Trend Check: The 1 Minute Facial

The 1-minute facial is made with 10% AHAs—what does this mean? What are AHAs and why are they good for the skin?

The percentage of AHA indicates the strength of the acid concentration of alpha hydroxy acids. 10 % is a relatively high amount that should exfoliate the skin and remove the outer layer of the stratum corneum.  It has also been said the AHAs help to promote collagen synthesis however there is little data to support this claim.

AHA- alpha hydroxy acids are a group of natural acids found in foods such as citric acid (found in citrus fruits), glycolic acids (found in sugar cane), lactic acids (found in sour milk and tomato juice), malic acid (found in apples), tartaric acid (found in grapes) and others.  Alpha hydroxy acids work by exfoliating or removing the top layers of the epidermis known as the stratum corneum.

There's also rooibos and fruit extracts—traditionally, what do these ingredients do for skin?  Rooibos, an indigenous herb that is grown in the Western Cape of Africa is rich in anti-oxidants which can help to reduce oxidative stress on skin cells and help reduce inflammation in the skin.

Looking at the ingredients, anything else people should know about using this product?  This product can make you more sun sensitive and should be used with both a moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. They may make skin or sensitive and should be used with caution with additional skin irritants such as retinoids.

Are there any skin types that you wouldn't recommend this for?  Those with sensitive skin should use them sparingly or not at all.  Make sure to test an area on your inner arm for 3 days or more before using this product on the face.  If you know you are going to be in intense sun for vacation or otherwise may be better to wait until you are not going to be exposed to the sun.  Those patients with a history of eczema or eyelid dermatitis should avoid this product.  Anyone with allergies to fruits or fruit based acids should test the product on the arm before applying to the face or neck. 

From a skin health perspective, how should people follow up after using this product? Should they moisturize regularly? Etc. Always moisturize after the treatment and apply a spf 30 or higher if going into the sun.