As legend would have it, back in first century BC, Cleopatra was right when she recognised the benefits of bathing in sour milk. Fast forward to today, and we understand that the skin smoothing, and hydrating benefits of this famous queen’s beauty ritual of a nightly milk bath can be attributed to the naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid in milk, Lactic Acid.   

Considered the gold standard in non-physical exfoliation AHA’s have been used since ancient times to shift dead, unwanted cells from the skin’s surface to deliver smooth texture and minimise imperfections such as open pores, and uneven skin tone.   

Lactic Acid offers a gentle exfoliating effect while simultaneously acting as a humectant and drawing moisture to the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and whether used alone or combined with other AHAs such as Glycolic Acid to help increase a products exfoliating capacity works to shift dead skin build up and encourage a brighter firmer complexion.   

We’ve come a long way since the days of bathing in sour milk however tried, tested, and proven ingredients such as accelerating acids remain popular due to their superior exfoliating effect and ability to create real change in the skin.    

Cleopatra was also known for completing her evening beauty regime by sleeping with a 24 carat gold mask on her skin. What luxury!  Now we may not all have a pile of gold laying around to turn into skincare, but the natural benefits of gold are worth noting. A natural antioxidant, gold helps to protect against oxidative stress and promote the preservation of collagen in the skin assisting in keeping it smooth and supple.   

Our answer to a gold star luxurious skin benefiting ritual is After Hours AHA Moisturiser.

After Hours AHA Moisturiser is an opulent moisturiser that raises the bar. Calling on powerful exfoliating duo hydrating Lactic Acid and the hero of AHAs, Glycolic Acid, to gently resurface this creamy formulation also includes 24 carat Gold Flakes and a host of other efficacious ingredients like skin plumping peptide Matrixyl 6 and potent antioxidants Vitamin E, Grape Seed, and Olive leaf extract.   

Best suited to normal to dry skin types and those seeking to address the visible signs of skin maturing this nourishing treatment moisturiser additionally contains humectant Hyaluronic Acid and Chia Seed to help protect against moisture loss and encourage collagen production.   

Soothing Panthenol and probiotic Lactobacillus helps support the skin’s barrier function and promotes a healthy skin microbiome.  

Application   

Once a day after cleansing (morning or evening), apply After Hours AHA Moisturiser to face, neck and decolletage in upward and outward circular movements, avoiding the eye area. If applying in the morning, always follow with your preferred SPF.  

For those new to accelerating acids start by applying 3 times a week on alternate days.