Should We Be Using ACID On Our Skin?
What do you need to know about using acids on your skin? First of all, it’s not as scary or scientific as it sounds. Facial acids used in a skincare routine can actually revamp your complexion and help fix a range of beauty concerns.
Should we be using acids on our skin? The fact is, used correctly, acids can do wonders for your skin. The biggest misconception is that all acids damage skin when actually, not all acids are the skin melting substances you believe them to be. Some types of acids are actually used to moisturise skin and some acids are even produced in the body. Read on for more information on the most common acids in our skincare products and how they can boost your beauty routine.
If you have dry, patchy skin…
Try AHAs. Alpha-hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid or lactic acid are great for exfoliating the surface layer of skin. They work by dissolving the compound which holds the skin together. This means they’re useful for adding radiance to dull skin, or renewing skin cells to fight wrinkles.
Sometimes a scrub just won’t do since they only deal with surface layers and acids help get to places that an exfoliating scrub might not reach. The Alpha-H Liquid Gold toner £33.50 contains Glycolic Acid and Liquorice Root extract to rejuvenate skin’s surface layer and stimulate the production of collagen.
We all know we should be using SPF daily but it’s particularly important after using AHA’s. Renewed skin is delicate and requires protecting.
If you have oily skin with large pores…
Try BHAs. Beta Hydroxy acid (also known as Salicylic Acid) can help to clear your complexion and unblock pores. Because BHA is soluble in oil, it means it can actually get deep down inside the lining of the pore, so it’s really great for dealing with congestion. This is why it’s one of the most common ingredients in spot-busting skincare and acne products.
Slightly milder than AHAs, Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory benefits which makes it ideal for soothing rosacea or inflamed spots. We are obsessed with Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid £7.50, a leave-on exfoliant that removes old skin cells both on the skin and within the pore. (Note that those who are allergic to aspirin should not use BHAs.)
If you have sun damaged skin or pigmentation…
Try Retinoic Acid. Derived from Retinol (Vitamin A), this is a strong acid which is more likely to be prescribed by dermatologists, or found in medical-grade peels. Over-the-counter creams and gels are available in less concentrated formulas and used for smoothing skin and minimising sun damage for even-toned skin.
Try the Indeed Labs Retinol Skin Resurfacer £13.33 which contain not one, but THREE forms of retinol to smooth and renew your skin.
Like AHA’s, it’s important to protect your new skin with a good SPF built into your beauty routine.
If you need a hydration boost…
Try Hyaluronic Acid. You’ve probably heard of this one since Hyaluronic Acid is having a bit of a beauty moment in the spotlight right now. With the ability to hold up to 1,000 its own weight in water, its ideal for hydrating and plumping the skin rather than working to resurface it. It naturally occurs within our bodies and it’s currently used in a lot of topical products where you need an instant plumping boost.
We love DECIEM Hylamide, a range of next generation daily treatments featuring Hyaluronic Acid. Check out the Hylamide HA Blur £19 – a gorgeous blurring cream which ignores traditional silicone-based technology and instead uses Hyaluronic Acid powder to plump and blur skin. Used as a primer under makeup, or as a finisher on top of makeup, the advanced formula works with all skin types to create a real Instagram filter finish.
If you’ve got sensitive skin and very wary of trying new products, you can even drink it. Hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient in Fountain The Hyaluronic Molecule £27.99, a liquid formula that allows Hyaluronic Acid to be easily absorbed in the body. With added ginger, it tastes amazing too!
If you have dull skin…
Try Ascorbic Acid. More commonly known as Vitamin C, this acid is great for brightening skin and stimulating collagen for a more youthful looking glow. Don’t think you can just rub some oranges on your face though, try this Super Facialist Vitamin C Glow Boost Skin Serum £16.99, a super-charged and concentrated serum which is designed to bring radiance and clarity to your skin. Developed by Una Brennan, an accomplished facialist, apply this beautiful smelling serum before your regular moisturiser and expect results after 3 weeks.
If you want to protect your skin…
Try Fatty Acids. Whilst our bodies can produce fatty acids, there are some that we can only get from our diet and these are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFA’s tend to come up when talking about nutrition but you can also apply them directly to skin for added beauty benefits.
Linolenic acid (found in plant oils like Sunflower oil) and Lauric Acid (found in Coconut oil) are great for replenishing and nourishing the skin, in addition to a healthy diet. Deeply hydrate and protect your skin with Yes To Coconut Ultra Light Spray £12 containing 97 per cent natural ingredients which penetrate the skin for an intense moisture hit - no oily residue either.
If you have inflamed skin and acne…
Try Azelaic Acid. Derived from wheat, Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid which has antibacterial properties. When applied to the skin, Azelaic acid reduces the growth of bacteria within the pore, so is excellent treatment for acne and congested pores.
We really rate the Rodial Super Acids Daily Azelaic Acid Serum £78 which combines the gentle pore-clearing action of azelaic acid, with hydrating Proturon for refined-looking pores and reduced blemishes. It’s not cheap but we love the easily-absorbed texture which is gentle on the skin and delivers results.
So next time you’re shopping for skincare, check the label for any of these super acids. The higher up it features on the ingredients list, the more of it will be found within the product.
Are you up for adding acids to your skincare routine? Or have you already tried it and experienced results? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.
