Ingredients Before Influencers
Stop asking, “What’s trending?” Start asking, “What does it do?”
Hend ShemaisPharmacist · Aesthetic educator2 min readBeauty trends move quickly. Ingredients should not.
When you hear about a new skincare ingredient, the first question should not be whether everyone on social media is using it. Ask what it is designed to do.
Some ingredients are primarily used to support hydration. Others help with skin texture, pigmentation, acne or signs of ageing. Some are treatments that require more careful use and individual consideration.
For example, moisturisers may contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides that support hydration and help the skin retain moisture. Retinoids are another category with established uses in acne and skin rejuvenation, but they can also cause dryness or irritation and may need to be introduced carefully. It is why the Retinol Repair Complex on my shelf is used only once or twice a week.
A better way to read skincare labels
Instead of asking, “Is this ingredient good?”, work through three questions.
Is this ingredient right for my skin and my concern?
How should it be used?
Do I actually need it?
An ingredient can be effective and still be wrong for your current routine.
Educational content. It does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician.
