Fabulous ingredients to look out for in skin products #1

I have just been thinking about pointing out a few ingredients that are beneficial and really advantageous to have in your skin care products, the list is endless, but here are a few that I appreciate (ingredients are my passion). It only takes a minute to read the back label (NB: read from the top to the bottom ~ Ingredients are always listed in proportional order with highest quantities at the top of the list.):


Shea Butter:
Originates in western region of Africa and come from the Karite/Shea Tree. This ingredient has been used for many centuries and is extremely common in West African countries, I personally think not enough justice has been done when it comes to educating the consumer about it's many benefits.

It is known as the most effective skin moisturizer and conditioner because of its high content of non-saponifiable lipids (ie. cannot be decomposed by reacting with water). And it is rich in Vitamins A, E & F - because of this, when it is in it's pure unrefined form, it is known to be beneficial to skin rashes e.g. eczema, stretch marks, over-exposure to cold or sun, allergic reactions, ageing, anti-inflammatory... and the list goes on!

Oleic Acid:

An essential fatty acid which so closely mimics sebum (skin's natural oil)  it is easily absorbed into and utilized by the skin, it can help the skin absorb other nutrients as well.

It helps repair cells and tissues damage; anti-inflammatory; acts as a moisturizer and provides soft, supple skin, etc. The oils highest in Oleic acid being Avaocado and Olive oil.

Other oils with a significant amount of oleic acid are: Sweet Almond oil, Hazelnut oil, Apricot Kernel, Macadamia nut oil, mango butter etc... 

Anti-oxidants:

These help to remove free radicals that appear as a result of oxidation.  Antioxidants are good for us because when eaten they can help reduce inflammation and when applied topically they help with retarding the process of skin wrinkling and aging. On the skin, they protect you from damage caused by free-radicals like wind, pollution, smoking, UV rays, dust, exhaust fumes etc...

Examples of anti-oxidants to look out for: pomegranate, zinc, green tea, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, tocopherols), coffee, berries etc...

These are only 3 categories I have managed to cover without making it too long. Remember this is by no means prescriptive, but just an eye opener as to what exactly you are actually putting onto your skin daily. 

Any questions, please post them in the comment section and I will do my best to answer them.