4 ingredients for signs of aging & how to use them in a routine.
Whenever we ask Alpha-H customers what their #1 skin concern is, the answer is always unanimously signs of aging.
Sun damage. Fine lines and wrinkles. Skin sagging. Uneven skin tone and texture. Or all of the above.
Although there’s no escaping chronological skin aging – we’re all human after all! – there are a handful of skincare ingredients proven to help prevent or reduce signs of aging.
Keep scrolling to find out, plus how to actually use them together in a skincare routine.
1. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid benefits:
- Exfoliates by breaking down the bonds that hold dead cells together on the skin’s surface
- Unclogs pores, removes dry skin and improves uneven skin tone and texture
- Encourages skin to ramp up its own production of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, firming Collagen and fresh, plump new skin cells
- Instantly, skin looks brighter and more radiant, and feels smoother and clearer
- Reduces the look of signs of premature aging like fine lines, skin laxity and dark spots with consistent use
Best Glycolic Acid product: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A benefits:
- Types of Vitamin A or ‘retinoids’ like Retinol and Granactive Retinoid speed up the skin’s renewal process by encouraging cell turnover, and Collagen and elastin production
- Helps to smooth and firm the complexion while minimizing the looks of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone
- Retinol is widely researched and is scientifically proven to help manage skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, loss of skin firmness, breakouts and visible pores
Best Vitamin A products: Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol and Midnight Reboot Serum with 14% Glycolic Acid + 1% Granactive Retinoid.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C benefits:
- Antioxidant properties help protect skin against UV and free radical damage that contributes to premature skin aging (aging that occurs earlier than it should)
- Helps to slow excess melanin production, reducing the look of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Delivers a brighter, more even-looking complexion with a healthy glow
- Supports Collagen production and helps repair existing environmental damage
Best Vitamin C product: Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.
4. SPF
Sunscreen benefits:
- Protects against harmful UVA light (the rays that 'age' the skin) and UVB light (the rays that 'burn' the skin)
- Works to prevent around 80% of all skin aging (and prevention is always better than treatment!)
- Helps to protect against sunburn, skin cancers, and premature skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
Best SPF product: Alpha-H Total Eclipse Priming Mineral SPF 40.
Skincare Routine for Signs of Aging
Every morning:
Step 1. If you feel your skin needs it, cleanse with a gentle cleanser like Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser.
Step 2. Apply 4-5 drops of Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum over the face, neck and décolletage.
Step 3. If your skin feels dry, follow with a hydrating moisturizer like Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream.
Step 4. Always finish your morning skincare routine with sunscreen – apply a ¼ teaspoon of your chosen SPF all over the face, neck and ears.
Every night:
Step 1. Remove makeup and SPF with Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm.
Step 2. Cleanse using Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser.
How to use with Glycolic Acid and Vitamin A:
- Beginner option: Skin cycling
- Advanced option: 3 nights a week after cleansing, apply a 2-in1 treatment like Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum over the face, neck and décolletage, followed by your moisturizer or face oil
Skin cycling with Glycolic Acid and Retinol:
Want to try skin cycling? Repeat the following cycle:
- Night 1 = Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid
- Night 2 = Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
- Night 3 & 4 = Hydrating serums and/or moisturizers only
Night 1. After cleansing, swipe a cotton pad saturated with Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment over the face, neck and décolletage, avoiding any sensitive areas like around the eyes. Leave on its own or follow with Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil if you prefer.
Night 2. After cleansing, apply 4-5 drops of Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum over the face, neck and décolletage. Follow with your face oil or a thick moisturizer like Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream.
Nights 3 & 4. Only use hydrating skincare products to give your skin a break. Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum is a great serum option, otherwise go straight to moisturizer or face oil.
P.S. Don’t forget, there’s no point spending your time and money on a skincare routine with Glycolic Acid and Vitamin A if you aren’t wearing sunscreen every single day!
- Tags: all Skin Science