We all want to have beautiful skin. Whether you wish it to look younger, smoother, or just to maintain the hydration, it's hard to keep up with all the "miracle" ingredients that cosmetic companies are promoting. While the beauty industry innovates, it's confusing for a regular person to identify what works and what's a misconception. Today we'll help you with that. Here are our top ten things to look for in skincare products.

10. Peptides

Peptides are one of the essential things to look for in a skincare product. Actually, they're amino acids that make up certain proteins our skin needs. Specifically, collagen is built from three polypeptide chains, and adding them stimulates your skin to produce it.

Unlike pure collagen, peptides can absorb into the skin and then work their magic. Want to know the benefits of this amazing ingredient? Peptides help build up a stronger skin barrier, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and create elastin fibers that help with elasticity. Also, most of them are antimicrobial, therefore killing the bacteria that causes acne.

9. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that's found in milk and other dairy products. The legend says that Cleopatra bathed in milk to keep her skin looking amazing. Nowadays, there's no need for you to do that because most of this potent acid used in skincare products and peels is synthetically produced.

Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid improves the skin's natural moisture factor and is gentle. When used regularly, it reduces the signs of aging. Furthermore, it exfoliates, lightens dark spots, and stimulates collagen renewal. However, you should be using it carefully and wear your sunscreen daily because it can cause sun sensitivity.

8. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring sugar in our skin that helps us get that glowy look. Additionally, it is a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from the surrounding. Therefore, it's really beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin.

However, we use sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, more often in skincare products. Just as helpful, it's cheaper to produce and penetrates better into the skin. Like collagen and elastin, the amount of HA in our bodies decreases as we get older. That's why today we have it in serums, masks, creams, and injectables.

7. Ceramides

Ceramides are natural lipids found in your skin, and they make up 50% of its composition. Unfairly overlooked, they form a protective layer and have anti-aging properties. Age, sun damage, and pollution cause ceramides to deplete, and the results are dryness, wrinkles, irritation, redness…

Ceramides in skincare products will help reinforce the skin's barrier and increase hydration and affect visible lines and wrinkles. Also, they can be beneficial for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. However, be careful when choosing the packaging of your product. Like many active ingredients, ceramides can become unstable when exposed to light or air, so pick your cream or lotion in a tube or bottle with a pump.

6. Salicylic Acid

You've probably seen many products in your pharmacies and drugstores containing this ingredient. But what is it actually, and how it helps our skin? Salicylic acid is a BHA that naturally occurs in willow bark, vegetables, and fruit. It reduces acne, exfoliates, and keeps pores clean.

For instance, it works best for blackheads and whiteheads and prevents future breakouts. Additionally, products with high percentages of salicylic acid are used to treat acne scars, age spots, and melasma. After all, when trying it out for the first time, note that it may cause stinging or dryness, so be sure to hydrate your skin a lot.

5. Glycerin

Glycerin or glycerol is the third most used ingredient in cosmetics, and there's a good reason for it. This is a derivative of vegetable oils or animal fats, used mostly in moisturizers and lotions. Specifically, it hydrates the outer skin's layer, improves its barrier, and accelerates wounds healing.

According to some studies, glycerin is the most effective moisturizing agent out there. On the other hand, it's not recommended to use it in pure form, especially in dry air conditions, as it attracts water from deep layers of your skin and dehydrates it. After all, it's best to use it with your daily moisturizer, or if you want to go au naturel, mix it with rosewater.

4. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is another alpha-hydroxy acid, usually derived from sugar cane. It's probably the most popular and studied AHA, which is why it's commonly used in chemical peels. What's so good about it is that it has a small molecule, meaning that it absorbs quickly into the skin.

In particular, this acid separates dead cells from each other and therefore acts as an exfoliator. Furthermore, it stimulates collagen production, gets rid of pigments, and enhances skin's texture. If you're planning to try it out, please make sure to wear your sunscreen daily. However, people with very sensitive skin or rosacea don't tolerate it well, so they could try a milder one, like lactic acid.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is one of the most versatile ingredients, as it can be used for any skin type or problem. It's actually a form of vitamin B-3 that helps lock the skin's moisture. Also, it builds up keratin, which leads to firmness.

After some regular use, you'll notice that it controls oil production, minimizes pores, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Literally, it's magic in a package! Just make sure to give at least six weeks to see the full extent of the effects before you judge it. We recommend using leave-in products, such as tonics, moisturizers, and serums, to experience the best results.

2. Vitamin C

Dermatologists claim that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens dark spots, smooths fine lines, and protects the skin from free radicals. How true is that? Many kinds of research have shown that it does fade pigmentation, reduces redness, and evens out skin tone.

Additionally, they've proven to hydrate, help with under-bags, and give an overall youthful glow. Also, it is a pretty safe ingredient, as most people can use it without contraindications. In general, it's best to use in serums, and remember, consistency is the key for maximum effect! You should look for vitamin C derivatives in ingredients lists are L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Also, a tomato is full of it!

1. Retinol

Mostly found in whole milk, oily fish, and liver, retinol is a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin A. Dermatologists also prescribe tretinoin or retinoic acid to cure acne. In short, they both help you maintain healthy skin.

Many experts recommend starting with retinol to build resistance because it's weaker and less irritating but offers similar benefits. Specifically, one study showed that using 0.1% retinol moisturizer daily for eight weeks considerably improved the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, and photo-damage. It's important to know that you should use it at night and protect yourself from the sun when going out. In conclusion, we advise you to contact a dermatologist to inform you of all reactions that you could have, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.

Next time you choose a product for your skin, we hope you'll take note and apply the advice from our top ten list. What are your thoughts about our must-have ingredients in skincare? Did you learn anything new? Comment down below and let us know.

Cover photo: Shiny Diamond/Pexels