Skincare Ingredients – Which Ones are Really Beneficial?

*This is a sponsored post

Have you ever tried reading ingredients on the back of skincare products? They’re often confusing; which means we end up relying on the marketing spiel when choosing which one to buy. Here’s a quick, easy explanation of what the key beneficial ingredients are.

Which skincare ingredients are best?

Retinol

Retinol comes from vitamin A. It features in a lot of anti-ageing products because it reduces mottled marks, wrinkles and fine lines. It also boosts hydration levels – so it’s a great ingredient to cash in on.

Hyaluronic acid

Despite the alarming name, this ingredient is an excellent one to have in your skincare products. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, but it depletes as we get older; which is a shame, as it’s

great for adding plumpness and softness to the skin.

Vitamin C

The sunshine vitamin is one to look out for in skincare products. It protects against pollutants, sun exposure and free radicals, which, over time, means your skin will look healthier and less damaged.

Benzoyl peroxide

Let’s be real – we all get spots from time to time. If you’ve got skin that’s prone to breakouts, a product with benzoyl peroxide might be of benefit. It kills off the bacteria and people usually notice an improvement in a few days. Watch out, though – it can dry the skin out.

Vitamin B3

Sometimes listed on the ingredients as niacinamide, this vitamin is great for reducing inflammation and evening out the skin tone. It can also lighten dark areas and improve natural elasticity.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an amazing exfoliator, which dislodges dead skin, making your face look fresher and more ‘awake’. It can have a drying effect though, so it needs to be teamed with a natural moisturiser.

What about the flavours?

A scent can make a skincare product feel luxurious or invigorating. Coconut and shea butter are great  or a bit of indulgence (or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, chocolate is also an option!). 

Some scented ingredients are great for enhancing mood. For example, floral flavours like rose and  lavender are good for night-time skincare products, as they’re relaxing and slightly indulgent. Alternatively, look for something with citrus or spice in it for first thing in the morning; it’s the ultimate wake-me-up!

If you’re not sure which sort of fragrance to choose, look to perfumes to give you a clue. Copycat Fragrances is a good place to start.