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Active skincare is a hard game. Cocktail your acids and vitamins incorrectly, and your skin will hate you for it. But there’s hope! Alpha H is a brand that does actives well. They did after all pioneer Glycolic Acid in topical products – those well versed in the space will be familiar with Alpha H’s Liquid Gold, a treatment product that deals in the currency of baby-soft skin (otherwise lauded as the country’s most popular AHA).

The brand actually turns 25 this year, and as part of the celebration, they’ve launched the Midnight Reboot Serum, an innovative mix of glycolic acid AND vitamin A. Classically, these two aren’t grouped together in one product – if anything they don’t get along. But this is different. It’s special! It’s heavy-duty, but when used effectively it will change your skin. And best of all, it’s a one-and-done.

I’ve been using it myself in place of my regular retinol + exfoliant combination for the last fortnight. This isn’t long enough to gauge long-term results but as for “morning after glow” it pays dividends. It’s not an every day kinda’ serum, but for those looking to beef up their simple skincare arsenal, it’s a very good option to incorporate a few nights a week. The glycolic will give you immediate glow, whereas the vitamin A will ensure skin stays clearer and more youthful over time. In short, it’s active skincare at its best.

But when discussing actove skincare it’s important to call in the big guns, namely LeeAnne Leslie, Clinical Training and Education Manager at AlphaH Skincare. Below you’ll find a glycolic refresher and all the details surrounding the new Midnight Reboot Serum.

Keep reading for the interview.

GRAZIA: Explain glycolic acid and how it differs from other AHA’s?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water soluble acids and naturally occurring in sugary fruits. When applied to the skin topically, they assist in loosening the bonds that hold dead surface skin cells together. This action encourages increased skin turnover. Glycolic Acid is the most widely used AHA due to is tiny molecular weight and superior ability to penetrate the skin compared to other AHAs (such as Lactic or Mandelic).

GRAZIA: What skin conditions is it good for? 

All skin types can benefit from exfoliating with Glycolic acid, but in particular hyperpigmented skin and skin with uneven texture, open pores and sun damage.

GRAZIA: Tell us about the new Midnight Reboot serum? 

We’ve taken two scientifically proven age defying ingredients (Glycolic Acid and Granactive Retinoid) and combined them in an industry first nighttime treatment serum. Granactive Retinoid works similarly to prescription Retinoids, but without the associated downtime. In fact it’s been dermatologically tested to offer less irritation potential than Retinol, providing a gentle, safe and effective anti-aging treatment. Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum also boasts collagen boosting Tripeptide-5 which works to enhance elasticity and bounce whilst helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There’s also Coenzyme Q10 to treat pigmentation and Ferulic Acid to protect against free-radical damage.

GRAZIA: How does it differ from the original Liquid Gold?

Liquid Gold is a progressive chemical exfoliant. It is suitable for most skin types from mid-twenties where the skin’s natural turnover has slowed.  Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum harnesses dual exfoliating properties as well as skin boosting and fortifying ingredients and hydrating and nurturing lipids. It is a more complex night serum designed to primarily target mature skins where the first signs of ageing are visible.

GRAZIA: Can you combine the two in one skincare routine? What are your suggested usage tips?

We don’t recommend using both on the same evening however skins well accustomed to the use of active ingredients can definitely use a combination of both products in their weekly regime. I would always advise starting with applying Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot one or two nights a week if you are already a Liquid Gold user. Alternatively if you don’t use Liquid Gold or are new to accelerating acids you could start applying Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum three evenings a week working up to alternate evenings. Each skin is unique and we always welcome customers to book a free live consult with one of our experienced team of consultants if unsure.

Alpha H Midnight Reboot Serum, $129. shop now