The new way to exfoliate- AHA and BHA exfoliants

Alpha- and Beta-Hydroxy Acids, also known as AHA and BHA exfoliants, are the two products that have totally blown me away in the last few years. I keep banging on about them to anyone willing to listen, as they have done amazing things for my skin and I believe, everyone from teenagers to people with mature skin would benefit from using them. 

The main difference between them and standard abrasive exfoliants is, that they are applied on clean skin and left on to do their thing for several hours, in the same way you apply your moisturiser. You can use them both in the morning and in the evening, or once a day. They come in liquid, gel and lotion forms depending on your skin type.

AHA exfoliants are suitable for dry sun-damaged skin types, and BHA exfoliants are great for acne-prone oilier skin types, which struggle with blackheads, blemishes and white spots. AHA exfoliants contain glycolic acid and sit on the surface of the skin to help tackle unevenness, pigmentation and fine lines, as well as reveal new fresher skin. BHA exfoliants contain salicylic acid which is the only skincare ingredient able to penetrate into the pores and clean blemishes and blackheads from the inside out. Both exfoliants are based on fruit acid derivatives and promote collagen production and skin regeneration. They could be used in conjunction or alone, depending on your skin type and concerns. 

I tend to alternate between using an AHA and BHA exfoliant once a day most days. I prefer to use them at night underneath my night serum. Since I started using them around 3 years ago, my skin has has gradually calmed down and become more even-toned and balanced. To start with I used them every day, but over time I now need to use them no more than 3-4 days a week. As everyone's skin is unique, it takes a bit of experimenting to find your perfect routine. 

One thing to keep in mind is that these types of exfoliants require an SPF used over them, should you want to apply them in the morning. 

My top picks are:

• Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel
• Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid

You may notice that more and more skincare companies are introducing AHA and BHA exfoliants in their ranges. Please be aware that salicylic acid in wash-off type exfoliants will simply not get the chance to do its job as it needs to stay on the skin for a period of time, hence I would not recommend using those. Also, not all exfoliants of this class are formulated at the effective range pH range. Hence the reason why both options above are from Paula's Choice range which are by far the best formulated and effective ones currently available. The bottles they come in will last you for 1 year each, if used regularly.

There is a body care lotion in the same class, that I have been using for couple of years now and will not be without.  It's the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Anti-Aging Smoothing Lotion, which contains both AHA and BHA exfoliants, as well as Vitamin E and shea butter. Sold for a mere £4.09 in Boots and Superdrug, it is an absolute steal of a product that helps tackle keratosis pilaris - the red bumpy skin or the tops of the arms and legs many people get, and reveal soother and more even-toned skin. Due to the combination of moisturising and exfoliating properties, it is a great all-in-one product.

Revlon Nutri Color Creme

Over the years I have coloured my hair in most shades under the sun. Last year, I went blonde for awhile, and later on decided to grow my hair out. For that reason I opted for going back to my original brown colour and give my hair a chance to recover and stay healthy. In my search to find something that will allow me to colour my hair less often, I came across the Revlon Nutri Color Creme. 

It is best described as a semi-permanent colour wash that aims to revive, condition and tone your existing hair colour between colourings. It is applied on washed and towel dried hair and left for 3 minutes, before washed off. It deposits colour onto the hair and helps keep your chosen shade vibrant, as well as can be used as a toner on blonde hairs. 

I have found it to be an excellent way of extending the time between hair colourings. In fact if you like keeping your hair colour close to your natural one, this product could easily be used instead of a semi- or permanent hair colour. It comes in the full variety of shades ranging from black to platinum blonde, and a bottle of 250ml contains the equivalent of around 15 washes. 

People who love having their hair coloured in strong, vibrant shades such as red, purple or copper, will find this product a must. A once a week treatment with it should be enough to stop your colour from fading and keep hair looking glossy and in good condition. The blonde shades of this product serve as excellent toners for bleach blonde hairs and are great for toning down brassiness. I find that the product is extremely nourishing and leaves my hair shiny, manageable and much less frizzy.

Currently Revlon Nutri Color Creme is available on Amazon, Salon Direct and Ebay. 

Hand Creams

There are some amazing inexpensive hand creams on the market which help protect and nourish your hands. Depending on the condition of your hands, here are the ones I rate and use regularly:

• Aveeno Hand Cream with Colloidal Oatmeal- it is great for people with normal skin who need a cream for general maintenance. It absorbs quickly and leaves hands soft and moisturised for hours. I love it as a summer hand cream as it is less heavy than other hand creams. 

• Garnier Handrepair Intensive Restroting Hand Cream- I love this stuff and have been using it for years now. It contains Maple Sap and Glycerin which instantly soothe and help restore dry chapped hands. I used to have a painful crack reappear on one on my fingers every winter. This hand cream has helped sort it out for good. Although it is rich, once applied is sinks in quickly and leaves no greasiness on the hands.

• Palmer's Shea Butter Formula Concentrated Cream with Vitamin E- I have been using it for the last few months and it is and excellent option for the colder part of the year, or for people who have their hands in water repeatedly throughout the day. It is great for any area with dry skin, like elbow, knees and feet. Easily absorbed, it is a joy to use.

• Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm- this is an amazing gentle and effective product for people with dry sensitive and eczema prone skin. It is the most emollient out of the all chosen products and creates a protective barrier over the skin to allow it to heal. It is a great versatile product that can be used for anything from cracked hands, lips, elbows etc. I love applying it last thing at night.

It is worth pointing out that an SPF cream applied at the beginning of the day and once again in the afternoon is essential for keeping your hands in great condition. Sun exposure is the main factor that causes skin ageing and your hands should not be ignored. I tend to apply the same SPF I use on my face onto my hands.