What Are The Effective Ingredients For Skincare?



What Are The Effective Ingredients For Skincare?


In today's times, we are now more exposed to all signs of aging, especially in humid Singapore which brings lines, wrinkles, dehydration, sagging and uneven skin tone to our skin.

Cosmetic companies are quick to catch up on what the modern ladies need and came up with anti-aging potions with some that claim to be able reverse the effects of aging.

Before we decide if this is truly feasible, we need to delve deeper into the ingredients, before deciding which to buy.

Green Tea
Also known as: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Good for: All skin types.
What it treats: Sun damage, irritation, aging.
How it works: Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. The leaves of this plant have polyphenols, which are compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory properties can calm redness and irritation, and the antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing potential signs of aging.

Green tea also contains a powerful antioxidant called catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which helps to decrease free radicals, repair cells and protect your skin from premature aging. 

It is known as one of the most potent forms of photo-protection. It protects against sun damage, and studies have shown that a product containing at least 5 percent green-tea extract may help prevent skin cancer when applied before sun exposure along with sunscreen. Green Tea is also one of the 8 Green Foods For Healthy Glowing Skin and here are my previous reviews on Dear Klairs Fundamental Ampule Mist, Twig & Co Matcha Scrub, Innisfree My Real Squeeze Green Tea Mask and Tosowoong Pure Green Tea Mask.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Blithe Patting Splash Mask
Iherb | Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea 
Iherb | Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
Iherb | Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream
Amazon | Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Skin Toner
Amazon | Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream

Idebenone
Also known as: Ubiquinone, coenzyme Q-10.
Good for: All skin types.
What it treats: Sun damage, irritation, aging.
How it works: Idebenone is one of the strongest antioxidants contained in cosmetics. Its anti-inflammatory properties help preserve collagen and elastin, which give the skin support and resilience.

Popular Options :
Iherb | It's Skin Power 10 Formula, Q10 Effector with Coenzyme Q10
Iherb | Eucerin, Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme
Amazon | Timeless Coenzyme Q-10 Serum


Vitamin C
Also known as: Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate.
Good for: All skin types, except very sensitive skin.
What it treats: Sun damage, aging.
How it works: Vitamin C is a power antioxidant to reduce the signs of aging. It neutralizes free radicals, which form when the skin is exposed to sun, pollution, cigarette smoke, and other harmful elements. Free radicals damage collagen deep within the skin, causing wrinkles, blotches, and inflammation. In short, Vitamin C helps boost collagen production, brightens and evens and smoothens out skin tone.

Stablised forms of vitamin C include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucosamine, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.

Efficacious amounts of topical vitamin C (typically 2-10%) have been shown to increase collagen production, reduce the appearance of skin discolorations, strengthen skin's barrier response, enhance skin's repair process, reduce inflammation, and help skin better withstand exposure to sunlight, whether protected by sunscreen or not. You can also read here on how Vitamin C can help to improve acne scars as well as acne-related inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Check out my previous reviews on Instanatural Pro-Radiant Brightening Serum, Kat Burki Vitamin C C Cleansing Balm and Orgaid Vitamin C and Revitalizing Organic Sheet Mask.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Iherb | InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
Amazon | Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Amazon | CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Amazon | TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Amazon | The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Amazon | Timeless Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin E
Also known as: Tocopherol - tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocotrienols, alpha tocopherol, and tocopheryl succinate.
Good for: All skin types.
What it treats: Aging
How it works: An antioxidant superstar, Vitamin E helps to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. It protects the top layers of skin from early stages of sun damage, increases the efficacy of active sunscreen ingredients, reduces the formation of free radicals when skin is exposed to UVA rays, prevents the peroxidation of fats (a leading source of cell membrane damage in the body), and reduces trans-epidermal water loss from skin, which strengthens the skin's barrier function. All of this leads to skin that is better able to defend itself from damage that leads to visible signs of aging

If you have any cracks in your skin barrier (due to irritation, inflammation, overuse of acids or retinols), vitamin E closes those cracks to prevent moisture from escaping, keeping your skin hydrated and firm. Try a vitamin E–based oil if your skin is extra dry or opt for a vitamin E–based serum or toner if you want something a little lighter.

