What are the essential ingredients for a healthy skincare regimen?

From the Guidelines

A healthy skincare regimen should prioritize moisturizing regularly, protecting against excessive sunlight exposure, using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen, and utilizing emollients or soap substitutes. When considering the essential ingredients for a healthy skincare routine, it's crucial to focus on evidence-based recommendations that prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. According to the study published in 2015 1, prevention strategies for healthy skin include moisturizing regularly, protecting against excessive exposure to sunlight, using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen, and using emollients or soap substitutes. Some key points to consider when selecting skincare products include:

• Using moisturizers packaged in tubes instead of jars to prevent contamination, as recommended by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2020 2
• Applying moisturizer at night, followed by an occlusive barrier such as cotton or loose plastic gloves
• Choosing moisturizers with a water base, which are safe to use under all types of gloves
• Prioritizing sunscreen with SPF 30 UVA and UVB protection to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Overall, a healthy skincare regimen should focus on simple, evidence-based strategies to promote healthy skin and prevent common skin problems.

From the FDA Drug Label

Inactive ingredients Water, Sunflower Oil, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate,Glycerin,Trideceth-6, Aloe Vera, Niacinamide, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein,Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol,Green Tea Extract, Tetrapeptide-21, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid,Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Soy Isoflavones, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil,Lemon Essential Oil. INACTIVE INGREDIENTS Water, Glycerin, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Squalane, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Glycolic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Laureth-7, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Cyclopentasiloxane, p-Anisic Acid, Allantoin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide The essential ingredients for a healthy skincare regimen are not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, some key ingredients that can be beneficial for the skin include:

• Moisturizers: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter
• Antioxidants: Tocopherol, Green Tea Extract, Ascorbic Acid
• Sunscreens: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone
• Sothers: Aloe Vera, Allantoin 3, 4, 5

From the Research

Essential Ingredients for a Healthy Skincare Regimen

The following ingredients are essential for a healthy skincare regimen:

• Alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs) and carboxylic acids, which include polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), aldobionic acids (ABAs), retinoic acid, vitamin C, and azelaic acid 6
• Hyaluronic acid (HA), which has strong humectant properties and plays an essential role in skin hydration 7
• Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and azelaic acid, which can help prevent oxidative damage caused by UV radiation 6, 7
• Retinoids, which can help promote proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells and stimulate biosynthesis of collagen I and III 6, 8
• Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that can help exfoliate the skin and improve skin texture 9, 8

Benefits of These Ingredients

The benefits of these ingredients include:

• Improving skin hydration and reducing dryness and roughness 7
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity 6, 7
• Preventing oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and improving skin texture 6, 7
• Normalizing keratinization and reducing acne and melasma 6
• Improving skin appearance and reducing photodamage 8

Important Considerations

When using these ingredients, it is essential to consider the following:

• AHAs and beta-hydroxy acids can increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation, so it is crucial to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 9
• Retinoids can cause irritation, so it is essential to start with a low concentration and gradually increase as needed 8
• Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants can be used in combination with other ingredients to enhance their benefits 7