Want to know what’s good for your skin? New York trained and based Dr Kiran Lohia, is now a practising aesthetician, dermatologist and cosmetologist in New Delhi, India. She is also the founder and formulator of a brand of cosmeceuticals known as ‘cosmedic’, an amalgamation of cosmetic sciences and dermatology. THIS is her skincare bible.
The Ultimate Skin-Tionary: A-F
Alcohol
There is alcohol that is good and alcohol that’s bad for your skin. Alcohol like Cetyl, Steraryl and Cetearyl isn’t actually harmful, so indulging in those isn’t a problem. But if you’re not going opt for these, stay away from alcohol entirely.
Aloe Vera
Soothing, hydrating and healing, aloe vera is a boon for your skin. While not miraculous it is still magic for dehydrated, damaged and sunburnt skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
An OTC antibacterial agent that treats acne by eradicating the bacteria without causing irritation and further damage.
Collagen
A highly popular compound found mostly in anti-ageing products. Collagen locks the moisture in the skin and also helps with the process of regeneration.
Caffeine
An antioxidant-rich ingredient found mainly in products that talk about reducing cellulite or puffy eyes. Topical application can definitely have soothing results on your skin.
Clay
A new buzzword in beauty, clay is the main ingredient in purifying and calming face packs as it works well to absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
Double Cleanse
A new found way to rid your face of all makeup to ensure you have a clear visage for skincare product application. Suggested to be best at the end of a long day.
Elastin
As the name suggests, it is known to be the key factor that lends flexibility to your skin. A topical application does retain moisture (like collagen) but doesn’t double elastin production naturally.
Emollient
A hydrating ingredient that helps retain moisture. It also gives most skincare products a creamy texture. Shea butter, cocoa butter, mineral oils would be a few examples of emollients.
The Ultimate Skin-Tionary: G-K
Glycerin
This is a humectant that naturally occurs in our skin to help maintain a moisturised and healthy look. If used topically with other antioxidants it can help repair and restore your skin.
Green Tea Extract
An antioxidant-rich ingredient that boasts anti ageing properties, it is also known to reduce the appearance of sun damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
A synthetic version of a naturally occurring ingredient found in the skin that saves your skin from environmental damage. When applied topically it helps restore, protect and hydrate the skin.
Humectant
A substance used in skincare products to ensure the skin holds on to the moisture.
Jojoba Oil
Lightweight plant-oil that treats dry skin effectively without the greasiness of coconut oil.
K-Beauty
The biggest beauty buzzword for a couple of years; it refers to Korean Beauty and the strife to achieve the ideal no-filter skin which is healthy on the inside and out.
The Ultimate Skin-Tionary: L-R
Natural
Try to feed your skin the most natural products. On the whole, products made from extracts of plants, minerals etc. are not detrimental to your skin.
Organic
Organic is when the natural ingredients are organically farmed/grown without any chemicals. All organic is natural, but all natural isn’t organic.
Parabens
A kind of preservatives believed to contain a high amount of estrogen which puts health at risk. Recent research and awareness has driven brands to come up with paraben-free products.
Probiotics
Not just good for your gut, they also help strengthen the microbiomes. New skincare products are looking at including these ingredients to soothe sensitive skin and restore a glow.
Retinol
A concentrated version of Vitamin A, is one of the best ways to tackle fine lines and signs of ageing. It promotes skin renewal and collagen production. But it can be aggressive when exposed to the sun, so make sure to stock up on sunscreen.
The Ultimate Skin-Tionary: S-Z
Silicone
An ingredient that lends products a silky texture that can smoothen the look of large pores. It isn’t particularly harmful for the skin once you get used to the texture.
Salicylic Acid
It is a complex acid that can help treat pimples and acne. It can go deep into the pores and clean the substance that clogged the pores. It also reduces sebum secretion.
Titanium Oxide
A natural mineral used in sunscreen, it is ideal for irritable and redness prone skin.
UVA & UVB Rays
The difference, UVA rays are deep reaching rays doing unseen damage to the skin and accelerates signs of ageing. UVB rays are superficial rays that cause burns and tan. Both are equally harmful.
Vitamin E
This vitamin particularly helps heal scar tissue which is why it is an essential vitamin as compared to the others.
Zinc Oxide
Another physical sunscreen ages used to protect skin against UVA and UVB damage, reflecting the rays away from the skin.
Images: Shutterstock
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