8 Great Ingredients to Look for in Your Skincare
Ingredient lists can be confusing, some can be quite lengthy. It’s good to know what to look for. This post will be focusing on good and beneficial ingredients to watch for in your skincare products. There are some excellent ingredients to have in your skincare as well as some to be avoided. This post will feature 8 Great Ingredients to Look for in Your Skincare.
1. Aloe Vera
Here are some reasons it’s great for skin:
Hydration: Aloe vera contains 96% water, making it an excellent moisturizer. It helps to hydrate and plump skin, reducing dryness.
Anti-inflammatory: It contains compounds that make aloe effective at soothing, reducing irritation, redness, and swelling.
Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. Helps protect the skin from free radical damage, which can cause aging and wrinkles.
Antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help fight acne. It helps to reduce inflammation and control oil production.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is beneficial for skin due to its rich composition of fatty acids. These fatty acids provide the following benefits:
Moisturizing: Coconut oil forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and keeping it hydrated.
Antibacterial and Anti-fungal: Reduces the risk of infections. Supports healing by providing moisture and antibacterial protection.
Anti-inflammatory: Contains oleic acid and linoleic acid, which have soothing effects on skin irritation and redness.
Improves Skin Barrier Function: Helps strengthen the skin's barrier, making it more resistant to penetration by irritants and allergens.
Anti-Aging: Coconut oil has antioxidant properties that protect skin from free radical damage, which contributes to wrinkle formation.
Note: It's important to use coconut oil in moderation, as it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some individuals. Best to use organic, virgin or cold-pressed.
3. Organic Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture.
Here are some specific benefits of glycerin for skin:
Hydrates and moisturizes: Glycerin draws water from the air into skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Improves skin barrier function: Glycerin helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, protecting it from moisture loss and irritants.
Suitable for all skin types: Glycerin is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
I recommend looking for organic, plant-based glycerin.
4. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, joints, and eyes.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin:
Hydration: HA is a potent humectant, it attracts and retains moisture. This keeps skin hydrated and plump.
Anti-aging: As we age, our bodies produce less HA, leading to dryness and wrinkles. Topical application of HA can replenish lost HA and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Protection from UV Damage: Studies suggest that HA may help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Skin Elasticity: Helps maintain elasticity by forming a gel-like matrix that supports the collagen and elastin fibers. This helps to prevent sagging and improve skin firmness.
Healing: HA plays a role in the healing process by promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer that can hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores.
Anti-inflammatory: Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated, red, or sensitive skin.
Antioxidant: It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to aging.
Non-comedogenic: Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or cause acne.
Suitable for all skin types: Jojoba oil is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and sensitive skin.
6. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree.
Moisturizing: Rich in fatty acids, which act as emollients to hydrate and soften. It helps to trap moisture and prevent dryness.
Anti-Inflammatory: Shea butter contains compounds called triterpenes. It can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, and reduce redness.
Antioxidant: A good source of vitamin E. Which helps to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Healing: It contains compounds that stimulate collagen production, which can help to repair damaged skin and improve skin elasticity.
7. Sweet Almond Oil
Here are some of the key advantages of this lightweight, quickly absorbed oil:
Moisturizing: Sweet almond oil is an excellent emollient that deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin.
Antioxidant Protection: The oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging and preventing wrinkles.
Soothing and Calming: Sweet almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated, red, and sensitive skin. It can also reduce itching and discomfort.
Improves Skin Elasticity: The oil is rich in oleic acid, which helps strengthen and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additional Benefits: Promotes skin cell regeneration, Reduces hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. Protects against UV damage, and improves skin tone and texture.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that provides several benefits for the skin. Here are some of the reasons why vitamin E is good for skin:
Antioxidant: Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to aging.
Moisturizing: Vitamin E helps to seal in moisture and improve hydration.
Protection: Vitamin E helps protect skin from sun damage by reducing the formation of harmful free radicals caused by UV radiation.
Anti-inflammatory & Anti-Oxidant: Helps soothe irritated or red skin. Promotes healing by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
No matter the season outside, proper skincare with good, beneficial ingredients is always in season. Whatever skincare products you currently use or looking for, check the label for any of these 8 Great Ingredients to Look for in Your Skincare.
These ingredients will help support healthy, glowing skin. Always keep in mind that good ingredients need to support each other, harmful ingredients will often offset the good. Be mindful with your choices and always try to seek out organic, natural and non-synthetic ingredients.
These ingredients are at the heart of Inviting Effects products for healthy, glowing skin, naturally.