Alpha Beta Hydroxy Acids are one of those beauty terms that are so well known, yet so little understood. Ask anyone on the street what they are and you’d be met with blanks. Yet, that’s the power of awareness. Once you’re made aware of exactly what they are, you’ll start to see them everywhere - and no doubt, appreciate them for the phenomenal benefits they can bring to your skin!
The ‘A to B’ of Alpha Beta acids
The Alpha of our collection refers to exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugars. Most commonly used are glycolic and lactic acid because of their special ability to penetrate the skin. Beta hydroxy acid refers to salicylic acid from willow bark.
- Glycolic acid - sugar cane
- Lactic acid - milk
- Malic acid - apples and pears
- Citric acid - oranges and lemons
- Tartaric acid - grapes.
As scientific as this sounds, we have Mother Nature to thank. It seems she really can provide everything we need to nourish, enhance and protect ourselves. Let’s take a look at how she accomplishes this through her ‘actives’ derived from the garden.
What role do Alpha Beta acid’s play in anti-ageing?
As the skin ages, it slowly loses the ability to shed dead skin cells resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture and dehydration. Our Alpha Beta products can increase cellular renewal and exfoliation of dead skin cells, plus help produce a more youthful looking skin.
What are the effects of Alpha Beta acid’s on pigmentation, age spots and sun spots?
They break up the thickened dead surface layer on the skin, which causes brown age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation. After a course of Alpha Beta treatments there will be a fading or complete disappearance of these conditions.
How do Alpha Beta acid’s help acne and oily/combination skin conditions?
They eliminate dead skin cells that build up and around the pores, leading to blockages as the drainage of oils are trapped. Alpha Beta acids are like a follicular solvent which loosens the bond holding together the build up of dead cells in the pores and allows the skin to excrete the oils naturally.
If softer smoother skin texture, increased elasticity and firmness, refined pores, and increased hydration levels sound appealing - keep an eye and ear out for Alpha Beta Hydroxy Acids in your skincare and welcome them with open arms!