How Active Ingredients Work
The skincare industry is full of magical claims. Some products promise illumination and instant youth, while others lead buyers to believe that within just a few weeks their uneven skin will making even out.
But when buying any skincare treatments, the only products that will be effective are those with active ingredients.
Unlike cosmetic skincare, which often focuses on aesthetic enhancement, medical skincare has real, therapeutic benefits, which provide a range of solutions for a range of skin concerns.
In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind three powerful active ingredients—retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides—so that you can gain a better understanding about how they function at a cellular level to transform the skin and why they are labelled medical skincare.
The Gold Standard of Anti-Aging
Retinoids, a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, are renowned for their potent anti-aging properties. These ingredients work by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.
Here’s how:
Cellular Turnover
Retinoids accelerate the shedding of old skin cells and the generation of new ones. This process not only smooths out fine lines and wrinkles but also helps to even out skin tone and texture.
Collagen Stimulation
As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Retinoids penetrate the skin and bind to retinoic acid receptors, which in turn stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen. This results in firmer, more youthful skin.
Acne Management
By unclogging pores and preventing the formation of comedones, retinoids are also effective in treating acne.
The strength of retinoids varies from over-the-counter options like retinol to prescription-strength retinoic acid (tretinoin). While highly effective, retinoids can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. It’s advisable to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase the usage.
The Ultimate Hydrator
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that has the incredible ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it a powerful hydrating agent, particularly beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin. Here’s how HA works:
Moisture Retention
HA molecules attract and bind water, creating a plumping effect that smooth’s out fine lines and provides the skin with a hydrated, dewy appearance.
Barrier Function
By bolstering the skin’s natural moisture barrier, HA helps to prevent trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby maintaining hydration levels.
Wound Healing
HA also plays a role in wound healing by regulating inflammation levels and aiding in tissue regeneration.
Hyaluronic acid comes in various molecular sizes. Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the skin for intense hydration, while larger molecules stay on the surface, providing immediate plumping and smoothing effects. It is sometimes best to apply this acid to damp skin; this will boost its efficiency.
The Building Blocks of Skin
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins, including collagen and elastin. These proteins are vitally important for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity. Here’s a breakdown of how peptides work:
Collagen Production
Certain peptides, known as signalling peptides, can trigger the skin to produce more collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Barrier Repair
Peptides can also support the skin barrier function by promoting the production of natural moisturising factors (NMFs), which are essential for maintaining the skin’s hydration and resilience.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some peptides have anti-inflammatory effects, making them useful in calming irritated or sensitive skin.
The versatility of peptides makes them a popular choice in medical skincare formulations. They can be tailored to target specific skin concerns, from anti-aging to skin barrier repair.
Medical skincare harnesses the power of scientifically proven active ingredients to deliver targeted and effective treatments. Retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are just a few examples of the potent agents that can transform your skin.
Whether you’re a skincare aficionado or a curious novice, understanding the science behind these active ingredients is a great foundation to your venture into medical skincare. So, the next time you reach for that serum or cream, you’ll know exactly what makes it tick.
To get your hands on the very best medical skincare in Nelspruit, contact or visit The Treatment Room today.