The six powerhouse ingredients every skincare routine needs
Navigating the world of skincare can be challenging when there are thousands of products, ingredients and recommendations online. The first step in understanding which products work best for your skin is to identify your main skin concerns, which most commonly include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dullness
- Redness
- Dehydration and dryness
- Blemishes and oiliness
- Uneven tone
The next step is understanding which ingredients are most effective in helping your skin concerns so you can achieve your dream complexion. We've rounded up the top 6 must-have ingredients and asked experts to share their knowledge about the skincare benefits.
Collagen
“Healthy collagen is the key to maintaining youthful-looking skin. It provides the framework that keeps our skin taut, wrinkle-free, and resilient.” explains Victoria Evans, education manager at Dermalogica, who delves into this buzzword ingredient in the Pro-Collagen Banking Serum.
“The Pro-Collagen Banking Serum contains an innovative blend of collagen amino acids, carnosine dipeptide, and antioxidants to help preserve collagen by defending against collagen-degrading free radicals. Essentially, collagen is the foundation for glowing, healthy-looking skin and Pro-Collagen Banking Serum is 94% more effective in preserving skin’s collagen compared to untreated skin.”
“This serum is for anyone who wants to preserve their skin to reduce premature skin ageing”
“Its creamy, hydrating formula leaves skin looking plump and radiant and is suitable for all skin conditions. It will also support barrier health and hydration which can be compromised during the autumn.”
£89.00
AHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids chemically exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Dr Marie Drago, founder of Gallinée, shares the impressive role that AHAs play in their bestselling Face Vinegar:
“The main ingredient in our Face Vinegar is... vinegar, also known as acetic acid. It balances the pH of the skin, stimulates the good bacteria of your microbiome and has a gentle brightening and purifying action.”
“Acetic acid is part of a group of actives that is the subject of very intense research for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.”
- “Our Face Vinegar is great for sensitive skin because of its soothing effect. It’s a toner so you can easily insert it into any routine after cleansing using a cotton pad or just splashing it on.”
24
£26.00
Salicylic acid
Known as the blemish-buster, salicylic acid is a BHA derived from willow bark, also working to chemically exfoliate the skin. Bioderma brand expert, Gemma Jones, deciphers the impressive benefits of Sebium Kerato+, their salycylic-powered gel-cream:
“In Sebium Kerato+, we use an innovative combination of 1.8% salicylic acid and 10% malic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates more on the surface and the malic acid ester works to exfoliate deeper inside the skin. As a result, breakouts are reduced, pores become unclogged and excess sebum production is regulated so the skin looks healthier and clearer overall.
“During summer, our skin is thicker to protect it from radiation, which can end up clogging our sebaceous glands further down the line. Therefore, if you are someone with blemish-prone skin, the continual use of salicylic acid and malic acid ester will act as the best preventive measure to ensure that your breakouts do not return!”
5
£18.00
Hyaluronic acid
No skincare routine is complete without the hydration hero, hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture to give you a plumper, more radiant appearance. Dr Mary Sommerlad, consultant dermatologist, shares her top tips for integrating this ingredient into your regime using the VICHY M89 Daily Booster:
“As M89 Daily Booster is lightweight, hydrating and non-comedogenic with only the minimum number of ingredients, it suits all skin types including those with blemish-prone or sensitive skin. It will also benefit those with dry, dehydrated and normal skin looking for a plumper, smoother feel to the skin.”
“This serum is best applied onto slightly damp skin after cleansing and before moisturiser and sunscreen.”
- “As the seasons transition, the change in weather puts pressure on our skin barrier. Central heating promotes water loss through the skin and the wind and cold weather can make the skin barrier more fragile. Dehydrated skin loses its radiance and plumpness. I recommend using this lightweight hydrating booster to help maintain moisture without clogging the skin.”
359
£35.00
Vitamin C
If you’re tired of dull skin and feeling ready to renew your glow, vitamin C is an essential for brightening your complexion. We share our top tips for the fan-favourite SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum:
Vitamin C is most effective when delivered and absorbed into the skin under specific conditions. This top-rated serum contains C E Ferulic acid, a patented formulation of vitamin C, which has been in many peer-reviewed scientific journals due to how well it is delivered to the skin.
This serum has an incredible number of clinically proven benefits, including helping to protect the skin from free radicals, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brightening the complexion.
SkinCeuticals recommend that you apply C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum after cleanser in the AM, before sunscreen and moisturiser. Consistent use will lead to the best results.
61
£165.00
Retinal
“This iconic vitamin A night serum is clinically proven to help soften the appearance of stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation.”
“With Crystal Retinal’s six progressive strengths, you can personalise your vitamin A journey, starting with a lower strength like Crystal Retinal 3 for new users and moving up as your skin builds tolerance.”
“Medik8 recommends using at least one tube of your current Crystal Retinal strength before moving up the ladder to the next strength.”
“For new users, start slow: apply twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. You should always use sunscreen the following morning after using vitamin A.”
16
£6.99
17
£2.99
2
£5.00
From a young age I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry, getting my first job at a skin clinic and staying there for almost 5 years. My love for skincare was born from the constant exposure to new French pharma skincare products, award-winning supplements and revolutionary techniques to snatch your face. My go-to look is a dewy, natural base using a tinted moisturiser, enhanced by a colourful eyeliner. The Garnier SPF50+ Face Fluid and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer are my holy grails.
