The best ingredients in cosmetics - an alphabet of ingredients that make your skin look perfect!
When you think of the ingredients of a skincare product, what comes to your mind first? The answer would probably be - hyaluronic acid, collagen and vitamin C. The listed ingredients are certainly not the wrong answer, but it is very likely that for ingredients that make an even more significant difference from the above, most have not heard so far. Which are the ingredients that know how to improve the appearance of your skin and what is their role, we will reveal to you below.
COPPER PEPTIDES
What are copper peptides?
Peptides as active ingredients in cosmetics are generally short chains of amino acids that build proteins. Copper peptides are short chains of amino acids complexed with copper. Copper peptides are not exfoliants, but gently lead to changes in cell structure.
The role of copper peptide in cosmetics
Since peptides are the building blocks of proteins, it is clear that as active ingredients they participate in the synthesis of essential proteins in the skin, which are better known as elastin and collagen. The result of their synthesis is firm and smooth skin. Also, copper peptides remove damaged collagen and elastin. They are a powerful antioxidant which means they trap free radicals, which is key to preventing skin aging. Acne is a problem faced by more and more people of different ages, especially young women, and acne can appear in different forms and in different places - acne on the face, acne on the back, hormonal acne, cystic acne ... Fighting acne often is a painstaking process, and it is copper peptides that play a significant role in the process of preventing and alleviating acne. The use of copper peptides is responsible for reducing the concentration of bacteria responsible for the formation of acne and for more successful healing of wounds and inflammation on the skin.
CERAMIDES
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are a central component in the mechanism of sphingolipids (phospholipids), which are found as active ingredients in the outer layer of the skin and are the so-called ‘skin glue’, but aging reduces the amount of ceramides in the skin. Ceramides, as ingredients in cosmetic products, hold skin cells together, resulting in firm and healthy skin, and enable the retention of the necessary moisture in the skin and the rejection of impurities from the skin.
The role of ceramides in cosmetics
Ceramides are suitable for all skin types, and if you are wondering when to use ceramides, the answer is immediately after washing your face while the skin is still full of water to create a protective barrier to further contribute to the water remaining ‘stored’ in the skin. The creation of a protective barrier also prevents skin dryness and skin irritation. At a time when you notice that your skin is dry and when you want to achieve a reduction in water loss, ceramide cream is your solution because the result of its use is the maintenance of the skin's protective barrier. One of the tasks of ceramides is also to protect the skin from external influences. Cream with ceramides is ideal for you if you are described by dry and dehydrated skin and if you have problems with eczema and atopic dermatitis.
EXFOLIATES
What are exfoliates?
Exfoliation, or chemical facial peeling, is a process characterized by the removal of dead skin cells from its surface, and exfoliants are the active ingredients, or chemical or granular substances used in the process. Chemical exfoliants are different types of acids, of which the most popular are AHA and BHA acids. If you are wondering how to get rid of the dry layer of dead skin cells, the answer is AHA and BHA acids.
AHA acid in cosmetics
AHA acids act on the surface of the skin and as a result give the removal of the layer of dead skin cells and the reduction of hyperpigmentation. As active ingredients, they have an anti-inflammatory effect because they increase blood flow, followed by healthy, youthful and smoothed facial skin. Also, AHA acids are good for reducing acne scars and for stimulating collagen synthesis. Because they dissolve in water, they are more suitable for dry skin type, and the main AHA acid is glycolic acid, which, due to its smaller molecular size, is more effective because it penetrates deeper into the skin. The effect of using AHA acid is the production of collagen and improved skin structure, and it is a great help even if you suffer from hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, blackheads and acne.
BHA acid in cosmetics
BHA acids are active ingredients that, like AHA acids, act on the surface of the skin, but also deep inside the pores because they are fat-soluble, which is why it is more recommended if you describe oily to combination skin prone to acne and comedones. BHA acids enter the pore and achieve the removal of impurities from the skin that block the flow of oxygen. The main BHA acid is salicylic acid, which is responsible for reducing skin imperfections, preventing pimples and acne, soothing irritations and redness, fading hyperpigmentation, and has an excellent anti-aging effect.
HYALURONIC ACID
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, the so-called ‘magic’ molecule, is one of the most valuable active ingredients in our skin which makes the skin moist, firm and supple. Aging of the skin results in a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid, while the existing hyaluronic acid in the skin is broken down, which is why it is extremely important to compensate for it.
The role of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid is a great factor in restoring skin elasticity and preventing the appearance of wrinkles, and in addition to filling the space between collagen, the main feature of hyaluronic acid is that it is a humectant which means it binds huge amounts of water - only 1 gram of hyaluronic acid binds and up to 10 liters of water! In translation, when it comes to skin hydration, hyaluronic acid is an inevitable help. It is ideal for all skin types, and since it is very mild, relatively inert and pH independent, it can also be used if your skin is sensitive.
COLLAGEN
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the main active ingredients and structural proteins in the body whose role is to maintain the structure, resistance and firmness of the skin and the body. After the mid to late twenties and early thirties, collagen loss of as much as 1% each year begins to pose a skin problem. The skin loses elasticity, firmness and suppleness, and the first signs of this are dry skin, the appearance of wrinkles, brittle nails and thinner hair.
The role of collagen in cosmetics
Collagen has a miraculous ability to quickly reduce skin imperfections and bind large amounts of water, just like hyaluronic acid, which is why collagen and hyaluronic acid are the most sought after anti-aging ingredients. Collagen is a common ingredient in facial care products, so it is found in many cosmetic products to slow down skin aging, such as anti age cream and anti age serum. It is suitable for all skin types, especially if you are characterized by dry skin, dehydrated skin or mature skin. Due to collagen, the main characteristic of your skin will be healthy and youthful skin and a smooth skin appearance.
