Hello beauties,
As you all know I’m a self confessed skincare addict. I also think I’m a know it all, but by no means I do not know it all. However over the years while battling to obtain clear skin I’ve learnt a few things about skincare. Today I wanted to share my understanding of skincare ingredients so hopefully you can make a more informed decision when purchasing skincare.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is targeted at acne/blemish prone skin as it penetrates deep into the skin. I’m not much of a fan of Salicylic Acid as I feel it just doesn’t work quick enough for my skin. The only product that I absolutely swear by that has Salicylic Acid is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion which is a spot treatment.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is Alpha Hydroxy Acid used to obtain a gentle exfoliation action on the skin’s surface for anti-aging purposes. While I’m not at a stage where I’m thinking about anti-aging, I find it works amazingly with my skin. It literally clears up my skin and leaves it looking radiant. Some of my favourite skincare products with Glycolic Acid include; Alpha H Liquid Gold, Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peels*, Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser*.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic Acid is a relatively new acid in my life. Mandelic Acid is also an Alpha Hydroxy Acid but much more gentle than Glycolic Acid and it penetrates the skin less. Mandelic Acid is used for wrinkles and fine lines, hyper pigmentation and acne prone skin. I’ve been using the Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Lotion* which contains Mandelic Acid. This has been great at helping clear my skin of any blemishes and reducing any acne scaring.
Hyaluronic Acid
Now something for people that don’t need to worry about clear skin. Hyaluronic Acid is targeted for people with dehydrated skin. I love to incorporate a bit of Hyaluronic Acid in winter when I pump up the heater and my skin is dying for some moisture. My favourite skincare products containing Hyaluronic Acid would be Neutrogena Hydro Boost, For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid Serum* and Indeed Labs Hydraluron*.
Vitamin A
Ultraceuticals describes Vitamin A an excellent ingredient to treat dry skin, fine lines and sun damage by refining the skin’s surface. It will also increase skin moisture levels and leave the skin smoother, softer and younger-looking. My favourite Vitamin A product would have to be the Ultraceuticals Ultra A Serum*. For a cheaper alternative I also like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturiser.
Rosehip Oil
I almost forgot to include my beloved Rosehip Oil! Rosehip Oil was the first face oil I ever tried and the one I always go back to. Suitable for all skin types and great for reducing pigmentation while adding some hydration. My favourites include the Trilogy Rosehip Oil* and the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil.
Hope that gives you a better understanding of the various skincare ingredients to look out for.
*This product has been provided for reviewing purposes, all views and opinions are 100% honest.
**Disclaimer: All opinions are based on personal experiences, and are not sponsored. rachelbeautystyle is not a make up artist, beauty or skincare specialist and will not be held liable for any recommendations. Therefore try at your own risk.
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The Alpha H Liquid Gold was one of the first items I received when blogging! Defo a must have for ‘special occasions’ I love how it makes my skin feel in the morning ♥
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I use it quite regularly, I’m so addicted!
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I havnt tried any of these. But I want to know! Thanks great post
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Glad you found this helpful x
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I am a huge fan of the Alpha H Liquid Gold and their Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask – it balances my skin and leaves it feeling fabulous!
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Its such a great product!
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I love Alpha-H Liquid Gold although I only really use it the night before a special event. The results are amazing!
Di from Max The Unicorn
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I agree, don’t want to over use it but its so addictive because the results are so good!
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Great post! My skin is usually completely clear but gets dehydrated easily so Hydro Boost is my best friend 😊
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Hydro Boost is so good!
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This post was so helpful! I really want to get Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion and the Alpha H Liquid Gold.
Amy | http://www.herquarters.com
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The Mario lotion is so good for any pesky spots!
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You have mentioned all the amazing ingredients, I love them all and use them on rotation within the products based on what my skin needs. Very informative post!
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I can see some of my fave ingredients on this post. Though, I’m not fan of the Salicylic Acid, I find they either work or they don’t on my skin and + not able to use this and Vitamin A during pregnancy. I love the Glycolic Acid peels from Dr Dennis Gross and Murad, those products have been super amazing but so gentle at the same time. For hydration, Hyaluronic Acid is my all time fave and the product, For The Beloved is especially fantastic to use over winter time. I actually brought this with me when I was in Seoul, South Korea earlier this year and my skin loved it. Thank you for sharing this post, it’s nice to see we have some similar faves. Btw, I also just finished the Alpha-H liquid gold and I’m about to use the rose liquid gold, have you tried that one yet? Not sure if there is much difference though..
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Agree with all you points! Salicylic Acid is not one of my faves as well. And no I haven’t tried the Liquid Gold Rose. From my understanding its not as good as the original.
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I’ve heard sooo many amazing things about the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I want to try it out!
Rochelle || http://www.simplesocialsister.com
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Its worth every cent! I think this is my third bottle, I’ve bought so many over the years.
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Such a great read love all the information you have provided it’s a great help. Thank you
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The Alpha H Liquid Gold is on my wish list I think for ages and always forget to buy it cause new things are coming on the market to fast 😀
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I know what you mean! My wish list continues to grow, but honestly the hype is real with liquid gold.
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