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Let’s face it – taking care of your skin is hard. You want to use products that have high-quality and clean ingredients. But even the slightest change in weather or sight of stress can wreak havoc on your skin.
Whether you intend to moisturize or deeply cleanse, this is when active ingredients matter. But what exactly are active ingredients? Let’s discuss everything you need to know about active ingredients with Nourishing Biologicals.
What Are Active Ingredients in Skincare
Active ingredients are the ingredients that are meant to serve a specific purpose. For example, if a product claims that it hydrates dehydrated skin, the active ingredient is what targets the lack of moisture.
Understanding the Importance of Actives
With marketing tactics formulated just to pull the consumer in, it can be hard to know who or what labels to trust — well, you can always trust the ingredients list.
You should always scan the ingredients list no matter what type of skincare or cosmetic product you purchase. The ingredient list gives you the knowledge of knowing what you're putting on your skin. However, it can be tricky to understand.
There are lots of ingredients you may have never heard of, and that's completely fine. We're here to help you better understand active and inactive ingredients. This way, you can choose only premium skincare from here on out.
Common Ingredients In Skincare
Sea Kelp
As the demand for all-natural and sustainable skincare increases, you see more sea kelp as a key ingredient. Nourishing Biologicals love the way sea kelp transforms and nourishes the skin.
Sea kelp has many vitamins and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Seaweed or sea kelp may have just been something you've eaten with your seafood or sushi, but we're here to tell you it can be seriously beneficial to your skin.
You can find sea kelp in our Miracular Face Serum, Men's Moisture Defense, Men's Face Serum, Miracular Eye Cream, NB Scar Logic, and NB Mask Logic.
Hyaluronic Acid
Another very common ingredient in the skincare and cosmetic industry is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid aids the skin in retaining water, therefore keeping it more moisturized.
Using hyaluronic acid daily can help keep your dry skin soft and supple. It won't just treat the symptoms; it will penetrate deeply to help correct the cause.
You can find hyaluronic acid in our Miracular Face Serum, Men's Moisture Defense, Men's Face Serum, and NB Scar Logic.
Salicylic Acid
The point of salicylic acid is to remove dead skin cells and offer protection from the sun. Yes, some skincare ingredients offer SPF protection, but it's never enough to skip sunscreen completely —- no matter what your skincare products say, always apply your own SPF.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
AHAs are an ingredient that is often used in over-the-counter skincare or cosmetics. AHAs contain alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids.
These ingredients are used in lotions and creams. The goal of using these ingredients is to shrink pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You can find AHAs in our NB Hydrating Body Cleanser and Miracular Hydrating Cleanser.
Kojic Acid
If you suffer from skin pigmentation issues and sun damage, you should look for kojic acid as an active ingredient in your skincare products. It is derived from a fungus and is known for its lightning properties.
Retinoids
Retinoids are often used to help lessen the appearance of acne scars, mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, and hydration levels.
It's often found in "anti-aging" products. It is derived from vitamin A, which can be commonly found in over-the-counter products. However, some retinoids are prescription only. Prescription retinoids are for more severe skin issues.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen is a commonly used ingredient in many skin care products. It is considered an antioxidant and has very nourishing properties. Generally speaking, collagen is very good for your skin as it helps new skin cells grow.
It deeply penetrates the skin leaving your skin feeling firm and looking youthful. If hydrolyzed collagen is an active or key ingredient in your skincare products, you should look forward to future results.
Your Skin Matters
Before you know what skincare products will work best for you, you need to know your skin type. The active ingredients you choose should depend on your skin type and deserved results.
Dry Skin
If your skin never has enough moisture to keep it feeling soft and supple, chances are you have dry skin. Dry skin can be challenging to deal with and often be uncomfortable. In fact, dry skin is more common (or severe) in colder or more dry climates.
Luckily, many products have active ingredients that are targeted to help alleviate and treat dry skin. Our Miracular Eye Cream contains sweet almond oil, which helps to reduce puffiness and under eye circles while improving uneven skin tone. It also helps reduce dry skin and reverse sun damage.
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
While everyone wishes they just had normal skin, that's not always the case. Dry, oily, or acne-prone skin is often passed on through genetics or based on environmental factors you can't control.
Oily skin is often considered acne-prone skin as the increased oil production clogs pores and causes breakouts. Even people with oily skin have days where they're grasping for some moisture.
The one thing you can control is your skincare routine. For example, our Miracular Hydrating Cleanser contains orange fruit extract, which has a gentle astringent property that helps bring relief to acne-prone skin. It also reduces signs of itching and irritation and prevents the risk of scarring.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is characterized by having both oily and dry areas. In most cases, the forehead, nose, and chin (known as the T-zone) are oily, with the cheeks and jawline being dry in comparison.
Proper care of combination skin requires using the right skincare products and knowing exactly where to apply them.
For example, our Miracular Face Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin and helps fortify the skin’s barrier for sustained hydration, and Sea Kelp, which provides a boost of antioxidants for defense against environmental aggressors.
Sensitive Skin
If you have easily irritated skin, you may have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs gentle soothing ingredients. You don’t want anything too astringent or abrasive that will result in more irritation.
Our Miracular Face Serum contains green tea extract, which is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties rich in vitamins C and E. It is beneficial in collagen formation to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Caring For Your Skin
Knowing your skin type and what ingredients you're putting on your skin is just the first step. There are many other ways you should be caring for your skin.
When it comes to skincare, you can do many little things to make your skin feel extra cared for. Here are some easy ways to ensure your skin always feels and looks cared for.
A Nightly Pamper Session
We like to think of a nightly skincare routine done with our Miracular Line collection as a pamper session instead of your average nighttime cleanse and moisturize.
Your routine doesn't have to be extremely intricate or intense; you just want to make sure you get all your makeup off and replace the moisture in your skin.
It simply takes the Miracular Hydrating Cleanser and Miracular Face Serum to leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and fresh for your needed night's rest.
In Conclusion
At Nourishing Biologicals, we emphasize that ingredients in your skincare matter. Even if products are labeled "anti-aging" and "moisturizing," you should ensure the active ingredients will be able to serve that purpose.
Remember that skincare products are just one step; you should eat healthily, drink plenty of water, and give your skin the extra TLC it needs.
Sources:
Collagen Hydrolysates for Skin Protection: Oral Administration and Topical Formulation | PMC
Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety | PMC
Dry Skin: Eczema, Itchy Skin, Causes, Treatments, Relief, Types | Cleveland clinic
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Scar Logic®
Regular price From $25.99 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Men's Essential Kit
Regular price $143.99 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Miracular Skin Essence
Regular price $89.99 USDRegular priceUnit price per
