Don’t Dismiss These Skincare Ingredients
Ingredient technology is what propels beauty and provides solutions to some of our most challenging concerns like hyperpigmentation (which we know can be stubborn on Black skin) or blemishes which can leave deep and distressing scars. Or the fact that Black skin is prone to increased levels of dryness because of lower ceramide levels so it’s a challenge to keep moisture in. All of these are concerns which call for new ingredients and/or novel formulations to address successfully.
There’s a host of ingredients that gaining traction and we think these are the skincare products you should add to cart. Immediately.
OKRA
S’able Labs Okra Face Serum £69
Yes, that okra and it’s just got an upgrade to your skincare cabinet. Rich in Vitamin A and C, as well an antioxidant, Okra can help to strength and protect the skin from environmental damage. It also helps to even the skin tone by fading hyperpigmentation.
In combination with retinoids and African Resurrection Plant which is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti pigmentation ingredient, skin is more robust with improved texture and reduced blemishes.
ECTOIN
Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum £99
A multi-functional antioxidant that can work under stressful environmental conditions to protect the skin from water loss, pollution, UVA rays and even blue light. If you’re interested in an age-defying skincare routine then keep Ectoin in your sights.
It’s not necessarily new (Ultrasun have been using it in some of their sunscreens for a long time) but it’s having a moment in the spotlight and because its the good kid in the playground that gets on with everyone, it’s a good ingredient to add to many existing formulas.
SULPHUR
Murad Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask £44
Sulphur always gets love on the BSD street because it is renowned for helping to heal and clear blemishes. For starters, it’s antibacterial so it can kill C.acnes bacteria that causes breakouts, it also helps to reduce oil and exfoliate dead skin cells (which also contribute to breakouts.
You will often find it in spot treatments and treatment masks in combination with salicylic acid for extra strength and kaolin clay taboos its oil reducing capacity.
SILVER
47 Skin Anti Blemish & Scar Serum £29
Has been antimicrobial since the dawn of time and used to heal cuts, bruises and wounds, soothe burns and restore the skin. Silver is actually quite nourishing.
It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties making it fantastic for breakout and congestion prone skin. It’s a force when combined with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and skin barrier strengthening ingredients like niacinamide.
SAFOU OIL
Koba Gold Drip Nourishing Body & Hair Oil £55
A new contender staking its place as an ingredient to contend with. Safou is a fruit from West and Central Africa (one time for A-Beauty!) and its rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin C and E. All valuable antioxidants for healthy skin.
It has anti-inflammatory properties to nourish and protect the skin barrier which makes it very helpful for dryness prone melanin rich skin.