If you’re going to spend your money on products that promise to improve your skin – or keep it looking good – then spend wisely. The following skin care ingredients are the ones with scientific backing. You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck – and better skin – with the following:
1. Vitamin A (Retinoids)
Reduces the thickness of the dead layer of skin, unplugs pores, increases elastin fibers and hyaluronic acid, lessens dark spots and helps repair sun damage. (Use only at night)
2. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Topical niacinamide increases circulation and reduces sallowness, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Stimulates the repair of damaged DNA.
3. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
Pantothenic acid increases hydration and softness of the skin and has a positive effect on skin prone to acne. Also boasts skin recovery properties – first discovered in the 1950’s for accelerating the healing of severe burns and wounds.
4. Vitamin C
Topical Vitamin C, at levels of 10% and higher, stimulates collagen and elastin, knocks out free radicals (free radicals are nasty little buggers that break down collagen and give you wrinkles and rough skin!)
Best used at night as sunlight inactivates most Vitamin C; or applied with sun block on top if used in the daytime. Better effect when combined with Vitamin A.
5. Vitamin E
The major oil-soluble antioxidant. In the form of DL-alpha-tocopherol, Vitamin E is almost magic in it’s ability to protect the skin’s immune system. Use with C and A for best effects.
6. Alpha-hydroxy acids
AHAs provide a unique benefit by causing exfoliation. The removal of dead surface skin cells leaves the skin clearer and prompts production of new skin cells. Also, AHA’s exfoliation action allows better penetration of other reparative products such as the Vitamins A, C and E.
7. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
A small molecule antioxidant, CoQ10 protects the cell membranes from oxidative damage which in turn helps prevent wrinkling from UV exposure.
8. Ferulic Acid
Another small molecule antioxidant. Ferulic acid helps to prevent damage to our cells caused by ultraviolet light. Exposure to ultraviolet light actually increases the antioxidant potency of ferulic acid.
Professional and proven skin care products at Total Dermatology
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
