1.RETINOL

Also known as vitamin A. Retinol is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dullness, and sagging skin.

Please don’t expect results overnight, it takes several weeks or even months for retinol to exert its wrinkle-fighting effect, so it must be used over long periods of time. Plus, retinoids and retinols can be drying, and can make you more sensitive to the sun. Use them in moderation, and counter any retinoid or retinol containing product with daily sunscreen use. Retinol is not good for pregnant and breastfeeding mom.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Is a powerful moisturizer and is one of the main contributors to keeping your skin supple and hydrated. Your body is capable of producing hyaluronic acid. It is a natural substance that can help in the retention of moisture and production of collagen. Hyaluronic acid helps in maintaining a supple skin while facilitating tissue repair. To further improve the results of this anti-aging ingredient, it is highly advised to use it alongside other Vitamin C products.

3. ANTIOXIDANTS

The most powerful antioxidants; Vitamin-C, Green Tea, Pomegranate, CoffeeBerry, Idebenone, Vitamin-E, Niacinamide. Antioxidants penetrate the skin, turning harmful free radicals, molecules that form in the body when you’re exposed to UV rays and other environmental assaults.

Antioxidant can help correct signs of age, prevent sunburn, skin repair itself, brighten skin tone and can prevent skin cancer.

4. PEPTIDES

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins for not only new collagen, but also elastin fibers. These fibers are the building blocks of our skin and add to tissue firmness and elasticity. Most peptide creams are designed to stimulate collagen to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

5. ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA)

Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, not only can help exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin but can add radiance, smooth lines, help fade blotches, and allow other anti-aging ingredients to penetrate faster and work more effectively. With the increased sensitivity to the sun that may result from using AHAs, sunscreen use is advised.

6. SUNSCREEN

It’s a certifiable fact that sun exposure is one of the primary causes of all the signs of aging, from spots to wrinkles and everything in between. Sunscreen can Keeps skin from prematurely wrinkling, sagging, and getting blotchy by protecting it from harmful UV rays, which destroy collagen and elastin fibers and damage DNA. Sunscreen molecules, called UV filters, absorb or scatter UV light.

If you’re not using sunscreen religiously, there’s just no point in wasting your time or money on any other anti-aging ingredients.

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1.RETINOIDS

Found in Retin-A and Accutane, this is a derivative of vitamin A . It may be listed on ingredient labels as retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinal, tretinoin (retinoic acid), retinaldehyde, tazarotene, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, etretinate, acitretin, adapalene, bexarotene, tazarotene.

Retinoids, among other forms, can cause birth defects such as malformation, and jump to the top of the list of what to avoid when trying to get pregnant.

Retinoids are a very effective skin care ingredient and are considered a must-have for any anti-aging or acne regimen, as it encourages healthy cell turnover. There are several published cases of birth defects in association with topical tretinoin use during pregnancy, and medical professionals say more studies need to be done on the effects of topical retinol use during pregnancy. Most dermatologists recommend discontinuing any retinoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding until more is known.

2. SALICYLIC ACID

These acne-fighting ingredients have become the gold standard in clearing pores and exfoliating dead skin cells . Oral salicylic acid (a derivative of aspirin) has been associated with birth defects and bleeding later in pregnancy.

The Food and Drug Administration allows topical over-the-counter acne-fighting treatments to contain salicylic acid concentrations of up to 2%—and clinical reviews have deemed these topical salicylic acids low-risk for baby if used only on local areas for a limited time. Still, some dermatologists suggest avoiding salicylic acid in any form, just in case.

Other option, you can use AHA to replace BHA.

3.HYDROQUINONE

This is used as a skin-lightening agent in brightening serums and creams used to treat conditions such as dark spots and melasma.

Queller says, “Whether you were taking hydroquinone pre-pregnancy or are considering using it to treat the dark patches of skin that sometimes develop during pregnancy (also called the mask of pregnancy), this is one product to avoid until after your baby is born. Studies have shown that as much as 45% of this medication is absorbed into the skin after topical application, and while no studies have yet been conducted on the effect of hydroquinone on a fetus, there is just too much of the chemical in your bloodstream after use to justify the risk.

4. BENZOYL PEROXIDE

BP can be a powerful and effective acne-buster, but it’s a bit too powerful for baby. When used in limited quantities, benzoyl peroxide—a common ingredient in topical acne treatments—is generally thought to be safe during pregnancy, especially if concentrations stay below 2.5 percent.  

“Though pregnancy can often cause hormonal acne, unfortunately, the typical acne products found over the counter, like benzoyl peroxide, fall in category C,” says Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD, of MFC Dermatology. “That means there’s some possible risk to the fetus, and a majority of dermatologists and OB-GYNs I work with would say to avoid these products.”

5. CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is a nonnegotiable year-round, but especially during pregnancy, it’s important to pay closer attention to which type of formula you choose. “Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate, and oxtocrylene—ingredients in chemical sunscreens are not all classified under the FDA categories, but only applying physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is the safest,” says Queller. “There has been some suggestive evidence of chemical sunscreen risks, but they haven’t been fully substantiated yet.

To be extra safe, choose an all-natural option that doesn’t penetrate the skin. Agarwal taps into her expert advice to recommend a mineral-based sunscreen because it provides a physical barrier using zinc, a safer alternative ingredient.

