5 Materials For Perfectly Glowing Skin

Everyone wants that healthy, radiant glow that looks like it is shining from within, but achieving it is easier said than done when you factor in stress, sleep deprivation, environmental pollutants, and hectic schedules. Fortunately, technology has also improved when it comes to skin care. By being better educated on some important ingredients and their functions, you will be able to make better decisions when you go shopping for skin care products down at your local convenience store. Here are five materials that are proven by science to give you smooth skin.

Vitamin C: The Brightening Agent

Vitamin C is one of the most studied and recommended ingredients for skincare, for several reasons. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so it works by eliminating free radicals formed by UV exposure, pollution, and environmental factors. Free radicals are harmful molecules formed when UV exposure breaks down harmless molecules in our body, damaging cells and contributing to an aged appearance. Vitamin C works by preventing this damage, thereby protecting our skin and further triggering the production of collagen in our body, making it brighter and smoother by enhancing its elasticity and firmness over time.

When using Vitamin C, one should consider the concentration at which the Vitamin C is used. It should be used in concentrations ranging from 10% to 20%. Vitamin C should be applied in the morning because it is more effective in increasing the skin's protection from environmental factors when used at this time. Vitamin C is sensitive to air and light; therefore, one should store the cream correctly. Initially, one may experience some stinging when using Vitamin C, but this effect diminishes as one becomes accustomed to the reaction.

Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Magnet

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance already present in the skin, where it is essential for maintaining hydration. The remarkable aspect of its properties, however, is its ability to hold as much as 1,000 times its weight in water. As such, it is able to draw hydration not only from the environment as mentioned, but also from within the skin, resulting in an instantly hydrated appearance. Hydrated skin appears fuller, smoother, and radiant, symbolising the healthy glow.

In a skin care regimen, hyaluronic acid is known to work effectively on all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is best used when the skin is slightly damp and coupled with a moisturiser to lock in the moisture. Some hyaluronic acid creams use various molecular weights—high molecular weight to hydrate the surface and lower molecular weight to penetrate deeply into the skin. Hyaluronic acid lacks the ability to exfoliate or brighten the skin, but its skin-quality-improving properties are ideal for a glowing skin care routine.

Retinol: The Skin Revitalising Specialist

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to be among the most effective skin renewal tools available in the market. This product works on the skin's mechanism of stimulating its natural renewal phase by encouraging the removal of old and damaged skin cells while promoting the growth of new ones. This has been found to soften the skin's texture, reduce fine lines and pigmentation spots, and even enhance its clarity. Retinol has been proven to assist in collagen synthesis, resulting in skin that appears firm and youthful.

Though effective, retinol is a product that needs to be used correctly. It is best to start off slowly—beginning one to two times a week—and is best done at night since it makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is also crucial to use sun protection when applying retinol. When it comes to concentration, new users would benefit best by starting off low while those who are more experienced can start using stronger products. It is best to view retinol as an investment since it is a product that yields visible results gradually.

Peptides: The Skin Strengthener

Peptides are short chains of amino acids and represent the building block for some essential proteins found in the skin, such as collagen and elastin. In cosmetic applications, peptides act as messengers that relay information to skin cells, instructing them to repair damaged areas and restore support to the structure of the skin. The end result is a smoother, more defined complexion.

Peptide products tend to be gentle on the skin and can therefore be used daily, especially on sensitive skin. Moreover, these products can be layered atop most other skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and thus can be used alongside other skincare products. Peptides do not provide an immediate dramatic effect on the skin; however, their benefits can be appreciated over time when used consistently. They help in strengthening the support structure of the skin over time.

Niacinamide: The Balancing Ingredient

Niacinamide, also recognised as vitamin B3, is extremely versatile and is valued for its ability to promote overall skin health. It increases the strength of the skin barrier by promoting the production of ceramides. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, making niacinamide useful in reducing inflammation caused by redness, combating breakouts, as well as controlling excessive oil production. It is also effective in reducing the dilation of pores and fine lines.

One of the main reasons why niacinamide is appreciated by many for its skincare applications is that it combines well with other skincare products. It can be used both during the day and at night and with vitamin C, retinols, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The best concentration for niacinamide should always be between 2% and 5%. Those with sensitive skin will greatly benefit from niacinamide because it will provide visible improvements with minimal irritation compared to other skincare products with stronger formulations. For more information, please check Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ingredients compatible with each other?

To answer, yes. Modern skincare routines tend to successfully incorporate all of them. But to avoid irritating your skin, it is best to incorporate new products one at a time. Also, a dermatologist can be consulted to allow for combinations specifically tailored to one's skin type.

When will I see the results?

Results depend on the product, as well as the individual skin type. Hydrating qualities, such as hydration provided by Hyaluronic Acid, can be observed within a matter of days, while brightening, such as the brightness offered by Vitamin C, Retinol, or Peptides, takes a few weeks.

Do these ingredients work well on all skin types?

In general, yes. These ingredients have been commonly incorporated into skincare products. Still, for individuals who have very sensitive skin or other skin issues, performing a patch test or consulting with a professional before proceeding may be the best course of action.