8 trending skincare ingredients you should know about If you care about your skin as much as we do at Secret Spa, then you need to discover the new skincare trends that are making waves in the beauty world. The top trending ingredients in skincare are used to treat all sorts of skin conditions, from the inflammation of acne or irritatingly dry skin, to the visible effects of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s the lowdown on the top 8 trending skincare ingredients you should know about. Whether it’s natural, plant-based extracts from mushrooms, cannabis and rosehips, or cutting edge ingredients like squalene, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Here’s an outline of how the latest skincare ingredients could enhance your beauty regime. Top 8 trending ingredients in skincare Niacinamide Niacinamide is one form of vitamin B₃, and is sometimes referred to as nicotinamide. It occurs naturally in some foods, and may also be used as a supplement or in medication. It is used in skincare, as it can help with acne, pigmentation issues, rosacea (skin redness) and may even reduce wrinkling. Niacinamide can help skin in two main ways. The first is providing protection from skin stressors such as pollution, UV rays and toxins. The second is that niacinamide helps with skin cell renewal, which in turn is beneficial for sufferers of inflammatory skin conditions, particularly acne. Sufferers who use products containing niacinamide tend to report less incidences of pustules and papules. Retinol Retinol is a vitamin and is otherwise known as A₁. It is typically found in foodstuffs and dietary supplements. In the beauty world, retinol is mainly used to treat acne or as an anti-ageing ingredient, because retinol can penetrate the middle layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Retinol’s tiny molecules work to combat free radicals, while stimulating collagen and elastin production. It also has an exfoliating effect, and can help to unclog pores. This combination plumps and smooths the skin to improve texture, as well as reducing acne, enlarged pores, wrinkling and uneven skin tone. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is found in the human body. It is present in our epithelial, connective and neural tissue, and in the highest quantities in the fluids in our joints and eyes. In beauty terms, hyaluronic acid is credited with helping to ensure smooth, well hydrated and blemish-free skin. While our skin cells do produce some of this wonder stuff, levels tend to lower as we age, not least because of environmental stressors. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid can hold and retain an impressive amount of moisture, ensuring skin stays as plump, firm and as youthful looking as possible. CBD CBD, or Cannabidiol, makes up 40% of the substances extracted from cannabis plants. It is used to treat various health conditions including anxiety, insomnia, pain and depression. In beauty products, it is used to help combat oxidants and to soothe and smooth the skin. CBD is enjoying a surge in popularity, thanks in part to its environmental credentials. This plant-based extract has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can assist in soothing and healing stressed, irritated, dry or red skin. It can also help with relaxation, inducing a feeling of calm and wellbeing. Squalene Squalene is naturally present in every plant and animal on earth. Although it is produced by the body’s own sebaceous glands, the quantities do tend to plummet as we age. As a lipid, squalene can help with moisture retention and, when added to skincare formulas, can increase absorption levels. In a nutshell, squalene helps to boost the skin’s natural barrier against moisture loss and environmental stressors. The fact that it is easily absorbed makes it a favourite ingredient in moisturising products. This multi-purpose ingredient is also used as a formidable weapon in the fight against inflammatory conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis. PHAs PHAs are mainly used for skin exfoliation. They stimulate the skin to produce fresh new cells, while reducing uneven skin tone or texture. They are kinder to skin than some other exfoliants, as they cause less skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight. By breaking down old skin cells in a very gentle way, they help to renew the surface. PHAs – or polyhydroxy acids – are often prized by those whose skin does not agree with other facial exfoliants, which can sometimes lead to skin photosensitivity. They can also stimulate skin repair, help beauty products to penetrate deeper, and are naturally high in antioxidants too. Rosehip Rosehip is no newcomer to the world of alternative and traditional therapies, and its benefits are now being harnessed by the beauty industry. Rosehip is a substance that is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, meaning it can wage war on free radicals and other skin stressors. High levels of vitamins A, C, D and E also help to explain why rosehip oil is such a popular ingredient. As rosehip oil is plant-based and entirely natural, it’s free from chemical ingredients. It’s favoured by pregnant women in particular, who often use it to help combat stretch marks. It can also help to smooth the appearance of scars, and is packed with the kind of fatty acids – including linoleic and oleic acids – that can help lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Mushroom Mushroom was one of the biggest new beauty ingredients seen in 2020 and the trend for fungi shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you love them or loathe them in your food, there’s no arguing with the fact that they can work wonders for the body’s largest organ: the skin. Mushrooms have been used in the Far East for thousands of years. In more recent times, certain types of mushroom have been used to treat anxiety and depression. As well as vitamins B and D, mushrooms contain copper, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. They are also rich in glutathione and ergothioneine. The former acts as a skin antioxidant and detoxifier, while the latter can help protect the dermis’ DNA from the damage caused by oxidation. Secret Spa facials are packed with skin-loving ingredients like those above, so why not book your pampering session with us today?
