Below, we have listed some of the most common types of exfoliating acids used in skincare...

Exfoliating Acids
Exfoliating acids help skin to look its best by removing dead skin cells and revealing a fresh complexion.

Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the smallest and most highly soluble of the alpha hydroxy acids making it especially efficacious in exfoliants and chemical peels. It reduces cell adhesion in the uppermost layer of the epidermis, promoting exfoliation of dead skin and cell replacement contributing to a smoother brighter complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polymer found in connective, neural, and epithelial tissue in both animals and humans. Hyaluronic acid can hold about 1,000 times its weight in water. Because of its ability to hold water, HA is an easy choice when looking for an ingredient that will hold moisture when applied to the skin. As always and forever, we recommend botanical HA only!

Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid manufactured by fermentation of non-GMO corn derived carbohydrates. Lactic acid is used in the formulation of cleansers, splashes, astringents, and moisturizers to enhance the appearance of dry or mature skin. Lactates are also effective humectants and buffering agents in soaps and wipes due to their excellent ability to attract and hold moisture within the skin.

Citric Acid
Naturally occurring citric acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group and in skin care products it is often used as an ingredient in exfoliants and chemical peels, Most often citric acid is used to adjust the pH in personal care products such as lotions, cremes, shampoos, etc.

Fatty acids
Are critical building blocks in helping skin to appear hydrated, plump, and more youthful. Essential fatty acids are not produced by the body naturally so they must be eaten or applied directly to the skin.

Myristic Acid
Myristic acid is a non-toxic fatty acid that occurs naturally in some foods, such as animal fats and most vegetables. Nutmeg, palm oil, and coconut oil contain relatively high levels of myristic acid. The saturated fatty acid myristic acid has 14 carbon atoms. Myristic acid is used as a cleansing, surfactant and opacifying agent in cosmetics and personal care products.

Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a vegetable (castor) derivative used to stiffen and stabilize lotions and cremes. Stearic acid occurs naturally in the human body and vegetable fats.

With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca

P.S. So the next time you reach for a pretty bottle of shampoo or face & body care products, look at the ingredient deck and think about which kind of "acid" you are wanting on your skin and what is it's main purpose.

"Why's Hyaluronic Acid so magical? For starters, HA can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! In other words, it functions as a humectant and holds water molecules onto the surface of your skin to keep it nice and hydrated." -Healthline.com

I'm kind of a natural science nerd in a way. I am fascinated with why and how something works, especially if it has to do with the skin and body!

So Let's jump in and let me try to breakdown how skin ages, the problem with the loss of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and what YOU can do to help slow down this process forever!_

Here Comes My Science Nerd Talk!

Hold On and Hang in There! I Think You Will Understand Where I Am Going With This!...

What is Aging Skin?
Skin aging has two different biological processes. The first is intrinsic (natural) or innate aging. This process is going to happen to our bodies whether we like it or not and is unpreventable.

The intrinsic process affects all internal organs just the same as your great, big external organ which is the skin.

Intrinsic (internal) skin aging is influenced by hormonal changes that occur with age, such as the gradual decreased production of sex hormones (androgen) from the mid-twenties and diminishing estrogens and progesterone associated with menopause. This deficiency in estrogens and androgens results in collagen degradation, dryness, loss of elasticity, epidermal atrophy and wrinkling of the skin-(Dermato Endocrinology, US National Library of Medicine, July 2012).

The second is extrinsic aging. This process happens when you are exposed to external factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays or irradiation, environmental chemicals, etc. This is also known as the dreaded "photoaging" process.

What is "Photoaging"?
This is damage to the skin from the sun. It has many names such as photodamage, solar damage, or sun damage.

Which Brings Us to Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid or HA On Your Skin Everyday!...

"In the dermis, HA is responsible for regulating water balance and maintaining the cell structure by utilizing its high water retention and viscosity. These facts suggest that HA is an important substance that maintains a healthy skin. The structure of hyaluronan."- Biomedcentral, Jul 11, 2014

Ok So Wait, What About My Collagen?...

Hyaluronic Acid and collagen are interrelated and cross-linked together.

Loss of moisture (HA) in the skin means loss of collagen. Which also brings about dehydration, atrophy and loss of elasticity which characterizes aged skin.

"Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, [and] it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated." Explains board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse.

"Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch, flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring." -Clevelandclinc.org May 4, 2022

"The marketing for collagen products claims they can improve skin elasticity, reduce visible wrinkles, and increase blood flow to the skin. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look." cedars-sinai.org Jan 15, 2020

So as you can see, HA is a really BIG deal for your beautiful skin journey!

Botanical Hyaluronic Acid vs. Lab-Created Bioidentical Hyaluronic Acid...

Botanical Hyaluronic Acid is usually created by bio-fermentation in a lab rather than harvesting from rooster combs or originally cow eyeballs in the 1940's.

Generally in skincare, when you see hyaluronic acid, it means sodium hyaluronate that was LAB-created to be bioidentical (synthetic) to the botanical hyaluronic acid found in nature.

Bottom Line? Botanical HA YES! Lab-Created HA NO!

The Botanical Hyaluronic Acid that is used in our/your Dr. Lucy products, is the safest most natural and effective Hyaluronic Acid on the market today! Natural, safe, effective and toxic free now that's a win, win!!

To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca

P.S. We would love to have you share your Bonjour French Friday with your friends and loved ones on the benefits of botanical hyaluronic acid! Sharing is caring! :) Merci!