Ingredients to Watch in 2016
While everyone is talking about the latest electronic trends coming out of CES, and the technologies to watch this year, we thought it just as important to highlight some of the top skin care ingredients for 2016.
Ok, it may not be as exciting as self-driving cars or wearable technology, but these ingredients add their own “smart” technology to men’s formulas and keep their skin on the cutting edge.
VITAMINS & MINERALS
There are several minerals found in nature that work to strengthen, support and protect the skin.
Rhodochrosite – a manganese carbonate mineral is an essential component in the detoxification of superoxide free radicals and is a required trace mineral for all known living organisms. It protects against UVA (sun) damage, which helps fight the signs of aging from occurring. It also soothes the skin and supports the cells that produce collagen and elastin.
Zinc Oxide– a natural mineral from the Earth’s crust. It works to form a protective physical barrier over the skin to block UV rays. It’s one of the best anti-aging (preventative) ingredients.
Smithsonite – a zinc carbonate or mineral ore of zinc. It is instrumental in the metabolism (growth, reproduction and defense) of our DNA and RNA – essential components of all known forms of life. The mineral also helps maintain elasticity in our skin (i.e. keeps us from forming wrinkles and sagging skin).
Vitamin A – the most common forms of vitamin A are retinols, which also include retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl ester. These work to help prevent build-up, prevent breakouts, and increase cell turnover and collagen production to reduce the visual signs of aging.
ACIDS
There are numerous acids beneficial to the skin. As you’ll see below, some acids exfoliate the skin while others deliver skin-building support.
Hyaluronic acid – an essential water-regulating molecule, binding up to 6,000 times its weight in water. As such, it keeps skin hydrated, promotes healing and cell generation, and normal skin function.
Salicylic acid – works as an exfoliant, preventing pores from clogging while stimulating cell renewal. It also fights bacteria, which it does from within the pore, constricting the pore size to prevent future clogging.
ANTIOXIDANTS
We all know how important antioxidants are to the body. Well the same holds true for the skin. These are important for repairing and rebuilding the skin.
Resveratrol – found in the skin of red grapes and some other fruits, it is a potent antioxidant and packed with polyphenols to promote more youthful looking skin.
Superoxide Dismutase – an enzyme that suppresses the mutation of oxygen into oxygen free radicals. This ability makes it an important antioxidant defense in nearly every cell that is exposed to oxygen.
Boldine (aka pemus boldus) is an alkaloid found in the Chilean boldo tree. It prevents free radicals steal from damaging cells (aka aging). Boldine also inhibits intra-cellular oxidants, fights bacteria and enhances the body’s natural “killer cells” when fighting certain cancers and tumors.
FREEZING PEPTIDES
A peptide is a compound made up of two or more amino acids. Freezing peptides are often called neurotransmitter peptides because their job is to prevent muscle contraction, leading to fewer wrinkles. There are three primary peptides that have the ‘freezing’ function: Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide 8), Inyline (acetyl hexapeptide 30), Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate.
Look to these hero ingredients this year to help keep skin looking healthy and young.