When it comes to skincare, there is always a new product or ingredient clamoring for our attention. So, how do we know when to listen and when to block it out? If you want to take a less is more approach to your skincare routine (which is the best course of action) then you need to focus on ingredient-driven skincare. Yes, this means that the prettiest bottle does not always equate to the best one, we’re very sorry to break it to you.
Figuring out which ingredients and products work for your skin is a timely and costly exercise. And while there is still undoubtedly some level of trial and error to getting your perfect routine down pat, we’re here to offer you some guidance on your never-ending quest by simplifying your skincare routine into five key ingredients. These ingredients are the ones who have stood the test of time, and through it all have been praised by beauty experts and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a beginner on your journey, or you’re trying to shave a few steps off your extensive routine, here are the basic ingredients that will help you on your journey to perfect skin.
Vitamin-C
Vitamin-C in skincare is legendary for a reason; it works. Whether you suffer from fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone there is a good chance vitamin-C, and the skincare it’s featured in, is a recommended treatment. In its most basic form, it works as a potent antioxidant that aids your skin’s regeneration process, helping to repair damaged skin cells and reveal a brighter, glowing you.
Vitamin-C is also known as ascorbic acid, and it’s basically a little burst of sunshine in a bottle for your skin. While there are a lot of factors that play into dull, uneven or even hyper-pigmented skin such as poor sleeping habits, smoking and sometimes genetics (sorry again), its reassuring to know that you do have some control in your hands.
The main benefits of vitamin-c
Protects the skin from free radicals
Our skin is constantly exposed to external stressors. From UV to pollution, to radiation, there is always something out there trying to infiltrate our skin. When these stressors come into contact with our skin they form what are known as free radicals. Vitamin-C acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralising these free radicals before they can do their damage. This protective shield helps prevent the formation of new fine lines and wrinkles and can even diminish the appearance of existing ones. Studies have shown that applying vitamin-C topically can visibly reduce the signs of aging and promote a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Evens out skin tone
Uneven skin tone and discolorations like age spots are common signs of skin aging. These spots are caused by disruptions in melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Factors like sun exposure and free radical damage can accelerate this process, leading to premature discolourations.
Topical Vitamin C helps to tackle these issues by reducing the appearance of dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone. It can correct discolourations caused by age spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks, giving your skin a brighter, more uniform look.
Brightens
As we age, our skin tends to become drier and less elastic, often resulting in a dull appearance. Vitamin C plays a role in maintaining skin hydration, which is essential for a radiant glow.
How to use vitamin C
Apply a Vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and before your sunscreen. This is because Vitamin C can boost your sunscreen’s effectiveness, providing an extra layer of protection against sun damage. Look for products with a stable form of vitamin-C like the Skinsmiths PRO Strength Vitamin C. This antioxidant elixir reduces and prevents the signs of photoaging, and includes a stabilised water-soluble vitamin-C derivative that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots by 25%.
Retinol
The I-T-G-I-R-L of skincare that needs little introduction, retinol has seen itself secure a spot in the skincare ingredient hall of fame for its ability to deliver on its promises. A derivative of vitamin A and widely known for its powerful anti-aging effects. It’s a hero ingredient in many skincare products because it helps to speed up cell turnover, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath.
The main benefits of retinol
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol is famous for a lot of reasons, and rightfully so. But perhaps its most celebrated quality is its ability to get pretty close to reversing the clock when it comes to premature ageing. Retinol stimulates collagen production and encourages the shedding of old, dead skin cells. This process helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance over time.
Improves skin texture
If you have rough or uneven skin, retinol can help by promoting the renewal of skin cells. This results in a smoother texture and a reduction in the appearance of pores.
Helps fight acne
Retinol is also effective in treating acne. It prevents pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and reduces the formation of acne lesions.
Adds overall glow
Regular use of retinol can lead to a brighter, more radiant complexion by helping to clear away dull, dead skin cells and stimulating the production of new, healthy skin.
