Everything you need to know about Face Acids









Hyaluronic Acid


The thought of applying acids to your face sounds scary but Hyaluronic Acid is completely safe and a substance that is naturally produced in the body, mainly in the skin.

Its main function is to retain water to keep the cells hydrated and plump.  It is estimated that hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its own weight in water molecules.  When applied to the skin it acts like a sponge attracting moisture to the surface of the skin. 


Just like Collagen and Elastin, the amount of naturally occurring Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies decreases as we age and estimated that by age 50  there will be a decrease of 50%. The depletion of Hyaluronic Acid leads to drier, rougher and more lined skin.


Hyaluronic Acid also has powerful antioxidant properties acting as a shield against free radicals that can further age the skin.


The good news is that we can replace Hyaluronic Acid by adding a serum or moisturiser to our skincare routine. There are many options out there and it can be tempting to buy a product with the highest concentration of Hyaluronic Acid.  Dermatologists actually recommend that you use a serum with just one percent Hyaluronic Acid, as higher levels can cause skin irritation.


Thankfully many Hyaluronic Acid products are vegan friendly using a fermentation process rather than the common animal-based processes. The fermentation takes place in a plant based growth medium without the use of any animal products or byproducts.


I can highly recommend Elemental Herbology’s Hyaluronic Booster Plus Serum.  Additional ingredients include Olive Squalene which accelerates new cell growth and Cell active hydro, a complex of sugars from apples and lupin protein to improve hydration.


Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.  Also soya products and bone broth are a good source.


Alpha Hydroxy Acids AHA's 


Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA's are a group of plant or animal derived acids used in skincare products .  They are water soluble and work on the surface of the skin, gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can be easily removed, making way for a softer and smoother surface. As you age, your natural skin cell cycle slows making dead skin build up and the skin appear dull.


The most common types are naturally derived from milk (lactic acid) sugar and fruit. ( glycolic & malic acid)  They are water-soluble, so they don’t penetrate deep below the surface of the skin, but are capable of reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and dark spots. 


AHA’s are a dream to brighten, smooth and plump most skin types as they can promote collagen and better blood flow in the skin. They can also work wonders to minimise and correct discolouration like age spots, pigmentation and acne scars.


Pure Therapy recommends the Elemental Herbology Bio Super Cleanser, Skin Resurfacing Multi-AcidFacial Pads, Facial Glow AHA Radiance polish and the Vital Glow Overnight Resurfacing Cream Mask.



Beta Hydroxy Acids BHA's


Beta Hydroxy Acids are better suited to sensitive skins including those prone to redness and rosacea as they have skin calming properties. The most familiar type of BHA is salicylic acid which is oil soluble and great for oily skin with its enhanced ability to penetrate the pores.  They have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties so perfect for treating and prone skin and blackheads.  BHA’s are derived from natural sources such as willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark.


www.elementalherbology.co.uk







Comments

Popular Posts