Review: Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA

Where to purchase: Ulta stores or at their website and sometimes I've seen it at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. 
Price: Around $10.99 depending on where you purchase

What Alpha Hydrox says:
Proven to significantly reduce and delay the onset of fine lines, wrinkles, forehead creases, crows' feet, laugh lines and more. With 10% Glycolic AHA at an effective pH 4, Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion effectively and safely lifts dead cells from the skin's surface, revitalizing and helping restore younger, healthy, more radiant-looking skin. Renews moisture, refines texture, improves elasticity and skin tone.

How To Use:
Cleanse with Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser or Foaming Face Wash and apply a sheer layer of Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion to face and neck (do not rinse off).  Follow with Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturizer with SPF15 (daytime) or Night Replenishing Cream or Oxygenated Moisturizer (evening).

Ingredients (From their site)
Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea  

My Review:
This lotion was my winter must have this year due to my dry acne skin and I feel that it really helped control my acne and keeping my skin stay hydrated and smooth.  

Before using this lotion at one point the area around my mouth was getting really dry and flaky due to seasonal changes from fall to winter so I started using this product and put it to the test.  After 2 days of using it the dry area was completely gone and my skin was feeling smooth again.  That's when I found my new favorite winter item, although the Missha Golden Snowflake Overnight Cream will always be my favorite as well :D

Not only did it helped with my dry skin it also prevent them from getting breakouts mostly on my chin area.

Now that it's getting close to summer and my skin is getting oily they also have the gel formula that also work the same and just as good (LINK)

Packaging:
It comes in a matte plastic squeeze bottle which is very hygienic, you don't need to dip your finger inside and contaminate the product.  The amount of product you get is worth it considering the price is a bargain at around $10.99 / 6 oz (177ml).  This will last me quite a while! 

What is Glycolic AHA?
Just like what their website says Glycolic Acid which is form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a chemical exfoliate, they help to remove the dead skin cells that give skin a rough, dry texture and allow new, smooth skin to emerge.  Some people can’t handle AHA however my skin can handle a higher percentage of AHA, you can start off with a lower percentage and work your way up to see how your skin reacts. 

For further information on what is Glycolic Acid I highly recommend you watch this video (LINK)

Final Thoughts
Although this product work wonders for my skin it doesn't always mean it would work well for you, I've read many mix reviews because some people's skin don't react well with this product.  If you would like to try this product do take caution and do further research.  

Ratings: 5/5
Would I Repurchase?: Yes

Thank you all for reading!  Please follow my blog if you would love to read more reviews in the future. 

 Disclaimer: I purchase this product with my own money, not affiliated with this company at all.  

My Daily Skincare for Winter Dry and Acne Prone Skin

Here is my daily winter routine on how I keep my skin well hydrated, acne prevention and moisturized.  After trial and error on a lot of skincare products I narrow down to these products that work well for me.  Please remember that what works for me does not mean it works well for everyone, we all have different skin. 

Note: I have combination skin, dry on the chin area, oily on the t-zone and sometimes dry patches on the nose and occasional breakouts on the chin. 

Morning

Cleanser: 

First thing in the morning is I use a simple cleanser to remove any oil build up on my skin from overnight while sleeping.  I like using “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser” because it’s mild, non-fragrant and non-irritant on the skin and it doesn’t feel over drying after cleansing.  One way to find out if the cleanser is too drying is to wait a few minutes after cleaning your face.  If you skin feels tight or dry and needs immediate moisture that means your cleanser is too harsh and you may need to switch to a gentle cleanser. 

Toner:

 Toner is optional, I know quite a few people who don’t believe in toners but for me I like using a hydrating toner in my routine.  I enjoy using the “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion” although it says “lotion” I use it as a toner since the texture is very similar to a toner.  It gives an extra boost of moisture and preps my skin before applying serum and lotion. 

