The Truth About Your Skincare Ingredients
Navigating the cosmetic and skincare landscape can sometimes be overwhelming if you don’t know how to determine the difference in quality from one product to another. Nice packaging and a strong marketing plan can be an effective way to gain exposure for a product, but the truth is not all of the products out there on the market are beneficial for your skin. So, how can you tell which products are good for your skin and which ones are ineffective? By knowing the ingredients! We’re going to highlight some ingredients to help you make the most informed decisions that you can. We are focussing on ingredients found in green beauty products because we love green beauty and the power of plants!
BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS:
Aloe vera - The most beneficial compound found in aloe is the active ingredient Acemannan, which is responsible for the burn healing and collagen promoting properties. We use pure Aloe vera polysaccharides that meet quality standards for Acemannan content.
Resveratrol - An important antioxidant found in red wine, grapes and knotweed. Trans-resveratrol has been used to treat acne and rosacea. It also helps reduce the appearance of age spots, sun spots and pigmentation.
Ferulic acid - A powerful antioxidant found in all types of bran (rice, wheat, rye, ..) that is more active when exposed to sunlight (when you want antioxidants to be the most active)!
Ceramides - Ceramides make up the natural moisture barrier, they are the glue that keeps the outermost skin cells stuck together. As we age, ceramides in the skin become depleted from sunlight and water exposure, making our skin appear dry and wrinkled. Replenishing the skin with ceramides daily is the key for long-lasting moisturized, healthy skin.
Gotu kola - Acts as an astringent and an antimicrobial ingredient. Contains skin healing properties, stimulates collagen growth and scavenges free radicals.
Breadfruit flower extract - Contains antioxidant, soothing and protective properties.
Dried Breadfruit Flowers, Gotu Kola and Soapwart - all beneficial ingredients found in the Altilis Beauty Product Line. See here for some more of our ingredients and their benefits.
INEFFECTIVE/POTENTIALLY HARMFUL INGREDIENTS:
Vitamin E - Vitamin E has many applications for treating eczema and dry skin, but a lot of people are allergic to Vitamin E and don't realize it. Additionally, this ingredient can clog pores and cause acne.
Aloe vera - Most aloe products (aloe juice, aloe leaf, etc.) that don’t use the pure aloe polysaccharides, have been processed in a way where the active ingredient, Acemannan is destroyed. Without acemannan, aloe is not very useful for skin ailments.
Coconut oil - One positive aspect of coconut oil is that it is the only oil proven to moisturize the hair follicle from the inside out (must be applied for more than 12 hours). However, it is commonly found in face products and often causes acne.
Algae - Not only is algae (cyanobacteria) known to produce a neurotoxin (BMAA), but it is also quite comedogenic and can cause acne in some individuals. Avoid this ingredient!
Grape seed extract - Used as an antioxidant and preserving agent in natural products, it is often adulterated and is not truly grape seed extract. This is one of the most adulterated ingredients in the natural beauty and health industry - watch out and avoid any product that has this in it!!
Almond oil - Almond oil is excellent for body massage and aromatherapy massage - however, it is very comedogenic and can cause clogged pores and acne.
Citrus essential oils - Never apply citrus essential oils topically! You cannot protect your skin well enough - even with sunscreen. Citrus oils cause a chemical reaction on your skin when exposed to sunlight - they can cause severe burns. Avoid these essential oils in your skin and body care products - leave them in the diffuser!
So, next time you’re out shopping for a new facial cleanser, serum or moisturizer make sure you check the ingredients list to see if they include some of these beneficial ingredients! And just remember, you can always give Altilis Beauty’s Complete 3-Step Skincare System a try!