What the heck are actives? In short, they are a handful of hero ingredients proven to work miracles on your skin. Actives in skincare are naturally found and science-backed ingredients that work extremely hard to help repair and rejuvenate your complexion. Some of them are highly targeted while others provide myriad benefits for varying skin types and conditions. The application of actives in skincare certainly ranges but some of the most common uses aim to heal acne scarring and pigmentation, as well as, help to promote cell turnover. Some ingredients such as vitamin A, B (also known as niacinamide) and C can even aid in the protection against environmental stressors and UV rays.
We can all benefit from adding an active into our skincare routine, but the key thing to remember is that these are powerful ingredients. Just like most things in life, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For those with "normal" to maturing skin types with zero sensitivity, you'll be reaching for actives that focus on rejuvenation. Others with acne-prone or oilier complexions may reach for something to clear up congestion. And to all of our sensitive-skinned friends, you'll want to reach for a milder formula with a lower concentration to avoid any adverse reactions.
We know that keeping up with the top skincare trends and terms can get a little confusing so, we've listed our fave actives that you *need* to know about. Time to add "Actives" to your skincare lingo💁♀️
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most common and versatile active ingredients in the skincare biz. It's a favourite for a reason and when formulated correctly, anyone can benefit from it. Super C is our potent vitamin C powder that leaves your skin glowing all year long. Vitamin C is naturally unstable and extremely sensitive to light and heat, but you already knew that! That's why our Super C is stored in a UV protectant bottle to keep the formula fresher longer. The best part is it's generally safe, gentle, and effective for all skin types. Always patch-test! We've written more about Vitamin C on the blog!
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
You might recognize the term AHA from our own AHA Cream and AHA Gel. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids is a class of water-soluble chemical exfoliants that range in strengths, uses and benefits. Overall, they're recognized for their ability to improve your skin texture by leaving you with a smooth, supple appearance. We're talking about a serious glow! Our AHA Cream is a gentler formula for more sensitive-skinned users, while our Gel is pumped up for those with a heartier tolerance. Alternatively, our Renewal Complex is an excellent option for mature and acne-prone skin types.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is an underrated active that has recently picked up traction in the skincare industry. It's becoming everyone's favourite ingredient and we don't blame them! It's celebrated for its ability to manage breakouts, rosacea flare-ups, hyperpigmentation - even fine lines. You can learn more about this ingredient, here. Luckily for our acne-prone friends, we added this key ingredient to Veil. This lightweight, antibacterial cream is designed to visibly reduce oily conditions while helping to prevent moisture loss. Bonus! It even reduces the appearance of acne while maintaining a moisturized skin barrier.
Retinol
Saving the best for last, retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are proven to boost collagen production and combat wrinkles. If you have been struggling with hyperpigmentation then you'll definitely want to familiarize yourself with this amazing active. We offer two strengths, 0.3% and 0.6%, to give more skin types the ability to use a retinoid. But if this is your first time, we always recommend starting low and going slow with Retinol 30, 2-3 times a week. Check out our blog that debunks some of the most common retinol myths, here.