Understanding Actives

Actives are skincare saviours, the power players in your skincare routine.

We explore some of the most popular skincare actives to help you choose which to add to your skincare routine.

What are skincare actives?

Active ingredients or ‘actives’ address specific skin concerns such as acne, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Retinoids: The Pro-Ageing and Acne-Fighting Hero

If you’re serious about pro-ageing or acne treatment, retinoids are a game-changer.

Retinoids, including the most well-known retinol, are derived from vitamin A. They speed up cell turnover, unclog pores, and boost collagen production to give your skin a healthy glow.

What We Love About Retinoids:

Pro-ageing: Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients for reducing fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen.

Clear skin: They prevent breakouts by helping prevent pores from becoming clogged.

Fades dark spots: With consistent use, retinoids can even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation.

What to Watch Out For:

Irritation: Retinoids can cause dryness, redness, and peeling, especially when you start using them.

Sun sensitivity: They can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily SPF is non-negotiable.

I reach for SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Face Cream, a concentrated formula for ageing and blemish-prone skin, or Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Supercharged Vitamin A Serum.

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Your Go-To for Smoother, Brighter Skin

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), like glycolic acid, are chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin. They’re great for normal to dry skin types and can help improve skin texture and tone over time.

Why We Love AHAs: 

Gentle exfoliation: AHAs work without harsh scrubbing, leaving you with that fresh-faced glow. AHA glycolic acid is beneficial in helping treat acne, as it helps to loosen the “glue” between dead skin cells, improving congestion. Try CeraVe’s Blemish Control Gel.

Pro-ageing perks: They promote collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines.

Brightening power: AHAs are excellent for fading dark spots and evening-out skin tone.

Watch Out For: 

Irritation risk: Overuse can cause irritation, so start slowly!

Sun sensitivity: Like retinoids, AHAs increase sun sensitivity—so again sunscreen is essential.

Vitamin C: The Brightening, Anti-Aging Antioxidant

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten your skin, even out skin tone, and protect against environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.

Why Vitamin C is a Skincare Superstar:

Glowing skin: Vitamin C brightens and helps fade dark spots, giving you a more radiant complexion.

Pro-ageing: It boosts collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Extra protection: Vitamin C helps protect your skin from daily environmental damage.

What to Keep in Mind:

Stability issues: Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light or air, so choose products in airtight, opaque packaging.

Irritation: Higher concentrations may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.

Here are a few of my vitamin C favourites: Cerave Skin Renewing 10% Vitamin C Serum Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Sarah Chapman London C1 Vitamin C Power Serum.

Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into your skin, making it an essential ingredient for anyone looking to boost hydration. It is especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin, though oily skin types can also benefit.

Why Choose Hyaluronic Acid:

Deep hydration: Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it perfect for keeping your skin hydrated and plump.

Plumping effect: Regular use can help reduce the appearance of fine lines by plumping the skin.

What You Should Know:

Temporary effect: While hyaluronic acid works wonders for hydration, it’s not a long-term fix unless you are consistent with use.

Searching for hyaluronic acid and hydration for your body? Check out my body care range Joonbyrd and try our hydration heroes MOON SWIM Body Wash and SUNDAY SOFA Body Butter.

Trending Skincare Actives

The skincare world is constantly evolving. Here are some other active that are garnering attention:

Peptides: These little protein building blocks help boost collagen production and repair your skin. They’re becoming popular for their pro-ageing benefits without the irritation that often comes with stronger actives like retinoids. For toned, smooth, supple skin, try Joonbyrd’s DAYDREAMER Body Serum which is packed with peptides.

Ceramides: These lipid molecules help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental damage. They are essential for keeping the skin hydrated and resilient.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps with oil control, reducing redness, minimising pores, and improving skin barrier function. It’s also great for evening out skin tone and addressing hyperpigmentation.

Read more about the active ingredients in my Joonbyrd range.

Adding actives to your skincare routine

Using actives in your skincare routine can have huge benefits, but it’s important to introduce them slowly and pay attention to how your skin reacts.

And remember, consult a dermatologist if you have skincare concerns.