What Are Active Ingredients In Skincare And How Do They Work?

Using skincare products with active ingredients can make a significant difference to the texture and feel of your skin. Learn more about the benefits here.
What Are Active Ingredients In Skincare And How Do They Work?

If you are interested in skincare or have considered purchasing skincare products before you have probably heard the hype around ‘active ingredients’. In fact, all of the products in the BB Skin range contain active ingredients, so what actually are they? 

Actives are ingredients that have been scientifically proven to change the structure of your skin at a cellular level when applied topically. Active ingredients are used to target specific skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne, ageing and dryness and they are used in a variety of different skincare products including exfoliants, serums, moisturisers and masks. 

Below are common active ingredients that you should look for when purchasing skincare products. 

 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that naturally occurs in the skin, and works as a humectant by drawing and retaining moisture from the environment and locking it within the skin barrier. 

Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for treating dry and ageing skin as the molecules can retain up to one thousand times their own weight in water which leaves your skin hydrated and plump, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

The BB Skin Hydrating Skin Shield contains Hyaluronic Acid to alleviate dry skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins, such as collagen in our skin.  According to experts we lose approximately 1% of our remaining collagen each year after the age of 30, which leads to dehydration and thinning of the skin resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Peptides in skincare work by penetrating the skin to send a signal to the body that triggers cells to produce collagen and strengthen elastin, promoting firmness and minimising the appearance of ageing skin. 

The BB SKIN Pro-Collagen Cream and Brightening Eye Serum contain peptides to plump the skin and mitigate fine lines and wrinkles. 

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3, which is an essential nutrient for the development  and function of cells. It’s versatile in treating a range of different skin conditions including dullness, acne, hyperpigmentation and rosacea as well as calming inflammation. 

It works by strengthening the outer skin layers, improving skin elasticity, and increasing fatty acids to improve uneven tone, minimise enlarged pores, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve brightness. 

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that promotes skin cell renewal and enhances the production of collagen. This powerful ingredient treats skin concerns such as signs of ageing and acne, and improves the texture and tone of the skin. 

This active ingredient will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so if you are incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, it is important to ensure you are applying an SPF50+ product daily to prevent sun damage.

The BB SKIN Pro-Collagen Cream includes the active ingredient Bakuchiol which is a natural form of Vitamin A to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while reducing pigmentation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that contains powerful antioxidants and is considered a holy grail ingredient for brightening and evening skin tone, and erasing sunspots. 

This active ingredient works by neutralising free radical damage and blocking abnormal production of pigmentation to even skin tone and fade dark spots. 

The BB SKIN Vitamin D Serum contains vitamin C derived from Kakadu Plum to mitigate fine lines while reducing redness and inflammation.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed through your skin and works by stimulating collagen production and enhancing the elasticity of your skin. Vitamin D also alleviates dry skin by reinforcing the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, and neutralises free radical damage. 

The BB SKIN Vitamin D Serum contains potent vitamin D extracted from irradiated reishi mushrooms, commended for its ability to repair and protect the skin from UV exposure to mitigate signs of ageing. 


BB SKIN is a science backed and results driven skincare range that has been formulated with active ingredients to target and treat a range of skin concerns, to maintain and support healthy skin. 

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