Aging is something we all should embrace, TBH. Not only do we get older and wiser as the years go on, but our skin gets older — and it shows. While many of us slather on anti-aging creams and other treatments, using the right *acids* on your face can make a huge difference. I got the deets on which acids benefit our skin and why from two of my go-to skincare gurus, Sonia Deasy, founder of beauty and body wellness company Pestle & Mortar, and Kerry Benjamin, founder and owner of Stacked Skincare. Read on to learn about five acids you should consider adding to your skincare routine and the benefits each of them offers up.
Ohhh, glycolic acid. You might have heard of this alpha hydroxy acid because it’s found in a ton of skincare products, but it’s most commonly used in chemical peels. “Glycolic acid can easily penetrate the skin deeper than other acids, which in turn makes it the most effective acid for treating signs of aging,” Sonia explained. “Using products containing glycolic acid can help offset fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also help treat blackheads, acne, dull skin and oiliness.” If a chemical peel isn’t your thing — and trust me, it isn’t for everyone — you can get your glycolic on by using a gentle toner like Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($18).
HYALURONIC ACID
Dubbed the miracle moisturizer, hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. “Hyaluronic acid is described as nature’s moisturizer because it’s a carb that naturally occurs in the body,” Sonia said. “As you age — particularly after you turn 30 — your body produces less hyaluronic acid, which our skin shows by appearing dry and wrinkled.” Kerry explained that, unlike the other acids on this list, HA doesn’t exfoliate the skin. “It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our skin, drawing water up from the dermis to the epidermis.” Using a topical HA serum like Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum ($69) can help get your skin back to that baby soft plumpness we’re born with.
LACTIC ACID
Lactic acid — an alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk — could be your skincare savior if you’re all about exfoliating, hydrating and brightening the skin. “A peel containing lactic acid is great to treat hyperpigmentation, dry or dehydrated skin, sensitive skin and even eczema and rosacea,” Kerry said. “It has a natural moisturizing effect on the skin and is less irritating than other alpha hydroxy acids.” Incorporating a product like Olga Lorencin Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum ($75) into your regimen can help firm up your complexion and reduce breakouts while also leaving behind an even-textured face. It’s also safe to use while pregnant and can help with dryness and/or breakouts associated with pregnancy, FYI.
SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial beta hydroxy acid, can stand up to stubborn acne. “Salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into oil glands, making it ideal for acneic and oily skin,” Kerry explained. “It dissolves sebum and dead skin inside pores and can prevent the formation of new blemishes.” Using a peel like Stacked Skincare Deep Sea Mineral Peel ($150), which contains willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid), will eliminate bacteria that causes acne while revealing brighter, smoother and more even-toned skin.
CITRIC ACID
Found in citrus fruits, this acid has multiple benefits that help make your skin look younger as you age. “Citric acid helps promote skin regrowth and reduces the appearance of dark spots,” Sonia said. Kerry recommends incorporating citric acid into your routine by using a peel like Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel ($48). This peel will leave behind fresh, bright skin that’s thoroughly nourished thanks to purified algae extract.
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It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.