Sachi States of Skin

Renude

ageing_pores

congested_pores

dullness

elasticity

fine_lines

inflammatory_acne

photoageing

roughness

sebaceous_filaments

uneven_tone

wrinkles

I have chosen this acid-based exfoliating treatment to decongest pores, reduce inflammation and fade post-acne pigmentation. It contains a blend of resurfacing acids, fruit enzymes and brighteners to smooth texture, even skin tone and reduce breakouts.

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

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.

Lactobacillus Extract Filtrate is a cell-free extract (CFE) of the lactobacillus microorganism. This means it is no longer a living bacteria (probiotic), but an extract of a once-living bacteria, which functions as a prebiotic. This active has been shown via clinical studies from the manufacturer, Evonik, to encourage the growth of beneficial skin bacteria, as well as support the natural skin barrier function, helping to protect against skin roughness and dryness.

lactobacillus extract filtrate

Prebiotics in simple terms, can be classed as a food source that encourages the growth of good bacteria on the skin. The microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin) is a relatively new discovery and we are learning that this is linked to many different aspects of our health, mood and appearance. A diverse breadth in the strains of bacteria living on the skin results in a healthy microbiome, and some early research has linked certain imbalances in this microbiome to skin conditions such as acne, ezcema and psoriasis.

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from bitter almonds. 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.

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular weight vs. other acids in the AHA category. It is twice the molecular weight of glycolic acid for example (the smallest AHA on the market), so it tends to be better tolerated than smaller AHAs, which penetrate the skin much faster. Research also shows that mandelic acid is particularly effective at improving some forms of pigmentation, compared with other AHAs.

mandelic acid

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.

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

Zinc PCA is a synthetic active, derived from zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms. PCA is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), which acts as a humectant to draw water to it, and when synthesized with zinc, it can actually improve the efficacy of zinc, by making it more bioavailable and easily-absorbed.

Studies have also shown that zinc PCA can inhibit the activity of destructive enzymes within the skin, therefore providing a protective, anti-ageing mechanism to the skin. 

zinc pca

Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms.

The Accelerator has a multitasking formulation. The gel-cream combines a 12.5% Acid blend of Dioic, Mandelic, Salicylic and Pomegranate Enzymes, addressing breakouts and hyperpigmentation at the same time. It works effortlessly to help smooth the skins texture, fade hyperpigmentation, refine pores, combat breakouts and help smoothen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

These treatments combine AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, reduce blemishes and breakouts, and refine overall texture and tone.

AHA & BHA mixed acid exfoliant picks

This formula includes a blend of acids to decongest and brighten the skin. This include mandelic, glycolic, dioic, salicylic and gluconolactone. On top of this, hydrating and soothing ingredients such as panthenol, liquorice and aloe vera work to balance the skin to support the skin barrier.

This toner includes a blend of natural salicylic acid from willow bark water, alongside natural malic acid from apple fruit water. Combined with allantoin and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, this formula works well to decongest and brighten without drying or stripping the skin.

This resurfacing toner combines 5 different acids to deliver multiple benefits to the skin. AHAs lactic acid and glycolic acid refine skin texture and add radiance, BHA salicylic acid works to decongest pores, reducing blemishes and breakouts, whilst PHAs gluconolactone and lactobiotic acid even out skin tone. The toner also includes niacinamide to regulate oil production and soothe any redness.

Cruelty free

Diverse founder

Female founder

Unfragranced

Vegan

comedonal_acne

dehydration

dryness

impaired_barrier

mild_impaired_barrier

redness

This serum is fantastic for supporting our natural barrier and improving overall skin health. It contains a blend of peptides, hydrators and antioxidants to protect the skin during the day, and support regeneration overnight.

aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice

Aloe vera has been used for millennia as a natural medicine across many regions of the world, with references as early as Cleopatra using it as part of her beauty routine. It contains around 75 active constituents, including Vitamins A,C & E to provide antioxidant protection, 8 enzymes to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and 9 different minerals to support the body’s natural functioning. It also includes sugars to provide hydrating humectant properties, fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, and hormones to promote wound healing.

