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7 Essential Facts About Using AHAs on Your Skin

Asian woman

Thinking about adding AHAs to your skincare routine? Otherwise known as alpha-hydroxy acids, AHAs offer up a number of skin benefits…so long as you use them correctly. 

If you’re new to the world of hydroxy acids and want to know more, read on as OROGOLD shares seven essential facts about using AHAs on your skin.

1) AHAs Primarily Exfoliate the Skin

The main reason people use AHAs is to exfoliate their skin. While there are plenty of other exfoliating ingredients available, AHAs are considered to be among the gentlest.

AHAs work by dissolving the glue-like bonds that keep dead skin cells attached to the skin’s surface. This allows those cells to then fall away, revealing the fresher and younger cells beneath.

2) AHAs Can Benefit the Skin in Other Ways Too

Although AHAs are mainly used for exfoliation, they offer up some other significant benefits too:

Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

AHAs are great for helping the skin look younger and firmer. With each layer of dead skin cells that they remove, the layer of cells beneath, which will look and feel smoother and tighter, will be allowed to show through. This immediately gives the skin a plumper and more youthful finish.

Lightening the Look of Hyperpigmentation

Usually caused by sun damage, dark spots on the skin won’t fade overnight. Leave them be and their appearance will slowly lighten over the course of several months. However, add AHAs to your skincare routine and you’ll be able to speed this up. The more you regularly exfoliate your skin, the brighter and more even in color it will look.

Reducing the Appearance of Acne

There are a few factors that contribute to acne breakouts, with clogged pores being one of the main ones. When your pores end up blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria soon mix into those clogs, resulting in inflammation and breakouts.

Exfoliating with AHAs helps with this in two ways. Firstly, it removes any dead skin cells that are lingering on your skin’s surface. This means that there won’t be as many dead skin cells around to clog your pores in the first place. AHAs also clear away dead skin cells from pore openings, helping to remove blockages that have already formed.

Increasing Product Absorption

Ideally, when you apply a skincare product to your skin, it should quickly penetrate through so that it can start working ASAP. However, if your skin is laden with dead skin cells, your products will struggle to do this. Instead, all of that dead skin will form a barrier that blocks your products from reaching your living skin cells. Only a small percentage of your products will manage to seep through, meaning that you won’t see the full spectrum of benefits that your products should be offering.

Exfoliating with AHAs removes all of those obstacles. This will allow your skincare products to dive straight into your skin, making your entire skincare routine all the more effective.

3) There Are Multiple AHAs to Choose From

24K MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING + MANDELIC ACID

Where people often stumble when using AHAs for the first time is in deciding which acid to use. There are a few different AHAs out there to choose from, with each one varying in its potency level. Here are three of the most popular:

  • Glycolic acid – derived from sugar cane, this is the AHA with the smallest molecular size. As a result, it works on a deeper level of the complexion than other AHAs. In some ways, this is good but it also means that there’s more chance of experiencing irritation from the ingredient.
  • Lactic acid – usually derived from fermented foods, lactic acid is known for being gentler than glycolic acid due to its larger molecular size. It doesn’t penetrate quite as deeply and also has hydrating properties.
  • Mandelic acid – derived from almonds, this AHA is known for being extremely gentle. It works near the surface of the skin, meaning that reactions and irritations are very unlikely.

So, how do you know which AHA to choose?

If you’re using AHAs for the first time, it’s always best to go with a gentle acid. With that said, many formulas are now combining multiple exfoliants to stagger penetration. This is exactly what the OROGOLD 24K Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid does. It blends mandelic acid with bamboo powder, which is a physical exfoliant. The bamboo powder works to prep the skin, leaving it feeling more permeable, after which the mandelic acid can then work its magic.

4) BHAs Can Be Just as Effective as AHAs

If you’re considering AHAs and your skin type is oily, then it would also be worth familiarizing yourself with BHAs. The main difference between the two is that AHAs are water-soluble whereas beta-hydroxy acids are oil-soluble. This means that if you have oily skin, BHAs will be more effective at penetrating the excess oil on your skin, enabling it to reach a deeper level of your complexion than AHAs can. 

