Discover the power of acids in skincare! Surprising facts that will change your skincare regime!

I’ve got a question for you….Did you ever think what is the beauty of Acid? I mean, in the past couple of years there has been a lot of “hype” about Acids in skincare products  – so is there something we are missing here? What is the power of acid in skincare?

Acid and skincare are not usually associated to “go” together! Acid is a word that usually is associated with destructive, abrasive connotations and definitely not something that you would think to put anywhere near your skin!

However, in the cosmetic world acids in skincare are quickly making their way in – you can find them in Serums, Lotions, and Creams, with claims to boost & smooth your complexion, leaving your skin rejuvenated and glowing!

“The rise of acids in skincare products is mainly down to their exfoliating properties, plus can act as a catalyst to other skincare ingredients, boosting cell turnover and enhancing your glow,” says skin expert Dr. Howard Murad.

Some market surveys have reported that 30% of facial skincare users will choose products that have a scientific background.  And so it can be seen that many cosmetic companies have incorporated the most common acid that is found in skincare, the famous Hyaluronic Acid (have you tried to pronounce this?!) Hyaluronic Acid is a key ingredient in many cosmetic skincare products.

Did you know the facts – that between January and May 2016, Hyaluronic Acids in skincare could be found in 26% of facial skincare products which was divided into several categories of which; 46% was in eye care and 6% in body care right across global product launches!

It can be safely said that the power of acids in skincare are products that are definitely here to stay!

Acid in Skincare – What is it?

Acids in skincare are exfoliating ingredients that make our skin feel fresh and glowy! That is great! Give me some of this!

Doctor and founder of Lixirskin, Colette Haydon explains “There are many different acids but the main groups are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), she says.” All acids in skincare have an exfoliating effect but AHAs can be used by all skin types whilst BHAs are good for people with problematic skin as they have an anti-bacterial effect and prevent clogged pores,” adds Haydon.

What is AHA’s & BHA’s

AHA acid is a family of acids that includes glycolic, lactic, lactobionic, and azelaic. These challenge the skin’s surface, and because of this, they are best for dry to normal or aging complexions.

BHA acids include salicylic, which enters the skin and “works” the pores so is found to be best for oily, acne-prone complexions.

Acid for You – Which One is Best?

 

OK, so with all these wonderful new Acid products on the market, how do you know what to choose? Which one will suit your skin best?

Acidity is measured by its pH level, or you could say its acidic percentage. So when considering the purchase of an Acidic based serum, lotion, or cream, it is very important to take into consideration its pH balance.

There are two forms of acids in skincare that are used, one is called “Free acid” and the other “ionized form” acid.  The ionized form of acid has difficulty penetrating through oily skin’s lipid layers, whereas the free acid can penetrate easily.

The lower the pH of a skincare product the more “free acid” will be present, allowing it to penetrate more easily.

So how do you know? Well if it tingles, and leaves your skin glowing immediately, it works! Simple!

Many cosmetic companies combine lower pH acids in skincare with vitamin C which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient to lessen the irritation and also make the penetration more effective.

The Acid List

Each acid provides its own special benefits. To shed some light on the matter here is a list of acids in skincare to guide you:

Glycolic Acid: The most potent acid of all, in skincare products. It is usually used for aging skincare products. You should avoid using it too frequently, but its gift of regenerating collagen is a big bonus and hard to ignore!

Try: Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel by Murad

Or try Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel By Dr. Dennis Gross

Lactic Acid: As it gently exfoliates, it hydrates the skin. This little gem’s secret is that it doubles as an antioxidant that helps thwart skin damage.

Try: PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads by Zelens

Salicylic Acid: This is a teenager’s dream! It clears the skin from acne and also acts as an antimicrobial exfoliant! Just what my daughter needs!

Try: Extra Strength Exfoliator, 2% Salicylic Exfoliant for Acne, Redness Relief  by Paula’s Choice

Lactobionic Acid: Excellent for dull and grey skin as it smoothes your skin tone and reduces oxidative stress. Great for career ladies who are stuck in fluorescent offices day in – day out!

Try Formula+ by Dr. Frances Prenna Jones,

Azelaic Acid: The hard-working acid of the lot, as it controls your oil levels in the skin (sebum) and helps heal scar tissue and persistent pigmentation.

Try: Azelaic Acid Suspension by The Ordinary

Acid Combinations – Acid Cocktail?

You may have a combination skin, what is commonly known as a T-zone where your pores are oily along with your nose and forehead, while your cheeks, jaws, and gentle eye area are drier.

This is where you will want to possibly add acids to your skincare routine.

That is where you may want to mix, combine, “cocktail” up both AHAs & BHAs for a synergetic effect.

Mixing these acids will give problem-prone skin a radiant, plumper, and smooth look, evening out any uneven skin tone, while the fine lines, pores, and blackheads & breakouts will look reduced.

You may want to try out Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Step 1 Cleanse/Tone

Or Skin Medica AHA/BHA Cream, 2 Ounce

When & How Much?

Each one of us is made differently and so we have different needs. For some of us, it may work really well and you may apply it daily, but for others, it may be more appropriate every week.

When deciding to use acids in skincare one thing is for sure, it is really important to use a good moisturizer in conjunction with your acid treatment.

It only makes sense “what you take off” with the acid you have to replace – and that is preferable with a good quality moisturizer.

Advice – if you have never used an acid formula before, it would be best to start with a once a week application.  Another way to “introduce” acid to your complexion is in the form of a mask or an overnight booster.

Acidic treatments will considerably firm up sagging skin, smooth out texture, and even-out skin tones while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Once the dead skin cells have been removed, your moisturizer will be able to penetrate much more effectively.

Anti Aging Skin Care – Aging Smart!

Because acid in skincare increases the renewal of skin cells it is very effective for aging skin. The exfoliation of the acid promotes epidermal cell renewal which in turn creates a much more refined, brighter, and radiant skin complexion.

What actually happens is that a “renewal” message is passed on to the skin and so stimulates the connective tissue (fibroblast) activity and in doing so promotes hyaluronic and protein synthesis which then improves the retention of moisture and so help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, that if you ask me, is aging smart!

And while on the subject of smart – be cautious not to rush and “throw on” your next available Acid Serum or formula as some irritation can be caused a few days afterward, so go easy and start gently.

Also, be sure to use an SPF moisturizer, during the day, to increase the skin barrier protection.

My Conclusion

So now you have received the “low-down” of some of the best acids in skincare products for rejuvenating your skin and possibly have a deeper understanding of what is the power of acid for your skin!

Deciding to use acid in your skincare products can be a difficult and confusing decision.

This article comes to clarify the facts and help you select the most suitable treatment for your skin.

Remember, there is no one answer for all, and you may need to try several products before finding the right one for you.

But with this guide, you will be sure to make a smarter decision for sure!

Would love to hear your comments on your experiences with Acid Skincare Products – just leave a comment below!

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Founder of Beauty Over Fifty