Obsessed with your skincare but not quite sure on your AHAs and BHAs? Or are you looking to add peptides into your routine but you’re not 100% sure what they do? You’ve come to the right place. We’re all about giving you the products you love and need, as well as decoding how they actually work and what they do. If, like many others, you majorly got into your skincare during lockdown, you might feel ready to experiment and try something new. We’ve rounded up our favourite ingredients that might not be on your radar yet, so get ready to explore.
Vitamin C
Yep, you might already be familiar with vitamin C and it may already be in your routine, but do you know just how many benefits this powerhouse ingredient has for your skin? Let us fill you in… not only is it super brightening, it also helps to even skin tone, reduce pigmentation, give you that fresh-faced glow, as well as providing antioxidant protection against free radicals… phew! If it’s not already in your daily regime, add it now!
Find it inside: Dermalogica’s Biolumin C Serum
Niacinamide
If you think that niacinamide is just for breakout-prone skin, then you could be missing out on the whole host of benefits that this ingredient has for all different skin types. Niacinamide is unique in that it conflicts with very few ingredients, meaning that it’s super easy to add into your routine without having to swap something else out. It’s great for sensitive skin types, increasing hydration, and strengthening the skin barrier, as well as helping to reduce the appearance of pores and clearing up breakouts.
Find it inside: The Ordinary’s Niacinamide Powder
Peptides
If you’ve been sleeping on peptides, then it’s time to wake up. Perhaps one of the lesser-known, emerging ingredients in skincare, this ingredient is one of the key building blocks in the quest for great skin. Peptides are amino acids that support the production of collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are in turn responsible for your skin’s texture, strength, and barrier. By adding peptides into your routine, you should expect to see firmer, tighter, and more plump skin, as well as a balanced and healthy complexion.
Find it inside: Mario Badescu’s Super Peptide Serum
Collagen
Unfortunately for us, our collagen production naturally reduces as we age, which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity in the skin. Luckily for us, collagen-infused skincare is becoming more and more popular, allowing you to reduce the signs of premature aging and giving you an bouncy skin finish.
Find it inside: Revolution Skincare’s Plant Collagen Under Chin Masks
Retinol
Ahhh retinol – we could literally write a love letter about how much we love this ingredient, but we’ll keep it short and sweet. Retinol, or vitamin A, can benefit so many skin types. It stimulates cell turnover, which in turn helps to reduce the signs of aging, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and post-blemish marks, as well as easing cystic acne and breakouts. We told you that it can do almost anything… Heard of retinol but worried about the side effects? The trick is to start with a low strength and build up slowly over time. Trust us, you’ll never look back.
Find it inside: The Ordinary’s Retinol In Squalane
Prebiotic/Probiotic
Playing a constant balancing act with your skin? Then prebiotics and probiotics are the ones for you. Feeding the good bacteria on your face and eliminating the bad, these molecules help to keep everything balanced, calm the skin, and banish breakouts for good. What’s not to love?
Find it inside: Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster
Salicylic Acid
Suffer with breakouts? Chances are you’ve already heard of salicylic acid and are well versed in all it’s spot-busting properties. If you’ve only just started suffering with breakouts (maskne and adult acne, we’re looking at you), then now’s the time to add this powerhouse to your routine. A BHA, salicylic acid works by exfoliating the skin, breaking down any pore-clogging debris and dead skin cells that can lead to blemishes. It can be a little on the drying side, so remember to keep things balanced with plenty of hydration.
Find it inside: Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid – the ingredient that can do no wrong. A hydration magnet for your complexion, there is no skin type that hyaluronic acid doesn’t work for. Like a drink of water for your skin, hyaluronic acid helps to keep moisture levels topped up, the skin barrier strong, and no dehydration in sight.
Find it inside: Glow Hub’s Nourish & Hydrate Serum Mist
