There are dozens and dozens of skincare products out there, but only a handful can actually give you the results promised on the package. From giving your skin a boost of moisture, warding off the signs of aging, or bringing back that radiant glow, the right skincare products will keep your skin looking healthy, smooth and youthful. So how do you pick out the best products without wasting time and money with a trial and error process? You can start by checking the ingredients list before you buy, and also reading unbiased reviews.
Here are five key ingredients that some of the top-selling skincare products have:
#1: Skin barrier compounds. Unless you’re using a 100 percent natural and organic skincare line, your skincare products will contain compounds that act as a barrier on the skin’s surface and keep skin looking smooth. If you want to keep wrinkles at bay and make your skin soft and supple, look for skincare products that contain collagen, amino acids, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids.
#2: Cell renewal stimulating ingredients. Many anti-aging products contain the same set of ingredients that speed up the cell renewal process and help your skin appear more youthful. These are fairly powerful ingredients and can be very effective for warding off wrinkles. Look for anti-aging products that contain retinol, lecithin, and peptides if you want to give your skin a boost.
#3: Sunscreen. UVA protection is a must, especially if you live in a warm-weather area or spend a lot of time outdoors. Remember that sun damage accelerates the aging process and can cause pigmentation such as freckles, as well as chronic inflammation of the skin. Look for products that contain SPF 15 to SPF 45 and wear a layer of sunscreen underneath makeup for extra protection.
#4: Moisturizing compounds. Many of best-selling products contain a mixture of fatty acids and butters that act as rich emollients on the skin. Ward off dry and flaky skin, and keep skin looking smooth and resilient by using products that contain cocoa butter, shea butter, triglycerides, and fatty acids derived from natural sources.
#5: Antioxidants. You’ve probably seen many companies touting skincare lines that contain antioxidants, but what do these actually do for your skin? Antioxidants in skincare products can help to protect skin from environmental stress and reduce the risk of inflammation. Look for products that contain vitamin A, vitamin E, beta carotene, soy extract, and green tea to enjoy some antioxidant benefits. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and can be great for skin brightening and toning.
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