5 ingredients you absolutely must use for glowing skin

5 ingredients you absolutely must use for glowing skin

Posted by Maheen T on 25th Nov 2020

Tired of product recommendations that never seem to work for you? We are too!

One fundamental flaw with the influencer culture is the fact that there is only so much that an influencer can recommend that will work for you just because it worked for them. Our skin type, body shape, complexion, chemical composition, hair type, literally everything is different from each other so there is no one “right” product or method that will work for everyone.

This is particularly even more relevant when it comes to skincare and beauty products. Therefore, it is better to stop chasing hyped-up products and spend some time understanding what ingredients will work best for your own unique skin type. You can then search for products that contain these ingredients to achieve the results you are looking for!

The following 5 ingredients are just what you need in your skincare routine to get that 100-watt glowing skin! Simply search for products that contain these as a main active ingredient.

1. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a variant of Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is an essential dietary nutrient that, in addition to being necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brain, works wonders for your skin. Taking niacinamide supplements can prevent Vitamin B3 deficiency.

Note: Niacinamide is not to be confused with niacin, which is a separate organic compound and variant of Vitamin B3. 

So what does Niacinamide do for your skin?

  • Increases keratin production:
    Niacinamide works to increase keratin production, which is the main protein that makes up your skin, nails and hair. Boosting keratin production adds more layers of protection, which not only strengthens and tightens your skin but also works towards preventing/delaying wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging.
  • Reduces pore size:
    As a general effect, niacinamide keeps skin smooth and moisturised by facilitating the expansion of the moisture-retaining lipid barrier and increasing keratin production. A secondary benefit to this is reduction in pore size and thus as a natural consequence, a reduction in all the problems that are associated with large, visible pores, such as the accumulation of sebum and the formation of blackheads.
  • Treats acne and eczema:
    Being anti-inflammatory, niacinamide is believed to help with acne and eczema, two very common skin conditions in our current world. Some research has shown that it prevents excess oil and sebum production, which is a contributing factor towards acne for a lot of people.
  • Protection against sun damage:
    The ultraviolet rays from the sun cause significant damage to the skin; niacinamide is known to protect healthy skin cells, due to its antioxidant properties, and fight the harmful effects of the sun.
  • Prevents non-melanoma skin cancer:
    According to a study, when oral niacinamide capsules were ingested for a year, they were found to prevent cancer for most of the test patients that had gone through at least 2 non-melanoma cancers in their lifetime and so were at high risk for a third one. Consuming niacinamide-containing capsules was found to be at least 23% more effective at preventing the recurrence of the cancer than a placebo.

    It is pretty simple to incorporate topical niacinamide into your skincare regime. Choose products containing 2-10% niacinamide (typically essences or serums) and incorporate them into your skincare regimen. The best part? It is suitable for all skin types!

Our product recommendation: Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence.

2. Vitamin C 

Vitamin C has long been hailed as the ultimate supplement for human health. Whether we’re looking at skin diseases, wound healing, the ordinary cold or problems with tendons and ligaments, Vitamin C is a one-man-army for all things “repair”. This powerful antioxidant also goes by the name of ascorbic acid or ascorbate and is found in all citrus fruits, berries, leafy green vegetables, and thyme!

Just its long history with cosmetics, medical creams and supplements is enough to convince you of how well it works. It is recommended as an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars, rough and dull skin, and other common skin conditions.

More specifically, vitamin C:

  • Is a fighter:
    Vitamin C offsets aggressors such as exposure to harmful UV rays or pollutants in the air.
  • Is a promoter:
    Vitamin C promotes the production of elastin and collagen, both of which are essential proteins of the skin that keep your skin firm and make it look younger.
  • Is an inhibitor:
    Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, which results in an obvious brightening effect of the complexion. This inhibition counters hyperpigmentation, which are those dark spots caused by either acne scars or sun spots (caused by UV rays).
  • Is an antioxidant:
    Being an antioxidant means that Vitamin C prevents and repairs damage to our skin cells by neutralising free radicals in our body, triggered by weather conditions, harmful substances in the air and in our food and water etc. Free radicals are reactive species that damage our DNA, which could ultimately lead to the development of cancer.
    Always perform a patch test first with Vitamin C topical products because its highly acidic nature may not suit people with sensitive skin.

