A Guide To The Active Ingredients We Use In Our Body Care Products
Active ingredients are not just for the face. In fact, the skin below the neck is just as susceptible to skin ageing, dehydration and inflammation. Plus, it has a host of its own issues – such as ingrown hairs. Active ingredients are scientifically proven to target and improve specific skin concerns at a cellular level.
In developing the LUI range, we wanted to turn some of the devotion that we put into our daily skin routines into our body care routines. That's why we formulated our products with some of the superpowered active ingredients you might find in your favourite serum or luxurious face cream. We worked with a team of leading female chemists to create our range locally in Australia using naturally bio-available and efficacious ingredients.
Read on to discover a little bit more about the active ingredients we use and why.
SALICYLIC ACID
A multi-tasking active ingredient, salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliating agent that can treat body acne and breakouts, blackheads, inflammation, excess oil production and hyperpigmentation. It's part of the beta hydroxy acid (commonly abbreviated to BHA) family of chemical exfoliants. It works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the skin's surface. It's oil-soluble, which means that it can deeply penetrate the pores to remove dirt, debris, excess oil (or sebum) and acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help to reduce redness. It's safe to use for all skin types. Find it in our BODY POLISH alongside physical exfoliant volcanic pumice and nourishing shea butter and soybean oil.
NIACINAMIDE
Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerhouse active ingredient loved for its brightening abilities. It helps to support the SKIN'S NATURAL BARRIER FUNCTION and it pairs well with other active ingredients as it's quite soothing and gentle. This water-soluble vitamin aids in repairing damaged DNA and helps to fight off the internal and external aggressors that lead to cellular degradation. Much like salicylic acid, it also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beautiful option for dehydrated and dry skin. It's fantastic for those with eczema and rosacea as it calms down redness. We've included niacinamide in our BODY MOISTURISER, a nourishing and pH-balanced formulation that infuses the skin with long-lasting hydration. Designed for daily use, apply it after each shower or bath onto slightly damp skin for optimal absorption.
RETINAL
While retinol and retinal are both Vitamin A derivatives famed for their anti-ageing prowess, they have a few key differences. Retinal is the strongest version of Vitamin A you can get over the counter without a prescription; it's up to 10 times stronger than retinol and can work up to 11 times faster in the body. Also referred to as retinaldehyde, it speeds up collagen production, which is essential in keeping the skin youthful, smooth and plump. It was a no-brainer including it in our BODY MOISTURISER. Both retinol and retinal have a reputation of being a little bit harsh, so to mitigate any of those potentially irritating side effects we also loaded up our moisturiser with an antioxidant-rich blend of honeysuckle extract, cloudberry oil, soybean oil and shea butter to cushion and nurture the skin.