Revealing my must-have Skincare Ingredients that really work!

We all know by now that I love spitting some serious skincare education. One of the most popular questions I get asked is, “What ingredients should I look for in my skincare?”. Because of this, I figured it was time to team up with a fellow skincare pro and skinstagrammer, Annie (@estiebunny) to curate a list of our top esthetician-recommended skincare ingredients! There are so many ingredients out there you can skip, so it is important to have a grasp on what skincare ingredients really work. These have worked for us and our skin, but can also work for numerous skin types and conditions.

Tara’s top 3 skincare ingredients that really work:

1) Ceramides

What are they?

Ceramides are lipids that make up 50% of the skin’s natural moisture barrier (source). They are naturally found in the skin and play a huge role in the skin’s health and overall appearance!

Best for?

Ceramides are good for all skin types. They especially can help dry, sensitive or irritated skin types to repair the natural moisture barrier. This also helps tremendously in those with acneic skin types, as a damaged skin barrier can often further exacerbate acne.

Esthetician recommended products:

All Cerave products include 3 essential ceramides. Some of my favorites include the Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Healing Ointment, which can be used for the face, hands and body. The Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream also utilizes ceramides to keep the skin protected from environmental stressors.

2) Propolis

What is it?

Propolis is a resin mixture produced by bees, but it is not the same thing as honey. It is most commonly used in Korean skincare products but the growing popularity will definitely cause us to see it in western skincare soon. Some of the fantastic skincare benefits include: anti-bacterial, moisturizing, soothing, regulating oil production, and antioxidant power.

Best for?

Propolis skincare products are great for treating acne conditions, dryness and irritated skin. Check out more info here for using propolis for acne.

Esthetician recommended products:

I absolutely love incorporating the Cosrx Propolis Line into my daily skincare routine. Namely the Synergy Toner! It is so hydrating and refreshing in the morning, with or without a cleanse. For a stronger propolis treatment to really soothe and calm the skin, try the By Wishtrend Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule.

3) Vitamin C

What is it?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known to work synergistically with sunscreen to help fight free radical damage. It aids in evening the skin tone, brightening the complexion, improving collagen and elastin production, and also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Best for?

Vitamin C comes in various strengths and compositions, and the stronger it is the more harsh it can be for sensitive skin types. In general, it is a great ingredient for all skin types but you should choose a gentle option when first incorporating it into your routine if you are sensitive or redness-prone.

Esthetician recommended products:

I began using Vitamin C years ago, but two of my recent favorites are the Youth to the People Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum and the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop.

Check out my full blog on Vitamin C with more recommendations based on your skin type.

Annie’s top 3 skincare ingredients that really work:

1) Mugwort

What is it?

Korean skincare has been using mugwort for centuries! Most likely due to its naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is also great for soothing redness and calming the skin. 

Best for?

Mugwort is great for redness-prone and sensitive skin types. It can help to bring balance back to the skin after over using retinoids or other exfoliating acids.

Annie recommends the I’m From Mugwort line to get your fix of this incredible ingredient! The line includes an essence, moisturizing cream, and mask.

2) Green Tea

What is it?

Green Tea in skincare serves as a great antioxidant that helps protect the skin against free radicals and other environmental damage. It also works to balance sebum production and help with signs of aging through natural benefits of caffeine found in the ingredient.

Best for?

Because of its ability to help with so many skin concerns, green tea works perfectly with all skin types.

Annie recommends the Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser as well as the Cocokind Matcha Moisturizer if you want to add this powerful ingredient into your routine.

3) Retinoids

What is it?

As I explained in a previous blog, retinoids truly are the gold standard ingredient to help with signs of aging, breakouts and texture.

Best for?

Perfect for those who wish to work on numerous skin conditions such as aging, acne, texture, or hyperpgimentation. There are different formula options available for those with dry and sensitive skin types. Starting slow and working your way up in key with retinol!

Annie recommends the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum and stronger retinoids that can be given through prescriptions from your dermatologist.

Wrap-up

Altogether, I hope you can take this information with you on your next skincare shopping spree! I absolutely loved putting this guide together with my friend Annie to not only help you guys improve your skin health but also to get a perspective on another skincare pro’s favorites. Not-so-shocking that she had amazing picks! Let me know if you use any of these already, or what you are hoping to pick up soon.