The Secret Language of Your Skin: Understanding Skincare Ingredients

From hyaluronic acid to ceramides, the ingredients listed on the back of our favourite skincare products can often read like something from a science lesson. But once you learn what they are and how they work, you can start to make more informed decisions about the products in your routine and achieve amazing results at the same time. 

Let’s get started with four game-changing ingredients… 

Which ingredients are commonly used in CeraVe products? 

• Ceramides naturally occurring lipids which help to protect the skin’s natural barrier 

• Hyaluronic Acid is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture like a magnet 

• Salicylic Acid, a gentle liquid exfoliant 

• Niacinamide known for improving & brightening skin tone 

Ceramides 

Ceramides are lipids (oils) that are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the skin’s natural barrier, but when these natural levels drop, it can leave the protective barrier weakened which allows moisture to escape and the skin to feel dehydrated and more sensitive. Applying ceramides topically with skincare can help to retain moisture in the skin and leave it looking and feeling healthy. 

The products to use 

Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II are at the heart of every CeraVe formula and are used to help replenish the skin’s existing ceramides. Products such as the Foaming Cleanser help to gently cleanse normal to oily skin while protecting the skin’s natural barrier. This can be followed with the CeraVe Moisturising Cream which uses a ceramide-enriched formula to provide 24-hour hydration to relieve dry skin. 

Hyaluronic acid 

Hyaluronic acid is loved by beauty editors and dermatologists for its ability to attract and retain moisture like a magnet. Did you know it is naturally produced by the body not just in the skin but your joints too as a key ingredient,but as we age Hyaluronic Acid product slows down. 

It’s also critical for keeping the skin soft and supple, which makes it excellent at smoothing away ageing signs and plumping up the surface of the skin. It’s also ultra-gentle and lightweight so everyone – not matter their skin type – can benefit from its power. 

The products to use 

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a great way to add hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine. This moisturising cleansing lotion is suitable for normal to dry skin and is formulated with three essential ceramides to protect the skin’s natural barrier and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. You can follow this with the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with  SPF50 in the morning and the PM Facial Moisturising Lotion before bed. 

Salicylic acid 

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and liquid exfoliant that can be completely game-changing for oily and blemish-prone skin types. This is due to the way that it penetrates the deep layers of the skin, dissolving sebum and debris while calming inflammation with its anti-bacterial properties. It also reduces sebum secretion so can tackle shine and oil at the same time. 

The products to use 

Salicylic acid is one of the main ingredients used within the CeraVe SA Smoothing range. The SA Smoothing Cream combines salicylic acid with urea to gently exfoliate rough, bumpy skin and target keratin build up often found in skin concerns such as Keratosis Piliaris. Additionally, the CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream uses salicylic acid to exfoliate and soften dry and cracked feet. 

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide (or vitamin B3 as it is also referred to) is used in lots of different skincare products due to its incredible versatility. This water-soluble vitamin can help with a number of concerns, from minimising the appearance of pores, to improving skin tone, softening fine lines, brightening dullness and even strengthening the skin’s natural barrier function. 

The products to use 

A simple and effective way of introducing Niacinamide into your skincare routine is with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. Suited to normal and oily skin types, it uses a gentle foaming action to cleanse and Niacinamide to calm the skin. It’s so gentle that it can be used morning and evening and should result in a clear and even complexion.