The Channel 46
You’ve probably figured out by now that there is a whole alternate galaxy out there where terms like niacinamide, hyaluronic acids, AHAs, BHAs, peptides, ceramides, and more exist. Now if you are a simple CTM (cleanse-tone-moisturise, umm, hello!) girl, it’s easy. You wake up, do your skincare and check out. But if you are an ambitious soul, wanting to learn more about skincare, then skincare actives are a whole new area you can get into. Use this awesome homemade face toner for cleansing your pores easily.
1. Niacinamide Acid Commonly called B3, Niacinamide works with most skin types (although it reads acid!). It is commonly found in serums, moisturisers, body lotions, and spot treatments, and should be preferably used at night.
2. Retinoid (An Umbrella Term For Retinols) Retinoids / Retinols (less concentrated form) work with most skin types. It’s a star ingredient for fighting acne, promoting skin renewal, and boosting skin collagen for younger-looking skin. The trick to using retinol is to: – Introduce it slowly (in small quantities) into your routine – Use strictly at night – Never use on active on retinol – Never mix with AHAs or PHAs
3. Vitamin C Vitamin C works with most skin types and is commonly found in serums, moisturisers, and cleansers. If you are using vitamin c in serum form, limit usage to nighttime. That said, cleansers and moisturisers have milder concentrates of vitamin C and can be used day or night. Opt for products that have a combination of vitamin C and retinols or vitamin C with AHAs for maximum effect.
4. AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) AHAs is an umbrella name for commonly known Glycolic Acid, Lactic, and Mandelic Acid. AHA is a powerhouse ingredient that works with most skin types and is commonly found in toners, moisturisers, and serums. Products with smaller concentrates of AHAs (3%-5% tops) are safest to use at night. Opt for products that have a combination of Vitamin C and AHAs, or AHAs with Hyaluronic acid, or AHAs with BHAs.
5. BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acids) BHAs or Salicylic acid works well with oily skin types or acne-prone skin. Products with smaller concentrates of BHAs (3%-5% tops) are safest to use and can be used morning or night. Opt for products that have a combination of Retinol and BHAs, or BHAs with Hyaluronic acid, or AHAs with BHAs.
6. Hyaluronic Acid Quite easily the most loved active, this easy-going ingredient works well with most skin types but is especially great for dry skin. It’s commonly found in cleansers, moisturisers, and serums, and can be used morning or night. Opt for products that have a combination of Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol, or Hyaluronic Acid with AHAs or BHAs for maximum impact.
The Channel 46