Tag Archives: glycolic acid
Topically applied, AHA’s ( Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can be naturally derived from fruits, plants and nuts but today are mostly synthetically produced. The most popular are Glycolic and Lactic which are especially suited for home application because they are less irritating. However spa protocols often include a combination of other AHA’s such as Mandelic, Citric, Tartaric and Malic.
Used to treat wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, pigmentation and acne, AHA’s gently exfoliate unnecessary dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that build up over time. This increases blood flow and allows for better product penetration.When used continuously Glycolic Acid in particular can brighten the skin and lighten pigmentation. It can also balance pH. Long term use has helped to reduce the appearance of scar tissue and can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
For home use most AHA formulas contain 10% or less of the active ingredient. In the spa this percentage is often increased depending on the blend of AHA’s being used and also on the results that are required. Of course skin sensitivity is also taken into account.
It is really essential to use a daily SPF of at least 30 when using any products that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids because they all make the skin much more susceptible to the sun and increase the likelihood of burning.
By applying toners, serums and/or creams to skin containing these ingredients you can improve the health and appearance of your skin significantly and ensure that healthy, youthful glow that we all yearn for.
Today we have some great tools available to tackle the aging process on both the top and in the deeper layers of the skin – all in one session.
At SkinSense, microcurrent has become a very popular electrical protocol that we offer to all our clients interested in keeping the skin firm, toned and youthful. Originally used in the medical field to treat stroke victims, Bells Palsy and for pain relief of injured muscles and tendons, we perform microcurrent as a stand-alone treatment or as an add-on to other facial protocols.
Here are the main benefits:
Tightening – the low-level electricity combines with our bodies’ own electrical impulses to trigger movement – rather like taking your skin to the gym for an exercise session.
Glucose production – microcurrent can also trigger a chemical reaction at a cellular level that enhances the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) by almost 500%. This is the fuel that energizes all cellular activity in the body and is essential to cellular health.
Microcurrent has a very calming effect on Rosacea and skin which tends toward redness and irritation.
It can also soften scar tissue, improve circulation and get rid of puffiness by stimulating lymph flow which clams environmental sensitivity and allergies.
Topically, AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can be naturally derived but in skin care today are mostly synthetically produced. The most popular AHA’s are Lactic and Glycolic acids and we also use Mandelic acid at SkinSense.
The main benefits are:
Treatment of sun damaged skin and pigmentation.
Normalizing hyperkeratinization – skin that appears over–thickened and dull.
Increase in exfoliation of dead skin cells which tends to slow with aging.
This combination of topicals and electricity has an immediate effect on the skin – benefits that make the skin appear immediately youthful and radiant and that also last long past the day of treatment. We are currently offering this combination treatment for $130.00 – a savings of $70.00 – so book now and Spring forward with a magical glow!
At this point I really believe from what I have seen on my clients’ skins and on my own, that great skin care requires a continuous and customized plan of action. We need to respect the skin as a fully functional and self regulating organ. Consistent daily care at home, rotating topicals, particularly A and C, combined with spa visits that include deep cleansing facials, lymphatic drainage, micro current and galvanic electrotherapy, can really boost cell production and repair sun and environmental damage.
I have written several times this year about the effectiveness of serums – their ability to penetrate quickly, add concentrated actives to the skin and increase the hydration level of moisturizers. Earlier this year, Guinot launched Longue Vie Serum, a new product that contains all the amino acids and vitamins of the Longue Vie family in a lighter, more concentrated form. During the winter months, we all need a little extra support, both in the hydration and anti-aging department. This new product can supply both.
I have also mentioned the effectiveness of glycolic acid in the past. We use a 30% glycolic acid solution with many of our spa facial treatments but wanted a product that you could use at home both as a spot treatment and also as an all-over radiance boost on a weekly basis. We now have this product. Gloprofessional has just launched Renew Serum – a blend of retinol, glycolic and salicylic acids that is proving to be very effective. It exfoliates the skin and keeps the complexion clear and fresh.
The common trend today seems to be about stimulating collagen and elastin production and making the skin cells work harder and longer. This less invasive approach produces, in plain words, new skin and a more youthful appearance.
