Ingredient Spotlight: AHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble acids found in plants and animal byproducts. They are a “chemical exfoliant” which means they use acids to clean away dead skin cells. AHAs are known for creating smoother and more evenly toned skin, unclogging pores to prevent acne, and helping with mild hyperpigmentation. AHAs work by helping peel away the surface of your skin so that more evenly pigmented cells can be regenerated leading to smoother skin.

Types of AHAs

The most common AHAs used in skincare products include:

• Malic acid which comes from fruits
• Mandelic acid which comes from almonds
• Tartaric acid which comes from grapes
• Lactic acid which comes from lactose
• Hydroxycaprilic acid which comes from animals
• Hydroxycaproic acid which comes from royal jelly made by bees
• Citric acid which comes from citrus
• Glycolic acid which comes from sugar cane

Which type is right for you?

Dermatologists recommend working with a professional when incorporating AHAs into your skin care routine, but they share a few pointers for deciding which type of AHA is right for you.

• Glycolic acid is known for penetrating skin with ease and bringing a glow to your skin
• Lactic acid is ideal for reducing the appearance of large pores, hyperpigmentation and age spots
• Mandelic acid comes from bitter almonds and is gentler on skin than glycolic acid, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

Understanding How AHAs Work

Acids work by dissolving the top layer of skin, which then triggers repair. Dermatologists say AHAs are actually less damaging to sensitive skin than cleansers with abrasive scrubbers. In safe amounts, AHAs can be safe for dry or sensitive skin. Where to Start

Many beauty blogs and magazines have made lists of different AHAs to add to your skin care regimen. You can also start with our AHA Cleansing Milk which is gentle enough to be used as a daily part of a regenerating skin program. In addition to AHA products for facial skin care, experts recommend incorporating body lotions containing AHAs to address bumpy or dull skin all over.

How to Use Our AHA Cleansing Milk

Our AHA Cleansing Milk is a gentle cleansing milk for the face that uses botanical AHAs which gently cleanse the skin surface, while exfoliating and revitalizing the skin. Lactic Acid accelerates cellular renewal so skin appears fresh, hydrated and radiant after each use. Gentle enough to be used daily as part of a regenerating skin program. Used regularly, this gentle AHA cleansing milk reduces the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation and hydrates the skin. This cleansing milk is ideal for addressing aging or sensitive skin, hyperpigmentation, and acne.

AHA Cleansing Milk Ingredients

• Lactic acid, a mild form of AHA, which increases cell turnover and removes dead skin cells. This brightens the skin, evens tones, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores. An effective antimicrobial, this ingredients help protects the skin. Research suggests that lactic acid and probiotic supplements can help reduce gut issues, and address moderate skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
• Lupine Protein: a peptide blend from lupine flower proteins. It helps reduce the inflammatory cycle following sun exposure by preventing collagen and elastin breakdowns.
• Acer Rubrum Bark: sourced from the Boreal forest, acer rubrum bark extract is a powerful stress oxidative inhibitor and an extracellular matrix booster and rejuvenator. Clinically shown to fight against intrinsic and mechanical aging processes, reducing the appearance of aging signs and the appearance of wrinkles, and improving skin firmness and elasticity.

1. Precleanse the face with our Marula Bloom Cleanser to remove makeup.
2. Apply a small amount of AHA Cleansing Milk to moist skin.
3. Gently massage.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Follow with appropriate toner.