I’ve made no secret of my love affair with Alpha-H skincare. Liquid Gold in particular is the first skincare product I have ever used that made an instant improvement in my skin. Much as I adore skincare - and have used it religiously for 20 years - part of me has always been quite cynical about its powers to make a tangible improvement to the quality of my skin. Alpha-H has changed this.
I first heard about Alpha-H on Twitter, where make-up artist Kenneth Soh (@kenneth-soh) kindly took the time and patience to explain exactly how I should use it. I bought the 5 piece anti ageing discovery kit pictured above at Salon Skincare for the rather bargainous price of £21.
The kit contained:
- Liquid Gold 50ml
- Rejuvenating Cream 50ml
- Balancing Cleanser 50ml
- Micro Cleanse 4ml
- Liquid Gold Smoothing & Perfecting Mask 4ml
The heroes of the set for me were Liquid Gold and the Balancing Cleanser, though I also used the Rejuvenating Cream. These products lasted me from May-July and are still not empty.
I would not recommend use of these products for anyone under the age of 25, as I just don’t think their magic powers would be necessary before then.
Liquid Gold
‘An "overnight facial in a bottle" which revitalises, firms and gives radiance in a single application. The combination of 5% Glycolic Acid and soothing Liquorice Extract resurfaces and brightens dull, tired, ageing skin whilst minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and pigmentation.’
My Liquid Gold Low down
The best way that I can describe the effects of Liquid Gold on my skin is that it refined the surface and minimised the appearance of pores.
Hand on heart, I noticed a difference the first time I used it – my skin texture just looked a little finer. I guess a bit like when you apply primer or powder – when the texture of your skin shows a slight visible improvement… like that, only it’s not make up.
Usage
- recommended for use 2 or 3 times a week
- a liquid with the consistency of water, which is simply swiped across the face with a cotton pad
- works most effectively when used at night, alone, without the addition of moisturiser etc which may dilute its effectiveness
A powerful night time resurfacing and firming lotion for the skin. This exclusive complex jump-starts the skin’s metabolism, tightens enlarged pores, and delivers lighter, clearer and more even skin tone.
How does it work?
Alpha-H contains active ingredients:
- 5% Glycolic Acid, the smallest form of AHA, used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture
- Liquorice extract, a natural skin brightener when applied topically.
Liquid Gold ingredient list.
Caution:
Liquid Gold’s active ingredients are powerful – and as such may not be suitable for delicate or sensitive skin. I have one friend whose skin suffered after using these products, so while they worked wonders for mine and many others I know of, they should be used with caution.
The other crucial thing to remember that as with any skincare product containing glycolic acid can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage and absolutely must be used in conjunction with an spf of at least factor 15. I have used a minumum of factor 30 since I started using Alpha-H and usually factor 50. Alpha-H actually produces its own factor 50 sunscreen, which is next on my list of must have products!
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser
What I loved most about this cleanser was that it felt super gentle on my skin. It helps reset the skin’s pH balance and contains vitamin E and Aloe Vera, which perhaps explains why it felt so soothing. It also removes make up very effectively, including eye make up (inc waterproof mascara apparently, although I didn’t test this).
‘A gentle creamy cleanser that softly hydrates and cleanses the skin without drying and stretching. Removes all traces of face and eye makeup whilst balancing the skin. Three in one action. Suitable for acne prone skin.’
Balancing Cleanser is described as a having a 3 in 1 action because it effectively replaces your eye make-up remover, cleanser and toner.
With consistent use, the appearance of my skin most definitely improved while using these products. Small below surface bumps that I’d had as long as I could remember disappeared and pores definitely appeared smaller.
Naturally my love affair left me wanting more, so after a thorough consultation with Alpha-H’s amazing in-house skincare expert (via email as this is an Australian brand!) I was delighted to receive several other Alpha-H products for testing:
L to R: Liquid Gold Daily Poly Oxidant Complex, Absolute Eye Complex and Age Delay Intensive Eye & Lip Treatment Cream.
Liquid Gold Daily Poly Oxidant Complex
This helps firm the skin and works as a great base for makeup – I could feel my skin tighten and tingle slightly on application – in a refreshing way.
A light gel serum that firms, plumps, hydrates and gives the skin an instant ‘lift'. Contains the resurfacing and rejuvenating properties of Alpha-H's Liquid Gold plus Lipochroman-6, a next generation antioxidant which protects the skin from environmental aggressions to effectively ‘future proof' your complexion against premature ageing.
I applied this every morning and on the nights when I didn’t use Liquid Gold.
Absolute Eye Complex
This light gel firms and hydrates the eye area and unlike most eye products, can be used over the entire eye area. It contains Hibiscus Flower, Beech Tree, Olive Leaf and Cucumber extracts and is extremely soothing, especially when used straight from the fridge!
‘Provides an instant pick-me-up, reflecting light away from those creeping fine lines, dark circles and tell-tale puffiness around the eye area.’
Age Delay Intensive Eye & Lip Treatment Cream
This extremely nourishing eye cream feels ultra moisturising on the skin. I used it at night and the Absolute Eye Complex in the morning.
‘Skin that has lost elasticity is revitalised by Hibiscus Flower Extract whilst precious Omega 3 oil regenerates and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A complex of natural antioxidants from Grapeseed, Rosehip and Vitamin C works to support these visible results by defending your skin from everyday environmental damage, to further delay the signs of ageing.’
Did either of these products make my eye area look any younger? I’m honestly not sure… but they definitely made the skin feel moisturised and brightened.
From top: Liquid Gold Daily Poly Oxidant Complex, Absolute Eye Complex and Age Delay Intensive Eye & Lip Treatment Cream.
I’ve really enjoyed using these products and would definitely recommend them. The starter kits are great value and are available from Salon Skincare, Bath & Unwind or QVC. If you do decide to try them, please use a small amount just a couple of times a week until your skin gets used to them – and always use an spf.
If you have any queries, please have a look or seek advice from www.alpha-h.com.au
Have you used Alpha-H or do you think it might be right for you?
