The following are the 5 major types of alpha-hydroxy acids found in skincare products and their sources:
- glycolic acid – sugar cane
- lactic acid – milk
- malic acid – apples and pears
- citric acid – oranges and lemons
- tartaric acid – grapes
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Over-The-Counter Power: Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream
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Recommended by dermatologists, Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is currently one of the most innovative skincare products on the market.
Available in three different strengths including 0.1% retrinal (French for retinol) which is currently the highest amount of retrinal available in an over-the-counter product. The lowest strength is 0.025%, which is where someone who has never used a retrinal product should begin. Classified as dermo-cosmetics, Avène Rétrinal Skin Care products are considered to be cutting edge skincare with a medical approach to skincare.
Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is quite effective for a couple of reasons. The product is a form of Vitamin A which through clinical studies has been proven to improve elasticity, radiance and skin texture – as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You will get the normal side effects with any retrinal/retinol product – skin sensitivity, peeling, dry skin. But it is all well-worth the end result. Clear, glowing, firm skin.
The easy to apply product should be applied to the face and neck after cleansing. As with all anti-aging products it is imperative that broad-spectrum sunscreen be used at all times when exposed to the sun.
I have used many retinol/retrinal products, over-the-counter and prescription – this is by far the best over-the-counter product I have used.
Skin Rehab: Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10)
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Get glowing, healthy-looking skin instantly with one swipe of Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10). This one-step, daily peel gently exfoliates the skin delivering a powerful dose of protective antioxidants to help prevent visible signs of aging.
The Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is formulated with 10% Citric Acid (antioxidant found in citrus fruits) to exfoliate dead skin cells, neutralize free radicals, and help prep skin for moisturizer and serum absorption. With no rinsing or recovery time required, the result is impossibly smooth skin with improved texture and tone.
Exuviance Daily Antioxidant Peel CA (10) is an amazing rehab for the skin. Gentle enough for everyday use, this peel provides the instant gratification of glowing skin after every use.
The product comes with a jar containing 36 pads (+1 test pad), and a bottle of solution. When ready to start the regime, pour the solution over the pads and let it soak in. Then begin to use one pad over the face (can also be used on hands, neck and chest) each morning, or as tolerated. Skincare and makeup can be applied immediately after. There is no rinsing, waiting period, stinging, drying or flaking.
In a clinical study, 100% of participants reported healthier looking skin, smoother texture and a more even tone after just one use.
“The skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Failure of old cells to slough off leads to a dull, more aged appearance to the skin. This peel is an innovative way to incorporate gentle exfoliation and antioxidant protection into your daily routine with one easy swipe. It’s formulated by the dermatologists who created the original glycolic peel, and utilizes 10% Citric Acid to scavenge damaging free radicals brought on by environmental exposure and help prevent future signs of aging. I recommend using it between office visits to help refine skin texture, smooth fine lines, even skin discoloration, and help diminish the appearance of acne scars and environmental damage.” -Dr. Julie K. Karen, a board certified dermatologist who currently practices at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of NY.
What are AHAs – Alpha-Hydroxyacids?
AHAs are a group of naturally ocurring acids, many of which are found in fruits (hence “fruit-acids”). AHAs are used to help improve a variety of skin disorders including xerosis (dry skin), acne, ichthyosis, seborrheic keratoses and psoriasis. They also improve pigmentary disorders and symptoms of photo-aging; such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, skin laxity and dullness.
AHAs penetrate the dead surface cells of the skin, loosening the molecular bonds that attach them to the underlying tissues. The loose cells slough off, exposing newer skin.
About Citric Acid:
Citric acid is a substance that is found naturally in citrus fruits. It is a powerful antioxidant that can improve the health of skin cells. It stimulates collagen production, fights and protects from free radicals, has skin lightening properties, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of scars.
The Master List: SPACE.NK Event
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Last night I had the privilege of attending a wonderful event at SPACE.NK Costa Mesa hosted by local blogger and friend, Sarah Ollenberger of Juggling in Heels.
SPACE.NK is a luxury beauty retail (located inside Bloomingdales and stand-alone) filled with a well-edited selection of hard-to-find beauty products. Nicky Kinnaird, founder and the initials behind SPACE.NK, taught a master class revealing her must-have beauty products for summer. A weath of knowledge and experience, Nicky Kinnaird travels the world searching for the latest and greatest in beauty. The Master List is compiled of Nicky’s go-to products for protecting, enhancing and beautifying this summer.
THE MASTER LIST:
Eve Lom Treatment Cleanser: This cult favorite is your makeup remover, cleanser, toner, mild exfoliant, skin re-texturizer and brightener in a jar. (One of my favorites: review here)
Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads: A one-step exfoliator that evens out skin tone and minimizes pores.
Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads: Glycolic treatment pads reveal a brighter, smoother body complexion while helping to rebuild collagen and firm the skin.
Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate: Retinol-like results without the irritation.
Bakel P-Lipic Serum: Deeply hydrating, skin strengthening serum that protects against free radical-damage.
Zelens Triple-Action Eye Cream: Hydrates, smoothes, lifts and minimized the appearance of dark circles.