Again, just like with AHAs, there are a few different BHAs out there. However, salicylic acid is the most popular. Some products contain both an AHA and salicylic acid, but such formulas aren’t usually recommended for beginners. As you’re about to find out, acids need to be introduced to the skin slowly and carefully…

5) AHAs Need to Be Introduced to Your Skin Gradually

Although AHAs are generally considered to be gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants, such as scrubs, this is largely due to how they aren’t abrasive. This means that, unlike scrubs, they don’t run the risk of causing micro-tears in the skin.

However, the acids themselves will still be new to your skin. Go overboard with your use of AHAs at the start and your skin will only react negatively. Instead, it needs some time to grow accustomed to your acid of choice, meaning that a gradual introduction is key.

This means starting off with a mild and low-concentration AHA product, just like the OROGOLD 24K Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid. Begin by using it just once a week for a few weeks. Once you’re confident that your skin is happily tolerating the AHA product, you can increase your usage if required. 

How often should you be using AHAs? This all depends on your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, once a week will likely be sufficient. However, if your skin type is oily, you may need to exfoliate with an AHA two or three times a week.

6) The Incorrect Usage of AHAs Can Lead to Over-Exfoliation

24K Deep Moisturizer

What happens if you use AHAs too often? Over-exfoliation, which is not fun to deal with! This skin problem arises when the skin has been exfoliated too much. This happens not only when you exfoliate too often but also if you use an exfoliant that’s too harsh or powerful for your skin. This causes damage to the skin’s natural protective barrier, which can lead to a whole host of skin problems.

The tricky part is that the symptoms of over-exfoliation are extremely varied. This means that it can sometimes take a while to figure out that exfoliation is the root cause of your new skin problems. However, if you’ve recently added AHAs to your skincare routine and have noticed some of the following symptoms, over-exfoliation could be to blame:

  • Increased sensitivities. The skin will often sting or burn in response to products that it was previously fine with.
  • Redness and inflammation.
  • Dryness and dehydration. The skin might even peel and flake.
  • Increased oil production and acne breakouts.
  • An uncomfortably tight feeling in the skin.
  • A waxy appearance to the skin’s surface.

What happens if you’ve accidentally over-exfoliated? You’ll need to immediately stop exfoliating and give your skin some time to heal. This can take weeks – sometimes even months – so be patient. In the meantime, cut back on your skincare routine and only use products that soothe and calm your complexion, like the OROGOLD 24K Deep Moisturizer. Then, once your skin feels back to normal, introduce AHAs back into your routine. However, do so very gradually and don’t make the same mistakes that you did before!

7) AHAs Can Increase UV Sensitivity

24K Skin Tone SPF30

You’re probably already aware of just how bad the sun can be for your skin. Not only do those UV rays cause up to 80% of the wrinkles and dark spots that develop on the skin over time, but they also lead to dehydration, acne breakouts, and skin cancer.

To save your skin from all of this, you need to keep it protected from the sun. Unfortunately, any type of exfoliation, including exfoliating with AHAs, will leave your skin temporarily more vulnerable to sun damage. This is down to how it removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on your skin, which would have served as an additional barrier between your skin and the sun.

This is why many choose to exfoliate in the evenings, rather than in the mornings. This way, your skin has all night to recover. You’ll still need to be careful about sun protection the next day, as you should every day of the year, but your skin won’t be more vulnerable than usual.

If you prefer to exfoliate in the mornings, make sure that you’re diligent about sun protection. An SPF 30 sunscreen, like the OROGOLD 24K Skin Tone SPF 30, is essential. It would also be worth applying a vitamin C serum, like the 24K Vitamin C Booster Facial Serum, underneath your sunscreen. Studies have found that applying vitamin C in conjunction with a sunscreen keeps the skin feeling even better protected against UV damage.

Understanding AHAs

AHAs can be transformational for the complexion – in both good ways and bad. It goes without saying that you’ll want to see nothing but benefits from your use of AHAs, so make sure that you keep all of the above facts in mind when giving acids a try for the first time. Pick the right product and introduce it gradually into your skincare routine so that your skin can reap the rewards of these ingredients without any of the downsides.

Click here to further upgrade your skincare routine with more bestselling OROGOLD products.

