Best Skincare Ingredients To Try in 2019
Let’s face it: skincare is a daunting thing, but we all want great skin, right? And just when you thought you had finally got your head around the inner workings of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid, more skincare ingredients come onto the scene and you’re back to square one. Luckily, we’ve made it easy for you by giving you a short list of the hottest skincare buzzwords of 2019 and the low-down on exactly how they work and why they need to be on your radar this year. Ready to become skintellectual?
Vitamin F
The best way to remember what this ingredient does is to think of the ‘f’ as standing for ‘fat’. It actually represents linoleic acid, but ‘fat’ is much easier to remember! Linoleic acid/vitamin f is an essential fatty acid that is rich in omega-6 and it protects the skin’s barrier, is anti-inflammatory and has healing properties. First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Barrier Cream is high in linoleic acid and hyaluronic acid so protects the skin’s barrier as well as retaining moisture to keep the skin healthy and plump.
Mandelic acid
This acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) that is most effective for its wrinkle and fine-line reducing properties. It strengthens collagen, accelerates cell turnover and its antibacterial properties are really great for treating acne. Wishtrend’s 5% Skin Prep Water is hydrating, non-irritating and can be used daily.
Copper
In short, if you’re looking for something to keep your skin looking plump and lovely, copper is the ingredient for you. Copper peptides boost depleting elastin and collagen levels and are great for reducing the effects of stress and pollution on the skin. This ingredient can come with a high price tag, but thankfully, The Ordinary save us again with an affordable price point for their Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% serum.
Pumpkin
You might be surprised to learn that aside from when it infuses everyone’s Starbucks order when Fall comes around, pumpkin is a hero ingredient in the skincare-sphere too. It’s packed with antioxidants, alpha hydroxyl acids, vitamins C, E and A and essential fatty acids to brighten, renew, protect and resurface the skin. In short, everyone needs pumpkin to feature somewhere in their skincare stash. One of our favourite pumpkin products is the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. It smells just like a spiced pumpkin latte and it makes your skin feel brand spanking new after using it!
Bakuchiol
We’ve all heard lots and lots about retinol, so we’re all pretty familiar with how it works and what it can do for your skin. Think of bakuchiol as a natural alternative to retinol; it’s a lot gentler and is derived directly from the seeds of the psoralea corylifolia plant (oo-er), making it vegan. If you have sensitive skin or just want to avoid the peeling and irritation that can come from using most retinols on the market, this is the ingredient for you as you get all of the benefits of retinol without the irritation. The Bybi 1% Bakuchiol Booster is a great one as it’s in a squalene formulation so is really gentle on the skin!
Jess Hall