Renude

I have chosen this weekly mask to give a boost of radiance to the skin. It contains a blend of exfoliating acids, vitamin c, soothing agents and antioxidants to given a brightening boost to the skin. Use as a perk me up for the skin, once a week maximum and not on the same night as any other exfoliating ingredients.

Allantoin occurs naturally in the body, but can also be derived from the root of the Comfrey plant or Chamomile, or produced synthetically. It is used in skincare for its ability to promote wound healing and healthy tissue growth, by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres, essential tissues for skin regeneration and healing. Allantoin has also been shown to have soothing and anti-irritant properties, which is thought to be down to its ability to form complexes with irritating agents, thus preventing them from activating inflammatory mechanisms within the skin.

allantoin

Bisabolol is a naturally-occurring active found in the chamomile plant, although this can also be created synthetically. It’s key properties are as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, with some studies also showing it to have a brightening effect on the skin. Bisabolol is also a rich source of Panthenol (Vitamin B5), which acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water molecules towards it to plump and hydrate the area. Studies have also shown that bisabolol can enhance the penetration of other actives into the skin, so is great when used in combination with other actives designed to work at the basal layer of the epidermis, or in fact the dermis.

bisabolol

3-0-Ethyl ascorbic acid is a modified version of L-ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C), designed to improve its stability and skin penetration abilities, to achieve optimum skin benefits. Once absorbed into the skin, the ethyl group is removed, and l-ascorbic acid is returned to its active form, where it can best support the skin to achieve visible brightening & anti-ageing results.

ethyl ascorbic acid

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHAs, meaning it can penetrate the skin quickest, producing the fastest results, but also most likely to cause skin sensitivity, so it is best for those with fairly tolerant skin types.

glycolic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

hyaluronic acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which occurs naturally in willow bark. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliating acid to dissolve the keratin that binds the outermost layers of the skin, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin.

Due to its oil-soluble form, salicylic acid can penetrate inside the pore, to clear out dead skin cell build up and prevent comedones (blocked pores) from occurring, or acne-causing bacteria to overpopulate within the pore. This P.Acnes bacteria is anaerobic so needs an oxygen-free environment to thrive, and thus require a pore to be blocked.

salicylic acid

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), which is found naturally in the body, and in the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF). PCA acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water to it, plumping and hydrating the area. The skin’s NMF ensures adequate hydration of the stratum corneum, which also works to support the overall barrier function of the skin, regulating trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Including Sodium PCA in skincare supports this natural mechanism of the skin.

sodium pca

Natural moisturising factor (NMF) is a substance produced by the body, made up of minerals, lactate, urea, amino acids & humectants, which coats the surface skin cells to keep them moisturised. NMF increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which results in more hydrated, plump, smoother skin.

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopheryl acetate

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

This revitalising and glow-inducing weekly peel is designed to remove dead skin and restore your skin’s vibrancy. Supercharged with 10% Glycolic & Lactic Acid, 5% Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid & Pomegranate Enzymes Complex, Centella Asiatica, Glutathione, and Licorice Root, this peel leaves your skin feeling hydrated and gently exfoliated, revealing fresher and brighter looking skin.

These treatments include AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, reduce blemishes & blackheads, brighten and refine skin.

Weekly high strength exfoliating peel picks

This high strength peel mask is a fantastic treat for the skin to decongest, exfoliate, smooth the skin and improve overall radiance. It contains a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids alongside hydrators and soothing ingredients to balance the skin.

PETA certified

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Diverse founder

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Unfragranced

I have chosen this exfoliating toner for your routine to gently decongest the skin and improve overall radiance. It contains a blend of glycolic and lactic acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin, alongside plant extracts to soothe the skin.

Asiaticoside is one of the active constituents found in Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger grass). This plant has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine for it’s healing properties.

asiaticoside

Centella Asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger grass) has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine for its healing properties. It contains phytochemicals which research shows can stimulate blood flow, strengthen the skin and provide antioxidant protection, all of which combined accelerate the wound healing process.

It is also believed to have the ability to stimulate the fibroblasts to produce type 1 collagen, which further supports wound healing as well as providing anti-ageing benefits. Collagen is also a protein whose production decreases with age, and is essential for maintaining skin firmness & smoothness, so this collagen-boosting property gives the added benefit of reducing wrinkles and firming the skin. It has also been shown to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, another molecule whose production slows with age, but is essential for keeping skin looking hydrated, plump & youthful.

glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinamide, has many skincare benefits. Firstly, it regulates sebum production in the skin, which in turn reduces blemishes and visible pore size. It also reduces facial redness by improving microcirculation, which means moving the blood inside the capillaries away from the face to reduce visible redness. It also has the ability to strengthen the natural lipid barrier of the skin by encouraging ceramide production (the building blocks which seal our skin cells together), which in turn increases the hydration within the epidermis. Lastly, niacinamide works to help reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin from being deposited on the skin cells.

niacinamide

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Exfoliating helps get rid of the dead top layers of skin. Doing so allows your favourite moisturisers and serums to work better on your skin. This Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner⁠ is a lesson in good posture for your pores, making them clean up their act to appear tighter and clearer, so your overall complexion glows.