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The ABCs of Skincare: Ingredients for Beautiful Skin

orogold skin

While you may have learned your ABCs in primary school, today OROGOLD is going to be talking you through a different alphabet; one that features some of the best skincare ingredients out there. So, sit back, take notes, and get ready to supercharge your skincare routine!

A for Avocado Oil

Golden Multi-corrective solution

Loaded with vitamins, proteins, beta-carotene, and fatty acids, avocado oil is incredible at moisturizing and conditioning the skin. Particularly loved by those with dry complexions, this is one of the best skincare ingredients out there for keeping the skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. Use it in serum form, such as with the OROGOLD 24K Golden Multi-Corrective Solution, and you’ll immediately notice a plumper finish to your skin.

B for Bakuchiol

Skin Balancing Mask Stick

Love the idea of retinol but not so fond of how it leaves your sensitive skin feeling irritated? That’s where bakuchiol can save the day. This natural ingredient comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, which is native to India. It has similar effects to retinol, in that it smooths away the appearance of wrinkles while firming and brightening the look of the skin, but without the side effects. Give it a try for yourself with the OROGOLD 24K Skin Balancing Mask Stick!

C for Vitamin C

While every vitamin offers its benefits, vitamin C is one of the best all-rounders. It’s one of the most effective skincare ingredients for brightening the complexion and lightening the look of dark spots, yet it can also iron out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping to keep the skin hydrated. At OROGOLD, we love the effects of vitamin C so much that we have an entire collection dedicated to this skincare superstar!

D for DMAE

Officially known as dimethylaminoethanol tartrate, DMAE is a compound that’s produced naturally in the human body. When applied topically, it can work wonders in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Research shows that it’s capable of boosting how firm the skin feels, giving it a tighter and younger-looking finish. That’s exactly why DMAE is one of the star ingredients in the OROGOLD 24K Golden Multi-Corrective Solution, which will immediately smooth away the look of creases on your face.

E for Vitamin E

kelp caviar

Often listed as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate on a skincare ingredients list, vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays well with all skin types. It keeps the skin feeling protected from environmental damage, reduces the appearance of redness and inflammation, and increases how thick the skin feels. You’ll find the ingredient in several OROGOLD products, such as the 24K Kelp Caviar Micro Bead Serum.

F for Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract

cleopatra nano

Fagus sylvatica is the botanical name for the European beech tree, with the extract obtained from the tree’s newly emerging buds. It’s an ingredient that’s not commonly found in skincare products, even though it offers up a number of benefits. It improves moisture retention, prevents the appearance of wrinkle formation, and tones the complexion. Experience these advantages for yourself with the 24K Cleopatra Nano Serum, which is in our 24K Cleopatra Nano Regimen.

G for Gold

The entire OROGOLD brand is based upon the many complexion-enhancing properties of gold, an ingredient that has been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. Our signature ingredient is loved for how it brightens the appearance, giving the skin a beautiful glow. It also helps to tighten and firm the look of the skin while soothing the feeling of inflammation. Every single OROGOLD product contains 24K gold, so you’ll be able to benefit from the ingredient no matter which product you end up treating yourself to!

H for Hyaluronic Acid

gold age gold duo

Now onto skincare’s favorite hydrating ingredient; hyaluronic acid. There are plenty of hydrating skincare ingredients out there, but hyaluronic acid is revered for how it can bind a large amount of moisture to the skin. This immediately hydrates surface skin cells, giving the skin a fuller and plumper finish. You’ll find the salt form of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) in our 24K Rose Gold Age Glow Duo. 

I for Ivy Extract

24K Deep Lifiting Mask

Ivy extract is an ingredient that has an incredibly soothing effect on the complexion. It’s great for diminishing the look of redness, acne, eczema, psoriasis – just about any form of inflammation. Ivy extract is packed with antioxidants too, making it great for targeting the appearance of skin aging. That’s exactly what our 24K Deep Lift Stretching Mask does. Featuring ivy extract and a number of other potent botanicals, this mask will give you a firmer and tauter complexion.

J for Jojoba Oil

Hand Mask

Jojoba oil is very different from other plant oils because of how its molecular structure is so similar to that of human sebum. As a result, it’s a hydrating oil that all skin types readily accept. Apply it to dry skin and it will provide plenty of moisture, or apply it to oily skin and it will help to cut back on how greasy your skin feels. Of course, this oil doesn’t just work well on the face – you can use it to soften and smooth the feel of your hands too with the OROGOLD 24K Multi-Vitamin Hand Mask.

