We get it...it's hard to know what skincare products are going to live up to their promises and which ones won't. When you purchase what you believe to be products that are worth your investment, it's a challenge to separate buzzwords and marketing lingo from genuine, noticeable results. Since you can't drag your dermatologist to the store or have one sitting beside you while you peruse online skincare sites, let this blog be a handy guide for you and make sure you check your labels for the ingredients below if you want to keep wrinkles away (or get rid of them).
1. Retinols & Retinoids (Vitamin A)
Vitamin A is one of our most raved about ingredients at SupriyaMD Skincare (and just about any dermatologist anywhere). Retinol accelerates cell turnover and it is best applied at night because while you sleep, your skin is already in repair mode. Retinol can have a dramatic impact on virtually any sign of aging, including skin laxity, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of suppleness. Retinol boosts collagen and elastin production and boosts hydration…honestly, there isn’t much it CAN’T do. And it’s safe for most skin types and comes in a pretty broad selection of strengths, so you can change it up depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
Our recommendation: Advanced Retinol Serum or Retinol Pads paired with Advanced Retinol Eye Cream
What they contain: Vitamin A (retinol)
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is all over the place in both medical-grade and beauty brands alike—for good reason. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that’s safe for most skin types mainly used for brightening and hyperpigmentation. However, it also helps with hydration by boosting your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. It also helps to reduce under eye circles, boost collagen production, and prevent sagging from occurring. But it’s important to use it properly in order to get the most benefit out of it. Vitamin C is highly unstable and it can expire quickly or lose its efficacy on your skin. When you pair it with Vitamin E (which is another antioxidant that functions similarly), it will help to keep your vitamin C effective and boost its benefits. And if you're looking for more ways to maximize the benefits of vitamin C, check the ingredient label for L-ascorbic acid because your skin absorbs this form of vitamin C easily and quickly.
Our recommendation: Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid or Multi-Active Radiant C
What they contain: Vitamins C & E
3. Vitamin E
Remember what we said about vitamin C and E working so well together? It’s partly because this antioxidant also works to correct UV damage, nourishing your skin while preventing further damage. It can also help reduce inflammation and it’s usually found in a combination with other ingredients on this list, making it an easy addition to your routine.
Our recommendation: Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid
What it contains: Vitamins C & E
4. Peptides
So we know it’s broad to just say “peptides” considering there are literally hundreds and hundreds of different ones. So let us clue you in on a little insider secret: they’re ALL good for your skin. Peptides can help improve your skin’s barrier, protecting it from bacteria, UV rays, pollution, and toxins. It can boost elastin production, smooth lines, ease inflammation, and clear blemishes. Some peptides are better at certain things than others, so just check your labels to see what particular peptides are included in your product and how they’ll help you. But generally speaking, peptides = A+ from us.
Our recommendation: Regenerative Growth Factor Crème
What it contains: Peptides (plus CoQ10!)
5. Hydroxy Acids
At some point, even with all the sunscreen and nourishing vitamins in the world your skin will need help shedding damaged layers. This is where hydroxy acids come in. There are several types, but the main ones we work with are alpha (AHA) and beta (BHA) hydroxy acids. AHAs work by removing the top layers of dead skin, increasing firmness and thickness of the deeper layers of the skin. BHAs help reduce inflammation, remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and even out your skin tone.
Some examples of AHAs are glycolic, mandelic, and lactic acids. They can be found in some cleansers, and more commonly, chemical peels and they’re part of the reason we recommend regular peels to keep your skin fresh. The most common example of a BHA is salicylic acid, and you can find it in most acne products because of its ability to clear pores, regulate oil production, and clear bacteria that leads to breakouts.
Our recommendation: Most of our Acne products (or try getting a chemical peel)
What they contain: Salicylic Acid and others
6. Niacinamide
B vitamins are synonymous with healthy hair, skin and nails. Vitamin B3 in particular (also known as niacinamide) can benefit your skin by reducing inflammation, dryness, and acne. It can also be used to treat skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in skincare products because of it’s abilities to supercharge the results from almost any product it’s added to. We’ve prepared a helpful guide for you on what niacinamide can do, and you can check it out right here. Our only recommendation for when it’s ok to skip the niacinamide is when it’s in a cleanser because it won’t sit on your skin long enough to get any benefit.
Our recommendation: Filler In A Bottle or Innovative Eye Cream
What they contain: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
7. Hyaluronic Acid
Proper hydration is clutch to the health of your skin. Without water, your skin can’t defend you from cracking, bacteria, dullness, wrinkles, or basically anything that ages you. And nothing is going to hydrate your skin more than hyaluronic acid. Whether it’s just one more ingredient of many in your go-to moisturizer, or you use a simple hyaluronic acid serum, we could all benefit from this hydration powerhouse.
Our recommendation: Filler In A Bottle or HA Collagen Restore Crème
What they contain: Hyaluronic Acid (Filler In A Bottle also has niacinamide)
8. CoQ10
CoQ10’s main purpose is to neutralize free radicals. CoQ10 works as an antioxidant that helps to defend skin from adverse effects of sun exposure that are caused by free radicals (unstable atoms that are able to damage skin cells) and in effect contribute to skin aging. Reducing sun damage also helps to prevent sun induced signs of aging. Consuming CoQ10 can also have incredible benefits for the skin by having an energizing, stimulating, and rejuvenating effect. CoQ10 paired with a broad-spectrum sunscreen will not only defend your skin from further damage, but give it enough protection to repair itself from damage that’s already done.
Our recommendation: Regenerative Growth Factor Crème
What it contains: CoQ10 and Peptides
9. SPF
Sunblock is your single best defense against pre-mature aging, considering UV rays are responsible for most aging to begin with. It all starts when UV rays hit skin that’s not protected by sunblock, and it causes DNA changes at a cellular level. Because photodamage happens in the deepest layers of the dermis, it can take years before the damage surfaces and becomes visible. But what if you neglected sunscreen when you were young and now you’re dealing with the signs of aging? Sunscreen is STILL a good idea, and regular use can give your skin a break from defending against UV light and repair itself. And some sunscreens like Euryfotona Actinica can actually work to repair damaged DNA and reverse aging.
Our recommendation: Purely Physical SPF 47 or HA Physical Tint SPF 44
What they contain: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (plus Hyaluronic Acid for HA Physical Tint SPF 44)
Want some more tips and treatment recommendations for youthful skin? Contact us at info@supriyamd.com or call our office at 561-805-9399 to book a skincare consultation or treatment with us.