The powerhouse ingredients you need in your skincare routine.

Mar 2

To shop the products featured in this article online, you need to chat with us first. Either give us a call on 03-448 8071 or message us on Facebook. We can discuss which ones are right for you and give you access to the shop to make your purchase.

Everything you need to know about Skincare’s powerhouse ingredients: Niacinamide, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid.

Our skin throughout our life is exposed to elements like the sun, environmental pollutants, toxins, and so much more. Our skin also loses proteins; collagen and elastin as we age. These external and internal ageing factors etch themselves on our skin in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and a lack of bounce. No thanks!

Woman using active skincare from Harmony

So, what are the three must-try ingredients for radiant skin?

When searching for skincare that can offer long-term results and help achieve our skin goals, the number of brands on the market can be overwhelming and it can be tempting to buy the latest fad products you see on social media.

The result is a constant rotation of products that don’t do much other than moisturise your skin. Real skin improvement requires long-term commitment from a routine that’s personalised for your unique complexion.

So instead of chopping and changing between “trending products on Instagram” stick to a few key products that contain these powerhouse ingredients:

1. Niacinamide

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and is a potent skin-brightening agent that with time works to protect skin from environmental damage, particularly sun damage, and improves hydration, reduces signs of aging, shrinks enlarged pores, lessens blackheads and significantly improves skin discolouration and uneven skin tone!

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, fortifying from the get-go without irritation and also acts as an antioxidant by limiting free radical damage. The result? Glowing, hydrated and firm skin. Tick!

What is the best way to deliver Niacinamide to the skin?

To reap the benefits, apply Niacinamide topically in the form of a hydrator or serum, anything that will stay in contact with your skin. Niacinamide can be used 1-2 times per day and it interacts well with the other potent ingredients that you are using in your skincare routine like peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, BHA, vitamin C, AHAs and other antioxidants.

One of our go-to’s has to be the O Biotics B3 Plus Serum by O Cosmedics. Packed with a massive 12% Niacinamide along with Stay-C 50 which contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to boost collagen and elastin.

We also love the CLR Lotion by Dp Dermaceuticals, a corrective serum aimed to clear the appearance of problematic skin, whilst hydrating, balancing oil control and reducing the potential for future breakouts.

Who is Niacinamide suitable for?

Niacinamide is great for all skin types, especially those mid-breakout or with red, sensitive or dull skin.

2. Retinol

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a powerful antioxidant and is a form of Vitamin A. An all-star ingredient, it really does so much and is a long-term game changer for your skin!

It is an expert at increasing cell turnover, helping to improve skin texture and minimising fine lines, sagging skin, dullness and brown spots.

Retinol stimulates the production of collagen and refines the skin giving a much more evened-out complexion.

Retinol can also be particularly effective around the delicate eye area which tends to show signs of ageing first.

What is the best way to deliver Retinol to the skin?

Although it is such a super-hero ingredient, it is best to start slow. Build your way up in frequency of use and then potency of the retinol. Make sure you’re getting a 0.25% concentration or higher for effectiveness.

Use retinol once or twice a week at first to see how your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week.

Combine your Retinol with products that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerine or peptides which all help to support the integrity of your skin and always use an SPF during the day. Retinol is best applied after cleansing and before a restorative night hydrator.

Which Retinol product should I be using?

Retinol newbies will love the Ginger&ME Vitamin Infusion Booster or the O Cosmedics Retinoic Oil, or if you’ve had some experience try the Dp Dermaceuticals Retinal Active or the O Cosmedics Potent Retinol Serum (0.5% retinol).

Advanced skin gurus can opt for the O Cosmedics Retinol Concentrate (1% – the highest available strength before a doctor’s prescription).

To shop these products online, you need to chat with us first. Either give us a call on 03-448 8071 or message us on Facebook. We can discuss which Retinol is right for you and give you access to the shop to make your purchase.

Who is Retinol suitable for?

Retinol is suitable for most people even those with sensitive skin however those with sensitive, rosacea or eczema prone skin should be used with care. Retinol is not safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

A hydration heavyweight that may sound a little scary, but is actually a naturally occurring substance in the human body that maintains our moisture levels. The secret to plump, hydrated and soft skin lies within Hyaluronic Acid.

The substance works in cells by binding to water to help retain hydration in the skin, and can unbelievably hold onto one thousand times its weight in moisture without greasiness or irritation.

Don’t be put off by the word “acid”, as it doesn’t strip or exfoliate, but instead ensures hydration for smooth and plump skin.

What is the best way to deliver Hyaluronic Acid to the skin?

When applied topically to the skin, Hyaluronic Acid works to reduce trans epidermal moisture loss and fortify the epidermal barrier function, leaving your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day.

Safe to use each day, always remember to apply to damp skin by applying a toner or mist first, then follow with a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. If it is applied to dry skin, it will sit on the surface and draw moisture out which is the opposite of what you are after!

We highly recommend Dp Dermaceuticals Hyla Active, Hyla Active restores harmony to all skin types and conditions, forming a ‘second skin’ to deliver immediate effect, whilst reducing and diffusing the appearance of visible redness and inflammation.

We also love the O Biotics 3D Hyaluronic Serum by O Cosmedics, This serum is your ticket to soft, hydrated skin, and it works wonders on any skin type, including sensitive or acne-prone skins. Just apply daily after cleansing and water-like serums, and get ready to glow.

Who is Hyaluronic Acid suitable for?

Great for everyone, especially those with sensitive or oily-prone skin.

Harmony Skin Therapist talks with customer about skincare options

The Final Word

Combining multiple skincare ingredients to create the perfect formula is a recipe for achieving your skin goals, treating skin concerns and simplifying your routine.

If you need some advice or recommendations book a personalised skincare consult and our friendly team will create a bespoke skincare plan, especially for you.

Our skincare consults are redeemable against your purchase.