There are a lot of beneficial skincare ingredients. But if we had to boil it down to the absolute essentials, the ones you can’t do without, the ones that are the foundation of every skincare regimen, it comes down to three things.
Table of content
The Antioxidants
Daily exposure to environmental stress triggers free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that break down collagen and accelerate aging. This superstar antioxidant helps defend against environmental stressors while supporting the look of firm, resilient skin
Some of the most potent antioxidant compounds are found in vitamins like A, C, and E and the phytochemicals of botanicals, including green tea, algae, whole leaf aloe, rosehip oil, and grapeseed oil.
The antioxidant that tops the list of must-haves is vitamin C. This superstar antioxidant helps defend against environmental stressors while supporting the look of firm, resilient skin. It is both a promoter and protector of a healthy-looking complexion.
Additionally, vitamin C helps improve the appearance of uneven tone triggered by environmental stressors, promoting a bright, balanced complexion. Research shows that antioxidative benefits are greater with the combination of vitamins C and E than with vitamin C or E alone.
More antioxidant favorites:
A daily antioxidant serum uniting vitamins C and E to help defend against environmental stressors and support the look of firm, even-toned skin. With consistent use, skin appears brighter, smoother, and more resilient. All skin types. Apply AM, followed by sunscreen.
This antioxidant powerhouse gently purifies, protects, calms, and nourishes the skin. Use it for face, body, hair, and as a shaving gel. For acne-prone skin, green tea offers calming, purifying, mild astringent qualities.
An antioxidant-rich, ultra-refining cocktail of protective and nourishing ingredients including niacinamide, mandelic acid, rosehip oil, green tea extract, and kiwi fruit extract. Use it daily to remove debris and oil, minimize the appearance of pores, help defend from environmental stressors, and prep for additional products.
The Cell Regulators
Cell regulators are ingredients that support skin's natural surface renewal for the look of firmer, more elastic skin. Things like retinoids, niacinamide, and peptides fall into this category. Retinoids, niacinamide, and vitamin C support a smoother, younger-looking complexion while also delivering antioxidant benefits and helping defend against environmental stressors.
The most essential of the cell regulators and the most widely used in this category is vitamin A. The pure form of vitamin A, and the most potent, is retinoic acid (Retin-A). It’s highly effective but can also be highly irritating. To get around the irritation issue, formulators use derivatives with a larger molecular structure to slow absorption. The problem with that? Most are too large to reach the lower levels of the skin to stimulate cellular activity.
Dr. Fulton was the co-developer of Retin-A, so he understood the power and the problems inherent in this ingredient. He optimized retinyl propionate for visible results with minimal irritation, creating REt (RP)™ Retinoid. It's the foundation of Vivant's renewal-focused formulas.
More cell regulating favorites:
Use this peptide concentrate to smooth the look of wrinkles and support a plump, smooth, hydrated-looking complexion.
This antioxidant and peptide-rich formula for a brighter, lifted, firmer look blends REt (RP)™ Retinoid, grapeseed oil, and caffeine to give your eyes a serious wake-up call.
The Exfoliators
Exfoliation sweeps away dull surface cells to bring fresh-looking skin to the surface. But it also serves another vital function. Exfoliating clears cellular debris from the surface of the skin to enhance penetration of antioxidants and cell regulators.
No matter what type of skin you have or what you’re targeting, exfoliation is essential. For acne-prone skin, exfoliation helps decongest pores and clear impactions. For aging skin, exfoliation minimizes the appearance of fine lines, brightens the look of dull skin, and supports surface renewal. For dry skin, exfoliation clears dead skin to allow moisture to penetrate. For uneven tone, exfoliation helps reveal a brighter, more consistent-looking tone.
There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and mechanical. Acids, chemical exfoliators, work by dissolving the cellular glue to loosen dead cells. Mechanical exfoliation uses scrubs or pads to physically lift away dead cells. A combination of both will bring your most radiant complexion.
Mandelic acid is one of our favorite exfoliators because of its gentle action and multi-tasking abilities. Its larger molecular structure means it’s absorbed more slowly by the skin, minimizing irritation. It’s antibacterial, making it excellent for preventing breakouts, and it suppresses tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
More exfoliating favorites:
Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Exfoliating Cleanser and Daily Repair Pads
This is the perfect exfoliating duo for keeping skin bright and breakout-free.
BP 3% Acne Treatment Cleanser with Buffing Beads
This calming benzoyl peroxide formula kills acne bacteria, peels out impactions, and reduces inflammation to speed healing and prevent future breakouts.
An advanced formula combining REt (RP)™ Retinoid with glycolic acid, kojic acid, and lactic acid to accelerate surface renewal, decongest pores, smooth the look of texture, and bring a radiant-looking tone. Best for skin already acclimated to retinoids.
Comments