8 affordable ways to upgrade your skin care regime
A member of the AHA family – that’s alpha-hydroxy acid – glycolic works by dissolving the ‘glue’ that sticks dulling dead cells to the surface, while also supporting renewal to leave skin looking smoother and more light-reflective (read: glowy). The concept of ‘acid on face’ can be daunting, but Pixi’s bestselling {Glow Tonic} is gentle enough to be used every day after cleansing – just sweep over face, neck and chest in the evening to wake looking luminous.
Often found as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C works to shield from the daily aggressors while working to counteract scarring and dark spots to actively brighten and unify uneven skin tone (a boon for those longing to battle brown patches). However, this potent ingredient often runs the risk of being unstable in many formulations; Versed’s {
An acid but not as you know it. The body actually produces its own hyaluronic acid (or HA) to lubricate joints and help supplement skin’s lipid barrier (responsible for keeping the ‘good stuff’ in and the ‘bad stuff’ out). Able to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, this miraculous molecule helps to hydrate as it plumps to diminish the depth of fine lines. With an ultra-thin texture (perfect for layering up with the other lotions and potions in your routine) Dr. Jart+’s {
A pore-purging sibling to alpha-hydroxyls, salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy) that penetrates pores to dissolve all the ‘gunk’ that contributes to blackheads and breakouts, Beloved by the beautysphere, PAULA’s CHOICE {Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant} comes in a sized-to-try 30ml bottle to let you discover its pimple-diminishing properties before you invest.
It’s probably quicker to list the (few) things that niacinamide doesn’t do, so expansive are its attributes. A fancier title for vitamin B3, this does-it-all hero is great for diminishing visible pores, improving skin tone, softening fine lines, boosting barrier function, inhibiting moisture loss and fortifying compromised complexions. The Ordinary’s {Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%} is a budget-friendly way to inject this superhero into your routine; score 30ml of this silky serum for not-too-much-more than your morning coffee.
Speak to any ‘skintellectual’ and chances are, you won’t be waiting long before the topic turns to retinol. Retinols, retinoids and retinoic acids (more about those {here}) are the best way to soften the signs of the passage of time – from fine lines to lost elasticity. Retinol works to re-densify, lift and refine, and IT Cosmetics’ {
The ‘scaffolding’ that keeps skin firm and supple, cells’ manufacture of collagen starts to tail off as we age. Retinol helps to invigorate collagen synthesis, while Pixi’s phenomenal {Collagen Tonic} infuses depleted complexions with plant-derived collagen, peptides and coconut water to maximise moisture retention (it’s a great hydrator). Perfect to help your get more from your moisturiser, at £10 it’s well worth the splurge.
To learn a bit more about actives that play well together we’ve compiled {a guide} to which ones to use when.
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Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
