You might often hear or see the words “active ingredients” or some of you might already be familiar with it. But what really are these active ingredients?
As their name suggests, active ingredients are those that are designed to target specific skincare skin concerns. They are used to deliver different benefits and given that these are “actives,” active ingredients can be beneficial to your skin, or the other way around. Generally, they are formulated to deliver solutions to our skin problems. Here are some common actives in skincare products and their functions:
🔸 Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) – AHA focuses on brightening, exfoliation, and acne prevention. This ingredient is commonly added in anti-aging products – those that target hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Since this has an exfoliating feature, it is not recommended to use it on a daily basis and it is important to note that one side effect of AHA is sun sensitivity so higher SPF is necessary if you are applying or using AHA on the skin.
🔸Hyaluronic Acid – One of the focuses of this ingredient is hydration. It has the capacity to regulate the skin’s moisture level and retain water capacity, keeping the skin hydrated and balanced. Hyaluronic acid also has anti-aging capabilities by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and works in improving skin resiliency.
🔸Vitamin C – This ingredient is an antioxidant that helps keep the skin looking bright and youthful. Vitamin C protects the skin from harmful free radicals – reducing visible signs of aging including dark spots from sun damage, wrinkles, and fine lines. This ingredient also aids in lessening discoloration. It also boosts the production of both collagen and elastin, keeping the skin plump and firm.
🔸Retinol – Similar to Vitamin C, retinol minimizes visible signs of aging. It minimizes the appearance caused by free radicals and improves uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Retinol also helps prevent skin drying by increasing skin hydration and aids in removing dead skin cells and clogged pores.
🔸Salicylic Acid – This ingredient is a part of the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) family and is commonly used as an acne treatment. Salicylic acid is used in treating non-inflamed breakouts and blackheads through the breaking up of dead skin cells and removing them from the skin’s surface. It is also used to clear up blackheads & blemishes and evens out skin tone.
🔸Niacinamide – Commonly used in serums, niacinamide has antioxidant and soothing properties that aid in minimizing redness and irritation that are linked with certain skin conditions. It helps brightens dark spots and the overall skin and evens out the skin tone. Niacinamide also aids in rebuilding the skin’s natural protective barrier and retaining skin moisture.
And that’s it besties! However, it is always important to note that these active ingredients may or may not be beneficial to our skin. And given that our skin reacts differently, it is important to consult your dermatologist first before applying products that contain high levels of the mentioned ingredients. What are your thoughts besties? 💖Let me know in the comments below!🤩
