Skin care can be an intimidating thing if you’re not familiar with the gamut of products in the market. To help you on your future purchases, here’s a primer for some of the most common skin care ingredients and terms.

A

ALOE VERA

A gelatinous substance from inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant. It’s a popular skin care ingredient because of its cooling and soothing benefits. It also helps boost collagen and fight bacteria.

B

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

This powerful anti-acne medication zaps the bacteria under the skin and helps get rid of dead skin and excess oil.

C

COLLAGEN

A natural component found in connective tissues, collagen helps promote increased skin elasticity, resulting in firmer, plumper, and healthier skin. 

D

DERMABRASION

A skin resurfacing procedure wherein the outer layer of the skin is removed to reveal new skin underneath and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

E

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

A plant-based oil rich in essential fatty acids that helps treat acne and eczema. It’s also said to help enhance the skin’s firmness and moisture.

F

FERULIC ACID

A plant-based acid found in cell walls, ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps get rid of free radicals and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

G

GRAPESEED OIL

Used to treat pimples and boost the skin’s softness and elasticity. Studies show that it can also help protect your skin from UV rays and address skin issues such as melasma.

H

HYALURONIC ACID

A popular skin care ingredient, hyaluronic acid is used to deeply hydrate the skin, speed up wound healing, and reduce fine lines.

I

IDEBENONE

Idebenone is a super-antioxidant which acts as a shield for the face against free radicals, such as the sun’s harmful rays and air pollution. 

J

JOJOBA OIL

This is often used as a carrier oil for the mixing of essential oils. It’s hydrating and helps keep sebum at bay. Plus, it’s an antioxidant, antibacterial, and it can treat acne, among other benefits.

K

KOJIC ACID

A brightening ingredient which treats sun-damaged skin and heals scars.

L

LED 

Short for light-emitting diode, it’s a non-invasive treatment for multiple skin conditions such as scarring, psoriasis, pimples, scarring, and wrinkles.

M

MICRONEEDLES

A procedure wherein tiny needles puncture the skin to trigger the production of collagen, producing new skin and in turn reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars. 

N

NIACINAMIDE

Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is often used in moisturizers and serums. It’s a gentle nutrient that evens skin tone, attacks free radicals, moisturizes the skin, and moderate the production of sebum.

O

OXYGEN

There’s no introduction needed for oxygen, but skin care-wise, it’s actually used to deeply nourish and rejuvenate dull, lifeless skin.

P

PANTHENOL

Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, this compound has anti-inflammatory properties and helps hydrate skin.

Q

QUERCETIN

A potent antioxidant, quercetin is known to soothe skin and reduce redness, as well as provide UV protection.

R

RADIOFREQUENCY

Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive method which is able to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and tighten skin.

S

SALICYLIC ACID

Clears clogged pores, treats acne, boosts the skin’s moisture level, and comes with exfoliating properties to boot.

T

TEA TREE OIL

Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, tea tree oil is proven to zap zits and combat fungi.

U

ULTRASOUND

Its waves are used to boost collagen production for firmer, more supple skin, with visible results in as little as 30 to 45 minutes.

V

VITAMIN C

An antioxidant that naturally brightens skin, protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

W

WITCH HAZEL

A natural astringent, witch hazel reduces inflammation and redness while treating acne and soothing the skin from burns.

X

XIMENYNIC ACID

A fatty acid, ximenynic acid has been found to have significant anti-aging properties, as it evens skin tone, promotes blood circulation, while reducing enlarged pores

Y

YUCCA EXTRACT

Studies show that it has significant photoprotective properties, making it a great ingredient for combatting sun damage.

Z

ZINC OXIDE

A mineral popularly used in sunscreen for its sun protection benefits. It also protects the skin from irritants.

To learn more about skincare, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.