K for Kojic Acid

termica serum

Kojic acid is a natural compound that’s produced as a byproduct when certain foods are fermented. Numerous studies have confirmed kojic acid to be one of the best natural skincare ingredients available for treating the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It effectively lightens the look of discoloration, evening out the skin tone. You’ll find kojic acid, along with several other complexion-lightening compounds, in the 24K Termica Activation Serum.

L for Lactic Acid

vita c facial cleanser

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are revered for their exfoliating properties, with lactic acid being particularly popular. It’s fantastic at dissolving the glue-like link that keeps dead skin cells attached to the surface of the skin. At the same time, it also acts as a humectant, binding moisture to the skin. This is what makes it the most hydrating AHA, and is why it’s included in the 24K Vitamin C Facial Cleanser. 

M for Mango Seed Butter

Extracted from mango seed kernels, mango seed butter is an emollient. This means that it covers the complexion with a protective film, helping to keep moisture trapped in the skin. It also feels incredibly soothing when applied. It aids in regenerating and rejuvenating the look of the skin thanks to its fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s also responsible for giving our 24K Skin Balancing Mask Stick its beautifully rich texture. 

N for Niacinamide

Golden Dew Serum In Cream

Otherwise known as vitamin B3, niacinamide brings with it some unique complexion-enhancing benefits. For starters, it’s great at minimizing the look of enlarged pores. It also lightens the visibility of hyperpigmentation, evening out the complexion. At the same time, it helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too thanks to its antioxidant properties! Explore more of this ingredient’s multi-tasking benefits by giving the exquisite 24K Golden Dew Serum-in-Cream a try.

O for Olive Oil

collagen premask

You’re probably familiar with the culinary uses of olive oil, but this ingredient works wonderfully when applied topically too. It’s a rich natural source of fatty acids, vitamin E, and squalene, all of which are known for how they deeply moisturize the skin. Olive oil is also packed with polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. These enable the ingredient to reduce the look of wrinkles too. You’ll find olive oil in a few different OROGOLD products, including the 24K Collagen Pre-Mask.

P for Peptides

termica completion cream

If you’re on the hunt for skincare ingredients that will leave your skin barrier feeling thicker and stronger, then peptides are what you need. There are different types of peptides out there but they all produce similar general results; skin that feels more resilient, more elastic, and free of inflammation. Peptides are used to tackle the appearance of skin aging too, giving the complexion a younger-looking finish. OROGOLD formulas contain a variety of different peptides. Try the 24K Termica Completion Cream to treat your skin to three of them!

Q for Quercus Alba Bark Extract

neck duo

Quercus alba refers to the white oak tree, with the extract obtained from the tree’s bark. It’s an ingredient that contains a high concentration of tannins and quercetin. Both compounds are outstanding at keeping the skin feeling protected against free radical damage. This is something that the delicate skin on the neck commonly experiences, which is why we’ve used white oak bark extract in the OROGOLD 24K Neck Duo Treatment.

R for Retinol

When purchased over the counter, vitamin A is available in a few different forms, with retinol being one of the most potent. Research shows that the regular use of retinol for four weeks is enough to start diminishing the appearance of fine wrinkles, with results continuing to improve over a period of 24 weeks. You’ll need to use the ingredient daily in order to experience these results, with the OROGOLD 24K Multi Vitamin Night Nourishment + Retinol making that easy.

S for Seaweed Extract

kelp caviar mask

When it comes to skincare ingredients capable of deeply hydrating the skin, seaweed extract comes out on top. It’s loaded with humectants, which immediately plump up the complexion. Meanwhile, its high vitamin content ensures that skin cells feel supported and replenished. This makes seaweed fantastic for maintaining an overall healthy complexion. Check the ingredient out for yourself with the OROGOLD 24K Kelp Caviar Transforming Mask.

T for Thyme Flower Extract

Thyme is another one of those skincare ingredients that’s renowned for its culinary use, but its flower extract can be very beneficial for the complexion. Not only does it feel incredibly soothing, making it great for minimizing the look of inflammation and irritation, but it’s also great for boosting circulation, which gives the skin a glow. You’ll find this botanical in the OROGOLD 24K Neck Duo Treatment.

