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The Most Essential Ingredients To Look For In Your Skin Care

Posted on August 10, 2018

Written by: Sharon Panella, licensed aesthetician

Zinc Oxide

It’s a natural mineral which provides the safest and most effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, zinc forms a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. Because of this, it is particularly good for heat-activated skin (like those with redness or rosacea). Zinc oxide is also nontoxic and less irritating to skin than chemical sunscreens, this is a beneficial ingredient for easily-irritated skin.

Suggested products: ELTA MD Sun protection (Full line of sunscreens)

Hyaluronic Acid

Water is essential for feeding the cells of our skin and keeping them looking plump, radiant, and youthful. Found naturally in your skin’s dermis, hyaluronic acid holds onto water and provides contour to the skin. When used in skincare products, it helps retain the skin’s natural moisture balance. Amazingly, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, resulting in enhanced elasticity, lubrication, plumpness, and moisture in the skin. With continued use, the skin’s water content improves daily and fine lines and wrinkles become plumper and therefore less visible. It focuses mainly on delivering water to thirsty skin types, so it’s well tolerated by even the most oily, acne-prone skin type.

Suggested product: Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier, Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

Retinol, Tretinoin

A form of vitamin A, retinol and Rx Retina contain a cell-communicating ingredient and antioxidant that stimulates collagen, activates cellular metabolism to encourage faster skin cell turnover, and improve skin firmness. Other than sunscreen, it’s one of the most tried-and-true proven topical anti-aging ingredients. With consistent use the cream and/or gels available give remarkable results for resurfacing the skin’s texture. It is one of the most studied and proven ingredients in skin care and truly has the ability to create permanent change for improving skin.

Suggested product Obagi Tretinoin Creams and Gels, Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0 and .05, Skin Authority Vit D Topical Elixir

L-Ascorbic Acid

A stable, no-sting form of vitamin C, it helps to lighten brown sun spots, even out skin tone, lift discoloration from breakout scars and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while encouraging collagen production. It also prevents environmental damage while giving the skin a brighter and fresher look additionally using a serum with both vitamins C and E under sunscreen actually provides more protection. It’s found to be extremely effective in interfering with many aging free radicals found in the environment (such as sunlight, stress, and pollutants).

Suggested product: Skinceuticals C&E Ferulic, Phloretin CF, Serum 20

AHA (Glycolic, lactic, fruit acids)

Exfoliation is imperative to maintain the look and feel of younger skin. The quickest, easiest way to improve the skin is to use an exfoliating product. By dissolving and removing dry surface cells, you instantly reveal fresher, polished, plumper cells that reflect light to reveal smoother, brighter, healthier skin.

Suggested products: Skinceuticals C+AHA, Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser, Skin Authority Perfection Peel Pads, Skin Authority Night Revitalizer, Skin Authority Exfoliating Cleanser

BHA (Salicylic Acid)

A keratolytic beta hydroxy acid noted for its ability to reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil to prevent blemishes, and promote more even-toned skin. Of all the exfoliating acids, salicylic penetrates the pore lining to help clear out impurities for the reduction and prevention of blackheads and clogged pores. Excellent choice for problematic skin and also acne spot treatments. It has proven results in reducing blemishes to clear the skin.

Suggested products: Skinceuticals Blemish and AGE Defense, Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy and Obagi Clenziderm Facial Cleanser

Sharon Panella, licensed aesthetician

Sharon is a licensed aesthetician at The Woodruff Institute. She has over twenty years of experience in the field of medical grade aesthetic treatments and over ten years teaching experience. Sharon is accepting new patients in our North Naples office. Email Sharon spanaples@thewoodruffinstitute.com