10 Common Skin Care Ingredients Explained For You

10 Common Skin Care Ingredients Explained For You

When you look at a label of beauty or cosmetic products, have you ever wondered what’s on the long list of skin care ingredients? With today’s modern developments in skin care, it’s no wonder why there are so many new products available in the market. 

Trying to understand or decipher each ingredient could potentially cause a headache for you, which is why we have compiled this list of common skin care ingredients and explained their benefits for your skin. 

Let’s get started!

What Are The Most Common Skin Care Ingredients?

Let’s face it, it’s important to know what we put on our skin, especially if you want to accomplish certain results. Here are some common skin care ingredients found in most products with a breakdown of what they can do for your skin.

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Creams and lotions containing AHAs such as glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids help with diminishing signs of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, age spots, and may help reduce enlarged pores. 

2. Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid)

Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and improves the complexion of sun-damaged skin. It also penetrates oily hair follicle openings, which helps reduce the possibility of developing acne.  This can be found in many skin care ingredients, and some are available over-the-counter, while others would need a dermatologist’s prescription. 

3. Elastin

This gives the skin flexibility when applied topically. It helps the skin hold moisture but has not been shown to affect the skin’s natural elasticity or elastic production. 

4. Emollient

These skin care ingredients help the skin hold more moisture, hence creating a soothing and softening effect. Some examples of natural types of emollients include shea and cocoa butter, plant oils, mineral oils, and fatty acids. Other types include petrolatum, lecithin, triglycerides, and myristates, and are all responsible for creating creamy textures for skin care products.

5. Humectant

This is one of the skin care ingredients that are used in products to help the skin retain moisture. These can be natural or synthetic and can include aloe, hyaluronic acid, silicone, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

6. Hydroquinone

Products containing this ingredient are often lightening agents or bleaching creams. These products are used to treat hyperpigmentation such as dark spots that are related to pregnancy or hormone therapy.

7. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

This skin care ingredient is used with Vitamin C products to help or assist effective penetration. Also known as “glycosaminoglycan”, Hyaluronic Acid is known for its wonders in reverse aging.

8. Jojoba Oil

This is a fragrance-free oil derived from plants and is effective in nourishing dry skin without leaving a greasy feeling or residue. 

9. Retinoids

There are many types of retinoids, such as retinal aldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinol. Usually found in anti-aging skin care products, retinol is derived from vitamin A. Retinoids are proven to decrease acne scars, pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and skin tone. Aside from all of these, retinoids also maintain proper hydration levels for the skin. 

10. Vitamin E

This is an antioxidant that protects the skin against sun and antioxidant damage. It has been researched to be more effective in its natural form compared to its synthetic counterparts. 

11. Zinc Oxide

This is a non-irritating natural sunscreen ingredient often used alongside titanium dioxide. This can be found in medical-grade sunscreen products that we offer in APT Medical Aesthetics, such as Zo Skin Health products. 

Learn More About Skin Care Ingredients By Consulting Us

APT Medical Aesthetics is a professional medical spa in Oakville. Our skin care experts are always willing to answer any questions you may have about our products and their ingredients. 

We believe that in order to maintain healthy, glowing skin, a regular skin assessment needs to be done. This is why our skin care experts are always willing to help you and answer any questions you may have about skin care, the treatments we offer, and the medical-grade products we carry.

Let our dedicated team help you find the best solutions and recommend products with only the best skin care ingredients. Other than that, our services are always aligned with the industry’s most advanced skin care treatments. 

Book your free consultation today!