THE
ALL-IN-ONE:
NIACINAMIDE
(DAY AND NIGHT)
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is one
of the most versatile ingredients in
skincare. “Niacinamide is a fabulous
hydrator, it’s anti-inflammatory, a pigment
regulator, improves your lipid barrier,
minimises pores and regulates oil thus
preventing your sebaceous glands from
going into overdrive,” explains Dr Joseph
Hkeik, aesthetic physician at Sydney’s All
Saints Skin Clinic. “In a climate such as
ours, it ensures our clients’ skin is kept
inflammation-free [to prevent] premature
ageing.” The ingredient plays a starring
role in the new Olay Whip fragrance-free
moisturisers, which contain a form of
niacinamide that’s designed to penetrate
through 10 layers of skin. Bonus: it plays
nice with other ingredients such as vitamin
C, peptides and antioxidants.- Total Effects Whip, $49, OLAY, olay.com.au
THE
MULTI-TASKER:
PEPTIDES
(DAY AND NIGHT)
Peptides are made up of amino acids
that, when linked together, are the
building blocks of protein (think collagen,
elastin and keratin). In skincare, peptides
are synthetically made and boost the
natural production of said proteins. “They
are small enough to penetrate the skin
and offer great rejuvenating benefits,”
says Abouchar. Dr Hkeik proclaimsLEADERS OF
THE PACK
NO SKINCARE WARDROBE
SHOULD BE WITHOUT THESE SIX
HERO INGREDIENTSpeptides are “essential” in a skincare
regime as they “reverse signs of skin
ageing by helping to plump skin, smooth
fine lines and wrinkles, enhance
hydration, help minimise redness and
improve how cells function”. Mix a
pipette of Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster
into your favourite moisturiser, avoiding
an extra step.- Peptide Booster, $70, PAULA’S CHOICE,
paulaschoice.com.au
THE
EXFOLIATORS:
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA)
AND BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)
(DAY AND NIGHT)
AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliators
that help slough off dead skin cells and
brighten skin without granules, which are
used in physical exfoliators. The most
common AHAs are glycolic and lactic
acids, both of which are water-soluble
and work on the surface of the skin. BHAs,
such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble,
have antibacterial properties and can
penetrate deeper into the pores to target
acne. You can alternate between AHAs
and BHAs or use them together.- Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $135 (for 30 day
packets), DR DENNIS GROSS, mecca.com.au
THE
BRIGHTENER:
VITAMIN C^
(DAY)
Dr Gross calls this brightening
antioxidant’s ability to stimulate the
production of collagen “brilliant”. Vitamin
C prevents free radicals from damaging
your skin “and helps with uneven skin tone
and excess pigment”. Scan labels for
L-ascorbic acid, which is the form of
vitamin C most recommended by thepros, and look for products that come in
an airless pump or opaque glass, which
will protect the potency of the formula by
preventing exposure to heat, light and air.- Daily Vitamin C, $168, OMOROVICZA,
mecca.com.au
THE
HYDRATOR:
HYALURONIC ACID (HA)
(DAY AND NIGHT)
Found naturally in your body, the sponge-
like molecule is key to maintaining
moisture levels in your skin. Sadly, it also
depletes as you age, resulting in drier,
rougher skin. “[HA] is an oil-free way to
hydrate internally because it brings water
into the skin and keeps it there,” says Dr
Gross. Studies show that it also helps with
firmness and elasticity. In addition to
being applied topically, HA can be
injected as dermal fillers.- Intensive Moisture Balance Moisturiser, $75,
DERMALOGICA, dermalogica.com.au
T HE
ANTI-AGER:
RETINOL
(NIGHT)
This vitamin A derivative is available over
the counter, unlike the prescription-only
Retin-A. Retinol revs up skin’s collagen
production (translation: it protects against
wrinkles) and increases cell turnover (aids
with uneven skin tone and scars). “It’s
referred to by many as the gold standard
in anti-ageing,” says Melbourne-based
plastic surgeon Dr Chris Moss. A caveat:
not everyone can tolerate retinol. Start by
using it once a week until you build up
tolerance, and always pair it with SPF, as
retinol increases sun sensitivity. >- A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $113, DRUNK ELEPHANT,
mecca.com.au
2.3.4.5.6.SKINCARE