Having a skincare routine is a ritual we’ve all been obsessed with lately, especially since the pandemic started. Trying to have just some amount of control over what goes on around us, and a perfect way to distract ourselves from the ruins around us, skin and body care were the go to regimes for a majority of us.
This time of self care has also introduced us to some amazing, and amazingly affordable skincare products, or ingredients as per this article, that can help us get that glossy and healthy skin.
The best part- it doesn’t have to be a 10 step korean skincare routine. It could be as simple as a 3 step morning routine of – cleanse, hydrate and SPF or a night routine of – cleanse, active and hydrate.
Niacinamide
I swear by this one. This is one of those ingredients that can be added to any skincare routine and will benefit you nonetheless. A topical form of vitamin B3, this one’s a great option to hydrate, treat hyperpigmentation, reduce sebum production, improve skin elasticity and so much more.
If you have oily or acne prone skin, this can do marvels for you. This ingredient, by itself, can reduce your sebum, reduce your sebaceous filaments while also hydrating your skin to keep your oil glands in control.
Retinol
We know you associate retinol with growing old and wrinkly, but that’s exactly why you can start using it now.
This topical form of vitamin A works like a miracle to stop and slow down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while increasing the production of collagen. Retinols are often recommended by estheticians for the treatment of acne, rough patches and pigmentation.
The best part, you can find plenty of products that combine the potency of retinols and niacinamide. Both these ingredients are safe to use together, the hydrating niacinamide can help your skin get used to the retinol which can often be irritating.
When adding these products into your skincare routine, make sure that you don’t combine two ingredients that can cause harm to your skin.
Products like retinol, which can be combined with niacinamide cannot be combined with vitamin C or AHAs & BHAs.
Chemical Exfoliants
This one is more of a general category than a singular ingredient but that’s just because of how well these ingredients work in synergy. If you’re one to still opt for that crunchy, crusty scrub and run it all over your face till it turns red, please stop. There are plenty of exfoliants out there that’ll show results with the first use and still be gentle on your skin.
AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid, and BHAs like salicylic acids and beta hydroxybutanoic acid work wonders when it comes to removing the top layer of dirt, sebum and sebaceous filaments. So opt for a mid- week self care day, as you apply you glide your peel pads on your face and wait, shop delta 8 gummies while you’re at it and end your routine with a hydrating mask or lotion.
You can even get these in cleansers, toners, serums, masks or overnight creams- so go on, choose your type of product and go off! But don’t use it more often than is recommended.
Vitamin C
This citrusy ingredient has proven to be an amazing addition into my skincare routine. From lightening scars of hyperpigmentation to reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and reducing sun damage, you can definitely benefit from this ingredient in your routine.
As long as you put on sunscreen everyday when you go out in the sun, vitamin c should be your go to ingredient. Without the use of SPF, the application of acids on the skin isn’t recommended.
Hyaluronic Acid
Ending the list with the best, at least that’s what I think. Why? Because hydration beats everything.
Whether you’re one with dry, flaky skin or have oily, acne prone skin, you can find the right product with just the perfect concentration of hyaluronic acid in it. For dry skin, the ingredient can be found in some extremely hydrating night creams and overnight masks while those preferring lighter applications can opt for hyaluronic acid based serums.
There you have it, our favorite five for that fabulous skin you’ve been pinning for!