What's in your skincare product and how do they work? (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)
Cover (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)

What's in your skincare product and how do they work?

There is a spate of skincare products in the market today—cleansers, moisturisers, serums—you name it. While the selection for each remains overwhelming, the truth is that every consumer is only after one goal: to have supple, healthy, and glowing skin. 

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Every skincare product has an ingredient that affects our skin in different ways. In this article, Tatler tells you more about them. 

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1. Hyaluronic Acid

Tatler Asia
Hyaluronic Acid (Photo: Jill Burrow/Pexels)
Above Hyaluronic Acid (Photo: Jill Burrow/Pexels)

If you have dull and dry skin, consider looking for products with hyaluronic acid. Also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, this ingredient is a gooey substance that hydrates the skin and helps minimise the signs of ageing. The active ingredient also helps in healing wounds faster. 

2. Niacinamide

Tatler Asia
Niacinamide (Photo: Jocelyn Morales/Unsplash)
Above Niacinamide (Photo: Jocelyn Morales/Unsplash)

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It helps the skin grow a ceramide barrier which can retain moisture. The ingredient also regulates oil and treats hyperpigmentation by increasing collagen production. 

3. Retinol

Tatler Asia
Retinol (Photo:  Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)
Above Retinol (Photo: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)

If you want to preserve your skin’s younger-looking glow, consider inserting retinol in your regimen. Retinol is a type of retinoid which is made from vitamin A. It helps neutralise free radicals in the middle layer of your skin and treats acne-related scarring.

This ingredient also has an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface that can improve texture. 

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4. Salicylic Acid

Tatler Asia
Salicylic Acid (Photo: cottonbro studio/Pexels)
Above Salicylic Acid (Photo: cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Many people use salicylic acid to treat skin disorders like acne, dandruff, and psoriasis. It reduces swelling and redness and unclogs blocked pores due to oil and dirt. 

5. Glycolic Acid

Tatler Asia
Glycolic Acid (Photo: The Ordinary)
Above Glycolic Acid (Photo: The Ordinary)

The water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or glycolic acid. It is made from sugar cane and is often mixed with skincare products to smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and address ageing issues.

It works by speeding up the cell turnover. It dissolves the bonds that hold the skin cells together, allowing it to shed dead skin cells faster. 

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