With the quarantine going on for ages, we’ve all been trying new things. For my part, I have become addicted to skin care. From binging Hyram (@skincarebyhyram) to browsing the skincare aisle at Target, I’m apparently increasingly interested in any face-related product.
So what do we really know? Are hordes of products really necessary to have a clear face? How to find the perfect product for your skin type?
If you are wondering about any of the questions above, this article is for you. Snuggle up and read on to learn how to start taking care of your skin.
There are plenty of active ingredients that can be found in products that have been proven to boost our skin to look its best. This article will focus on products that are not in the mainstream so you can stray from the mainstream market and find some hidden gems! Let’s start by talking about some of the more popular ingredients (acids/exfoliants/chemicals).
1) Retinol: The anti-aging wonder
Advantages: By producing collagen and increasing blood flow to the face, say goodbye to your fine lines and wrinkles with this ingredient! Consumers of all ages can use this product, not just the elderly! It may take around 12 weeks to see its full effects, but this time may depend on the product you are using.
The inconvenients: “Retinol ugliness” may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of use. These “ugliness” include redness, dry skin and flaking. Your skin may also become more sensitive when using retinol, so sunscreen is essential. If you have sensitive skin, your skin may sting when using this ingredient.
And now, on to my recommendations. For each ingredient, I will list 3 products based on their price range.
Craze-worthy option:
MEDIK8: Retinal Crystal 10
At around $50 to purchase, this serum is definitely pricey. This serum will help your dull skin become luminous and radiant. It’s a form of retinol called retinal and contains retinaldehyde, which is derived from vitamin A. It’s believed to work much faster than traditional retinol, so it’s definitely worth a shot!
Moderate option:
VERSED: Gentle Retinol Serum
Here we have another great introduction to retinol! It rings in at around $21, which is really quite reasonable considering the bulk of the product. Versed is another Target brand that is gaining notoriety for its ingredient-driven formulas!
Economic option:
ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
At $18, this product is marketed as an eye cream and can be used on wrinkles and dark areas around the face. Its rave reviews are a telltale sign of customer satisfaction. The product was created with wear in mind, so it won’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin.
2) Salicylic Acid: The acne miracle
Advantages: In addition to helping fight acne, salicylic acid helps renew the superficial (outer) layer of the skin. It helps heal your skin, as well as exfoliate it, so you can get the silky smooth skin you’ve always wanted!
The inconvenients: This acid may be a little too strong for sensitive skin, so be careful when using this acid. Keep in mind that it can be very easy for salicylic acid products to strip your skin too much and cause redness or pain.
Craze-worthy option:
Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Now, this product is definitely above most people’s price range, but its phenomenal formula and reviews are definitely worth looking into. With unique ingredients like Raspberry extractyour skin will certainly be pleasantly surprised.
Moderate option:
Revision Skincare Facial Cleanser
At the list price of $33, this cruelty-free product is simply one of a kind. The main problem with many cleansers is that they tend to over-dry your skin barrier, but due to the perfect proportions of salicylic and glycolic acid, this acid will leave your skin healthy and smooth. As a bonus, vitamins C and E are also on the ingredient list, bringing this cleanser to the top.
Economic option:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
At just $7 a pop, this face wash has been a staple in the routines of many teens. The value per dollar is so great that the affordability alone is worth trying this product. The wash is made with 2% salicylic acid, which is just the perfect amount so you can see results without feeling irritation. Its softness makes it suitable for many skin types.
3) Niacinamide: The key to healthy skin
Advantages: Now, this ingredient is special. It is suitable for all skin types and helps resurface your skin and minimize pore size. It can also help reduce sebum (oil) production with minimal irritation. It is a recommended ingredient to fight against rosacea (redness).
The inconvenients: In very rare cases, niacinamide has been known to cause stomach upset, and if you use too much, (like any other ingredient) irritation will occur. It’s also possible that your skin is allergic to niacinamide, so be sure to do a patch test (as you should for all ingredients) before regular use.
Craze-worthy option:
10% Niacinamide Booster by Paula’s Choice
On the website, this serum costs $44 for 0.67 ounces. In addition to niacinamide, it contains two types of B vitamins and the amazing reviews for this product just don’t stop! One user says, “I can’t live without it in my skincare. The results speak for themselves and I can’t wait to try this product.
Moderate option:
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
At $16, this next product is another serum. It is a versatile product that contains zinc, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. This product can be applied in the morning or in the evening and will certainly meet all your skin care needs.
Economic option:
Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Now, this product has been trending on the net for quite some time. TikTok popularized this product so much that it was sold out for a long time! That said, he is rightly in the spotlight. At $5.90, it has an amazing formula and has given many customers smooth, poreless skin.
4) Vitamin C: Nature’s sunscreen
Advantages: Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins on the market for a reason: it protects your skin from all external pollutants like sunlight and dirt. Plus, it can help fight hyperpigmentation (darker spots) and even out your overall skin tone.
The inconvenients: If you have extremely sensitive skin, vitamin C can irritate it, especially if other products in your routine are either abrasive or acidic. Also be careful not to mix this ingredient with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, AHA/BHA or niacinamide.
Craze-worthy option:
Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel-Cream
Not only does this product contain 3 different forms of vitamin C, but it is also known for its moisturizing properties. Its main purpose is to firm the skin, leaving it dewy and renewed. Definitely give this product a try if you are looking for a cream form of Vitamin C to add to your routine as opposed to a more generic serum form.
Moderate option:
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Present in many stores such as Target and Walmart, this product is a vitamin C serum that aims to restore the skin barrier and refresh it. This product works well in a routine, can be layered, and leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish.
Economic option:
Suspension Vitamin C 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Starting at $5.80, the value of this product was too incredible to ignore. So, I can’t help but include another ordinary product on our list. It leaves skin glowing and fresh, and is great for an introduction to vitamin C. If the high percentage of vitamin C worries you, fret not! The ingredients are formulated in such a way that the vitamin is preserved in durable materials while retaining all the benefits of vitamin C.
5) Polypeptides: The final touch
Advantages: Polypeptides can be used to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles and decrease sebum production. This ingredient can also be used by all people as it does not cause irritation.
The inconvenients: Be sure not to use this ingredient with AHAs. This ingredient is also relatively expensive compared to retinol as it is in the early stages of research/experimentation.
Craze-worthy option:
IMAGE MD Youth Repair Serum
The main goals of this product are to repair skin that has been damaged, whether by excessive exfoliation or excessive use of certain products, leaving it healthy and firm. This product is a double whammy – packed with vitamin C and peptides – and many happy customers can attest to its value!
Moderate option:
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
This product is a staple in my house (my mom swears by it!). After reviewing it, I fully understand why it is loved by many. It contains Amino-Peptide Complex II, a phenomenal ingredient for eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
Economic option:
Eva Natural Collagen Boosting Peptide Complex Serum
At $15, this product is very reasonably priced. Given the formula, very little of this product needs to be used to see the results you are looking for. Give this product a try if you are looking for a serum that will bring your skin back to life!
