Shea butter is high in fatty acids and vitamins, so works to support the natural lipid barrier of the skin, reducing water loss via the epidermis to keep skin soft, smooth and moisturised.

Renude

I have chosen this ultra nourishing moisturiser to support the skin barrier and target the early signs of ageing. It includes a blend of natural actives alongside Vitamin C to protect, hydrate and plump the skin.

Allantoin occurs naturally in the body, but can also be derived from the root of the Comfrey plant or Chamomile, or produced synthetically. It is used in skincare for its ability to promote wound healing and healthy tissue growth, by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres, essential tissues for skin regeneration and healing. Allantoin has also been shown to have soothing and anti-irritant properties, which is thought to be down to its ability to form complexes with irritating agents, thus preventing them from activating inflammatory mechanisms within the skin.

allantoin

aloe barbadensis leaf extract

Aloe vera has been used for millennia as a natural medicine across many regions of the world, with references as early as Cleopatra using it as part of her beauty routine. It contains around 75 active constituents, including Vitamins A,C & E to provide antioxidant protection, 8 enzymes to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and 9 different minerals to support the body’s natural functioning. It also includes sugars to provide hydrating humectant properties, fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, and hormones to promote wound healing. 

Matricaria Chamomilla, also known as German Chamomile, is a plant highly concentrated in two active components: bisabolol and chamazulene. Bisabolol has a number of well-researched skin benefits, including as an anti-inflammatory agent, and also in promoting wound healing. Chamazulene has been shown to provide an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, in addition to providing antioxidant benefits to protect skin from damage from free radicals.

chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract

Chamomile contains high levels of naturally-occurring compounds called terpenoids, the most famous being bisabolol. Bisabolol is known for its soothing properties, so including Chamomile extract in skincare can also provide this benefit.

cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract

Cucumber extract provides natural antioxidant protection against free radicals. It is comprised of 95% water, plus small concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin c), caffeic acid (an antioxidant), fatty acids and silica (mineral required for healthy skin, hair & nails).

prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil

Sweet Almond Oil is naturally rich in fat-soluble Vitamins A & E, which provide antioxidant benefits. This oil is naturally high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which cannot be produced naturally in the body, but offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

shea butter

Shea butter is the natural butter of the shea nut, which grows in West Africa. It is high in fatty acids and vitamins, so works to support the natural lipid barrier of the skin, reducing water loss via the epidermis to keep skin soft, smooth and moisturised.

tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

A rich moisturizer that hydrates and firms dry and mature skin.
Fruit extracts, including olive and almond, infuse antioxidants into the skin while firming it
Multiple rich moisturizing ingredients hydrate, soothe and smooth the skin

I have chosen this exfoliating treatment for you to boost your daily skincare routine. Used weekly, this helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and refine overall texture.

aloe barbadensis extract

Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in plants, such as bran. It’s used in skincare for its antioxidant properties, meaning it can neutralise free radicals before they can cause any cellular damage. It has also been shown to stabilise Vitamins C and E when used in combination, resulting in a boost in their efficacy vs being used without the addition of Ferulic acid.

ferulic acid

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHAs, meaning it can penetrate the skin quickest, producing the fastest results, but also most likely to cause skin sensitivity, so it is best for those with fairly tolerant skin types.

glycolic acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Squalane is a natural substance usually derived from olives. It is structurally very similar to our skin’s own sebum, so is a great ingredient to support our own natural skin processes. In drier skin, which is naturally lacking in natural sebum, it helps to support the skin barrier to prevent water loss, which results in more hydrated, smooth and plump skin. Due to its sebum-mimicking structure, it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts, so is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It can be a great option to reduce any over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands, which can occur with excess cleansing (and make breakouts worse). It also works to support the skin barrier to combat any drying effects caused by ingredients commonly associated with acne treatment, so is a great ingredient for all skin types.

squalane

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopheryl acetate

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask is an advanced home peel which clears and refines pores, reinvigorates collagen production and draws moisture to the surface of the skin. Get the Liquid Gold effect, in just 10 minutes! Removes unwanted dead skin cell buildup. Increases cellular renewal. Maintains a healthy, firmer and more hydrated skin. Promotes even skin tone by exfoliating and lifting surface pigmented cells. Improves radiance and luminosity. Probiotic extract balances skin’s microbiome.

I have chosen this nourishing balm cleanser to deep clean the skin whilst supporting the natural lipid barrier. The oils work to dissolve all make-up and impurities, leaving skin feeling plump and hydrated.

