ABCs of Skincare:
N
Niacinamide: It is a form of Vitamin B3 and helps to cure acne scar, reduce dull skin, helps to combat pigmentation and aging. Popular products with Niacinamide are Makeup Revolution Skincare 10% Niacinamide and 1% Zinc and Suganda Niacinamide 10% Serum.
O
Oxybenzone: So this is one ingredient we need to be cautious about. It is widely used in chemical sunscreens and said to be an irritant and some studies have shown it can cause hormonal damage too. Sunscreens with Oxybenzone are Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Lotion (6%) and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick (3%).
P
Peptides: Peptides are said to maintain the elasticity of the skin by boosting collagen and making it youthful and firm. Some products with peptides are Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum and Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator.
Q
Quercetin: It is an anti-inflammetory ingredient that is said to soothe skin. Korres Quercetin and Oak Anti-Ageing Night Cream and Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner are some of the products with Quercetin.
R
Retinoids: These are a class of chemical compounds that are essentially part of Vitamin A1. These are said to be the most effective anti-ageing skincare ingredient. Most popular retinoid containing products are Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing Night Cream and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer.
S
Salicylic Acid: It controls sebum secretion and helps reduce pimples and acne. It has exfoliating properties and can unclog pores. The popular Salicylic acid content products are Neutrogena Oil free Acne Wash and Vicgy Normederm range.
T
Titanium dioxide: This is a mineral that is mainly used in sunscreens. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Products like Kiehl's Super Fluid Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50+ has this ingredient.
U
Ubiquinone: It is also known as Coenzyme Q10 and has antioxidant benefits. It has great anti-ageing properties and boosts the production of collagen and elastin. Products with Ubiquinone are Dermal Q10 Collagen Essece Sheet Mask and Nivea Q10 Light Firming Body Lotion.
V
Vitis Vinifera: This difficult name is nothing but Grapeseed oil. It has multiple benefits like protecting cell membrane, anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antioxidant properties. Popular products are Juicy Chemistry Grapeseed Oil and Plum Grapeseed and Sea Buckthorne Glow Restore Oil blend.
W
White Tea Leaf Extract: White tea leaf extract has revitalizing properties and can prevent premature aging and combat sun damage. Plum Chamomile and White tea range and The Nature's Co. White Tea Night Cream are some of the available products in India.
X
Xylitol: Xylitol helps in hydrating and strengthens skin's barrier. It helps in replenishing the skin. Products with Xylitol are Scandinavian Skin Xylitol Range and AndLab Xylitol Mild Sun Gel.
Y
Yerba Mate: It is a plant extract that has skin soothing properties and said to be a powerhouse of antioxidant benefits. Products with Yerba Mate are Kiehl's Yerba Mate Tea Range and Puristry yerba Mate Eye Cream.
Z
Zinc Oxide: Zinc oxide has amazing suncare properties. It helps to prevent skin from sun damage, has anti-bacterial and anti-acne properties and helps to prevent tissue damage. Some skincare products with Zinc Oxide are Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Face Sunscreen SPF 50 and Heilen Biopharm Zinc Oxide Face Pack.
This completes the glossary of skincare from A to Z. Hope this will be helpful for you all and from now onwards you will look for these ingredients in your skincare products and will know what exactly you are applying on your skin.
