Skincare labels are designed to be confusing. As a result, you might buy into a trendy ingredient or a cult-favorite brand without really knowing if their ultra-scientific sounding hero ingredient can really benefit you in any way.

Here are some of the most common skin issues, and the ingredients that work best to improve them. Hopefully, this helps you shop smarter when it comes to your skincare! Keep in mind you don’t need a skincare step for EVERY ingredient you feel would help you, find the ingredient that is the common denominator between your specific skin issues to keep your regimen more concise.

If your skin is showing signs of aging…

Signs of aging include fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, loss of firmness, loss of volume, and loss of elasticity.

Look for these ingredients:

• Retinol
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Matrixyl

If your skin has pigmentation issues…

Pigmentation issues present as dark spots or patches on the face, and can be genetic or hormonal. Mild cases can be prevented with SPF and treated with pproducts but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist.

• Vitamin C
• Azelaic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Lactic Acid

If your skin is dull…

Dull skin has a flat, often uneven tone and lacks brightness. 

Look for these ingredients:

• Azelaic Acid
• Pineapple/Papaya Enzymes
• Glycolic Acid
• AHA/BHA

If your skin has texture issues:

Skin with texture issues can have dry, flaky patches or closed comedones that give a bumpy, uneven appearance. 

Look for these ingredients:

• Retinol
• Azelaic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• AHA/BHA

If you suffer from blemishes:

Blemishes are caused from excess sebum mixing with bacteria and other impurities and causing a blockage in your pore.

Look for these ingredients:

• AHA/BHA
• Salicylic Acid
• Benzoyl Peroxide

If you have large pores:

Large pores cannot be reversed without professional treatments, but you can reduce their appearance and purge them with skincare.

Look for these ingredients:

• Niacinamide
• AHA/BHA
• Red Clover Flower
• Retinol

If your skin is dry:

Dry skin can be flaky, tight and appear uneven in texture.

Look for these ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Amino Acids
• Ceramides
• Seabuckthorn Berry Extract
• Squalane
• Oils

If your skin is oily:

Oily skin has a shiny, slick appearance and often has large pores that are prone to clogging.

Look for these ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid
• Rosewater
• AHA/BHA
• Niacinamide
• Activated Charcoal