The low down on AHA’S
AHA means Alpha Hydroxy Acid. AHA’s are of natural or synthetic origin.
They are a kind of very powerful exfoliator referred to as “Chemical exfoliation”.
They smooth the skin by removing its dead cells, bringing on an immediate healthy glowing effect.
In addition to this keratolytic/cell renewal effect, each has a complementary action.
There are a total of 6 acids in the AHA family.
Let’s start with the Facts!
AHA means Alpha Hydroxy Acid. AHA’s are of natural or synthetic origin.
They are a kind of very powerful exfoliator referred to as “Chemical exfoliation”.
They smooth the skin by removing its dead cells, bringing on an immediate healthy glowing effect.
In addition to this keratolytic/cell renewal effect, each has a complementary action.
There are a total of 6 acids in the AHA family.
Different types of AHA’s & their complementary action.
· Citric Acid – is a citrus fruit extract – Radiance booster / Astringent actions
· Lactic Acid – Fermentation of milk and fruit sugar extract, pulses – Moisturising
· Mandelic Acid – Bitter almond extract – Depigmenting
· Malic Acid – Apple, pear and grape extract – Hydrating
· Tartaric Acid – Grape extract – Anti oxidant/Anti Inflammatory actions
· Glycolic Acid – Sugar cane/pineapple extract or Synthetic form – Anti Wrinkle
Exfoliation is a very valued addition to your skin care routine - once incorporated correctly.
As teenagers, I’m sure you all experience mechanical scrubs – the beaded kind? These work on the surface of your skin, to scrub off the outer layer. This can be in an abrasive manner and often leads to a broken skin barrier and irritation as a result of over or improper use.
Chemical exfoliants penetrate the deeper layer to loosen, lets call it the glue that holds our skin cells together. They allow a clean “lift off” of dead skin cell without any friction or abrasive action on the surface.
Chemical exfoliation is generally our preferred method of exfoliation but choosing the right one for your skin type/concern is a delicate art. While there is nothing to fear with the words “Chemical” or “Acid”, there is a lot to consider before you start using them and they should not be used in a willy-nilly manner. You will end up doing more harm than good to your skin. Many factors are taken into consideration before choosing the correct product for you and how you should use it. Thorough consultation and continued assessment & guidance are essential to ensure your skin remains at optimal health.
Yonka Glyconight 10%
A night peeling mask with 10% pure glycolic acid
IMAGE Ageless Total Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is 12% glycolic acid so is a highly active cleanser. It is not suitable for congested skin as glycolic acid can draw spots up to the surface.
IMAGE Ageless Total Anti-Aging Serum
10% blend of glycolic, lactic and malic acids
Book your skin assessment today to ensure you are exfoliating your way to glowing skin and not damaged skin!
The Secret Essence Self Care Suite
Self-Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.
Born in the middle of a global pandemic, the Secret Essence Self Care Suite, brought us back to our original roots. We once again look to a more holistic approach at living, looking after ourselves from the inside out. Take time to appreciate who we are, what we are and what we can become. Nourish our souls, understand our thoughts, calm our minds and treat our bodies.
“Self Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.”
Self-Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.
Born in the middle of a global pandemic, the Secret Essence Self Care Suite, brought us back to our original roots. We once again look to a more holistic approach at living, looking after ourselves from the inside out. Take time to appreciate who we are, what we are and what we can become. Nourish our souls, understand our thoughts, calm our minds and treat our bodies.
Knowing and doing more of what you love is the greatest act of self-care. This can be as superficial and simple as swapping high heels for slippers or delving a little deeper to discover what makes you tick! In my opinion, neither trumps the other as the end result can mean an equal gratification to different people. Self-Care is Self-Care and any act of self-care no matter how big or small is an achievement in this modern world.
In the rat race that is now simply known as “Adult Life”, it’s very easy get lost. We get sucked into the rat race and forget about the little things and the lovely things in life that we love to do and make us feel good. Things that help release the feel-good hormones (we all need more of these). We are always rushing to the next place, trying to meet deadlines, clock watching, following schedules, planning & trying to please others. Even mentally verbalising those words conjure certain feelings in me & make my heart pound in my chest. Did you feel it too?? It’s called stress!
Being forced to press pause has really made me re-evaluate everything. It has given me a chance to enjoy what I love to do without feeling guilty. (Guilty for choosing to look after myself - Was I insane???). Reading, writing, new little daily rituals, enjoying a bath instead of a quick shower, slipping into comfy pj’s and cosy slippers while watching a movie or spending time to cook a nice dinner, going for long muddy walks in the Castle with Bailey, doing a home facial, practising mindfulness, planting flowers and watching them grow, taking an online yoga class, faffing about the house, being creative and loosing myself in the process – oh how my life has changed, and if I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to give it all up. I am enjoying the slower pace of life and I can’t imagine going back to my old ways.
The Secret Essence Self Care Suite, is a space dedicated to you. It houses a collection of things I enjoy and wanted to share with you in the hope it might spark joy for you too. It’s time to let go of the rat race and let Self Care became the new race in adult life.
Here’s some of my favourite things that have helped me through lockdown.
Create the life you long for, manifest it & it will happen. Remember, if you don’t do it, no one else will do it for you.
“Lets spark Joy with Self Care.”