July has been incredibly busy for me. We traveled a lot and have finally settled now. One thing I never missed was my tryst with skincare. Over the years, I have realized some ingredients suit my skin like nothing else. So today, I have picked 5 such ingredients/actives which work magic for my skin.
My Top 5 Favourite Skincare Ingredients/Actives
1. Hyaluronic acid: Although there have been so many recent videos that have emerged recently all of a sudden about Hyaluronic acid being an overhyped ingredient, it always depends on individual skin type. The day I started incorporating this versatile active in my daily skincare, I noticed the visible plumpness and glow in my skin. No matter whatever other active or ingredient I apply in whatever routine, I make it a point to add a bit of Hyaluronic acid in some form to that. It is a versatile ingredient and can go almost along with every ingredient, be it antioxidants like niacinamide or Vitamin C, exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs or anti-ageing ingredients like Retinol or Tretinoin. HA is undoubtedly my no. 1 choice as a must-have ingredient in my skincare.
2. Vitamin C: I make it a point to include a vitamin C serum or cream in my routine at least 3 times a week to boost the glow of my skin. Vitamin C is best included in the morning skincare routine, and I make it a point to finish my skincare with good sunscreen. The best combination that Vitamin C Serums work for me is prepping my skin with either a Hyaluronic acid-enriched or Collagen-enriched toner before applying the serum. I follow it up with a serum combination of Alpha Arbutin and Azelaic Acid. You can ensure the maximum glow in this sort of routine. Also, I ensure I am not pairing my Vitamin C with my AHAs, BHAs and Retinol in the same routine.
3. Niacinamide: This is one ingredient I learned of pretty late in my life. I wish I had known about it during my early 30s. Given that I am 45, I have issues of pigmentation, visible large pores around my cheeks and terrible blackheads on my nose. Here comes Niacinamide to the rescue. This ingredient works great with almost all ingredients without causing any issues. One of the beautiful ways to use it to deal with blackheads is by applying it after my BHA treatment or before Retinol/Tretinoin treatment.
4. Aloe Vera: I simply love this ingredient anytime, anywhere, in any form, but mainly in a gel form. It is the most soothing ingredient for times of sunburns, itchy skin or even insect bites, mild wounds and bruises on the skin. I have problems of very dry body skin and aloe vera is something that make the condition much better.
5. Retinol/Bakuchiol: Can I get enough of it? I use it thrice a week and generally pair it up with Niacinamide and Multi-peptide or Niacinamide and Ceramide. Another plant derivative of Retinol, that is Bakuchiol is also an amazing ingredient that almost works like Retinol. Its a much milder form and can be used daily.
So here are the ingredients/actives I simply love using in my skincare routine as I find them working perfectly for my skin.