Popular skincare ingredients and their use

Understanding Everyday Skincare Ingredients: What They Do for Your Skin

Skincare ingredients. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13370130136265133/.

Navigating the world of skincare products can be like solving a puzzle. When you stand in the beauty aisle, you may feel uncertain about what's right for your skin and worry about making a skincare mistake. We're here to help you understand popular skincare ingredients and find products that truly work. Whether you prefer a simple routine or love trying new products, it's all about finding the right ingredients for your skin goals. In this blog, we'll explore how products are made and recommend effective options. Join us on this skincare journey to uncover the secrets of these complex ingredients and discover great products that use them.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic Acid is a dicarboxylic acid found in cereal grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It is produced by Malassezia furfur, a yeast that normally lives on the skin. It does a little bit of everything. It helps to improve redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation. It’s great for rosacea and acne-prone skin.

This is not an exfoliating acid unlike the name suggests, and unlike AHAs and BHAs this can be used both morning and night.

Benzoyl peroxide

benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. It functions as an antiseptic by reducing the quantity of bacteria (germs) on the skin's surface.

Typically, it's among the first treatments recommended for mild to moderate acne.

What may interact with this medication?

Adapalene
Isotretinoin
Salicylic acid or sulfur-containing products
Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin or erythromycin

Glycerin

Humectants, such as glycerin, are a class of moisturizing agents that draw water from the air and deeper layers of your skin to the surface layer.

Glycerin is frequently combined with occlusives, another kind of moisturizing agent, in skin care products in order to retain the moisture it draws into the skin.

Skin benefits

Hydrate the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum)
Improve skin barrier function
Provide protection against skin irritants
Accelerate wound-healing processes
Relieve dry skin
May help with psoriasis

Peptides

Peptides, also known as polypeptides, are found naturally in the skin but are also included in many skincare products, and for good reasons.

Certain proteins required by the skin are composed of amino acids called peptides. More precisely, adding peptides can encourage your skin to produce collagen because the structure of collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains. More collagen can make skin appear firmer and younger.

Naturally, your body produces collagen. However, as time goes on, less collagen is produced, which can make skin appear less radiant and more wrinkled.

Retinol

One of the forms of vitamin A that is useful for skin care is retinol. It has anti-aging properties and is used to treat acne. Retinol is available without a prescription over-the-counter. You can also see your doctor to find out how best to incorporate retinol into your skincare regimen. Higher concentrations of retinoids than what you can purchase over the counter may be prescribed by your doctor.

Side effects of retinol

Dry, irritated skin
Itching or burning
Redness, peeling, flaky, or scaly skin
Sunburn

These side effects should gradually go away as your skin gets used to it.

Vitamin B3/ Niaciamide

Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that helps in the formation of keratin and the maintenance of firm, healthy skin. It may help in keeping skin hydrated and prevent flushing. Face masks containing this ingredient can help reduce swelling and redness if you have rosacea.

References

Olsson, R. (n.d.). What is azelaic acid and its benefits?: Banner health. What is Azelaic Acid and Its Benefits? | Banner Health. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/azelaic-acid-and-its-benefits

Murden, K. (2022, February 14). An A to Z guide to the most popular skin-care ingredients. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/skin-care-ingredients-a-to-z-guide