PKMH Skincare Guide
Skincare is not limited to just cleansing and moisturizing your face anymore, but has become quite diverse and complex with the introduction of new skincare ingredients and products. Ingredients like Alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, kojic acid, Hyaluronic acid and many more are found in different skincare products. These ingredients have an effect on our skin as some of them help with wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other skin problems.
The main problem when it comes to skincare products is there are a lot of options available in the market but we do not know which ingredient we should include in our skincare routine and which may benefit our skin.
To simplify the process we’ve listed out some major ingredients found in skincare products with their uses and benefits so that you can easily understand their use and effect and work with the ones you require in your skincare routine.
1. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA's)
AHA has grown increasingly popular during recent years. AHA creams and lotions can aid fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and age spots as well as shrinking pores. It is a must to wear sunscreen if you apply AHA as it may cause mild discomfort and sun sensitivity if applied which may lead to sunburn. Start with the concentration of 10% to 15% AHA to avoid any kind of skin irritation.
2. Salicylic Acid (Beta-hydroxy acid)
Salicylic acid helps enhance the texture and colour of sun-damaged skin by removing dead skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and hence aids acne treatment. Salicylic acid can be included in a variety of skincare products. Some are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. Salicylic acid has been proven in studies to be less irritating than alpha-hydroxy acids while delivering equivalent improvements in skin texture and colour.
3. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid can also be used to address pigmentation issues and ageing spots. Kojic acid, which was discovered in 1989, works similarly to hydroquinone. Kojic acid comes from a fungus, and studies have shown that it works as a lightning agent by decreasing melanin formation (brown pigment). Kojic acid may make your skin more sensitive to sunburn if you use it frequently.
4. Retinoids
Retinol, retinal aldehyde, and retinyl esters are examples of retinoids. Many over-the-counter "anti-aging" skin care treatments contain retinol, which is derived from vitamin A. Retinol has been shown to enhance uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, tone and colour, and moisture levels in the skin. Retinyl palmitate is a similar but less effective component to retinol.
5. Hyaluronic acid
Skincare products containing this chemical are frequently used in conjunction with vitamin C treatments to aid penetration. The ability of hyaluronic acid (also known as a glycosaminoglycan) to "reverse" or "halt" aging is frequently advocated. You may have heard of hyaluronic acid as the "secret to the fountain of youth" in news reports. This is because the substance is found in juvenile skin, various tissues, and joint fluid and exists naturally (and in large amounts) in people and animals.
Nature, on the other hand, destroys hyaluronic acid as you get older. Diet and smoking can both impact the amount of hyaluronic acid in your body over time. Hyaluronic acid is commonly utilized in skincare products to address wrinkles and may aid with skin hydration and firmness.
6. Glycerine
Look for glycerine-based solutions if you're looking for a soothing dry skin solution. Glycerine is a colourless, odourless liquid with a syrupy consistency that is also known as glycerin or glycerol. It's a naturally occurring compound that can also be synthesized. It is well-known for its ability to help those with dry skin. Glycerine benefits the skin in a variety of ways, including improving hydration, protecting against irritants, improving skin barrier function and mechanical characteristics, and hastening wound healing.
7. Ceramide
Ceramides are lipids, which are fat molecules that help skin retain moisture. They function like magnets, drawing skin cells together and forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface to keep moisture in and plump it up. Ceramides also protect the skin from external aggressors such as dry air and pollution. Ceramides are produced naturally by your skin, but production decreases with age, seasonal changes, or the use of too many harsh cleansers or exfoliants.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the health of skin cells. Vitamin C concentrations in the dermis and epidermis of your skin are high, but they diminish as you age and as a result of exposure to the sun and pollution.
To maintain skin tight and lush, the antioxidant boosts collagen and elastin synthesis. Vitamin C also slows down the ageing process by reducing UV damage, moisturising the skin, and leveling out skin tone and texture.
9. Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are an essential component of skincare for everyone. Fatty acids in your skin are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and they help your skin retain water. Some skin-beneficial fatty acids, such as omega fatty acids, aren't created by your body. Using products containing linoleic acid (omega-6), alpha linoleic acid (omega-3), and omega-9 (oleic acid) provides several benefits to your skin. Omega fatty acids aid in the hydration and flexibility of the skin. Fatty acids also relieve dry, flaky skin, minimize UV damage, calm inflammation, guard against pollution, and regulate oil production.
10. Castor Oil
The Ricinus communis plant produces castor oil. It's made by pressing castor seeds cold and then heating them. It has a wide range of applications and is becoming increasingly popular. Castor oil's ricinoleic acid inhibits acne-causing germs by blocking pores. Castor oil also has anti-inflammatory qualities that assist to soothe and moisturise the skin.
No matter what skin concerns you have, you should always remember that every skin is beautiful. Skincare ingredients are very subjective and not everything works for everyone so keep on trying until you find your perfect ingredient which will make your skin glow and revive it's health and make it all plump and healthy again.
Work towards skin health and let your flawless skin be the only filter you need!
- PKMH
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Note: The recommendations mentioned in the article are generic in nature. Incase you‘d like a skin or a beauty related consultation, reach out to us on email.