A glowing, youthful complexion is a common desire, yet new findings reveal that skin satisfaction is low.
In 'Skin Matters', published by Hada Labo Tokyo, researchers found that the average woman rates her skin a mere five out of 10.
So, what can we do about this? According to one doctor and skin care guru, the key lies in finding products that contain the right components.
GP and women's health specialist Dr Janine David said: "Maintaining a skin care routine, which harnesses the power of a range of different scientifically-backed ingredients, can make all the difference to skin, helping it stay youthful, glowy, bouncy, and hydrated."
She shared the four active ingredients that will "save your skin", urging ladies to look for hyaluronic acid, collagen, retinol, and panthenol in their products.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant which binds to and holds water molecules, is a "vital" skin care ingredient that "slows down the signs of ageing and quenches the skin's thirst", Dr Janine said.
A second skin expert, Dr Nisa Aslam, warned that "a lack of hyaluronic acid can lead to wrinkles, dryness, and fine lines".
Topical application is therefore key, particularly as we age, as our levels of hyaluronic acid deplete over time.
To enjoy the gold standard of hyaluronic acid, Dr Janine advised that acetylated sodium hyaluronate (aka super hyaluronic acid) enables "better and deeper penetration" through the skin layers and exhibits "efficient anti‐wrinkle activity" after just 28 days.
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|Use active ingredients for 'youthful, glowy, bouncy, and hydrated' skin
Collagen
Dr David explained that collagen, produced by cells called fibroblasts deep in the dermis, gives the skin "structure and elasticity".
However, just as hyaluronic acid levels deplete over time, our skin's ability to produce collagen falls by between one per cent and 1.5 per cent a year, starting as early as 25.
The GP added: "It can also be depleted by pollution, smoking, UV radiation, and other environmental assaults on the skin."
However, hope is not lost, as research shows that topical applications of collagen increased levels in the skin, "stalling" the oxidative stress associated with skin ageing.
According to one nutritionist, consuming it orally can also promote a gorgeous glow. Hailing it as her "secret" to youthfulness, she claimed her skin has "drastically improved" since she started eating it.
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GETTY IMAGES | Retinol helps improve signs of ageing by accelerating skin cell turnover
Retinol
Retinol, an ingredient that speeds up the skin's cell turnover process, "has been shown to help improve signs of ageing", Dr David stated.
According to findings by Which?, using retinol for 12 weeks can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Dr Anil Shah claimed that "almost everyone benefits from retinol".
Panthenol
Panthenol, a B vitamin with humectant properties, is Dr David's final must-have ingredient for a youthful glow.
She explained that it reduces transepidermal water loss by "trapping water in the skin and helping restore the skin barrier".
The expert added: "There is also evidence it improves elasticity and the absorption of other active ingredients in skin care products."
Active ingredients (aka actives) "help a product target a particular skin concern – from acne to hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles", La Roche-Posay explains.
"Scientifically proven to benefit the skin, active ingredients help a product perform its advertised function. They're the ingredients you'll find in your anti-ageing face creams, acne gels, and hydrating serums," the experts added.