Lecithin can be classed as a phospholipid, which occurs naturally in eggs, soybean, sunflower oil and corn. It contains a high concentration of fatty acids, which support the skin’s natural barrier by creating a lipid film to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lecithin also has lipophilic & hydrophilic properties, meaning it can function as an emulsifier and skin penetration-enhancer, helping to deliver actives deeper into the skin.

lecithin

Our outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, has a multilamellar structure (essentially a fine membrane), made up of lipids (fats), to form a non-permeable barrier. This keeps water inside the skin, and acts as the first defense against external aggressors. The lipids which make up the majority of this are known as ceramides, which are produced naturally in the body from a range of other naturally-occurring lipids, which we class here as essential lipids (not the same as essential fatty acids, which are deemed ‘essential’ as the body cannot produce these naturally.) Using these lipids in skincare helps to support the natural skin barrier, preventing water-loss to keep skin hydrated and balanced.

Padina pavonica, also known as peacocks tail, is a brown algae native to the Mediterranean coast. It is rich is polysaccharides, which provide humectant properties, meaning they can draw water molecules to them to plump & hydrate the surrounding area. It is also shown to have anti-pollution effects, protecting skin against free radical and heavy metal exposure.

padina pavonica

Algae is an incredibly interesting natural ingredient source. It is essentially an underwater plant, designed to get its food from sunlight, much like any other plants, although from much more challenging conditions. There are many types of algae (kelp, laminaria, microalgae), but in general in all its forms it acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting from free radical damage, as well as being able to hydrate the skin and deliver naturally-occurring vitamins into the skin.

Tocopherol, aka Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopherol

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm gently yet effectively dissolves dirt and makeup to refresh and revitalize your complexion. Formulated with elderberry, starflower and a unique optimega oil blend, it protects and fortifies your skin. Padina pavonica, and mimosa and rose flower waxes cleanse and soften, restoring elasticity and tone for a smooth, supple feel and youthful, radiant look.

I have chosen this nourishing moisturiser for you to target the signs of ageing you mention: wrinkles and skin firmness. The formula uses a blend of natural actives and has been clinically proven to firm skin, and dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after just 14 days.

chlorella vulgaris extract

ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Ginkgo Biloba is a tree native to Asia, one of the oldest plant species on the planet, and rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These provide powerful antioxidant protection, reducing potential damage caused by reactive free radicals. Studies have also shown Gingko Biloba to provide skin-smoothing and hydrating properties. 

padina pavonica thallus extract

porphyridium cruentum extract

A splash of youth. The power of the sea meets the science of anti-aging.
Improve hydration and leave skin looking and feeling firmer and more radiant with our bestselling anti-aging moisturizer. Famous for its gel-cream texture, this unique formula is clinically proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 2 weeks.*


Clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 248% in just 1 hour**
Winner of over 50 prestigious awards worldwide
Absorbs quickly and layers perfectly underneath makeup

This moisturiser is designed for skin prone to redness and irritation, so is a perfect addition to your regime. It contains 2.5% Endothelyl, alongside soothing and hydrating ingredients to comfort the skin and reduce inflammation.

Endothelyol is used in skincare to target redness and rosacea. It provides a soothing effect by regulating inflammatory processes in the skin, as well as reducing visible redness via encouraging microcirculation (blood flow in the capillaries). It has been proven to reduce rosacea symptoms after 28 days daily use.

endothelyol

Glycerin is a humectant present in all natural lipids. It works to attract water molecules towards it, plumping & hydrating the applied area, resulting in smooth, soft, hydrated skin. It is one of the most widely used humectants in skincare, due to it’s high performance and broad availability (making it very cost-effective). Recent research has shown that it’s ability to penetrate the layers of the skin is superior to that of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, making it a brilliant choice for overall skin hydration, and suitable for all skin types.

glycerin

glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

For skin prone to redness and couperose. A long-acting gel cream that turns down the heat on redness! Because skin affected by redness has a problem with temperature regulation, Sensifine AR Crème instantly puts out the fire with a lasting soothing effect. Enriched with green pigments, redness is neutralised to even out skin tone.

I've chosen this high-strength anti-ageing formula for you to target wrinkles & pigmentation. It includes a combination of powerhouse actives (retinol & peptides), and is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and even out skin tone, so is a perfect option to help you achieve your skin goals.

