Feed the skin: Must-have ingredients for skin nutrition

Decoding ingredients in skincare products and knowing which are best suited to each skin type can often be a minefield.

With a world of ingredients to be discovered, there are many must-haves needed for skin nutrition. Lynn Gray, the in-house nail and skincare expert at Swiss brand Mavala, has given us a rundown of her top recommendations.

Hyaluronic Acid

This powerhouse ingredient is well known for its skin benefits, such as alleviating dry skin and providing much-needed moisture.

"Applying hyaluronic acid, or HA, regularly in your routine is beneficial to everyone, regardless of your skin type, but will especially benefit dehydrated skin," Lynn explains. "Its restorative abilities help to draw moisture from the deeper layers of skin and can reduce skin tightness, sensitivity, and premature wrinkles."

You can find HA in Mavala's Aqua Plus range, which features a serum, cream, and sleeping mask, as well as CeraVe's Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Glossier's Super Bounce Serum.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used as a natural ingredient to treat a number of topical skin conditions for thousands of years.

"As a skin-friendly plant, aloe vera offers low risk of causing allergies, sensitivity, or skin reactions, making it ideal for those with irritated skin. Rich in vitamins, aloe vera contains polysaccharides which offer hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits along with phytosterols that help to soothe itchiness and irritation," the beauty expert shares. "Aloe vera is particularly beneficial for sunburn, with its cooling properties helping to soothe the skin and provide hydration."

You can find the ingredient in Mavala's Clean & Comfort range, as well as products like The Body Shop's Aloe Calming Cream Cleanser and Nature Republic's Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser.

Swiss Linseed Oil

"Swiss Linseed Oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is great for the skin due to its richness in fatty acids and is particularly targeted towards those with dryness and looking to increase skin density," Lynn advises. "As a soothing and softening oil, this will help produce a tighter and bouncier appearance on the skin. Particularly rich in omegas, linseed oil will also help create a stronger skin barrier."

Vitamin C

"When it comes to skincare, many of us are familiar with vitamin C and for good reason. Benefits include antioxidants to help protect against damage and free radicals; encouraged collagen production; protection against environmental aggressors and a glow-y and radiant complexion," she explains. "Due to the environmental protection it offers the skin, vitamin C should be applied in the morning as part of a daily skincare routine."

You can get your vitamin C fix via Mavala's Skin Vitality range, Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Glow, or Murad's Essential-C Cleanser, among many others.