fiive minutes 5 skincare ingredients you need to know about
Keeping up with the latest skincare is a job in itself! What should I be using to brighten my skin? Which ingredients should I be using to help with my fine lines? Fret not, we're here to simplify things! We've compiled the top 5 skincare ingredients you need in your lives right here so you can forget the stressing and focus on the self care.
Vitamin C
Who should use it?
Everyone! Suitable for a wide range of skin types and age ranges, Vitamin C can help in different ways depending on your skin type and age.
What are the main benefits?
If you suffer from dull, lacklustre skin, then this should be your go-to skin ingredient. Â It is great for brightening up even the dullest of complexions while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and hyper-pigmentation.
How should it be applied?
Apply after cleansing on clean, dry skin before you moisturise.
Niacinamide
Who should use it?
Great for those with oily, acne prone skins.
What are the main benefits?
Can help reduce the appearance of large pores, even out skin tone and texture, reduce inflammation of blemishes and helps to even out the regulation of sebum.
How should it be applied?
Can be applied AM or PM all over the face before heavier creams. If using with a Vitamin C, alternate when using as the Niacinamide can reduce the integrity of the Vitamin C
Polyglutamic Acid
Who should use it?
Anyone who loves Hyaluronic Acid and those with dehydrated skin.
What are the main benefits?
This amazing ingredient can hold four times more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid and should be a must for those with dry skin.  The large molecules sit on the skins surface preventing water loss and plumping up fine lines.
How should it be applied?
Apply AM and PM after cleansing, after serums and before moisturiser.
Azelaic Acid
Who should use it?
Suitable for all skin types but particularly beneficial to those who are acne prone, suffer from rosacea or have hyperpigmentation
What are the main benefits?
A powerful antioxidant with antibacterial properties that help fight acne. Â It is also great for fading pigmentation and helping to treat rosacea thanks to it’s anti inflammatory properties.
How should it be applied?
Apply once or twice daily after cleansing, toning and before moisturising. Â If using with retinol, use in the AM to avoid irritation.
Retinol
Who should use it?
A great anti ageing ingredient for those who want to up their skincare routine and tackle issues such as lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Â Those suffering from rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, you may want to steer clear.
What are the main benefits?
Great for those who want to see a reduction in lines and an improvement in skin firmness. Â This ingredient can also help to lighten dark spots and improve overall texture and brightness of the skin.
How should it be applied?
First of all, whilst using SPF, it is more important than ever that you wear SPF every day.
Retinol should be applied cautiously and shouldn’t be used everyday at first. Â Build up your tolerance by using twice a week for the first week and then every other day the following week building up to everyday. Â Listen to your skin and adapt as necessary.
Apply after cleansing in the evening and leave 20 minutes before applying your moisturiser.