Using vitamin E and vitamin C together is great for skin. When combined, they can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, brighten a dull complexion, and strengthen skin’s defenses against the impact of environmental assault. These antioxidants play well together because vitamin C works optimally on the surface level, whereas vitamin E is oil-soluble so it goes deeper—you get the best of both worlds.

There are eight basic forms of the vitamin E molecule, and they can be either synthetically or naturally derived. The most typical forms are d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, dl-alpha tocopherol, and dl-alpha tocopherol acetate.

The “d” prefix indicates that the product was derived from natural sources, such as vegetable oils or wheat germ; whereas the “dl” prefix indicates that the vitamin was created from a synthetic base.

Research has shown that natural forms of vitamin E are more effective than their synthetic counterparts, but both definitely have antioxidant activity. You’ll most commonly find vitamin E listed as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate on the ingredient list, which doesn’t indicate whether it’s naturally or synthetically derived, but you can contact the company to find out if you’re really curious.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Jason Naturals Vitamin E Skin Oil
Iherb | Yeouth Vitamin C and E Serum
Amazon | Jason Age Renewal Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Also known as: Lipoic Acid or ALA or Thioctic Acid
Good for: All skin types
What it treats: Sun damage, aging.
How it works: Alpha lipoic acid is an enzyme that, when applied topically on skin, appears to be a very good antioxidant. Taken internally, alpha lipoic acid is a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant capable of regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

As a soft chemical exfoliator, it helps to manage the oil glands and clean up the pores by expelling dry cells that might add to a dull skin appearance.  ALA basically improves your skin’s exfoliation ability and consequently enables your skin cells to shed effortlessly and naturally. It helps to erase fine lines and wrinkles, diminish pores and give skin a healthy glow.

However, it is extremely vulnerable to degradation by sunlight. Higher concentrations (5% or greater) are capable of causing a burning or stinging sensation on skin.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Derma E, Firming DMAE Serum, Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester
Iherb | Derma E, Firming DMAE Moisturizer, with Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester
Amazon | Kate Ryan 4% DMAE Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Peptides, Green Tea, Gotu Kola, Alpha Lipoic Acid 

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Also known as: AHA
Good for: All skin types, except very sensitive skin.
What it treats: Sun damage, aging.
How it works: Alpha Hydroxy Acid is a naturally occurring acid found in plants, fruits and animals. It exfoliate the surface layers of skin which in turn increases cell turnover by allowing healthier cells to resurface. It stimulates collagen, which may lead to a smoother appearance of the skin. Since it's a powerful exfoliator, avoid it if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness. AHAs include Citric, Glycolic, Malic and Tartaric acids.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Pixi Glow Tonic
Iherb | Derma E, Overnight Peel, Exfoliant Facial
Iherb | Wishtrend, Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
Amazon | Pixi Glow Tonic, Aloe Vera and Ginseng
Amazon | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 
Amazon | The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Ha

Salicylic Acid
Also known as: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA).
Good for: Normal skin, oily skin.
What it treats: Acne, irritation.
How it works: Salicylic Acid can penetrate the sebum that clogs pores, clearing blackheads. It is used to treat mild acne and can be applied to patches of skin which are plagued with small bumps. It exfoliates the top layers of skin's cells to promote cell turnover. When used on a regular basis, it can decrease the frequency and severity of acne eruptions. Avoid it if you have dry or sensitive skin or an allergy to aspirin. (It's in the same family as the pain reliever).
BHA penetrates pores and exfoliates the skin, dissolving pore-clogging dead skin cells and taking down everything from blackheads to the more angry inflamed spots. It helps to increase collagen production, smooth superficial lines, reduce redness and diminish sun-induced discolorations by exfoliating the surface of skin and lining of pore to unclog debris.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Wishtrend, Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser
Iherb | Cosrx, One Step Pimple Clear Pad
Amazon | The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Benzoyl Peroxide
Also known as: Benzoperoxide, Dibenzoyl Peroxide (DBPO)
Good for: Inflammatory acne and stubborn bumps.
What it treats: Benzoyl peroxide has antiseptic properties to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells and excess sebum. It works particularly well for inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red bumps that contain pus — pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules — instead of whiteheads and blackheads. While benzoyl peroxide is a staple for treating inflammatory acne, it’s worth considering salicylic acid if you also have noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads).

