Skincare regimens today can be a little confusing (or excessive) for some. Seriously, there are hundreds of ingredients for every skin issue, so how does one choose? And there are only so many things we can apply to our skin everyday. Our skin is fragile and stressful lifestyles, less-than-optimal diets as well as environmental pollution cause our skin to look dull and dry. You may not be able to change these but there are certainly ways to regain that glow and radiance. So fret not, here are the simplest, yet most effective home remedies for natural, flawless-looking skin.
SECRET INGREDIENT #1 RETINOL
This is the secret ingredient in every dermatologist’s beauty armoury, and the skin hero everyone needs in their skincare regime for a flawless complexion. A type of compound related to vitamin A, retinol can be found in over-the-counter skincare products and is converted to the active version once in contact with skin. It works to increase cellular turnover, stimulate production of collagen (therefore smoothens fine lines and wrinkles), fade away pigmentation. This multi-tasking ingredient also prevents acne! If you are worried about it causing skin irrtation, retinol is milder but it is just as effective as stronger retinoids.
SECRET INGREDIENT #2 GLYCOLIC ACID
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from cane sugar, glycolic acid is the holy grail of chemical exfoliation, removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells to reveal baby smooth complexion underneath. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecules so it is most effective.
SECRET INGREDIENT #3 GLUTATHIONE
Tried too many skin brightening creams that don’t work? Try glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants used by doctors during skin treatments. Most well-known for helping to whiten skin and reduce melanin levels, this ingredient can now be found in moisturizers, serums and even tablets for oral consumption.
SECRET INGREDIENT #4 PROBIOTICS
Don’t worry, you heard me right. One of the best things now is to put (good) live bacteria back into your skin. By balancing the microflora on skin, scientists believe that probiotics help clear up a variety of skin problems (just like how keeping your intestines healthy with probiotics have far-reaching benefits for health in general), targeting things like premature aging, acne, eczema and rosacea.
SECRET INGREDIENT #5 COENQYME Q10
Our bodies make CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant to neutralize free radicals which cause normally cause sun-induced skin aging. Studies have shown the CoQ10 is effective is slowing down these visible signs of UV damage. Research shows that applying CoQ10 has antioxidant and skin-soothing effects.
