Trying to decipher the ingredient label on a skincare product can make you feel like you’re back in high school chemistry class. The category of active ingredients — which are considered science-backed and include hydroxy-acids, retinol and vitamin C — in particular can seem like a daunting topic to grasp. To help school us, we asked Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand, a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas, to explain what exactly actives are in skincare and which ones are best to target common skin concerns. 
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