Skin care has advanced tremendously over the years into effective products that we can trust to heal and prevent with daily use. While having so many on the market now, having an understanding of what specific ingredients 'do what' can be very useful for knowing what to include in your day to day routine.
Here is what we like to call the Fundamentals of Skin Care. Below, we will break down 'types' of ingredients and what they do for the skin. Note: Refer to this guide only as a reference.
Acid Peels:
Glycolic, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), Retinoic (Retinol, Retin-A), Phenol (Carbolic Acid) etc…
A form of chemical exfoliation using acid to break down the top layer, or layers, of the skin to help reduce the look of acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, overall texture, photodamage, and prevent future damage. Can be used in mild forms for weekly or (in some cases) everyday use. Clinical peels are typically a stronger percentage that include down-time and ‘molting’ of the skin for a duration of days post peel. Strong percentages are only to be used in-clinic with proper post treatment home care. Usually performed monthly for best results. Note: Avoid sensitive skin types, thin or flaking skin, active or cystic acne, or those with irritated or inflamed skin.
Enzymes and Enzyme Peels:
Oryza Sativa (Rice), Fruit Enzyme Extracts etc…
Another form of chemical exfoliation that works by breaking down the keratin protein in the top layer of the skin to help reduce the look of acne scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, overall texture, photodamage, and prevent future damage. While gently exfoliating, enzymes in turn strengthen the skin all at the same time helping to prevent against further oxidative damage. Enzymes can be found in mild forms in exfoliants and cleansers, while stronger concentrations can be used for peels in-clinic as well. Concentrated Enzyme peels are to be performed monthly for optimal results in-clinic with proper post treatment care. Note: while mild enzyme formulas can be found gentle enough for sensitive skin, concentrated Enzyme peels should avoid thin or flaking skin, active or cystic acne, or those with irritated or inflamed skin.
Smooth + Revive Enzymatic Powder Dermal Polish provides a gentle exfoliation along with refining properties that is suitable for all skin types.
Humectants and Moisturizers:
Sodium hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Glycerin, Allantoin, Honey, Aloe Vera etc….
A property that retains and draws in moisture to the skin. Excellent for providing skin cells with added moisture retaining abilities.
Hyaluronic Boost is a concentrated Hyaluronic Acid serum providing the skin with optimal moisture retaining properties. Hyaluronic Acid retains 1000 times its weight in water making it an amazing ingredient to include in your day to day routine.
Antioxidants:
Vitamin C, Niacinamide (B3), Botanical Extracts from Fruit, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Polyphenols (Green Tea, Curcumin, Cocoa Bean, Coffee Bean, Berries etc.), Resveratrol etc…
Help prevent and strengthen the skin against photo-damage, free radicals, and environmental damage. Antioxidants have a brightening effect to the skin’s appearance, stimulate collagen synthesis in the dermis, even out skin tone, and have wonderful anti-aging effects. Note: Avoid sensitive skin types, or those with irritated or inflamed skin.
Antioxidant + Vitamin Daily Serum is powerful blend that provides the skin with strengthening, brightening and preventative properties.
Clays:
Known for its refining properties, many clays have different effects to the skin. While some are excellent for calming irritated and active acne, others have stimulating effects.
- White and Yellow Kaolin clays- calms red, inflamed, and irritated skin while gently detoxifying impurities. Skin Types: sensitive and active acne, dry, combination
- Pink clay- firms, conditions, refines and tightens while leaving skin soft and hydrated. Skin Types: dry, dull, combination
- Green clay- rich in minerals, gently draws out impurities and excess sebum. Skin Types: combination, oily, blackhead prone
- Rhassoul clay- improves skin clarity and elasticity while drawing out impurities like a magnet. Skin Types: combination, oily, blackhead prone
- Bentonite clay- has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that draw out excess sebum and impurities. Skin Types: combination, oily, blackhead prone
Find your perfect match with Clay Masks designed with all skin concerns in mind.
Peptides, Proteins, and Amino Acids:
Found in various forms (such as collagen and elastin), they are the building blocks to the skin. Best applied in a serum or gel form so that the skin cells are able to fully absorb the properties effectively.