It’s the most wonderful time of the year…to take stock of your skincare products! What better time than now to figure out what ingredients to take with you into 2021 and what to leave behind. Need some help? Here are the ingredients you need to illuminate your way into 2021:

Snow Mushroom

Not only does this youth-boosting fungus sound adorable (seriously, snow mushroom?! *swoon*) but it also delivers some serious hydrating action. Snow mushroom works in the same way as the oh-so-famous hyaluronic acid; however, snow mushroom has a smaller molecular size which means it penetrates even deeper giving us extra skin-plumping goodness. If you’re all about that #glowup, you’ll be happy to know this ingredient also improves skin’s elasticity giving it that bounce effect. The result?  You can expect to look fresh-faced, glowing, and bright with continual use of this natural ingredient.

FYI- On a skincare ingredients label, snow mushroom shows up as Tremella Fuciformis extract.

Cosmo recommends: The Inkey List Snow Mushroom moisturizer, Dhs50, www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Green Tea

Green tea is *so much more* than our favorite afternoon pick-me-up (but come on, who doesn’t love a matcha latte). It’s also a revitalizing skin-refreshment packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It works for all skin types, especially oily, because it counteracts excessive sebum production as well. Green tea helps to turn back the clock, fight the signs of aging, all while brightening your complexion. It’s a great booster to add to every skincare routine.

FYI- Green tea is listed as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract on skincare ingredients labels.

Cosmo recommends: Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30, Dhs282, www.dermalogica.ae,

Alpha Arbutin

Sensitive skin? Alpha Arbutin is a non-irritating alternative for those who find Vitamin C too harsh. This skin-brightener works *serious* wonders in fading acne scars and lightening sunspots. Aside from minimizing the appearance of dark spots and evening out your skin tone, alpha arbutin also prevents future hyperpigmentation. (Sidenote: you STILL need to wear your SPF!).

Cosmo recommends: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Dhs40, www.asos.com

Rosehip Oil

We love Rosehip Oil because it’s packed with our favorite skin-loving vitamins (A, C, and E, anyone?!) and it also contains hydrating fatty acids. Even better, this fast-absorbing dry oil is suitable for *all* skin types. Vitamin A (aka retinol) increases cell turnover and collagen production. Vitamin C illuminates and firms skin while Vitamin E smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Suffering from rosacea? Rosehip Oil helps with that too since Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties. With continual use, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars will fade away like the miniature handbag trend and skin will look more even and radiant.

FYI- Rosehip Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil are the same things. They come from the seeds and fruit of the rosa canina rose bush. However, Rose Oil is different. This oil comes from rose petals.

Cosmo recommends: Grown Alchemist Antioxidant + Facial Oil, Dhs290, www.aspirebeautyco.com

Pineapple
Sun, sand, and pineapple in hand…umm, we mean, on the face. In 2021, make sure some of that pineapple gets implemented in your skincare routine, too! Why? Because it’s full of exfoliating enzymes called bromelain as well as antioxidant Vitamin C. Bromelain has a large molecular size, so the exfoliation is pretty superficial (aka non-irritating). So much more than just a delish dessert, pineapple helps you to say goodbye to dullness and aloha to a beautiful, bright glow.

FYI- Look for Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract on the ingredients label.

Cosmo recommends: Vanessa Megan Pineapple Enzyme + HA Brightening Eyelift Serum, Dhs305, www.namshi.com