14 Beauty Ingredients Explained

AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids are great for exfoliation and anti-aging. These include lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids,

AHAs

AHAs or alpha-hydroxy acids are great for exfoliation and anti-aging. These include lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids,

Argan Oil

A facial oil that helps with hydration and acts as a barrier, it’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.

Azelaic Acid

This is not an exfoliating acid (unlike AHA’s) and is gentler, it helps improve redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and pigmentation.

Bakuchiol

plant-derived retinol this works to reduce fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of pores and is a great alternative to stronger retinol formulas.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An effective ingredient to treat red and inflamed skin. It can also reduce skin oiliness.

Ceramides

A natural component of the skin, ceramides are lipids that make up to ~50% of the skin’s lipids to form the natural skin barrier and are an important ingredient in mosturisers. Read more about ceramides

Glycerin

A naturally occurring compound in the body, it is a humectant, which means it draws water into the skin, it has numerous benefits for the skin including hydrating the outer layer of the skin and

Improving the skin barrier function.

Hyaluronic acid

Draws moisture into the skin, combatting dryness and dullness, plus plumping skin.

Lactic Acid

Used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, it is hydrating, which is great for sensitive skin, however it suppressor the melanin in the skin so be sure to wear a good sunscreen.

Niacinamide

Made from niacin a form of vitamin B3 is a vital component of most cells, it that brightens and evens skin tone boosts collagen production, and calms inflammation.

Retinoids

These are designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate cell turnover, they do this by increasing collagen production.

Peptides

Made of amino acids, these are the building blocks of collagen. As you hit 30 you have ample collagen to release peptides, however as we age our production decreases – peptides can boost collagen production to smooth lines and increase skin’s firmness. Read more about peptides

Squalane

Excellent to keep skin hydrated and moisturised, the antioxidants in these creams also fight skin damage and free radicals.

Titanium Oxide

A naturally occurring compound and is used in many over-the-counter products one, in particular, is sunscreens it is used to help reflect and distribute UVA and UVB rays.

If you feel like you’re skin is needing a lift, why not book yourself in for a soothing Thalgo facial or reveal your skins beauty and radiance with an Illuminating radiance facial treatment – see our full list of treatments here

Tame the Tangles: Expert Tips for Managing Long Hair

Long hair is beautiful, versatile, and always in style—but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to manage. From knots and breakage to split ends and daily styling stress, longer locks need extra care to stay healthy and tangle-free.

At Macadamia Hair Spa in Widnes, we help clients of all hair lengths—especially long-haired beauties—get the most out of their look. Whether you’re naturally long-haired or loving your extensions, these simple tips will help you care for your hair and reduce tangles for good.

Flat Hair Fixes: What to Do When Your Hair Feels Limp and Lifeless

We’ve all been there—you step out of the shower, dry your hair, and… nothing. No volume, no bounce, no movement. Just flat, lifeless locks that feel impossible to style. Sound familiar?

At Macadamia Hair Spa in Widnes, we help clients revive dull hair every single day. If your hair has suddenly lost its va-va-voom, don’t panic. There are simple tweaks and salon treatments that can bring back volume and body in no time.

Here’s what causes flat hair—and what you can do about it.

Sarah / Master Stylist

Sarah has really built an impressive career over the years! From starting in 2017 to becoming a master stylist in 2025, that’s a significant achievement. Her passion for colour and her ability to listen to clients and perfect every visit is definitely key to her success. Plus, expanding into beauty treatments like waxing and massage makes her even more versatile. What’s Sarah’s secret to making sure she always gets each visit perfect? Does she have a particular approach she follows or something that sets her apart? You tell us!