Have you ever had a long, emotional day and you just can’t wait to get home to eat a big bowl of ice cream? Maybe you snack on something salty when you’re feeling especially anxious. Just as you crave certain foods based on your mood, your skin craves specific ingredients based factors such as your lifestyle habits, skin type, current skincare routine, and much more.If your skin has been acting up lately, it’s more than likely craving certain ingredients. Whether you’re facing particularly dry skin or more blemishes than normal, keep reading to know which ingredients your skin might be craving right now.
# If your skin is dull or damagedIf you spent years without wearing SPF daily, then you likely have seen signs of environmental damage. Or maybe all of this time inside is really starting to get to your skin, making it appear very dull. If either of these would be the case, then your skin is definitely craving some antioxidants and skin protectants to protect and rejuvenate your skin. Antioxidants, in particular, work to fight off the harmful effects of free radicals. Ingredients to add into your routine include vitamin C, vitamin E, licorice, green tea, and beta glucan.
# If your skin is extra dryWhether you switched up your skincare routine, your diet is changing, or you’re under a lot of stress, your skin can quickly become very dry. This can lead to a tight, uncomfortable feeling that must be treated with nourishing, hydrating ingredients. To keep your skin well-moisturized, be sure to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid has the potential to carry up to 1,000x its own weight in water, making it a popular ingredient in moisturizing, soothing products.
# If your skin is extra oilyEspecially in this summer heat, it feels as though you might never escape the slick feeling of oily skin. If your skin is proving to be excessively oily, look for skincare products, such as a mask, with kaolin clay. Kaolin clay is great for preventing acne, as it works to absorb excess oil. Clay helps clear your skin of dirt and grime, lightly exfoliating your skin in the process. Use a clay-based mask twice a week to keep your skin well-balanced.
# If your skin is showing signs of agingWith increased stress, premature signs of aging are a common problem for many right now. If your skin is looking tired and showing signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots, then your skin is likely craving some vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts your collagen production, keeping your skin strong and more elastic. Vitamin A also is an effective exfoliator, helping keep your pores clear and skin smooth. You will often see vitamin A listed as retinol or retinoid, so look for skincare products including these ingredients to fight off premature aging.
# If your skin is breaking out
Many factors can result in blemishes, but don’t fret. If your skin is breaking out more than normal, then ingredients like niacinamide and zinc might be what you’re craving. Niacinamide reduces redness and blotchiness, overall reducing your skin’s inflammatory response, which is what leads to new pimples.
Knowing how to treat your skin concerns begins with understanding the ingredients your skin might be craving. Next time your skin is acting up, use this guide to properly treat your skin.