Which is the 'cream' of the crop?
#40. The SKINNY on Ingredients
Over-the-counter skin products make all sorts of claims. You can avoid making costly mistakes by knowing how to read a label to find exactly what you need to help make your skin kissable. But is there really suck thing as a “miracle in a bottle?” Unfortunately not, but there are ingredients that can make a difference in the way your skin looks. Here’s a guide to ingredients and what they do, from New York dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel, whom MANY Manhattanites trust with their faces. Be sure to check with your own doctor before changing your skin care regimen:
Alpha hydroxy acids loosen dead cells from the skin’s surface for a smoother, clearer appearance. A good over-the-counter product to try if your skin is dull-looking and superficially rough.
Antioxidants fight “free radicals” that can accelerate the appearance of age. Worth using on good skin as preventative measure.
Anti-inflammatories reduce puffiness, especially under the eyes. Good for the day after a late night or to refresh yourself with before an after-work date.
Emollients can form a thin protective layer that traps moisture. Good for all-purpose moisturizing.
Essential fatty acids can improve skin’s health and glow. Wrinkles may appear to lessen. This ingredient also can help return moisture to the skin, so it’s a good choice if you have dry skin.
Exfoliants remove dead skin cells, but be careful — some can be harsh and scratch the skin. If the exfoliant you use is gentle, it can be an effective way of smoothing and refreshing the skin.
Humectants attract moisture to the skin from the atmosphere. A good ingredient to look for if your skin is dry.
Hyaluronic acid helps skin maintain the appropriate moisture level. Again, it’s a good ingredient to look for if your skin has a tendency to be dry.
Retinol or Retin-A reduces the appearance of wrinkles and can help reduce acne. This prescription-based ingredient can help reduce signs of sun damage and acne scars over time.
Vitamin A is believed to improve skin elasticity and promotes an even texture and cell growth. As an ingredient in skin care products, It can be very helpful. It may also help in the form of a dietary supplement, but please check with your doctor.
Vitamin C enhances natural collagen production, so it may be good for thirty-five plus skin.
Vitamin E adds moisture and repairs tissue and, again, may be helpful for thirty-five plus skin.
Looks like I’m going to need a shitload of Vitamins C and E!
I should probably read my labels better – I mostly buy my skincare products based on budget. When I splurge, I LOVE Philosophy’s Hope In a Jar. At the moment, I’m using CVS’s night cream, which is thicker and all right, but not necessarily better. I stretch out my eye creams my using Vaseline around my eyes at night and only use the eye cream during the day.
BFF N told me YEARS ago about her aunt that used to pull her eyes taut to put her eyeliner on…then one day, the skin didn’t snap back like it used to. That is one of the most terrifying stories I’ve ever heard. I will do almost anything I can (afford) to make sure that moment doesn’t come until much, MUCH later than now.
What skincare products do you use that work for you?
