A list of common ingredients in skin care products
Take a while to read over this list of ingredients in skin care products so you will be able to recognize their usefulness next time you see them!
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic acid is a natural product derived from sugarcane. It is in the family of Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight and, therefore, has the best penetrating ability. Glycolic acid removes the excessive build-up of dead skin cells and is highly effective in promoting fresher looking skin with less pigmentation and softening facial lines. Researchers at the University of California report that glycolic acid appears to increase the amount of natural collagen and elastin in the skin, possibly by causing regeneration of protein. It is also a natural moisture binder. Reducing the volume of dead skin cells and thinning the skin will assist in the utilization of antioxidants and any skin enhancer you may choose to use.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Start slowly using it once a day for the first 2 weeks, then use it twice a day for the next two weeks. Do not use Vitamin C products at the same time you are using glycolics. Use them at opposite times of the day.
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is one of the antioxidant ingredients in skin care products used used topically to help prevent skin damage resulting from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin C is essential in the production of collagen. Younger skin is more than 90% fibrous material and 95% of this bulk is collagen. Vitamin C plumps the skin to tighten and tone sagging and redundant skin. It also seems to have a lightening effect on pigmented areas. Vitamin C must be delivered to the skin in the form of L-Ascorbic acid at a concentration of at least 10% and at a precise pH. Our recommended Vitamin C products contain these factors allowing absorption by the skin.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Use Vitamin C once a day in the morning.
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the antioxidant ingredients in skin care products which increases the speed of dermal cell growth. This increased cell turnover speeds the shedding process by bringing fresh new cells to the surface more quickly and expediting the exfoliation process. It aids in increasing the blood flow which helps eliminate wastes and deliver nourishment to the skin. It’s antioxidant functions reduce free radicals and oxidative damage. With continued use, users experience smoother texture and a more evenly pigmented complexion. Depending upon skin type and the amount of sun damage, concentrations are variable and your skin must be conditioned slowly with increasing concentrations if necessary.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Use Vitamin A in the form of Retinol ONCE a day at bedtime. It works well with glycolic acid. If after 2-3 months of Retinol use, you wish to add Renova or Retin-A, which are prescriptive products, we will send you the skin care protocol incorporating either of these products for you to take to your physician. Only your physician can determine if you would benefit from either Renova or Retin-A.
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants such as vitamins C, A, E, and B are free radical fighters, and used in many of the ingredients in skin care products. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are broken up (oxidized) by prime destructive environmental factors such as sunlight, cigarette smoke and pollution. These factors significantly contribute to aging skin and constantly bombard us! Antioxidants provide additional protection for the skin’s dermal layer by forming a barrier against environmental toxins. Simply, antioxidants prevent or minimize the formation of free radicals. If not neutralized, free radicals bounce around like a Pac-Man wreaking havoc with everything in their path, including the genetic (DNA) and protein in your skin. This damage breaks down the foundation of your skin causing sagging and lines as well as those dark “age spots” which most people accept as a part of aging.
RECOMMENDATIONS. Use daily. Vitamins C and B during the day. Vitamins A and E at night. Vitamin A,E and B5 work well with glycolic.
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is recommended for moisturization and is one of the common ingredients in skin care products. It is a naturally occurring substance that is present and is an important component of the skin’s cell. It’s most important function is to retain water within the cell. Collagen and elastin are surrounded by a network of hydrating hyaluronic acid which provides turgor and elasticity to the skin. As we age, the content of hyaluronic acid in our skin declines dramatically causing deterioration of the skins elastic properties. This acid, which is non-occlusive, retains 1000 times its weight in water as compared to collagen and aloe which retain between 1-40 times their weight. This sophisticated ingredient is not used in many moisturizers because of its price. We recommend it however, because investigators have repeatedly found a direct correlation between water content and the hyaluronic acid content of dermal tissue. Simply, skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid has better turgor and elasticity and a more youthful glow. Our patients use it post operatively!
RECOMMENDATIONS: Use TWICE daily, or as needed depending upon your skin hydration. Works will with all antioxidants, lightening agents and glycolic acid.
Ingredients in Skin Care Products: LIGHTENING AGENTS
Darkened areas of the skin need special attention as they are difficult to get rid of. Chemicals used to treat hyper pigmentation are actually tyrosinase inhibitors which decrease the skin’s ability to manufacture melanin. Sunlight stimulates this phenomena. There are no true “bleaching” agents to use on the skin. In the U.S., hydroquinone is the most commonly used lightening agent as one of the ingredients in skin care products. Best results for lightening pigmentation are obtained when hydroquinone is used with another product that has its own lightening effect. It enhances the penetration of the lightening product or stimulates epidermal growth and, hence, increasing the skin’s exfoliation process. Epidermal cells contain melanin. With increased cell shedding, the total amount of melanin decreases, producing a lightening affect. The most commonly used products to improve the action of a lightening agent are Vitamin A, alpha hydroxy acids, especially glycolic acid, and of course, sun protection.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Apply TWICE a day. It is important to note that maximal results take 2-3 months. If at that time you wish to add prescriptive lightening agents, we can send you recommendations that you can take to your physician. Only your doctor can determine if you would benefit from a prescriptive lightening product.
Now that you know about some of the ingredients in skin care products:
Now that you have learned about some of the most common ingredients in skin care products, feel free to check out our other articles on Microdermabrasion Kits, Microdermabrasion Cost, and overall Skin Care!