From powerful antioxidants and multi-tasking acids to vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea, when it comes to anti-ageing and glow-getting, it’s no secret that a lot of our favourite skincare products “got it from their Mama” – Mother Nature, that is.
Why AHAs and BHAs could be your skin’s new BFF
If the thought of putting something with “acid” in the title on your skin feels like the beginning of a skincare horror story, we’re here to tell you that it could be the start of a love story – with your skin. Acids like Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Ferulic Acid occur naturally in nature and can be found in super effective anti-ageing, exfoliating, and resurfacing serums, masks, and facial mists.
The easiest way to remember what AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) do is to think, “A is for Anti-ageing”, but AHAs also work wonders for anyone with damaged, dry or dull skin, looking to restore hydration, plumpness, and brightness. How do you know if a skincare product contains AHAs? Look for ingredients like citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.
Next up are BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids); think, “B is for blocked pores”. BHAs are ideal for skins prone to breakouts, blackheads, and white bumps because BHAs penetrate the skin at a deep enough level to unclog pores while delivering anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. How do you know if a skincare product contains BHAs? Look for willow bark on the label because this ingredient contains naturally occurring salicylic acid, which gently but effectively removes the build-up of skin cells.
Why we’re ‘pro’ natural anti-oxidants
Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Without giving you a full-on chemistry lesson, free radicals are unstable and uncharged atoms or molecules produced by our bodies, which negatively affect healthy cells – damaging our body’s DNA, lipids and proteins. Antioxidants neutralize these ‘reactions’, protecting our cells and tissues from damage by delivering anti-ageing, acne-healing, sunburn-treating, and skin-brightening benefits.
Just as you take your vitamins internally every day, you should be applying naturally-occurring vitamins, like Vitamin C, externally. And, just as you sip on a cup or two of green tea during your day for its proven health benefits, incorporating Green Tea Extract into your skincare routine can be a game-changer. It fights free radicals and inflammation while reducing your risk of cancer.
Bring your skincare ‘A’ game with retinoids
Retinoids are skincare royalty, a family of compounds derived from naturally-occurring vitamin A. The most commonly used retinoid (and probably most familiar to anyone with a decent skincare routine) is Retinol, which stimulates collagen production and boosts cell turnover to work magic on fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and even acne. But, if you have sensitive or reactive skin, this ‘magic’ can come at a price in the form of irritation which acts out (like a toddler who skipped their nap) as red, dry, or flaky skin.
Enter natural retinol alternatives like a lychee-related plant, Rambutan, and Bakuchiol, long used in traditional eastern medicine. The jury is still out on whether or not natural retinol alternatives can compete with synthetic retinoids. Still, you can bet our industry-leading reputation because we’re keeping a close eye on it and, who knows, you could be spotting some hard to pronounce but easy to fall in love with natural retinoids in our products in the not too distant future.
Haven’t bought a Mother’s Day gift yet?
As always, if you’re keen to take a more natural approach to your skincare regime without compromising on your results, chat to any of our doctors or therapists at any one of our 18 branches nationwide. And, if you still haven’t ticked a Mother’s Day gift off your ‘to-do’ list, take a look at our online skin shop armed with your newly acquired knowledge of Mother Nature’s best AHAs, BHAs, antioxidants, and pro-glow vitamins.