Having a clear skin is something we all look forward to. Flawless skin that is free from blackheads, open pores, acne, pigmentation and scars. Well, if that’s what you desire, you’re on the right page. Check out these skin care ingredients below to help you get one step closer to achieving the perfect clear skin –
1. Salicylic Acid
Blackheads are nothing but the black coloured bumps or spots we see on our skin which occurs when the hair follicle gets clogged with dirt or grime, dead skin or even excess oil. When the skin on the bump opens up, it causes exposure to air, undergoes a chemical reaction and forms a blackhead. It is a mild form of acne.
Salicylic acid can unclog pores as they help loosen the bonds between the dead skin on the surface and penetrate deep into the pores. This property can be helpful to the skin as it is in the pores where it gets clogged with oil and debris which get trapped under the surface of the skin and it is this buildup that eventually leads to acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. So this oil-soluble salicylic acid can get through the oil on the skin and thin it down and it can flow freely to the skin’s surface, so when you wash your face it can get washed off as well.
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which are those properties of a substance which can help treat or reduce inflammation or swelling and salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can reduce swelling caused by acne and help shrink the pimples.
To use – Apply a thin layer on clean face and leave it on for 10-15 mins and rinse off for sensitive skin. For oily skin, apply salicylic acid on clean face followed by a thick moisturizer and leave it on overnight. Use once or twice a week.
2. Niacinamide
The skin contains millions of pores. Most of these pores aren’t visible to the naked eye. These pores are all open and allow the skin to breathe. These pores contain hair follicles and sebaceous glands that produce an oily waxy substance called sebum. These pores are important to the human body as they allow the sweat and oil from the body to escape through your skin and keeps the body cool and the skin healthy, by the removal of toxins in the form of sweat and oil. These pores are most noticeable on the nose and forehead.
Niacinamide is water-soluble by nature and cannot be dissolved in oil. It can often be found in topical water-based serums, moisturizers and masks. It is not acidic and non-irritating and can work well on all skin types. It can easily be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin. It works with the natural substances in your skin in turn it can help visibly minimize the enlarged pores, therefore reducing the buildup in the pores causing reduced blackheads.
For those with oily skin, niacinamide is very helpful. It can help remove the marks because of acne and also control mild to moderate acne because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help treat acne by reducing the amount of sebum secreted by the pores. Buy serum with niacinamide as the key ingredient in it.
To use – you can use niacinamide along with any other actives.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is a well-known antioxidant which is an important nutrient that protects the skin from free radical (unstable molecules that can damage normal cell metabolism) damage and can help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation (patches of skin that become darker than the other areas of the skin) by penetrating into the skin. It can help strengthen the skin and help to build collagen (a protein found in the bones, muscles and skin) which helps strengthen the skin, providing it structure, making it more resilient and promoting skin elasticity.
Vitamin C has properties of skin brightening as it can even out the skin tone and improves the skin’s dull, tired and damaged appearance due to ultra-violet (UV) rays damage or pollution. It improves the skin’s condition, making the skin look fresh, radiant and giving it a natural glow.
To use – Use products with at least 10% Vitamin C in the morning before using sunscreen.
4. Retinol
Retinol is also known as Vitamin A and it helps maintain healthy skin and reduce acne and the scars from acne. Retinol helps in the production of collagen and stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves the skin’s colour. Retinol can be found in serums, moisturizers etc.
Retinol exfoliates the skin and removes the dirt, dead skin cells and oil from the pores. This can help in the prevention of acne and the formation of pimples. Retinol works both at the surface and within the layers of the skin to unclog pores, improve skin tone and texture and prevent or reduce acne and reduce the scars caused by acne.
To use – Start once a week to see how your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week. Do not use any other actives when using retinol.
5. Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin contains compounds that can disrupt the production of melanin (a natural skin pigment responsible for the hair, skin and eye colour) in the skin and can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by lightening it. Higher the melanin content, the darker the skin colour. A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. It is a naturally occurring derivative of hydroquinone (a popular skin-lightning/skin bleaching ingredient) extracted from the dried leaves of plants like blueberry, cranberry and bearberry.
6. Hyaluronic acid :
Hyaluronic acid makes it effective in the treatment of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and irritated and dry skin. It is often found in the form of gel, serum or cream and can be applied to the skin. READ MORE – 6 best drinks for clear healthy skin
Caution: As various product usage and effects can vary from person to person, it is essential to consult a dermatologist before using any of these products, especially if you have a sensitive skin type.