Some of you might remember these iconic Australian fashion & beauty moments of the 2000s; dresses over jeans, striped toe socks, using bronzer as foundation, “Acne fighting” skincare purchased from a TV advertisement and that one waist belt from Supre.
We watch the rise and fall (and sometimes rise again) of these trends and it can be at times, overwhelming to keep up.
One thing that will never go out of style is the health of your skin. But how do you know what ingredients amongst the trends are actually going to be worth your investment? We’re breaking it down for you so you can understand how and why these most searched ingredients on the internet are a viral trend.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
The name Vitamin A and Retinol can be interchanged quite a bit, but in theory they are the same thing. There are a few different sub categories when choosing the right Vitamin A for you:
Retinol: The complete molecule. This synthetic ingredient is manufactured, not sourced. Once absorbed by the skin, it is transformed in to retinoic acid within the skin
Irritation Risk: Medium-High
Retinoids: The Retinol molecule split in to several parts. This targeted molecule structure can usually only be prescribed by a doctor and is done so typically for severe skin conditions
Irritation Risk: High-Very High
Both of these types of Vitamin A can induce common side effects such as irritation, dryness, inflammation and sometimes impaired barrier. At high doses, they can sometimes pose a teratogenic risk which makes them not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
With this in mind, what form of Vitamin A would be recommended to those who want to take a gentle approach and have less of a risk factor?
Plant Derived Vitamin A Alternatives: Powerful antioxidants that hold similar Retinoic Acid properties to target the same Vitamin A receptors within the skin. They can help to initiate cell renewal without the risks of irritation & inflammation and are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Irritation Risk: Very Low-Low
Bare Roots Product Picks: Curative Serum, Clarity Serum, Flora Cream
Vitamin E
This oil-soluble Vitamin compound is found naturally occurring in the body and in certain foods. The most common form of Vitamin E found in skincare is called Tocopherol and is derived from sunflower seeds.
Working as an antioxidant, topical Vitamin E helps to decrease premature ageing, promote cell renewal and improve skin elasticity. The compound not only draws water in to the skin, but it locks it in place, providing deep and lasting hydration to the skin.
Bare Roots Product Picks: Vital Cream, Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Curative Serum, Herbal Mist
Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide offers an abundance of benefits to boost the skins defence against environmental stressors and enhance the skin’s complexion. It’s not produced naturally by our bodies, so it can be great to seek out some topical replenishment.
By neutralising the skin’s pore lining, Niacinamide can help to reduce the dirt and build up that may gather and stretch the pores open, leading to bumpy skin prone to breakouts. It’s also known to be soothing and hydrating for the skin.
Other sources of Vitamin B3 or Niacin can be found within Chia Seed Oil, a natural superfood rich in essential fatty acids to keep your skin barrier strong and help to improve the skin’s texture.
Bare Roots Product Picks: Omega Oil
Hyaluronic Acid
One of the most talked about ingredients and widely searched, it’s common knowledge these days that this molecule produced naturally by our body holds 1000x its own weight in water.
Extremely hydrating and supportive for maintaining suppleness and bounce within the skin, Hyaluronic Acid binds water to collagen to retain adequate hydration levels.
Bare Roots Product Picks: Plant Peel, Bamboo Enzyme Peel, Clarity Serum, Curative Serum, Vital Cream and Flora Cream
There are so many ingredients out there that are beneficial to the skin and supporting skin health. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choice, it’s best to seek support from those who have the knowledge and understanding to provide the guidance you seek.
You can gain your own customised prescription by taking our Skin Quiz here, or by reaching out to our team.
