Some of us are obsessed with getting the perfect glowing skin. We just do not buy products but look through the ingredients too. Because why not? We must know what we are giving to the skin, right! There are several articles and blogs written on what product is best for your skin. How you can use these products and a lot more is to write about skincare ingredients. But do you know how they work? In this article, we will not just learn about what are the best active ingredients but how they work and which active skincare ingredients are best according to your skin type. To transform your skin from good to great with the right active skincare ingredients.

Active skincare ingredients or popularly known as actives are those ingredients that target a specific skincare condition. In layman terms, you cannot use every ingredient for your skin concerns. Actives are super effective on skincare conditions like – acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, dryness, and fine lines. They are believed to bring long-term benefits to your skin. Active ingredients are extracted from natural ingredients and benefit your skin a lot when applied in their concentrated form. They can be used as serums and emulsions instead of being used in their diluted form.

These days, you might have come across serums and lotions that just have one ingredient in them. And these products are meant for a specific person because they contain active ingredients. Some famous examples being the Vitamin C serum or a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Retinol serums have also gained a lot of popularity and give you anti-aging skin. So you see, every active skincare ingredient has got a specific purpose to serve. These products are often considered elixirs for your skin because of the ever-lasting effects they leave on your skin. Active skincare ingredients are scientifically proven to treat your skin and fight the signs of acne, aging, pigmentation, and dryness. Hence, it is a must to include them in your skincare routine.

Now that you know what Active Skincare ingredients are, you must be wondering how they work? And what about all those other ingredients that are present apart from the active ingredients in the products. Active skincare ingredients are applied in their concentrated form. However, the percentage combination is balanced so that your skin is not damaged. Also, to make them volatile and give them texture, certain inactive ingredients are used. They act as a carrier and take the active ingredients to the affected area of the skin that needs to be treated. Both active and inactive ingredients come together to make a skincare product that works best for your skin. They provide your skin the benefits that it needs at the moment.

Active ingredients are also known to work as antioxidants, moisturizers, and exfoliants. They all have their benefits and instead of using a serum, you can use an exfoliant. They all work according to the specific skin concern. For example, Hyaluronic Acid hydrates your skin. There is a range of skincare products that you can use. But first, you need to detect what type of skin concern you are dealing with.

Active ingredients are extracted from naturally occurring ingredients. They have their sources and are categorized according to the skincare condition they are used against. Every active skincare ingredient serves a specific purpose. Some of the best examples of Active Ingredients are as follows:

Humectants – 

Source: Humectants are popularly known for hydrating the skin and are derived from plant-based oils. They are water magnets that pull the moisture to the upper layer of your skin, from the surrounding air.

Function: They keep your skin moisturized throughout the day and are beneficial for people with extremely dry skin. It is also good for people living in dry climatic conditions as well.

Benefits: Also, while using humectants in the form of serums, it is advised to use a hydrating moisturizer. In this way, the humectants derive the water content from the moisturizer itself.

Examples: Some common Humectants are – Alpha- Hydroxy Acids, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerine.

Antioxidants –

Source: Antioxidants are found in a range of skincare products and also a lot of active ingredients as well. They are used as anti-aging serums and creams. They are derived from both natural and manmade sources.

Function: Antioxidants when consumed via food are great for your health. Similarly, antioxidants in skin care products make the skin healthy and fight the signs of aging, and help you get rid of wrinkles.