Over the years, as I have learned more about skincare and my skin in particular, I have moved from just buying any and everything to being quite partial towards a few active ingredients. As a brief preamble I’d like to advise everyone to spend the time to really get to know their skin. What skin type do you have? Do you suffer from any skin conditions? How does your cycle affect your skin if at all? And most importantly, what actives does your skin respond to and how? Because, we all know that because something works for A doesn’t mean it will work for B.

So let’s dive right in, based on my skin work, these are the ingredients I love to love.

1). Vitamin C

Vitamin C is probably one of those staple ingredients for me. I like to try different ones not because product junkie but because skincare retailer and I want to be able to recommend from a place of experience. I have only used the L-Ascorbic acid variety and this has agreed with my skin. Due to its antioxidant properties, we know it does a lot of work on the inside. It helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration. But what about the outside? For me, it helps with achieving a generally even and bright skin tone. When I used the Sleek Studio Dab of Lightening Serum, which contains Kojic acid as well as Ascorbic acid I noticed lightening of my acne scars too.

2.) Vitamin E

One of the actives I was most grateful for during the latter part of my first pregnancy has to be Vitamin E. When that third trimester dryness set in, it literally saved my face. It is also an antioxidant, which makes it great for fighting those pesky free radicals but what does it do on the surface? It is moisturising and healing; super hydrating and protects the skin’s barrier function.

3). Roseship Oil

Rosehip Oil is rich in vitamin A and was an accidental love really. I tried it because skincare retailer and ended up falling for it. It actually became my moisturiser. I found it to be super hydrating and moisturising without being heavy or greasy. It helped me with the healing and lightening of dark marks and achieving overall skin radiance.

4). Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is the pièce de résistance for me. It is my go to chemical exfoliant. When my skin is messing up I can count on salicylic acid to come to my rescue. If my skin is looking dull I pick up my Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant specifically. If I have left over dark marks from recent spots I reach for it. If I haven’t had a decent exfoliation in a while I reach for it

5). Shea Butter

This last one may surprise you but I love me some Shea Butter. I actually use a homemade mix of Shea butter and Coconut oil to moisturise my body daily. I discovered this mix by accident really in 2016 when my niece was born. My sister asked me to make her some and bring it to the UK after she gave birth. I made loads for her but she didn’t like the smell so wouldn’t use it and I ended up using and loving my own concoction. What does shea butter do for me? Due to its high concentration of fatty acids and natural vitamins, it’s deeply nourishing and moisturising, which was a godsend during my first pregnancy. It also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Have you guys noticed a pattern here? I tend to fall for products that are rich in essential fatty acids and/or that are antioxidants. These properties are essential for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin so perhaps that’s why I am always getting compliments about my skin glowing and looking radiant (not bragging just saying hehe).

As I wrote this article I noticed the pattern in the benefits of my favourite ingredients so it may be helpful for you to also note down what ingredients you use and what they do for your skin (if anything). This may help you trim your product collection, streamline your skincare routine and become more intentional with it. I wish you all the very best on this journey to radiant skin.

If you would like to chat about what ingredients your skin loves or bounce around ideas on what to try, please feel free to get in touch via email at fikayo@simplykayo.com

*Please note these are ingredients that have worked for me. They may not have the same effect on you. Skin sensitivity is a case by case issue so a patch test is recommended when trying new ingredients/products.