NIACINAMIDE
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is an active ingredient in the form of vitamin B3, which is soluble in water and is not synthesized in our body, but must be taken with food or topically as niacinamide cream and niacinamide face serum. Excessive sebum production after using niacinamide will no longer be a problem, and niacinamide will at the same time fight to protect your skin from damage as best as possible. Also, niacinamide is very important because of its ability to prevent water loss from the skin, reduce skin dryness and unpleasant itching. In addition, niacinamide is good because it is a great help against acne and for reducing redness, and niacinamide is also considered to be a good anti-inflammatory agent.
The role of niacinamide in cosmetics
Niacinamide is recommended as an active ingredient if your face type is prone to acne, dehydrated skin and oily skin. In lower concentrations of 1 to 2%, its main role is hydration, while in percentages above 4% it helps against problems such as hyperpigmentation, sebum secretion and enlarged pores, which is why it can be said with certainty that niacinamide has an excellent effect on acne. Niacinamide is also an excellent ingredient as a skin care product before menstruation because it provides soothing to the skin and reduction of increased fat secretion during this period.
PANTHENOL
What is panthenol?
Panthenol is a provitamin of vitamin B5, ie an active ingredient that is naturally present in all living cells, and the fact that it is a natural component of living cells makes it an ideal skin care product. Panthenol for the face can be used in the form of creams, cream-gels, anti-scar cream and for wound healing. In addition, it can be used both as a very practical panthenol spray and as a panthenol solution.
The role of panthenol in cosmetics
Which type of panthenol product you choose as an active ingredient depends primarily on your skin type. If your oily skin is prone to acne and blackheads, choose a panthenol gel that has a light texture, and if your skin is dry or combination, panthenol cream may be part of your routine. Since it has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, the result of using panthenol cream is softening of dry skin, hydration and regeneration of the skin. Also, since it is beneficial for skin cell renewal, panthenol cream is an ideal remedy for scarring.
RETINOL
What is retinol?
Retinol is the active ingredient and type of vitamin A found in the natural composition of the skin. It has a role in ridding the skin of dead cells and accelerating the production of new cells. In fact, retinol is responsible for a even and radiant complexion. For the use of retinol in facial care, your choice can be retinol cream, retinol serum or retinol drops.
The role of retinol in cosmetics
Retinol is an active ingredient that “tells” skin cells to create healthier, younger cells and can improve the production of new skin cells. Retinol promotes the prevention of stains and dark circles, and since it is one of the most effective substances for slowing down the aging process, it is used as an anti-wrinkle agent. In addition, it is used to treat acne-prone skin, to restore skin firmness and to help with hyperpigmentation.
VITAMIN E
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E in the body acts as an active ingredient, as a very powerful antioxidant and as protection against the effects of free radicals. It is very widespread in food, and rich sources of vitamin E are: vegetable oils (especially sunflower oil), then seeds, almonds, peanuts, eggs, ... It can also be taken orally in the form of vitamin E capsules.
The role of vitamin E in cosmetics
Vitamin E is also called the "vitamin of beauty and youth" as an active ingredient, because it has a beneficial effect on the skin. It helps the skin to retain its natural moisture and to neutralize the effects of UV rays that cause premature skin aging. The results of using vitamin E products are wrinkle smoothing, regeneration and collagen production, which makes the skin elastic. Vitamin E can also be used to lighten blemishes, reduce redness, burns and other skin photo damage.
VITAMIN F
What is vitamin F?
Vitamin F is an active ingredient that refers to a combination of two essential fatty acids that together help regulate and promote healthy body function, including an important role for skin health. Because our bodies cannot produce them on their own, we need to get our needs for essential fatty acids from external sources, with the help of diet or cosmetic products enriched with vitamin F.
The role of vitamin E in cosmetics
There are many benefits that vitamin F as an active ingredient provides us in cosmetics. It helps maintain optimal skin moisture levels and thus healthy elasticity levels. Vitamin F regulates cell metabolism, ie promotes the healing process and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is extremely important in the treatment of skin prone to inflammatory processes such as acne.
La PIEL products enriched with active ingredients:
Gentle foam for cleansing the face and removing makeup
Gentle foam for daily thorough cleansing of the face or removing makeup without drying, irritation and feeling of tightness after use. 8 antioxidant plant extracts, glycerin and panthenol act as hydrating agents, preventing moisture loss and possible drying of the skin.
Extremely regenerative and nourishing face mask
Extremely regenerating and nourishing cream-clay face mask for all skin types. Mineral clays kaolin and bentonite remove impurities from the pores, and the addition of plant extracts, oils, glycerin and active ingredients (ceramides, niacinamide, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, collagen, panthenol, vitamins (E and F)) makes your skin nourished, smooth and healthy.
Moisturizing and extremely nourishing face cream
Moisturizing and extremely nourishing day and night face cream, for all skin types. High quality and advanced formula contains 6 active ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, collagen which give facial skin freshness and elasticity, renew it, improve tone and texture. The combination of powerful ingredients makes the cream ideal for maintaining youthful skin in their twenties, and for more mature skin it acts as an excellent anti-aging.
"Superpower liquid" exfoliating liquid with AHA glycolic acid
La PIEL LAB "Superpower liquid" is a type of liquid peeling that removes dead skin cells, deeply purifies it and prepares it for better resorption of oil and active components from products such as creams and face masks. The formula is based on 5% glycolic acid and enriched with even 8 plant extracts and oils for complete skin regeneration and revitalization.
