Beautiful young girl with a clean fresh skinCredit : depositphotos

Our skin is the first line of defense for the entire human body, protecting us against the elements and helping to regulate our internal temperature.

It’s also an important indicator of health and wellbeing, and thousands of new skincare products come onto the market every year claiming to rejuvenate our skin with a youthful glow.

While diet, exercise, and other smart lifestyle changes can be hugely beneficial for your skin, there are a few specific ingredients you can use to improve the skin’s overall health and resilience as well. Here are the top five.

1. Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, this naturally occurring vitamin is naturally present in many foods and is one of the most popular and powerful skincare ingredients on the planet.

The antioxidants found in vitamin C have been shown to reduce fine lines, scars, and wrinkles, while also boosting our collagen levels to firm up skin and increase elasticity.

Doctors suggest you take more dietary vitamin C in the form of citrus and supplements, but you can also find this ingredient in many creams and lotions in the skincare world.

Want to treat yourself to an at-home spa session? The cool, tingly feeling of a vitamin C face mask is a refreshing and enjoyable experience for all.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

If there’s one “fountain of youth” substance found naturally in our bodies, hyaluronic acid is it. This compound is produced mainly in the joints and eyes but has a profound impact on the vitality and health of our skin as well.

Our bodies make tons of hyaluronic acid when we are young, but levels naturally decline with age and unhealthy lifestyle factors like drinking, smoking, and stress.

You can naturally boost your own production of hyaluronic acid by tightening up your diet, getting great sleep, and reducing stress. However, most people choose to supplement with a powder or lotion that they can consume or apply daily.

3. Retinol

Glance quickly at any skin cream label and you will likely see retinol featured up front and center. This substance is made from vitamin A and works to boost collagen production in the skin, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles while adding a youthful glow to your complexion.

Be aware that retinol quality and concentrations vary widely between skincare products, and the most powerful solutions can get quite pricey or require a prescription.

You get what you pay for, however, and this is one of the most effective ingredients on the market. Experiment with a few different retinol products and see what works best for your skincare needs.

4. Salicylic Acid

If you’ve ever struggled with acne or an uneven complexion, you’re probably familiar with salicylic acid, which is present in many of the over-the-counter gels, creams, and exfoliators at the pharmacy.

When scrubbed into the skin, this powerful ingredient penetrates pores and works to eliminate whiteheads and blackheads from the inside out. There is the potential for irritation, however, so be wary of how your skin reacts.

Combined with diet and a healthy lifestyle, occasional salicylic acid scrubs can help keep skin clear and even prevent breakouts from happening in the first place.

5. Olive Oil

Who said that olive oil was just for dipping bread and roasting veggies? This wonderful ancient ingredient has a multitude of uses beyond the kitchen, including moisturizing, cleansing, and fighting bacteria buildup on the skin.

Not only is olive oil an emollient that soothes and softens skin, but it also contains a range of powerful antioxidants and vitamins which strengthen and protect the skin as well.

According to the experts at OliveOil.com, you should only use organic, non-GMO extra virgin olive oil on your face, and a little bit goes a long way. See for yourself how olive oil can improve your complexion and enjoy the results.