Different Skincare Ingredients

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Happy to see you Angels!

Today we'll be talking about different ingredients in skincare, (ex. niacinamide acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, etc.), the science behind it, how they work, and what you should be using! Skincare is a very important step in hygiene and makes a person feel more comfortable being in their skin. Who knows, maybe what you're using isn't good for your face at all! We will be talking about salicylic acid, niacinamide acid, and glycolic acid. If you want to know more about a different kind of acid or ingredient, feel free to comment down below or in the side bar and I'll make a different post explaining the ingredients.

Beginning with, salicylic acid! Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which is an exfoliant. Salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃), obtained from the bark of a white willow tree and wintergreen leaves, is used to aid in clearing and preventing pimples and skin blemishes for those who have acne. Salicylic acid also plays a role acting as an anti-infection agent and an anti-fungal agent that can treat different skin conditions, such as, psoriasis, ichthyosis, dandruff, corns, and calluses. This ingredient is in a class called keratolytic (a substance or compound that breaks down the outer layer of the skin and causes it to loosen and shed) agents. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which is an exfoliant. It should NOT be used on genital warts, warts that have hair growing on them, warts in the nose or mouth, moles, and birthmarks. Don't use this exfoliant if you have a broken skin barrier or have eczema or rosacea.

Salicylic acid is great for you to use if you have rough, bumpy skin and struggle with bad breakouts. A brand with a popular salicylic acid exfoliant is The Ordinary. I haven't used it but I've heard great things about it!

Up next, niacinamide! Niacinamide (C6H6N2O) is often mistaken for an acid because of its popularity with other acids and ingredients and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Niacinamide is a form of a B-3 vitamin- one of eight B vitamins. The human body- yes, yours and mine- makes niacinamide when your body takes too much nacin (a different form of vitamin B-3) in your body. However, niacin is an essential nutrient taken through food and turned into niacinamide through the assistance of ammonia or other reducing agents. Niacin is taken through food and niacinamide is applied topically- on the skin. Niacinamide can support your skin barrier by hydrating it which makes it less sensitive, calms redness (great for those who may have acne, eczema, or rosacea), reduces appearances of pores by improving elasticity, regulates oil production- allows it to balance oil levels- treats dark spots, and reduces winkles and fine lines through providing a boost to collagen production.

Niacinamide works great with salicylic acid! This serum is for those who don't have intense breakouts but still have some pimples. The Ordinary is a great serum that I have experience using and works amazingly on my skin (for context, I'm pretty sure I have combination skin).

Last but not least, glycolic acid! Glycolic acid (C2H4O3) is obtained from sugarcane and is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is the smallest AHA which is why glycolic acid actually has an excellent ability to penetrate the skin deeper than other AHAs. It plays a role as a metabolite and a keratolytic drug. Glycolic acid may remove dead skill cells and clean out clogged pores, prevent black heads and breakouts, stimulates collagen production, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens skin and creates a more even skin tone, lightens dark spots that result from mild sun damage or acne, and helps with absorption of the other products that penetrate your skin. It can be used as a chemical peel but be careful because those have higher concentrations of glycolic acid than home-use serums. Do NOT use glycolic acid if you have sensitive or dry skin, rosacea, eczema, or an active skin infection.

Glycolic acid is great if you're super careful! Another good serum is from the same brand, The Ordinary (again T-T). I haven't used it but I see many tiktokers use it or speak on their experiences from using it on their armpits. I might buy it soon!

If you're using any skincare exfoliant or serum, use it once or twice a week so your skin can get used to it! Not doing so can result in your skin being in a worse condition than before, dryness, or irritation.

Remember, I am not a licensed doctor or dermatologist so I recommend speaking with your doctor before using these ingredients. I'm simply sharing this information so you understand better what it is and what it can do:)!

I hope to see you all again soon!

xoxo,

Mariana