alpha and beta hydroxy acids

Skin exfoliation

We classify it among the basic steps in skin care. Why is that? If we don't remove dead skin cells regularly, the skin will become dull, scaly, rough and without brightness. The layer of old skin forms an impermeable film on the skin, which prevents the absorption of nutrients into the skin and at the same time creates an environment prone to acne, inflammation and the multiplication of bacteria. Regular exfoliation is the only way to prevent this. Without it, the skin tends to either get more oily, because hydration does not have the opportunity to penetrate deeper into the dermis or the epidermis, so the skin catches up with more sebum production. Or it dries out, because the upper dermis consists of already dead skin cells.

What can acids do?

They have a lower pH than our skin and thus gently remove the topmost dead layer. They soften, clarify, unify the skin and accelerate its regeneration. She tends to slow down her regenerative abilities over time. A chemical peel using acids reactivates this process and helps keep the skin smooth and soft to the touch. Acids reduce acne, regular exfoliation of the skin does not give it much chance to form. Chemical peeling can also fight pigmentation. With regular use, pigmentation spots are softened and even removed. Although it is a longer process, it is very effective. The constant renewal of skin cells has a positive effect on wrinkles, which become finer and less visible.

Since the acids for home use have a lower concentration to be safe, you need to wait for the result and be patient. With regular use of min. however, you will see clear results within a month. The skin will glow and be more unified.

Care for problematic skin

We recommend trying the benefits of our Twinkle Star exfoliating serum. It is a light serum that is used at night and has a concentration for daily use. Contains AHA acids from lemon, blueberry, papaya, sugar cane and orange. In combination with hyaluronic acid, it perfectly hydrates the skin, softens it, smoothes fine wrinkles, tightens pores, lightens pigmentation and generally improves the condition of the skin with regular use. It is a purely natural composition that competes with well-known brands such as Pixie or Medik 8.

Among other products for acne prone skin, SOS Miracle local pimple care, which contains a natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol, has proven to be very effective. This has the same positive acne improvement as retinol, but without the side effects. It is not sensitive to light and can be used even by pregnant and lactating women. In addition, it does not dry out the skin, but restores its balance. With tea tree, sage, turmeric, chamomile, cloves, etc.

Include a face mask regularly in your care. The Geranium and Neem mask contains medicinal neem, which has antibacterial effects, acts on regeneration, disinfects and cleans the skin. Fights acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems. And green clay, which detoxifies and is excellent for acne-prone skin. Mattifies shiny skin, reduces the production of excessive sebum, accelerates cell renewal. It is suitable for skin eczema, rashes and dry skin.

One of the basic steps is thorough cleansing of the skin. We have developed a gentle Velvet Touch washing gel that gently foams thanks to the soap crust, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin as it does not dry it out. Contains sea buckthorn rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B, K, E. It has mild analgesic effects, prevents skin damage and the spread of bacteria. Frankincense prevents the formation of wrinkles, shrinks pores and reduces dark spots. It helps heal acne and prevent its further occurrence, together with lavender slows down aging. Jojoba oil and aloe vera nourish and hydrate the skin. The skin is beautifully clean, smooth and brightened after washing.

Types of acids

These are substances of organic origin that are soluble in water or fat, and their name did not come about by chance. They are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but today there are also their synthetic variants. They are divided according to their chemical composition into AHA, BHA and PHA acids.

AHA acids

AHA acids are most often found in fruit, e.g. lemons, grape wine, pineapple or passion fruit, but you can also find them in milk, sugar cane or willow bark. They differ primarily in the size of the molecules and thus in their ability to penetrate the skin.

The most commonly used AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are glycolic, lactic and mandelic, citric and malic acids. The advantage of all AHA acids is that they attract water to the skin and slow down its evaporation.

In nature, it is found in some sugary plants and fruits - for example in pineapple, watermelon or in unripe grapes. Since the glycolic acid molecule is one of the smallest, it can penetrate well into the deeper layers of the skin. It supports the production of elastin and collagen, thereby firming and rejuvenating the skin. It is very effective in removing dead skin cells and is used in chemical peeling. However, you should always be careful about the dosage of this effective acid - experts recommend a maximum of 4%. Larger amounts could do a lot of damage in the deeper layers of the skin and could cause serious tissue damage.

Lactic acid

Found in fermented milk products. Lactic acid is a middle way, it acts more slowly than glycolic acid and has very significant moisturizing effects. It works more gently and is therefore also suitable for more sensitive skin. At the same time, it helps to maintain the correct pH in the skin.

Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid is obtained from the extract of bitter almonds. Its "talent" lies in its ability to penetrate the sebaceous glands, where it reduces sebum production. It not only removes dead skin cells, but also reduces sebum and has antibacterial effects. That's why it's a great fighter against acne.

Citric acid

It is found in citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemon or orange. Citric acid is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, so it slows down skin aging and naturally lightens pigment spots.

Malic acid

It is found in apples and other fruits, to which it gives a typical sour taste. Malic acid in higher concentrations can penetrate well into the deeper layers of the skin, where it stimulates collagen production.

Tartaric acid

You may also know it under the name tartar, it is often used in sun protection products, in moisturizing creams or as part of hair cosmetics. Like other AHA acids, it removes dead skin cells and helps to clean pores.

BHA acids

BHA (beta-hydroxy) is primarily salicylic acid. Its advantage is that it penetrates through the grease deep into the pores. It eliminates excess oil and removes dead cells, resulting in cleaner pores and preventing clogging. At the same time, it has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It can thus prevent inflammation and the formation of new acne, or soothe already inflamed skin.

PHA acids

Compared to AHA and BHA acids, PHA acids are considered the mildest and are therefore often recommended for sensitive skin. PHA acids include lactobionic acid, galactose and gluconic acid. These acids can bind water very well and thus help to hydrate the skin. They act as antioxidants. They strengthen the protective lipid layer of the skin, which makes the skin more resistant to irritation.

Lactobionic acid

It is a new generation acid that is naturally obtained from lactose. It has no irritating properties, it can be used to care for sensitive areas and even for skin with pathological changes. It combines a hydrating and regenerating effect. It supports the skin renewal process and strengthens the function of the defense barrier.

Gluconic acid

It exfoliates the skin and is supposed to have antioxidant effects. In other words, it prevents oxidation, which is the premature aging of skin cells by the environment. At the same time, it should also have antibacterial effects. This acid will be suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin.