Ageing can be unkind to your complexion, which is where the power of AHA's come into their own. Editor Trudi Brewer discovers a skin rejuvenating serum-like exfoliant that works while you sleep.
Read on to learn more.
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me today Women's Daily AHA Exfoliant, $45.
WHAT IS IT?
Dull, sun-damaged skin? After years of being a sun worshiper, not to mention stress and a not-always perfect diet, that describes my complexion. But fear not, once you learn what AHA's can do to get your glow back. First up, let's talk about AHA's or alpha-hydroxy acids, water-soluble plant-derived acids from various foods. They include glycolic acid from sugar cane, citrus, milk-lactic acid, and tartaric acid found in grapes and apples. Gentle yet super-effective exfoliants, this family of acids are ideal for boosting clarity in dry, dehydrated and sun-damaged skin. They also help speed up skin cell turnover that becomes sluggish as we age and improve moisture levels deep in the skin. AHAs don't just work on the surface of the skin. They can also affect the deeper layer of the skin (by boosting collagen production); for that reason, they're present in many anti-ageing skincare products. Now to this fab, vegan-friendly AHA Exfoliant from me today. The formula contains a blend of lactic and glycolic acids, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and ginseng leaf extracts, niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin C, cranberry and grape seed oil, and the complexion-loving coenzyme Q10, and retinyl palmitate (vitamin A). Together, these ingredients (I call skincare heavyweights) blur the look of fine lines, and discolouration from sun damage, while adding clarity and radiance to dull, uneven-looking skin.
HOW TO USE IT?
The effects of this AHA exfoliant are addictive, but with this product, less is more. Start by using it once a week. Pat onto clean skin at night, and then apply night cream. Use weekly at first and then increase to daily once your skin has a natural tolerance.
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WHY DO I LIKE IT?
I am not a fan of using gritty scrubs on my face, but I love the feel of freshly exfoliated skin. So to that end, this silky-serum exfoliant works to correct my most significant concerns, dryness and the residue of brown spots I have managed to collect over the years of being under the sun. Of course, by definition, any acid will exfoliate the skin. Still, this AHA formula goes above and beyond the call of duty to gently get my skin looking brighter without the risk of irritation. It's a natural, clean-beauty buy that is easy to use; it increases radiance and promotes a smoother texture to the skin. Even a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Above all, the fact it works while I am sleeping makes it an all-round-beauty-hero.