Key Ingredients You Should Include in Your Skincare Routine For Healthier Skin

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It is subjected to all sorts of hazards like sun, drying wind, and pollution. You should develop a daily skincare routine and avoid things that can age your skin more quickly, like smoking, alcohol, a poor diet, and sunbathing. These things can damage your skin and make you look older than you are. There are a few key ingredients you should always include in your daily skincare routine.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and one of the best ingredients to use daily. They have several purposes for the skin. The FDA approved it in 1971 as an acne treatment. Retinoids unclog the pores, which allows for better cleansing and prevents further acne outbreaks.

You can find retinoids in over-the-counter skincare products. They work to reduce wrinkles, fade age spots, and give the skin a healthy glow by stimulating new blood vessels in the skin. Using retinoids with alpha-hydroxy acids will provide even better skin protection.

Shea Butter

This is arguably one of the most common natural ingredients found in most moisturizers. Shea butter is extracted from shea tree nuts, and it is very effective at hydrating dry skin. This can be attributed to the fact that shea butter is laden with fatty acids. Additionally, due to its moisturizing properties, shea butter produces a calming effect on the skin, and this might explain why it is the go-to ingredient for customers in colder regions. Besides, the anti-inflammatory properties make the butter great for treating and soothing eczema. Research shows that people who used herbal creams containing shea butter three times a week had 79 percent less skin itching. The best part is that unlike other ingredients in skin creams, shea butter does not cause allergies, and this makes it perfect for people with sensitive skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs are acids usually made from plant sources like sugar cane, citrus fruits, grapes, royal jelly, lactose, and other sugars. AHAs can be found in anti-aging skin care products like creams, toners, peels, and serums.

They are best used to exfoliate the skin, which promotes new skin cell growth. If you have too much dead skin cell accumulation, your face can look dull and show wrinkles and age spots. Alpha-hydroxy acids promote collagen, reduce wrinkles, and visibly brighten your skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Another natural ingredient found in quality herbal remedy creams is tea tree oil. Extracted from tea tree leaves, tea tree oil is laden with antibacterial and antifungal compounds, which are effective at combating a wide range of germs, fungi, and bacteria. Moreover, the anti-bacterial properties keep inflammatory blemishes, such as bacteria-driven acne and tender pustules, at bay. 

However, the topical application of creams containing tea tree oil is not as effective at treating deep cystic acne. Therefore, you might want to see a dermatologist for further guidance. If you have sensitive skin, then the tea tree oil in herbal creams might not be the best choice for skin care.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, with the most found in the skin, eyes, and connective tissues. Its main purpose is to retain water and keep the tissues moist and lubricated. Exposing the skin to things like smoke, pollution, and UV radiation from the sun can deplete hyaluronic acid in the skin, causing the skin to age.

You can take hyaluronic acid as a supplement or apply it to the skin. It comes in different molecular sizes. The larger size molecules sit on the face to increase hydration. The smaller molecules penetrate the skin, allowing the skin to retain more water. Look for products with varying molecule sizes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also important for the skin. It helps promote healing and can help diminish the appearance of dark spots, scars, and wrinkles. It’s also a powerful antioxidant.Eating a diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit for the vitamin C along with these skincare products will ensure you have healthy skin. You can also find serums and creams with this ingredient.

Coconut Oil

Over the last few years, growing research has been directed towards the use of coconut oil as a topical skin soother. The results have even surprised scientists because extra virgin coconut oil has shown to be a more effective anti-inflammatory ingredient than the body’s natural agents. Among other things, creams containing extra virgin coconut oil as an ingredient can combat dry skin, itchy skin, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In fact, some patients with scalp conditions have shown overnight improvements when they apply coconut oil and cover their heads with a shower cap. 

Everyone’s skin is different, which means that your skin may react differently to some of these ingredients that others would. Depending on your lifestyle, you might prefer natural products or lab-made ones. 

You can work with a dermatology professional to find products that suit your skin type. Your dermatologist can also give you advice about how to prevent acne, wrinkles, and other skin issues you may be worried about. They may also have certain procedures that can’t be done at home.

Even if you have damaged your skin over the years, there are some key ingredients that can repair your skin and keep it healthy and young-looking. Some of the key ingredients you should include in your daily skincare routine are retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.