results are and why because thanks to social media we know of countless different products and procedures that go into today’s flawless looks. Beauty influencers like Tati or Skincare by Hyram have highlighted the importance of knowing the science behind skincare through detailed product reviews. So, how can we ensure that the products we buy have the results they are claiming to have? Ingredients. Becoming more aware of ingredients commonly used in products will inform you of the benefits within formulas and which products to use to get those highly-sought-after results.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, best for reducing fine lines, sun damage and general ageing of skin. This bad boy increases the production of collagen. If you’re new to this ingredient, always start with a more dilute concentrate in order to build skin tolerance and also prevent skin irritation.
Recommended products:
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol Capsules, £42
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, £4.90
The Inkey List Retinol Serum, £9.99
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol Capsules, £42
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, £4.90
The Inkey List Retinol Serum, £9.99
Using salicylic acid in your skincare can help reduce and fight the appearance of blemishes and scarring. Whilst it should not be used to fight acne or breakouts, it can help with the aftermath helping to lift dark marks left on the skin surface because this ingredient is a beta hydroxy acid that can exfoliate the skin.
Recommended products:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, £9.90
NIP+FAB Teen Skin Fix Salicylic Acid Day Pads 60 Pads, £12.95
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £23.80
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, £9.90
NIP+FAB Teen Skin Fix Salicylic Acid Day Pads 60 Pads, £12.95
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £23.80
Incorporating a product that contains hyaluronic acid into your regime will improve the appearance of your complexion by keeping moisture locked in at the surface. Cross polymer hyaluronic acid ensures hydration on many layers to your skin, so be sure to check your labels if you’re looking for maximum moisture. This acid can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water so it’s a no brainer if you’ve got dry skin.
Recommended products:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90
Embryolisse Laboratories Hydra Mask, £22
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist, £18
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90
Embryolisse Laboratories Hydra Mask, £22
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist, £18
If you’re looking to improve radiancy and the appearance of skin texture and rid of those dead skin cells, Glycolic acid is your guy. This is an ingredient used frequently in toners and can be swept across the face after cleansing. Because it is an exfoliant, again, it should be used with care and if it causes any irritation or sensitivity, abandoned at all costs.
Recommended products:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, £6.80
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, £76
Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £36.00
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, £6.80
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, £76
Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £36.00
Azelaic acid is an ingredient already produced naturally by your skin and brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. It is a multi-functional ingredient and can be used in many different forms and products. An all-rounder product that is great to incorporate into your skincare regime.
Recommended products:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, £5.50
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, £37
Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, £27
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, £5.50
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, £37
Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, £27
For more information on incorporating direct acids and chemicals into your skincare routine, visit theordinary.deciem.com for recommended dosages and formulae.
Words by Amy Arfi
Graphics by Katie Janes
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