U for Urea

Urea makes up a significant portion of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, which maintains the skin’s natural barrier. Applying the ingredient topically helps to keep this important barrier feeling fortified. This will give you a more resilient complexion that’s able to better defend itself from environmental harm.

W for Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is one of the best skincare ingredients around for tightening up the look of lax pores. It also helps to rebalance how oily the skin feels, which reduces the appearance of breakouts. At the same time, it feels incredibly soothing, calming the look of inflammation. It’s an important component in our 24K Termica Activation Serum, which combines the ingredient with several other complexion-soothing compounds.

Z for Zinc

mousse cleanser

If your skin is recovering from any sort of damage, zinc can help it to feel stronger once again. It soothes the feeling of inflammation while also helping with skin that looks dull, cracked, or flaky. Our 24K Mousse Cleanser contains zinc PCA, aka zinc salt. It enhances the bioavailability of zinc, enabling your skin to fully benefit from the ingredient.

Experience the Best Skincare Ingredients With OROGOLD

Your skin deserves nothing but the best. This is why it’s important to always be on the lookout for new skincare ingredients that could help to give your skin all that it needs. Whether you’re trying to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten up the look of loose pores, or brighten your complexion, skim through the OROGOLD skincare alphabet and you’ll no doubt find exactly what you need!

Click here to explore even more bestselling skincare products from OROGOLD.

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What is Mandelic Acid and Why is Everyone Talking About it?

Almonds and extract

Every few months, a new skincare ingredient comes into the spotlight to take over beauty headlines and dominate the market. Between Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, Ceramides and Centella, it seems we never run out of interesting new ingredients to fixate on. 

One such ingredient is Mandelic Acid, which has recently earned a spot in the skincare routines of many. However, Mandelic Acid is not just another skincare fad that will come, go, and eventually end up in the back of everyone’s medicine cabinets. With its diverse range of benefits and gentler impact on the skin, OROGOLD is here to argue that multitasking Mandelic Acid is here to stay. 

What is Mandelic Acid?

24K Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling (white bottle)

One of the star components behind OROGOLD’s Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid, the ingredient is an AlphaHydroxy Acid or AHA. Like other AHAs, it exfoliates the skin, but does so gently.

Here’s the catch: Mandelic Acid isn’t your run-of-the-mill AHA. Derived from bitter almonds, Mandelic Acid molecules are larger compared to other AHAs like Glycolic Acid. This means that it sinks in and penetrates at a slower rate, thus slimming the chances of causing irritation. It’s gentler, but just as effective.

Why Exfoliate in the First Place?

Exfoliation is often treated as an optional step in skincare, when in fact, it should be considered non-negotiable.

It’s human nature: our skin lets go of dead skin cells every month to welcome a new batch of cells. However, there is a tendency for dead cells not to shed off completely. This can eventually lead to clogged pores, dry patches, or flaking skin.

With new cells entering the picture every 30 days or so, regular exfoliation is the least we can do to help our skin out. But it is important to remember that unlike cleansing or moisturizing, exfoliating too often can cause sensitivity, which is why experts recommend exfoliating on a weekly basis. 

The Different Methods of Exfoliation

Woman exfoliating

There are a number of ways to exfoliate the skin. Consider any of these three types:

  • Physical exfoliation entails the need for rubbing, scrubbing, or manually working the skin to facilitate the removal of dead skin cells. Physical exfoliation can be done through a variety of means like skincare products or tools. Popular physical exfoliation methods include scrubs with small particles or granules, rubbing the face with a textured towel, or cleansing with a facial brush.
  • Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, harnesses a carefully formulated combination of acids, retinol, or other skincare ingredients to slough off dead skin. Unlike physical exfoliation, this does not require scrubbing at the skin. Instead, chemical exfoliants are patted onto the skin to work from the inside out. 
  • Combining both physical and chemical exfoliation methods is also possible. Several skincare products combine chemical and physical exfoliants in a single product to target dead skin more effectively. One such product is the Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid from OROGOLD.

Where Does Mandelic Acid Fall Then?

