Ingredients that can reverse signs of past damage and leave you with healthier, prettier, smoother skin are at the top of nearly every woman’s beauty list. But if you don’t know what to look for, then you don’t know what to expect from the products you’re using. Here are the newest breed of ingredients to look for in your skincare products.
The Anti-Inflammatories
Inflammation can arise from a number of different factors—acne, the sun, sensitivity, and sugar—and ingredients that work to reduce inflammation can have a profound impact on how your skin looks and acts. A new one that we think shows promise is Zinc DNA (you can find it in Valmont’s Expert of Light Collection). “While zinc is an intrinsically powerful anti-inflammatory, it also inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin. Valmont coupled zinc ions with HP DNA to form Zinc DNA. Zinc DNA also has moisturizing, cell regeneration and UVB protection powers in addition to what zinc traditionally offers,” says Celine Gudit, Valmont International training manager. Other effective anti-inflammatories include dragon’s blood. boutiquevalmont.com
The Collagen and Elastin Stimulators
Peptides are one of the most supercharged beauty ingredients out there for the simple reason that they work wonders for restructuring skin and stimulating new, healthy collagen. With so many different types of peptides available, one of the newer ones that shows promise is acetyl tetrapeptide-2. “It’s unique in that it has the rare ability to help enhance elastin production and the proper organization of elastin fibers,” says Tatiana Kononov, director of research and development for Revision Skincare. “Another peptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-38, helps increase synthesis of key proteins in the dermal-epidermal junction like collagen. We use this peptide in our D.E.J. Face Cream.”
The Intense Hydrators
When it comes to adding back lost moisture, the ingredient list is endless. Hyaluronic acid has been on the scene for years, but a new version of it, dubbed super hyaluronic acid, is gaining traction and is the star ingredient in Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask. Instead of relying on just one type of hyaluronic acid, the suped-up version contains a combination of three for serious hydrating and rejuvenating effects.
