Ingredients to Look for in Your Skin Care Products
Taking care of your skin is one of the best ways to become more healthy, beautiful, and mindful of your body. Whether your skin care routine involves one product or ten, the ingredients are the most important part. Some replenish and nourish, but others can harm your skin. Become a conscious consumer with this guide. Your skin will thank you!
Antioxidants
These naturally occurring compounds are found in plants and directly to aid cell health. Antioxidants target free radicals, chemicals that can damage DNA. Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help boost your health, and skin care products with antioxidants can lead to healthier, younger-looking skin. Natural antioxidants beneficial for the skin include acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, and caffeine.
Vitamins
Vitamins A, C, E, and B3 are all antioxidants common to many skin care products. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are arguably the most powerful skin care ingredient, improving overall appearance by boosting collagen production, reducing blemishes, and smoothing skin. They're found in night creams, OTC lotions, and stronger chemical-based products.
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, combats redness by strengthening your skin’s moisture-protecting barrier. Vitamin E is an important component of products for aiding your skin while outdoors, and can be used to soothe the skin after a day in the sun. Finally, vitamin C is the jack-of-all-trades ingredient that helps fight wrinkles, tighten skin, and fade brown spots.
Essential Oils
These powerfully scented plant extracts have been used throughout history, both aromatically and topically. Some, like basil, tree tea, and chamomile, can help skin. Others such as cypress, frankincense, lemongrass, and cinnamon help with reducing blemishes. Most essential oils should be used sparingly and with caution in skin care regimens. Some natural ingredients are potential irritants if allergic or if you have sensitive skin. Be aware and choose oils you know have worked before. doTERRA recommends using their HD Clear Skin Care washes to start, which helps soothe redness and skin irritation.
Natural Acids
These acids are produced naturally by the body, but production slows over time. Thankfully, they are added to many skin care products as skin replenishers that target blemishes exfoliate, and hydrate. They leave the skin smooth, radiant, and soft. The best natural acids include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Blemish products use nitric oxide to stimulate health in the face.
Irritants
Some of the most trusted skin care products have hidden irritants. Common skin care ingredients that may be hurting your skin include fragrances, synthetic colors, preservatives like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and sulfates. Additionally, stay away from alcohols like propylene glycol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients not only damage the skin, some are known carcinogens and toxins with grave health impacts.
Being mindful of the ingredients in your skin care products is the first step in seeing results, protecting your skin, and reducing damage and irritation. Don’t waste your money on products that will hurt your skin. Instead, keep an eye out for only the best ingredients.
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