Skin is the largest and most complex body organ that requires several types of nutrients to maintain itself. And that’s why we have to be careful of the products we include in our skincare regimen. Here is list of the top trending skincare ingredients of 2021 and how they help in maintaining your skin’s health.
Polyhydroxy acids
One of the most trending skincare ingredients, Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are a type of hydroxy acids, just like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) but these are the gentlest of the three by far.
These chemical exfoliators help to shed the dead skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage to promote an even-toned and radiant complexion.
Retinol
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most on-the-radar skincare ingredients for its anti-ageing benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant that fights free-radical damage, reduces acne, promotes cell renewal, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles while boosting your skin’s collagen production.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that agrees with almost all skin types. It is a powerhouse of hydration that can hold 1000x of its weight in water. That’s why it is one of the best moisturising agents ideal for both dry and oily skin types. It is also one of the ingredients used in many long-lasting lipsticks and lip stains.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of topical Vitamin B3. It offers a variety of skin benefits that include visibly reducing the signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation, reversing sun damage, protecting skin cells against oxidative damage and evening out skin tone. It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective against acne outbreaks.
Vitamin C
This buzzy skincare ingredient has been here forever and we have seen a rise of products incorporating ascorbic acid, which we know as vitamin C. It is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and environmental stressors, repairs UV damage, prevents premature ageing, reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out the skin tone.
Glycerine
Glycerine is a major skincare ingredient found in moisturisers and lotions. It is a humectant found naturally in the skin and acts as a moisturising agent to establish hydration and prevent dryness. Glycerine’s skin-replenishing and skin-restoring properties make it the best humectant among others such as hyaluronic acid and AHAs.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular plant that yields clear and gooey, gel-like extract with anti-fungal and cell regenerative properties. It contains over 75 naturally active ingredients that provide antioxidants to the skin and help rejuvenate it. You can add moisturisers formulated with aloe vera to your skincare routine and enjoy smoother, hydrated, soft and plumped skin. It is an excellent remedy to soothe sunburnt or irritated skin.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-KOO-chee-all) is a plant extract that has been extensively used in Chinese and Indian medicine for years. Think of it as Retinol’s gentler cousin that offers a less-irritating, clean, natural and vegan alternative. Studies have shown that skincare products formulated with bakuchiol help with hyperpigmentation, ageing, pigmentation and photodamage when used twice a day for 12 weeks.
Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica (cica), commonly known as Gotu Kala or tiger grass, has recently gained popularity through K-beauty products, but it has been used for nearly 3,000 years in traditional medicine.
Cica extracts help regulate collagen synthesis, prevent oxidative damage from environmental stressors and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. You can use cica serums or creams to reduce acne, scars, dryness, skin inflammation, fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen
Finally, on the list of top trending skincare ingredients, Collagen is heralded as one of the most potent anti-ageing ingredients in skincare products. What is collagen? It is a protein that occurs naturally in our skin and plays a significant role in how our skin looks and ages. This plentiful protein forms 75 to 80 per cent of our skin and acts as a water-binding agent to lock in moisture. Topical collagen and its effect on the skin is still controversial, however, taking collagen supplements has proven effective to aid collagen loss that happens naturally with age. It may also help increase skin elasticity, reduce eye wrinkles and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemgrit Cosmetics is a supplier of several cosmetic ingredients for the both personal care and home care. For more information contact johrinda@chemgritsa.co.za or visit www.chemgritcosmetics.co.za.
[Information: www.catwalkyourself.com]