When looking for skincare products online, you may have come across a wide array of advice. Sometimes, it can be frustrating to see so many opinions on skincare ingredients, contradicting each other. So, how do you decide which ingredients to try and which ones to ignore?
The best skincare ingredients are the ones that are clinically tested to provide results. Explore the following blog to understand some result-driven ingredients like collagen powder, antioxidants like vitamins A and E, etc., and guidance on which ingredients to avoid.
Ingredients to Use for Skin Health
Here are some ingredients you should use to protect and nourish your skin:
1. Active Acids
These ingredients directly act on the skin at cellular levels and improve the skin’s condition. For example, hyaluronic acids are known to boost skin hydration levels, vitamin C reduces skin pigmentation, and retinol fights the signs of skin aging. These ingredients are very powerful; therefore, use them in small amounts to prevent irritation.
2. Antioxidants
Vitamin C and vitamin E provide the combined benefits for skin. These antioxidants help with anti-aging, repairing skin damage, reducing pigmentation, dryness, and promoting skin healing. Glutathione is another potent antioxidant combating the damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin B3 or niacin, is also beneficial for increasing skin’s elasticity and reducing inflammation and acne. Most of the vitamins can be obtained by taking multivitamin tablets or using topical products infused with these ingredients.
3. Plant Extract
Some plant extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. Early studies suggest that using aloe vera and green tea extracts can help reduce UV damage and decrease collagen breakdown.
4. Powdered Collagen
This is a widely popular skincare supplement that is known for its outstanding anti-aging effects. It is proven by science to boost elastin production, which improves skin’s elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
You don’t always need to go for mainstream skincare products, and you can also use common kitchen ingredients for cleansing and nourishing skin. For example, water-diluted apple cider vinegar is proven to work wonders in balancing the skin’s acidity and reducing acne breakouts. You can also use turmeric and yogurt paste to detoxify and moisturize skin. Lemon juice is ideal for reducing skin pigmentation and boosting skin radiance. Use these in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Also read: Gut-Changing Nutrition Trends by Influencers
Ingredients to Avoid for Skin Health
Scan the label on the skincare product to watch for the following ingredients that may be bad for the skin:
1. Aluminum
It is found in many personal care products and is often linked with disruption in the functions of the endocrine system.
2. Mineral oil
Found in lotions, ointments, creams, and cosmetics, it covers the skin and clogs pores, inhibiting the skin’s ability to remove toxins. This can lead to acne breakouts.
3. Triclosan
Triclosan is present in soaps, deodorants, mouthwashes, shaving creams, toothpaste, and other products and can interfere with thyroid hormone levels.
4. Parabens
Present in forms such as methyl, butyl, ethyl, and propyl, they are found in many products, such as deodorants and moisturizers, and have been known to cause hormonal imbalances.
The Final Word
You can take care of your skin by using skincare ingredients that are proven to provide results. These involve a variety of antioxidants and plant extracts. While they are highly effective, they may differ in cost across brands. In order to make a smart purchase, check collagen, and active acid.
However, if you want to look for something in DIY, you can opt for kitchen ingredients, such as apple vinegar, turmeric, lemon juice, etc, to enhance skin glow and suppleness.
