Layering Acids in Your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)…the world of skincare acids can be daunting and confusing…
These days there are so many different types of acids in our skincare products that sometimes it can feel as though it is hard to keep up. Not only that, but with so many different types of acids in our skincare products there is a real risk of us doing damage to our delicate skin if we don’t learn how to use them correctly.
Saying all that however, powerful acids such as Hyaluronic Acid are without a doubt extremely beneficial when used correctly. Not only can they significantly reduce the appearance of acne/blemishes, they can also seriously reduce the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles on your skin and even offer your complexion that much needed dose of hydration. That is why we’ve put together this blog, helping you to learn the best way to learn about layering acids in your skincare routine.
What Exactly are Skincare/Exfoliating Acids?
To start, let’s quickly look at what these acids even are. Acids are often used during the exfoliating step of a skincare routine. By working to lift the build-up of dirt/dead skin cells off of your skin, these acids can help to soften, smoothen and brighten your complexion in a heartbeat. This is not only great from an aesthetic perspective– it also ensures that any products you apply subsequently are thoroughly absorbed into the skin.
What Acids Should I Be using?
Generally, there are three broad categories of acids that can be used in skincare products:
-AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): these are water-soluble acids that work to exfoliate the skin by peeling away skin that is now old
-BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acid): these are oil-soluble acids that work similarly to AHA’s, but that can often also penetrate deeper into the pores
-PHA’s (Polyhydroxic Acid): these are hydroxy acids, just like AHA and BHA, and work by removing dirt/debris on the skin and helping to regenerate skin cells.
Each of these helps to rid your skin of unwanted dirt/debris and ensures that your complexion can achieve the bright glow that you deserve.
So How Do I Use/Layer Acids?
As with anything skincare-related, different people will ultimately need to use different products that are targeted for their individual skincare concerns.
People with sensitive skin or skin that is just generally prone to damage and irritation may wish to try a gentle PHA exfoliator such as the Benton- PHA Peeling Gel 70ml by itself. This should be gentle enough, yet still effective on the skin.
Those with acne meanwhile, may wish to use a salicylic acid cleanser such as the CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser to rid their complexion of blemishes and redness. Avoid pairing this with other acid-based products in order to avoid damage to the skin.
AHAs, BHAs and PHAs are types of acids that can certainly be combined to reap the ultimate rewards. Products such as the SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 50ml fuse these acids for synergistic effect. In doing so, SOME BY MI have created a formula that effectively cleans and clears your complexion.
Note: Vitamin C, or L-Ascorbic acid as its otherwise known, should not be applied directly after applying acids as it can be too harsh on the skin.
Ultimately, the best acid for you skin will need to be discovered through a process of trial and error. So long as you start slow and apply high-quality products, you can be sure that your skin will look transformed in no time.