Acids may sound scary but if you’re into skincare the chances of you having tried them are extremely high. They are fast becoming a must have in your skincare regime and with multiple benefits it’s not surprising.
AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water soluble acids. They work on the surface of the skin.
BHA’s are oil soluble acids. They can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.
Hyaluronic Acid
The body naturally produces Hyaluronic Acid, which can mostly be found in the skin as well as connective tissue. Hyaluronic Acid attracts water keeping the skin hydrated, aiding protection to your moisture barrier (read more on your moisture barrier here) and helps play a role in healthy cell regeneration . It can retain over 1000 times its weight in water within the cells.
Hyaluronic Acid production slows over time, not only this but degeneration of Hyaluronic Acid occurs on a daily basis. It’s therefore important to have in your routine to keep your levels topped up.
It is not exfoliating. It is suitable for all skin types. Products such as serums and moisturisers for at home use. In salon treatment includes Mesotherapy. Hyaluronic Acid is inserted into the skin via a needling technique.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is an AHA great to treat hyper pigmentation and age spots, evens skin tone and improves hydration. It exfoliates the skin, speeds up cell turn over and boosts collagen production. It’s a more gentle acid than Glycolic but still powerful.
It’s one of my favourites for really evening the skin tone and clearing up blemish marks.
At home products include serums and treatment products. Lactic acid peels are available in salon. For more information on peels click here.
Lactic acid and other AHA’s can make your skin more sensitive to sun. SPF should be worn daily, however it’s even more important with the use of lactic acid.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a BHA. It’s brilliant for those who suffer with blemishes. The acid penetrates down into the skin to break down dead skin cells and debris. It effectively dissolves whats blocking your pores and causing the break out helping to clear it up.
Not only is Salicylic acid exfoliating, it can also calm redness and inflammation in the skin.
Treatments include blended acid peels and at home spot serums.
Glycolic Acid
An extremely popular acid. Everyone and their dog seem to use it. From Salon grade peels, home peel kits, exfoliating tonics and more. It has a smaller molecular weight aiding ease of penetration into the skin.
It’s quite an intense acid and it’s important not to over use it. It’s one to be cautious of if you have a blemish prone skin, over use can disrupt the moisture barrier which in turn can create a breading ground for break out causing bacteria. Avoid it if you’re sensitive.
Its benefits include; exfoliating the skin, increasing radiance and brightening the complexion. Targeting scaring and pigmentation as well as signs of ageing. If you’re using Glycolic SPF is a must.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic Acid is a AHA, it’s a more gentle acid. It has antibacterial properties and helps to regulate sebum production. Reduces the appearance of pigmentation. As with most of the AHA’s it breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells to give that bright even skin tone. Smoothes skin texture and brightens. It also strengthens collagen, helping your support structure.
Products with Manedlic Acid include; cleansers, serums, tonics and at home peels, not only these but also in salon chemical peel treatments. SPF again is a must with the use of Mandelic Acid.
Final Thoughts
Obviously this isn’t every acid under the sun. These are ones that I have a lot of experience with either at home or in the salon. They provide some great results when included in your skincare regime. I would recommend the use of them for healthy, radiant, even skin, treating ageing and blemishes.
As always if you’re not sure about an acid always speak to your therapist or send me a message so I can recommend. Remember this is an overview. Skin type and individual needs need to be taken into consideration.
Rach xx