The Science Behind Skincare: A Look At How Different Ingredients Work On Our Skin

Understanding your skin is crucial to comprehend how skincare ingredients act. For ideal effectiveness, seek proper ingredients and choose products that are suitable for your skin type and issues.

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New Delhi: Skincare is an important part of our daily routine, but it can be difficult to know what ingredients to look for and what they do for our skin. To understand how skincare ingredients work, it is important to understand the skin's structure and function. Choosing the right skincare products is important to consider according to your skin type and concerns, and look for active ingredients with high concentrations for maximum effectiveness. 

In this regard, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts in this field who explained how different ingredients work on our skin and also explained why is it important to follow a proper skincare routine. 

Dr. Monica Kapoor, who is a celebrity cosmetologist and director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic & ILACAD Institute, explained what different ingredients do to our skin. She spoke about retinoids, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and many other ingredients. 

1. Retinoids: They are a group of compounds derived from Vitamin A that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Hyaluronic Acid: It is a naturally occurring substance that helps to retain moisture.

3. Salicylic Acid: It is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used to treat acne.

4. Vitamin C: It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.

5. Niacinamide: It is a form of Vitamin B3 that is commonly used in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.

Skin care may be made as simple or as complex according to one's wishes. But, no matter what it is, it is crucial to grasp the fundamental science of skincare and how the chemicals you use on your skin will benefit you. In this regard, Dr. Anupama Bisaria, who is a dermatologist shared the 3 minimal steps of skin care. 

• Cleansing: A cleanser should ideally remove oil, dirt, and makeup and should leave your skin squeaky clean without irritating or damaging it. The right cleanser also increases the efficacy of products as it maintains the skin barrier, by adding actives like salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid etc.
• Moisturizing: Next is a moisturizer which helps in maintaining the lipid barrier of the skin, thus keeping it hydrated and supple. A wide range of moisturizers containing ceramide, peptide, hyaluronic acid, glycerine, tocopherol and zinc gluconate are available. The moisturizer can be chosen depending on the skin type and concerns. Avoid moisturizer that contains fragrance if you have allergic/ sensitive skin. Also, oil-based moisturizers like coconut oil or mineral oil are a no-no for acne or comedones-prone skin.
• Sunscreen: It provides a line of skin protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. It should be applied in the right amount all 365 days a year. Choose a sunscreen with a minimal SPF 30 and PA +++ rating. It should be non-comedogenic and cosmetically elegant. Pregnant women or children can use pure physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Sunscreen should be repeated every 2-3 hours depending upon your level of Sun exposure, sweating or water activity.

She also said that consistency is the most crucial factor when it comes to skincare. Before moving on to the next line of skincare routine, one must be consistent with their chosen elements for at least 10 to 12 weeks. 

Lastly, Dr. Ishan Sardesai, who is the founder, of The Face Centre added, "Cleansers or face wash may contain certain actives like alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids which help to exfoliate and thereby brighten the skin."

Talking about the different types of serums, he said, "Vitamin C-based serums are used to brighten the skin. These can also contain hyaluronic acid which is great for anti-ageing and hydration, and niacinamide to reduce blemishes, while retinol-based serums can be used at night to encourage cell turnover and result in more youthful skin."

Thus, by incorporating the right skincare ingredients into your routine, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that looks and feels its best.