37 Extreme Actives: The cream that does it all – eyes, face, neck… morning and evening.
Zelens 31 Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream: Deeply hydrating antioxidant-loaded formula helps to minimize visible signs of aging.
By Terry Baume de Rose SPF15: Cult lip treatment that doubles as a cuticle cream.
NIA 24 Rapid Repigmentation Serum: Best to even out skin tone, addresses sun damage, freckles and age spots.
NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen: SPF 30, this oil-free formula contains 5%Pro-Niacin to strengthen skin and help repair sun damage. (One of my favorites-review here)
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Keeps makeup fresh all day long.
By Terry Hyaluronic Eye Primer: Keeps eye makeup color true and fresh without caking or creasing all day.
By Terry Touche Veloutee: The perfect highlighting concealer brush. It instantly sweeps away any signs of fatigue, redness and minor imperfections. (One of my favorites: review here)
By Terry Terrybly Mascara: Lash growth boosting mascara.
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler: The best one out there.
Kevyn Aucoin Volumizing Mascara: Never smudges, never flakes, sweat-proof yet washes off with water.
Kevyn Aucoin Lip Glosses: On trend colors with a unique chubby applicator that mimics a makeup artist’s pinky.
Rococo Nail Apparel: Fashion-forward colors for the season: Lady Lavender (on trend lavender), T-Cup (vintage baby blue), VIP Red (the perfect red), Wild Roses (hot fuchsia pink).
Oribe Apres Beach Spray: Texturizing spray for tousled, touchable waves and sun-kissed shine.
Oribe Maximista: Maximum volume with thermal protection, gives enduring lify and hold.
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray: Conceived and tested in Miami.
Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Anti-Wrinkle Tanning Cream: Cult French anti-aging sunscreen for face.
Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sea & Tropics Tanning Body Lotion: For safe tanning under extreme sun.
Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth: Unique textured cloth makes all-over body exfolliation simple.
Beautannia Brighton Bath & Shower Gel: Addictively scented paraben-free hydrating body cleanser scented with grapefruit, orris, sea moss and vetiver.
Beautannia Brighton Body Lotion: Moisturize, soften and protect the skin while polypeptides encourage firmness.
Sai-Sei Mineral Revive Body Veil: Super lightweight hydrating body veil with essential minerals from Japan’s Toyama hot springs.
David Kirsch Thermo Bubbles: Thermogenic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to help boost metabolism, curb your appetite and promote lean muscle mass.
David Kirsch Ultimate Detox Diet: Comprehensive detox and nutrition system that helps to jumpstart your wellness routine.
Sunday Riley Liquid Diet: Helps relieve swelling, bloating and puffiness, and smooth the appearance of cellulite.
In Peace eau de parfum: A sophisticated yet serence white floral perfume that blends freesia and pimento flower blossom with French iris and mimosa in a sunsual base of sandalwood and tonka bean. Created in partner ship with Women for Women International, 10% of proceeds benefits their sponsorship program for women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives.
Retinol Rival: Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum
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Solazyme is a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco where scientists study renewable energy solutions for cars, military ships, and airplanes. During their research, the company unexpectedly stumbled onto alguronic acid, a regenerative and protective skin care compound which launched the skin care line called Algenist.
Available only in Algenist products, this bioactive compound joins other powerful antiaging active ingredients to create a powerful serum that rebuilds skin firmness while restoring elasticity.
When scientifically tested (commissioned by Algenist): Alguronic Acid demonstrated significant anti-aging properties, increasing elastin synthesis by up to 32% and cellular regeneration by up to 55%. In head to head studies, alguronic acid outperformed retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in it’s anti-aging capabilities.
I have used the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum for over one month now, and have noticed a change in my skin. Skin tone is much brighter, skin feels extremely hydrated and my sometimes acne-prone skin has disappeared. I have not noticed a significant change in fine lines and age spots, but will continue to use. The serum feels wonderful on the skin and produces no irritation, redness, or flaking, which are common side effects produced by more traditional ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
Scientific ‘mumbo-jumbo’ set aside, based on usage – this is a fantastic serum that keeps my skin clear, hydrated and glowing.
Tried & Tested: Too Faced Primed & Poreless
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Too Faced Primed & Poreless
Too Faced Primed & Poreless is a makeup primer formulated to erase pores and imperfections, soften fine lines and help create a flawless face.
This primer aroused my curiosity with one ingredient, a powerful dose of retinol. Always a fan of multi-tasking, finally a primer formulated to prime the skin while restoring moisture, elasticity with anti-wrinkle fighting ingredients.
The primer slides onto the skin seamlessly, easy to blend and sets quickly. The nude tone becomes invisible once applied, so can be used on any skintone. Pores were airbrushed away and my combination skin felt less oily. Makeup lasted all day, no touch-ups needed.
The retinol in the product is quickly noticeable with a slight “itchy” feeling. Nothing to be discouraged about, but very sensitive skin might be fore-warned.
Too Faced Primed & Poreless is a great primer for oily and combination skintypes. Just remember to apply your sunscreen as retinol can make skin sensitive to the sun.
Glow-T 