THE AUGUSTMAN SKINCARE GLOSSARY

Understand your skincare breakthroughs and ingredients from A to Z

CENTELLA ASIATICA: If you’re looking to defuse skin inflammation and speed up healing, consider products with centella asiatica. A component called asiatic acid also halts an ageing process called glycation.

VITAMIN D: When applied topically, vitamin D rejuvenates tired skin. It also serves as protection against pollutants and promotes cell regeneration, which slows down premature ageing as a result.

ENZYMES: Just like AHAs and BHAs, proteolytic enzymes such as papain and bromelain help to promote skin clarity. They do so by gently breaking down the dulling keratin buildup on the skin.

VITAMIN F: A combination of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), vitamin F converts to ceramides when in contact with the skin. This helps to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain hydration levels.

GINSENG: A group of ginseng-derived metabolites called ginsenodises is what makes the herb beneficial for the skin. It speeds up skin healing and energises the cells to keep them healthy and robust.

HONEY: Its humectant properties help keep your skin balanced and hydrated. Furthermore, honey is also a natural antimicrobial agent. This makes it useful to those who are prone to sensitivity and acne.

IRON OXIDE: This is one of few physical sunscreen ingredients available today. It isn’t just non-toxic, but also has an edge over others due to its reddish hue, which makes it useful for those with darker skin.

JOJOBA OIL: Having a similar composition to natural sebum makes it a ready supplement for dry and sensitive skin. It is also antiinflammatory, which is helpful in managing skin irritation.

KAOLIN CLAY: Those having trouble with oily and congested skin will benefit from using products with kaolin clay. It works as a magnet to “pull” impurities out from the pores, keeping it clean and clear.

LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT: This probiotic-derived ingredient has been clinically proven to soothe irritation. Furthermore, it helps to maintain healthy skin microflora, thus reducing breakouts.

MANDELIC ACID: This alpha-hydroxy acid provides similar exfoliating effects as lactic and glycolic acids. But because its molecule is the largest, its effect is gentler, making it safer for sensitive skin.

NIACINAMIDE: Also known as vitamin B3, this compound is prized for its skin brightening and cell regenerating properties. Combine this with a hyaluronic acid product to achieve well-balanced skin.

PURSLANE: This nutritious plant is gaining popularity as a skincare ingredient as it offers numerous skin-boosting qualities. It also has the antioxidant glutathione, which guards against discoloration.

OAT EXTRACT: Packed with B vitamins, humectants and vitamin E, this ultra-healing ingredient is a favourite among those with skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema.

QUINOA EXTRACT: Rich in essential fatty acids and amino acids, quinoa extract is great in preventing dryness and promoting cell regeneration. Best for normal to dry skin types.

RESVERATROL: This is what gives red wine its anti-ageing benefits. It acts as a shield against pollutants and provides antiinflammatory effects, thus reducing any stress experienced by the skin.

SNAIL MUCIN: Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in snail mucin promote collagen synthesis, allowing it to heal broken skin effectively. Hyaluronic acid helps with balancing the skin’s hydration level.

TURMERIC: Turmeric owes its antiinflammatory properties to a compound called curcumin. And this has been reported to disrupt cell signalling pathways that trigger skin redness and irritation.

UREA: This supposed by-product has powerful moisturising properties. It is helpful in nourishing dry skin, and also has a mild exfoliating effect that assists in keeping the skin smooth.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Not to be confused with the food ingredient. Dermatological benefits of vanilla include nourishing the skin with B vitamins and amino acids. These help with rejuvenating tired, lacklustre skin.

WITCH HAZEL: Its astringent properties has made this ingredient a favourite among those with oily skin. Caution is, however, advised as it can be quite sensitising. Best used only when needed.

XYLITOL: This naturally-occurring sugar has humectant properties. Not only does it boost and maintain a healthy hydration level for the skin, it’s also effective in building your skin’s resilience.

YARROW EXTRACT: Due to its astringent property, yarrow has long been used to control excess sebum production. It also has mild soothing effects that also help with reducing the appearance of acne.

ZINC: Those prone to oily and congested skin often praise zinc for its purifying effects. Not only is it an astringent, it also has collagenboosting effects that is helpful in healing broken skin.