The Skin Repair Ingredient Glossary: What Each One Actually Does

To truly understand about skin repair you need a skin repair ingredients glossary.

All skincare creams are not created equal. This is particularly true when it comes to selecting a cream for healing and restoring our skin. No matter what is that you are suffering from being dryness, sensitivity, acne scars or sun damage the effectiveness of the skin repair cream is based on the ingredients. You may try reading the back of the product to find out about the ingredients, but it may feel like reading a science textbook. What even is Hyaluronic Acid?!

In this following glossary style guide we break down the most important skin repair cream ingredients. We also show what they actually do in order for you to make the best decisions for your skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid:  This is a substance which is naturally occurring in your skin. It has the ability to retain moisture up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

What is does: Hyaluronic Acid helps when it comes to improving elasticity, plumping up the skin, and creating ideal conditions for the skin to heal. It is also very effective when it comes to soothing damaged or dry skin due to its hydrating power.

Best for: Dehydrated, dry, and irritated skin. It is also very effective for post-treatment recovery.

What are peptides: They are short chains of amino acid. These short chains of amino acid are also the building blocks of proteins like elastin and collagen.

What they do: Peptides have the ability to stimulate collagen production, repair the skin barrier and also improve texture and firmness over time. They are gentle single boosters for your skin’s natural repair system.

Best for: Skin that is damaged and ageing skin which requires rejuvenation and firming.

What are Ceramides? They are lipid molecules which are naturally found in the skin barrier.

What they do: Ceramides are able to hold skin cells together like mortars which keeps the barrier strong. They are also able to lock in moisture for essential healing and protect against environmental stressors.

Best for: Eczema, sensitive skin, or any compromised skin barrier.

What is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): It is a form of Vitamin B3 which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.

What is does: Niacinamide has the ability to improve the skin’s elasticity, improve its barrier function, even out skin tone and reduce redness. It is also effective when it comes to treating enlarged pores and acne.

Best for: Acne-prone, sensitive, and ageing skin.

What is Panthenol (Provitamin B5): It is a Vitamin B5 derivative that works like a humectant.

What is does: It has the ability to deeply hydrate the skin, soothes itching, reduces inflammation, and accelerate healing of wounds. Panthenol is also known for its softening effect on the skin.

Best for: Sunburn, irritated and dry skin.

What is Allantoin: It is a compound derived from comfrey plant which is usually synthesized in labs.

What it does: Allantoin is well known for its ability to promote skin cell regeneration. It also soothes irritation and moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. You can find Allantoin in skincare products that are for inflamed or sensitive skin.

Best for: Sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.

What is Vitamin C: It is a very powerful antioxidant which is essential for providing nutrient to our skin.

What it does: Vitamin C is good for the skin since it can neutralize free radicals, boost collagen synthesis, and help to fade out scars and hyperpigmentation. In addition, Vitamin C has the ability to brighten the skin.

Best for: Skin that has been damaged by the sun, discoloration, and acne scars.

What is Retinol:  Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A known for its ability to boost cell-turnover.

What is does: Retinol has the ability to accelerate skin renewal, unclog pores, increase collagen production, and fade our dark spots and fine lines. It is considered a heavy hitter in the repair and anti-ageing, but it can also be irritating for the skin particular at first.

Best for: Skin that is acne prone and mature or anyone concerned with wrinkles and discoloration.

What is Zinc Oxide: It is a mineral that is used frequently in sunscreens and skin protectants.

What is does: Zinc Oxide is able to protect the skin from moisture loss by forming a barrier on the skin. This protective barrier can also protect the skin from environmental damage. In addition, it is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial which makes it ideal for healing wounds and treating acne.

Best for: Healing wounds, diaper dash, and acne-prone skin.

What is Squalane: It is a stable version of squalene which is a lipid naturally found in human skin.

What it does: Squalane is able to provide lightweight moisture to the skin and act as an antioxidant at the same time. It also helps to restore skin’s elasticity and suppleness without clogging pores.

Best for: All skin types, especially those that are dry and sensitive.

What is Centella Asiatica (a.k.a. Cica or Tiger Grass): It is a plant extract known for its ability to heal the skin and reduce inflammation.

What it does: It improves collagen production, calms redness and repairs skin wounds and irritation.

Best for: Irritated, red and compromised skin barrier.

What is Aloe Vera: It is a gel derived from the Aloe plant. It is packed with vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes.

What it does: It can sooth burns, reduce inflammation, and provide hydration to the skin. It is also very effective when it comes to speeding up wound healing making it ideal for sunburns and irritation.

Best for:  Itchy, irritated and sunburn skin.

What is Madecassoside: It is a bioactive compound extracted from Centella Asiatica.

What it does: It is known for its anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, and wound healing properties like its parent plant. It is often used when it comes to damaged skin and treating sensitivity.

Best for: Inflammation, irritation or after cosmetic procedures.

What is Urea: It is a naturally occurring compound in the skin and produced synthetically for skincare.

What it does:  It can maintain moisture balance and exfoliate dead skin cells. At higher concentrations it can soften thick, rough skin while at lower concentration it is super hydrating.

Best for: Very dry, rough, or scaly skin.

What is Shea Butter:  It is a fat extracted from the nuts of African shea tree.

What it does: It is deeply moisturizing and is rich in fatty acids like vitamin A & E. It helps to soften rough skin and promotes healing by nourishing the skin barrier.

Best for: Dry, cracked, and rough skin.

Since not all skin repair creams are created equal knowing what ingredients to look for is essential. Whether you are trying to treat inflammation, restore your skin barrier, fade scars or lock in moisture it is essential to understand how each component works.

In addition, make sure to consider your skin type and sensitivity when choosing ingredients. A cream packed with certain ingredients might be ideal for one person but irritating for another. Also, when it comes to skincare, consistency is as important as the ingredients themselves.

Your skin is your biggest organ and give it what it needs it order to keep it healthy.

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