Exfoliating Acids 101: A Deeper Look at Skin's Secret to Radiance
Time for a deep dive! Chemical exfoliants have gained a ton of popularity over the last year. But they won't do you any good if they're being used incorrectly. Let's dive into the world of AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and discover the art of exfoliating acids.
The Science of Exfoliating Acids
Exfoliating acids are all the rage nowadays, and for a good reason – they offer an array of benefits for your skin, including improved texture, reduced hyperpigmentation, and boosted collagen production. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's essential to differentiate the various types of acids:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Water-soluble acids derived from fruits and milk, examples include glycolic and lactic acid. AHAs help smooth the skin's surface and encourage cell turnover.
Kate Somerville Exfoliate is a powerful exfoliating product that helps to reveal brighter, smoother skin. It contains lactic acid, a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which gently exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells and helps to uncover fresh new ones beneath. This 8% AHA formulation also contains hydrating agents such as aloe and jojoba oil that nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation. It can be used up to two times per week, depending on skin sensitivity. With regular use, this product will help improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize pore size, and leave your complexion glowing.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One is an exfoliating powerhouse that works to improve skin texture and tone. This all-in-one product contains 15% lactic acid, a gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that helps to slough away dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin beneath. It also contains a blend of botanical extracts that nourish and hydrate the skin, while visibly reducing signs of aging. With regular use, this product will help improve skin clarity, reduce discoloration and reveal a softer looking complexion. It is ideal for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector is an effective exfoliating product that contains 10% mandelic acid to help fade dark spots and correct uneven skin tone. This powerful yet gentle AHA works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion beneath. The addition of niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation and reduce the appearance of pores. This product also features probiotics to nourish and protect the skin, making it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. With regular use, this product will help improve skin tone, texture and clarity while reducing dark spots. For best results, use 2-3 times a week after cleansing.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Salicylic acid is a popular BHA known for its oil-soluble properties. It penetrates the pores to unclog excess oil, perfect for acne-prone skin.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an effective leave-on exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, reduce breakouts and reveal smoother, brighter skin. This powerful liquid contains 2% salicylic acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), which deeply penetrates the pores to dissolve debris and excess oil. It also gently exfoliates the skin’s surface to remove dead cells, reduce discoloration and improve skin tone.
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)
Gentler exfoliating acids that provide similar benefits to AHAs but with less irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Indeed Labs Gluconolactone 10% is an effective exfoliating product that contains 10% gluconolactone, a naturally derived Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA). This powerful yet gentle acid helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells while also hydrating and nourishing the skin. With regular use, this product can help reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and leave you with a smoother more radiant complexion. This product is safe to use on all skin types including sensitive skin. Use it once or twice a week as part of your regular skincare routine for best results.
Zelens PHA+ Resurfacing Facial Pads are a gentle yet powerful exfoliating product designed to give you smoother, brighter skin with minimal irritation. These pads contain Gluconolactone, a Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), to gently and deeply exfoliate the skin while simultaneously hydrating and nourishing it. They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and are perfect to use on a daily basis. These pads help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars while also improving skin tone and texture. They leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated with no harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Benefits of Exfoliating Acids
These acids work wonders on the skin when used correctly. Here are just a few ways they can transform your skin:
Improved texture – By gently sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliating acids reveal a smoother and brighter complexion.
Reduction of hyperpigmentation – By accelerating cell turnover, these acids can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
Increased collagen production – By promoting cell regeneration, they help strengthen the skin's foundation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Incorporate Exfoliating Acids into Your Skincare Routine
When incorporating exfoliating acids into your skincare routine, it's crucial to follow some essential guidelines to avoid irritation:
Frequency of use – Start with a low concentration product and use it once or twice a week, increasing gradually as your skin builds tolerance.
Patch testing – To ensure no negative reactions, apply a small amount of the product on a discreet area and observe for 24 hours.
Choosing the Right Exfoliating Acid for Your Skin Type
These magical acids work on a molecular level by breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, revealing the fresh, healthy skin beneath. Different acids interact with various skin types and issues, so it's essential to find the right one for your unique concerns. Still can't decide which acid is your best bet? How about an acid combo: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a powerful exfoliating product designed to improve the skin's texture, tone and clarity in just one use. This at-home facial contains a 25% AHA/BHA blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin. With regular use, this product can help reduce wrinkles and acne scars while also improving the appearance of pores and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types, it's formulated with a blend of antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors and natural oils to nourish the skin.
