Cleopatra knew best. She bathed in lactic acid (likely from fermented milk) and herbs to soften her skin. Many concoctions have been made since, seeking the perfect recipe for baby smooth skin. Too much exfoliation and the skin ends up thin and raw, too little exfoliation and the skin slows and dulls. Peeling as it was in the 1980’s and 90’s has now been replaced with the understanding that the peeling done to the skins surface needs to be proportionate to the lipid, or oil, nourishment it receives in turn. In other words, the skin needs to be balanced. The healthy “wound” created by a peel needs to be properly treated so the skin barrier can be restored.
Eminence Organics just introduced a beautiful collection of resurfacing products: The Mangosteen Lactic Collection. The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser and the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate both contain a 2.5% lactic acid. The large molecular structure of lactic acid allows it to stay closer to the surface (verses its deep penetrating counterpart, Glycolic Acid) so it is great for sensitive skin. Lactic is the most hydrating acid and it also helps lighten hyperpigmentation. The “wound” it causes in this formulation is minor and therefore is easily balanced. In this collection, Eminence has provided lipid balance to the skin with vitamin E rich sunflower oil.
Beyond a healthy skin barrier is the way a product can feed and heal the skin as well as address a variety of concerns one might have. The stand out ingredient in the Mangosteen Lactic Collection is the Indonesian super fruit, the Mangosteen. The 43 phytonutrients in the rind increase microcirculation, which bestows a “glow” to the skin. It’s also naturally astringent, high in zinc (which kills bacteria), and is rich in vitamins B, C, and antioxidants. Eminence Organics has formulated their cold pressed products with active botanicals including Ribose (from organic corn seeds) to increase cellular energy and Red Clover, which refines the texture of the skin. Echinacea soothes the effects of eczema and psoriasis while Seabuckthorn heals cuts and rashes.
Organic skin care has come a long way. With products like the ones in the Mangosteen Lactic Collection we now have products that offer “healing while peeling” as an easy and effective step in our daily skin routine.