These gentle daily resurfacing products will work to lightly exfoliate the skin, resulting in clearer, smoother, more radiant looking skin.

Daily mild AHA exfoliator picks

This multi-functional formula contains a 6% blend of mandelic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate the skin, alongside liquorice root to soothe and even the complexion, kombucha to provide antioxidant protection, centella asiatica to reduce inflammation and niacinamide to brighten and balance.

A great toner for daily exfoliation for occasionally sensitive skin (super sensitive might be best with a PHA formula instead). 5% mandelic acid provides gentle daily exfoliation in a liquid form.

Awarded

I have chosen this daily antioxidant serum for your routine to add hydration to the skin and offer protection against environmental damage, whilst soothing the skin.

camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract

Green Tea is a natural plant extract, rich in polyphenols, also known as catechins. Green Tea is particularly high in the catechin Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can neutralise free radicals to prevent them causing damage within the skin. It is one of the most well researched natural plant extracts used in skincare, with studies also showing it to have an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect.

This serum is the perfect add-on for all skin types, be it dull/fatigued skin, redness or dehydration. It’s supercharged with firming actives like 6% Kombucha & White Tea Blend, 5% Centella Asiatica Extract & Cells Blend, and Madecassoside that will improve and recover the overall quality of your skin.

These serums are loaded with antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals (caused by pollution, uv etc) and support healthy skin ageing.

Antioxidant serum picks

This antioxidant serum contains 5% Centella Asiatica, a plant extract known for it's soothing and collagen-boosting properties. Alongside this, kombucha and green tea provide antioxidant protection, hyaluronic acid hydrates and bisabolol (from chamomile) soothes the skin.

Our licensed aestheticians curated this list of the best antioxidant serums for facial skincare routines for acne-prone, oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin

I have chosen this daily cleanser for your routine to deep clean the skin without stripping. The product contains a blend of natural extracts to soothe, brighten and and decongest the skin.

euterpe oleracea (acai) fruit extract

Acai is a small, dark purple berry found in nature. It displays potent antioxidant abilities, meaning it is able to protect skin against free radical damage.

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

Tocopherol, aka Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopherol

This sulfate-free creamy cleanser removes any trace of grime, pollution, and makeup while infusing your skin with essential moisture and nutrients from Manuka Honey UMF 16+ and Acai Berry without ever leaving your skin dry or stripped. This nutrient-rich formula also contains Grapeseed Oil, Acai Oil, and Yoghurt to brighten, replenish moisture and nourish your skin.

These formulas offer a gentle cleanse, while lightly exfoliating the skin, refining texture, evening out tone and adding radiance.

Gentle resurfacing cleanser picks

This non-foaming gel formula contains 4% gluconolactone, a gentle resurfacing acid which works to gently exfoliate, brighten and even out skin tone. Gentle enough for daily use, it clears and refines the complexion without over-stripping.

This creamy cleanser contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin to improve overall radiance and hydration.

This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free foaming gel cleanser contains salicylic acid alongside gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA). It also contains niacinamide to soothe and regulate oil production, and three types of ceramides to support the natural lipid barrier. Developed with dermatologists.

I have chosen this ultra hydrating serum for your routine to add a hit of moisture to the skin. It contains a blend hydrating ingredients - hyaluronic acid, panthenol, bisabolol, sodium pca, which work to hydrate the skin to support the natural barrier and overall skin health.

This nutrient-packed (with Multiple Hyaluronic Acid, Kombucha, Panthenol, Organic Safflower Oil) hydrating serum is like an island oasis for stressed out, hungover, dull, and dehydrated skin. It provides essential hydration immediately while helping skin cells better retain moisture overall for plump and supple skin.

These serums all contain hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant, meaning it can attract surrounding water molecules towards it to hydrate and plump the skin.

Hyaluronic acid serum picks

This best-selling formula is a lightweight gel-serum texture, containing hyaluronic acid, alongside two forms of panthenol (Vitamin B5) to hydrate thirsty skin.

This serum is loaded with hydrators, soothers and antioxidants to support overall skin health. Plant extract of bisabolol (derived from chamomile) to soothe the skin, hyaluronic and panthenol, gluconolactone to gentle exfoliate plus liquorice, prebiotics and black tea for added plant protection.

This is an excellent hyaluronic acid serum, packed with hydrators and skin lipids for extra support of the skin barrier. Ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and panthenol work to keep skin hydrated, plump and dewy.

This hydrating essence is a silky smooth, absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated and dewy. It contains a powerful blend of hydrating humectants: hyaluronic acid, panthenol and glycerin.

This hydrating hyaluronic acid serum contains two different size of hyaluronic acid for adding a quick hit of hydration to the skin, at a fantastic price point.

This affordable formula contains hyaluronic acid alongside other natural hydrators lactic acid, betaine and biosaccharide gum. A fantastic affordable option for adding an extra layer of hydration to the skin.

PSA Follow The Light Multi-Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel

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