Searching through skincare products and attempting to build a routine can seem like a minefield at the best of times, throw in a bunch of new ingredient names into the spotlight and it can be incredibly overwhelming. 

Currently, we have more skincare knowledge than we ever have before, but it can still be a little confusing at times, so we’re going to break each ingredient down for you to help you pick the right one for your skin

Skincare Ingredient - Vitamin C

Claiming the number one spot, with no surprise is of course vitamin C. Searched 1.2 million times (and counting!) 

what is it exactly that Vit C does for our skin?

 Firstly, it is a powerful antioxidant – this means it helps to protect our skin from environmental factors such as wind, cold, heat etc.It also helps to accelerate collagen production, which leads to firmer & smoother skin. Next, this powerhouse ingredient also works to brighten & even your skin tone, calming redness, reducing dark spots and acting as an anti-inflammatory to any current breakouts.

When do we use Vitamin C as a skincare? 

The perfect time to slot this amazing ingredient into your routine is in the morning. After cleansing, using a vitamin C serum and/or moisturiser (and your spf!!) is the way to go, making use of its strong antioxidant accents.

Our Skincare Picks for Vitamin C 

Skincare Ingredient - Retinol

Coming in at number two is none other than the infamous retinol. Searched over 900 thousand times in the year of 2020, people are dying to know all about what it does and how to use it to get a gorgeous glowy, clear complexion.

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which is commonly used in anti-ageing or acne fighting products. It works as a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, smooth fine lines & unclog pores. Leaving you with a brighter, tighter, smoother and evened out complexion. It also fastens the rate of cell turnover in the lower levels of our skin, making it an anti-ageing force not to be reckoned with.

When do we use Retinol as a skincare? 

The best time to opt for a retinol product, is in the evening as part of your night-time skincare routine. After cleansing, use a retinol based serum and/or moisturiser to boost the cell turnover & moisture barrier repair that happens to our skin when we sleep. 

When introducing a retinol to your routine, be careful. Use one night a week for 2 weeks, then 2 nights a week for 2 weeks & finally 3 nights a week from then on. Always ensure not to use it two nights in a row and also wear an spf every morning while using.

Our Skincare Picks for Retinol

Skincare Ingredient - Hyaluronic Acid

 Hyaluronic Acid has taken the world by storm, and for good reason too. Coming in at number 3 and searched over 500 thousand times, it’s no wonder brands are pumping out Hyaluronic Acid products left right and centre. 

But what does Hyaluronic Acid do?

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that our bodies naturally make, however as we age, our natural HA levels decline, and that loss of moisture can lead to drier, rougher and lined/wrinkled skin.

Using Hyaluronic Acid will boost skin's moisture content by storing over 1000 times its weight in water that it sucks from your external environments (i.e. the air around you) and more moisture means plumper, juicier looking skin.

When do we use Hyaluronic Acid as a skincare? 

Hyaluronic Acid can be used both morning and night and will benefit every skin type. It is simply put, like a tall glass of water for your skin.

Use on dampened skin, and a pea size will do. You will know you’ve used too much if it gets very sticky, sometimes even foamy.

It is vital that you apply hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin and follow with a moisturiser after, as the molecular structure of Hyaluronic Acid is designed to suck up moisture, if you do not lock in with a moisturiser it will result in moisture loss in your skin.

Our Skincare Picks for Hyaluronic Acid