Moisturiser, serum, night cream, day cream, emulsions and ampoules — the list of skincare products is never-ending. Right when you think you’ve read everything you need to about skincare essentials and must-have ingredients, a new list of products with new ingredients pops up.
But, no matter how many new ingredients pop up, there are a few essential ones that you MUST include in your skincare routine. Wondering what they are? DW, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, a list of essential ingredients that you need to include in your skincare routine.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is an essential skincare ingredient for every skin type. It helps boost collagen, fades acne spots and brightens skin. If you want to know whether your skincare products contain vitamin C, look for ingredients like ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. These are some forms of vitamin C generally found in skincare ingredients.
BB picks: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an AHA that reverses the damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun and ageing. Derived from natural sources such as sugarcane, pineapple and sugar beets, it is generally used as an exfoliator to remove the outermost layer of the skin. Using skincare products that contains glycolic acid can treat skin discolouration, scarring, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid
The most common and widely used ingredient, hyaluronic acid is widely known as a humectant with excellent moisturising properties. This substance naturally occurs in our body, but as we age, the production slows down and skin becomes rough and dehydrated. The reason why hyaluronic acid is a must-have is because it attracts water molecules and retains moisture to keep the skin hydrated for a long time.
BB picks: Ponds Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E
Retinol
Most anti-ageing skincare products contain retinol as the main ingredient. Other than reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this importanat skincare ingredient also helps improve acne scarring, pigmentation, skin texture as well as your skin’s hydration levels. Tretinoin, retinyl esters, retinal aldehyde are some forms of retinol found in skincare products.
BB picks: Lakmé Youth Infinity Skin Sculpting Night Creme
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide works wonders for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is another ingredient generally found in night creams or serums as it fades wrinkles, improves elasticity and brightens the complexion.
BB picks: Ponds Skin Brightening Serum Mask With Vitamin E & Niacinamide + Sea Daffodil
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Apr 22, 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.