Thanks to the influence of SkinTok, there’s a new skincare buzzword emerging monthly from the aether: slugging, beauty snacking, microdosing, skin flooding – the ever-changing dermatological vocabulary is enough to keep the Oxford English Dictionary in print. And those are just the trends; there’s a whole lexicon of skincare ingredients waiting to be explored.
However, while dermatologists can’t wait to sink their teeth into a new ‘skingredient’, the average consumer might struggle to know the difference between squalanes and squalene, or the pros and pitfalls of retinol. Without the right knowledge, the world of skincare can be a minefield, and blindly following trends could spell danger for your complexion. This is where the experts come in.
According to founder of CPD-accredited course, Skin Masterclass PRO, Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, there’s one trending area of skincare that you should try to get to know if you’re longing for hydrated, healthy-looking skin: humectants. It’s a category that contains a well-known ingredient which you might have heard of – hyaluronic acid – and is associated with leave-on products, like creams and serums. Here, Cigdem expands on four humectants to get to know, and why it’s not all about hyaluronic acid.
“Humectants constitute a broad category of ingredients. Unfortunately, in the realm of skincare the spotlight is often solely on hyaluronic acid, however it’s good to be aware of a wider array of options because not all skin types may appreciate or tolerate hyaluronic acid.”
Erythritol
“Erythritol can help enhance skin hydration and prevent dryness. It has hygroscopic properties, which means it attracts and retains moisture on the skin’s surface. As an antioxidant, erythritol can also help diminish the signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, by preventing collagen breakdown and promoting collagen synthesis. Erythritol also has soothing properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness.”
Galactoarabinan
“Galactoarabinan has excellent waterbinding properties, making it a highly effective night and day moisturiser. Galactoarabinan acts as a penetration enhancer, improving the delivery and absorption of other active ingredients into the skin, and increasing the efficacy of skincare products. It’s also a great ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin types.”
Sodium PCA
“Sodium PCA is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also enhances the skin’s natural barrier function by replenishing and repairing its protective lipid layer. It’s a naturally occurring component of the skin’s own moisturising factors, so as a result, it is well-tolerated and compatible with the skin, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types including sensitive skin.”
Mannitol
“Mannitol has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from harmful free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help to soothe and calm the skin. It is beneficial for conditions such as sunburn, eczema, and other skin irritations. Mannitol is also an effective stabiliser and can help maintain the efficacy of other skincare ingredients over time.”
Featured image credit: Image courtesy of Ciaté London.
Product recommendations are not from Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz.
