Skin Care Ingredients You Need to Try Right Now

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in the body? The skin excretes toxins, protects you from external factors, and reflects what’s going on internally—it’s no wonder there are professionals who specialize in the skin.

But not everyone is a dermatologist or esthetician. As a result, figuring out what works for your skin is often trial-and-error. So, here are some skincare ingredients you need to try right now.

Understanding Your Skin

First, before slapping on whatever products you find on the store shelf, learning your skin type is essential.

Normal Skin

Normal skin consists of regular-size pores, equal oil-to-water balance, a safe pH level, and a soft appearance. It doesn’t need any special care or precautions.

Dry Skin

Simply put, dry skin usually consists of smaller pores and less sebum, and it’s more prone to sensitivity. It benefits from occlusive products. Cutting down on exfoliation and incorporating hydrating serums are good places to start.

Oily Skin

Oily skin consists of larger pores, excess sebum production, and more acne breakouts. It can be challenging to manage in the summer, so increase your exfoliation and use oil-balancing products.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is the most common skin type: an oily T-zone with dry cheeks. Combination skin tends to have more breakouts in specific areas, so using skin products and serums that cater to combination skin is a must.

Ingredients with Perks

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the essential skincare ingredients you need to try right now. It holds about 1,000 times its weight in water, bringing hydration to the epidermis. It’s for all skin types, but people with dry or sensitive skin will especially love it.

Alpha and Beta-Hydroxy Acids

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are great for dry skin and collagen production, while beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-loving, bacteria-fighting exfoliants. If you use physical exfoliants, consider trying chemical exfoliants instead. They’re gentler, and they come in a large variety.

You can also try naturally derived exfoliants such as lactic acid or salicylic acid, which buff off dead skin cells and hydrate the skin. You can also try synthetically derived acids that activate enzymes in the skin to break down dead skin cells, such as sulfonic acid.

Retinol

When it comes to fighting physical aging, retinol is the king. Retinol contains antiaging vitamin A, and it can also battle acne. Plus, it’s great for all skin types. You can start using it when collagen production starts to go down—between 23 and 26 years of age. Incorporate it slowly, and remember that it takes three to six months to notice changes.

Vitamin C

An all-in-one ingredient, vitamin C has many remarkable properties: balancing oil, brightening dark spots, evening skin tone, and fighting acne. The best parts are that it’s affordable and good for all skin types.

Don’t Go Overboard

At the end of the day, don’t incorporate 10 different products all at once. Take it slowly, starting with two or three products and waiting to see how your skin reacts. Having a breakout or two is expected as your skin adjusts. But if you have any stinging, itching, or burning, stop using the product immediately and allow your skin barrier to repair itself.