Asiatic acid 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.

asiatic acid

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.

ceramide np

Ceramides are long chains of lipids, which occur naturally within the epidermis. Their function is to hold the skin cells together by creating a barrier against water-loss from the inside-out, and external aggressors from the outside-in. They make up almost 50% of our skins composition, but they can be depleted by UV, free radicals & pollution, and their production also naturally slows with age. This leads to an impaired skin barrier, which results in dry, rough skin with more visible wrinkling and redness. Applying ceramides topically can increase the levels of ceramides in the epidermis, and therefore supports the natural healthy functioning of the skin.

Many peptides function as anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, due to their ability to fit specific receptors in the body to trigger anti-ageing responses. This includes mechanisms like collagen production, cell regeneration or even blocking muscle contractions to smooth expression lines. Peptides are made up of amino acids, and are unique in shape, with a huge variety available to target specific responses in the body.

palmitoyl hexapeptide

Phytosphingosine (PS) is a lipid which naturally occurs in the stratum corneum (the top, visible layer of our epidermis). This acts as a precursor for ceramide synthesis, meaning it encourages the skin to produce ceramides naturally.

Studies have also shown PS to offer anti-acne benefits, it is believed by reinforcing the protective barrier, and therefore reducing specific abnormalities in the skin functioning that lead to acne (invading inflammatory bacteria, increased keratinization, increased sebaceous gland activity).

phytosphingosine

Our outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, has a multilamellar structure (essentially a fine membrane), made up of lipids (fats), to form a non-permeable barrier. This keeps water inside the skin, and acts as the first defense against external aggressors. The lipids which make up the majority of this are known as ceramides, which are produced naturally in the body from a range of other naturally-occurring lipids, which we class here as essential lipids (not the same as essential fatty acids, which are deemed ‘essential’ as the body cannot produce these naturally.) Using these lipids in skincare helps to support the natural skin barrier, preventing water-loss to keep skin hydrated and balanced.

silybum marianum (milk thistle) fruit extract

Milk thistle extract is used in skincare for it’s soothing and skin-restoring abilities, as well as its antioxidant abilities.

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body), created to improve the ingredient stability. It 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.

sodium hyaluronate

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.

The serum uses a 0.5% Bioflavonoid repair complex, which is packed with peptides and antioxidants. Great for protecting your cells from damage, and even slowing the ageing process. During the day, the serum works to reinforce the skin barrier, to help protect against sun damage. It also soothes sensitive and reactive skin states. During the night, the serum enhances the skin’s natural repair process, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, post-sun damage and uneven tone.

Peptides can stimulate specific mechanisms in the skin (e.g. collagen production), so are great ingredients for keeping skin looking youthful for longer.

Peptide serum picks

This multi-functional serum is loaded with active ingredients to support the skin barrier and activate youth-boosting mechanisms in the skin. It contains wrinkle-smoothing peptides, barrier-boosting ceramides, hydrating beta glucan and panthenol and calming glucosides.

This serum is packed with 30% peptides, making it a serious powerhouse for reducing the visible signs of ageing. It uses 'drone technology' to deliver copper peptide directly to the fibroblasts (where collagen & elastin are produced), along with additional youth-promoting peptides to stimulate the skin's natural production of these essential proteins. To top that off, the formula also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and a blend of prebiotics to regulate a healthy skin microbiome.

This is a fantastic affordably priced peptide serum for targeting fine lines and supporting our skin barrier. The formula contains a blend of peptides, argireline, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and a powerhouse duo of antioxidants - resveratrol and superoxide dismutase - to protect.

This affordable formula contains peptides to support healthy ageing of the skin, alongside magnesium pca to energise the skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

This is a fantastic serum for targeting hyperpigmentation. It contains a blend of niacinamide and plant brighteners, plus peptides to firm and antioxidants to protect.

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

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. 

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

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

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.

The Triphala Pigmentation Corrector effectively targets hyperpigmentation to fade and prevent the reappearance of dark spots while minimising irritation. It combines niacinamide, peptides and antioxidants in order to brighten, and repair the skin. Leaving a smoother and more even skin tone. What's more this product is safe for all skin types and produced with sensitive skin in mind.

These formulas include a blend of actives to target multiple pathways that lead to visible hyperpigmentation (melanin production, transfer to skin cells etc).

Brightening serum picks

This targeted serum contains a host of brightening ingredients including niacinamide to prevent excess melanin transfer to the skin cells, alongside a blend of Aryuvedic botanicals such as Triphala to reduce visible pigmentation. Resorcinol works to inhibit excess melanin production to provide a multi-pathway approach to reducing areas of visible hyperpigmentation on the skin.

