A beginners guide to active ingredient skincare.
Posted by Hannah Vincent Admin on January 16, 2025
Active ingredients in skincare are powerful components that target specific skin concerns, from acne to aging. If you’re new to using them, here’s a simple guide to help you get started safely and effectively.
What are Active Ingredients
Active ingredients are scientifically proven to address particular skin concerns.
Key Characteristics
1. Purposeful Action: They target specific concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, or dryness.
2. Clinically Proven: Their efficacy is supported by scientific research and testing.
3. Concentration Matters: The percentage of an active ingredient determines its potency and effect.
Start Slowly
- Get your basics in order first, that’s Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise.
- Depending on your concerns you can then start to add more active ingredients and products to your personal regime, but begin with one active ingredient OR new product at a time to see how your skin reacts.
Use the Right Amount
- Less is more with actives. A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the entire face. At PCA Skin 1 pump will cover the full face.
Layer Products Correctly
- Cleanse → Tone→Actives→Hydrate→Protect
- Apply the active ingredient after cleansing but before moisturising.
- If using multiple actives, start with the thinnest consistency to the thickest.
- Avoid layering harsh ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids on the same day.
Sunscreen is Essential
Active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days.
Be Patient
- Results from actives can take weeks or months, so consistency is key.
- Avoid overloading your routine; stick to what works.
Top Tips for Success
- Hydrate: Always pair active ingredients with a good moisturiser to avoid dryness.
- Don’t Mix Certain Ingredients: For example, avoid combining vitamin C with retinol in the same routine. Vitamin C should be applied in a morning routine and Retinol should be in a night time routine.
- Listen to Your Skin: If you experience irritation, scale back usage or consult a certified professional.
- Store Properly: Keep products in a cool, dark place to maintain potency.
Select Your Active Hero
K E Y B E N E F I T S
Fast-acting salicylic acid treatment to clear acne blemishes quickly and effectively.
A unique botanical blend that controls oil production throughout the day.
May be used full-face on oily or combination skin, and as a spot treatment for occasional breakouts on all skin types.
K E Y B E N E F I T S
Helps deliver an immediate and long-term reduction of visible expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement.
Helps lift, tighten, and firm skin for a younger-looking, more defined facial contour.
Strengthens skin by improving epidermal thickness.
Reduces skin roughness for a smoother skin texture.
Increases moisturisation and hydration retention.
K E Y B E N E F I T S
Clinically proven to address sagging, visibly lifting and firming the appearance of the skin by 60%*.
Helps support collagen production to restore facial volume and fullness, resulting in 58% visible improvement in plumping*.
Clinically proven to smooth visible lines and coarse wrinkles by 40%*.
Clinical results starting in 1 week.
K E Y B E N E F I T S
Brightens dark spots and evens skin tone by inhibiting melanogenesis.
Blocks the glycation process to minimise age-related skin yellowing and dullness.
Boosts barrier function to reduce redness.
Delivers a visibly dramatic reduction in the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Improvements in hyperpigmentation seen in as early as 4 weeks.
Helps protect against the appearance of new dark spots.
Effective against UV and hormonally induced hyperpigmentation, such as photodamage and melasma.
Effective for all Fitzpatrick phototypes and skin types.SHOP NOW £115
K E Y B E N E F I T S
Starts reducing redness and inflammation on contact with the skin.
Improves the skin’s barrier function for long-term relief from redness and sensitivity.
Uses the time-released OmniSome™ delivery system to carry skin-improving ingredients deeper into the skin over a period of eight hours.