Ingredient Preferences
Always check the ingredient list. When it comes to skincare, you can't always trust chic packaging or rosy marketing language that promises "plump, firm, clear, youthful, flawless skin." Frankly, brands can say pretty much whatever they want, so it's up to us consumers to know our ingredients. That way, we're able to find the most effective product for our skin, saving us time, money, and breakouts.
Acids has many benefits including being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and exfoliating. It loosens dead skin cells to relieve clogged pores and blackheads, reduces bacterial growth on the skin surface and in oil glands.
Anti-Oxidants in skincare products are capable of penetrating into the deepest layer of the skin. Antioxidants enable living cells to repair and renew. The end result is skin that looks and feels younger. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm your cells. Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are effective antioxidants
Centella Asiatica improves oil balance and helps the dermis layer to enhance collagen synthesis and boost skin elasticity. Cica has a huge list of skin benefits, but it is most well known for its healing, soothing, antibacterial, and inflammatory properties, meaning it is ideal for sensitized skin. For acne sufferers, it speeds healing, helps prevent scarring and future blemishes.
Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin's barrier and help skin retain moisture. Ceramides also help the skin protect against environmental aggressors like irritants and pollution. Without the proper ratio of ceramides, the skin's barrier can become compromised, leading to dryness, itching and irritation. Ceramides are compatible with any components of cosmetics: acids, retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C and other active substances. Therefore, a cream with ceramides can be applied after using peels, on top of products with AHA, BHA, PHA, retinol serums and creams, it will improve the effectiveness of your ceramide-enriched product because there won’t be a layer of dead skin keeping vital ingredients from absorbing as they should.
Ferments Fermented or probiotic skincare refers to skincare products loaded with good bacteria, usually from fermented natural ingredients. Probiotic superfoods like yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi are products that have gone through a fermentation process.
Fermented ingredients have two main benefits: It breaks down ingredients into a smaller size so they can more easily penetrate the skin. It produces minerals and nutrients that are good for the skin, like Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
EGF, a medical grade ingredient that actually speeds up cell regeneration, adds powerful anti-aging benefits, smoothing out fine lines and plumping skin for a more youthful appearance.
Ginseng is one of Korea's best medicine. Not only is it good for your health, it also carries beneficial properties for the skin. It prevents aging, maintains the skin's elasticity, lengthens the lifespan of skin cells, is an antioxidant, activities the skin, and prevents the skin's cells from aging
Licorice extract is filled with a variety of beneficial compounds, which do everything from deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to help fade dark spots.
- Minimizes the production of tyrosinase to combat discoloration
- Removes excess melanin
- Acts as a potent antioxidant
- Offers anti-inflammatory benefits
- May help control oil production in the skin
Peptides. Scientific studies reveal that peptides in skincare are progressively effective in promoting skin elasticity and firmness, increasing microcirculation, strengthening capillaries, and boosting cell metabolism.
The efficacy of peptides in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles is comparable to that of retinol, but with faster results. Use Peptide skin care products that provide multiple functions, such as expression lines, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, hydration, and acne.
Snail Mucin helps improve the skin’s surface. It smooths out texture and ensures the skin is properly moisturized. It’s the perfect ingredient to obtain dewy, healthy, and smooth skin. Snail Mucin has amazing protection and healing properties for the skin, creating a barrier between your skin and external factors.
Retinol (Vitamin A). A derivative of vitamin A, this ingredient is particularly effective due to its small molecular structure, giving it the ability to penetrate deep enough into the skin that it can effectively stimulate collagen production. Retinol treats acne, fights signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, unclogs pores, and evens out the skin. Retinol stimulates a quicker renewal of skin cells. Using retinol can make your skin more sun-sensitive, make it a daily habit to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or above.
Vitamin C is one of the most studied antioxidants available on the market. Other than being a free radical scavenger, vitamin C has other skin benefits, like boosting collagen production and fading dark spots.