Ultimate Skincare Ingredients Guide

Hi Darlings, I’m going to share with you my Ultimate Skincare Ingredients Guide.

Lately, my skin has been acting up quite a bit, I have combination/oily skin so having a balanced skincare regime is very important for me, therefore I’ve started reading a MILLION of articles about ingredients and what they do for your skin.

If you saw my Drugstore Haul you would notice, it was mainly skincare that I got to test and to see if it makes any difference, stay tuned for the UPDATE in a few weeks as these things require time.

Meanwhile, I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned about what you should have in your skincare, this is not just for oily skin because most of these ingredients will do wonders for every skin type.

 

Disclaimer: I’m not a skin expert by ANY MEANS so if you have any concern please talk to your doctor first. The products recommended are either products I’ve tested on myself (marked with *) or highly voted online. I have a pretty healthy lifestyle to begin with, which is one of the first things that can influence your skin’s balance.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the key components of the connective tissues of humans and other mammals. It gives the skin strength and maintain properties of the shape. A lack of it causes a weakening of the skin by promoting the formation of wrinkles and blemishes. Its concentration in body tissues tends to decrease as the age progresses

YOU SHOULD CHOOSE IT BECAUSE:

• Is humectant therefore it attracts and retains water
• Powerful moisturizer
• Works for every skin type and every age
• Is naturally produced by the body but over time its ability to produce itself decreases
• Not greasy
• Works well with Retinol as it’s very hydrating and retinol is quite harsh

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

Vitamin C

It’s an organic compound present in nature with antioxidant properties. It is a water-soluble vitamin, essential in humans, antioxidant, often used in saline form that has multiple functions for the body and the skin

YOU SHOULD CHOOSE IT BECAUSE:

• Is a GLOW BOOSTER: it will make your skin more radiant.
• Stimulates the production of collagen which helps with skin’s elasticity
• Reduces spots and scars
• Antioxidant = Reduces Wrinkles

WARNING: Works better at night because sunlight makes it lose its properties. Should not be used combined with Retinol. If you choose a treatment make sure it’s in an airtight container as Vitamin C deteriorates once touches air.

• The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost Instant Smoother
• Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy *

Retinol

Retinol is the alcoholic form of Vitamin A. It’s lipid-soluble. It’s useful for cell renewal. Its cosmetic forms are: Retinol 1% that can be easily found in the big distribution and Retin-A 5% -10% that has to be prescribed by doctors because it’ s much more aggressive (it will peel your skin)

YOU SHOULD CHOOSE IT BECAUSE:

• Helps with wrinkles
• Completion perfector
• Collagen booster
• Fights acne
• Exfoliates the skin

WARNING: You shouldn’t use it more than once per week and really hydrates afterwards. I’m not using Retinol now because it can be problematic with sun exposure so I’ll start in the Fall. You should use extra SPF anyhow.

• Kiko Sublime Youth Mask
• The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

Glycolic Acid

It is a corrosive compound and an incredible exfoliant (also known as AHA Acid), that at room temperature is solid, colorless and odorless. It’s water-soluble. Glycolic acid is extracted from sugar cane, beet and unripe grapes

YOU SHOULD CHOOSE IT BECAUSE:

• It’s exfoliant
• Reduces wrinkles
• Reduces spots and uneven texture
• It works amazingly with Salicylic Acid to fight acne

• Nip+Fab Skin Glycolic Scrub Fix *
• The Ordinary AHA30% + BHA 2% *

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (also known as BHA Acid) is extracted from the willow plant, from which the name derives. It’s used as an anti-inflammatory. Salicylic acid is the essential component of some skin care products and in particular for the treatment of acne due its antibacterial propertis.

YOU SHOULD CHOOSE IT BECAUSE:

• It’s lipid-soluble which basically means that it penetrates inside pores and frees them from bacteria
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Helps fight acne
• Works well with Glycolic Acid

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% *
• Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions

This is my skin with NO MAKEUP and NO FILTERS, you can see my pores, some acne scars and my dark circles decided to come out to play today … But it’s ok, nobody’s perfect 😉

Related:

My Morning Skincare Routine

I really hope you guys enjoyed it, don’t forget to like, comment and share to let me know all your thoughts and if you have any question.

You can also find me on

   

Love,

Mimi

The links in the post are affiliates, which means I get a small percentage from the sales if you use my link. This does not in any way affect the price you pay for the item, and absolutely does not influence my choice of items to show you.