(Picked this up while reading Allure)

Have you ever read the labels on your skin care products and still aren’t exactly sure what all of those ingredients do for your skin, but you slather them on anyway?

I’m guilty … lol … Here’s the breakdown on some of the more common ingredients:

DIMETHICONE:

A silicone (along with anything else ending in “cone”), which gives a lotion or cream a silky feel.

GLYCERIN:

Draws in water to moisturize without feeling heavy or clogging pores.

PETROLATUM:

A thick, occlusive agent that seals in moisture.

CERAMIDES:

Lipids naturally found in the skin that help keep water in (and irritants out).

SALICYLIC ACID:

A beta hydroxy acid that clears out pores and helps prevent zits.

GLYCOLIC ACID:

An alpha hydroxy acid that sloughs away the top layer of skin to brighten and even out texture.

LACTIC ACID:

An alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates as well as hydrates.

RETINOL:

Sloughs away the top layer of skin to build collagen, soften wrinkles, and minimize spots.

CAFFEINE:

Temporarily tightens and depuffs.

HYDROQUINONE:

A skin bleacher that fades dark spots.