The 4 skin-care ingredients everyone should be using.
Skincare arsenal
Four Must-Have Ingredients
Are you keen on enhancing your skin's health? Building a skin-care routine can be daunting with a plethora of products and ingredients out there. Here, I have streamlined the process, outlining four essential components everyone should have in their skin-care regimen.
- Tretinoin
Tretinoin, a potent derivative of retinol, is a game-changer in the world of skin care. If you are serious about holding back father time, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this product. Yes, you need to get it from a dermatologist. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is worth it!
Here is a blog where I go into more detail about this amazing stuff.
For the best results, start using tretinoin 2-3 times a week, applying a small pea-sized (or even smaller) amount. Dab it lightly on top of illumenase and under moisturizer to help mitigate any potential side effects. Remember, less is more with this powerful ingredient. If you start to chap or peel, just simply take a few days or a week off. It’s that simple.
What to look for: If you have acne, you may be able to get insurance to cover your tretinoin. Never hurts to ask! There are 3 strengths. .025, .05, and .1%. Take your time working your way up and your patience will be rewarded.
- Vitamin C
l-ascorbic acid is the ideal form of vitamin C; however, this ingredient is notoriously unstable in an aqueous solution or when exposed to oxygen or light. Stabilized forms, such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Calcium Ascorbyl Phosphate, have been engineered for more stability but are less effective. They are, however, excellent options for those with sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
Learn more about vitamin C here
Vitamin C products such as illumenase, when applied underneath sunscreen, have an enhancing effect to your sun protection.
What to look for: Vitamin C can be found in percentages of up to 20%, but concentrations of 8%-10% might be the better choice for those with sensitivity.
- Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine, whether it's a chemical or physical sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens, comprised of compounds that convert UV light into heat, soak into the skin and vanish. While convenient for daily wear, they are not reef-friendly.
On the other hand, physical sunscreens create a mineral barrier that prevents UV light from reaching the skin altogether but may leave a white cast on the skin and be quite greasy feeling.
UV damage accounts for an astounding 80% of visible signs of aging. Therefore, sunscreen is a must, especially when using tretinoin and/or taking antibiotics. For maximum protection, try layering your sunscreen on top of illumenase.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide, as one of the forms of Vitamin B3, is a newer member of the skin-care must-haves. This versatile ingredient provides numerous benefits such as an improvement in barrier function, improving mitochondrial health, brightening the complexion, offering photoprotection, and regulating sebum.
What to look for: anywhere between 2% and 5% is ideal in a formula. If there is not a percentage listed on a product, then the ingredient is very likely present in less than effective concentrations.
By incorporating these four ingredients into your skin-care routine, you'll be well on your way to healthier, more radiant skin.
Learn more about how to optimize the effects of your skincare routine.
Note: With both C and B3, Illumenase has 2 of the 4 bases covered!
Please
Have a quality day!
MBM
