3 Easy ways to pack more punch into your skincare routine

None of us has a ton of time these days. That’s why it’s important to pack as much punch into your skincare routine as possible.

But what if you want MORE results from your skincare without adding extra time? Great! We’ve got some “at home” solutions that will knock your socks off! These are chemical exfoliants that contain enzymes to work a little more deeply.

Let’s take a look:

Retinoids - This is a vitamin A derivative that sloughs off the top layer of skin and generates collagen, the skin’s elastic network. Collagen breaks down as we age causing lines and large pores. Retinoids bolster and revive your skin’s sagging network by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids - These are naturally occurring molecules found in fruit and milk that have been used for centuries. (Think Cleopatra.) Some of our clients prefer the convenience of an AHA to that of a granular exfoliant, which also helps with fine lines and wrinkles. AHA’s can be alternated with retinol for even better results!

Popular AHA Ingredients:

• Lactic Acid
• Mandelic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Malic Acid
• Tartaric Acid

Beta Hydroxy Acid - Generally used for acne, BHA’s help reduce acne without aggravating it. It also decreases redness, inflammation, and clogged pores while refining skin texture.

As you can see, these add more punch to your routine. All you have to do is apply it. And how long does that take? Literally, beautiful skin is at your fingertips in seconds!

Popular BHA Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid
• Betaine Salicylate
• Willow Bark Extract

The main difference between AHAs and BHAs is the placement of the hydroxyl group on the carbon chain. This small detail is what makes the difference in the level of skin penetration and action between the two. Neither type of hydroxy acid is “better” than the other. Both are effective methods to deeply exfoliate. The differences are in their uses and deciding whether to use an AHA versus a BHA is totally dependent on what the skin heal goal you're trying to achieve.

While both AHAs and BHAs exfoliate your skin by breaking the bonds that hold the skin cells sticking together, they do so in different intensities. They are also derived from separate sources and target different kinds of skin issues. 

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"Information courtesy of www.mebykatie.com, Katie Marshall is a certified Medical Esthetician, Acne Specialist, Functional Nutrition Counsellor, Holistic Chef, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Specializing in both skin health, gut health, hormone health, and the whole body. The basic premise is that functional nutrition gets to the root of the problem and resolves the actual problem. This is different from conventional medicine which is about prescribing multiple meds to deal with symptoms, with little regard to resolving the root cause of the symptoms. Functional nutrition is more personalized, customized, and holistic. My job is to work in tandem with your medical team and be an advocate for you if necessary."

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