With a new year comes new beauty trends and ingredients. But how do you know which skin care ingredients are effective and which are just a passing fad? We’re looking at eight trending ingredients to explain what they are, why they are a beauty trend and how they could benefit your skin’s health.

Benefits Of 8 Trending Skin Care Ingredients

Whether you’re looking for a retinol alternative or need something to combat skin concerns without harming your skin barrier, here are some ingredients to consider:

1. Ceramides

Ceramide skin care is a powerful addition to any routine as it strengthens and nourishes the skin barrier. Ceramides, also known as lipids or fats, act as a glue that keeps skin cells together, healthy and intact. The connection between these cells creates a natural skin barrier to keep moisture in and environmental pollutants and sun exposure out. When the skin barrier is weakened or damaged, it leads to visible signs of aging, sensitivity and a dull complexion. However, restoring lipids to your skin boosts hydration, which in turn improves the skin’s appearance in softness and suppleness. 

2. Peptides

Collagen is responsible for keeping skin youthful and supple, but as skin ages, collagen production naturally slows and causes the skin to become thinner and more delicate. Visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles or decreased elasticity, are more likely to appear with decreased collagen production. This is where peptides come in — peptides act as a signal within skin cells to produce new collagen for your skin. Applying skin care ingredients with peptides signals to the cells to make new collagen, which in turn promotes a firmer and healthier-looking complexion. 

3. Rosehip Oil

Sealing in moisture and protecting the skin barrier are just two ways to nourish the skin and keep signs of aging at bay. Rosehip oil is a trending beauty ingredient for good reason: it contains a high concentration of antioxidant-rich lipids as well as Vitamin C, Vitamins E and A and linoleic acid. Together, these skin-boosting ingredients boost hydration levels, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and may even brighten skin tone.

4. Probiotics

We know that probiotics are good for gut health, but did you know they are beneficial for the skin, too? In the same way these live microorganisms work internally to keep the digestive tract functioning and improving overall health, probiotic-rich ingredients in skin care (applied topically) are helpful in clearing the appearance of the complexion. A dose of probiotic skin care can balance bacterial levels and return the skin to a luminous appearance.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is often touted as a powerhouse in any skin care routine. Why? It’s a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin against free radical damage while targeting fine lines and wrinkles. Even though Vitamin C is necessary for repair and collagen production, Vitamin C cannot be naturally produced or stored by our bodies. We can only reap the benefits of Vitamin C by ingesting it or by applying it topically in skin care. You can find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, such as oranges and leafy greens, such as kale or tomatoes, to name a few. For your skin care, you can find Vitamin C in a range of serums, masks, oils and toniques. Watch this In The Mix video with Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie to learn how to integrate Vitamin C into your daily skin care routine.

6. Bakuchiol

One of the newer trending skin care ingredients, bakuchiol is an effective and natural alternative to retinol. Retinol is touted as an ingredient that reduces visible signs of aging, but for many, it causes increased irritation, excessive dryness or enhanced sun sensitivity. Bakuchiol offers the same results as retinol, without the harsh side effects or concerns. 

Bakuchiol products minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a glowing-looking complexion. You can use this ingredient if you want to incorporate a retinol alternative into your skin care routine or want to start with a retinol-like step.

7. Niacinamide

A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an antioxidant that boosts the cell repair process and helps the skin barrier retain moisture. The anti-inflammatory properties of niacinamide make it a good option for those dealing with skin concerns, such as acne. As a support to the skin barrier, niacinamide’s skin benefits include a minimized appearance of dark spots and enlarged pores, as well as an improved skin texture. Niacinamide is especially beneficial for those with sensitive or dry skin. Alternatives such as salicylic acid might be too drying or irritating. 

8. Snow Mushroom Extract (Tremella)

Known scientifically as tremella fuciformis, snow mushroom might be new to some, but has been used in eastern medicine for generations. Like hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom is also an intensely hydrating ingredient that attracts moisture to skin cells. Snow mushrooms are known as a humectant and a super-hydrator, pulling moisture back into the skin.

Are you ready to incorporate some trending skin care ingredients into your routine? Let us know in the comments below what you plan on adding!