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Writer's pictureGlow by Tomoko

My All-Time Favorite Japanese Exfoliant for Glowing Skin

Updated: 7 days ago

To help you maintain that post-facial glow between appointments, I recommend incorporating a gentle yet effective exfoliant into your regimen.


AstaC Peel is a Japanese gel exfoliant containing lactic acid, which resurfaces the skin by gently removing dead skin cells for a glowing, radiant skin.



Gentle Lactic Acid as an Exfoliating Agent

Lactic acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group, known for its exfoliating properties. Compared to other AHAs like glycolic acid (another popular AHA!), lactic acid has a larger molecular size, resulting in reduced absorption into the skin.

This makes lactic acid a gentler option, even for those with sensitive skin.


⚠️However, if you're experiencing eczema, irritation, or retinoid reactions, it's advisable to avoid exfoliation altogether and prioritize soothing, hydrating products until your skin improves.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!



Superhero Ingredients that Support Radiant Skin

What makes AstaC Peel special is the additional nourishing, hydrating and soothing ingredients, such as glutathione, astaxanthin and vitamin C derivatives.


Glutathione

One of my favorite antioxidant! Glutathione naturally occurs in our skin and offers numerous benefits due to its potent antioxidant properties. It helps neutralize oxidative stress at the cellular level, defends against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, and reduces inflammation.

Glutathione consists of 3 types of amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. These amino acids inhibit melanin production, targeting dark spots and promoting even, brighter skin tone.


Astaxanthin

Another powerful antioxidant, popular in Japanese skincare.

Astaxanthin is naturally present in aquatic creatures such as salmon, shrimp and red algae, giving them their red/pinkish hue.

AstaC Peel contains astaxanthin (In fact, the pink color of this gel comes from astaxanthin!) derived from haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater microalgae that produces astaxanthin as a defense mechanism against environmental stressors.


Astaxanthin belongs to a family of carotenoids, which also includes familiar names like lycopene in tomatoes and beta-carotene in carrots. What makes astaxanthin so special is its exceptional ability to fight oxidative stressors such as UV rays. Astaxanthin's antioxidant potency surpasses all other carotenoids, making it a standout ingredient for shielding the skin from environmental damage.


Vitamin C derivatives (Ascorbyl Glucoside & Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)

You may be familiar with pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a highly effective ingredient for brightening, collagen production and UV protection. However, at the same time, it is also known for being super unstable and prone to oxidation when exposed to air or light.

VItamin C derivatives offer a more stable solution, maintaining their effectiveness for a longer period of time.


Different forms of vitamin C derivatives can function differently, and AstaC Peel incorporates two types of vitamin C derivatives in its formula.


Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of a water-soluble vitamin C derivative, targeting the surface layer of the skin.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is an oil-soluble vitamin C, known to penetrate into the skin better and deeper than water-soluble counterparts.


By combining different forms of vitamin C, AstaC Peel aims to harness the full potential of this powerful ingredient for brighter, radiant skin.



Soothing and hydrating ingredients to protect the skin after exfoliation

Exfoliation may weaken the skin's barrier function, leading to dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. To avoid this, AstaC peel combines three types of hyaluronic acids with different molecular weights and polyphenol-rich olive fruit extract from the Tuscun region. They work synergistically to replenish hydration, soothe irritation, and protect the skin during and after exfoliation.


3 types of Hyaluronic Acids

(Hydrolyzed hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate)

Similar to vitamin C derivatives, various forms of hyaluronic acids exist, each with different molecular sizes. It's beneficial to utilize multiple molecular sizes of hyaluronic acids, which means better penetration across multiple layers of skin, providing comprehensive hydration from the surface to the deeper layers.


Olive Fruit Extract from the Tuscan Region

The olive fruit extract used in this gel is sourced from the Tuscan Region, an area known for its rich soil, ideally suited for olive plant growth. This means that the fruit extract contains a higher concentration of beneficial nutrients, such as polyphenols, perfect for soothing the skin.



The unique combination of powerhouse ingredients in this gel ensures a gentle exfoliation process that doesn't strip off essential components of your skin or cause dryness/irritation.

If you are in search of a perfect exfoliant, I really recommend giving this a try.


By properly removing dead skin cells on the surface, it also helps to unclog pores and prevent breakout, while increasing product absorption, allowing the active ingredients in your serums and moisturizer to work more efficiently.



How to Use

To use AstaC Peel, follow these simple steps:

  1. Once a week, apply a thin layer of the gel onto your clean, dry skin

  2. Allow the product to sit on your skin for 3-5 minutes. You will notice the consistency turning slightly loose and watery as it works its magic.

  3. Once you feel the texture has changed, gently massage your face using circular motions with your fingertips for about a minute. You may even see some dead skin cells rolling off - a sign that the exfoliant is working! (and So Satisfying!)

  4. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry

  5. Apply your serums and moisturizer on top. Enjoy your glowing, refreshed complexion!




AstaC Peel package

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After tyring many exfoliants, this one stands out for its effectiveness, gentleness, hydration and brightening.

Definitely my top choice for my facial treatments as well.


I love how you can use this at home weekly to maintain your glow between appointments






 

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