I think there's been in a shift in what we as consumers look for in skincare, we no longer want bold promises of perfect skin. We want to know what's in our skincare and how it's going to work. And knowing what's in your skincare and the key ingredients is so important. If you know what works for your skin you're more likely to get the results you want. Today I've compiled a list of ingredients to look for and how they work.
Hyluronic Acid
Hyluronic acid sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. This isn't an exfoliating acid, it's a hydrating one. A powerful one at that. This wonder ingredient has the power to hold over a 1000 times it weight in water. Making it the perfect ingredient for dry, dehydrated skin. Or anyone that wants plumper, soft skin. It's suitable for all skin types.There are many products on the market that contain it. My favourites are:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors | £6.30 | REVIEW
This is a super yet effective moisturiser containing Hyluronic acid. It also contains lots of hydrating ingredients that are naturally found in the skin. This actually has a strange, almost bitty texture to it but it melts into the skin leaving it soft and hydrated. The moisturiser is lightweight and fast absorbing. It works well in both the evening and morning. I like to use it in the morning because it's so light weight but so hydrating. It also works well under makeup.
Verso Super Serum* | £110
Another great product containing Hyluronic acid is this serum from Verso. It also contains a whole range is skin loving ingredients like Retinol. So this serum tackles more than one issue. But in terms of hydration this is amazing. It instantly soothes my dehydrated skin. Leaving it plump, soft and smooth. I've been using this for a while and it really has helped my skins overall hydration levels. I like to use this before my moisturiser in the evening.
Glow Recipes Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask | £40
Like the Verso serum this also contains a range of ingredients to tackle more than one issue. Alongside Hyluronic acid it also contains AHAs and antioxidants. This is so hydrating! I use it at night and in the morning my skin is so soft and a lot plumper. It has a strange jelly texture that melts into an oil on the skin. It's not heavy or suffocating on the skin. It's brilliant.
Hylamide Low Moleular HA Booster* | £18
This Hyluronic acid serum is designed to be used in conjuction with your regular skincare to give the skin an added hit of hydration. This contains Hyluronic acid at low molecule level, meaning that it's easily absorbed by the skin so helps the long term hydration levels. I've been really enjoying this serum and it definitely helped my skins hydration levels. After just a few days of using this my skin definitely felt a lot softer.
Retinol
Retinol is definitely an ingredient you should look at if anti ageing is a concern of yours. It's one of the only ingredients that has been clinically proven to reduce the sign of ageing. Not only does it do that but it can also help with scaring, pigmentation and acne. It works by encouraging the cells to turn over, and tells the cells to repair themselves. Promoting healthy looking skin. I added Retinol in my skincare routine a while ago and I haven't looked back. Stronger Retinols can cause some sensitivity and skin peeling but I've never experienced that. My favourite product is:
Verso Night Cream with Retinol 8* | £95
This stuff is pricey but it's by far the best retinol treatment I've ever used. The first time I used this the results were pretty much instant. My skin looks so much brighter and radiant. This is an over night cream, so I use it at night, it works well with all my other products. This is also super hydrating. I haven't had as many breakouts since I've been using this and the glow this gives my skin really is amazing. I've tried a few other Retinols in the past and none of them have worked as well as this.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is also known as Vitamin B3. In skincare research it has shown it can be hugely beneficial to the skin. It can help reduce pore size, help Collagen production, increase skins firmness, and help improve the overall tone and texture. I've been using products that contain this ingredient for quite sometime and while I don't overly have a pore issue I think it has differently helped my overall skin health. My picks are:
Verso Hydration Serum* | £79
This post isn't sponsored by Verso! I just love their skincare and I've seen amazing results from it. This hydration serum contains Niacinamide and it does exactly what it says on the bottle. This is deeply hydrating. I'm actually on my second bottle and my skin is definitely more plump and hydrated. I really think this has helped the Red marks I have that are left from old spots. I like to use in the morning and evening. The texture is really light and fast absorbing, it works well really under my makeup.
The Ordinary Niacinamide | £5
On the other end of the price scale I have this serum from The Ordinary. Which contains Niacinamide. I do like this but I don't find it as hydrating as the Verso option. I don't think the results are as good either. This does hydrate my skin and leaves it looking a little better though. It's a good affordable option.
AHA's
I think we all know by now how good AHAs are. AHA, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids work by discovering the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells together, causing a gentle exfoliation. AHAs are said to be a much a better way of exfoliating the skin than regular scrubs with particles in them, these can be far too scratchy on the skin and cause irritation. AHAs are particularly good for dull, congested skin or anyone that just wants a good glow! It's worth noting that AHAs can increase the skins sensitivity to the sun and UVA rays so it's important to wear an SPF. The most common AHA in skincare are Glycolic and Lactic acid. My favourite AHA products are:
Pixi Glow Tonic | £18 (250ml)
This is an AHA in toner form. Making it super easy to use. This toner has gained a cult status and for good reason. This is so gentle yet so effective on the skin. It contains Glycolic acid as well as hydrating ingredients. To sift dead cells and reveal newer, brighter looking skin. This is even gentle enough to use everyday.
Alpha H Liquid Rose Gold* | £37
This is like Glow Tonic on steroids! It's similar to Glow Tonic in the sense that it's in toner form but this is more of treatment. You can use in the evening alone for intense exfoliation or mixed with other skincare. Used alone the results are really quite amazing. In the morning my skin looks and feels so much smoother and soft. This also gives my skin a gorgeous glow. I like to use it 2-3 times a week.
The Ordinary AHA Peeling Solution | £6.30
Another one of my favourite AHA products is this mask. This works in just under 10 minutes. It rids the skin of any dead skin and really reveals brighter, younger looking skin. In just one treatment. I can't believe how quickly this works. If you're looking for a super speedy, quick fix, I really recommend this. This also leaves my skin so smooth and radiant looking. Plus this is so cheap.
I'm going to do a part 2 with some other ingredients I've been enjoying and seen brilliant results from. So keep your eyes peeled for that.
Have you tried any of these products? What ingredients do you look for in skincare?
Until next time...
Don't forget to follow me on:
`
No comments