Every few months a new skin care ingredient is discovered and pretty soon it’s everywhere: masks, serums, creams, you name it. But at the end of the day, a handful of ingredients have stood the test of time. In skin care they’re “the holy grail”.
You’ve probably heard of all these guys by now; Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, AHAs, Peptides, and Vitamin C all make the list), but dermatologists’ exact recommendations for how to use them to best fight wrinkles and acne may surprise you. Here, we break it all down.
1. Retinol – Anti-Aging Superstar
If there’s one ingredient lauded more than any other for its wrinkle-fighting, complexion-perfecting abilities, it’s Retinol; a crazy-effective derivative of vitamin A.
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Retinol + Green Tea Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer 100mlKSh 2,450.00
Here’s the deal with Retinol, we were talking about it in 1975, and we’re still talking about it now because it works. Study after study has shown that Retinol helps build collagen, decrease fine lines, improve skin’s texture and clear acne.
2. Hyaluronic Acid – Serious Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid helps moisturize and keep skin plump, and is one of the world’s finest humectants (elements that attract and retain water). What does that mean for skin?
Hyaluronic acid is awesome, and it absolutely works. In addition to being a terrific moisturizer, it partners well with other active skin care ingredients (so you can layer it with retinol, for example, and use it daily).
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Some By Mi H7 Hydro Max Moisture Cream 50mlKSh 2,150.00
The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it benefits any skin type, at any age. And the truth is that everyone looks great with hydrated skin.
3. Vitamin C – Makes Skin Glow
Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant and stimulates collagen production. It increases glow, evens out skin and brightens dark spots. For best results, look for a high concentration, up to 20 percent in a serum or cream.
And for an even bigger brightening boost, combine vitamin C with vitamin E.
4. Salicylic Acid – Clears Acne Overnight
Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble acid, so it penetrates skin to deep clean and unclog pores, control oiliness and excess sebum. Try salicylic acid in an allover serum or cream to prevent breakouts, and dry out pimples.
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Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser 170mlKSh 2,150.00
5. Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Smooths Skin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are powerful exfoliators that helps smooth rough skin, clear acne, brighten dull skin, erase wrinkles and fine lines. Look out for glycolic acid, the most popular and potent AHAs which penetrates damaged skin to spur fresh new skin cell production.
If your skin is sensitive, try glycolic’s less intense AHA cousin, lactic acid, which equally effective but mild for sensitive skin.