    Our product recommendation: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E (also known as tocopheryl acetate) is another potent antioxidant that works together with Vitamin C to enhance its brightening effects. This compound effect occurs when vitamins C and E are applied topically together within the same skincare routine. For example, using a Vitamin C serum and then layering a moisturiser containing Vitamin E over it.

Vitamin E, is actually not a single vitamin, but rather is a group of 8 fat-soluble compounds. It is great for the optimal function of the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. A Vitamin E deficiency, although rare (because it is a fat-soluble compound), can lead to nerve problems.

To list some of its benefits for the skin, vitamin E is:

  • An anti-inflammatory substance:
    Which makes it great for people seeking treatment for skin inflammation (it works for inflammation in other parts of the body as well).
  • An antioxidant:
    It reduces sun and pollutant damage and actually enhances the effects of Vitamin C.
  • A lipid barrier booster:
    It helps to effectively moisturise dry skin.
  • A stretch mark eraser:
    Vitamin E is a great option for people wanting to reduce stretch marks. Not only does it strengthen and nourish your skin, but also increases level of nutrients to the skin tissue to treat stretch marks gently.
  • A heavy-duty cleanser:
    Vitamin E can effectively remove dirt, debris, and other impurities from your skin, all while maintaining your skin’s natural pH and oil balance.
  • A muscle relaxant:
    With its anti-spasm properties, it is believed Vitamin E can be used for muscle spasms and facial muscle relaxation, thus reversing the early signs of aging!
  • A lifesaver for dark circles:
    Vitamin E helps you get rid of dark circles in the least possible time. Buy a topical cream rich in Vitamin E or mix a Vitamin E capsule in your favourite moisturiser and massage gently around the delicate eye area for a few days to see visible results. As mentioned earlier, layering a Vitamin E product over a Vitamin C serum will enhance its brightening effects even more!

Taking this complex compound (in oral form) is not only is it great for skin but is a miracle-worker for the hair as well. Say hello to beautiful, healthy skin and silky and voluminous hair too! Like niacinamide, Vitamin E is suitable for all skin types.

Our recommendation: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

4. Glutathione:

Glutathione is a naturally occurring amino acid produced by the liver and is found in meat, vegetables, and some fruits. It is also another potent antioxidant. Among its many uses, it has benefits for the skin as well.

  • Prevents damage caused by harmful environment pollutants:
    As mentioned previously for the other two antioxidants, Glutathione also helps in preventing and reducing damage by environmental aggressors such as harmful UV rays and air pollutants.
  • Helps people suffering from dark spots:
    Works to significantly reduce hyperpigmentation, aka melasma, a condition where notable brown or grey patches appear on the nose, forehead, and cheeks.
  • Is perfect for detoxification:
    Glutathione prevents and reduces excessive build-up of heavy metal and fat-soluble toxins in the liver which contribute towards aging and other signs of damage.
    Fun fact: Glutathione is the second most abundant molecule in the body after water!

Whenever using a topical skincare product containing glutathione (or any new skincare product for that matter), always perform a patch test prior to using it on your face.

Our recommendation: Bellflower Glutathione Power Brightening Cream

5. Idebenone:

Idebenone is a synthetic compound manufactured to mimic the naturally occurring Coenzyme Q10 found in the human body. Idebenone was initially used during organ transplants to prevent oxidation but now has an important place in the skincare industry as a means of achieving glowing skin!

  • An antioxidant:
    As described for the other ingredients above, idebenone also possesses antioxidant properties.
  • Skin rejuvenation:
    Idebenone improves skin texture and reduces dryness and flakiness of the skin; keeping it plump and fresh.
  • Detoxification of the skin:
    Idebenone revitalises the skin by eliminating harmful substances, improving skin health and its self-healing capabilities.

Our recommendations: Bellflower Idebenone Glowing Face Cream and Bellflower Idebenone Brightening Serum.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, there is no “one size fits all” product or methodology for achieving your skin goals, and there shouldn’t be! All of us are different and we need to celebrate our individuality instead of blindly following trends. Make informed decisions by understanding your skin type and working out what ingredients work best for what condition. This advice goes out not only for women but also for men, because glowing skin is not gender specific. Radiant skin gives off positive, healthy vibes and boosts your self-confidence!

Need help choosing products? Send an email to sales@kbeautyaustralia.com.au and we will provide you with complimentary skincare advice.