Top 10 Skin Care Factors
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural glycoprotein found in human connective tissue. Its function is to hydrate, cushion and lubricate. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it can draw water from the environment into the skin, thus helping to keep it hydrated. It can bind water up to 1000 times its volume and is effective in both high and low humidity conditions.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens are vital. The world’s most advanced sunscreens have broad-spectrum coverage, meaning they can block out harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as indoor infra-red and high-energy visible light. A good sunscreen will also contain super antioxidants to neutralise free radicals and help repair DNA damage.
Anti-oxidants
Antioxidants are your internal bodyguards, preventing damage. They protect your skin cells and DNA, combatting cellular damage caused by UltraViolet and Infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption that generate damaging free radicals. Anti-oxidants can be used topically and orally.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs) essentially originate from milk and fruit sugars. They exfoliate the skin by effectively removing that top layer of skin that makes way for new skin to grow. They help to reduce the likelihood that wrinkles will develop, making skin smoother and evening out skin that’s hyperpigmented. Lactic, Glycolic, Malic, Citric and Tartaric Acids are all examples of Alpha Hydroxyls.
Polyhydroxy (PHA) and Bionic acids
These add a powerful skincare ingredient with multiple benefits to protect the skin, reversing visible signs of ageing, enhancing skin clarity and providing skin-plumping firming effects. They are less irritating to skin compared to AHA’s and cause less stinging. PHA’s enhance the skin barrier, function as moisturizers, and provide antioxidant effects. Examples include Maltobionic and Lactobionic acid.
Retinol
Retinol and retinoids are fat-soluble derivatives of Vitamin A. Retinol stimulates collagen production and promotes skin cell turnover, thus lessening the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It improves the skin’s hydration level, texture, tone, and colour. Retinol is also an antioxidant that can counteract free-radical damage and it is an effective treatment for acne.
Growth Factors
Growth factors are proteins secreted by cells that regulate cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation. They help maintain healthy skin structure and function plus stimulate biochemical pathways that promote skin tissue repair and regeneration. They promote the formation of collagen and elastin fibres resulting in skin repair.
Peptides
Peptides are a chain of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They can stimulate fibroblasts which are the cells that produce collagen – in other words, they signal the skin to create collagen, so essential in the fight against skin ageing and wrinkles. Peptides can be viewed as part of a tactical response squad and are often found in multi-ingredient formulations.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, supports collagen synthesis. One of the ways our skin keeps itself renewed is through the production of collagen. Vitamin C is proven to support collagen synthesis. In addition, it has been shown to help reduce pigmentation, brighten the skin and retain moisture. It is a potent anti-oxidant that protects the skin’s as a natural defence against UV radiation.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits. Also known as vitamin B3, and nicotinic acid, it is a naturally occurring vitamin that can be found in meats, nuts and mushrooms. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help improve discolourations, and revive tone and texture.