ELLE Magazine – January 2012

ELLE Magazine – January 2012

Deciphering Skin-Care Labels

Dr. Lisa Kellett, a Toronto-based dermatologist, cuts through the science of your skin-cream labels. (Remember: Ingredients are listed from the highest amount present to the lowest.)

ANTIOXIDANTS: Natural or synthetic ingredients that help reduce free-radical damage in the skin.

DIMETHICONE: A form of silicone used as a lubricant and conditioning agent.

ASCORBIC PALMITATE: A stable form of vitamin C that can be used to brighten the skin. It’s also an effective antioxidant.

UBIQUINONE: An antioxidant also known as coenzyme Q10.

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-3: A peptide marketed as a synthetic anti-wrinkle agent. (More research is needed to properly evaluate its effectiveness.)

NIACINAMIDE: A form of vitamin B3 often used in acne preparations that can help treat uneven skin tone.