THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON ACIDS
B E A U T Y
Put down the St. Ives scrub, its not a thing hun. With glass like skin the absolute goals for every season. I’m here with the top exfoliants that will always have you putting your best face forward. Whatever your skin type I’ve got you covered, with the ingredients back by science and glowing reviews, you really cant glow wrong!
WHAT THE FLUFF ARE THEY?
Acids, they help exfoliate the skin and can come in many forms from liquids, creams to gels and even pre-packed pads these days. These skin resurfacing toners will not only help sweep away them dead skin cells revealing a more radiant and even complexion. Depending on the type of molecule, it may be able to tackle target typical skin imperfections such as redness, acne, and the infamous, black heads.
WHAT ACIDS ARE THERE?
PHA- Polyhydroxy acid is the hero acid for very sensitive or dry skin types as it allows for not only a gradual penetration but can also help restore skin barrier function and attract moisture to the skin.
LACTIC ACID- This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates the outer layer by dissolving the glue in between the skins cells of the epidermis. Derived from milk it’s actually very gentle, a good pick for sensitive skin types.
GLYCOLIC ACID- Another part of the AHA acid family, but a little stronger than Lactic. This acid can penetrate deeper and increases cell turnover more rapidly meaner quicker results but will the risk of irritation if used on the wrong skin. Great for helping even skin tone & also increasing the old Collagen.
SALICYLIC ACID- A Betahydroxy acid is a little bit of an all rounder. As its oil-soluble it not only works on exfoliating the outer layers out the skin. This acid can actually penetrate inside the pores grabbing all that unwanted excess sebum and magically make it disappear. Goodbye blackheads!
AZEIAC ACID- My all time favourite and a must for rosacea sufferers. This acid again helps to resurface the skin but also can help to kill the acne causing bacteria which leads to typical breakouts and other skin conditions like rosacea.
WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
COMBINATION SKIN
REN _ READY STEADY GLOW
I can’t recommend this one enough! Containing 3 acids, this skincare miracle will exfoliate the skins outer layer with the AHA, Lactic acid and unclog the pores completely with BHA willow bark.
Azelaic acid is also included which is insane for treating skin conditions such as rosacea as it kills off the bacteria on the skin that causes acne in the first place, preventing future flare ups.
_5% lactic acid
_BHAs (Willow bark)
_Azelaic acid
DRY/SENSITIVE SKIN
Contains the larger molecule PHA (Polyhdroxy acid). This acid allows a slower exfoliation meaning no irritation. Its also a great humectant (attracts water to the skin) so amazing for the dry sisters like me. With added Acai extract and Aloe Vera it adds a cooling and soothing effect to the skin.
_5.5% PHA
_Aloe vera
_Prickly Pear
_Açai Extract
NORMAL SKIN
PIXI-GLOW TONIC
This tonic contains the AHA Glycolic acid. Able to penetrate deeper to speed up cell turnover revealing a smoother even complexion with the added ability to stimulate collagen production.
With added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ginseng its also great for slowing the loss of collagen and skin elasticity.
_Glycolic Acid
_Ginseng
_Aloe vera
OILY/ACNEIC SKIN
PAULA’S CHOICE_ SKIN PERFECTING BHA EXFOLIANT
The hero ingredient for oily skin, Salicylic acid. This Beta Hydroxy acid (BHA) is oil soluble meaning it exfoliate the pores itself. Effective against acne prone skin, BHA’s can reach into the pores and remove that excess sebum and debris giving you a clearer complexion.
The added green tea extract will not only improve your skin's natural moisture retention, but it will also aid with help reduce inflammation.
_BHA-Salicylic acid
_Green tea extract
_Methylpropanediol
FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE…
If you fancy dabbling in the exfoliating game please take it easy. Try an not be swayed by what your bestie is using or what the influencers are pushing. Figure out your skin type and go and get some samples or mini’s and see how your skin reactes. If you’re a newbie to acids start using them once a week and then build up to twice and so on. But 3 times a week max is suggested by even the experts. Going overboard can not only mess up your skin barrier but also sensitise the skin, leading to a shed load of new problems to tackle.
I hope this has helped and I hope you have found what you are looking for with me. SHE WRITES
@Shewrites_00