As an acid, Mandelic Acid is a chemical exfoliator, able to penetrate the skin to improve its appearance. Due to its multiple benefits and gentler impact on the skin, Mandelic Acid can be strategically combined with other ingredients for even better, more drastic results.

Skin Benefits of Mandelic Acid

Like all AHAs, Mandelic Acid assists the skin in shedding dead cells. But that’s not the only trick this ingredient has up its sleeve.

Mandelic Acid also serves up the following skincare benefits:

  • Reduces the look of hyperpigmentation
  • Brightens the appearance of the skin
  • Minimizing the visibility of enlarged pores
  • Gives the skin a smoother and more elastic look

The Risks of Mandelic Acid

A general rule of thumb to remember when introducing acids to your routine is this: proceed with caution. Due to their chemical composition, acids can potentially irritate those with sensitive-prone skin.

However, Mandelic Acid is something of an exception. Unlike other AHAs, which can deal harsh effects on the skin, Mandelic Acid is extremely gentle. Side effects of this ingredient are mild at worst. Regardless, dermatologists recommend patch testing all products that you are using for the first time.

Ingredients to Layer with Mandelic Acid

Skincare ingredients

While Mandelic Acid serves up its fair share of skincare benefits, it works even better in tandem with other ingredients that draw out its full potential. Mandelic Acid can be paired with vitamins, oils, botanical extracts, and even physical exfoliants—all of which can be found in OROGOLD’s best-selling Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid.

Let’s dissect the ingredient list to learn more about the benefits of this skincare breakthrough. 

Vitamins

A primary component of the Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid is, of course, its unique combination of skin-loving vitamins.

Vitamin C

One of the vitamins found in the product is Vitamin C, which is present in two forms: Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbyl Palmitate. 

Few ingredients can claim to have a following as large and loyal as Vitamin C’s. A cult favorite in the beauty market, Vitamin C shares a few mutual benefits with Mandelic Acid. It’s great for brightening the look of the skin and also for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When combined, Mandelic Acid and Vitamin C work even more effectively.

Vitamin A

Another vitamin in OROGOLD’s Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid is Vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate.

Similar to how Mandelic Acid is gentler than other AHAs, Retinyl Palmitate is a perfect solution for sensitive-skinned folks who want to dip their toes into using Retinol. Retinyl Palmitate causes little to no irritation compared to other retinoids but still offers the same benefits.

Vitamin E

The last addition to the vitamin cocktail is Tocopheryl Acetate. Commonly known as Vitamin E, Tocopheryl Acetate is often paired with Vitamin C because of how it leaves the skin feeling protected.

Oils and Moisturizers

Jojoba oil

Even though Mandelic Acid deals minimal damage to the skin, it’s always a good idea to combine acids with moisturizing ingredients. This makes for better-rounded formulations overall.

Despite being an exfoliating product, the Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid balances deep cleaning and dead cell removal with moisturizing benefits from the following ingredients:

  • Propylene Glycol
  • Jojoba Esters
  • Candelilla Wax

Physical Exfoliants

Mandelic Acid is gentle on the skin, so can be combined with finely textured ingredients to target both chemical and physical exfoliation in one go. The dynamic duo of physical exfoliants in the Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid is made up of Walnut Shell Powder and Bamboo Extract Powder. 

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s impossible to discuss these ingredients without touching on the divided opinions that skincare enthusiasts have about them.

The hesitation to use these ingredients in skincare stems from the fear of microtears and abrasions that large pieces of bamboo stem and walnut shells can cause. However, when finely milled, these ingredients are just gentle enough to lightly exfoliate the skin’s surface and slough off dead cells.

OROGOLD Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid

All things considered, Mandelic Acid is a powerful force to be reckoned with. That said, it’s even better when strategically combined with vitamins, moisturizers, antioxidants, and fine-textured physical exfoliants. Include the OROGOLD Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid in your weekly regimen to see the difference.

To use OROGOLD’s Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid, apply a small amount of product to dry skin. Massage it into the skin in circular motions, mindfully avoiding the eye area. Rinse off the product with cool water. For optimal results, repeat once a week in combination with OROGOLD’s 24K Multi-Vitamin Collection. 

Discover more best-selling skincare innovations from OROGOLD.

