Skincare trends change as fast as the weather in Calgary (iykyk). Trends vary from year to year and are often influenced by a variety of factors, including new research and technology, celebrity endorsements, and the marketing effects on the popularity of certain ingredients or routines. A few of the hottest ingredients on right now include:

  1. Retinoids: Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are widely used in skincare products due to their ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne.
  2. Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found in the skin and helps to keep it hydrated and plump. It is often used in skincare products to help moisturize and plump the skin.
  3. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs are a type of exfoliant that can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells. They are often found in toners, serums, and masks.
  4. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.
  5. Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multitasking ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dullness.

It's important to keep in mind that not all ingredients will work for everyone and it's always a good idea to do your own research and patch test new skincare products, especially if you have sensitive skin like I do. Often times, these popular ingredients can cause irritation.

If you have sensitive skin and are considering using a skincare product containing retinoids, it's important to start slowly and use a lower concentration of the product initially. It's also a good idea to apply the product every other day or just a few times a week to start, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin becomes more accustomed to the ingredient, if it becomes accustom at all. You should also use a moisturizer and a sunscreen during the day, as retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. People with sensitive skin often experience redness, flaking, or other irritation when using a product containing retinoids.

While hyaluronic acid usually isn't the ingredient that causes irritation, it can inadvertently contribute to irritation by increasing the depth at which other ingredients absorb into the skin. 

While AHAs are known best to help your complexion appear more smooth and even-toned, AHAs may not work for everyone including those with sensitive skin. The reasoning behind this can be due to a few things. The main reasons include the concentration, pH, and frequency of use. AHAs are available in a range of concentrations, with higher concentrations potentially being more irritating. The pH of an AHA product can also affect its potential to irritate the skin, AHAs work best at a specific pH range, and products that are outside of this range may be more irritating. Lastly would be the frequency of use: Using AHAs too frequently or in too high of a concentration can also cause irritation. There are many types of AHAs, if glycolic doesn't work for you, try mandelic.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. While vitamin C is generally well-tolerated by most people, it's possible for some people to experience irritation when using products containing vitamin C. This is due to a very low pH, which tends to burn and irritate sensitive skin.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is commonly used in skincare products. It is believed to have a number of benefits for the skin, including helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, as with any skincare ingredient, there is a possibility that it could cause irritation in some individuals. This is especially true with a higher concentration of niacinamide. If you are experiencing irritation, try a product with a smaller concentration.

We all love to try new products with new and hot ingredients, but that can be challenging when you have sensitive skin. Remember to patch test products before you dive into using them.