5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Minimize Skin Inflammation
Whether you realize it or not, your skin encounters inflammatory factors almost every single day — think environmental stressors (pollution, chemical irritants, UVA and UVB rays, et cetera), skin irritants, allergens, processed foods and even natural aging. Dr. Nicholas Perricone reminds us in his book, “Forever Young,” that this chronic, low-grade inflammation is incredibly damaging to our skin.
Over time, it manifests in the classic visible signs of aging, like wrinkles, sagging skin, discoloration, enlarged pores and lack of radiance. One science-backed way to combat this inflammation-induced skin damage, he says, is a topical skincare regimen rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants. But what are these ingredients exactly? After decades of research, Dr. Perricone found these were just a handful of his favorites.
Anti-Inflammatory Skincare Ingredients
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Deemed “nature's most powerful antioxidant” by Dr. Perricone himself, ALA helps neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from any damage that can contribute to skin inflammation.
Niacinamide & Ceramides
Niacinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, also acts as antioxidants to shield skin against free radical damage. Both niacinamide and ceramides also help protect the skin’s moisture barrier to reduce the risk of environmental aggressors that can cause inflammation in the skin.
Vitamin C Ester
A more potent, highly stable and less abrasive form of antioxidant powerhouse vitamin C, Vitamin C Ester works brilliantly with other antioxidants to supercharge their benefits and inhibit inflammation.
Acyl-Glutathione
Similar to Vitamin C Ester, “master antioxidant” acyl-glutathione helps boost the benefits of fellow antioxidants for maximum protection against free radicals. Simultaneously, it helps support the immune system to further prevent inflammation.
Dr. Perricone-Approved Skincare Routine
CLEANSER
High Potency Nutritive Cleanser
Packed with ALA, this gentle gel cleanser quickly and effectively removes excess oil, debris and impurity buildup without stripping the skin of essential moisture. In doing so, it helps maintain a balanced, hydrated skin barrier for proper skin health.
ESSENCE
Along with restorative niacinamide, this lightweight treatment is formulated with fermented rice water, which is rich in minerals and antioxidants to combat free radical damage, replenish moisture and impart a visibly healthy glow.
SERUM
Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%
AM
Mega antioxidants Vitamin C Ester (our highest concentration of it, in fact) and ferulic acid work in tandem in this serum for multiplied protection against free radical damage. In doing so, they promote visibly brighter, smoother, more even skin over time.
High Potency Intensive Smoothing Serum
PM
Featuring a high concentration of niacinamide and ceramides, this skin-smoothing serum minimizes the look of imperfections, uneven texture, enlarged pores and crepiness for a soft, refined complexion.
MOISTURIZER
Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
AM
Rich in Vitamin C Ester, ALA and astaxanthin, another powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental aggressors, this fast-absorbing serum’s antioxidant benefits help minimize the look of wrinkles and imperfections. Paired with a mineral-based, physical sunscreen, it protects skin from the sun’s aging UVA and burning UVB rays.
Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Barrier Repair Nourishing Moisturizer
PM
Moisturize your skin at night with this ultra-restorative, peptide- and ceramide-rich moisturizer that works in combination with soothing mushroom extract and antioxidant Vitamin C Ester to nourish and support skin's natural moisture barrier, locking moisture in and keeping environmental aggressors out.
OIL
Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Oil
PM
Seal in all the moisture before bed with this nutrient-packed oil. It’s rich in ceramides, omega fatty acids and acyl-glutathione to intensely nourish, soften the appearance of wrinkles and creases and replenish skin’s moisture barrier. The result is a visibly bouncy, plump and supple complexion.
EYE CREAM
Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Eye Cream
The ultimate combination of Vitamin C Ester, omegas 3, 6 and 9 and copper tripeptide, this multi-tasking powerhouse effectively targets and reduces the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, fine lines and loss of firmness.
NECK & CHEST CREAM
Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Equally as important to protect the skin on the neck and chest, this SPF-infused moisturizer delivers the antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C Ester, niacinamide and peptides to the skin below the chin — all while protecting it with mineral-based sunscreen.
Now, with this simple morning and evening regimen, you’ll be well on your way to keeping skin inflammation at bay for a future of healthy, youthful-looking skin.
