Skincare ingredients – what do they do, and how are they used?
Ceramides
What is it?
Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the outermost layer of the skin. They act as the “mortar” between skin cells, helping to keep the skin barrier strong, sealed, and protected.
What do they do?
Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and help retain moisture. They protect against dryness, irritation, and external stressors. The skin feels more supple, calm, and deeply hydrated.
How to use them
Ceramides are typically found in creams or serums and can be used both morning and evening. Apply as the final step in your skincare routine – ideally on slightly damp skin – to lock in moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid
What is it?
A sugar molecule that can bind up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. It occurs naturally in the skin, but levels decrease with age.
What does it do?
Hyaluronic acid delivers intense hydration, boosts skin elasticity, and helps reduce fine lines caused by dryness.
How to use it
Apply after cleansing, ideally on slightly damp skin, morning and evening. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Retinol
What is it?
A form of vitamin A known for its effects on fine lines, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. It promotes cell renewal and stimulates collagen production.
What does it do?
Retinol smooths the skin’s surface, reduces pigmentation, minimizes wrinkles, and improves texture over time.
How to use it
Use in the evening. Start 1–2 times per week and increase gradually. Apply to dry skin after cleansing and follow with a nourishing cream. Always use sun protection the next day. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Niacinamide
What is it?
A form of vitamin B3 with a wide range of benefits — from balancing oil production to evening out skin tone.
What does it do?
Niacinamide reduces the appearance of pores, balances sebum production, calms redness, and adds radiance. It also strengthens the skin barrier and smooths texture.
How to use it
an be used morning and evening, typically in serum form. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer. Compatible with most other ingredients.
AHA and BHA (Exfoliating Acids)
What is it?
Chemical acids that remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid) work on the surface, while BHAs (such as salicylic acid) penetrate deeper into pores.
What do they do?
They clarify and even out the skin, reduce pore size, and help prevent blemishes. AHAs are especially suited for dry or sun-damaged skin, while BHAs work well for oily or acne-prone skin.
How to use them
Use 1–3 times per week, preferably in the evening. Apply after cleansing and before serum or cream. Avoid layering multiple acids and always apply sunscreen the following day.
Vitamin C
What is it?
A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and supports collagen production. Commonly found in serums.
What does it do?
Vitamin C protects against environmental stress, reduces pigmentation and fine lines, and gives the skin a more even, radiant tone.
How to use it
Use in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen. Can be combined with most other ingredients – but avoid using it together with retinol unless your skin is well adapted.
Peptides
What is it?
Small protein fragments that act as signaling molecules, supporting the skin’s natural repair and collagen synthesis.
What do they do?
Peptider forbedrer hudens fasthed og elasticitet, reducerer fine linjer og virker både beroligende og fugtbevarende.
How to use them
Use morning and/or evening. Typically found in serums or creams. Apply after cleansing — alone or as part of your moisturizing routine. Gentle and easy to combine with other ingredients.
Squalane
What is it?
A lightweight oil similar to the skin’s natural sebum. Often derived from olives or sugarcane and easily absorbed.
What does it do?
Squalane softens and protects the skin, prevents moisture loss, and strengthens the barrier — without clogging pores. Suitable for both dry and oily skin types.
How to use it
Apply as the last step in your routine, either alone or mixed into your moisturizer. Can be used morning and evening. Ideal for sealing in hydration and protecting the skin from dryness.
It’s All About Balance
Skincare isn’t about using everything at once — it’s about finding the ingredients that suit your skin’s specific needs. Some ingredients work best in combination, while others should be introduced gradually. The most important thing is to listen to your skin and adjust your routine based on how it responds.
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