To address your skincare needs, active ingredients will become part of your routine. But understanding their purpose and how best to incorporate them can seem like an intricate chemistry lesson.

Think of inactive ingredients as supporting and amplifying the effects of actives like an orchestra does for singing; their light strings help balance out their heavier brass counterparts.
1. Retinol

Retinol (vitamin A) can help to diminish wrinkles, brighten skin tone and fade dark spots while smoothing fine lines and even texture. Retinoids do not cause breakouts like other ingredients like salicylic acid do; in fact, they can even be effective against blackheads! It is best to start taking retinoids in your mid-20s although it never too late; to prevent irritation, start at low concentration levels gradually building up over time.

Retinol works topically by targeting specific nuclear receptors to increase epidermal cell turnover, promote keratin production and inhibit the c-fos transcription factor involved with sebaceous gland cell growth – leading to acne or oily skin conditions.

On the market there are various forms of retinol that are suitable for sensitive skin, including retinyl palmitate (gentler than retinoic acid), retinyl acetate, and retinaldehyde – each offering strength without irritation to sensitive skin types. If possible look for products which use time release technology so as to slowly introduce retinol into the skin without causing irritation.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid found in sugar cane, pineapple and dairy as well as lactic acid derived from dairy, are water-soluble acids used to hydrate and exfoliate skin surface layers. AHAs work to restore dull complexions by clearing away dead skin cells accumulated over time while simultaneously diminishing fine lines and wrinkles with continued usage.

These natural exfoliants not only improve skin tone and texture, but can also even out mottled pigmentation caused by melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Additionally, these exfoliators can speed up natural cell turnover rates in mature skin that tends to experience slower cell renewal cycles than younger skin does – perfect for mature complexions with slower natural cell turnover rates!

AHAs can also be an ideal solution for oily and acne-prone skin types, as they help unclog pores by dissolving dead skin cell glue. However, be mindful that using AHAs will make your skin more susceptible to sunlight sensitivity, so make sure you apply sunscreen frequently when using these products in direct sunlight during their usage.
3. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid, the wonder ingredient that keeps skin hydrated (and wrinkle-free), is one of our go-to active skincare ingredients. A water-binding molecule capable of holding four times its weight in moisture, Hyaluronic Acid acts as a natural humectant that penetrates all layers of the skin for complete hydration.

As we get older, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid; that’s why it’s essential to replenish it through products like serums and moisturizers containing at least 1% concentrations of hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients like glycerin, vitamin B5, or ceramides.

When purchasing serums containing hyaluronic acid, make sure its label includes its molecular weight – the lower this number is, the smaller its molecules will be and thus easier it is for it to penetrate your skin. Be mindful not to overdo it though as too much hyaluronic acid may dry out your skin in high concentrations; Benjamin recommends applying two separate serums–an HA serum and vitamin C serum–several minutes apart so they have time to fully absorb.
4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been revered in the beauty industry as an effective means of brightening, tightening and helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles. But Vitamin C offers other skincare benefits as well, such as improving skin tone and warding off sun damage.

Water-soluble Vitamin C can often be found in citrus fruits (an orange daily keeps wrinkles away!), where it acts to boost collagen production and limit melanin production for an evener skin tone. As an antioxidant it neutralizes free radicals – unstable atoms which damage cells and accelerate aging – while protecting against UV rays.

When purchasing Vitamin C products, look for them to contain L-ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (MAP). LAA is an effective yet stable form of the ingredient; however it can sometimes cause irritation in those with sensitive skin; so for optimal results use MAP instead since it is less reactive to sunlight exposure. If possible combine your vitamin C serum or cream with hyaluronic acid products which bind moisture and create a plump and glowing appearance for enhanced results!
5. Phytessence Wakame

Phytessence Wakame, a sea kelp found throughout Japan, has become increasingly renowned as an anti-ageing ingredient due to its ability to promote firm skin. This natural skincare component works alongside Japanese ingredients like Cynergy TK to increase collagen production and decrease wrinkles; you can find this ingredient both organic well being retailers as well as online skin care retailers.

This all-natural ingredient can be found in many Japanese skincare products and has proven itself effective at reducing brown spots caused by sun damage on the skin. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent moisturizer that can keep it smooth and supple for healthy looking results.

Vitamin and Mineral Content – Packed full of B-Vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 as well as calcium (15x more than milk!), sodium, iron and potassium as well as antioxidants known to protect skin against free radical damage!

At most Asian supermarkets, you’ll be able to find products with this ingredient in the active skincare section. Look out for anti-ageing wrinkle creams containing these amazing ingredients: Coenzyme Q10 fights free radicals and helps reverse the aging process; Phytessence Wakame keeps skin taut and firm; Cynergy TK stimulates collagen production for smooth and elastic skin; while Xtend-TK encourages collagen and elastin protein for strong flexible skin.

Tags: active, ingredients, skincare