From our last blog we discussed what extreme weather changes can do to our skin & something called TEWL. Here we will discuss the importance of feeding & nourishing our skin through the use of ingredients, this will help you when you are looking into purchasing skin care.
With the vast number of ingredients found in skin care it makes it difficult to know where to even start. We have selected a handful of ingredients that are commonly found in improving several skin conditions.
Remember that your ingredients list is generally written from the highest concentrated ingredients to the least. Look for these ingredients up the top of the ingredient list.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is well known for its unique characteristic to hold in moisture. It’s super hydrating properties, gives the skin volume & aids in tissue repair. Our body naturally produces Hyaluronic Acid, however due to the ageing process & environmental factors the production of it significantly decreases. So it is only right to replenish our skin. This is a very common ingredient found in many skincare products today, another ingredient you might see is it’s counterpart Sodium Hyaluronate. Sodium Hyaluronate works in a similar way to Hyaluronic Acid. Without getting too science-y & to make it easy to understand, the key difference is that Sodium Hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight which ultimately means it will penetrate quicker & easier into the skin. If you see either of these ingredients listed on your products, just think super hydrating properties & very beneficial for protecting your skin against TEWL & dehydration.
Niacinamide/ Niacin (VITAMIN B)
Niacinamide or Niacin is a form of Vitamin B, that boosts cellular energy, assisting with the repair, & regeneration of cells & tissues within our skin. Niacinamide has been proven to effectively treat a number of skin conditions including acne, dermatitis, rosacea, pigmentation conditions plus many more. Ultimately it works on repairing the skin’s barrier & providing the skin with protection. Vitamin B wakes up those tired cells, brightening the skin, improving circulation & healing. It’s like a Berocca for the skin!!
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a form of AHA’s (alpha Hydroxy acids), that naturally derives from milk. Lactic acid has the ability to exfoliate the skin whilst providing the skin with hydration. It does this by breaking the “glue like” bonds that hold the superficial skin cells (epidermal cells) together. It helps reduce TEWL as it increases our bodies Natural Fats & oils. Whilst also stimulating our glycosaminoglycans which in turn stimulates the production of Hyaluronic Acid.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are the building blocks of body fats, & are generally referred to as OMEGA’s. 2 EFA’s that the body does not naturally produce are linoleic and alpha linolenic acid, but are supplied through diet & topically, hence why a good diet & skincare are important. Each cell contains small amounts of EFA’s, & are key for assisting with the production & regulation of many body functions, including cell repair & renewal.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids, where they are found to represent 50% of barrier lipids in the outermost layer of our skin. They are greatly linked to EFA’s, as they both play a vital role in protecting the skin’s barrier function & helping to prevent TEWL. EFA’s help with the formation of ceramides, so without EFA’s this can result in skin barrier problems, such as dermatitis. Ceramides effectively work by providing protection, repair & healing to the skin.
There are plenty more ingredients to look out for, so do not limit yourself. It is always a great idea to do some research about what you are putting on your skin.
Divine Skin Clinic stocks products containing only the best ingredients that will help support & protect the hydration levels in your skin. If you do have any further questions regarding products or ingredients, please feel free contact Divine Skin Clinic.
Keep an eye out for Part 2- this includes what ingredients to avoid.
