What are Skincare Actives?

Social Media is a whirlwind of skincare trends, isn't it? Every week, a new "must-try" pops up, promising miracles. But let's be real, not all of them are skin-friendly. Some trends can actually mess with your skin's natural balance.

So, let's dive deep into the world of skincare actives! These powerful ingredients are taking the beauty world by storm, promising a brighter, clearer, and more youthful complexion. We'll uncover the truth behind these actives, how they work, and whether they're worth the hype. Let's get glowing, together!

Active Skincare Ingredients:

Okay, let's break down "active" skincare.

Okay, let's get real about skincare! You know those products that promise to fix your skin woes? That's "active" skincare! It's like a superhero squad for your face, targeting everything from dry patches to pesky pimples. 

Think of active ingredients as the secret weapons in these skincare superheroes. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides are like the trusty sidekicks, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Then there are the big guns: retinol, AHAs, and BHAs, which tackle wrinkles, dark spots, and clogged pores. And let's not forget the vitamin trio – A, C, and E – the ultimate skincare powerhouses.

By definition, active skincare refers to products specifically designed to target certain ‘problem’ areas such as dry skin, hyperpigmentation and acne.

Active ingredients in organic skincare

For those who are committed to a sustainable lifestyle, but also want an effective skincare. The good news is, you don't have to sacrifice one for the other!

Yes, you can still have your cake and eat it too!

Many powerful skincare ingredients can be sourced naturally. Let's explore a few:

• Hyaluronic Acid:This hydrating powerhouse can be found in our Hydrating and Illuminating Dermatologically Approved Glow-Up Face Cleanser.
• Gold flakes:A versatile ingredient that ancient beauty and wisdom.It brightens, tightens and even lightens your skin tone. Check out our Skin-Replenishing Golden hour Glow 24k Gold oil.
• Tripeptides:Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Our No-Baggage Under-eye Refresher with Caffeine Extract is rich in tripeptides.
• Vitamin C:A potent antioxidant that protects your skin from damage. Our Award-Winning C-cret Potion Vitamin C Serum is packed with vitamin C.

Layering Skincare: A Guide to Glow

Layering skincare products is like building a skincare sandwich - you want the right ingredients in the right order. The key is to start with thin, watery products and move to thicker, creamier ones.

A Quick Guide to Layering:

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean slate.
2. Tone: Prep your skin for the next steps.
3. Treat: Apply serums or treatments with active ingredients.
4. Moisturize: Seal in hydration.
5. Protect: Finish with sunscreen or a night cream.

       A Word of Caution:

• Not all ingredients play nice together. Some can clash, so be mindful of what you're layering. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist or skincare professional.

Mixing active ingredients skincare

Ready to level up your skincare game? Pairing the right active ingredients is the secret to a glowing complexion. But remember, everyone's skin is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another.

• A Quick Tip: Think of your skincare routine as a well-coordinated team. Each ingredient has a specific role to play, so choose your players wisely.

Skincare active ingredients not to mix 

Some skincare ingredients are like oil and water - they just don't mix! Combining certain actives can lead to skin irritation and damage.

   Avoid these combos:

• Vitamin C and Retinol: This duo can be too harsh on your skin, potentially causing irritation.

• Retinol and AHAs: A double dose of exfoliation can leave your skin red and sensitive.

• Retinol and BHAs: This combo can also lead to excessive dryness and irritation.

So, let's play it safe and avoid these pairings. Your skin will thank you!

Can you use too many actives in skincare?

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of skincare trends and pile on a bunch of products. But trust us, following a consistent and manageable routine may prove to be far better than an enforced 10+ step routine. 

At Alive & Well, we believe that a simple, effective routine with a few key ingredients is all you need to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

First, figure out your skin's biggest goals. Are you aiming for a dewy glow, or are you battling blemishes? Once you know your skin's mission, you can choose a few key products with powerful ingredients to help you achieve it.

As mentioned before, keep your routine simple and enjoyable. A few minutes of self-care each day can make a big difference.

Here’s a Smart Approach to Skincare

Tired of overdoing it with your skincare routine? Skin cycling is the answer! Instead of piling on a bunch of products every night, this clever routine involves rotating between exfoliation, cleansing, and recovery nights.

Why it works:

• Prevents Over-Exfoliation: Too much exfoliation can irritate your skin.
• Maximizes Results: Gives your skin time to absorb active ingredients.
• Promotes Healthy Skin: Helps maintain a balanced and glowing complexion.

1. Cleanse Your Way to Glowing Skin

Start your day (or night) with our Illuminating Face Cleanser. This gentle, yet deep cleansing face wash clears away impurities, leaving your skin soft, supple, and ready for the next step.

2. Nourish and Radiate with Our Luxurious 24k Gold Face Oil

Indulge your skin with our luxurious 24k Gold Face Oil. This potent blend of nourishing oils, including macadamia nut oil, argan oil, and vitamin E, deeply nourishes, hydrates and revitalizes your skin. The rich antioxidants in this oil protect your skin from environmental stressors, while essential fatty acids promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

3. Dab on some Under-eye Refresher

Give your eyes some love with our nourishing No Baggage Eye Refresher. Gently pat it under your eyes using the metal applicator. Enriched with caffeine extract, Vitamin K and allantoin, this creamy formula helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, depuffs and delivers deep hydration leaving your eyes looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

Shop our full range of dermatologically tried & tested, non-comedogenic and cruelty free skincare at Alive and Well.

Let's unlock your skin's true potential together!