The stronger one please

There are preparations available on the market with a wide range of applications, thanks to active ingredients that have been studied for years. Their concentration affects their performance – that’s pretty clear, but does higher concentration always mean better performance? No, not always.

Acids

Glycolic acid

The most commonly used acid in anti-aging therapy is glycolic acid. Cosmetics use concentrations of 5-15% in home care to as much as 35% in beauty salons. Treatments with higher concentrations are already performed in aesthetic medicine offices.
The main task of the acid is to stimulate microcellular renewal and exfoliate dead skin, thereby reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum. Acids visibly refresh and smooth the skin, and also facilitate the absorption of active ingredients contained in other creams, as they do not have to “break through” the layer of dead skin.

When choosing an acid cream for the first time, it is advisable to go for a lower concentration. The first use of the acid, even at a low concentration, will also have an effect, and the risk of irritation will be much lower.

Lactic acid

Did you know that lactic acid changes its properties depending on the concentration? When it is an ingredient in a cream, and its concentration is 1-10%, the acid shows moisturizing properties. In concentrations between 30-50%, it is used in cosmetic surgeries because it has an exfoliating effect. In addition, it shows antibacterial properties.

Moreover, lactic acid is one of the main components of NMF (natural moisturizing factor). As a result, it helps keep the skin properly moisturized, and as you know, dry skin ages faster.

Mandelic acid

Here we will tentatively introduce one of our own bestsellers – hydratore. He can be called the king of lack of exaggeration. The mandelic acid (5%) it contains, combined with a moisturizing complex, is ideal for those with combination skin. The classic image of combination skin – extremely dry cheeks and a perpetually glowing nose and forehead from excess sebum. Mandelic acid has antibacterial and moisturizing properties.

Hydratore has a seboregulating effect. What does it mean? Instead of using a moisturizer on your cheeks and a “drying” cream on your nose and forehead, use one cream that regulates sebum secretion. It stimulates its production where it is lacking and quiets sebaceous glands when they show overactivity.

Retinol

Retinol is a molecule well-known in cosmetics and highly valued – that’s a fact. It has a stimulating effect on the process of skin cell renewal. The result of using retinol cream is refreshed, revitalized and smoothed skin. However, the price for these effects is clear – no tanning and increased caution in use. Retinol is a highly irritating molecule. When we have sensitive skin, too much retinol can cause severe irritation.

That’s why we don’t recommend starting a retinol treatment with “the strongest one”, because the results won’t necessarily be faster or better because of it. What’s more? For those with sensitive skin, a lower concentration of retinol may be all that is needed, where a higher concentration will cause irritation and discourage the use of a good cream.

Does more mean better – more literally

Does applying a thick layer of cream affect its effectiveness?

No, it does not influence, and certainly not positively. The concentration of active ingredients in creams does not change when you apply more product to the skin.
What’s more – a thicker layer may not absorb, resulting in a sticky face. Not to mention the feeling of greasiness during the day and a dirty pillow at night.

In our case – one or two pumps of the cream are definitely enough.