APRIL SKIN - esthicatq review for Calendula 10% PHA+AHA Resurfacing Serum

PHAs stand for polyhydroxy acids; they work similarly to AHAs and BHAs to increase cell turnover rate but the main difference between them and the others is that the molecules are larger so they penetrate the skin more slowly and don’t exfoliate as aggressively as AHAs and BHAs, which makes it an ideal chemical exfoliant for more sensitive skin types. Not only that, they also bind moisture to the skin and don’t cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight 👏 This product is so surprisingly gentle for a chemical exfoliant/exfoliating serum. It of course includes hyaluronic acid as do many moisturizing serums and ampoules do these days. I really enjoyed the inclusion of calendula because it’s such a soothing ingredient. I experienced zero irritation with this serum and fast results in terms of smoothing out bumpy skin texture and brightening effects. Often times when I use AHAs or BHAs, I experience some sensitivity or mild tingliness but with this serum, it actually calmed down some redness. And I cannot get enough of the twist pump packaging! It’s so sleek and cool. Makes it easy to travel with worry-free. I’m not sure about the recyclability of it but I’ll probably hold on to the soon-to-be empty container until I figure it out.