What are active ingredients in skincare?
Active ingredients were traditionally ingredients that had been shown to have a biological effect based on scientific study. The term is now used more loosely and is used to describe an ingredient included in a product formula that has been included for a specific benefit and/or effect. Therefore, active skincare ingredients are the part of the formula responsible for repair, hydration and protection. They can provide a fullness or plumpness to the skin’s appearance, limit sebum blockages in the skin leading to acne and reduce pigmentation of the skin.
Active ingredients can be found in all skincare products from chemical free skin care where the active ingredients range from minerals, natural oils and plant extracts to the chemical compounds found in other skincare formulas where they are often created to mimic many of the natural ingredients.
In many mainstream skin care products, water is the main active ingredient which provides an inexpensive filler to the product often resulting in finishing that jar or moisturiser faster than expected, ultimately leading to spending more money on skin care products. Be mindful if water is the main ingredient in your products, you are not always gaining value for money.
Botanical active ingredients are primarily used for their antioxidant properties, essentially meaning they have the ability to reduce harmful molecules and reduce cell damage. It’s a balancing act for the skin with oxidative stress occurring from sun exposure, chemical exposure, pollution, stress and poor diet leading to an increase in what is known as free radicals. And what can minimise the negative effects of free radicals including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation? you guessed right, antioxidants!
Are you paying for water?
In many mainstream skin care products, water is the main active ingredient which provides an inexpensive filler to the product. When water constitutes the majority of the product, the consumer must use more of the product which means the product is used faster than expected, ultimately leading to spending more money on skin care. Be mindful if water is the main ingredient in your products, you are not always gaining the best value for money.
Botanical active ingredients are primarily used for their antioxidant properties. Ingredients that act as antioxidants have the ability to reduce damage from harmful environmental pollutants and other oxidative stressors. It’s a balancing act for the skin with oxidative stress occurring from sun exposure, chemical exposure, pollution, stress and poor diet leading to an increase in what is known as free radicals. Free radicals even sound like they want to party, right? And what can minimise the negative effects of free radicals including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation? You guessed right, antioxidants!
Are natural active ingredients going to work?
Yes! The key is being consistent and using products as directed by qualified skin therapists to gain the best results. Instant results can be seen with some products such as an improvement with fine lines from hyaluronic acid, however, most benefits are seen over a period of time, often three to six months, when the products have enough time to get the job done. Remember your skin has been a progression of life, it doesn’t change overnight. Patience is the key and it is well worth it.
Why should I choose toxin free?
The skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs 80% of what is placed upon it. As with the food that we eat, it is best to minimise the use of chemicals on the skin to decrease the overall toxic load on the body and to minimise exposure to what are known as endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors have the ability to act in similar ways that hormones do which can lead to hormone dysregulation, weight gain, the liver needs to work harder in detoxification processes, clogged pores and increased breakouts and acne. Is that one tube of moisturiser going to cause all of these issues, probably not, however if you have a look at everything your body is exposed to in life from pollution, pesticides, stress, chemicals in skincare and makeup, alcohol, medications, the body has a pretty big job keeping us healthy so why add to its task list? There are so many effective product ranges available now that it seems crazy not to choose chemical free.
Click through to read FIVE of our FAVOURITE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Earth and Skin is a Gold Coast organic day spa with a difference. We offer beauty treatments and products that are vegan, organic, chemical-free and free from animal cruelty. We have done the research into the safety and toxicity of common beauty rituals and have developed our menu based on the safest, most effective treatments available. If you’d love to experience beauty that cares for you and the Earth, we’d love to see you. Call now on 07 5530 7959 to book an appointment or book online.
