Inside AHA's
For those not in the beauty know, the very word ‘acid’ is enough to trigger alarming thoughts when it comes to skincare ingredients. Thoughts of burning skin and excruciating pain come to mind, however the reality is that cosmetic scientists have been incorporating AHA’s into skincare since the 1970’s as they are considered to be ‘game-changing’ when it comes to achieving a flawless and youthful complexion.
AHA’s otherwise known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or fruit acids) are a family of naturally occurring acids originating from various sources and can be used in both high and low concentrations. The most common AHA’s you’ll hear about are Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane), Citric Acid (derived from citrus fruits), Lactic Acid (derived from milk), Malic acid (derived from apples) and Tartaric Acid (derived from grapes). They are all considered ‘skincare superheroes’ because of the multiple benefits they have on the skin, not least the fact they combat the signs of ageing. In fact these ‘holy grail’ ingredients can assist with a whole host of concerns such as improving an uneven skin texture, balancing oil levels and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, brightening a dull skin tone and diminishing fine lines to name just a few of their benefits. Furthermore, using AHA’s regularly can actually aid the skin’s ability to increase the water content to maximise skin hydration.
Sounds too good to be true right? Yet AHA’s are not a ‘new kid on the block’ ingredient – in fact it is thought that they were originally discovered centuries ago when Cleopatra bathed in sour milk to improve the softness of her skin, whilst the French washed their faces with old wine to banish their wrinkles!
In a nutshell AHA’s provide a gentle chemical exfoliation that has been shown to be less abrasive on the skin than physical exfoliation with granular scrubs. Exfoliating the skin is really important to slough away dead skin cells which build up on the surface of the skin on a daily basis. These dead skin cells are glued together by bonds, and as we age the bonds thicken and cell renewal slows down with dire consequences. Dulling complexions, emphasized wrinkles, accentuated pigmentation flaws, highlight skin imperfections to name but a few.
With endless benefits, it seems that AHA’s should definitely be a staple in your skincare regime – As the saying goes ‘ An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ so does the saying ‘Some AHA’s a day keep the wrinkles at bay’.
Gatineau’s AHA Body Lotion is what I call a ‘once a day’s high intensity body moisturiser' and exemplifies the benefits of AHA’s. Designed to tackle dry and rough skin, uneven skin texture and skin conditions (such as Keratosis Pilaris and dermatitis), this weightless yet deeply nourishing body lotion really works wonders to enhance the condition of the skin leaving it velvety soft and smooth. With only the finest ingredients including a fruity blend of Passion Fruit Enzymes and Citrus Extract, this body lotion provides a gentle buffing of follicle-clogging dead skin cells, resurfacing and smoothing the surface of the skin whilst intensively flooding new skin cells with all important moisture. (It’s like an exfoliator and intense body lotion all at the same time).
This is a new breed of body moisturiser and a really tall glass of hydrating water for this often overlooked parched, rough and under loved area of skin. And with the addition of Shea Butter packed with important Vitamins and Essential Fatty Acids, a daily dose of AHA Body lotion together with its heavenly fragrance will do everything from helping scaly elbows to healing sunburn!
Lucy x
AHA’s otherwise known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or fruit acids) are a family of naturally occurring acids originating from various sources and can be used in both high and low concentrations. The most common AHA’s you’ll hear about are Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane), Citric Acid (derived from citrus fruits), Lactic Acid (derived from milk), Malic acid (derived from apples) and Tartaric Acid (derived from grapes). They are all considered ‘skincare superheroes’ because of the multiple benefits they have on the skin, not least the fact they combat the signs of ageing. In fact these ‘holy grail’ ingredients can assist with a whole host of concerns such as improving an uneven skin texture, balancing oil levels and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, brightening a dull skin tone and diminishing fine lines to name just a few of their benefits. Furthermore, using AHA’s regularly can actually aid the skin’s ability to increase the water content to maximise skin hydration.
Sounds too good to be true right? Yet AHA’s are not a ‘new kid on the block’ ingredient – in fact it is thought that they were originally discovered centuries ago when Cleopatra bathed in sour milk to improve the softness of her skin, whilst the French washed their faces with old wine to banish their wrinkles!
In a nutshell AHA’s provide a gentle chemical exfoliation that has been shown to be less abrasive on the skin than physical exfoliation with granular scrubs. Exfoliating the skin is really important to slough away dead skin cells which build up on the surface of the skin on a daily basis. These dead skin cells are glued together by bonds, and as we age the bonds thicken and cell renewal slows down with dire consequences. Dulling complexions, emphasized wrinkles, accentuated pigmentation flaws, highlight skin imperfections to name but a few.
With endless benefits, it seems that AHA’s should definitely be a staple in your skincare regime – As the saying goes ‘ An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ so does the saying ‘Some AHA’s a day keep the wrinkles at bay’.
Gatineau’s AHA Body Lotion is what I call a ‘once a day’s high intensity body moisturiser' and exemplifies the benefits of AHA’s. Designed to tackle dry and rough skin, uneven skin texture and skin conditions (such as Keratosis Pilaris and dermatitis), this weightless yet deeply nourishing body lotion really works wonders to enhance the condition of the skin leaving it velvety soft and smooth. With only the finest ingredients including a fruity blend of Passion Fruit Enzymes and Citrus Extract, this body lotion provides a gentle buffing of follicle-clogging dead skin cells, resurfacing and smoothing the surface of the skin whilst intensively flooding new skin cells with all important moisture. (It’s like an exfoliator and intense body lotion all at the same time).
This is a new breed of body moisturiser and a really tall glass of hydrating water for this often overlooked parched, rough and under loved area of skin. And with the addition of Shea Butter packed with important Vitamins and Essential Fatty Acids, a daily dose of AHA Body lotion together with its heavenly fragrance will do everything from helping scaly elbows to healing sunburn!
Lucy x