The beauty industry in America continues to boom. Los Angeles, together with two other counties, reportedly contribute 27% of all purchases made on the consumer market. There are also brands that originate from this area, which makes it a beauty hotspot.
A major part of the beauty industry is skincare. Lots of consumers are now more invested than ever before in taking care of their appearance through different products and treatments. An example of this is the dual mask system where you use two different face masks that target separate skin concerns. This is because different ingredients take care of different problems you might have. Some claim to be effective and good for you, but that’s not always the case. It’s important to identify which ingredients actually work. And you can start with the following actives which are definitely worth the hype:
Benzoyl Peroxide
This is an antibacterial active that people use when treating acne. It can typically be found in cleansers or gels used for spot treatments and its uses can vary based on your concern. If you have facial acne, a cleanser with this ingredient will work wonders. If you have acne on other parts of your body, like your back or chest, then a benzoyl peroxide gel will do the job. Remember that your skin may only tolerate some concentrations so start with a low percentage of the ingredient and work your way up, depending on how your body reacts to it.
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Retinol
Retinol has become a popular ingredient over the past few years because it is said to promote cell regeneration, lessen fine lines, and correct discoloration. It is typically used in skincare routines for uneven skin tones, often in the form of serums, SPF creams, and even toners. Using this ingredient is proven to give you brighter and more even-looking skin. If you are looking for products that give you a youthful glow, then look for retinol in the formulation to do the job.
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Collagen
Our bodies naturally make collagen, but its production slows down as we age. This is why older people tend to have wrinkles and saggy skin. This protein has been incorporated in many products to help counteract this fact. It is found in both supplements and topical creams, so it is easily accessible for everyone. This specific ingredient isn’t only for older people though as younger consumers shouldn’t go without collagen, either. If applied as early as possible, it can serve as a preventive measure from getting fine lines and sagging.
Ceramides
Ceramides can naturally be found in the skin. It is a lipid that creates a barrier to prevent bacteria from latching onto your skin and keeping you moisturized. The problem is that many cleansers disrupt the skin barrier, causing it to break down. Having a moisturizer or cream containing this ingredient will help rebuild it and keep your skin hydrated. This is also great for anyone with dermatological conditions like eczema and psoriasis as they naturally produce fewer ceramides.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acid, also known as AHA, has been somewhat of a buzzword in the beauty industry. It is an acid that is naturally found in fruits, sugarcanes, and milk that can chemically remove any dead cells on your skin. It can aid in getting rid of roughness and scarring because of its properties. There are many serums that only contain this active, but it can also be found in cleansers, toners, and creams. Just be sure to use it once or twice a week as over-exfoliation is proven to be bad for your skin.
As the skincare industry continues to evolve, more and more actives are being incorporated into products. These are just some of the ingredients that have amassed a well-deserved following because of how great they work.
Written by Zak Preston
