What's Inside Flash Forward:

Hero Active: 10% Lactic Acid

What is Lactic Acid, and what are the skin benefits of Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid is one of the most researched Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) in skincare. Produced from the fermentation of corn and its derived sugars, Lactic Acid helps to stimulate collagen while breaking down the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing the skin to better retain moisture.  As a component of your skin's natural moisturizing factor, its structure allows it to bind water within the skin while strengthening the lipid barrier by encouraging the production of natural ceramides. Because of its skin-strengthening properties, it is ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Clinical studies have shown that concentrations of 5-12% Lactic Acid help fade post-breakout discoloration and redness, and concentrations of 8-12% increase epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness, with clinical improvement in skin smoothness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This AHA powerhouse is also an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals from heavy metals found in water, and ultimately prevent damage to healthy cells.

One of our favorite AHAs because of its larger molecule size, Lactic Acid is ideal for sensitive skin and reactive acneic skin types as it doesn’t penetrate as deeply into epidermal layers as it’s AHA cousin Glycolic Acid.

Hero Actives: Pineapple, Papaya & Pumpkin Enzymes

What are enzymes and what do they do for the skin?

Enzymes are made from amino acids and they are proteins that come from plants or animals. Essentially, enzymes are chemical reaction machines that allow cells to build or take things apart as needed. For example, we produce enzymes in our stomach that help speed up digestion by breaking down food. In the case of skincare, we use enzymes to help speed up cell turnover to reveal healthy new skin cells. These plant enzymes act in a similar way that Lactic Acid does, in that it helps to break the bonds of dead skin cells so they can be sluffed away. The result is smoother, brighter, more even-looking skin.

We utilize the following fruit (proteolytic) enzymes in our Flash Forward formula:

Bromelain

Extracted from pineapples, this enzyme is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to soften the skin's keratin proteins, acting as an alpha hydroxy acid to remove dead skin cells via enzymatic exfoliation. We added this enzyme to our formula to intensify the exfoliation process for fast results.

Papain Enzyme Blend

An advanced exfoliating system of high-grade papain derived from the Carica Papaya plant for instant luminosity and glow. The powerful enzymes go to work breaking down the dead skin cells on the top layer of skin, revealing healthy-looking skin. We selected this ingredient blend for its superior exfoliating abilities when combined with Lactic Acid.

Pumpkin Enzyme Blend

A natural blend that is created by fermenting the pumpkin fruit with lactobacillus, to breakdown the biomolecules into isolated phytochemicals. The result is an enzyme that provides a gentle exfoliation that can be an alternative to AHAs.

Are enzymes better than acids?

We don’t think one is better than the other. Acids and enzymes perform a similar task, but enzymes do so in an even gentler way. This can be beneficial for people with sensitive and reactive skin. When enzymes are paired with the larger molecule of Lactic Acid, you get a powerful exfoliation treatment that can still be tolerated by people with sensitive skin.

Physical Exfoliation:  Jojoba Spheres

Jojoba Esters are a biodegradable spherical bead-like wax substance that produces a gentle physical exfoliation without causing microscopic damage to the delicate layers of the skin. Because these Spheres are made from Jojoba Shrub Oil, they breakdown to their oil form when washed down the drain. Therefore, they do not pose any risk of plastic pollution in our oceans.

We selected Jojoba Spheres as a physical exfoliator because they do not damage delicate skin or the planet.

Thermal Warming Complex

Our Thermal Warming Complex creates a warm sensation on the skin that increases vasodilation and blood-flow to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the upper layers of the skin. This warming actually helps to make skin cells more pliable and loosen the dirt, oil, and grim that gets clogged in pores, allowing it to be washed away with water.

Over a year in development, we worked to create a formula that fits our Clean Science and High-Performance standards. Our FLASH FORWARD Exfoliation formula utilizes only natural preservatives, is alcohol-free, and packed with fatty acids from Sweet Almond and Avocado Oils to prevent over-drying. The unique formula is ideal for all skin types including those with sensitive or reactive skin, acneic skin, problematic skin, or even suffer from various skin conditions. This exfoliation treatment is unlike any other face exfoliator on the market today – it is truly a product that must be experienced.

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References:

https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/cell2.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/papaya-benefits-for-skin

https://www.dermascope.com/resources/enzymes