You may have heard that beauty is only skin-deep. Well, quite befitting, even so, there is no denying that essentially every woman (or, for that matter, even a man) on the planet craves a healthy appearance of the skin, aspiring for that 'lit from within kind of glow.; In the last few years, COVID has changed our lives, and with little access to salons and stuff, the beauty and wellness regimens witnessed ample modifications and adapting. The minimalistic approach to skincare regimen with a focus on augmenting skin health has been a fascinating trend in dermatology.
We bring you a list of seven components that can be part and parcel of your skin care.
A healthy body and clean, spotless skin makes your overall complexion look radiant. The new derma trend is to embrace gentle ingredients to achieve that sizzling glow from within. While women are getting more experimental these days, there is no harm in trying what works best for your appearance.
Get your hands on the best and sizzle with these phenomenal constituents to keep your skin splendid looking. Try them as a stand-alone product or infuse them with other beautiful components. We assure you that these seven beauty components are worth trying. And why not? After all, life is all about feeling beautiful from the inside out. So here we are, keeping our promise to bring out the best in you, helping you stay hearty and gorgeous!
Treat Your Skin With Our Immense Range of Skincare Essentials!
Seven Wonders For The Skin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Procured from natural sources such as milk and fruits, these are gentle chemicals that exfoliate the uppermost layer of skin, giving room for new cells to generate. Fundamentally five acids, lactic acid is present in dairy and fermented vegetables, glycolic acid comes from sugarcane, malic acid is present in apples, citric acid comes from citrus fruits, and tartaric acid comes from grapes. While all AHAs work towards skin health, lactic and glycolic acid is popular among all five in the skin care domain and is used in anti-ageing products to battle fine lines, reduce pigmentation, brighten skin tone, and improve texture. Glycolic acid penetrates beyond the top layer of the skin, whereas lactic acid works as a mild and non-irritating exfoliant suitable for sensitive skin. If you are a first-time user of AHAs, look for products with a pH level of not more than 3.5 to 4 and ensure that the concentration of AHAs is below 10 percent.
When To Use:
Incorporate AHAs in your night routine. Avoid using the retinol-based product along with it and just apply a moisturizer before AHA-based product application.Aloe Vera Gel
Brimming with fabulous skin-befitting properties, aloe vera is indeed one of the most widely used herbal remedies for treating skin conditions. Along with skin-soothing ingredients, such as echinacea and calendula, besides marvelous microbial properties, aloe vera is ninety percent water. With topical application of its gel, the cells of the skin’s epidermis stick together, which helps in locking moisture into the skin. It possesses enzymes, antioxidants, and Vitamins A and C, which can treat acne, and dry skin issues, increase elasticity of the skin, and aid the regeneration of skin cells. Salicylic acid in aloe vera helps unclog the pores and remove pesky scars. It is suitable for all skin types and can be safely applied to sensitive skin as well.When To Use:
Preferably in the night before going to sleep, it can also be used in the morning before taking a shower.Retinol
Another popular ingredient in skin care, retinol is a fat-soluble of the Vitamin A family. It has been trending as one of the most on-the-radar potent skincare ingredients in anti-ageing realm. A powerful antioxidant, it fights free-radical damage, promotes cell renewal, and thickens the skin layer where wrinkles form while boosting your skin’s collagen and preserving your collagen stores. If that is not all, it also aids the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin tone and texture. With so many sappy skin benefits, no wonder it has been a star in derma care. However, retinol addition to daily skin routine should be a gradual process and the skin’s tolerance to it takes time.
When To Use:
Retinol is best applied at night as it increases skin sensitivity to the sun making it more sensitive. Never forget to follow it up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in case you have to step out.
Also Read: Retinol: Discover The Benefits Of This Wonder Ingredient For Skin Care And Beauty
Polyhydroxy Acid
One fabulous skincare ingredient, polyhydroxy acids is a type of hydroxy acids, just like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids. Out of all three, they are considered the mildest. It serves as a good substitute for people with sensitive skin and the ones who cannot tolerate AHA’s and BHA’s that are stronger in comparison to polyhydroxy acids, these exfoliators clear dead skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage to promote an even tone and a radiant appearance. Some of the most popular PHAs used in skincare products are lactobionic acid, galactose, and gluconolactone which are found in cleansers, toners, moisturizers, masks, and serums. Use it in the form of a toner or even a face wash. It is recommended to use PHA products in combination with other moisture-locking ingredients such as glycerine.
When To Use
PHA products are safe to use in the morning or at night after washing the skin thoroughly. Like other exfoliating treatments, Polyhydroxy Acids are best applied to clean skin.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is one skincare ingredient that has been here for the long time. A powerful and potent antioxidant that helps combat free radicals, repair UV damage caused by harmful UV rays, prevent premature ageing, reduce hyperpigmentation, and brighten the skin tone, Vitamin C's benefits are countless. This powerful Vitamin is comprehensively used in cleansers, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and face masks. It is also popped in the form of a chewable tablet.
When To Use:
Vitamin C serums and creams should be used in the morning because the antioxidant properties in this Vitamin will become a defense against pollutants and free radicals that could otherwise damage the skin.
Also Read: Vitamin C – Functions, Food Sources, Deficiencies and Toxicity
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant extract used extensively in Chinese and Indian medicine for years. An alternative to retinol or a gentler cousin of it that offers a less-irritating, clean, natural, and vegan alternative, it boasts stupendous wellness benefits for skin and hair. Bakuchiol has been gaining immense popularity in skin care products since products formulated with this herb have fabulous anti-ageing properties. They help reduce hyperpigmentation, pigmentation, wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and severe oxidative stress caused by harsh UV rays. Known to be extremely gentle on the skin and is suitable for even people with sensitive skin.
When To Use:
Bakuchiol should preferably be used before going to bed. You can also apply a night cream on top of it.
Also Read: Bakuchi: Health Benefits, Uses In Ayurveda, Formulations, Dosage, Side Effects
Centella Asiatica-Cica
Centella Asiatica or Cica, also known as tiger grass, has recently gained popularity through the range of popular K-beauty products trending in the market. A leafy green herb-rich that is rich in fatty acids and many essential flavonoids, this plan has been in use for more than 3,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine. At present, it is heralded as one of the most potent anti-ageing ingredients in skincare products. Cica extracts help regulate collagen synthesis, prevent oxidative damage from environmental stressors and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. You can use cica products to reduce acne, scars, dryness, skin inflammation, fine lines, and wrinkles. Available in several forms such as balms, creams, lotions, sunscreens, cica based creams are the latest skincare craze, promising extreme hydration and radiance.
When To Use:
Cica is best in the morning. Use cica cream after applying other products as it can act as a thick moisturizing barrier cream. A serum can be applied underneath the regular moisturizer, and apply sunscreen on top.
Additional Well-Known Skin Care Ingredients
Glycolic Acid
Derived from sugarcane, Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid with a small molecular size that helps it to penetrate the skin deeply. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin and helps in promoting cell turnover, thus revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can also help in treating acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is an oil-soluble skin care acid that can penetrate deep into the pores helping in treating acne and preventing breakouts. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, reducing inflammation, and improving overall skin texture.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that occurs naturally in the skin and is known for its ability to attract and hold onto water molecules. Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin by keeping it hydrated and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
Sheau-Chung Tang1,2 and Jen-Hung Yang
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047947/
