Using "Actives" with SBA Products

Hello, SBA fam! 

You’ve probably heard the term “skincare actives,” especially if you're a bit of a skincare enthusiast like we are around here. And if not, you may be wondering what they are… and do they have any place in a natural skincare routine?

In our opinion: yes, they can... But with very careful consideration.

In short, a skincare “active” is typically a single ingredient that is scientifically studied for targeting a specific skin concern by actively interacting with the skin. These ingredients are usually used to address things like acne, uneven skin tone, texture, fine lines, congestion, and/or dryness.

You may have heard of some of these because they tend to be big buzzwords and front and center in skincare marketing but some of the most common skincare actives include retinol (Vit A), vitamin C, exfoliating acids, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, and peptides (*peep our Herbal Lash Serum).

So, actives can have a place in a healthy and nature-forward skincare routine but there are a few things to consider. The key is understanding how to use them wisely, gently, and intentionally. Many times throwing one or multiple trending actives onto your face at once seems like a good idea, but let me assure you, it is not. Also, making sure you are sourcing actives that contain the fewest toxic or unnecessary ingredients possible is important. Many actives are formulated into less-than-holistic moisturizers, serums, etc. Or, they are paired with suboptimal carrier oils or creams for application purposes.

Anyways, depending on your skin type, you may just not tolerate certain actives over others. I, for one, have tried several different forms of retinol, trying all the application tips and tricks, and as of this point, my skin gets wrecked every. single. time. My skin does not want it despite it being propped up as a miracle active in the skincare world. It is quite literally the opposite for my skin, and that is ok! Some skin types just do not tolerate certain actives.

Furthermore, one of the biggest misconceptions in modern skincare is that stronger = better. As we always encourage: slow skincare. The skin will not be forced. In reality, overusing actives is one of the fastest ways to end up with irritated, dehydrated, reactive skin. A damaged skin barrier can feel SO uncomfortable and exacerbate issues even more, or give you issues where you did not have them before (like in my case with retinol). Tightness, redness, stinging, peeling, burning, chronic breakouts, and sudden sensitivity are often major red flags that the skin barrier is overwhelmed.

KEY: More actives does not mean better skin!

We believe natural skincare can often be enough when given the chance and consistency, but also that certain actives can work beautifully together with holistic products when balanced properly. Think of actives as “targeted tools,” while nourishing natural skincare acts as the support system that keeps the skin healthy, resilient, hydrated, and calm in the process and for the long haul.

→So let’s break down some of the most common types of actives.

-Vitamin C is one of the most loved skincare actives for brightening dull and drab skin and evening out skin tone. It pairs very well with hydrating and barrier-supportive natural skincare products like our serums and moisturizers. Most people do best using vitamin C in the morning underneath SPF. Pairing it with gentle hydration and antioxidant-rich oils can help reduce irritation while vitamin C does its work.

Our Awake Coffee Serum and Repair Cream are natural “alternatives” to vitamin C actives because of the large amount of vitamin C found in these formulas from oils, plants, and botanicals. Nature is amazing like that! However, depending on your skincare concern, one may want a little more targeted approach and stronger support alongside our already vitamin C-packed herbalicious formulas (is that a word? If not, you're welcome).

-Exfoliating acids are another popular category. Ever heard of AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid? They're pretty popular and you may have seen these buzzwords on the packaging of skincare products. These ingredients work by helping remove dead skin buildup and supporting smoother-looking skin but are often WAY stronger than natural or manual exfoliants like our clay masks and Coffee Face Polish.

You know we talk a lot about the downsides of over-exfoliating and in this case it’s no different. Exfoliating acids are also one of the most commonly overused actives in skincare! They need to be introduced slowly and paired with a nourishing routine because misusing them can absolutely worsen your skin or create issues that weren't there before.

-Retinol and retinal products are another category many people incorporate into their routines.*PSA: Did you know our Firming Serum is packed full of naturally occuring form of Vit A?

This active has been VERY popular in recent years. Yes, these vitamin A derivatives can have aesthetically pleasing effects on the skin but can also be extremely irritating when overused or combined improperly. Many people experience horrible peeling, worsening acne, and a very damaged skin barrier. This can happen as a temporary adjustment period or it may be a sign that it is being overused, combined with other strong actives, or simply does not agree with the skin.

For instance, one of the biggest mistakes we see is combining retinol with strong exfoliating acids in the same routine. Yikes! For many people his can easily push the skin barrier too far.

→On the flip side, some actives and natural skincare products can pair beautifully together!

-Peptides, hyaluronic acid (hello Blue Tansy HA Moisturizer!), ceramides, gentle botanical oils, and niacinamide are generally wonderful companions to stronger actives because they help support deep hydration and barrier health. This is where natural skincare can shine and be the anchoring factor to skincare actives working at their best (when used properly). Nourishing ingredients help create balance when introducing or using actives.

I also want to remind you that not every skin concern requires aggressive treatment. Healthier skin often comes less from adding more and more “corrective” products. That's why we encourage people that lasting healthy skin comes more from simplifying, nourishing your body from the inside out, protecting, and being consistent. We typically lean more on the side of minimal frequent actives because people will often use them as bandaids or “quick fixes” or substitutes for actually doing the work needed to address the root cause of their skin concerns.

Remember, a healthy skin barrier is the foundation of good skincare!

At SBA, we love combining the wisdom of nourishing holistic skincare with intentional, supportive ingredients that work with the skin. Our biggest encouragement is this: listen to your skin more than trends. Slow and steady skincare wins every time → whether you use zero actives or a few carefully chosen ones.

What do you think... should we talk about which actives would work best for each skin type? Send us an email and let us know if you're interested in hearing more about using actives in your SBA routine. We know this topic is important because some of you may be thinking of doing so, wondering if it’s okay to do so in your SBA routine, or may already be using them and struggling to find the right balance. We want to make sure we cover all your skincare basics over here at SBA!

Can't wait to hear from you. 

Here for you,
Brier