11gaijin
Banned
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2018
- Posts
- 5,571
- Reputation
- 6,713
A while back I was researching about skinmaxxing to prepare a good skincare routine. Sharing the info I found. These are some of the most common skincare ingredients with their most popular benefits.
Niacinamide
1. Can lighten skin: Study
2. Regulates sebum production (Good for oily skin): Study
3. Fights with hyper-pigmentation i.e evens skin tone
4. Has anti ageing effects: Study
It is perhaps one of the most popular ingredients since it has so many benefits. The more potent form has 5-10% conc. while the less potent one has 2-5% conc.
Azelaic acid
1. Treats acne and fades post-acne marks
2. Treats rosacea: Study
It is most effective between between 15- 20 % concentration and pH of 4-6
Cons: When used too often it can cause itching, tingling etc
Vitamin A: Retinoids
1. Clinically proven to target anti-aging: Study
2. Used for acne treatments
There are a number of Retinoids with different properties, uses and cons. This article goes into detail.
Vitamin C
1. Treating fine lines
2. Lightens dark spots and evens skin tone
Comes in many forms but Ascorbic Acid is the most popular. Used in 10-30% and between 2-3.5pH.
Cons: Needs to be stored in a cool dry place preferably in an airless pump packaging as it is unstable and can break down when exposed to air, light, heat etc.
Hydroquinone
1. Bleaching agent
2. Effective in treating hyper pigmentation in very short time
Cons: It is banned in some countries since some research shows that it can have harmful effects over time. But most studies focus on very large doses of the chemical, so it is not yet certain whether much smaller doses pose such a risk.
AHAs "Alpha Hydroxy Acids "
1. Used as a chemical exfoliant (For drier skin)
Exfoliant is something that removes dead skin cells. When left unattended, these cells will build up on your face and body, leading to dry, grey skin as well as blemishes like acne. Exfoliation reinvigorates your skin, making your body and face appear smoother and healthier while getting rid of unsightly flaws.
AHAs are molecules found naturally in different fruits eg: papaya or in other food products like milk which contains lactic acid. Unlike scrubs, which exfoliates skin physically with little particles that can be felt, AHA loosens the "glue" holding dead skin cells together and dissolves them.
Cons: Since they increase sensitivity to light, wearing sunscreen is important when using them.
BHAs "Beta Hydroxy Acids"
1. Used as a chemical exfoliant (For oilier skin)
Unlike AHAs, BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. Therefore they are suited for oilier skin.
Niacinamide
1. Can lighten skin: Study
2. Regulates sebum production (Good for oily skin): Study
3. Fights with hyper-pigmentation i.e evens skin tone
4. Has anti ageing effects: Study
It is perhaps one of the most popular ingredients since it has so many benefits. The more potent form has 5-10% conc. while the less potent one has 2-5% conc.
Azelaic acid
1. Treats acne and fades post-acne marks
2. Treats rosacea: Study
It is most effective between between 15- 20 % concentration and pH of 4-6
Cons: When used too often it can cause itching, tingling etc
Vitamin A: Retinoids
1. Clinically proven to target anti-aging: Study
2. Used for acne treatments
There are a number of Retinoids with different properties, uses and cons. This article goes into detail.
Vitamin C
1. Treating fine lines
2. Lightens dark spots and evens skin tone
Comes in many forms but Ascorbic Acid is the most popular. Used in 10-30% and between 2-3.5pH.
Cons: Needs to be stored in a cool dry place preferably in an airless pump packaging as it is unstable and can break down when exposed to air, light, heat etc.
Hydroquinone
1. Bleaching agent
2. Effective in treating hyper pigmentation in very short time
Cons: It is banned in some countries since some research shows that it can have harmful effects over time. But most studies focus on very large doses of the chemical, so it is not yet certain whether much smaller doses pose such a risk.
AHAs "Alpha Hydroxy Acids "
1. Used as a chemical exfoliant (For drier skin)
Exfoliant is something that removes dead skin cells. When left unattended, these cells will build up on your face and body, leading to dry, grey skin as well as blemishes like acne. Exfoliation reinvigorates your skin, making your body and face appear smoother and healthier while getting rid of unsightly flaws.
AHAs are molecules found naturally in different fruits eg: papaya or in other food products like milk which contains lactic acid. Unlike scrubs, which exfoliates skin physically with little particles that can be felt, AHA loosens the "glue" holding dead skin cells together and dissolves them.
Cons: Since they increase sensitivity to light, wearing sunscreen is important when using them.
BHAs "Beta Hydroxy Acids"
1. Used as a chemical exfoliant (For oilier skin)
Unlike AHAs, BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. Therefore they are suited for oilier skin.
