Navigating the world of skincare can sometimes feel like learning a new language. With so many scientific terms and buzzwords around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re here to simplify skincare terms so you can make informed choices without the confusion.

Active Ingredients

These are the ingredients in skincare products that have a direct impact on your skin. They target specific concerns like acne, wrinkles, or dryness. An example of an active ingredient is hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and you will find it in our Hydra+ Marine Cream.

Antioxidants

These protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules from pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors). You will find plenty of antioxidants in Hebridean seaweed, our main ingredient. 

Barrier (skin)

Your skin’s barrier is the outermost layer that protects it from moisture loss and harmful elements. While keeping harmful components out of it, it also helps to retain moisture and nutrients.

Broad-spectrum SPF

This means that a sunscreen protects against both UVA (long wave length - ageing & burning) and UVB (shorter wave length - burning) rays. Sunscreen labeled as "broad-spectrum" offers complete protection from sun damage, reducing the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer.

Ceramides

These are produced in sebum (the skins naturally produced oil). They bind cells together and help to reinforce the protective barrier of the skin.

Comedogenic vs. Non-comedogenic

Comedogenic ingredients are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts while non-comedogenic products are formulated to avoid clogging pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. A non-comedogenic product does not mean it will treat acne, the term means it will not make the acne worse. 

Cruelty-free

Cruelty-free means that a product and its ingredients were not tested on animals at any stage of development. In the UK and the EU animal testing is banned so if you purchase from any of these markets you can be safe in the knowledge those products will not have been tested on animals. Here at ishga we are proud to say we have been cruelty-free since day one.

Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of our skin and sits beneath the epidermis (outermost layer). It makes up around 90% of your skin's density. The glands in the dermis help to keep skin soft and smooth and also contains collagen and elastin which help to make skin cells strong and resilient.

Elastin

Elastin is what allows the skin to bounce back into place. These proteins can be very susceptible to sun damage, so make sure you wear SPF even on a cloudy day.

Emollients

Products that contain emollients, such as jojoba and coconut oil,  restore the skin barrier and soften the skin. They are particularly effective for people with dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of our skin. It provides protection by helping to keep bacteria from entering your body and causing infections. It's also continually making new cells, replacing approximately 40,000 old skin cells that are shed every day!

Free radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive. They try to stabilise themselves by stealing electrons from other molecules, such as proteins and DNA in your skin. This process, called oxidative stress, damages skin cells and can come from the environment, including things like cigarette smoke and UV rays. Antioxidants found in Fucus Serratus (one of the four seaweeds we use) have demonstrated the ability to neutralise free radicals, helping to protect the skin from damage, while accelerating skin renewal and repair. 

Keep an eye out for part two of our skincare terminologies coming soon!