As a skincare chemist I work with hundreds of amazing ingredients that I could (and do) talk about all day long. It can become overwhelming for someone who doesn’t work, live, and breathe skincare so I’ve decided to narrow it down to the three most important ingredients that EVERYONE must use to have their best skin, regardless of age/skin type/concerns. These are the basics that you should start with before moving on to any specialized corrective protocols whether they be anti acne, anti-aging or anything else.
#1 Niacinamide
(aka Vitamin B3) best at 5%, with a PH of around 5
WHAT IT DOES:
TIP: If you can’t do BHAs, AHAs, or vitamin C, this is the best alternative and has the gentlest exfoliation.
I love niacinamide so much that I put it in two different powerhouse Amazonia products that are formulated to hydrate and moisturize while treating, correcting, and protecting from aging all at once. I also have listed two products that contain just niacinamide if you don’t want all of the other anti-aging ingredients! Clickable links.
PRODUCTS:
Amazonia Rejuvenating Moisturizer – Restores, Firms, Prevents Loss of Elasticity $88/oz
Amazonia Neroli Toner + Hyaluronic Hydrating Essence + Barrier Repair Serum $15/oz
Glossier Pure – Serum – Unkown % of NIA (has silicones, not for acne-prone skin) $56/oz
Paula’s Choice Niacinamide Boost – Serum (phenoxyethanol, not 4 sensitive skin) $42/oz
#2 Urea
WHAT IT DOES:
TIP: An awesome ingredient for eczema, as damaged barrier function is present in all eczema.
After adding this “basic” ingredient to my regimen with Amazonia’s Neroli Toner Essence I not only stay better hydrated and plumped, with less sensitivities, I am able to use WAY more acids (like BHA + vitamin C in the a.m. and AHA + BHA every night) without ANY stinging or irritation.