You take good care of your skin, but you still feel like you can do better. You want the clear, soft, and glowing skin that so many skincare products promise, but they all seem to fall a bit short. After trying several new creams and serums, you feel frustrated and are starting to think that most beauty products are a hoax.
Does this sound like you?
If so—don’t give up hope yet. The perfect products for your skin may exist; you just haven’t been looking in the right places or for the right ingredients. Before you throw in the towel and quit your daily skincare routine altogether, try rethinking your beauty routine (and expectations) along the lines of science.
Get to Know the Skin You’re In
To take good care of your skin, you should start by understanding its composition. Your skin is made up of three layers, and the outermost layer is known as the epidermis. It consists of cells made from keratin, a healthy protein that keeps your nails and hair strong. The dermis, the layer below the epidermis, gives skin elasticity and flexibility through collagen-production. The last layer, the subcutis, stores fat that provides cushion and acts as a reserve.
What factors disrupt the body’s natural maintenance of healthy skin? Damaging elements include exposure to the sun and UV rays, not getting enough moisture, smoking, free radicals such as dirt and irritants, and the passage of time.
Keeping these facts in mind, you’ll have an easier time finding skincare products that restore natural, healthy sin.
Getting That Glow
If you’re hoping for glowing skin, here are a few products that can help you achieve that:
- Serums and Creams with Vitamin C– Serums and creams with vitamin C can give your skin a natural boost in producing collagen, which gives skin structure, and elastin, which helps skin return to its original shape after it’s stretched or contracted. It also hydrates and brightens the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
- Products with Glycolic Acid– Glycolic acid is often found in skin peels, and although it is an acid, it’s anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. Research shows that it can help reduce hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and seborrhea.
Moisturizing
Skipping out on skin moisturizers can dry out your skin and make it easier for you to develop wrinkles. Here are some moisturizing products for you to try:
- Glycerin Skin Creams– Glycerin is an ingredient that draws and traps moisture or water to the outer layer of your skin. Skin creams often include glycerin and another moisturizing agent that may help you achieve softer, supple skin and reduce dry and scaly skin. It may also help to treat dry, scaly skin.
- Jojoba Oil– Jojoba oil contains vitamin E and B complex vitamins that have anti-inflammatory properties that repair damaged skin. It also helps to reduce dryness and soothes the effects of eczema.
Scar Repair
If you’re looking to heal and minimize the appearance of scars, look for products with the following ingredients:
- Aloe Vera– An all-natural ingredient, aloe vera contains aloesin that may help you reduce hyperpigmentation. Its non-greasy texture works as an excellent moisturizer.
- Rosehip– Rosehip, the extracted fruit from a rose plant, is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that improve cell generation and reduce the effects of aging.
Tanning
It’s now common knowledge that hitting the tanning both can cause significant skin damage and increase your risks of developing skin cancer. So what are some safe alternatives?
- Sunless DHA Tanning Sprays and Lotion– If you’re looking for a temporary tan, sunless DHA tanning sprays or lotions can help. They contain the ingredient dihydroxyacetone or a color additive, which interacts with dead skin and creates a tan by temporarily darkening it. You can choose these DHA products that are rich in antioxidants instead of exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
Softness and Suppleness
Do you want softer, more supple skin? Try achieving these traits by nourishing your skin from the inside rather than the outside.
- Collagen Supplements: Collagen is the primary substance that contributes to the softness and elasticity of the skin. However, the production of collagen declines with age and exposure to radicals. Taking collagen supplements can improve skin hydration, flexibility, and roughness.
- Biotin Supplements: Although there isn’t enough research to completely prove the effects of biotin or vitamin B7 on the skin, deficiencies can lead to red, scaly skin. Biotin may improve the softness of your skin by nourishing oil glands and helping them function efficiently.
Take Care of Your Overall Health
Although these products may improve your skin and temporarily resolve issues, it’s important to focus on your overall health. Reevaluating your diet, exercise habits, and water intake can radically transform the internal health and outward appearance of your skin.
