{"id":2970,"date":"2025-07-02T09:58:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T08:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e45.com\/uk\/?p=2970"},"modified":"2025-11-13T06:29:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T06:29:36","slug":"ingredients-efficacy-in-skincare-products-with-dr-pendergraph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e45.com\/uk\/e45-about-skin\/expert-insights\/ingredients-efficacy-in-skincare-products-with-dr-pendergraph\/","title":{"rendered":"Ingredients and Efficacy in Skincare Products"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Nina-Pendergraph\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ingredients and Efficacy in Skincare Products<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

An Interview with Dr. Nina Pendergraph<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chemist & Skincare Expert<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema (atChoosing the right skincare products can feel overwhelming, especially if your skin is dry, sensitive or prone to irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our chat, Dr Nina Pendergraph explains how the skin barrier works, which ingredients truly help\u2014and which myths to ignore\u2014so you can pick products that suit your skin type and address your concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can you tell us a bit about your background and passion for skincare?<\/h2><\/summary>
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As a chemist, I\u2019ve worked in various industries, but when I started in cosmetic science, it resonated differently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are products you actually use every day\u2014from toothpaste in the morning to moisturiser at night\u2014and being part of a team that develops products for itch relief or dry skin<\/a> gives me real satisfaction. I love that I can feel, touch and use what I work on.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

Why is it so important to use skincare products<\/a> tailored to dry, sensitive or problematic skin?<\/h2><\/summary>
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For dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, using the right skincare is crucial. We often talk about the skin barrier\u2014or Stratum Corneum\u2014the outermost layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your barrier is compromised (for example, you can see dryness, cracks<\/a> or redness<\/a>), you\u2019re losing water through transepidermal water loss. Good skincare helps rebuild that barrier and trap moisture, preventing further dehydration and irritation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

Which key ingredients should people with dry or sensitive skin look for?<\/h2><\/summary>
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First, you need hydrating actives to draw water into the skin\u2014ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, ectoin or propylene glycol. Next, skin-identical lipids (emollients) such as ceramides, free fatty acids, cholesterol and squalane help repair the barrier. Finally, occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, lanolin or plant-based oils lock in that hydration. If your skin is itchy, soothing ingredients like panthenol, aloe vera<\/a> or allantoin can help calm irritation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

What about oily skin? Do they need moisturiser too?<\/h2><\/summary>
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Yes\u2014oily skin still needs hydration. The myth that oily skin shouldn\u2019t moisturise is false. Hydrating actives (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) benefit all skin types, and oily skin should look for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores. Even if you feel you have excess oil, don\u2019t skip moisturiser.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

What should everyone avoid, especially if they have sensitive skin?<\/h2><\/summary>
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Perfumes and fragrances are common allergens and irritants\u2014avoid them if your barrier is compromised. Even \u2018natural\u2019 essential oils or botanical extracts can trigger irritation, allergies or sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A product being natural doesn\u2019t guarantee it\u2019s safer, it can also contain allergens that cause allergic reaction in some individuals. We judge safety by dose, not just whether they come from a plant.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n

What common skincare myths should we ignore<\/h2><\/summary>
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