Complexion game changers – you heard it here first
Your face can experience a lot in a day – from serums, moisturisers, face masks to make-up, all can contain ingredients that claim to lift, tone, hydrate and even help to reduce the appearance of pesky fine lines. If you’re confused by collagen or baffled by bakuchiol, it’s time to get to know your skincare staples.
Retinol has become increasingly popular over the years for helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fighting the formation of new ones – win win! But what exactly is retinol, what else can it do and how should you use it? Retinol and vitamin A are the same thing! This wonder ingredient helps smooth imperfections, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and is also known for helping minimise the appearance of dark spots, blotches and sun-damage. When applied to the skin, retinol exfoliates and may also help with the production of collagen too – phew! That’s a lot of benefits.
But how often do you need to apply to see results? If you’re a retinol newbie then ease in gently by applying once a week, then eventually you can build up to once a day. Skin a little red after applying? Retinol is suitable for everyone, but different strengths are appropriate for different skin types. If you experience rosacea, eczema or psoriasis then retinol may make your skin condition worse. However, a little redness and dryness is a common effect when first using retinol.
Heading on holiday or out in the sun? Always apply retinol in the evening, as it breaks down in the sunlight, and exposure to UV light can make retinol products less active and can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight – so make sure you apply SPF when using any skincare acids. Want to know more about retinol? Read our guide to retinol.
You can drink it, take it as a tablet and apply it directly to your skin, but what does collagen actually do? One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its ability to promote glowing, vibrant looking skin. It helps to smooth any fine lines and wrinkles and helps keep the skin resilient, strong and elastic.
Collagen is a protein found in your muscles, skin, blood, bones, cartilage and ligaments, and your body produces collagen on a regular basis, but it does slow down with age. This can be caused by lifestyle choices, such as smoking, sun exposure and an unhealthy diet. So how do you help boost collagen production? Our top tip is to keep hydrated, eat more plant-based foods and add hydrating skincare to your daily routine, but if you’re looking for extra ways to cheer on collagen production then supplements can get to work in the deep dermal layers of the skin and help strengthen your collagen from the inside out.
You may know the benefits of vitamin C for the inside, but this skin-quenching saviour has added goodness that goes beyond the breakfast table. Vitamin C helps to brighten and smooth your skin and encourages collagen production – meaning it may help improve visible signs of sun damage and help to keep your skin protected from environmental damage caused by free radicals.
How often can you apply it? Vitamin C can be applied every day, but if you’re using glycolic acid, salicylic or retinol then it’s best to leave some time in between applying to help avoid any stinging or redness to your skin.
The most common form of vitamin C in today’s skincare is L-ascorbic acid, so keep an eye out for this when you’re checking out the skincare ingredients on your next visit to Boots.
Don’t be put off by the name, as hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural goodness. As the years go by and our skin starts to age, the amount of hyaluronic acid our skin cells produce drops and production can become sluggish – this is where fine lines and wrinkles make their appearance. It’s powerful stuff and just a single gram can hold up to six litres of water!
So why is hyaluronic acid becoming a regular addition to our bathroom cabinets? The average human body contains roughly 15 grams of hyaluronic acid, and one-third of this is synthesised on a daily basis. So as we produce less, we go looking for more in our skincare to help plump, hydrate and keep those fine lines at bay.
Don’t be put off by the scientific name, as salicylic acid can have many positive skincare benefits. It’s a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which is oil-soluble and can penetrate past the surface of the skin, meaning it may help clean excess sebum from your pores and make your skin appear a little plumper.
What else can it do? Well, it may help make the appearance of the skin’s surface look smoother, reduce redness and help to minimise the appearance of any fine lines.
If you use glycolic acid then you can still use salicylic acid too, but only if you feel your skin needs deeper exfoliation. Our top application tip for salicylic is to start off with a product with less than 2% acid, as this is the maximum they can include. Don’t worry if it stings slightly when applied, as your skin may need time to adjust.
Say hello to the holy grail of exfoliation. Glycolic acid is known for helping skin discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as helping to plump the skin and give you a smooth and refreshed looking complexion. It’s an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which works on the surface of the skin to help remove any dead skin and create a smoother canvas.
