Active ingredients in skincare products are ingredients that are designed to target specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, dryness, or hyperpigmentation. They are important to look for in skincare products because they are what will do the heavy lifting to help address your skin concerns. Active ingredients in skincare products are ingredients that have been scientifically proven to have a direct effect on the treatment of your skin concern. Skincare products can contain a host of ingredients, but not all of them are active ingredients.
Some commonly used active ingredients found in skincare products include:
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Retinol: derived from vitamin A, it specializes in combating premature aging. Topical application of retinol increases cell turnover that helps renew our skin cells and tackles the issue of hyperpigmentation.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.
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Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA): exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. They are particularly effective for treating acne and blackheads.
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Niacinamide: helps improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. It can also help strengthen the skin barrier.
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Hyaluronic acid: helps hydrate the skin and improve its texture. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Vitamin C: helps brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It can also help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
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SPF: protects the skin from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer.
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Ceramides: help strengthen the skin barrier and improve its ability to retain moisture. They can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Benzoyl peroxide: helps kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.
It is useful to have a basic knowledge of the ingredients in skincare products so that you can make sure you are buying products that will work for you and your skin type, as well as ensuring you know what you are choosing to put on your skin[[2]](https://aromantic.co.uk/blogs/aromantic-blog/active-ingredients-skincare-pro...