THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AHA AND BHA ACIDS IN SKINCARE

 *THIS IS A IN-DEPTH READ, FOR THOSE WHO REQUIRE JUST A SHORT SUMMERY PLEASE SCROLL DOWN

My first memory of staring at my skin was in primary school. I loved my plump cheeks and silky soft skin, with not a pimple insight. Then puberty hit and the change was literally overnight. My mum refused to buy the generic skin clearing products of my era such as Clearasil and Neutrogena so I would raid her Avon cupboard for skin treats.

During my years at secondary I went through the worst of my skin problems. I developed hyper-pigmentation, depressions the lot. Aged 14 I came up with the miraculous idea of smothering my face with Sudo-Cream and calmly walking to school looking like a complete clown!.

So here we are 15 years later and I am still dealing with my skin issues but with more knowledge which I thought it would only be right to share with my followers and readers. My first introduction to acids came after watching a YouTube Video and purchasing; The Ordinary Latic Acid and Niacinamide Serum. I read the small print and thought this sounded great for me! But I had no idea about AHA's and BHA's.

AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid and BHA-Beta Hydroxy Acid. AHA's are water soluble acids made from sugary fruits. They promote skin rejuvenation, even skin tone and gently exfoliate the skin for improved skin texture. They peel away the surface of your skin to reveal more evenly pigmented skin cells. AHA's also generate new skin cells during the exfoliation process improving the skins elasticity and collagen production. BHA's on the other hand are oil soluble acids their unique properties make them excellent acids for oily, acne prone skin types. They exfoliate deeper into the pore to remove dead skin cells and help balance the skins PH by removing excess sebum and tighten pores. As BHA's can go deep into the hair follicle to dry out excess sebum this allows the acid to unclog pores and help ease the removal of blackheads (during extractions) and breakouts.

HOW TO USE AHA'S & BHA's 

The effects of AHA's can vary. Different types of AHA's acids will yield different levels of exfoliation. Any selected AHA should have a maximum concentration between 10% and 15 %. No matter the acid you choose, as they all have exfoliant effects, your skins sensitivity will increase. It is essential you wear sunscreen daily to prevent superficial burns, decrease the risk of skin cancer and reduce the development of age spots.

BHA's on the other hand are more proactive for Acne, oily or combination skin. This acid only needs to be applied a few times a week until your skin becomes used to the acid.  Like AHA's, BHA's can cause skin sensitivity. For maximum protection sunscreen is advised for all skin types.

THE COMBINATION OF AHA's OF BHA's

The combination of the two can produce a much plumper skin and smoother texture. This is down to the increase of collagen production. However, although the benefits of combining the two acids can lead to "glass skin effect". Overlaying can cause dryness and irritation as both formulas are exfoliants. The ideal way to combine both acids would be to apply AHA'S - to dry areas or areas that often need hydration and BHA's - to oily areas such your T-zone.

Ok! Now we know the low down how do we select what's beneficial for your skin type? Well it depends on our skins needs. So what's your skincare goals? For those looking for acids on the anti-aging spectrum and require the remove of anti-pollutants, plumper skin and cell reproduction. AHA's should be key serums in you skincare routine. Full of peptides and enzymes to help with the increase of collagen production, you'll be sure to see a difference.

In need of a more intense treatment for acne or combination skin? Then BHA's should be your staple. Low doses will help calm inflammed skin. Whilst acids such as Salicylic acid can also exfoliate deep into the pore, controlling your sebum production levels and restoring your skins PH to a nuetral balance.

  *AHA treatments are best used on those suffering from;

• Mild hyper-pigmentation (age spots),
• Melasma and acne scarring
• Enlarged Pores
• Fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Even out skin tone 
• Smooth out depression and large pores

  *BHA treatments are best used on those suffering from;

•  Acne and sun damage
• Oily and combination skin 
• Sensitive skin
• Low concentrated BHA's can reduce rosacea, inflammed and sensitive

MY BEST KEPT SECRET...........THE NYK1 REMOVE ONE OFF EXFOLIATING FACE MASK

A couple of days ago NYK1 sent me their Remove One Peel Off Exfoliating Face Mask. Awarded 2018 Natural Health International Beauty Award. This revolutionary face mask technology is a intense pore exfoliation treatment and clearly states "it will remove one layer off your skin". With this in mind I was very excited for the outcome.  

