We are always on the look-out for the next big skin treatment that will offer us that elusive glow, without causing any harm to our dermal layer. Here are a few recent innovations that are proving popular in India.
ESSENCE: This skin import is now being used a lot in Asian countries. The essence is as light as a toner, but instead of cleansing and stripping the skin off natural moisturiser, it hydrates the dermis in the form of a humectant by adding glycerine to it. The essence makes your skin dewy and radiant instantly upon application. It loosens the superficial layer of skin, thus making it more perceptive to any future products you may choose to apply on it. It can also be used with great results along with anti-ageing serums.
PEPTIDES: They are a dermatologist’s favourite anti-ageing ingredient, simply because they signal skin cells to produce more collagen, which in turn makes your skin firmer, smoother and looking younger. The commonly used peptides are matrixyl and argeriline because they have the best science behind them. Peptides can also make your under eye dark circles less noticeable as they thicken the collagen in that area.
RETINOIDS: What boosts collagen, softens skin, evens texture and fades dark spots? A seven-letter ingredient that goes by the name of retinol! The under eyes are where lines show up first, and it’s where your skin really needs the collagen boost. Start by placing little dabs under your eyes, at the outer corners, and along the orbital bone, then gently blending the dots together, avoiding the lower lash line. Retinoids can make your skin flaky at first, but they actually work by increasing the activity of enzymes in the skin that make more collagen. So don’t confuse that initial flakiness with true exfoliation, and keep using your masks, peels and scrubs. The peeling is certainly not why people start looking better. In fact, it’s why most people give it up. Retinoids work at a much more profound level by affecting gene expression and
causing enhanced collagen production, skin smoothing and evening out pigmentation.
NIACINAMIDE: This is a vitamin B3 derivative that can lighten dark spots resulting from sun damage, ageing or acne. Niacinamide prevents melanin or pigmentation from rising to the surface of the skin. It also has a growing reputation for improving the skin’s moisture barrier.
CERAMIDES: When your skin suffers from dry environment or irritation, naturally occurring ceramides decrease, leaving your skin vulnerable. Therefore, replenishing ceramide content is a very effective way to protect your skin and helping it act younger!
The writer is a cosmetic dermatologist.
