Active Ingredients

Ingredient-led Beauty: Active Ingredients

What are Active Ingredients? What are their benefits?

Active ingredients are the specific components found in skincare products or other types of formulations that are responsible for delivering the intended effect or therapeutic action. These ingredients are carefully selected and included in the product to provide the desired benefits. These ingredients directly influence the effectiveness of the product in achieving its intended purpose, whether it is to hydrate, heal, protect, or improve the appearance of the skin and health.

Active ingredients are compounds in skincare products that directly influence the skin's appearance & health.   

Listed below are the benefits of many such ingredients that we use regularly in our handcrafted products at The Hayagriva Spa, and a few others that are tried, tested, and highly recommended.

Melatonin

Melatonin is mainly recognized for its role in sleep regulation, and it also provides notable advantages for skin health by functioning as a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging agent. It protects against UV damage, slows down the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, and may assist with conditions like eczema. When included in skincare products, it offers a calming sensation without causing drowsiness.

Menthol

Menthol, obtained from peppermint plants, provides various benefits when used on the skin. It creates a cooling and refreshing feeling that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Menthol also functions as a counter-irritant, possibly alleviating pain and itching by stimulating nerve endings and blocking pain signals. Moreover, it may aid in wound healing and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it helps clear sinuses.  

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be beneficial for your face when used appropriately, primarily for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It can help protect against damage from pollutants and improve skin hydration, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, Vitamin E may aid in the healing of skin scars, support skin elasticity, and provide a natural glow to the skin. 

Biotin

Biotin (vitamin B7) has long been touted as the secret to a clear complexion, strong nails, and longer, healthier hair. In addition to supporting the production of fatty acids that nourish the skin and help maintain its moisture barrier—preventing dryness and flakiness—biotin is also a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduces signs of aging, and promotes thicker, shinier hair, making it a valuable component for overall skin and hair health. 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, provides numerous skin benefits. It enhances the skin's moisture barrier, controls oil production, minimizes redness and inflammation, refines pores, evens skin tone, and reduces fine lines. Additionally, it offers protection from sun damage and can be effective in treating skin issues such as acne and rosacea.

Ceramides

Ceramides are a type of lipid naturally present in skin and hair, providing many benefits such as strengthening the skin's barrier and enhancing hydration. They help retain moisture, shield against irritants, and promote healthier skin and hair. Additionally, they slow the signs of aging and prevent hair thinning. A deep conditioning hot oil massage using ceramides-infused oils can be very effective for your hair and is highly recommended.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid provides multiple skin benefits, mainly by reducing hyperpigmentation and enhancing brightness. It functions by blocking melanin production, helping to diminish dark spots, acne scars, and sun damage, while also offering antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. In skincare, kojic acid delivers quick results and is highly advised.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid provides several skin benefits, mainly because of its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to clear pores, lessen acne, enhance skin texture, and promote a balanced skin tone. Particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can penetrate pores and dissolve excess oil. We strongly recommend including it in your daily skincare routine.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid offers many benefits for both skin and hair. For skin, as a humectant, it deeply hydrates, plumps, and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, while also enhancing skin texture and elasticity. For hair, it provides intense hydration, controls frizz, and can improve overall health, shine, and manageability. 

Calamine

Calamine lotion provides multiple benefits for skin irritation, such as alleviating itchiness and calming inflammation. It also helps treat sunburn, allergic reactions, and contact dermatitis. Calamine is a mineral powder mainly made of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, derived from the mineral smithsonite, a zinc carbonate. The characteristic pink color of calamine results from ferric oxide. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, provides several benefits for skin care, such as exfoliating dead skin, controlling oil, and calming irritation. It can help clear away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and may reduce acne. However, caution is necessary because its alkaline properties can disturb the skin's natural pH balance. 

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