There’s something undeniably seductive about newness, especially when it comes to skincare. Whether you’re reeled in by sleek packaging or a futuristic ingredient (looking at you, exosomes, peptides, and salmon sperm), it can be hard to resist trying out every single trend that hits shelves or your FYP. No offense to the latest and greatest skincare innovations, but in the quest for flawless skin, it’s often best to go back to basics. I’m talking about tried-and-true ingredients that actually work and have heaps of data to prove it.
To make things oh-so-simple, scale things back to the ABCs—that is, vitamins A, B, and C in topical form. “The ABCs are backed by scientific evidence for their ability to rejuvenate the skin and for their safety with long-term use,” says Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “These ingredients are the gold standard for reversing signs of aging and pigmentation and hydrating the skin.”
