By establishing a skin care routine that cleanses, hydrates and protects your skin from ageing; you would be right to expect to look youthful and at your very best. But choosing skincare that suits your changing needs can be a minefield. What suits one person, at say, 20 years old, will not be right for someone who is 50yrs for example. Pretty packaging and fancy marketing language can also make it difficult to see through the noise and find something that is both effective and will work for you.
MANY SKINCARE BRANDS MAKE BIG CLAIMS SUCH AS PLUMPING, FIRMING, YOUTHFUL, REDUCES LINES AND WRINKLES, HYDRATES, REFRESHES BUT CAN WE BE SURE THEY DELIVER?
Brands are able to make these statements as long as they can prove that an ingredient, let's say vitamin C, is in the formula. As long as the product contains vitamin C, the brand is able to claim that the product will deliver all the benefits associated with said ingredient. However, what if there is the tiniest molecule of vitamin C inside the tube, what if it’s a cheap version of vit C which isn’t enough to actually make any difference to your skin, let alone penetrate the layers to be effective? You would probably get more vitamin C benefits from drinking a glass of orange juice! CULT51 contains the best active ingredients, such as L-Absorbic Acid a version of vitamin C.
So, how do you identify ingredients that are actually the most beneficial, which ones are compatible with your lifestyle, your skin type, and your skincare objectives?
And are in the pot at a level to actually make a notable difference?
To help simplify, we’ve selected the top three ingredients of 2022, giving some insight on how they will benefit your skin.
VITAMIN C OR AHAS
Vitamin c is known as a natural protector, abundant in the skin as its own defence against oxidation (a form of damage) it’s a real multi-tasking ingredient, protecting against damaging free radicals (pollution), brightening the skin, boosting collagen, fighting acne and enhancing firmness through stimulation of collagen production. Our levels of vit C are reduced when exposed to stresses and sunlight, thus replacing it can be hugely beneficial. And did you know, we are one of very few mammals that do not generate our own vitamin C?
Vitamins are vital to the health of your body, especially when consumed, but also when topically applied. The way vitamins interact with the skin is key to the protection and the benefits that they provide. Vitamin C is used in skincare to reduce pigmentation, improve texture, boost collagen and elastin levels and help the skin defend itself against the environment. Vitamin C in cosmetic products is not of natural origin, but a synthetic form.
The reason for this, is the natural form is not stable enough, and once exposed to air, differing temperatures and/ or light, it degrades very quickly leaving it less potent and thus less effective. When reading your skincare inci, aka ingredients list, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is the best stable form of Vit C (less affected by light and air and, is used in CULT51). Once applied to the skin and absorbed it is converted in L-Absorbic Acid - the true form of Vitamin C.
There are many versions of Vitamin C in skincare, however, not all are of the highest quality or clinically proven to give you anti-ageing benefits when topically applied. L Asorbic Acid or LAA are the purest versions of Vit C and are clinically proven to work when topically applied. CULT51 is unique in this respect. The cost of our formulations is higher because we use highly concentrated active ingredients such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, we also ensure that it is abundant within the formulation and therefore, when going to clinical trial, we know the results will measure up.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid, also known as Hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by our body. Its main function is to retain water and to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. Many people take it as a supplement, but it’s also used in topical serums, eye drops and injectables. Its benefits include moisturising, reducing spider veins, hydrates and plumps fine lines. In fact, in gel form, it binds up to 1,000 times its weight (in water) and therefore provides volume to fill in larger folds such as the skin around the mouth and cheeks. The hydrating effect gives skin a smooth feel on the surface and the plumping from within increases elasticity; promoting healthier, more supple skin.
PEPTIDES
Peptides build collagen, elastin fibers, reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Peptides are naturally occurring within the body, but with age, our production levels slow over time. Peptides within your skincare can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin. It is a scientific fact that when penetrating the epidermis, Peptides work with your skin’s processes of renewal to stimulate collagen production, elastin and other structural proteins that cause the skin to appear firmer and fuller. The collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed by the skin, but Peptides that create Collagen are easily absorbed, which is why it is popular within skincare.
CULT51 Day and Night cream both contain Copper Peptide which improves skin barrier function, the body’s defense against pollution, bacteria and UV rays.
CULT51 Day and Night Cream contain all of three of these super power ingredients and many more besides. At CULT our actives are our point of difference in a competitive skincare market and what gives our clinically proven results.
