Skincare & ingredients – Are in you in the loop?
It can be so overwhelming, especially trying to keep up with the latest trends.
When it comes to skincare you want to always accommodate your skin type and condition/s first – regardless of whether the product or particular ingredient is trending or not. Skincare ingredients should be something you pay attention to, after all everything you put onto your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream – in less than 30 seconds.
When it comes to skincare and ingredients we generally know to stay away from products containing animal derived ingredients and to avoid using products that are tested on animals. What isn’t common knowledge is why ingredients like AHA’s and peptides play such important roles in our products and why ingredients like mineral oil should be avoided.
So let’s play yay or nay with some common skincare ingredients.
AHAS – Alpha Hydroxy Acids – skin exfoliation
These chemicals loosen the fluid that binds surface skin cells together, allowing dead ones to be removed. Skin cell turn around time is approximately 28 days. However, as we age this fluid becomes denser and this slows down the cell regeneration turn-around-time.
Products made with AHAS are designed to essentially peel back the layers of dead skin cells to reveal a fresh new skin, um, yes please!
Remove dead skin cell build up and reveal a fresh new skin in 28 days with AHA Complex Refining Solution
Collagen – skin firmness
Collagen is responsible for keeping our skin nice and firm. When collagen itself is listed as an ingredient in skincare, it pretty much translates to animal fat, so this one is a no. What you want to be on the lookout for are ‘peptides’ because peptides ‘trick’ our skin into producing more collagen which will then result in a firmer skin.
Hyaluronic Acid – skin hydration
My favourite of all the skincare ingredients. You see, we naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid and it’s responsible for binding moisture to the skin and preventing moisture loss. Dehydration is one of the leading causes when it comes to skin-ageing.
So many things contribute to skin dehydration, from what we eat, to where we work and how we deal with stress!Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1000 times it’s weight in water and I have to say I just love the instant facelift effect it can have on the skin. Amazing! This one is a yes.
Smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by increasing your skins moisture retention with Moisturising System
Glycolic Acid – skin exfoliation
A type of AHA derived from sugarcane. Glycolic Acid aids in skin renewal by dissolving the gluelike fluid between the skin cells. You will often find cleansers, cremes and peels made with Glycolic Acid. This one is a definite yes.
Kaolin – deep skin cleanse
A clay like mineral that absorbs excess oil from the skin. Typically found in mud masques that are designed to detox the skin. Another yes!
Unclog pores, absorb excess oil and remove surface skin cells using Clarifying Clay Treatment
Mineral Oil (Petrolatum)
Derived from petroleum and widely used in skincare and make-up products. Mineral Oil isn’t really something that the skin ‘loves’. You see it blocks the skins pores and then the skin can’t breathe properly.
It can clog the pores and also cause blemishes/acne especially in those that are prone. I would recommend to avoid mineral oil when comes to skincare, it’s a no from me!
Peptides – skin firming
Tiny fragments of proteins that ‘trick’ the skin into producing more collagen. Collagen is responsible for keeping our skin nice and firm. Yes please!
Boost collagen production, smooth fine lines/wrinkles & firm skin with Platinum Tight, Firm & Fill Serum
Resveratrol – skin protection
A super powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals to protect the skin cells from damage. Yes way.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – skin brightening & firming
Another collagen-boosting ingredient! Vitamin C is an antioxidant that not only boosts collagen production but also inhibits pigmentation formation. Yay times 2.
I’ve made it nice and easy for you to remember, check out my Skincare Ingredients Checklist
What is it that your skin needs?
Remember this always has to be your number one concern when on the hunt for new skincare. For instance if you’re constantly battling with blemishes you want to focus on deep cleansing and keeping the pores as clean as possible.
If you’re skin is super dry and it’s looking a lot older than what it should I’d suggest looking at moisture retention and adding some peptides to your daily skincare regime!
Are you stuck when it comes to skincare? No stress girl, I’ve got your back. Let’s start with a simple Skin Quiz and we can go from there.
I’d love to help you with your skin, if you’d like a complimentary online or 1:1 skin consultation let’s chat
Until next time,
You Glow Girl,
Danielle xx
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