Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Beautiful Skin

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) transformed the skincare industry in the mid to late 80’s.  I remember friends getting a “peel” from their esthetician emerging with chaffed, irritated skin, and peeling for days.  

Fortunately, “peels” and their active constituents have come a long way!  Today one can even use peels with at home formulas to exfoliate, treat problem skin, and enhance cellular turnover in the quest for youthful looking skin. A smoother, brighter complexion with a diminished appearance of undesired wrinkles is the end result. 

Natural, bio-fermented fruit extracts yielding AHAs have shown to improve hydration levels while simultaneously increasing collagen and glycosaminoglycan, the structural components of the skin. In addition, cutaneous atrophy of the skin can be reversed. An immediate difference can be realized with just one application. 

The History of AHAs

The topical use of AHAs dates back to the beginning of recorded history. The most famous of all is Cleopatra bathing in sour milk for the lactic acid content.  Traditional skincare treatments for softening skin have included milk and lemon juice, both of which contain AHAs. Since then, products offering AHAs have become widely used worldwide in skincare. Consumer attention was first captured when AHA products incorporating fruit and sugar derivatives were initially marketed towards acne treatments, anti-aging products and hyper-pigmentation applications. From capabilities such as smoothing fine lines to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, AHAs are favored for improving skin tone & condition, while enhancing overall texture. Today we have sophisticated, bio-fermented fruit extracts to use in our exfoliating treatment masks which are paving the future of exfoliating.

“smoother + brighter complexion, increased hydration, and a decreased appearance of wrinkles”

Fruit Extract Bio-fermentation Science 

Botanical Rush harnesses the power of bio-fermented fruit extracts based on a standardized extraction of five plant species: Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Orange, Lemon, and Sugar Maple. These botanical extracts deliver five natural AHAs to the skin: Glycolic Acid (from Sugar Cane), Citric Acid (from Orange and Lemon), Malic and Tartaric Acids (from Sugar Maple), and Lactic Acid (from Bilberry).  Yes, you read right: Lactic acid from Bilberry. Even vegans can enjoy the skin benefits of Lactic Acid with Flower Power Peel!  It is the bio-fermentation that yields this otherwise commonly used dairy source. All these aforementioned AHAs are universally used to treat skin conditions such as dull/rough skin, surface wrinkles & fine lines, as well as acne.  

Glycolic Acid: 

The smallest molecular structure of AHAs has proven its effectiveness in skincare due to its ability to reach the deeper layers of the skin, thus making it an excellent exfoliating agent that provides immediate skin softening effects. Glycolic acid loosens corneocyte attachments and reduces cell cohesion at the lower level of the stratum corneum to promote cellular renewal.

Citric Acid:

Citric acid is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle and is an integral substance for ATP production of the skin.  This helps to promote healthy skin by stimulating the formation of fibrous protein and contributes to the process of exfoliating the outer layers of the skin. 

Malic and Tartaric Acids:

Besides contributing to the exfoliating process of the skin, Malic and tartaric acids influence skin tone and have been shown to increase elasticity, which is an important factor to enhancing complexion clarity.

Lactic Acid:

Lactic acid is an excellent moisturizing ingredient. Another key benefit of using lactic acid in anti-aging skincare is that it is capable of reversing dermal atrophy. Dermal atrophy results due to a decrease of collagen fibrils and fibroblasts in the dermis which leads to a decrease in the thickness of the skin. Lactic acid can help thicken the skin to create a more youthful appearance.