Don’t understand the science of skincare? No need. Here’s our guide to the hottest ingredients, what they do and why they’re good for you…
Vitamin C
Looking to restore that glow you had in summer ’16? Vitamin C is your best bet! Just as your morning orange juice perks you up, vit C does much the same for your skin, brightening and improving its natural healing process. Add to that smoothing out fine lines and protecting your complexion from everyday stressors – think pollution, stress and harmful UV rays – and it’s hard to imagine anything this wonder worker can’t do. As it’s also one of the antioxidant family, it encourages new collagen production, lifting and plumping deflated cheeks. Use your vitamin C product morning and night for a gram-worthy glow.
Retinol
Otherwise known as vitamin A, retinol is a multitasking powerhouse antioxidant and a dreamboat for reversing the signs of ageing. It helps to rejuvenate and resurface skin by speeding up the cell turnover, making it perfect for anyone with fine lines or wrinkles, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Most retinol products show a percentage on the packaging. Start with a low one and work your way up, allowing your skin to adapt gradually. Apply it at night, making sure you follow up with an SPF in the morning. You may experience a slight shedding of your skin, but any product that causes redness or sensitivity should be discontinued immediately.
Niacinamide
Think of this as vitamin C’s less well-known younger sister. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a miracle worker for those with enlarged pores, uneven skin tones, redness and fine lines. It helps to increase the skin’s elasticity and shrink pores, and can help fade redness caused by old blemishes more quickly than anything else we’ve come across. As an anti-ageing ingredient, it helps to disguise fine lines by making the skin look more even.
