You love your skin. You follow a regimen of cleansing, toning, hydrating, exfoliating and moisturizing. It’s safe to say you’re committed to helping your skin thrive. But are you actually giving your skin what it needs? Do you really need 6+ products to achieve your goals? Scroll down to read on.

Even as an esthetician, it can be hard not to get caught up in the latest trending ingredient or the “expert” advice readily available online. But, as an esthetician, let me assure you that you don’t necessarily need the latest trending ingredient and or that “expert” advice. Your happiest and healthiest skin is achieved only through using the right products with the proper ingredients. No matter your age or skin type, all skin needs are six foundational ingredient types to thrive (yes, just six!). 

 

Antioxidants
Looking to age gracefully? How about brighter skin? Well, antioxidants can do that! They also help the skin repair itself while shielding it from free radical damage. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, CoQ10, vitamin E, and niacinamide. Botanical  ingredients like white tea, acai, sea buckthorn, gotu kola and fruit oils are also packed with antioxidants!

 

Barrier Support
To protect and serve—that’s exactly what barrier support (or moisture barrier) ingredients do. They work to preserve and repair the outermost layer of the epidermis, which, as we know from our post on the microbiome, keeps the good in and the bad out. Look for ingredients like essential fatty acids from plant oils and butters like mango butter, cranberry and squalane oils.  Furthermore beta glucan and aloe are also skin soothing.

 

Peptides
Thanks to peptides, dryness, sensitivity, and lack of elasticity can be a thing of the past. Peptides are strings of amino acids that act as the building blocks for protein in the body, meaning they influence the texture, firmness, and strength of skin. We love arctic peptides that thrive in the harshest environments to retain moisture levels.

Enzymes & AHAs
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dull skin got you down? You’ll want to incorporate enzymes and AHAs into your routine. Natural exfoliators gently slough off dead cells to reveal new, brighter skin. Look for ingredients like pomegranate enzymes, papaya extract, raw honey and lactic acid. 

 

Hydrators 
Probably the least surprising ingredient in this list—hydrators boost moisture deep down into cells, then lock it in (it’s like a one-two punch). The result is skin that’s optimally hydrated, and plump and soft. It’s safe to say we’re sold. Look for ingredients hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, rose water, panthenol and glycerine to boost hydration levels in your skin.
 
SPF
Arguably one of the most important steps in every daily routine, sunscreen protects skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. But, spoiler alert, it doesn’t just safeguard from sunburn. SPF prevents skin damage and skin cancer. Look for an SPF 30 or higher for use daily.

 

There you have it. Everything your skin needs to thrive can be found in just six core ingredient categories. But who says you need six different products? The beauty of many ingredients it that they are both antioxidants and barrier supporters.  

Free your she by choosing products with multiple ingredients and you’ll maximize their power while simplifying your routine. Start with our Freedom Fighter, Mama Pacha, Moment of Clarity, and Ramblin Rose.