The 4 Skincare Ingredients you need in your routine

Even with the colder months, wearing a layer of SPF is of the utmost importance. With no sun in the sky, it can be easy to forget that harmful UV rays are still present and can cause long term damage to your skin. Wrinkles, the appearance of thin lines and uneven pigmentation are all effects which the sun can cause, not to mention the more scarier impacts such as skin conditions. During the winter, remember to keep your SPF present in your skincare routine.

We recommend trying the Obagi Sun Matte which offers you protection from both UVA and UVB rays. With a sheer, matte finish, you won’t have that shiny appearance that you get with most sunscreens once you’ve applied it.  As well as sun protection factor 50, it uses further chemical and physical ingredients which look after your skin. For example, Zinc Oxide deflects the UV rays, while Homosalate and Octisalate absorb and release radiation.

Again, another ingredient that is important all year round, is Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps promote healing from the inside out of your body, including your skin. Aiding in diminishing the appearance of scars, wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, implementing products with Vitamin C present is a must. In addition, this ingredient also has a powerful amount of antioxidants meaning that if your diet is rich with fruits and vegetables that are rich with this vitamin, your skin will also benefit. We recommend trying out Dr Barbara Sturm Vitamin C serum which contains 5% Vitamin C in a stabilised form that is quickly absorbed, safe and gentle on the skin.

Retinol is becoming more and more of a popular ingredient in people’s skin care routine, but what actually is it? Retinol is part of the retinoid family, also known as vitamin A. For most, less stronger versions of this ingredient, you will rarely need a prescription and will even probably find it in some of your favourite skin care brands.

Retinol helps with the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the natural production of collagen in your skin. This vitamin also stimulates the production of new blood vessels to replace the old ones. This can improve unbalanced and uneven skin tone, as well as fading age spots and softening any rougher patches that are present. If you feel your skin is more oily then retinol has also been known to help prevent breakouts from happening.

If you’re looking for an everyday retinol product, the Obagi Retinol, will help you freshen up your skin care routine and aid in any anti-ageing concerns you could be experiencing. As well as fighting the signs of premature ageing caused by any environmental aggressors and promoting a more radiant and youthful complexion, this formula will also hydrate your skin.

When going through your normal skincare routine, you may notice that some of your favourite products include antioxidants. Antioxidants are an active ingredient that are typically used in skincare and makeup formulas. They interrupt the oxidation reactions and prevent the effects of oxygen radicals, both of the processes known to damage the integrity of your own natural materials.

An antioxidant is a substance that protects the body from free radicals, and whilst not all of them will boost the natural collagen production in your skin, they will help the existing collagen to be as present as it can.

Antioxidants are specifically good for the skin on the lips. If you suffer from dry lips in the winter, adding the IS Clinical Lip Polishto your routine could be a great option. The gentle scrub has powerful antioxidants which have been blended with rich, smooth botanical butters. This encourages exfoliation and smooths out your dry lips, leaving them ready for application of lipstick or lip gloss. Using this product up to three times a week can give you plump and glowing lips right through to summer.