Interested in skincare ingredients but a little overwhelmed as to what you should be looking for and why? We’re here to decode the science and introduce you to four skin-changers we feel should be a part of your every day and where you can find them. In no particular order…
1. Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide has been one of the most buzzed-about ingredients in skincare. It earns the raves by being a scientifically proven multi-tasker, scoring big on efficacy when it comes to treating a range of conditions and skins of all ages and stages. A powerful anti-inflammatory, Niacinamide can visibly improve acne and congestion, reduce redness and help fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It’s also a great hydrator and, along with its ability to strengthen the skin’s barrier protection, it helps to keep moisture within the skin.
For skin experiencing the signs of premature ageing such as an uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, and loss of radiance, Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient to help visibly improve skin texture and tone and restore that youthful plumpness and bounce to the skin. Importantly, it’s well-tolerated by most if not all skins and is considered a very stable ingredient; another reason why it’s become such a popular ingredient in skincare formulations.
Find Niacinamide in the following skinstitut products:
Enzymatic Micro Peel, EXPERT Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum, Moisture Defence Oily Skin, Multi-Active Mist.
2. Tinosorb M
Also known as Bisoctrizole, Tinosorb M is a clever chemical and physical sunscreen hybrid. We consider it to be an essential service of sorts for the most effective protection against harmful and ageing UVA and UVB rays. Considered by insiders to be a new-generation UV filter, Tinosorb M is a triple threat to UV in the way it effectively absorbs, reflects, and scatters UV rays. It’s also photo stable, meaning it won’t break down when exposed to sunlight and compromise your protection.
Find Tinosorb M in the following skinstitut product:
3. Hyaluronic Acid
A sponge-like gel found within the body, Hyaluronic Acid helps to not only attract water but hold it within skin cells at up to 1000 times its weight in water. Much like Collagen and Elastin, your body’s natural reserves decrease with age so including products that hero Hyaluronic Acid into your daily routine is vital for healthy functioning skin, to soften and smooth texture and help put fine lines and wrinkles on pause. Not only is it an amazingly powerful hydrator, Hyaluronic Acid also helps to boost Collagen production, fight free radicals, and calm inflammation in the skin.
Find Hyaluronic Acid in the following Skinstitut products:
Enzymatic Micro Peel, Multi-Active Mist, EXPERT RESET Skin-Firming Peptide Serum, EXPERT RESTORE Niacinamide Replenishing Cream, EXPERT REVITALISE Hyaluronic Jelly Mask, Moisture Defence Normal Skin, Retinol Serum
4. Antioxidants
It’s safe to say that most people have heard of antioxidants, even though they may not know what they do or why they’ve become such popular ingredients in skincare over the years. We’ll explain… A collective term for a group of natural and synthetic ingredients that help to protect and defend against damaging environmental factors, antioxidants are great doers. They can do everything from boost hydration, plump fine lines and wrinkles, reduce sun damage, and help the skin become more resilient and radiant. Yet their most important role is in preventing the premature ageing of the skin and they do this by fighting free-radicals. Highly reactive, unstable atoms, free radicals can cause illness and ageing within the body unless they bump into antioxidants which quickly neutralize them, blocking their ability to cause damage.
So many antioxidants to mention, so little time but some of our favourites include: Vitamins A, C, and E, CoEnzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Kakadu Plum, and Green Tea.
Find antioxidants in the following skinstitut products:
Gentle Cleanser, Even Blend Serum, Vitamin C 100%, Rejuvenate 15, Multi-Active Oil, Retinol Serum
To read more about the ingredients we rate and where to find them, check out our ingredient glossary here.
