There’s no doubt that the world of skin care products is overcrowded, making it easy to be overwhelmed with finding good quality products. But the truth is, there are some skin care ingredients that have much more extensive research behind them than others. Here are four tried and true ingredients that you can count on for more youthful skin, based on science.
COENZYME Q10: Damage Defense for Your Skin
You may have heard of Coenzyme Q10 — also known as Ubiquinone or Vitamin Q or CoQ10 for short — as a nutritional supplement for heart health and energy support. However, CoQ10 is one of the most well-researched antioxidant ingredients available for skin health, and is huge in Japan, where demand is reaching a fever pitch.
Our bodies actually produce CoQ10 naturally, but our levels decrease as we age. Studies show CoQ10 is an effective free-radical fighter and helps repair damage to the skin.
Environmental stressors such as UV rays, smog, and chemical pollutants in the air are also everyday culprits of free radical production, which speeds up the aging process of the skin. We can increase our CoQQ10 levels orally or topically, but research shows CoQ10 is especially effective taken as a supplement. CoQ10 can also be consumed in grains and fish.
Vitamin C: For Brighter & Firmer Skin
A powerhouse ingredient that also works as a potent antioxidant, it’s hard to go wrong with Vitamin C. Studies show using Vitamin C in a topical cream or serum is beneficial for a few reasons. First, Vitamin C is essential for the body to make collagen, so it is great for supporting collagen production that keeps skin plump and elastic, while defending the skin against oxidative stress that causes wrinkles.
One of Vitamin C’s star qualities, though, is that it has been shown to reduce pigmentation over time and lighten the intensity of brown spots caused by oxidation.
Red Marine Algae: Ultra-Hydration for Soothing Dry, Sensitive Skin
Marine algae have been around for two billion years, floating around the oceans while it should have been in our medicine cabinets. Naturally, Red Marine Algae is an amazing force for hydrating the skin, due to its water-retaining properties. Red Marine Algae is packed with high concentrations of enzymes and minerals like copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, along with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Studies show that red algae can also support smoothness and firmness in the skin.
Lutein: Elasticity Booster That Protects Your Skin and Eyes
Lutein, an extract found in marigold flowers, is an antioxidant that research shows protects the skin and eyes from the harmful blue light generated by excessive computer and smartphone use, as well as from harmful UV rays of the sun. However, the studies also show that lutein can help improve skin hydration and elasticity.
In a 12-week clinical study, lutein, applied topically improved skin hydration by up to 40 percent and skin elasticity by up to 21 percent.
As always, there are other lifestyle factors that can greatly affect the health of your skin. Using sunscreen, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly to reduce stress are all preventative steps when it comes to skin care. But if you are looking to nourish your skin, then these 4 ingredients are must-haves for skin care, whether you want them in a cream or serum, or are looking to add them as nutritional supplements to support beauty from the inside out.
