Treat

Not Another Skincare Routine aims to bring back fresh faces for the unfiltered with the help of beauty products and tutorials. We've done all the research, so you don't have to. 

Breaking Down Step Three 

 If you've followed along Not Another Skincare Routine, Step One -Cleanse and Step Two- Exfoliate, chances are you're now using the correct cleanser (hello double cleanse!) and you know the difference between AHA and BHA Acids. Ready for what comes next? With this clean canvas, we begin to treat.

 With beautiful packaging and alluring promises of instantly glowing, firmer, and brighter skin; the skincare aisle can prove overwhelming for even the most seasoned skincare junkie. With mesmerising marketing words such as "anti-ageing", "nourishing' and "wrinkles reducing", how do you know which product presents the right solution for your challenge?

Bypassing the marketing and educating ourselves on the ingredient list is an excellent way to narrow down the endless options. Understanding the ingredient list can be a daunting task, especially for those of us (myself included) that don't have a chemistry degree. We can, however, learn about a few key ingredients that can treat our skin woes. As the list of active ingredients on the market is so long, I've decided to break down this step over three articles so as not overwhelm us... whew!

In this article, you will learn:

• The Holy Grail   

• Which products I recommend the most!

The Holy Grail

There are skincare ingredients that are a must when it comes to creating any skincare routine. Many will come in and out of fashion, but these are the tried and tested miracle workers. Welcome to the Holy Grail. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C toted as one of the best skincare ingredients in the market, repairs skin tissues and blocks the damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant can help heal blemishes, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give your skin a hydrated glow. Best to use in the daytime as it contains UV protectant properties. 

* We will be covering more antioxidant ingredients in our next article, The Antioxidant Gang. 

Pro tip*

The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own. It does not store vitamin C. It is, therefore, important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet. Sweet yellow peppers, blackcurrants, papaya and kiwi, for example.

Vitamin C Benefits

• Promotes collagen

• Protects the skin from damaging free radicals 

• Repairs damage from sun exposure

• Evens skin tone

• Reduces hyperpigmentation 

Hyaluronic Acid

 

A sugar found naturally in skin structure; hyaluronic acid binds over 1000 times its weight in water which explains why it gives us such a hydrated and plump look. Look for it in a serum or moisturiser and make it a part of your morning routine. 

Pro tip*

The amount of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we get older so to stimulate and retain this precious acid be sure to eat foods high in antioxidants such as dark leafy greens to protect skin from inflammation. Also, Ceramides and Squalenes are great hydration ingredients for adding serious moisture. 

Hyaluronic Acid benefits

• anti-ageing

• anti-wrinkle

• improves skin elasticity

• can treat eczema

• can treat facial redness

Retinol

Known as the ultimate anti-ageing miracle worker, retinol, a vitamin A derivative is the catchall term for Retinoids. Retinol is the over the counter relative, and retinoid is the prescription strength matriarch. Most of us will likely use the retinol version and for good reason, with increased cell turn-over and the production of collagen, using this product over time will even out your skin's texture, reduce fine lines and age spots. Expect to see results in 4-6 weeks or one full skin cycle.

Pro tip* 

Retinol is not for everyone. Those with sensitive, rosacea and dry skin should expect to see some redness and peeling. If this is the case, try to avoid AHA/ BHA exfoliants on the days you use the retinol and look into Bakuchiol as this also does the trick with less of the side effects.  

Retinol Benefits 

• Prevents and reduces the appearance of wrinkle 

• Brightens

• Treats acne 

• Fades dark spots 

Next week we will be covering ... 

The Anti-inflammatory Gang 

Niacinamide, Pursalene, Chamomile, Tumeric, Blue Tansy, Green Tea, Resveratrol, Oatmeal and more! Whew!