Both help clean pores, but salicylic acid’s primary role is to get rid of dead skin cells. Such exfoliating effects may help treat noninflammatory lesions. As a rule of thumb, if you have inflammatory acne along with oily, less sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may be the better choice.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Neutrogena, Rapid Clear, Stubborn Acne, Daily Leave-On Mask
Amazon | Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Amazon | Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel with Maximum Strength

Ferulic Acid
Also known as: 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid.
Good for: Dry skin, normal skin.
What it treats: Sun damage, aging.
How it works: Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant found in the cells of rice, oats, apples and oranges. It protects against oxidative stress (a disturbance which occurs in the skin) by neutralizing free radicals, essentially pollution and UV rays which fill the environment. The benefits of ferulic acid are mainly its antioxidant properties as they help protect from environmental stressors that cause skin ageing - reduce the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and pigmentation (or dark spots), improves firmness and illuminates the skin, helping to even out skin tone.

Usually combined with vitamins C and E, "ferulic acid helps stabilize them". This doubles their power as sun-protective agents and boosts their ability to neutralize free radicals.

Popular Options :
Iherb | Mad Hippie Skin Care Products, Vitamin C Serum
Iherb | InstaNatural, Vitamin C Serum
Amazon | Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Konjac Root, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ferulic Acid
Amazon | InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vit E

Retinol
Also known as: Retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate.
Good for: Normal skin, oily skin.
What it treats: Sun damage, acne, aging.
How it works: Retinol, the mild, over-the-counter form of retinoids (which are found in Retin-A and Renova), has been proven to stimulate the production of collagen and the formation of elastic tissue fiber. Over time this reduces wrinkles and prevents new ones. Since retinol can be irritating, avoid it if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema. A form of Vitamin A, it stimulates cell renewal, improves skin tones and reduce pigmentation spots. It can also be used to treat acne-prone skin as it encourages cell turnover. An antioxidant, it helps to create healthier skin cells and increases the amount of skin support substances. Studies have shown that its able to increase collagen production and glycosaminoglycan content, resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture and enhanced barrier function. Start with a low percentage and build up to a higher one as skin can initially find it difficult to tolerate; apply at night and wear an SPF every day to protect your skin.
Common side-effects : flaking and sun burned skin.

Popular Options :
Iherb | InstaNatural, Retinol Serum, Youth Restoring
Iherb | Life-flo, Retinol A 1%, Advanced Revitalization Cream
Amazon | Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Amazon | RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Retinol Night Cream

Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as: Sodium Hyaluronate.
Good for: All skin types, especially dry skin.
What it treats: Aging.
How it works: Hyaluronic acid attracts and seals water into the skin. When you hydrate the skin from outside, you make fine lines less noticeable. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant which absorbs and binds to water molecules, hence boosting the skin's moisture levels. It sits on the skin's surface to lock moisture in and helps to give the appearance of firmer, line-free skin.

A molecule that’s able to hold 1000 times its own weight in moisture, Hyaluronic Acid is your best friend for hydrating and plumping. A dedicated serum is always a good idea and can be applied as much as you like for a healthy glow.

A 2014 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed promising evidence for the use of hyaluronic acid in anti-aging. Nano-hyaluronic acid was applied to 33 women's skin for eight weeks. At the end of the trial, the women had a 96% improvement in skin hydration and a 40% improvement in the depth of wrinkles.

Check out my glowing reviews on The Ordinary Hylauronic Acid 2% + B5 and Dr. Morita Hylauronic Acid Facial Mask.

Popular Options :
Iherb | InstaNatural, Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C
Iherb | Elizavecca, Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%
Amazon | Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Amazon | TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E

Niacinamide
Also known as: Nicotinamide.
Good for: Dry skin.
What it treats: Sun damage, irritation, aging.
How it works: Also known as vitamin B3, Niacinamide helps to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis giving improved skin's elasticity and healthier skin tone and texture. Deep in the skin, it increases production of ceramides, which are the glue that holds the cells together and prevents water loss. Hydrated skin gives skin a healthy, youthful glow. You can read more here on Niacinamide.

Popular Options :
Iherb | InstaNatural Niacinamide Serum
Amazon | Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
Amazon | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

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