BEAUTY

The Updated Version Of Retinol Is Here

What you need to know about skin care's buzziest new ingredient

With groundbreaking formulas, next-gen tech (both in clinic and at home), digital wizardry and powerhouse ingredients now available, it’s time to update the way we think about beauty. 

Retinal

Note the new spelling – this next-gen vitamin A works 11 times faster than retinol, without the usual skin sensitivity. “It will make skin brighter, firmer, smoother and plumper with smaller pores, less pigmentation and less sebum production,” says the founder of Medik8, Elliot Isaacs. “It is also antibacterial so it will help with blemishes.” Try: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Q10

If you skin is looking lacklustre, coenzyme Q10 is for you. “Q10 is responsible for the production of the skin’s energy supply,” says Nivea skincare expert Robyn Hutch. Want to boost its power? Pair it with a vitamin C. “Combing Q10 with vitamin C supercharges tired-looking skin by addressing dullness and fine lines,” says Hutch. Try: NIVEA Q10 POWER Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Cream SPF30, 50ml

Microbugs

We’re converts with it comes to the importance of probiotics in our diet, but 2018 is the year of good bacteria being added to our skincare formulations. Taken internally, probiotics are well-known for their ability to support the body and skin’s natural defenses, but it’s now thought to be beneficial to harbour a healthy layer of microbiome to get skin working at its peak. “We’re now discovering that probiotics can help eliminate free radical damage to the skin,” says Elizabeth Arden’s head of education, Philippa Curnow. Start populating now. Try: Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Boost Skin Renewal Biocellulose Mask

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