Looking at the ingredient list on your favorite skin care products doesn’t have to be a chemistry lesson. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common ingredients, you can be more aware of what you are putting on your skin. We broke down the meaning of some common ingredients, so you know exactly what to look for and how each compound really works.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
What It Does: It loosens dead skin cells for easy exfoliation to reduce sun damage, fine lines and treat other skin conditions.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E & K)
What It Does: It provides free radical protection, has anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen growth and brightens the skin.
Try: SkinMedica Vitamin C&E Complex, Revision Vitamin C 15% & 30%
Glycolics (Alpha-hydroxy & Beta-hydroxyl acid)
What It Does: It exfoliates and removes dead skin cells to brighten and improve the skin’s clarity.
Growth Factors
What It Does: It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for skin rejuvenation and a smoother surface. Specialty ingredients immediately plump skin while regenerating cells for a more youthful appearance. It is also known to improve skin elasticity.
Try: TNS Essential Serum, TNS Eye Repair, TNS Eye Repair and TNS Ultimate Daily SPF 20
Hydration, including Ceramides & Hyaluronic acid
What It Does: It locks in moisture, giving the skin a healthy appearance and smooth touch. Ceramide builds a protected layer over the skin, trapping in moisture. Meanwhile, Hyaluronic acid lubricates the skin’s tissue to maintain moisture and elasticity.
Hydroquinone
What It Does: It depigments skin to lighten the dark patches of hyperpigmentation, melasma, age spots, freckles and other discolorations.
Peptides
What It Does: It signals the skin to stimulate collagen production to plump, firm and tighten the skin. Peptides can also be used to minimize redness and relax wrinkles and fine lines.
Try: TNS Essential Serum & Nectifirm
Retinoids
What It Does: It is best known for treating all kinds of skin concerns, including acne, fine lines, dullness, wrinkles and sun spots. Retinoids can improve skin clarity, tone and texture.
Try: SkinMedica Retinol Complex
Salicylic Acid
What It Does: It treats a variety of skin conditions with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties.
Sunscreen
What It Does: It protects skin from the sun’s damaging rays. UVA/UVB/IR broadband spectrum sunscreen is best when paired with antioxidants, protects the skin from the degradation of collagen and elastin as well as free radical protection. Read our blog to learn more about sunscreen myths and why related ingredients are so important.
Try: Total Defense + Repair Sunscreen, Revision Intellishade
Vitamin A, C, and E
What It Does: Like antioxidants, this trio of vitamins is a skin care powerhouse that works together to block free radicals and keep toxins out of the skin.
Original post blogged on b2evolution.
