How To Mix The Perfect Cocktail For Pigment Prohibition
In a recent article entitled, “The Best Cocktails For Your Skin,” Essence magazine talked with Diana Yerkis, head esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, about her favorite acids for “actually fading dark marks.” Diana recommends a cocktail of products that contain niacinamide, mandelic acid, and lactic acid. In fact, our Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Wash was among her top picks.
Why these three acids? We’ll tell you why.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, blocks melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and its cell renewing properties help speed reduction of existing pigmentation. Studies suggest that it may also increase the effectiveness of sunscreen. As a bonus, niacinamide improves barrier function and stimulates protein and ceramide synthesis to improve skin’s surface structure and reduce wrinkles.
Mandelic acid has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and melanin-inhibiting properties. With a larger molecular structure than other alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), mandelic acid penetrates skin more slowly. Slower penetration equals less irritation making it perfect for skin too sensitive for hydroquinone or glycolic acid. It’s also the safest AHA for darker skin tones, which are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Lactic acid, the choice of Cleopatra and other ancient royals for milk-smooth skin, is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that stimulates cell renewal to remove pigmented cells, while also working below the surface to slow melanin synthesis. Plus, lactic acid stimulates collagen and elastin production and strengthens the skin barrier by acting as a humectant, pulling moisture from the air and sealing it into skin to increase suppleness.
Alone or in combination, these three acids are skin restorers that accelerate cell turnover to help bring pigment to the surface where it gets sloughed away. The advantage of all three is that they are gentler than other acids; an important difference when it comes to dealing with pigment issues. That’s because anything that irritates skin runs the risk of creating inflammation and stimulating a pigment response. If fading discoloration is your goal, exfoliation without irritation is your winning play.
Mix and match these products to find your perfect acid cocktail for pigment prohibition.
Brighten and balance skin tone with this antioxidant-rich reparative cleanser.
Improve skin tone and texture and tone with these clarifying single use pads containing all three acids, plus an additional melanin inhibitor, salicylic acid.
Lactic acid, mandelic acid, and nicinamide, the gentle brightening giants, are teamed for a dramatically different AHA experience in this transformative serum. Available in an 8% or 15% formulation.
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