My review of Emmaus Beauty AHA 10% Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser
By Carla Snuggs

Summer is almost over and it’s time to start the process of repairing our skin from time spent in the sun and changing our skincare routines to adapt to fall weather. One important step in your skincare routine is exfoliation. But what does exfoliation do and how often do we need to do it?

First, let’s  learn a little bit about the basics of exfoliation. I received some great tips from celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau. “There are two types of exfoliants. First, a ‘chemical’ or ‘acid’ exfoliant does the work for you. You apply it, leave it on the skin, and it works to dissolve the dry skin cells. These exfoliants include ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, AHA and BHA, or enzymes such as Pumpkin, Papaya, and Pineapple. Second, a ‘physical’ exfoliant means that you have to do the work. These exfoliants include facial brushes, sponges, and facial scrubs,” says Rouleau.

One of the best ways to reduce bacteria on the skin while exfoliating and cleaning clogged pores is to use an acid exfoliating serum. Rouleau says exfoliation should be a main focus for those with blemished skin.

For some, the real concern is not so much the actual blemishes, but hyperpigmentation and redness that remains on the skin long after the breakout has healed. The key to fading those post-breakout marks is to increase your exfoliation to remove the surface damaged cells and encourage the formation of new healthy (non-scarred) skin cells. The result is more even-toned skin with less scarring, explains Rouleau.

A combination of both physical and chemical exfoliants will give skin the best results. For most skin types, this means a mild alcohol-free Glycolic Acid or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) wash or serum used under a night cream for three nights on, three nights off. “This way, you're still getting an intensive exfoliation, but you also give your skin a break. You would then combine this with a very mild facial scrub twice a week to lift off and remove the dissolved skin cells,” says Rouleau.

Emmaus AHA 10% Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser

Right now, I am using Emmaus Beauty AHA 10% Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser to exfoliate. If you have blemishes, clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven texture, fine lines or wrinkles, you should give this a try. It’s really great for all skin types except sensitive or dry skin. 

Emmaus AHA 10% Brightening + Exfoliating combines AHA’s with  ingredients that nourish, resurface, brighten and  hydrate: seaweed extract and rosehip oil.

The glycolic acid at this high concentration helps remove damaged skin cells and stimulates collagen production. The seaweed extract contains antioxidants that balance the skin’s natural pH to reduce inflammation and detoxify the skin. The essential oils help moisturizes and calms the skin. 

My Review/Results

I have used this cleanser in the AM and PM a couple of times a week and have seen some great results! I’ve noticed my dull skin improving to brightness and some of my dark spots have faded as I have some scarring from hormonal acne breakouts. I also love that this cleanser doesn’t dry out my skin and, in fact, leaves it hydrated. I have combo skin and have not felt irritated or dry on the areas of my face that are normally dry. This cleanser is a great way to step up your exfoliating and cleansing game.

Another thing I love about Emmaus Beauty as a brand  is that they never test on animals, so this is a great cruelty free, effective product to add to your regimen.

Caution: Be sure to apply sunscreen in the AM and limit sun exposure when using this product because AHAs may cause sun sensitivity.

Ingredients

Purified Water (Aqua), Sodium Olivate, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rose Hip) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Oil, Calendula Officinalis Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Extract

*This blog post is sponsored by Emmaus Beauty. All opinions are my honest opinion.