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If youve ever taken a chemistry class, youre probably familiar with the pH scale.
(Hang tight, we promise were getting to acids for skin care.)
This increase in cell turnover helps lessen breakouts, smooth fine lines, and gives an overall brightening effect.
Pretty impressive, right?
But with great power comes great responsibility.
is a formerAllureeditor) to help make sense of when and how to use these potent skin-care ingredients.
What are acids?
To put it simply, acids are a skin-care ingredient often used for exfoliation.
Depending on the strength of the acid, this shedding can actually be visible to the naked eye.
Ever notice flakes falling from your skin after getting a peel?
Yep, those are all dead cells.
What are the different types of acids used in skincare?
First, lets unpack the difference between AHAs and BHAs.
Alpha hydroxy acids are probably the most common acids that are used for the skin, explains Geraghty.
Beta hydroxy acids actually bind to sebum that’s oil, says Geraghty.
So when those dead skin cells are swept away by a BHA, pore-clogging oil goes with them.
Within these two categories AHAs and BHAs are different acids with various skin benefits.
It regenerates collagen, thickens the skin, and evens out the skin tone.
Lactic acid is the second smallest molecule out of all the acids.
Its gentler than glycolic and draws moisture to the skin, making it a hydrating agent, too.
Created from sugar or fermented milk, this alpha hydroxy acid is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin.
Fun fact: Cleopatra was an early AHA adopter and took regular milk baths to improve her skin.
Thats becausesalicylic acidpenetrates and dissolves the oil that clogs pores while also exfoliating away dead skin cells.
Even better, it works without irritating already inflamed skin, since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
But Wait… Whats Hyaluronic Acid?
Acids dont just come in the form of peels.
There are quite a few ways you’ve got the option to use them in your routine.
You might consider washing your face with a basic, gentle cleanser andthenusing an AHA cream or serum.
How should you use an acid?
If youre in the clear, it’s possible for you to try applying the acid on your face.
While mild stinging isnt a huge concern, any painful burning sensations are a big red flag.
After that, you’re free to increase usage.
After that, rinse off the solution with water.
Finally, apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the skin.
And dont forget the areas below your neck.
Treat a blotchy chest by extending your AHA face cream a few inches south.
But no matter what area youre treating or what kind of acid youre using, like (like!)
dont forget to apply a generous coat of SPF, especially if youre using anything acid-infused in the morning.
At-Home vs. Professional Strength: Which is Best For You?
The main difference between at-home peels and their in-office counterparts is their level of intensity.
The higher concentration allows experts to reverse more-significant sun damage and fine lines.
A series of three or four basic in-office peels can lighten dark spots and soften roughness without any downtime.
Superficial peels lift surface cells with a glycolic or salicylic acid solution.
Experts recommend a minimum interval of two weeks between two treatment sessions.
We’re still getting that radiant boost by microscopically helping to remove some of those outer layers of skin.
These are best for women with dark spots, uneven tone, and fine lines from deeper sun damage.
These peels treat hyperpigmentation and fine lines that extend into deeper layers of the epidermis.
This stronger acid can burn more intensely, and doctors may prescribe pain pills.
That leathery surface then flakes off to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
This is not for the faint of heart, warns Geraghty.
Those hardcore, deep peels are very aggressive, but they can have beautiful results, too.
So for tough patients, they can get through them.
Our Hosts Favorite Skin-Care Acids
Michelles Current Favorites
Michelle is a major fan ofDr.
And for a more intense weekly sloughing, Jenny likesDrunk Elephant T.L.C.
The mixture of glycolic, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids brightens skin in just one app.
(Their words, not ours!)
Biologique Recherche
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
Face acids are your friends.
When used correctly, they can have a lasting effect on the texture and tone of your skin.
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Best Vitamins for Skin
What is Hyperpigmentation?
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles
