Lactic Acid

Say goodbye to dull skin: How Lactic Acid revives your glow

If you’ve been on a quest to transform your dull skin into a gorgeously glowing complexion but have yet to see results, it could be due to the skincare products you are using.

When it comes to reviving your skin’s radiance you need to make sure you are using products rich in certain essential ingredients. We all know that vitamin C has the ability to dramatically brighten your complexion, but if you really want to achieve that much coveted healthy skin glow, the secret weapon so many of us aren’t familiar with is Lactic Acid.

 

What is Lactic Acid?

Don’t let the word acid scare you! Yes, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but this potent ingredient is derived from milk and is one of the gentlest AHAs there is. In fact, lactic acid is suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

A natural exfoliant, lactic acid can breathe life into your lacklustre complexion. It works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, revealing the fresh, radiant skin underneath, the reason why it’s a favourite among those looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliation solution.

 

Why your skin will love lactic acid

Lactic acid is a multitasker, here’s how it works it magic!

Exfoliation without irritation

Lactic acid gently exfoliates the top layer of your skin, unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin cells sitting on your skins surface. The result? Smoother, brighter skin without the redness and irritation that some other exfoliants can cause.

Boosts hydration

Unlike some exfoliants that can leave your skin feeling stripped and dry, lactic acid actually has a moisturizing effect. It helps your skin retain moisture, which is key for maintaining a healthy glow.

Fades dark spots

Whether you’re dealing with sun spots, age spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Lactic Acid is a hero at fading these pesky dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone.

Softens fine lines

Ready for a little wrinkle-smoothing action? Another impressive feat of lactic acid is its ability to stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a plumper, more youthful look.

How to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routine

Ready to add this skin-loving ingredient to your skincare routine? Here’s how:

Choose wisely

Look for lactic acid in the form of serums, toners, or moisturisers. Pick products that suit your skin type and concerns.

Patch test

As with any new skincare product, especially one with active ingredients, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before slathering it all over your face. Apply a small amount to a small area of your skin to make sure your skin agrees with it.

Start slowly

If you’re new to lactic acid, start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up. This gives your skin time to adjust and reduces the risk of irritation.

Use at night

Since lactic acid can make your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun, it’s best to use it at night. Make sure to follow up with a good sunscreen during the day to protect your newly revitalized skin.

Follow up with hydration

After using lactic acid, be sure to hydrate your skin with a nourishing moisturiser to keep it plump and supple.

 

Our favourite products rich in lactic acid

Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

Infused with both lactic acid and glycolic acid, this lightweight serum is a must for reducing the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots.

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum 30ml

Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser

With a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Clarifying Cleanser

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream

The ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin.

Beauty Collective - Medicalia L retinol smoothing cream

 

Lacid acid is indeed a game-changer when it comes to your skin. Its ability to gently exfoliate, brighten and hydrate the skin makes it a must have for anyone looking to revive their natural glow. By incorporating lactic acid into your routine a few times a week, you’ll be amazed at the transformation, trust me!

Face with a dot of skincare - ceramide

Ceramides: Everything you need to know

If you’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about ceramides but wondering what they actually are you’ve come to the right place.

Unlike your hero ingredients hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin c, collagen and more, ceramides are the unsung heroes of the skincare world, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and protected! Whether you have dry skin, sensitive skin or just want to maintain your skins natural glow, ceramides will be a valuable addition to your skincare arsenal. But before we talk about the best ceramide skincare, we need to understand what ceramides actually are and how they will help your skin.

 

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are natural lipids (fats) found naturally in high concentration in the cell membranes within our epidermis (the top 5 layers of our skin), however, ceramides are especially concentrated in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis.) Think of this layer as your skin’s protective barrier.

 

How do ceramides help our skin?

  1. Barrier protection

Ceramides help to protect and strengthen your skins barrier, shielding it from external aggressors such as harsh weather conditions, bacteria and pollutants. This helps reduce skin redness, irritation and sensitivity.

  1. Moisture retention

Ceramides help your skin hold onto moisture. They act like little sponges, preventing water loss and keeping your skin hydrated and plump.

  1. Skin Conditions

If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, ceramides can be especially beneficial. They help repair the damaged skin barrier, reducing inflammation and irritation.

  1. Anti-Ageing

As we age, ceramide levels in our skin dramatically decrease, leading to dryness and fine lines. Using ceramide-infused products can help counteract these effects, leaving your skin looking more youthful.

Using skincare rich in ceramides, or products formulated with ingredients that stimulate ceramide production can help counteract these effects. These products can help improve skin health, boost hydration, protect against harmful UV rays, rejuvenate skin and boost barrier function. Just remember no ceramides? Nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin.

You’ll usually find ceramides in moisturisers, but you also can find them as a key ingredient in cleansers, serums, and other skin-care products too! Here are our top five ceramide rich skincare favourites.

 

Ceramide skincare

Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream

Although light and gentle on the skin, this ceramide moisturiser is one of the most nurturing and nourishing moisturisers for dry skin! It literally diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated experience.

Beauty Collective - Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream

Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate

This beautiful concentrate has a heavenly scent and silky lightweight formulation including the perfect blend of ceramides and replenishing oils that restore barrier function and hydration. Got dry skin? This is the ultimate night oil for you! You’ll wake to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate

Pevonia Collagen Mask

This super hydrating mask combats dehydration in just 10 minutes. This is because ceramides and polypeptides work together to restore hydration at a cellular level.

And for the month of October 2023 when you purchase this mask, you’ll receive a free mask brush for precision application!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask

Pevonia CleanRefreshFoaming Oil Cleanser

Suitable for all skin types but especially recommended for dry skin, this innovative, triple duty oil cleanser features an advanced lipid rich, alcohol-free, soap-free, exclusive formula which transforms into a luxurious, foamy cleanser for a truly luxurious cleansing experience.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream

This Pevonia global best-seller and beautiful ceramide cream, deeply nourishes and rejuvenates skin, replenishing vital nutrients while softening fine lines and wrinkles. It’s so good!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream