From Niacinamide to AHAs and BHAs – Dictionary of Essential Skincare Ingredients Trending In 2021
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Skincare is an important part of our life and if there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s that our skin is super delicate. It’s important to acknowledge that certain factors like diet, stress levels, and even lifestyle can have an effect on your facial skin. When it comes to purchasing the right skincare products, you shouldn’t just focus on fancy ingredients and popular brands. Sometimes, a simple chemist-bought benzoyl peroxide cream could help fix your acne problem when you’re in a rush. People who care about the ingredients of their cosmetic products are on a rise and they don’t just buy something because of a flashy ad or packaging.
If you too are curious about these ingredients and don’t want the ingredient list to look like an ancient language that you don’t understand, we’re here to help. In this article, we will be introducing you to some of the most important and popular skincare ingredients that go into your products. Some of these have gotten crazy popular by this year and we’re going to tell you exactly why. Read on to learn more!
Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
AHAs include certain acids like malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and many more that are often used in cosmetic formulations. AHAs works to basically de-age the skin and improve its elasticity and reduce lines and wrinkles. It improves the firmness of skin and helps increase skin cell renewal (1).
Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are derived from a chemical called hydroquinone. They are often used as de-pigmentation agents in your skincare products. Alpha arbutin can help treat problems such as hyperpigmentation and can also protect against signs of sun damage like freckles, melasma, and more. They are also enriched with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties (2).
Acetyl Glucosamine
Acetyl Glucosamine is an important anti-aging agent that can often be found in anti-aging skincare creams. It can also help with hyperpigmentation if you use it topically. This ingredient is extremely well tolerated by the skin (3).
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a popularly used topical acne cream and can be purchased at any drugstore or makeup store without a prescription. It’s usually advised to start at the lowest dosage of the cream which is about 2%. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that is considered very effective when it comes to treating acne and killing off acne-causing bacteria. However, as with most skincare products, it’s a good idea to spot test the cream before going all out (4).
Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Beta-Hydroxy acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates the pores deeply and helps clear out acne and blackheads. One of the most well known and common forms of BHA is salicylic acid and that is said to be pretty miraculous when it comes to treating acne. In fact, many people with acne prone skin use salicylic acid in their face washes (5).
Clay
Clay is an organic and uber popular skincare ingredient that can help keep oily skin feeling fresh and dry. If you’re someone who practically leaks oils from their pores, you need to check out clay face masks. Fuller’s earth, bentonite clay etc. are some popular types of clays you can purchase from the market and they are genuinely a boon for those with oily skin.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
DHAs are commonly used in self-tanning sprays and are a naturally occurring ingredient that causes browning of the skin and affects the color of the top layer of the skin. They work by reacting with the skin’s amino acids and turning the skin a darker shade of brown over the course of a few hours. However, it is also important to note that one must not go overboard as long term self tanning and use of tanning beds has been linked to certain skin cancers (6).
Elastin
Elastin is a compound that naturally occurs in the body and helps give skin its flexibility and helps your skin retain its moisture. When it is applied topically, it has been observed to have good effects on the texture and quality of the skin.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that helps fight off signs of blackheads. If you’re someone who has large and open pores, it’s a good idea for you to invest in skincare products that contain this ingredient. Glycolic acid helps close off your pores and helps people with oily skin regulate their oil production. It also helps brighten your appearance and get rid of any dark patches you might be sporting.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is almost like an oasis for your skin and it helps keep the skin actively hydrated. With a high level of hydration and nourishment, it can leave your skin feeling plump, fresh, and ready to go. Hyaluronic acid is commonly present in many skincare products that are targeted towards those with extremely dry, aging skin (7).
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an exfoliating acid that is extracted from sour milk. It helps kill off the bacteria that causes acne and helps your skin retain its moisture. This property also helps keep your skin looking younger for a longer period of time.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a one stop solution to all your makeup removal problems. Many people skip using micellar water and prefer just crashing into their bed after a long night out but makeup removal is essential for your routine. Micellar water doesn’t just get rid of your makeup but it also acts as a skin cleanser and even a toner. Hence, it is an essential part of your makeup kit if you’re someone who loves wearing makeup often. All you need to do is wash your face thoroughly, apply a few drops of micellar water on a cotton pad and brush it across your face.
Niacinamide
When it comes to talk of skin brightening agents, Vitamin C is often front and center, gaining all the attention. However, Niacinamide is an ingredient that is underrated but equally as effective if not more. Niacinamide, which is also referred to as Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin, repair damaged skin barriers and fight off premature signs of aging.
Panthenol
Panthenol or Vitamin B5 is a hydrating ingredient that is similar to hyaluronic acid in certain properties. It has extremely high moisturizing properties and contains anti-inflammatory benefits as well. It can also help with the healing of small wounds and cuts that might be present in the epidermis of your facial skin.
Parabens
This is one ingredient that we want you to know about and STAY AWAY from. Parabens are preservatives that include propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and ethylparaben. These ingredients are said to contain a lot of estrogen and can put a woman’s health at risk. Parabens are largely safe when used in lower concentrations, however many brands mention that they don’t contain parabens (8).
Retinoids
Retinoids is an active ingredient that is used in the treatment of skin aging. Photoaging occurs when someone is exposed to UV rays and ends up suffering from damage caused by the sun. However, it’s important to remember that you must conduct a spot test, so you can find out what exactly works for your skin (9).
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter medicine you can purchase that helps fight off acne and helps your skin retain its freshness. Many popular brands make use of salicylic acid in their skincare products.
Squalene/Squalane
Squalene is a naturally occurring liquid that is said to make up about ten to eleven percent of your skin’s oil content. It can also be derived from plant surfaces. Squalane is a lighter version of squalene and is suitable for those who suffer from acne related conditions. Squalene is derived from shark liver oil and vegetable oils and has a shorter shelf life than squalane. Hence, it is a better option to opt for the latter rather than the former.
Titanium Oxide
Titanium oxide is a natural mineral that is commonly used in sunscreen and helps fight off radiation caused by UVA and UVB without causing sensitivity. This ingredient is usually recommended for those who have red and sensitive skin that is prone to infection.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is an ingredient that is extracted from vitamin A and is extremely beneficial for those suffering from chronic or cystic acne. It is a retinoid and usually recommended by dermatologists for those who are struggling to cope with their acne problems. It can also prevent signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Talk about a one stop solution!
Triamcinolone Acetonide
Triamcinolone acetonide falls under the category of a corticosteroid. It is usually used to treat certain skin conditions like dermatitis, rashes, and eczema. It can also help reduce the appearance of swelling, redness, and itching that is commonly caused by the skin condition.
Vitamin C
Have you ever wanted glowing, golden skin without having to deal with any of those annoying facial peels and painful laser treatments? Well, then you should probably invest in skincare products that contain a healthy dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps keep your skin looking bright and glowing and helps banish any signs of dullness.
Even if you’re a noob to skincare and clueless about things, talking to dermatologists and finding out the right ingredients for you is extremely important. And you should definitely take it into consideration while shopping. We hope the next time you buy a skin cream, you turn it over and read the ingredients before purchasing it. How well do you know your skincare products? Do let us know all of your thoughts in the comment section below.