NYK1 Secrets promises this face peel will, cleanse deep pores, eradicate fine lines, removes dead skin cells, rejuvenates and brightens, leaves skin feeling soft and plum and leaves skin soft.
So of course I was intrigued. Following NYK1 step by step directions. I double cleansed, (note: I have very oily skin, to ensure my face is clean, this is an action I do daily. If you suffer from normal  to very dry skin I would recommend you cleanse once, preferably with a non-foamy cleanser) then placed the face peel on my face using circular motions and waited twenty minutes 


Now did I mention this product was formulated using Black Bamboo Charcoal? Skincare junkies will already know charcoal is a amazing ingredient for clarifying and brightening. As a child my mum would tell me stories on how my family would use charcoal as a toothpaste substitute. She always claimed "It cleared better than the toothpaste nowadays". How times have changed.

It is environmentally friendly and has been used in cultures recorded as far back as 1486. Bamboo Charcoal is a purifying by-product and can purify water and eliminate organic impurities. It is one of the most effective natural ingredients for drawing out pollutants due to its ability to absorb high volumes of bacteria, toxins and micro particles..... Wow!!. Bamboo Charcoal seems to be the next best thing to emerge, it's definitely an underdog in this world of skincare. With all this information I was overwhelmed with excitement!!

So the peel off wasn't the worst I'd experienced, but boy it hurt!. Nothing not to be expected from a GOOD face peel. In order for dead skin cells to be lifted I knew this face peel would be intense. Five minutes later it was off and the results were shocking.

My superficial skin seemed rejuvenated and brighter. It felt plumper and insanely smooth. Although it did cause a little redness it was nothing too extreme....but best to be aware. After washing the remainder of the product off with my facial sponge from Primark, my skin looked illuminated and felt incredibly firm. I had a real good look at the used face peel and could see micro hairs and a few white heads from my chin, which I wasn't surprised as this mask is an exfoliant.  Andrea the founder of NYK1 Secrets explains "this products doesn't disturb, raffle, irritate or agitate acne or sebaceous skin" The product drives tight into the skin, gripping blockages and dead cells".

I can wholeheartedly say NYK1 Secrets will have a firm place in my weekly skincare routine! Living in a polluted city with oily skin is not a good combination and can lead to an increase in sebum, leading to white or black heads (if oxidation has occurred). Having access to a deep cleansing exfoliant is key to having a clearer skin.

NYK1 Remove One Off Exfoliating Face Mask can be purchased by clicking the LINK

And don't forget to share your thoughts below x.

PÜR BEAUTY "THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY"

More than 50 Shades you say? Well enter the beauty industry's best known secret. With a shade range beyond 30 it snuggles into the inclusive market of beyond "Mocha or Nutmeg".

Say hello to PÜR breaking away from the once perceived beauty narrative and entering the blended world of variation with Love Your Selfie, this four- in- one longwear foundation and concealer comes in100 shades. The formula has a liquid type texture and with a flawless finish. It can be applied using your fingers or using the PÜR Dual-Action Complexion Applicator. The concealer can be used with a slight twist of the dispenser to reveal a doe- foot applicator (much like the Superdrug's makeup revolution concealer) and applied to the skin to mask skin imperfections.

PÜR really wanted to express their flare of individuality in this product and felt dedicated to help their consumers find their shade. There are five complexion categories each offering 20 different foundation shades- light, medium, tan, dark and deep -with undertones ranging from golden, pink and nuetral. If you need help selecting your shade. PÜR have created a dedicated Instagram account  @purshadefinder to assist with finding your shade using their shade finder tool which also features before and after pictures of consumers wearing Love Your Selfie foundation. If you're a makeup junkie and a foundation match novice then check out PÜR colour chart below and happy selecting!

