Discover must-have skincare ingredients to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing — all backed by expert advice from Hong Kong-based aesthetician Justine Grier!
Living in Hong Kong means dealing with a climate that’s anything but predictable — hot and humid summers, cool and dry winters, and let’s not forget the ever-present pollution. It’s no wonder our skin can feel like it’s on a rollercoaster ride! The good news? The right skincare ingredients can make all the difference in keeping your skin balanced, healthy and glowing, no matter what the weather throws at you.
To help you find the best skincare ingredients to tackle Hong Kong’s unique weather, we’ve turned to Hong Kong-based aesthetician Justine Grier, founder of skincare clinic Skin HQ, who shared her expert insights on the best ingredients to include in your skincare routine. Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, our guide will help you navigate Hong Kong’s climate with confidence!
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Powerhouse ingredients You Can’t Miss
“With an overwhelming number of skincare ingredients flooding social media, beauty counters and department store shelves, it can be difficult to determine which ones truly make a difference in skin health. While trends come and go, some ingredients have stood the test of time for their scientifically proven ability to transform skin at a cellular level.”
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Vitamin A — The Queen of Skin Renewal
“Vitamin A — often referred to as retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid or tretinoin — is one of the most potent ingredients in skincare. It works as a cell-communicating ingredient, binding to skin cell receptors and regulating cellular turnover (Cellular turnover: the natural process where old, dead skin cells on the surface are shed and replaced by new, healthy cells from deeper layers of the skin.). Retinol, for instance, boosts collagen production, reduces pigmentation and improves the appearance of fine lines. To avoid irritation, introduce it gradually to help skin build tolerance over time.”
Product recommendation: Skinretin 0.3% Retinol Cream by mesoestetic
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Vitamin C — The Brightening Powerhouse
“Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a multitasking antioxidant known for stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation and brightening the skin. To maximise its benefits, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage, just as you would with vitamin A. Look for stabilised formulations or anhydrous versions (water-free formulas) for longer-lasting potency.”
Product recommendation: CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals
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AHAs vs. BHAs — The Exfoliation Experts
“Exfoliation is key to maintaining clear and healthy skin. It comes in two main categories:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs are excellent for improving texture, boosting hydration and enhancing the absorption of other skincare products. Also known as glycolic and lactic acid, AHAs work on the skin’s surface by dissolving the bonds between dead cells, allowing fresh, radiant skin to emerge.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Also known as salicylic acid, BHAs are oil-soluble, making them particularly effective for acne-prone and oily skin. BHAs penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and prevent congestion while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
Both should be introduced gradually, especially if using other active ingredients like vitamin A or C.”
Product recommendation: Blemiderm Resurfacing Gel by mesoestetic
Hyaluronic Acid — The Ultimate Hydrator
“Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn’t an exfoliating acid, It’s a water-binding molecule that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a hero ingredient for all skin types. Found naturally in the skin, HA helps maintain moisture levels to achieve a plump and dewy complexion. For best results, look for cross-linked HA with multiple molecular weights, as this ensures hydration at different layers of the skin. Unlike other active ingredients, HA can be used morning and night without risk of irritation or congestion.”
Product recommendation: HA Densimatrix by mesoestetic
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Peptides — The Skin’s Building Blocks
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers, telling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. These ingredients help reduce fine lines, strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall firmness. Incorporating peptides to your skincare help soften expression lines and enhance skin resilience. Peptides are gentle and can be layered with other active ingredients, making them a great addition to any anti-aging regimen.”
Product recommendation: PTIOX serum by SkinCeuticals
Exosomes — The Future of Skin Regeneration
“One of the most exciting advancements in skincare, exosomes are derived from Wharton’s Jelly and function as cellular messengers. They play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, stimulating skin regeneration at a deep level. As a hot contender with regards to medical treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma), exosomes have now made their way into high-end skincare serums and ampoules, delivering unparalleled anti-aging, rejuvenation and healing benefits to skin.”
Product recommendation: EXO-Skin Moisturizer by Dp Dermaceuticals
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Final Overview
“With so many ingredients available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key is to introduce active ingredients gradually, listen to your skin and adjust based on your needs. And of course, consulting a professional experienced aesthetician. By incorporating these scientifically backed ingredients into your skincare routine, you can achieve healthier, stronger and more radiant skin for the long term!”
Skin HQ, 1/F, 32 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, Whatsapp: 9819 7116, Instagram:@skinhq.hk
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All images courtesy of Sassy Media Group.
