Even if you’re long out of school, embrace the back-to-school vibe and do some skin care research to improve your daily routine. As a part of our
12 Months to Transform Your Skin series, part one of this skin care study guide covers the latest innovative ingredients that have emerged on the skin care market. If you’re not so adventurous, review some go-to ingredients that are tried and true in part two of our back to school study guide.
Since it’s back to school time, take a few moments to study some of the best new innovations in the world of skin care. Short on study time? You’re in luck – we’ve done the homework for you. Here are 10 amazing skincare ingredients that have recently emerged on the market.
- Propolis (poplar buds)
- Ideal for: Aging skin
- What are they? Poplar buds have long been embraced for treating a variety of health concerns including colds, arthritis and sunburn. What makes them so effective? Experts explain that poplar buds contain a unique compound called propolis that boosts the body’s ability to battle disease. Scientific testing has revealed that propolis contains an ample amount of antioxidants and was able to reduce the rate of aging on cells in the laboratory.
- Find it in: Embrace the anti-aging effects of poplar buds with Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. Sourced from the Jura Mountains in rural France, this ultra-potent concentration of propolis restores, heals and promotes healthy, ageless skin.
- Dioic acid
- Ideal for: Aging skin, hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin
- What is it? Recent research shows that a new scientifically derived compound similar to azelaic acid known as dioic acid (also referred to as octadecenedioic acid) can effectively brighten hyperpigmentation or darkened patches of sun-damaged skin. While the jury is still out as to how much is needed for effective results, peer-reviewed research reveals a lot of promise for the use of dioic acid to brighten hyperpigmentation.
- Find it in: Erase the signs of aging with SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense Serum. This oil-free serum targets both adult acne and the signs of aging, including fine lines and hyperpigmentation, with two percent dioic acid.
- Stem cell technology
- Ideal for: Aging skin, sensitive skin and scarring
- What are they? Stem cells are the special cells that form embryos and, in later stages of life including adulthood, function to regenerate damaged tissues. While the use of human stem cells to medically heal disease is quite controversial, the science of skin care harnesses the stem cells of plants or similar compounds synthesized in the lab to create amazing anti-aging formulas that act to stimulate stem cells in the skin to repair damage.
- Find it in: Both EmerginC Protocell Bio-Active Stem Cell Combat Cream for the face and EmerginC Protocell Bio-Active Stem Cell Eye Cream for the eyes blend plant-based stem cell technology with argan oil and cactus extract to tackle and prevent the signs of aging. Dr. BABOR Biogen Cellular Ultimate Repair Gel-Cream is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. Apply to prevent scarring and to encourage healing before and after cosmetic procedures.
- Carnosine
- Ideal for: Aging skin
- What is it? An amino acid that’s abundant in muscular tissue, carnosine is a potent, water-soluble antioxidant that repairs three processes associated with aging: oxidation, inflammation and glycation. Carnosine also protects and restores collagen to slow the aging process for stronger, healthier and younger-looking skin.
- Find it in: DermaQuest Skin Therapy Daily Antioxidant Serum is ideal for the daily fight against aging skin. Rich with antioxidants like carnosine, this serum rebalances and restores the skin for an ageless, healthier look. On the neck, apply Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy to improve skin firmness and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and deep creases.
- Argan oil
- Ideal for: Dry skin, aging skin and hair
- What is it? Used for centuries by Moroccan women, argan oil has only recently been discovered by the skin care industry. Teeming with nourishing vitamin E and beneficial polyunsaturated fats like linoleic acid, omega-6 and tocopherols, argan oil is ideal for repairing, protecting and hydrating aging skin.
- Find it in: Treat your hair to “Moroccan gold” with Melvita Plant Oils Argan Oil. This luxurious cocktail contains argan oil to protect skin and hair from premature aging, UV exposure and other environmental factors that cause damage. Simply massage gently onto the surface of the skin or scalp to experience extraordinary healing benefits.
