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Actives

Active ingredients power effective skincare, targeting specific concerns like acne, aging, and hydration with science-backed efficacy. This Slaying Skin category breaks down key actives, their benefits, usage tips, and product pairings to optimize your routine for visible results.

Top Active Ingredients

  • Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Adapalene): Boost cell turnover, fade fine lines, unclog pores, and smooth texture. Gold standard for anti-aging and acne.

  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate): Potent antioxidant brightens dark spots, evens tone, and shields from free radical damage.

  • Niacinamide: Regulates oil, minimizes pores, soothes inflammation, strengthens barrier, and reduces redness—versatile multitasker.

  • Salicylic Acid (BHA): Oil-soluble exfoliant penetrates pores to dissolve debris, banish blackheads, and calm acne.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Humectant draws moisture for plump, hydrated skin without greasiness.

  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Antibacterial powerhouse kills acne-causing P. acnes, reducing breakouts fast.

  • Azelaic Acid: Gentle exfoliant fights bacteria, fades hyperpigmentation, and treats rosacea.

  • Peptides: Signal skin to produce collagen, firming and repairing for youthful resilience.

Benefits by Skin Concern

Acne-Prone: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, retinoids clear pores and prevent flares.

Anti-Aging: Retinoids, vitamin C, peptides rebuild collagen and protect from UV damage.
Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid inhibit melanin for even tone.
Dry/Dehydrated: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides lock in moisture and repair barrier.
Sensitive: Niacinamide, azelaic acid calm without irritation—always patch test.

Usage Guidelines

Start low and slow: Introduce one active at a time, 2-3 nights weekly to build tolerance. Layer correctly—cleanser, actives (thinnest to thickest), moisturizer, SPF (AM). Avoid mixing strong actives initially (e.g., retinoids + vitamin C). Use pH-balanced formulas: BHAs around 3-4, vitamin C below 3.5. Cycle strong exfoliants to prevent barrier damage.

Slaying Skin Product Pairings

  • Clearing Gel: 2% salicylic + niacinamide for daily acne control.

  • Brightening Serum: Stable vitamin C + ferulic acid for glow.

  • Retinol Night Elixir: Time-released retinol with soothing peptides.

  • Barrier Boost Cream: Niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic for repair.

  • Spot Treatment: 5% benzoyl peroxide for overnight zap.

Building Your Routine

AM: Gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, niacinamide/hydrator, SPF 30+.
PM: Cleanse, BHA/retinoid (alternate nights), peptide cream, occlusive if dry.
Weekly: Enzyme mask for gentle exfoliation. Track changes; consult derm for 0.5%+ retinoids or prescriptions.

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