Have you ever thought about the ingredients that are actually included in your personal skincare products? It’s safe to say that with the abundance of options on the market, along with the plethora of ingredients they contain, most of us have been confused by the labels on our favourite brands at one time or another. It’s best to see a Toronto dermatologist if you’re unsure of what will work best for your skin concerns.
Here’s a simple breakdown from our Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa team.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A transparent, gel-like molecule contained in dermal fillers that is produced naturally in the body to keep the skin and connective tissues lubricated and cushioned. It helps the skin absorb and retain water. The synthetic version in skincare products moisturizes and plumps skin while making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
• Ceramides: Lipids (fat molecules) that help protect the skin’s outer barrier, shield it from harmful environmental elements, hold onto moisture to keep skin supple, smooth, and moisturized, and bind skin cells together.
• Glycerin: Attracts water from the surrounding atmosphere into the outer skin layer to keep skin dewy and replenish moisture to prevent dehydration. It also supports the skin barrier to stop water loss.
• Antioxidants: Vitamins and minerals that prevent and reverse damage from free radicals – molecules that harm the skin cells.
• Retinol: An antioxidant derived from vitamin A that encourages skin cell turnover, new blood vessel production, and collagen regeneration.
• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Exfoliate skin to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores. BHAs such as salicylic acid penetrate deeply into the pores to strip away excess oil.
• Caffeine: Helps to reduce swelling and inflammation while tightening and brightening skin.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Enhances skin penetration of other ingredients and acts as a preservative but can cause dryness and irritation.
• Zinc Oxide: A mineral that physically blocks a wide range of ultraviolet rays and blue light. It also protects skin from irritants.
We’ll help you build a customized skin care routine for your unique skin type and concerns. For more information, contact Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa to request a consultation with Toronto dermatologist Dr. Martie Gidon. Give us a call at 416-483-4541 or submit your info via contact form.