Edit Thinks to look out for in Skincare Products

<p>Another popular preservative is Phenoxyethanol, which can also be used as a fragrance - it’s practically non-toxic, and if diluted is unlikely to cause any irritation.</p> <p>Another Popular preservative is sodium benzoate, which can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. It’s also used in food and cosmetics products and has been classed as ‘generally recognised as safe (Gras) By the FDA.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Active Ingredients</strong></p> <p>The active ingredients in skincare products are the ones that are biologically active. In other words, they’re the ones that have proven benefits, from treating redness to minimising signs of ageing and make your skincare products effective.</p> <p>Not all chemicals are harmful, after all - some can be very good for your skin. Some of the most commonly used are alpha hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs.</p> <p>This family of acids includes <a title="glycolic" href="/treatment/chemical-peels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">glycolic</a>, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, and they’re made from natural sources such as fruit and milk. These are often used to treat <a title="fine lines and wrinkles" href="/conditions/Lines-and-Wrinkles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fine lines and wrinkles</a>, <a title="age spots" href="/conditions/pigmentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">age spots</a>, and irregular pigmentation, and can also be used to help shrink enlarged pores. Keep reading to learn some of the most popular active ingredients out there.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Beta-Hydroxy Acid</strong></p> <p>Also known as salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid has anti-inflammatory effects. It can help remove dead skin cells and improve your skin’s texture and help with acne. One particularly effective product containing this active ingredient is the Obagi CLENZIderm toner, which contains 2% salicylic acid.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Hydroquinone</strong></p> <p>You can tell which skincare products contain hydroquinone, as they’re often called bleaching creams or lightening agents. These are used on age spots, or dark spots that are related to pregnancy and hormone therapy. In the UK, your doctor can also prescribe you a hydroquinone cream to treat hyperpigmentation.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Kojic Acid</strong></p> <p>Another remedy for age spots and similar pigment problems, kojic acid is derived from a fungus. It’s used as a lightning agent, and slows the production of melanin. However, if used too often, it can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.</p>

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