Serum:

 After toner I let it wait and sink into my skin then apply a serum.  In my opinion serum is essential in my skincare routine.  Serums can address needs that aren’t covered by a moisturizer whether if you’re concern about dry or oily skin, anti-aging or blemish/acne skin.  Serums are generally lighter in texture than moisturizers. They may also have a higher level of active ingredients compared to their moisturizer counterparts.  The serum I’m currently using and enjoying is “De Herbs 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum” It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin instead it feels very smooth and hydrating. 

In the future post, I will explain the wonders of Hyaluronic Acid

Eye Cream:

My under eyes are very dry especially during winter so this step is very important for me.  I use the Lancome Eyecream with SPFs.  You can also use a good non-scented face moisturizer under the eyes instead which I heard works the same. 

Lotion: 

 Final step in my morning skincare is I apply a lotion with SPF.  I am currently using Origin’s Perfect World White Tea Moisturizer with SPF 25. 

Night

Makeup Remover:

 After work I remove all my makeup before I cleanse my face.  It’s very important to remove all traces of makeup so you skin can breathe when you go to sleep.  I don’t know how people are able to sleep with makeup on, ugh!  I use the Missha makeup remove along with Neutrogena makeup removing wipes. 

Cleanser: 

I use the same cleanser as the morning routine, “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Masks:

 At least 2 times a week I treat myself to a sheet mask for extra hydration.  I use a variety of brands, most of the sheet mask I purchase is from Sasa.com, I think their price is more reasonable then anywhere else.

Exfoliate:

 I exfoliate my skin 2 times a week, if you have sensitive skin you can do them 1 times a week.  Exfoliating you face is very important, it is designed to remove dead cells on the outer layers of the skin and speed cell turnover, restoring a healthy glow and even skin tone.  Exfoliation eliminates the dead surface skin cells and oil that plug sebaceous pores—the leading cause of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne flare-ups—and leave skin dull and listless.  The product I use is the very popular and affordable “St. Ives Apricot Scrub”

Toner:

Same toner as the morning routine, “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion”

Treatments:

 Every night I use two treatments that help me with my acne.  I use the Target brand dupe of the “Clean and Clear Persa Gel” which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide gel all over areas that I break out the most, which is my chin.  I find this more effective then salicylic acid on my skin.  Afterwards I apply the “Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic AHA Gel” all over the face.  Glycolic Acid which is form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a chemical exfoliate, they help to remove the dead skin cells that give skin a rough, dry texture and allow new, smooth skin to emerge.  Some people can’t handle AHA however my skin can handle a higher percentage of AHA, you can start off with a lower percentage and work your way up to see how your skin reacts. 

Lotion: 

Final step I apply “Alpha Hydrox Enhanced 10% Glycolic AHA Lotion” and by next day my skin is smooth and well hydrated. 

So far this routine really helps with my acne control and dryness during winter.  If you have any product recommendations that you think I should try feel free to let me know.

Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: I purchase everything

2012 Favorite Products

Here are some of my most used and loved products of 2012!  A lot of skincare favorites in this post,  I've been experimenting and focusing more with skincare then makeup, I've come to realize if you don't have smooth skin your makeup will not apply nicely so skincare is very important.

 Missha's MISA Golden Snowflake Eye Cream If you didn't know I am obsess with Missha's Misa Golden Snowflake Overnight Cream so the eye cream is just as good, very moisturizing especially if you have dry under eyes.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Facial Radiance Capsules I was quite surprise how smooth and velvet this felt on my skin, on some nights I would open one capsule and apply it all over my face and my neck.  The texture feels like putting on a silicon base primer, so I can imagine using this product as a primer before applying makeup.  Although this product is quite expensive at $28.00, so I would purchase this when it's on sale at The Body Shop since they have sales quite often. 

De Herbs 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Purchase at Sasa.com) I just have to say, this serum is AMAZING!  It doesn't feel greasy, the texture is gel like and it does keep the moisture in your skin.  I apply the serum after using the Watson's Rose Toner and both products together really does wonders!  Unfortunately the toner is very hard to get a hold of when you're living in the states because this is only available in Asia or countries that has a Watson store, I purchase mine from China and I wished I bought more!

