Skincare decoded
Do you feel you have to be a scientist to decipher skincare products? No
need for a lab coat – Funmi Fetto explains what some of their
ingredients do
The moisture magnet
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, an organic pigment made by shrimp and algae.
What does it do? It acts as a potent antioxidant when used in skin products. Your skin will feel more elastic and it’ll hold on to more moisture, too. Dr Nicholas Perricone, the US-based dermatologist with a clientele that includes Eva Mendes and Uma Thurman, recently launched Super in the UK. The brand features astaxanthin as an active ingredient to iron out fine lines and plump up the skin.
Try… Super Night Recharge with Red Algae Astaxanthin, £37, boots.com
The complexion calmer
Bioflavonoids (or Vitamin P) are pigments found in plants, particularly citrus fruit.
What does it do? In simple terms, bioflavonoids offer the skin plenty of natural TLC. Absolution, the new ‘bio-science meets organic’ French skincare brand, has combined the healing properties of bioflavonoids with the anti-inflammatory properties of zinc to create La Solution + Controle. If you suffer from oily, spotty or shiny skin, then this could be just the ticket.
Try… La Solution + Controle by Absolution, £43, spacenk.co.uk
The fruit-based home facial
Glycolic acid is a natural but powerful fruit acid that comes from sugar cane.
What does it do? Exfoliates and resurfaces your skin, immediately reducing acne scarring, dark spots and sun damage. No need to spend a fortune on facials – careful use of glycolic acid will achieve similar results at home.
Try… Alpha H Liquid Gold Skin Perfecting System, £45, qvcuk.com
The blemish buster
Kombucha is a Japanese fermented tea (yes, literally) with yeast and bacteria.
What does it do? Kombucha is said to detoxify the body. ‘Kombucha Collagen Defense’ is the key ingredient in Murad’s Blemish & Wrinkle Reducer, which clears the complexion (acne scars heal much quicker) and minimises fine lines.
Try… Murad Blemish & Wrinkle Reducer, £57, urbanretreat.co.uk
The magic ‘de-marker’
Liquorice extract is a natural substance that restricts over-production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour.
What does it do? Anyone who suffers from unwanted freckles, age spots, sun damage or acne scars should see a big improvement in skin tone without the need for peels.
Try… Sheer Transformation by Ole Henriksen, £47, salonskincare.co.uk
The soft-focus treatment
Nanoblur is an anti-ageing phenomenon that has taken the beauty world by storm.
What does it do? Originally created to get rid of the skin imperfections picked up by high-definition movie cameras, Nanoblur, it is claimed, makes you look 10 years younger in 40 seconds. Use it as a one-stop shop for a poreless, ‘soft-focus’, airbrushed finish.
Try… Nanoblur, £19.99, boots.com
The face freshener
Prebiotics provide ‘friendly bacteria’ to help prevent skin infections.
What does it do? Plant prebiotics fight the ‘bad bacteria’ that cause blemishes, and Decléor combines them with essential oils in its Life Radiance Double Cream. According to Decléor, after one day’s application in a trial, 73 per cent of women said they had more radiant skin.
Try… Decléor Life Radiance Double Cream, £45, houseoffraser.co.uk
The dream cream
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in many vegetables, fruits, leaves and grains. It is effective against a wide range of diseases.
What does it do? It’s quite rare in skincare but it can be found in Korres’ Quercetin & Oak Anti-wrinkle Night Cream. Providing nourishment and hydration, it works on erasing fine lines and crow’s feet.
Try… Korres’ Quercetin & Oak Anti-wrinkle Night Cream, £39, bathandunwind.com
The natural anti-ager
Zirhafirm is an anti-ageing ingredient made from wild jujube (a date-like fruit) and maral root (an alpine plant).
What does it do? It improves skin structure, lifting sagging skin and plumping it up so you look youthful and well-rested.
Try… Eminence Persimmon & Cantaloupe Day Cream SPF32, £50, theskinsmith.co.uk
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