SKINTELLIGENCE
Just how well do you know your skincare products?
IT’S EASY TO FEEL OVERWHELMED by the deluge of skincare products out there, but choosing one option over another needn’t be difficult. In case you’ve ever been confused by the jargon and ingredients, we’ve cleared a path for you by highlighting those you should pay attention to.
1 HYALURONIC ACID
Instead of inducing exfoliation like most acids, this ingredient functions as a humectant to a ract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in wellhydrated skin cells and a fresher looking mien, whatever your skin type.
Pe ect for: All skin types
We recommend: Hydra 3Ha Intensive Hydrating Serum, Sothys
2 RETINOL
Retinol works by stimulating the production of newer cells. It induces the shedding of old skin cells to allow fresh ones to come to the su ace, thus speeding up the skin’s cell renewal rate. It’s well-established as an antiageing ingredient. Use it with sunblock. Pe ect for: Mature skin
We recommend: Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream, Peter Thomas Roth
3 CHITIN
Don’t be put off just because chitin’s largest natural sources are fungi’s cell walls and crustacean shells. On top of its ability to soothe and heal damaged skin, this glucose derivative possess humectant prope ies that help to maintain the skin’s moisture content. Pe ect for: Sensitive skin
We recommend: Reverse Skin Regeneration
Essence, UNI
4 BETA-HYDROXY ACID
Those with oily skin will find hope in the form of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Besides sloughing off dead skin cells, this oil-soluble acid can also reduce the appearance of existing acne by penetrating pores to clear out the sebum and grime trapped in them. One effective BHA variant to look for in a product is salicylic acid. Pe ect for: Oily and acne-prone skin
We recommend: T-Pur Anti-Impe ections Correcting Concentrate, Biotherm
5 ALPHA-HYDROXY ACID
Also known as AHAs, this group of watersoluble acids that include lactic, glycolic and mandelic acids function by dissolving the “glue” that binds the cells on the epidermis, essentially functioning as a gentle exfoliant. With regular use, this ingredient improves skin texture by giving its su ace a smoother, more even appearance.
Pe ect for: Uneven or textured skin
We recommend: Good Genes, Sunday Riley
6 VITAMIN C
Thanks to its brightening and healing prope ies, this popular antioxidant has long been a skincare go-to for those with hyperpigmentation or ageing skin. Derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate are great, but a formula with L-ascorbic acid can make a more significant difference. Be sure to avoid using it together with retinols, niacinamide and both hydroxy acids, as they can interact and result in hypersensitivity.
Pe ect for: Dull or uneven skin
We recommend: C-Firma Day Serum,
Drunk Elephant