The Face Shop Aqua Drop Sleeping Mask At least 1-2 times a week I apply this sleeping face mask at night and in the morning I just rinse it off with a cleanser.  I bet you're wondering "What?  a mask to bed?"  trust me, the texture of this mask is gel-like and very light weight, it feels like a moisturizer and it sinks into the skin really nicely and by morning your skin will feel very smooth! 

Bausch & Lomb Eye Relief Eye Wash I highly suggest everyone to use any kind of Eye Wash product even if you don't wear eye makeup daily.  This product really helps wash away all the dirt and dust off your eyes and I promise you your vision will be so much clearer after using this and your eyes will well refresh and relief. 

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows I found myself reaching for these eyeshadows more often and I love the shimmery finish they give out and they're very pigmented.

Inglot Eyeshadows This is a custom made palette I created from their website, these eyeshadows are so pigment, a little goes a long way and the price is cheaper then Mac pan eyeshadows especially when you wait for their 20% off promotions, even better!

Maybelline Eye Studio Palette in "Caffeine Rush" In my opinion this maybelline palette is the best one they ever released, the pigmentation is excellent and I found myself using every single shade which is rare when I purchase already made palettes because theirs always one or two shades I would never touch.  The size of the palette is perfect for traveling, no waste of extra packaging and the sparkly shade on top is gorgeous especially in the inner corners or lower lash line.  I can't raved enough of this product, I love it!!


Now for the finale, the new brand I discover in 2012 that I found myself using the most is Alpha Hydrox  (SITE) I love almost all of their AHA lines, they all work well with my skin and controlling my acne.  If you're wondering what is AHA, I recommend you watch this video (LINK)

That is all, I can't wait to see what new products are out there that I haven't tried for 2013!

 Disclaimer: I purchase everything.

Fall Skincare Routine (2012)

It is pretty much the same as my last Summer skincare routine but a few slight changes here and there.  Usually in the fall my skin gets a bit dryer but still oily in the t-zone and occasional breakouts on the chin.

Morning

1) Target Brand Acne Cream:  After I cleanse my face I found the most effective way to prevent future acne breakouts is putting on a thin layer of acne cream on area where I breakout the most which is on my chin.  Now keep in mind that they can dry out the skin so I make sure I moisturized my skin well. 

2) Shiseido White Lucent Toner:  Before applying acne cream I apply toner, honestly this toner doesn't do much to my skin, I found other brands that does a much better job.  At the moment I try to use this up before I can more on to my favorite ones.

3) Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Serum: Love this serum, perfect for Spring and Fall when I have slightly dry skin, it really does help moisturized my face.  It's not a heavy as some serum and it feels really nice on the skin. Highly recommend, then again I recommend a lot of Naruko products in general!

4) Lancome Bienfait Multivital eye cream with SPF 28: This is not the best eye cream but eye cream with SPF should be a daily essential if you go out.  Once I'm done with this product I would like to try out other brands in the market.

5) Merlot Grapeseed Moisturizer with SPF 15: Great day moisturizer, I use this all throughout summer and will continue to use it in fall but as the temperature drops into winter I will need a heavier cream as the formula in this product is very light. 



 Night

1) & 2):  Same as my morning routine.

3)Physician's Formula Hydrating Eye Cream: This is a good basic eye cream, it's in a thin gel like consistency so it feels very nice on the lower eye lids, great for warmer weather and maybe fall if you under eyes aren't dry. 

4) Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Treament with 10% Glycolic AHA: this is more of a chemical exfoliate so I only use this before bed time and a little goes a long way.  I love this stuff it makes my skin really smooth in the morning, will definitely continue to use this in the furture.

5) Neutrogena Fresh Moisture: Unfortunately this product is discontinued but it does feels a lot like the "Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream" (Review Here).   I love the feel of this product on the skin at night, it feels very light and refreshing.

Disclaimer: I purchase everything and keep in mind that products that work for me doesn't always work for everyone, please do some research before you try out a new product.