Whether you’re looking at a social media review by a skincare enthusiast or a YouTuber’s product review, you’ll see that active ingredients have been an essential part of skincare products. However, those who have just started their skincare journey may not understand what an active ingredient is and what it does.
An active ingredient is the component of a skincare product that does exactly what the product is meant to do. For example, if a product claims to treat acne and breakouts, it may contain actives like salicylic acid or retinol. In addition, many active ingredients are out on the market that caters to a wide range of skin concerns like signs of aging, dark and uneven skin tone, or even dryness.
Choosing which active ingredient is the best for your skincare routine can be challenging. Although there are benefits of using them correctly, there may be instances where it can have side effects if not the right fit for you. With that, here are some things you can do so you can add actives into your skincare routine.
How to Add Actives Into Your Skincare Routine
Know your skin type
People have different skin types. Because of this, there is an abundance of skin care products available in the markets today. However, it can be challenging to determine what product best fits you, especially if you don’t know your skin type. To help you out, it’s best to research the characteristics of the different skin types and see which description fits yours.
Determine the suitable active ingredient for your skin concerns
Once you’ve found out what your skin type is, it’s time to move on and get familiar with the different active ingredients. There are various kinds of active ingredients that are included in skin products. With that being said, consider what skin problem you are trying to resolve. Is it acne? Dry skin? Or redness?
Before purchasing, you can research your skin problem and what type of skincare product ingredient can best solve them. Aside from that, you can also ask your dermatologist about recommendations for your skin type.
Common Active Ingredients
Salicylic Acids
Salicylic acid benefits include treating acne breakouts and blemishes cleaning your face from the gunk stuck in your pores. Other similar active ingredients that target the same skin concern are vitamin A, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and the like.
Vitamin C
You often see TV commercials on skincare products talking about the benefits of Vitamin C, and it can come in various forms like a serum you apply to your face. This is most often used to target signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and smoothen them out. However, it can also be used to treat dark spots and uneven skin tone, leaving your skin bright and even.
Kojic Acid
Got redness on your skin? Kojic acid is one of the most common active ingredients to treat pigmentation issues. It inhibits tyrosine, an amino acid used for melanin production. Melanin lightens your skin from acne scars, sun damage, and age spots.
Hyaluronic Acid
If you’ve got dry skin, hyaluronic acid may be the suitable active ingredient for you. This ingredient is used mainly to hydrate our skin, keeping it youthful. The body can naturally produce this type of acid. However, your ability to make this active ingredient depletes as you grow older. That’s why using products with hyaluronic acid can be a perfect fit for your youthful skincare routine.
Look for a product containing the active ingredient you need
When you’ve done your research, you can look for products that contain the specific active ingredient you need. Rather than just buying a product that states what it does, it’s best to check its components and see what type of actives are in it. When choosing the right products, it’s essential to be thorough since there may be long-lasting side effects that come with using the product.
Patch test the product before trying
Aside from checking the ingredients, make sure to perform a patch test before fully applying it. This step is essential as your skin may be sensitive to specific components that cause allergic reactions. In addition, doing this helps you choose which products are the best fit for you.
Choose Wisely
There are many benefits to using actives in your skincare routine. For example, products containing vitamin C or hyaluronic acid can be a great addition to your habits for youthful skin. However, it may be pretty challenging to choose the best product for you if you go in blind. It’s essential to know what skin concern you’re trying to treat and what actives are best to treat them.
If you’re still unsure what product to use, consult your dermatologist and get their expert opinion. Their expertise can guide you in choosing the right products to take care of your skin.
Penelope Martinez is a content specialist for Garnier Philippines, a sustainable and cruelty-free skincare brand that aims to help women uncover their beauty through all-natural skincare. She’s a beauty enthusiast and an advocate of sustainability. Penelope enjoys traveling, listening to music, spending time with friends, and discovering new skills in her spare time.