Acetyl Glucosamine is an amino acid sugar

acetyl glucosamine

Amino acids are the small building blocks that make up peptides, and proteins. Each amino acid has a unique structure, and as such plays a specific role within the body. There are around 20 different types considered to be most important for human health. In the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, they are present in the ‘natural moisturising factors’, our skin’s own moisturising mechanism, and they help to support water transport between skin cells to keep our surface smooth and hydrated.

arginine

This natural extract, derived from coffee beans, is high in antioxidants so first and foremost, offers protection against free radical damage. Studies have also shown this to have restorative properties, resulting in a healthier, smoother skin feel, as well as potentially improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract

Many peptides function as anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, due to their ability to fit specific receptors in the body to trigger anti-ageing responses. This includes mechanisms like collagen production, cell regeneration or even blocking muscle contractions to smooth expression lines. Peptides are made up of amino acids, and are unique in shape, with a huge variety available to target specific responses in the body.

palmitoyl oligopeptide

Vitamin A, aka Retinol, is one of the most well-researched actives used in skincare today. Retinol and all of its derivatives are broken down within the skin first into retinaldehyde, then into retinoic acid, the active form recognised by the body to trigger it’s skin benefits.

Retinoic acid (aka tretinoin) is the gold standard of anti-ageing and works in a number of ways. Firstly, it blocks the production of collagen-degrading enzymes, meaning collagen does not get broken down as quickly in the skin. After prolonged use (6M+), it has also been shown to stimulate the production of type I and type III collagen, reducing wrinkles and improving skin firmness. It has been shown to protect against UV-induced damage, as well as reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the skin. Skin treated with retinoids is smoother, more even-toned, firmer and younger looking.

retinol

Containing an advanced SynerG Formula 8.0, which includes three proven technologies to repair and strengthen ageing skin, this powerful day cream also protects against UV rays to maintain a youthful, untouched clarity. A blend of peptides stimulate collagen production deep within the lower layers while NeoGlucosamine and Retinol work together to enhance skin’s overall firmness to minimise the appearance of wrinkles at the surface. Added Shea Butter conditions and softens the skin while a potent antioxidant complex featuring Pomegranate Extract and Vitamin E neutralises free radicals to keep the skin’s collagen stores intact.

A top-rated minimalist, nourishing moisturiser formulated with just 7 ingredients, and proven to be suitable for even hypersensitive skin types.

Avene thermal spring water is sourced from a natural spring in France. It spends 50 years travelling to this spring through mountainous rock, and contains the minerals calcium, magnesium and silica, which are particularly good for sensitive skin due to their soothing properties.

Avene thermal water

Natural oil rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, which cannot be produced naturally by the body and which helps support the lipid barrier of the skin, minimising water loss to keep skin soft, smooth and moisturised.

carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil

Hydrate and soothe hypersensitive skin with the Avene Tolerance Hydra 10 Cream, a rich, soothing and hydrating moisturiser for dry skin. Enriched with Avene thermal spring water, which is soothing and anti-irritating, the Tolerance Extreme Cream softens the skin and envelops it in a protective veil. Made with only 7 ingredients, the simple yet effective formula intensely nourishes without feeling heavy, allowing skin to breathe. Ultra-hydrating, the rich, indulgent cream recharges sensitive skin, helping it to face daily aggressions.

These nourishing formulas are great for dry skin, and are packed with barrier-supporting ingredients to help the skin retain more moisture naturally.

Nourishing moisturiser picks

A cult classic, this face cream uses Neostrata's signature resurfacing technology to hydrate, whilst gently exfoliating dead cells to minimise fine lines and reveal glowing, plump skin. It uses a blend of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which gently dissolve the bonds between the very outermost layer of skin (which is what causes roughness and flaking in dry skin). Hyaluronic acid and glycerin work as hydrators, whilst meadowfoam seed oil, rich in Vitamin E, nourishes the skin and provides natural antioxidant protection.

This rich formula contains a host of nourishing and soothing ingredients and has won multiple awards. It does contain essential oils so best for dry skin, which is not super sensitive.

This super rich 5% urea night cream is fantastic for moisturising dry skin. Urea is a naturally occurring humectant in the skin, which pulls water towards it to hydrate and plump the skin.

A great daily basic, this rich cream includes ceramides (natural skin lipids) to support the natural barrier, alongside hyaluronic acid to attract water and add hydration into the skin. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

Shea Butter

What is Shea Butter?

What does Shea Butter do?

Who is Shea Butter good for?

Who should avoid Shea Butter?

Shea Butter

What is Shea Butter?

What does Shea Butter do?

Who is Shea Butter good for?

Who should avoid Shea Butter?

Hydrators (2)