7 Skincare Ingredients You Need to Know About

Skincare ingredients can be a minefield, especially when it comes to spending money on high-end face creams, oils and serums. Knowing what you’re paying for is a good way to make sure you’re splashing out on the right products. We called on three skincare experts to tell us which ingredients we should be looking out for in 2020.

The Skincare Ingredients to Know

Superoxide Dismutase

Annee de Mamiel,  well-being expert, aromatherapist and leading acupuncturist

‘My new favourite ingredient that I am really excited about is Superoxide Dismutase, a first generation anti-oxidant to protect against skin irritation, UV damage and premature ageing caused by environmental aggressors. I have put it into my new Dewy Facial Mist. Pollution is a huge factor affecting our skin – not just from environmental pollution but HEV light from our phones and computer screens, this is one of the few ingredients I have found that effectively combats these modern skin concerns, which is what makes it so exciting to me.’

Ferulic Acid Esters

‘I also love anti-inflammatory Ferulic Acid Esters, which purify the skin from heavy metals and protect from urban pollution,’ says Annee.

L-Ascorbic acid

Linda Blahr, national head of education and training for SkinCeuticals

‘I always look for an antioxidant with a high concentration of pure L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to prevent skin damage due to environmental aggressors (such as UV and pollution). SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a triple antioxidant with a high concentration of pure L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). It works like superfood for your skin to keep it healthy, young and radiant.’

Hyaluronic Acid (to correct and hydrate)

‘SkinCeuticals new H.A. Intensifier is an amplifying serum that increases the level of natural hyaluronic acid in skin about 30% in just four weeks to improve the skin’s volume and hydration,’ says Linda. ‘It works with a unique and innovative complex of purple rice and liquorice extract, Proxylane and hyaluronic acid.’

Broad-Spectrum Mineral UV Sunscreen

‘SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense is a lightweight, tinted sunscreen containing 100% mineral filter to protect the skin from the age accelerating UVA rays that attack the collagen fibres in deeper skin layers. At the same time it works like a correction cream for a more uniform, even look of the skin.’

Salicylic acid

Dr Mervyn Patterson, cosmetic dermatologist at Woodford Medical

‘Salicylic acid is the go-to ingredient for those wanting a smoother, softer skin with less signs of sun damage. When carefully formulated alongside azelaic acid and anti-inflammatories it gently but very effectively removes outer skin cells and debris blocking the pores. Salicylic is a beta hydroxy acid that breaks the bonds between the surface skin cells and helps the skin shed the outermost roughened cells.’

‘In addition, salicylic has anti-microbial properties and is also beneficial in controlling excessive oil production. The concentration of the salicylic is critical as it is important to find the balance between being effective whilst avoiding irritation. Choose skincare brands that replace glycolic with salicylic as the ingredient of choice for achieving exfoliation.’

Turmeric

‘Turmeric is the new kid on the block in skincare and companies such as Epionce have been developing new formulations with highly purified extracts of this root plant that have very significant effects on unwanted inflammation and pigmentation in the skin.’

‘Turmeric helps block the inflammation pathways that trigger the activation of the melanocyte and it also directly interferes with the production of melanin, the dark pigment that causes pigmentation in the skin. Turmeric should be part of the skincare regime of anyone battling against unsightly pigmentation and melasma.’

‘Epionce Pigment Perfecting Serum is proven by independent clinical trials to be as effective as prescription skincare without causing any irritation to the skin. This is very important because pigmentation can be a life-long problem and it is therefore critical that the skincare being used to treat the problem is safe for long term use.’

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