5 great ingredients

HYALURONIC ACID

Made by the body, hyaluronic acid keeps joints supple, connective tissues firm and skin plump. 1g of the gel-like carbohydrate can bind 6 litres of water. Creams or masks with hyaluronic acid restore your skin’s plumpness. Tip: Use a product that supports the skin’s own production of hyaluron.

CERAMIDES

The lipid ceramide is vital for the skin’s intact barrier function. It protects against harmful environmental influences and holds moisture under the protective layer.  Products containing ceramides are therefore good for restoring the skin’s own defences, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. In nature, ceramides occur in, for example, wheat.

COLLAGEN

Collagen comprises over 30% of the body’s own proteins. It is the most common protein, an important component of connective tissue and the basis for gelatine. There it provides elasticity and firmness. The collagen in cream doesn’t penetrate deep into skin, but forms a film on the surface, so it is used for mascara and lipstick. Collagen is derived exclusively from animal products such a pig skin- it’s not for vegetarians!

POLYPHENOLS

Whether in green tea, olives or wine: cosmetics use lots of plant raw materials. Dermatologists are primarily interested in the protective and defensive compounds in plants, called polyphenols. Resveratrol in red wine grapes is a particularly potent anti-ageing ingredient. Skin that is prone to redness and dryness often benefits from polyphenols.

RETINOL

The power ingredients of skin care include vitamins E, C and primarily A1- retinol. Retinol is transformed on the skin into vitamin A acid, which has a slightly peeling effect. It can be manifest in tingling or peeling, which are desired effects as they show that skin is being renewed.