The ‘A to Z’ of Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is derived from wheat, grains and barley and helps to brighten skin tone; improve the evenness of skin texture, and reduce the look of blemishes. It's also a respected ingredient in an aesthetician's acne-fighting and rosacea-treating arsenals – from topical at-home products to professional, hands-on treatments. Besides targeting existing issues and removing dead skin cells, the impressive illuminating nature of Azelaic Acid controls melanin (skin pigment) production, reducing the appearance of dark spots and lightening hyperpigmentation.
One of the places you can find Azelaic Acid on the Skin Renewal' menu' is as part of our SD Azelaic Peel, a low-pH combination peel containing Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid & Arnica. The unique formulation ensures that all the main signs and symptoms of acne are targeted, namely oiliness, congestion, breakouts, PIH and inflammation.
What's fantastic about Ferulic?
Also known as hydroxycinnamic acid, Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that neutralises free-radical damage from pollution, ultraviolet light and infrared radiation, accelerating skin ageing. It mostly comes in a liquid form, which is why you may be most familiar with the acid as an ingredient in serums. That being said, another popular way to dispense this 'free radical fighter' is via a pump in cream form.
Regular use of Ferulic acid – either at home, as part of a day/night skincare regime or in the hands of your experienced therapist, or as part of a chemical peel – reduces inflammation and redness; counteracts the potential for sagging skin; combats the formation of brown spots from hyperpigmentation or pimples, and boosts the efficacy of your vitamin C and vitamin E skincare products by making these ingredients more stable.
You can find Ferulic acid on the Skin Renewal 'menu' as part of both our product range and chemical peel offering:
- SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a potent antioxidant formulation that protects your skin against photo-ageing by neutralising free radicals, boosting collagen synthesis, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. The main antioxidant, Ferulic, helps to inhibit UVA, UVB and Infrared radiation while neutralising free radicals, speeding up your skin's cell turnover and reducing visible signs of ageing.
- The SD Ferulic Peel is a low-pH combination peel containing Ferulic acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid and Lactic Acid. This predominantly alpha hydroxy combination formulation has been designed to be a comfortable, no-downtime anti-ageing and age-prevention treatment.
Think Hyaluronic; Think Hydration
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body's connective tissue. If you just thought, "Glyco-what?" don't worry, simply put, it's just a fancy way of saying long unbranched carbohydrates, or sugars, that gives your skin structure. In a nutshell, Hyaluronic acid is responsible for that plump and hydrated look. But beyond its aesthetic benefits, this acid also plays a pivotal role in the wound healing process.
So, how can you incorporate HA into your skincare regime? Well, here are just a few ways we incorporate HA into our product and treatment offers:
- Lamelle SRS HA Serum – a concentrated hyaluronic acid serum that gives the skin maximum hydration.
- MesoSilkpeel HA – a serum formulated to increase skin hydration when combined with treatments such as transdermal mesotherapy or PDT.
- Teana A4 HA Serum – a gentle HA serum that's an excellent hydrating option easily be added to any treatment solution.
- Teana E1 Vitamin Cocktail Serum – a fantastic add-on to any anti-ageing treatment, the unique blend of HA and vitamins is designed to be an excellent topical antioxidant for the skin.
Glycolic Acid - What's not to like?
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) made from sugar cane, and it's one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products thanks to its long list of 'superpowers' which includes speeding up cell turnover to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, and triggering collagen production to firm and plump skin, restoring elasticity and coming to the anti-ageing party as the life of the party. As you age, your skin makes less and less collagen, which is exacerbated by time spent in the sun. So, the more candles on your birthday cake, the more you need products like SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight in your skincare regime and Glycolic Peels in your Skin Renewal branch's diary.
The TXA Factor
Tranexamic Acid, which those in the know call TXA for short, comes from the Amino Acid, Lysine and has traditionally been used as an oral medication for heavy menstrual bleeding. That being said, growing evidence suggests TXA may be a beneficial ingredient to include in skincare products – particularly for treating dark spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma. When applied topically – in the case of our TA Serum, for example – it can alter the way cells produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin colour), interrupting pathways in the skin that might otherwise lead to an uneven skin tone.
Want to make sure your skincare passes the test?
Head on over to our Online Skin Shop and Skin Renewal website to search for products and treatments that contain – over and above the ones we've written about – Salicylic acid, Mandelic acid and Trichloracetic acid. With the wide range of skin-friendly AHAs and BHAs around these days, there's really no excuse to be wary of acids, whatever your skin concerns.