Top Skin Care Ingredients of 2020
2020 seems to be the year of taking care of ourselves. Having so much time in our hands made it all the more inevitable for us to pick and kick-start our focus on wellbeing.
For us skin care fanatics, wellbeing definitely is synonymous with skin care. Thanks to the massive developments in the skin care industry, beauty gurus had hundreds of holy grail recommendations. With so many products (and ingredients!) to navigate through, it is easy to become overwhelmed and not know which product will work the best for your specific skin concerns.
From the ingredients you’re already familiar with to those you might not know, here is a list of what they are and what they’d do for you.
- Hyaluronic acid — Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Meaning it can plump the skin with moisture, so it looks soft, smooth and more youthful. Scientific studies have shown that Hyaluronic acid helps to improve skin hydration and production of collagen, maintain skin elasticity. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help with wound healing.
2. Glycolic acid — Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), an organic, carbon-containing molecule. This miraculous ingredient is perfect if you are looking to simplify your skincare routine with a product that provides the benefits of minimized pores, younger-looking skin and a radiant complexion. It is an all-in-one solution to your greatest skin troubles from aging to acne.
3. Salicylic acid — Acne prone? Salicylic acid is your best friend. It works by diving deep into the pores to unclog them, thus helping with breakouts. It acts to reduce sebum production and counteracting excess oil. Salicylic acid neutralises the acne-causing bacteria thereby helping in reducing the size of spots and also preventing them from forming in the first place. To summarise, it is a magical blemish buster ingredient.
4. Niacinamide — Pronounced ‘nahy-uh-sin-uh-mahyd’, this multi-purpose ingredient can help treat blemishes, ease redness, improve hyperpigmentation and overall texture while minimising the appearance of pores. It also comes in handy to give you the maximum level of radiance. In other words, it’s a no-brainer for your routine.
5. Squalene — Squalene is an emollient (for moisturising and softening) that mimics your skin’s natural oils and helps to lock moisture into skin. It is an antioxidant to protect against free radical damage.
6. Vitamin A aka Retinol — Much has been written about the benefits of using retinol in your routine, but as a short reminder — retinol is the number one ingredient in skincare that is aimed at rewinding the signs of ageing and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It resurfaces the skin by stimulating cell turnover and encouraging collagen production, leaving the skin brighter and more youthful looking. It is best to include this ingredient in your night time routine, with a low percentage and build up to a higher one as skin can initially find it difficult to tolerate. Also, with sun senstivsity and skin peeling deemed side effects, it is important to wear an SPF to protect your skin.
7. Vitamin C — Taking the top spot with over a million hits, Vitamin C is the most searched for ingredient of 2020, thus proving that gleaming skin really is the secret to a healthier-looking complexion. This potent antioxidant is a powerhouse: it defends skin against external aggressors, like pollution, tackles uneven skin tone and fine lines, boosts hydration level, supports collagen production and neutralises free radicals.
