Back to the Future Traditional Active Ingredients in Skincare that still Amaze

The skincare industry has grown and transformed over the years. Skincare labs are always on the look-out for new ingredients, but sometimes the oldies remain the goodies. They are back in your products, having been refined for maximum effect. Here is a closer look at these skin-saving active ingredients in skincare

Hyaluronic acid, the moisturising powerhouse

Hyaluronic acid, one of the most commonly used active serum ingredient, is naturally present in your skin. It helps your skin to remain toned, elastic, and hydrated, leaving your faces youthfully plump and smooth. Overtime its levels drop, usually caused by free radicals that develop when you are exposed to the elements (sun, pollution, etc.). Scientists hit the nail on the head when they began to include it in skincare formulae, as this molecule is able to harness water and keep your skin moisturised. In other words, hyaluronic acid for the skin acts as a molecular sponge that can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water! The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a lightweight yet powerful serum that has the highest concentration hyaluronic acid than the average L’Oréal Paris day cream. The 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, re-plumps your skin with moisture, and leaves you with bouncier skin and fuller looking contours. Hyaluronic acid masks like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Mix Serum Sheet Mask are a great way to treat your skin to many refreshing benefits of hyaluronic acid in just 15 minutes. How to use hyaluronic acid – just like any other serum or sheet mask! Pat in a few drops of the serum all over your cleansed face and use it before your heavier creams and moisturizers.

Salicylic acid, the magical exfoliator

Before we get into the many benefits of salicylic acid for the skin, let us understand what salicylic acid is. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps reduce acne and textured skin by mildly exfoliating the skin and clearing the pores from deep within. The ability of salicylic acid products to slough off dead skin cells is what makes it a popular active ingredient for dry skin.

Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence that contains salicylic acid and penetrates deep within your skin, up to 10 skin layers deep*, to refine your skin’s texture and exfoliate the skin to reveal bright, crystal clear, and youthful skin. To make optimum use of salicylic acid for the skin, wash your face with a gentle facewash and then prep it with a few drops of the Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence. Next, apply the sheet mask and leave it on for 15 minutes to enjoy crystal clear, bright, and radiant skin. If you deal with itchy skin that is easily aggravated and you want to learn how to soothe irritated skin, we have another use of salicylic acid for you! We recommend using a hydrating masque containing salicylic acid that not only exfoliates your skin but also moisturizes and nourishes it.

Vitamin C, the glowing skin star

Dull, tired, worn-out skin? Vitamin C to the rescue! Vitamin C is present in your diet (cabbage, citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, peppers) but also in a derived form in your skincare treatments. Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is the skin-brightening active ingredient par excellence. It detoxifies and revives the epidermis, whilst evening out your complexion. A tried and tested radiant skin lifesaver.

Retinol, the wrinkle-busting winner

Retinol prevents wrinkle-causing cracks that appear in the dermis and also protects your skin from the ageing effects of UV rays. A real multi-tasker, it smooths and brightens skin thanks to its exfoliant properties. It also works on a deeper, dermal level where it boosts collagen production and combats visible signs of ageing. It smoothes away wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and regulates melanocyte (AKA pigment) production.

Glycolic acid, the King of Scrubs

Glycolic acid breaks down the 'glue' that sticks dead cells together, meaning it works as a natural exfoliant. This boosts cell renewal so that your skin remains healthy and glowing. Wrinkles are reduced, our skin's pH level is stabilised, acne scars fade, and pores remain grime-free. A tried and tested exfoliant that will leave you with supple, baby-soft skin.

Panthenol, sensitive skin's BFF

A relatively unknown active ingredient in skincare, panthenol is an active ingredient suited to the most fragile and sensitive of skins. It is so kind that it can even be used on babies to soothe and moisturise their skin! This is why it works wonders on irritated, sensitive, damaged, or acne-prone skin. Panthenol reduces water loss, which in turn leaves your skin soft, elastic, supple, and comfortable.

From understanding how salicylic acid is good for the skin to learning the many benefits of hyaluronic acid, use this comprehensive guide to find the best skincare products for your morning and night routine.

*Within epidermis in the stratum corneum layer