5 skincare ingredients you need to know about right now

When it comes to skin care, knowing what's inside your products can make a huge difference. Some of the ingredients in your product formulas can help address specific skin concerns, whether it be acne, signs of aging, or dryness. Understanding the benefits of these ingredients can bring you closer to achieving your skincare goals. However, with so many ingredients, it can be hard to remember them all, let alone what they can do for your skin! Don't worry, we're here to help. Ahead, we break down the basics of five common skin care ingredients you should be aware of.

HYALURONIC ACID

Not familiar with hyaluronic acid yet? There is no better time than now to get started! This source of hydration can be found in many skin care formulas, including serums and moisturizers, and has been praised by beauty enthusiasts and experts alike, such as certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Lisa Jeanne. “I love hyaluronic acid,” she says. “It soothes the skin, even if it is sensitive. This powerful humectant holds 1000 times its weight in water." Since increasing skin hydration is a key element of an anti-aging treatment, Dr. Jeanne recommends using creams and serums containing hyaluronic acid twice a day as part of the morning and evening treatments.

VITAMIN C

Antioxidants are not just for eating! Topical antioxidants in skin care can provide many benefits, and vitamin C is certainly no exception. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help neutralize free radicals and reduce environmental damage to surface cells. As a reminder, free radicals are unstable molecules caused by a variety of environmental factors, including sun exposure, pollution, and smoke. When they come into contact with the skin, they can break down the elasticity of the skin and lead to visible signs of skin aging over time. Applying topical antioxidants like vitamin C can provide your skin surface with an extra line of defense against free radicals (the bad guys) when used in tandem with a broad spectrum SPF.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is one of our favorite vitamin C serums. Check out our full SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic product review here!

GLYCOLIC ACID

Acids may sound intimidating, but they don't have to be! According to Dr. Lisa Jeanne, glycolic acid is the most abundant fruit acid and comes from sugar cane. “Glycolic acid helps smooth out the top layer of skin,” she says. "You can find it in a variety of products, including creams, serums, and cleansers." There's nothing wrong with that, right?

One of our favorite glycolic acid product lines is L'Oreal Paris' Revitalift Bright Reveal, which includes a cleanser, peeling pads, and a daily moisturizer. We review the complete collection, here.

Editor's Note: If you're considering using glycolic acid in your skin care routine, don't overdo it. A good thing can be too much, so balance it out with gentle moisturizing products. Glycolic acid can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to pair it with your daily Broad Spectrum SPF.

SALITSILOVAYA ACID

If you have acne-prone skin, chances are you've heard of salicylic acid. This common acne-fighting ingredient helps unclog pores and loosen the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. “Salicylic acid is great for blackheads,” says board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dhawal Bhanusali. "It pushes out all the debris that clogs the pores." Sounds great, right? It's because it is! But keep in mind that salicylic acid can also dry out the skin, so it's not recommended to overdo it. Use it only as directed and hydrate your skin with moisturizers and serums. Be sure to apply Broad Spectrum SPF every morning, especially when using products that contain salicylic acid.

RETINOL

Retinol is an incredibly popular ingredient and it's easy to see why! Research shows that retinol can help visibly reduce signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, in addition to improving uneven skin tone and smoothing and improving the appearance of skin with continued use. You can find this ingredient in its pure form or in products such as serums, cleansers and moisturizers in various concentrations.

If you are just starting out testing retinol water, start at a lower concentration to increase skin tolerance and use as directed. Also, be sure to only use retinol at night in combination with a broad spectrum SPF during the daytime. If you need some tips on using retinol, check out our beginner's guide to using retinol here!