Top Skincare Ingredients for Youthful Skin at Any Age
What are the top skincare ingredients we want to use?
Dr. Kelly Bomer is an expert in skincare and has been studying skin since her early 20s. She has participated in several ingredient and product studies and loves to help her patients transform their skin with effective products that deliver measurable results. Here in this article are the top skincare ingredients she recommends for most people.
Glycolic Acid
- Strongest and most powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Stimulates collagen production in the skin
- Exfoliates dead skin and stimulates the production of new skin
- Speeds the skin cycle to renew itself faster
Salicylic Acid
- Important for clogged pores and acne
- Liquifies the oil/sebum in the pores and is helpful to unclog them
Retinol or Retinoids
- Stimulates collagen production
- Exfoliates and cleans pores
- Speeds skin cycle
- Must-use ingredient to rejuvenate the skin
Retinol is one of the ingredients that we all know about. It is the gold-standard ingredient for skin rejuvenation. There are many variations and strengths of Retinols and once you find the right one for your skin, you can see big skin results. Retinol products need to be used consistently and nightly.
At first, you might need to acclimate to your chosen Retinol product so your skin does not dry up too much. Acclimating is easy. We recommend starting slow and increasing as your skin adapts to it. For example, if you never used a strong Retinol product, apply your moisturizer first, then apply your Retinol on top of it. Do this every other night for a couple of weeks. Then increase one more night. Once you can use it every night under a moisturizer, swap a few nights and put the Retinol under the Moisturizer. Increase the nights with the Retinol first until you are using it every night. Once you acclimate it use let it dry before applying any other product.
If you already use a Retinol but want to move up to a stronger one, start using it every other night and increase the number of nights, until you can use it every night!
- Watch Dr. Bomer’s video How to Use Retinol for tips on the best way to apply this powerful ingredient.
Antioxidants
- Protects from oxidation and degradation of skin structure
- Helps reduce inflammation and redness associated with inflammation
- Helps protect against environmental aggressors such as Blue Light (HEV), ozone, and pollution
- Helps your sunscreen perform better
There are several ingredients that act as antioxidants. The most known one Vitamin C, is available in Lipophilic (fat-soluble) and Hydrophilic (water-soluble). Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin. Other antioxidant ingredients include Resveratrol, Niacinamide, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin A, and CoQ10.
Collagen and Elastin Building Peptides
- Promote new collagen and elastin production
Growth Factors
- Stimulate tissue growth and repair
Growth Factors in skincare are derived from botanicals, synthetic, and human tissue culture.
What are Growth Factors?
Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell growth, repair damaged tissue, and promote the production of collagen and elastin. They support the skin’s natural healing processes, aid in wound repair, and contribute to a smoother, more youthful complexion. By encouraging skin cell regeneration and collagen synthesis, growth factors can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Additionally, some growth factors possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the skin against damage and inflammation. Overall, growth factors play a role in improving skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance, contributing to a healthier and more resilient skin barrier.
Hydrators & Moisturizers
- Plump skin and protect it
- Soak in and attract water
- Reinforce the Barrier Function of skin to hold its own water
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a humectant. There are several weights and molecule sizes of HA that can add immediate, and long-term moisture. Other hydrating and moisturizing ingredients include Vitamin E, Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Urea, Ceramides, Beeswax, and Silicones.
The 3 types of Moisturizers – Humectants, Emmolients, and Occlusives
- Humectants hydrate by drawing moisture from the wair to the skin.
- Emollients are oil and lipid-based and improve the look and texture of the skin by filling in its crevices so the skin looks smoother.
- Occlusives provide a protective seal over the skin to prevent moisture loss.
Brighteners
- Lift out melanin and brown discoloration (for those who need this)
- Remove superficial brown pigment from the sun (freckles)
- Improve deep patchy brownish-red pigment-hormonal spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne or skin injury, and melasma
Some used brighteners include Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Bakuchiol, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Hydroquinone, and Retinol.
Inflammation Reducers
- Reduce redness and flushing – for those who have inflammatory skin
Sun Protection SPF
- Protects against UV damage
- Mineral, chemical, or both types of protection
Sunscreen is a must-use product. Everyone needs to use it daily. Every day, rain or shine. Even on cloudy days.
Without sunscreen your skin ages faster and sun damage takes a lot to repair. Some can never be reversed. Dr. Bomer recommends trying sunscreens until you find the perfect one for your skin. Or using different types for different activities. There are many available options to choose from, but the important thing to remember is that you need to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Dr. Bomer’s Tips for Skincare Success:
- Consistency is key. Transformative results take time. A lot of people think that one week of using a product can deliver all of the results, but often that is not the case. Our skin needs time to improve. Most likely the damage you see now took months or years to occur. Be patient and consistent.
- Choose your skincare wisely. Pick ingredients that multi-task and work together to protect, prevent and reverse skin damage.
- Use medical-grade products formulated with powerful and active ingredients. Avoid social media fads and stick with proven brands.
- Add masks to your skincare routine. Your skin loves a challenge and often at-home facial can give you spa-like results.
- Apply sunscreen daily.
- Add in-office treatments to expedite your results.
At Rejuvent Skincare, we are here to help you build your best skincare regimen with effective products from brands clinically proven to address concerns and deliver results. Contact us today and start on your path to Youthful skin at any Age.