- Astaxanthin
- Ideal for: Aging skin and hyperpigmentation
- What is it? A pigment that shields the skin and eyes of salmon from UV damage, astaxanthin boasts extraordinary antioxidant power. In fact, according to Dr. Kenneth Mark, this vitamin A derivative is up to “1,000 times more potent than vitamin E,” ranking its reputation high among its retinoid relatives.
In addition to repairing lines and wrinkles, Mark also explains that astaxanthin can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation – those dark, sun damaged spots on the surface of skin – by up to 40 percent.
- Find it in: For the top shelf of anti-aging skin care, turn to Perricone MD Cold Plasma. This restorative blend of highly concentrated antioxidants, including astaxanthin and DMAE, is the product of extensive scientific research and successfully targets 10 visible signs of aging. Transform the delicate area around the eyes with the power of astaxanthin by using Perricone MD High Potency Eye Lift, and for the décolleté reach for Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy.
- Growth factor technology
- Ideal for: Aging skin
- What is it? Dermatologists all around are describing growth factor technology as the next best thing in anti-aging skincare. These unique proteins stimulate cell growth and include a number of varieties that are ideal for repairing skin, including TNS, TGF beta and PSP. Expert dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann explains to the L.A. Times that many growth factors work to increase the skin’s production of collagen, and more collagen means tighter, younger-looking skin.
While you can already find growth factors in several leading anti-aging formulas, stay tuned for more advanced applications, as researchers are still studying growth factors and discovering new ways to blend them together for optimal anti-aging results.
- Find it in: Harness the anti-aging effects of growth factor with Topix Citrix CRS 20% Serum with Growth Factor. Featuring a high dose of TGF- beta-1, this serum boosts the production of collagen while restructuring and strengthening tissue beneath the surface of skin, resulting in skin that’s visibly smoother and tighter. Target the eyes with Tensage Eye Contour, an intense treatment featuring fibroblast growth factor to help skin regenerate at the cellular level.
- Turmeric
- Ideal for: Aging skin and hyperpigmentation
- What is it? Also known by its botanical name Curcuma longa, turmeric has only recently been embraced for its antioxidant, exfoliating and anti-inflammatory abilities that undo the signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. When used in skin care products, turmeric also brightens dark patches of sun-damaged skin by eliminating melanocytes (pigment producing cells).
- Find it in: Juara Turmeric Antioxidant Facial Mask is a purifying formula that brightens and strengthens skin from the inside out. Fueled by the anti-aging action of turmeric, this transformative mask is recommended for all skin types.
- Phloretin
- Ideal for: Aging skin and hyperpigmentation
- What is it? Phloretin is an antioxidant compound that’s derived from apples and, when applied to the skin, boasts the impressive ability to fight free radicals and defend DNA against damage. In addition, this advanced ingredient repairs existing damage by boosting both cellular renewal and the natural processes that form essential proteins and fibers – including collagen – for strong, firm skin.
- Find it in: Since phloretin works to both prevent and repair skin damage due to natural aging processes and environmental damage, you’ll get more bang for your buck when you purchase products with this advanced antioxidant. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF blends phloretin with vitamin C and ferulic acid to strengthen, restore and protect skin from the inside out.
- Kochumba tea
- Ideal for: Aging skin and dry skin
- What is it? Most commonly known as a highly nutritious black tea drink, researchers have only recently realized that this beverage boasts more than a sweet flavor. Formulated from yeast and bacteria that are teeming with antioxidants, kochumba tea holds considerable promise for its ability to brighten, nourish and hydrate skin.
- Find it in: EmerginC Scientific Organics Kombucha Cleanser harnesses kochumba tea to cleanse and purify skin. Ideal for all skin types, this cleanser is gentle enough to use every day for brighter, healthier looking skin.
Take some time to revamp your skincare routine with these amazing new ingredients. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on the market for new innovations and advances that emerge in the beauty industry. For that small bit of time you spend studying up on skin care research, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded with an effective skincare routine that results in radiant, healthier skin.
See also:
Acne Products: Understanding the Ingredients
Glycerin: A Go-To Ingredient for Skin and Hair
Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook – Part 9: Ingredients
5 Skin-Soothing Ingredients