Finding the right products can improve your skin’s overall health in the long run. However, rather than just searching for surface-level effects, it’s also worth looking for ingredients that target damage at the cellular level. 

Why Look for Skin Care Ingredients That Target Damage?

The top skin care trends can change from time to time. However, looking for ingredients that target cellular damage is a lifelong goal that many should seek for themselves. The right choices can help prevent the negative impacts of sun exposure and environmental pollutants.

These types of skin care ingredients should also tackle other internal factors, like aging. While it primarily ensures rejuvenated and youthful skin, you’d also be getting other emotional benefits like self-confidence and peace of mind. 

Best Skin Care Ingredients for Your Health

While classics like niacinamide and retinoids are on the list, there are several advanced components accompanying them. Check out the best next-generation skin care ingredients that target cellular damage. 

1. Hemp Oil

Hemp extract is a powerful tool that protects your health in more ways than one. Skin care is a surprising but reliable use, as its oils can penetrate the epidermal layers and provide anti-inflammatory power to keep the skin safe from infection.

There are also antioxidative effects that can protect the skin from the effects of aging. You can look for hemp seed oil in cream moisturizers and other emulsifying products. While it does come micronized, a little goes a long way. 

2. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a go-to skin care ingredient that even beginners may know of. It provides a brightening effect and helps with elasticity. This is possible because the ingredient can rebuild your skin cells following damage from UV rays and other factors.

In addition to damage repair, the newer skin cells are shielded from environmental stressors like pollution and toxins. Niacinamide can be especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or who reside in polluted areas. 

3. Retinoid

Some people believe that retinoids have gone out of style, but they are still as relevant as ever. They are best known for treating and preventing acne by triggering surface skin cells to turn over fast and produce collagen. 

The faster turnover and collagen production can improve your skin tone and reduce signs of aging in the long run. You can choose specific types of retinoids based on the severity of your cellular damage and your overall skin care goals. 

4. Glutathione

Glutathione is an effective skin care ingredient that targets damage. This antioxidant can revitalize oxidized vitamin E to encourage healthy hair, skin and nails. It also combats oxidative stress to avoid signs of aging, like wrinkles and age spots. 

Skin care products containing glutathione also highlight its skin brightening effect, noting how it can treat hyperpigmentation by influencing melanin production. It’s a great tool if you want to even out your skin tone and gain lighter melanin. 

5. Salicylic Acid 

Salicylic acid is popular in formulations that target acne and psoriasis and is typically present in toners and cleansers. Its primary effect is to enhance the skin barrier by exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting turnover.

While salicylic acid effectively repairs cell damage, it’s essential to be wary of higher concentrations or frequent use. Its potency can induce cell damage on a certain level, so use it wisely and combine it with a more soothing product. 

6. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is another type of acid, though it helps target cellular damage differently.  It is best known for deeply hydrating the skin without clogging pores, targeting the tissues and ensuring that there’s enough moisture in the skin. 

Some recommend using hyaluronic acid only when damage is already present. However, its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties can also be suitable for people with healthy and normal skin types.

7. Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans are an up-and-coming ingredient typically found in moisturizers that are catching the attention of many dermatologists. They can avert cell damage associated with aging or sun-exposed skin, making them a strong preventive tool against skin problems. 

Beta-glucans also work by stimulating immune cells to attack pathogens, effectively fighting viruses on the skin barrier. This can be especially helpful for people with drier skin or rougher textures.

8. Acetyl Zingerone

Acetyl zingerone comes from ginger, which is quite promising for skin care formulas. Further research shows that it can inhibit damage from UV rays, helping to prevent signs of aging and improve skin sensitivity. 

Its benefits have already made it a safe and effective ingredient in sunscreens. However, it is possible to incorporate acetyl zingerone in other specialized clinical applications for further skin protection in the long run. 

9. Collagen

While collagen is naturally produced in the body and can be stimulated by other skin care ingredients, some find that direct supplementation is the key to getting the most effects. Specifically, type I collagen is connected to skin hydration and texture enhancement.

You can find oral collagen peptides in optimal doses to get the anti-aging and cellular repair you need. However, there are also alternatives like creams and masks that can plump up the skin and make it look glowy. 

Look Beyond the Top Skin Care Trends

If you want to protect your future skin cells, look for ingredients that target damage. Scan the list on skin care products or research which ones contain the component you need, and ensure your face is in tip-top shape.