By Joshua Pierce, Head of Education at Credo
Behold the ingredients of POWER!!! I say that as I channel my best He-Man voice. These ingredients certainly warrant a mighty voice when talking about how effective they are on the skin. There’s a reason they are staples in any skin care formulators ingredient collection. Let’s chat about these trusty ingredients and how they can help boost your skin to your heart’s desire.
Hyaluronic Acid
If you don’t know about Hyaluronic Acid… you’re about to be let in on a huge skin care hack.
Skin produces Hyaluronic Acid -- a water-loving compound that can retain 1,000 times its weight in moisture -- naturally. But unfortunately, this decreases as we age. Hyaluronic Acid offers a deep hydration, which can have the effect of filling or smoothing, making skin appear “plump” and “younger.”
Hyaluronic Acid in skincare can be the highlight of a product’s marketing or it can be a supporting ingredient. Many times it will be found in a product without you even realizing it’s there!
Shop Hyaluronic Acid in skin care products.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide. Sounds like something you would bake with. But it’s not.
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, which may also boost skin’s natural collagen production, giving it a firmer and plumper appearance. Does your skin feel tired and listless or bored and dull??? Introduce it to its new best friend, Niacinamide!! Niacinamide as a makeup and skincare ingredient is most often used to address concerns around fine lines, dullness, and loss of collagen and elastin. Studies find that it readily penetrates skin and is effective at relatively small amounts, making it an ideal skincare ingredient.
Shop Niacinamide in skin care products today.
Retinol
There’s a lot of information out there around “retinoids”. Let’s discuss it in a very small, teeny little nutshell:
“Retinoids” is an umbrella term that includes retinols and other forms of vitamin A found in both prescription medications and cosmetics. In the skin, Retinol (ROL) is oxidized into Retinaldehyde (RAL), which in turn is oxidized into RA, the biologically active form of vitamin A. Retinol in skincare products containing ROL and RAL work because once absorbed they are metabolized to Retinoic Acid (RA), which studies show effectively addresses concerns of fine lines and wrinkles and overall skin tone and roughness.
There are natural plant sources of retinol and synthetic sources (retinyl palmitate); both are best used at night since retinol + sunlight may increase sensitivity.
Shop Retinol in skin care products today.
If you’re concerned with sensitivity we recommend gentle plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol. Ranavat Eternal Reign Renewing Bakuchi Cream is a great example. Shop Bakuchiol in skin care products today.
Vitamin C
When talking about Vitamin C, the first thing I think of is that song from that song “Graduation”. Anyone else? Bueller?? I digress.
Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant – including Vitamin C in your diet can help protect against free radical and UV damage. Topically, in personal care products, Vitamin C has long been celebrated for making skin appear brighter, and feel firmer and tighter, and helping diminish the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Shop Vitamin C in skin care products today.
Not sure where to start to build your own routine that’s perfect for YOUR skin?
• Chat live with our Clean Beauty Experts
• Stop by a Credo store to get a personalized consultation in-person.
Cheers,
Joshua