This dual-system serum from Eucerin has been clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation in the skin. After just 4 weeks use, 97% agreed that the product helps reduce dark spots, and 100% said it made skin look more radiant. The magic? Eucerin's patented Thiamidol, which helps to reduce visible hyperpigmentation and with regular use, prevents it from re-appearing.

This water-based formula includes a blend of 2% alpha arbutin and 1% kojic acid alongside niacinamide, vitamin c and mulberry extract. Each of these actives work to target different parts of the pigmentation pathway, so work synergistically to fade dark spots in the skin. An extremely potent formula for the price point. Fragrance and alcohol free.

Clinically proven

Awarded

I have chosen this multi-tasking overnight treatment cream for your evening routine. It contains a blend of established active ingredients - retinoid, peptides, niacinamide, bakuchiol, glutathione - to smooth skin, reduce lines, fade pigmentation and improve overall radiance.

bakuchiol

Bakuchiol has been dubbed as ‘nature’s retinol’ due to its ability to achieve some of the same skin benefits (without the side effects). Studies have shown this plant active, when used twice daily, to result in visible improvements in wrinkle depth, skin smoothness, elasticity & uneven skin tone.

Lactobacillus ferment is a probiotic, with a number of skin benefits. It was first shown by Estee Lauder to protect against environmental aggressors by supporting DNA repair within the cell. It was later shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, with research indicating it being particularly beneficial for those with acne or rosacea. The manufacturer of the ingredient, Barnet, has confirmed the mechanism of this is by suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria associated with these conditions, and encouraging the diversity of growth of beneficial skin microbiota.

lactobacillus ferment

Probiotics can be defined as living bacteria which are good for the skin, and are useful to include in skincare formulations in order to populate a healthy microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin). A diverse breadth in the strains of bacteria living on the skin results in a healthy microbiome, and some early research has linked certain imbalances in this microbiome to skin conditions such as acne, ezcema and psoriasis.

palmitoyl tripeptide

retinaldehyde

Vitamin A, aka Retinol, is one of the most well-researched actives used in skincare today. Retinol and all of its derivatives are broken down within the skin first into retinaldehyde, then into retinoic acid, the active form recognised by the body to trigger it’s skin benefits.

Retinoic acid (aka tretinoin) is the gold standard of anti-ageing and works in a number of ways. Firstly, it blocks the production of collagen-degrading enzymes, meaning collagen does not get broken down as quickly in the skin. After prolonged use (6M+), it has also been shown to stimulate the production of type I and type III collagen, reducing wrinkles and improving skin firmness. It has been shown to protect against UV-induced damage, as well as reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the skin. Skin treated with retinoids is smoother, more even-toned, firmer and younger looking.

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme produced naturally in the body, specifically to break down the free radical superoxide (an oxygen with an excess electron and thus a negative charge). It is considered to be the body’s most important antioxidant and works by catalysing the conversion of superoxide, into elemental oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a process known as dismutation. This action is part of the body’s natural anti-ageing mechanism, so including this ingredient in skincare supports this natural protection process.

superoxide dismutase

This mid-strength retinoid night cream brightens, repairs and regenerates the skin. Formulated to account for melanated skin needs, this product is able to address post-acne marks and scarring on all skin tones, while minimising the risk of irritation. It contains a blend of Retinaldehyde, patented theraputic Liposomal Ursolic Acid and a restorative Tripeptide complex working alongside a botanical blend and antioxidants, including Bakuchiol, Glutathione and Niacinamide.

These formulas deliver a potent dose of vitamin a (retinoid), which has proven effectiveness in treating both acne and ageing concerns.

Retinol night cream picks

This active-packed overnight treatment contains retinaldehyde for all its brilliant skin benefits, alongside peptides to minimise fine lines and support the skin barrier, plus antioxidants to protect.

This is an incredible formula containing retinal alongside a cocktail of skin loving ingredients. Niacinamide to brighten, superoxide dismutase to protect, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, bakuchiol and peptides to firm and smooth and a host of plant extracts to support the skin.

Sachi States of Skin Complexion Clarifying Accelerator

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Sachi States of Skin Complexion Clarifying Accelerator

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