How to use retinol
Start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Apply retinol in the evening, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Follow up with a good moisturiser to combat potential dryness, and always use sunscreen during the day. The Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol is powered by a dynamic blend of retinol and phyto retinol, which enhances cellular renewal for visibly younger-looking skin.
AHAs and BHAs
Nothing will take your skin, and your day, from woe to wow quite like a good AHA/BHA product. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells from the surface and within the pores. They work differently but complement each other well, which is why you’ll almost always find them together. So if your skin’s been feeling a bit ‘meh’ lately, it might be time to start looking into whether this dynamic duo could be the answer to your skin’s woes.
Benefits of AHAs
Improves skins texture
AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, help to exfoliate the surface of your skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. This reveals a smoother, more even skin texture.
Brightens the skin
By removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, AHAs can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Increases hydration
AHAs also have hydrating properties that can help attract and retain moisture in the skin, improving overall hydration and plumpness.
Benefits of BHAs
Unclog pores
BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve excess oil and debris. This helps to prevent and treat acne and blackheads.
Reduces Inflammation
BHAs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe redness and irritation, making them ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Improves skins texture
Regular use of BHAs can help smooth rough skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes, leading to a more refined skin surface.
How to use AHAs and BHAs
AHAs and BHAs are most effective in the form of an exfoliant or a peel. The Skinsmiths Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel is a great, low-admin way of introducing these powerhouse ingredients into your skincare. Simply apply it before you go to sleep, and let it resurface and revitalise your complexion while you sleep, revealing a clearer, more radiant you by the morning.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is like a multitasking superhero for your skin. It’s known for its ability to address a variety of skin concerns, making it a valuable addition to any skincare routine. While it’s more of a recent addition than some of the other ingredients on this list, it’s made a considerable and noticeable splash onto the scene, particularly due to its contribution to the health of the skin barrier.
Benefits of niacinamide
Improves skin barrier function
Perhaps the ingredient's most unique quality is its ability to strengthen and improve the health of our skin's barrier. Niacinamide strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, which in turn, helps to retain moisture and protect our skin against environmental damage. This makes the skin more hydrated, improves overall skin health and comes with the added benefit of our making our other skincare products work more effectively.
Reduces redness
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Minimises pores
By regulating sebum production and improving skin elasticity, niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, giving your skin a smoother, more refined look.
How to use niacinamide
Niacinamide can be used both in the morning and at night. It plays well with other ingredients like vitamin-C and hyaluronic acid making it an easy product to incorporate into your routine. The Skinsmiths PRO Strength Niacinamide is designed to improve skin tone, texture, and redness and is a restorative elixir that anyone can benefit from including in their regimen.
Collagen
You’ve probably heard of collagen, but what does it actually do? Collagen is a protein that gives skin a plump look and encourages cell renewal to replace dead skin cells and minimises the development of wrinkles. Basically, as we age, our bodies will begin to make less and less of it. While this process is inevitable, there are some things we can do to keep the collagen in our skin alive and well. Topical ingredients such as vitamin C, ceramides and niacinamide are known to improve the youthful plumpness by stimulating collagen production.
The main benefits of collagen-promoting products
Improves skins elasticity
Collagen helps to keep your skin firm and elastic. By supporting collagen synthesis, you can help reduce sagging and maintain a youthful appearance.
Supports hydration
Collagen can enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to improved hydration and a plumper, more hydrated look.
Promotes healing
Collagen aids in the repair of damaged skin and supports overall skin regeneration, helping to maintain a healthy complexion.
How to use collagen
Topical collagen-promoting products, such as creams or serums, can be used as part of your daily skincare routine. For best results, look for products containing ingredients like peptides or amino acids, which can help stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production. The Skinsmiths Collagen Eye Complex is a ceramide-enriched targeted eye treatment that is Skinsmiths answer to taking care of your delicate eye area. It is crafted using a collagen-promoting complex of retinol, phyto retinol and vitamin-C that works to firm and strengthen the skin around the eyes and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re looking for a quick-fire way to improve your skin health, start by incorporating these five must-have ingredients into your routine. Trust us, you will seriously elevate your skincare game.
