Claire Andreewitch · Melanie Grant, The Expert For Perfect Skin

1 / For you, what are the essential active ingredients for an optimized skin care (intended here mainly for women from 30 years!)

Between the middle and the end of the thirties, good skin deserves … Unfortunately, this is no longer obvious. Among many other components, incorporating active ingredients into your home routine is crucial for a glowing complexion, while addressing common skin concerns that we tend to see after the age of 30, such as pigmentation, wrinkles, lack of elasticity, somewhat dull and with impurities.

Retinol (a gentle form of vitamin A) is the “gold standard” of anti-aging, my essential skin care and a must for any post-thirty care routine. In simple terms, retinol, in the form of a serum or cream, promotes cell renewal in the skin. In doing so, retinol thickens the deep layers of our skin through increased stimulation of collagen production. This leads to plumped skin, a reduction in pigments, a refinement of the texture of the skin and a clarity of the complexion. Retinol-based skin care products have come a long way lately with low-dose, extended-release formulas, making them better tolerated and better suited, even for those with sensitive skin.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C are miracle agents that lighten and inhibit the production of pigments, while protecting our skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)  are perfect for devitalized, congested, sun damaged or blemished skin. They work by accelerating cell renewal to reveal younger, plumped and luminous skin. Lactic acid is my favorite AHA because the size of the molecules is large and thus ensures slower penetration, which means that it is gentler on the skin, with ultra-hydrating properties. Look for a lactic acid based exfoliating cleanser or try a lactic acid based mask or serum.

Another favorite active ingredient is hyaluronic acid because it is the antidote to dehydration. In winter, during long trips or as we age, our skin becomes dehydrated. This gelled molecule has the capacity to retain more than 1,000 times its weight in water and is found naturally in the human body. It is responsible for the luscious, bouncy skin we have in our youth and the amount we produce gradually decreases as we age. I prefer hyaluronic acid in the form of moisturiser or serum.

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