African Botanics has become one of my recent brand obsessions. Their Infinite Resurfacing Mask was the first full size product I broke down and purchased which consequently opened the door to me grabbing a ton of their products (which I will be going through eventually). Details per African Botanics:
Infinité Resurfacing Mask is an advanced AHA + BHA multi-functional treatment formulated to rejuvenate all skin types without causing irritation or dehydration. Designed to exfoliate, clarify, decongest, brighten, increase cellular renewal, improve elasticity and add vibrant luminosity to your complexion. Dual action also enables antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory ingredients and collagen boosters to penetrate deep into epidermal layers during the treatment.
A powerful proprietary blend of potent Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Phytic Acid and White Willow Bark effectively exfoliates, refines pores, plumps and smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Intelligent collagen booster derived from the leaf sap of South African “Bulbine Frutescens”increases collagen production and enhances skin’s firmness, tone and elasticity. Infuses skin with energizing and uniquely stable Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Copper, Magnesium, Superoxide Dismutase and Resveratrol rich in cell-protecting antioxidants, enhancing natural repair, healing and collagen synthesis. Plumps, firms and revives the skin with intense hydration from Sodium Hyaluronate, peptides, nutrient-rich Sea Kelp, Green Algae and water-binding saccharide molecules. Helps calm, decrease inflammation and skin irritations with precious botanicals: Yarrow, Mallow, Centella, Melissa, Arnica, Aloe Ferox, Chamomile and Jasmine. Regenerates, protects and replenishes the skin with our Distinct African Oil Complex and ultra-pure African Bush and Desert plants, rich in polyphenols, omegas, plant ceramides, lipids and amino acids.
Directions For best results, use 1-2 times per week. Apply a thin layer to clean face and neck avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for 2-3 minutes in circular motions. Leave on skin for 5 – 15 minutes, if sensitive, up to 5 minutes. Rinse with tepid water or use a wet washcloth. Follow with a moisturiser or any appropriate African Botanics face oil. Not recommended to exceed the suggested time. Use sunscreen to prevent sun sensitivity post treatments.
This is an acid or exfoliating mask. It has a liquid gel texture that’s a pale jade green color. This has a very faint kind of earthy oil scent. If you have used African Botanics all their products have this same earthy oil scent. It’s from the base oils they put in all their products. The scent won’t bother anyone, unless you have to have a more floral or sweet scent which you won’t find in any African Botanics products.
You massage and rub this gel onto your face after cleansing for a few minutes. Then you leave it on for five to fifteen minutes depending on your tolerance for acid masks. I can leave it on for fifteen minutes no issue because I’m used to these types of masks. I never experienced any redness, tingling, burning or stinging when using this product. It is a light to medium strength peel. Don’t expect huge miracles it’s not that type of product.
It’s similar to Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, OSKIA Renaissance Mask & Omorovicza Blue Diamond Peel. This is stronger than the Kat Burki Dual Acid Peel and weaker than Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial or The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. This mask gives a good glow, promotes cell turnover and helps unglue some of that debris from your skin. It will leave your skin baby soft and renewed without being stripped or feeling dry.
While I do love a good stronger peel like Drunk Elephant or The Ordinary, these light to medium strength peels are my favorite. I can only use the strong ones once a month because I do use so many acid toners and serums. I don’t need a strong one that often. I use a light to medium strength peel like this once a week for some extra glow and a boost in radiance. I can use them more like 2-3 times a week but I’m usually so lazy or tired at night I just plain forget. That’s why I do love a good acid toner or serum. I like this mask better than Tata Harper’s for a few reasons–It doesn’t dry my skin out while using, and it’s quicker. Tata Harper’s just makes my face dry out.
This peeling mask contains Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) and Betahydroxy Acids (BHA). AHA or in this case gylcolic and lactic acids help with sun damage, adds moisture by binding water to skin, removes upper layer of skin revealing more even, smoother skin, promotes cell turnover. This helps with pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles as well as reducing pore size. Overall, it’s your anti-aging acids. BHA or White Willow Bark in this product is best for acne and breakouts, large pores, black heads, it’s anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial which can make it good for rosacea as well. It really unclogs oils in the pores and helps reduce oil overall on the skin. Think of it as the acid that removes all the glue stuck in your pores to clear them out. It’s not just for acne sufferers.
This also contains an interesting ingredient Phytic Acid. Phytic acid is derived from fruit, bran and cereal seeds mostly. It’s a natural plant antioxidant that is used as a skin lightening agent in skincare. It blocks the entrance of copper and iron in the formation of melanin. Think of it as a melanin formation blocker that’s also an antioxidant.
This mask is packed full of beautiful skincare ingredients beyond the acids–plant extracts, antioxidants, soothing agents. African Botanics really pays attention and makes a well rounded product. African Botanics is the epitome of green beauty or eco-luxe whatever you like to call it. The bottle is a frosted pale jade green glass with a pump. Absolute perfection for me. Minimalistic, beautiful and functional. I’m not going to lie this will set you back in the pocket book quite a bit. It’s not cheap. If you can afford it this is a lovely addition to any mask lover.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Lactic Acid, Mentha Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow)* Extract, Speedwell (Veronica Officinalis) Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Resveratrol, Arctostaphylos (Uva-Ursi) Leaf Extract, Glycolic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Extract, Bulbine Frutescens*, Xanthan Gum, Hyaluronic Acid, Fucus Vesiculosis (Sea Kelp) Extract, Myrothamus Flabellifolius (Resurrection)** Plant, Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice, Panicum Miliaceum (Millet) Seed Extract, Tannic Acid, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (Di- and tripeptides), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract*, Acetamide MEA, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Phytic Acid, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Linoleic Acid, Sommondsia Chinensis (Jojoba)* Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, D-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hydrocotyl (Centella Asiatica)* Extract, Chamomile Martricaria* Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris (Green Algae) Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Salix Alba (White Willow Bark), Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)** Seed Oil, Magnesium Sulphate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon)** Seed Oil, Copper Gluconate, Arnica Cordifolia (Arnica) Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Green Rooibos)* Tea Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape)* Seed Oil, Ethanol, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip)* Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol. *Organic, **Wild-Harvested Ingredients. Responsibly sourced. Never tested on animals. Formulated without silicones, mineral oils, parabens, allergens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and SLSs.