Build your skin-intelligence and find out which skin care ingredients work best for your skin

Choosing the right products for your skin can be difficult. With lots of products and ingredients to choose from figuring out exactly what to use and when to use it can be a real challenge. This week our team is looking at a few popular need-to-know skin care ingredients and sharing what skin conditions they work best for, keep reading and learn more.

Aloe Vera Vs. Hyaluronic Acid:

Aloe Vera

Don’t get caught up in the recent controversy about aloe vera it’s the non decolorized, whole leaf aloe extract that’s questionable and only when ingested at that. The water rich pulp of the aloe plant contained in beauty products that is soothing, moisturizing, and full of nutrients is a major WINNER in skincare. The solid material contains over 75 different nutrients and is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is deeply moisturizing and offers the added benefits of plumping and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recent research also suggests hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties making it a suitable ingredient to fight free radicals.

What’s the verdict……Choose aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the skin. Choose hyaluronic acid if you crave moisture and want help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Product Picks:

Awakening Milk & Honey Moisturizer (Aloe)
Awakening Hydrating Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)

AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) vs BHA’s:

AHA’s

Got a fine line and wrinkle dilemma? Want to tackle acne scarring or dark spots? Think alpha hydroxy acids to get the job done. Glycolic, citric and mandelic acids are all examples of AHAs. AHAs work on the surface of the skin by gently dissolving the bonds between dead cells so they can be easily removed.

BHA’s

There’s only one BHA you must remember and that’s salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is known for its blemish and oil fighting power. It unclogs pores and prevents new acne breakouts. In recent years there has been lots of debate on whether salicylic acid is suitable for melanin rich skin. The American Academy of Dermatology says it is suitable for darker skin tones and suggests using it in tandem with other acne
fighting products such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.

What’s the verdict……Choose AHA’s most of the time but make sure you pick the right one and the proper amount for your skin. See a skin care professional if you need help deciding. Choose BHA’s if you are in the oily or acne skin club.

Product Picks: Awakening Brightening Serum (AHA’s)

Enzymes Vs. Chemical Peels:

Enzymes

Enzymes provide gentle exfoliation. They nourish and get rid of dead skin cells. Most are derived from fruit and are activated by water. Some of the most popular fruit enzymes are papaya and bromelain.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are typically stronger then enzyme peels. They come in a variety of strengths from superficial to deep. The skin may become flaky with usage, and medium or deeper peels require greater involvement to achieve the desired results.

What’s the verdict… Start with an enzyme and advance to a chemical peel once your skin has built up its tolerance.

Product Picks: YELLE Awakening Milk and Honey cleanser has trace amounts of papain aka papaya. Instead of rinsing our Awakening Milk and Honey cleanser allow it to rest on your skin for 5-7 minutes and let the papaya settle to breakdown blackheads and other skin impurities present on the surface of the skin.

YELLE has selected ingredients that will serve your skin well, we look forward to continuously meeting your needs and creating break through products for your skin.

 Written By Regina Tucker