All You Need To Know About Acids in Skincare

Acids are very popular in all the latest skincare products. Acids can exfoliate your skin and remove dead cells from the surface. This helps promote new cell growth, which will give you smoother, younger-looking skin. That said, not all acids are created equal! Some work better on certain skin types than others, so it is essential to be careful when choosing your acid based on your specific skincare needs. Read more to know what acid is best for you.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid used as an ingredient in certain topical medications and skincare products for its keratolytic properties. It is naturally produced from plants and in the bark of willow trees. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-keratinizing, and exfoliating properties make it a good choice for the treatment of the redness and scarring that accompany acne. In addition, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve the sebum that has built up in the skin, helping to prevent future outbreaks.

It helps by regulating hormones and reducing inflammation. It also exfoliates the old, dead cells on the surface of your skin which is a leading cause of breakouts.

Glycolic Acid

Aids in cell turnover, which causes old skin cells to slough off and new ones to grow. This acid also leaves the top layer of your epidermis more smooth and even. The deeper layers are where collagen--the protein that provides the structure for healthy skin--is found, so it's a great option if you're looking to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Apply it as a toner or leave-on treatment, depending on your skin's sensitivity level. You may also apply it in conjunction with other treatments such as retinoids (vitamin A), azelaic acid, tretinoin, salicylic acid, erythromycin, and benzoyl peroxide.

Many people use it as part of their morning routine because of the exfoliating benefits, but be careful not to over-exfoliate your skin as this can lead to irritation or redness. Start with once a week for a couple of weeks; then you may gradually increase the frequency if you don’t notice any adverse effects.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is a lot less harsh than glycolic acid. It increases collagen production and inhibits the production of melanin, which causes dark spots. If you are looking for an antioxidant that will protect your skin from free radicals, mandelic acid is worth considering because it helps reduce the of signs of aging caused by sun exposure.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid belongs to a class of dicarboxylic acids. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties, which makes it an effective acne treatment.

Azelaic Acid works by reducing skin cell production and stopping inflammation in those cells. Azelaic Acid also has antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties, making it an effective acne treatment. It does this by hindering bacterial growth and by stopping the production of skin cells.

Azelaic Acid works well when combined with benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Azelaic Acid is not a cure-all solution to acne. Still, you can use it as part of a comprehensive skincare routine that includes topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide and lifestyle changes.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a natural exfoliator. It appears in many skin care products because it's gentle yet effective.  It can also be found in pure form as a chemical peel to help improve the texture of aging or acne-prone skin types.

Conclusion

Acids are not the same as exfoliants or peels. They cannot remove old skin cells like a peel can, and they do not cause inflammation in the way that an acid peel likely would. Instead, they work to keep your new skin healthy by killing bacteria on its surface, preventing acne breakouts.