Whether you’re new to skincare or have been paying attention to your skin’s needs for a long time and have a strict daily skincare regime, reading product labels and choosing the best ingredients for your skin can be a challenge.

The good news, however, is that while the choices can seem endless and skincare ingredients like trends are sometimes more, sometimes less fashionable, some of the most popular products are everlasting. Some of the best and most useful skincare products have been trusted and even recommended for centuries!

With this in mind, here are eight of the best skin care ingredients you shouldn’t do without.

Retinol

The veteran superstar of skincare products whose popularity has never waned, retinol or vitamin A, stimulates collagen production, softens fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin tone. The best part is that it works well on almost all skin types.

Try: Physio Radiance Regenerating Night Cream, a cream with retinol that nourishes the skin and restores its natural glow.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the human and animal body. It lubricates the tissues, supports healing and helps the skin maintain its suppleness and smoothness. However, our bodies do not produce enough of this substance, which is why skincare products with plenty of hyaluronic acid are needed.

Try: The powerful Physio Radiance Firming & Lifting Double Serum to treat skin imperfections and protect against the signs of ageing.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3, is a popular ingredient in anti-acne treatments. However, it has many other benefits: It can lighten dark spots, reduce sebum production and promote cell turnover. It is also good for people with sensitive skin.

Try: Physio Radiance Restoring Day Cream, a lightweight cream for daytime use that brightens skin and keeps it fresh and hydrated on the go.

Carnosine

Carnosine is an essential peptide that strengthens the skin’s defence system against infrared rays and visible light. Maintains and improves collagen production while acting as a powerful antioxidant and supporting the firmness and elasticity of your skin.

Try: For a radiant eye area Physio Radiance Repair Eye Cream with carnosine, niacinamide, olive leaf extract and zinc.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is rich in nutrients and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has many benefits, such as reducing puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, and treating eczema and psoriasis. And as a bonus, it’s all natural.

Try: Physio Radiance Restoring Day Cream, which contains sweet almond oil to improve the complexion and nourish the skin.

Camomile

Like sweet almond oil, chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita) has long been used in skin care, and science has now confirmed its virtues: It heals wounds, soothes inflammation and makes the skin supple. It is also a good protection against free radicals.

Try: Physio Radiance Visage+ Purifying Gel, which, when combined with the state-of-the-art Physio Radiance Visage+, thoroughly cleanses, soothes and softens the skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, the power ingredient in many products, protects the skin from free radicals, combats pigmentation spots and gives it new radiance. It is also an excellent antioxidant that can repair UV damage and counteract the appearance of age spots.

Try: Physio Radiance Repair Eye Cream, which contains stabilised vitamin C to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

Shea butter

Another ingredient with a long tradition: shea butter makes dry skin soft and supple and locks in moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, is suitable for all skin types and although it is derived from seed fat, it is easily absorbed and does not leave the skin looking greasy.

Try: The luxurious Physio Radiance Regenerating Night Cream, which nourishes and moisturises the skin while you sleep.

Of course, every skin is different. And to find out what works for you, you may need some practice. But the eight ingredients above will help you decipher skincare products like an experienced beautician and get you and your skin on the right track.