The Under-The-Radar Ingredient You Need To Keep In Mind This Spring

By: Carolina Malis

There are hundreds of amazing skincare products out there in the beauty industry realm, but more than reviews or the Insta hype, what’s truly gonna help you out when choosing the next addition to your skincare cabinet is knowing what ingredients are actually gonna benefit your skin.

We all have different skin types, skin struggles, skin allergies, colors, textures… it’s truly so unique that something that works for your friend not necessarily is gonna work for you, that’s why learning about ingredients is such an important step before buying new products: once you discover the ones that work wonders for you, it’s a matter of keep on looking for them in the ingredient lists of your upcoming purchases.

There are so many amazing ingredients out there, and for so many different skin concerns, but today we wanted to highlight three that we think could be of great help now that transitional weather is taking over and our skin may get a little bit confused on how to react.

GREEN TEA:

Green tea is not only amazing served in a mug on a cold winter afternoon, but also a great ally for those struggling with skin sensitivities. This botanical derived from the leaves and buds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis is packed with active components that provide the skin with multiple antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The best thing about Green Tea is its duality, as it’s considered both protective and corrective and available in a wide range of formulations, such as cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and masks. But what is it gonna do for your skin?

Given its multifaceted nature, green tea is your pal if you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. As an antioxidant able to fight free radicals caused by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution, green tea reduces the signs of sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation, rough texture, and fine lines, so it makes sense that we find it in many anti-aging products, but its benefits go way further.

Now, if you deal with excess sebum production or acne, then Green Tea is truly your best friend. The botanical’s ability to reduce sebum coupled with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties transform this ancient ingredient into a great formula to balance out the skin of those struggling to keep their oil production at bay.

VITAMIN C:

Consider a member of la crème de la crème skincare wise, Vitamin C is one of those ingredients we all can make use of - if we use it correctly. This potent antioxidant has the power to neutralize free radicals which helps your body repair damaged skin cells. With its ability to even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this skin-brightening powerhouse ingredient can add multiple benefits to your skincare routine.

Used topically, Vitamin C is capable of helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution. A fun - and maybe ironic - fact? Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for human beings, required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body, including the skin, but we cannot produce it on our own.

On top of its antioxidant benefits, this holy grail promotes collagen production, as it gives our skin the support and structure it needs as it degrades with age, AKA, the time when we begin to notice wrinkles and lines. And if you suffer from dark spots, Vitamin C can also help as it literally blocks the pathway of pigment synthesis.

AZULENE:

Not as famous as its counterparts but just as powerful, Azulene is a natural botanical oil derived from the steam distillation of chamomile, yarrow, or blue tansy flowers, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. This is why you’ll find azulene featured on products meant to soothe your skin - and even on some waxing and shaving formulas. 

Azulene has the power to calm a wide variety of skin irritations such as bumps and redness, thanks to its soothing properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial properties. Plus it’s believed to assist in cell regeneration, which can help your skin fight against wrinkles and skin blemishes.

As if that wasn’t enough, Azulene is also highly moisturizing and enhances skin barrier function so that less of your natural moisture can escape, helping to keep your skin hydrated, plump and moisturizer all day long.