High strength AHA Cream…. This is a little shout out to one of my favourite creams – Neostrata Resurface High Potency Step up Level 20 Bionic Skincare. You only have to use this cream once and you can see the results the next day. My skin looks clearer and brighter. It is high strength stuff though, so you need to be careful to use it thinly otherwise your skin can feel a little irritated. That’s to be expected though after using something that in slightly higher doses gets used for skin peels!
Now for the catch. For anyone who knows me, you’ll know I’m obsessed with using high-strength retinols. I also love AHAs. HOWEVER! The two don’t mix well. It’s a recipe for side effects if you combine the two, and retinols don’t do well mixed with acidic pHs.
So the solution? Alternate them. Use your retinol 2-3 nights per week, and your AHA on the other nights (if tolerated). That way you get the best of both worlds in the anti-ageing armoury.
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) give a chemical exfoliation and help skin rejuvenation. By resurfacing the skin the minimise discolouration, lighten areas of sub damage and improve skin texture. They can also reduce fine lines.
Retinols work slightly differently. They increase collagen production in your deeper skin layers, which reduces wrinkles. They decrease melanin production which evens out skin tone. And they give a faster skin cell turnover which gives a fresh appearance to your face.
The high strength creams aren’t for everyone, some people prefer to ease themselves in gently using lower strength AHA/BHA creams, and that’s perfect too. So whatever makes you happy.
