Natural acids are used to gently exfoliate the skin removing the build-up of dry, dead cells from the surface and encouraging new cell growth to reveal a softer, more refreshed complexion.

They can be found in all types skin care products from cleansers and serum to masks, and they will vary in strengths.

Salicylic Acid

Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin

It exfoliates and reduces excess oil in the skin, helping to reduce acne breakouts.

What Is Salicylic Acid? 

If you suffer from blemishes and breakouts or persistent acne then salicylic acid is definitely a super ingredient you need on your radar. A super effective exfoliator, salicylic acid sloughs away dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores to help the skin fight against future imperfections. Also known as a Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA, Salicylic Acid is derived from the same acid as Aspirin which actually comes from the bark of willow trees. 

What Does Salicylic Acid Do?

Put simply, it helps your skin to shed. A cleanser that uses salicylic acid or BHA’s helps to sweep away the superficial layer of dead skin cells that we always have on top of our skin, to reveal the fresher skin underneath. It helps to remove excess oil and sebum and clears away debris to give your complexion a more even, more toned appearance. When used over a period of time it can make your skin more radiant and less congested, helping to break down blackheads and whiteheads so you can enjoy a blemish-free complexion.

Don’t forget that using BHA ingredients like Salicylic Acid will make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, so make sure you protect skin with a broad spectrum SPF sun cream after use.

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Glycolic Acid 

Ideal for all skin types (except sensitive)

Tackles hyperpigmentation, dullness, and signs of skin ageing.

Glycolic Acid is something of a skin saviour that’s used to treat a myriad of skin concerns from acne to sun damage to premature aging. Glycolic Acid is the most common Alpha Hydroxy Acid which are frequently used in skincare products because they help other ingredients to penetrate the skin more deeply.  In fact AHA’s, which occur naturally in fruits and other foods have been used for thousands of years as a skin perfecting ingredient.

Glycolic Acid sinks in quickly and helps to resurface the skin by loosening dead skin cells and sloughing them away to reveal the brighter, more radiant skin underneath. With frequent use Glycolic Acid contributes to a smoother, more even skin texture, making it ideal for use in the fight against sun damage.

Suitable for most skin types except sensitive, Glycolic Acid is ideal for ageing skin and similarly to Retinol it can be used to prevent premature wrinkles and lines. With its exfoliating properties, over time it is able to tone enlarged pores, decongest blocked pores, reduce scars and fade pigmentation, as well as promote new collagen and elastin production for a plumper, more youthful complexion.

Glycolic Acid can cause irritation and makes skin more sensitive to the sun so it’s essential to use a daily sun cream with a high SPF to protect skin from photosensitivity.

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Lactic Acid

Ideal for dry and sensitive skin

You might not be aware that Lactic Acid is one of the most versatile skincare ingredients. A natural moisturiser, Lactic Acid helps your skin to keep water in the upper layers of the epidermis to leave skin looking plumped and radiant. Part of the AHA family of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, it is an ideal ingredient for quenching dry skin and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with its plumping properties, but it can actually be used to help with a whole range of skincare concerns. Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Lactic Acid have been found to improve the appearance of everything from enlarged pores and acne to sun damage, scarring, stretch marks and pigmentation.

AHA’s work by sloughing away the topmost layer of the skin to reveal healthier, fresher looking skin beneath so no wonder that Lactic Acid is often found in anti-ageing creams and serums that target dull, mature skin. Not only does it help even out pigmentation, improve elasticity and support the skin’s natural exfoliation process, it also increases cell renewal for a rejuvenated complexion that’s smoother and softer.

Our curated range of scientifically proven products use Lactic Acid to boost and beautify the skin and in most cases are suitable for all skin types. We recommend you use AHA products in combination with other anti-ageing products as they can help other ingredients to penetrate more deeply into the skin so you can enjoy the maximum benefit of their formulations.

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Poly-Hydroxy Acids

Ideal for Rosacea & Dermatitis 

Polyhydroxy acids, such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are similar to AHAs but better for sensitive and extremely dry skin. This is because they don’t penetrate the skin as quickly as AHAs due to their larger molecule size, reducing the chance of irritation and sensitisation. Polyhydroxy acids are ideal for those with skin conditions like rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, keratosis pilaris and eczema that are crying out for exfoliation but are too reactive for AHAs. They are gentle enough to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding too, unlike Salicylic Acid.

Polyhydroxy acids exfoliate and smooth your skin while endowing it with anti-inflammatory properties, which is particularly useful for inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. They also act as antioxidants, protecting the skin against damaging free radicals and sun exposure. Free radicals are unstable molecules that wreak havoc wherever they go, causing damage to the skin and triggering premature ageing.

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