Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice in the skincare aisle? We’ll help you find the right ingredients for your skin concern
This article is sponsored by Revolution, Innisfree, Elizabeth Arden, Skin + Me & Simple
Shopping for skincare can be confusing, but we’re here to help take the guesswork out of finding the right skincare products for you. From hydrating staples like hyaluronic acid to barrier-supporting glycerin, welcome to your at-a-glance skincare ingredients guide.
The great thing about so many skincare products to choose from is that you can build a bespoke skincare routine that’s perfect for you and your skin. So, whether your complexion is feeling stressed and breaking out in blemishes, your skin’s dry and in need of a drink, or you just feel like things are a bit lacklustre and ready for some radiance, there’s something for every skin goal.
Skincare concern: Blemishes
Whether they’re a result of hormonal changes, everyday stress or you’ve just been a bit laid-back with your cleansing routine recently (we’ve all been there), blemishes and other breakouts can be a real pain.
Hero ingredient: Azelaic acid
Found in grains like wheat, rye and barley, azelaic is a naturally occurring acid which can help to calm blemish-prone skin. Azelaic acid can also help clear pores and gently encourage cell turnover, which can help reduce the likelihood of scarring.
Try: Skin + Me Daily Doser Serum Breakouts + Visible Pores
• Size: 12ml
Help keep breakouts at bay with this skin-perfecting serum. Designed by NHS dermatologists specifically for oily to combination skin, the super-light formula is powered by 10% azelaic acid to help target blemishes and even skin’s texture and tone, as well as reduce the appearance of pores.
Skincare concern: Dry skin
Parched, dry-feeling skin can have many causes, from harsh weather and central heating (that classic combo) stripping your skin of moisture to not drinking enough water, leading to thirsty skin. Dry skin can appear dull, and you may also start to notice flaking and even the odd rough patch. Find out more about dry skin.
Hero ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
If your skin is uncomfortable, itchy or cracked, you should speak to your GP or dermatologist for advice. If your skin is simply thirsty and in need of a moisture boost, consider hyaluronic acid your holy grail. It can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it’s going to keep your complexion nice and hydrated!
Try: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
• Size: 50ml
This daily moisturising cream helps deeply hydrate dull, dry skin thanks to a whopping five types of hyaluronic acid, Beauty Green Tea™ and panthenol. The result? A healthy-looking glowing complexion and a strengthened skin barrier. Formulated to deliver long-lasting hydration to dry and combination skin, it’s a cult fave for a reason!
Skincare concern: Damaged skin barrier
The outermost layer of your skin, also known as your skin barrier, helps protect against water loss and also defend against environmental aggressors like pollution. Damage to your skin barrier can occur for a number of reasons, including over-exfoliation and being in an environment that’s too dry or humid. When your skin barrier is weakened, your skin may feel dry and uncomfortable. Find out more about the skin barrier and how to help support it.
Hero ingredient: Glycerin
Glycerin is great for supporting or restoring the skin barrier as it helps your skin retain moisture. This means it can help increase hydration in the outer layer of the skin and keep your complexion feeling refreshed and less dry. Glycerin can also help protect the skin, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
Try: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream
• Size: 50ml
This iconic cream is well-known for deeply moisturising and protecting skin. It’s a multitasking marvel that can be used in a variety of ways, from soothing dry hands to helping to shape your brows. It’s also clinically proven to strengthen your skin’s barrier in as little as 30 minutes.* That’s what we call a skincare staple!
*Based on a clinical study of 14 women from the ages of 18-65.
Skincare concern: Parched pout
When it comes to skincare, lips can often get left out, leaving them exposed to the elements and feeling dry and flaky. Choosing a dedicated lip care product can help bring your lips back to life.
Hero ingredient: Vitamin E
Vitamin E is super hydrating, helping skin to absorb water whilst preventing moisture loss. It also has antioxidant properties which help support your skin barrier.
Try: Revolution Pout Lip Oil Watermelon Pink
• Size: 3ml
Infused with vitamin E and cherry seed oil, these lip oils combine nourishment, shine and a subtle hint of tint to prove that you don’t have to choose between a gorgeous gloss or a lip-loving product. This super hydrating formula shows you can have your (cherry) cake and eat it!
Skincare concern: All-round care
Dull, dehydrated skin, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, lack of radiance… sometimes you just want a skincare product that tackles the lot, without taking forever to apply or breaking the bank.
Hero ingredient: Niacinamide
Thanks to its many skin-loving benefits, niacinamide is a great all-rounder to add to your skincare regime. From improving uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of pores to regulating oil production, it’s a versatile ingredient that truly lives up to the hype. Find out more about the benefits of niacinamide.
Try: Simple 10% Ceramide Boosters & Omega Complex Booster Serum
• Size: 30ml
Use a few drops of this facial serum alone or mixed in with your favourite moisturiser for a super-quick hydration hit. Formulated with 1% niacinamide to promote softer, more nourished skin, it’s an easy addition to any morning and evening skincare regime.
From helping restore radiance to a lacklustre complexion to supporting your skin barrier, consider yourself clued up on the skincare staples that are right for you.
