How Many Ingredients Are Actually Scientifically Proven To Help Your Skin?
There are so many skincare products on the market that it can be hard to choose between them. Did you know that very few skincare components are scientifically proven to benefit your skin? Most products sell promises instead of dermatologically-tested ingredients. Here are ten science-backed skincare ingredients to look for.
1. Retinol
Retinol is a concentrated derivative of Vitamin A that helps to promote cell turnover and renewal. It works like an antioxidant to reduce free-radical cell damage. Retinol is best used once or twice a week at night.
2. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are naturally occurring acids in fruits, vegetables, and milk. In particular, glycolic acid and lactic acid are proven to help moisturize the skin by acting as a humectant. These acids draw moisture from the environment to your skin, which helps to prevent dryness.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is often considered the "holy grail" of skincare ingredients. It’s a naturally produced substance in the body and helps the skin to retain moisture. This powerful ingredient can hold as much as a thousand times its weight in water! It also works for both dry and oily skin.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble antioxidants and is inexpensive and plentiful. This makes it a popular ingredient for many skincare products. Vitamin E works as a powerful anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and puffiness in the facial area. However, it shouldn’t be used for people with heavy acne or very oily skin as it may exacerbate these issues.
5. Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is a type of Vitamin C that is commonly found in skincare products. It has been scientifically proven to help the body generate more of its own natural collagen, making it an extremely popular ingredient for anti-aging products. When used in conjunction with Vitamin E, both vitamins become significantly more effective.
6. Algae
Algae are found in many high-end skincare formulas due to their powerful antioxidants. Red algae specifically work to boost the skin’s moisture by more than 100%! Green and blue algae work to brighten and cleanse the skin. Astaxanthin is a type of red microalgae that works similarly to Vitamins E and C to improve the elasticity of the skin.
7. Ceramides
Ceramides are a type of long-chain lipids that works as a barrier to help protect cells from bacteria and other foreign matter outside cell walls. Ceramides are components that occur naturally in the body but deteriorate over time. Skincare products that contain ceramides can help replace these lost lipids, resulting in a 100% or greater boost in moisture retention.
8. Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 has been shown to help reduce inflammation and even skin tone, creating a smoother and more consistent appearance. It’s also an effective acne-fighting ingredient that works by preventing outbreaks in the first stage of development before blemishes even arise. Studies show that this ingredient markedly reduces the appearance of sun spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation after just four weeks of consistent use.