What to Look Out for in Skincare Products

If you’ve ever looked on the back label of a skincare product, you will have probably seen a bunch of chemical names that you can’t even pronounce.

Looking at the ingredients list of your favorite skincare items can often leave you feeling confused. There are hundreds of different active ingredients that can manufacturers claim give your skin a healthy glow or fight against acne or eczema.

But how do you know which ingredients are actually helpful? What makes the active ingredients in healthcare products so beneficial for your skin?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to find the perfect skincare products for your unique skin type. It will also stop you from wasting your money on expensive, ineffective products.

Here is a list of the best active ingredients that are scientifically proven to help your skin. Each of these ingredients is commonly used in skincare products, so be sure to look out for them when you’re checking the labels on various creams and scrubs.

Ylang Ylang Oil

Many skincare products contain the best ylang ylang oil for topical application onto your face and body. Ylang ylang is an essential oil that has a gorgeous sweet aroma and it is known to help regulate oil production in your skin.

This natural plant extract can reduce inflammation, redness, and dryness, helping to combat the symptoms of a variety of skin conditions.

Applying a skin cream that contains ylang ylang may, therefore, be helpful if you are suffering from a flare-up of acne, eczema, or psoriasis. It can also decrease the appearance of old scars.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) is a well-known and well-loved chemical exfoliator. It can remove dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin. Many face scrubs and exfoliating creams will contain AHA for this reason.

AHA has amazing benefits in helping you to achieve a beautiful, smooth complexion. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and fresh. It is naturally found in many fruits, including berries, oranges, and lemons, so extracts from these fruits are often included in skincare creams and oils.

You may not spot AHA on the ingredients list. Labels may list AHA in the form of glycolytic, lactic, or citric acids, so keep an eye out for these names on your skincare labels. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as a glycosaminoglycan, is another widely used skincare ingredient. It helps to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture, preventing dryness and dullness.

HA is naturally produced in large amounts in your skin, joints, and connective tissues. However, its production begins to decrease with age and can also be lowered by poor diet and smoking. Low levels of HA in the skin can cause flakiness and loss of elasticity.
Using a skincare product that contains HA can increase your skin’s concentration of HA, keeping it well-hydrated. Because HA is so great at locking moisture into the skin, it is perfect for those of you who have dry, flaky skin or acne-prone skin.