My Favorite Acids in Skincare Products
When you think of acids in skincare, what comes to mind? Maybe burning, allergic reactions, or ALLEGIC REACTIONS? Well, what if I told you acids can provide amazing benefits to your skin?? Now I bet you will want to read this article to know why!! There are various acids available in skincare products on the market today. Whether you have issues such as aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, or oily skin, acids can help treat a wide array of issues.
I don’t know about you, but from my personal experience, skincare acids can do wonders for your skin. My four favorite types of acids are Glycolic, Salicylic, Retinoic, and Hyaluronic acid. I will explain why below.Glycolic and Salicylic Acids can be divided into two categories: AHA’s and BHA’s. The main difference between AHAs versus BHA’s are that AHAs are water-soluble (dissolves in water) and BHA is lipid or oil-soluble, which makes BHA more effective on oily skin. It is the most common acid used in skincare products. I will list the four common types of acids along with product suggestions.
*Note: Some of the links mentioned on this page are affiliate links. That means, when you use those links to buy products, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. That way I can run this website for years to come.
GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic Acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid made from sugarcane. As a result, it makes an excellent acid for those looking to use acids for his/her first time.
Glycolic Acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells on the outer layer of skin. Beinghealthful.com states, “Glycolic acid benefits include powerful exfoliation for better skin texture, reduction in skin scars, spots, and surface wrinkles and fine lines.” Glycolic acid can be used for all skin types, but is most beneficial for dry or combination skin.
Glycolic acid product suggestions:
Try Glymed Facial Wash HERE– This gentle Facial Wash is a paraben-free cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid that jumpstarts skin cells, promoting the desquamation process and enhancing the penetration of treatment products. Safe for all skin types.
Try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution HERE: This toner, formulated with 7% glycolic acid, offers gentle exfoliation for improved skin brightness.
Try Paula’s Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA HERE—This product helps refine and smooth skin texture. It also helps exfoliate dead skin cells while adding hydration. You can apply this after cleanser.
SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works great for oily or acne prone skin to treat whiteheads and/or blackheads. According to Beinghealthfull.com, “Beta hydroxy acids or BHAs lightly exfoliate your skin’s top layers on their way deeper into your skin where they exfoliate excess oil and dead skin in your pores.” You can use salicylic acid in the morning or night.
Salicylic Acid Product Suggestions
Try Skin Medica AHA/BHA Cleanser HERE This combined 32% AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser gently scrubs away dead skin using ultra-fine Jojoba Beads with Alpha-Hydroxy and Beta-Hydroxy Acids to help smooth skin texture.
Try Glymed Skin Astringent No. 2 HERE
This cleanser has 2% salicylic acid, essential oils and healing botanicals. Your skin will feel refreshed while drying up acne, killing bacteria, reducing redness, and controlling excess oil production on the skin. Best for combination and oily skin.
Try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash HERE— Medicated acne face wash formulated with salicylic acid acne medication. Targets excess oil and helps clear acne breakouts.
Try Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Liquid Exfoliant-This gentle leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, brightens and evens out skin tone.
RETINOIC ACID
If I had to choose one type of product that treats many skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines/wrinkles, then it would have to be products that contain RETINOIDS. Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative used many skin care products as it supports the overall health of the skin. Here are some common uses for Retinol:
Retinol is an ingredient used in many skin care products as it supports the overall health of the skin. According to Theskinspot.com, “While retinoic acid can be applied topically it is harsher than retinol creams or serums, because it does not naturally convert over time.” Retinol, retinoic acid, and Retin-A are all examples of retinoids, nonetheless, each of them contain different concentration levels of retinoic acid. You can find OTC versions available for retinol.
Retinoic acid products:
Avene retrinal 0.1 intensive cream-Avène Retinal 0.1 Intensive Cream visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles to shave years off of your appearance. Ideal for these Skin Types: Oily Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin, Sensitive Skin, Mature Skin, Acne-Prone Skin.
Glymed Plus Retinol Restart Rejuvenation Serum delivers the maximum concentration of 5% retinol in a serum to influence collagen and speed skin renewal to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Ideal for all skin types, particularly those with aging or mature skin.
Glymed Plus Retinol Restart Rejuvenation Cream–This retinol based cream contains peptides to help lift the skin to improve elasticity and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains potent moisturizing ingredients such as, shea butter, grapeseed and avocado oil.
Skinmedica 0.025% Retinol Complex This serum is gentle for first time retinol users. It helps to brighten skin as well as help minimize fine lines. It is safe for all skin types and is formulated with squalane.
HYALURONIC ACID:
Hyaluronic acid is commonly used as a humectant in many moisturizers. According to Today.com, “Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced naturally by the skin. It’s a humectant, which means it can absorb and retain water — kind of like a molecular sponge.” Here is some of the benefits hyaluronic can do have for your skin:
•Hydrates/soothes dry skin.
•Improves the appearance of
fine lines/wrinkles.
•All skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin looking for oil-free options.
Hyaluronic Acid Products
Try IMAGE Skincare Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler-HERE-This concentrated topical filler contains six different forms of hyaluronic acid and boosts both instant and time released hydration. Fill in fine lines without an injection.
Try Elta Md Face Therapy Oil-free Moisturizer HERE-This oil-free facial moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid that helps increase moisture absorption and retention. Oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin
Try Glymed Plus Ultra Hydro Gel HERE–This serum helps replenish dehydrated, irritated, and aging skin with 10% hyaluronic acid gel. This serum is good for all skin types.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of retinoic acid, you can read about it HERE.
As always, acids take time to build tolerance. I usually recommend giving the product 8-12 weeks to see a full result. Always do a test patch and wait @4-48 hours to test for allergic reactions. Consult with your dermatologist should you experience any side effects.
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like and share!
Sources:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/beinghealthfull.com/glycolic-acid-vs-salicylic-acid/amp/
https://theskinspot.com/blogs/the-edit/5-main-benefits-of-retinol
