There are so many amazing skincare ingredients on the market that is beneficial for the skin, but for our rich complexions, there are some hidden gems we need to use to treat our main concerns- hyperpigmentation, discoloration and aging. Here are some holy grails you need to secure in the bag!…
- Sunscreen (SPF)
The most important product to help underlying ingredients to work at its optimal performance. This helps to protect the skin against UV damage and photoaging. Also, prevents the increase of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. When used with Vitamin C, the ingredient works with and more effective in delivering the best results for the skin.
- Vitamin C
This comes in various forms. The well-known is Ascorbic Acid; which stimulates collagen and elastin production. Reduces the appearance of pigmentation, brown spots, scars and discoloration. Also provides a healthy radiant appearance while slowing down premature aging.
- Vitamin A/Retinol
This significantly reduces the signs of aging; fine lines and wrinkles. Stimulates collagen and elastin production. Increases cellular turnover and healthier cells. Improve acne scarring, dark marks, pigmentation and discoloration. Also, this has the ability to reduce sun damage and lighten brown spots and age spots.
- Antioxidants
These increase cellular metabolism and promote anti-inflammatory benefits. Some have the ability to increase elastin and firmness in the skin. Aids in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. These can also reduce the appearance of scar tissue. And most importantly, antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Hyaluronic Acid
Due to its capacity to retain large amounts of water, this keeps the skin moisturised and helps prevent the development of wrinkles, and fills in already present wrinkles to reduce their appearance. Provides smoother and plumper skin cells. Creates a healthier and youthful complexion.
- Kojic Acid
This powerful ingredient significantly lightens the appearance of brown spots, hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Provides a more even skin complexion. Has anti-ageing properties as well as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. This is super friendly and safe on skin of color.
- Azelaic Acid
This is an all-rounder skin perfector. It can significantly diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, help fade post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation and other discolorations, refine skin’s surface, and reveal a more even skin tone. It can even reduce skin sensitivity and is compatible with any skin type. It is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
- Mandelic Acid
This mild form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) accelerates cellular turnover by dissolving tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin cells on the surface that can lead to dull complexions, as well as fine lines. This is safe for rich complexions as long as it’s under 10%. Really brightens and evens skin complexion.
- Niacinamide
This is a gentle ingredient that can boost your complexion. It helps renew and restore the surface of the skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping the skin improve its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. Vitamin B3 reduces enlarged pores, discoloration and textural irregularities.
- Liquorice Extract
This is natural and a great all-rounder for skin brightening and protecting against hyper-pigmentation. The chemicals found in liquorice can act against hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne scarring, sun damage and melasma. ‘Liquirtin’ increases skin renewal and disperses melanin in existing pigmentation.