Decoding Gen Z's skincare beyond ingredient buzzwords
|Published
If there's one thing that stands out across generations, it's how each has embraced their unique moments. Gen Z, in particular, are known for their outspoken nature and strong focus on mental well-being, partly thanks to the influence of social media.
However, one thing that’s captured my attention is their dedication to intricate skincare routines.
With so many products and complicated ingredient names, it can be challenging to know what’s what and what each ingredient does for your skin.
Why understanding ingredients matter
Navigating the list of ingredients in your skincare products can seem daunting, especially with names that are tough to pronounce. But skipping over this list means leaving your skin's health to chance.
Knowing what each ingredient does can help you choose the right products for your skin, saving you time, money, and frustration.
If you’ve ever glanced at the list of ingredients on your skincare products and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Understanding what’s in the products can make a huge difference to how your skin looks and feels.
According to Dr Wagemaker of Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, creators of the Nia-Sol skincare supplement, knowing what each ingredient does is key to achieving healthy, glowing skin.
Here’s a simple guide to some common skincare ingredients and how they work.
Antioxidants
Retinoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc are all examples of antioxidants used in skincare. They can be applied to the skin as a moisturiser or serum or taken orally as a supplement.
“The scientific definition of antioxidants is that they prevent or delay cell damage in the skin by acting as a shield against free radicals and oxidative stress. In simple terms, this means that they can help slow down the appearance of ageing on the skin,” explained Wagemaker.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Also known as AHA, alpha hydroxy acid is a naturally occurring exfoliating acid usually found in sugar cane, milk, and certain fruit sources. Its properties are harnessed in skincare products such as serums, toners, and peels to help smooth out wrinkles and improve acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Ceramides
Ceramides are the fatty lipids usually found between the skin cells and are essential for maintaining and restoring the skin’s healthy barrier function. In skincare products, the use of ceramides helps to prevent water loss and lock in moisture, which is especially useful during cold, dry winter months and for dry skin types in general.
Hyaluronic Acid
This sugary compound has become exponentially popular in the skincare industry for its skin-hydrating properties.
Capable of extracting up to 1 000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a useful moisturising agent for people with dry skin, those experiencing the symptoms of ageing or people who simply want plump and more radiant-looking skin.
Nicotinamide
Also known as niacinamide, this B vitamin is commonly used in skincare supplements to help enhance collagen production and strengthen the skin’s barrier and ability to lock in moisture by promoting the natural production of ceramides.
Nicotinamide diminishes the signs of ageing and promotes a clear complexion. As a result, it offers more benefits than hyaluronic acid.
Photolyase
Products containing photolyase are typically advised for people with rosacea and pre-cancerous skin lesions. Still, this enzyme is helpful for all skin types and helps repair damage caused by UV radiation and environmental damage.
It achieves this through photo-reactivation, binding the damaged DNA molecules in the skin to restore its correct structure.
“Gone are the days of adopting a skincare regimen based on how pretty the packaging is or how much it costs.
“Living in the age of information, people are far more likely to do their homework on the ingredients used in each product’s formulation and the long-term impact on skin before using it, and, we in the skincare industry, encourage more people to get familiar with the products they are using on their skin,” said Wagemaker.