When Chemistry Rebuilds nature in our Skin care products - Active ingredients in Skincare

When we hear the words chemistry and cosmetics in the same sentence, we think the only link lies in deciphering the labels on your skin care products. But there is so much more – your favourite active ingredients in skin care are all thanks to chemistry. Chemistry is not the enemy! Let us take a look at some of the most commonly used active ingredients and how they benefit your skin -

Chemistry to nature’s rescue

Whether it is a cream, gel, emulsion or oil, all cosmetics have the same basic structure: one or several active ingredients that ensure the product is effective, an excipient to transport these ingredients, and additives to perfume, preserve, and lather the product and stabilise its pH. These different ingredients might come from plants, animals, minerals or could even be synthetic. Yet, as we well know, nature's resources are not infinite. Chemistry comes to the rescue to protect natural resources and save the cosmetics industry! Chemistry is far from the bad guy of the story - it replaces natural ingredients by reproducing these molecules found in nature, either through chemical synthesis or biotechnology. But that is not all, chemistry also steps in as part of our cosmetics when our body can no longer produce enough of certain molecules, such as collagen or hyaluronic acid.

Chemistry is in all our skincare

Retinol, parabens, peptides - All these active ingredients in skin care that make up our cosmetic products come from chemistry. They are present in all our bathrooms and vanity cases, but here are the ones on the top of the podium –

1. Salicylic acid

What is salicylic acid?

A popular beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this ingredient is found as a natural compound in plants and is used as a topical treatment for acne-prone skin.

What are the uses of salicylic acid?

The anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties of salicylic acid make it a great active ingredient to reduce breakouts and improve skin texture. Another benefit of salicylic acid is that it penetrates deep into clogged pores and clears them, reducing sebum secretion and breaking down pimples.

How to use salicylic acid on your face?

To reap the different benefits of salicylic acid for your skin, add the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence to your daily and weekly routine. The brightening salicylic acid in the Micro Essence penetrates up to 10 layers deep* into the skin to refine pores and minimize texture and leaves you with skin that is bright, radiant, and crystal-clear. Use a few drops of a facial essence that contains salicylic acid, twice everyday and follow it up with a face mask that also has salicylic acid, three times a week for skin that is smooth, hydrated, and glowing. If you are worried about using salicylic acid for dry skin, the serum and sheet mask are a great way to give your skin all the benefits while also hydrating your skin.

Can salicylic acid be used daily?
Yes, but in mild concentrations!

2. Hyaluronic acid

What is hyaluronic acid?

This super hydrating ingredient is present naturally in the epidermis, but its concentration decreases after the age of 20. Its blend of elements helps you to get back moisturised, supple skin.

How to use hyaluronic acid?

You can use hyaluronic acid in the form of topical products like face cream, serum and even face mask! The L’Oréal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Day Cream, L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Mix Serum Sheet Mask are great addition to your daily and weekly skincare routine, especially if you have been looking for ways to learn how to soothe irritated skin. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, the 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by the Hyaluronic Acid Cream, boosts your skin’s radiance by 42%** and gives hydration which lead to visible results in no time!

Use the Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Mix Serum Sheet Mask to pamper your skin and lock in hydration on days when you need it instantly!

Can hyaluronic acid be used daily?
Yes

3. Pro-Xylane

What is Pro-Xylane?

This is a sugar extract from beech wood that stimulates collagen synthesis for a firmer, smoother epidermis. For example, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Renewing Anti-Ageing Serum is enriched with Pro-Xylane and it instantly refines skin texture, boosts elasticity, and reverses the signs of ageing.

How to use Pro-Xylane?

Use the Revitalift Laser X3 Renewing Anti-Ageing Serum every night on cleansed face and neck to transform your skin.

Can Pro-Xylane be used daily?
Yes

While these three active ingredients make up a bulk of most commonly used skincare products, a few other ingredients also benefit you skin in different ways –

1. Q10
This is naturally present in all our skin cells, but the amount of it decreases with age. The addition of Q10 to cosmetics gets rid of the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Fibroxyl
This active ingredient that comes from green chemistry can stimulate the stretching of the fibroblasts responsible for collagen and elastin synthesis.

3. Ceramide R
This is a synthetic ceramide that can strengthen capillary fibre and protect and smooth hair follicles.

*Within epidermis in the stratum corneum layer
** Basis an instrumental test