5 New Skin Care Ingredients to look out for

With skin care research at its height and Scientists’ understanding of the skin and its functioning ever increasing, there is barely a week that goes by, when a new “wonder” ingredient isn’t announced creating a frenzy on the internet and a buzz in the beauty industry.  Having got to grips with AHA’s, Hyaluronic Acids, Ceramides, in the blink of an eye… ‘whoop there it is’ another miracle, wrinkle busting, age reversing ingredient appears.  These are some of the newest to look out for;

Centella – The healer

Centella Asiatica also known as Asiatic pennywort, gotu kola, jalbrahmi, or cica, for short.  Native to parts of Asia and Africa, it’s a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.  

Abilities:  Stimulates collagen synthesis for plumper skin, and soothes redness and inflammation, great for blemished, impure skin.  It’s an antioxidant, and scientific research found it to relieve symptoms of eczema.  It’s beneficial to acne-prone skin with a compromised barrier function.

What to look for on the label: Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid are the main compounds in this plant that give it those soothing, plumping, healing properties.

Where to find it:  In toners, serums, creams, and SPF, take your pick and see what works best for you.

Contra-indications: As with any plant derivative it can cause allergic reaction.

LHA – The gentle acid

Lipohydroxy acid (LHA)

A derivative of salicylic acid, LHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into oil-clogged pores and break up blockages.

Abilities:  LHA has a pH close to that of healthy own skin, around pH5, so it’s less harsh, and even suitable for sensitive skin.  Apart from preventing and treating existing breakouts, LHA can also stimulate collagen and elastin production keeping skin plump and youthful.

Where to find it:  Usually in skin tonic, ideal for daily use.

Contra-indications: Not recommend if you are taking clinically prescribed acne medication.

Bakuchiol - The retinol alternative

Like Centella, Bakuchiol has its roots in ancient Chinese and Aruyvedic medicine and is derived from the plant Psoralea corylifolia.

Abilities: Research has shown that bakuchiol performs similarly to, and is as effective as retinol on skin’s cellular level, but without any of the nasty reactions associated with it (peeling and redness).

Where to find it: In serums, use twice daily, morning and night.  

Arbutin – The pigmentation eraser

A naturally occurring compound, Arbutin is an extract from the bearberry plant that has skin lightening properties.  Once applied to the skin it lightens dark spots, lessens the appearance of acne scars and helps even out skin tone.

Abilities: Inhibits the production of melanin.  It works slowly and in tune with skin function therefore is less irritating.

Where to find it: You’re most likely to find arbutin in a serum although it can also be found in face masks.  Use daily for visible results.

Diatomaceous Earth – The power powder

A natural product formed by the fossilized remains of diatoms, never heard of those before? Well, they’re tiny aquatic organisms, or oceanic algae.  Diatomaceous earth usually comes in the form of a white powder; it is used in many products around us and holds many benefits.

Abilities:  Its exfoliating properties can help treat acne and acne scarring and the silica in it is known to boost skin health.

Where to find it: Commonly in exfoliators and face masks.