Shopping for cosmetics products can often be an overwhelming task as there are so many brands out there selling so many different products such as essences, serums and moisturizers. To add to the complexity, each product contains a long list of ingredients that, most of the time, are unfamiliar to most consumers. Hence, I decided to write this blog to point out key ingredients you should look for the next time you shop for cosmetics.

Hyaluronic Acid

Also known as hyaluronan, Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally produced in our body. Its main function is to ״trap״ water and maintain hydration which keeps the skin moist, smooth and dewier. As our body ages, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in the skin decreases resulting in a dehydrated skin which may lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Applying cosmetic products that contain Hyaluronic Acid ingredients may provide the skin with the following benefits:

1. Hydration

2. Slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

3. Even out skin texture

4. Help with reducing pigmentation

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of the vitamin B-3, a nutrient that is found in various foods such as fish, meat, eggs, green vegetables, beans and cereals. Furthermore, this nutrient is very important for maintaining a healthy skin. Some of the benefits Niacinamide may provide for the skin include:

1. Hydration

2. Reduce pore size over time

3. Reduce inflammation in the skin which may help with skin condition such as acne and eczema

4. Help with treating hyperpigmentation

Adenosine

Adenosine is a type of chemical that is found in every human cell of the body. Adenosine can appear in three different forms: adenosine, Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). In our body, the role of Adenosine is to store energy needed for many processes. Furthermore, Adenosine helps increase the production of collagen which plays a crucial role in our skin as a structural protein that gives the skin its strength and shape, keeps the skin hydrated and helps maintain its elasticity. Other benefits that Adenosine may provide for the skin include:

1. Soothe the skin

2. Slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Retinol

Retinol is derived from vitamin A and has many important functions in our body such as in growth of bone tissue. Furthermore, being a small molecule, Retinol is able to penetrate deeply beneath the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and stimulate the production of collagen as well as neutralizing free radicals. Other benefits that Adenosine may provide for the skin include:

1. Treat large pores and maintain them unclogged

2. Slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

3. Treating hyperpigmentation

4. Help with skin conditions such as acne

Glycerol

Also known as Glycerin, Glycerol is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. One of the key characteristics of Glycerol is its ability to serve as a ״moisturizing agent״ and "pull water". Thus, when applied onto the skin, Glycerol has the ability to hydrate the outer layer of the skin by pulling water from deeper levels of the skin. Other benefits that Glycerol may provide for the skin include:

1. Improve skin barrier function

2. Does not clog pores

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Known as Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid is commonly used in skincare products and may provide numerous benefits to the skin including:

1. Serve as antioxidant which helps defend the cells of our body against free radicals

2. Support the production of collagen

3. Help Improve skin's tone which may lead to the brightening of dark spots and the reduction of pigmentation

* This Blog was written to provide general information only and should not be seen as a replacement for a professional medical consultation. It is highly recommended to always consult your healthcare provider prior to trying a new treatment or a product