The ABC’s of skincare

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It can be extremely confusing trying to decipher each ingredient in your skin care products. Vitamin this, vitamin that. 

AHA this, BHA that. Then each ingredient can have several names for each of the forms that it comes in! So are you wanting to know the main powerhouse ingredients you should look for? Sit tight, I’m about to give you a schooling of the ABC’s (and E’s) of skin care.

Vitamins

A, B, C and E. Ideally we want each and every one of these somewhere in our daily regime.

Vitamin A – aka. Retinol, Retinal, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinoic Acid, Beta-Carotene and so many more. Vitamin A is arguably the best vitamin for skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, increases the formation and turnover of our skin cells, normalises the production of oil in the skin AND it is the only ingredient that can correct the DNA within our skin cells to create. Amazing right? Get some A into your skin diet with our Vitamin A Cleanser, Refining Moisturiser and Refining Serum.

Vitamin B – aka. Niacin/Niacinamide/Nicotinamide (B3), Panthenol (B5) are incredibly soothing and healing ingredients as they work to improve the skin’s barrier. B3 works like a natural anti-biotic against the dreaded acne bacteria, and also breaks down abnormal pigmentation. Triple whammy! Try our Ultra Nourishing Cleanser, Hydraboost Moisturiser, Vitamin B serum and Illuminating serum for “B”-eautiful skin!

Vitamin C – aka. Ascorbic acid, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate etc. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant used to protect the skin from free radical damage. Imagine it as a little umbrella, protecting the DNA of our skin cells. It is Vitamin A’s best buddy! Vitamin C also brightens the skin by breaking down pigmentation, and strengthens the capillary walls. And similar to Vitamin A, also stimulates collagen and elastin growth. Find Vitamin C in our Vitamin C Moisturiser, Clearing Serum and Purifying Cleanser.

Vitamin E – aka. Tocopheryl, Tocopheryl Acetate. Vitamin E is “E”-ssential for the protection and nourishment of skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the outer membrane of skin cells, ensuring the skins ability to retain moisture. Vitamin E is the big cuddle your skin has been waiting for! You’ll find the cuddl-“E” vitamin in our Pineapple Enzyme Peel, Peptide Rich Moisturiser, Refining Serum, Refining Moisturiser and Hydraboost Moisturiser.

AHA’s

These little beauties are like pacman to our dead skin. They dissolve the little bonds that adhere all the layers of dead skin cells together. This results in a smooth, hydrated complexion.

Lactic acid

Glycolic Acid

Find Lactic acid in our Vitamin A Cleanser and Dual Action Exfoliant. Find Glycolic acid in our Purifying Cleanser, Pineapple Enzyme Peel, Clearing Serum and Illuminating Serum.

BHA’s

Salicylic Acid. This is the oil soluble cousin to Lactic and Glycolic. Salicylic Acid works inside the follicle, dissolving built up debris and excess oil. Perfect for breakouts and congestion!

ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Ferulic Acid: A plant-based antioxidant that helps stabilize and enhance the efficacy of other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. It also provides its own protection against environmental damage.

Resveratrol: Found in red grapes, red wine, and certain berries, resveratrol is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties, making it beneficial for aging and sensitive skin.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): A fat-soluble substance that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by energizing skin cells and improving skin elasticity.

Polyphenols: Found in green tea, chocolate, and many fruits and vegetables, polyphenols offer significant antioxidant protection, with green tea extract being particularly popular in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that is both water and fat-soluble, making it effective in various parts of the cell. It helps to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.

Selenium: A mineral antioxidant that works in conjunction with Vitamin E to protect the skin from UV-induced damage and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

PEPTIDES

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are essential for the skin’s health, providing it with firmness, elasticity, and strength. In skincare, peptides are used for their ability to signal the skin to produce more collagen, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin barrier function, and enhancing skin hydration. Here are some of the common peptides found in skincare products:

Signal Peptides: These peptides promote collagen, elastin, and other proteins’ production to help the skin become firmer and more youthful-looking. Example: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (also known as Matrixyl), which stimulates collagen synthesis and repair processes.

Carrier Peptides: They deliver trace elements like copper and magnesium to the skin, which are necessary for wound healing and enzymatic processes. Example: Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) is known for its wound healing and skin regeneration properties.

Neurotransmitter Inhibitor Peptides: These peptides can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction. Example: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is often referred to as a “topical Botox” because it helps to relax facial muscles, reducing expression lines.

Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides: They slow down the rate at which collagen breaks down, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Example: Soybean Peptides can inhibit the enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin, thus helping to preserve the skin’s structural integrity.

Antimicrobial Peptides: These peptides offer benefits for acne-prone and oily skin types by providing antibacterial properties, helping to manage breakouts. Example: Defensin is a peptide with antimicrobial properties that can help protect the skin against various bacteria.

Moisturizing Peptides: These peptides help to hydrate the skin by enhancing its ability to retain moisture. Example: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is known to improve skin moisture by boosting collagen production and protecting against collagen degradation.

CEREMIDES

Ceremides are your oil moisturisers, lack of ceremides is when we see what we call ‘dry’ skin. Lipid molecules are found naturally in the skin that help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.

SPF’S (Sun Protection Factor)

Ingredients that protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. SPF’s come in both chemical and physical form.

Chemical:

Physical:

It’s crucial to use products with SPF to prevent sun damage, which can lead to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Salicylic – Purifying Cleanser, Clearing SerumIllumrinating Serum and Banish that Blemish.

Visit one of our stockists for a professional Chemical peel to experience an ultimate exfoliating treatment.

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