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8 Things You Need to Know Before Using AHAs on Your Skin

Woman applying face serum

AHAs have been all the buzz in the skincare world, and for good reason. Known for their ability to exfoliate and resurface the appearance of the skin, these acids can give you the radiant-looking skin of your dreams. Before you add an AHA product to your skincare repertoire, though, there are a few things you should know.

What is an AHA?

Woman applying serum to hand

AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. They are water-soluble acids derived from sugar, fruits, nuts, or dairy products. AHAs are mainly used to exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells from its surface. The strength of an AHA is determined by the type and concentration of the acid and its pH level.

AHAs work by dissolving the “glue” that holds skin cells together and allowing dead skin cells to slough off more easily.

There are a few different kinds of AHAs:

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid has some of the smallest molecules of AHAs, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeper than other AHAs. This means that glycolic acid is one of the most effective AHAs you can use on your skin. That also means that it’s one of the strongest, so beginners might want to steer away from this ingredient and begin with a gentler AHA.

While glycolic acid is naturally derived from sugar, it is most effective when it is lab-created and optimized for its use in skincare products.

Lactic acid

Lactic acid has larger molecules than glycolic acid and is more gentle on the skin. Because of this, it might take a bit longer to notice the effects of using lactic acid. This acid is great for those who are just beginning their foray into the world of acids.

Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid has even larger molecules than lactic acid and is one of the gentlest AHAs you can use on your skin. It’s great for those with sensitive, easily irritated skin who might want to avoid stronger acids.

Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, so those with nut allergies should steer clear of this ingredient.

Malic acid

Malic acid has larger molecules and penetrates the skin slower. While it’s not considered too effective of an ingredient on its own, it can boost the efficacy of other AHAs. This is why it is often formulated with a combination of other AHAs.

Malic acid is derived from apples, but it’s more commonly found in its synthetic form, which is easier to stabilize.

Tartaric acid

Tartaric acid has almost double the molecule size of glycolic acid. It is used primarily as a pH adjuster in skincare products, making other acids such as glycolic and lactic acid more effective.

Tartaric acid comes from grapes, but, like malic acid, is often used in its synthetic form.

What’s the Difference Between AHAs and BHAs?

Woman holding skincare products

Both AHAs and BHAs are used to exfoliate the skin. The difference lies in their solubility: while AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are oil-soluble. This changes the way they work on the skin.

As water-soluble acids, AHAs work at the skin’s surface to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. On the other hand, oil-soluble BHAs are able to cut through oil and penetrate pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. This makes BHAs great for those with oily skin, clogged, pores, or acne. Salicylic acid, the most popular BHA, is also antibacterial, which makes it even more effective at fighting pesky spots.

While neither acid is better, it’s important to understand how each acid works to choose which one is best for your skin.

If you’re wondering if an AHA is right for you, here’s what you should know.

You Must Use a Sunscreen

Before you start using an AHA, it’s important to have a sunscreen you know you will use. We can’t emphasize this enough — sunscreen is an absolute must when you use an AHA! This is because AHAs make your skin more sensitive to the sun and increase your risk of sunburn. By exfoliating your skin, AHAs reveal newer, smoother-looking skin underneath, which is more susceptible to sun damage. If you’re using an AHA to address the visible effects of aging, such as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, or age spots, you don’t want to further damage your skin by going without sunscreen.

How to choose the right sunscreen:

The best sunscreen out there is the one you will use. As long as you’re using a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everyday, rain or shine, your skin will thank you.

Luckily, modern sunscreens are completely different from the thick, white sunscreens you might remember from your childhood summers. Nowadays, there are a ton of cosmetically elegant sunscreens on the market that will make applying them a treat rather than a chore. You can take your pick from physical or chemical sunscreens, or a combination of the two. Make sure to apply the proper amount of sunscreen (around half a teaspoon for your face alone!) as the last step of your skincare routine and before applying makeup.

Start Using AHAs Slowly

Woman looking at skin in mirror

We get it — it can be exciting to start using an AHA, especially because it promises to give you better-looking skin. It can be tempting to start using your AHA whenever you have the chance in the hopes of seeing faster results.

Our advice? Don’t.

