Skincare Ingredients that Make a Difference

The secret to gorgeous healthy glow is about more than just the products you use; it’s all about the skincare ingredients you rely on every day.

Consumers these days have become conscientious label readers. After all, the average person in the UK spends more than £4,500 per year on skincare products; you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. So, what skincare ingredients should you look for? I recently sat down with my good friend, Esther Fieldgrass of the aesthetic clinic, EF Medispa and host of The Beauty Biz podcast to discuss all things skincare, including this very topic. [playlist tracklist="false" images="false" ids="8360"]

Skincare Ingredients that make a difference

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it provides insight into what to look for on the label of your favourite products.

Plant-based skincare ingredients

The process of attaining beautiful skin begins with a great cleanser. However, many of the cleansers on the market contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent that sensitises the skin If you’ve ever felt tightness or experienced redness or irritation after cleansing, read the label - you may find that SLS is the culprit! So, toss those cleansers, including any baby or facial wipes that use chemicals to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Instead, swap out your cleanser for one that is clean and plant-based. Benefit Clean is a cleanser I often recommend to clients. It’s a non-irritating cleanser ideal for all skin types and conditions. It contains herbal amaranth, which delivers a dose of amino acids to the skin to prevent moisture loss. Additionally, it’s non-irritating and helps to preserve your skin’s barrier function. No more dryness, tightness or redness after cleansing!

Lactic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that has been in the spotlight for a few years now. It’s often used to rejuvenate the skin and boost moisture. The downside is its size. Since it’s a small molecule, it’s able to drop between the layers of the skin. This often causes irritation. Instead, look for skincare ingredients that contain lactic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that has a larger molecular structure. This larger structure allows it to slough away dull skin cells on the surface of the skin without causing deep down irritation. The result is smoother, brighter skin. There are many CosMedix products that contain lactic acid among their skincare ingredients:

Prep skin after cleansing

Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep exfoliates the top layer of skin while removing impurities from the pores. This helps the skin absorb the ingredients of the other serums and moisturisers you use.

Daily use

Enjoy brighter skin every day. Simply Brilliant Brightening Serum may be a gentle serum; however, it uses lactic acid and plant-based ingredients to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration. You’ll see a more even, brighter skin tone.

Evening treatment

I’ve said it before and I’ll likely say it again and again - you need a good vitamin A treatment in your skincare routine. Why not combine the benefits of vitamin A with the benefits of lactic acid? Define Vitamin A Resurfacing Treatment combines powerful AHAs with 2% encapsulated Retinol AGP complex to repair and restore skin’s natural beauty. It also stimulates collagen and elastin.

Weekly mask treatment

Pure Enzymes is an exfoliating mask that uses the power of lactic acid to dissolve impurities and remove dirt and debris from pores. The mask also stimulates your skin’s natural moisture factors.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts the effectiveness of the other ingredients in your favourite products, especially those containing vitamin A. Why? It’s essential for the production of collagen and elastin. Pure C Mixing Crystals contain 100% L-Ascorbic Acid, which is the stable form of vitamin C. It’s also more easily absorbable by the skin. Mix these crystals in with your products and you’ll boost their potency.