Because it’s no fun spending hours agonising over the labels on skincare, we’ve rounded up our five favourite skincare ingredients that are changing our skin health, texture and appearance for the better.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body that acts as a powerful humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture. Its main function is to keep tissues well-lubricated and hydrated. Aging slows the production of this element, so it is often supplemented as an anti-aging treatment but it can be useful at any age.
Applying a topical product helps with deep hydration by drawing moisture into the skin, helping it look healthy and glowing, and plumping out fine lines.
The best thing about HA is that it is great for all skin types, even very sensitive skin. It can be especially useful for treating dry or dehydrated skin.
HA serums are readily available at almost every price point, and are great for layering under your daily moisturiser.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide – a form of vitamin B3 – is an incredibly versatile skincare ingredient. It can benefit most skin types, helping to reduce inflammation, minimises the appearance of pores, regulates oil production, and improves skin texture and tone.
Acne-prone and sensitive skin types may find using Niacinamide useful and more easy for skin to tolerate than other suggested ingredient like retinol.
Vitamin A
A great deal of innovation is occurring with ingredients we’re already using in our beauty regimens according to leading Australian dermatologist and director of Brisbane Skin, Dr Shobhan Manoharan.
“We’ll see refinements of previous products. Retinol, vitamin A, is already a cornerstone of dermatology and skin health – proven to remodel, tighten and reduce sun spots. The problem is that they’ve often been irritating, particularly those with sensitised skin,” Manoharan explains. “But we’re going to see more retinols coming through that much better tolerated and longer lasting. They penetrate really well, and the results are better.”
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has garnered a lot of attention in the beauty world over the last few years – and for good reason.
“Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and also acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralise free radical damage on the skin,” explains Dr Des Fernandes, founder of Environ. And for those who after skin that really glows, vitamin C should be an essential in your routine.
“It can also brighten your complexion and help even out skin tone and discolouration,” says Dr Ellen Selkon of Clinic 42. Ensuring you invest in the right type of vitamin C-based skincare is important. “Not all vitamin C is created equal,” adds Selkon. “It’s not as simple as selecting any old product with vitamin C on the label and smothering your face in it,” she adds. Both Selkon and Fernandes agree that to get the most out of vitamin C, you need to be using skin care formulated with L-ascorbic acid.
“This is the form of vitamin C that the cells recognise,” says Selkon.
New-Generation Exfoliators
While mechanical exfoliators – those scrub-like formulations made with the likes of jojoba beads and natural grains – have largely been replaced in our regimen, at least for fragile facial skin.
At-home liquid exfoliators and gentle peels are useful for helping our skin regenerate itself. Alpha (glycolic, lactic) and beta hydroxy (salicylic) acids both work in a similar way to gently unglue bonds holding dead skin together. The result: dull, dead skin is sloughed away to reveal a smooth, even complexion.
Incorporate into your regular skincare routine two to three times a week to get your skin really glowing.
