The Low Down On AHAs
So you have been recommended some new skincare, the beauty therapist is talking in tongues and that ingredients listing is making you cross eyed and anxious! What are these “words” that I am putting on my skin?.
Put super simply, an AHA aka Alpha Hydroxy Acid is a group of natural and synthetic ingredients that, when properly formulated, can exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin.
So we have you covered and have the low down on the most common acidic ingredients that make up your new face mask, moisturiser or serum and why you should have these incredible ingredients in your skincare.
ASCORBIC ACID
Vitamin C please! This skin brightening ingredient is the cream of the brightening crop. Ascorbic acid is the active form of vitamin C and provides a range of amazing skin benefits. Including helping to even out skin tone, improving skin hydration, shielding skin from the visible impacts of pollution and keeping your skin looking younger. If this wasn’t enough, this little beauty is a proven antioxidant that helps to boost firmer feeling skin. GREAT FOR – DULL SKIN : BEST USED IN – SERUM, MOISTURISER & EYE CREAM
WE RECOMMEND: Ultraceuticals Ultra C23+ Firming Concentrate RRP $138.00
CITRIC ACID
All hail the anti-ageing superhero! Citric acid aids in speeding up cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. All while humbly working away to help fight wrinkles.. Also a fabulous active ingredient for helping with skin issues such as pigmentation, mild acne, clogged pores and dark spots. GREAT FOR – AGEING SKIN : BEST USED IN – MOISTURISER & EYE CREAM
WE RECOMMEND : Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex RRP $115.50
GLYCOLIC ACID
Derived from cane sugar, this clever AHA penetrates skin deeply and easily due to the it’s tiny molecules. Glycolic acid is known for treating fine lines, acne, blackheads, dull skin, oily skin and uneven skin tone. How does it work? This magical ingredient reacts with the top layer of skin, breaking it down by dissolving sebum and other substances that bind cells together. Dead skin cells are diminished to reveal smoother, brighter, younger looking skin. Products that contain glycolic acid vary in the percentage of the active ingredient and in it’s best form is used by a qualified beauty therapist in a chemical peel (do not try a professional chemical peel at home, leave this one to the experts!). GREAT FOR – UNEVEN SKIN : BEST USED IN – PEELS & CLEANSERS
WE RECOMMEND : endota spa Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser RRP $50.00
HYALURONIC ACID
Plump and dewy skin is on the menu with this little skin loving wonder. Working to strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in hydration, it’s no wonder it’s an ingredient not to be taken for granted. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which in simple terms, is a naturally-occurring substance that’s part of skin’s youth-support make up. You had as at youth! If this wasn’t enough it is also a humectant which draw moisture from their surroundings. Humectants are often formulated in water-based moisturisers, serums, and other leave-on skin care products as they have a huge ability to help boost hydration. So basically, in a nut shell this incredible superstar is your answer to hydrated and more youthful looking skin. GREAT FOR – DRY SKIN : BEST USED IN – SERUM & FACE MASKS
WE RECOMMEND : Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum RRP $95.00
LACTIC ACID
This gentle giant is perfect for the more sensitive of skin and is derived from milk with a soothing and moisturising touch. Lactic acid is known for calming an inflamed complexion, making it the perfect ingredient for rosacea sufferers as it helps to neutralise and dull redness. This beautiful ingredient is commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion. GREAT FOR – SENSITIVE SKIN : BEST USED IN – EXFOLIANTS, TONER & FACIAL MIST
WE RECOMMEND: GO-TO Skincare Exfoliating Swipeys RRP $46.00
SALICYLIC ACID
Acne? No problems! Introducing acne’s mortal enemy. A plant-based acid, harvested from botanical sources like the white willow tree. Salicylic acid helps to dissolve the debris that clogs pores, reducing nasty bacterial growth and banishing excess oil from skin that causes pimples. Not only does this active ingredient help to reduce the size of existing pimples and blackheads, it also helps prevent new ones from forming. GREAT FOR – OILY & ACNE PRONE SKIN : BEST USED IN – MOISTURISER.
WE RECOMMEND : Lowengrip Cell Renewal Facial Cream RRP $90.00