It’s important to follow the instructions on your AHA product, but generally, it’s good practice to introduce them to your skin slowly. This means using your AHA product only a few times a week to see how your skin reacts. Once your skin acclimates, you can start using it every other day, before graduating to daily use when your skin builds up a tolerance.

Start with a Gentler Acid or Lower Percentages

Exploring the world of chemical exfoliation is exciting, and you might be lured into trying stronger AHA products in order to accelerate the process to smoother-looking skin. On top of introducing your AHA product to your skin slowly, we recommend starting with a more gentle acid if you’re just beginning your foray into acids.

If you’re a beginner, here’s how to choose the right AHA:

Luckily, when it comes to AHAs, you have a number of different options. You could start with a gentler AHA, like mandelic acid, or a lower percentage (around 5%) of lactic or glycolic acid.

We recommend starting with a gentle AHA product like OROGOLD’s 24k Multi-Vitamin Deep Peeling + Mandelic Acid. It’s also formulated with vitamin C, which helps brighten the appearance of the skin, and bamboo stem powder. It’s a gentle way to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin underneath.

If you want to start with a stronger acid like glycolic acid, tread carefully. Glycolic acid is the most effective out of all the AHAs, which is great, but not so great for those just starting out with acids or those with sensitive skin.

The pH of Your AHA Product Matters

Unfortunately, when it comes to chemical exfoliation, you can’t just use any old product and expect it to work as advertised. Some products that contain AHAs might not work as intended if they’re not at the right pH. Formulation matters, and the pH-level of your AHA product will determine how effective it is on your skin. Changing the pH also changes the amount of AHA will be absorbed into your skin.

AHAs are most effective with a pH of around 3.5-4. Avoid products with a pH of below 2.5 — this may make the AHA too irritating for your skin and disrupt its acid mantle, which is typically around a pH of 4.7

Here’s how to determine the pH of your AHA:

This is where it gets a bit tricky. Most products don’t advertise their pH level, and even if they do, it might not be accurate. Your best bet is to get your own pH strips to test your products’ pH levels. Otherwise, you could try contacting the brand’s representative to ask about the pH of your product.

You Can Disrupt Your Moisture Barrier if You Use AHAs Incorrectly

Woman looking at skin in mirror

Using acids is no joke, and if you’re not careful, you could over-exfoliate your skin and seriously damage your moisture barrier, which leads to dry, dehydrated, irritated, and flaky skin. Your skin may look stretched out and crepey, with more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Basically, a damaged moisture barrier is not what you want to get out of your AHA.

Here’s what to do if you’ve over-exfoliated your skin:

If you suspect you’ve damaged your moisture barrier from overusing your AHA or using too strong of a product, stop all active use immediately — this includes vitamin C and retinoids, too. Focus on babying your skin for the meantime, like using a watery hydrator or a serum to leave your skin feeling hydrated. 

AHAs Can Help Address Visible Signs of Skin Aging

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a few pesky age spots or if you’re bothered by a few fine lines or wrinkles, using an AHA is a great way to reduce their appearance.

There’s one caveat, though: since using an AHA makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, you can actually increase your risk of premature aging from photodamage if you don’t use a sunscreen. You don’t want all your hard work to go to waste, so it’s important to keep your skin protected with a broad spectrum SPF. Using a sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to prevent premature aging caused by the sun, so you should be using one anyway!

AHAs Can Hydrate the Feel of Your Skin

Woman applying face cream

Unlike BHAs, AHAs are humectants, which means they’re water-loving ingredients that draw water to the skin. This means that on top of exfoliating your skin, they can also hydrate it. No AHA does this better than lactic acid. This quality makes lactic acid great for those with dry or dehydrated skin.

AHAs Can Take a While to Show Significant Results

When you use an AHA, your skin may look brighter and more radiant right away, but it can take some time, from a few weeks to a few months, to see a significant reduction in the appearance of clogged pores, rough texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Even if you think your skin has plateaued, keep using your AHA — you’ll start to see major differences in a few months.

The Bottom Line on AHAs

AHAs are a great way to exfoliate the skin and achieve a complexion that looks smoother, brighter, and more radiant. When you start using an AHA, remember to go slow and to listen to your skin to avoid over-exfoliation. Always follow product directions to avoid misuse and, most importantly, never forget to wear a sunscreen!