ON SKINCARE || What is Free-Acid Value and How Can It Brighten Your Skin?
Whenever we hear the word ‘acid’, we assume it will be tough on our delicate skin.
It used to be that way, but we have good news — scientific skincare leaders and innovators have invested tremendous time and effort into scientific skincare solutions that can be used on even the most sensitive skin. We recently discovered the importance of ‘true free-acid value’, which means that whatever is advertised on the skincare product packaging is the percentage that actually reaches the skin and affects cell turnover. It’s similar to when you see a drink that touts 200% of daily vitamin C value, but what your body can actually absorb is much less than that. With true free-acid value, if it says 2%, it means 2% will be delivered to your skin.
The skincare industry leader that made this leap forward is SkinCeuticals, a leader in advanced skincare technology founded in Dallas, TX in 1997. SkinCeuticals discovers, develops, and delivers an advanced line of scientifically-backed cosmeceutical treatments. As leaders in antioxidant and sun protection technology, SkinCeuticals products have been shown to dramatically improve skin health by protecting skin from environmental damage and visibly improving skin clarity, tone, and texture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Their latest product, Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight, delivers a true 4% glycolic acid to the skin for a quantifiable flow.
HOW GLYCOLIC ACID MAKES YOUR SKIN GLOW
Glycolic acid is a critical addition to every skincare regimen. Research shows that 4% glycolic acid is the ideal concentration to promote skin glow while maintaining tolerability for nightly use. Through formulation expertise, SkinCeuticals was able to stabilize and deliver a true 4% glycolic free acid content formula. Free acid describes the actual acid availability in the formula to work on skin.
“We set about to develop a glycolic acid product that incorporates this concept of free acid value. Many glycolic acid formulas in the market under-deliver on acid strength because of formula buffering,” said Leslie Harris, Global General Manager of SkinCeuticals.
Chloe Smith, Scientific Communications Manager at SkinCeuticals adds “Unfortunately, there’s an industry misconception that the % of glycolic acid written on skincare labels is the same amount that reaches the skin. The acidity of the product affects how much of that % reaches the skin and is actually effective. We are proud to voice free-acid value, which gives patients the accurate amount of glycolic acid that reaches the skin and affects cell turnover.”
“Over the past few years, we have seen a growing desire for natural glowing skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, are a go-to for glow because they accelerate cell turnover. At the same time, they can be challenging to use in high concentrations since they tend to be irritating. Because we love a good scientific challenge at SkinCeuticals, we were determined to address this opportunity and are thrilled to deliver a true 4% glycolic acid emulsion that is stabilized and well-tolerated for nightly use!”
The smallest of the alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid effectively weakens the bonds that bind dead cells to the skin’s surface. The release of these dead cells promotes cellular turnover, which in turn helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and reveals brighter, more youthful-looking skin. Through extensive research and testing, SkinCeuticals found that Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight’s 4% glycolic free acid blended with additional brightening and soothing ingredients successfully targets fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture:
4% glycolic free acid stimulates cellular renewal for improved texture, tone, and a brighter complexion
2% phytic acid provides dual-action exfoliation and helps inhibit the impact of skin-dulling aggressors, promoting skin clarity and glow
1% soothing complex of botanical oils forms a protective, breathable layer on skin to help lock in hydration and provide comfort
The clinical evaluation conducted on Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight by SkinCeuticals demonstrate unprecedented proof of its efficacy on skin:
18% improvement of skin’s radiance*
21% improvement in skin’s texture*
21% improvement in skin clarity*
Increased cellular turnover rate by approximately 1.5 days*
Proven tolerability when used nightly*
*Protocol: A 22-day clinical evaluation of epidermal cell proliferation was conducted on 35 females. Total cumulative fluorescence scores for each subject were evaluated at days 3, 5, 7, and 22.
As part of a nighttime regimen, pair Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight with other moisturizers in the SkinCeuticals corrective portfolio to tackle multiple skin concerns. In the morning, use a daytime antioxidant and sunscreen to protect exposed skin.
The Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight cream will be available on Skinceuticals.ca starting August 7th. Make sure to mark your calendars!
Want to find the best combination of skincare products for your individual skin type and concerns? Visit the SkinCeuticals store locator to locate a dermatologist.