Lynnette Cole global director of PÜR cosmetics stated  her first experience of shopping for foundation as a woman of colour during her early teens was a "daunting experience". That left her returning home with two foundations to create her exact blend. This lack of diversity and with no desire for a more inclusion within the beauty industry, encouraged her to create an ultimate product that could be used by all woman and men.    

Love Your Selfie isn't just about laying claim to over 100 shades, this foundation is also an active skin care protector. Formulated with SPF, Environmental Protection Shield- a protective film to shield you skin and Lingonberry Extracts ( a blue light protection) that offers protection form High Energy Visible Blue Lights emitted through phones and computer screens. PÜR has managed to combine staple skincare formula and foundation to ensure your skin is getting the best of both worlds.



And thats not it Love Your Selfie contains PÜR two proprietary complexes: Ceretin Complex to smooth and refine skin texture and reduce fine line and wrinkles and Energy complex with vitamin B, Green Tea and Ginseng to boost the skin and rejuvenate the skin appearance.

PÜR THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY is vegan friendly and cruelty free. All PÜR products are also free from parabens, gluten, talc, petrolatum, mineral oil and SLS. All shades of PÜR Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation and Concealer stockists can be found on www.purcosmetics.com, Marks and Spence's, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique RRP £32

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The Power Of Positive Touch

A few days ago I was kindly invited to Palmers Breakfast morning to introduce their "Power of positive touch range".

I was intrigued. Upon arrival I was greeted by mummy bloggers, mums-to-be and a lot of mini humans. I was in heaven! Of course the feeling of broodiness came over me and memories of my little girl as a toddler came rushing back to me. To be honest it made me a little teary (she is now 12). throughout the event I just kept questioning where had the time gone? And how special her toddler years were to me.

My little girl would of been her most sensitive stage of emotion.Touch and understanding blabber was an important part of our communication and the best was I did not have to ask for a kiss or hug. That has all changed now....but to mums-to-be or new mums' you have so much to look forward too but such little time. So my advice would be to cherish these moments, take out your phones and cameras and make memories.

The Power of positive touch begins during the early stages of pregnancy. It has been known to start from as early as seven weeks. During this stage the foetus is known to respond to the sensation of touch. Helping develop a natural bond between mother and baby.

Massage therapy has always identified as a positive way to connect between mother and baby. It also helps with the common effects of pregnancy aches, pains, anxiety and discomfort. Whilst increasing the production of seratonin and oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone also know as the "Love Hormone", it plays a major a role in child birth, Its production is at its highest during pregnancy and throughout the stages of labour. The release of oyxtocin is the main cause of the onset of labour, natural production of breast milk and stimulation of nipples for breast feeding.

International Lecturer and expert on baby massage and yoga , Gayle Berry, states

"Oyxtocin is known as the mothering hormone. It prepares us to be more nurturing and socially connected which is perfect preparation for having your baby and becoming a mother. You might feel a bit disconnected from your post-natal body, and that's natural, but it is important to try and celebrate how amazing it is and post- natal massage and touch can help direct blood flow to the whole pelvic area to encourage healing, recovery, reduce swelling as well as boost the product of oxytocin."

Palmers Cocoa butter has developed the "Power of Positive Touch" through its specifically formulated stretch mark range. Each product has been designed to spur women to connect with their baby whilst increasing the Skin elasticity and helping the production of collagen and cell growth. Whilst the body goes through an intense physical changes.

This Range is hypoallergenic and provides up to 48 hours of moisture to your skin. Formulated usuing pure cocoa butter, shea butter, Argan oil, Collagen, Elastin, Vitamin E and Lutein these natural ingredients are packed full of antioxidants that protect the collagen fibres and retain moisture in your superficial skin from breaking leading to the occurrence of stretch marks.

Selected Palmers's Stretch Mark products are available at Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury's and Asda.
Retails prices may differ.