6. SOME ESSENTIAL OILS

We think that anything natural will be good for us, but that’s not always the case.

Not all oils are good for pregnancy. Jasmine and clary sage have been known to trigger contractions, sage and rosemary oil can cause bleeding, and rosemary has been proven to increase blood pressure, Townsend says. But she’s quick to point out that essential oils in natural products are diluted, so they’re generally safe.

“Camphor, peppermint extract, and mint oil are also not recommended during pregnancy, especially for those late in pregnancy or those with an increased risk of miscarriage. “These ingredients are perfectly safe for use outside of pregnancy, however pregnant women should ensure skincare products are free of these ingredients before using them.”

“The key thing is education. If you haven’t used the product before, read up about it and always consult your doctor.”

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, always consult your GP or dermatologist for advice before trying new skincare ingredients. 

1.AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

AHAs is are a group of natural acids found in foods. They are hydrophilic (attracted to water) and break down the bonds between cells (desmosomes) to allow for easier exfoliation. AHAs are commonly used in skincare to brighten the skin by increasing exfoliation and work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Citric and Lactic Acids are beneficial in that they are both biocompatible and have multiple benefits. Glycolic and Lactic Acids are less likely to cause irritation.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids include:-

–Citric Acid (found in citrus fruits) : anti-aging, brightening and increases epidermal thickness.

–Glycolic Acid (found in sugar cane) : degreasing and is effective for controlling sebum production.

–Lactic Acid (found in sour milk and tomato juice) : antimicrobial, hydrating, inhibits pigment and adjusts pH.

–Malic Acid (found in apples) : hydrating, soothing and increases tissue respiration.

–Tartaric Acid (found in grapes) : antioxidant.

–Mandelic Acid (derived from bitter almonds) : helps control pigment.

2. PHAs (Poly Hydroxy Acids)

Similar to AHA, but cause less irritation due to their larger molecular size. They are especially beneficial in treating sensitive skin types that may not be able to tolerate AHA.  They provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as well as assist with exfoliation. PHAs work by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface, resulting in a more even skin tone and texture, and also help skin-care ingredients penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin, thus boosting their efficacy.

PHAs also fight glycation, a process that takes place when digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin and can weaken it, along with elastin levels, according to New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler in New York City. “They’re also rich in antioxidants and stimulate epidermal growth and repair,” she adds.

Some common PHAs are:-

–Lactobionic Acid (derived from lactose found in cows milk) : helping to tackle the signs of ageing, pigmentation problems, large pores and an uneven skin texture. This type of acid is known to help promote skin firmness and to stop the degradation of collagen, the structural protein found within skin. Lactobionic acid displays powerful humectant properties helping to lock moisture within skin.

–Galactose is a sugar utilized in glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis, and cell migration, which may enhance wound healing.

–Gluconic acid (a naturally occuring ingredient in cells) also known as gluconolactone in skin care products : A powerful antioxidant and is the multi-tasker of all Polyhydroxy Acids. Its antioxidant properties protect skin from free radical and UV damage and helps strengthen skin barrier function. By strengthening skin barrier function, skin is less likely to be inflamed both from external and internal aggressions. Gluconolactone is a powerful humectant helping to ensure healthy hydration levels within skin and also inhibits elastase, which is an enzyme that promotes the sagging of skin.

3.BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)

BHAs work both on the skin’s surface and deep in the pores, meaning they offer unparalleled unclogging action! As a result, Beta Hydroxy Acids should be your go-to if you have acne, breakout or congestion-prone skin. They’re also oil soluble, ensuring efficacy for oily skin types, and have natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and whiteheads. The most common of which is salicylic acid, is derived from willow tree bark, wintergreen oil or sweet birch. Because salicylic acid is lipophilic (attracted to oil) and keratolytic, it is able to penetrate the oils in the skin and clear out follicles of excess debris and skin cells, making it especially effective in  the treatment of acneic skin conditions.

When used regularly, salicylic acid not only unclogs pores and helps clear acne, but it also prevents new acne and blackheads from forming. Additionally, it can correct dark spots without irritating your skin because it’s derived from willow bark, which has some topical anti-inflammatory benefits. Dermatologists recommend a salicylic acid formulation that contains 0.5% up to 2%.

HOW TO USE A HYDROXY ACIDS?

While using hydroxy acids is common and generally safe for your skin, knowing when, how and in what amount can make your product much more effective and less likely to cause irritation. Here are the 5 commandments when using hydroxy acids for the first time.

1. Start Slow. In general, when using acids, always start conservatively with a lower concentration and then work up to see what your skin can tolerate.

2. Do a Patch Test. Apply a small amount on the arm and then on the forehead (where the facial skin is the thickest) to see how your skin will respond.

3. Use a Sunscreen. Studies show that AHAs leave the skin sensitive to UV radiation while using the products and for weeks after discontinuing use.

4. Consult Your Doctor. It is not uncommon for people to experience mild redness and peeling when first beginning an AHA/BHA skin care regimen. If persistent irritation or redness occurs, consult a doctor.

5. If You’re Pregnant, Beware. Speak to your health care provider before incorporating acids into your routine. Some acids, specifically salicylic acid, maybe harmful to you.