So, What Exactly Are You Putting on Your Skin?

When it comes to skincare, sometimes we get so swept up by the manufacturer’s bold proclamations that we don’t give a second thought to the actual ingredients that are in the products. This is odd, if you think about it, considering how much thought and preparation goes into what we put in our bodies. We measure our proteins, our water intake, our veggie intake, and even gluten levels. But when it comes to what we put on our skin, we find ourselves just glossing over the ingredients and hoping for the best.

There are certain ingredients that play a vital role when it comes to addressing all sorts of skin issues from hydration to acne to damage and more. Similar to the art of cooking, there are those ingredients that shine on their own while others reach peak levels of effectiveness when paired up with each other. AlumierMD’s unparalleled scientific approach to skincare is a key factor to ensure that any and all types of skin can fully benefit from the ingredients that are selectively included in each formulation.

So let’s go ahead and decode the mysterious world of ingredients and get some real truth on what they are, why they are used and if they are worth it (spoiler alert: they are!).

Opuntia Ficus-indica
What does it do?
Opuntia Ficus-Indica is a sustainable cactus extract used to help calm and hydrate the skin.

Why do we use it?
Sometimes cleansing can irritate or strip the skin of its nutrients. Partnering Opuntia Ficus-Indica with plant-based surfactants in cleansers ensures the hydration and protective barrier of the skin are respected.

Boswellia Serrata Extract
What does it do?
Boswellia Serrata Extract is a fragrant plant extract with anti-inflammatory properties.

Why do we use it?
When treating acne, we tend to focus on the oil and the P. acnes bacteria (scientifically known as Propionibacterium acnes). However, the inflammation caused by breakouts can lead to PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Boswellia Serrata Extract helps to minimize such inflammation.

Arnica
What does it do?
The arnica plant belongs to the sunflower family and has been used to relieve joint and muscle pain and swelling with its anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica also helps to soothe the skin.

Why do we use it?
Arnica helps calm and soothe skin that is irritated or has been freshly exfoliated.

Resveratrol
What does it do?
Resveratrol, found in grape seeds and wine, is celebrated in the scientific community, not only for its antioxidant properties but also as one of the more effective ways to combat acne.

Why do we use it?
By effectively attacking the P. acnes bacteria and reducing inflammation, resveratrol is an important ingredient in the battle for clear skin.

Oligopeptide-10
What does it do?
Oligopeptide-10, which is known to work well with salicylic acid, is an antimicrobial peptide that comes from plant amino acids. It’s an effective ingredient formulated to improve acne blemishes.

Why do we use it?
Studies have shown that when Oligopeptide-10 is partnered with salicylic acid, the rate of clearing the blemishes is even greater.

Bisabolol
What does it do?
Bisabolol is an extract from the German Chamomile as well as the bark of the Candeia tree that has anti-inflammatory properties. Bisabolol helps with the skin’s healing process by moisturizing and helps restore damage from the sun or environmental factors.

Why do we use it?
Daily stressors can easily irritate the skin. Bisabolol offers soothing support to the skin.

Sea Whip Extract
What does it do?
Sea Whip Extract, also known as gorgonian extract, is derived from a marine organism called sea whip, which is a renewable and environmentally friendly resource in the Caribbean Sea. Sea Whip Extract serves as an effective anti-inflammatory, perfect for redness-prone and sensitive skin.

Why do we use it?
The original concern with the skin may be targeted with the chosen actives but, more often than not, patients will experience a multitude of issues. It’s essential to have a well-rounded formula so that other factors including irritation are also addressed and treated.