So how does it work? Glycolic acid reacts with the top layer of your skin, breaking it down by dissolving sebum (oil secreted by your skin’s sebaceous glands). It’s powerful enough to penetrate the skin deeply and easily, meaning it can work its magic on everything from oiliness to uneven texture.
New to using glycolic acid? Try one with a low percentage, as higher ones can cause redness and flaking. Using glycolic acid can make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun, so remember to add SPF to your skincare routine.
No one likes a show-off but niacinamide is the exception. The benefits of niacinamide, or vitamin B3 to us skincare novices, are easily reaped. From serums to moisturisers, there are multiple ways to squeeze this little gem into your beauty regime.
What’s all the fuss about? Firstly, niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing hydration and reducing moisture loss – result! Secondly, its versatility means you’re OK to use it with other skincare ingredients and it can even be used on sensitive skin. As for anti-ageing, using niacinamide helps to increase cell turnover, which, yep you’ve guessed it, can help slow the signs of skin ageing – amazing!
Psst! For the best results, use leave-on niacinamide products and apply to cleansed skin, morning and night.
Bakuchiol (buh-koo-chee-all, if you’re struggling to pronounce it) is hailed as the gentle alternative to retinol, and promises the same anti-ageing effects without irritation – hurrah!
One hundred percent plant-derived, bakuchiol packs a punch. Offering a non-retinoid formula, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin, improving elasticity, firmness and hydration of the skin are just some of the benefits topping the list.
Is it safe for my skin? We’re glad you asked. Oily, dry, and even sensitive skin types can reap the benefits of bakuchiol, and with its ability to increase cell turnover and bring collagen to the surface, it really is a must-have in your beauty bag.
Skincare innovations – they come and go but nothing can beat the golden oldies. Rose skincare has a whole host of benefit, just see for yourself.
A hydration hero, rose is especially effective on dry skin thanks to its moisturising properties, it helps to lock in moisture while protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Good news for those of us with oily skin, using rose water infused toners, can help control skin’s excess oil production.
Rosehip oils are packed with vit hits in the shape of vitamins A and C, which help to promote the brightness of skin and help support the production of skin building compounds. So, next time you’re in Boots, why not try it out?
Honey in your skincare? Oh bee-have! Did you know the concept of adding the sticky substance to your routine has been around for over 5000 years – but why? It contains nutrients which may help soothe your skin and can be found in today’s skincare as it acts as a gentle cleanser.
Now, we’re not suggesting you slather your face in honey, but look out for ranges that contain Honey Flower Extract – great for dry and dehydrated skin, and manuka honey, which can help add extra moisture to the skin.
Not only are clay skincare products fun to apply, but they are also rich in minerals and help to leave you with a brilliantly bright complexion. We’re not just talking clay masks, as this skin wonder can also be found in cleansers and exfoliators too – all helping to clear blemishes and draw out impurities.
Confused by clay? The most common type is Bentonite clay, which is super absorbing and great for tightening pores and even helping to clear acne. Have a look for it in the list of ingredients next time you’re shopping at Boots.
Is there anything more satisfying than seeing your clay mask dry? But did you know you should never fully let clay masks dry, as this may irritate your skin and leave it feeling dehydrated. Clay masks go through three phases:
1. Damp – This is where the minerals work their magic and really soak into the skin.
2. Cooling and exfoliating – Ever felt your face tingling? This is where the dead skin cells are lifted to the surface.
3. Drying – Starting to crack up and not in a good way? Always remove your clay mask while it is still damp, otherwise, it could irritate your skin.
If it’s good enough for our insides, it’s good enough for our outsides, too! Fruit-based skincare can help us on our quest for glowing skin – after all, we all know the importance of getting our five a day.
From watermelon to dragon fruit, pineapple to avocado, fruit is well placed in our skincare regimes and for good reason. It contains enzymes that help to break down and remove dead skin cells, giving you a brighter-looking complexion.
Feeding your face with fruit has other benefits, too. Skincare products that contain ingredients which are found in the fruit and veg aisles have formulas that are more natural and organic than others, meaning that those of us with sensitive or irritation-prone skin can use them.
