Vanessa Noy
Nature's key to a glowing complexion
Acids in skincare was once associated with images of bubbling test tubes and harsh redness inducing face peels. However the natural truth is that acids are THE essential skincare ingredient for a glowing complexion. There is an acid well suited for treating many skin concerns and used in natural formulations they offer multiple skin benefits. Well known for their ability in fighting breakouts and acne, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, better still used correctly, natural acids benefit the skin without the harsh redness, shedding and barrier disruption associated with synthetic counterparts. In this two-part series we look at the most effective natural acids and their role in your holistic natural skincare regimen.
There are two well-known groups of exfoliating acids, the first being Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs) and the second Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s). The role of both these ingredients is to loosen the dead skin cells and buff the upper layer of the skin for a smoother and brighter complexion.
Why is this important in our natural skincare regimen? As we age the skin’s natural renewal process slows. Gently buffing the dead skin cells has a positive impact on the physical appearance of the skin, while promoting collagen production for firmer and more plump skin. Dead skin cells absorb light, making the skin appear dull while new healthy skin cells are smooth in texture imparting a youthful radiance. Need we say more.
AHA’s are water-soluble and work on the skin surface making them great for daily use in serums and creams, treating fine lines, texture and radiance.
Pro tip: avoid using AHAs with retinol.
Glycolic Acid is the most popular AHA used in natural and organic skin care and is a great “starter acid”. It comes from sugar cane, and is the smallest AHA, making it highly effective for dramatic visible results. Glycolic acid is a multi-tasker, ideal for gentle daily cellular renewal and skin booster for clear and hydrated skin. Used twice weekly it helps to keep acne and age spots at bay, while minimising pores and promoting resilient strong skin.
The perfect pair for glowing, pore-less skin and formulated to be used in succession with one and other twice weekly the AMALA Clinical Retexturizing Micro Polish and AMALA Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel is a botanical AHA/BHA powerhouse for an instant facial. Retexturizing Micro Polish is a complex blend of sugar enzymes and micro silica beads for a dual-action mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Designed to be followed by the AMALA Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel for a complete re-surfacing treatment or used as an intensive radiance reviving facial, this at home gel peel containing 15% AHA fruits acids to deliver salon results without irritation. Super easy to use, apply a generous amount to clean skin, leave for 20- 30 minutes and rinse with cool water. Voila! Pore-less and hydrated glowing skin.
Pro tip: avoid following your AHA facial with your nightly retinol serum.
Clinical Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel
Not forgetting the body, Les Huilettes Mon Huilette Scrub is gentle enough to use on your face or body and is a nourishing blend of cane sugar (a natural AHA) in base of sunflower and coconut oils, for softer, nourished skin. It has the most intoxicating scent of green mandarin, roman chamomile and true lavender for uplifting aromatic benefits.
Mon Huilette Scrub
Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant and moisture binding acid due to its small molecule size, making it a great acid for people with sensitive skin. Made from sugar or fermented milk this acid has been used since the days of Cleopatra who bathed in lactic acid to soften and moisturise her skin. Lactic acid is gentle in treating sun damaged skin, ideal for use during the long summer months.
A skin reviving treat the ORGAID Greek Yoghurt and Nourishing Organic Sheet Mask is formulated with a protein-rich base of Greek yogurt brimming with both probiotic benefits and lactic acid (AHA) beneficial in calming redness, inflammation and reducing breakouts. This sheet mask is super easy to use, and the cooling effect is sublime on a balmy night.
Perfect for skin exposed to a long summer in the sun, True Organic of Sweden Body Buddy is a fast absorbing lightweight body cream formulated with Lactic acid to smooth and improve the skin tone and texture while fading dark spots and supporting skin repair. It’s a great unisex lotion with a subtle fresh scent.
Body Buddy
Citric acid derived from citrus fruits is a mild, antioxidant-rich AHA that works to brighten skin and reduce pigmentation while clearing breakouts and congested pores. The Eclat Extraordinaire from La Fervance is an all-rounder when it comes to transforming the texture and firmness of the skin. It calms and brightens the tone of the complexion. Certainly, a splurge, but a little goes a long way. The combination wild rosella (an Australian Native) a rich source of Citric acid, in base of Bee Propolis and Wattleseed is a powerful, clinically proven skin rejuvenating balm. And it smells divine.
Éclat Extraordinaire
BHA’s are oil-soluble and penetrate deeply, clearing clogged pores and balancing the excess sebum that causes breakout and acne.
Salicylic acid is a well-known BHA, popular in treatments for clearing and minimising breakouts. The best acne busting acid, it penetrates and dissolves the oil that clogs the pores. Great for minimising pores it gently buffs dead skin cells without causing irritation to sensitive or already inflamed skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic acid is also beneficial in treating age spots and pigmentation.
A water activated powder exfoliant, cleanser and mask the Wildcrafted Organics Native Hibiscus Enzyme Polish works to purify the skin of impurities and dead skin cells. We love the addition of Vitamin C for brightening and collagen support. It’s vegan friendly and ideal for minimising the look of large pores.
Pro Tip: when using acids for exfoliation and deep cleansing remember to use a daily SPF each morning to protect your new skin cells from any photosensitivity.
New to exfoliating acids? A wash or toner is a great way to introduce their benefits into your skincare routine. The AMALA Silkening Creamy Moisture Cleanse with lactic acid dissolves excess oil and grime gently buffing the skin surface to retexturize daily. It provides a gentle deep cleanse while Cocoa Bean pro + prebiotics balance the skin and promote collagen synthesis.
Follow your morning and evening cleanse with the MADARA Clarifying Toner, a pH balancing formula with oil-controlling extracts of oak bark and sweet flag in a floral water base. Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad for a clean, fresh and matte complexion.
Rejuvenate Silkening Creamy Moisture Cleanse
Acids are not to be feared! Used correctly in your skincare routine they are beneficial for all ages and skin types. Natural acids also boost the efficacy and performance of your treatment products and moisturisers. In part two we look at anti-ageing acids and how to partner them with other skin revitalizing acids for a glowing healthy complexion.
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