Science has come a long way in providing skin care ingredients and compounds that provide a measureable difference in the appearance and actual health of our skin. The options for skin care ingredients can sometimes seem endless, with new (and frequently “made up”) ingredients coming into the market on an almost daily basis. With this in mind, we have decided to create a list of 5 of our favorite skincare ingredients that are proven to provide a positive improvement in our skin’s appearance. This skin care ingredient list is not “all inclusive” and there are other ingredients that we believe in, but these are some of our favorites that we recommend for gorgeous skin, and should be included in any skin care routine.
Hyaluronic Acid : Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our bodies, in joints, skin and connective tissues. As we age, we produce less hyaluronic acid, which leads to less “fullness” in the facial area, and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is capable of holding 1000 times its own wolume in water, making it an excellent compound for those looking to add hydration and plumpness back into the skin. When a 100% hyaluronic acid serum is applied to the skin, it pulls moisture from deeper skin layers, from the moisture in the air, and any additional moisturizers into the skin, locking them in place for ultimate hydration. 100% hyaluronic can be found in BV-9 Platinum AntiAging Bee Venom cream & Provectus Super serum.
AHA’s : Alpha hydroxy acids, which include lactic acid and any acid derived from fruit or dairy sugars are a gentle way to keep the skin looking fresh and rested. A concentration of 10% is ideal for keeping the skin in a state of renewal and removing the dead, dull skin layers to allow fresher, dewy skin to the surface. AHA’s are a more “skin friendly” way to exfoliate vs physical abrasives such as microdermabrasion, crushed walnut shells or microbeads. Alpha hydroxy acids can be used on a variety of skin types, with lactic acid a preference for thinner and older skin’s , applying 2 -3 times a week for best results. The only “beta hydroxy acid”, Salicylic acid, is an oil soluble acid, which allows it to penetrate into the sebaceous glands where oils are produced, helping minimize blackheads and breakouts. AHA’s can be found in Cellular Renewal Power Peel as well as our Lactic Acid Gel.
Peptides : Peptides are short chain amino acids, and the basic building blocks of proteins and many other organic molecules. Among some of the most powerful skin care ingredients currently being offered, various peptides encourage different positive responses within the skin. Two of our favorites:
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 : works to relax certain muscles associated with dynamic wrinkles and fine lines in a way similiar to a mild botox.
- Palmitoyl peptides : work on the deeper layers of the skin by stimulating the support structure, increasing the ability of the skin to produce hyaluronic acid and collagen while improving the skin’s elasticity.
Six different Peptides can be found in concentrated amounts in our Intensive Super Serum.
Alpha Arbutin / Kojic Acid : Many of you may be familiar with “Hydroquinone” as a common lightening agent. Due to a potential link between hydroquinone and increased cancer risk, we have found alternatives that are just as effective, but without the health risks. Neither of these ingredients are skin “bleaching” agents, but work by reducing the ability of the cells to produce pigmentation, allowing for reduction in the appearance of sun damage over time.
- Kojic Acid : A by product of the “sake” industry, kojic acid has been shown to inhibit melanin production, and is a great addition to AHA peels to reduce the appearance of sun damage and freckling without irritating the skin.
- Alpha Arbutin : A plant derived lightening agent, Alpha arbutin has shown in medical studies, to be an effective skin lightening agent. Alpha arbutus works by inhibiting melanin production, reducing the cells ability to product pigment. Alpha Arbutin works best in a serum that can be left on the skin.
Kojic Acid can be found in our Cellular Renewal Power Peel and Alpha Arbutin in our Pigment Corrector Serum
Bee Venom : Bee venom is a powerful anti inflammatory agent, making it a wonderful ingredient for anti aging serums and creams, as inflammation is a cause of premature aging. Bee Venom gently increases blood flow to the treated areas as well, bringing nourishment to the skin and encouraging fibroblasts to produce collagen. Of course, bee venom is not suitable for those allergic to bee stings. Bee Venom can be found in our BV-9 anti aging bee venom cream.
Always remember, when choosing your skin care look for a short ingredient list with lots of active ingredients near the top. We will be following up shortly with a list of ingredients to avoid in your skincare. Healthy skin is gorgeous skin! Visit us at Glow Luxe Skin Care for a complimentary consultation.