Have you tried every moisturizer, serum, and mask under the sun, but you still can't quite achieve that coveted "glow." Well, fear not my friend, because Onekind's co-founder and Head of Product Development is sharing his skincare superheroes that might just be the missing piece of your routine. Fruit acids, ascorbic acid, and prickly pear extract may sound like a mouthful, but trust us, they're worth getting to know, and you can find them all in our Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel.
Malic Acid
A lesser-known but equally potent alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), malic acid—often overshadowed by glycolic acid and salicylic acid—plays a pivotal role in enhancing skin radiance.
Derived primarily from apples, malic acid offers a gentler approach to exfoliation. It's perfect for those seeking alternatives to harsher ingredients. By delicately exfoliating the skin's surface, it reveals a brighter, more even-toned complexion, making it an ideal component in products like night serum for face or face serum for oily skin.
One of the unique attributes of malic acid is its ability to complement other skin-beneficial ingredients, such as ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. This synergistic effect enhances overall skin health, particularly in multi-ingredient formulations.
For those wondering, can you use glycolic acid with retinol or can you mix salicylic acid and retinol—malic acid emerges as a safe bet. It's less likely to cause irritation when used in combination with these potent ingredients, thus suitable for inclusion in best serum for sensitive skin.
Incorporating malic acid into your skincare routine, especially in a night facial serum like our Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel, can make a significant difference. Its ability to refine skin texture and promote hydration complements the skin's natural overnight healing process.
In summary, malic acid may not be as well-known as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, but its benefits for achieving a glowing, healthy complexion are immense. It's a hidden gem in the skincare world, particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or those seeking a mild, yet effective, exfoliating agent.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, often compared in effectiveness to salicylic acid, is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, known for its role in many glycolic acid before and after transformations. It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products because of its ability to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture. Glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which allows them to be sloughed off more easily. This process also stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the benefits of glycolic acid is that it can help to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This is because it inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. By slowing down the production of melanin, glycolic acid can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.
Another benefit of glycolic acid is that it can help to unclog pores and prevent acne breakouts. It works by dissolving the oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores, which can reduce the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads. Glycolic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
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Botanically-derived Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is another type of alpha-hydroxy acid that is typically derived from milk, but in the case of our Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel it is produced by fermentation from sugar. Like glycolic acid, it is a popular ingredient in many skincare products because of its ability to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture. Lactic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which allows them to be sloughed off more easily. This process also stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the benefits of lactic acid is that it can help to improve the skin's hydration levels. Lactic acid is a natural humectant, which means that it attracts water to the skin. This can help to improve the skin's moisture barrier and reduce dryness and flakiness.
Another benefit of lactic acid is that it can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This is because it inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. By slowing down the production of melanin, lactic acid can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark. It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products because of its ability to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid works by penetrating the pores and dissolving the oil and dead skin cells that can clog them. This can reduce the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads and prevent acne breakouts.
One of the benefits of salicylic acid is that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Salicylic acid can also help to reduce the size of pimples and prevent them from forming in the first place.
Another benefit of salicylic acid is that it can help to improve the skin's texture and tone. Salicylic acid stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to improve the overall texture and smoothness of the skin.
Salicylic acid is also effective in treating other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by breaking down the scales and flakes that are characteristic of these conditions, which can reduce itching and inflammation.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
This is a favorite of Onekind and it is vital in formulations like our dark spot correcting glow serum, enhancing skin radiance. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate the aging process.
One of the benefits of vitamin C is that it can help to brighten the skin and improve its tone. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that gives our skin its structure and firmness. By promoting collagen production, it can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Another benefit is that it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate the aging process. By protecting the skin from free radical damage, ascorbic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prickly Pear Cactus Extract
Prickly pear extract, integral in our skin brightening serum Youthdrops, is derived from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products because of its ability to hydrate and soothe the skin. Prickly pear extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
One of the benefits of prickly pear extract is that it can help to improve the skin's hydration levels. Prickly pear extract is a natural humectant, which means that it attracts water to the skin. This can help to improve the skin's moisture barrier and reduce dryness and flakiness.
Another benefit of prickly pear extract is that it can help to reduce inflammation and redness. Prickly pear extract contains betalains, which are natural anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne and other skin conditions.
From 'meh' to marvelous!
Malic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and prickly pear extract are all beneficial ingredients for the skin, and you'll find them all in our Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha-hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin and improve its texture, while salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores and prevents acne breakouts. Prickly pear extract hydrates and soothes the skin while reducing inflammation and redness.
When using skincare products that contain these ingredients, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to test the product on a small patch of skin before using it on the entire face. Some people may experience irritation or sensitivity to these ingredients, so it is important to monitor the skin for any adverse reactions. And make sure to wear sunscreen! With proper use, these ingredients can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
