Acids are chemical exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells revealing smooth, healthy skin underneath, providing benefits such as minimized pores, less noticeable lines and wrinkles, improved tone and texture, even skin tone, reduced inflammation, and more radiant skin.
When used at the right concentration, chemical exfoliants provide many benefits. You'll find lower concentrations in everyday skincare products such as facial cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. Products containing a higher concentration of acids such as chemical peels are safest to be used in the presence of a licensed professional since they are more likely to irritate or burn the skin.
The most common skincare acids are grouped into AHA and BHA's. "Radiant, bump-free, and nearly pore-less skin. If this is what your glass skin goals sound like, you need make sure you're using a chemical exfoliant."
Which chemical exfoliant is right for my skin type? AHA or BHA?
AHA "alpha hydroxy acids" such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic and citric acids penetrate the outermost layers of skin helping to shed dead skin cells and speed up the collagen renewal process. A great choice for those looking for prevention, anti-aging or to clear up light sun damage.
Glycolic Acid is a personal favorite of mine and is one of the most popular AHA's due it its benefits for anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and preventing breakouts by controlling oil production. Glycolic Acid has a smaller molecule that's able to more easily penetrate the skin.
Citric Acid (different from Vitamin C) has many of the same benefits, maintains a healthy skin barrier, and contains anti-oxidant properties.
Lactic Acid is a more gentle exfoliant which balances the microbiome of the skin for people with sensitive skin and acne. Lactic acid presents an additional advantage that other AHAs don't have. Besides its ability to significantly improve the skin's appearance, it helps keep it naturally hydrated. Those with sensitive skin may have better results with lactic acid.
Mandelic Acid is a unique AHA acid that deeply cleanses, minimizes pores, and helps to reduce pigmentation. Gentle enough for everyday use for all skin types. Mandelic Acid also carries some of the same properties of a BHA. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive, oily, or acne prone skin looking for anti-aging, clarifying benefits.
BHA'S
BHA "beta hydroxy acids" acids are wonderful for acne prone skin. Salicylic acid is a BHA that can effectively unclog pesky pores and help prevent future breakouts. Look for salicylic acid in facial washes, toners, and treatment masques. Salicylic acid can get deep into your skin to do its job. This quality is precisely what makes it such a potent ingredient for targeting acne
When introducing acids into your skincare routine, be sure to start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts. If using retinol or vitamin C, alternate uses between day and night to ensure effectiveness of your skincare products. (Vitamin C in the morning, Glycolic at night)
Ashley Moody, Licensed Esthetician
Bisous Esthetics | Facial Spa and Skincare Boutique in Bastrop, Tx
Sources:
https://www.byrdie.com/aha-vs-bha https://www.health.com/glycolic-acid-8402482#:~:text=Glycolic%20acid%20can%20irritate%20the,lactic%20acid%2C%20a%20gentler%20AHA.
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