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Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying celebrating our special 1st Birthday with us this week, because we certainly are excited! If you missed out on our last blog, where we broke down some of our accomplishments since our launch in 2019, check it out here. 

But right now, we're doing a deep dive into our four new products, which you might have seen launch over on our social channels throughout the week. They've filled some gaps in our repertoire, and we can't wait to see your reviews rolling in! If the product descriptions haven't quite tickled your fancy, or you're looking for a little more info before you plunge, this is the place to be.  

So, without further ado, let's get on with it!

Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel

If anything has shocked the skincare world in the last few years, it's been the dramatic rejection of physical exfoliators, and worship of their chemical counterparts. Because while physical exfoliators help to dislodge and remove dead skin to leave your skin cleansed and bright, they can cause micro damage to your skin and its natural barrier defence. Chemical exfoliators on the other hand break down those dead skin cells at a (you guessed it) chemical level, avoiding that physical damage. It is of course possible to damage your skin by using too strong a chemical exfoliator, or through too frequent use, but we've got you covered with our super gentle exfoliating gel with an AHA inclusion of 5%. 

These AHAs (or alpha hydroxy acids), which we derive from a few of the key ingredients, including Malic Acid, work by binding to the molecules that act as adhesion between cells, so that top layer of your skin can lift off easily. With just one use, your skin will immediately feel softer, and appear brighter. It doesn't just remove dead skin cells, however, but the chemical reaction that occurs encourages new, healthier skin cells to form leaving you with a new-found glow!

The trend of using AHAs begun to reduce the effects of sun damage and ageing, but have since expanded to cover a range of skin concerns. You might be surprised how many skin concerns are so tied to this top layer of our skin! Glycolic Acid, part of our lovely blend and another AHA, can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and signs of ageing as it exfoliates. We also use Apple Fruit Extract for its antioxidant activity, because as we know from the blog on the topic, they're a great tool for reducing and protecting against UV damage, and Lactic Acid, for its ability to moisturise and protect the skin. 

What we especially love about this product, despite chemical exfoliator sounding pretty intense, is that it's gentle enough to be used on all skin types! We've made sure that for as much as we take away, your skin is still being nourished and protected against irritants and other affronts to your skin barrier.  If you've had a bad experience with an exfoliator in the past, don't let it put you off our Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel! 

Chamomile Night Cream

This is one for the sensitive and stressed out skin folks. Bisabolol, one of the actives you can find in Chamomile (although we add extra!), speeds up skin repair, soothing and reducing redness and irritation as it works. Used nightly, it both contributes to the healing of skin from everyday damage, and strengthening your skin barrier to protect against the next day's environmental stressors and pollutants. This means you're also getting the benefits of an ingredient which reduces hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing! 

Chamomile and Bisabolol are supported by Jojoba, which helps products to absorb quickly and easily due to its similarities to the oils already in our skin, and Aloe Vera, which is a must-have when it comes to pairing hydration with skin protection. For the green thumbs out there, we make our own Chamomile extract in Norfolk at the Q+A HQ! 

I hope that if you've ever been recommended our Collagen Face Cream, or really wanted to try it out, only to be put off by it containing beeswax, this is your answer! Completely vegan, our Chamomile Night Cream is perfect for anyone looking for some nourishing overnight support. 

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser

You love our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, so we've incorporated our best-selling ingredient into a cleanser! The great thing about Hyaluronic Acid, and the reason it works so well in this format, is its ability to draw moisture from the atmosphere (or your damp skin) down with it, hydrating your skin cells from within the epidermis and helping to improve long term moisture retention and a happier complexion. Instead of dreading the cleansing step of your routine worrying about your skin drying out, this product hydrates as it cleanses! Because stripping your skin of its natural oils can affect all skin types, including oily, it's important to keep things nice and balanced. 

If you're big HYA fans like us, you'll know molecular weight matters! The size of your Hyaluronic Acid molecules determines how deep they penetrate the skin, the smaller the deeper. A large molecular weight will only be able to affect the top and surface layer of your skin, giving you some short-term benefits. Medium molecular weight, which we use in our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, absorbs into your epidermis for long lasting hydration, and low molecular weight can go even further. There are nano sized molecules as well! We use both medium and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid in this product so you have all-round moisturisation throughout the layers of your skin!

For the cleansing action, we use gentle Coco Betaine, which not only makes this gel so smooth to apply and bubbly foam we love from a cleanser, but is designed to respect your natural oil balance. 

If you prefer a fragrance-free product, the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser is a great alternative to the Peppermint Daily Cleanser.

Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel

It must be said, we are huge fans of Peptides here at Q+A. Not that we have favourites, well, maybe... but the technical abilities of Peptides definitely excite our skintellectual side. I mean, we have an entire blog on the topic. Now in eye gel format, these collagen builders are tackling your sunken or sullen under-eye area, for firmer and more hydrated skin! Say goodbye to those fine lines and wrinkles. 

Aloe Vera is a perfect addition, which its ability to both hydrate, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. Because that area is so delicate,  pollution, UV exposure and irritants in the air can have a stronger effect, and can be one of the first places we can see the effect of stress on our skin. Aloe Vera is rich in polysaccharides, which are responsible for improving our skin cells' ability to retain moisture long term, and are super important for timely skin repair and renewal. 

Our other major ingredient, Witch Hazel, might have you a little surprised. Many of us will associate this ingredient with oily and blemish prone skin remedies, and drying toners, but it can be a great choice for your under-eye too. Not only known for its anti-inflammatory properties (hence, anti-blemish), but it's packed with antioxidants which can help calm swelling (a.k.a. puffiness), as well as protect against future harm. Say goodbye to itchiness and irritation with its cooling effects!  

Now, you might be thinking (or maybe it was just me...), Why is this called Seaweed Peptide, when the Peptide Facial Serum is just 'Peptide'?  Well! Not only are our pure Peptides synthesised from seaweed, we also include a blend of seaweed extracts, including Algae, Sea Lavender, and Horsetail Kelp. Supporting Aloe Vera with their polysaccharide content, these extracts help to protect your skin against Trans Epidermal Water Loss (or TEWL). Keeping things local, our Sea Lavender is harvested by our Head Chemist James in Peterborough, just one county over from us in Norfolk! 

If you're looking for a soothing and cooling gel to de-puff your under eyes, our Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel is calling your name!

I do hope I've done these four new goodies justice, as the team are genuinely so excited to share them with you! And if you have any more questions don't be afraid to send them my way, or slide into our Insta DMs! 

Much love,

Amy @ Team Q+A