Skincare ingredients are essential to the health and nourishment of your skin. Our skin has naturally occurring skincare ingredients that help to nourish and protect the skin, but it is imperative to replenish those ingredients as we age because once we hit our 20s, some of those ingredients in our skin begin to deplete; Hence the importance of replenishing them so our skin can maintain its health, radiance, and youthfulness.
In today’s blog, I will highlight some of the essential skincare ingredients you need to add to your skincare routine for healthy skin.
Skincare Ingredients
Protect Skin Barrier
Ceramides: Ceramides are at the top of my list because you can find this ingredient at the surface level of the skin, called the skin barrier. The skin barrier is a protective layer that shields the Epidermis and Dermis from the outside world. Also, the skin barrier consists of skin cells called Corneocytes – Ceramides are lipids that act like glue to hold the skin cells together. For this reason, the skin needs to have abundant Ceramides, and we can replenish Ceramides by using facial moisturizers daily.
Ceramides are lipids that comprise 50% of the skin’s composition to form the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier keeps moisture in the skin to keep the skin hydrated while keeping impurities out of the skin.
To add Ceramides to your skincare routine, look for Ceramides 2 and 3 for the face and neck. In addition, continuous use of Ceramides will strengthen your skin barrier and increase hydration.
Exfoliate Skin And Clean Pores
Salicylic Acid: Our skin naturally exfoliates itself, but sometimes some dead skin cells remain on the skin, and the skin accumulating these dead skin cells can make the skin look dull. So to help with the shedding of the skin cells, you may include a chemical exfoliant that loosens the skin cells and makes it easy for them to shed to reveal newer and radiant skin. Salicylic acid is a super potent exfoliant for exfoliating and cleansing the pores. In addition, Salicylic acid is gentle on the skin and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Build Collagen
Peptides: As we get into our 20’s, our skin diminishes in the production of Collagen. Collagen helps our skin look firm; when Collagen begins to deplete, we see wrinkles and fine lines. Also, Peptides are amino acids that make specific proteins for the skin. In addition, Peptides help to build the skin barrier, reduce wrinkles, stimulate elastin, soothe skin, and fight acne.
Peptides penetrate the skin layer, acting as messengers and telling the other cells to produce Collagen and elastin.
Radiant Skin And Antioxidant
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals are oxidants that damage the skin cells over time, damaging Collagen in the process and causing the skin to wrinkle prematurely. Therefore, when you add Vitamin C to your skin routine, you benefit from the antioxidants that help your skin look radiant and younger.
Also, you may use Vitamin C to make your skin look naturally brighter and glowing. Vitamin C interferes with the pigmentation process through tyrosinase inhibition of the melanin pigment pathway. This process helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation to even out the skin tone. In addition, it speeds the skin cell turnover to reveal new cells. Finally, Vitamin C also works to help in the production of Collagen and Elastin in the skin.
Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid molecules are like little tiny sponges that attract water into themselves. So picture how a sponge will soak up water; that is how Hyaluronic Acid behaves. When you apply Hyaluronic Acid to your skin, the product (molecules) goes into the second layer of your skin, and it begins to attract water from your body and your environment. The water binds to the molecules, and the molecules, in turn, begin to cause a plumping effect in the skin. Thus, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
In addition, the molecules hold up to 1000x their weight in water. Environmental damage decreases its amount in the body, so you need to replenish it.
Moisture
Squalane: Squalane is an emollient that moisturizes and repairs dry, rough skin to improve skin texture and appearance. In addition, Squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent emollient for both skin and hair. Furthermore, it is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Lastly, Squalane helps to protect and nourish the skin barrier.
Keep Skin Cells Healthy
Coq10: CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps the skin cells to generate energy in your cells. CoQ10 also helps to neutralize free radicals. As a result, CoQ10 gives energy to your cells so your cells can regenerate and your skin can fight free radicals.
Protect Skin From The Sun
Sunscreen: To protect your delicate skin, remember to apply sunscreen whenever you go out. It is vital to apply sunscreen both in the summer and winter months. Sunscreen formulated with zinc is effective and acts as a block to reflect the UVA and UVB sun rays away from the skin. In addition, wearing sunscreen helps to protect the skin from photoaging, premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and, more seriously, cancer. My favorite sunscreen is the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream – bonus, it does not leave a white cast on the skin.
