Top 10 active ingredients in skincare
This week the Edit – net-a-porter’s weekly online magazine – recaps the 10 most important active ingredients in skincare. Obviously there are so many other really good ingredients, but I think it is a good starting point. When you go to the beauty department all the choices can seem really daunting, this at least gives a rough guide what to look out for. Read it here or see below.
Top 10 skin ingredients:
1
COLLOIDAL
SILVER
Best for: sensitive skin
Traditionally used in medicine for its antibacterial properties, these nano-particles of silver simultaneously calm inflammation, fight free radicals and boost tissue regeneration. The silver acts as a balancer to irritated cells – think of it as a probiotic yogurt for skin. An anti-aging godsend to anyone with sensitive skin that is prone to occasional breakouts.
TRY: Argentum Apothecary La Potion Infinie; argentumapothecary.co.uk
2
ALPHA HYDROXY
ACIDS (AHAS)
Best for: firming and
toning enlarged pores
These plant-derived natural acids are second to none when it comes to unclogging pores and encouraging younger-looking skin. Serums and peels packed with AHAs will firm, as the acids eat away dead skin cells and tighten pores. Great for anyone with enlarged pores or dull, unrefined skin.
TRY: Elizabeth Arden Intervene Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Treatment; elizabetharden.co.uk
3
RETINOIDS
Best for: fighting wrinkles and dull skin
Most world-renowned dermatologists swear these vitamin-A derivatives are the most effective skincare ingredients – a fact that speaks volumes. Free radicals, sun damage and lifestyle factors prompt your cells to inflame, which leads to lines and pigmentation. An extra benefit? Retinoids also tackle the production of melanin, prompting the skin to resume healthy, youthful turnover, resulting in brighter skin. TRY: REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate; renskincare.com
4
PEPTIDES
Best for: puffy eyes and fine lines
An old favorite and with good reason, these proteins stimulate the cells, promoting collagen growth and boosting circulation. This is good news for anyone suffering from puffy, sluggish skin around the under-eye area, as it is bad circulation that stops the blood from moving around and keeping your eyes line free.
TRY: Perricone MD Neuropeptide Eye Contour; perriconemd.com
5
VITAMIN C
Best for: brightening dull skin
If it is radiance you’re after, vitamin C is integral to your skincare. Known as ascorbic acid in the ingredients list, it acts as the engine to collagen production, boosts cell growth and increases circulation. When it comes to fighting dull, sun-damaged skin, this ingredient has the power you need. It is best applied in a serum at night to tackle skin at its most receptive.
TRY: Dr Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream; drsebagh.com
6
NIACINAMIDE
Best for: sensitive skin with sun damage
Years of sun-worshipping in your teens can really catch up with you – thankfully there are some power ingredients out there that will do an impressive job of reversing the signs of sun damage. Niacinamide is actually a form of vitamin B that acts as a catalyst to the enzymes within your skin, prompting them to work faster at repairing cell deterioration.
TRY: La Roche-Posay Skin Perfecting Anti-Redness Moisturizer;
laroche-posay.com
7
PHLORETIN
Best for: pigmentation
A powerful antioxidant derived from apples, phloretin is unrivaled when it comes to fighting the formation of melanin and inhibiting further dark pigmentation from appearing on your skin. It encourages cellular renewal, prompting healthier cells to come through.
TRY: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF;skinceuticals.com
8
PRO-XYLANE
Best for: dry skin with fine lines
This is the “moisture holder” – a sugar protein that sinks into the skin and stimulates cells to build a matrix that acts as a webbing, clinging onto any anti-agers and moisturizers you apply, increasing their benefit. Pro-Xylane is also a channel for other
cell-repairing ingredients, helping them to reach the lower levels of the dermis faster. An all-round winner.
TRY: Astalift Jelly Aquarysta;astalift.co.uk
9
SILICONE
Best for: instantly
improving fine lines
A moisturizer with plenty of active anti-aging properties, this really can offer instant results. Silicone sits on the top of your skin rather than sinking in, which gives it the ability to smooth and improve its appearance instantly.
TRY: Indeed Laboratories Nanoblur;indeedlabs.com
10
GROWTH
Factors
Best for: sluggish, dull-textured skin
These are not as scary as they sound. In fact, they are proteins that boost not only collagen production but also blood-vessel formation – a godsend for those with skin that needs plumping. The slowing down of circulation in the dermis is one of the contributors to dull, aging skin.
TRY: BioEffect EGF Serum;bioeffect.co.uk
theilluminatorblog 
I enjoyed reading this post. I have sensitive skin and I can’t go a day without using colloidal oatmeal, the product I use is Aveeno cream. Colloidal Oatmeal is certainly the best ingredient for sensitive skin/ eczema that I have come across!
Great tip, thanks for sharing!