Words by Meldrick Tin
Graphics by Heather Co
It’s no surprise that we, Filipinos love taking care of our physical appearances as part of our personal hygiene—especially our face and skin. By now, you’ve probably already tried everything—from high-end, local, or Korean skincare.
(ALSO READ: Get your Hair, Nails, Eyebrows, and Face Done in One Place: This Salon is Also a Spa!)
With the variety of skincare products and brands we see in the market today, there are so many different ingredients in these moisturizers, serums, and toners we see but often just overlook and don’t take into account. These things are actually important, though, as it can make or break your skin—literally!
To help you with this first world problem, we listed down 8 skincare active ingredients and what they actually do to your skin!
8. Ceramides
Ceramides secrete a protective barrier that prevents loss of moisture in your skin and protects it from visible damage caused by toxins and pollutants. This skincare active ingredient is also your solution to anti-aging and it can save you from the distress of dry skin, skin irritation, eczema, or psoriasis.
7. Niacinamide
The Niacinamide in your skincare products is a life-saver. Not only is it very versatile as it can be used for all skin types, it also protects your skin from inflammation. Plus, it has antioxidant properties! It also treats acne, rosacea-prone skin, and hyperpigmentation—which is why you should definitely look out for this ingredient in your skincare product.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: This face laser treatment can treat and solve multiple skin concerns in just 1 session)
6. Hyaluronic Acid
If you have dry and dehydrated skin, the Hyaluronic Acid can help hydrate and moisturize your skin since this ingredient is actually water-based. This ingredient also slows down the effects of aging and can also treat fine lines and wrinkles.
5. L-Ascorbic Acid
More commonly known as Vitamin C, the L-Ascorbic Acid has powerful antioxidant properties. Not only does it brighten your skin and protect it from harmful UV rays, it’s also your best friend when you want to get rid of those fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.
4. Retinol
The Retinol in your skincare products has anti-aging properties, and also makes your skin smoother and firmer. This miracle ingredient also treats acne, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and clogged pores.
3. Hydroquinone & Kojic Acid
These two similar chemical ingredients found in your skincare products are best known to have lightening effects on the skin. These ingredients slow down melanin production, which is actually the cause of the brown spots found in your skin. Also, these can help with your skin’s hyperpigmentation, age spots, and dark spots.
(RELATED: 5 Reasons why Kojic Acid Based Products are Best for Lightening Skin)
2. Beta-Hydroxic Acid (Salicylic Acid)
This ingredient is known to exfoliate dead skin cells to help improve your skin’s texture and color. If you’re prone to acne, blackheads, whiteheads or clogged pores, this ingredient can definitely help you with your recent breakouts.
1. Alpha-Hydroxic Acid (AHAs)
This ingredient is also an exfoliant, as it removes the dead cells from your skin, leaving it smoother, firmer, and more hydrated. This active ingredient can also address many skin concerns as it is known to treat fine lines, irregular pigmentation, age spots, and enlarged pores.
Which of these active ingredients do you see in your skincare products? Let us know in the comments section below!
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