Let me share what I know about essential active ingredients in skin-care products. Since I started using them, my skin has been getting better!

Vitamin B3, that is niacinamide

The multipurposeness of vitamin B3 is confirmed by tests so you shouldn’t doubt it. This ingredient brings benefits for all skin types, including dry, couperose, combination, oily, reactive and aging skins.

What makes vitamin B3 so beneficial?

It powerfully fights acne so it’s included in many anti-acne treatments (I had one and it worked awesome!). Vitamin B3 makes enlarged pores less noticeable, reduces greasiness and strengthens the lipid barrier through producing ceramides. It hydrated my skin and made it more elastic.

Vitamin B3 shields us against the damaging UV rays so it makes a perfect ingredient in sun protection products. Moreover, it keeps spots from appearing because it reduces the production of melanin. It also improves the structure and tone of skin, strikingly smoothes the face lines and prevents them in the future. Vitamin B3 stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which in turn enhances the skin’s plumpness and elasticity.

The thing I love about this vitamin the most is the ability to prevent inflammation and soothe irritations so I’m no longer bothered by redness or reactive skin.

Peptides

These bioactive amino acids have been created thanks to modern technologies to penetrate the dermis. Thanks to the in-depth effect, they enhance the functioning of skin cells, which is inhibited when we age.

Matrixyl is the first peptide that has been used in cosmetic products. It stimulates skin cells to produce collagen, HA, elastin more intensively. Neuropeptides are marketed as the botox alternative.

Peptides strikingly reduce the visibility of wrinkles and boost the skin’s repair potential. They also increase the levels of collagen and HA, which translates to elasticity and hydration.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight against free radicals which attack us, causing fast skin and body aging. The body produces antioxidants to fight the germs.

The oxidants are growing in numbers which is caused by technological advancement, pollution, cigarettes, alcohol, UV rays and many other things. Thank god for antioxidants! They come to rescue. 🙂 At first the body uses the ones it produces itself but it often proves insufficient. Luckily, we can deliver them with supplements, foods and also with skin-care products.

Vitamins – vit. C and E in particular – are the best antioxidants. Vitamin C has been subject to the most thorough tests while vitamin E is powerful enough to destroy free radicals and sun-proof the skin. It really helped me with reducing my acne breakouts and I’m really grateful for that. It’s also the best remedy for sunburnt skin.

Acids, e.g. alpha-lipoic or ferulic acid, are perfect substances to fight free radicals and remove dark spots. Alpha-lipoic acid visibly reduces wrinkles and prevents them in the future. It also makes enlarged pores less noticeable and evens the skin tone.

Why use antioxidant-rich skin products?

Above all else, they shield us against the free radicals. Thanks to antioxidants, the skin isn’t aging prematurely. They intensify the sun protection but note that they will never replace sunscreen. Antioxidants prevent inflamed skin, remove irritations and lessen pigmentation spots. Isn’t that awesome?!

Extra antioxidants

Green tea, rosemary and pomegranate extracts are powerful antioxidants. Turmeric and vegetable oils work well too. I often use them and encourage you to do the same, really!

What do you make of antioxidants? What are your favorite antioxidant-rich products? Share your thoughts, leave a comment.