Why Adding More Active Ingredients Isn’t the Answer, and What Your Skin Actually Needs

Skincare Myth Louise Debunks: You Don’t Need Another Active. 

Think more actives mean better skin? Think again. Louise Thomas explains why your skin might be crying out for barrier repair, not another serum, and how to build a routine that truly works.

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, I see it all the time:

“I think I just need another active ingredient!”
“Which acid should I try next?”
“My skin isn’t changing, should I add retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA… all of them?”

This is one of the biggest skincare myths I help clients unlearn:

✨ You don’t need another active. You need a healthy barrier. ✨ 

The Problem with the “More Actives” Mindset

Actives have revolutionised skincare. Don’t get me wrong, I love them. Vitamin C, retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, peptides… they’re incredible when used correctly.

But here’s the truth no one talks about enough:

✅ More isn’t better.
✅ Stronger isn’t better.
✅ Layering multiple potent actives on compromised skin is a recipe for irritation, sensitivity, breakouts, and accelerated ageing.

I see so many new clients with damaged, reactive, inflamed skin—not because they’re neglecting skincare, but because they’re overdoing it.

What Your Skin Actually Needs

Your skin’s first priority isn’t glow. It isn’t anti-ageing. It isn’t spot-fading.

 It’s protection.
 A strong, healthy barrier.
 Calm, balanced skin that can heal and renew itself.

If your barrier is damaged, even the best actives in the world won’t work properly, and they may make things worse.

The Barrier is Everything

Your skin barrier is like a wall:

It keeps moisture in.
It keeps irritants, pollutants, and pathogens out.

When this wall is damaged (from over-exfoliating, too many actives, harsh cleansers), you get:

• Redness
  

• Flaking
  

• Breakouts
  

• Burning/stinging
  

• Increased sensitivity to products
  

Sound familiar?

“You Don’t Need Another Active. You Need This.”

Instead of grabbing another serum promising miracles, here’s what I want you to do:

 Prioritise your barrier.

 Simplify your routine.
 Choose gentle cleansers.
 Use hydrating toners/essences.
 Apply a barrier-repairing moisturiser, like The Hydrator, rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol.
Always, always wear SPF.

These steps might not sound as glamorous as the hottest new active, but they work. It's why I developed the moisturising complex that runs throughout our Louise Thomas Signature Collection because it means that every time you use our products we are supporting this vital barrier function.

My Approach at Louise Thomas Skin Care

When you visit my clinic, you’ll never get a one-size-fits-all prescription for piling on actives.

I do an in-depth skin analysis to understand:

Your barrier health
Sensitivities
Lifestyle factors
Your goals

I’ll design a plan that may include actives, but only once your skin can handle them.

Because truly effective skincare isn’t about chasing actives. It’s about building healthy skin that can benefit from actives.

Ready to Find Out What Your Skin Really Needs?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your routine or frustrated with your results, I’d love to help.

 Book a consultation at Louise Thomas Skin Care.
 Get a personalised plan that prioritises your barrier health and long-term results.

Your best skin isn’t complicated. It’s healthy.